The Nature Of A Man
Disclaimer: The usual. The characters in this story belong to J.K. Rowling and this work represents a poor fumbling attempt at a Harry Potter story. I really wasn't sure where the story was going but it's rated PG-13 just in case. Read and review. You like it or you don't, just drop me a line at jadewing@hotmail.com if you want to rant or praise longer. Hello, all! I'm really happy that everyone's enjoying all the chapters that I've put up so far. I've actually finished the whole story, really, but I'm just going to update like normal since I'm not sure if the ending needs more work as well. Oh yeah, updating like normal means two stories every other day. I go online once every other day anyway. I have a story floating somewhere in my head anyway (in all the junk) so I might just get started on something new. Not sure yet but I hope you guys will like this story. It hasn't made me gag yet … well, not much anyway. Ugh, said I wasn't going to do this again but thanks nanami!!! Well, nanami27 anyway, in case there's another nanami out there! Thanks for putting me on your fave stories list!! It's an honour.
"Where were you last night, Harry?" Ron asked him curiously. They were sitting by the lake, having a picnic lunch. It was warm and sunny, the sky clear and as blue as Harry could have believed possible. "And why do you have that silly grin on your face?"
Harry looked at Ron, trying not to grin unsuccessfully. "Do I? Must be just glad today or something." He picked up a sandwich and began eating, ignoring Hermione's and Ron's exchanged looks.
"Last night, Harry?" Hermione asked pointedly, gesturing carelessly with a bun.
"Hmm, oh, I had some stuff to do."
"What kind of stuff?" Ron asked him suspiciously.
"Just errands," Harry told him crossly. "What's with the inquisition?"
"We're just concerned, Harry," Hermione said slowly. "You just seem odd today." Ron nodded in agreement.
Harry took a deep breath. "I was just looking into the problem we were talking about."
"So, did Malfoy spill the beans yet?" Ron asked. Hermione flashed him a look that Harry couldn't decipher.
"What's up with you two?" Harry asked. "You've been passing looks between each other the whole month. What are you two hiding from me?"
Ron opened his mouth to protest but another look from Hermione silenced him. She sighed and took Harry's hand in hers. "Well, the thing is … the thing is that … Ron and I are … together." By the time she had finished, her face was a bright crimson.
"When did this start?" Harry asked weakly. Why hadn't he seen this?
"During the summer. We wrote to each other and somehow …" Ron shrugged in embarrassment. "We always wanted to tell you but you were having your own problems with the dreams and all that we thought it would be just odd to mention anything."
"That's why your room looked so different!" Harry said suddenly in understanding. "You had so many pictures of Hermione framed up!"
Hermione giggled and Ron's face flushed. "Harry!" he hissed.
"Oops," Harry said weakly. And they all laughed. "But seriously, how come I didn't notice anything?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You've been so distracted lately, Harry. Anyway, we wanted to take the time to spend some time alone as well." She added hastily, "Not that you're unwelcome, of course."
"Of course!" Ron added fiercely.
Harry laughed. "Forget it! I don't want to be stuck between two lovebirds!"
"You sure, Harry? You're always alone …" She trailed off.
Harry shook his head. "Don't worry about me, seriously. Hagrid will be back in a few days anyway and there are other people as well, you know."
"So, about Malfoy?" Ron asked. "How's it going along?"
Harry hesitated. How much to say? How much to reveal? "All right, I guess."
"Good, good." Ron paused. "Erm, thing is … tonight, Hermione and I … we're going to …"
"Don't worry! Just go!"
A look of relief flashed across both their faces. "Thanks, Harry!" They stood up. "See you later on tonight then," Ron added and the two of them walked off, murmuring to one another. Harry smiled at them and a wicked thought flashed across his mind. What were the chances that the other Weasleys knew? Smiling to himself, he walked back to the Gryffindor common room. Suddenly, someone grabbed him around his waist and pulled him back against a warm, strong chest.
"Draco!" Harry exclaimed but his complaints were silenced as Draco's lips descended on his.
"I missed you today," Draco murmured to him. "I kept thinking of you the whole morning."
"When have you become so mushy?" Harry asked him with a smile on his lips, turning around to face Draco, nestling in his arms.
"Love makes us do silly things, I suppose," Draco said tragically. "Ahh, the shame of it all!"
"What? Being in love with me?"
"That and all the mushy things I feel like saying." Draco sighed exaggeratedly. "But I guess you couldn't help falling in love with me. I understand your plight. I'm hard to resist."
"Don't make me hit you!" Harry told him laughingly. He took a quick look around and didn't see anybody. Just leaning up slightly, he kissed Draco soundly, his mouth moving against Draco's. When they broke apart, both were flushed and a little flustered.
"What do you have to do tonight?" Draco cocked his head to one side.
"Nothing. What do you have in mind?"
Draco watched him with a small smile on his lips. "Well, I do have a nice warm bed and lots of privacy."
Harry could feel his face burning. "Draco! I-I'm not ready for that yet!"
The Slytherin chuckled. "Get your mind out of the gutter, love. I thought just a nice cuddle." He licked his lips. "Unless you do would like to do something else …"
If it was possible, Harry turned redder. "A-all right. Tonight then."
"But what are you doing now?" Draco asked impatiently.
"Nothing."
"Then come with me."
Harry laughed. "I can't be with you every hour of the day."
"I know it's silly but I'd like to spend time with you … just talking." Draco looked at him pleadingly.
Harry sighed. "All right then. I'm just a bit new at this. I don't really know what I want to do with you."
"Neither do I," Draco murmured suggestively and then laughed when Harry began blushing again. "Come on." He pulled Harry by the hand and began dragging him away towards their next destination.