Chapter 25: No Time For Warnings
Harry sat quietly at his desk and listened to Snape drone on about a deathly potion that is fatal to anyone who drinks it. He tapped his quill anxiously against the desk waiting for class to end. School had grown tedious in the last few weeks. Not only were exams coming up, but teachers decided to pile homework in hopes that the students may retain some knowledge as they blew through the curriculum. This meant that Harry went straight to the common room after classes to start on it. He usually worked on it by himself but Neville had been accompanying him recently. Harry looked to his left. Neville was furiously jotting down notes as Snape spoke. Harry reminded himself to ask Neville for help when he started on his Potions homework later tonight.
Harry heard a snicker from behind. With a quick turn of his head, Harry saw Ron laughing with Dean and Seamus about something on Dean's parchment. Harry sighed as he faced the front again. It had been a week and half since he had a civil conversation with Ron. Ron no longer glared at Harry in the hallway but it was in no way the same as it used to be. A few days after his outburst, Ron had gotten over his angst and spent most of his time with Seamus and Dean. A part of Harry was jealous that Ron had replaced him. They had been best friends for years and now they had become strangers.
"How long does it take to kill a person with this poison?" Snape inquired. In the front row a hand shot up. "Yes Ms. Granger?"
"It takes two to five days." Hermione replied promptly. Harry sighed as he heard her voice ring through the classroom. It had been awhile since he had spoken to her as well. His mind flashed back to a time when they promised they would never fight. Back then it seemed like an easy promise to make but sometimes people make promises without understanding fully.
"Correct." Snape responded as he went back to the chalkboard to write more information down. Harry watched Hermione pick her quill back up and began writing on her parchment. Harry was two rows up from her but from where he was it looked like she was drawing instead of taking notes. She seemed to be scribbling in the margins. It was at that moment when Harry realized how much he missed her in these few days. At first he had been upset at their argument and he spent many nights feeling sorry for himself but that grief later morphed into anger. He was angry that she had blamed him, he was angry that she didn't understand him, and he was angry that she had brought up the alternate universe. If she didn't believe him why didn't she just tell him in the first place? That would have been much better than leading him along making him believe she was actually interested. However, at this very moment, Harry wished he was sitting beside her copying her notes instead of Neville's.
Harry heard a familiar voice speak up as Snape continued speaking, "That means someone could poison someone and leave the country before they ever find out!"
"That's correct Draco." Snape said sullenly before continuing his lecture. Harry glanced over at Draco. He was sitting by Crabbe but Harry knew that Draco was sitting alone. Most of the Slytherins had turned against him word got around that he had been spending an increasingly long amount of time with the Gryffindors. It seemed that Daphne was his only friend these days and she unfortunately was a year older than him. Having once been in a similar predicament, Harry could sympathize with Draco. Being the outcast of your house wasn't the happiest of times. Harry wanted to apologize but he never got the time. Draco stuck to his word, he never walked by the Gryffindor table anymore. After classes he returned to the Slytherin common room until the next morning. He never went to the library anymore. He was gone.
The same could be said for Ginny and Katie. The only times he saw Ginny was when she would return to the common room at nights after reading her romance novel series in the girls lavatory. She didn't speak to anyone except Seamus. Harry supposed she had been lonely too since this whole mess unraveled. Katie eventually cooled down from her heart-breaking experience. She no longer cried in front of people and kept herself composed most of the day. She started sitting with Harry at meals since Neville usually sat with Hermione, but that was it. After that she would retire to her bedroom where Harry suspected she cried. And for that, he blamed Ron. In short, Harry's life was a mess. A big, hot mess between him and his friends.
"For your homework I want you to write three pages on the affects of the poison and the antidote for it." Snape announced. Harry glanced at the clock. Class was over.
"Three pages?" Neville hissed. "I knew I shouldn't have taken this class. Grandmother said it would benefit me but I haven't seen any benefits so far."
"I know. This week bites. I also have that Transfiguration assignment to do. I need a break from all of this." Harry replied. "Do you want to go to the library tonight and work on our paper?"
Neville sighed, "I wish I could but I have an arrangement with Dumbledore tonight. I've been dreading it all week." Harry had been spending more time with Neville since he didn't have anyone else. Even then, Neville jumped back and forth between him and Hermione. Since he spent most of yesterday with Hermione he thought that Neville would spend today with him, but that plan seemed to be diminishing by the minute.
