A/N: Sorry this took so long, hopefully the chapters should be getting slightly longer now. There is still loads to come and the plot should be building a bit, more stuff, especially Draco/Harry related, should be starting to happen. (I have a feeling some of the paragraphs went weird so sorry if the spacing has gone all weird. I tried to fix it but it didn't work.)
Read and enjoy and if you want more review,
E
About twenty minutes later the golden trio were making their way up to Remus Lupin's office. Lupin had been reinstated as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at the beginning of the year. Harry was making a conscious effort not to let his thought stray to Draco but he was having difficulty. For some reason his mind found the subject of Draco intriguing.
Reaching the office Hermione rapped gently on the door. Upon hearing no reply and being motioned at Ron to just enter, she cautiously opened the door. Inside the office Remus Lupin and Sirius Black sprung apart as though they had been burnt. Both men were panting slightly and sported sheepish looks. All three students exchanged glances and struggled to keep from laughing. It was common knowledge between the group that Sirius and Remus were together and had been once again since Sirius had escaped from Azkaban, but for some reason they still acted like little boys with their hands caught in the cookie jar every time they were caught in a remotely compromising situation. This being one such example.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione." Remus eventually panted. "I didn't hear you. Come in." He ushered them into the small office, where Sirius was stood in front of the fire place wringing his hands together. The office was bright and friendly looking, a fire burning merrily in the hearth. The walls covered in simple wizard photographs the marauders time in school together and the happy times afterwards. Harry stared at the pictures of his mother and father together along with Sirius and Remus. The two couples waving and smiling down at the group of five from the walls. Harry was glad to see that there were no picture of Wormtail along the walls. Hermione got the distinct impression that Sirius's hand wringing had to do with the fact he could no longer touch his lover and struggled once again, for about the hundredth time this weekend, to contain her laughter.
As Remus collapsed into a chair besides the fireplace, he motioned for Hermione and Ron to do the same. Harry was still gazing at the pictures and Sirius went up behind his godson and hugged him tightly from behind. Harry smiled at his godfather and leant back against him, his head resting comfortably on Sirius's shoulder. The two stood like that for a while, whilst the other three chatted quietly catching up. Like they hadn't seen Sirius since summer the only time they had seen Remus was in lessons. Somehow between normal lessons and Animagi lessons this was the first chance they had gotten. Eventually Harry and Sirius joined them by the hearth. Hermione and Lupin occupied the two chairs whilst Ron sat leaning against Hermione's chair. Sirius sat between Remus's legs, leaning his head upon his lover's lap. Remus's hands moved automatically and absently to play with Sirius's hair while Harry settled himself between his godfather's legs using him as a pillow.
Chatter was general and the five stayed in the same positions until Sirius broke the light-hearted banter between Harry and Ron they had been listening too. "So when are you two going to admit it and get together?" he drawled lifting his head to gaze lazily at Ron and Hermione. Remus and Harry giggled, Remus smacking Sirius lightly round the head and Harry whacking his godfather's leg. Hermione and Ron both gasped at Sirius. The black haired man had always been blunt but never this blunt. Hermione blushed lightly and let her head drop, her loose hair hiding her face from view. Ron blushed harder than Hermione, his face, neck and ears clashing with his red hair. Sirius mock pouted from the teasing abuse he had gotten and Remus melted and beat over and gave his lover a chaste kiss on the lips. Harry pulled a face and prodded both men immaturely, giggling like a five year old. With Ron and Hermione still trying to process Sirius's comment, the two men exchanged evil looks. Before Harry knew what was happening he was under Sirius and Remus having the life tickled out of him. He screamed with laughter wriggling under the two unrelenting men.
Eventually the two men did relent and let the panting boy up. All three faces were flushed red and they were all laughing. Looking at them you wouldn't have thought Sirius nor Remus were a day older than sixteen. Ron and Hermione were watching them mirth filled expressions on their faces. The three just grinned and resumed their original positions looking at the other two with expectant expressions. "What?" Ron asked not giving anything away and seemingly genuinely puzzled although his twinkling eyes gave him away. The three rolled their eyes and gave up, labelling the two as a lost cause, at least for now.
