*******
Over the next week or so, it seemed that Malfoy was going out of his way, to be as obnoxious and vile as possible. It appeared as if his unbridled hatred for Harry and his friends had risen again noticeably. One afternoon, he pushed Ron aggressively out of the way, as he was walking down the corridor. Ron looked after him furiously and yelled,' you tosser Malfoy!' which provoked the Slytherin to casually turn back and say nastily, 'I didn't realise rubbish could talk.'
'What the fuck is his problem?' Ron said furiously, his face red with anger. He had his hand gripped tightly around his wand and Hermione laid a calming hand on his arm.
'Ron leave it, he is just doing it to aggravate you. Don't play into his hands.'
Harry watched the scene with a small frown on his face. Things seemed to have got a lot worse since the day of the match. As if Malfoy was making up for all the months he had kept a reasonably low profile. Harry looked after the blond, as he strode down the passage, and felt perplexed. He was probably imagining it, but it almost seemed as if Malfoy, had been offended by the way Harry had talked to him after the game. And his oncoming behaviour was in retaliation of that.
Strange if that was the reason, why should Malfoy care how Harry had spoken to him? They had spoken to each other like that for years. Harry paid it no more thought and put it out of his mind.
At the end of the first week of February, Harry had finished all his coursework. However, he still hit the books with alarming regularity and Ron again questioned Harry's sudden bookish fever.
Harry said he wanted to do well again, and Ron had pursed his lips, giving him a sceptical gaze. He had said that he didn't mean to offend Harry at all – but…… he was made Quidditch captain – only after Harry had declined. He was more than happy to be asked and had accepted it, in spite of his Prefect duties. He also had a girlfriend AND was doing the same subjects as Harry. Frankly speaking, he seemed to have much more on his plate than Harry had this year. Harry had also not chosen to continue with the DA meetings, and Hermione had left Harry's decision uncontested. So really, what was the deal with all the books and the constant studying? What gives Harry? He had asked straight up.
Harry had not known how to answer. He supposed his behaviour may seem strange to Ron and Hermione, but honestly, he really couldn't offer them any kind of explanation that he would want to give them. Ron had looked at him suspiciously and Hermione had been concerned. She had asked him if anything were bothering him? Harry had said that he was fine and just wanted to take a back seat this year, no other mystery about it. That did seem to mollify her and she had looked at him sympathetically and squeezed his arm. Harry knew that she was thinking about Sirius then. He didn't say anything and surely enough Ron stopped with the questions and let Harry get on with his 'studies'.
The next week, the school was giving a Valentines Day party for the fifth years and above on Saturday night. Apparently it was to relax and revive the spirits of the hard working students.
Harry, however, hated the thought of going to another dance, let alone having another Valentine Day fiasco. The last dance he had been to was the Yule ball in the fourth year, and that had been painful enough. Last years Valentines Day hadn't exactly gone swimmingly well with Cho either, and so the combination of two such uncomfortable memories made it all the more worse for Harry.
Cho now in her final year, was still with Michael Corner – to many people's surprise. No doubt she would be appearing at the dance with him as her date. Not that Harry minded. He was glad that she had found someone on her own wavelength. Glad that she seemed secure and comfortable enough to be in a committed relationship. Harry and her had clearly been wrong for one another, or perhaps the timing was off Harry thought. Not that it mattered anymore.
A few days before the party, he made his way down to the Defence Against The Dark Arts classroom. He had just turned the corner when he saw Malfoy. The Slytherin's tall, elegant frame was leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. His eyes were closed and his head was resting back. The door of an empty classroom was open, and he seemed to be waiting for someone. His bag was down by his feet on the floor.
Harry was struck by the sudden innocence, and dare he say it, vulnerability on the Slytherin's face. He looked remarkably peaceful and young with his eyes closed. For someone who spent most of their time snapping and snarling, Malfoy looked strangely endearing right now. Harry felt a small, strange tingle dart through his body and gave a confused shudder.
