Salamander Scales, Chapter 9:
Author: Yama Strife
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I forgot this last chapter. I don't own Harry Potter because
I'm not J.K. Rowling.
Notes: Sorry, there was a huge delay but I got it up as fast as I could.
Hope you enjoy this chapter, I'm trying my best to speed up the process of
including slash, but at the rate I'm going this is going to be a 20 chapter
story by the time I get done.
Thank you for all the kind reviews. They really motivate me and make me want to write and ::gasp:: I've reached over 100 reviews! This makes me ecstatic!
'...' = thought
"..." = speech
Luckily for the two boys Gringott's was not too far from Warlingham's, the restaurant they had just left. The temperature seemed to have dropped since they were last outside. It felt unnaturally cold to Harry anyway.
Gringott's seemed much brighter than usual, the white marble reflecting the cold sun. Harry squinted a bit and pulled his scarf higher on his face. He noticed Draco walking with his hands in his pockets and his head bent against the wind. An unusual posture to see in Draco Malfoy. Harry didn't like to see Draco hunched like that, and that he didn't like it bothered him even more. He quickened his pace.
When they finally entered Gringott's the warmth hit them suddenly and the feeling began to flood back in their frozen limbs.
"Take as long as you need in here Potter, I'm in no rush to go back outside." He shivered involuntarily at the thought of the cold.
They walked down the long elegant carpet until they reached a free desk. A goblin with bristly white hair stood on a chair to see over the counter.
"I'm here to withdraw some funds," Harry said, pulling a small key from his pocket.
The goblin inspected the key, and finding it was authentic he ushered a younger looking goblin over to him. "Lockham, take Mr. Potter to his safe please," he said handing the key to the goblin called Lockham.
Lockham nodded. "Follow me then, sir," he said bowing. He scurried to a door resembling the entrance to an elevator and opened it, ushering Harry and Draco into a cart.
As they stood and waited for departure Harry noticed that Draco looked unusually pale. With a hint of concern on his face, he asked Draco if he was okay.
"Yes, yes I'm fine," Draco snapped, avoiding Harry's gaze.
Lockham entered the cart and shut the door behind him. Suddenly the cart lurched forward sharply as it began it's decent downward. Draco, unbalanced by the sudden jerk stumbled froward into Harry.
Harry caught in his arms and tried to stand him up. Draco stood a moment in Harry's arms before stepping back awkwardly. Harry, being so noble as Gryffindors are, had wanted to make sure Malfoy had his balance back before letting him go but was relieved all the same when Draco backed away with an awkward, "Thanks". Something about the tinge on Draco's cheeks unnerved him. Or maybe it was just the shadows that made Draco appear to be flushed.
Draco crouched down on the balls of his feet, not wanting to see the twists and turns the cart was magically maneuvering around. Harry saw this, and although they were complete opposites, Harry was strongly reminded of Hagrid and his first trip to Gringott's. Hagrid had refused to talk the whole time because the ride made him feel ill. It was funny that someone so large could be scared of a cart ride like this. Harry had always found these trips fun!
When the cart came to a stop Harry saw Draco cringe and open an eye slowly, as though checking to see if the danger had passed.
Harry felt a wave of sympathy for Draco, but couldn't help but smile a bit. He was reminded of a little kid on a roller coaster and found it cute, in a funny kind of way. He tapped Draco on the shoulder. "It's okay now, you're safe." He held out a hand to help Malfoy up.
Draco glared. He didn't like being made fun of, least of all by Harry Potter. He gave Harry a look that plainly said, 'I don't need your help,' but he took the hand nonetheless. As he stood up he looked at Harry. Harry who was nice to everyone, deserving or not, Harry that helped people, not be cause he had to, but because he wanted to. Harry who was smiling that damn smile and looking Draco right in the eyes.
Draco was flustered. Flustered and embarrassed and not sure why he felt like that. He shook his head, dropped Harry's hand and stepped out of the cart.
Lockham had already opened the vault and was waiting for Harry to withdraw what he wanted.
That oh-so-familiar gold glint caught Draco's eyes and any previous though of being embarrassed was gone. He couldn't help but stand directly behind Harry to see into the vault. He stood on his tiptoes so he could see over Harry's head and he placed a hand on Harry's back to steady himself.
