Chapter 3: Is There A Hermione In You?
Hey, everyone. Well, here's chapter 3. I am deeply grateful for all the reviews and I am really glad that everyone is enjoying this. Anyway, I'm gonna keep going by the feedback rule that I had written in the last chapter cause I do need to know how this is going and not to mention now that my time is really limited, I need to know whether people are reading this. Thank you again to everyone. ^_^
Special thanks to:
Edana
Zeynel
Pinkdevil
Momo
Kimmy
Janey
Anar
Fin-Phoenix
Ickle-Wicca-Girl
Emma
Mindel
Now onto the story. . .
Chapter 3: Is There A Hermione In You?
Draco huffed indignantly as he marched back toward the infirmary for the third time that day. He had yet to find out if Harry had actually waken yet as the previous two times he tried this venture, he had been chased by a Troll and a Warg; both of which he dispelled easily considering his level of frustration at the moment.
So, wand brandished and a plate of food in his other hand, Draco determinedly walked down the halls. He couldn't help the relieved sigh as he finally spotted the archway that led to the infirmary ward and grinned as he deftly removed the charms on the doors before stepping inside. The Slytherin patiently replaced all the enchantments on the entrance before quietly heading over to Harry's bed.
Upon seeing that the other had yet to awaken, Draco set down the plate of food on the beside table and then dragged a chair over to Harry's bed. He studied his companion for a bit, going over the fine features in wonder as he stole a sandwich off the plate. /It's hard to believe that he's the one that has beaten the Dark Lord so many times. He just seems too. . .innocent./ Frowning to himself, Draco slowly chewed on his food, waiting for Harry to come back to the conscious world.
* * * * *
It wasn't until a few hours later that Harry finally awoke. At first confusion set in but then the faint scent of chocolate and antiseptics invaded his senses. /I'm in the infirmary? How did I get here?/ His eyes gradually opened and his emerald gems searched the room as they adjusted to the afternoon light. /And where's Malfoy?/
Harry winced as he pushed himself too quickly up from the bed and a dull throb started in his temples. Leaning over, the Gryffindor pinched the bridge of his nose to try to ease the headache before carefully scooting himself out of bed. His jade-colored eyes scanned the infirmary and he smiled slightly when he found the plate of food. Grabbing a sandwich, Harry decided to head out to one of the balconies but as he stepped out, he saw that it was already occupied.
"So you're awake. I was wondering when you would get up." Draco drawled out softly, his gray orbs fixed out in the distance; somewhere in the Forbidden Forest.
The ebony-haired boy took the time to truly look at his rival before turning away. "Thanks for the food Malfoy."
There was no response from Draco save for a small incline of his head.
Harry sighed as he finished off the last of his meal before going to lean on the railing beside Draco. "You know, I've been thinking. What happened to all the paintings? Have you noticed that any of them that could talk have disappeared with everyone else?"
"I've noticed but the paintings still respond to your commands. Like the one to Gryffindor Tower. To be honest though Potter, I have no idea what happened to them. I don't even have any clue as to what's happening to us." His silver eyes darted over to the wizard beside him for the briefest of moments before settling out into the horizon. "I can assure you this, I will find out what's going on and who's behind it."
"*Both* of us will find out Malfoy. I am not going to sit by. Even *you* should know that that is not my nature." Harry answered coolly, receiving a light smirk from Draco.
"I only know all too well Potter. Even I am not blind or deaf enough to not have noticed your many adventures over the years here." The blonde said, pushing away from the banister. "And if we are going to do this we may as well head for the library. . .oh and make sure you're prepared to use your wand. There appear to be a few other creatures that have seen it fit to make Hogwarts their hunting grounds."
Harry nodded solemnly and together, the two boys walked back into the infirmary. Draco grabbed the empty plate on his way out as the Gryffindor drew his wand.
"So what exactly will we look for when we get to the library?" Harry asked as they tentatively walked along the corridors.
Considering the question for a moment, Draco shrugged. "Anything that has to do with illusions, mass apparation, although I doubt that would've happened without us seeing some body parts around here, and whatever else seems credible."
"Gross Malfoy." Harry wrinkled his nose in disgust as a thought came to him. "But who knows, maybe those monsters dragged off the bodies or whatever."
"And you're telling me what I said was gross?" The blonde asked as he blanched slightly.