Harry started to tell his godfather and friend about his first animagi lesson and the upcoming one that night. Sirius and Remus listened in interest, Sirius particularly pleased that his godson would be following in his footsteps. "And have you learnt all the rules, young Harry?" he asked, his voice mock seriousness, teasing the boy. Harry snorted in response. "Oh please." He replied. "Like you ever knew any of the rules!"
Remus sniggered as Sirius tried and failed to look offended. The three burst out laughing completely oblivious to Ron and Hermione until Remus looked at them. He stopped laughing and his face took on an 'Aww' quality much like the one Hermione had worn upon finding Draco sleeping. A few moments later Sirius and Harry stopped laughing realising Remus had stopped. Looking at him curiously and then following his pointing finger, Harry and Sirius both let out simultaneous whoops. Sharing the chair opposite Hermione and Ron sat kissing, happily in their own little world. Sirius and Harry's faces both took on the evil look Sirius and Remus had supported before. Remus noticed before they could anything though. "No." he stated. "The two of you are not wrecking their first kiss for your own twisted pleasure." The two pouted but Harry started to snigger wondering if Remus knew how much he and Hermione sounded alike. Remus had always been the sensible one even at school.
A few moments later Hermione and Ron broke apart to loud clapping and whistling from the three who were watching them intently. Hermione blushed once again burying her head in Ron's neck. "So does this mean you are going out?" Harry asked slyly, crossing his fingers and holding his breath. Ron looked down at Hermione who peeped shyly back up at him. She gave the tinniest of nods which he translated into a larger one so Sirius, Remus and Harry could see. Sirius whooped once again and said "Go me!" in all the maturity of a six year old. Hermione, Ron, Harry and Remus all laughed at him.
Suddenly Hermione noticed the time. "Wow." She stated amazed. "Its almost two. How time flies when you're having fun." Harry groaned knowing that meant it was almost time for his Animagi lesson and he didn't want to leave Remus's warm office. Turning slowly to Sirius he asked, "When will we see you again?" Sirius exchanged glances with Remus and smiled. "Sooner than you think Harry, sooner than you think." He replied, kissing his godson's hair as Harry reluctantly removed himself from his embrace. Harry threw Ron the invisibility cloak, which in a fit of pure genius ness, he had remembered to pick up before dinner. He and Hermione could get caught out of bed, Ron couldn't. Ron smiled gratefully. The five exchanged hugs and kisses before the three student left the office and the two lovers behind.
When the trio reached the main stair case they split. Ron gave Hermione a final goodnight kiss and Harry a brief smile before disappearing under the invisibility cloak. With a quick, soft good luck they heard him padding up towards the common room. Harry and Hermione trudged to the small dungeon. Harry apprehensively; his thoughts once again returning to Draco and his sudden exit at dinner.
"Sorry I'm late, Professor. I had to-," Draco panted, standing in the doorway of the dungeon for the first time since last week's lesson, leaning against the doorframe. He had run there from Dumbledore's office, all the way, and was still late. His blonde hair was tousled, unusually, and he was a little breathless, taking a few deep breaths as he stood in the doorway.
"I'm aware of that, Mister Malfoy, please take a seat…" McGonagall interrupted, saving him the trouble of explaining and standing, surveying him over the rims of her glasses intently. Draco could tell without even watching her what she was looking for, guessing that she had been filled in on his meeting with Dumbledore and cursing inwardly. Why had he ever risked going to Madam Pomfrey? Pain had sent him foolish and irrational, and he hadn't realised that the mediwitch would be compelled to tell Dumbledore…he would have to be more careful, the Professors knowing was perilous enough. If Lucius heard, he was in deep trouble…
Snapping two claw like fingers in front of his unfocused silver-grey eyes, McGonagall made Draco start slightly, blinking as her sharp voice roused him from his silent chastening. "You do realise the meeting has already started?" she added, and though it was gently meant Draco flushed inwardly, hurrying to his seat and slipping into the hard oak chair between Harry and Hermione.
