I'm really sorry about the severe delay in this ch, I've had severe writers block and loads of things on my mind lately. Now, however, I can concentrate on my fics. Yes, that is plural, check out my original fic, Trust and Deception. It's under sci fi original fics, rated R on both aff.net and fictionpress.net. PEASE review, need loadsa inspiration and feed back for that one.
Ok, should refresh my disclaimers: don't own Buffy or Harry Potter. Oh, already read book five by the way so I should add that the fic will be AU from now on, though I do have ideas of how to get concepts from Order of the Phoenix into the fic, plus I'd love to get Umbridge in there. (is it just me or does she remind anyone else of the Mayor from season 3 Buffy?)
Anyway kiddies, on with the show...
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry looked at the silvery blonde sitting alone across the Hallway. He frowned slightly as he saw Snape stoop to whisper in Draco's ear, watched Draco smile, the strain of the action clearly showing on his face. Harry tried in vain to hear what Snape was saying. But the endless chattering of the eating students, returned for the new term, blocked any attempt to catch what the secretive conversation was about. He thought back to how tense Draco had been earlier, the shadow of pain that had crossed his face when mentioning his time at home. A soft, unbidden smile graced his features as he remembered how Draco had relaxed in his arms. The smile swiftly disappeared as Harry felt Hermione sit up sharply next to him. Harry followed her gaze to where Pansy was moving towards Draco, a cruel sneer on her face. Crabbe and Goyle followed her, unseen by Snape who had swept out of the Hall towards the dungeons, his cloak billowing like bats wings. Harry felt himself stand up automatically, stopped by Hermione's restraining hand on his arm. She slowly rose to her feet, her eyes never wavering from their target, Ron standing also to back her up. Pansy paused in front of Draco, allowing Crabbe and Goyle to pass her, taking their positions either side of Draco's tense body. It was an image that looked so familiar, yet never before had it seemed so sinister. The glowers that were permanently etched on the two bodyguards faces were no longer directed at anyone who would dare oppose Draco, but at the unfortunate boy himself. Harry felt a stir of pride as Draco refused to look intimidated at their arrival, fixing them with a cool gaze. Slowly everyone in the Hall quietened down and stared at the unfolding scene. Pansy sneered and opened her mouth to speak when she was interrupted by a soft voice, filled with power.
"Kali, Era, Cronus, Tonic;
Air like nectar, thick as onyx;
Cassia by your second star;
Hold mine victim as in tar."
Willow had stood; her eyes ink black, her hair blown by an unseen wind. Buffy and Giles, also seated at the teachers' table, watched their friend, Buffy cautiously tensing, should anyone try to stop Willow completing the powerful spell. Pansy glowered at the elder witch and moved towards her. Willow responded by raising her hand.
"Thicken!" she commanded and Pansy was frozen as the air congealed around her, holding her where she was. She struggled against the hold, but Buffy relaxed, knowing it was a futile attempt. The spell Willow had created had been strong enough to hold a God, so the teenager would cause little trouble. Willow smiled sweetly, the very picture of innocence.
"Now play nice," she chided, as her eyes returned to their natural colour, the tribal power raised returning to its source in the earth. Her hand lowered and Pansy was free to move again. The tension in the room was stifling as Pansy contemplated her next move. The sound of the doors opening distracted the attention as Air and Earth entered the Hall, Earth's arm slung around his lover's hips. Immediately sensing the conflict, Earth's cheerful face creased in a frown, pausing a few steps short of the Slytherin table. Air's eyes sought out Willow's and silent communication passed between the two. Pansy clicked her fingers, motioning for Crabbe and Goyle to assume their positions beside her. Turning to leave the Hall, she deliberately collided her shoulder with Air's chest.
"Faggot"
The single word caused absolute stillness. Air looked down at the short girl, his face splitting with a smile. Slowly and calmly he raised his hand to grip her throat. In a swift movement, missed by almost all the mortals present, he lifted her high, and flung her across the room.
"Thicken!"
Willow rose again, and once more the air around Pansy's body congealed thickly around her, freezing her millimetres from the stonewall. Crabbe and Goyle started to move forward to help her, when they sunk several inches into the ground. Earth held both his hands up, tightly clenched into fists. Lifting them slightly, Crabbe and Goyle rose, and the Hall could see their feet encased in black soil, erupting through the castle foundations, and holding them fast.
