Title: Rusty Cage
Author: Kaz (duch_of_darkness@hotmail.com or duch_of_darkness@yahoo.com)
Subject: Harry Potter
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco
Rating: PG13-R for theme, language, and mature activities
Disclaimer: [see previous chapters]
Summary: [see previous chapters]
Sequence: Part 5/??
Dialouge: "talking" /thinking\(if ever needed) [author's words if needed] ~*~different scene/time/etc~*~
Note: Remember to always recap on previous chapters... Oh, and I'm terribly, terribly sorry for the late update... I have so many things going on at once this time of the school year that it's hard to juggle them all, especially if my grandmothers (yes, plural) are visiting and living in my already full and small house. Good lord... Help me now... *sighs heavily* Man... Someone help me, ne? And I'm trying to write something while having writer's block, but Alas, my chapter will probably be short. Sorry... Oh well, on with the story... Thing... It...
~*~*~*~*~
Part Five
I was dreading the day of the ball. God. I thought the Yule Ball was bad enough when I HAD to definitely bring a date because I was a contestant of the stupid tournament in fourth year. God... I hated that. But then again, I think this is MUCH worse. I'm fricken dressed up like and girl, look like a girl, and GOING TO THE BALL WITH A BOY!! More like I'm going with my rival, not just any boy, my rival. I know I said that twice, but I have to. It's that bad to me.
But see, what I found out, was just a few days before the ball, while Kaz and myself were er... 'shopping' for dress robes and nice clothes for the ball (me especially cuz I'm a girl now), was that Malfoy got hurt and had to spend a few days in the hopsital wing. I would have jumped for joy (literally) if Kaz hadn't been herself and stopped me.
Eventually, I got my clothes, spent a TON of money on things I'd only wear once, and also on things Kaz would wear. She didn't feel like using her own money, so she squeezed some out of me to pay for her own things. Moocher. Damn her. I hate being used, let alone get mooched offa. Poop to it all... that's what I say.
Anyway, we bought our clothes and accessories and a couple of things to eat later on. But moving on, she used my money, but we got what we needed for the ball. When we were back at the dormitory, I remembered that Malfoy got hurt and was sent to the hospital wing. I was kinda reluctant, kinda happy, and kinda angry. I was reluctant because I actually wanted to talk to him and find out more of what he was hiding from me, happy because I didn't want to go through with the ball and it would be stupid to go with no partner so no partner=no dance! But I was also angry (and don't get mad at me, you'd feel the same too) that all that money was wasted just to look good for blondie.
I shook my head as Kaz refished for my things, myself sprawled on the couch in the common room as she dumped all my things on the coffee table in front of the couch. I sighed heavily, turning to Kaz who was oblivious to the hint of desperation in my sigh.
"Kaz... Since Malfoy's in the hospital, and I'm probably still going to the ball, um... How're we supposed to meet up? I heard he was bad enough to have to say through the ball, and that's soon."
Kaz looked up, blinking. "Harry, what's you're point?"
I sat up. "Wh- What's my point? I'm tlaking about what am I supposed to do at the ball if my figgin date isn't there?!"
Kaz laughed, shaking her head. "Harry, who said you'll be at the ball? Look, I'm planning on sending you to the ball, but you're not gonna stay there, you're gonna have a dance or two, enjoy an hour there, or something like that, then spend the rest of your time with Malfie in the hospital so he doesn't feel lonely or anything, okay? I mena, c'mon, with much time you have as a girl, you must make the most of it. If the boy cna't dance with you, that's okay. All you need to do is spend time with him and the evening will be fine. And hey," she said, winking, "I'll get one of my friends to get one of the elves to bring you a plate of refreshments so you can enjoy some at his bed."
I rolled my eyes. "Oh God..."
Kaz laughed at my displeasing her idea. "Hey, think about it, it won't be so bad. So he's handicapped for the night. You're not, but you can still show yourself off to him. C'mon, there's PLENTY of room between the beds to prance around and dance by yourself and stuff."
I felt my jaw drop. "What?! I'm not going to prance around the hospital wing like an idiot at who-knows-what time at night! I'm not you! I'm not like any girl around here! I'm not a GIRL! Now spot taking advantage of my case!" I huffed, entirely disgusted by Kaz's sick and twisted brain. After a long silent moment, I turned back to her, my arms crossed in front of my chest. "I hate you, you know that..?"
Kaz could only laugh at me. "I do, Harry, I do. And that's what makes things so funny!"
I growled, no pleased at all. /Great... Just what I need... A lunatic for a friend.... Shite...\
I started to move off the couch when she pulled me back and pinned me down with more things that she (surprisingly) pulled out of our bags. "C'mon, Harry. Sit and let me finish unpacking so that we can store these clothes away until oafter tomorrow when you can show off. I really do plan on showing you off Harry. You are like me project and we need to express your feminism to all Hogwarts since it'll be the only time they'll see Harry Potter as Harriet Patrossi. Or otherwise, just Harriet Patrossi. Okay? Like I told all the others, you are only staying for a month and heck, your time is..." She stopped to think out her answer. Soon, she shrugged and gave up. "Well, it'll be really soon, okay?"
