~Feeling Better~
Harry sighed and stared intently at the hospital doors he had just been thrown out of, literally. His gaze locked around the seemingly endless, empty hallways of Hogwarts. Everyone else was in class. Harry, on the other hand, had no intention of listening to one of McGonagall's lectures or Snape's hot-tempered attitudes. This was just one day he would rather not do anything; he had too much on his mind. Draco for one thing and... well... Draco for the other.
'Draco, sick?' Harry thought to himself. He leaned up against the wall concentrating on the hospital doors, 'But everything has to have a cure right? If someone looks hard enough there just has to be a cure. I won't let Draco die. He won't die.' Tears started to well up into his emerald eyes but he brushed them away, 'I'll find a cure, Draco, somehow.'
Harry walked blindly down the corridor leading to Gryffindor Tower. His feet drug behind him as he spotted the Fat Lady in her picture.
"Aren't you suppose to be in class?" the Fat Lady asked.
Harry ignored the annoying question, "Carmel Apple."
The portrait raised an eyebrow at the seventh year, but slowly opened to reveal the doorway. Harry strode past and into the empty common room. His footsteps seemed to echo off the walls as he walked up the tower and into his bedroom. He fell into his bed with a soft thud and stared up at the ceiling. His eyes slowly began to close, but something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye, on his nightstand. Harry sat up and found a piece of parchment on his stand. But not just any parchment. Harry's eyes widened at the realization.
"The Marauder's Map? What in the hell?" Harry took hold of the parchment. Indeed it was the Marauder's Map, "But how in the hell did it get here?" He looked around trying to see if someone was in the room watching him, but it was empty. Harry took out his wand and tapped the piece of paper, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
Instantly, lines of Hogwarts began to fill in and dots began to appear. Teachers were in their classrooms, Dumbledore was in his office, and Filch and Mrs. Norris were down in the lower levels. Harry ran a finger over the familiar page and slightly smiled.
'Who would give this to me? Dumbledore?' Harry thoughts turned heavy, 'Or Professor McGonagall? And why?'
Harry eyed over the empty passageway to Hogsmeade, 'Should I, or shouldn't I? No contest.' Harry stood up and strode back through the Gryffindor Tower making way to the hallway. He made his way halfway down the third corridor and looked at the stone witch.
He tapped at it with his wand, "Dissendium." Pointing his wand at the parchment he worded, "Mischief managed." All the words disappeared leaving a blank, ordinary looking piece of paper. He stuffed it into his robes. Quickly, Harry walked into the passageway and was casted into total darkness, "Lumos." A bright light flashed at the end of his wand lighting up a little of the tunnel. Darkness mixed into his light as he walked further down the passage. His thoughts began to turn on him.
'Draco?' Harry thought, 'I like Draco? Draco Malfoy?' Harry stopped abruptly in the walk. As stupid and as suddenly as it sounds the whole idea finally hit him, 'Oh my God, I like Draco Malfoy. My enemy, my rival. Last week I was wishing him dead, this week I'm kissing him. Does it bother me? Well, now that I think about it... no. In fact, Ron and Hermione support it, and I quite imagine Pansy does too.'
Harry continued to walk through the passage. The only thing that was really bothering him about the whole situation was such; he wasn't bothered at all. Shouldn't he feel just a tad unnerving or discomfort? But he didn't.
The trap door; Harry flicked out his wand. He listened to the outside; silence. Harry slowly lifted the door watching carefully; nothing. He slowly stood and snuck out of the storage unnoticed. If anyone reported him being here he would be in huge trouble to say the least, but at the moment, Harry did not care.
Being as inconspicuous as possible, Harry snuck out of Honeydukes and into Hogsmeade. People walked past without noticing him. Harry began to walk through the street looking at all the familiar shops. He was just settling back and relaxing, enjoying all the wonderful mixture of smells of flowers and sweets, but something caught his eye. Something strange. A small store was unnoticeably set up at the end corner of the town. It was a run down, sort of shabby looking shack. It was almost as unnoticeable as the Leaky Cauldron was to muggles. Harry walked up to the overhanging sign and read 'Atilla's Antiques'. Harry shrugged and pushed open the door sighing out, "What the hell."
Inside was just as bad as the outside. A worn-down shack, but with many things packed in boxes making an isle to a glass counter.
"Hello?" Harry called out as he walked through the isle, stirring up dust as he went. He coughed a little as some flew into his mouth.
"Back this way," A female voice called.
Harry raised an eyebrow as the voice carried over a few boxes. He followed the voice past a couple more boxes until the back of a lady could be seen.
"Hello?" Harry asked again.
The woman turned around and smiled. Harry had to stare. She was beautiful. Her long flowing blond hair caressed her back and her piercing blue eyes shined brightly. Her smile was perfectly white protected by cherry red lips. She couldn't have been no older than twenty-one.
Funny thing that the first thought that popped into Harry's mind was, "Draco's better looking."
"Can I help you with anything?" she asked sweetly.
"Not really, I'm just looking around."
"Please, go right ahead!" that was all she said before she turned back around and went back to searching through another box.
Harry strolled through isle after isle looking at old items otherwise known as antiques: furniture, music boxes, old photos, and jewelry. Harry stopped by a glass display case and looked around at the charms. Different styles and all old. One particular ring caught his eye.
"Ma'am?" Harry called.
"Yes?" she swept over to his side.
"Ms... uh..."
"Please call me Atilla."
"Atilla, may I see that ring in the back?"
"Of course," Atilla swept behind the case and took out the ring.
Harry took hold of it. Nothing seemed to be of interest or out of the ordinary. It could very well pass off as just a muggle ring band. The only real difference was the color. It was sparkling bright silver that reflected the light of the room. "What's so special about this?"