"They can't be that bad." Harry insisted know full well that they could become depressing.
Neville shook his head. "I just don't know how much I can take of this Harry. I have to defeat You-Know-Who but I don't think I can." Harry's attention was drawn to a group of girls from Ravenclaw giggling like school girls as Neville walked by. It was true that Neville had a very different life in this world. He no longer was the slow boy of the school, but rather the hero of the school whether he was ready or not. He however kept a level head about it all and didn't seem to think he was anything special. In fact, he seemed to think very little of himself.
"Well you have to start with your attitude." Harry told him as they walked out of the classroom. "I know you're Grandmother makes you feel like a let down but you're not. You've got to tell yourself that."
"Thanks Harry-" Neville began.
"You've also got to start using his name. It shows that you're not afraid of him." Harry counseled. Neville began talking more about Dumbledore and his advice as Harry was hit by a sudden wave of nostalgia. In a way he missed his old life. It was his. It was unique. It wasn't perfect but then again what life was? He wondered what he would be doing if he was there. He probably would still be friends with Ron and Hermione and would probably be walking to class with them right now. He missed that in a weird sort of way. It was like the way someone misses the snow when it's sunny outside. The sun is nice. It's warm and can make someone happy, but it's not like the snow and it never will be. So while each have their pros and cons, they both are special.
"-so I guess that's what he will tell me tonight at the meeting." Neville concluded.
"Yeah I guess so." Harry said. "I wish you the best of luck."
"Thanks Harry. You've really been a lot of help to me these last few weeks." Neville smiled. "I've got to head over to Herbology. I'll see you later Harry!"
Harry was left alone as he slowly walked to Charms. Somewhere in the castle was a lonely Draco who had no friends within his house. Somewhere there was a lonely Hermione who walked quickly to class to avoid any confrontations. Somewhere there was a lonely Ginny who filled the void with a romantic book. Somewhere there was a lonely Katie whose heart was still being mended. And somewhere there was a lonely Ron, trying to replace his old friends. So in a sense, Harry was in good company.
After his classes were over, Harry made his way to the common room so he could get started on the mounds of homework he had been assigned. He took his usual seat on the left side of the room and begin reading his notes on Transfiguration from the day before. He knew that Neville would be joining him shortly so he took this time to not only review for his class but also think about his life. This was something he liked to do when he was alone. It allowed himself to evaluate his decisions with a keen eye and to look at the bigger picture of things. Today his mind was skipping between his friends and the broken relationships he had with each of them. He had just begun to search for a solution to his impending problem when he heard a cough from behind. He looked behind him expecting to see a first or second year but was surprised to see a curved figure with bright red hair. "Ginny?" He sputtered out.
She smiled at the sound of her name. "Hiya Harry." She walked around Harry and sat in the seat beside him. She folded her hands neatly in her lap.
"How- how have you been?" He asked her. He was shocked that she had initiated a conversation with him. He hadn't heard her talk at all for a long time.
Ginny shrugged, "I'm fine. How's it going with you?"
"Same." Harry said looking down at his paper.
She sighed, "Look, I'm not here to talk about our lives. I came here to talk to you about Ron."
"Ron?" Harry had assumed that the two of them were still not speaking to each other after he blew up in her face. "Are you guys on good terms now?"
"I suppose so." She said thoughtfully.
"Did he apologize?" Harry asked.
Ginny shook her head. "I forgive him though. He was angry, I get that. I talked to him last night with Seamus."
"That's good!" Harry said hoping this would mean things get better from here.
"He's looking for you Harry." She said abruptly. "He went down to the pitch to see if you were practicing Quidditch or something."
"Oh" was all Harry managed to say.
"I don't know what he wants to talk about but just remember that he's been your friend since you could barely walk." Ginny reminded him. "Nothing is more valuable than that."
Harry gulped. He couldn't imagine Ron engaging in a heartfelt apology but he couldn't imagine what else it would be. Was he still upset? Did he want to throw some more punches at Harry? "I guess I'll go find him. Tell Neville where I went."
"Will do." She said said as Harry got up.
"It's been nice talking to you." He said before he left. "I think Katie would enjoy talking to you as well."