"Anyone else got a problem with us?" Air's voice trembled with fury. The Hall was silent, no one dared breathe, even McGonagall as pale as death, not daring to intervene. Air turned his chilling gaze onto the frozen Slytherins. "Do you?" Three terrified heads shook a negative. Turning to look at his lover, Air nodded slightly. His mouth set grimly, Earth relaxed his fists. Crabbe and Goyle fell heavily to the floor as the columns of soil released them and crumbled back underground. Willow slowly lowered Pansy, freeing her from her spell.
"Consider this a warning," Air said quietly. "If I ever hear any homophobic comments again, that person will face the full wrath and fury of a very powerful and very pissed off demon. I trust I have made myself completely clear."
With that, he turned and left the Hall. Earth however, paused, smirking at Crabbe and Goyle, pale and shivering on the floor. Blowing them a mocking, poisonous kiss, he waved cheekily. "Till next time honeys." Before he followed his lover out of the Hall.
Buffy shared a glance with Giles and Willow. Giles sighed. "Do we have to?"
"Giles, even if I do agree with them, we can't have them threatening kids like that."
"Fine, but if they kill me for it, I'm completely blaming you."
Rolling her eyes at her Watcher, Buffy ran after the two demons. And collided with Air who was standing right out side the door.
"Ok, pay up" Hovering over Earth's hand were some cloudy figures, clearly counting off the seconds. It was frozen at 2 minutes and 27 seconds. Air scowled before reaching into the rear pocket of his battered jeans and drawing out a crisp ten-pound note. Seizing it triumphantly, Earth turned to Buffy. "He gave you 5 minutes before you'd come looking for us." His grin faded under Buffy's glare. "What?"
"You know what, you guys can't just attack students like that. The Ministry will totally freak if they find out."
"So we'll just have to ensure they don't." Air said, with a tone of finality that seemed to broach no argument. Buffy tried anyway.
"You were still completely wrong to do something like that."
"Look Buffy, maybe you don't understand this, but if students think they can get away with that kind of homophobic, prejudiced attitude in front of us, what are they going to believe they can get away with in front of other students? I'm sorry but I'm not prepared to give out detentions and deal with the mess after the fights, when I can just as well stop any of it now. I was putting across a message, which I feel very effectively got to the point. None of those brats got hurt and they'll hopefully think twice in future. Sorry if you disagree with my methods, but frankly I don't answer to the Ministry and I don't answer to you." With that Air turned and stalked off down the corridor. Buffy stared after him wondering what to do. A quiet voice broke into her thoughts.
"He's right you know."
Willow was standing in the doorway, looking at her friend, a hint of reproach in her eyes. "It was a very effective way of getting a point across, and he did warn me that he may have to do something like that, so I was prepared to stop Parkinson hitting the wall."
Buffy sighed, "I know, I just worry in case he gets out of control and really hurts someone."
"He won't." Earth said with total confidence. "Look, trust me, I know Air, been sleeping with him for centuries. He knows his limits." He smiled disarmingly, causing Buffy to smile wanly back.
"I guess. Can you talk to him? I wasn't ragging on him, I even agree with him, it's just if the Ministry does find out we'll be thrown out of here so fast we'll make it all the way across the Atlantic before we land."
Earth grinned widely. "They won't find out, don't worry so much, you'll get wrinkles. I'll talk to him, calm him down, shag him senseless and he'll be putty in my hands again in no time."
"Thanks. And way too much information!"
Earth giggled slightly before jogging off to catch up with his moody lover. Buffy turned and got a small hug from Willow. Smiling softly she made her way back into the Great Hall. The three Slytherins were still pale and shaken. She spared no sympathy or looks for them, instead seeking out Harry who was staring intently at the door she had just come through. Meeting her gaze he raised and eyebrow in question. She grinned, and was pleased to see him relax. His gaze shifted and she saw the shy looks he and Draco were sharing. It made her heart melt slightly, and she nudged Willow and pointed it out to her. Willow grinned, as Harry stood to leave the hall to head for class. Almost instantly Draco rose too from his seat and headed over to join Harry, the entire Halls' gaze on him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
For the first time in what felt like forever Draco's face relaxed into a genuine smile as he joined Harry outside the door. Each moment felt like an eternity, the painful memories dragging out time to unimaginable lengths. Harry's scruffy raven hair hung loose into his eyes and he began chatting amicably as though the past 5 years and the past few minutes never happened. His words drifted over Draco's head, not sinking in as Draco started to hear the same taunting voice echo through his mind that had been haunting him for days.