My brows furrowed. "What happens if it's on the night of the ball?"
"Probably not. And even so, it'll probably be BEFORE you make your entrance or even have to dress up, okay? If not that night, then sometime in the morning the next day or whatever. The thing has to wear down at exactly a month, alright?"
I looked at her questioningly. "I hope you know what you're doing or saying kaz, cuz otherwise, I'll get your arse for it."
Kaz giggled rather nervously then dumped the rest of the things into my lap and in my arms before picking up her own pile and beckoning for me to follow her up to stash the stuff away. When we reached the girls' dorm, though, we found a few of the girls there, talking and giggling and gossiping about something I payed no attention to.
Then, Hermione came up to me and tapped me on the shoulder. "Harriet, we'd like to ask you something."
I shrugged and handed my things to Kaz who gladly took it from me. "Sure."
"Well, we were wondering why you are with Malfoy."
"Excuse me?"
"Well, we see you around him a lot and you're seperated only by classes and meal times when we must sit in our house tables. So basically, you're always with him. We're wondering why."
I looked over Hermione's shoulder to see that the other two girls were nodding, their faces intense and determined and awaiting an answer. I shrugged, looking back at Hermione. "I dunno. He's okay around me. Why?"
Hermione shook her head, looking over her shoulder at the other two as if for some help to squeeze something out of me. One mouthed something I didn't catch. Hermione nodded and turned back to me. "Are you and him together?"
I furrowed my eyebrows. /What the bloody hell? What is she getting at? And why is she and them all suddenly interested in what I do or where I go?\ "What?"
"Are you and him a couple?"
I lifted an eyebrow and suddenly, as if I couldn't stop myself, I started mouthing her. "Are you and Ron a couple?"
Hermione gasped and blushed furiously. "N-no!"
I rolled my eyes. "By what I see, you are. You hang out with him as much as I with Malfoy, even more because you two have the same classes together, as well as the same house. So... tell me this, are you two a couple?" I smirked as her blush deepened. My smirk faultered when Kaz placed a hand on my shoulder and steered me out of the dorm.
"You really ARE hanging around Blondie too much. You're starting to sound like him and snap away like him. I thought you only--or mostly--saw his good side?"
I paused in my step down the stairs. "Hmm..." I thought about her sentence for a moment in silence. "Well... I DO mostly see his good side, but... I guess I DO sound like him, huh? Maybe he's growing on me or something..." I shook my head as I continued to think about what she said as I continued to follow her down the stairs to the common room.
The day went by quickly, and so did the next. Just before the day of the ball, I visited Malfoy to see how he was doing. He seemed concerned about my well being--probably because I looked like I didn't sleep, and I didn't since I couldn't as thoughts swarmed my head, thanks to Kaz--but I was more concerened then him for him. I didn't know why I cared for this prissy, Daddy's boy, but I did. Part of me wanted him well and to extremely good heatlth, while another part wanted him dead and buried alive, and yet, ANOTHER part was blank and tell the other sides to shut up and just let my body move however it wants. I sat at his bedside and talked to him and listened to him for as much as I could until I grew really bored and really tired and fell asleep with my head resting in the nest of my arms as I rested my head on his bed. I admit, when I woke up, I was so embarrassed that I bolted out of there as soon as I registered where I was and what I was doing there in the first place. I can clearly recall the expression on Malfoy's face as he saw me rush out of there in a hurry. I didn't visit him after that, and I kinda feel bad, but I couldn't help it, I fell alseep right there in front of him and how could I NOT feel stupid? Especially in front of my enemy? God, you can only imagine if you haven't had that happen to yourself before.
I stayed clear from the hospital wing, much to Kaz's and a few girls' surprise since they would've expected me to stay there non-stop to make sure he was okay and stuff. But heck, no way was I gonna stay there 24/7!! Anyway, the approaching of the ball was like a hole in my stomach. I didn't want to go through with this and threatened that to Kaz but then she said that she'd be escorting me there just for that reason. Big mistake; I mentally and physically hit myself for that. When the day came, though, Kaz dragged me right up to the dorms after the last class was out and dinner was long gone. I'm thankful that I even got to EAT or SEE food before she pulled me away.
It took several hours to dress me up and make myself and herself "perfect" for the ball. I moved as slow as I dared to stall and prevent time from moving any faster. I knew that if I was kept preoccupied and bustling to do something, I knew that time would voom by. If I moved slow and waited it out, it would take longer. Or so it always seemed.
When I WAS finally ready, Kaz gave me a look-over and then dragged me along with her as we made out way to the Hospital Wing. Literally, she dragged me. I refused to go with what I was wearing under my dress robes, but... No. She hauled me down the vast halls of Hogwarts and up and down flights of stairs until she dropped me in front of the Hospital Wing. I suppose along the way I regain some of my courage to face the bedded Malfoy, but... Then again, I was ready to drop the bundle of food I had in my hands and run all the way back to the common room, or at least to some place where I could hide from Kaz. I bloody swear, she's a monster when it comes to romance--let alone coming to hooking me up with the dragon of Hogwarts! I just want to run screaming!