"Not now Harry. One day we will be best friends again, but not today." Ginny said leaning her head against the sofa. Harry left and thought about her words. Her and Katie have been friends since they were born too, why couldn't they just make up already?
Harry made his way down to the main floor. The halls were more crowded than usual because everyone was making their way to either the common room or the library. This proved to be an obstacle for Harry as he weaved in between people to get to the Quidditch pitch.
He made his way to the big oak doors and opened them. It was then when he saw a lean, red head walking up the hill. "There you are." He said slowly.
Harry tensed up, feeling nervous about his position. Ron's intentions had still not been revealed and it was worrying Harry. "Yeah, here I am." Ron continued walking towards Harry until there was only a few feet between them. "Are you going to say something or just stand there?"
"I have a lot I want to say to you." Ron replied. "I'm just trying to form coherent sentences."
Harry's palms became sweaty and his throat became dry. Ron didn't seem to be in a "happy mood." Ron's jaw clenched as he continued to think. "Just tell me what I've done to make you angry." Harry said bluntly.
"You didn't believe me. My best friend, the one who is supposed to stick with me through thick and thin accused me of lying." Ron said through his gritted teeth. He looked at the ground and avoided Harry's glare. "Not only that but you expected me to be in a peachy mood the next morning. I had my heart crushed and the first thing you think I should do it get over myself?"
Harry's eyes narrowed. "I'm sorry, I was trying to make light of the situation. That didn't mean you had to throw things at me." He said deceitfully.
"Don't even try to pin this whole thing on me." Ron warned.
Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Ron-"
"You could have mended the relationship anytime you wanted but you never did." Ron said once again looking away from Harry.
"You never tried either!" Harry yelled.
"Yeah well I was hoping you would forgive me before I apologized." Ron said folding his arms. Harry scoffed. "Listen, I didn't want to argue with you. Truth is, I just miss my best mate." He gave a sheepish grin to Harry and Harry felt a smile slowly creep onto his face.
"I've missed you too." Harry said. Ron pulled him into a brief hug before letting go.
"Now that we're done with that," Ron started. "I was wondering if you would like to join me in a game of chess?"
"Why so you can make me feel like a loser?" Harry laughed.
"It's only fair since you yelled at me." Ron replied.
"You were hitting the wrong buttons." Harry said stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"You know, Seamus always was up for a game of chess." Ron said raising an eyebrow.
Harry laughed again, "Well in that case I guess you can go find Seamus."
"Noooo." Ron whined. "Just one match?"
"Fine." Harry sighed as they began walking up to the common room again.
As they walked through the halls together, Ron told Harry stories of Dean and Seamus. "They really haven't got a clue about sneaking around at night. Dean was meeting this girl one night and he walked by McGonagal's office!"
"Amateurs." Harry smiled.
"You're telling me. I thought it was just common sense to walk around the teacher's office." Ron said. He stopped talking though as a familiar face a approached them.
"Have you two seen Longbottom?" He asked. His tone was frantic and he looked paler than usual though It could have just been the light.
Ron glanced over to Harry knowing that if anyone knew it was him. "Neville should be up in the common room." Harry spoke. "Why would you need to know?"
He looked at Harry and his piercing blue eyes cut through Harry. "I just need to know."
"Well like I said, he's probably in the common room doing homework with Hermione or something." Harry told him.
Draco shook his head, "He's not there. I asked your sister."
"Maybe he's in Dumbledore's office then." Harry said recalling the meeting Neville had with him.
Once again he shook his head, "Dumbledore is not here either."
"What do you mean? Isn't he in his office?" Ron asked. He shook his head. Worry was written all over his face.
"If you must know, Neville left with Dumbledore a half hour ago. Dumbledore needed him earlier than normal so he could take Neville somewhere. They're not in the castle at all." Said a female voice from behind. "He wanted me to tell Harry." Harry's eyes trailed over to the voice and found Ginny walking down the staircase. Her eyes were locked on Draco and it was at that moment that Harry realized, she had never given up on him. Her mouth had a soft smile that she was trying hard to suppress. Her hands were nervously moving in front her.
Draco seemed to be eyeing her behavior as well as she walked down the stairs slowly. "That's not good." He said taking his eyes off of Ginny.
"What's going on?" Harry asked.
