Sometimes Things Do Change
AN: Thank u guys so much for the reviews. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter Six: Hogsmeade, Pink Hair and a Jacket ( Harry's version)
Harry squinted his eyes as he stepped out the front entrance and into the cool morning air. The sun was shining bright in the sky, but there was a light breeze. He was glade he'd worn a jacket over his sweater. He pulled it tighter around him as Ginny pressed closer.
Hermione asked Ron what time it was and sighed when he said seven fifty-seven. They still had few minute until Draco was supposed to show up. Hermione shivered as she looked to the castle entrance.
" Well, I don't suspect we'll be waiting long. Draco doesn't seem the type to be late." Hermione tried to reassure everyone.
As if on cue, the doors she was looking at opened and out stepped a crisply dressed Draco.
He held his head high and the bright light temporary blinded him too, as he walked out. Hermione bit her lip, as he blinked to get his sight back and used it to spot Ginny, who was still holding Harry's arm. He lost his composer for a split second and if Hermione hadn't been watching for it she was sure she wouldn't have seen it.
" Good morning, Hermione, Weasley." He turned to her and Ron. When they returned his greeting he turned to Harry and Ginny.
He hesitated for a moment then smiled, " Ginny, right? I didn't know you would be joining us today." his voice was tight, but Ginny smiled back at him, unaware.
" Morning, Malfoy." Was her reply. Harry was growing more and more un-comfortable. It only became worse when Draco moved his eyes to him.
" Hello, Harry." Draco said, and Harry would have said he sounded shy, if he didn't know any better. He noticed how Malfoy used his first name and decided to do the same.
" Good morning, Draco." Harry was satisfied at the look that appeared on Draco's face, even though the blonde held his gaze.
Harry didn't look away. He wasn't sure what Draco had planned, but he wasn't going to let him win.
" Lets get going. I'm freezing over here." Ron spoke, effectively breaking their staring contest. And with that, they began the walk to Hogsmeade.
Hermione thought it would be less awkward if they didn't walk in couples, so she grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her to walk in front of the boys.
Ron, not wanting to walk next to Malfoy, moved to Harry's left side. Leaving Malfoy on the right and Harry in the middle. They were silent for most of the way, until Harry decided he couldn't take it any more.
" So... any place you guys want to visit today?" Harry thought it was a safe question. He didn't think Ron would start a fight, but he wasn't going to take any chances.
" I wanted to go to Zonko's Joke shop. I heard they have a spell that makes people sneeze out little green men. Seamus gave one to Neville last week and he sneezed out fifteen. It was brilliant! They marched around the room and when they came close to Lavender she screamed and stepped on them. They got stuck on the bottom of.. her... shoe." He was laughing so much he could barley finish his sentence.
Harry had to smile at his friend's excitement. He knew he was spending a lot of time alone lately and he missed being around his friends.
" That sounds good. What about you Malfoy? Is there any where you'd like to go?" Harry decided he wasn't going to treat Malfoy any different.
" No, not really." Was all he said.
Harry shrugged and continued.
" Well, I don't really mind either. Just so long as we go to the Three broomsticks. I want a butterbeer." He said thinking of the warm drink as he rubbed his arms. The shade of the trees they were walking by only added to the chill in the air.
"Yeah, and maybe we can get one of those cakes again." Ron responded. He licked his lips at the thought. Harry smiled again. His mood was improving greatly.
He'd missed this more then he'd realized, just hanging out with his friends. Maybe he wouldn't spend so much time on his own.
" Are talking about those cinnamon cakes with the icing?" Harry almost forgot Malfoy was there until he spoke.
" Yeah, and the raisins in them." Ron's eyes glazed over a little.
" You like those?" Ron looked to Malfoy forgetting he was not supposed to be talking to him.
" Yes. There quite good." Malfoy answered back.
Harry looked between his friend and his former enemy, unbelievingly.
" Have you tried those chocolate ones, with the coconut in them?" Malfoy continued.
" No, are they any good?" Ron found his resentment slipping way at the possibility of a new dessert.
" There amazing. We should get one when we go the Three broomsticks."
Ron nodded enthusiastically.
Their conversation continued on as they made their way closer and closer to Hogsmeade. Harry, in the mean time couldn't help but feel left out. He wasn't have an easy a time as Ron was chatting with Malfoy.
