Sorry this chap was sorta… uh.. not good. XD at least I thought so. But my beta thought it was good so hopefully you all do to.
I was in a rush to write since so many things are going on. Death in family + Finals+ plus moving out next week = little time to sit and write.
Chapter 29
"Still…" Hermione said, her eyes glazed over in deep thought, "Something just doesn't seem right about all of this."
Ron rolled his eyes and shifted his bag on his shoulder as they walked to a table towards the back of the library, "You've been saying that for days, but none of us know what happened in Hogsmeade last weekend. And worrying about it isn't going to bring some magical enlightenment."
Harry groaned as he sank down into the hard chair at the table, "Can we please just stop talking about this right now. It's giving me a headache."
Hermione's school bad thudded against the table as she put it down, "Ignoring it doesn't make it go away, you know? Admit there's something seriously wrong with all of this."
"Of course there's something wrong 'Mione. Katie was attacked, obviously." Ron said.
"That's not what I meant. I suspect… well I suspect that it was a student that did this." Hermione said her voice dropping as she mumbled her next words, "Of course I don't have any evidence yet…"
"Exactly so just—" Harry started but Hermione cut him off with her thoughts.
"There's only one person I think it could've been though. He's got motive, ability, access, and no alibi so far as I know. But how do you prove something that no one saw…"
"Well who do you think it was? We can go from there can't we?" Ron asked as he pulled out a few rolls or parchment.
Harry wanted to tell them to just do their damn essays and stop talking about it. It wasn't that it didn't bug him just as much. He just couldn't do anything about it right now. He looked up for just a moment at he saw Draco walk in. Crabbe and Goyle were right behind him but Draco didn't seem to be paying them much attention. His bright eyes where aimed straight at Harry. Harry only looked back.
Draco gave him the smallest of nods and smiles before heading off to find his own table to study at.
There was something wrong with Draco.
Harry could feel it, even if he couldn't see any proof. Draco wasn't acting particularly different. But there was just something off. Harry didn't know what it was, and at this moment, he felt so overwhelmed by everything going on that he didn't think he would be able to dig out the truth.
"I think it was Draco Malfoy." Hermoine whispered making Harry's head whip around so quickly the room spun.
"What?" he asked, "Why the fuck would you think that? There's no way he could've done that to Katie." Harry whispered back harshly.
"Think about it Harry. I looked into that necklace. It was being sold and Borgin and Burkes." Hermione said leaning forward a little as though this somehow made thier conversation more private.
"That's a public store 'Mione. Anyone could have bought it." Ron added and Harry nodded in agreement.
"For nearly 2 million Galleons? There aren't a lot of people with that much money. And it had to be a student. Someone else coming in would've been noticed and instantly suspect. This was an inside job. Someone who could freely move between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. So that narrows the list of suspects to students here with the money to buy the necklace. Still no one can just spend that much money and not expect their parents to notice. So the students parents must've allowed it. Only a few parents I can think of would allow that."
"Death Eaters you mean?" Ron asked.
"Exactly." Hermione continued, "Rich Death Eaters who would be okay if their child was taking on such a dangerous task."
Harry had to admit that did seem to back the tiniest bit of sense. But it couldn't have been Draco. There were plenty of other Slytherins that could've done it.
"Harry you said you saw Blaise and Pansy in Honeydukes so it wasn't them. And there was a strange lack of Slytherins in the Three Broomsticks. And Harry, where was your invisibility cloak that day?" Hermione asked.
"I forgot in the…" he paused a minute. It was true he'd forgotten it in the tower room the day before the Hogsmeade trip. But that still didn't count for much.
"You see? Motive, he's a Death Eaters son. Ability, he had the money and he had parents that wouldn't care. Access, he could easily have gotten in and out of Hogsmeade especially since Harry's cloak was missing. And Alibi—"
"Draco had detention with McGonagall that day. Ask her yourself." Harry said, "And I know it wasn't him. Just trust me."
"Wait a minute…" Ron said slowly, "How would you know if Malfoy had detention? And how in the hell did you forget your invisibility cloak? And how would Malfoy be able to get it even if you did?"