Buuuttt.... I couldn't. She shoved me inside and followed afterwards. We met up with ol' Draco only to find him sleeping. I pleaded to turn and leave, but Kaz glued me to the chair--not literally this time--until there was a sign of the boy regaining conscious-ness. He got to say goodbye to Kaz before she slithered out of the room, leaving silence to the two of us. I tried to busy myself with unpacking the small morsel of food Kaz gave me on the table just at the food of his bed where presents and something else would normally go during the day and feeding hours. I noticed how he kept staring at me, watching me silently as a hawk eyes its prey, watching it's every movement until the right time to strike. And this boy's strike was when I was at his bedside again, placing a mug of water for myself while the table of food was right beside me on my right.
Malfoy caught my arm right when I reached for the mug. "Harry?"
My head snapped up in his direction at the sound of my name rolling off his tongue. Something was behind those words that showed what emotion he was feeling right at this moment. I blinked. "Yes?"
He let go of my arm and shook his head. "Nothing." I furrowed my brow at this simple answer, but he continued. "It's just, I'm sorry you have to be here instead of the ball in the grand hall. You should just go back out there."
I nearly laughed, and shook my head. "Nonono. I came here so that I could be with my partner. You asked me, and I said I'd come. At first, I didn't understand why I agreed, but I came anyway, didn't I?"
I titled my head to the side to see if he'd answer. All he did was nod so I nodded in return. I laughed then, so suddenly. "Well, actually, Kaz dragged me over here, but I suppose I'm finally glad I came. Besides, it's no fun to be stuck here in this lumpy bed when you could be out there dancing and having the time of your life."
"... With you?"
I blinked several times, feeling my face grow hot. "Um..." I looked down at my lap. "Um... yeah. With me." I said softly, my words being hard to hear, if only it wasn't so quiet.
I glanced up and saw him smiling. He was smiling! Aaah! He was smiling! And I was blushing! AAAAAHH!!! Awkward moment times 100!! Aiyee!!! ...Wait, how many times have I screamed now? I eman, all this time? ... Too many times to count them all. Man.... this girl thing is getting to me. Darn.
He reached over and cupped my chin, willing me forward toward him, and for some reason, I obeyed him and sat on the edge of the bed, facing him. I seemingly was transfixed by the pools of hue that were his eyes, not able to look away. He... oh, forget what HE was doing or saying to thinking, I'm more important. I mean, I was sitting there like an idiot, feeling like an idiot while my mind was surprisingly blank and free of thoughts.
I think, somehow, he was able to draw me close until our faces were inches apart and I was practically laying on him, my hand on the bed beside him for support so that I didn't (thankfully) wasn't leaning on him. He stared at me and I stared back, not knowing what else to do. I wasn't aware of the time until later when we broke eye contact and he finally let go of me.
I don't remember much after that, I guess we talked and stuff, but again, my mind was blank, so I didn't remember much. Sad, isn't it? I know. But anyway, yeah. It was a strangely peaceful night, and it grew late real fast. I mena, bloody hell! I thin it was nearly midnight by the time I fell alseep!
So, yeah. I fell asleep right on the edge of his bed, with my head resting in the nest of my arms. I don't think I had danced around and showed off before I slept as Kaz had suggested for me to do, but then again, how was I supposed to know what I did or didn't do if my brain wasn't working straight? But, i'm blabbing again. Ahem.
I fell alseep and when I woke up, I had no clue what time it was, but that it was still dead in the night. I woke to the feel of someone stroking my hair and looked up to see it was Malfoy. Yes, after all this time, I still call him by his last name. Be quiet, I can call him what I like when I like and so on. So anyway, he just smiled down at me and kept stroking my hair. I shrugged inwardly and sighed outwardly as I tried to fall into the grasp of sleep once again. But I shoulda known better, for just a little afterwards, the comfortable-hand-that-happened-to-belong-to-Malfoy-that-happened-to-be-on-my-head-that-happened-to-be-a-used-to-touch-as-I-was-trying-to-sleep disappeared from my head and woke me again. I yawned involuntarily and sat up, rubbing my eyes.
"Hey... is it dawn yet?" I said sleepily, hoping it wasn't. (Hey, I said I my brain wasn't working correctly, didn't I? And besides, the sleep go t the better of me!) I blinked, looking around before laying my eyes on Malfoy again. "What?" I asked him as he was giving me a funny look.
He gave me this mirror that was on the night stand to my left and handed it to me. I was confused and gave him a funny look, but he kept his face expressionless and kept staring at me, the mirror still held out for me take. I shook my head and snatched up the mirror and looked at it.
"What about it?"
He wouldn't answer me to I studied the mirror. It took me a while until I realized what it was. I stared at the reflection in the mirror and say that I was returning to my original form. It took me a while to react, but soon, I was jumping up and down, cheering as loud as I possibly dared, thanking whoever was up in the heavens for letting me return.