Sticking his tongue out at Draco, Harry humphed and glanced away.
Draco grinned in amusement. "That was mature Potter."
"Shut up Malfoy. I like you better when you don't say anything."
"Oh? So you like me now?"
Harry flushed red, nearly stumbling on his own feet. "You know that's not what I meant Malfoy. Stop being such a prat."
"But that's my job and it's highly entertaining." Smirking, Draco swept into the library first. He set aside the dish and vanished into a row of bookshelves. "You start searching on the other side Potter. We can get this finished faster if we just collect the books and bring them back to your common room to read them."
"Why? Planning to stay with me now?" Harry called back as he scanned through a shelf of texts.
Draco rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't have suggested we go back to Gryffindor otherwise. Believe me, it pains me to have to stay in that room of yours but as I see it at the moment, it'll benefit both of our well-beings if we stay together."
"Sure thing Malfoy." Harry shook his head as he pulled a few books from the shelf, balancing them in his arms. "You do realize that this is absolutely abnormal?"
The platinum-haired Slytherin peered around a bookshelf. "Really Potter? I thought everyone disappearing over night was natural."
Emerald eyes peeked around another bookshelf and Harry grinned impishly. "I wasn't talking about that Malfoy, I was talking about us actually working together."
"You are impossible Potter."
"I try." Harry shot back as he ducked back around the bookshelf, narrowly avoiding the rather large and heavy book that had came flying in his direction. "Now, now, play nice."
Not quite believing the other's childishness, Draco indignantly returned to searching for any information. "Go to hell Potter."
"You first." He chuckled lightly as the Slytherin didn't respond and waiting until he was sure it was safe to emerge from behind the shelf, Harry went to join Draco. "I suppose this should be enough for tonight."
Draco eyed the books in the Gryffindor's arms and nodded. "I suppose. Let's go then." Struggling with the texts, the blonde managed to wave his wand to send the plate to the kitchens before shifting the books in his arms. He motioned for Harry to lead the way and he headed back to Gryffindor Tower with his companion.
* * * * *
Green eyes stung horribly as they lifted from what must have been the hundredth book they've looked at. "Malfoy." Harry whined. "Can't we go get something to eat yet?"
"In a few minutes Potter." Draco mumbled as he flipped studiously through his text.
"That's what you said an hour ago. You're just like Hermione. C'mon. if we don't go now, you get no dinner. I can promise you that." The Gryffindor said in a huff as he slammed his book shut. "So you coming or not?"
"Alright, alright Potter. Just don't compare me to mudblood Granger again." Malfoy sneered as he stood and stretched. "By the way Potter, who the hell died and made you boss?"
"That's what we're trying to figure out isn't it?" Harry shot back, grumpy from the extensive research and not up for any argument from his companion.
They cautiously exited through the portrait hole and tensely stole down the hallways until they at last reached the relative safety of the kitchen.
As per tradition, Draco immediately made a beeline for the cabinets to fish out some plates, cups, and silverware while Harry went to gather what he needed to prepare their meal.
"So what did you find in the books?" The blonde asked as he was pouring out some pumpkin juice for them.
Harry looked up momentarily from where he was stirring something in the pot before giving his attention back to the food. "Not much. As you said, with mass apparation, there would be a lot more gruesome scenes around here and I haven't seen any trace of blood so the monsters couldn't have possibly dragged off anything. I have yet to find anything else that seems credible."
Nodding thoughtfully, Draco set down the pitcher on the table. "At least we narrowed down the possibilities slightly. As for my research concerning the creatures managing to enter Hogwarts, I think I've gotten somewhere with that. Of course, we're going to have to learn some spells to confirm any theories."
"Theories?" The Gryffindor queried as he pulled out some towels to carry over the pot.
"Yeah. I believe that the wards really have faded. It is hard to believe but I really don't want to have to consider the other possibility until I have to." He took a seat opposite of Harry as the other boy scooped some food into his plate.
Emerald eyes clouded over with worry. "That someone else could be in here with us after all? That is quite disturbing."
"Thank you." He picked up his fork but waited until Harry was seated before eating. "And that is beyond disturbing. I am sure that we could face the intruder no problem but what worries me is that we may end up being caught unprepared. Or at least you, considering I do know a lot more hexes and curses than you can even hold in that puny mind of yours."
