Chapter 4: Of Shadows and Showers
Wow, thanks for all the reviews everyone! I am really happy about all the feedback that I'm getting and I'm really happy that everyone enjoys this story. Anyway, same warnings are applied to this chapter as the rest and I'm gonna do the same thing with the feedback for this chapter. (I've got finals in about a week so I am really busy.) So yep, the more feedback, the faster I'll try to work on this to post it. Again, thanks ^_^
Special thanks to:
Amythest
Yes, I do hate you/ No, I don't hate you
Mat_c: I think you'll find just a light hint of slash in this one but I promise it's going to be more serious from now on.
Magichg
Zahrah Radcliffe
Ickle-Wicca-Girl
GlacierFlame
Lady Doncaster
Jen~
ShadowsLight
Mindel: No problem about the paintings. I was actually debating as to whether I should put anything about them or not or just leave them as something the reader could fill in. Hope, you enjoy the rest of the story. ^_^
bthatcher2002
Sonomi: Lol, thanks for the review. I'm flattered. Here's the next chapter and I hope you like it. ^_^
OzCrow
Jordon: Your question will be answered soon. Trust me. ^_~
JadeDragon
Again thanks to everyone that gave me feedback and now on with the story. . .
Chapter 4: Of Shadows and Showers
Harry wasn't nearly as shocked the next morning when he awoke to find Draco lying next to him. Pushing some hair out of his eyes, the Gryffindor yawned as he sat up in bed. For a moment, he studied Draco's fine features with an adorable frown adorning his face. /He looks so naïve like this. So much like an angel. . ./
Blinking in surprise at his own thoughts, Harry quickly shoved it aside, sure that it had only come to mind because he wasn't fully awake yet. Climbing out of bed, the emerald-eyed boy paused as Draco made some indistinct but endearing mumbling noises in his sleep before quieting again
Shaking his head, Harry hurriedly gathered what he needed before rushing out of the room, not wanting to face anymore embarrassing thoughts.
Although any attempt of Harry's to allow his companion to sleep was in vain after the door to the dorm slammed shut behind him.
"What the hell?" Draco muttered in annoyance as he glared blearily at the door. Grumbling something about 'ungrateful Gryffindors', the blonde sluggishly pushed himself out of bed before stumbling his way to the bathroom.
"Malfoy?" Harry asked as his head peeked out of a stall.
Draco scowled. "What the hell do you want Potter?"
"Well good morning to you too." The wizard said cheerfully, his green eyes glittering with mirth.
Glowering at the other boy, Draco tugged the shower curtain forcefully closed as he climbed into the shower.
Harry's grin widened as he ducked back into his shower stall. Counting under his breath, the Gryffindor reached five before he heard a sharp yelp and then a stream of curses. He chuckled as he switched off the water and grabbed two towels. Harry wrapped one about his waist before stepping out of the cubicle. He grinned as he surveyed the sight of Draco Malfoy, angry, and clothed in soaking pajamas. "That's a nice look for you Malfoy."
In front of his stall, Draco stood panting angrily and dripping from head to toe. His fine blonde hair was matted to his head mirroring his clothes to his body as livid silver eyes glared at Harry. "Potter." He gritted out. "Why. The. Hell. Didn't. You. Say. Something?"
"What did you need my help for? You obviously figured it out already." Harry cackled madly as he threw his extra towel at Draco before taking off in a sprint, an irate blonde at his heels.
* * * * *
By lunch time, Draco was still moping around and he was now sulking in the kitchen as Harry had managed to at last drag him out of Gryffindor Tower.
"Oh suck it up." Harry said as he rolled his eyes.
The blonde glared but didn't respond. Instead he chose to ignore his companion for his food.
"Oh please Malfoy, you know that it was as much your fault as it was mine. Now we are going to go get your clothes after we finish eating."
"Whatever Potter." Draco mumbled, finishing off the last of his meal before going to wash his plate, which of course uncharacteristically took until Harry was finished eating. He then marched off away from the sink to wait near the entrance for the other wizard.
Harry sighed. /I do not need to deal with this./ He resisted the urge to strangle Draco as he followed the silver-eyed boy out of the kitchens and down the corridors toward the dungeons.