He'll find out you know.
He'll think you're worthless.
He'll be disgusted with you.
He'll think you deserved it.
He'll leave you for Voldemort to finish.
Who would want sloppy seconds?
Draco automatically suppressed the whimper threatening to rise at the back of his throat. In his minds eye he could see Voldemort's leering face, hear his cackling laughter as he inflicted so much pain. He barely noticed that he had stopped dead in the corridor and Harry was staring with a concerned expression on his face.
"Draco?"
Harry frowned at Draco's paler than usual features. "Draco are you ok?"
"I'm...I'm fine." Draco stammered.
"No you're not, you look ready to collapse. Are you sure you should be going to class?"
"No, really I'm fine, just tired." Draco tried to argue, but his heart wasn't really in it. Harry sighed slightly. Thinking fast he hurried back to the Main Hall, meeting Ron and Hermione at the door.
"You alright mate?" Ron asked, seeing Harry's concern immediately.
"Not sure, can you two cover for me and Draco in Potions, something's up with him so I'm going to take him back to the dorm, try to figure out what's going on."
"You're skipping Potions? Harry, Snape's going to kill you." Hermione warned.
Harry gave her his winning smile. "Guess you're going to have to come up with a good excuse then." Hermione glowered at him, before nodding her reluctant agreement. Grinning slightly Ron guided Hermione in the direction of the dungeons, calling "good luck Harry," over his shoulder. Half running back to Draco he found him in the exact spot he had left him, still too pale, trembling slightly. Grabbing his hand Harry began to lead Draco towards the Gryffindor tower. The lack of response concerned him further and the journey to the safety of his room seemed far too long. Guiding Draco to his bed, Harry sat next to him awaiting any sort of response from the silent boy. The minutes ticked on and Harry nearly jumped out of skin when Draco finally spoke.
"What about everyone else?"
"Don't worry about them," Harry soothed. "I got Ron and Hermione to cover for us. Just tell me what's wrong, please."
Draco shook his head slightly. "I just need some sleep."
Sighing in resignation, Harry hung his head. "Fine get some sleep then. I'll be here if you want to talk."
Silently Draco lay down on the soft bed, closing his eyes. Within moments his breathing slowed and became more rhythmic. Shrugging Harry lay next to him, fully intending to be there for Draco when he woke up. It wasn't long before the restless nights took their toll and he too drifted off to sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry awoke to violent thrashing from Draco. Quickly dodging a flying fist he tried to shake himself awake as he attempted to calm Draco. A sheen of sweat covered his face, plastering his mussed blonde hair to his forehead. His eyes were clenched tightly shut and he was whimpering in fear. Harry thought swiftly before deciding to wake Draco from whatever nightmare he was trapped in. The clear fear and panic on Draco's face chilled Harry to the bones. Grasping Draco's shoulders, he shook him gently, softly calling his name, hoping to reach him deep in his dream. He relaxed with relief as ice blue eyes met emerald green. Opening his mouth to speak, he was stunned when Draco's fist collided with his jaw. As he fell backwards, his head connected with the bedpost with a sickening crack. Blinking away the stars that danced in front of his eyes, Harry barely heard the gasp and stammered apology from Draco. Groaning slightly he raised his hand to his jaw, wincing as he felt the growing bruise there. A shifting weight off the bed brought his senses alive once more. He looked up to see Draco running for the door, stumbling on unsure feet.
"Wait," Harry mumbled, although in his disorientated state it came out more as a moan than a word. If Draco heard he gave no indication as he swept through the door. His resolve stronger than his sense, Harry rushed to follow, swaying slightly as the room spun.
