Title: Emotion Sickness
Author: Miss T
Spoilers: Takes place after The Chamber of Secrets book - kind of my own interpretation of their 3rd year at Hogwarts. Or how I would like it to be.
Rating: PG13, so far
Main characters: Draco, Harry
Pairings: DM/HP to come later, so if you don't like slash, don't read it
Notes: nothing much to say about this one… so enjoy!
Disclaimer: Ms Rowling owns the characters and everything… not me :( However I am responsible for the plot, and the town of Bettersmeade. Oh, and JK - kudos for the excellent world of HP.
Dedicated to: what the hell, I'll take a stab in the dark and say everyone who reviews me!
Emotion Sickness
Chapter 9 – Bettersmeade
Harry woke up to the gentle rising of Draco's breathing as his head laid next to his chest. The pair had to decided to stop inside a cave-like grassy mound on one of the hillsides as they were both feeling immensely exhausted and it was getting too dark to tell which direction they were really going.
However, the valley was now in the radiant light of the morning, and the cluster of small hut-like houses were only about a mile ahead.
Harry's body felt like it had been dropped over and over again from a cliff, his legs were aching and his shoulder had started to hurt again. He noticed that Draco had removed his jumper again during the night, to use it as a pillow for his head against the pale stone of the flooring inside the cave.
Now, with the light of the morning streaming through the entrance and dancing in dusty strobes against Draco's pale skin, Harry could finally make out many scattered ghosts of bruises around the sleeping boy's torso. Biting his lip and feeling ashamed for what he had said to Malfoy the previous day, Harry lightly let his fingertips run across a pale white scar on Draco's hip, causing the blonde to stir, and let out a giggle in his sleep.
Rapidly taking his hand away, Harry sat up slowly and flinched as the pain over his body seemed to define itself.
Draco made a loud grumble, and stretched his arms high above his head before opening his eyes.
*Oh no, he's waking up,* Harry thought frantically. *He's going to be awkward around me and probably… hate me* Harry's eyes darted back and forth in their sockets as Draco sat up and rubbed his head.
The small kiss they had shared yesterday kept jumping in and out of Harry's mind. He kept wondering if he had made the mistake of kissing him, and what Draco would do if he had. He even asked himself WHY he felt the need to kiss him – at the time it just seemed appropriate.
"What's the matter?" Draco asked, looking at the worry in Harry's face. "Oh, god. Something's bit my leg off in the night, hasn't it?!" Draco shifted, relieved to see he still possessed two legs, which made Harry snigger.
"Not quite." Harry laughed, almost nervously. *He's not going to mention it? Did it mean nothing to him? Why do I care anyway?* Harry shook his head and stood up.
"I guess we should get walking," He mumbled, "Another hour or so and we'll reach those houses…"
Draco nodded. Yes, he did remember the kiss yesterday. And yes, he secretly did want it to happen. *Why is Harry not mentioning anything about it? Did it not mean anything to him? Why do I even care?!* Draco cursed himself silently and stood up, groaning in pain. "Ouch… my legs are killing me…" He whined, and looked up at Harry.
"Mine too. But if we want to live, then we're going to have to keep walking."
"You're meaning to tell me, that you have LOST my son?" Lucius Malfoy sat at the end of a long table inside one of the many meeting rooms in Hogwarts. He was dressed his usual black attire, cane in hand, official Malfoy brand of sneer.
Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape sat at the opposite end, peering down at the livid expression on Lucius's face.
"Mr Malfoy – if you please," Snape began, "We didn't lose them as such. They are young men, highly capable of responsibility and looking after themselves – being Draco's father you should know how intelligent the boy is?"
Lucius lifted his nose up into the air and let out a small grunt.
"… I gave them simple instructions," Snape continued, "And it is clear that they are both bright enough to follow orders. That is what distressed me when I found out they were late. I'm sorry to break it to you, Mr Malfoy – but there is the possibility that your son and Mr Potter are in immediate danger."
"All thanks to that… that ROGUE Potter boy!!" Lucius boomed as he stood up, causing his chair to fall backwards.
Dumbledore held up his hand, "Lucius… calm down…" he said clearly and coolly, and watched as Lucius trembled with anger. "We will find your son. Don't worry. I just need you to stay calm, and your permission to send out a team of men from the Ministry."
Lucius's anger sizzled only slightly, and very slowly he nodded his head.
At the front of the small cluster of houses that appeared to be a village, lay a small dirt path and a yellow sign looking like it was ready to fall over, it was that old. The peeling black paint read in small but clear letters,
'Welcome, Wizards, Witches and Humble Folk to Bettersmeade, Est. 1372.'
Harry and Draco exchanged curious glances as they gripped onto each other, for walking support, and stumbled down the path.
Not one of them had mentioned yesterdays kiss so far, each thinking that the other one was ashamed it had happened or even forgotten about it.
"Look!" Harry pointed along the long corridor of houses at a taller building that had a small eroded sign about it that read 'The Bettersmeade Inn.'
Ignoring the snooping glances and whispers between passing villagers, the pair of young wizards burst into the door of the pub.
