AN: Thank u my beta, Zoomi! And thank u to all that reviewed!

"What did Madam Pomfrey say?"

Harry blinked in confusion as he pulled out his chair – he was currently hovering over a lone desk in a quiet corner of the library – Hermione sat across from him, a large text in hand as she questioned him.

"What?" he asked stupidly.

Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes knowingly. "At breakfast, I advised you to visit Madam Pomfrey to see about your chest pains. I take it you didn't go?" Her eyes slowly drifted back to her book.

"Oh," Harry said in understanding as he finally sat, "yes, I went to the infirmary. Er, I kind of saw Malfoy though and got distracted, so I didn't speak to Pomfrey. Actually my chest wasn't hurting anymore by the time I got there," he said as he rubbed the previously sore area unconsciously.

"You spoke to him?" Hermione asked innocently as she peeked over the book's pages.

Harry looked away from his hands – he didn't know what to do with them – he felt so awkward for some reason. He smirked to himself. I wonder if Malfoy ever feels awkward in front of his little girlfriends. He frowned when that thought sent a wave of sadness through him. What the hell is wrong with me?

"Harry?" Hermione prompted.

Looking up, he found Hermione watching him. Shit, she asked me a question. "Er…who?"

"Malfoy, I asked if you spoke with him," she repeated.

He flushed. "Well, he was just sitting there…and he looked really bad, so I went over to him and…" he sighed as Hermione grinned, "yes, I talked to him. You don't have to tease me about it."

"I would never do such a thing," Hermione admonished. The book was set down. "Well, what did you talk about? It must have been extremely interesting if you don't want to tell me."

"Interesting?" Harry repeated. "I don't know what you're talking about. Malfoy isn't interesting; he's a boring sod who thinks everyone should bow down and…" Hermione was slowly shaking her head and he deflated with a sigh. "Fine, we talked about the bond. Why do I have to tell you these things?"

Hermione smiled. "Because I'm your friend and you need to talk about it."

"Girls," Harry muttered under his breath.

"I heard that!" Hermione chided.

Harry stuck his tongue out and rested his head on his folded arms.

"Well, details, Harry. Tell me all about your little chat with Malfoy."

"All we did was talk, Hermione, don't make it into something more," Harry warned.

She nodded for him to continue and he sighed with a roll of his eyes.

"Apparently, Dumbledore has him taking an antidote for his Veela genes," he paused, "I don't know if you were told about that, but Malfoy's not an actual Veela. He was given a potion I guess, and it mutated his genes."

Hermione's eyes were wide at this revelation. "That's horrible!"

Harry laughed weakly. "Oh, but it gets better, it was Malfoy's father who was poisoning him," he let that fact sink in before continuing, "I think the icing on the cake is the fact that they forced Malfoy to choose me for his mate."

"Harry, how can you take it so lightly? Malfoy was turned into a…creature for his father's amusement. Don't you feel pity for him at all?" Hermione seemed at a loss with the new knowledge.

"Why should I?" Harry demanded, his temper sparking to life at her silent accusation. "Weren't you the one complaining about how he used me? Don't I matter? Sure, Malfoy isn't as pureblooded as we all thought, but who really cares? The only thing I care about is him getting what he deserves for the shit he's pulled so far."

Hermione seemed rightfully cowed as she looked away guiltily. "I'm sorry, Harry, I wasn't even thinking about what you've been through. I suppose you're right though, he deserves some kind of retribution for treating you the way he did."

Great, now I feel guilty for making her feel bad. Harry grimaced as Hermione sadly stared at her book.

His shoulders slumped in defeat. "I'm sorry."

"I know it might not seem like it, but I have been worried about you," the witch said softly.

Harry sighed and buried his face in his folded arms. "I know, Hermione, and I'm sorry if it seems like I've been neglecting our friendship," he frowned, "I'm just worried about certain things."

"What's wrong, Harry? Is it You Know Who again? You know you can talk to me," she immediately said.