As if Malfoy felt Harry's gaze upon him, his eyes snapped open. He saw Harry standing there and straightened up to his full height. His slate, grey eyes hardening like stone, giving Harry a seething look of contempt.
' What the hell are you looking at?' he spat out.
Harry shook his head, ' nothing.'
'Yeah?' Malfoy said scornfully, ' sure you're not thinking about what your next story is going to be for the Quibbler? Any more heroics that you have done since you've been back? Anything else you would like to share with the Wizarding world community? Any other delicious secrets you can't help spilling from your great big fat mouth?'
Harry looked at him and then said evenly, ' everything I said in that interview was true, and you know it.'
Malfoy threw him a foul look, ' you just can't stand it, that's all,' he ground out, his teeth clenched. 'You don't have any parents, so you have the need to take away other people's!'
They glared at each other now and Harry watched as a pink tinge smarted Malfoy's pale cheeks.
' Yes that's why did it,' Harry said quietly.
Malfoy glowered at him and Harry gave a small shrug, ' if you believe that Malfoy, then you are a bigger fool than I think you are.'
'Get lost Potter, you're so fucked up, I hope you rot.'
Harry watched as Malfoy swooped up his bag and walked into the classroom. Harry stood for a moment in the empty corridor, thinking over Malfoy's words. He sighed and carried on towards his destination.
Later on, back in the Gryffindor common room, Ron came and fell into an armchair next to Harry.
'So Harry got a date yet?' Ron asked cheerfully.
' Nope, no date,' Harry replied.
Ron gave him a remorseful look, 'I bet you could get someone to go with ya mate?'
Harry shrugged,' I don't mind, I think I prefer going alone. I can go stag.'
Ginny was speaking to Hermione, as they walked over to the boys.
' I can never ever wear red but Dean quite likes it so I'm going to try.'
Ron started, ' what? You're going to the dance with Dean, Ginny?'
Ginny nodded and sank into a chair opposite Harry.
'But, but….. are you sure you're not going out with him?'
Ginny looked bored, ' stop it Ron, we are just friends and we're going together, that's all. Why do you think I'm obsessed in finding a boyfriend all the time?'
' I do not,' Ron said indignantly.' What I was meaning to say was, that if you were thinking of going to the dance with someone as a friend then…. you know…Harry isn't going with anyone,' he nodded slightly towards Harry.
Harry tried to look like he didn't understand Ron's open innuendo. Ginny just rolled her eyes and met Harry's, smothering a smile. Harry wished that Ron would understand that Ginny was not interested in him that way, and nor was Harry interested in her that way – the only person who indeed DID seem interested in them that way was Ron himself.
Harry had always thought, that surely it would be awkward if he had started to date his best friends little sister. Ron must know that, and Harry found it amusing that he still tried to drop hints to Harry and Ginny about them possibly going out with another. Very bizarre.
Hermione turned Ron's attention away from Ginny and Ginny leant near to Harry and said, ' so are you still being bachelor boy then?' she asked with a grin.
' I guess,' he said simply with a small smile. She nodded and then said conversationally, 'Luna asked Neville to the dance. Just now in the corridor, it was quite funny.'
' Did he say yes?' asked Hermione who had overhead Ginny's comment.
'Yeah he did.'
Ginny looked towards Harry again, ' don't worry, we'll make sure you have a good time.'
' I'm sure I'll be fine,' he said.
Honestly, it wasn't a big deal that he hadn't got a date, even though he appeared to be the only one who hadn't.
*********
On the night of the dance, a few hours before, Blaise sneaked up into the boy's dormitories and into Draco's room.
'Hello,' she said seductively, sidling up to him.
He smiled easily and moved away. 'Shouldn't you be getting ready?'
Blaise sat on his bed. ' I came to see what colour top you're wearing. I want to wear matching accessories to complement you.'
Draco responded with an, ' Oh….. well I'm wearing a grey shirt.'
Blaise lay on his bed and propped herself up on her elbow. With her free hand she ran it lightly up and down Draco's covers.
' Want to have some one on one action?' she winked at him enticingly, but he stayed back, eyeing her doubtfully. She was rather forward in her manner…..what had she got up to last summer?