"Yes, Professor…" he replied, something penitent in his clear voice, and he pushed his bag under the table as her gimlet gaze watched him. Harry and Hermione shifted slightly to allow him room, and Harry's deep green eyes watched him with something akin to curious concern, noting the flush highlighting his face, and his eyes. There was…something there, something unusual, his manner more guarded than ever. Draco had always been wary, it was as much a part of him as anything could be, but he seemed more cautious than ever now. Something odd was going on. Hermione noticed too, though she didn't dwell on it as much as Harry did, as their teacher had begun to go around the table, asking each student in turn to complete a rule that she began for them. Besides, as Hermione saw it, whatever Draco was up to was unlikely to be either pleasant nor interesting…it wasn't her concern if he seemed a little spaced out!"You were saying, Miss Amsterdam?"
"Yes, Professor. …considered improper use of …It is deemed improper use of a magical privilege to abuse or make illegal use of the gifts…"
Draco let himself drown out her voice without even a conscious prompting, his mind buzzing after the meeting with Dumbledore…under the table, he tapped his thigh nervously with manicured nails, fingertips silent against the soft black denim. He wore a slight frown, furrowing his alabaster brow in worry, and his eyes fixed vacantly on the floor between his legs. Behind Draco, McGonagall had proceeded from the beaming Ravenclaw to him, and had already repeated the first three words of the rule to him twice.
"Mister Malfoy? Mister Malfoy? Draco!" she snapped, frowning and leaning over him. Under the table, Harry took pity on the troubled blonde and kicked him, hard, on the shin. Draco jumped, tensing, and glared at Harry. "Do you mind?" He snapped viciously, scowl fixed on the dark haired Gryffindor. Whose gaze, in turn, swivelled to McGonagall's impatient frown. Harry pointed, unnecessarily, and Draco's eyes widened in comprehension. "Ah…" he managed, after a moment, biting his lip slightly. "Yes. Erm…you couldn't repeat the question, Professor?" He wheedled, smiling more brightly than he felt in an unspoken apology.
She did. By the time the whole rule had been announced, Draco's gaze had lost focus again, staring into space. He didn't appear to have heard her. Mariah and Justin exchanged incredulous glances, half expecting McGonagall to shout, and somehow preferring that to her fierce hiss of irritation. Harry cringed in sympathy, and he didn't even like Draco.
Right?
"Since Mister Malfoy obviously has paid no attention, either to the last class or this present one, we will move on. I expected no more of you, Mister Malfoy, it must be said!" she snapped, and as she moved on to Harry, her voice was clipped, syllables brisk and harsh with unspoken irritation.
Hermione waited, holding her breath, for Draco to interrupt. He knew that rule, he knew all of them, she knew he did! She had sat and watched him learn them, and seen him proceed every day to the library, seen him write them out and study them…
And yet, he just shrugged at what the Professor said of him, not even bothering to object, and slid a little further down in his chair. After all, what did he care if she thought badly of him…besides, too much shame rode on admitting how hard he had worked that weekend.
He spent the rest of the lesson in silence apart from when he was questioned. He never missed another rule, but was decidedly vacant, and more often than not a swift kick from Harry was needed to alert him to the Professor's question. The kicks weren't hard, but Draco flinched every time. One hour, two, then three passed that way, and the two Gryffindors and Draco were easily the most consistent of the group, to everyone's surprise. McGonagall's most of all, and as Draco stood to leave, dismissed, she couldn't help recalling Albus's words that morning.
"Nonetheless Minerva, he saw Poppy…too proud to admit it, she said… 'during a Quidditch practise'…cigar burns, yes. Yes, I believe so. Severus is beside himself…"
What worried her most of all was how bad it must have become before someone with the arrogant, aloof pride that Mister Malfoy displayed would admit he needed help. That was unusual indeed. She watched him jostle with Potter as they both tried to escape the clammy confines of the dungeon first, and shook her head gravely.
The boys wrestled in silence until Hermione pushed them both through wearily, veiling a smirk at the two as they erupted into the corridor. She arched a brow, though, at Draco. His behaviour had been odd, to say the least…and surely he should be heading towards the stairs, to her left, and the Slytherin dorms? He was marching off right, though, towards the Great Hall, and she made a swift decision, turning to follow him.
"Malfoy! What's wrong with you?" she called after him, and though Harry groaned wearily at her, craving his warm bed and a few minutes sleep before morning lessons, he wished to know, too. Draco had stopped at the doors, turning to face the pursuing Gryffindors with undisguised irritation in his guarded grey eyes.
