Chapter Four: Arguments and Confrontation

Draco didn't say anything to Harry the rest of the day, or while he was in the Common Room trying to figure out his Potions homework. Most people were conversing with their partners, something that was apparent by sudden mood swings. Harry couldn't concentrate on his homework in the least, because he was still thinking about Draco.

-Why haven't you talked to me, eh?- he demanded. He didn't expect an answer, but he was surprised when he got one.

-Is the Golden Boy suddenly longing for his school rival's company?- Draco sneered. Harry was taken aback by this mood swing.

-What's wrong with you, Draco?- he demanded.

-First names? Since when are we on first-name terms?- Draco demanded, ignoring the question. Harry frowned.

-I just assumed…-

-Well, you assumed wrong! We're not friends, Potter! So leave me alone!- And then he was silent. Harry stared at his parchment in shock at this outburst. Angrily, he slammed his book shut and stormed up to the boys' dorm room.

The next day at lunch, Draco was cursing himself repeatedly. WHAT on earth possessed you to cry in front of Potter? And WHY did you hug him, of all things! Fuming, Draco stabbed at his ham, refusing to look at anyone.

"Dray, dear, why are you mutilating your ham? What has it done to you?"Pansy asked mildly. She'd forgiven Draco's insensitiveness, saying that a good friend would tell her the truth.

"Nothing," Draco spat.Pansy raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Sighing, Draco slammed his fork down and left the Great Hall, heading to the fourth floor, where they were having Transfiguration. With the Gryffindors, no less.

Just what I need.

-Draco?-

Draco cursed and didn't answer.

-Draco, why aren't you talking to me?-

Draco didn't answer, just dropped his books next to a seat in the very back of McGonagall's classroom and waited for the rest of the students to come in. When Harry and his friends came in, Harry stared at Draco, trying to catch his gaze, but Draco refused to look at him.

"Today we'll be turning spoons into white rabbits," McGonagall announced. She handed out spoons, and the class began struggling to transform them into rabbits.

By the end of class, most of them had rabbits. Poor Neville just had a white spoon that would hop around repeatedly. McGonagall dismissed them.

Draco gathered his things and hurried out of the classroom. Much to his surprise, a hand came out of no where and grabbed his robes, dragging him into an empty classroom.

Draco wasn't surprised to see that the hand belonged to Harry.

"Draco, why are you ignoring me?" he demanded, leaning against the door. Draco sat on a desk and didn't answer. Harry sighed.

"Is it because you're ashamed that you cried in front of me?" Bingo. Draco's face must have showed Harry that he was spot on, because he smiled and shook his head.

"Draco…You don't need to be ashamed. There's nothing wrong with crying," Harry said quietly, slowly stepping toward the other boy.

"Malfoys don't cry," Draco said stiffly, staring down at his hands clasped in his lap. "My father—" He was silenced by a gentle hand covering his own. Harry squeezed his hands lightly.

"A Malfoy did cry. Besides, do you really want to please your father? After what he did?" Harry murmured. Draco looked up sharply, surprised. Harry muttered, "I saw your memories of last summer."

Draco blushed deeply, ashamed of his own father. Harry squeezed the crook between his shoulder and his neck with his other hand. He leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "You're not your father, Draco. And you never will be."

Draco slid off the desk and left without a word.