Phase 2
The opening ceremony went as usual. The Sorting Hat still merrily chanted the song for people to unite or crumble. Most of the Slytherin snorted contemptuously at the song, but Draco felt alarmed when the Hat insinuated that a big war against evil was waiting. Potter's words from earlier echoed inside his mind. Would he decide to be involved in the upcoming battle?
The Sorting for first years began afterwards. He brought his eyes to look at Potter across the Great Hall, and was surprised to see that Potter's green eyes had been set on him. What confused him was that Potter smiled to him in a rather shy manner. Draco fought the urge to smile back and instead settled for a light rise of an eyebrow. Then he turned his head towards the Head Table, watching his favourite Professor Snape. Again, he was baffled to see that Snape was staring angrily at Gryffindor table, to be precise at the present Head Boy. It wasn't an unusual thing, but tonight the glare was definitely murderous. Potter hadn't done anything yet, had he?
Harry also felt the glare directed to him, and despite his puzzlement, he glared back challengingly. Snape probably wasn't too pleased that Harry had been made Head Boy this year, but somehow he felt this was more than that. Even Ron said to him, "Blimey, Harry. Snape seems ready to eat you alive!"
"Probably he's angry because you're the Head Boy, Harry, and not Malfoy. But really, he shouldn't take this matter so seriously. That kind of glare is a crime," Seamus added from his other side.
"Just let him do whatever he wants. It's not like he could hurt me or anything." Harry clapped as another first year was sorted into Gryffindor.
Ron looked proudly at Harry. "Yeah. Right now you've become more powerful than him. I can't forget how you sent him slamming to the wall during our practice in Headquarters."
Seamus and Dean perked up. "You did? Wow, I wish I were there. The expression on Snape's face must be priceless!"
Ron nodded, "It was priceless."
"Maybe that's the reason he looked so murderous before. He's still holding a grudge on Harry's feat over him. He is always jealous of Harry and his abilities," Dean offered his opinion.
Neville felt the need to participate, "Snape only feels jealous of his popularity. He thinks Harry has rivalled him in getting girls' attention."
"Nah, bad assumption, Neville. How could he feel rivalled if he's actually much inferior to Harry in many body parts? He must've been rejected by women at least once every year. No wonder he's always so grumpy. Not to mention oily," Ron cackled evilly, followed by the others.
Harry only smirked slightly. He didn't feel right laughing at Snape. The Professor had aided him a lot in many occasions and actually held a major part in improving Harry's skill up till now. Besides, he was Draco's godfather and Draco respected that man a lot.
Seamus added, "I think he just needs to get laid." They groaned simultaneously, having failed to imagine who would be willing enough to bed a man as grouchy as Snape.
"Honestly, you boys. Stop gossiping like a bunch of housewives about out teacher!" Hermione admonished. The boys laughed.
"By the way, who's going to be our new DADA teacher?" Dean asked. They didn't see any new face sitting at the Head Table.
"Funny, we really have seven different teachers during seven years in Hogwarts," Ron said.
As the Sorting Hat announced the last new student was into Hufflepuff, Dumbledore roused and gave a short speech. At the end of his speech, the old Headmaster spoke something quite unexpected.
"The Sorting Hat has reminded us to stay united. This is the time for us to sort out any difference that may have separated people from each other. Prejudice and jealousy would only bring you nowhere. Some of us are actually destined to be together despite the conflicting personality and circumstances. Love, true love, can always be found in the most unexpected place."
He winked towards both Harry and Draco at the same time, probably by some magic trick, and opened the feast. Harry and Draco looked at each other. Harry shrugged at Draco's questioning stare. He was almost certain that Dumbledore referred his last statements to him, but did he also direct it to Draco?
A loud boom shocked the entire Hall. Ron choked on his meal, and Hermione tapped his back to help him. A puff of rainbow-coloured smoke appeared in the middle of the Great Hall, accompanied by confetti and a strong burnt smell. After the smoke dissipated, a spiky haired young woman came into view. Her hair was the same colour of the smoke, and she wore a cool, if not ridiculous, set of rock star outfit beneath sparkling pink robe.
"Sorry, everyone. I'm late." The woman laughed sheepishly. She made flippant gesture towards the students. "Don't mind my presence, please continue your feast." Most of the students stared curiously at the strange-coloured-haired stranger, but some others like Harry and his friends gaped in recognition. Snape glared at her.