They had not been walking along for too long when the Gryffindor began to pick upon the other's constant mumbling. Chanting mentally to himself that he would not loose his temper, Harry could feel his eye began to twitch. Finally after another five minutes, the younger wizard couldn't take it anymore and he snapped. "Malfoy! Get over it!"
Immediately Draco swerved around to face Harry. His eyes were blazing as he clenched his hands tightly at his sides. "Listen Potter! You know that it's your fault that that happened this morning!"
"No it isn't! You should have paid more attention to what you were doing! Besides, do you ever think that you are over reacting?" The emerald-eyed boy snarled back, his face flushing with irritation.
"I am NOT over reacting! You should be apologizing!" Draco shot back.
Harry was about to retort when a movement in the corner of his vision caught his attention. Frowning, the Gryffindor turned away from Draco but was abruptly caught by the arm and forced to face the blonde again. "Malfoy, we don't have time for this." He whispered urgently, drawing his wand. "There's something or someone here."
Draco peered inconspicuously over the shorter boy's shoulder and his eyes flooded with concern as he caught the movement of a shadow. "Do you think that it's another monster from the forest?"
Biting his lip, Harry clenched his wand tightly in his hand as he shook his head. "I honestly am not sure. I can't see it clearly? Can you?"
"No I can't but it definitely knows we're here." Draco answered in a hushed tone.
"Well what are we going to do about the bloody thing?"
Silver eyes fixed on Harry and Draco seemed to consider something before continuing. "We should go after it if you ask me. If it's some weird creature, we can take care of it and if it's a human than we can try to capture them and maybe find out what the hell is going on."
"Either that or get killed." Harry muttered and then released a long sigh. "But I guess we have no choice. So what's the plan Malfoy?"
"I think we should just pretend we haven't noticed anything and keep on our way to the Slytherin dorms. We should observe this thing for a while longer. If it's human it may bide it's time in attacking us." Draco answered as he spun around on his heels and started on his way down the hallway again.
Harry nodded. "I think I may be able to help us keep an eye on this thing but I'm not really sure. We're going to have to check when we get back to Gryffindor Tower and if I find it I can show it to you tomorrow."
The blonde glanced at his companion curiously but merely inclined his head and together they hurried down the corridor, each focusing their senses on detecting any movements about them.
"Here." Draco tugged Harry over to a section of the stone wall and quietly uttered the password before slipping into the chill of the Slytherin common room. "Wait here Potter."
"Why? It'll be faster if we both pack your things together. I don't exactly feel safe down here to be honest Malfoy."
"Whatever. Then hurry up will you?"
Together they entered through another doorway but instead of any ascending stairs it went back in a long hallway. Both Seekers walked along in silence, as Draco led them past several doors. "Potter?"
Harry's attention turned away from the doors to the boy beside him. "Yeah Malfoy?"
"I'm sorry about how I've been acting today. I. . ." He frowned and looked back at Harry who had stopped dead in his tracks. "What?"
The ebony-haired boy quickly strode up to Draco and gazed quizzically up at him, finally poking the Slytherin in the chest. "Who are you and what happened to the real Malfoy that doesn't know the word sorry?"
"Oh shut up you annoying git."
Harry grinned. "And he's back."
Draco rolled his eyes as something mysteriously like a smile danced on his lips. "Let's just go. The faster we get back to Gryffindor Tower, the less I have to worry about that thing lurking down here."
* * * * *
Later that night, both Harry and Draco were again submerged in piles and piles of books and parchment. Although unlike the Slytherin who was dutifully researching, Harry found himself staring deeply into the flames of the cheerfully burning fire.
"Malfoy?"
Draco looked up as the Gryffindor called his name. "What is it Potter?"
"Can I tell you something?" Deep green eyes met his and Draco felt a pull at his heart.
"Sure Potter." Setting down his quill, the platinum-haired wizard waited for Harry to begin.
Harry's brow furrowed as he yet again gazed into the depths of the fire. Finally after a long minute, he spoke. "I'm scared Malfoy."