"I know," Harry acknowledged her as he sat up straight and leaned back in his chair. "It has nothing to do with Voldemort," he sighed dejectedly, "it's just all this shit with Malfoy that has me confused." He grew frustrated and tugged at his hair. "Damn it, I want to remember what happened."

Hermione grew worried. "Harry, Ron and I told you what happened to you, why do you want more details? Shouldn't you leave it alone and focus on getting better?"

Harry scowled and retorted, "How can I 'get better' if I don't even know what I'm getting over? It's not fun having a huge empty spot in your memories." He leaned forward, capturing her full attention. "It bothers me, Hermione, I need to know what it is I'm missing. I know you told me everything you know, but knowing something and feeling something is totally different."

She nervously bit her lip. "Harry, Dumbledore doesn't think you should know everything, he said it was best to let you heal first." Pleadingly, she grabbed his hand. "Harry, I think you should listen to him, he knows what he's doing. Your memories can only hinder your recovery."

"Recovery?" Harry pulled his hand away, his scowl darkening in disgust. "I'm not recovering from anything! That's what you people keep forgetting. So I had my memories erased and I was essentially Malfoy's slave for a while," he shrugged uncaringly, "that doesn't mean I need to be treated like a dying patient!"

"Harry…"

"No! I want to know what's happened to me – what's still happening to me! I need to know everything, Hermione, and whether you help me or not I'm going to find out." Harry pushed away from the table and stormed out of the library before she could spout anymore excuses.

Looks like I'm alone on this little adventure. Harry determinedly walked toward the Headmaster's office. But I will find out what's going on, I refuse to be treated like a child!

--- --- ---

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, I see that you are awake," Dumbledore greeted cheerfully. "I take it your treatment is going well then?"

Sure, it feels like my chest is being ripped in two, but the treatment's not too bad. He thought sarcastically. "As well as it can be," he murmured.

"Excellent, I'm relieved we can be done with this little problem without too much fuss."

Draco glared, Headmaster or no, the old man needed to know when to stop his cheerful chatter. "Indeed."

"Has Harry been by to visit you?" he continued to question.

The glare morphed into a scowl. "I'm sorry to derail this little conversation, but is there a point to this questioning, Professor?"

The Headmaster smiled. "Merely inquiring about your health."

Yes, because Harry visiting has everything to do with how I'm feeling. "I'm fine, as I stated before."

"Wonderful, wonderful," he continued to smile pleasantly, "let us get to business then, Draco. It has come to my attention that Harry visited you earlier today."

"Is there a problem with that?" Draco frowned.

"Of course not, I'm pleased that Harry has taken the time to observe you," Dumbledore said. "I bring it up simply because Harry might not be up to visiting you tomorrow when the next antidote is administered."

Draco's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why is that?"

A smile answered his suspicion, which immediately sank his heart into his stomach. "He will be visiting with Mr. Weasley, of course."

"Weasley? As in Ron Weasley?" Draco managed to press out through his shock.

"The very same, I am allowing him a visit with Harry. It is clear that they miss each other, they have been friends for so long after all. I thought it would do Harry some good to visit with a familiar face."

"You're what!" Draco yelled, sitting up angrily. "You can't let him see that bastard; he raped him for Salazar's sake!"

"No more than you did, Draco, and I would kindly ask you to watch your language while in my presence," Dumbledore said.

"Have you spoken to Harry about it? I'm sure he won't want to visit that filthy Weasley!" Draco demanded.

Dumbledore remained calm as he spoke, "I have yet to bring it up with Harry, but I don't doubt that he will wish to speak with young Ronald. They are friends after all."

"Friends, of course," Draco huffed. His temper was really getting out of control lately, undoubtedly Harry's doing. The Gryffindor was known for his explosive moods. "So why tell me? Just dangling it in front of my face to taunt me?"

"Now why would you think such a thing, Draco? Do I seem the type to do something so cruel? I am telling you because I did not want to get your hopes up to seeing Harry tomorrow."

I've been wondering if you aren't the type, old man. You've been acting more and more Slytherin lately.

