Title: Sound Of My Voice
Author: GrapeSmshr
Rated: PG-13
Coupling: HP/DM slashy goodness
A/N: Just when I think I can't be amazed any more, you guys really surpass yourselves. All of these reviews! Wow. I mean, wow. Amazing. Wonderful. You guys really are the best, you know that? So here it is, the next chapter that I hurried to finish so I could post it soon so you could read it. You know, as a treat for all of the wonderful reviews. Read on and enjoy!
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.
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.
Harry hadn't stayed long in the tower after Draco left. He had stood on wobbly legs and dashed out of there like a roaring dragon was on his heels which, he supposed, was partially true.
Just what was Draco playing at? Was he purposely trying to inflict harm by dredging up old memories that Harry would just as soon pretend didn't exist? He was pondering this as he strode aimlessly across the dewy grass of the Quidditch pitch, invisibility cloak lying in a heap off to the side.
He really didn't know what to think. All evidence was pointing at a deliberate attempt to infuriate him. But Draco had been so complacent lately that that argument couldn't be right. So what was it?
Then Harry stopped, a wave of horror washing over him. What it he had found out? What if Draco found out what Harry had done on that day, seven months ago?
But no, he couldn't have. Surely he would have said something... Harry relaxed, but only slightly. He decided that he didn't much feel like being outside any longer, being alone. He scooped up his cloak and headed back toward the school, unaware that from a far window a silver gaze was trailing after him.
.
.
Upon entering his dorm, Harry was plagued by a restless sleep. His usual nightmares were replaced with new ones, in which Draco kept demanding why Harry did what he did. More than once Harry had woken up with a startled cry, relieved that he had the foresight of putting up silencing charms around his bed. He was sure that he would have woken up his friends.
At around five, he finally decided to give up on sleep and padded down to the common room, where he sat in front of the fire for another two hours before another person descended the stairs.
He gave a pathetic half-smile to Ginny Weasley as she plopped down on the couch beside him. "Been down here long?" she asked, to which he nodded. "Couldn't sleep?" But she already knew the answer. His eyes were shadowed, unfocused. They usually were in the mornings, meaning that his meager amount of sleep had not been dreamless.
Unlike her brother and Hermione, Ginny was not one to just let Harry be. She worried, and she made sure he knew that she worried. Giving an exasperated sigh, she told him, "You should be taking your dreamless sleep potions before you go to bed." When he didn't respond, only squeezed his eyes briefly shut, she said in a more quiet voice, "They're not helping, are they?" And she sighed again.
Harry had heard this speech before from her. He hated being fussed over and worried about. But he loved Ginny. She was like a sister to him, so he tolerated it, just like he had tolerated Ron's and Hermione's concerned harping until they realized that it was a fruitless task.
Trying his best to muster up a genuine smile, he kissed her on the cheek and slid off the couch, gesturing to her that he was heading upstairs. Changing out of his pajamas, he went downstairs and waved to Ginny on his way out.
He had taken to having breakfast early on Saturdays because no one was up, and he liked the quiet. True to form, the only people in the Great Hall were a couple of Ravenclaws and Professor Flitwick, who was practically falling asleep in his porridge.
Smiling to himself, Harry sat down and piled a plate high with food. The one thing that hadn't been affected were his eating habits. This was a sour spot with Ron, who complained that Harry ate and ate but never gained an ounce, even though he never exercised any more due to quitting Quidditch. But it was easy to keep the weight off because Harry spent hours each night just walking around.
Quickly finishing up, he filled his plate again. Raising a fork to his mouth, he took no notice of the eggs spilling off of it and onto his lap as he stared in obvious surprise at the teen who just walked into the Great Hall.
Draco Malfoy was having breakfast on a Saturday! And he was early! Never had Harry witnessed this. He always assumed that Draco slept in late and then had a House-elf deliver food to him in bed in the Slytherin dorm. Maybe he normally did.
But not today.
Even as he glanced away, Harry could feel Draco's eyes on him, just urging him to look up. The intensity was so great that Harry couldn't help but do so. And when emerald met silver, he regretted it.