Atilla took a hold of the ring and turned it around in her hand, "To tell you the truth, I really don't know. It was just dropped off one day by an old woman who had no idea where it came from. It's not a muggle ring because it has a little bit of magic in it, but I don't have a clue what for."
Harry took the ring back, studying it. He liked it, "How much?"
"For that? I'll take seven sickles for it."
Harry reached into his robes and took out his money pouch. He produced seven sickles and handed them to Atilla.
"Would you like that wrapped?"
Harry looked at the ring, "Yes, I'm giving it to a friend."
Atilla smiled and took the ring, placing it in a small white box and wrapping it up with shiny green paper. She placed a small red bow on top. Harry just stared at the gift and just took the realization of the colors. Of course red and green were Christmas colors, but they were also the Gryffindor and Slytherin house colors. Coming to thought, both houses had the exact opposite in colors that paired up: red verses green and gold verses silver. Just something small he had never noticed before.
Atilla handed him the perfectly wrapped box and smiled again flashing her white teeth. Harry returned the gesture, "Thanks."
"Come back soon."
Harry nodded and walked out of the door. He placed the box carefully into his robes and headed off toward Honeydukes. There he snuck back down to the storage room and into the hidden passageway.
"Lumos," Harry spoke taking out his wand. The light on the tip of his wand lit a bit of the tunnel exactly like before. He traveled in more of a run then a walk. It seemed to take forever to get to the other end, but he managed to get there. He flicked out his wand and placed it back into his robes. He opened the passage and snuck out again practically running toward the hospital wing. Something was happening and he didn't know what, but he had a feeling whether good or bad.
Harry expected to see the worse when he rushed into the hospital doors, but there was Draco getting up with the help of Pomfrey.
"What's going on?" Harry asked inhaling deeply.
"Mr. Malfoy is going to retire to his quarters for awhile," Pomfrey looked like she was about to go into a raging fit.
Harry cocked his head to one side and looked questioningly at Draco.
"Dumbledore said I would be more comfortable in my room since I have my own."
"And I don't approve of it at all!" Pomfrey cut in, "But Dumbledore said it would be for the best and I haven't once questioned the man's knowledge."
The door swung open and in rushed Professor McGonagall, "Madam Pomfrey, may I see you for a moment? One of the third years fell off their broom and broke their leg."
"Yes, of course," Pomfrey nodded, but quickly turned to Harry, "Harry, can you do me a favor?"
"Of course."
"Draco's still a little bit shaky and was about to go take a bath. I was to go help, but this came up. Do you think you can help him instead?"
Both Harry and Draco blushed all different colors and settled on a bright red.
Pomfrey didn't even give him a chance to reply because McGonagall was rushing her out the door, "Make sure you help Draco wash off. There's a cloth under the cabinet for you to use Harry. Thanks."
Harry and Draco finally settled their eyes on each other and blushed again.
Draco was the first to speak up, "You don't have to. I'm fine. Pomfrey's just being overprotective."
Harry was about to agree until Draco began to walk and almost stumbled forward. Harry grabbed onto him just before he fell.
"Thanks," Draco breathed.
"Just fine, hmm?" Harry eyed him.
"I'm fine!" Draco sneered.
Harry led Draco toward the bathroom, but before they both went in Draco turned to face the Gryffindor, "You can wait out here."
"You need help."
"No, I do not!"
"Besides, if Pomfrey comes back and sees me out here and not in there helping you my arse is toast."
Harry pushed Draco into the bathroom and shut the door. Draco leaned up against the wall as Harry turned around toward the bath. He tapped on the faucet and immediately warm water began to emerge from the pipes filling the tub. He poured a little bubble soap into the water.
Harry turned back to Draco letting a small blush settle over his cheeks, "Um... ok... well..."
Harry walked up to Draco and lifted his shirt up over his head; so much for the easy part.
Draco began blushing wildly, "I got it."
Harry couldn't think of anything else but how cute Draco was when he was shy. He turned around giving the Slytherin some privacy. He heard the sliding of cloth then the lapping of the water. Harry looked up and straight into a mirror he hadn't noticed was there. Gliding into the water was a naked Draco. Harry sharply inhaled and looked down trying to get the image he had just seen out of his head. Well... sort of... ok not at all. All he could think about was how smooth and sexy Draco looked. And the thought of not being able to touch him drove Harry absolutely crazy.
Harry finally turned around to see Draco submerged in the bubbles laying back with his eyes closed. He walked up to the side hoping to not disturb the blonde. Draco did nothing to respond. Harry fished out a washcloth from the cabinet and uneasily soaked it in the warm water. He rung it out and placed it to the side and grabbed the shampoo.
"Here," Harry said handing the bottle to Draco.
Draco opened his eyes and took it. He started placing some of the white substance into his hands and went for his head, but his hands stopped in midair; a hiss escaping his lips.
"What's wrong?" Harry looked at him concerned.
"Nothing. My muscles are soar and I can't raise my hands that high. Um... could you... could you help me?"
Harry smiled, 'Yes, Draco has changed a lot. I like it.'
Harry rolled up his sleeves, took the shampoo from Draco, and poured some into his own hands, "Come here."
Draco scooted over and leaned up against the side of the tub in front of Harry leaning back a little. Harry rubbed his hands together and ran them through Draco's hair. He began scrubbing softly, running his fingers through the blond locks.
Draco closed his eyes to the tingling feeling. It felt so good to just sit and relax, and even more so that Harry was there. He felt calm and quiet, something he hardly ever felt. A funny sound emerged from Draco's throat.
Harry grinned, "Are you purring?"
Draco tensed a little, "No!"