Draco gaped, his mouth dropping open in shock. /He's scared? By Merlin! How can he be scared?! He's Harry Bloody Potter!/ "What?"
"I said I'm scared." He shifted one shaking hand through his wild ebony hair as he continued with his explanation, never once looking at Draco. "I mean, I know I'm not supposed to be but I am. To me, Hogwarts has always been safe and it's my home. Now, I have to watch where I go even here. I am frightened Malfoy. There's no safe place for me anymore. I truly am on my own now."
Silver eyes clouded over with a foreign emotion. "You aren't alone Potter. I'm here with you." Draco sighed as he stood and walked over to sit down beside Harry. "Here. This may help. Lay your head in my lap."
Harry started in astonishment. "Excuse me Malfoy?"
Shooting a cross look at the emerald-eyed wizard, Draco growled deep in his throat. "Just trust me on this one. I promise that it will help you relax."
Eyeing the other suspiciously, Harry nevertheless did as he was told and hesitantly laid down. He bit his lip lightly in unease as he then felt a hand shift through his hair before closing his eyes.
"Now don't you laugh Potter. If you do I'll make your life a living hell." Shooting a warning glare at the younger wizard, Draco took a deep breath and began.
\\I have been searching blindly,
and with no purpose for a long time,
using my thoughts of you to make a song to heal my heart.\\
Harry's eyes snapped open and he stared openly up at his rival. Stared up at his rival who was now singing to him.
\\We didn't make any promises and we didn't exchange anything.
We embraced and I was certain we could never come back to this
In my memories, can you
call out my name?\\
Draco's features were soft and his eyes had drifted shut as he sang, obviously lost in some pleasant memory and the Gryffindor couldn't help but relax under the ministrations of his companion.
\\Those flowing tears can become shining courage.
Life goes on. Your song will continue onto tomorrow.
The flying birds in the sky, the memories I keep,
and my short-lived dreams go to a place forgotten.\\
Without realizing it, a smile curved up Harry's lips as he watched Draco intently. This was a side to the boy that he had never seen before and he found that he quite enjoyed it. Sighing, the emerald eyes slid shut and Harry just allowed the melody and the fingers combing through his hair to calm him.
\\Do you think our meeting was by chance?
There will surely be a moment where we will be apart.
My destiny is fleeting, but you are alive.
Life will go on forever as long as you have the strength.
I may die, but you are alive.
Life will go on forever as long as you have the strength to carry on.\\
Draco's voice faded away with the last verse of the song and he forced back the tears as he glanced down to see that Harry was now looking up at him.
"Thank you Draco."
Surprise etched itself onto the blonde's handsome features as Harry address him by his first name. "You—you called me Draco."
Equally shocked, the Gryffindor smiled a little uneasily. "I'm sorry." He mumbled.
Draco shook his head immediately and a tiny grin formed. "I don't mind. That is if you will agree to let me call you Harry instead of Potter."
"Deal." Harry answered immediately. He sighed as he sat up. "Really, thanks for that. Where did you learn that song?"
"My mother used to sing it to me when I was younger; before my father forbade her to anymore. It's the one fond memory I have of my childhood." Draco replied, his silver eyes hazing with thoughts of the past.
"Then I'm really glad that you shared that with me." He fell silent until another thought struck him. "So does this mean that we are friends now?"
Eyeing his companion, Draco carefully picked his words. "We're on our way there. Although I will warn you that just because we're becoming friends does not mean I'll change my attitude."
Harry chuckled. "I figured that much. Once a Malfoy, always a Malfoy. Besides, what would we have to entertain ourselves and the rest of the school with if we don't have our little fights anymore?"
"True true." Laughing, the blonde wizard stood and stretched. "We should head up to bed. It's nearly one in the morning."
"Yeah." Following Draco, they climbed the stairs together up to the dorms and once there, both boys moved to their respective beds. "Good night Draco."
Draco smiled as he tugged the blankets up around himself. "Good night Harry."
T.B.C.
