[A/N: Revised Chpt.2. It came to my attention that the paragraphs got
screwed up getting uploaded over onto Fanfiction.net, so I changed it. Some
of the paragraphs, though slightly changed, could not be modified. Hope
this made everyone's viewing a little more easier. =) Enjoy.]
pAbout a week had passed since Draco had received the news, and he was ultimately dreading Christmas break. Also, he became very anti-social, wandering away from large crowds, and roaming the halls alone. What was also fogging his mind, was that Potter boy. Sure, from first meeting, Draco had known he was going to be difficult, but something about the boy made him rather appealing.
pIn an un-gay kind of way, of course, he told himself.
pBut that didn't stop him from looking, and toning down the famous 'Death- glare-at-Potter'. Even Ron and Hermione began to notice something was up.
pOne day after one of Malfoy's pitiful glances, Ron had noticed, and confronted Harry. "Hey Harry, what was all that all about?" He questioned, slinging his bag over his shoulder. The jet-black haired boy simply shrugged. Harry was becoming quite aquatinted with Malfoy goggling at him all of the time, and strangely enough, he wasn't even the tiniest perturbed by it. But, of course, he wouldn't share his feelings with Ron, best friend or not. "I don't know, Ron. It's weird. Maybe he's finally realized that he's just a greasy haired git, and come to his senses or something." There was an awkward pause between the two, and although a tiny pang in Harry's heart set off, they both burst up into a fit of laughter. "We're both talking about Malfoy here, right?" Ron joked. But thankfully, Draco was far in front of them, stalking the halls, mind busily at work. October had come as fast as September, and while that wore down, the breezes of November seemed to haunt the air wherever they went. It was towards the end of November, when Draco started to get really testy about the judgement day drawing nearer upon him. Now and then, Draco got an owl from his father, reminding him of what to bring, how to act, and-if he was feeling especially bored-how he would punish him if Voldermort detected anything out of the usual with him.
pDraco lounged lazily in the Great Hall, picking at his meal. As the day drew nearer for him to take his final leave at Hogwarts, and become a full- fledged death eater, he was sleeping and eating less, and thinking a great deal more.
pAs the morning owl calls came in, he was not suspicious to have another raven black one swooping down towards him. This one was possibly the coldest, most evil out of all of them. Its eyes were just as black as its plumage, and a black letter dropped onto the table, singeing everything around it, including Draco's plate. Crabbe made a lunge for it, and for a quick second, had a good grip on it, until slight crackling and burning could be heard. Looking down at the envelope, which was clutched in his fat fingers, he realized that it was burning through his hand, and he quickly dropped it. "AHH!" He yelled, bringing his fingers towards him and shoving them in the water goblet, which began to fill up as he did. Slight smoke rose from the goblet, and Draco looked amused. Grabbing the letter, the owl hissed at Crabbe's ignorance, and flew away, pulling up a piece of Goyle's toast up along with it. Draco pulled the letter from the table, and quickly headed up to the common room, something that he was used to doing. Closing and locking the door to the room, he peeled the letter open, and dumped the contents onto the floor, not taking much consideration to it. Out tumbled a carefully written note, which apparently looked like it had been written in blood. It was from Voldermort. He picked it up with more care then he had dropped it, and proceeded to read it. It looked like it was scrawled out lovingly, and put in format of that of a loving father would write to his son away at Hogwarts. Not something you'd expect a dark underlord to write.
pDearest Draco,I am looking forward so to our private Death Eating lessons together. Your father and I are so proud of you for taking on this great responsibility and there is no doubt in my mind that you will be the next Dark Lord. And finally, once your lessons are complete, together, we will be able to kill Harry. Then, the Dark Ones shall rise up again-
pHe crumpled it up. Draco was tired of his bull shit and rambling about how darkness would rise to power again. He was a little creeped out, as he crumpled up the letter into a tight ball and tossed it in the wastebasket, and it disintegrated into flames. Draco sighed and collapsed onto his four poster bed, and stared at the ceiling. Right now, he was wishing more than anything to be someone else-Crabbe, Goyle, even Potter. Especially Potter.
pDraco somehow knew from first sight that Potter wouldn't be an easy character. Still, he tried to be as forth giving as he could, even extending a hand of help. But Harry refused it, with much dignity still intact. Of course, Draco's ego wasn't a bit bruised, in fact, it inflated every time an insult was thrown at Harry's direction, or the Weasley family was insulted. But something inside him rung with guilt every time. A part of him wanted to be friends with Harry. Close, close friends. His father, however, would be furious with the thought, and would definitely kill him then. So, however much he wanted to, the urge was definitely stifled.