Harry smiled and continued to wash the blonde's scalp. He took the disconnecting faucet and held it up to the boy's hair rinsing the soap out. Harry made extra certain that all the shampoo was completely extracted. He placed the faucet back in place and took the cloth. Grabbing for the soap he lathered the rag in his hands. Harry scrubbed it down Draco's back who shivered suddenly. Harry couldn't help but smile.
He ran the cloth over Draco's arms and chest stopping right above the waterline, handing the cloth to Draco for obvious reasons. Draco finished washing off and tossed the rag to the side of the tub. Harry grabbed for a towel, wrapping it instantly around Draco as he stood up.
Draco stepped out of the tub and Harry got a good look at him. Water glistened on his skin, running off in beads dripping to the floor. His hair plastered around his face smoothed to the side. Years of Quidditch muscles were perfected underneath the pale skin. Harry felt like he was going to die. And the fact that he couldn't touch him made Harry want to scream.
Draco started to shake.
"Are you ok?" Harry walked closer to him.
"Yeah, just a bit tired. Could you hand me those cloths?" Draco pointed right behind Harry.
Harry reached back and pulled a pair of boxers out of the bunch. Draco carefully slid them on then threw the towel in a corner. Harry grabbed for Draco's sweatpants and handed them to him. Draco suddenly had a weak spell and toppled over forward landing on Harry. Harry grabbed him around the waist just as Draco fell into him, his face smashing into Harry's chest.
Draco looked up, "Thanks."
Draco's breath flew over his face, "No problem."
Harry realized how incredibly close they were. Draco, three-fourths of the way naked, pressed against him made Harry loose it. He leaned down and closed the gap between them.
Their lips locked in a passionate kiss fighting over each other. Harry ran his tongue over Draco's lip pleading for entrance. Draco parted his lips practically sucking in Harry's tongue. The two raged a war inside each other's mouth trying to be dominate. Draco being a little bit weak gave Harry the advantage. He pulled the blonde closer, running his hands up and down the smooth skin on his back.
A sudden knock at the door startled the two boys apart. They both looked at each other and flushed tremendously.
"Are you about done?" Pomfrey called through the door.
Draco quickly pulled on his sweatpants and shirt. Harry pulled the door open.
Pomfrey seemed satisfied that the two boys did not kill each other; far from her knowledge, "You can leave to your room, Mr. Malfoy."
The two boys nodded in agreement trying to cover up the redness on their cheeks. Together, they walked out of the door, but before they could get too far they heard, "Make sure you don't have the water so hot next time! You two are really red!"
Draco and Harry looked at each other, chuckled, and then blushed again. Draco managed as best as he could trying to walk on his own. About halfway there his knees began to shake and each step was beginning to burn. His will was strong and he refused to listen to the pain.
The two were carefully heading down the stairs, but Draco stumbled and fell right into Harry knocking him over. The boys got tangled in one another as they rolled the rest of the way down the staircase; thankfully it wasn't that long. They landed with a 'thud' at the bottom.
"Ow," Harry groaned.
Draco mimicked the reply.
Slowly, the two tried to untangle each other, but the more they moved, the worse it got. The mixture came out a jumble of words.
"Ow! You're sitting on my foot!"
"Well, you're laying on my arm!"
"Your hand is between my legs!"
"I can't move my hand till you get off my arm!"
Draco firmly set a foot between Harry's legs and raised his ass so Harry could take back his arm. Draco finally removed himself from the mess and stood dusting off his clothes. Harry followed in suit.
Harry chuckled, "Well that was fun."
"That was anything but fun!" Draco sneered.
Harry rolled his eyes, "I was being sarcastic."
"Well stop. You're not very good at it," Draco gave a small wink to surety the playfulness.
Harry shook his head and smiled, "Come on, we have to get you to your room."
Harry moved his arm around Draco's waist supporting him. The two slowly made their way to Draco's room.
Draco immediately fell onto his bed enjoying the softness of the mattress. He closed his eyes and rested against the silk sheets unaware Harry was watching him closely.
The Gryffindor took to watching Draco's chest rise up and down. He looked so peaceful when he wasn't around everyone else. He was a totally different person. Then again, it might be the effects of the sickness.
Either way, Harry wanted to enjoy the company of the Slytherin. The Slytherin who he'd rather seen dead not too long ago. He gently edged onto the bed hoping not to disturb the blonde.
Draco, however, wasn't asleep. He slid his eyes open facing Harry.
"Tired?" Harry asked.
"Not really."
"Want to play chess?"
Draco raised an eyebrow, "You sure?"
"Of course."
"Under my bed."
Harry rolled off the bed and grabbed the set. He placed the board on the bed and sat down cross legged. Draco sat similar.
Harry moved his pawn, "You seem to be getting better."
"Yeah, I feel like it."
Harry smiled, "That's good." Actually, Harry felt a whole lot better. It was like a great weight being lifted off his chest.
The game carried well into the afternoon. The two boys were really into their game until a small knock at the door penetrated the silence.
"Go away!" Draco yelled from his seat.
"Draco," Harry rolled his eyes getting up off the bed.
"What?"
Harry opened the door to find nobody there, "Hello?"
"Down here, Mr. Harry Potter, sir."
Harry looked down to see Dobby carrying a rather large tray for his body size.
"Here, Dobby," Harry started reaching for the plate.
"Oh no, Mr. Harry Potter, sir. It is Dobby's job," the house elf moved past Harry and into the room. He set the dish on a table. Draco raised an eyebrow, putting the chess set back underneath his bed.
"Dobby? What is this?" Harry asked turning around.
"Headmaster Dumbledore has requested Dobby to bring, Mr. Harry Potter, and his friend, Mr. Draco Malfoy, lunch. Dobby was glad to oblige."