He was shocked at how fast Ron abandoned his anti- Malfoy campaign and took up the friendly debate they were currently having, on which was a better dessert, cupcakes or ice-cream.
Harry was feeling more out of place as time passed. He nearly sighed in relief when Hogemeade came into his view.
The girls slowed down so they could all walk together once more. Ron stopped talking as Hermione came to walk by him, as if he knew he would earn a lecture on how Hermione was right about Malfoy all along, if she saw him talking to the Slytherin.
Ginny moved in between Draco and Harry as they took their first steps into the village.
Harry tried to be happy at her presence and was upset that he had to make more of an effort then he thought he should.
" Where should we go first?" Hermione asked every one. Ron spoke up before any one else, and they all made their way over to Zonko's shop.
The toy shop was surprisingly empty. There were only three other students standing at the counter when they walked in.
None the less, all heads turned to them as the bell over their head dinged. The three Hogwarts students all stared, not believing their eyes. What was Draco Malfoy doing with Gryffindors, and not just any Gryffindors, Harry Potter and his friends? They whispered, not so discreetly, to themselves.
Harry saw their stares and instantly felt defensive. He hated how people always thought his business was a public news. He knew they couldn't wait to run and tell every one what they saw in Zonko's today.
By tomorrow the whole castle would be talking. Harry was tired of worrying about how people were going to react to his actions. It was his life. Who were these people to decide how he lived it?
Well fine. If they want something to gossip about, I'll give them something worth talking about. Harry thought.
He grabbed Draco's arm saying loudly, to make sure everyone heard him,
"Come on Draco, I hear they just got a new order of edible quills." He pulled Draco further into the store, smiling at the students shocked faces as he passed them. He stopped when he reached the quills and turned slightly so he could see the students.
They quickly whispered some more, before turning and rushing out of the store. Harry felt proud of his actions, like he somehow had more control over the situation.
Grinning, he turned to look at Malfoy, wanting to share his victory with some one. Their eyes met and Harry, for the first time today, didn't mind him being there so much any more.
Malfoy looked at him with a raised eyebrow. And Harry just shrugged and dropped his arm. He was still looking at Malfoy when Harry heard a voice call him.
" Harry, look at this!" came Ron's voice from some where. Harry smiled at Malfoy before turning and finding his friend.
Ron and Hermione were standing by a shelf. Ron was holding a jar that looked like mashed potatoes in water. He looked up when Harry walked over.
" Look at this, mate." He shook the bottle, which then began to change color. Harry watched as it turned a dark blue. But other then that he couldn't tell what he was supposed to be looking for. He looked to Ron for an explanation.
" It tells the future. You put your hands here." He lifted the jar to show Harry two hand prints on the side of the jar.
" Then you shake it three times. It turns a certain color and then you read what that color means from this list." He held up a paper Harry hadn't noticed in had left hand.
" Let's see. Blue means ... your boyfriend is cheating on you." Ron said in a weak voice. Harry laughed and clapped his friend on the shoulder.
" Bad luck, mate." He managed before he and Hermione collapsed into a fit of laughter.
Ron frowned, the tips of his ears turning red as put the bottle back on the shelf. He read the sign that was next to the bottle and his blush deepened.
" I didn't know it was for girls." He mumbled. For some reason this made Harry and Hermione laugh harder and eventually Ron found himself joining in.
A shout from the back of the store made them all stop. Before the last laugh died out, they were running towards the sound with their wands out. Harry was the first to arrive and what he saw stopped him in his tracks, and caused Hermione and Ron to run into him.
Ginny was lying on the floor howling with laughter. Her wand was in her hand but it was completely useless as it was pointed at a box of fake cheese as she shook with laughter. Harry couldn't blame her as he found himself holding back a chuckle at the sight before him.
Ron's reaction was similar to his sisters. He clutched his stomach and bent over as the laughter burst out of him. Even Hermione was giggling behind Harry.
The cause of all this amusement was a dripping wet Draco. He was standing in the middle of the isle holding an empty container with a shocked look on his face. His usual impeccable hair and clothing were in disarray.
But there was another more obvious change from his usual appearance. Malfoy's natural white blonde hair had turned bright bubble gum pink.