pHowever, the feeling was certainly mutual. Harry lay, body draped over one of the rather over-stuffed lounge chairs in the Gryffindor common rooms. Many people were off minding their own business, finishing up on the rather large pile of homework they had received. Lee Jordan, who had been censored at recent quidditch games, was muttering to himself in the corner, about Transfiguration homework. ".The.tea.kettle.is.easily.transfigured.into.a.marsupial.when."He muttered silently to himself. Harry scanned his eyes around the room again. Fred and George were patenting their latest branch of Wizarding Jokes, a non- Stunnable or Vanishable firecracker. "Oh yes, guaranteed to last at least a week." George's highly convincing voice led anxious and excited first years on. Harry sniggered slightly to himself, before resting eyes upon Ron. He looked very fixated on what he was scrawling onto a piece of paper, and got red in the ears when anyone came by, pulling it close to his chest like it was a lifesaver. "What are you writing?" Harry chided out to him, not very interested in the subject, but was trying to advert his mind away from Draco. He had no clue why, but lately, he was strangely drawn to him. Ron's face began to burn bright red, as he blinked up at Harry, clutching his paper to his chest again. "Um-nothing, Harry. Just something for-er- Trelenway. Yes, Exactly. Homework-" Harry's face conjured into a half smirk, half confused look. "Okay Ron. Are you taking remedial from her? Because she didn't assign us anything except for the 'bloody, gruesome death' for me over the break." They both broke into laughter, however, Ron's was slightly more nervous. Harry, sensing the tension in the air, rose from his seat, as if he was cramped up. "Right, well-yes, Ron. I think I'm going to go get some-fresh air." Harry said, which made Ron look up skeptical at him. Don't criticize him.Ron's mind pleaded with him. .then he might question you.He blinked up at Harry, and offered a small shard of a smile. "Okay, Harry. Tell me if you snog Cho." Ron grinned cheekily, then his face grew serious as he peeked back down at the parchment he was scrawling on, and broke into dead silence, as if to end the conversation.
pHarry shrugged and left the common room, watching a menacing Peeves stream by, followed by a very angry Filch, calling after him something about hanging Peeves by his thumbs. Peeves, on the other hand, cackled, and flew in the other direction, through Filch again. Harry chuckled to himself, receiving a glare from Filch, and made a mental note that he was on the warpath, and hummed down the hall, not going anywhere in particular.
pDraco, however, stormed down the other end, looking quite displeased with himself. Crabbe and Goyle were both throwing tantrums in the dorm, both very convinced that they were now totally straight, and trying to rub it in each other's faces. Meanwhile, girls everywhere were somehow sensing that his days at Hogwarts were numbered, and they had been approaching him all afternoon. To escape it all, Draco stormed out of the common room, and was now roaming the halls, wanting to go anywhere to vent.
pHow am I going to deal with Voldermort? He-creeps me out.Draco's thoughts ran frantically through his head. Ron's being so secretive-what next? Harry thought, in the same frantic rage as Draco.
pHow will I-
pWhen will I-
pOOF. The two bodies had collided, knocked to the floor by their incompetence. Immediately, Draco hardened and put up the rough exterior that had been up for nearly seven years. "Potter, you blundering fool." But his words came out gentle, not at all sounding as insulting as they should have been. "Yeah, well, Malfoy, if it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have tripped." But Harry's words had lost their bitterness, as well. The two boys just lay sprawled on the floor, gazing at each other, before pattering footsteps of first years could be audible, as their Quidditch training had just let out. Madame Hooch stood in the hall, beaming on her little stars of tomorrow, as they chatted to one another about the day's doings. Harry scrambled to his feet, hesitating, but lending a hand to help Malfoy up. Shooting an 'I-totally-want-to-take-your-hand-but-not-in-public' look at him, he clambered up on his own, and they gazed at each other again, before they could feel the stares of scattered people, who had begun to file out into the hallway. Harry began to turn around, but Draco grasped Harry's arm. He held his breath. "Be-um-more careful.next time, Harry." Harry let his breath go, just as Draco withheld his grasp on his arm.
pHe called me Harry-
pI called him Harry-
pThey swiveled away and paced back to each stationary common room. Ron, who was still fixated over the parchment, had begun nearing the end of whatever he was hastily scrawling out. His inkbottle was half empty, and his writing picked up pace as Harry entered. No way am I ever going to show him this.Ron thought to himself in a hurry, and finished the letter as Harry plopped down into an armchair. As Ron collected his supplies, Harry had a pleased look on his face. "Did you see Cho?" He questioned, hoping secretly that the answer was no.
pCho. Harry had forgotten about his crush on her. Whenever he heard the name, chills swam up his spine, and he knew he would never completely lose his feelings for her. "I-um-no." Harry replied, not wanting to go into details.
p "Really? Then why are you so happy? What, did you jinx Malfoy or something?" A small, Weasley smile crept up on Ron's face and Harry's expression worsened.
pAt this insult to Draco, Harry, himself had been slightly offended, too. After Draco had been nice enough to.say his name. When he thought about it, chills went up his spine again. "I-er-tripped him." He said, trying his best to cover up his true expressions about the topic. Ron could tell he wasn't doing an exactly good job. "Harry-is there, why are you.what happened? Did he say something about your mum again? Oh, I bet he did that dirty little rat. He's a spoiled brat who wont even admit he's a sniveling- " Ron's rants were cut short by Harry abruptly raising his voice. "RON! Come on, don't be like that. I think I handled the situation well." Harry said, still vague about the topic. "Well, come off it then, Harry! What did you do?" Ron's temper was slowly thinning, and his ears were getting red. The parchment in his hand had been slightly crumpled. "I-well-we just were nice to each other. That's all. He didn't try and insult me or anything." Ron let out a little 'tut tut', but Harry brushed it off, and sank back into the armchair. Ron got up and left the common room up to the dorm, without another word.