There was no looking away, no blinking. Harry had the strangest feeling that if he looked away, he might just faint. So he stared, unable to process what was going on, only knowing that he was not going to look away. He saw into the depths of those eyes, those bottomless, mercury pools. He could read Draco's eyes like he'd never been able to before, and he was drawn into the raw, powerful emotions emanating from the blonde. Once again, that suffocating feeling swept over him in a mixture of sublime pain that he never wanted to let go of.
But he soon found himself staring at air as Draco rose from his occupied spot. Eyes focusing, he watched as the Slytherin left the Great Hall. Emerald clashed with silver once more, and then he was gone again.
Feeling weakened, Harry slumped back against his chair with a shiver. What had he gotten himself into? He knew this wasn't the end of it; all of the tension and electricity was going to build up until it erupted in a climactic explosion. Moaning, Harry averted his eyes as a group of Hufflepuffs walked by, glancing at him curiously. As the Great Hall started filling up, Harry felt this urgent need to get out of there. He knew his friends would be able to tell that something was wrong, and he didn't feel like being barraged with more questions.
Standing up, he quickly scrambled out of the room.
.
.
All day he had been walking around, doing virtually nothing. Not talking to anyone, not heading anywhere. He had no destination. He was just walking. Luckily he managed to dodge his friends; his heightened senses allowed him to hear them before they appeared so that he could find a hiding spot and let them pass.
He knew he was preoccupied because he didn't even take the time to stop and terrorize the first-year Hufflepuffs that barreled around a corner and almost trampled him.
No, Draco had other things on his mind. Other people. A specific person, in fact. And his mind was plotting furiously, going into overdrive.
It was going to work. Whatever he came up with was going to work. He wasn't just watching this from an objective, or less-than-objective, window. There was an emotional distance, or closeness, that was also there. He knew firsthand the pain and guilt that stemmed from the war, which Draco had participated it actively. One couldn't just go through something like that and come out untouched.
Most of that was due to the fact that Draco was living a completely different life than he was supposed to. After all, he had been brought up to become a Death Eater. And when that didn't happen, his life fell apart. Or came together. The two were synonymous in his situation.
But after that happened, after he had been dropped into this existence that was completely foreign to him, he had changed. And after the war, after he had been faced with the demons from his life that should have been, he had not taken it too well. Granted, he hadn't been hit with something as drastic as a mute state, but he *had* developed an anger so great that his friends couldn't even be around him. Luckily for him, Severus, who was like a father to him, had been able to talk him down. It had taken quite a while to get over his anger, but he did.
If the anger were replaced with guilt, then that would be what Harry was going through. Draco didn't want to help just because he had a thing for the other teen. He also wanted Harry to stop shouldering the burden of guilt that he shouldn't be. After all, he was the savior of the wizarding world. He deserved to be happy like the rest of them. More so even.
And Draco wasn't going to stop until that happened.
.
.
.
.
Yay, another chapter! And yes, before anyone says anything, I know this one was also kinda short. But no worries, the next chapter will be longer. For the next chapter, my lovelies, will be the last. That's right! The end is upon us! ::insert doomsday voice here:: Anyway, please review! The more reviews, the faster the posts. Have I not proven that? Well, actually, this last update might take a little longer since I have a Sensation & Perception test on Thursday and a Sociology of the Family paper due on Friday (that I haven't started yet, btw). But I'll try my absolute hardest to write write write! I love you guys!
.
.
.
Thanks to:
Beta 4 hire: Aww, I'm trying! I'm trying! Don't worry, the next one will be super long!
dwadwadwa: Ooh, traps are a good idea! They're so much more efficient than chases. Thanks for the review!
DaughterofDeath: Here ya go!
TanisaFyre: There really is no telling with Draco... He seems to come up with some crazy stuff. This fic is no exception...
Ravenfrog: Hehe, yeah, every once in a while I'll throw in little pointless tidbits. Glad someone appreciates them!
someonesgurl: Thanks so much!
Kaaera: Aww, you're such a sweetie. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for the last chapter...
Crystalstorm21: Hey look, I actually posted when I wanted to! Thanks for reading!
