Disclaimer: JK Rowling wrote HP and she owns it and has all the pretty rights to it n' stuff.
Karina aheming: I know, I know, Blaise is boy! Hehee BUT Blaise will remain a GIRL in my fic. I started this fic last year and at the time obviously you have to make your own assumptions about things and characters when there is no canon evidence. I always thought Blaise would be a sexy girl – he is in fact a sexy boy till JK says otherwise with a damning description at some point. Lol But so you know, I won't be making Blaise have a gender crisis or a sex change! It is a girl in my Chariot Universe! giggle
p.s If you hate this chapter, then it's probably my fault and if you like it then it's thanks to my beta Coffeecat! She gave me a shove and made me buy Draco balls. Poor thing, for a second I had left them behind dangling somewhere… hehee
p.p.s This chapter is LONG!! honest
Chapter Ten - Unravelling
The end of the summer term was fast approaching. Too fast for Draco's liking. Now that Harry was back he wanted the time to go slower so that he could value every moment he had in Harry's presence.
The weeks prior to Harry's return had been torturous and now the days were speeding by at an alarming pace. Speeding by as he watched Harry surrounded by his friends; watched Harry being invited on countless afternoons by the gamekeeper, watched Harry generally. Once again he loathed everybody else who had the freedom to go up to Harry and converse with him, whilst he, Draco, again had to step back and watch from afar.
He sighed now as he hovered on his broom in the Quidditch field whilst practising with his team mates. The final match was to be between Ravenclaw and Slytherin on Saturday and the Slytherin team was determined to win.
For the first time in ages, they had a very good chance of capturing the cup. However, the atmosphere in school had dampened the joy. And, as an extra blow for Draco, the knowledge that Harry would not be supporting him like the last time when they had been together. Draco wasn't expecting any congratulatory kisses this time round….. His mind drifted momentarily as he let himself sink into more pleasant memories.
A minute later he was jolted out of his daydream as the gold winged ball flew past him. He rushed after it and vowed to win this match for himself. He had to. And you never knew, Harry might come and watch and perhaps even congratulate him… somehow. It was an important match. It meant a lot. He clasped his hand around the fluttering ball and soared back down to the ground. He wanted to win. It was only fair that he won the match, at least after everything. He deserved to win.
He made his way back to the changing rooms with Greg and Vincent. He had a free period next lesson. Weasley and Granger often, along with Harry, studied in one of the vacant classrooms on the first floor at this time. He took a quick shower and began to dress back into his uniform. Slipping his tie around his neck he caught sight of the clock on the wall. He stared at it for a moment as he processed his thoughts. If he hurried he still had time… He jammed his feet into his shoes, and grabbed his things. Yelling out to Vincent over his shoulder he said that he wanted to revise for a while. He didn't wait for a reply as he rushed outside. Within seconds he was running across the grounds towards the entrance doors.
A few minutes later, slightly out of breath, he skidded into the still empty classroom. He threw open his bag and pulled out various parchments and quills. Laying them out onto a desk, he then grabbed a stool and sat down, catching his breath back slowly. He smoothed back his hair and grabbed a book from the shelf behind him. He opened it on a random page and picked up his quill. The ticking of the clock on the wall told him it was eleven thirty.
Five minutes later he heard the sounds of footsteps approach the classroom. He had shut the door behind him and purposefully sat in the back row. Voices now accompanied the footsteps. Weasley, Granger… no voice that belonged to Harry but Draco was aware of Harry's presence on the other side of the door. He was with them. Draco was certain. A second later his expectations were confirmed.
The door opened and in traipsed Granger with Weasley's large feet plodding behind, and then Harry. The door shut and sure enough…
'What the hell are you doing here, Malfoy?' came Weasley's surprised voice that quickly turned angry and then accusing.
'None of your business, Weasel,' replied Draco loftily. He smirked at Weasel's outraged expression.
'Well…' Granger looked about the room and then back at Draco.
'Let's go, Hermione,' Weasley said resentfully. 'There must be somewhere else we can go. Somewhere where HE isn't there.' He looked at his girlfriend with a hopeful expression and she bit her lip, looking hesitant.
'But the books I need for the final exam are here. We're not allowed to remove them from the room…' she trailed off, clutching her bag against her whilst looking at the various shelves that adorned the room.
'Malfoy….' Weasley turned to him, all long legs and lanky arms. 'Leave', he commanded.
'Sod off, Weasel,' Draco spat out. ' I was here first. Why don't you leave?'
He shot a glance at Harry who was still standing quietly by the door. Either he was choosing to not partake purposefully or else he didn't really care and hadn't really noticed what was transpiring.
Weasley glared at Draco and then shook his head. 'Hermione….' he began in a pleading tone.
'Ron,' she said with great emphasis, her hand touching her boyfriend's lightly.
Draco snorted and then chuckled and Weasley spun his face at him, looking flushed.
'Ok,' Weasel relented. ' But just for…'
'Oh no you don't, Weasel,' Draco interrupted. 'Get out,' he said rudely.
And sure enough, as Draco predicted, Weasley tightened his fists. 'We can stay here if we want to stay. If Hermione wants to study here she can,' he stared fiercely at Draco and strode to the nearest desk, banging his things down loudly. Granger cast a hostile look towards Draco before looking back at Harry.
'Harry, it won't be for long… is that all right?'
Harry shrugged indifferently and moved towards the front desk. 'It's fine,' he replied and Draco smiled inwardly.
He knew Harry wouldn't oppose his presence. It was funny how Granger and Weasel were so oblivious. Weasley harrumphed a few times making sure he made as much noise as possible before settling down. Draco in reply clucked his tongue in mock frustration and Granger pointedly glared at him before removing a few choice books from the shelves.
A few minutes later they had settled down and were quietly studying in an awkward silence. Though Draco was hardly studying; he was doodling on his parchments whilst sneaking surreptitious looks at Harry's back. Harry's head was bowed. He looked away and saw Granger's head come up, catching his eye. She gave him a pinched look and he made a face back, mimicking her expression. She narrowed her eyes before looking away and he sniggered.
Weasley turned around to see what he was laughing at and Draco smiled at him nastily in return. He exhaled a great big sigh and shuffled closer to his girlfriend protectively. Draco rolled his eyes. Weasley was more than welcome to Granger. Both of them were equally as horrific as one another. Draco let his eyes wander on Harry again. What on earth was he reading with such fascination? Draco wondered. Draco couldn't believe that Harry had taken last week's exams. It seemed ridiculous to expect Harry to even pass any of them, but he guessed that the teachers just wanted Harry to occupy himself with something.
Twenty minutes later the clock chimed in the distance and Granger sighed, 'all right, let's pack away for lunch. Harry?'
Harry looked up as if startled out of a trance and turned around. He nodded and began to gather his things. Draco stared at the open page in front of him uneasily. Would it be too obvious if he also started to pack away? Would it seem as if he was listening to what Granger had been saying and thus agreeing with her if he packed away?
He was just debating what to do when he suddenly saw Harry double over in the aisle. His bag dropped with a loud clatter and his books spilled out as he fell onto his knees gagging. Draco was out of his seat in a shot and on the floor with Harry in a second.