"I'm impressed Potter," he said in that lazy drawl. "You're not so rich as I am, but it's not a bad start."
Harry nodded, but unbeknownst to Malfoy he didn't really hear a word that Draco had just said. When Draco got that close to Harry he got an uncomfortable burning in his chest. Not a painful sensation by any means, just unsettling. He assumed it was just another side effect of the potion and tried as hard as he could to ignore Draco's breath on his neck.
Harry shook his head. 'What am I thinking? This potion is going to be the death of me yet.'
He shoved some Galleons and Sickles into a pouch (ignoring the Knuts, thinking that he probably wouldn't need them if Draco was the one picking out the clothes) and said, "Thanks," to Lockham before walking back into the cart. Followed reluctantly by Draco who began to pale again.
*/*/*/*/*
After a rather uneventful walk through the sub zero temperatures (both parties avoiding talking to one another) they arrived at a clothing store called "Muggle Clothing for all Occasions."
Harry, breaking the silence at last said, "I didn't think there were any clothing shops like this in Diagon Alley."
Draco shrugged. "Ah, well, some Wizards don't have as good a fashion sense as others," he remarked as they walked into the store.
It was a rather friendly looking place on the inside. Plushy carpet and warm coloured walls added to the effect. Harry was surprised because while it looked small on the outside it was huge on the inside. He figured there was a charm to give the building more space than would normally allow.
A short middle aged witch approached them and asked if she could be of any assistance. Draco gave her a once over and deciding she was not up to par, rejected her offer. "I'm sure we'll manage ourselves," he said.
Harry mouthed an apology to her for his friend's behavior; Draco rolled his eyes.
Draco surveyed the store to find an area that he could stand to immerse himself in. Spotting an area in a far corner with potential he beckoned for Harry to follow him.
"Now," Draco began. "If you see anything you like, it must first pass by my approval before you try it on, understood?"
Harry nodded, not realizing there were strict rules for shopping. He looked on a rack in front of him, and began to pull out a sweater that didn't look too bad when Malfoy stopped him
Draco placed a hand on Harry's arm and said with a hint of disgust, "If you pull that sweater off that rack I will see to it that you are choked to death with aforementioned sweater."
Harry gave him a quizzical look. "What's wrong with this sweater?" he asked, honestly curious.
Draco shuddered. "Oh, so many things," he said dramatically. "But to name a few," he continued, "ugly colour, scratchy material, wrong size and cable knit, Harry. CABLE KNIT!" He emphasized his point by giving Harry a little shake with each syllable of 'cable knit'. "That alone should be enough to make your eyes bleed."
Harry, even after this performance, still didn't think the sweater was all that bad; but if offended Malfoy so much he didn't think it was worth the trouble.
Draco turned to the rack behind him and shuffled through the clothing. Harry could tell Malfoy had mixed emotions. He obviously loved shopping, but apparently hated muggle clothing. And as he said earlier, he really didn't want to touch it.
Eventually he found a shirt that he thought was alright. "This sweater is acceptable." It was a deep green, ribbed turtleneck. "Nice enough colour and not itchy looking."
Harry looked at the sweater and shook his head. "Malfoy that shirt is five times to small, I can't wear it."
Draco gave Harry a look that plainly said, 'Is this guy serious?'. "Potter that shirt you're wearing is five times too big. This, on the other hand is perfect."
He walked away for a few moments to find something to complete the outfit before returning with with some black corduroys. "This is one outfit, try it on and let me see."
Harry's eyes widened and he held out his hands in protest at the sight of the pants. What was Malfoy trying to turn him into?
Malfoy read this look and sighed. Why were people so difficult? He shoved the pants into Harry's hands. "Don't argue! Change room now!" he said, pointing to the change stalls.
Harry rolled his and sighed at Draco's non-threatening authority, but he went anyway. He stomped all the way to the change room doors. Harry murmured and grumbled the whole time he was in there and then yelled out, "You forgot to give me the shirt."
He opened the door a crack and Malfoy handed over the shirt. "It's no wonder you don't have a girlfriend, Potter. In the clothes you were wearing you looked like an obese man who'd lost too much weight and left his skin around."
Harry got a rather funny image in his head when Malfoy said this, but he ignored it and struggled into the too-tight shirt.