Dumbledore smiled. "Ah, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher has arrived."
The woman held up her nose proudly and flashed a bright smile towards the Gryffindor table, she specially winked at Harry.
At the Slytherin table, Draco massaged his throbbing temple. Their new DADA teacher was his own cousin, Nymphadora Tonks.
After the opening ceremony finished, Draco brought Slytherin's first years to their Common Room. He absently drawled the rules and useful information towards the new kids, all the while anxiously waiting for the chance to talk to Pansy. Tonks had bugged him all through the feast by sitting beside him at Slytherin Table, and he consequently became very worn out. Yet he didn't want to postpone his plan. When he had sent the first years to bed, he quickly approached Pansy but two towering bulks obstructed him.
Looking up haughtily to Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, Draco drawled, "Move out my way."
Goyle grunted, "Outside. Now."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Why should I play with you?"
This time Crabbe answered, "This is a private business between us, Malfoy. You wouldn't want others to know."
Draco was irritated because Crabbe and Goyle seemed to become smarter after they stopped flanking him. They now attended Pansy, the reigning Slytherin Queen. However after five years following Draco, Crabbe and Goyle still kept a bit of respect and fear towards the ex-Prince of Slytherin.
Draco sighed. "Fine. Make it quick though. I don't have all night." He walked out the Common Room, Crabbe and Goyle close behind him.
Once they stood on a secluded dungeon's hallway, Draco turned to face the two bigger boys, prompting them to speak.
"We know about your engagement to Pansy," Goyle started. Crabbe continued for him, "Yeah. We want you to back off, Malfoy. You don't deserve Pansy." Goyle spoke again, his stance menacing, "You know we still respect you, but we won't hesitate to beat you up if you keep persisting in having her."
Draco stared at them in disbelief and felt more than a little affronted. "Bloody hell. I know you two are always jealous of me, but please for once think before you act. If you hadn't got in my way a minute ago, by now I would have been sitting in front of Pansy, asking her to help me cancel this engagement."
Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other. Crabbe turned back to Draco and asked, "So you don't want to marry Pansy?"
"Never even in my wildest dream. I was forced to."
Crabbe and Goyle grinned. Draco rolled his eyes and said exasperatedly, "Next time ask nicely to obtain more information before you threaten someone. You're lucky I'm not in the mood of hexing two idiots. Now will you excuse me? I have an engagement business waiting to be called off." Not waiting for reply, Draco brushed past them and walked away.
He heard a voice called behind him, "Let us help you out with that, Malfoy."
Without looking back, Draco replied, "No need to be helpful, Vince. It isn't very becoming of you. Just take care of Pansy for me." 'I can't wait to see who between them will be turned down by Pansy first. Oh, and I also want to see her face when these two goons start courting her.' He smirked evilly.
Head held high, he re-entered the Slytherin Common Room. Some students still watched him with loathe, but mostly they just ignored him. He located Pansy sitting alone on a comfy couch near the corner, reading. She was really a sight to behold. No wonder Crabbe and Goyle fell head over heels with her. Draco stopped in front of Pansy, letting his shadow fall on the book she was reading. Pansy ignored him until Draco spoke.
"Parkinson, we need to talk."
Pansy looked up and closed the book she had been reading, "What do you want, Malfoy?"
Like most other Slytherin, Pansy had lost her respect for Draco since the Granger Incident. However she didn't object the arranged marriage with him, for the fact that the Malfoy's fortune was unsurpassed in Britain and Draco himself was quite a looker. She knew she could hardly find a better choice for her future husband.
Draco sat down across her and opened the conversation right away, "This is about our engagement. I'm sure you share my opinion about this matter. There's no way we get to be married. We don't like each other."
Pansy sniffed delicately, "Well, I am not a disobedient child to my parents." She clearly referred to Draco's betrayal but he wasn't disturbed. "I accept our engagement because that's what my mother and father wish."
"I don't care what your parents' wish is. This is a total mistake, I can't let it ruin my life. I will do everything to cancel this engagement; you'd better help me with this."
"You make it sound as if you were a victim of some unfair business. I'm the only victim here, I tell you. You're supposed to be grateful that my family accepted your father's offer. Otherwise, who else would like to be engaged to you?"
"I can get any girl I want thank you very much, and I definitely don't want you."