"Merlin, Granger!" he snapped, "If you're here to have a go at me like McGonagall then you ca-,"
"I'm not! I just don't understand why you let her get at you? You know the rules, Malfoy…" Hermione interrupted, though her tone was softer than his, and she had stepped back a little at Draco's onslaught.
"Oh." He murmured, a little taken aback, "What do I care what she thinks? I'm a Slytherin, Granger. Of course I wouldn't spend my entire weekend slaving in the library…" he added sarcastically, soft voice dripping with bitter irony as he eyed her warily. "We Slytherins don't work…don't you know anything?" he laughed, humourlessly, shaking his head.
"But you did! I watched you! I even helped you!" Hermione insisted. Harry looked stunned, catching her arm and gesturing towards Draco.
"You helped him!?" he repeated, incredulous, casting Draco a dark look and eyeing Hermione questioningly. Draco stepped forward before she could reply, or deny it, holding Harry's gaze challengingly.
"Is that a problem?" he drawled, arching a brow.
"No, but you!? It's not the helping, Malfoy, it's who she helped!" Harry replied dryly, ignoring Hermione's weary sigh, rolling her eyes at the two glaring boys.
"Oh, fu-," Draco started, but then remembered Hermione's presence and the curse died on his lips, twisting itself weirdly. "...for Merlin's sake, Potter, yo-,"
"Just shut up! Both of you!" Hermione shouted, suddenly. Even Draco, in mid-insult, froze and looked rather abashed, silent. He gave her a strange look, as though deciding if her concern were serious, and then his eyes hardened, any compassion that had resided there disappearing, and he turned on his heel, walking away towards the main doors. "Look, Granger…" he sighed angrily, not bothering to look back. "Just leave me alone…"
Hermione scowled, tugging Harry along with her as she followed Draco persistently, half-shouting although she was now only a few steps from his retreating back.
"Fine, scurry off!" she snapped, defiantly, though she fell into step behind him.
"I am not scurrying, Granger, I am storming off. And you know what?…It doesn't work if you come with me!" Draco hissed back, gesturing incredulously to her as she scurried after him and pushing open the door. A blast of icy cold September air swirled past them, and all three shivered, the darkness blurred with drizzling rain which clung to their faces as it swarmed inside. "Are you crazy?" Harry spluttered, pushing at the door and shuddering, "It's bloody freezing out there!"
That made Draco stop. Turning on his heel on the rain-soaked doorstep, he recognised Harry's voice and raised an eyebrow. Hermione smiled at the surprise on his slim face, shaking her head and stepping back slightly from the boys.
"W-what do you care, Potter…?" He managed softly, and there was no harshness in his voice this time, though it shivered with the cold. Harry coloured faintly, stepping back though he didn't know why. "Umm…I don't?" he offered sheepishly, and Draco's face darkened instantly. No. Of course he didn't.
"Precisely!" he snapped, and he walked away. A slim figure, hunched against the cold and already drenched, he bowed his head against the stinging rain. "Believe me, Granger…" his voice drifted back, almost lost in the wind, "If anything's ever wrong, you'll be the last to know!"
And then he was gone, lost to the swarming shadows and the deep midnight blue of night. Morning, soon. Always darkest before the dawn, after all…
Harry just watched, and the sight of Draco's hunched figure striding off into the night, shivering, almost made him abandon the idea of going to bed completely. Hermione, infuriated by Draco's offhand manner, pulled him away, though. He let the heavy oak door swing shut, wondering if Draco heard it.
"Hermione, he could die!" Harry protested, but he was already letting his friend pull him towards the stairs. "Really?" Hermione added, brightening. "Ron will be ecstatic!"
Draco didn't die, unluckily for Ron, although Harry felt something along the lines of relief when he saw Draco sitting at the Slytherin table the next morning. The next month passed lazily. Life passed normally, or rather as normally as life in Hogwarts could. The sixth years learnt more and more about their upcoming NEWTS although the good majority thought this worrying of the teachers was very premature. Classes came and went as usual, odd little happenings occurring but nothing major.
