Authors note:He my dear readers, I apologize for the wait and present to you Chapter 28. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed typing it hehe ;)
Summary: See Prologue for full summary.
Warnings: Violence, bad language and BoyXBoy romance, self made spells, Oh and I'll just apologize beforehand. If any characters appear to be a bit OC sorry, since I am not the brilliant and talented J.K. Rowling I do not possess the ability to capture the true essence of the Harry Potter characters.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, it belongs to J.K Rowling and The Warner Brothers. I am simply playing around with the characters to satisfy my Drarry desires.
Thanks to:
kitty tokyo uzumaki - Hi thanks for the review, I'm really happy you enjoyed it.
natsuki23 - haha as always I enjoy reading your reviews, since you were my first fan ;) Glad I could meet your expectations and may you enjoy the rest which I have in store for you. Thanks for the review.
I just want to say thanks for my wonderful Beta - gryffindor rat, she helped me so much when I got stuck in a slump and even listened to all my whining and complaining. Thanks you so much my ratty cousin, love you dearly.
Now let us continue!
Chapter 28
The shadow lurked at the outskirts of Hogwarts, basking in the darkness of night as it healed Its wounds. The Dark Forest whispered to it, the sounds of creatures and beasts within, carried by the wind. The Shadow could smell the fear and Its skin prickled as images of great terrors flashed in Its broken mind, but was soon replaced by a blinding pain. "You have a duty to fulfill my pet, one task as ordered by your master, kill the one whose blood runs within your own. Go hunt down your prey and do not disappoint me." The Shadow wrapped itself in Its cloak-like skin, hiding Its gruesome body from the world. It had to recover quickly, for Its Master was growing impatient. It sang, a song filled with lament, but the thudding of human footsteps silenced it. Sliding into the shadows, the creature listened as The Large Human threaded toward the forest, his whimpering hound whining as its master dragged something that sounded like a large container to the edge of the forest.
"There ya go, time ta head on home now." The Large Human bellowed, his tone sounding pleased and a strange fleshy animal crawled out of the case, dragging its lanky body slowly behind it before it stilled and sniffed the air. Turning once to look at its captor, the animal scurried quickly into the thick mass of trees. The Shadow was entranced, the sound waves it received from the small trunk, created an enticing image within Its mind. The clasps still undone, but showing promise as it would lock away whatever hid within. Safety… A longing grew within the Shadow. Slowly it glided closer to the wooden chest, steel nails glimmered from where they were embedded into the timber. The howl of The Large Human's hound snapped the Shadow out of Its trance. "What is it Fang? Somet'ing out there?" The Shadow curled up, trying to fuse with the darkness, yet Its injuries prevented it from fading. The Large Human neared it and the Shadow feared that It would be discovered, not so much fearing the Large Human, but rather Its Master's wrath if It failed in Its duty. Just as the Large Human was almost upon It, the sound of hooves interrupted his approach.
"What in blazes, what are you lot doing out here?" Hagrid asked the herd of centaurs, which had emerged from the forest, the half horse, half men creatures, stomping their hooves in anxiety. One approached the half-giant, bowing his head before it stared at the starless night. "Evening, one named Hagrid. The night is heavy and the heavens are uneasy." Hagrid looked at the centaur questionably. "Firenze! We cannot stay long, The Shadow looms near." Firenze nodded. "It had been in the shadows for a long time, Ronan. As such let's make haste."
"We come with warning, Hagrid. The stars are uneasy, they are trembling with fear for the future. Hogwarts is in grave danger." Hagrid stared at the centaurs, his dark eyes large. He was about to ask what they meant when one of the other centaurs stomped his feet erratically, his nostrils flaring as he looked to the sky. "What is it, Magorian?" Ronan asked, moving closer to his companion. "The constellation of the Dragon is bleeding!" The others stilled, all staring at the night sky with sorrow. "Heed the warning Hagrid! A lost one is living within the castle." And with those final words, the herd galloped back into the darkness of the forest, leaving a baffled Hagrid behind them.
Hagrid lifted the wooden trunk, and made his way toward his hut, thinking of what the centaurs had said and not noticing the Shadow that lingered close by.