Harry heaved and a great gush of dark purple blood fell from his lips. He made another retching noise and threw up another load. Thick clots of dark, dark blood. Tears filled his eyes as he heaved again. Draco instinctively cupped his hands under Harry's chin catching the purplish, black mixture into his palms. Harry's lips paled and he looked waxy with a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead. Shit, he looked as if he was about to faint. He gagged again and a trickle of blood slid from the corner of his lips. He was hunched over and panting shallowly, his whole body shaking but the blood had stopped spattering for now.
'Is there anymore?' Draco asked. There was a gasp and movement around him but all that mattered right now was Harry. He didn't really care that Granger and Weasley were witnessing the moment. Harry was distressed.
'Do you feel like you need to throw up more?' he asked gently, leaning in towards Harry's face. His hands were still cupping the blood that was now starting to trickle out from in between his fingers.
Harry shook his head dimly. Draco quickly let the blood fall onto his lap and wiped his hands onto his cloak, the deep blood smearing across the cloth. His arms wound themselves around Harry and he drew the black head near to his chest.
'It's all right,' he crooned soothingly. 'You're going to be all right.'
He peered down anxiously into Harry's face. He looked dazed, as if he were in shock, his body sagging heavily into Draco's arms. Draco had to get him into the infirmary. He murmured softly, 'Harry? I'm going to take you to the hospital wing, all right? Let's get up, ok?'
Harry didn't respond and continued to stare blankly at the floor. Draco moved to get up and drew Harry up with him.
'Come on,' he urged, still keeping his arm around Harry's shoulder. He wiped the blood from Harry's chin. Blood dried so quickly and a red stain remained stubbornly on Harry's skin.
He heard Weasley sputter and gurgle and Granger had her mouth open in horrified astonishment. Draco ignored them. Fuck, this wasn't exactly the way he had planned to come out but too bad. Harry came first. He would deal with them later. He led Harry outside and Harry walked with him wordlessly. It didn't look like he was aware of his surroundings at all. In traumatised silence, he followed Draco. His eyes were blank and dead, as if his soul had been transported into another plane. Perhaps he was reliving his horrors in a flashback and was numbed into compliance. Either way, Draco was feeling frantic and his chest was tight with worry.
Fortunately, the hospital wing wasn't far and by sheer luck they didn't meet anyone in their path. Perhaps Granger and Weasley were following them but he didn't look back to see if they were. He might have heard Weasley calling out, but he didn't pay attention. He knocked once on the door and entered. The bright sun streamed through the wide windows onto the parade of white, empty beds.
'Madam Pomfrey?' he called out into the unoccupied room.
Madam Pomfrey came rushing out from a corner room and quickly came to their side as soon as she saw Harry.
'What happened?' she asked urgently, as Draco steadied Harry by linking their arms together.
'He threw up,' Draco told her. Madam Pomfrey nodded and motioned them into a small private room. He led Harry towards the bed and Madam Pomfrey closed the door behind her.
'Let's get him up on the bed shall we,' she said moving past Harry. Harry's eyes were blindly staring ahead and it seemed as if he hadn't heard the nurse's words.
'I think he's in shock,' Draco said. He gently pushed at Harry so he would sit down on the bed.
'Mr. Potter?' Madam Pomfrey asked Harry as he sat woodenly on the bed. 'Can you lie down please?'
Harry said nothing. Draco looked at him anxiously and Madam Pomfrey tightened her lips. She looked behind her at a cabinet and bustled over to it, taking out a small glass and a potion.
Draco stroked Harry's arm, trying to comfort him in some small way.
'Drink this up, Mr. Potter,' Madam Pomfrey held the glass near to Harry's lips. Harry didn't move to sip it. Draco reached for the glass in Madam Pomfrey's hand and pressed it in towards Harry's mouth. He bent down to Harry's eye level and looked into the unseeing gaze.
'Harry, drink this down all right?' He leaned in closer and put his arm around Harry's shoulder. He squeezed it gently as Harry cracked open his lips enough for Draco to pour the potion into his mouth.
Madam Pomfrey nodded approvingly and took the empty glass placing it back on the cabinet.
'Mr. Potter, can you lie down for me?' she repeated but Harry remained unresponsive.
Draco tightened his arms around Harry and applied light pressure as he encouraged Harry to lie down. Gentle persuasion went a long way. 'Lie down, it's ok,' he said softly and Harry lay back against the pillow obediently. Madam Pomfrey gave another small nod of approval along with a reproving facial expression. She wasn't used to patients disobeying her requests.
Harry blinked heavily as his eyelids began to drop. He was trying to resist the sleep inducing potion.
'It's ok, Harry, go to sleep. You'll feel better when you wake up,' Draco whispered.
Harry looked at him drowsily and Draco carefully removed his glasses. Harry let him without uttering a word.
'I'll be right here when you wake up. I'm not going to leave your side. Promise.' He tenderly stroked Harry's hair and said, 'get some rest.'
Harry took one last look at him and then closed his eyes. A minute later he was sleeping peacefully.
'That was fast acting,' Draco said as he looked around for a chair.
'Mmm,' Madam Pomfrey murmured as she came back. 'It is a mixture of Arnica, Vervain, Bach and sleeping draught. It will help with the shock and calm him when he wakes up.'
Draco nudged his chair close to Harry and smoothed some stray black strands back. He smiled sadly at Harry's peaceful expression. It was nice to see his face without all the tension around his mouth and forehead.
'I should tell Professor Dumbledore what has happened,' Madam Pomfrey said interrupting his thoughts. 'Mr. Malfoy, thank you for your help…'
'I'm not leaving,' Draco told her firmly. Fucks sake, everyone was always obsessed with him leaving all the time. Well, he wasn't going to leave.
Madam Pomfrey opened her mouth to disagree and Draco cut in again. 'I know, you want to examine him and keep him away from noise so he rests. I know that and I know you won't allow him any guests today but I'm still not going anywhere. You can't make me. Besides I help calm him down. I think that much is apparent.' Draco lifted his head defiantly and Madam Pomfrey curled her lip but didn't speak any further.
'Very well. At least step aside so I can take a look at him.'
Draco moved back to the wall and Madam Pomfrey drew a curtain around Harry. Draco turned to look out of the window. A minute later she muttered and he turned back. Harry's shoes were removed and his cloak and jumper were off along with his tie.
'I'll be back soon,' she said and walked out of the room.
Ten minutes later, Dumbledore and Professor Snape arrived. His housemaster gave him a dour look as he laid eyes on Draco.
'Well, Mr. Malfoy, Madam Pomfrey told me that you were the one to bring Harry to the hospital wing,' Dumbledore said, looking over Harry's sleeping figure with a considering expression.
'Yeah,' Draco answered back. 'He was standing up one second and the next he was on his knees throwing up.'
'What colour was the blood?' Professor Snape enquired as he inspected various vials upon the cabinet.
Draco looked down at himself and his hands. They were once again covered in Harry's blood. 'Uhh, well it was dark. Really dark. Not like before where it was quite scarlet. This time it was nearly black,' he shrugged not knowing what kind of information they specifically needed from him.
However, Dumbledore nodded knowingly. His eyes were a thoughtful blue behind the glinting spectacles and a small frown creased his brows as he ran a fingertip over his mouth. 'It appears as if the curse has at last left him. Professor Snape?'
