Chapter 5: To Trust Your Enemy




Hello again everyone! ^_^ I'm back with chapter 5. I really can't believe how long it took me to write this and get it the way I wanted but I hope you enjoy it. Oh yeah, and I rewrote the shower part in the last chapter because some people didn't understand it. If you want you can reread it but it's no real change so if you understood it you don't have to read it again. Anyway, same warnings for every other chapter and also same thing about the 10 reviews. Thanks everyone.

Here are the other thanks you's:

Zeynel

Khrystyne

Aidrienne Levine: There's a plot of course. I'm just trying to build up Draco and Harry's relationship at the moment. Although there's more action in this chapter. ^_~

Appleelf: Indeed, Dumbledore has the uncanny ability to disappear doesn't he? Hehe, glad you like the story. ^_^

Desertwren: That is a very interesting idea with the Marauder's map but I have something else in store for Harry and Draco. *grin* You'll see soon.

Jordon: No problem. Enjoy the story.

Wertyi

HeartoftheDragon

Sonomi Hamasaki: Sorry about that. I'm glad you like the story though.

~Cat~

harrysgirl: I rewrote that part just a little so it should make more sense now.

ShadowsLight: Hehe, I think it's my turn to blush. ^_^ Thanks for adding me to your favorite list. *hugs* Enjoy the story.

Jay Kamiya

KawaiiAngel4: Thanks so much for adding this story to your favs! ^_^ *hugs*

Mat_c

Evil-Chicken-Wrath: Yay! *hug* Thank you for adding this to your favorite list.

Lady Doncaster

magichg

Sweet Cherry

Shireen Mclean: Next chapter up! ^_^

Ickle-Wicca-Girl: That will definitely be revealed in time. Just not yet. ^_~




Chapter 5: To Trust Your Enemy


"Po—Harry?" Draco called from downstairs as he glanced up to the dorms.

"One moment Draco. I'll be right down." There were shuffling sounds for a few moments before there came light footsteps down the stairs and Harry appeared with a piece of parchment in hand.

The Slytherin raise one elegant eyebrow as Harry unfurled the paper. "What is that?"

Grinning, his emerald eyes shone with mischief as he moved to stand beside Draco. "It's the Marauder's Map."

"You're joking." Draco said as he gently traced the parchment. "How did you get a hold of it?"

Harry laughed softly. "That's a long story. I'll tell it to you when we have more time. Now let's see. . .I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

They watched intently as lines began to form, crissing and crossing on the sheet until soon there was a highly descriptive map of Hogwarts.

Draco frowned as he saw only two dots on the map, and those were only his and Harry's. "Maybe it was some strange creature after all. They don't show up on the map do they?"

"Unfortunately, no they don't. Mischief managed." The ebony-haired wizard sighed. "So what do we do now?"

"We'll just do this the old fashion way. I'm sure you have no problem sneaking around the castle. You have had seven years of practice after all."

Chuckling, Harry nodded and went to sit down on one of the couches. He released a long breath as he allowed his eyes to slip shut in thought. "Could I ask you something Draco?" One emerald eye peeked open to catch an affirming nod from his companion. "Well, about yesterday. What made you change your attitude towards me in the dungeons? I mean you were so angry with me before that and then you just. . .changed."

"Ah well. . .that." Draco dropped down beside Harry, glancing at the other out of the corner of his eyes. "It was just because of whatever was watching us down in the dungeons. I guess up until then I hadn't really believed that we could be in that much danger. After all, I know more curses and hexes than anyone my age should know and you're the Boy-Who-Lived. It never really hit me until then that we may actually have to rely on each other."

"Glad to know we're on the same page then." Harry answered with a smile as they both recalled the previous night's events. "I am really grateful to you for helping me last night though."

Draco smiled but didn't respond. He sighed as he pulled his legs up onto the couch and hugged them to himself as he rested his chin against his knees. "What do you think everyone else is doing?"

Shrugging, the Gryffindor leaned against one of the arms of the couch. "Whatever they're doing, I just hope that they are okay."

"I suppose."

The dejected tone in the Slytherin's voice drew Harry's attention and the Gryffindor frowned as he shifted so that he was sitting Indian-style, facing Draco. "What's wrong Draco?"

Draco tensed, his silver eyes hardening. "It's nothing Potter."