Draco seemed to be running with no idea of where to go. The vague indecisiveness allowed Harry to catch up easily, reaching out to grab Draco's arms. Draco resisted, half falling, before Harry caught him. Hearing voices, not far away, Harry guided Draco into a nearby classroom, deserted over Christmas. Draco was shaking with emotion and was unable to meet Harry's eyes. The silence that stretched out between them was a terrible thing. But then, just as Harry opened his mouth to ease the tension, Draco spoke.
"I'm sorry," the words tumbled out hurriedly and still he wouldn't meet Harry's gaze. Harry sighed.
"It's ok." He stated, taking a step towards Draco, mortified when he took a step away. Draco snorted, disbelieving, the merest hint of his normal self breaking through.
"It is ok," Harry stated, more firmly, catching Draco's chin in his and forcing him to look him in the yes. Draco didn't resist and Harry saw the warring instincts of a need for comfort and deep despair within the pain filled crystal depths. Despair won and Draco pulled away, but did not leave the room yet.
"Draco..." Harry started before he was interrupted.
"You should go."
Taken back, both by the existence of the response and the words it carried, Harry blinked. "Why?"
"Because I'm dirty." The answer was almost childlike and Harry felt his heart break at the pain in the voice. Unable to think of what to say he waited for Draco to continue. Finally Draco unwillingly looked up. "Because I'm dirty and if you're with me you'll get hurt."
"Isn't that my risk to take?" Harry asked carefully. Draco frowned.
"Why would you risk being hurt because of me?"
Harry took a deep breath. He felt as if it was now or never, though for the life of him he had no idea if he was doing the right thing. Plus he hated feeling like a cliché. However he knew that if he remained silent he could lose Draco forever. Looking at him, directly in the eyes, he uttered the words he had both dreaded and longed to say since the beginning of term.
"Because I'm falling in love with you."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Wow, it's good to be back! Now, review all of you and I may consider writing another ch! Poor Draco, I feel like such a bitch! So go one, hit that review button, ok!
Also, to avoid such severe writers block again, I'm going to ask for your ideas. I have the main plot very firmly in my mind, but it's the subplots that need developing. Are there any couples you want to see? Any characters you want to see more/less of, and in what context? Any scenes you're just dying to see? (my fab beta has put in a request for a Buffy and Harry drunk scene, look out for that in the next couple of chs!!) so let me know, give me inspiration, all appreciated!!!
Ok, should refresh my disclaimers: don't own Buffy or Harry Potter. Oh, already read book five by the way so I should add that the fic will be AU from now on, though I do have ideas of how to get concepts from Order of the Phoenix into the fic, plus I'd love to get Umbridge in there. (is it just me or does she remind anyone else of the Mayor from season 3 Buffy?)
Anyway kiddies, on with the show...
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry looked at the silvery blonde sitting alone across the Hallway. He frowned slightly as he saw Snape stoop to whisper in Draco's ear, watched Draco smile, the strain of the action clearly showing on his face. Harry tried in vain to hear what Snape was saying. But the endless chattering of the eating students, returned for the new term, blocked any attempt to catch what the secretive conversation was about. He thought back to how tense Draco had been earlier, the shadow of pain that had crossed his face when mentioning his time at home. A soft, unbidden smile graced his features as he remembered how Draco had relaxed in his arms. The smile swiftly disappeared as Harry felt Hermione sit up sharply next to him. Harry followed her gaze to where Pansy was moving towards Draco, a cruel sneer on her face. Crabbe and Goyle followed her, unseen by Snape who had swept out of the Hall towards the dungeons, his cloak billowing like bats wings. Harry felt himself stand up automatically, stopped by Hermione's restraining hand on his arm. She slowly rose to her feet, her eyes never wavering from their target, Ron standing also to back her up. Pansy paused in front of Draco, allowing Crabbe and Goyle to pass her, taking their positions either side of Draco's tense body. It was an image that looked so familiar, yet never before had it seemed so sinister. The glowers that were permanently etched on the two bodyguards faces were no longer directed at anyone who would dare oppose Draco, but at the unfortunate boy himself. Harry felt a stir of pride as Draco refused to look intimidated at their arrival, fixing them with a cool gaze. Slowly everyone in the Hall quietened down and stared at the unfolding scene. Pansy sneered and opened her mouth to speak when she was interrupted by a soft voice, filled with power.