'Perhaps,' Professor Snape said simply, 'though it would be best to keep him in for another few days just to be sure…'
Dumbledore nodded, and exhaled heavily as if he had lightened a huge load from upon his shoulders. 'I should inform Remus. I won't be long.' He nodded his departure and glided out of the room. Madam Pomfrey went out after him.
'Professor?' Draco looked up at his housemaster. 'You think the curse has broken?'
Professor Snape was standing stiffly at Harry's side looking down at him with an inscrutable expression.
'The antidote was acting like a plug if you will,' he said slowly. 'Whatever direction the curse was giving the blood inside Potter, the antidote was working in reverse of that. Stopping the flow of blood. Potter hasn't bought up any blood for a time now so we know the antidote to be working. We weren't sure what final sign we would be given to signify the end of the curse but dark black blood points in the way of stale blood that has clotted and gathered. As the curse broke, the plug was released and the lasting affects of the curse came through. I think it is over.'
'So,' Draco asked anxiously, 'he'll begin to get better now? His magic will return? His eyes? He'll feel stronger?'
'Yes, in time, but it won't be an overnight recovery.'
Draco nodded, 'how long do you think he'll have to stay here?'
'Four to five days to be sure,' Professor Snape replied. 'We are treading uncharted ground here. No known wizard has lived through such a curse and this is the first time an antidote has been brewed and seemingly worked. We can't know exactly what to expect.'
'But you think it has worked?' Draco persisted.
'Perhaps. Time will tell.'
That was probably the best answer Draco would get from the potions master so he nodded. A moment passed and the sallow-faced wizard stood by the door rigidly.
'I saw Mr Weasley and Miss Granger in the hallway outside. I can only guess as to what you have done. Am I right?'
Draco shrugged carelessly and the wizard's eyes narrowed.
'It isn't wise, Draco. I cannot believe that you fully comprehend what you are entangling yourself in with Potter.'
'I don't care,' Draco snapped impudently. 'I don't care if they know. He was sick and I had to go to him. I wasn't going to pretend that I didn't care, all right?' He finished angrily.
His housemaster's lips pursed, 'you are foolish, Draco. I could never imagine that you would behave like this.' His eyes flickered on Harry and then at Draco before he swept out of the room.
Draco felt himself bristle with resentment and then his eyes fell on Harry and the anger left him. He didn't give a shit about what people thought, he loved Harry, it was as simple as that and Harry needed him right now. Draco wouldn't forget the trusting look Harry had given him before he closed his eyes and fell asleep. No matter how strained things were between them with unresolved words, Harry felt comfortable in Draco's presence. He trusted him in some fashion and that was what mattered. That counted. He kissed Harry's forehead and felt his chest ache with emotion.
He watched Harry for a few minutes and then his eyes wandered. It was lunch time. Granger and Weasley were outside waiting for news on Harry. Waiting to see Harry. Waiting to see just what the fuck Draco was doing inside with Harry. He knew that Madam Pomfrey wouldn't allow any visitors just yet to see Harry so he knew he was safe enough inside the room. For now. But that didn't matter either. He would deal with Weasley and his annoying girlfriend. It was only a matter of time anyway. It would have happened sooner or later. Though, yet again, his life was careening onwards on its own accord. He smiled mirthlessly; like anything ever went the way he planned it anyway. Why should this time be any different?
He had sat with Harry for about an hour when Dumbledore came back in as did Madam Pomfrey. Draco resolutely refused to budge and he was a little surprised that Dumbledore hadn't insisted he remove himself from the room. Either way he was a little grateful to the old wizard, though he didn't show it.
He continued watching Harry sleep for quite a while. A few hours might have passed. He might have dozed off himself at some point. But now he could see Harry stir. He pulled his chair closer and saw Harry's eyes flicker open. They did and he blinked for a moment, not quite registering his surroundings.
'Hey,' Draco said, drawing his attention.
Harry looked at him and then coughed dryly. Draco automatically came nearer and laid a warm hand on Harry's arm. Harry swallowed and parted his lips. His brows creased and he appeared to be having difficulty swallowing.
'Would you like some water?' Draco asked.
Harry nodded and began to lift himself up when Draco quickly reached under his head.
'It's ok let me help…' He cradled Harry's head in his arm and smiled as Harry gave him a wide-eyed look.
'It's all right,' he said and twisted over, picking up a straw and putting it in the glass before he brought it near to Harry's lips.
Harry sipped the water from the straw, all the while looking at Draco with an odd expression. Like he didn't know quite what to think. He looked so sweet blinking at Draco. He was so cute. Even now. Draco felt so tempted to kiss him as he lay in his arms. But he didn't. He waited whilst Harry drank his fill.
A moment later, Harry moved back slightly and the straw slipped from his lips.
'Enough?'
Harry nodded and Draco put the glass away and then lowered Harry's head back onto the pillow.
'Thanks,' Harry said quietly, his eyes searching Draco's face with a vague puckered brow.
'That's okay,' Draco replied softly.
He was leaning quite close and they gazed at each other without saying another word for a while. Finally he saw Harry's pupils shift as he now looked around the room. The look of understanding where he was, was quick. That resigned, tired look taking over his face.
He closed his eyes tightly and whispered, 'how long?'
Draco sighed, 'uhh, a few days I think. Four or five perhaps. They just want to make sure that everything is all right. I mean they think the curse has broken.'
Harry's eyes flew open and regarded him closely, 'but, um, Dumbledore will fill you in better than I could.' He shrugged one shoulder slightly and Harry nodded.
'You're going to get better now….you will…' Draco said as Harry suddenly looked so worn out.
'You can go back to sleep if you want….' he offered.
Harry opened his mouth as if to say something and then closed it again. Draco leant back in his chair and puffed out a quiet breath.
'Have you been here all this time?' Harry then asked.
Draco nodded.
'Thanks and, uh, thanks for you know…' Harry trailed off and Draco looked at him surprised and touched.
'That's all right, Harry. I ….umm …' What else should he say? Could this be his opportunity to make things right again? Although he knew that Harry was talking about what had happened today rather than a few months ago.
But Harry had been through a lot and once again it didn't seem right to start unburdening his guilt and repenting.
'I might try and sleep,' Harry told him putting a stop to any further thoughts Draco was having in his mind.
'Ok,' Draco responded gently. He patted Harry's arm and then got up. 'See you soon.'
He resisted the urge to drop another kiss on Harry's forehead and retreated out of the room. His heart felt a little lighter than it had for a while now. The curse had been lifted most likely and he was making small steps towards his and Harry's reconciliation. Things had to get better… didn't they? But as he walked past the rows of beds and approached the door, his heart plunged again. He knew what he had to confront now without a doubt. There was no turning back.
No sooner had Draco stepped outside the door, when Weasley fell upon on him like a large animal getting ready to attack. His red face was fuming and his hands were tightly balled into fists.
'Just what the hell is going on, Malfoy?' He spat out, his face frothing near to Draco's.
Draco shoved him away.
'Get lost, Weasley, let me at least step away from the door,' he snarled as Weasley tripped back a few steps.