Harry watched with a smile as Malfoy blinked away the shock of suddenly finding himself suddenly drenched and scowled at the can in his hand. He carefully place the can on the shelf he had originally gotten it from, as if afraid it would attack him again.
He cleared his throat loudly, signaling that they could all stop laughing any time now. Hermione and Harry shut their mouths, but Ginny and Ron kept chortling. They were too far gone. Malfoy sent them each their own glares, but even that didn't have any effect.
Malfoy took breath and whipped out his wand. Harry tensed, sure Malfoy was about to hex them. His hand went to his wand, but he didn't need to use it. Malfoy only cast a spell to dry him self.
A least that's what Harry thought he was doing. But he couldn't be sure, because there was no change in Malfoy's appearance. Malfoy stayed as wet as he had been in the beginning. He clenched his jaw as tried again.
Harry watched as, again, nothing happened. Ron snorted behind him. Malfoy angrily grabbed the can from the shelf and began reading it. He stopped mid-way and threw the can on the floor. He ran into the back of the store. Harry presumed he was headed for the bathroom.
Behind him Harry heard Ron gasping for breath as Hermione chided him. Ginny had stopped laughing enough to get off the floor, but she still needed help standing up. She was holding onto the shelf for support.
Harry walked past her and went to pick up the can. In bright red letter it said:
As you probably already know this can does not contain candies. Sorry. You've been duped. May I suggest you find who ever gave you this and get them back. We have some lovely products you might want to use.
Harryfrowned not sure what it meant. He skipped the list of products and read further down the can. It said:
Side effects include: wet clothing ( hopefully your wearing them), an embarrassed, possibly foolish feeling, accompanied with a strong desire to kill your "friend", a new hair color ( unless your bald, in which case I'm not sure what will happen), and a slight itchy right knee. Side effects last up to three to four hours. Don't bother using your wand, it won't work.
Harry figure it was the hair color that caused Malfoy to run to the bathroom.
" I.. told him not to... open it." Ginny got out between laughs.
Harry was starting to find her laughter annoying, even Ron had stopped now. As he went to put it back on the shelf , he noticed the other cans looked different. He picked one up and read it's label.
CANED APPLE CANDIES: ALL THE TASTE OF CANDY APPLES WITH OUT THE MESS. BITE SIZED CANDIES. CARMEL AND CINNAMON FLAVORED.
So Draco had thought they were candies. Harry looked back to Hermione who was wearing a frown. Ron moved to pick up one of the cans from the shelf. He read the label and muttered, " brilliant." under his breath. He looked at Harry with a wide grin on his face.
" I'm getting five of these." He grabbed them off the shelf and moved to the counter. Ginny finally stood up straight and followed Ron to the counter to pay for the things she got.
Harry turned to Hermione.
" You think he's okay?" She looked to the bathroom to where Malfoy disappeared, as she bit her lip.
" What did the can say?" She said turning back to Harry.
" It said it is going to last for three to four hours and his wand won't work on it." he answered.
Hermione sighed before responding.
" I think you should go check on him, Harry."
Harry started to protested but Hermione had on her 'I'm not taking no for an answer' face. So he resigned and moved to the back of the store. As he walked he could hear Hermione telling Ron and Ginny not to say anything to Malfoy when he came out.
Harry went down the hall and found the men's restroom, he pushed the door open and stepped inside. Harry's mouth dropped open in surprise. Malfoy had no shirt on. Harry suddenly found the room to warm, as he tried to swallow past the lump in his throat.
Every thing they did came rushing back to Harry. He remembered that not one week ago he had been pressed against that chest, rubbing against that body. He remembered how Malfoy's mouth attached to his as their hands roamed over each other. Harry felt something in him stir as his eyes drifted over the body in front of him.
Harry squeaked out a, " Sorry." and ran out, shutting the door firmly behind him.
He stood in the hall trying to will his blush away. He wanted to leave, but he couldn't face his friends right now.
Beside Hermione would only ask what happened. Harry knew he had to stay and see if Malfoy was okay. He leaned back against the door, trying not to think about what he just saw.
He was startled when the door behind him opened suddenly. He lost his balance and fell down on to the bathroom floor. He looked up at the hand that suddenly appeared in his face. A pink haired Malfoy, who Harry was glade to see had a shirt on now, was looked down at him over his hand.