Harry just stared at his best friend trying for a moment to think of a way to either side step those questions, or answer them as tactfully as possible so that Ron wouldn't pass out from shock.
Harry glanced over at Hermione for help but she only shook her head and leaned back, crossing her arms. She wasn't going to help him with this. Harry sighed. Well Ron had been rather accepting and kind when he'd found out that Harry was gay. This wasn't that much different.
"Okay so um… you know how I'm seeing a guy right?" Harry started hoping that even as oblivious as Ron could be, that would be enough for him to connect the dots.
Ron's eyes got as big as saucers, "M-Malfoy? Are you kidding me?" he asked half laughing as though hoping this were some huge joke.
Harry only shrugged. He wasn't really allowed to say much about it anyway.
"Holy shit…" Ron said looking just a bit green, "You're not kidding are you?"
Very suddenly the redhead stood up and quickly shoved all of his things back into his bag, "I'll see you two later." He muttered hastily before nearly running for the door.
"He just needs some time to cope." Hermione said quietly as though that somehow helped.
Harry banged his head onto the table a few times hoping that would stop how overwhelmed he felt. It didn't. It only made his forehead hurt. After a while he just let his head rest in his folded arms on the table. Hermione gently patted his shoulder.
"I know this must be a lot to deal with right now. The war, Dumbledore, dating Malfoy, this whole thing with Katie, the Quidditch match coming up in a few weeks, your homework, and the fact that Draco is a viable suspect. Plus now Ron's mad and Lupin's leaving."
"Lupin's leaving?" Harry asked his voice muffled from being buried in his arms.
"Oh yes, didn't you hear? Snape's taking his place and we're getting a new potions teacher."
Harry groaned and banged his head into the table again.
"Harry stop it. You're acting like a toddler." Hermione scolded.
Harry finally sat back and took a deep breath, "I can't help it okay. I'm just really, really feeling like crap right now."
Hermione looked down for a moment and sighed, "I know that, I really do. But that's why I wanted to talk to you about this. Harry, I know all about Draco's detention. But last Saturday, McGonagall was called out on urgent business. She had Filch take care of the two detentions she'd assigned for that day."
Harry looked at her not really understanding what she was getting at. So Filch did the detention instead. No big deal. Draco still wasn't in Hogsmeade.
"Draco is a master at potions, I'm sure you know. We managed a polyjuice in 2nd year. He could certainly brew one up and he's pretty close to Snape so ingredients wouldn't be a problem. Plus he's got two faithful lackeys that would do whatever he told them. And since Filch was in charge of the detention, one wouldn't need to know much about Draco's mannerisms to pretend to be him. And they could probably get away with taking swigs of the potion during the detention too, to keep up the spell. I'm sorry but just the more I think about it the more it seems like…"
Harry listened quietly and even though he could understand the words that were coming from Hermione's mouth, he couldn't bring himself to believe that it was true. Draco wouldn't hurt Katie. Draco wasn't a Death Eater. Draco had no reason to even try something like that.
"I know this is a lot to ask since you're already dealing with so much, but I was thinking you should ask him about it. You're the only one who can really talk to him about it."
"He's not a Death Eater. He would never hurt anyone." Harry defended half heartedly.
"He may not want to hurt anyone. But do you think he'd die to save someone else? I mean you two are in a relationship but do you think he'd even die to save you?"
"Just shut the fuck up!" Harry shouted standing up quickly.
Hermione's mouth snapped shut quickly and she looked down at her lap as though ashamed of what she'd said. She even whispered, "I'm sorry."
Madame Pince quickly scurried over and ordered Harry to leave the library for using such foul language. Harry just nodded and grabbed all his things before leaving.
He hadn't meant to yell but it was just too much all at once. He couldn't take it anymore. And Hermione just kept talking and talking and talking and… he couldn't stand a minute more of it. Draco was about all he had left that made him honestly happy. But it looked like he couldn't even have that anymore. The few hours a day he had to spend with Draco now had to be tainted by all this.