'Screw you, ferret,' the red-haired boy yelled angrily. 'I want to know just what you're playing at and why have YOU been inside all this time whilst WE have been made to wait OUTSIDE!'
'Ron…' came Granger's warning voice from behind her overgrown boyfriend.
'I don't know, Weasley,' Draco sneered. 'Maybe Pomfrey doesn't trust you around all that medicine.'
It was a childish dig but Weasley usually brought out the worst in Draco. He rushed towards Draco and stopped only when his girlfriend pulled back on his cloak.
'Ron, calm down....' She was looking at her boyfriend anxiously and then shot Draco an unpleasant look.
'Hermione, 'Weasley ranted. 'We've been sat out here for hours!! While HE has been inside all this time with Harry? What the hell do you think you're doing? What the HELL is going on???'
What the hell is going on? Here goes nothing; Draco thought quickly shifting his mind into gear.
'How come we weren't allowed to see Harry and YOU were???' Weasley carried on shouting.
Draco walked away from the door with Weasley snapping at his heels. If this had to be done, at least they could try and do it without an audience present like their last meeting. He went into the first classroom he saw and opened the door. He edged into it, finding it empty with the two Gryffindor's following him closely.
'Well if you must know, fine, but I wasn't exactly planning on you finding out,' he said shutting the door behind them.
'Find out? Find what out? What are you talking about? You better tell me, Malfoy, this minute or I'll….'
'You'll what?' Draco shot out. 'You better watch your mouth,' Draco said in a warning tone.
Weasley gnashed his teeth together giving Draco a most hateful look. He looked like his head was about to explode.
'Find what out, Malfoy?' Granger said in a calm but forced voice. She was looking at Draco with a strange expression and Draco wondered what she was thinking. Shewas rather perceptive; usually anyway and the way Draco had rushed to comfort Harry probably hadn't gone unnoticed.
'Find out about me and….' He was about to say Harry but thought better of it, 'Potter.'
'Find out WHAT?' Weasley bellowed. 'What have you got to do with Harry? You're a bloody Death Eater! Why……'
As soon as the words had left Weasley's mouth, Draco swung his wand out and aimed at the still yelling mouth. At once Weasley was thrown back off his heels and landed onto his bottom in a shocked bump. Granger let out a scream and rushed to his side and Draco glared down at him, his eyes glittering menacingly. Weasley had his hand holding a now scarlet cheek and his mouth gaped like shocked fish.
'My name is Draco Malfoy,' Draco said in a cold tone. 'If you must call me anything then it's Malfoy, but if I hear you call me a Death Eater again I won't care about the consequences, I'll just hex your sorry arse till you bleed.'
Granger and Weasley gazed at him in stunned silence and Draco took a step back and put away his wand. He hadn't meant to snap like that and had probably unveiled more hidden emotion than he would have liked, but hearing those words after everything made him go blind with rage.
Suddenly he felt himself being thrown backwards against the wall and Granger cry out, 'Ron!'
There was a distinct smell of burnt cloth in the air as Draco felt his shoulders slump down the wall. He caught his breath back and watched Weasley advancing towards him with wild eyes. Draco pressed his lips together, getting ready for another stinging reply on Weasley's person, when Granger stepped in with a concerned look on her face.
'Stop it,' she cried out placing herself in between her boyfriend and Draco. 'Just stop it. Let's just talk about this civilly. Hexing one another is not going to achieve anything.' She turned around and took the wand out of her boyfriend's hand and gently pushed him towards a chair.
Weasley glared at him and then folded his arms across his chest, shaking his head. Draco sighed deeply. He sniffed the air around him. Was he on fire? He took off his cloak and could see a small scorch mark in the middle. He gave a disgusted look at Weasley as he too sat down into the nearest chair.
'I should report you for initiating that Malfoy,' Granger spoke in a controlled voice, though Draco could hear the angry tremor resounding on the edges.
'I guess you could,' Draco met her eyes challengingly. 'Then I guess I could report Weasley for personal damage and name calling.'
'Personal damage? Name calling?' Weasley snorted. 'yeah right.' Weasley's voice dripped with loathing. Which essentially was fine with Draco, as the red–haired boy mostly repulsed Draco to the point of nausea.
Granger cleared her throat. 'So, Malfoy,' she emphasised his name sharply. 'What is it that you meant about you and Harry…?'
Which brought the question to hand…. him and Harry.
'We have an understanding of, uhhh,' he coughed and shrugged, 'sorts.'
'What?' Weasley sat up in his chair like he had been jolted with a power stick. 'What the hell are you talking about? Again.'
'Potter and I are...' Draco said, whilst watching Granger's face look more and more confused.
'You and Harry are what?' Weasley yelled out irritated. 'You and Harry are what?' He repeated. 'Friends?' He laughed harshly with an incredulous look. 'You think you're friends with Harry?'
'Well…' Draco replied cryptically. Weasley shook his head again, a deep angry frown decorating his reddened face. Granger looked pensive as if she were assessing the information Draco was giving them.
'This is ridiculous.' Weasley said heatedly. 'Harry hates you! He hates you! He would NEVER be friends with you!' He leant forward in his chair, his hands gripping the sides tightly. Draco could just imagine that his hands were itching to reach for his wand again; Neanderthal that he was. 'What did you DO to him?!!' he yelled. 'What was all that about? What game are you playing?!'
'Ron, please stop yelling,' Granger said trying to calm her hideous boyfriend down. 'Do you want people to come and see what's happening? Harry is right down the hallway. Let's just calm down and talk about this.'
'Calm down? There is no calming down.' Weasley said angrily, falling back into his seat. 'I have been sitting around for hours for an explanation,' Weasley carried on with contempt.
Granger turned towards Draco, her face looking apprehensive, 'just say what you were going to say, Malfoy.'
Draco looked at her carefully and Weasley mumbled angrily, kicking his foot about on the floor. 'Harry would never be friends with you EVER. I don't know what you're getting at but you are NOT friends with Harry.'
Draco bit the inside of his cheek feeling himself get more and more wound up by the second.
He sighed then and thought it best just to say it. Say the words quickly and the revelation would be out there, soaking into the air, mingling with the two Gryffindor's disbelieving breaths.
'I'm the one who found him that day….I saw what happened and called for help….'
'Huh?' Weasley said looking utterly flummoxed. As if it were the last thing on earth that he had been expecting to hear.
However, Granger came nearer to Draco, her face looking solemn with grave, dark eyes. 'Found him that day? The day he was….'
Draco nodded.
'You found Harry?' she said. 'In the alley? That's what you're talking about?'
Draco let out a suffering breath, 'yeah. And in spite of what you,' he looked directly at Weasley, 'think of me, I wouldn't have just left him there…'
'Oh my God, you found him?' Granger repeated shocked, her eyes immediately tearing up. Draco fidgeted uncomfortably. Shit, he didn't really want to see Granger's tears for Harry. He had shed enough of them on his own; he didn't want to deal with anyone else's pain. Thankfully she sniffed hard and Weasley reached out for her hand, squeezing it lightly. 'They never told us, who found Harry,' she said in a bewildered voice.' They just said it was someone from the village.'