Harry looked at the hand he offered and ignored it as he stood up on his own. He didn't think touching Malfoy right now was a good idea. Wiping off the dust from his pants, he looked up at Malfoy, who didn't look back. Instead he moved to the sink and said over his shoulder,
" Did you want something, Potter?"
Harry was shocked at his harsh tone. Obviously he was upset.
" It's just hair, Malfoy. It'll be back to normal in a few hours." Harry said, hoping to make him feel better.
Draco turned around, astounded, and looked at Harry.
Harry began to feel uncomfortable under his un-wavering gaze. When he didn't look away Harry thought he should say something more.
" The can it said only lasts..." But Harry's words died out on his lips when Malfoy moved away from the sink. He didn't know what Malfoy was doing, but it made his stomach flip. Malfoy was still walking closer and Harry, unconsciously, held his breath.
When Malfoy got close enough for Harry to feel his body heat he stopped moving. Harry watched Malfoy's eyes roam over his own face. It made his insides turn to mush. He wanted to move away, but was afraid to. Malfoy blink and stepped back.
" Harry?" He whispered. And Harry heard himself answering.
" Yeah?" It was quiet, and if they weren't so close Malfoy wouldn't have heard it.
" Go out with me." Harry felt like he was floating. Nothing felt real. He wasn't sure what Malfoy meant. So he asked.
" What?"
" Go out with me. On a date...Just us." Harry's happy feeling deflated a bit. He stepped away from Malfoy.
" What? I.. No." he stuttered backing away further.
" Why not?"
" Because..." Harry searched his brain for a reason. "... because I have a girlfriend." Harry was feeling desperate as he backed up further still.
Malfoy moved closer. "Just as friends. It won't be any different from today, except it'll be me and you. Isn't the point of today, to get to know each other better?"
" I don't know..." Harry's back hit the wall. Malfoy moved closer.
" I just want to get to know you better." Even though he knew it wasn't, it sounded innocent enough to Harry. And he really didn't have another agreement.
"Just say yes, Harry."
" I...it's...alright." Harry conceded, but he had to re-affirm something.
"Just as... friends." He said firmly, looking a Malfoy to show he meant it.
" Of course. " Malfoy smiled. He moved away from Harry and went over to the sink as if nothing happened. Harry let out his breath.
" You think I should put a hat on or something?" Harry blinked and had to think for a moment before he realized what Malfoy was talking about. Oh, right his hair.
" Ummm..., " Harry looked at him and thought about it. But Draco didn't wait for his answer.
" I don't think so. Besides I doubt there are any decent ones in this store." He ran his had through his hair trying to make it go in a different direction. But it stayed plastered to his head. He sighed.
"Probably not any decent clothes either." He was referring to his still wet pants and shirt.
" How long did you say this would last?" He turned looking expectantly to Harry.
" Umm, three to four hours." Harry was still a little thrown by his flippant behavior. He was acting as if nothing had just happened. Maybe it didn't. Maybe he imagined it.
The knock on the door made Harry jump. Ron's head poked out from behind it and Harry turned around to look at his friend.
" Everything okay in here? We're ready to go, now." He said cautiously. He still wasn't sure how Malfoy was taking his new appearance. He looked over to where Malfoy was standing by the sink.
" Yes. Fine let's go." Malfoy said before he walked towards the door. Harry walked out ahead of him. When they reached the shop Harry moved to stand next to Ginny. For some reason Harry had the feeling to put his arm around her.
" Where to next?" Harry looked around. Nobody had any where else they wanted to go to so he suggested they head over to the Threebroom sticks.
As they walked down the street, Harry could tell every one was taking extra care not to look at Malfoy's hair. Well, at least all of them were. The people walking past them however, where looking at it like they'd never seen the color pink before.
Harry was surprised Malfoy was so calm. He never would have thought he would handle it so well. As far as he'd seen Malfoy had never been outside in public with out looking perfect.
They made their way into the Threebroom sticks and Hermione went up to the counter to get drinks for every one. Ron went with her to make sure she got the right cakes.
Harry had no trouble finding a table, as it was almost as empty as Zonko's. There were a few people at the tables and some more standing in line.