Yes! Yesyesyes! The potion wore off! Alright!" I spun around, but stooped on my heel when I faced Malfoy again. "Oh bloody hell..." I whispered when I realized Malfoy obviously saw the change as well. "Dang... Um... Malfoy?" I slowly made my way back to him and sat on the stool that was there before. "I can... explain..."
Malfoy just stared at me, his expression still blank. it was after many long and silent minutes that he finally opened his mouth and seemed to be living again. But the reaction I received was what I had expected.
"Potter..." he hissed.
I looked off to the side at the pack that once held food and was now only occupied with my boy clothes that I had placed there In case I changed while on my way back from the Hospital Wing. Apparently, I'd need those clothes sooner then I'd thought. I picked up the clothes and excused myself to change. All the while I was changing behind a curtain that separated a bed from the rest of the room, I was thinking to myself of how I was going to explain this crap to snakey-boy here.
When I came back, I again sat next to Malfoy's bed, avoiding eye contact. "Yes, Malfoy?" I said, looking out fo the corner of my eye as he opened his mouth to sputter something.
Malfoy narrowed his eyes. "Potter, what were you doing as a girl? And how could you have tricked me with that bloody disguise?"
I shook my head, turning my head to face the window just between his bed and a vacant one behind me. "I didn't choose to be a girl, Malfoy. I was changed through a stupid potion that I was given through the disguise of my drink. Apparently, the effects didn't take place until over night, and I suppose when the book said it would be one month, It would be one month exactly. It was just ironic that we got along to some extent during those weeks. And also it is ironic that it happened to be during the ball,a nd the day I come out of my cursed 'spell' is on the same day of the ball. Hah! I sound like a stupid character in a fairy-tale!" I laughed ahrshly and shook my head. "And to think I can act this way with ease and not care if anyone laughs with or at me."
I turned back to Malfoy to find him looking sympathetically at me. I furrowed my brows. "Wait-a-minute, Malfoy. This look doens't suit you. Wipe that expression off your face, I don't care if you have a soft side or not. This look, it does. not. suit. you."
He smirked slightly and shook his head. "You surprise me, Potter. You're full of surprises, and to think I let you in on some of my other self, on the weaker side of me."
I laughed harshly again. "Malfoy, you do not have a weak side. You may have a sensitive side, but it is not weak side. That sensitivity can be your advantage to many things cold-heartedness cannot. It probably doesn't make sense, but I don't care."
Malfoy laughed. "Since when did the almighty Potter not care about something?"
I scowled at him. "Since when did the cold-hearted snake named Malfoy have a soft side and become 'weak' with his emotions?"
Malfoy smirked. "A challenge?" He shook his head. "Forever have I had this problem in holding down my emotions. And yes, I know that I am the -cold-hearted Malfoy that everyone knows at Hogwarts, but I am not as cold-hearted as I seem. You know that."
I shook my head. "Possibly, but I am not the most caring person in the world. ...Excuse me, let me rephrase that. I'm not the most caring person in the magical world, or ever. In fact, my care brought me failure and trouble. Trouble that nearly cuased me my life."
"But your care is what gives you strength."
"And your frozen heart gives YOU strength. Nothing is in the way of your victory. Nothing is in the way or there to trip you and make you fall."
"But also, there is nothing to pick me up WHEN I fall." he countered.
I shook my head, sighing heavily. "I suppose...."
Malfoy grinned. "Potter, come here." He beckoned for me to approach.
I shrugged and sat on the edge of his bed, but he pulled me closer by the scruff of my shirt I now wore. "Potter, you have many faults, but you also have many strengths. You have many things I could possibly not have or show. So don't you give me this crap, got it?"
I rolled my eyes. "Same for you." I said, but I wasn't able to say any more than that when he silenced me with a deep kiss. I wasn't expecting this, my eyes were far too wide for their own good, but soon, I gave in to his action.
I think for once in my life, I let someone claim me as theirs. I think it was the first time in my life that I gave up, gave in, open myself up entirely to one person. And I think this person is the last I'd ever thought possible to reach me, to take me, to claim me as they had. This was entirely new to me, but I willingly let myself be driven, let myself be led, followed like a faithful puppy, followed the trail that was left, followed what I didn't know.
I think this was unusual, but satisfying. I'm not sure how to explain it or how to put all this in words, but all I know is this:
I was owned, and owned by my enemy.
I also knew this:
I was no longer my own. Malfoy claimed me one and all.
~*~*~*~*~*~
AN: sorry i'm so late and this is so stupidly short. i'm rushed with hw and five-seven differ stories at once. @_@ i hope this chapter is some-what enjoyable, but i'll be sure to add more in the next chapter... this story ain't done yet, man! besides, i don't think i fully explained the meaning of the title and how it relates to this story. heh.... well, whatever... i must move my ass now and continue on my hw as i am doing this story at the same time i'm doing my hw for a MAJOR project in one of my classes that can determine whether or not i will fail or not.... sheesh... well, better get moving... *runs off to get more paper for the printer*
...oh and guess what? I just realized this thing is about 8 pages (printed) long! Whoa.... heh.... well, whatever.... i think i should work on the next chappie so no one tries to kill me... ^^()
Author: Kaz (duch_of_darkness@hotmail.com or duch_of_darkness@yahoo.com)
Subject: Harry Potter
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco
Rating: PG13-R for theme, language, and mature activities
Disclaimer: [see previous chapters]
Summary: [see previous chapters]
Sequence: Part 5/??