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Harry couldn't stop himself from bouncing his leg up and down as he waited with anticipation for Madam Pomfrey to return. He had been in the hospital wing for four days now, and he was just about ready to go insane. Already many escape plans had formed within his mind, and he swears to Merlin that if he wasn't released today, that he would execute his great escape. The school will speak for ages about his heroic effort and sing songs about his battle against the fearsome Medi-Witch! They would- Harry sighed as he broke away from that thought, acknowledging the boredom and insanity that was causing him to babble to himself. He really, really wanted to be released. The large door opened and Harry nearly cried with relief as he saw the Medi-Witch smiling at him.
"Well, Mr Potter, I am happy to inform you that you are free to go. Classes are just about to end, so off with you!" Madam Pomfrey shooed him away and Harry didn't waste any time to jump up and rush toward the door, yelling a thanks over his shoulder. The Gryffindor smiled brightly as he marched through the halls, just relishing in the feeling of moving again, even if it was with a ridiculous bounce in his step. His legs were stiff from lying down for much too long, and with an extra-large skip in his step, he decided that he would ask Ron and the others to go flying. Instantly his mood dampened a bit, as he remembered that Draco could not leave the castle walls. He thought maybe to show the others the secret room which held a part of the Room of Requirements but felt reluctant to do so. Selfish as it might be, he didn't want to share their secret place with anyone just yet. "Am I really that self-centered? It's just a room…" But it was the first place where you had seen Draco without his mask. His mind reminded him.
Deciding that he would think about it when the time came he continued on his journey to the Gryffindor Tower, feeling that a shower and change of clothes was desperately needed. He jumped back a bit as his chest filled with warmth, and could have sworn that the stone floor purred beneath his feet. Puzzled at the oddness of it all Harry stumbled when a body collided with his own. Books and loose parchment cluttered to the floor and the other person swore loudly as they started to pick up the scattered goods. Harry recognized the voice instantly, and smiled as he stared shamelessly at the boy's arse as he bent down to retrieve his dispersed books, muttering under his breath about idiotic visionless prats, prancing about in the hallways. Harry laughed at that, which caused the blond to jump back and stare wide eyed at the Gryffindor.
"Sorry for being a visionless prat." Harry stated, placing a hand on his hip as he grinned at Draco's stunned expression. Draco couldn't help but gape like a fish, before he composed himself and glared at the bespectacled boy. "You know, it is believed to be quite rude and discourteous for the person who had bumped, so boorishly I might add, into another, to not offer his assistance in retrieving the fallen items of his unfortunate victim." Draco drawled, looking down in a false act of searching the ground for more of his dropped items. He avoided making eye contact with the Gryffindor Golden Boy in fear that he would not be able to sustain his composure. There was no need for the Slytherin Ice Prince to make a fool of himself by blushing like some awestruck Potter fan girl, he was already threatening his heart to calm down, but the organ decided to be Gryffindorish and ignore him with stubbornness.
"Oh I'm so sorry for my rudeness, here let me help you." Harry smiled as he lifted half of the pile of books out of the blonde's hold and tucking them under his arm. Draco glowered at him, his irritation making him forget why he had avoided looking at those emerald eyes. Harry didn't know why he enjoyed it so much to tease and irritate the Slytherin, but it might have something to do with how expressive the blonde's silver eyes became with his ire. "I don't need some Gryffindor's help! I am perfectly capable in carrying my own things so if you don't mind, give them back this instant." Draco snapped, only to receive a laugh for his efforts. "I don't think so, so where are we headed and why are you carrying around your own personal little library?" Harry asked, easily evading the pale hand, which tried to grasp one of the books he was holding.
"Merlin! Why must you be so aggravating? Why is it that you must indulge that curiosity of yours by asking me such senseless questions?" Draco growled before looking up at Harry's expectant gaze. Instantly, Draco realized it was the wrong thing to do, as those deep verdant eyes seemed to swallow him in and encourage a flush to overtake his cheeks. Swallowing, Draco decided that with Harry, it was always easier to just give him what he wanted and seeing as this was not some big a secret, Draco felt it fine to 'give in', so to speak. "Fine I'll humor you. I'm heading to the library to return these items as requested of Professor Birndstock." Draco stated, his voice tight and Harry instantly knew that there was more than simply being sent on an errand bothering the Malfoy heir. "Since when was there a need to send students to return items to the library?" The raven haired boy asked, and this seemed to be a trigger because Draco's whole body became stiff. "Since it seems that a Death Eater on trial is not classified as a student and is thus not allowed to participate in learning offensive magic much less join in a wizards dual." The Slytherin hissed, quickening his pace in an attempt to work off his anger. Harry felt the prickle of rage tickling his belly. He could understand the students being biased but for a Professor to be so partial. The worst feeling was that he couldn't confront the person in question as he would another student, simply because the person was a teacher. He could, however, maybe throw the Headmaster some few hints when he saw him again. It was something he would keep in mind, certainly. If not Professor Dumbledore, then certainly to professor Snape.