"I overheard Crabbe and Goyle talking in the loo today. Tonight is the day they enact the plan." He said. It was the first time Harry had ever seen Draco so grave about something. His eyes were filled with concern, his voice was solemn and filled the air with gloom. "Tonight is the night."
Harry's breathing slowed. "I forgot about them." He admitted. In the last week his mind had been preoccupied with the theatrics of his circle of friends. He had been more consumed in his loneliness than any other thing.
"I did too." Ron spoke faintly.
"They're bringing in death eaters any minute. That's what they had to transport." Draco told them. Harry's heart started thumping wildly against his ribcage. "What do we do?" He asked looking at Harry.
"We have to get some back up." Harry said after a short pause. "We have to warn the students."
"How?" Ginny asked.
"Ginny, you go down the Hufflepuff common room and warn them. Bring anyone who wants to help fight." Harry instructed. "Draco you do the same for Slyhterin, Ron you do Ravenclaw and I'll do Gryffindor."
"You want me to tell the people who are behind this evil plan that I know what they're up to?" Draco scowled.
"Warn the first and second years. See if you can get Daphne to help us." Harry suggested. "Meet here when you're done." They all nodded and went they're separate ways. Harry darted up the staircase making his way to the common room. Once he got there he sputtered off the password and found the common room abuzz. Finding Sarah in the crowd he ran up to her.
Her red hair was sleeked back in a ponytail and she was conversing with some of her friends. "Sarah, may I speak to you?"
Her head turned back, "Oh hi Harry!" She said excitedly. "I'll be right back you guys."
"Sarah, you have to help me." He said in a panicked tone.
Her face immediately dropped, "What? What's wrong?"
"Death eaters are about to come in the school. You have to stay here. You can't leave. It's dangerous. Tell everyone else." He said glancing around the common room.
Her face paled. "O-okay. I'll see what I can do."
"Great. Do you know where Hermione is?" He said searching through the crowd of people.
"She left shortly after Neville did. She took homework with her so maybe she went down to the library." Sarah said in a monotone.
Harry thanked her once again and let her return to her friends. He then ran up the stairs to his room to retrieve his map. He ran into Dean and Seamus. "'Lo Harry, where are you off to in such a hurry?"
"Death eaters are breaking into the school. I need you guys to help." Harry said tossing his clothes aside in search of the map. Dean and Seamus broke into laughter. "I'm serious. Are you going to help or not?"
Dean laughed, "Harry, there's no way death eaters could get into the school with Dumbledore here."
"That's the thing. Dumbledore isn't here." Harry spoke gravely.
"What?" Dean stammered.
"He left with Neville. We're the only defense. Now are you coming or not?" Harry inquired.
Dean nodded while Seamus looked apprehensive. "Where's Ginny?"
"She's recruiting some Hufflepuffs to help us." Harry stated picking up his map and stuffing it in his pocket.
"She's-she's going to help?" Seamus asked.
"Yep." Harry replied quickly.
"Then I'll help too." Seamus muttered.
"Perfect. Head down to the second floor. That's where the rest of them are meeting." Harry instructed before leaving them and heading down the stairs.
"Is it true Harry?" Lavender squeaked. "What your sister said about death eaters?"
"Yes. If you two could stand guard of the common room that would be helpful. We don't want them getting to the first years." Harry said pointing at Pavarti and Lavender.
"Okay." Pavarti said in a shaky voice. Harry walked past them and opened the map. He scanned it looking for Hermione's name. Luckily for him she was on the floor below him in an empty classroom. He left the common room and began to sprint down to where she was.
As his feet glided through the halls he began to become nervous. He hadn't spoke to Hermione in a long time. The prospect of speaking to her made him anxious and nervous. He came to a halt when he reached the classroom she was in. He waited outside trying to find every bit of courage he muster. Slowly he turned the doorknob and slipped inside.
She was in there. She was sitting on the floor with a potions book in her lap. She was reading it with such concentration that she didn't notice that Harry had slipped in. Harry tried to find words to say to her but they just weren't coming. She picked up the parchment that was resting beside her and scribbled something on it before she looked up. She jumped at the sight of him. "Oh!"
"Sorry." He managed to say.
"What are you doing here?" She asked. She looked apprehensively at him.
"I-I came for your help." He stuttered.
She put the book to the side and stood up. After smoothing out her skirt she focused on Harry once again. Her eyes narrowed. "With what?"