Dialouge: "talking" /thinking\(if ever needed) [author's words if needed] ~*~different scene/time/etc~*~
Note: Remember to always recap on previous chapters... Oh, and I'm terribly, terribly sorry for the late update... I have so many things going on at once this time of the school year that it's hard to juggle them all, especially if my grandmothers (yes, plural) are visiting and living in my already full and small house. Good lord... Help me now... *sighs heavily* Man... Someone help me, ne? And I'm trying to write something while having writer's block, but Alas, my chapter will probably be short. Sorry... Oh well, on with the story... Thing... It...
~*~*~*~*~
Part Five
I was dreading the day of the ball. God. I thought the Yule Ball was bad enough when I HAD to definitely bring a date because I was a contestant of the stupid tournament in fourth year. God... I hated that. But then again, I think this is MUCH worse. I'm fricken dressed up like and girl, look like a girl, and GOING TO THE BALL WITH A BOY!! More like I'm going with my rival, not just any boy, my rival. I know I said that twice, but I have to. It's that bad to me.
But see, what I found out, was just a few days before the ball, while Kaz and myself were er... 'shopping' for dress robes and nice clothes for the ball (me especially cuz I'm a girl now), was that Malfoy got hurt and had to spend a few days in the hopsital wing. I would have jumped for joy (literally) if Kaz hadn't been herself and stopped me.
Eventually, I got my clothes, spent a TON of money on things I'd only wear once, and also on things Kaz would wear. She didn't feel like using her own money, so she squeezed some out of me to pay for her own things. Moocher. Damn her. I hate being used, let alone get mooched offa. Poop to it all... that's what I say.
Anyway, we bought our clothes and accessories and a couple of things to eat later on. But moving on, she used my money, but we got what we needed for the ball. When we were back at the dormitory, I remembered that Malfoy got hurt and was sent to the hospital wing. I was kinda reluctant, kinda happy, and kinda angry. I was reluctant because I actually wanted to talk to him and find out more of what he was hiding from me, happy because I didn't want to go through with the ball and it would be stupid to go with no partner so no partner=no dance! But I was also angry (and don't get mad at me, you'd feel the same too) that all that money was wasted just to look good for blondie.
I shook my head as Kaz refished for my things, myself sprawled on the couch in the common room as she dumped all my things on the coffee table in front of the couch. I sighed heavily, turning to Kaz who was oblivious to the hint of desperation in my sigh.
"Kaz... Since Malfoy's in the hospital, and I'm probably still going to the ball, um... How're we supposed to meet up? I heard he was bad enough to have to say through the ball, and that's soon."
Kaz looked up, blinking. "Harry, what's you're point?"
I sat up. "Wh- What's my point? I'm tlaking about what am I supposed to do at the ball if my figgin date isn't there?!"
Kaz laughed, shaking her head. "Harry, who said you'll be at the ball? Look, I'm planning on sending you to the ball, but you're not gonna stay there, you're gonna have a dance or two, enjoy an hour there, or something like that, then spend the rest of your time with Malfie in the hospital so he doesn't feel lonely or anything, okay? I mena, c'mon, with much time you have as a girl, you must make the most of it. If the boy cna't dance with you, that's okay. All you need to do is spend time with him and the evening will be fine. And hey," she said, winking, "I'll get one of my friends to get one of the elves to bring you a plate of refreshments so you can enjoy some at his bed."
I rolled my eyes. "Oh God..."
Kaz laughed at my displeasing her idea. "Hey, think about it, it won't be so bad. So he's handicapped for the night. You're not, but you can still show yourself off to him. C'mon, there's PLENTY of room between the beds to prance around and dance by yourself and stuff."
I felt my jaw drop. "What?! I'm not going to prance around the hospital wing like an idiot at who-knows-what time at night! I'm not you! I'm not like any girl around here! I'm not a GIRL! Now spot taking advantage of my case!" I huffed, entirely disgusted by Kaz's sick and twisted brain. After a long silent moment, I turned back to her, my arms crossed in front of my chest. "I hate you, you know that..?"
Kaz could only laugh at me. "I do, Harry, I do. And that's what makes things so funny!"
I growled, no pleased at all. /Great... Just what I need... A lunatic for a friend.... Shite...\
I started to move off the couch when she pulled me back and pinned me down with more things that she (surprisingly) pulled out of our bags. "C'mon, Harry. Sit and let me finish unpacking so that we can store these clothes away until oafter tomorrow when you can show off. I really do plan on showing you off Harry. You are like me project and we need to express your feminism to all Hogwarts since it'll be the only time they'll see Harry Potter as Harriet Patrossi. Or otherwise, just Harriet Patrossi. Okay? Like I told all the others, you are only staying for a month and heck, your time is..." She stopped to think out her answer. Soon, she shrugged and gave up. "Well, it'll be really soon, okay?"