"Why should we even continue this ruse? I'm obviously taking the antidote, and ridding myself of anything Veela. Why keep Harry roomed with me?" Draco asked instead.

Dumbledore answered him with, "I do not wish any unintended harm upon Harry. Until the bond is completely inactive he will be affected by any type of separation though he is not currently aware of that fact. It seems that while he was under your influence – for however long – he bonded with you on an emotional level," he leveled Draco with a slight glare, "this factor was undoubtedly caused by his memory loss."

Draco sneered uncaringly. "You just can't stand the fact that Harry might actually care for me."

"I have no doubts that Harry has an unhealthy attraction towards you, but he does not care for you on an emotional level, let me assure you."

"Whatever, old man," Draco spat, ignoring his better instincts to shut up, "Harry's mine whether you like it or not. This potion will change nothing, in fact, I can't wait until I'm done taking all of them, then I can prove how much Harry really wants me."

Dumbledore stared at him emotionlessly and Draco began to inwardly panic though his face remained calm. Shit, why did I say that? I don't have Father to protect me anymore, damn; I've just dug my own grave. The Headmaster stepped slowly forward.

"Do you really think so, Mr. Malfoy? In that case, let me speed along the process."

Draco noticed the shift in his name and gulped. What is he blathering about…oh shit! He was suddenly pinned to the bed – a silent spell – and he couldn't move as Dumbledore picked up the innocent looking vial beside Draco's bed.

Draco's eyes widened as the vial was roughly shoved past his lips, a thick liquid slowly slipping down his throat. He squeezed his eyes shut, fighting away from the potion and the firm hand administering it. His muffled screams and protests went unheard, the potion was swallowed. Dumbledore finally pulled away when the vial was emptied and ended his spell.

"There you are, my boy, your second treatment has just commenced. Now you have a grand total of three days left with Harry, does that suit you?"

Coughing, Draco leaned over the side of his bed, his throat burned and he felt as though he would be sick at any moment. "What the fuck was that for?" he wheezed painfully.

"Why, Mr. Malfoy, I believed you would be pleased with the results. I've given you tomorrow's potion a day early. I thought it only right seeing as you do not wish to spend a superfluous amount of time with Harry."

"Are you trying to poison me? The potion was scheduled for tomorrow to give my body time to adjust to the first!" Draco raved, his face pale with fear.

His head swam and his eyes abruptly closed as he clenched his teeth against the wave of dizziness. He groaned and unceremoniously flopped onto his back with a wince. He cracked his eye open and halfheartedly glared at the old wizard above him.

"Why are you doing this to me?" Draco asked weakly as the potion began to take affect, this was worse than the first one.

Dumbledore frowned down at the young wizard as he replied, "Come now, Draco, surely you understand my motives. I can't have the Chosen One bound to a Slytherin like you."

Draco's eyes widened in fear at the underlying threat. "What?" He's lying, he has to be, I thought this was revenge against me! He can't possibly have it out for Harry too!

"You've lost your usefulness; therefore you must be replaced by someone more suitable," Dumbledore replied, "I was ready to give you the benefit of the doubt but you have proven to be unsuitable for the task at hand."

"'Task at hand'! What are you talking about you barmy old man! What are you trying to do to Harry!" Draco tried to sit up, struggling with his weakened body.

Dumbledore waved his hand, stilling Draco's body. "Calm down, what I do with Harry Potter is none of your concern. You will do well to remember your place, Mr. Malfoy, you are nothing but a boy."

"You can't play with Harry like this! He's stronger than you think, he won't sit back and take it!" Draco fought the unnatural stillness that was taking over his body.

"He's only as strong as I make him, my boy. And he will accept it, as he always has," Dumbledore replied coldly. "You are a fool who has lost his chance, I could have looked past your usual 'charm' but when you begin to alter his mind that is when I draw the line."

"I--"

Dumbledore interrupted, "You were used. The only reason I allowed you near Harry is because there was the chance of you taming his stubborn nature. Your means were unacceptable."

