TITLE: "Behind the Moon, Beyond the Rain"

AUTHOR: ghostwritten

E-MAIL: AliasJaneDoe (at) hotmail (dot) com

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: "Who do you want me to kill?"

CATEGORY: drama, angst

SPOILERS: probably nothing, possibly everything

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I'm trying to get over writer's block by writing other things, trying styles or genres I don't normally explore and just keeping the pencil moving (or rather keeping the typing constant in this case). Anyway, I've been pestered into having a go at Harry Potter. However, I'm not really all that familiar with the HP fandom, so I apologize for any mistakes.

FEEDBACK: yes please, even flames are welcome as long you give a reason for them

WARNINGS: dark (others will likely be added later since I'm making it up as I go)

Another five minutes, and then he was leaving. Draco was tempted to pace, but he merely waited quietly, standing still. He knew the importance of being aware of his surroundings. Something howled deep within the Forbidden Forest, but he didn't flinch. He'd learned there were much greater things to fear than what lurked in the darkness at the edge of the Hogwarts' grounds. He'd learned when to be afraid. Being jumpy or impatient would gain him nothing.

Most of the creatures here wouldn't bother him if he didn't bother them. And he had his wand. If anything came his way, he was ready for it.

A twig snapped somewhere to his left, although there was nothing there, and he crossed his arms over his chest in a show of annoyance. "You're late, Potter," he announced.

Harry pulled off the invisibility cloak, and it shimmered as its edge caught in the slight wind. "I had to be sure you came alone."

Draco smirked, somewhat intrigued. "It's what your little note said." He flicked the paper at Potter, and it hit his chest before falling to the ground where it lit itself on fire and then promptly vanished. "Clever."

"There can be no evidence of this meeting," Harry replied, tone serious.

"And why, pray tell, is the Gryffindor golden boy arranging secret meetings after curfew with a Slytherin?" He leaned against a large tree to display disinterest. It served him best for Potter to think he was here out of simple boredom. He didn't wish to appear overly inquisitive. "I'm mildly amused, but if this is some house prank, be certain you'll regret it."

Harry's expression held distaste as he regarded Draco, studying him carefully. "I thought we'd grown beyond house grudges and pursuing childish antics. But if you're still afraid of the dark, Draco, then our conversation is over."

"It will take more than shadows to make me flinch, Potter." He sneered at Harry. "Now get on with it. Why are you sending me love notes in the middle of the night?"

A scowl crossed Harry's face. "Don't be snide. It isn't befitting the dignity of a Malfoy."

"Fine then." He pushed himself away from the tree and moved to stand directly in front of Harry. "Talk."

The change in his posture satisfied Harry. Perhaps Draco really wasn't a whiny, spoiled brat anymore. Perhaps the last few years had changed him as acutely as they'd changed Harry himself.

"Straight to the point then, shall we?" Harry began tugging up his sleeve. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours."

Draco practically took a step a back in shock. Whatever he'd been expecting, this wasn't it. But he managed to hide his surprise at being blindsided. He kept his gaze steady on the other wizard.

Harry pulled the material back into place. "Did you bring it?"

With a slight nod, Draco passed a small vial to him.

Without hesitation, Harry dumped the contents into his mouth and swallowed. Draco waited silently for an explanation. It was fairly reassuring that he didn't ask any immature questions to test it. There would be no games of truth, no questions of crushes, girls, and sex that were meant to embarrass. It felt somehow strange to Harry that they acted now as adults.

"I'm requesting a favor," he said calmly.

"Under Veritaserum?" Draco raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. You need to know I'm not lying."

"What's the favor?"

The sliver of crescent moon disappeared behind a cloud as Harry replied. And it seemed fitting that his request be bathed in blackness. "I want you to kill somebody."

TBC...