They had finally gotten the silver eyed Slytherin to forgive himself a little, but being treated like a Death Eater convict, not only by the students, but by the faculty as well, was not helping the blonde to move beyond his past mistakes. A sudden protectiveness overwhelmed Harry and without a second thought he grabbed Draco's arm, once again causing the load in the other boy's arms to tumble to the ground. "POTTER!" The Slytherin screeched, his face flushed with anger, but he had no time to curse the bespectacled boy since he was dragged by his arm, at a rushed pace, down the corridor. "Salazar, Potter what has gotten…?" Draco tried but was cut off by the piercing green eyes that stared at him.
"Just follow me." Harry said, returning his attention to the hallways and entrances that lied before him. Hogwarts seemed to understand the Savior's intentions because it squealed with delight, opening locked doors and subtly helping them on their way while humming annoyingly in Draco's mind. The Pure Blood was past confused and thus decided just to let himself be manhandled until the Gryffindor overcame this stroke of insanity. It wasn't until much later that the Slytherin recognized where they were headed; only to have his speculations proven as they approached the golden statue he had dubbed, Mr. Porkey. They did not even need to place the crystal chalice upon the podium, as Hogwarts had already ensured that the entranceway was open. Harry tilted his head in question, but shrugged his shoulders as he led Draco down the steps that would lead them to the secret chamber. Once their feet touched the grass of the magical landscape, it was as if they had triggered a switch, for they were deafened by the sound of birds and insects. A breeze cooled down their heated faces, as they breathed in the fresh air which was scented with the aroma of spring flowers. The surface of the lake glimmered in the distance, enchantingly, beckoning them closer.
"Will you please explain to me now what is going on in that swollen head of yours?" Draco finally asked, blushing slightly, as Harry had yet to release the hold on his arm. Harry cleared his throat, not quite sure how to explain. He hadn't really planned ahead, other than coming here to let the Prince of Slytherin's fury cool down. Seeing the confusion on the Gryffindor's face, Draco sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand. "As much as I would love to remain here, I really should get those books to the library, I don't need Mr. Birndstock interrogating me." Draco stated, his gaze lingering on the lake before he attempted to remove his arm from Harry's grasp.
"Fuck Birndstock, the house-elves will return the books to the Library." Harry exclaimed, pinning Draco with a stern gaze. Draco shifted on his feet, his heart was already racing with the thought of spending some time with the Gryffindor, but that in itself would be dangerous. Draco didn't need his foolish feelings for Harry to grow any more than they already have. "Harry, I really should…" Draco tried but was once again rudely interrupted.
"Come swim with me!" Harry blurted, blushing fiercely after he realized what he had said. The only thing he could think about was how beautiful the lake was and how refreshing the water looked as it glimmered under the sunlight. So the first thought to pop in his head when he was thinking of ways to keep Draco there, was to go for a swim. "Excuse me?" The blond asked, his eyes growing large. Reeling in his Gryffindor courage Harry slid his hand down Draco's arm to take a hold of his hand. "Let's go for a swim, Draco."
Draco couldn't stop staring at Harry, flabbergasted at the ludicrous proposal that had come from those plump lips. He had no idea how to counter such a suggestion, all he knew was that he could definitely not allow the other to find out about Draco's weakness when it came to water. "T-There is no way that I am going for a swim in a lake. It is much too undignified." Draco scoffed, but sputtered as Harry lifted him in his arms. "Don't be such a prude, Draco." Harry grinned, tightening his hold on the blonde's slim frame, glad to notice that he was heavier than the last time he had carried him. Draco struggled and cussed, but Harry did not give in to his threats, besides… The Gryffindor would be lying if he denied that he did not enjoy having the Slytherin in his arms, even if said Slytherin was wriggling like a worm. The Boy Who Lived had to resist the urge to lean in and silence those complaining lips, but forced himself to behave.
