Harry sat uncomfortably in Professor Snape's office, Malfoy was pacing while they waited for Snape to arrive. They had been caught while sneaking to the Slytherin classroom by a Ravenclaw Prefect. Malfoy hadimmediately laid their cards out on the table and Harry had nearly fainted on the spot.

Malfoy paused mid pace looking at Harry's forehead- now clean- then scanning down at his bandaged hand. He sighed and went back to was still quite woozy in his chair, but Malfoy had made sure a glass of water was retrieved for him. Harry sat holding the cup and taking little sips every few moments out of a nervous need for something to do.

When Snape finally opened the door Harry could feel himself go cold all over. Malfoy immediately sat down trying to hide his concern. Snape silently crossed the room sitting behind his desk and adjusting some papers. After he seemed pleased with the arrangement he looked up.

"You did not show up to your classes today, as far as can be found you two were not on school premises at all today after 8 am. Miss Clearwater has explained to me that Mr Potter and you, Mr Malfoy, were found sneaking around the seventh floor around 10 in the evening. When questioned you told her that Potter had been banned from his dormitory for using black magic. Black magic that you apparently, manipulated him into using so you could.. " Snape moved his hands searching for a word, "Gather whatever evil power from killing Mr Potter? Is this all the prevalent information?"

Malfoy sighed, "Sir there is a lot of prevalent information to the current situation. I recommend you ask us questions and we answer to the best of our ability." He did a good job of appearing composed, Harry almost forgot they were in deep trouble.

"Where have you and Mr Potter been?" Snape asked Malfoy point blank, he seemed to have decided to entirely ignore Harry to his relief. Harry's leg took up a nervous bounce as Malfoy started to speak.

"We were on school grounds, we were near the care of magical creatures meeting point. Earlier this week Mr Weasley began spreading a rumour that Mr. Potter had used 'black magic' to put his name in the goblet of fire. I'm sure you are already more than aware of the fact that the magic used to trick the goblet of fire is far beyond the level of magic a 14 year old is capable of."

Snape nodded along to Malfoy's summary, normally when Harry got into the background events leading up to his actions teachers got short. Harry started to doubt Malfoy's plan, a lot of it leaned on Snape being willing to listen. Harry's leg was bouncing at a speed that hurt to keep up but it was the only thing keeping him sane.

"When this rumour proved fruitless he told a story of Harry - I mean, Mr Potter selling his soul to me- figuratively. Mr Weasley suggested that I with my familial connections to 'dark magic' assisted Mr Potter in the ceremony necessary to trick the cup." Malfoy seemed to be watching how he spoke, correcting himself when he got too emotional.

"Understandably when the press caught wind of this and published something, Potter, already upset, became devastated." Malfoy looked at Harry for a flash and suddenly Harry could feel the full gaze of Snape on him. Harry felt a bit sick thinking back to Hermione, and then just being blank. He had spent so much of the day just feeling like nothing, like he was worth nothing and that he deserved it...

"I assume you saw the article in the prophet Sir. Mr. Potter was not fit to go to classes and after recent behaviour I did not think it was a good idea to leave him on his own." At this Harry blushed horribly trying to hide his face in his cup, he felt Malfoy put a hand on his leg and Harry forced himself to stop bouncing it, taking a moment to breathe.

For a flash he was back climbing up the night sky waiting for his moment to let go.

"Apparently, Mr Weasley took advantage of Potter's disappearance. He instructed all of Gryffindor common room to intimidate Potter upon his return. Threatening to find justice in their own right by taking hold of this whole situation. Potter believes they'll further forge evidence of his connection to 'black magic'. Harry hadn't been good when I left him but he seemed stable, I thought it would all be fine if he got some sleep. He came to our common room after this change in tactics and Harry told me he no longer felt safe. I wasn't sure what to do but he came to me as a friend and-" Malfoy had started babbling a bit by the end, his emotions were taking over. He cut himself off looking down at the stone floor apparently unable to continue. Snape seemed to be lost in thought, and Harry waited for the silence to end.

"Sir this is my fault please," Harry hadn't realized it but he was standing. His brain was just starting to catch up, Why was he speaking? When had he stood up? He looked at Malfoy.

"Draco was just trying to be a good friend. It's my fault we missed class, and detention, and curfew. Don't get him in trouble, I know his parents will flip. We all know this is my fault, please." Harry had definitely raised his voice, he opened his eyes and the room swayed. He felt a wave of dizziness and was surprised when Malfoy put a hand on his arm. He quickly swooped in and supported Harry guiding him to sit. "This is not your fault." Draco insisted putting a hand on Harry's shoulder but keeping his eyes on the floor, Draco then quickly returned to his seat.