Chapter 4 all done? So how was it? I hope that everyone likes this as much as the other chapters and thanks again for all the reviews. Like last chapter 10 more reviews to chapter 5. . . ^_^
Wow, thanks for all the reviews everyone! I am really happy about all the feedback that I'm getting and I'm really happy that everyone enjoys this story. Anyway, same warnings are applied to this chapter as the rest and I'm gonna do the same thing with the feedback for this chapter. (I've got finals in about a week so I am really busy.) So yep, the more feedback, the faster I'll try to work on this to post it. Again, thanks ^_^
Special thanks to:
Amythest
Yes, I do hate you/ No, I don't hate you
Mat_c: I think you'll find just a light hint of slash in this one but I promise it's going to be more serious from now on.
Magichg
Zahrah Radcliffe
Ickle-Wicca-Girl
GlacierFlame
Lady Doncaster
Jen~
ShadowsLight
Mindel: No problem about the paintings. I was actually debating as to whether I should put anything about them or not or just leave them as something the reader could fill in. Hope, you enjoy the rest of the story. ^_^
bthatcher2002
Sonomi: Lol, thanks for the review. I'm flattered. Here's the next chapter and I hope you like it. ^_^
OzCrow
Jordon: Your question will be answered soon. Trust me. ^_~
JadeDragon
Again thanks to everyone that gave me feedback and now on with the story. . .
Chapter 4: Of Shadows and Showers
Harry wasn't nearly as shocked the next morning when he awoke to find Draco lying next to him. Pushing some hair out of his eyes, the Gryffindor yawned as he sat up in bed. For a moment, he studied Draco's fine features with an adorable frown adorning his face. /He looks so naïve like this. So much like an angel. . ./
Blinking in surprise at his own thoughts, Harry quickly shoved it aside, sure that it had only come to mind because he wasn't fully awake yet. Climbing out of bed, the emerald-eyed boy paused as Draco made some indistinct but endearing mumbling noises in his sleep before quieting again
Shaking his head, Harry hurriedly gathered what he needed before rushing out of the room, not wanting to face anymore embarrassing thoughts.
Although any attempt of Harry's to allow his companion to sleep was in vain after the door to the dorm slammed shut behind him.
"What the hell?" Draco muttered in annoyance as he glared blearily at the door. Grumbling something about 'ungrateful Gryffindors', the blonde sluggishly pushed himself out of bed before stumbling his way to the bathroom.
"Malfoy?" Harry asked as his head peeked out of a stall.
Draco scowled. "What the hell do you want Potter?"
"Well good morning to you too." The wizard said cheerfully, his green eyes glittering with mirth.
Glowering at the other boy, Draco tugged the shower curtain forcefully closed as he climbed into the shower.
Harry's grin widened as he ducked back into his shower stall. Counting under his breath, the Gryffindor reached five before he heard a sharp yelp and then a stream of curses. He chuckled as he switched off the water and grabbed two towels. Harry wrapped one about his waist before stepping out of the cubicle. He grinned as he surveyed the sight of Draco Malfoy, angry, and clothed in soaking pajamas. "That's a nice look for you Malfoy."
In front of his stall, Draco stood panting angrily and dripping from head to toe. His fine blonde hair was matted to his head mirroring his clothes to his body as livid silver eyes glared at Harry. "Potter." He gritted out. "Why. The. Hell. Didn't. You. Say. Something?"
"What did you need my help for? You obviously figured it out already." Harry cackled madly as he threw his extra towel at Draco before taking off in a sprint, an irate blonde at his heels.
* * * * *
By lunch time, Draco was still moping around and he was now sulking in the kitchen as Harry had managed to at last drag him out of Gryffindor Tower.
"Oh suck it up." Harry said as he rolled his eyes.
The blonde glared but didn't respond. Instead he chose to ignore his companion for his food.
"Oh please Malfoy, you know that it was as much your fault as it was mine. Now we are going to go get your clothes after we finish eating."
"Whatever Potter." Draco mumbled, finishing off the last of his meal before going to wash his plate, which of course uncharacteristically took until Harry was finished eating. He then marched off away from the sink to wait near the entrance for the other wizard.
Harry sighed. /I do not need to deal with this./ He resisted the urge to strangle Draco as he followed the silver-eyed boy out of the kitchens and down the corridors toward the dungeons.