Draco shrugged, ' yeah well, they probably thought it would be wise people not knowing that it was me finding H…' he coughed to cover up his near mistake,' Potter.'
'I guess not,' Granger said watching Draco warily.
'Ok…so,' Weasley still looked a little perplexed, 'I mean you found him….but... 'He shook his head. 'You haven't told anyone from your house?'
'Obviously,' Draco said, stating the obvious. 'Obviously, I'm not going to tell anyone…but I found him. I was the one who did. Not you or Granger, not anyone else, just me. You can't know what it was like because you weren't there.' And he had been alone and scared whilst Harry had nearly died.
'What do you mean obviously? I thought you would tell everyone and…' Weasley trailed off. ' What are you trying to achieve by helping Harry? And the blood, I mean you acted like you knew about it…I mean more….' Granger looked at him curiously as Draco masked his emotions effortlessly.
'I'm not trying to achieve anything. He was hurt and I helped. That night they took me back to the hospital with him because they thought I might have been hurt also…and I found out what was wrong with him, well a little anyway...'
'They wouldn't even let us see Harry that night,' Weasley said indignantly, 'and you were there all along?'
'It wasn't exactly a picnic for me,' Draco snapped and Weasley frowned back at him.
'Wasn't it?' Weasley spout out. ' How the hell do we know that you didn't engineer it with your friends somehow... ' He began to look a little hysterical and Draco lifted his brows in anticipation. ' Oh my God, how do we…'
'Just stop, Weasley,' Draco said loudly putting a hand up in an attempt to stop any hexes before they were thrown. He could clearly see where this was headed. 'Regardless of what you think of me, I had absolutely NOTHING to do with the attack. You might think the worst of me but I'm not inhuman.'
Weasley's face creased slightly and he dropped his head. Granger reached for his hand and squeezed it as he took in deep breaths in a seeming attempt to calm himself. She gazed over at Draco with suspicious eyes. As if she knew that Draco was saying less than the whole truth. As if he knew more…which of course he did, but Granger had no proof as such to back up her suspicions… did she?
Weasley lifted his head, still sporting a scowl. 'How can we believe anything you say? How can you expect us to?'
'I don't know, Weasley,' Draco said unsympathetically. 'I guess you make a choice. But I'm still here; Dumbledore hasn't thrown me out.'
Weasley chewed at his lip and Granger spoke up. 'So say hypothetically we believe that you had nothing to do with the attack but…' She trailed off as if she could not quite garner what Draco was saying to them. 'I mean it is strange that's all.' She crossed her arms and looked a little green.
'Harry didn't tell us....' Weasley said quietly.
'Is it any wonder he didn't tell you?' Draco said sarcastically. 'With your attitude.'
Weasley slumped into his chair, his shoulders drooping. 'BUT how can we believe anything you tell us?' he insisted. 'This could all be some trick….how can we trust you, Malfoy? There isn't anything you have ever done that makes me believe you're telling the truth. This could all be complete rubbish. You could be winding us up. You could be winding Harry up. You could have done something to him... this could all be trap for Harry.'
'How would I be winding Potter up?' Draco replied exasperated. 'What could I have possibly done to him under Dumbledore's supervision? I'm not trying to hurt him, its nothing like that. He was sick and I was there and helped him. Nobody knows in my house and I would prefer it to remain that way.' He looked at Granger pointedly. 'Even if you don't do it for me, keep silent for Potter. If you're still confused then you can ask him about me and I guess if he feels like talking he will tell you himself. But I think he has other things on his mind right now…'
The three of them fell into a hushed silence. Weasley and Granger had looked so taken aback at the thought of Draco having a human bone in his body. As if they couldn't believe that Draco was even capable of helping anyone let alone helping Harry. That both annoyed him and amused him.
To be fair to them, Draco knew that it was all probably quite unbelievable for them to take in and acknowledge. They were a judgemental bunch and if anything went against their theories, it was hard for them to grasp. Because they were such a fantastic judge of character… NOT- Draco thought derisively. He looked at the pair of them. Weasley was staring a hole into the ground; Granger was looking off into the distance. Draco examined his nails.
'How is he?' Granger asked a minute later. 'I mean you seemed to have stayed the whole time in the hospital wing…' She looked into his eyes with an intense gaze, as if digging into his mind somehow. She wasn't completely clueless and was trying to piece things together. Draco supposed that from her point of view, even if he had found Harry, it was still odd to see him care enough about Harry to stay with him for so many hours.
'He seems better,' Draco replied in an almost conversational tone. 'He is sleeping now. They want to keep him in for a few days just to make sure he isn't going to get sick again I think.'
Weasley stood up and licked his lips. He shook his head for the umpteenth time, as if Draco's words were jarring in his ears.
'Hermione? Can we go?'
Granger nodded and cast a lingering look at Draco. They both walked to the door and as Weasley reached for the handle he turned around.
'You're not friends with Harry,' he stated.
'I don't want to be,' Draco answered in a clipped voice. 'Not really…'I want to be so much more he thought, as he watched the two Gryffindor Prefects walk out of the room.
Over the next few days, he visited Harry twice, each time taking careful measures so that he wasn't seen by other students. Harry's cloak would have come in handy about now but there was no chance of Draco getting at it. Still he managed to stay for at least ten minutes each time and Harry did seem better. He had a little colour back into his cheeks and Draco made small talk with him as he sat with him.
The exams were finally over and the results would be out soon. Not that Draco was all that bothered in all honesty. In other news, Harry's two best friends were avoiding all eye contact with Draco as was he with them. It was too weird having them privy to a part of his carefully guarded secret. And though, he was loathed to admit it, he knew he could trust them because they cared for Harry and in that it sealed his trust in them too. They would not deliberately hurt Harry. Granger wouldn't let her buffoon of a boyfriend say or do anything stupid either so Draco felt slightly reassured there.
He made his way to the Quidditch pitch for a last practise before the final match tomorrow. Harry would be discharged from the hospital wing in the morning and was sure to watch it. He saw the Ravenclaws coming in from their practise and gave Chang the evil eye. He was going to run the bitch into the ground. Well at least that was what he would set out to do.
The practise ran for an hour and then the tired but energised team hit the showers. As he came back outside he saw Blaise and Pansy sitting amongst fellow supporters. Blaise regarded him with a weird look and he cocked his brow. Why was she looking at him like that? He looked her over casually and she stared at him for a moment before looking away.
As predicted last night, he did run Chang into the ground. It had been beautiful. He had seen the Snitch barely three metres away from the ground and nosedived at the same time as Chang. Speeding down in a blur like Harry had done once, he grabbed the Snitch, steering upwards in the last second. Chang smashed into the ground head first. A bubble of laughter broke from his lips as he flew up higher leading the Slytherin team into victory. Slytherin had won the cup for the first time in six years.
He tried to rejoice in all the happy cheering Slytherin faces whilst there was much groaning and moaning heard elsewhere. His head swung towards the Gryffindor stands and he tried to make out Harry's expression, although he couldn't really tell from here. Weasley's distinct red head was lowered. A sign that he hadn't enjoyed Slytherin winning. Good, Draco thought. That would probably hit Weasley where it hurt. Captain of a losing team that hadn't even made the finals. He smiled smugly because regardless of all the bad vibes and antagonism towards his house- they had still won the cup. It was good; it pissed off the other houses even more. Professor Snape was actually smiling a little and he proudly shook all the team members' hands as they went to receive the cup.