"Well I was talking to Draco and he...well he seems to think that death eaters are coming into the castle...it's probably true because he overheard Crabbe and Goyle talking about it and so-" Harry spouted off so quickly he wasn't sure if Hermione could understand him.
"Wait." She interrupted him. "You talked to Draco? I thought he wasn't speaking to any of us."
Harry knew she was upset that he talked to Harry first before Hermione but if she knew the details of their conversation she wouldn't be upset. "Well-"
"I thought he wouldn't ever speak to us again because of what you said." She choked.
Harry took a deep breath and tried to refrain from yelling at her. That wouldn't get them anywhere. "I thought you promised we would never fight."
"Well Harry-I-you-and-" she began to sputter. "It wasn't just me that started it. If I remember correctly it was you who refused to even look at me after it happened."
Harry sighed. "I was upset that you had lied."
"Lied?" Her voice rose. "Lied? About what?"
"About believing me." Harry spoke softly. "You said you believed me when I told you about my alternate universe but you didn't."
Hermione scowled, "I do believe in it."
"That's not what you said though!" Harry said loudly. Hermione flinched at his volume making Harry feel guilty.
Hermione took a step closer to him and clenched her jaw. "I never said I didn't believe you. Not once." She said bitterly.
"It was implied." Harry shot back. Hermione shook her head and Harry saw her eyes fill with tears. "Listen," he sighed, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I haven't spoken to you in days, I'm sorry I yelled, I'm sorry I accused you of saying things you didn't. I'm sorry. But the fact of the matter is death eaters are coming into the castle any minute now and I need a brilliant witch to help me out."
Hermione smiled at his apology and swung her arms around him. "I'm sorry Harry." He hugged her back, holding onto her just as tightly as she was holding onto him.
"I've got to go. If you want to help we're meeting on the second floor." He said letting go of her. She took a deep breath and walked a few feet over the the lonely desk in the room.
"But Harry-" she said as she turned around. She wiped the tears that were now falling down her face. She looked terrified. She rested one of her hands on the desk.
"Everything will be fine." Harry consoled. "Don't worry." He walked over to her and placed his hands over her.
"I'm not as brave as you." She cried.
Harry shook his head, "Being brave doesn't mean you don't get scared. I'm terrified Hermione. It just means that you are willing to do something despite of your fears." Hermione sighed and looked down at the ground. "Besides," he said lifting her chin up to look at him. "You're one of the bravest girls I've ever met."
"Please be careful." She said gazing into his eyes.
"I will." He said lightly before he cupped her face and kissed her. It was a brief kiss that lasted no longer than a few seconds. He pulled away and smiled at her. "Bye Hermione." As he glanced back at her, she sat down on the desk. Her face was emotionless and her eyes were wide. Maybe he should have warned her.
"Where the bloody hell is Potter?" Draco asked impatiently. Everyone else had arrived. There were three Hufflepuffs, a handful of Ravenclaws, six Gryffindors and two Slytherins making a grand total of fourteen teenagers up against an army of death eaters. Draco was a little stressed.
Ron rolled his eyes. "Will you relax? He probably went to get Hermione."
Draco turned to look at Ron. He was leaning against the walls and looking at his cuticles. "Well how bloody long does it take for him to get her?"
"I dunno." Ron stated shortly.
"How much do you wanna bet he's snogging her?" Draco smirked.
Ron's eyebrows raised. "You think so?" Draco only smiled. "He does seem like the type of guy who would kiss his fair maiden before putting his life in danger."
"Exactly my point." Draco began pacing. "Unfortunately, we're running out of time."
"Do you think he lost track of time?" Ron said before he broke out in laughter.
Draco stifled a laugh, "All I know is that he better stop sticking his tongue down Hermione's-" he stopped as Harry came into view. "Oh hi, Harry! We were just talking about you."
Harry scowled at him. "How many people showed up?"
"You make number fifteen." Draco replied.
"Hermione should be coming shortly." Harry told him. Draco looked over at Ron who was already smirking in his direction. "Let's divide into groups."
"Okay. You're in charge Harry." Draco said stepping back.