The Animagi classes continued and steadily the students' knowledge of the dangerous topic increased. After learning the rules, registered Animagi came into the classes to talk to the five about how powerful a feeling it was and how fulfilling it was when used in the right way. (When Harry had mentioned this to Sirius, he had snorted and told Harry that it was much more exhilarating to do it illegally, the thought of getting caught you see.) History lessons, long hours of them had followed. The discovery of Animagi, how it had been used to powerful things, both good and evil. (At this Draco had snorted.) Next had come the theory of how to change into an animal, what it would feel like, how you went about it, etc. Then the theory of how to deduce what animal you were to become. The animal had to reflect your feelings, your personality, what you intended to use the power for. It also had to be an animal you were comfortable with, as it was the only animal you could change into once you had achieved it.
Outside of Animagi lessons, both Harry and Draco became more distracted. One boys thoughts often on the other and vice versa. And for the first time in almost two months, both boys felt happy. Draco because he was free of the manor and with people (Severus) who cared for him. Harry because Sirius had finally become a permanent resident of Hogwarts. He stayed with Remus and helped Harry cause mischief around the school, although most of the things that happened were alone the work of Sirius. Now that the Weasley twins were gone Sirius seemed to have decided to revert back to his childhood and become the school prankster once again. Although the only people who knew he was there were Dumbledore, Remus, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Snape and McGonagall. Though the school had seemed to have acquired a new large black dog, which could be seen around the grounds and had become a common sight to the students. Everyone supposed it belonged to Professor Lupin as he was often seen chasing the dog around, shouting after it. This always caused the three Gryffindors to laugh, wondering what Sirius had to done to Remus and of how right the rest of the student body actually was. He did belong to Remus, although not in the way they imagined.
Now it was late October. Halloween was a week away and already preparations were under way. The Great Hall was being covered in festive decorations and once again Hagrid's enormous pumpkins could be seen growing around his hut. Sirius had great fun 'helping' Remus and the other teachers set up the Great Hall. He bounded round in his dog form, pulling at banners and streamers. Remus was almost at his wits ends although laughing, the other teachers laughing at him too. Dumbledore watched smiling whilst McGonagall bit back a smile. It was good to see Sirius up to his old tricks again and Remus in a better mood. Snape though, helped in stony silence, his cold black eyes glowering after the werewolf and his dog.
The Sunday before Halloween once again dawned bright and cold. Halloween was the next Friday, and when the students entered the Great Hall that morning they gasped in delight at the teachers' hard work from the day before. Harry, Ron and Hermione entered the Great Hall and had the same reaction as they sat down. Hermione and Ron were holding hands and being all couple-ly which made Harry roll his eyes and pretended to be disgusted at his two friends. His eyes twinkled though and he smiled as they sat down. Automatically he sought out Draco who was sat head down scowling at his toast as though it had done something wrong. Harry began to worry what was wrong.
While Hermione and Ron had been having fun as boyfriend and girlfriend and Harry had been with Sirius and Remus, Draco had stayed solitary and aloof. Throughout the past Animagi lessons, although he hadn't been as distant, he was still never fully there. And it was bothering Harry. Draco was jumpy and tense and while he didn't do it as much, Snape and Dumbledore had both noticed he still flinched away from touches. He had also avoided as many confrontations with the three Gryffindors while still remaining cold and scathing whenever he deemed it necessary, though whatever animosity he felt was curbed for the sake of vicinity, and at times the Slytherin could even be reasonably civil. His behaviour seemed to have slipped by unnoticed, at least that he knew off. Both Harry and Hermione had taken note of his behaviour, as had Snape, McGonagall, Dumbledore, Lupin and Black. The only difference being, the adults knew of the reason behind it, Harry and Hermione didn't. Sirius knew because Remus couldn't keep anything from his lover and Remus knew because Albus had a plan to keep Draco safe. Whether it worked depended solely on Draco, whether he would accept the help Dumbledore offered.
That evening after visiting Sirius and Remus, Harry and Hermione trudged down to the dungeon for their weekly Animagi lesson, parting with Ron on the way. At the same time Draco was making his way along the corridor towards the dungeon too. Unfortunately the three reached the dungeon door at the same time. The two boys scowled at each other, for once Hermione did not smirk and giggle as her head was in the common room with Ron. The three entered the room loudly to find Professor McGonagall, Mariah and Justin already there. Under a glare from Professor McGonagall Draco, Harry and Hermione collapsed into chairs, some more gracefully than others.