The victory party in their house went on into the early hours of Sunday morning and even Professor Snape had shown up and congratulated them heartily. Draco had caught his eye and offered his housemaster a sincere smile which surprisingly enough the man returned. Afterwards, Draco had fallen asleep on the large sofa in front of the fireplace on Pansy's shoulder, much to her delight. He had woken in the morning with a sigh as her hand was tightly clasped around his. Blaise at that moment came into the common room and had given him an irritated stare without saying anything. He momentarily wondered what her problem was, and then decided he didn't really care. He untangled himself from Pansy's grip and went to have a wash and get some breakfast. As usual he was eager to see Harry's face.
He didn't leave the Great Hall till Harry finished his breakfast and then went ahead of Harry and stood around near the dungeon entrance in hopes of Harry spotting him and maybe coming over. Was that expecting too much? Probably. Or maybe not? He waited anxiously as some sixth year Gryffindor's left the hall. It was a beautiful day out; everyone was probably going to be lounging around the lake relaxing. He turned his back as he spotted Weasley's head. Once he was sure Weasley had walked past him, he turned around and saw Harry coming out of the hall. He was alone, thank goodness. Draco smoothed out his robes and went towards the doors also as Harry followed behind.
'Hey,' he said in a low voice.
'Hello,' Harry replied as Draco turned his head back. His pale eyes fixed on Draco. 'Congratulations on the game,' he said to Draco. 'You flew really well.'
'Thanks,' Draco said sincerely. 'You saw the whole match then?'
Harry nodded, 'I'm glad you won.' He reached for the door and opened it and Draco stood back as Harry walked outside. He held the door open watching Harry go down the steps. He had noticed.
During lunch, everyone was still spilled outside on the lawn. Draco himself was sat with his housemates having a picnic. He was propped up on one elbow and keeping a careless glance on Harry's back. He could see Harry; quite a few Gryffindor's and Luna-tic all sitting together a few tree's away. Pansy handed him a sandwich and a bottle of iced cider. He took it without thanking her but she smiled broadly anyway. He wondered if he was going to be able to get a few moments alone with Harry somehow again.
He stretched and lay down as Pansy's tentative fingers brushed some of his hair off his forehead. He let her, hardly noticing what she was doing. From the corner of his eye he could see Cassidy playing cards with a few first years. He was all right now. He had made a few friends. Quite a few of the Slytherin's had realised over the weeks that being overtly shunned by the other houses had made them turn to one another all the more. Hence, the bullying and fights within the house had decreased.
He watched lazily for a few moments beneath half-closed lids when he suddenly sprang up. Pansy looked up at him surprised.
'Draco?' she called out after him and he could hear Greg cackling.
He ran into school and up the stairs to the West Tower. Panting slightly he reached the Owlery and waited till a small Hufflepuff left the room before walking over to Hedwig.
'Hey girl,' he said and she flew down off her perch to him. He grinned and kissed her crown softly. 'I just remembered he is probably going to come up and feed you something and thought I'd come up also. See?' She hooted softly and he stroked her feathers.
Five minutes later Harry walked into the dusty room. He didn't look surprised to see Draco though his eyes did widen a little when he saw Draco stroking Hedwig.
'Hey,' he said.
'Hi,' Draco answered moving away from Hedwig a little. Hedwig immediately went over to Harry and sat on his shoulder, pecking his cheek lovingly. Draco smiled as Harry petted her and they both stood in silence for a moment.
Draco then cleared his throat, 'um, I was wondering, if I uhhh…' Just say it. 'If I could write to you over the holidays?' He tried to appear laid-back as Harry considered his words. He swallowed as Harry took a few moments to reply. Did Harry not trust him enough to give his address? He looked deep into Harry's eyes and then finally saw Harry's expression relax a little.
'Sure,' he answered simply.
'Ok good,' Draco nodded, 'umm, I'll tell you what. Just jot your address down for me and I'll memorise it and we can tear it up so you know it won't be out there or anything. I'll just remember it.'
'Okay,' Harry said and went over to the little writing desk with blank parchments and scrawled his address down. He handed it over to Draco who took it gratefully.
4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey
He read it over a few times making sure he had it committed to memory and then reached for his wand and set the small piece of paper alight.
'If you want to write back to me you can just give the letter to my owl or something, or you know I can write down my address in the letter.' He shrugged, 'whatever.'
Harry nodded and fed Hedwig some treats.
'She likes you,' Harry said and Draco smiled.
'Yeah I think she does.'
Harry nodded again and then lowered his face to Hedwig who nipped his ear before flying back up to the rafters.
'Are you all right?' Draco came near to him and Harry met his eyes. 'Are you feeling okay?'
'Yes, thank you.'
'That's good.' He looked around the little circular room. The dust particles were floating in the air as the sharp sunlight lit up the stuffy area. Harry's eyes were still clear, the colour had not returned to them yet. The holidays would do him well, Draco thought as he watched Harry silently. He'll eat properly and put some weight back on, have his family look after him. Harry looked towards the door and Draco stepped back.
'You go ahead, I'm going to you know….send something.'
'All right.' Harry said and gave him a teeny-weenie, crooked smile. 'See you then.' Harry waved a hand and then turned to take the spiral staircase downstairs.
Draco waited a full two minutes before he started to go back downstairs. As he reached the long corridor he felt a hand grab his arm. He jumped in surprise.
'Draco.'
'What the ..,' he said. It was Blaise. 'What is it? Do you have to sneak up on me like that?' He snapped at her, annoyed and immediately wondered if she had seen Harry leave minutes before.
'What are you doing?' she asked suspiciously, her dark eyes rising to meet his boldly.
'Nothing,' he said defensively.
'Nothing?' She raised her brows and looked at him pointedly.
'No, I mean yes,' he said slightly flustered. 'I mean yes, no I'm doing nothing.' Was that even a sentence?
Blaise shook her head and then just said, 'Draco, are you stalking Potter?'
'What?' He spluttered in the best disbelieving tone he could muster. 'No why?'
'Because you're stalking Potter!' She cried out insistently.
'Shut up!!' He hissed. He gripped her arm and pushed her back into the shadows of the wall. 'No I'm not,' he said, looking around to see if anyone had heard her outburst. Bloody hell. Where the fuck did that come from?
'Yes you are. I've seen you.'
'Excuse me,' Draco said angrily, 'you've been following me?'
'No I haven't,' she said in an annoyed tone. 'Not exactly, but well I've seen you run off a few times and wondered where you were going and it is nearly always somewhere Potter can be found as well.'
'Because you have been following me,' Draco said menacingly, his eyes narrowing and his grip on her arm getting harder. 'How dare you?'
She stared at him and he looked away, shaking his head. It was all unravelling. 'What is going on with you?' she carried on, not attempting to move away.
'Nothing, all right? Just leave it. It's nothing, I'm not stalking him.' He let go of her, flinging her arm away aggressively.
Shit, shit, shit. This was all so bloody great. First Weasley and Granger and now her.