My brows furrowed. "What happens if it's on the night of the ball?"
"Probably not. And even so, it'll probably be BEFORE you make your entrance or even have to dress up, okay? If not that night, then sometime in the morning the next day or whatever. The thing has to wear down at exactly a month, alright?"
I looked at her questioningly. "I hope you know what you're doing or saying kaz, cuz otherwise, I'll get your arse for it."
Kaz giggled rather nervously then dumped the rest of the things into my lap and in my arms before picking up her own pile and beckoning for me to follow her up to stash the stuff away. When we reached the girls' dorm, though, we found a few of the girls there, talking and giggling and gossiping about something I payed no attention to.
Then, Hermione came up to me and tapped me on the shoulder. "Harriet, we'd like to ask you something."
I shrugged and handed my things to Kaz who gladly took it from me. "Sure."
"Well, we were wondering why you are with Malfoy."
"Excuse me?"
"Well, we see you around him a lot and you're seperated only by classes and meal times when we must sit in our house tables. So basically, you're always with him. We're wondering why."
I looked over Hermione's shoulder to see that the other two girls were nodding, their faces intense and determined and awaiting an answer. I shrugged, looking back at Hermione. "I dunno. He's okay around me. Why?"
Hermione shook her head, looking over her shoulder at the other two as if for some help to squeeze something out of me. One mouthed something I didn't catch. Hermione nodded and turned back to me. "Are you and him together?"
I furrowed my eyebrows. /What the bloody hell? What is she getting at? And why is she and them all suddenly interested in what I do or where I go?\ "What?"
"Are you and him a couple?"
I lifted an eyebrow and suddenly, as if I couldn't stop myself, I started mouthing her. "Are you and Ron a couple?"
Hermione gasped and blushed furiously. "N-no!"
I rolled my eyes. "By what I see, you are. You hang out with him as much as I with Malfoy, even more because you two have the same classes together, as well as the same house. So... tell me this, are you two a couple?" I smirked as her blush deepened. My smirk faultered when Kaz placed a hand on my shoulder and steered me out of the dorm.
"You really ARE hanging around Blondie too much. You're starting to sound like him and snap away like him. I thought you only--or mostly--saw his good side?"
I paused in my step down the stairs. "Hmm..." I thought about her sentence for a moment in silence. "Well... I DO mostly see his good side, but... I guess I DO sound like him, huh? Maybe he's growing on me or something..." I shook my head as I continued to think about what she said as I continued to follow her down the stairs to the common room.
The day went by quickly, and so did the next. Just before the day of the ball, I visited Malfoy to see how he was doing. He seemed concerned about my well being--probably because I looked like I didn't sleep, and I didn't since I couldn't as thoughts swarmed my head, thanks to Kaz--but I was more concerened then him for him. I didn't know why I cared for this prissy, Daddy's boy, but I did. Part of me wanted him well and to extremely good heatlth, while another part wanted him dead and buried alive, and yet, ANOTHER part was blank and tell the other sides to shut up and just let my body move however it wants. I sat at his bedside and talked to him and listened to him for as much as I could until I grew really bored and really tired and fell asleep with my head resting in the nest of my arms as I rested my head on his bed. I admit, when I woke up, I was so embarrassed that I bolted out of there as soon as I registered where I was and what I was doing there in the first place. I can clearly recall the expression on Malfoy's face as he saw me rush out of there in a hurry. I didn't visit him after that, and I kinda feel bad, but I couldn't help it, I fell alseep right there in front of him and how could I NOT feel stupid? Especially in front of my enemy? God, you can only imagine if you haven't had that happen to yourself before.
I stayed clear from the hospital wing, much to Kaz's and a few girls' surprise since they would've expected me to stay there non-stop to make sure he was okay and stuff. But heck, no way was I gonna stay there 24/7!! Anyway, the approaching of the ball was like a hole in my stomach. I didn't want to go through with this and threatened that to Kaz but then she said that she'd be escorting me there just for that reason. Big mistake; I mentally and physically hit myself for that. When the day came, though, Kaz dragged me right up to the dorms after the last class was out and dinner was long gone. I'm thankful that I even got to EAT or SEE food before she pulled me away.
It took several hours to dress me up and make myself and herself "perfect" for the ball. I moved as slow as I dared to stall and prevent time from moving any faster. I knew that if I was kept preoccupied and bustling to do something, I knew that time would voom by. If I moved slow and waited it out, it would take longer. Or so it always seemed.
When I WAS finally ready, Kaz gave me a look-over and then dragged me along with her as we made out way to the Hospital Wing. Literally, she dragged me. I refused to go with what I was wearing under my dress robes, but... No. She hauled me down the vast halls of Hogwarts and up and down flights of stairs until she dropped me in front of the Hospital Wing. I suppose along the way I regain some of my courage to face the bedded Malfoy, but... Then again, I was ready to drop the bundle of food I had in my hands and run all the way back to the common room, or at least to some place where I could hide from Kaz. I bloody swear, she's a monster when it comes to romance--let alone coming to hooking me up with the dragon of Hogwarts! I just want to run screaming!