"Thanks, Dobby," Harry was grateful that Draco didn't have to walk up to the Great Hall.
"No, no, Mr. Harry Potter, sir. It is Dobby who should be thanking you. Kind, Harry Potter," at that the elf left.
Harry closed the door in relief, "I wish he would stop doing that."
"Doing what, Mr. Harry Potter, sir?" Draco mimicked.
Harry raised an eyebrow at the blonde, "Don't you dare start."
"Start what, Mr. Harry Potter, sir? Kind, Harry Potter, sir. Ye all mighty God, Harry Potter, sir," Draco smirked.
Harry looked less than amused, "Quit it, Draco."
"I am not worthy! I should be shunned!" by now Draco was practically rolling around on the bed laughing.
Harry couldn't take it anymore. He walked up to the side of the bed, grabbed a pillow, and chucked it at the Slytherin's head.
Draco, who had stopped rolling around, took to retaliation. He grabbed another pillow and hit Harry on the side. Harry jumped on the bed and began beating the blonde senseless. Draco was laughing to no extent. He pulled Harry's legs out from underneath him and watched as his 'attacker' came crashing onto the mattress. Draco sat on Harry's stomach holding his arms down with his knees and began battering him around with his pillow.
Draco not being nearly at full strength gave Harry an advantage. He flipped Draco so that he was on top weighing the Slytherin down. He grabbed the pillow from Draco, but instead of hitting him with it, he threw it to the side. No, he wanted a different type of torment.
He raised his hands and immediately went to Draco's sides. Draco jerked around beneath Harry trying to get free. Harry's eyes lit up at the shear amusement he got out of torturing the blonde.
"Stop, Harry!" Draco breathed through fits of laughter.
"Why should I?" Harry grinned continuing his assault on the Slytherin.
"Harry!" Draco practically screamed.
"You gonna keep acting like Dobby?"
"No, just stop!"
Harry let up and rolled off of Draco laying next to him. Draco was breathing fast trying to catch his breath.
"That," Draco inhale, "was not fair."
Harry smiled, "Who said I needed to play fair?"
Harry ignored the look Draco was giving him and forced himself off the bed. He lifted the covering off of the tray. A mixture of food scents hit the air causing Draco's mouth to water. Harry grabbed the two big plates and set one in front of Draco; himself climbing onto the bed and sitting cross legged. The two boys plunged into their plates looking at each other now and then, but more absorbed in the food.
The two tore through lunch as if a tornado had been planted in their stomachs. In no time at all the plates were polished clean. Harry took the two plates and shoved them back on the tray taking the two little plates back with him. Inside were slices of chocolate cake. Harry and Draco stared at the odd coincidence of the situation and laughed. Neither knew exactly what was funny, but the boys laughed anyway. As soon as they calmed down the pieces of cake disappeared into their stomachs as well.
"That was satisfying," Draco laid back against a pillow.
"That it was," Harry gestured with putting his hand on his stomach. Slowly, the plates disappeared into thin air.
Another louder knock at the door.
"Can't people just leave me alone?" Draco groaned.
Harry smiled getting up again and opening the door. He was practically pushed down as two arms wrapped around him clutching him tight.
"Dra... oh wait... you're not Draco. Sorry, Harry," Pansy started to blush. Her eyes scanned to the bed, "Draco!" She rushed over to him and threw her arms around his neck, "I hear you're getting better! Thank God!"
"Pansssy," Draco hissed out, "C-Can't b-breathe!"
"Oh sorry!" Pansy quickly let go.
"Pansy," Draco rolled his eyes, "What are you doing here?"
"I had a little time before my next class so I came to see how you were doing. Madam Pomfrey told me you moved back down here."
"I'm fine."
"That's good. Is Harry taking care of you?"
"No," Draco growled, "I can take care of myself."
"Sure, Draco. Look, I could only come here for a minute. I have class. Hope to see you up and around soon. Bye, Harry!" Pansy yelled as she hurried out the door that was still wide open.
"Uh... that was strange," Harry closed the door.
"Parkinson is strange."
For the rest of the day Draco and Harry continued to play games and joke around with each other acting like old friends instead of the enemies they once were. They only stopped to eat dinner, then continued to play again well into the night.
Harry yawned, "I have to get to bed. I have classes that I *have* to go to."
Draco began clearing his bed off, "Yea, I'm sort of tired too."
Harry started for the door and opened it, but quickly shut it again, "Shit."
"What?" Draco walked over to him.
"I forgot my invisibility cloak in the hospital."
"So? Everyone should be asleep by now."
"No, I heard voices in the common room."
"They can't see you here. Rumors will spread faster than wildfire if a Slytherin gets something into their heads."
"I know," Harry sighed, "Mind if I just stay here?"
"I guess we haven't got a choice. Who knows when those idiots will go to bed."
"Um... do you have any clothes I can sleep in?"
Draco went to a dresser and threw Harry an extra pair of pajamas.
"Thanks," Harry went into the bathroom.
Draco pulled down the covers and welcomed the feeling of the silk sheets around him. He reached for his pillow and laid down facing away from the lavatory and closed his eyes. A few minutes, later he heard soft footsteps walk across the carpet, trying to be discreet. A small weight came from the other side of the bed and an arm crept around Draco's stomach. Draco leaned into Harry shifting back a little. Harry buried his head into Draco's neck.
Draco smirked as Harry's hair brushed the side of his cheek. Harry's slow, steady breathing marking he was already falling asleep. Draco snuggled closer to Harry and relaxed more then he had ever done before. In Harry's arms, he couldn't help but feel safe, feel protected. Something no one else had been able to do before, or even tried. Finally, Draco fell asleep to the soft pounding of Harry's heart.