He watched as Harry examined the group they had put together. "I need the Hufflepuffs to watch the dungeons. That includes keeping the Slytherin and Hufflepuff common rooms 'death eater free'." Harry moved over the the Ravenclaws and thought of where they should go. "You four should go alert ALL the professors about what will be transpiring tonight. We could use their help as well." He then moved to group of Gryffindors. "Katie, Dean and Alicia; head up to Snape's office and keep tabs on him. You three can patrol that part of he corridor." Draco took a second to marvel at Harry's ability to take charge. Commands were gliding smoothly off his tongue even though Draco knew Harry was scared. His outward appearance may seem to be collective and calm but Draco could see the fear hidden within his eyes. He supposed that is why Harry was put in Gryffindor after all. He had the ability to mask his fear for the sake of others. "All the rest of us will patrol the sixth floor. That's where they all will come from."
"You heard him people! Let's go!" Ron called out. Immediately the crowd of students began making their way to their designated spots. Draco walked behind Katie and Ginny who were laughing together. Draco supposed this was a good sign. Draco turned his head and was surprised to see Hermione lingering in the back. He hadn't noticed she had appeared and he wondered how long she been there. He glanced in front of him and saw Harry walking nobly in front of the group. His only question now was why they weren't walking together, he knew that at this point they had to have apologized to each other.
"Are you ready for this?" A smooth voice said from his right. He turned to find a dark haired witch with piercing green eyes.
Draco shrugged, "As ready as I'll ever be."
"Do you think we will be able to hold them off?" She asked. This time her voice broke off and Draco took that to mean she was frightened.
Draco sighed, "I don't know Daph. It's a hard thing to foretell. It really could go either way. My pessimism usually gets the best of me in these situations."
"At least you're honest." She grumbled. "You're brutally honest but I guess that can be a good thing."
"I'm just surprised you came. I didn't think you would show up." He admitted.
She shrugged, "I did it for you mostly, but also because I'm tried of always being afraid. I want to brave for once in my life."
Draco exhaled loudly and Daphne grabbed his hand. Draco frowned at this display of affection. "Listen Daph, we've got to talk."
"About us?" She inquired.
"Yeah-" Draco started.
She held up her hand. "I already know."
"You do?" He asked slightly surprised.
She nodded. "You still like her Draco. I've spent enough time with you to gather that much. I see the way your eyes watch her every morning when she walks in for breakfast. You like her."
Draco was stunned. He thought he did a pretty good job at concealing his feelings. He did a whole lot better than Potter did. How on earth could Daphne know? He knew she was a clever girl and that she did pay attention to details but he couldn't have been obvious could he? "You're not mad?" He asked. His relationship with Daphne was unlike any other. What first started out as an artificial relationship turned into something beautiful. Before they spent most of their time snogging each other senseless, but after his downfall with his friends Daphne guided him. Eventually the snogging stopped and he began going to Daphne in search of advice. He had grown rather fond of her. She was a nice friend.
"I'm not mad." She said shaking her head slightly. "I mean yeah, we had something together but I'm graduating soon Draco. I have a lot to be thinking about."
"I hope you understand me when I say I'll miss you next year." Draco intoned.
She laughed softly. "I'll miss you too. We can still write to each other. I'm sure I'll have nothing better to do."
"You'll probably be going on dates every other night." Draco teased.
She laughed, "I'm not so sure about that. I'm not popular among the Slytherins or any house for that matter."
"Yeah well you're a pretty girl who's about to leave all that house stuff behind." Draco said putting his hands in his pocket.
"Thanks Draco." She blushed. "You're sweet."
"I'm honest." He corrected. "I chose you for a specific reason Daph."
"Yes well if it means anything to you, you were an excellent kisser." She smiled.
Draco laughed, "Make sure you get word around."
"Will do. In the meantime, you should probably apologize to the girl you hurt." She said raising an eyebrow.
Draco sighed. "I guess that would be the proper thing to do."
She rolled her eyes, "I'm going to leave you now. You can think about it on your own now. I've got to stay with the group." She winked at him and fled to the crowd of students in front of Draco. She immediately began striking up a conversation with Finnigan.
As they made their way to the sixth floor he watched as Harry directed groups of students to their positions. Draco stayed back and leaned against the wall. His conversation with Daphne had made his mood a little better but not by a whole lot. He was still nervous about dueling a bunch of death eaters. He did well in DADA but that wasn't the same as actually defending against the dark arts. Harry began walking towards Draco in the dim lighting. "How long do you think we have?" Draco asked him as he got within reach.