Buuuttt.... I couldn't. She shoved me inside and followed afterwards. We met up with ol' Draco only to find him sleeping. I pleaded to turn and leave, but Kaz glued me to the chair--not literally this time--until there was a sign of the boy regaining conscious-ness. He got to say goodbye to Kaz before she slithered out of the room, leaving silence to the two of us. I tried to busy myself with unpacking the small morsel of food Kaz gave me on the table just at the food of his bed where presents and something else would normally go during the day and feeding hours. I noticed how he kept staring at me, watching me silently as a hawk eyes its prey, watching it's every movement until the right time to strike. And this boy's strike was when I was at his bedside again, placing a mug of water for myself while the table of food was right beside me on my right.
Malfoy caught my arm right when I reached for the mug. "Harry?"
My head snapped up in his direction at the sound of my name rolling off his tongue. Something was behind those words that showed what emotion he was feeling right at this moment. I blinked. "Yes?"
He let go of my arm and shook his head. "Nothing." I furrowed my brow at this simple answer, but he continued. "It's just, I'm sorry you have to be here instead of the ball in the grand hall. You should just go back out there."
I nearly laughed, and shook my head. "Nonono. I came here so that I could be with my partner. You asked me, and I said I'd come. At first, I didn't understand why I agreed, but I came anyway, didn't I?"
I titled my head to the side to see if he'd answer. All he did was nod so I nodded in return. I laughed then, so suddenly. "Well, actually, Kaz dragged me over here, but I suppose I'm finally glad I came. Besides, it's no fun to be stuck here in this lumpy bed when you could be out there dancing and having the time of your life."
"... With you?"
I blinked several times, feeling my face grow hot. "Um..." I looked down at my lap. "Um... yeah. With me." I said softly, my words being hard to hear, if only it wasn't so quiet.
I glanced up and saw him smiling. He was smiling! Aaah! He was smiling! And I was blushing! AAAAAHH!!! Awkward moment times 100!! Aiyee!!! ...Wait, how many times have I screamed now? I eman, all this time? ... Too many times to count them all. Man.... this girl thing is getting to me. Darn.
He reached over and cupped my chin, willing me forward toward him, and for some reason, I obeyed him and sat on the edge of the bed, facing him. I seemingly was transfixed by the pools of hue that were his eyes, not able to look away. He... oh, forget what HE was doing or saying to thinking, I'm more important. I mean, I was sitting there like an idiot, feeling like an idiot while my mind was surprisingly blank and free of thoughts.
I think, somehow, he was able to draw me close until our faces were inches apart and I was practically laying on him, my hand on the bed beside him for support so that I didn't (thankfully) wasn't leaning on him. He stared at me and I stared back, not knowing what else to do. I wasn't aware of the time until later when we broke eye contact and he finally let go of me.
I don't remember much after that, I guess we talked and stuff, but again, my mind was blank, so I didn't remember much. Sad, isn't it? I know. But anyway, yeah. It was a strangely peaceful night, and it grew late real fast. I mena, bloody hell! I thin it was nearly midnight by the time I fell alseep!
So, yeah. I fell asleep right on the edge of his bed, with my head resting in the nest of my arms. I don't think I had danced around and showed off before I slept as Kaz had suggested for me to do, but then again, how was I supposed to know what I did or didn't do if my brain wasn't working straight? But, i'm blabbing again. Ahem.
I fell alseep and when I woke up, I had no clue what time it was, but that it was still dead in the night. I woke to the feel of someone stroking my hair and looked up to see it was Malfoy. Yes, after all this time, I still call him by his last name. Be quiet, I can call him what I like when I like and so on. So anyway, he just smiled down at me and kept stroking my hair. I shrugged inwardly and sighed outwardly as I tried to fall into the grasp of sleep once again. But I shoulda known better, for just a little afterwards, the comfortable-hand-that-happened-to-belong-to-Malfoy-that-happened-to-be-on-my-head-that-happened-to-be-a-used-to-touch-as-I-was-trying-to-sleep disappeared from my head and woke me again. I yawned involuntarily and sat up, rubbing my eyes.
"Hey... is it dawn yet?" I said sleepily, hoping it wasn't. (Hey, I said I my brain wasn't working correctly, didn't I? And besides, the sleep go t the better of me!) I blinked, looking around before laying my eyes on Malfoy again. "What?" I asked him as he was giving me a funny look.
He gave me this mirror that was on the night stand to my left and handed it to me. I was confused and gave him a funny look, but he kept his face expressionless and kept staring at me, the mirror still held out for me take. I shook my head and snatched up the mirror and looked at it.
"What about it?"
He wouldn't answer me to I studied the mirror. It took me a while until I realized what it was. I stared at the reflection in the mirror and say that I was returning to my original form. It took me a while to react, but soon, I was jumping up and down, cheering as loud as I possibly dared, thanking whoever was up in the heavens for letting me return.