Harry sighed and stared intently at the hospital doors he had just been thrown out of, literally. His gaze locked around the seemingly endless, empty hallways of Hogwarts. Everyone else was in class. Harry, on the other hand, had no intention of listening to one of McGonagall's lectures or Snape's hot-tempered attitudes. This was just one day he would rather not do anything; he had too much on his mind. Draco for one thing and... well... Draco for the other.
'Draco, sick?' Harry thought to himself. He leaned up against the wall concentrating on the hospital doors, 'But everything has to have a cure right? If someone looks hard enough there just has to be a cure. I won't let Draco die. He won't die.' Tears started to well up into his emerald eyes but he brushed them away, 'I'll find a cure, Draco, somehow.'
Harry walked blindly down the corridor leading to Gryffindor Tower. His feet drug behind him as he spotted the Fat Lady in her picture.
"Aren't you suppose to be in class?" the Fat Lady asked.
Harry ignored the annoying question, "Carmel Apple."
The portrait raised an eyebrow at the seventh year, but slowly opened to reveal the doorway. Harry strode past and into the empty common room. His footsteps seemed to echo off the walls as he walked up the tower and into his bedroom. He fell into his bed with a soft thud and stared up at the ceiling. His eyes slowly began to close, but something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye, on his nightstand. Harry sat up and found a piece of parchment on his stand. But not just any parchment. Harry's eyes widened at the realization.
"The Marauder's Map? What in the hell?" Harry took hold of the parchment. Indeed it was the Marauder's Map, "But how in the hell did it get here?" He looked around trying to see if someone was in the room watching him, but it was empty. Harry took out his wand and tapped the piece of paper, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
Instantly, lines of Hogwarts began to fill in and dots began to appear. Teachers were in their classrooms, Dumbledore was in his office, and Filch and Mrs. Norris were down in the lower levels. Harry ran a finger over the familiar page and slightly smiled.
'Who would give this to me? Dumbledore?' Harry thoughts turned heavy, 'Or Professor McGonagall? And why?'
Harry eyed over the empty passageway to Hogsmeade, 'Should I, or shouldn't I? No contest.' Harry stood up and strode back through the Gryffindor Tower making way to the hallway. He made his way halfway down the third corridor and looked at the stone witch.
He tapped at it with his wand, "Dissendium." Pointing his wand at the parchment he worded, "Mischief managed." All the words disappeared leaving a blank, ordinary looking piece of paper. He stuffed it into his robes. Quickly, Harry walked into the passageway and was casted into total darkness, "Lumos." A bright light flashed at the end of his wand lighting up a little of the tunnel. Darkness mixed into his light as he walked further down the passage. His thoughts began to turn on him.
'Draco?' Harry thought, 'I like Draco? Draco Malfoy?' Harry stopped abruptly in the walk. As stupid and as suddenly as it sounds the whole idea finally hit him, 'Oh my God, I like Draco Malfoy. My enemy, my rival. Last week I was wishing him dead, this week I'm kissing him. Does it bother me? Well, now that I think about it... no. In fact, Ron and Hermione support it, and I quite imagine Pansy does too.'
Harry continued to walk through the passage. The only thing that was really bothering him about the whole situation was such; he wasn't bothered at all. Shouldn't he feel just a tad unnerving or discomfort? But he didn't.
The trap door; Harry flicked out his wand. He listened to the outside; silence. Harry slowly lifted the door watching carefully; nothing. He slowly stood and snuck out of the storage unnoticed. If anyone reported him being here he would be in huge trouble to say the least, but at the moment, Harry did not care.
Being as inconspicuous as possible, Harry snuck out of Honeydukes and into Hogsmeade. People walked past without noticing him. Harry began to walk through the street looking at all the familiar shops. He was just settling back and relaxing, enjoying all the wonderful mixture of smells of flowers and sweets, but something caught his eye. Something strange. A small store was unnoticeably set up at the end corner of the town. It was a run down, sort of shabby looking shack. It was almost as unnoticeable as the Leaky Cauldron was to muggles. Harry walked up to the overhanging sign and read 'Atilla's Antiques'. Harry shrugged and pushed open the door sighing out, "What the hell."
Inside was just as bad as the outside. A worn-down shack, but with many things packed in boxes making an isle to a glass counter.
"Hello?" Harry called out as he walked through the isle, stirring up dust as he went. He coughed a little as some flew into his mouth.
"Back this way," A female voice called.
Harry raised an eyebrow as the voice carried over a few boxes. He followed the voice past a couple more boxes until the back of a lady could be seen.
"Hello?" Harry asked again.
The woman turned around and smiled. Harry had to stare. She was beautiful. Her long flowing blond hair caressed her back and her piercing blue eyes shined brightly. Her smile was perfectly white protected by cherry red lips. She couldn't have been no older than twenty-one.
Funny thing that the first thought that popped into Harry's mind was, "Draco's better looking."
"Can I help you with anything?" she asked sweetly.
"Not really, I'm just looking around."
"Please, go right ahead!" that was all she said before she turned back around and went back to searching through another box.
Harry strolled through isle after isle looking at old items otherwise known as antiques: furniture, music boxes, old photos, and jewelry. Harry stopped by a glass display case and looked around at the charms. Different styles and all old. One particular ring caught his eye.
"Ma'am?" Harry called.
"Yes?" she swept over to his side.
"Ms... uh..."
"Please call me Atilla."
"Atilla, may I see that ring in the back?"
"Of course," Atilla swept behind the case and took out the ring.
Harry took hold of it. Nothing seemed to be of interest or out of the ordinary. It could very well pass off as just a muggle ring band. The only real difference was the color. It was sparkling bright silver that reflected the light of the room. "What's so special about this?"