"Not long, probably." Harry scratched the back of his head. "I figure we can guard the entrance to the Room of Requirement. We will be able to handle it right?"
Draco shrugged. "I guess so." He watched as Harry glanced down the hall at all the other students. Draco glanced as well. The students were lined up down the hall in case death eaters escaped. Hermione stood on the opposite wall a little ways away from Draco and Harry. He smirked. "How did it go with Hermione?"
Draco watched as Harry nodded slowly. "It went okay." He said looking at the ground.
"What was that?" He asked again.
He watched again as Harry looked away from to glance over at Hermione. "I said it was fine." Draco could see the smile tugging at Harry's lips.
"Wait, I know that face." Draco said. He looked over at Hermione who was stealing a glance at Harry. "You kissed her!" Harry's eyes widened at this statement, proving that Draco was right. "I was right!"
"Shhh!" Harry hissed. He looked in Hermione's direction. "She might hear you."
"What's the matter with that? You kissed her, she should be fully aware of that." Draco pointed out. "Unless you kissed her when she was asleep..."
Harry looked over at her again panicked. "I just don't want her to think that I'm making a big deal out of it."
Draco glanced over at Hermione as well and saw that she was chatting with Ginny at the moment. "Making a big deal of it? How is talking about it making a big deal about it?" He hissed.
"I just-" Harry started before Draco went off.
"You kissed her and now you're going to pretend like nothing happened?! I'm sorry to tell you but girls do not appreciate when you kiss them and pretend it never happened. Believe me, if I've learned anything this year that would be it." Draco said grabbing ahold of Harry's shoulders. "Now why aren't you over there talking to her? She probably thinks you hate her now!"
"But I don't hate her. That's why I kissed her." Harry explained.
Draco rolled his eyes, "Girls are funny about that sort of thing."
"She probably hates me if anything." Harry intoned. "I probably ruined everything by kissing her."
That was the final straw. Draco let go of Harry and took a step back before he injured Harry. "Wait what?"
"I'm just saying. I probably ruined any chance of getting her by kissing her." Harry mumbled.
"You're kidding me right?" Draco stalled trying to refrain from yelling.
"What?"
"OH MY-" Draco bellowed.
A few heads turned to look at Draco. "Will you shut up? People are looking."
"No!" Draco yelled. "I won't actually because you're so stupid!"
Harry scowled. "What is your problem?"
"My problem? My problem?" Draco hissed. Harry looked around. People were looking at Draco all right. As they went back to their conversations they kept a careful eye on Draco. Draco could feel his shoulders moving up and down as he breathed heavily.
"You just need to calm down." Harry said quietly putting his hand on Draco's shoulder.
"I can't do it anymore." Draco said shaking his head. He had tried more than anything to stay calm but it was getting too much for him to take. "You both are so daft. You and Granger. You wanna know why?" He stopped and cleared his throat. "BECAUSE YOU TWO FANCY EACH OTHER FOR PETE'S SAKE!"
Harry looked like he had been slapped. "Wait what?"
"Yes that's right. I've sat and listened to you both confess your attraction for each other. She would tell me all about you and you would tell me all about her but you two were both two daft to see what's in front of you!" Draco ranted.
Harry looked surprised. "She talked about me?"
"All the bloody time! And I thought maybe one of you would smarten up and ask one another who you fancy and it would be this romantic ending but you two couldn't see the obvious hints!" He breathed. Harry began to say something but Draco stopped him. "She never agreed to be girlfriend because of you. She was upset when you said you were going stag because all she wanted was for you to ask her. Let's not forget about how she idolized all of your research and talent or how she fell asleep on you several times because she felt so comfortable around you. She fell for you Potter! Wake up and smell the roses." He said bitterly.
"Is everything all right over here?" Seamus came up to Draco.
Draco rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Yes yes. I've just be boiling in people's stupidity for too long." He said looked over at Harry who was breathing heavily. His eyes were fixated on the wall behind Draco and Draco could see the cogs turning in his mind. Finally the daft git realizes what's been in front of him the whole time. He could see a smile starting to form on the love struck boy, but Draco wouldn't get to see it, at least not now at least. Because his attention was focused on the opening door.