"Potter?" Harry raised one eyebrow in slight shock and inquiry. "What happened to Harry?" Reaching over, he laid one calming hand on his ex-rival's shoulder. "C'mon. I know you don't fully trust me yet but now is as good a time to start as any."

"I told you it's nothing Potter. Just leave me alone. I don't need your sympathy." Draco muttered, his head buried in his knees. He started though when he felt someone brush some of his bangs aside and he turned his head slightly to see Harry's face a few inches from his.

Draco could see Harry's expression had hardened slightly when his eyes met the emerald gems. "You have to learn to trust someone at some point Malfoy."

"But what makes you think I want to trust you?" Draco shot back but even as he said those words, he knew that they were false.

"Malfoy. . ." Harry warned. "Today started out as a good day, don't ruin it with your mouth."

Snorting, the silver-eyed Slytherin nevertheless held back his next biting comment. "Whatever Potter. I just don't need your pity too.'

Sighing, the ebony-haired boy shook his head. "I don't pity you Draco if that's you're your afraid off but I am worried about you. Just. . .oh I don't know, just think about what I said. I really don't want to fight with you again so why don't you stay here and finish with the rest of the books? I'm going to take mine back to the library and look for some others."

The Gryffindor moved his hand away and blonde bangs fell back over silver eyes Draco blinked a few times before moving himself to sweep away the stray hair. However, when he straightened up in his seat, Harry was already gone and the Slytherin stared at the door for a long while before absently picking up a random book and leafing through it.

* * * * *

Harry chewed lightly on his thumbnail as he searched through a row of books in the Restricted Section. /I don't know how many more books we can look through. We've nearly searched through the entire library and there's nothing that looks like it could help us in the slightest./ He stood on his tiptoes as he drew a book off the top shelf. Brushing some dust off the cover, the Gryffindor gingerly set down the ancient text on a nearby desk before turning back to the bookshelves.

After a few more minutes of careful searching, Harry had at last managed to gather a small stack of seemingly promising books. He was about to pick up all the texts when he paused. /Maybe I should let Draco have some time to himself./ Nodding resolutely to himself, Harry settled in one of the stuffed chairs in the library before flipping open the first book in his stack and delved into the first chapter.

* * * * *

Draco stared blankly up at the ceiling to the Gryffindor common room, a book lying forgotten on his stomach as his mind raced over the confusing thoughts in his head. /He is right. I should try to trust him since that is what friends do right? Besides I've already allowed myself to. . ./ Sighing, the blonde shifted to lay on his side, the text dropping to the floor but he paid no heed to it. /I can't be feeling that right now. What should I do? I mean if anything, I should at least be able to place some trust in him with that thing lurking. . .oh no!/ He shot up from his position on the couch. /I let him go out there all alone!/

Scrambling past all the text placed haphazardly all over the ground, Draco tripped more than once before he finally made it to the portrait hole. Rushing out into the corridor, the blonde set off in a full out sprint for the library.

* * * * *

Harry was chewing absently on the end of his sugar quill as he skimmed through a page about vanishing potions. /Well, I guess this could seem credible. Although. . ./ An almost silent footstep jolted him from his thoughts and the ebony-haired boy frowned as he looked up. "Draco?"

When there came no response, Harry tentatively pushed his chair back and pulled out his wand as he stood. /If it's not him who else could it be? I locked the door after. . ./ His green eyes widened. /Oh no! I forgot to lock the door when I came here!/ Tensing, Harry strained his senses as he listened for any out of place sounds. /I have to get out of here./ Slowly edging towards the door, wizard had just about slipped through when something darted past through the shadows in the back of the rows of bookcases. /This is not good./ Pressing himself back against one of the double doors, Harry bravely raised his wand and waited for the inevitable attack.

* * * * *

Draco nearly collapsed in relief when the entrance to the library came into view but before he could reach the doors, a shadow slid in front of them and it seemed that the entire area darkened.

Skidding to a halt, the Slytherin snarled in frustration, pointing his wand at the imposing figure. "Get the hell out of my way if you know what's best for you."

A crackling laugh came from the figure hovering in the gloom and Draco had to force away the shiver that threatened to travel down his spine. He watched as a cloaked form stepped out of the shadows to face him. "You don't know what you are playing with boy."

The Slytherin couldn't decide whether to be shocked that there really was another person in the castle besides himself and Harry, angry that this person was blocking his path, or frightened at the threat. So instead, he settled for the first two, figuring that being scared was not part of the Malfoy name. "Well, I guess I'll find out won't I?"