Once they were seated Professor McGonagall started the lesson. "First of all I would like to congratulate you on getting this far in your training. It is an …" At this point both Harry and Draco tuned out although the other three listened in rapt attention. Harry's attention was brought back to the lesson when Hermione nudged him sharply in the ribs. He glared at her slightly and she just imitated doing the same to Malfoy who had a blank look on his face. Harry enlightened Malfoy to what McGonagall was saying, just by kicking him in the shins. This lesson the three were sat with Harry in the middle, rather than like usual, Draco. Professor McGonagall had got to the part in her speech were she told the five students what the lesson was going to be about.
"Tonight we are gong to discuss discovering the animals you are eventually going to become. Do not expect this to happen immediately. It has been know for an animagus to take months to discover his or her true form. As we discovered earlier your form depends greatly on personality, appearance, morals and intent for use of this gift. I would like to think that the forms you will eventually be able to posses at will be a beautiful reflection of your inner selves." At this point Professor McGonagall looked over her glasses at the five quiet sixth years. "Now, has anyone any ideas?" her question was greeted by blank silence. The five exchanged nervous glances and kept their mouths shut. "Come on now, don't be shy. It can be for you or anyone else." More silence, until Hermione timidly spoke up. "A lion." Five sets of eyes focused on the Gryffindor girl. "Not for me. For Harry." She explained hastily. Harry arched an eyebrow, Justin, Mariah and Professor McGonagall looked thoughtful, while Draco spluttered, trying failingly to contain his sniggers. "A lion?! Potter?! An earthworm more like." He snickered.
"Just like you're a ferret then Malfoy?" Harry replied, his eyebrow disappearing completely under his black hair, tone disparaging. Draco stopped laughing suddenly and growled at Harry. He didn't reply, just shudder almost theatrically remembering Professor Moody turning his into a white ferret two years ago. Although he would never admit it, ferrets still creeped him out…while it wasn't the first time he had been cursed, and wouldn't be the last, the sense of losing control was one he still recalled.
Professor McGonagall resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the bickering boys, the other three students not caring and doing so. Over the last few weeks the two had sniped at each other occasionally, however much each tried to avoid it, as if by some fascinated instinct. "Sensible suggestions boys, I must stress the importance of this decision." McGonagall stated rather wearily. She searched through her bag and drew out a wad of photos. They could see from the top one a blonde haired young women changing from her human form into a beautiful blonde hare. "Here are some photos of some of my friends and some of the students I have taught changing into their animagi forms. You may come and look at them if you wish. They may help you to become aware of your forms…" She laid the photos out along the desk in front of her, spreading thirty of so across its tidy surface. The subjects in the pictures moved lethargically through their frames, blinking at the sudden light after so long in the dim light of McGonagall's briefcase.
With no further invitation Justin, Harry and Mariah stood up and went to look at the photos leaving Hermione and Draco sitting at the table. Draco was still sulking about Harry's comment about the ferret although he was staring at him. Every so often Harry cast a look over his shoulder, inevitably meeting Draco's searching eyes, whereupon both boys would look away. That unexplainable spark, the intensity of them together, was what had led them to become enemies in the first place…they were so different. Draco found himself watching Harry move, not even realising, only dropping his gaze when Harry looked around. He started laughing though as he realised what Hermione was doing. She was hurriedly writing up notes, which Draco thought unnecessary as it wasn't anything new. He leant over her shoulder trying to read her tiny, precise writing still laughing. "You're ridiculous, you know that?" Hermione looked at him, surprised at his unabashed laughter and the easy tone. It wasn't an insult, not really…almost playful, which was unusual for Draco.
"Maybe to you." She spoke evenly looking back down at her notes to carry on. After a long pause Hermione asked "Any ideas yet?" without looking up. Draco didn't look up just sat in silence the only sound between them being the scratching of Hermione's pen.
Finally just as she gave up on him answering her he spoke absently. "A panther." Hermione looked over at him, a sceptical look firmly settled across her features. "A panther?" she repeated incredulously, casting him a strange look and noting the distant, half-smiling expression.