He was stressed out beyond belief. He felt out of control and on the verge of explosion. Even yelling like that hadn't released all the stress he was holding inside of himself.
Someone touched his shoulder and Harry only shrugged them off. He assumed it was Hermione coming to calm him down.
"I'm fine Hermione." He muttered.
"No you're not." Draco whispered, "Come on, you need to relax. Lets go to the tower room, okay."
Harry didn't even turn to look at Draco. He just stood still for a moment before nodding. Laying down with Draco sounded absolutely amazing right now. Harry glanced around a little to see if anyone was around.
"It's okay, no one's watching. Let's get going."
Harry nodded and whispered back, "Yeah, thanks."
They walked quietly down the halls. Draco wasn't touching him, wasn't holding his hand or anything. But he was close behind. Close enough that Harry felt comforted. It took them a little while to reach the tower room and even when others walked by, Draco didn't back away. That was even more comforting. And Draco didn't waste time trying to convince Harry that it was okay and that he'd be okay. Because neither of them was really sure of either of those things. The silence and lack of empty comforting words gave Harry time to begin sorting through his thoughts. By the time they reached the door to the tower room, Harry felt like he was able to function again.
It was silent, and the sun hung low and orange in the sky making the room glow a very deep amber color. Harry went instantly for the window seat. He laid down on the soft cushions and let himself relax a little. He soon felt Draco lying down behind him. Draco's arms felt great gently holding Harry. And the blonde's skin looked to be made of pure gold in this light.
Harry turned around so that he could really look at his beautiful lover. And as he expected, every inch of Draco looked golden. His skin was smooth and perfect, his eyes were bright. Harry couldn't help but smile looking at him. It made Harry smile wider as he thought of all the different ways that Draco could be beautiful. It seemed like he was always seeing a different side of him. At night he looked like moonlight, at dawn he looked like sunlight, and now, at early evening, he looked as though he was the greatest treasure any person had ever laid eyes on.
"I'm sorry for worrying you." Harry said finally breaking the silence, "I didn't mean to. There's just a lot going on."
Draco smiled and kissed Harry's cheek before snuggling into his chest, "I know, I know." He said quietly, "You don't have to explain."
"Draco…" Harry started slowly. He wasn't sure he wanted to bring this all up but he knew that only by clearing the air would he be able to truly stop worrying. He held Draco against him tightly, "Did I do something that made Blaise and Pansy mad? Like am I taking up too much of your time or something?"
Draco lay very still for a long moment before he sighed. Harry could feel the small rush of air against his skin, "Did you talk to them?" Draco asked.
Harry chuckled a little, "I tried; it didn't work out very well."
"Yeah, I should've told you. I tried but I thought you'd be too disappointed in me." Draco said squeezing Harry a little tighter before sighing again, "They don't remember you."
"What do you mean they don't remember me?" Harry laughed again, "They certainly remembered how much they used to hate me."
"Iobliatedem." Draco muttered into Harry's chest.
Harry gently pushed Draco back from him and tried to catch his eyes, "You what?"
Draco continued to look away, "I obliviated them."
Harry's hands instantly let go of Draco's shoulders. He backed away from him not sure how to react to that sort of news. Draco obliviated his own friends? Why? It didn't even matter why, how could he ever do such a thing?
Draco smiled sadly, "I knew you'd be mad…"
"I'm not mad." Harry said.
"Yes you are."
"No I'm not, okay? I'm not mad just… shocked. How could you do something like that? Why would you?" Harry asked.
Draco only shrugged, "I had to. Things are getting dangerous now Harry. If I'd let them continue to know, it'd put me in danger. It really is better that this stay a secret."
"You did it for yourself?" Harry asked as Hermione's words started to run through his mind again.
"Not just me, them too. Death Eaters aren't above torture for information you know. And I did it for you too."
Harry shook his head and sat up, "Why are things getting so much more complicated now?" he mumbled to himself.
Draco sat up too and ran his hands through his hair. Harry noticed it was getting longer but it looked a little thinner than it used to. Now that Harry looked actually, Draco was looking a little thinner, and slightly paler too. But the boy still smiled at him.