Draco continued his assault on Harry's old clothes until the Golden Boy stepped out of the change stall. Malfoy's voice was cut short by the miraculous change in front of him.
The green turtleneck clung to Harry in just the right places showing of his lithe Seeker's build. The colour accent Harry's emerald eyes perfectly and made them seem greener still, if at all possible. The pants hugged his hips and accented his muscular legs, the colour matching Harry jet-black hair perfectly.
Harry waited in embarrassment; a rosy tinge on his cheeks, for Malfoy to say something, but the blonde boy was dumbstruck. He had expected a bit of a change but nothing so dramatic as this. Harry took Malfoy's silence for a bad thing and said sheepishly, "I thought it looked silly too."
Harry turned to go back to the change room and get out of the clothes but Malfoy's arm shot out toward Harry and he said, "No," rather desperately.
Realizing that may have been a tad too abrupt, he cleared his throat, dropped his arm to his side and said, "I mean, it certainly looks better than the walrus clothes."
He looked down his nose at Harry and said, nonchalantly, "It's acceptable enough." He looked Harry up and down once more and said finally, "But something just isn't right."
Draco scratched his chin thoughtfully and ran a hand through his blonde locks. He began to circle around Harry, examining him, unsure of what it was.
Harry had never been in a more uncomfortable position, well, except for his first awkward kiss with Cho. Harry didn't like being under such tough scrutiny, and Malfoy was quite the critic as Harry has come to learn.
Harry cringed, he felt like he was being sized up as prey, or something like that. Malfoy walked to face Harry, squinted a bit and snapped his fingers. "I've got it!"
He stalked up to Harry and tipped up his chin, examining him from different angels. They were practically nose to nose and Harry was unbelievably embarrassed. Malfoy cupped his hands to the sides of Harry's face, Harry's mind all the while examining a million scenarios, some extremely horrifying. But to Harry's relief, and oddly confusing disappointment, Malfoy removed Harry's glasses from his face and took a few steps back to examine the results.
"Perfect!" he exclaimed. "That's exactly the look I was going for. Those glasses made you look like an owl for Merlin's sake."
Harry blinked and tried to adjust his eyes to the sudden lack of vision. "Malfoy, give those back. If you hadn't noticed I need those to see." He reached blindly in the direction he thought he saw Malfoy, but his hands only met with air.
"Mr. Potter, I'm afraid that you can't have them back. We're going to get you surgery, find a spell, or contacts or something. Anything to get rid of this hideous eyesore I have the displeasure of holding in my hand."
If Harry could see properly he would've noticed Malfoy with obvious disgust on his face. Instead he crossed his arms and said firmly, "Malfoy, I need those. I'm not getting surgery, I'm certainly not letting you point your wand in my eye and contacts are creepy. Just give them back."
He could make out Malfoy shaking his head and resorted to pouting. "Malfoy, please, I need the back. Please? I let you get me clothes so can't I at least keep my glasses?" He stuck his bottom lip out (an unusual tactic for Harry) and added another 'please' for good measure.
Malfoy sighed. He hated it when people gave him that look. Only he was allowed to use that look. But, defeated for the moment, he gave Harry the glasses back. Besides, he could always steal them later on and hide them. That strategy usually worked. Malfoy was good at acting innocent.
"Fine Harry, have it your way. But this isn't over yet." Harry put the glasses on and looked relieved, he felt vulnerable when he couldn't see. Even more so when it was Malfoy he was with.
Malfoy grabbed some other clothes that he thought were suitable, obviously frustrated and wanting to leave the store. He handed them to Harry, who could barely see above the pile of jeans, fitted tees and sweaters. "Come on then, Potter. Let's go. You can only be in one store so long before it bores you."
He beckoned for Harry to follow him to the front and told him to drop the clothes on the counter Harry smiled at the middle-aged witch they had talked to earlier and got out the money to pay for the clothing. The clothing that cost Harry in the upwards of 80 galleons. He thought this was insane, but at a look from Malfoy, he handed over the gold, grabbed the bags and thanked the woman.
As they headed out the door, Malfoy smiled impishly and said, "Now that that's done, I believe you owe me some ice cream, Harry."
Harry couldn't help but smile, even in the biting cold as he followed Malfoy back down the street.