He reached down and took her hand, pulling her up,' don't want to over exert yourself for tonight now do you?'
She smiled and her head nuzzled his shoulder.' Draco....' she murmured and he gently but firmly pushed her away.
' Go on off with you. See you later.' He gave her an exaggerated wave and she giggled and walked out.
He sighed and looked out of the window. He'd only gone with her because frankly she was easily the prettiest girl he knew. She had sent him a Valentine's card and he knew that Pansy had also, although she hadn't signed her name. Honestly he wasn't interested in either girl, but he looked good with Blaise and needed a date for the dance. Pansy had looked upset that he hadn't asked her and shot daggers at Blaise.
He suddenly thought of Potter. Wonder who he was going with? Draco had seen the amount of mail the green-eyed Gryffindor had received yesterday. He certainly would have the pick of the bunch.
*********
The dance started at eight after dinner. After spending an hour getting dressed, many of the Gryffindor sixth years were ready to go down. Hermione had had a great time putting in wizard's gel in Ron and Harry's hair. Harry was surprised that someone had got his hair to do anything other than lay about in disarray. He had looked in the mirror after she finished. It didn't look bad and he thanked her.
The Great Hall was decorated with fairy lights suspended near the moonlit ceiling. Red velvet chairs, with flower centrepieces decorated the tables.
They chose a large one and sat down. Luna wandered over to the table, fanning herself with a small feather.
'Hello all,' she said gaily, as she perched herself on the side of the table.
They all smiled back at her and Luna looked around at them.
' Shall we dance then?' she offered her arm to Neville, who looked slightly panic stricken.
' There's no one else dancing yet Luna. The dance floor is empty,' he mumbled.
' Someone has to start Neville,' Luna replied, reaching out for Neville's arm,' might as well be us.'
Ginny grinned broadly as Neville got up.
Neville stood woodenly at the edge of the dance floor, as Luna walked into the middle of the floor and started to wave her arms around in tune to the music. She danced completely alone to the first few songs and Harry had to give her credit for her courage. He would never have dared to do such a thing. He was an appalling dancer; at least Luna could dance though. Finally, two couples joined her and Neville gave in and moved further in from the sidelines and began to dance too.
Hermione looked at Luna wonderingly, ' I wonder if she notices that people think she is a little ummmm……you know….' Hermione couldn't come up with a polite term so trailed off.
Ron shrugged, ' she is a bit..' he gave two, short, sharp whistles and Hermione gave a little nod.
' I don't think she is,' Harry said and he felt all the eyes on the table turn to him.
' I mean she isn't mad or anything, she is just different. I like her,' he smiled.
'Okay,' Ron said.
A moment's silence followed and then Ginny got up and reached for Dean's hand, ' come on lets see your dancing feet.'
He nodded and followed her into the small crowd. Seamus and Parvati braved the music too and Hermione happily tapped her foot along with the music.
Harry cleared his throat, ' I might get a drink, do any of you want one?'
Ron shook his head, ' no thanks,' and Harry got up and walked over to the buffet table.
He poured himself a drink and started to sip it, when he saw Cho come in with Michael. He turned quickly looking the other way. Gut reaction he figured. Cho and him had not talked to one another at all, except when they had exchanged awkward greetings at the start of the first term. With no further DA meetings, his contact with Cho was very minimal indeed.
The dance progressed and Harry watched people dancing as he sat eating and drinking. He did feel a little strange sitting around alone in the huge hall, even though his friends were making an effort to keep him included. Once again that strange feeling of being a burden or something liking to it, settled inside him. He had felt like this over Christmas just past. He had obviously stayed at Hogwarts for the holidays and Ron and Hermione had informed him that they were too. He had tried to protest and say that they should be with their families, but they had told him to stop being silly.