pIt wasn't until a week before Christmas break when Harry and Draco had their next encounter. As usual, Harry was staying at the school, as was Ron and Hermione. The year had been slow, and they hadn't been through any problems such as the previous ones. Everyone was enjoying the festivities, and a Hogsmede trip was scheduled later for that Saturday. Ron couldn't go, as he had to finish up a Potions essay, which had been long overdue. Hermione was being rather rebellious about it, arguing with him. "Oh, for Heaven's sake, Ron, why even bother? The parchment was due last week, if Snape didn't have it then, there's no way he's going to accept it late." Ron, however, was brushing it off. "It's better late than never, and I need that extra grade to bring my OWL up. Mum wants me to take Potions for my NEWTs, and theres no way I'm going to make it!" Ron's eyes pleaded, darting over to Harry occasionally, to see if he would back him up. Lately, Ron was getting peeved over the littlest things, his emotions running high. He had been especially testy about Herbology earlier, when Harry accidentally misplaced his garden gloves. He could still hear Ron's anguished yells running through his mind. Ron had shot him another look, this time agitated that Harry hadn't backed him up. Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably, and looked around. "I-if Ron is so.so inclined to work on his essay, then I guess I'll forgo that trip to Hogsmede. I mean, it's not like I have to buy presents for my family, or anything." He laughed nervously, and glanced around. Hermione's look had changed from a piercing glare into Ron to a shower of sympathy over Harry. "Harry.don't.don't be like that." Hermione said, shooting him a look, as if trying to raise his moods. "I'll-I'll stay behind and help Ron, instead. Besides, I already got my gift for you." She said beaming, and, indeed she had. It was a small present, two picture frames, connected to an enchanted camera. The pictures in the frame would change whenever a new picture was taken. It had been for sale at Hogsmede, in an old antique shop, and Hermione fixed it up quite well.
pRon grinned, catching on. He knew Harry needed some alone time, as well, and nodded. "Yeah, Hermy is bound to help me get this done." He said, with a false smirk. "Besides, you haven't been since the year started-go on and help yourself, mate." Harry nodded curtly and offered a small smile. "Alright, thanks guys." He said, blinking rapidly.
pAs many of the students began to slowly file out of the Great Hall, falling into the slumps of sleep, Harry tried his best to keep the other two, who showed no sign of slowing, company. It was hard because, strangely enough, for the first time in weeks, he felt tired, ready to fall asleep. Looking up at his friends with the most innocent looking face ever, he blinked. "Guys.I'm really bloody tired. And tomorrows the trip. I'm going to go rest up." They both, to his surprise, nodded reluctantly, and Harry rose from his spot.
pThe corridor seemed to endlessly go on, until he realized he had taken the wrong staircase. With a few coarse curses of frustration, he finally made it into the portrait hole. Once inside, he looked around the empty common room. No one had been left in it, at all. Wow, it must be bloody late.he thought to himself. And indeed, it was. As he glanced over to the oak grandfather clock, the hands read almost three o'clock. Trudging his way up the stairs, he pushed back the fabric of his bed that separated him and his four poster from conjoining in sleep. As he collapsed on it, everything seemed to fade away fast, and before he knew it, sleep had embraced him.
pThe morning came quick, and it seemed just as his body hit the bed that he had to wake up again. Of course, he wasn't in that bad of a mood. In fact, his spirits were slightly raised, for not having to go to classes and whatnot.
pRon, who had strangely been long awake, was sitting in the common room, putting the finishing touches on the Potions essay. Harry would not know about this, though, because there were different reasons why Hermione and he were not going on the Hogsmede trip.
pHermione, however, was sitting next to him, dead asleep. She had stayed up later than Ron, though on her own thought. Her bushy brown hair was neatly done, though, and she looked as if she was a mannequin. Her piercing orbs and often-furrowed brow were long relaxed, and Ron hesitated to wake her. After a couple of moments pondering, he finally shook the girl awake, watching her calm persona fixate into her normal Hermione expression. A kind smile slid across his face and he looked at her, red hair actually looking quite bleak with his outfit of clashed grays.
p "Hey Herm. G'morning."
p "Morning, Ron."
pIt seemed at the nick of time that Hermione had woken from her slumber, for a couple of seconds after that, Harry came trudging down the steps, looking quite groggy. With this action, Hermione quickly snapped awake, looking more alert than ever.
p "Morning, Harry!" There was much enthusiasm in her voice, as was everything when she was talking to Harry. She had developed a schoolgirl crush on him that came and went with seasons. This early winter, however, she was again head over heels in love with him. Ron silently rolled his eyes at her, and resisted the heavy urge to mimic her. But, he knew better than that. For, as he knew of her crush, she also knew of his, and he never doubted her ability to get back at him. Shuddering slightly at the thought, he merely shot a distant look at Harry.
pAnd, indeed, the two had grown apart since the beginning of the year, often avoiding each other. But everything was forgotten as the two stared at each other, the latter's thoughts so opposite from the other's.