He sat down in one of the stools as Ginny sat in the one on his left and Malfoy sat in the one next to Ginny. Harry was both disappointed and relieved that Malfoy didn't sit next to him.
Harry looked over to Hermione and Ron trying to judge how long until they would be back. They were in line between an old witch and a man with a beard almost to the floor.
Harry tapped his fingers on the table nervously. He tried to think of something to say that would make this less awkward.
" So Ginny, what did you buy at Zonko's?" He asked.
" Oh, nothing much." She opened her bag and allowed him to see inside. It really was nothing much. He sat back in his chair, slightly upset with her for not saying more. He fidgeted for a moment before deciding he needed to use the bathroom.
" I'll be right back. Don't let Ron eat all the cake while I'm gone." He said standing up.
Ginny just nodded her head.
Harry pulled the bathroom door open and went into the first stall. He let out a breath as he relaxed, enjoying the moment to himself. He did his business then went to the sink. As he washed his hands he let his mind wander.
Had he really agreed to go on a date with Malfoy? What was he thinking? But Malfoy had been acting weird all day. He hadn't insulted them once. In fact he and Ron had already seemed like friends. Hermione, too. They both had no trouble relaxing around Malfoy. Only he seemed to be struggling. Maybe some more time with him would help.
But why did Harry get a funny feeling in his stomach when he thought of being alone with Malfoy? He tried to remind himself he had no reason to be nervous.
It was perfectly normal for two people to go out together. He did things with Ron when Hermione wasn't around. And vice versa. If he was going to be Malfoy's friend he needed to be comfortable around him any way.
It wasn't a date. It was an outing between friends. But Harry couldn't shake the impression that friendship wasn't what Malfoy had in mind. In fact he was sure of it. What he wasn't sure of was how he felt about it.
He dried his hands and tried to push those thoughts out of his head. When he arrived back to the table Hermione and Ron were already back.
An assortment of cakes were in the middle of the table. Harry took his seat and looked at the plate in front of him, a piece of cake already on it. He sat back as he listened to the conversations going on.
Ginny and Ron were talking about one of the things she bought from the joke shop. Harry frowned. She didn't talk about it with me, he thought feeling hurt. Harry listened for while before he switched his focus on the conversation between Hermione and Draco.
But a few sentences later realized he had no idea what they were talking about. Harry sighed and stuck his fork in his cake. He brought the cake to his mouth and wiped away the crumbs that fell onto his jacket.
He was shocked when a moan slipped from his lips, but it was overshadowed by the fact that had he just tasted the most delicious cake in the world.
He greedily shoved more into his mouth, un-aware that every one around him stopped talking in favor of staring at him. But he didn't care, the cake was amazing. He had to have more. He reached across the table and put another slice on his plate.
He let his eyes close as he made another sound that showed how much he enjoyed the dessert. It was wonderful. He finished the cake on his plate and took a drink of his butterbeer. It was much better then he'd remembered.
Now that he thought about it everything seemed better. Different somehow, like he was seeing things through a new pair of eyes.
He wanted to see it all. He set his butterbeer down and looked around. He picked up his fork, amazed at how shiny it was. He tilted his head to the side with a loopy smile on his face, as he watched light reflect off the utensil.
" What did you do?" Harry heard Hermione's voice, but it sounded far way as if he were hearing it through a long tunnel. He picked up a knife off the table and laughed in delight when it too bounced light.
" We just gave him a Pepper Upper pill. Ginny bough them at Zonko's. We thought he needed some.. Pepping up?" Harry's laugh grew as the bell above the door sounded. It was the most wonderful sound he'd ever heard.
" Ron! Ginny! I can't believe you did this!" Hermione's voice was loud and shrill. Harry plugged his ears. He liked the pretty sound the bell made better.
" It was just a joke, Hermione. It'll ware off in a few minutes." Harry turned toward that sound. It was much more pleasant.
Harry looked at the redheaded girl in front of him. She had on a pretty green top. It was really shiny, too. Like the fork. Harry leaned toward the girl. She had really nice eyes.
They were blue and reminded Harry of something else. Something he couldn't remember. But it didn't matter. He was getting closer to those eyes.
Suddenly, Harry slipped a little on his chair in his attempt to reach the girl and when he looked back up he caught a glimpse of the person behind her.