Mrs Weasley had asked him to spend Christmas at The Burrow again, but he had felt himself knot up and had politely refused. He wished that Ron and Hermione would have left him alone at school, but they hadn't. All through the festive period, he'd had that uneasy feeling that he was putting them out and being an unnecessary weight on them. They had done it out of friendship and loyalty, he knew that, and was grateful for it. He was touched that they cared so much about him, that they were willing to spend yet another Christmas with him at school. But he was beginning to have that gradual feeling of having no one and nothing to where he belonged. He hadn't felt like this with Sirius - Sirius had been 'his', he had been his 'Godfather' and now Harry had no one. That's what it felt like anyhow, and he felt ashamed to be feeling so sorry for himself.
He puffed out a hollow breath and continued to 'enjoy the dance'.
A half an hour later, Luna walked over to him and touched his hand.
' You are going to dance to at least one song.'
He began to say no, but she gripped his elbow and led him onto the floor, ignoring his words of protest.
' I can't dance Luna,' he said, as he looked around feeling self-conscious.
'It's easy,' she assured him leading him into the centre of the dance floor. ' Besides this is a slow tune, you don't have to move around a lot.'
She placed her hands on his shoulders, her elbows resting against his chest. He held her loosely around the waist and she closed her eyes.
' Feel the music and just sway,' she said vaguely. Her eyes opened, ' go on, close your eyes.'
He licked his lips before closing his eyes, feeling like a prat.
'Sway,' she said and after a few moments said, ' see? You're dancing. Not bad. I saw you at the ball, you weren't awful.'
He opened his eyes and looked down into her face with a, 'thanks.'
She was gazing at him with a tranquil, child like expression. There was something quite touching and engaging about Luna he had discovered. She seemed not to take to heart any criticism or snide comments people threw her way. She shook their insults off and carried on with whatever she was doing - Harry admired her for that. He felt oddly protective of her also.
' You look quite nice you know,' she said in an even tone.
'Thanks, so do you,' and he meant it.
They danced their way through the song and she gave him a small smile as they walked off back to the table.
********
On the other side of the hall, Draco was trying to stop Blaise from draping herself all over him. He had avoided kissing her so far, he figured he would have to make out with her at some point and get it over and done with. At least she'd be happy then. But he wasn't going to have sex with her. He just didn't feel like it. She looked fantastic though in black satin robes. She had accessorised with silver earrings and bangles. Draco was wearing black trousers and a steel grey shirt, which hugged his chest, with a silver cape. He knew he looked good; he didn't need anyone telling him that.
His eyes drifted over the tables, finally resting on Potter's. It was strange, but it seemed like Potter had come alone. The youngest Weasel that had once thought the sun shone out of Potter's arse, now seemed to be quite over him. She no longer made those sickening goo goo eyes in his direction, that she had been doing some years ago. Draco had just observed the dance that Potter had shared with Luna-tic. She had come with Longbottom though, Draco was certain of that. So why had she danced with Potter? He thought unexpectedly, feeling irritable. Hold on, what do I care? Him even bothering to notice didn't make any sense at all. He felt a strange, unsettling feeling arise in his belly. He ignored it quickly and danced to a few more songs with Blaise.
Half an hour later, she was flushed and giggling.
She took his hand, ' lets go outside,' she laughed breathlessly.
They walked out into the grounds. There were couples scattered everywhere and Professor Snape had taken it upon himself to make sure he made make-out sessions as difficult as possible. Draco laughed amused, and led Blaise around the side of the building to the back.
There was no one around and Blaise fell upon him hungrily. ' Oh Draco ..' she was kissing him and panted heavily onto his face.
He kissed her for a few moments, holding her waist lightly as she pressed herself against him. His eyes wandered over her shoulder as they made-out. He suddenly glimpsed Potter walking down the side steps. He would probably come around here, as it seemed to be the only place not occupied by hormonal teens. He didn't want Potter to see him like this….
'Blaise,' he whispered against her mouth.' I'm really thirsty, would you mind getting me a drink?'
She pulled back slightly, 'a drink?' she looked at him blankly.
'If you would,' he said giving her a grateful look.
'Oh all right you,' she smiled at him.
She began to walk off and Draco straightened his clothes and wiped his lips. Potter approached from around the corner and then stopped in his tracks.