p "Um.G'morning, guys. I-I-I should be getting down to the Great Hall, then. I woke up rather late." They all shared a hearty, though nervous laugh, and each could not tell why the moment was so tense. Perhaps it was the state of all of their minds, and how focused they were on the one subject. Whatever it was, it was making Harry, Hermione and Ron, the ol' Troublesome Trio's laughter sway. Harry dodged their worrisome glances and headed down to the Great Hall, finding himself alone. Even stranger, was that he was used to it. Glancing around, he noticed many more students than usual were present in the Hall. From table to table he peered, eyes never hesitating to fall on one person for more than a millisecond. Finally, he reached the Slytherin table, and there he saw him. Him. Harry didn't know just why he was so enthralled with the fact that the git who had been extremely rude, snobby-only because he had the my-dadsy-owns-everything attitude-and, quite plainly, obnoxious towards him was there. Right in front of him. Staring at hi-Oh God.He thought to himself, shooting Draco a sneer and bolting out of view. He's seen me oogling him.He slunk low into the end seat at the Gryffindor table, head staring at the chipping wood. W
pWispy, silver-blonde eyebrows arched at Harry's swift, sudden movements.
pDraco was in fact, still very tired, but nonetheless anxious about his last Hogsmede trip this year-or maybe, forever. Old, bitter Malfoy moods rose up on him, but he stifled them, as Dumbledore began to talk.
pHe was quite the morning person, eyes sparkling, beaming at every student who showed up, as if reading their exact past. His hat was perched at just an off angle, and his moon shaped glasses stuck out from perfect. Though, these imperfections are what made him Dumbledore. His gaze seemed to calm even the most rough of moods. "Now students-" At once, the talking and chattering began to stop, and all eyes were on him. "-Thank you, for showing up for the last trip until next year! We will begin to board the trains, at once. We're running on a tight schedule, so hurry, hurry!"
pMany of the students-Draco and Harry included-began to trudge outside, only to see the first flurry of the season happening. It was getting harder by the minute, but it was snow, and an enjoyable one at that.
pDraco slid open the door to what would have been every compartment on the train, though there were only about 6, due to the reduced amount of kids. "We're fu-" one started to say, before Draco let out an anguished sob and slammed it. "Full!" Chirped two happy third years, almost routinely. Sliding open the last door, Draco found Harry, sitting alone, amongst Ginny Weasley. "We're FULL and-" She began to start, but Harry hushed her. "Theres a seat for you, Malfoy." He tried his best to put on a stern expression, and say it in a nonchalant tone, but there was no changing the way it came out. "Erm.okay, then." Draco took a seat, opposite from Harry, trying his best to direct his gaze to out the window.
pGinny blinked at them both, distant stares. What? No witty comment from Draco or sneering from Harry? Something was definitely wrong, here, and she'd find out.
p "So, Malfoy, how's your dad? Still having fun being a Death Eater?" Harry's mouth dropped. Before Draco's expression could even change, Harry blew up at her. "GINNY?! WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? WAS HE HARMING AN-" Draco turned to him, blank expression. ".Harry." He said in an almost-whisper. ".H-Harry, it's alright. I can-" Ginny cut him off. "LET HIM FIGHT HIS OWN BATTLES, HARRY! SINCE WHEN ARE YOU HIS BEST FRIEND?!" Her red hair seemed to shoot up in flames, as she rose from her seat. "WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BE ON HIS CASE?! HE WASN'T HARMING ANYONE, SITTING THERE! GODS, GINNY, YOU'RE SO THICK SOMETIMES!" Harry's bellowing ricocheted throughout the compartment, and Draco was hesitant to cover his ears. He just sat back, watching.
p [Beg. Flashback]"NARCISSA!" Lucius bellowed. "Don't you question my authority over the boy. You've known this was to come." It was several months earlier, just before Draco was to come home. Narcissa was shaking, but standing up against him. "Y-you can't send him off to that loon!" That was it. She knew, she'd insulted the Dark Lord, Lucius' pride and glory to talk about in the house. It was-THWACK. Lucius had smacked her over the shoulders. "Don't you-DARE-talk about Him like that-EVER AGAIN." His tone was like a painful death finally taking its hostage. A meek and stifled sob escaped her, but she grimly nodded her head, eyes on the ground.[End Flashback]
pThe train screeched to a halt. Harry was sure everyone could hear what was going on in the compartment, yet, when they were exiting, no one dared to talk about it. Draco paced, a few people in front of him, head down deep in thought. Ginny was directly behind him, ears and face red, half from shouting, half from embarrassment. Several times she tried to apologize, but no words came out. As soon as they got off, everyone dispersed their separate ways.
pDraco was, nonetheless, walking alone. Harry caught up to him. "D- Draco?" His voice was tiny, barely there. Oh Gods, he called me by my first name and--"Yes, Harry. I'm listening." It wasn't his fault he was so-mean. And sarcastic. Especially to Harry. "I wanted to.apologize for Gin's behavior. She was such an.well.anyway.I'm sorry." Draco's heart nearly melted. But, he was a Malfoy. And Malfoy's had to keep their composure. Always. "Thanks, Potter. I mean-Harry. I 'preciate it." Harry raised his eyebrows, said nothing, and kept walking.