It was packed full of witches and wizards, in their tall hats and ratty clothes, drinking and smoking and talking amongst themselves. The atmosphere was sociable and warm, and Harry felt relief wash over him – it was almost like being back at the Leaky Cauldron.
Draco grasped onto one of the barstools by the counter and clambered on top of it, panting heavily.
"Can I get you young 'uns a drink?" The bartender said, as he wiped a glass clean with a shabby dishcloth.
Harry stood next to Draco, leaning his back against the counter.
"Two butterbeers, please…" Draco breathed, digging into his pocket and slamming a couple of coins onto the table.
It took less than 30 seconds for Harry and Draco to drain there drinks in one shot, feeling instantly warmed up and calmed.
"Never seen you two before," The barman peered over the counter at Harry and Draco, and looked them up and down.
Harry's cut from his fall was still moist, and he had a small bruise under his eye from the punch he had took at the nose from Draco.
Draco's hair was ratty and unclean, more obvious than Harry's, and a small cut defaced the usual angelic quality to his face.
"We're not from around here." Draco had to force back a sneer, making his voice sound painfully blank.
"Clearly" The bartender retorted. "Lost are yees?"
"You could say that" Harry turned round and sat on a stool next to Draco.
"Where yees from, then?" The bartender had now put his glass down, leaning both his hands on the counter in interest.
"Hogwarts." Draco said simply.
"The school? I thought it was closed for the holidays." The bartender raised his eyebrows.
"It's a long story" Harry added. "Could you please tell us where we are?"
But before the bartender could answer, he let go of the counter suddenly, looking stunned as he stared at Harry's forehead.
"By 'eck!" He said, disbelievingly. "You're that 'Arry Potta!"
Harry reached up and swiftly combed his hair over his scar with his fingers as Draco rolled his eyes.
"Yes, yes he is." Draco said annoyed, "But that's not the point! We asked you a question and it would be bloody good if you could answer us and not waste our time!" He could feel that he was going to hate this village. *Bunch of bloody savages*
"Why, you're in Bettersmeade. It's a small town just outside of Hogsmeade. You're about 50 miles from your school, boys! How the 'eck did you get here?" The bartender was now laughing, picking up the glass again.
Harry and Draco exchanged glances. They had told them the truth up until now, they might as well continue.
Draco pointed to the window behind him, which showed the beautiful valley and forest behind them. "Well, we walked from that forest, it's connected to the Dark Forest at Hogwarts I presume."
The glass the bartender was holding dropped with a smash to the floor, and the look of horror made Draco and Harry's skin crawl.
**new chapter to follow. As for now, cheers for reading ^_^**
Author: Miss T
Spoilers: Takes place after The Chamber of Secrets book - kind of my own interpretation of their 3rd year at Hogwarts. Or how I would like it to be.
Rating: PG13, so far
Main characters: Draco, Harry
Pairings: DM/HP to come later, so if you don't like slash, don't read it
Notes: nothing much to say about this one… so enjoy!
Disclaimer: Ms Rowling owns the characters and everything… not me :( However I am responsible for the plot, and the town of Bettersmeade. Oh, and JK - kudos for the excellent world of HP.
Dedicated to: what the hell, I'll take a stab in the dark and say everyone who reviews me!
Emotion Sickness
Chapter 9 – Bettersmeade
Harry woke up to the gentle rising of Draco's breathing as his head laid next to his chest. The pair had to decided to stop inside a cave-like grassy mound on one of the hillsides as they were both feeling immensely exhausted and it was getting too dark to tell which direction they were really going.
However, the valley was now in the radiant light of the morning, and the cluster of small hut-like houses were only about a mile ahead.
Harry's body felt like it had been dropped over and over again from a cliff, his legs were aching and his shoulder had started to hurt again. He noticed that Draco had removed his jumper again during the night, to use it as a pillow for his head against the pale stone of the flooring inside the cave.
Now, with the light of the morning streaming through the entrance and dancing in dusty strobes against Draco's pale skin, Harry could finally make out many scattered ghosts of bruises around the sleeping boy's torso. Biting his lip and feeling ashamed for what he had said to Malfoy the previous day, Harry lightly let his fingertips run across a pale white scar on Draco's hip, causing the blonde to stir, and let out a giggle in his sleep.
Rapidly taking his hand away, Harry sat up slowly and flinched as the pain over his body seemed to define itself.
Draco made a loud grumble, and stretched his arms high above his head before opening his eyes.
*Oh no, he's waking up,* Harry thought frantically. *He's going to be awkward around me and probably… hate me* Harry's eyes darted back and forth in their sockets as Draco sat up and rubbed his head.
The small kiss they had shared yesterday kept jumping in and out of Harry's mind. He kept wondering if he had made the mistake of kissing him, and what Draco would do if he had. He even asked himself WHY he felt the need to kiss him – at the time it just seemed appropriate.
"What's the matter?" Draco asked, looking at the worry in Harry's face. "Oh, god. Something's bit my leg off in the night, hasn't it?!" Draco shifted, relieved to see he still possessed two legs, which made Harry snigger.