Harry glared at the Slytherin. "You do know that you have an uncanny ability to screw up a perfectly good conversation? I actually enjoyed talking to you until just now." Suddenly realizing what he said, the younger wizard flushed and turned his eyes down to his food.
Draco, though, was grinning. "Now that is not something I ever expected to hear from you."
"Oh shut up Malfoy." Taking a bite of his meal, Harry refused to meet the other's eyes, his cheeks were a darker red than before and he knew his blush was spreading.
"You know Potter, sometimes you are just too c—orny; blushing like that." He winced as he realized his mistake. /Smooth Draco. Was I really gonna say he was bloody cute?!/
Harry's eyes had flown up at the blonde's slip but he quickly averted his gaze again when he saw that Draco was still watching him. Silence hurriedly spread over them and the rest of the meal was spent in tense silence as the two boys tried to analyze their reactions to each other.
* * * * *
"Well that's the last book. I'm going to bed. I'll leave a pair of pajamas for you on your bed. We have to go get your clothes tomorrow Malfoy." Harry said with a yawn as he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes tiredly.
Draco looked up, a hint of exhaustion in his silver eyes and he shut his own book. "I think I'll come up with you anyway." He grimaced as he stood and stretched out a crick in his neck. "I'm getting sick of staring at these things anyway."
"Glad we agree on something." Harry muttered and together they headed up the stairs.
Both wizards turned their backs as they changed and then took turns using the bathroom before they climbed into bed. Draco was about to drift off when he heard his roommate call his name. "What Potter?"
"Could you—well I know we're not friends but—could you please wake me up if I have a nightmare?" Harry asked tentatively.
Draco glanced over in surprise to the other's bed but all his saw was a crown of ebony hair peeking out from the covers. Studying the unruly mass, the Slytherin finally relented. "Sure Potter. It's not like I'll be able to sleep anyway if you start screaming."
There was no response and after a long while, both boys at last drifted off to their dreams.
T.B.C.
Well, that's it for chapter 3. I really, really appreciate all the feedback. Please review since I'm gonna hold onto the rules about the feedback for every chapter of this story. Thanks everyone. 10 more reviews to the next chapter. . .
Hey, everyone. Well, here's chapter 3. I am deeply grateful for all the reviews and I am really glad that everyone is enjoying this. Anyway, I'm gonna keep going by the feedback rule that I had written in the last chapter cause I do need to know how this is going and not to mention now that my time is really limited, I need to know whether people are reading this. Thank you again to everyone. ^_^
Special thanks to:
Edana
Zeynel
Pinkdevil
Momo
Kimmy
Janey
Anar
Fin-Phoenix
Ickle-Wicca-Girl
Emma
Mindel
Now onto the story. . .
Chapter 3: Is There A Hermione In You?
Draco huffed indignantly as he marched back toward the infirmary for the third time that day. He had yet to find out if Harry had actually waken yet as the previous two times he tried this venture, he had been chased by a Troll and a Warg; both of which he dispelled easily considering his level of frustration at the moment.
So, wand brandished and a plate of food in his other hand, Draco determinedly walked down the halls. He couldn't help the relieved sigh as he finally spotted the archway that led to the infirmary ward and grinned as he deftly removed the charms on the doors before stepping inside. The Slytherin patiently replaced all the enchantments on the entrance before quietly heading over to Harry's bed.
Upon seeing that the other had yet to awaken, Draco set down the plate of food on the beside table and then dragged a chair over to Harry's bed. He studied his companion for a bit, going over the fine features in wonder as he stole a sandwich off the plate. /It's hard to believe that he's the one that has beaten the Dark Lord so many times. He just seems too. . .innocent./ Frowning to himself, Draco slowly chewed on his food, waiting for Harry to come back to the conscious world.
* * * * *
It wasn't until a few hours later that Harry finally awoke. At first confusion set in but then the faint scent of chocolate and antiseptics invaded his senses. /I'm in the infirmary? How did I get here?/ His eyes gradually opened and his emerald gems searched the room as they adjusted to the afternoon light. /And where's Malfoy?/
Harry winced as he pushed himself too quickly up from the bed and a dull throb started in his temples. Leaning over, the Gryffindor pinched the bridge of his nose to try to ease the headache before carefully scooting himself out of bed. His jade-colored eyes scanned the infirmary and he smiled slightly when he found the plate of food. Grabbing a sandwich, Harry decided to head out to one of the balconies but as he stepped out, he saw that it was already occupied.