pIt was an awkward sight, Harry Potter, notorious good guy, Mister I've- saved-the-bloody-world-and-several-people-in-it. Then again, Harry's seen his share of deaths, Cedric, Sirius-even if he only remembered the screams, he had witnessed his mother die, as well. And the-boy-who-lived was slowly falling apart. Then there was Draco Malfoy, infamous bad boy and Dark One. He had the perfect family, perfect riches, perfect-everything. But his life had been shattered-all that was left was to hide the pieces, perfectly. p- End Ch.2-
pAbout a week had passed since Draco had received the news, and he was ultimately dreading Christmas break. Also, he became very anti-social, wandering away from large crowds, and roaming the halls alone. What was also fogging his mind, was that Potter boy. Sure, from first meeting, Draco had known he was going to be difficult, but something about the boy made him rather appealing.
pIn an un-gay kind of way, of course, he told himself.
pBut that didn't stop him from looking, and toning down the famous 'Death- glare-at-Potter'. Even Ron and Hermione began to notice something was up.
pOne day after one of Malfoy's pitiful glances, Ron had noticed, and confronted Harry. "Hey Harry, what was all that all about?" He questioned, slinging his bag over his shoulder. The jet-black haired boy simply shrugged. Harry was becoming quite aquatinted with Malfoy goggling at him all of the time, and strangely enough, he wasn't even the tiniest perturbed by it. But, of course, he wouldn't share his feelings with Ron, best friend or not. "I don't know, Ron. It's weird. Maybe he's finally realized that he's just a greasy haired git, and come to his senses or something." There was an awkward pause between the two, and although a tiny pang in Harry's heart set off, they both burst up into a fit of laughter. "We're both talking about Malfoy here, right?" Ron joked. But thankfully, Draco was far in front of them, stalking the halls, mind busily at work. October had come as fast as September, and while that wore down, the breezes of November seemed to haunt the air wherever they went. It was towards the end of November, when Draco started to get really testy about the judgement day drawing nearer upon him. Now and then, Draco got an owl from his father, reminding him of what to bring, how to act, and-if he was feeling especially bored-how he would punish him if Voldermort detected anything out of the usual with him.
pDraco lounged lazily in the Great Hall, picking at his meal. As the day drew nearer for him to take his final leave at Hogwarts, and become a full- fledged death eater, he was sleeping and eating less, and thinking a great deal more.
pAs the morning owl calls came in, he was not suspicious to have another raven black one swooping down towards him. This one was possibly the coldest, most evil out of all of them. Its eyes were just as black as its plumage, and a black letter dropped onto the table, singeing everything around it, including Draco's plate. Crabbe made a lunge for it, and for a quick second, had a good grip on it, until slight crackling and burning could be heard. Looking down at the envelope, which was clutched in his fat fingers, he realized that it was burning through his hand, and he quickly dropped it. "AHH!" He yelled, bringing his fingers towards him and shoving them in the water goblet, which began to fill up as he did. Slight smoke rose from the goblet, and Draco looked amused. Grabbing the letter, the owl hissed at Crabbe's ignorance, and flew away, pulling up a piece of Goyle's toast up along with it. Draco pulled the letter from the table, and quickly headed up to the common room, something that he was used to doing. Closing and locking the door to the room, he peeled the letter open, and dumped the contents onto the floor, not taking much consideration to it. Out tumbled a carefully written note, which apparently looked like it had been written in blood. It was from Voldermort. He picked it up with more care then he had dropped it, and proceeded to read it. It looked like it was scrawled out lovingly, and put in format of that of a loving father would write to his son away at Hogwarts. Not something you'd expect a dark underlord to write.
pDearest Draco,I am looking forward so to our private Death Eating lessons together. Your father and I are so proud of you for taking on this great responsibility and there is no doubt in my mind that you will be the next Dark Lord. And finally, once your lessons are complete, together, we will be able to kill Harry. Then, the Dark Ones shall rise up again-
pHe crumpled it up. Draco was tired of his bull shit and rambling about how darkness would rise to power again. He was a little creeped out, as he crumpled up the letter into a tight ball and tossed it in the wastebasket, and it disintegrated into flames. Draco sighed and collapsed onto his four poster bed, and stared at the ceiling. Right now, he was wishing more than anything to be someone else-Crabbe, Goyle, even Potter. Especially Potter.
pDraco somehow knew from first sight that Potter wouldn't be an easy character. Still, he tried to be as forth giving as he could, even extending a hand of help. But Harry refused it, with much dignity still intact. Of course, Draco's ego wasn't a bit bruised, in fact, it inflated every time an insult was thrown at Harry's direction, or the Weasley family was insulted. But something inside him rung with guilt every time. A part of him wanted to be friends with Harry. Close, close friends. His father, however, would be furious with the thought, and would definitely kill him then. So, however much he wanted to, the urge was definitely stifled.