They had not been walking along for too long when the Gryffindor began to pick upon the other's constant mumbling. Chanting mentally to himself that he would not loose his temper, Harry could feel his eye began to twitch. Finally after another five minutes, the younger wizard couldn't take it anymore and he snapped. "Malfoy! Get over it!"
Immediately Draco swerved around to face Harry. His eyes were blazing as he clenched his hands tightly at his sides. "Listen Potter! You know that it's your fault that that happened this morning!"
"No it isn't! You should have paid more attention to what you were doing! Besides, do you ever think that you are over reacting?" The emerald-eyed boy snarled back, his face flushing with irritation.
"I am NOT over reacting! You should be apologizing!" Draco shot back.
Harry was about to retort when a movement in the corner of his vision caught his attention. Frowning, the Gryffindor turned away from Draco but was abruptly caught by the arm and forced to face the blonde again. "Malfoy, we don't have time for this." He whispered urgently, drawing his wand. "There's something or someone here."
Draco peered inconspicuously over the shorter boy's shoulder and his eyes flooded with concern as he caught the movement of a shadow. "Do you think that it's another monster from the forest?"
Biting his lip, Harry clenched his wand tightly in his hand as he shook his head. "I honestly am not sure. I can't see it clearly? Can you?"
"No I can't but it definitely knows we're here." Draco answered in a hushed tone.
"Well what are we going to do about the bloody thing?"
Silver eyes fixed on Harry and Draco seemed to consider something before continuing. "We should go after it if you ask me. If it's some weird creature, we can take care of it and if it's a human than we can try to capture them and maybe find out what the hell is going on."
"Either that or get killed." Harry muttered and then released a long sigh. "But I guess we have no choice. So what's the plan Malfoy?"
"I think we should just pretend we haven't noticed anything and keep on our way to the Slytherin dorms. We should observe this thing for a while longer. If it's human it may bide it's time in attacking us." Draco answered as he spun around on his heels and started on his way down the hallway again.
Harry nodded. "I think I may be able to help us keep an eye on this thing but I'm not really sure. We're going to have to check when we get back to Gryffindor Tower and if I find it I can show it to you tomorrow."
The blonde glanced at his companion curiously but merely inclined his head and together they hurried down the corridor, each focusing their senses on detecting any movements about them.
"Here." Draco tugged Harry over to a section of the stone wall and quietly uttered the password before slipping into the chill of the Slytherin common room. "Wait here Potter."
"Why? It'll be faster if we both pack your things together. I don't exactly feel safe down here to be honest Malfoy."
"Whatever. Then hurry up will you?"
Together they entered through another doorway but instead of any ascending stairs it went back in a long hallway. Both Seekers walked along in silence, as Draco led them past several doors. "Potter?"
Harry's attention turned away from the doors to the boy beside him. "Yeah Malfoy?"
"I'm sorry about how I've been acting today. I. . ." He frowned and looked back at Harry who had stopped dead in his tracks. "What?"
The ebony-haired boy quickly strode up to Draco and gazed quizzically up at him, finally poking the Slytherin in the chest. "Who are you and what happened to the real Malfoy that doesn't know the word sorry?"
"Oh shut up you annoying git."
Harry grinned. "And he's back."
Draco rolled his eyes as something mysteriously like a smile danced on his lips. "Let's just go. The faster we get back to Gryffindor Tower, the less I have to worry about that thing lurking down here."
* * * * *
Later that night, both Harry and Draco were again submerged in piles and piles of books and parchment. Although unlike the Slytherin who was dutifully researching, Harry found himself staring deeply into the flames of the cheerfully burning fire.
"Malfoy?"
Draco looked up as the Gryffindor called his name. "What is it Potter?"
"Can I tell you something?" Deep green eyes met his and Draco felt a pull at his heart.
"Sure Potter." Setting down his quill, the platinum-haired wizard waited for Harry to begin.
Harry's brow furrowed as he yet again gazed into the depths of the fire. Finally after a long minute, he spoke. "I'm scared Malfoy."