BratPrincess-187: Thanks... The last chapter will tell you everything you want to know.
amber-eyez: Aww, thanks! I know. I'm still amazed at all of the reviews!
Evil Story Penguins: Hey, thanks! I was trying to be original. Don't think I've ever read any mute!Harry fics before.
Wynjara: Only one more chapter and then you'll know!
CuriousDreamWeaver: Thanks! I'm trying to make their interactions believable. It's no fun when people write them waaaaaay ooc.
GoddessMoonLady: I know, it's short, but it's an update! Well, I thought Harry would do well with a little hideaway since he's a bit antsy around people. Plus it makes a good place for Draco and him to have a little privacy...
Silver Neo: Hehe, your review quite amused me. And your fic was cute! Thanks for recommending HLaS to your friend. It's always nice to hear that someone enjoys my writing. Thanks!
Silver Mouri: I know. Isn't it so weird that Harry doesn't talk? But don't worry; if anyone can get him to talk, it's definitely Draco.
Mikito: Thanks so much!
FawkesRises: Brilliant, huh? I don't think I could tire of hearing that. Thanks bunches!
SheWolfe7: Good advice. This chapter was actually the easy one to write. The last one, though, may take a bit longer...
Lo26: Thanks! Your review really made me feel good. Hmm, translating this might be a neat thing to do. If I decide to do that, I'll definitely ask you for your help.
Queen Antigone: It's not every day you get to hear Draco babble... Thanks!
Katrina: Wow, you're right. The song lyrics really do fit rather well.
Emeline: Thanks! Yeah, the fact that only one can talk does put a twist around their developing relationship.
Hay Lin: Hey, thanks! Your fic sounds pretty good... I'll definitely try and check it out!
Alexis-Greenleaf: Thank you for your advice. I actually wasn't going for an 'obsessed Draco' take; I agree that it doesn't really work in most cases. I think this chapter cleared up a few things on his motives for helping Harry. At least, I hope it did. Thanks for the review! And yes, I did sort out my anger issues. ^*^
.
.
Thanks to everyone who read and/or reviewed! I love you all!
Author: GrapeSmshr
Rated: PG-13
Coupling: HP/DM slashy goodness
A/N: Just when I think I can't be amazed any more, you guys really surpass yourselves. All of these reviews! Wow. I mean, wow. Amazing. Wonderful. You guys really are the best, you know that? So here it is, the next chapter that I hurried to finish so I could post it soon so you could read it. You know, as a treat for all of the wonderful reviews. Read on and enjoy!
.
.
.
.
Harry hadn't stayed long in the tower after Draco left. He had stood on wobbly legs and dashed out of there like a roaring dragon was on his heels which, he supposed, was partially true.
Just what was Draco playing at? Was he purposely trying to inflict harm by dredging up old memories that Harry would just as soon pretend didn't exist? He was pondering this as he strode aimlessly across the dewy grass of the Quidditch pitch, invisibility cloak lying in a heap off to the side.
He really didn't know what to think. All evidence was pointing at a deliberate attempt to infuriate him. But Draco had been so complacent lately that that argument couldn't be right. So what was it?
Then Harry stopped, a wave of horror washing over him. What it he had found out? What if Draco found out what Harry had done on that day, seven months ago?
But no, he couldn't have. Surely he would have said something... Harry relaxed, but only slightly. He decided that he didn't much feel like being outside any longer, being alone. He scooped up his cloak and headed back toward the school, unaware that from a far window a silver gaze was trailing after him.
.
.
Upon entering his dorm, Harry was plagued by a restless sleep. His usual nightmares were replaced with new ones, in which Draco kept demanding why Harry did what he did. More than once Harry had woken up with a startled cry, relieved that he had the foresight of putting up silencing charms around his bed. He was sure that he would have woken up his friends.
At around five, he finally decided to give up on sleep and padded down to the common room, where he sat in front of the fire for another two hours before another person descended the stairs.
He gave a pathetic half-smile to Ginny Weasley as she plopped down on the couch beside him. "Been down here long?" she asked, to which he nodded. "Couldn't sleep?" But she already knew the answer. His eyes were shadowed, unfocused. They usually were in the mornings, meaning that his meager amount of sleep had not been dreamless.