"So you're awake. I was wondering when you would get up." Draco drawled out softly, his gray orbs fixed out in the distance; somewhere in the Forbidden Forest.
The ebony-haired boy took the time to truly look at his rival before turning away. "Thanks for the food Malfoy."
There was no response from Draco save for a small incline of his head.
Harry sighed as he finished off the last of his meal before going to lean on the railing beside Draco. "You know, I've been thinking. What happened to all the paintings? Have you noticed that any of them that could talk have disappeared with everyone else?"
"I've noticed but the paintings still respond to your commands. Like the one to Gryffindor Tower. To be honest though Potter, I have no idea what happened to them. I don't even have any clue as to what's happening to us." His silver eyes darted over to the wizard beside him for the briefest of moments before settling out into the horizon. "I can assure you this, I will find out what's going on and who's behind it."
"*Both* of us will find out Malfoy. I am not going to sit by. Even *you* should know that that is not my nature." Harry answered coolly, receiving a light smirk from Draco.
"I only know all too well Potter. Even I am not blind or deaf enough to not have noticed your many adventures over the years here." The blonde said, pushing away from the banister. "And if we are going to do this we may as well head for the library. . .oh and make sure you're prepared to use your wand. There appear to be a few other creatures that have seen it fit to make Hogwarts their hunting grounds."
Harry nodded solemnly and together, the two boys walked back into the infirmary. Draco grabbed the empty plate on his way out as the Gryffindor drew his wand.
"So what exactly will we look for when we get to the library?" Harry asked as they tentatively walked along the corridors.
Considering the question for a moment, Draco shrugged. "Anything that has to do with illusions, mass apparation, although I doubt that would've happened without us seeing some body parts around here, and whatever else seems credible."
"Gross Malfoy." Harry wrinkled his nose in disgust as a thought came to him. "But who knows, maybe those monsters dragged off the bodies or whatever."
"And you're telling me what I said was gross?" The blonde asked as he blanched slightly.
Sticking his tongue out at Draco, Harry humphed and glanced away.
Draco grinned in amusement. "That was mature Potter."
"Shut up Malfoy. I like you better when you don't say anything."
"Oh? So you like me now?"
Harry flushed red, nearly stumbling on his own feet. "You know that's not what I meant Malfoy. Stop being such a prat."
"But that's my job and it's highly entertaining." Smirking, Draco swept into the library first. He set aside the dish and vanished into a row of bookshelves. "You start searching on the other side Potter. We can get this finished faster if we just collect the books and bring them back to your common room to read them."
"Why? Planning to stay with me now?" Harry called back as he scanned through a shelf of texts.
Draco rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't have suggested we go back to Gryffindor otherwise. Believe me, it pains me to have to stay in that room of yours but as I see it at the moment, it'll benefit both of our well-beings if we stay together."
"Sure thing Malfoy." Harry shook his head as he pulled a few books from the shelf, balancing them in his arms. "You do realize that this is absolutely abnormal?"
The platinum-haired Slytherin peered around a bookshelf. "Really Potter? I thought everyone disappearing over night was natural."
Emerald eyes peeked around another bookshelf and Harry grinned impishly. "I wasn't talking about that Malfoy, I was talking about us actually working together."
"You are impossible Potter."
"I try." Harry shot back as he ducked back around the bookshelf, narrowly avoiding the rather large and heavy book that had came flying in his direction. "Now, now, play nice."
Not quite believing the other's childishness, Draco indignantly returned to searching for any information. "Go to hell Potter."
"You first." He chuckled lightly as the Slytherin didn't respond and waiting until he was sure it was safe to emerge from behind the shelf, Harry went to join Draco. "I suppose this should be enough for tonight."
Draco eyed the books in the Gryffindor's arms and nodded. "I suppose. Let's go then." Struggling with the texts, the blonde managed to wave his wand to send the plate to the kitchens before shifting the books in his arms. He motioned for Harry to lead the way and he headed back to Gryffindor Tower with his companion.
* * * * *
Green eyes stung horribly as they lifted from what must have been the hundredth book they've looked at. "Malfoy." Harry whined. "Can't we go get something to eat yet?"