Draco's eyes darkened. He's using us all right under our noses. Damn him, he can't play with us like this! "I won't let you do this, I'll tell every one of your manipulations!"

"No, I don't believe you will," Dumbledore replied as his wand was pulled out.

He's going to kill me! Where the hell is Madam Pomfrey! Draco was so caught up in his impending doom that he didn't notice the spell being cast, which was the reason he flinched as a chill swept through him and then surrounded his head. "What…" he winced as he experienced something akin to a brain freeze, he shook it off angrily, "what the hell did you do to me?"

"I locked away your memory of the incident," Dumbledore replied. "You will be telling no one of what happened."

"Locked…why didn't you just Obliviate me in that case?" Draco asked angrily.

Dumbledore smiled cruelly. "I know of your history with that particular charm, Mr. Malfoy. We wouldn't want a repeat performance now would we?"

Draco paled and sank into his pillow. Dumbledore smiled disarmingly.

"I believe I shall retire now, I'm sure you need your rest, it has been a very trying day."

The blond glared as the Headmaster calmly walked away, leaving him hexed and sore.

As Dumbledore was leaving, he ran into Snape at the doors – undoubtedly about to visit Draco. He had no doubt that the Potions Professor had seen what had transpired, his expression was horrified enough. He smiled and patted the man's shoulder on his way out.

"I do what I must, Severus, you understand."

"Albus, he is a child…"

The twinkle in the Headmaster's eyes seemed vicious as he spoke, "Ah, but even children do wrong. I don't think Mr. Malfoy is up for visitors today, Severus."

"Of course," Snape sneered, glaring at the man's retreating back. He fully intending on seeing Draco after the Headmaster left.

"Good day," Albus smiled and continued on.

--- --- ---

Albus Dumbledore was a busy man, so after dealing with his wayward Slytherins, he quickly returned to his office. He was surprised to see a guest waiting for him beside the gargoyle statue, especially since it was one Harry Potter.

"Ah, Harry, so nice of you to visit!" he greeted as he gave the password and the statue moved aside. "What do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"

"I wanted to talk, Headmaster," Harry said firmly.

"Of course, Harry. I doubt if you want to have this conversation in the hall though, so let's move it inside." Dumbledore gestured for Harry to enter first, following soon after.

The Headmaster stopped to pet Fawkes on his way to his desk and smiled once more as he sat. "Lemon drop?"

Harry grimaced. "No."

"Very well," Dumbledore said as he popped one in his mouth. "So what brings you here today?"

"Professor, I don't know how to say this, but I'm…tired of being treated like a child," Harry forced out, he flushed at how naive he sounded. "I know I must sound stupid, but it's true. I'm tired of having things hidden from me, especially now when I have no memories."

Dumbledore seemed thoughtful. "Did you learn of something new concerning your situation?"

Harry sighed. "Not exactly, I'm just sick of not knowing. The lack of memories is discerning, Professor, is there anything you can do to restore my memories?"

"Hm, it's a bit more complicated than just returning your memories with a simple spell, Harry. Truthfully, I'm not sure if you will be happy if you do retrieve your previous knowledge. Not only could it possibly hurt you, but it could affect your way of thinking."

"It has to be better than not knowing. Sir, shouldn't it be up to me whether or not I know these things? It's my life, my decisions," he shook his head, "I wish you would respect that."

Dumbledore seemed saddened. "I do respect your wishes, Harry. I am merely trying to protect your best interests."

"I'm sorry, Professor, but how can you know what those are? I mean no disrespect, but you're not me, you can't possibly know what I think are my best interests."

"Of course, Harry." Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, folding his hands thoughtfully. "I believe I may have a way to make it up to you."

Harry raised a brow in question. "Oh?"

"What would you say to a visit with Ronald Weasley?" Dumbledore smiled, knowing Harry would be pleased.

Harry's eyes lit up excitedly. "Really? That would be great, Professor, I've really missed Ron lately."