Atilla took a hold of the ring and turned it around in her hand, "To tell you the truth, I really don't know. It was just dropped off one day by an old woman who had no idea where it came from. It's not a muggle ring because it has a little bit of magic in it, but I don't have a clue what for."
Harry took the ring back, studying it. He liked it, "How much?"
"For that? I'll take seven sickles for it."
Harry reached into his robes and took out his money pouch. He produced seven sickles and handed them to Atilla.
"Would you like that wrapped?"
Harry looked at the ring, "Yes, I'm giving it to a friend."
Atilla smiled and took the ring, placing it in a small white box and wrapping it up with shiny green paper. She placed a small red bow on top. Harry just stared at the gift and just took the realization of the colors. Of course red and green were Christmas colors, but they were also the Gryffindor and Slytherin house colors. Coming to thought, both houses had the exact opposite in colors that paired up: red verses green and gold verses silver. Just something small he had never noticed before.
Atilla handed him the perfectly wrapped box and smiled again flashing her white teeth. Harry returned the gesture, "Thanks."
"Come back soon."
Harry nodded and walked out of the door. He placed the box carefully into his robes and headed off toward Honeydukes. There he snuck back down to the storage room and into the hidden passageway.
"Lumos," Harry spoke taking out his wand. The light on the tip of his wand lit a bit of the tunnel exactly like before. He traveled in more of a run then a walk. It seemed to take forever to get to the other end, but he managed to get there. He flicked out his wand and placed it back into his robes. He opened the passage and snuck out again practically running toward the hospital wing. Something was happening and he didn't know what, but he had a feeling whether good or bad.
Harry expected to see the worse when he rushed into the hospital doors, but there was Draco getting up with the help of Pomfrey.
"What's going on?" Harry asked inhaling deeply.
"Mr. Malfoy is going to retire to his quarters for awhile," Pomfrey looked like she was about to go into a raging fit.
Harry cocked his head to one side and looked questioningly at Draco.
"Dumbledore said I would be more comfortable in my room since I have my own."
"And I don't approve of it at all!" Pomfrey cut in, "But Dumbledore said it would be for the best and I haven't once questioned the man's knowledge."
The door swung open and in rushed Professor McGonagall, "Madam Pomfrey, may I see you for a moment? One of the third years fell off their broom and broke their leg."
"Yes, of course," Pomfrey nodded, but quickly turned to Harry, "Harry, can you do me a favor?"
"Of course."
"Draco's still a little bit shaky and was about to go take a bath. I was to go help, but this came up. Do you think you can help him instead?"
Both Harry and Draco blushed all different colors and settled on a bright red.
Pomfrey didn't even give him a chance to reply because McGonagall was rushing her out the door, "Make sure you help Draco wash off. There's a cloth under the cabinet for you to use Harry. Thanks."
Harry and Draco finally settled their eyes on each other and blushed again.
Draco was the first to speak up, "You don't have to. I'm fine. Pomfrey's just being overprotective."
Harry was about to agree until Draco began to walk and almost stumbled forward. Harry grabbed onto him just before he fell.
"Thanks," Draco breathed.
"Just fine, hmm?" Harry eyed him.
"I'm fine!" Draco sneered.
Harry led Draco toward the bathroom, but before they both went in Draco turned to face the Gryffindor, "You can wait out here."
"You need help."
"No, I do not!"
"Besides, if Pomfrey comes back and sees me out here and not in there helping you my arse is toast."
Harry pushed Draco into the bathroom and shut the door. Draco leaned up against the wall as Harry turned around toward the bath. He tapped on the faucet and immediately warm water began to emerge from the pipes filling the tub. He poured a little bubble soap into the water.
Harry turned back to Draco letting a small blush settle over his cheeks, "Um... ok... well..."
Harry walked up to Draco and lifted his shirt up over his head; so much for the easy part.
Draco began blushing wildly, "I got it."
Harry couldn't think of anything else but how cute Draco was when he was shy. He turned around giving the Slytherin some privacy. He heard the sliding of cloth then the lapping of the water. Harry looked up and straight into a mirror he hadn't noticed was there. Gliding into the water was a naked Draco. Harry sharply inhaled and looked down trying to get the image he had just seen out of his head. Well... sort of... ok not at all. All he could think about was how smooth and sexy Draco looked. And the thought of not being able to touch him drove Harry absolutely crazy.
Harry finally turned around to see Draco submerged in the bubbles laying back with his eyes closed. He walked up to the side hoping to not disturb the blonde. Draco did nothing to respond. Harry fished out a washcloth from the cabinet and uneasily soaked it in the warm water. He rung it out and placed it to the side and grabbed the shampoo.
"Here," Harry said handing the bottle to Draco.
Draco opened his eyes and took it. He started placing some of the white substance into his hands and went for his head, but his hands stopped in midair; a hiss escaping his lips.
"What's wrong?" Harry looked at him concerned.
"Nothing. My muscles are soar and I can't raise my hands that high. Um... could you... could you help me?"
Harry smiled, 'Yes, Draco has changed a lot. I like it.'
Harry rolled up his sleeves, took the shampoo from Draco, and poured some into his own hands, "Come here."
Draco scooted over and leaned up against the side of the tub in front of Harry leaning back a little. Harry rubbed his hands together and ran them through Draco's hair. He began scrubbing softly, running his fingers through the blond locks.
Draco closed his eyes to the tingling feeling. It felt so good to just sit and relax, and even more so that Harry was there. He felt calm and quiet, something he hardly ever felt. A funny sound emerged from Draco's throat.
Harry grinned, "Are you purring?"
Draco tensed a little, "No!"