'No, Draco. Something is going on.' Blaise stepped in front of him, her eyes unflinching. She was a tall girl and in heels she easily met his icy gaze. 'You've been really weird lately. You've been acting off for ages….. Is it your mum?'
'Just shut up all right? It isn't my mum she is fine.'
Blaise watched him angrily, 'then what? Your dad?'
'He is safe and sound in prison thanks very much,' Draco retorted harshly.
'Well, what then?' Blaise persisted. 'Are you planning something? Are you going to attack Potter or do something…?' Her hands gesticulated at him as she searched for what to say. 'I don't get it.'
'You don't need to get it.' Draco replied testily. 'I'm not planning anything.' It made him sick to think that the reason Blaise thought he was following Harry was to do something nasty. Though, obviously, it was better that she believed that, he quickly thought on reflection.
'I don't know, I guess I was just seeing if he did anything or whatever… I don't know Blaise, but whatever I'm doing; it's none of your business.'
She now looked at him with concerned eyes, 'well whatever you are doing, it's obviously distracting you and making you miserable.'
He stuck his tongue inside his cheek as he wondered of the best way to get out of this situation.
'I just wish things were back to normal I guess,' he then replied, partly honestly. 'I'm a little sick of what's been going on around here and well everywhere.' He shook his head and looked down.
Blaise listened quietly and then reached out and squeezed his arm. 'I'm here if you want to talk you know. I wish you would.'
He whipped his head up in surprise. She was concerned about him? Why? 'Ohh right,' he stammered, 'thanks.' He really didn't know what to do with that.
She took her hand away and nodded. They stood uncomfortably and the awkwardness was tangible. He had never had a true, genuine moment with Blaise before. He had always thought she was a bitch before and then a slag and not much else after that. To think that she actually was bothered enough to care about what was happening to him was really strange. Not that he would tell her or anything. Still it was a little weird. Draco looked down the hallway and ran his fingers through his hair, pondering over his next words. He hated pleading. It was so degrading. But nonetheless he felt it was his only choice.
'Blaise? Could you not tell anyone about this?' He said earnestly. 'You haven't have you?'
'No,' she shook her head. 'I think I'm the only one who has noticed really.'
Go figure, Draco thought. 'So we can just keep this between us? I mean I'm not going to do anything and well I guess I just wanted to see, I don't know what, but I just want to put this term behind me you know?'
She shrugged, 'yeah sure. I was just worried that's all.'
He looked into her dark eyes and gave her a small smile.
'She's in love with you, you know,' Blaise then said in a dry tone.
'What?' he asked, not following her train of thought.
'Pansy,' Blaise said with a smirk.
'Oh that,' he said shaking his head. 'She'll get over it.'
'It's so obvious you don't care about her,' Blaise replied, her eyes crinkling in humour.
Draco shrugged, 'she knows I don't like her like that. It's no big deal.'
'Well I'm just saying don't be surprised if she starts planning a wedding,' Blaise sniggered.
Draco laughed, 'well it's a good thing my dad taught me how to Obliviate people isn't it? If Pansy gets too much well…' he trailed off leaving the rest unsaid but making his point clear enough. His dad had showed him how to Obliviate using a stray Muggle who had crossed their paths one evening when he had been fifteen. It had been a lesson worth taking. Draco was sure it would come handy one day. Blaise raised her brows and grinned widely.
'Well, keep in touch over summer all right?' She moved away from the wall and came close to him, trailing a finger across his cheek.
He nodded and then said, 'thanks, Blaise.'
She gave a jaunty nod and with a small smile walked away. Draco stuffed his hands into his pockets and leant back against the wall as the click of her heels tapped away into the distance.
He closed his eyes and took in a few deep breaths. His mind went blank for a moment as the scene that had just taken place, soaked into his mind. He rubbed the back of his neck. Too many people were finding out too fast. And Harry didn't even know what was going on. Draco hated feeling out of control. He hated having to rely on others to keep something so personal to him a secret. Granger, Weasley and even Blaise now.
He pulled himself away from the cold stone wall and slowly trudged down the stairs recalling more and more names that knew about him and Harry. The werewolf, his housemaster, Dumbledore, Pomfrey… he bit his lip hard. The people in the alley that night, the hospital staff at St Mungo's… too many people knew. Draco didn't trust readily. He wasn't a particularly trusting character. What if Granger and Weasley talked about it and someone overheard? What if Blaise was feeling vengeful one night and told everyone that he had been 'stalking' Harry? What if the dimwits in his house started putting two and two together and finding out?
Urgh.
He didn't know what he could do to rectify any of it. He just had to accept it and make good of a difficult situation. If that was even possible.
On the day of the feast, the exam results came out. Draco had passed all of his subjects, to his surprise.
Vincent, who had failed mostly everything, glanced at his results sheet, 'Wow, all that revising you've been doing really paid off huh?'
Draco smiled back coolly. 'Yeah I guess it did,' he said looking over the lawn to where Harry was sat. He wondered if Harry had passed any of the written tests he had sat for. He looked at Weasley and hoped that the boy had failed everything along with his girlfriend.
In the afternoon, he wearily packed away his things. He was feeling depressed which totally sucked. He wanted to see his mother of course and it was going to be really nice to be out of school but he really hated the fact that he wouldn't get to see Harry throughout the holidays. Realistically he knew there was no way. However, at least he could write to Harry, which was something.
He saw Harry at dinner and caught his eye. Harry stared at him for a moment before looking away and Draco glumly began to work his way through his three course meal. Pansy was twittering on about summer and he told her in a bored voice that he would be abroad for the whole break. Her face fell and he sighed and made small talk with Vincent. Dumbledore had spoken words of caution and Draco noticed a heavy silence fall over the room. Things were getting worse by the day. He didn't even want to visualize what was happening outside the bastion he was in. He had managed to stay impassive to most of the panic and news as his mind had been occupied with Harry, but now that school was over, each student would be returning to their homestead and being placed right in the middle of whatever horror and unrest that was surrounding their families.
Draco didn't know how far Voldemort's hands had spread. He knew that his mother would not remain on British soil any longer than was needed. She was safer abroad as was he. His father was safe in prison and Harry would be safe at home. But still, Draco felt so crap and empty at the thought of the endless weeks of summer. He felt his head ache and his shoulders sagged. All in all, it had been a bad year. Really, and truly bad. The weeks he had spent with Harry had been the best thing that had happened to him in so many months, and even then he hadn't let himself enjoy it. Appreciate it. He immersed himself into a quiet procession of doldrums and didn't notice Blaise trying to catch his attention.
A second later he felt something hit him. He looked up in surprise and heard Blaise chortle. She had flicked a bit of mashed potato at him. He laughed suddenly and she grinned at him. He flicked back a few peas at her and she grinned back good-naturedly. She raised her glass to him. He nodded and raised his goblet in return and took a sip. His smile faded as he saw Weasley look over at his table and their eyes met. They hadn't said a word to one another since that day, and nor were they going to if it could be helped. Draco had said enough to both Weasel and Granger; the rest was up to Harry. If they brought it up with Harry it would be Harry's decision if whether he wanted to disclose any details or not. Draco really didn't want to deal with the two Gryffindor's if he didn't need to.