Draco gasped as he was deposited right at the edge of the lake, the water lapping at his shoes. "Come on, it'll be fun." Harry laughed, winching as the blond pinched his arm. "I have no desire to swim with you." Draco hissed, his eyes never leaving the water, he looked at the liquid doubtfully. "Is the great Draco Malfoy scared of getting a little wet?" Harry taunted, receiving a hateful glare but was happy as the blond started to remove his robe. Only when said blond started unbuttoning his shirt did Harry see the error in his plans. "W-What are you doing?" Harry stuttered staring as more and more soft creamlike skin was being exposed. "I will not be running my clothes, Harry and unless you plan on transfiguring us some swimwear, you'll have to settle for me in the nude."
Now that gave Harry plenty of glorious images to fantasize about, but as he watched Draco's hand move to the waistband of his trousers, the Boy Who Lived gave an unmanly yelp. "Wait, hold on, I'll transfigure us some swimming trunks." Harry exclaimed hurriedly drawing his wand before Draco could decide to remove more clothing.
Draco had to suppress the sigh of relief as Harry handed him the simple black swim suit. He had taken a large risk in hoping that Saint Potter would catch his suggestion of transfiguring some swim wear, not really wishing to become some nude exhibitionist. Though at the back of his mind he was a little disappointed. Did Harry find his body of-putting? He couldn't deny that he was still somewhat on the skinny side and had not regained the lean Quidditch Seeker muscle he once had. The blonde still avoided looking into mirrors as much as he could, so logically he could understand why the Boy Who Lived would not wish to suffer through seeing him. Yet the mere thought made his insides twist painfully. He decided not to ponder over it and after the two boys agreed to turn around to give the other privacy, they got dressed.
Harry didn't hesitate to just dive into the water, breaking through the surface as he gasped at the sudden cold. Draco stared, entranced as the Gryffindor's muscles rippled as he swam and the Slytherin couldn't help feel jealous of the water which caressed and stroked Harry's smooth skin. The Savior on the other hand could feel the admiring gaze of the blond on him, and grinning within his mind, he stopped his strokes to stand with the water slapping at his toned abdomen. Raking a hand through his wet mop of hair he turned toward Draco with a sideways smirk. "Like what you see, Malfoy?" The slender male blanched, color spreading from his high cheekbones all the way down to his sharp collarbone. "In your dreams Potter." Draco huffed turning his gaze back toward the edge of the water, which only made the Chosen One laugh.
"I'm waiting Draco, when you finally decide to use some of that hidden courage of yours, please feel free to join me." Harry teased, staring as the blond glared at the water as if the liquid was the most offending substance to have dared to cross his path. Draco bit his lip as he took a step into the cool water, the water hungrily devouring his ankle and the blond had to close his eyes and concentrated on calming down his panicked breaths. Daring to take another step he froze as his feet sank into the sand only causing the water to rise up to his thigh. His heart escalated at the feeling of the cold water that surrounded him, he could not hear Harry talking to him nor could he see the hand that reached for him. He was swept up into a memory.
He had been eight, crying as the horrible boy neared him with a grin that showed all his perfect white teeth. The boy was older than him, maybe in his late teens or early twenties, he had long ink black hair that turned dark blue if the light caught it at the right time. A strange golden rune was engraved into his face which he mostly hid with the hood of his robe, only when he was alone with Draco did he remove it. And he was always alone with Draco.
The small boy trembled as he saw the older boy approach him with long even strides. "Good Afternoon Draco." His silk like voice seemed to echo in the small white room, and Draco couldn't help but whimper with fear. He winched as the other boy reached out to cup his face with his long, claw-like fingers. "And here I thought that the Malfoy heir would have been taught some decent manners, so let us try again. Good Afternoon Draco." The boy shifted his hand so that he could grab the young boy's chin, forcing the other to look at him with his large dove grey eyes. "G-good A-Af-ter-noon" Draco stuttered, stumbling backwards as his face was released.
"I have good news Draco, we're going to be doing something a bit different today, I'm sure you'll enjoy it." Draco cringed at the sultry tone, and wrapped his arms around his quivering form, sobbing silently. The older boy merely smiled at the tears that streamed down the frightened boy's face. He flicked his fingers, which caused a large glass box to appear in the room, it had strange iron rods at the sides of the inner glass walls. Draco stared at the strange object with confusion but when he was dragged toward it, he felt a tendril of terror stroke his insides.