Draco gaped, his mouth dropping open in shock. /He's scared? By Merlin! How can he be scared?! He's Harry Bloody Potter!/ "What?"
"I said I'm scared." He shifted one shaking hand through his wild ebony hair as he continued with his explanation, never once looking at Draco. "I mean, I know I'm not supposed to be but I am. To me, Hogwarts has always been safe and it's my home. Now, I have to watch where I go even here. I am frightened Malfoy. There's no safe place for me anymore. I truly am on my own now."
Silver eyes clouded over with a foreign emotion. "You aren't alone Potter. I'm here with you." Draco sighed as he stood and walked over to sit down beside Harry. "Here. This may help. Lay your head in my lap."
Harry started in astonishment. "Excuse me Malfoy?"
Shooting a cross look at the emerald-eyed wizard, Draco growled deep in his throat. "Just trust me on this one. I promise that it will help you relax."
Eyeing the other suspiciously, Harry nevertheless did as he was told and hesitantly laid down. He bit his lip lightly in unease as he then felt a hand shift through his hair before closing his eyes.
"Now don't you laugh Potter. If you do I'll make your life a living hell." Shooting a warning glare at the younger wizard, Draco took a deep breath and began.
\\I have been searching blindly,
and with no purpose for a long time,
using my thoughts of you to make a song to heal my heart.\\
Harry's eyes snapped open and he stared openly up at his rival. Stared up at his rival who was now singing to him.
\\We didn't make any promises and we didn't exchange anything.
We embraced and I was certain we could never come back to this
In my memories, can you
call out my name?\\
Draco's features were soft and his eyes had drifted shut as he sang, obviously lost in some pleasant memory and the Gryffindor couldn't help but relax under the ministrations of his companion.
\\Those flowing tears can become shining courage.
Life goes on. Your song will continue onto tomorrow.
The flying birds in the sky, the memories I keep,
and my short-lived dreams go to a place forgotten.\\
Without realizing it, a smile curved up Harry's lips as he watched Draco intently. This was a side to the boy that he had never seen before and he found that he quite enjoyed it. Sighing, the emerald eyes slid shut and Harry just allowed the melody and the fingers combing through his hair to calm him.
\\Do you think our meeting was by chance?
There will surely be a moment where we will be apart.
My destiny is fleeting, but you are alive.
Life will go on forever as long as you have the strength.
I may die, but you are alive.
Life will go on forever as long as you have the strength to carry on.\\
Draco's voice faded away with the last verse of the song and he forced back the tears as he glanced down to see that Harry was now looking up at him.
"Thank you Draco."
Surprise etched itself onto the blonde's handsome features as Harry address him by his first name. "You—you called me Draco."
Equally shocked, the Gryffindor smiled a little uneasily. "I'm sorry." He mumbled.
Draco shook his head immediately and a tiny grin formed. "I don't mind. That is if you will agree to let me call you Harry instead of Potter."
"Deal." Harry answered immediately. He sighed as he sat up. "Really, thanks for that. Where did you learn that song?"
"My mother used to sing it to me when I was younger; before my father forbade her to anymore. It's the one fond memory I have of my childhood." Draco replied, his silver eyes hazing with thoughts of the past.
"Then I'm really glad that you shared that with me." He fell silent until another thought struck him. "So does this mean that we are friends now?"
Eyeing his companion, Draco carefully picked his words. "We're on our way there. Although I will warn you that just because we're becoming friends does not mean I'll change my attitude."
Harry chuckled. "I figured that much. Once a Malfoy, always a Malfoy. Besides, what would we have to entertain ourselves and the rest of the school with if we don't have our little fights anymore?"
"True true." Laughing, the blonde wizard stood and stretched. "We should head up to bed. It's nearly one in the morning."
"Yeah." Following Draco, they climbed the stairs together up to the dorms and once there, both boys moved to their respective beds. "Good night Draco."
Draco smiled as he tugged the blankets up around himself. "Good night Harry."
T.B.C.
Chapter 4 all done? So how was it? I hope that everyone likes this as much as the other chapters and thanks again for all the reviews. Like last chapter 10 more reviews to chapter 5. . . ^_^