Leveling their wands at one another, the two wizards fell into their dueling stances, each as determined as the other to win.

* * * * *

Moving away from the doors, Harry kept his eyes trained on the imposing figure as he edged around a bookshelf. However, as he rounded the corner, the Gryffindor felt another body next to him and the next thing he knew, he had flown through the air. Crashing against a chair, Harry slid to a stop on the floor and winced. /Oh bloody wonderful, there's two of them/

A shifting movement brought his mind back to the situation at hand and he managed to scatter out of the way as the thing went flying by, sharp claws just missing his head. Ducking behind a table, Harry was able to cast a stupefication spell before his opponent could reach him again.

Grimacing in pain, Harry forced himself to his feet and to ignore the blood trickling down the side of his face as he tried to catch his breath. He gritted his teeth as he searched for the first creature that he had seen and fixed his gaze on it as he found it still creeping behind the bookcases. "Come on. Get out in the open." Harry muttered.

As if understanding what the emerald-eyed boy had said, the monster prowled into view. Fire red eyes trained on Harry and the wizard braced himself, ready to strike immediately.

* * * * *

Draco's heart dropped as he heard the sound of a loud crash emanating from the Library. The Slytherin had to force away the sudden nausea as he thought of the possibilities of what could have happened to Harry.

"Sounds like your little boyfriend is having fun in there. . .wouldn't you agree?" The shadowy figure hissed out

The Slytherin glared, his hand tightening around his wand. "Shut the hell up. If you aren't going to move then get on with the duel so that I can force you to move myself."

"With pleasure." Giving a casual flick of his wand, the stranger sent green sparks flying at Draco.

Draco's eyes narrowed as he brought up a shield, albeit not a strong one, but it was able to deflect the spell and allow him time to send his own curse. He smirked as his spell connected but in the next moment he was doubled over in pain as his enemy managed to catch him with a hex.

Raising his head, the blonde called out a spell between his gritted teeth. /Damn. He's stronger than I thought. This is not going to be good./

* * * * *

Harry suppressed his scream of agony as the creature landed a blow on his stomach. Luckily it wasn't too deep but the gash was long and the wizard could feel his blood oozing out of the wound and seeping into his shirt and sweater. One hand hovering protectively over his injury, Harry gasped out Petrificus Totalus and rolled out of the way just in case the spell didn't work.

He sighed as he heard the distinctive thud of a heavy body falling to the floor and closing his eyes, Harry sat completely still for a long while before compelling his weary body to bring him to his feet. Staggering to the door, the Gryffindor carefully pulled open the door and was met with the sight of a cloaked back.

Frowning, Harry glanced over the stranger's shoulder and his confused expression quickly changed to rage as he caught sight of Draco who was hunched over agonizingly. Seeing that the person before him was about to cast another curse, Harry didn't even think as he lunged at the Slytherin's attacker.

Harry landed several blows until he was punched in the stomach and he lurched back as his vision swam. He could hear some scrambling of feet before he felt strong arms lift him. "Draco?"

"I'm here Harry." The blonde smiled in relief and dismay. "Thanks for that. Are you okay?"

Opening his eyes just a slit, Harry grinned weakly up at Draco. "I'll live. Although it would be a good thing if you did something to seal up my wound on my stomach."

"Oh!" Smiling sheepishly, the blonde gently cradled the Gryffindor to him as he hurried down the hall toward Harry's common room. "Hey Harry?"

Emerald eyes opened again and Harry glanced questioningly up at Draco. "Yeah?"

"You know how we we're talking about me trusting you earlier?"

Harry nodded wordlessly.

"Well. . ." Draco bit his lip as he glanced away and the younger boy could swear he saw a rosy tint on the Slytherin's features before his silvery bangs shaded his cheeks. "I do trust you. . .especially after that."

Grinning, the ebony-haired boy sighed as he unconsciously leaned closer to Draco and closed his eyes once again. /Why does it make me so happy that he trusts me? There's a strange feeling. . .I wonder if he feels the same?/ Laying his head on the blonde's shoulder, Harry finally commented himself. "And I trust you too Draco."



T.B.C.




Please review. I'm late for work so I gotta get going! *waves frantically and stumbles out the door* Bye everyone! 10 reviews. . .