Unlike her brother and Hermione, Ginny was not one to just let Harry be. She worried, and she made sure he knew that she worried. Giving an exasperated sigh, she told him, "You should be taking your dreamless sleep potions before you go to bed." When he didn't respond, only squeezed his eyes briefly shut, she said in a more quiet voice, "They're not helping, are they?" And she sighed again.
Harry had heard this speech before from her. He hated being fussed over and worried about. But he loved Ginny. She was like a sister to him, so he tolerated it, just like he had tolerated Ron's and Hermione's concerned harping until they realized that it was a fruitless task.
Trying his best to muster up a genuine smile, he kissed her on the cheek and slid off the couch, gesturing to her that he was heading upstairs. Changing out of his pajamas, he went downstairs and waved to Ginny on his way out.
He had taken to having breakfast early on Saturdays because no one was up, and he liked the quiet. True to form, the only people in the Great Hall were a couple of Ravenclaws and Professor Flitwick, who was practically falling asleep in his porridge.
Smiling to himself, Harry sat down and piled a plate high with food. The one thing that hadn't been affected were his eating habits. This was a sour spot with Ron, who complained that Harry ate and ate but never gained an ounce, even though he never exercised any more due to quitting Quidditch. But it was easy to keep the weight off because Harry spent hours each night just walking around.
Quickly finishing up, he filled his plate again. Raising a fork to his mouth, he took no notice of the eggs spilling off of it and onto his lap as he stared in obvious surprise at the teen who just walked into the Great Hall.
Draco Malfoy was having breakfast on a Saturday! And he was early! Never had Harry witnessed this. He always assumed that Draco slept in late and then had a House-elf deliver food to him in bed in the Slytherin dorm. Maybe he normally did.
But not today.
Even as he glanced away, Harry could feel Draco's eyes on him, just urging him to look up. The intensity was so great that Harry couldn't help but do so. And when emerald met silver, he regretted it.
There was no looking away, no blinking. Harry had the strangest feeling that if he looked away, he might just faint. So he stared, unable to process what was going on, only knowing that he was not going to look away. He saw into the depths of those eyes, those bottomless, mercury pools. He could read Draco's eyes like he'd never been able to before, and he was drawn into the raw, powerful emotions emanating from the blonde. Once again, that suffocating feeling swept over him in a mixture of sublime pain that he never wanted to let go of.
But he soon found himself staring at air as Draco rose from his occupied spot. Eyes focusing, he watched as the Slytherin left the Great Hall. Emerald clashed with silver once more, and then he was gone again.
Feeling weakened, Harry slumped back against his chair with a shiver. What had he gotten himself into? He knew this wasn't the end of it; all of the tension and electricity was going to build up until it erupted in a climactic explosion. Moaning, Harry averted his eyes as a group of Hufflepuffs walked by, glancing at him curiously. As the Great Hall started filling up, Harry felt this urgent need to get out of there. He knew his friends would be able to tell that something was wrong, and he didn't feel like being barraged with more questions.
Standing up, he quickly scrambled out of the room.
.
.
All day he had been walking around, doing virtually nothing. Not talking to anyone, not heading anywhere. He had no destination. He was just walking. Luckily he managed to dodge his friends; his heightened senses allowed him to hear them before they appeared so that he could find a hiding spot and let them pass.
He knew he was preoccupied because he didn't even take the time to stop and terrorize the first-year Hufflepuffs that barreled around a corner and almost trampled him.
No, Draco had other things on his mind. Other people. A specific person, in fact. And his mind was plotting furiously, going into overdrive.
It was going to work. Whatever he came up with was going to work. He wasn't just watching this from an objective, or less-than-objective, window. There was an emotional distance, or closeness, that was also there. He knew firsthand the pain and guilt that stemmed from the war, which Draco had participated it actively. One couldn't just go through something like that and come out untouched.
Most of that was due to the fact that Draco was living a completely different life than he was supposed to. After all, he had been brought up to become a Death Eater. And when that didn't happen, his life fell apart. Or came together. The two were synonymous in his situation.