"Draco this is gonna sound totally stupid but, Hermione said something earlier and I just… well, if you had the choice between saving yourself and saving me which on would you choose?"
Draco gave Harry a weird look, "What the hell kind of question is that?"
Harry shrugged, "Just answer."
Draco looked right into Harry's eyes, "I can't."
Harry stared at Draco for a few seconds, "What the fuck do you mean, 'you can't'?"
"It's a trick question, how the hell am I supposed to answer?" Draco asked, anger finally showing in his voice.
"It's pretty god damn simple. There's only two options." Harry shouted.
"Don't fucking yell at me over your stupid question. I can't answer!" Draco yelled back.
"You didn't even try!"
Draco sighed and closed his eyes for a moment as though really thinking deeply. Finally he answered, "It depends on how we were gonna die, okay? If it was something painless I'd choose for you to die and then I'd just join you later."
Harry opened his mouth to reply but then stopped, "You mean kill yourself?"
Draco rolled his eyes, "Of course you idiot. I couldn't live if you were dead. It's a trick question Harry. I'm selfish if I choose to save myself, and still selfish if I chose to die without asking how you'd feel about it. You think you'd be happy to see me die?"
"Of course not." Harry answered quickly.
"And you think it's okay for me to just 'save you' while I'm hurting you too?" Draco asked.
Harry scratched his head a little. He hadn't really thought of it like that. But in all honesty, he'd probably be a little pissed at Draco if he chose to die for him. He wouldn't even be happy that he'd been saved if Draco was dead.
"Sorry. I really am an idiot aren't I?" Harry smiled a little.
Draco rolled his eyes and let out the breath he'd been holding. He hugged Harry close, letting his head rest on Harry's chest. Harry smiled a little wider and gently kissed Draco's pale hair. The sun was sinking past the horizon now, its last rays of light still reaching up into the sky.
"Draco… I just have one more question." Harry started slowly.
Draco sighed, "Just ask."
Harry took a deep breath. He'd already sounded like an idiot, so it wasn't like it could get any worse. And he just couldn't quell his worry. The things Hermione had been saying, even though he didn't want to believe them, actually did make sense. So he had to ask Draco. He just had to.
"Where were you when we all went to Hogsmeade?"
Harry felt Draco stiffen in his arms. The blond backed away from him again, "I had a detention. With McGonagall." He snapped, "I told you that already."
"No… you would have had a detention with Filch. McGonagall was away that day."
Draco paused before sighing dramatically, "Why are we even talking about this? I had the detention. I served the god damn detention. No big deal."
It really did hurt Harry to say his next words, but they needed to be said, "You… You don't know anything about what happened to Katie, right?"
Draco looked stung by the words and he backed away even further, "What the hell are you implying? That I'm the one who cursed her?"
"It just… it does seem weird to me the my cloak was missing and you were in detention and Katie was cursed all on the same day." Harry said but his voice sounded weak. He didn't want to believe that Draco was capable of killing anyone. And from what Hermione had said, that's exactly what that necklace was intended for.
Draco stood up in a hurry, "I came here to fucking help you. And all you can do is accuse me of things and ask me stupid questions. Well fuck you! You can stay here by yourself for all I care."
"Draco, please—" Harry started, reaching out to grab his lover's wrist. But Draco snatched his hand away.
"Leave me alone." He said darkly, his eyes full of more anger than Harry had ever seen.
With that, Draco turned and left the room in a hurry. Harry sighed and slumped back against the window. That certainly wasn't how he'd wanted that conversation to go. This day was getting progressively worse. First, his good friend accusing his boyfriend of attempted murder and second, his boyfriend yelling at him for even bothering to ask about it. What was the most disheartening though was that Draco hadn't said a single word in defense of his whereabouts or actions. He'd only gotten angry at Harry for questioning them. Which in the end, didn't remove any of the suspicion from Draco. In fact, it made it worse.
Unbeknownst to Harry, outside in the hall, Draco was hyperventilating. He leaned against the hard stone wall as his mind raced with hundred of possible lies and alibis.
Harry knew…
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