"Kali, Era, Cronus, Tonic;
Air like nectar, thick as onyx;
Cassia by your second star;
Hold mine victim as in tar."
Willow had stood; her eyes ink black, her hair blown by an unseen wind. Buffy and Giles, also seated at the teachers' table, watched their friend, Buffy cautiously tensing, should anyone try to stop Willow completing the powerful spell. Pansy glowered at the elder witch and moved towards her. Willow responded by raising her hand.
"Thicken!" she commanded and Pansy was frozen as the air congealed around her, holding her where she was. She struggled against the hold, but Buffy relaxed, knowing it was a futile attempt. The spell Willow had created had been strong enough to hold a God, so the teenager would cause little trouble. Willow smiled sweetly, the very picture of innocence.
"Now play nice," she chided, as her eyes returned to their natural colour, the tribal power raised returning to its source in the earth. Her hand lowered and Pansy was free to move again. The tension in the room was stifling as Pansy contemplated her next move. The sound of the doors opening distracted the attention as Air and Earth entered the Hall, Earth's arm slung around his lover's hips. Immediately sensing the conflict, Earth's cheerful face creased in a frown, pausing a few steps short of the Slytherin table. Air's eyes sought out Willow's and silent communication passed between the two. Pansy clicked her fingers, motioning for Crabbe and Goyle to assume their positions beside her. Turning to leave the Hall, she deliberately collided her shoulder with Air's chest.
"Faggot"
The single word caused absolute stillness. Air looked down at the short girl, his face splitting with a smile. Slowly and calmly he raised his hand to grip her throat. In a swift movement, missed by almost all the mortals present, he lifted her high, and flung her across the room.
"Thicken!"
Willow rose again, and once more the air around Pansy's body congealed thickly around her, freezing her millimetres from the stonewall. Crabbe and Goyle started to move forward to help her, when they sunk several inches into the ground. Earth held both his hands up, tightly clenched into fists. Lifting them slightly, Crabbe and Goyle rose, and the Hall could see their feet encased in black soil, erupting through the castle foundations, and holding them fast.
"Anyone else got a problem with us?" Air's voice trembled with fury. The Hall was silent, no one dared breathe, even McGonagall as pale as death, not daring to intervene. Air turned his chilling gaze onto the frozen Slytherins. "Do you?" Three terrified heads shook a negative. Turning to look at his lover, Air nodded slightly. His mouth set grimly, Earth relaxed his fists. Crabbe and Goyle fell heavily to the floor as the columns of soil released them and crumbled back underground. Willow slowly lowered Pansy, freeing her from her spell.
"Consider this a warning," Air said quietly. "If I ever hear any homophobic comments again, that person will face the full wrath and fury of a very powerful and very pissed off demon. I trust I have made myself completely clear."
With that, he turned and left the Hall. Earth however, paused, smirking at Crabbe and Goyle, pale and shivering on the floor. Blowing them a mocking, poisonous kiss, he waved cheekily. "Till next time honeys." Before he followed his lover out of the Hall.
Buffy shared a glance with Giles and Willow. Giles sighed. "Do we have to?"
"Giles, even if I do agree with them, we can't have them threatening kids like that."
"Fine, but if they kill me for it, I'm completely blaming you."
Rolling her eyes at her Watcher, Buffy ran after the two demons. And collided with Air who was standing right out side the door.
"Ok, pay up" Hovering over Earth's hand were some cloudy figures, clearly counting off the seconds. It was frozen at 2 minutes and 27 seconds. Air scowled before reaching into the rear pocket of his battered jeans and drawing out a crisp ten-pound note. Seizing it triumphantly, Earth turned to Buffy. "He gave you 5 minutes before you'd come looking for us." His grin faded under Buffy's glare. "What?"
"You know what, you guys can't just attack students like that. The Ministry will totally freak if they find out."
"So we'll just have to ensure they don't." Air said, with a tone of finality that seemed to broach no argument. Buffy tried anyway.
"You were still completely wrong to do something like that."