"Not quite." Harry laughed, almost nervously. *He's not going to mention it? Did it mean nothing to him? Why do I care anyway?* Harry shook his head and stood up.
"I guess we should get walking," He mumbled, "Another hour or so and we'll reach those houses…"
Draco nodded. Yes, he did remember the kiss yesterday. And yes, he secretly did want it to happen. *Why is Harry not mentioning anything about it? Did it not mean anything to him? Why do I even care?!* Draco cursed himself silently and stood up, groaning in pain. "Ouch… my legs are killing me…" He whined, and looked up at Harry.
"Mine too. But if we want to live, then we're going to have to keep walking."
"You're meaning to tell me, that you have LOST my son?" Lucius Malfoy sat at the end of a long table inside one of the many meeting rooms in Hogwarts. He was dressed his usual black attire, cane in hand, official Malfoy brand of sneer.
Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape sat at the opposite end, peering down at the livid expression on Lucius's face.
"Mr Malfoy – if you please," Snape began, "We didn't lose them as such. They are young men, highly capable of responsibility and looking after themselves – being Draco's father you should know how intelligent the boy is?"
Lucius lifted his nose up into the air and let out a small grunt.
"… I gave them simple instructions," Snape continued, "And it is clear that they are both bright enough to follow orders. That is what distressed me when I found out they were late. I'm sorry to break it to you, Mr Malfoy – but there is the possibility that your son and Mr Potter are in immediate danger."
"All thanks to that… that ROGUE Potter boy!!" Lucius boomed as he stood up, causing his chair to fall backwards.
Dumbledore held up his hand, "Lucius… calm down…" he said clearly and coolly, and watched as Lucius trembled with anger. "We will find your son. Don't worry. I just need you to stay calm, and your permission to send out a team of men from the Ministry."
Lucius's anger sizzled only slightly, and very slowly he nodded his head.
At the front of the small cluster of houses that appeared to be a village, lay a small dirt path and a yellow sign looking like it was ready to fall over, it was that old. The peeling black paint read in small but clear letters,
'Welcome, Wizards, Witches and Humble Folk to Bettersmeade, Est. 1372.'
Harry and Draco exchanged curious glances as they gripped onto each other, for walking support, and stumbled down the path.
Not one of them had mentioned yesterdays kiss so far, each thinking that the other one was ashamed it had happened or even forgotten about it.
"Look!" Harry pointed along the long corridor of houses at a taller building that had a small eroded sign about it that read 'The Bettersmeade Inn.'
Ignoring the snooping glances and whispers between passing villagers, the pair of young wizards burst into the door of the pub.
It was packed full of witches and wizards, in their tall hats and ratty clothes, drinking and smoking and talking amongst themselves. The atmosphere was sociable and warm, and Harry felt relief wash over him – it was almost like being back at the Leaky Cauldron.
Draco grasped onto one of the barstools by the counter and clambered on top of it, panting heavily.
"Can I get you young 'uns a drink?" The bartender said, as he wiped a glass clean with a shabby dishcloth.
Harry stood next to Draco, leaning his back against the counter.
"Two butterbeers, please…" Draco breathed, digging into his pocket and slamming a couple of coins onto the table.
It took less than 30 seconds for Harry and Draco to drain there drinks in one shot, feeling instantly warmed up and calmed.
"Never seen you two before," The barman peered over the counter at Harry and Draco, and looked them up and down.
Harry's cut from his fall was still moist, and he had a small bruise under his eye from the punch he had took at the nose from Draco.
Draco's hair was ratty and unclean, more obvious than Harry's, and a small cut defaced the usual angelic quality to his face.
"We're not from around here." Draco had to force back a sneer, making his voice sound painfully blank.
"Clearly" The bartender retorted. "Lost are yees?"
"You could say that" Harry turned round and sat on a stool next to Draco.
"Where yees from, then?" The bartender had now put his glass down, leaning both his hands on the counter in interest.
"Hogwarts." Draco said simply.
"The school? I thought it was closed for the holidays." The bartender raised his eyebrows.
"It's a long story" Harry added. "Could you please tell us where we are?"
But before the bartender could answer, he let go of the counter suddenly, looking stunned as he stared at Harry's forehead.
"By 'eck!" He said, disbelievingly. "You're that 'Arry Potta!"
Harry reached up and swiftly combed his hair over his scar with his fingers as Draco rolled his eyes.
"Yes, yes he is." Draco said annoyed, "But that's not the point! We asked you a question and it would be bloody good if you could answer us and not waste our time!" He could feel that he was going to hate this village. *Bunch of bloody savages*
"Why, you're in Bettersmeade. It's a small town just outside of Hogsmeade. You're about 50 miles from your school, boys! How the 'eck did you get here?" The bartender was now laughing, picking up the glass again.
Harry and Draco exchanged glances. They had told them the truth up until now, they might as well continue.
Draco pointed to the window behind him, which showed the beautiful valley and forest behind them. "Well, we walked from that forest, it's connected to the Dark Forest at Hogwarts I presume."
The glass the bartender was holding dropped with a smash to the floor, and the look of horror made Draco and Harry's skin crawl.
**new chapter to follow. As for now, cheers for reading ^_^**