"Its something about the way he moves." Draco breathed, still musing quietly to himself, staring across the small room where the other three were still looking through the photos. Hermione followed Draco's gaze and a slow smile spread slowly across her face, replacing the sceptical look. It was fixed on Harry. Draco seemed to realise he had she was looking at him titillatingly. He looked quickly at her, then at Harry, then down at his hands. "I said that out loud didn't I?" he stated rather than asked, still finding his hands extremely interesting, twisting them intensely on the table before him. "Loudly." She nodded, grinning at his discomfort, eyes twinkling.
"Oh shi…shucks! Oh shucks!" He edited softly, a breath of real horror in his voice, closing his eyes for a moment to try and quiet his racing mind. What had he just done? They would never let him live that one down…
Hermione sniggered glancing at Harry who was still browsing the photos. Although the suggestion had come from Draco she actually thought it was a good idea. "Oi! Harry! A panther." She shouted across to him. Draco stared at her in horror which caused her to snigger even harder.
"Really? You think?" Harry replied, obviously flattered, pausing to consider it. Hermione stuffed her fist in her mouth trying to stifle her giggles while she jerked her thumb at Draco, who groaned almost inaudible. He could feel his face growing hot and let his head fall loudly onto his folded arms, hiding his face. Harry also started to blush, veiling an awkward smile and turned hastily back to the photos.
Professor McGonagall had heard Draco's suggestion and looked mildly impressed…she had a habit of standing behind students as they made some unwise comment. "I'm surprised Mr. Malfoy. I never saw you as being intuitive. That's actually a good suggestion." As she turned away Draco looked at her out of the corner of his eye to make sure she was not looking. When he was sure he raised his middle finger to her back. Hermione thwapped his hand down as for some reason McGonagall turned back round and gazed shrewdly at Draco, almost as though she sensed his crude gesture. As she turned away once again Draco raised his head to glare at Hermione whose hand was still covering his. "Do you mind Granger? You're breaking my swearing finger." Hermione released his hand rolling her eyes. She went back to her work while Draco stared unfocused at his own blank parchment. His grey eyes were distant, making it clear how absorbed he was in the nagging, horrified thoughts crowding his mind. He shook his head slightly, a cold know of horror tying inside him at the thought of what he had just done…There was one lone voice at the back of his mind that took a shameful pleasure in being so open, realising what he had been feeling all this time was a very different attraction from enmity. Very different indeed…
"So do you…?" Hermione broke the silence looking back up at him.
"Yes." Draco answered before she could finish the sentence.
"Harry?" Her eyebrows quirked as he glanced up.
"Yes." He repeated watching her.
"I knew that." Hermione simply shrugged going back to her work.
"You think?!" Draco said sarcastically giving her a dry look. "The spasmodic laughing fits? I did wonder." Draco paused thinking something through. "Hang on a minute." Hermione looked at him again, giving up on her notes. "Technically that means you knew before I did." Hermione nodded looking bemused. "Now I remember why I hate you…" He muttered under his breath.
"Why, when did you know?" Hermione asked ignoring his last comment, but smirking.
"What's the date?" Draco asked and now Hermione's surprise showed on her face…she hadn't presumed Draco would have known long, emotions obviously weren't his strong point…
"The 26th of October." She replied. Draco looked down at his watch, then back at her.
"About ten seconds ago." Hermione laughed loudly, even louder than usual, doubling over at the horrified guilt and surprise lining Draco's face. Her maniacal laughter attracting Harry back. Harry sauntered back towards the table, causing Draco to stand up panicked. "If you tell him…" Draco trailed off, threateningly. Hermione held her hands up in mock surrender. "I'm not that thick!" she laughed as he all but ran away. He honestly couldn't care less, but he expected Hermione would explain, and he didn't need to see the look on Harry's face…the humiliation.
She was still laughing as Harry sat down where Draco had been sitting moments before. Hermione felt a strange sense of déjà vu as Harry leaned back rocking on his chair. His gaze was following Draco as the boy looked at the photos. Her laughter increased but she tried to calm down as she read through her notes. In very much the same manner as Draco had announced a panther Harry said, "What are white tigers called?" Hermione's laughter stopped dead as she groaned.
"Merlin! Not again!"
