Disclaimer: I really don't think that you'd get very much if you tried to sue me anyway but just to get rid of all that legal nonsense I'd like to state that I do not own Harry Potter. The wonderful, beautiful fabulous, spiffing, genius, ect. JK Rowling does. Anything else you recognize doesn't belong to me either. I do however own the plot (as far as I know), a crayon, a pack of gum, a string, 2 hair ties and my soul (for the time being).

Author's note: Thank you to those who reviewed, I love hearing from people and getting mail! In response to those of you who wanted longer chapters, I really don't think it's going to happen because I don't have the time to sit here and type it all. I'm sorry if that bothers anyone but it really can't be helped. I'd also like to apologize for not updating in about a week, I had wanted to get this chapter out before this but between rehearsal and school I really didn't have the time. With that I encourage you all to enjoy the show!

Chapter 3: Reconciliation with friends

They spoke of safe topics like food and favorite colors. Neither mentioned the meanings of the painting or anything about friends or family.

"You're favorite food is tacos? Wow, I never would have guessed that in a million years."

"I can't help it, they are just soooo good. A lot better then that crap I have to eat at home. Finger foods are not aloud at Malfoy manner." Harry collapsed into a fit of giggles. Draco couldn't help but feel on top of the world at that moment. He wanted to make Harry smile forever; he wanted to make it so Harry was never sad again.

It was rare to see the Gryffindor smile these days. Draco knew, he'd been watching. He always watched Harry. It started out as a tactic to find Potter's weaknesses. But soon Draco found that he wanted to protect Harry's weaknesses. He found himself becoming slightly obsessed with Harry (not in a creepy stalker way. More in the "you're always on my mind" kind of way.) He could read the Gryffindor like an open book. Draco knew that he hadn't been as lively for about a year now and it hurt him that he couldn't do anything about it.

The worst part was pretending that he hated the "golden boy" and continuously coming up with new ways to make him miserable just to keep up appearances. But now he didn't have to do that and it felt great to be able to talk civilly with his secret crush, let alone laughing with him.

"Draco, Draco!" (Our boys space a lot don't they?) The Slytherin looked up into those green eyes to find them staring back in confusion and slight concern. 'Yay! He's concerned about me.'

: What is wrong with you? You're turning into a little pussy!

'I know, and the sad thing is that I don't care.'

Harry smiled at Draco's behavior and repeated himself. "I said we'd better get back, it's way past curfew."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. See you tomorrow in class." Draco was still distracted from his previous chat with himself.

"Umm tomorrow is Saturday." Harry put his hand on Draco's forehead as if to check for a fever. "Are you sure you're ok?"

"Yes, Potter, I'm fine." He began to walk out the door but before he was out of sight he turned around. "I'll see you tomorrow in here, after breakfast, OK?

"Sounds good."

"Good, it's a date then." And with that he left Harry to contemplate the meaning of those words.

Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts. He didn't think he'd ever been so confused him his life. One minute he thought that he and Malfoy hated each other. The next, Malfoy is the mural person. 'I swear the entire world had gone batty. Next Snape will be spotted in a pink tu tu, picking flowers and singing show tunes.' Harry shrugged at the thought and walked up to Gryffindor tower.

When he got back to his dorm he was pleased to find that all his dorm mates were asleep. He was getting sick of the constant questions about his "walks". He wanted to tell them but he didn't think they'd understand his art. And they defiantly wouldn't understand the dueling paintbrush thing that had been going on, especially not with Draco. So he decided to keep it a secret. That way it wouldn't end up in the papers.

"Harry! Wake up, mate, you're going to miss breakfast." Ron shook Harry awake.

"I'm awake! Let me just take a shower and I'll meet you in the common room."

"Alright." And with that Ron turned to leave the room. "Hurry up though, I'm hungry!"

Harry shook his head at his best friend and went into the shower. He was in a really good mood today, he really wasn't all that upset about Ron and Hermione ignoring him, he realized that he'd been doing the same thing to them. 'I really should make it up to them.'

He finished his shower and made his way downstairs to find Ron and Hermione in the common room looking at him guiltily. "Listen Harry, we wanted to apologize for not really spending a lot of time with you lately." Hermione looked really upset at herself.

"Yeah, mate, we really shouldn't have gotten so rapped up in each other." Ron wouldn't meet his eyes. Harry grinned at them and pulled them both into a hug.

"That's alright. Truth be told I've been kind of a loner lately too so we're all at fault. I was thinking we should spend some time together soon. To make up for lost time."

Hermione and Ron looked confused. They obviously had expected their friend to lash out at them like he had done so often in the past.

"Are you Ok, Harry" Hermione went to check his head for a fever. "You're not acting like yourself."

Harry stepped away from her and laughed. "'Mione, I'm fine. I've just decided that life is too short to be angry all the time."

She still looked a bit suspicious but she nodded and backed off. Ron on the other hand looked exceptionally happy to have his best friend back.

"Why don't we hang out today then? We can play chess or quidditch or something!"

Harry smiled but remembered his "date" with Draco. "I've actually got something to do after breakfast but I can meet you on the quidditch pitch after lunch."

"Sounds good! Enough of this talking, I need food!" Without another look at either of his companions he exited through the portrait.

Before Harry could follow Hermione grabbed his arm and looked at him seriously again.

"Harry, I know you like your privacy and I know Ron and I haven't been around but if you need someone to talk to about anything, I'm here."

Harry smiled at her. "I know 'Mione, but I think I'm going to keep this to myself for now, at least until I know what it really is. I promise as soon as I'm ready to talk you'll be the first to know." She stared at him for a moment before nodding.

Scene

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