He had stunning pink hair and his eyes were memorizing, like the shiny girl's, only better. Harry couldn't look away. He wanted to get closer to that person.
But somewhere deep in his brain Harry knew he shouldn't. He couldn't remember why, but he knew it was a secret. He knew he had to keep the secret.
But he's so beautiful. Harry thought.
" Your pretty." he whispered. But I can't have you. He thought. So he did the next best thing his drug induced state of mind told him to.
Harry leaned in pressed his lips to the blue eyed girl's, with the shiny shirt. Harry thought it wasn't as good as the cake, but it was pleasant. She was shocked at first, but soon her lips began to move over Harry's.
Even though he was kissing the girl, Harry's eyes never left the pink haired teens.
Harry wished it was him he was kissing and he tried to tell the boy with his eyes. Harry wasn't sure why he couldn't kiss the boy, but he knew the boy understood. He moved so he could get a better access to the girl's mouth, but he over shot and only wound up slipping off his chair completely.
Harry made a 'hump' sound as his butt hit the floor. He was disappointed at being taken away from the girl and the boy with the pretty blue eyes, but he quickly got over it as he found a piece of purple gum, some one left under the table.
" Ron, how long does it last?" Hermione asked some where over Harry's head. He looked in her direction, but he couldn't see anyone, so he shrugged and reached out to touch the purple substance stuck to the table. It was sticky and Harry was fascinated by the way it stretched when he pulled.
" Only five minutes. Which means any minute now. I don't know why it's having this reaction on him, though. Maybe because we mixed it with chocolate." Ron said as the gum in Harry's hand reached it's limit and snapped. He laughed merely.
Without warning, Harry's smile turned to a frown as his brow furrowed. Something was wrong. It was like all the magic that made everything special disappeared and he was left holding an old, used, piece of gum in his hand.
He sighed and stood up, wiping his hands on his pants. He looked to Ron, who he noted at least looked ashamed, and shot a glare at him for good measure.
" Sorry, Harry. I..we just thought it would be funny. It was only a joke." Ron was folding his hands nervously in front of him.
When Harry had first bit the cake he knew something had happened. He felt... happier. He was aware of everything that was going on, but it was like he didn't care so much. But now that he was back to normal he had every intention of letting Ron now how un-happy he was.
But Harry couldn't blame him. Ron really was just playing joke. They played jokes on each other all the time. The real reason Harry was so upset was because he practically attacked Ginny while staring at Malfoy the entire time. And that wasn't Ron's fault.
So Harry plastered on a smile and sat down.
" It's alright, mate. I know. Just give me a little warning or something next time." He said taking a swig of his butterbeer. Harry looked around, trying to decide how many people had witnessed the embarrassing, temporary loss of his mind. He was glade there were no Hogwarts students.
" I'm sorry too, Harry." Ginny said, reminding Harry of her presence.
Harry just nodded. He didn't think he could look at her right now. Not to mention the person sitting behind her. Harry forced himself not to blush.
" I think we're all done. We should get going if we want to do more shopping. " Hermione began gathering up the plates to take back to the counter. Ron grabbed his and Hermione's empty bottles and went to the trash as Malfoy, Harry and Ginny did the same. Harry was very careful not to make eye contact with Malfoy.
Hermione came back with a bag filled with the left over cake and they made there way back to the streets.
After they left the Three broomsticks they went to the a few other stores. Harry made sure he was always near some one other then Malfoy. When it seemed they finally had enough Hermione suggested they head back. No one objected.
Harry was between Ginny and Hermione as they walk out of the last store. He shivered slightly, noting the wind had picked up. It looked like they made the right choice to go back to the castle now. There were fat gray rain clouds over the mountains in the distance.
" Are you alright Malfoy?" Harry heard Hermione say. Harry wondered what was wrong with him. He tried to listen but he didn't hear what Malfoy said. He heard what Hermione did, however.
" Harry, give him your jacket." Hermione said. Harry looked at her as if she had grown another head.
" Huh?" He asked, smoothly.
" You've got a sweater on under it. You'll be warm. Look at him, he's freezing." Harry looked at Malfoy for the first time since the Three Broomsticks. He did look rather cold. He was shivering and his lips had a blue tinge to them. But Harry still protested.
" I...he..." He stammered. What could he say?