pHowever, the feeling was certainly mutual. Harry lay, body draped over one of the rather over-stuffed lounge chairs in the Gryffindor common rooms. Many people were off minding their own business, finishing up on the rather large pile of homework they had received. Lee Jordan, who had been censored at recent quidditch games, was muttering to himself in the corner, about Transfiguration homework. ".The.tea.kettle.is.easily.transfigured.into.a.marsupial.when."He muttered silently to himself. Harry scanned his eyes around the room again. Fred and George were patenting their latest branch of Wizarding Jokes, a non- Stunnable or Vanishable firecracker. "Oh yes, guaranteed to last at least a week." George's highly convincing voice led anxious and excited first years on. Harry sniggered slightly to himself, before resting eyes upon Ron. He looked very fixated on what he was scrawling onto a piece of paper, and got red in the ears when anyone came by, pulling it close to his chest like it was a lifesaver. "What are you writing?" Harry chided out to him, not very interested in the subject, but was trying to advert his mind away from Draco. He had no clue why, but lately, he was strangely drawn to him. Ron's face began to burn bright red, as he blinked up at Harry, clutching his paper to his chest again. "Um-nothing, Harry. Just something for-er- Trelenway. Yes, Exactly. Homework-" Harry's face conjured into a half smirk, half confused look. "Okay Ron. Are you taking remedial from her? Because she didn't assign us anything except for the 'bloody, gruesome death' for me over the break." They both broke into laughter, however, Ron's was slightly more nervous. Harry, sensing the tension in the air, rose from his seat, as if he was cramped up. "Right, well-yes, Ron. I think I'm going to go get some-fresh air." Harry said, which made Ron look up skeptical at him. Don't criticize him.Ron's mind pleaded with him. .then he might question you.He blinked up at Harry, and offered a small shard of a smile. "Okay, Harry. Tell me if you snog Cho." Ron grinned cheekily, then his face grew serious as he peeked back down at the parchment he was scrawling on, and broke into dead silence, as if to end the conversation.
pHarry shrugged and left the common room, watching a menacing Peeves stream by, followed by a very angry Filch, calling after him something about hanging Peeves by his thumbs. Peeves, on the other hand, cackled, and flew in the other direction, through Filch again. Harry chuckled to himself, receiving a glare from Filch, and made a mental note that he was on the warpath, and hummed down the hall, not going anywhere in particular.
pDraco, however, stormed down the other end, looking quite displeased with himself. Crabbe and Goyle were both throwing tantrums in the dorm, both very convinced that they were now totally straight, and trying to rub it in each other's faces. Meanwhile, girls everywhere were somehow sensing that his days at Hogwarts were numbered, and they had been approaching him all afternoon. To escape it all, Draco stormed out of the common room, and was now roaming the halls, wanting to go anywhere to vent.
pHow am I going to deal with Voldermort? He-creeps me out.Draco's thoughts ran frantically through his head. Ron's being so secretive-what next? Harry thought, in the same frantic rage as Draco.
pHow will I-
pWhen will I-
pOOF. The two bodies had collided, knocked to the floor by their incompetence. Immediately, Draco hardened and put up the rough exterior that had been up for nearly seven years. "Potter, you blundering fool." But his words came out gentle, not at all sounding as insulting as they should have been. "Yeah, well, Malfoy, if it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have tripped." But Harry's words had lost their bitterness, as well. The two boys just lay sprawled on the floor, gazing at each other, before pattering footsteps of first years could be audible, as their Quidditch training had just let out. Madame Hooch stood in the hall, beaming on her little stars of tomorrow, as they chatted to one another about the day's doings. Harry scrambled to his feet, hesitating, but lending a hand to help Malfoy up. Shooting an 'I-totally-want-to-take-your-hand-but-not-in-public' look at him, he clambered up on his own, and they gazed at each other again, before they could feel the stares of scattered people, who had begun to file out into the hallway. Harry began to turn around, but Draco grasped Harry's arm. He held his breath. "Be-um-more careful.next time, Harry." Harry let his breath go, just as Draco withheld his grasp on his arm.
pHe called me Harry-
pI called him Harry-
pThey swiveled away and paced back to each stationary common room. Ron, who was still fixated over the parchment, had begun nearing the end of whatever he was hastily scrawling out. His inkbottle was half empty, and his writing picked up pace as Harry entered. No way am I ever going to show him this.Ron thought to himself in a hurry, and finished the letter as Harry plopped down into an armchair. As Ron collected his supplies, Harry had a pleased look on his face. "Did you see Cho?" He questioned, hoping secretly that the answer was no.
pCho. Harry had forgotten about his crush on her. Whenever he heard the name, chills swam up his spine, and he knew he would never completely lose his feelings for her. "I-um-no." Harry replied, not wanting to go into details.
p "Really? Then why are you so happy? What, did you jinx Malfoy or something?" A small, Weasley smile crept up on Ron's face and Harry's expression worsened.
pAt this insult to Draco, Harry, himself had been slightly offended, too. After Draco had been nice enough to.say his name. When he thought about it, chills went up his spine again. "I-er-tripped him." He said, trying his best to cover up his true expressions about the topic. Ron could tell he wasn't doing an exactly good job. "Harry-is there, why are you.what happened? Did he say something about your mum again? Oh, I bet he did that dirty little rat. He's a spoiled brat who wont even admit he's a sniveling- " Ron's rants were cut short by Harry abruptly raising his voice. "RON! Come on, don't be like that. I think I handled the situation well." Harry said, still vague about the topic. "Well, come off it then, Harry! What did you do?" Ron's temper was slowly thinning, and his ears were getting red. The parchment in his hand had been slightly crumpled. "I-well-we just were nice to each other. That's all. He didn't try and insult me or anything." Ron let out a little 'tut tut', but Harry brushed it off, and sank back into the armchair. Ron got up and left the common room up to the dorm, without another word.