"Well, I suspected as much, so I arranged a meeting at the Burrow tomorrow afternoon. Mr. Weasley is currently being home schooled, there's nothing I can do against the circumstances, but it wouldn't hurt to have a friendly visit."

"There's nothing you can do?" Harry frowned. "I still can't believe that Ron was expelled, I mean, I understand you have to take the witnesses' word," he shook his head, "Ron's my best mate though, I can't picture him doing something like that."

Dumbledore nodded in understanding. "We all have parts of ourselves that no other knows about, I suspect that Mr. Weasley has been harboring these feelings toward you for a long while, it seemed too much to hold in."

"Well, it'll be good to see him again," Harry brightened, "studying with Hermione can only go so far after all."

"Yes, I'm sure," Dumbledore agreed.

Harry rubbed his chest distractedly as another thought shifted to the front of his thoughts. "I know this seems kind of random, Professor, but I was wondering how Malfoy was holding up. I know he took the first of the antidote this morning and I wasn't sure how tired he would be afterward."

"Well I recently returned from visiting young Mr. Malfoy, in fact that's where I was before I saw you," Dumbledore said.

Harry seemed interested at that. "Do you think it would it be alright for me to visit? I saw him earlier, but I didn't know if he was up for visitors at the moment," Harry said.

"I don't see why not, he seemed in perfect health when I was visiting him." Dumbledore smiled.

"Great," Harry said in relief, "he didn't seem too good when I was there. I'm glad he's recovered though."

"Of course, it's wonderful to see you so concerned about another student's health, Harry. Especially when looking at your background, I believe you have matured significantly."

Harry blushed. "Thank you, Professor," he stood, "well, I guess I'll go visit Malfoy before I head back to the dorm. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me."

"Anytime, Harry," Dumbledore said cheerfully as the boy walked to the door. "Give Mr. Malfoy my regards."

"I will, Professor, thanks again!" Harry called over his shoulder.

Albus smiled as Harry left. Yes, things were progressing quite nicely.

--- --- ---

"What the hell? Draco, are you alright?"

Draco slowly turned his head, eyes lidded tiredly. "Harry, you came back…"

Harry stepped forward worriedly. "Yeah, I thought I felt the bond acting up again. What happened to you, you look like shit!" He had thought the Slytherin looked bad earlier, now he was down right grey. The blond's face was ashen and he looked like he was barely hanging on to consciousness.

"Thanks," Draco drawled sarcastically despite his weakness.

"What happened?" Harry asked again as he sat in the empty chair beside Draco's bed.

Draco scowled. "Dumbledore happened," he replied bitterly. "That bastard --" his throat closed off before he could finish his explanation, his mouth moving wordlessly. With a groan he gave up and glared up at the ceiling. "Shit, I can't even tell you what's wrong."

Harry's eyes widened in shock at the implications of Malfoy's silence. "Dumbledore cursed you, didn't he?"

"How did you --" he was silenced again. "Damn it!" His fist hit the mattress in his frustration.

"Did he really curse you?" Harry asked as he leaned forward, hands resting on the bed.

Draco managed to smirk despite the situation. "As you can see, Harry, I'm not permitted to talk about it. It's frustrating, but there's no helping it." He finally seemed to realize that this was his second visit from the Boy Who Lived. "Why did you come back?" he asked puzzled.

Harry scoffed and managed to look affronted. "I said I would be back after I was finished with Hermione."

"You said you might come back," Draco pointed out.

"Whatever, I'm here, isn't that good enough?" Harry stuck out his tongue. "I don't even know why I'm here, but like I said before, the bond felt like it was acting up."

Draco nodded, head resting against his pillow. "You're right, it was 'acting up', Dumbledore decided to give me another dose of the antidote."

"Well, that's great!" Harry seemed honestly happy about it, Draco could understand why.

I can't put this off any longer… "Harry, do you think you can cast a Silencing Charm around us? I don't want Pomfrey coming out here and yelling at me," Draco said ruefully.

Harry laughed, "I know what that's like." He waved his wand around them and the air was silenced. "I take it you need to tell me something important?"