" Go on, Harry." Ginny added, wanting to leave. Harry felt as if the whole world was turning on him. He looked between the two girls. Then back at the wet, cold Malfoy. He still had some time until the spell wore off and he would be able to dry himself.
Harry sighed and pulled off his jacket. He didn't look at Malfoy when he handed it over, and he was glade he didn't when he felt fingers slide over his.
" Thanks" Malfoy muttered, and Harry was glade to hear that at least he sounded as uncomfortable as him.
He assumed Malfoy put the jacket on because, they started walking soon after.
They reached the castle just before the first rain drop hit the ground. The four Gryffindors and one Slytherin walked side by side until they could no longer. Harry was about to go upstairs, but Hermione spoke.
" Well, I guess we'll see you later, Draco." Hermione said, giving him smile.
" Yes. See you around." He replied.
" Hey, Malfoy." Ron spoke up. " You want some of the cake?"
Hermione tried very hard not to smile. Sharing food was as a big gesture for Ron. It meant he accepted Malfoy. They were making progress.
" No, that's alright. But thank you." His voice was unsure. He looked around at every one once more before saying,
" Goodbye."
The Gryffindor's all turned and began going up the stairs. They were about twenty steps up when Malfoy called out.
"Potter."
Harry sighed and turned around. He looked down the stairs to see Malfoy holding his jacket in one hand. When he didn't move Harry realized Malfoy was waiting for him to come to him.
Harry quickly walked down the steps he just climbed up and went to reach for his jacket, fully intending to grab it and head back upstairs as quickly as possible.
Malfoy clearly had another idea in mind. When Harry reached for the fabric, Malfoy's hand closed over his. Harry's heartbeat sped up and he shot a desperate glance over his shoulder.
Hermione, Ron and Ginny were still on the stairs waiting patiently for him. They didn't seem to notice Harry's distress or his and Malfoy's hands clasped together. Harry moved slightly, just in case.
He turned back around and looked questioningly at Malfoy. Malfoy looked right back at him, giving Harry no answer in his eyes.
" Thank-you, Harry." Malfoy whispered. Harry bit his lip and waited for Malfoy to continue, because he was sure there was more.
" How about tomorrow, at six? The quidditch field." It sounded like a question, but it didn't feel like one to Harry.
. All Harry wanted was to go back up stairs. He could feel his friends eyes on him. They would start to sense something was wrong if he took much longer.
" Sure. At six." He nodded.
Malfoy looked at him and smiled. He looked so happy that Harry couldn't help but smile back. He was sure if Malfoy hadn't released his hand, he would have stood their longer.
But he did let go and Harry no longer had a reason to stay, so he turned and walked up the stairs to meet his friends.
When he reached them they smiled at him and he smiled back, before they all continued walking. As they did Harry looked at the jacket in his hand. It was still a little damp from Malfoy's clothes. He assumed the spell had worn off while they were walking and Malfoy had began to dry a bit.
Harry was still smiling as they entered the common room. He went with Ron up to their room, while he put away what he bought. Harry didn't have anything from a store, but he wanted to put his jacket down.
When they got to the room Harry threw the jacket on his bed and turned back to Ron who wanted to show him something. He laughed as Ron joked and they made their way back down stairs. Harry went to sit on the couch next to Hermione, who was reading a book.
" Where's Ginny." Harry had noticed her absence when he reached the end of the stairs. Hermione replied with out looking up from her book.
" She went out with Sarah." Even though she wasn't looking t him, she knew he had a blank look on his face, so she clarified.
"You know, her roommate for the last three years?" At his lack of response, Hermione sighed. "Any way, She told me to tell you she would see you later."
Harry was silently relieved. He was still embarrassed about what happened in the Three Broomsticks.
He took around the room and sighed. They still had a whole Saturday. He felt restless for some reason. Harry looked to Ron.
" You feel like playing a game of exploding snaps?" He asked.
Ron nodded and they began the game. They ended up playing six games in all, Harry won two times and Ron four, before Ron got bored and stood up. He stretched his arms and then went over to Hermione, who just finished talking with Seamus.
Ron leaned in and whispered something in her ear and she laughed. Harry had to fight down the jealous rising in him.
He watched as Ron said something else, and Hermione frowned at him as she answered. Ron rolled his eyes then turned to Harry.