pIt wasn't until a week before Christmas break when Harry and Draco had their next encounter. As usual, Harry was staying at the school, as was Ron and Hermione. The year had been slow, and they hadn't been through any problems such as the previous ones. Everyone was enjoying the festivities, and a Hogsmede trip was scheduled later for that Saturday. Ron couldn't go, as he had to finish up a Potions essay, which had been long overdue. Hermione was being rather rebellious about it, arguing with him. "Oh, for Heaven's sake, Ron, why even bother? The parchment was due last week, if Snape didn't have it then, there's no way he's going to accept it late." Ron, however, was brushing it off. "It's better late than never, and I need that extra grade to bring my OWL up. Mum wants me to take Potions for my NEWTs, and theres no way I'm going to make it!" Ron's eyes pleaded, darting over to Harry occasionally, to see if he would back him up. Lately, Ron was getting peeved over the littlest things, his emotions running high. He had been especially testy about Herbology earlier, when Harry accidentally misplaced his garden gloves. He could still hear Ron's anguished yells running through his mind. Ron had shot him another look, this time agitated that Harry hadn't backed him up. Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably, and looked around. "I-if Ron is so.so inclined to work on his essay, then I guess I'll forgo that trip to Hogsmede. I mean, it's not like I have to buy presents for my family, or anything." He laughed nervously, and glanced around. Hermione's look had changed from a piercing glare into Ron to a shower of sympathy over Harry. "Harry.don't.don't be like that." Hermione said, shooting him a look, as if trying to raise his moods. "I'll-I'll stay behind and help Ron, instead. Besides, I already got my gift for you." She said beaming, and, indeed she had. It was a small present, two picture frames, connected to an enchanted camera. The pictures in the frame would change whenever a new picture was taken. It had been for sale at Hogsmede, in an old antique shop, and Hermione fixed it up quite well.
pRon grinned, catching on. He knew Harry needed some alone time, as well, and nodded. "Yeah, Hermy is bound to help me get this done." He said, with a false smirk. "Besides, you haven't been since the year started-go on and help yourself, mate." Harry nodded curtly and offered a small smile. "Alright, thanks guys." He said, blinking rapidly.
pAs many of the students began to slowly file out of the Great Hall, falling into the slumps of sleep, Harry tried his best to keep the other two, who showed no sign of slowing, company. It was hard because, strangely enough, for the first time in weeks, he felt tired, ready to fall asleep. Looking up at his friends with the most innocent looking face ever, he blinked. "Guys.I'm really bloody tired. And tomorrows the trip. I'm going to go rest up." They both, to his surprise, nodded reluctantly, and Harry rose from his spot.
pThe corridor seemed to endlessly go on, until he realized he had taken the wrong staircase. With a few coarse curses of frustration, he finally made it into the portrait hole. Once inside, he looked around the empty common room. No one had been left in it, at all. Wow, it must be bloody late.he thought to himself. And indeed, it was. As he glanced over to the oak grandfather clock, the hands read almost three o'clock. Trudging his way up the stairs, he pushed back the fabric of his bed that separated him and his four poster from conjoining in sleep. As he collapsed on it, everything seemed to fade away fast, and before he knew it, sleep had embraced him.
pThe morning came quick, and it seemed just as his body hit the bed that he had to wake up again. Of course, he wasn't in that bad of a mood. In fact, his spirits were slightly raised, for not having to go to classes and whatnot.
pRon, who had strangely been long awake, was sitting in the common room, putting the finishing touches on the Potions essay. Harry would not know about this, though, because there were different reasons why Hermione and he were not going on the Hogsmede trip.
pHermione, however, was sitting next to him, dead asleep. She had stayed up later than Ron, though on her own thought. Her bushy brown hair was neatly done, though, and she looked as if she was a mannequin. Her piercing orbs and often-furrowed brow were long relaxed, and Ron hesitated to wake her. After a couple of moments pondering, he finally shook the girl awake, watching her calm persona fixate into her normal Hermione expression. A kind smile slid across his face and he looked at her, red hair actually looking quite bleak with his outfit of clashed grays.
p "Hey Herm. G'morning."
p "Morning, Ron."
pIt seemed at the nick of time that Hermione had woken from her slumber, for a couple of seconds after that, Harry came trudging down the steps, looking quite groggy. With this action, Hermione quickly snapped awake, looking more alert than ever.
p "Morning, Harry!" There was much enthusiasm in her voice, as was everything when she was talking to Harry. She had developed a schoolgirl crush on him that came and went with seasons. This early winter, however, she was again head over heels in love with him. Ron silently rolled his eyes at her, and resisted the heavy urge to mimic her. But, he knew better than that. For, as he knew of her crush, she also knew of his, and he never doubted her ability to get back at him. Shuddering slightly at the thought, he merely shot a distant look at Harry.
pAnd, indeed, the two had grown apart since the beginning of the year, often avoiding each other. But everything was forgotten as the two stared at each other, the latter's thoughts so opposite from the other's.