But after that happened, after he had been dropped into this existence that was completely foreign to him, he had changed. And after the war, after he had been faced with the demons from his life that should have been, he had not taken it too well. Granted, he hadn't been hit with something as drastic as a mute state, but he *had* developed an anger so great that his friends couldn't even be around him. Luckily for him, Severus, who was like a father to him, had been able to talk him down. It had taken quite a while to get over his anger, but he did.
If the anger were replaced with guilt, then that would be what Harry was going through. Draco didn't want to help just because he had a thing for the other teen. He also wanted Harry to stop shouldering the burden of guilt that he shouldn't be. After all, he was the savior of the wizarding world. He deserved to be happy like the rest of them. More so even.
And Draco wasn't going to stop until that happened.
.
.
.
.
Yay, another chapter! And yes, before anyone says anything, I know this one was also kinda short. But no worries, the next chapter will be longer. For the next chapter, my lovelies, will be the last. That's right! The end is upon us! ::insert doomsday voice here:: Anyway, please review! The more reviews, the faster the posts. Have I not proven that? Well, actually, this last update might take a little longer since I have a Sensation & Perception test on Thursday and a Sociology of the Family paper due on Friday (that I haven't started yet, btw). But I'll try my absolute hardest to write write write! I love you guys!
.
.
.
Thanks to:
Beta 4 hire: Aww, I'm trying! I'm trying! Don't worry, the next one will be super long!
dwadwadwa: Ooh, traps are a good idea! They're so much more efficient than chases. Thanks for the review!
DaughterofDeath: Here ya go!
TanisaFyre: There really is no telling with Draco... He seems to come up with some crazy stuff. This fic is no exception...
Ravenfrog: Hehe, yeah, every once in a while I'll throw in little pointless tidbits. Glad someone appreciates them!
someonesgurl: Thanks so much!
Kaaera: Aww, you're such a sweetie. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for the last chapter...
Crystalstorm21: Hey look, I actually posted when I wanted to! Thanks for reading!
BratPrincess-187: Thanks... The last chapter will tell you everything you want to know.
amber-eyez: Aww, thanks! I know. I'm still amazed at all of the reviews!
Evil Story Penguins: Hey, thanks! I was trying to be original. Don't think I've ever read any mute!Harry fics before.
Wynjara: Only one more chapter and then you'll know!
CuriousDreamWeaver: Thanks! I'm trying to make their interactions believable. It's no fun when people write them waaaaaay ooc.
GoddessMoonLady: I know, it's short, but it's an update! Well, I thought Harry would do well with a little hideaway since he's a bit antsy around people. Plus it makes a good place for Draco and him to have a little privacy...
Silver Neo: Hehe, your review quite amused me. And your fic was cute! Thanks for recommending HLaS to your friend. It's always nice to hear that someone enjoys my writing. Thanks!
Silver Mouri: I know. Isn't it so weird that Harry doesn't talk? But don't worry; if anyone can get him to talk, it's definitely Draco.
Mikito: Thanks so much!
FawkesRises: Brilliant, huh? I don't think I could tire of hearing that. Thanks bunches!
SheWolfe7: Good advice. This chapter was actually the easy one to write. The last one, though, may take a bit longer...
Lo26: Thanks! Your review really made me feel good. Hmm, translating this might be a neat thing to do. If I decide to do that, I'll definitely ask you for your help.
Queen Antigone: It's not every day you get to hear Draco babble... Thanks!
Katrina: Wow, you're right. The song lyrics really do fit rather well.
Emeline: Thanks! Yeah, the fact that only one can talk does put a twist around their developing relationship.
Hay Lin: Hey, thanks! Your fic sounds pretty good... I'll definitely try and check it out!
Alexis-Greenleaf: Thank you for your advice. I actually wasn't going for an 'obsessed Draco' take; I agree that it doesn't really work in most cases. I think this chapter cleared up a few things on his motives for helping Harry. At least, I hope it did. Thanks for the review! And yes, I did sort out my anger issues. ^*^
.
.
Thanks to everyone who read and/or reviewed! I love you all!