Harry was exhausted but he knew this push was what would keep him alive.
They had been practising particularly hard this last night and it had paid off. He could barely feel his arms but he had summoned his broom; he wasn't sure how late it was past midnight, he could remember his watch saying 2... Harry had his eyes closed and was almost asleep when Malfoy shook him.
"What…"
"It's 7:30, come on we have to get some breakfast and you should probably have some coffee."
Harry's eyes fluttered open and his heart sank. Indeed the sun had risen and a golden glow had fallen across the field. "Shit, how long until the task?"
Malfoy smirked above him, "It's in a couple hours. Come on people are gonna stare if we walk in together."
The blonde boy's hair fell into Harry's eyes, it looked white in the early morning sun. The grey eyes sat like two bright shining moons sunken into dark tired eyes. He sat above Harry unbothered by the morning dew in the long grass that surrounded them.
Harry tried to stifle a yawn, "Does it matter? I like spending time with you. Plus there's still a chance I d-
Malfoy moved quickly, pressing his head to Harry's forehead, grabbing his arm. "Harry please, don't say it." His eyes had shifted; they were wide now and there was a hint of panic in his voice. He moved a hand on top of Harry's, "You're going to get through this and we're going to be flying again by tomorrow night."
Harry wasn't sure what took hold of him but suddenly he pulled the other boy to him. Harry hugged the other boy until his core started to burn. Draco seemed to freeze for a moment before hugging Harry back. Draco squeezed him tightly resting his head on Harry's shoulder.
"Oh please if I get through this we'll be practising tonight. It's like the damn broom is glued to you." Harry said as he used Malfoy to pull himself up. Something pulled at his stomach as he and Malfoy sat, their faces practically touching.
Malfoy laughed, and the moment broke. He adjusted his hair, and Malfoy moved away slightly, "Who can blame me when I'm born with such raw natural talent? We both know I'm a much better flyer than you. What did you say… I'm as good as professionals?" Malfoy smirked, and Harry felt the pull quickly be replaced by a burning fire.
He would have decked him but instead Harry stood, he stuck out his hand to help the stupid git up and they both spent the walk back desperate to outwit the other.
Harry walked into the great hall laughing harder than he had in a long time. Sitting across from Malfoy as he grabbed toast and a cup of coffee, a delicacy he had yet to try until now. He almost instantly regretted it,"That is fucking vile." Harry said after he took a swig from the mug.
Malfoy gave him a smug smile speaking in the most condescending tone he could muster, "Well most people don't start off drinking it black. They work up to it over time. You know they start by putting cream and sugar- or you can chug it like a neanderthal that is also always an option." Malfoy interrupted himself as Harry impulsively chugged the mug.
A wave of disgust ran through Harry's body, and he stuffed a piece of toast in his mouth in a desperate attempt to rid himself of the overwhelmingly bitter flavour.
Malfoy feebly attempted to hold back his laughter, "That is absolutely disgusting Harry why? Just eat like a normal person I see you do it everyday! Why are you doing this?" Malfoy had nearly doubled over, his laughter getting the best of his pride. Harry continued to twist in disgust eating a spoonful of jam in a new attempt to overpower the taste of coffee.
Even after Harry had mostly overcome the wretched coffee it took awhile for the boys to settle down. Harry kept making eye contact with Draco and bursting into giggles, which would set Draco off again and on and on they went. Really the only reason they came back to Earth at all was because Professor Snape entered the Great Hall.
It was still early and the Hall was mostly empty with the exception of a few excited first years trickling in. The great bat caused a wave of silence as he walked towards them, "Mr. Potter I expect you are nervous about today."
Malfoy had sat up straight trying to look respectable, Harry had slouched as far into himself as was possible. He nodded in response but that was it. Snape nodded in return, "Good that just might keep you alive." Snape continued on to the head table, and Harry suddenly felt sick.
"Who pissed in Potter's coffee?"
Harry nearly leapt from his seat when Pansy Parkinson sat down next to him.
"Oh Snape walked by and Potter was reminded of his place in the universe." Malfoy remarked then leaned forward slightly. "But I think he's got this one in the bag."
Pansy raised an eyebrow, looking Harry up and down before leaning forward. "Are we sure about him?"
Malfoy nodded with one of the most serious expressions Harry had ever seen. "Without a doubt."
Pansy smiled brightly, "Good to hear. Well Potter, you are going to survive today. You may even win if Draco believes in you this much."
Harry looked at both of them, he was confused but found that was his new natural state particularly around the flyer and managed to smile anyway. Pansy seemed entirely unphased at Harry's presence and continued on as if Harry had been sitting with them everyday since first year. Some of the small talk went over his head but Harry found that with most small talk. He was more excited to be able to just sit and hear the flyer in his natural habitat.
"Harry! Why are you sitting here?" Neville ran up to the table he seemed barely awake.
"Malfoy helped me prep all night, I figured I owed him breakfast." Harry felt drunk as he spoke. The adrenaline was starting to kick in or maybe it was the coffee. He took his cues from Parkinson and just continued as though this was everyday.
Neville seemed confused but sat to Harry's other side taking a piece of toast. "I was worried sick when you weren't in the hospital wing. I thought something may have happened." Neville seemed slightly suspicious of Pansy but luckily he followed Harry's lead.
Pansy laughed, "Oh please Harry's never backed out of a life or death fight what would stop him now?"
Harry noticed Malfoy go rigid while the other two continued their surreal conversation. Harry caught his eye and looked from side to side giving him a smile. Malfoy took a moment looking around them before finally letting himself have a small smile. He took a breath and seemed to gather strength from it, he pushed his blond hair out of his eyes and reached for Parkinson engaging her directly, "They have to call him the boy who lived for some reason don't they? And beating death once just isn't interesting, now is it?"
Harry watched Malfoy as he continued to gather his strength and gained command of the table. Silently, Harry prayed he could do the same out in the battlefield of the first task.