Snape let out a long sigh he looked more tired than usual, "You missed detention Mr. Malfoy, it's out of my hands. I'm going to get Professor McGonagall to discuss this." That was the Snape Harry knew short and irritated. Snape stood up his robes billowing, he conjured another glass of water for Harry and quickly left.

As soon as the door closed Harry started shaking horribly, "When did this start happening to me?" He looked at his hands feeling frustrated and embarrassed, genuinely overall he just felt awful.

Malfoy moved his chair closer to Harry so they were directly next to one another. "When you forget how to breathe and eat, the body tends to pick up some new habits. Now take some deep breaths. He actually believed us so things are going great."

Harry grabbed onto Malfoy's shoulders, "It doesn't feel that way! It feels like I'm… It feels like I'm falling apart." He let his hands drop watching them twitch involuntarily.

Malfoy hesitated for only a fraction of a second before pulling Harry into a hug, "I can't explain to you why all this is happening to you but Harry, I can tell you, you aren't going to fall apart."

Harry took a few deep breaths, "I've never heard you call me Harry before." He rested his head on the other's shoulder and felt himself fall into a steady breath.

Malfoy seemed to go stiff, "I wanna change that. Doesn't make much sense if you know… We're friends." Harry could practically hear the smile spreading across Draco's face.

Harry pulled away and sat up properly, "Guess I need to get used to calling you Draco," He said with a smile.

"I thought you already adjusted." Malfoy had a gleam in his eye that made Harry slightly confused.

"What are you talking about?" This seemed to be the response Malfoy wanted as his smirk widened.

"Draco was just being a good friend? I believe that was your direct quote."

Harry could feel his face burn, how could he have said that to Snape of all people, and done it directly in front of Malfoy of all people. Malfoy's smirk morphed into a genuine smile, it was a rare thing to see. Harry felt himself staring and looked away. Malfoy put an arm around Harry again and gave him a squeeze. "It was very sweet," He said condescendingly, "There's no need to be so embarrassed. Note you should be embarrassed just not quite to that extent."

Harry made a face, "Oh shut up." He playfully pushed Malfoy away tending to his newly filled cup.

It had to have been forty minutes they sat in that office alone. When McGonagall arrived Harry and Draco were half asleep leaning on each other. The creak of the door however, made Harry jump slightly jolting them both awake.

"Professor Snape has informed me of today's events. Your detention is further extended by a week and Mr Potter you will be sleeping in the Hospital Wing until such a time that other arrangements can be made."

Both boys stared up at the firm woman with blurry eyes, and she faltered for a moment."It's time for bed, both of you. We can talk about this tomorrow but for now try to get some sleep."

Both boys made slow progress to their respective sleeping quarters McGonagall accompanying Harry to his.

Before he went inside the wing McGonagall took him aside, "Potter I know this year has not gone how either of us expected. I know that this is weighing on you. I recommend you use this hospital wing to your advantage, and please seek me out when things feel overwhelming. I've never had a common room turn on a student the way described this evening and I find it disturbing. These actions will not be tolerated."

Harry knew that McGonagall had been trying to comfort him but the words haunted his thoughts keeping him up until the sun started peeking over the horizon.


Neville knocked cautiously on the hospital wing doors and when Harry opened them the boy pulled him into a hug. "I was so scared when you didn't show up. The boys have been saying some really awful stuff. I thought they might have done something."

Harry smiled, "Nah the professors caught on and thought it would be safer if I slept here. Did they beat you up?" He took a step back assessing the other boy, his eyes had dark circles and his hair was messy. At that moment, they looked like strange reflections of each other, like brothers almost.

Neville raised his shoulders looking off to the side, guilt flashing across his face before he sighed. "I told them I wouldn't hang out with you anymore. I still want to though! I think all the stuff they're saying is bullshit. You didn't willingly enter this competition anyone with a brain can figure that out." He sounded guilty, and looked ashamed as he spoke.

Harry gave Neville a bright smile, "I don't blame you one bit, those guys are assholes." Harry sighed putting a hand through his hair absently. "Although I do think it's better if we hang out more secretly. We don't need two people stuck in the hospital wing. I'm just not sure where..."

Neville and Harry paused a moment thinking, when a voice suddenly broke their silence. "I think I know just the place." Draco Malfoy said, he carried a stack of buttered toast in one arm, and had several spell books tucked under the other.