p "Um.G'morning, guys. I-I-I should be getting down to the Great Hall, then. I woke up rather late." They all shared a hearty, though nervous laugh, and each could not tell why the moment was so tense. Perhaps it was the state of all of their minds, and how focused they were on the one subject. Whatever it was, it was making Harry, Hermione and Ron, the ol' Troublesome Trio's laughter sway. Harry dodged their worrisome glances and headed down to the Great Hall, finding himself alone. Even stranger, was that he was used to it. Glancing around, he noticed many more students than usual were present in the Hall. From table to table he peered, eyes never hesitating to fall on one person for more than a millisecond. Finally, he reached the Slytherin table, and there he saw him. Him. Harry didn't know just why he was so enthralled with the fact that the git who had been extremely rude, snobby-only because he had the my-dadsy-owns-everything attitude-and, quite plainly, obnoxious towards him was there. Right in front of him. Staring at hi-Oh God.He thought to himself, shooting Draco a sneer and bolting out of view. He's seen me oogling him.He slunk low into the end seat at the Gryffindor table, head staring at the chipping wood. W
pWispy, silver-blonde eyebrows arched at Harry's swift, sudden movements.
pDraco was in fact, still very tired, but nonetheless anxious about his last Hogsmede trip this year-or maybe, forever. Old, bitter Malfoy moods rose up on him, but he stifled them, as Dumbledore began to talk.
pHe was quite the morning person, eyes sparkling, beaming at every student who showed up, as if reading their exact past. His hat was perched at just an off angle, and his moon shaped glasses stuck out from perfect. Though, these imperfections are what made him Dumbledore. His gaze seemed to calm even the most rough of moods. "Now students-" At once, the talking and chattering began to stop, and all eyes were on him. "-Thank you, for showing up for the last trip until next year! We will begin to board the trains, at once. We're running on a tight schedule, so hurry, hurry!"
pMany of the students-Draco and Harry included-began to trudge outside, only to see the first flurry of the season happening. It was getting harder by the minute, but it was snow, and an enjoyable one at that.
pDraco slid open the door to what would have been every compartment on the train, though there were only about 6, due to the reduced amount of kids. "We're fu-" one started to say, before Draco let out an anguished sob and slammed it. "Full!" Chirped two happy third years, almost routinely. Sliding open the last door, Draco found Harry, sitting alone, amongst Ginny Weasley. "We're FULL and-" She began to start, but Harry hushed her. "Theres a seat for you, Malfoy." He tried his best to put on a stern expression, and say it in a nonchalant tone, but there was no changing the way it came out. "Erm.okay, then." Draco took a seat, opposite from Harry, trying his best to direct his gaze to out the window.
pGinny blinked at them both, distant stares. What? No witty comment from Draco or sneering from Harry? Something was definitely wrong, here, and she'd find out.
p "So, Malfoy, how's your dad? Still having fun being a Death Eater?" Harry's mouth dropped. Before Draco's expression could even change, Harry blew up at her. "GINNY?! WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? WAS HE HARMING AN-" Draco turned to him, blank expression. ".Harry." He said in an almost-whisper. ".H-Harry, it's alright. I can-" Ginny cut him off. "LET HIM FIGHT HIS OWN BATTLES, HARRY! SINCE WHEN ARE YOU HIS BEST FRIEND?!" Her red hair seemed to shoot up in flames, as she rose from her seat. "WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BE ON HIS CASE?! HE WASN'T HARMING ANYONE, SITTING THERE! GODS, GINNY, YOU'RE SO THICK SOMETIMES!" Harry's bellowing ricocheted throughout the compartment, and Draco was hesitant to cover his ears. He just sat back, watching.
p [Beg. Flashback]"NARCISSA!" Lucius bellowed. "Don't you question my authority over the boy. You've known this was to come." It was several months earlier, just before Draco was to come home. Narcissa was shaking, but standing up against him. "Y-you can't send him off to that loon!" That was it. She knew, she'd insulted the Dark Lord, Lucius' pride and glory to talk about in the house. It was-THWACK. Lucius had smacked her over the shoulders. "Don't you-DARE-talk about Him like that-EVER AGAIN." His tone was like a painful death finally taking its hostage. A meek and stifled sob escaped her, but she grimly nodded her head, eyes on the ground.[End Flashback]
pThe train screeched to a halt. Harry was sure everyone could hear what was going on in the compartment, yet, when they were exiting, no one dared to talk about it. Draco paced, a few people in front of him, head down deep in thought. Ginny was directly behind him, ears and face red, half from shouting, half from embarrassment. Several times she tried to apologize, but no words came out. As soon as they got off, everyone dispersed their separate ways.
pDraco was, nonetheless, walking alone. Harry caught up to him. "D- Draco?" His voice was tiny, barely there. Oh Gods, he called me by my first name and--"Yes, Harry. I'm listening." It wasn't his fault he was so-mean. And sarcastic. Especially to Harry. "I wanted to.apologize for Gin's behavior. She was such an.well.anyway.I'm sorry." Draco's heart nearly melted. But, he was a Malfoy. And Malfoy's had to keep their composure. Always. "Thanks, Potter. I mean-Harry. I 'preciate it." Harry raised his eyebrows, said nothing, and kept walking.
pIt was an awkward sight, Harry Potter, notorious good guy, Mister I've- saved-the-bloody-world-and-several-people-in-it. Then again, Harry's seen his share of deaths, Cedric, Sirius-even if he only remembered the screams, he had witnessed his mother die, as well. And the-boy-who-lived was slowly falling apart. Then there was Draco Malfoy, infamous bad boy and Dark One. He had the perfect family, perfect riches, perfect-everything. But his life had been shattered-all that was left was to hide the pieces, perfectly. p- End Ch.2-