'Oh..' he said
Draco looked at him, drinking in his appearance. He looked fantastic, the bastard. And fresh and crisp and so unaware of how sexy he was. Draco winced. Yes sexy, fine I thought it again. And for the first time all night, he felt a rush of anticipation and excited nerves. He walked slowly up to Potter and the Gryffindor's eyes widened slightly. Draco took in a deep breath. There was that smell again. Draco's sense of smell had seemed to heighten whenever Potter was around. That same, sweet, warm comforting smell, and Draco felt an insane urge wanting to bury himself in it.
But he didn't.
Potter cleared his throat,' I didn't realise you were here.'
' Obviously,' Draco drawled offhandedly.
They stood looking at each other and Draco finally said, 'how come you're still standing here? Come to play the lonesome hero in the wilderness?'
Potter's eyes fired up, as he continued to look at Draco.
' I just came to get some fresh air.'
'Joy,' Draco muttered, but noticed that neither of them had moved from their now stationary positions.
' You came alone to the dance?'
Potter simply nodded.
' You came with Zabini.'
'What of it?' Draco asked.
'Nothing!' Potter seemed affronted.' it was just an observation.'
So Potter had been looking over at him? That pleased Draco more than anything had all night for some ridiculous reason.
They stood silently again. Potter's expression was unreadable and Draco stared at him steadfastly.
The silence drew out around them, but Draco found that he didn't mind.
'Is anyone a Veela in your family?' the green-eyed boy's voice broke through the silence.
Draco looked back, slightly thrown. Where did that come from?
'Ummm yeah,' Draco said. It came out of his mouth without thinking. 'Why?'
Potter put his hands into his trouser pockets, and suddenly seemed to falter,' I just thought suddenly looking at you, that you …'
Potter finally looked down and Draco smothered a curious smile that was threatening to expose itself. Yes it was definitely a smile, because he could feel it tug at the ends of his lips.
' You know Potter,' Draco crossed his arms and cocked an eyebrow, 'Veela are exceptionally beautiful looking people.'
The Gryffindor met Draco's eyes in a steady gaze and answered plainly, 'I know.'
Draco pursed his lips together. He hadn't expected the dark-haired boy to say that.
'Is that a compliment Potter?' he asked suavely, disguising the sudden increase in his heart rate.
' You can take it as you like.'
They both locked eyes and each seemed unwilling to look away. Draco felt his breath catch and something inside him begin to crumble. Being in such close encounters with Potter was having a strange affect on him. He was feeling light-headed again, and his eyes felt very heavy. His fingers suddenly felt itchy and he wasn't quite sure what he wanted to do……or did he?
Potter was the first one to break the eye contact as footsteps approached. He stepped back, just as Blaise came holding a goblet in her hand. The Gryffindor gave a small nod and walked away.
'What did he want?' Blaise said.
'Nothing,' Draco said shortly.' Probably just fresh air.' He stood still for a moment. 'Lets go back in yeah,' he said ignoring the confused look on Blaise's face. 'I'm feeling a bit cold.'
'Oh ok,' she said and they walked back through the grounds into the hall.
The dance finally ended at twelve, and Draco walked Blaise to her dormitory, giving her a quick customary kiss and went along his way. He wanted to be alone; he wanted to think. Potter had said he was beautiful right? There was no way that he could misconstrue what had been said, could he?
He lay on his bed looking into the dark. He couldn't remember the last time he had had that warm fuzzy feeling of strange happiness, and Potter had induced that tonight with his mere presence and a few simple words….
How can that be?
He closed his eyes tightly. None of this made sense. He had wanted to literally rip out Potter's guts last year and now… he had the oddest feeling that of all the students in Hogwarts, Potter could understand how he felt best of all. Now if that wasn't ironically poetic, he didn't know what was.
When had things started to not make sense? And why had did he always burn with passion, whether it be it anger and now attraction when it came to that stupid boy?
Subconsciously he had wanted Potter to sought him out tonight and he had got his wish. But now he didn't know how to react. Potter was beautiful and he thought Draco was too.