Yes! Yesyesyes! The potion wore off! Alright!" I spun around, but stooped on my heel when I faced Malfoy again. "Oh bloody hell..." I whispered when I realized Malfoy obviously saw the change as well. "Dang... Um... Malfoy?" I slowly made my way back to him and sat on the stool that was there before. "I can... explain..."
Malfoy just stared at me, his expression still blank. it was after many long and silent minutes that he finally opened his mouth and seemed to be living again. But the reaction I received was what I had expected.
"Potter..." he hissed.
I looked off to the side at the pack that once held food and was now only occupied with my boy clothes that I had placed there In case I changed while on my way back from the Hospital Wing. Apparently, I'd need those clothes sooner then I'd thought. I picked up the clothes and excused myself to change. All the while I was changing behind a curtain that separated a bed from the rest of the room, I was thinking to myself of how I was going to explain this crap to snakey-boy here.
When I came back, I again sat next to Malfoy's bed, avoiding eye contact. "Yes, Malfoy?" I said, looking out fo the corner of my eye as he opened his mouth to sputter something.
Malfoy narrowed his eyes. "Potter, what were you doing as a girl? And how could you have tricked me with that bloody disguise?"
I shook my head, turning my head to face the window just between his bed and a vacant one behind me. "I didn't choose to be a girl, Malfoy. I was changed through a stupid potion that I was given through the disguise of my drink. Apparently, the effects didn't take place until over night, and I suppose when the book said it would be one month, It would be one month exactly. It was just ironic that we got along to some extent during those weeks. And also it is ironic that it happened to be during the ball,a nd the day I come out of my cursed 'spell' is on the same day of the ball. Hah! I sound like a stupid character in a fairy-tale!" I laughed ahrshly and shook my head. "And to think I can act this way with ease and not care if anyone laughs with or at me."
I turned back to Malfoy to find him looking sympathetically at me. I furrowed my brows. "Wait-a-minute, Malfoy. This look doens't suit you. Wipe that expression off your face, I don't care if you have a soft side or not. This look, it does. not. suit. you."
He smirked slightly and shook his head. "You surprise me, Potter. You're full of surprises, and to think I let you in on some of my other self, on the weaker side of me."
I laughed harshly again. "Malfoy, you do not have a weak side. You may have a sensitive side, but it is not weak side. That sensitivity can be your advantage to many things cold-heartedness cannot. It probably doesn't make sense, but I don't care."
Malfoy laughed. "Since when did the almighty Potter not care about something?"
I scowled at him. "Since when did the cold-hearted snake named Malfoy have a soft side and become 'weak' with his emotions?"
Malfoy smirked. "A challenge?" He shook his head. "Forever have I had this problem in holding down my emotions. And yes, I know that I am the -cold-hearted Malfoy that everyone knows at Hogwarts, but I am not as cold-hearted as I seem. You know that."
I shook my head. "Possibly, but I am not the most caring person in the world. ...Excuse me, let me rephrase that. I'm not the most caring person in the magical world, or ever. In fact, my care brought me failure and trouble. Trouble that nearly cuased me my life."
"But your care is what gives you strength."
"And your frozen heart gives YOU strength. Nothing is in the way of your victory. Nothing is in the way or there to trip you and make you fall."
"But also, there is nothing to pick me up WHEN I fall." he countered.
I shook my head, sighing heavily. "I suppose...."
Malfoy grinned. "Potter, come here." He beckoned for me to approach.
I shrugged and sat on the edge of his bed, but he pulled me closer by the scruff of my shirt I now wore. "Potter, you have many faults, but you also have many strengths. You have many things I could possibly not have or show. So don't you give me this crap, got it?"
I rolled my eyes. "Same for you." I said, but I wasn't able to say any more than that when he silenced me with a deep kiss. I wasn't expecting this, my eyes were far too wide for their own good, but soon, I gave in to his action.
I think for once in my life, I let someone claim me as theirs. I think it was the first time in my life that I gave up, gave in, open myself up entirely to one person. And I think this person is the last I'd ever thought possible to reach me, to take me, to claim me as they had. This was entirely new to me, but I willingly let myself be driven, let myself be led, followed like a faithful puppy, followed the trail that was left, followed what I didn't know.
I think this was unusual, but satisfying. I'm not sure how to explain it or how to put all this in words, but all I know is this:
I was owned, and owned by my enemy.
I also knew this:
I was no longer my own. Malfoy claimed me one and all.
~*~*~*~*~*~
AN: sorry i'm so late and this is so stupidly short. i'm rushed with hw and five-seven differ stories at once. @_@ i hope this chapter is some-what enjoyable, but i'll be sure to add more in the next chapter... this story ain't done yet, man! besides, i don't think i fully explained the meaning of the title and how it relates to this story. heh.... well, whatever... i must move my ass now and continue on my hw as i am doing this story at the same time i'm doing my hw for a MAJOR project in one of my classes that can determine whether or not i will fail or not.... sheesh... well, better get moving... *runs off to get more paper for the printer*
...oh and guess what? I just realized this thing is about 8 pages (printed) long! Whoa.... heh.... well, whatever.... i think i should work on the next chappie so no one tries to kill me... ^^()