"In you go." The other boy chirped, seeming to push Draco right through the glass. When he turned around to face the dark haired boy, he was shocked to realize he was trapped in the center of the glass box. "Let's see how you react under pressure." The other man grinned insanely before once again flicking his finger causing the glass box to fill with water, the liquid rushing in from all sides. "And how better to test it, than placing you under some water pressure!" He laughed, watching as the small blond boy banged on the glass desperately before the water engulfed him.
"Draco!" Harry shook the blond, finally snapping the Slytherin out of the trance he had been in. Harry's heart nearly stopped when he saw Draco's eyes glaze over and how the boy was paralyzed with fear. Not understanding what was happening the Gryffindor had called out to the boy, shaking him like a rag doll in an attempt to wake him from whatever memory he was lost in. Those dull grey eyes seemed to clear up, becoming its usual brilliant silver, which Harry liked very much. "H-Harry?" Draco asked, his mind still heavy after the memory. "God, don't scare me like that Draco!" Harry exclaimed, wrapping his arms around the blond and stuffing Draco's face in the hollow of his collarbone. Draco's heart, which had just started to calm down, decided to race once more at the feeling of their wet skin touching.
"Harry!" Draco tried to push away but that only forced the Gryffindor to tighten his hold on the blond. "I'm sorry, I didn't know…" Harry tried to apologize, knowing that somehow, because of him Draco had to relive a memory from his past, and from his reaction it wasn't a pleasant one. Draco sighed, wrapping his own arms around the taller boy, just relishing the feeling of their naked chests flush against one another; they could feel the erratic beating of their hearts as the organs pounded against each other, only blocked by a few layers of skin and muscle. Like star-crossed lovers. Draco thought before shaking his head for such sappy thoughts. After some time Harry finally let go of the Malfoy heir and seeing the stricken look in those emerald eyes Draco had to do something to ease the other boy's worries. Collecting some courage, Draco took a deep breath before kissing the other boy's cheek quickly.
"You still want to swim?" Draco asked in a hushed voice, avoiding the shocked gaze of the Boy Who Lived. The kiss had been so fleeting, Harry wondered if it had even happened but the rose colored blush was evidence enough and that made Harry smile. "Of course." He replied as he grabbed a hold of Draco's hand and led him deeper into the water. "Wait Harry, I need to inform you that I am not completely experienced nor knowledgeable of this activity!" Draco spluttered, gripping the other boy's hand tightly. Harry nearly tripped at the Slytherin's words. There was a long awkward silence as Harry stared at the blond boy with exasperation.
"Draco! If you couldn't swim why in the name of Merlin did you agree to go swim!" Harry yelled, angered at the Slytherin's idiocy. "It isn't as if I am completely oblivious, I know what is needed to do. I've studied the theory; I just haven't done it practically." Draco sniffed, ignoring the dumfounded look Harry was giving him. "Really, you're something else Draco. God!" Harry groaned but sighed as he looked at Draco who was sulking.
"Come on then, I'll teach you." Harry said with a smile, his eyes alight with the joy at seeing Draco's silver orbs glimmer with excitement. "Just remember, you offered. I did not ask for help." Draco muttered, allowing Harry to drag him deeper into lake. It was only the feeling of Harry's hand in his own that prevented Draco from having a flashback once more as the water climbed higher and higher. His grip tightened painfully, but Harry didn't seem to mind, as he only rubbed Draco's hand soothingly with his thumb. Finally, they were chest deep in the water and the Slytherin had to control the urge to cling to Harry, though he did stand a bit closer. The Gryffindor seemed a bit bemused, yet valiantly didn't comment on Draco's apparent anxiety.
"Right, first, you need to get used to having your face in the water. It's what most people struggle with the most." Draco dubiously watched the dark waters of the lake, slightly apprehensive that he couldn't see far into the clean, yet dim water. Who knows what was waiting for him beneath the surface, or how filthy the water is. Intellectually, he knew that since this wasn't a natural lake, rather one the room conjured, there would be no creatures lying in wait, nor could the water be anything but crystal clean. Yet he would feel better if he could see his feet. As if the room heard him, the water gradually lightened till it was a brilliant aquamarine color, seeming to glint in the sun. He could see the smooth white sand his toes were buried in, as well as the warped image of his and Harry's lower bodies. Glancing up, he saw Harry trailing his hands curiously through the aqua water and rolled his eyes. Of course the Chosen One would be curious, not alarmed.