The next morning everyone had breakfast and then started to bring down their trunks. Draco had already placed his in the Entrance Hall and so after breakfast, he sped up to the seventh floor. He waited behind a corner as he saw various Gryffindor's marching their trunks in succession down the stairs. Weasley and his sister had come out, followed by Granger. They started down the stairs and Draco spotted Harry slowly walking behind them. Weasley was taking down Harry's trunk for him.
Draco drew his wand out and snagged Harry's cloak with a well-aimed shot in the corner. Harry faltered and stopped, pulling it away and looking about to see what it had got caught on. Draco shot a look through the banisters ahead. The stairs had swung away into a different direction and Harry straightened his cloak as he waited for the next staircase to come back around to him.
'Hey,' Draco called out softly as he came out from around the corner.
Harry looked at him and tilted his head, 'hey.'
'All packed then?' Draco said, stating the obvious.
Harry nodded, 'yeah.'
'So ummm,' Draco cleared his throat and ran an eye around them. It was empty for the moment and the paintings were busy saying goodbye to one another. 'I hope you have a nice summer,' he said genuinely.
Harry stayed quiet and looked away for a second before looking back at Draco.
'I hope you have a good summer too,' he then said and Draco smiled.
'Thanks.'
'So uhhhh…' he trailed off and stepped closer towards Harry. Harry watched him with translucent eyes, standing still. Draco suddenly felt desperately in need of contact. He wanted to be comforted and held, comforted and held by Harry. It had been such an awful term and with all the stress finally catching up on him, he felt himself break a little bit. His head lowered and he took in a few breaths. He could feel Harry's eyes on him and swallowed hard. He looked at the floor, trying to reign himself in but then looked up at Harry and felt his attempted resolve crumble away.
He saw Harry reach out a hesitant hand and quickly caught it, thankful for the gesture, savouring the feel of Harry's hand entangle with his. He looked at their joined hands and then looked at Harry's face. He looked uncertain of what was happening, and Draco came forward quickly and pulled Harry into his arms tightly. He pressed his face against Harry's cheek, his hands gripping the back of Harry's neck, his fingers sinking into the dark hair he had missed so much.
He felt Harry take in a surprised breath but nonetheless continued to hold him closely. He brushed a faint kiss on Harry's cheek before moving back. Harry stared at him with a faintly troubled expression and Draco felt himself freeze for a moment. Taking in a brave breath, he brought timid fingers to Harry's face, skimming his jaw lightly. Harry now had an unreadable look in his eyes and Draco couldn't interpret it at all. He decided to throw caution to the wind and pressed his lips against Harry's.
The moment of contact felt like pure sweet release. Letting go, after all these weeks of holding back felt so good that Draco completely lost sight of actual thought- only concentrating on the physical aspect of what was happening. He held Harry tightly and drank thirstily from the sweet lips that were attached to his. He felt Harry's lips move under his cautiously and kissed with more vigour.
A burst of heat enflamed Draco as he felt Harry's hands grip at his waist. He smiled and opened his eyes, looking into the sudden, open depths of Harry's. Harry's eyes all of a sudden looked at him intimately as if he remembered this. What they had had. What they had shared before…Draco closed his eyes blissfully and enjoyed the swell and heat of Harry's mouth. Nothing could have dragged Draco away from Harry at that moment. They were together and Draco was lost happily. A moment's peace had settled around him and he felt Harry around him again. This was what his heart was fighting for desperately.
A minute must have passed and had Draco not been too preoccupied, he might have noticed that Harry was not responding any longer. Harry wasn't pulling away, but he was most definitely not responding any more. But Draco did not notice. He was so grateful that this was not a daydream of his, that this was reality. His lips slid wider and his tongue shot out, immediately inserting itself into Harry's mouth. The jolt was instantaneous. And that Draco did notice. He heard Harry gasp, his breath going cold as the warmth vanished. Harry pulled his head away sideways, Draco's lips dragging against his cheek. Draco looked at him with alarm. Harry's face was now shuttered and closed down. The fleeting look of familiarity has passed and the small connection Draco had felt with him had evaporated.
'No,' Harry gasped. 'No,' he repeated and Draco felt his heart beat dully as Harry tried to release himself from Draco's arms. The effect was quick and devastating. He felt tears prick his eyes as Harry moved away from him. It didn't matter what Draco needed or wanted, if Harry didn't want to be here with him Draco couldn't force him.
'I'm sorry but I can't do this…' Harry said taking in short breaths as if he couldn't breathe.
Draco froze, his blood growing cold.
'…don't make me feel…' Harry whispered. 'Please I don't want to. I can't.'
And with that he shot out of Draco's arms and rushed downstairs. Draco stood still like a statue and tried to recollect himself before he shattered into pieces. He closed his eyes in mortification, as his heart pounded and his head spun. He couldn't reach Harry at this time regardless of how much he wanted to. He had no clue as to what Harry was thinking or feeling.
The odd, closed-off look that Harry had worn for weeks had not given him much indication of the chaos that was going on in Harry's head. Draco was at a loss as to what he could do to make this dismal situation any better. His words could not be spoken yet; his actions could not be shown yet. It was all too soon and too late at the same time. Just when he had thought that he was getting closer to Harry, he had distanced himself even further away.
He felt as if he were lost in a maze, stumbling his way through. At times, thinking he had made the right turn but instead reaching a dead end every time. There were no short cuts to be found, no easy paths to be taken. He was there in the middle of it, stuck, unsure of where to turn and where to go. He heaved a huge sigh and lumbered down the stairs and out of the doors.
The sixth year had ended.
Karina blahing: So? How was it? Oh dear, I still get all anxious with new chapters but fear is good! Makes us strive harder (or something).
Thank you so much for waiting and then in turn bothering to read such a long chapter. Perhaps the sixth year didn't end as some of you expected. It's been a hell of a year for Draco and Harry. Let's see what I do with summer hey? Hehee
Thanks to: Marie Falcon, Portia, Phoebe, ching lang , bacie , Izzyyish, dan-rad, joEy1607- For reviewing The Chariot.
Thanks to: Dragenphly, Marie Falcon, C. Night, Gwaeren, Jade Quinn, frogslayr, SeparatriX, dablksaiyangurl, EdenMalfoy017, riantlykalopsic, Vimy, ana-pj, Peilless, Robin the bird, ura , TonksLovesTheClash , RSSLSCTZ, Chi7890, viciousdisorder, Belle , Bad-Azz-Slytherin Chaos, tsubasagahoushi, Godlovesme, Soft Willow, Fire Oranie, Tenar, SlytherinSexGoddess, Phoebe, Didge , Phoenixsword , Amarylis Cemetery, coolio , Kittydemon, AbundantFear, shoal, Jacqueline91, Jean,RainSW6 For reviewing The Hermit
Thanks to Chi (hugs) cos you know… And thanks to: Dita P, miza, SlytherinSexGoddess, ura , invisible2u -For Reviewing With A Kiss
I sorta get confused sometimes when some of you change your nicks, cos I think awww so and so didn't review :o( But then I realise afterwards that some of my lovely faithful reviewers DID, after all, indeedy review- they've just gone and changed their name (e.g Jaquleine91 Lol ). Thanks guys xxxxxxxx Karina