`````````````````````
Sorry it took so long everyone. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next one will contain the obvious slash, and the beginning of the relationship. So keep reading! Thanks for your patience, as always. Comments and critiques are always appreciated.
~Yama
Thank you for all the kind reviews. They really motivate me and make me want to write and ::gasp:: I've reached over 100 reviews! This makes me ecstatic!
'...' = thought
"..." = speech
Luckily for the two boys Gringott's was not too far from Warlingham's, the restaurant they had just left. The temperature seemed to have dropped since they were last outside. It felt unnaturally cold to Harry anyway.
Gringott's seemed much brighter than usual, the white marble reflecting the cold sun. Harry squinted a bit and pulled his scarf higher on his face. He noticed Draco walking with his hands in his pockets and his head bent against the wind. An unusual posture to see in Draco Malfoy. Harry didn't like to see Draco hunched like that, and that he didn't like it bothered him even more. He quickened his pace.
When they finally entered Gringott's the warmth hit them suddenly and the feeling began to flood back in their frozen limbs.
"Take as long as you need in here Potter, I'm in no rush to go back outside." He shivered involuntarily at the thought of the cold.
They walked down the long elegant carpet until they reached a free desk. A goblin with bristly white hair stood on a chair to see over the counter.
"I'm here to withdraw some funds," Harry said, pulling a small key from his pocket.
The goblin inspected the key, and finding it was authentic he ushered a younger looking goblin over to him. "Lockham, take Mr. Potter to his safe please," he said handing the key to the goblin called Lockham.
Lockham nodded. "Follow me then, sir," he said bowing. He scurried to a door resembling the entrance to an elevator and opened it, ushering Harry and Draco into a cart.
As they stood and waited for departure Harry noticed that Draco looked unusually pale. With a hint of concern on his face, he asked Draco if he was okay.
"Yes, yes I'm fine," Draco snapped, avoiding Harry's gaze.
Lockham entered the cart and shut the door behind him. Suddenly the cart lurched forward sharply as it began it's decent downward. Draco, unbalanced by the sudden jerk stumbled froward into Harry.
Harry caught in his arms and tried to stand him up. Draco stood a moment in Harry's arms before stepping back awkwardly. Harry, being so noble as Gryffindors are, had wanted to make sure Malfoy had his balance back before letting him go but was relieved all the same when Draco backed away with an awkward, "Thanks". Something about the tinge on Draco's cheeks unnerved him. Or maybe it was just the shadows that made Draco appear to be flushed.
Draco crouched down on the balls of his feet, not wanting to see the twists and turns the cart was magically maneuvering around. Harry saw this, and although they were complete opposites, Harry was strongly reminded of Hagrid and his first trip to Gringott's. Hagrid had refused to talk the whole time because the ride made him feel ill. It was funny that someone so large could be scared of a cart ride like this. Harry had always found these trips fun!
When the cart came to a stop Harry saw Draco cringe and open an eye slowly, as though checking to see if the danger had passed.
Harry felt a wave of sympathy for Draco, but couldn't help but smile a bit. He was reminded of a little kid on a roller coaster and found it cute, in a funny kind of way. He tapped Draco on the shoulder. "It's okay now, you're safe." He held out a hand to help Malfoy up.
Draco glared. He didn't like being made fun of, least of all by Harry Potter. He gave Harry a look that plainly said, 'I don't need your help,' but he took the hand nonetheless. As he stood up he looked at Harry. Harry who was nice to everyone, deserving or not, Harry that helped people, not be cause he had to, but because he wanted to. Harry who was smiling that damn smile and looking Draco right in the eyes.
Draco was flustered. Flustered and embarrassed and not sure why he felt like that. He shook his head, dropped Harry's hand and stepped out of the cart.
Lockham had already opened the vault and was waiting for Harry to withdraw what he wanted.
That oh-so-familiar gold glint caught Draco's eyes and any previous though of being embarrassed was gone. He couldn't help but stand directly behind Harry to see into the vault. He stood on his tiptoes so he could see over Harry's head and he placed a hand on Harry's back to steady himself.
"I'm impressed Potter," he said in that lazy drawl. "You're not so rich as I am, but it's not a bad start."