"Draco, you're stalling…" Flinching guiltily at Harry's amused tone, he sighed again, and lowered his head till it was right above the surface of the clear water. He swallowed, trying to even his breaths. After a while, his shoulders slumped and he straightened, turning his face away from Harry, ashamed that he couldn't even put his face in a bit of water. Harry looked at Draco's neck, the tension gathering there and remembered a memory from when he was young, one he had almost forgotten. As a child, he had never really gotten the luxury of long, relaxing baths. Instead his aunt had thrown him in the tub in Dudley's dirty water and proceeded to scrub him viciously, all the while muttering about how she would not stand for a filthy child in her house. Usually, she just used some cheap soap to wash him and also his hair and never did she bother to rinse him carefully. More often than not, if she wanted to wash the suds out of his hair, she would just push him onto his back and force his head under the water, roughly scrubbing his hair and face. Though she had never kept him under for too long or even caused him to almost drown, he had developed an intense dislike for putting his face in water, or even submerging himself.
It was only when he was nine years old and bathing on his own for four years, that he decided he had to get over this irrational fear and wash his face with more than a clammy sponge. And so he had taught himself to no longer be apprehensive of water and later to even swim. He didn't know what Draco's bad experience with water was, but he would treat it as he did his own.
"Draco, it's alright to not be able to do it. Bloody hell, I had to overcome my own edgy behavior concerning water, so it's no shame for you to now be scared." As Harry had intended, Draco's head snapped up at the word scared, his cheeks mottling in rage. "I am not scared! Forgive me if I am not eager to ruin my artfully arranged hair. I can understand how you wouldn't mind, seeing as water can only be good for that mop your call hair, but mine is perfect without it thanks." Draco was so busy ranting, he didn't even see Harry's hands till the wet appendages cupped his cheeks. Eyes wide and mouth hanging open, Draco turned to look at the ebony-haired boy, as Harry smoothed his wet hands over Draco's face, along his eyebrows, over his eyelids, which he was forced to close, only to open them as Harry moved on. The pale boy could feel the other's wet thumb tracing his lips and his eyelashes fluttered as he was overwhelmed by the soft caress. Next thing he knew, one hand was gone, only to be replaced by a newly wetted hand, running through his hair, casing the strands to plaster to his forehead and scalp.
"Potter-!" Harry smiled mischievously, before sinking in the water till it was just below his chin. He waited there, glancing at Draco through his eyelashes and blinking demurely. After a while of just staring in bafflement of the Gryffindor's odd behavior, Draco slowly, inch by inch, sunk down till he was at the other's level. The Boy Who Lived cupped his hands in the water, before quickly bring it to his face and smoothing it from forehead to chin, as if he was washing it. Again the Slytherin Prince was pinned by that penetrating stare, and slowly, he copied Harry. It was one thing to casually allow water to flow over your face in the bath or even shower, but another to know that you were in a big body of water and if you slipped, you could easily sink very deep. After a few minutes of only doing that, Harry leaned back, allowing the back of his head to slip into the water and just moved it back and forth. Once again, Draco followed. He could feel his coiled muscles relaxing and a small smile played along his mouth, only observable by those who knew him well. The water danced through his silky hair and he could feel the platinum blond strands become comfortingly heavy as they glided through the water. After another few relaxing minutes, Harry stood again and pulled Draco upright. He then bent over and, holding his face right above the surface of the water, once again cupped his hands, starting with a smaller amount of water covering his nose and mouth. This time, the platinum blond took a bit longer to follow, but when he did, he realized immediately on his first try, that as soon as he panicked over the water covering his face, his hands jerked and allowed the water to slip through them, preventing his heart from fully settling into an uneven beat. This calmed him considerably and looking at Harry's encouraging face, he did it again, and again, and again.
Finally, Draco had become so used to the feeling over the cool water sliding over his face, that, on his own, he held his breath and slipped under the water. He came up immediately, barely feeling the cool liquid caressing him, but he had done it. He had put his face under water on his own! Triumphantly, he turned towards Harry, only to be swept up in strong, tan arms, Harry's elated laughter ringing around him and he couldn't stop himself from smiling smugly against Harry's shoulder as his arms winded around Harry for a short hug.
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Ahhhhhh the fluffyness haha hope you enjoyed it. Please, pleaspleaseplese review!