Harry smiled and continued to wash the blonde's scalp. He took the disconnecting faucet and held it up to the boy's hair rinsing the soap out. Harry made extra certain that all the shampoo was completely extracted. He placed the faucet back in place and took the cloth. Grabbing for the soap he lathered the rag in his hands. Harry scrubbed it down Draco's back who shivered suddenly. Harry couldn't help but smile.
He ran the cloth over Draco's arms and chest stopping right above the waterline, handing the cloth to Draco for obvious reasons. Draco finished washing off and tossed the rag to the side of the tub. Harry grabbed for a towel, wrapping it instantly around Draco as he stood up.
Draco stepped out of the tub and Harry got a good look at him. Water glistened on his skin, running off in beads dripping to the floor. His hair plastered around his face smoothed to the side. Years of Quidditch muscles were perfected underneath the pale skin. Harry felt like he was going to die. And the fact that he couldn't touch him made Harry want to scream.
Draco started to shake.
"Are you ok?" Harry walked closer to him.
"Yeah, just a bit tired. Could you hand me those cloths?" Draco pointed right behind Harry.
Harry reached back and pulled a pair of boxers out of the bunch. Draco carefully slid them on then threw the towel in a corner. Harry grabbed for Draco's sweatpants and handed them to him. Draco suddenly had a weak spell and toppled over forward landing on Harry. Harry grabbed him around the waist just as Draco fell into him, his face smashing into Harry's chest.
Draco looked up, "Thanks."
Draco's breath flew over his face, "No problem."
Harry realized how incredibly close they were. Draco, three-fourths of the way naked, pressed against him made Harry loose it. He leaned down and closed the gap between them.
Their lips locked in a passionate kiss fighting over each other. Harry ran his tongue over Draco's lip pleading for entrance. Draco parted his lips practically sucking in Harry's tongue. The two raged a war inside each other's mouth trying to be dominate. Draco being a little bit weak gave Harry the advantage. He pulled the blonde closer, running his hands up and down the smooth skin on his back.
A sudden knock at the door startled the two boys apart. They both looked at each other and flushed tremendously.
"Are you about done?" Pomfrey called through the door.
Draco quickly pulled on his sweatpants and shirt. Harry pulled the door open.
Pomfrey seemed satisfied that the two boys did not kill each other; far from her knowledge, "You can leave to your room, Mr. Malfoy."
The two boys nodded in agreement trying to cover up the redness on their cheeks. Together, they walked out of the door, but before they could get too far they heard, "Make sure you don't have the water so hot next time! You two are really red!"
Draco and Harry looked at each other, chuckled, and then blushed again. Draco managed as best as he could trying to walk on his own. About halfway there his knees began to shake and each step was beginning to burn. His will was strong and he refused to listen to the pain.
The two were carefully heading down the stairs, but Draco stumbled and fell right into Harry knocking him over. The boys got tangled in one another as they rolled the rest of the way down the staircase; thankfully it wasn't that long. They landed with a 'thud' at the bottom.
"Ow," Harry groaned.
Draco mimicked the reply.
Slowly, the two tried to untangle each other, but the more they moved, the worse it got. The mixture came out a jumble of words.
"Ow! You're sitting on my foot!"
"Well, you're laying on my arm!"
"Your hand is between my legs!"
"I can't move my hand till you get off my arm!"
Draco firmly set a foot between Harry's legs and raised his ass so Harry could take back his arm. Draco finally removed himself from the mess and stood dusting off his clothes. Harry followed in suit.
Harry chuckled, "Well that was fun."
"That was anything but fun!" Draco sneered.
Harry rolled his eyes, "I was being sarcastic."
"Well stop. You're not very good at it," Draco gave a small wink to surety the playfulness.
Harry shook his head and smiled, "Come on, we have to get you to your room."
Harry moved his arm around Draco's waist supporting him. The two slowly made their way to Draco's room.
Draco immediately fell onto his bed enjoying the softness of the mattress. He closed his eyes and rested against the silk sheets unaware Harry was watching him closely.
The Gryffindor took to watching Draco's chest rise up and down. He looked so peaceful when he wasn't around everyone else. He was a totally different person. Then again, it might be the effects of the sickness.
Either way, Harry wanted to enjoy the company of the Slytherin. The Slytherin who he'd rather seen dead not too long ago. He gently edged onto the bed hoping not to disturb the blonde.
Draco, however, wasn't asleep. He slid his eyes open facing Harry.
"Tired?" Harry asked.
"Not really."
"Want to play chess?"
Draco raised an eyebrow, "You sure?"
"Of course."
"Under my bed."
Harry rolled off the bed and grabbed the set. He placed the board on the bed and sat down cross legged. Draco sat similar.
Harry moved his pawn, "You seem to be getting better."
"Yeah, I feel like it."
Harry smiled, "That's good." Actually, Harry felt a whole lot better. It was like a great weight being lifted off his chest.
The game carried well into the afternoon. The two boys were really into their game until a small knock at the door penetrated the silence.
"Go away!" Draco yelled from his seat.
"Draco," Harry rolled his eyes getting up off the bed.
"What?"
Harry opened the door to find nobody there, "Hello?"
"Down here, Mr. Harry Potter, sir."
Harry looked down to see Dobby carrying a rather large tray for his body size.
"Here, Dobby," Harry started reaching for the plate.
"Oh no, Mr. Harry Potter, sir. It is Dobby's job," the house elf moved past Harry and into the room. He set the dish on a table. Draco raised an eyebrow, putting the chess set back underneath his bed.
"Dobby? What is this?" Harry asked turning around.
"Headmaster Dumbledore has requested Dobby to bring, Mr. Harry Potter, and his friend, Mr. Draco Malfoy, lunch. Dobby was glad to oblige."