"Look Buffy, maybe you don't understand this, but if students think they can get away with that kind of homophobic, prejudiced attitude in front of us, what are they going to believe they can get away with in front of other students? I'm sorry but I'm not prepared to give out detentions and deal with the mess after the fights, when I can just as well stop any of it now. I was putting across a message, which I feel very effectively got to the point. None of those brats got hurt and they'll hopefully think twice in future. Sorry if you disagree with my methods, but frankly I don't answer to the Ministry and I don't answer to you." With that Air turned and stalked off down the corridor. Buffy stared after him wondering what to do. A quiet voice broke into her thoughts.
"He's right you know."
Willow was standing in the doorway, looking at her friend, a hint of reproach in her eyes. "It was a very effective way of getting a point across, and he did warn me that he may have to do something like that, so I was prepared to stop Parkinson hitting the wall."
Buffy sighed, "I know, I just worry in case he gets out of control and really hurts someone."
"He won't." Earth said with total confidence. "Look, trust me, I know Air, been sleeping with him for centuries. He knows his limits." He smiled disarmingly, causing Buffy to smile wanly back.
"I guess. Can you talk to him? I wasn't ragging on him, I even agree with him, it's just if the Ministry does find out we'll be thrown out of here so fast we'll make it all the way across the Atlantic before we land."
Earth grinned widely. "They won't find out, don't worry so much, you'll get wrinkles. I'll talk to him, calm him down, shag him senseless and he'll be putty in my hands again in no time."
"Thanks. And way too much information!"
Earth giggled slightly before jogging off to catch up with his moody lover. Buffy turned and got a small hug from Willow. Smiling softly she made her way back into the Great Hall. The three Slytherins were still pale and shaken. She spared no sympathy or looks for them, instead seeking out Harry who was staring intently at the door she had just come through. Meeting her gaze he raised and eyebrow in question. She grinned, and was pleased to see him relax. His gaze shifted and she saw the shy looks he and Draco were sharing. It made her heart melt slightly, and she nudged Willow and pointed it out to her. Willow grinned, as Harry stood to leave the hall to head for class. Almost instantly Draco rose too from his seat and headed over to join Harry, the entire Halls' gaze on him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
For the first time in what felt like forever Draco's face relaxed into a genuine smile as he joined Harry outside the door. Each moment felt like an eternity, the painful memories dragging out time to unimaginable lengths. Harry's scruffy raven hair hung loose into his eyes and he began chatting amicably as though the past 5 years and the past few minutes never happened. His words drifted over Draco's head, not sinking in as Draco started to hear the same taunting voice echo through his mind that had been haunting him for days.
He'll find out you know.
He'll think you're worthless.
He'll be disgusted with you.
He'll think you deserved it.
He'll leave you for Voldemort to finish.
Who would want sloppy seconds?
Draco automatically suppressed the whimper threatening to rise at the back of his throat. In his minds eye he could see Voldemort's leering face, hear his cackling laughter as he inflicted so much pain. He barely noticed that he had stopped dead in the corridor and Harry was staring with a concerned expression on his face.
"Draco?"
Harry frowned at Draco's paler than usual features. "Draco are you ok?"
"I'm...I'm fine." Draco stammered.
"No you're not, you look ready to collapse. Are you sure you should be going to class?"
"No, really I'm fine, just tired." Draco tried to argue, but his heart wasn't really in it. Harry sighed slightly. Thinking fast he hurried back to the Main Hall, meeting Ron and Hermione at the door.
"You alright mate?" Ron asked, seeing Harry's concern immediately.
"Not sure, can you two cover for me and Draco in Potions, something's up with him so I'm going to take him back to the dorm, try to figure out what's going on."
"You're skipping Potions? Harry, Snape's going to kill you." Hermione warned.
Harry gave her his winning smile. "Guess you're going to have to come up with a good excuse then." Hermione glowered at him, before nodding her reluctant agreement. Grinning slightly Ron guided Hermione in the direction of the dungeons, calling "good luck Harry," over his shoulder. Half running back to Draco he found him in the exact spot he had left him, still too pale, trembling slightly. Grabbing his hand Harry began to lead Draco towards the Gryffindor tower. The lack of response concerned him further and the journey to the safety of his room seemed far too long. Guiding Draco to his bed, Harry sat next to him awaiting any sort of response from the silent boy. The minutes ticked on and Harry nearly jumped out of skin when Draco finally spoke.