Harry nodded, but unbeknownst to Malfoy he didn't really hear a word that Draco had just said. When Draco got that close to Harry he got an uncomfortable burning in his chest. Not a painful sensation by any means, just unsettling. He assumed it was just another side effect of the potion and tried as hard as he could to ignore Draco's breath on his neck.
Harry shook his head. 'What am I thinking? This potion is going to be the death of me yet.'
He shoved some Galleons and Sickles into a pouch (ignoring the Knuts, thinking that he probably wouldn't need them if Draco was the one picking out the clothes) and said, "Thanks," to Lockham before walking back into the cart. Followed reluctantly by Draco who began to pale again.
*/*/*/*/*
After a rather uneventful walk through the sub zero temperatures (both parties avoiding talking to one another) they arrived at a clothing store called "Muggle Clothing for all Occasions."
Harry, breaking the silence at last said, "I didn't think there were any clothing shops like this in Diagon Alley."
Draco shrugged. "Ah, well, some Wizards don't have as good a fashion sense as others," he remarked as they walked into the store.
It was a rather friendly looking place on the inside. Plushy carpet and warm coloured walls added to the effect. Harry was surprised because while it looked small on the outside it was huge on the inside. He figured there was a charm to give the building more space than would normally allow.
A short middle aged witch approached them and asked if she could be of any assistance. Draco gave her a once over and deciding she was not up to par, rejected her offer. "I'm sure we'll manage ourselves," he said.
Harry mouthed an apology to her for his friend's behavior; Draco rolled his eyes.
Draco surveyed the store to find an area that he could stand to immerse himself in. Spotting an area in a far corner with potential he beckoned for Harry to follow him.
"Now," Draco began. "If you see anything you like, it must first pass by my approval before you try it on, understood?"
Harry nodded, not realizing there were strict rules for shopping. He looked on a rack in front of him, and began to pull out a sweater that didn't look too bad when Malfoy stopped him
Draco placed a hand on Harry's arm and said with a hint of disgust, "If you pull that sweater off that rack I will see to it that you are choked to death with aforementioned sweater."
Harry gave him a quizzical look. "What's wrong with this sweater?" he asked, honestly curious.
Draco shuddered. "Oh, so many things," he said dramatically. "But to name a few," he continued, "ugly colour, scratchy material, wrong size and cable knit, Harry. CABLE KNIT!" He emphasized his point by giving Harry a little shake with each syllable of 'cable knit'. "That alone should be enough to make your eyes bleed."
Harry, even after this performance, still didn't think the sweater was all that bad; but if offended Malfoy so much he didn't think it was worth the trouble.
Draco turned to the rack behind him and shuffled through the clothing. Harry could tell Malfoy had mixed emotions. He obviously loved shopping, but apparently hated muggle clothing. And as he said earlier, he really didn't want to touch it.
Eventually he found a shirt that he thought was alright. "This sweater is acceptable." It was a deep green, ribbed turtleneck. "Nice enough colour and not itchy looking."
Harry looked at the sweater and shook his head. "Malfoy that shirt is five times to small, I can't wear it."
Draco gave Harry a look that plainly said, 'Is this guy serious?'. "Potter that shirt you're wearing is five times too big. This, on the other hand is perfect."
He walked away for a few moments to find something to complete the outfit before returning with with some black corduroys. "This is one outfit, try it on and let me see."
Harry's eyes widened and he held out his hands in protest at the sight of the pants. What was Malfoy trying to turn him into?
Malfoy read this look and sighed. Why were people so difficult? He shoved the pants into Harry's hands. "Don't argue! Change room now!" he said, pointing to the change stalls.
Harry rolled his and sighed at Draco's non-threatening authority, but he went anyway. He stomped all the way to the change room doors. Harry murmured and grumbled the whole time he was in there and then yelled out, "You forgot to give me the shirt."
He opened the door a crack and Malfoy handed over the shirt. "It's no wonder you don't have a girlfriend, Potter. In the clothes you were wearing you looked like an obese man who'd lost too much weight and left his skin around."
Harry got a rather funny image in his head when Malfoy said this, but he ignored it and struggled into the too-tight shirt.
Draco continued his assault on Harry's old clothes until the Golden Boy stepped out of the change stall. Malfoy's voice was cut short by the miraculous change in front of him.