"In a few minutes Potter." Draco mumbled as he flipped studiously through his text.
"That's what you said an hour ago. You're just like Hermione. C'mon. if we don't go now, you get no dinner. I can promise you that." The Gryffindor said in a huff as he slammed his book shut. "So you coming or not?"
"Alright, alright Potter. Just don't compare me to mudblood Granger again." Malfoy sneered as he stood and stretched. "By the way Potter, who the hell died and made you boss?"
"That's what we're trying to figure out isn't it?" Harry shot back, grumpy from the extensive research and not up for any argument from his companion.
They cautiously exited through the portrait hole and tensely stole down the hallways until they at last reached the relative safety of the kitchen.
As per tradition, Draco immediately made a beeline for the cabinets to fish out some plates, cups, and silverware while Harry went to gather what he needed to prepare their meal.
"So what did you find in the books?" The blonde asked as he was pouring out some pumpkin juice for them.
Harry looked up momentarily from where he was stirring something in the pot before giving his attention back to the food. "Not much. As you said, with mass apparation, there would be a lot more gruesome scenes around here and I haven't seen any trace of blood so the monsters couldn't have possibly dragged off anything. I have yet to find anything else that seems credible."
Nodding thoughtfully, Draco set down the pitcher on the table. "At least we narrowed down the possibilities slightly. As for my research concerning the creatures managing to enter Hogwarts, I think I've gotten somewhere with that. Of course, we're going to have to learn some spells to confirm any theories."
"Theories?" The Gryffindor queried as he pulled out some towels to carry over the pot.
"Yeah. I believe that the wards really have faded. It is hard to believe but I really don't want to have to consider the other possibility until I have to." He took a seat opposite of Harry as the other boy scooped some food into his plate.
Emerald eyes clouded over with worry. "That someone else could be in here with us after all? That is quite disturbing."
"Thank you." He picked up his fork but waited until Harry was seated before eating. "And that is beyond disturbing. I am sure that we could face the intruder no problem but what worries me is that we may end up being caught unprepared. Or at least you, considering I do know a lot more hexes and curses than you can even hold in that puny mind of yours."
Harry glared at the Slytherin. "You do know that you have an uncanny ability to screw up a perfectly good conversation? I actually enjoyed talking to you until just now." Suddenly realizing what he said, the younger wizard flushed and turned his eyes down to his food.
Draco, though, was grinning. "Now that is not something I ever expected to hear from you."
"Oh shut up Malfoy." Taking a bite of his meal, Harry refused to meet the other's eyes, his cheeks were a darker red than before and he knew his blush was spreading.
"You know Potter, sometimes you are just too c—orny; blushing like that." He winced as he realized his mistake. /Smooth Draco. Was I really gonna say he was bloody cute?!/
Harry's eyes had flown up at the blonde's slip but he quickly averted his gaze again when he saw that Draco was still watching him. Silence hurriedly spread over them and the rest of the meal was spent in tense silence as the two boys tried to analyze their reactions to each other.
* * * * *
"Well that's the last book. I'm going to bed. I'll leave a pair of pajamas for you on your bed. We have to go get your clothes tomorrow Malfoy." Harry said with a yawn as he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes tiredly.
Draco looked up, a hint of exhaustion in his silver eyes and he shut his own book. "I think I'll come up with you anyway." He grimaced as he stood and stretched out a crick in his neck. "I'm getting sick of staring at these things anyway."
"Glad we agree on something." Harry muttered and together they headed up the stairs.
Both wizards turned their backs as they changed and then took turns using the bathroom before they climbed into bed. Draco was about to drift off when he heard his roommate call his name. "What Potter?"
"Could you—well I know we're not friends but—could you please wake me up if I have a nightmare?" Harry asked tentatively.
Draco glanced over in surprise to the other's bed but all his saw was a crown of ebony hair peeking out from the covers. Studying the unruly mass, the Slytherin finally relented. "Sure Potter. It's not like I'll be able to sleep anyway if you start screaming."
There was no response and after a long while, both boys at last drifted off to their dreams.
T.B.C.
Well, that's it for chapter 3. I really, really appreciate all the feedback. Please review since I'm gonna hold onto the rules about the feedback for every chapter of this story. Thanks everyone. 10 more reviews to the next chapter. . .