Draco looked away. "Something like that," he sighed distractedly, "Harry, how do you feel about our situation?"

Woah, Déjà vu. Harry sat up straighter and seemed undecided as he too lowered his gaze. "It's funny that you should ask, Dumbledore brought up the same thing the other day."

I bet he did. Draco scowled lightly. "And what did you tell him?"

"Er…I didn't really answer him," Harry chuckled sheepishly. "It seems surreal actually; everything seems to be happening so fast that I haven't had time to adjust to it all."

"What do you mean?"

Harry shrugged easily. "Well, here are things from my perspective. I wake up, I find myself in the infirmary with you, and then Dumbledore comes in and tells me I'm a Veela's soul mate. Not just any Veela, but Draco Malfoy, ironic and unbelievable all at once. As soon as I wrap my brain around that I'm told there's an antidote to the 'disease', and that's not even covering the entire emotional trauma from being told I've been your pet. Now I'm starting to have flashbacks, and I find myself surprisingly concerned about your welfare despite past happenings." Harry laughed. "So all in all I feel fine."

"I…" Draco trailed off, "I see how that can be affecting you."

"It's my life, I'm used to dealing with odd things now and then," Harry said with another shrug.

Draco's hand slid across the sheet covering him, smoothing out any wrinkles as he uneasily came to a decision. "Well, I'm sorry for any unnecessary angst I've caused you. I've realized that I've been a bit of a prat to you and your friends for the years that we've known each other."

"I won't disagree with you on that point, you've been a huge prat for as long as I've known you, but that's just you, Malfoy, you can't change who you are."

That's where you're wrong, Harry. I've changed so much just by being with you. Instead of taming you, you've ended up taming me, no matter how unintentional. "You're right," Draco acknowledged softly.

"So how has Madam Pomfrey been treating you? I've been here plenty of times as you know, so I'm used to her charm," Harry teased.

Draco's attitude shifted immediately to its familiar haughtiness. "I hate this place, I laze about all day and that vile Pomfrey woman shoves potions down my throat periodically." He inwardly shuddered as his words brought up images from Dumbledore's visit. He quickly shook it off and continued, "As soon as I get out of here I'm taking a long shower, cleaning charms can only go so far."

Harry smiled. "Well, you only have a few more days of torture," he teased, unknowingly striking a cord, "as soon as you take the last potion you can go back to your normal life. I'm sure you miss your friends."

"I wish everything was as simple as that, Harry…" Draco said, repeating his previously thought words.

"What?" Harry frowned, caught off guard by the wistful tone.

Draco smiled sadly. "Our problems aren't going to be solved as soon as you're free of me. It may seem that way now, but I know that it's not true."

"Malfoy, what--"

"You can't ignore the problem, Harry. No matter how hard you try – and it's pretty obvious that you are trying – it's going to be there, I'm going to be there. Everyone is trying to play this off as though nothing's wrong, but there is."

Harry gained a bitter expression as he spoke, "What is it that's wrong, Malfoy? Could it possibly be the fact that you abused your power, that you took advantage of it? It may seem cruel of me, but I'm happy they're taking away your Veela magic, you don't deserve to hold that kind of power."

Draco scowled; this conversation was quickly growing tense. "And why is that? Is it because it's me? Because I'm a Malfoy and a Slytherin?"

"Don't try to pull that shit, Malfoy," Harry scowled, "you know damn well that it has nothing to do with your background. I could care less if you were half Veela, Vampire, or even a Werewolf! It's how you use your power, and you used yours the wrong way."

"So I'm being punished, is that what you think? Because you're not far from the truth," Draco spat.

Harry waved away his words angrily. "If you think you're being punished then you obviously deserve it."

"You're a fucking stuck-up Gryffindor, Potter! I made a mistake – I admit it – I was foolish. But I don't deserve this treatment in return!"

"What treatment, Malfoy?" Harry yelled in protest. "Just tell me what the fuck is wrong with you!"