The green turtleneck clung to Harry in just the right places showing of his lithe Seeker's build. The colour accent Harry's emerald eyes perfectly and made them seem greener still, if at all possible. The pants hugged his hips and accented his muscular legs, the colour matching Harry jet-black hair perfectly.
Harry waited in embarrassment; a rosy tinge on his cheeks, for Malfoy to say something, but the blonde boy was dumbstruck. He had expected a bit of a change but nothing so dramatic as this. Harry took Malfoy's silence for a bad thing and said sheepishly, "I thought it looked silly too."
Harry turned to go back to the change room and get out of the clothes but Malfoy's arm shot out toward Harry and he said, "No," rather desperately.
Realizing that may have been a tad too abrupt, he cleared his throat, dropped his arm to his side and said, "I mean, it certainly looks better than the walrus clothes."
He looked down his nose at Harry and said, nonchalantly, "It's acceptable enough." He looked Harry up and down once more and said finally, "But something just isn't right."
Draco scratched his chin thoughtfully and ran a hand through his blonde locks. He began to circle around Harry, examining him, unsure of what it was.
Harry had never been in a more uncomfortable position, well, except for his first awkward kiss with Cho. Harry didn't like being under such tough scrutiny, and Malfoy was quite the critic as Harry has come to learn.
Harry cringed, he felt like he was being sized up as prey, or something like that. Malfoy walked to face Harry, squinted a bit and snapped his fingers. "I've got it!"
He stalked up to Harry and tipped up his chin, examining him from different angels. They were practically nose to nose and Harry was unbelievably embarrassed. Malfoy cupped his hands to the sides of Harry's face, Harry's mind all the while examining a million scenarios, some extremely horrifying. But to Harry's relief, and oddly confusing disappointment, Malfoy removed Harry's glasses from his face and took a few steps back to examine the results.
"Perfect!" he exclaimed. "That's exactly the look I was going for. Those glasses made you look like an owl for Merlin's sake."
Harry blinked and tried to adjust his eyes to the sudden lack of vision. "Malfoy, give those back. If you hadn't noticed I need those to see." He reached blindly in the direction he thought he saw Malfoy, but his hands only met with air.
"Mr. Potter, I'm afraid that you can't have them back. We're going to get you surgery, find a spell, or contacts or something. Anything to get rid of this hideous eyesore I have the displeasure of holding in my hand."
If Harry could see properly he would've noticed Malfoy with obvious disgust on his face. Instead he crossed his arms and said firmly, "Malfoy, I need those. I'm not getting surgery, I'm certainly not letting you point your wand in my eye and contacts are creepy. Just give them back."
He could make out Malfoy shaking his head and resorted to pouting. "Malfoy, please, I need the back. Please? I let you get me clothes so can't I at least keep my glasses?" He stuck his bottom lip out (an unusual tactic for Harry) and added another 'please' for good measure.
Malfoy sighed. He hated it when people gave him that look. Only he was allowed to use that look. But, defeated for the moment, he gave Harry the glasses back. Besides, he could always steal them later on and hide them. That strategy usually worked. Malfoy was good at acting innocent.
"Fine Harry, have it your way. But this isn't over yet." Harry put the glasses on and looked relieved, he felt vulnerable when he couldn't see. Even more so when it was Malfoy he was with.
Malfoy grabbed some other clothes that he thought were suitable, obviously frustrated and wanting to leave the store. He handed them to Harry, who could barely see above the pile of jeans, fitted tees and sweaters. "Come on then, Potter. Let's go. You can only be in one store so long before it bores you."
He beckoned for Harry to follow him to the front and told him to drop the clothes on the counter Harry smiled at the middle-aged witch they had talked to earlier and got out the money to pay for the clothing. The clothing that cost Harry in the upwards of 80 galleons. He thought this was insane, but at a look from Malfoy, he handed over the gold, grabbed the bags and thanked the woman.
As they headed out the door, Malfoy smiled impishly and said, "Now that that's done, I believe you owe me some ice cream, Harry."
Harry couldn't help but smile, even in the biting cold as he followed Malfoy back down the street.
`````````````````````
Sorry it took so long everyone. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next one will contain the obvious slash, and the beginning of the relationship. So keep reading! Thanks for your patience, as always. Comments and critiques are always appreciated.
~Yama