"Thanks, Dobby," Harry was grateful that Draco didn't have to walk up to the Great Hall.
"No, no, Mr. Harry Potter, sir. It is Dobby who should be thanking you. Kind, Harry Potter," at that the elf left.
Harry closed the door in relief, "I wish he would stop doing that."
"Doing what, Mr. Harry Potter, sir?" Draco mimicked.
Harry raised an eyebrow at the blonde, "Don't you dare start."
"Start what, Mr. Harry Potter, sir? Kind, Harry Potter, sir. Ye all mighty God, Harry Potter, sir," Draco smirked.
Harry looked less than amused, "Quit it, Draco."
"I am not worthy! I should be shunned!" by now Draco was practically rolling around on the bed laughing.
Harry couldn't take it anymore. He walked up to the side of the bed, grabbed a pillow, and chucked it at the Slytherin's head.
Draco, who had stopped rolling around, took to retaliation. He grabbed another pillow and hit Harry on the side. Harry jumped on the bed and began beating the blonde senseless. Draco was laughing to no extent. He pulled Harry's legs out from underneath him and watched as his 'attacker' came crashing onto the mattress. Draco sat on Harry's stomach holding his arms down with his knees and began battering him around with his pillow.
Draco not being nearly at full strength gave Harry an advantage. He flipped Draco so that he was on top weighing the Slytherin down. He grabbed the pillow from Draco, but instead of hitting him with it, he threw it to the side. No, he wanted a different type of torment.
He raised his hands and immediately went to Draco's sides. Draco jerked around beneath Harry trying to get free. Harry's eyes lit up at the shear amusement he got out of torturing the blonde.
"Stop, Harry!" Draco breathed through fits of laughter.
"Why should I?" Harry grinned continuing his assault on the Slytherin.
"Harry!" Draco practically screamed.
"You gonna keep acting like Dobby?"
"No, just stop!"
Harry let up and rolled off of Draco laying next to him. Draco was breathing fast trying to catch his breath.
"That," Draco inhale, "was not fair."
Harry smiled, "Who said I needed to play fair?"
Harry ignored the look Draco was giving him and forced himself off the bed. He lifted the covering off of the tray. A mixture of food scents hit the air causing Draco's mouth to water. Harry grabbed the two big plates and set one in front of Draco; himself climbing onto the bed and sitting cross legged. The two boys plunged into their plates looking at each other now and then, but more absorbed in the food.
The two tore through lunch as if a tornado had been planted in their stomachs. In no time at all the plates were polished clean. Harry took the two plates and shoved them back on the tray taking the two little plates back with him. Inside were slices of chocolate cake. Harry and Draco stared at the odd coincidence of the situation and laughed. Neither knew exactly what was funny, but the boys laughed anyway. As soon as they calmed down the pieces of cake disappeared into their stomachs as well.
"That was satisfying," Draco laid back against a pillow.
"That it was," Harry gestured with putting his hand on his stomach. Slowly, the plates disappeared into thin air.
Another louder knock at the door.
"Can't people just leave me alone?" Draco groaned.
Harry smiled getting up again and opening the door. He was practically pushed down as two arms wrapped around him clutching him tight.
"Dra... oh wait... you're not Draco. Sorry, Harry," Pansy started to blush. Her eyes scanned to the bed, "Draco!" She rushed over to him and threw her arms around his neck, "I hear you're getting better! Thank God!"
"Pansssy," Draco hissed out, "C-Can't b-breathe!"
"Oh sorry!" Pansy quickly let go.
"Pansy," Draco rolled his eyes, "What are you doing here?"
"I had a little time before my next class so I came to see how you were doing. Madam Pomfrey told me you moved back down here."
"I'm fine."
"That's good. Is Harry taking care of you?"
"No," Draco growled, "I can take care of myself."
"Sure, Draco. Look, I could only come here for a minute. I have class. Hope to see you up and around soon. Bye, Harry!" Pansy yelled as she hurried out the door that was still wide open.
"Uh... that was strange," Harry closed the door.
"Parkinson is strange."
For the rest of the day Draco and Harry continued to play games and joke around with each other acting like old friends instead of the enemies they once were. They only stopped to eat dinner, then continued to play again well into the night.
Harry yawned, "I have to get to bed. I have classes that I *have* to go to."
Draco began clearing his bed off, "Yea, I'm sort of tired too."
Harry started for the door and opened it, but quickly shut it again, "Shit."
"What?" Draco walked over to him.
"I forgot my invisibility cloak in the hospital."
"So? Everyone should be asleep by now."
"No, I heard voices in the common room."
"They can't see you here. Rumors will spread faster than wildfire if a Slytherin gets something into their heads."
"I know," Harry sighed, "Mind if I just stay here?"
"I guess we haven't got a choice. Who knows when those idiots will go to bed."
"Um... do you have any clothes I can sleep in?"
Draco went to a dresser and threw Harry an extra pair of pajamas.
"Thanks," Harry went into the bathroom.
Draco pulled down the covers and welcomed the feeling of the silk sheets around him. He reached for his pillow and laid down facing away from the lavatory and closed his eyes. A few minutes, later he heard soft footsteps walk across the carpet, trying to be discreet. A small weight came from the other side of the bed and an arm crept around Draco's stomach. Draco leaned into Harry shifting back a little. Harry buried his head into Draco's neck.
Draco smirked as Harry's hair brushed the side of his cheek. Harry's slow, steady breathing marking he was already falling asleep. Draco snuggled closer to Harry and relaxed more then he had ever done before. In Harry's arms, he couldn't help but feel safe, feel protected. Something no one else had been able to do before, or even tried. Finally, Draco fell asleep to the soft pounding of Harry's heart.