Draco angrily hit the mattress with a fist. "You act as though this is all something that will go away but it's not, Harry, stop running away from me! You can't hide forever!"

Harry grimaced and pulled away from the bed. "I'm not running from you, Malfoy, I'm not scared of you."

"No, you're not," Draco whispered, significantly calming, "you're scared of what you feel."

"I feel nothing!" Harry yelled angrily.

Draco scowled and sat up. "Don't lie to me, Harry," he stabbed angrily at his chest, "don't lie to me when I can feel it here!"

Harry was silenced, his mouth open with his unvoiced retort. He weakly leaned back in his chair, eyes wide and lost. He shook his head as a hand immediately carded through the messy locks. "I don't feel anything, I don't like you, Malfoy."

"I can't believe we're actually getting along."

Harry frowned. What was that? Don't tell me I'm having more flashbacks.

"We share something, Harry, this bond between us is proof of our feelings. Despite what you think – or what you've been told – this formed before I had cast any spell against you."

"I don't believe you," Harry whispered.

"It's because I have the tiniest of crushes on you! Just a spot – that's all – but it's apparently enough."

Harry shook his head against the memory and tried to focus on Malfoy's words. It's nothing, ignore it.

"I know you don't," Draco agreed with a nod. "You probably won't ever forgive me, but I'm telling you the truth."

He didn't like their position any more then Malfoy did, but he was willing to acknowledge it. "Accept it and move on like the rest of the world."

"Shit," Harry whispered, hands coming up to cradle his throbbing head. He's right, I can't deny it, I accepted it… He slowly looked up with a wince, realizing Malfoy was watching him worriedly. "I don't like you, Malfoy..." his voice sounded distant.

Draco jolted at the familiar words along with the sharp stab of pain that lanced through his chest. "You remember?"

"You can't deny me of your body."

The whispered words of memory teased at the edge of his thoughts and Harry replied, "You're very wrong if you think you can own me like some sort of possession, Malfoy," he repeated his past words, lost in his daze.

"That's where I made my mistake, I tried to make you submissive to me, I tried to tame you. But I gave it up for you, Harry…everything," Draco said. "I've been trying to atone for my actions."

I can't… Harry shook his head, hands tangling in his hair, "I don't remember, Malfoy! Don't do this to me – don't bring up the past – I don't want to remember you, I don't want to think about it!"

"Why, Harry?"

The boy paused before he whispered, "Because…I don't love you," he looked away ashamed, "and I don't want you." No matter what happened, no matter how much it seemed like he cared, it was nothing to him.

If it weren't for that damnable potion he had been forced to take, Draco might have died at that moment. He had to silently thank Dumbledore despite the dark intentions.

Oh sweet Salazar! He closed his eyes as pain roiled beneath his skin; he bit his tongue in an attempt to quell his moan of agony.

Not only had Harry denied his love… but he didn't want him. And just because he had taken his dose of potion that morning, didn't mean his chest wasn't being torn in two at that moment, it was as though he had been hexed by a number of curses and left to fend for himself.

"Malfoy, are you alright?" Harry leaned forward in panic.

"Don't…touch…me," Draco hissed, his face screwed up in concentration as he focused on his breathing and keeping it even.

"I'll get Madam Pomfrey, don't move!" Harry quickly stood in search of the nurse. Shit, I've killed him, I should've kept my mouth shut! His thoughts whirled together in a messy haze. He ran toward the back office, praying that the woman would be there. Why the hell isn't she ever here when we need her?

"Madam Pomfrey!"

Suddenly Harry's legs weakened and he swayed on his feet as though the floor were moving beneath him. What the… He turned and saw Malfoy extending his hand toward him, Harry frowned, was he trying to say something to him? A heavy droning filled his ears and his vision grew hazy. This is not good. Harry felt himself pitch forward, his arms moving sluggishly to stop his fall.

"Shit."

He was pulled into darkness.

AN: Shit that was long! Haha, I had to explain crap in this chap, I hope it wasn't too boring!

-Red