" Harry won't mind if I took Hermione for a walk, would you Harry.?" Ron looked at his friend with a hopeful look. Hermione spoke before Harry could answer.
" Ron, Harry doesn't want to sit in her all alone. We can go later." Hermione said, looking at him with pity in her eyes.
Harry didn't want that. He didn't want to be an obligation for them. Some they have to look after.
" I don't mind, Hermione." At her look he added, " Really. You guys go and have fun. I'll go see what Neville is doing."
Harry had no intention of finding Neville, and he was relieved when they stood and walked out. He was upset at their attitudes. He didn't need some one to watch over him.
Harry sat back in his chair and frowned. He tapped his foot on the floor. He had the urge to move, so he stood and began walking up the stairs to his room.
Harry couldn't place the feelings running through him. Something bothered him though. It was the way Hermione spoke to him. She made him seem like a chore, like Ginny did.
Harry knew his friends were just worried, but he couldn't help feeling like he was in their way or something. Especially Ginny. She didn't even say goodbye to him, like it didn't matter if he knew where she was or not. Like it would be easier if she didn't have to at all.
Harry was tired of feeling like this. He didn't want Hermione and Ron to have to make sure he was okay before they left. Or have Ginny forced into a relationship if she didn't want one. He knew his mood lately had been bringing every one down, but he couldn't help it.
He just felt like something was wrong. He couldn't be happy. For some reason Harry quickly thought of Malfoy.
It only made his anger grow. Who did he think he was? Trying to mess with him. Making Harry go out on a date with him. Harry wasn't a submissive person.
But when ever he was around Malfoy, he felt like he didn't have a choice, or he didn't have a say in what he did.
Malfoy always had the control, and why should he? It wasn't fair. Harry shut his dorm door with more force then he intended to. He walked over to his bed and flung himself down. Harry rolled over on his side and pick up the jacket.
Stupid Malfoy. Why does he have such an effect on me. I should be happy. Thinking about Ginny and laughing with my friends, but I'm not. I'm here, thinking about this stupid git.
"Arrrg". Harry growled out loud as he got frustrated. Malfoy was always got what he wanted, ever since the beginning. Harry was tired of it. Malfoy was always on his mind lately, making Harry push Ginny away and seek quiet instead of his friends company. It was Malfoy's fault things were falling apart.
Harry looked at the jacket and sighed.
Now, that's just not true. His little voice said.
And Harry knew it wasn't. He knew he couldn't really blame Malfoy for any of this. He was doubting his relationship with Ginny before Malfoy even came into the picture. And he was spending a lot of time by himself before he had so much to think about.
Malfoy just gave him something solid to focus on. Something to.. Harry didn't even know. But Malfoy provided it for him. Harry wasn't sure if that was a good thing or bad thing.
Suddenly, he felt like he had to move again. He wanted to do something, but didn't know what. Harry made his way back over to the door. He opened it and flew down the stairs.
Harry almost ran into a girl when he reached the bottom. He managed to avoid knocking her down, but only because he threw himself into the wall instead of her.
" Oh." The surprised girl said. Harry picked his glasses up off the floor. He set them on the bridge of his nose and the blurry image in front of him became clearer.
Harry looked into the face of his girlfriend.
" Harry. You nearly killed me." she had her hand over her heart and was trying to breath.
" Sorry." He mumbled, ashamed he almost hurt her.
" It's alright." She looked down for a moment then back to his face. She looked determined.
" We need to talk." She said.
Harry knew what this words meant, and he wasn't actually surprised. He nodded and lead her back up to his room. Once they were inside Harry shut the door and went to sit next to her on the bed.
" Harry. I... you know I care about you, right?" she was wringing her hands in her lap.
" I just want you to be happy. And if you need...something else to... " She stopped, took a breath and then looked directly into his eyes when she said the next part.
" That kiss was... different. And I think I know why." All the sudden Harry began to get a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.
" When we kissed, you weren't looking at me." She took another breath and looked away before continuing.
The room began to spin as Harry as he hyperventilated. He couldn't breath. There was only on thing going through his mind. She knows. She knows he was looking at Malfoy. She knows his secret and she going to tell him right now.
To be continued...
An: Betcha didn't see that coming, huh? Think she knows? Review to find out.