"What about everyone else?"
"Don't worry about them," Harry soothed. "I got Ron and Hermione to cover for us. Just tell me what's wrong, please."
Draco shook his head slightly. "I just need some sleep."
Sighing in resignation, Harry hung his head. "Fine get some sleep then. I'll be here if you want to talk."
Silently Draco lay down on the soft bed, closing his eyes. Within moments his breathing slowed and became more rhythmic. Shrugging Harry lay next to him, fully intending to be there for Draco when he woke up. It wasn't long before the restless nights took their toll and he too drifted off to sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry awoke to violent thrashing from Draco. Quickly dodging a flying fist he tried to shake himself awake as he attempted to calm Draco. A sheen of sweat covered his face, plastering his mussed blonde hair to his forehead. His eyes were clenched tightly shut and he was whimpering in fear. Harry thought swiftly before deciding to wake Draco from whatever nightmare he was trapped in. The clear fear and panic on Draco's face chilled Harry to the bones. Grasping Draco's shoulders, he shook him gently, softly calling his name, hoping to reach him deep in his dream. He relaxed with relief as ice blue eyes met emerald green. Opening his mouth to speak, he was stunned when Draco's fist collided with his jaw. As he fell backwards, his head connected with the bedpost with a sickening crack. Blinking away the stars that danced in front of his eyes, Harry barely heard the gasp and stammered apology from Draco. Groaning slightly he raised his hand to his jaw, wincing as he felt the growing bruise there. A shifting weight off the bed brought his senses alive once more. He looked up to see Draco running for the door, stumbling on unsure feet.
"Wait," Harry mumbled, although in his disorientated state it came out more as a moan than a word. If Draco heard he gave no indication as he swept through the door. His resolve stronger than his sense, Harry rushed to follow, swaying slightly as the room spun.
Draco seemed to be running with no idea of where to go. The vague indecisiveness allowed Harry to catch up easily, reaching out to grab Draco's arms. Draco resisted, half falling, before Harry caught him. Hearing voices, not far away, Harry guided Draco into a nearby classroom, deserted over Christmas. Draco was shaking with emotion and was unable to meet Harry's eyes. The silence that stretched out between them was a terrible thing. But then, just as Harry opened his mouth to ease the tension, Draco spoke.
"I'm sorry," the words tumbled out hurriedly and still he wouldn't meet Harry's gaze. Harry sighed.
"It's ok." He stated, taking a step towards Draco, mortified when he took a step away. Draco snorted, disbelieving, the merest hint of his normal self breaking through.
"It is ok," Harry stated, more firmly, catching Draco's chin in his and forcing him to look him in the yes. Draco didn't resist and Harry saw the warring instincts of a need for comfort and deep despair within the pain filled crystal depths. Despair won and Draco pulled away, but did not leave the room yet.
"Draco..." Harry started before he was interrupted.
"You should go."
Taken back, both by the existence of the response and the words it carried, Harry blinked. "Why?"
"Because I'm dirty." The answer was almost childlike and Harry felt his heart break at the pain in the voice. Unable to think of what to say he waited for Draco to continue. Finally Draco unwillingly looked up. "Because I'm dirty and if you're with me you'll get hurt."
"Isn't that my risk to take?" Harry asked carefully. Draco frowned.
"Why would you risk being hurt because of me?"
Harry took a deep breath. He felt as if it was now or never, though for the life of him he had no idea if he was doing the right thing. Plus he hated feeling like a cliché. However he knew that if he remained silent he could lose Draco forever. Looking at him, directly in the eyes, he uttered the words he had both dreaded and longed to say since the beginning of term.
"Because I'm falling in love with you."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Wow, it's good to be back! Now, review all of you and I may consider writing another ch! Poor Draco, I feel like such a bitch! So go one, hit that review button, ok!
Also, to avoid such severe writers block again, I'm going to ask for your ideas. I have the main plot very firmly in my mind, but it's the subplots that need developing. Are there any couples you want to see? Any characters you want to see more/less of, and in what context? Any scenes you're just dying to see? (my fab beta has put in a request for a Buffy and Harry drunk scene, look out for that in the next couple of chs!!) so let me know, give me inspiration, all appreciated!!!