"That was my line, Malfoy. I can get any man I want. But you, after your shameful show of disloyalty towards our kind, are nothing but traitor, a disgrace. You should've been disowned, or better yet, killed! I know that your mother begged on her knees in front of Death Eaters so you'd be spared. Besides, if it hadn't been for your father's adamant coaxing and promises, my parents would've never agreed to take you into our family. Don't be so self-confident, you're not what you used to be. The name Malfoy has influence no more for pure-bloods and Slytherin."
Draco bristled. This woman had no respect whatsoever for him. She even dared disparage his mother and father. That was even more unforgivable. If before this he thought the only reason he didn't want to marry Pansy was because of Hermione, now he realized that there was no reason at all for him to accept their engagement. No matter how pretty she might be, he couldn't stand a relationship with someone who looked down on him. His reply was laced with venom and conveyed through gritted teeth.
"Watch your mouth, Parkinson. You know very well that you and your family mean nothing for Malfoys. My mother did what she did for a sole reason of love for her child. I doubt that yours could do the same if it were you in my shoes. As for my father, he might be desperate, but he is still the Dark Lord's number one follower. If he heard about your words of him and the Malfoy name, don't think he wouldn't curse your family into ashes."
Draco and Pansy glared daggers to each other. After a minute Pansy averted her eyes and returned to her book, ignoring Draco. But the boy was aware that her hands were shaking lightly. He stood up gracefully and looked at Pansy with contemptuous half-lidded eyes, after successfully showing that Malfoys still had dignity although other people thought otherwise. "I take it you don't want to help me then. Fine. But if I ever, ever hear any foul words from you about my name and family, you're dead. Mark my words. You. Are. Dead. Good night, Pansy."
Pansy didn't answer, and with a final sneer towards her, Draco left Slytherin's common room.
'Stupid Pansy! I can't believe I ever thought she was beautiful, that hag!' he grumbled silently. He was disappointed that he couldn't apply his charm and persuasive touch; instead he had let Pansy humiliate his name and family right in front of his face. 'This engagement must be off no matter what!'
With dark scowl on his face and his hands tightened into fists, Draco walked outside the castle, any exhaustion forgotten. He strolled along the lake, trying to placate himself by plotting thousand ways to extinguish Pansy without trace. Maybe he would settle in giving her love potion to make her fall for Crabbe or Goyle. Then he thought about a potion Severus taught him during last summer, which could transform a person permanently into a toad. Not even a kiss from any virgin or a Prince Charming could make the victim revert back. He had successfully brewed the potion and up till now hadn't decided who was going to be his experimental mouse. The potion had an attractive shade of emerald green, and Draco loved that sparkling colour it showed behind its glass vial. That green colour was a familiar thing for him, like Slytherin's colour. And also
"Just like Potter's eyes." Draco was startled by his own voice. He didn't mean to say it out aloud. Unintentionally his mind drifted to a brief event earlier on the train involving the mentioned black-haired wizard. 'Did he try to kiss my hand on the train back then? Nah, he probably thought he saw some dirt at my finger. Or he just wanted to mock me by pretending to kiss my hand. But Potter isn't like that, and he looked sincere when he damn! Why should I defend him? That git. Always gets everything he wants, always be better than me. But it's not like he always has a happy life. He's faced danger more often than anyone else has What? Now I'm sympathizing with Potter? Gah! I must stop thinking about him! He contaminated my mind! '
Draco shook his head to clear his mind from Potter. Satisfied, he looked up to the clear sky above. Stars were twinkling, adorning the September night sky. Light breeze blew his hair, carrying the smell of autumn and water from the lake. Draco couldn't help but smiled peacefully. Time to put his new magic into action. With a complicated flick of his wand, he produced a glowing orb in the air which popped into dozens of small white bubbles.
Meanwhile, Harry was leisurely walking towards the lake. It was a new habit of him, spending a night stroll outside the castle during the first day of each month. Humming softly, Harry reached the lake. Suddenly he spotted a sight which took his breath away. About fifteen metres from his position, Draco was standing across the lake, his face illuminated by tiny glowing bulbs. He didn't seem to be aware of Harry watching him from the distance. A bluish light was apparent on the tip of his wand.
'Dark Magic,' Harry thought. 'Beautiful Dark Magic.'
Those tiny bulbs of glow danced in the air surrounding Draco, the soft light giving him an ethereal look. Harry realized with a fascinated gasp that those glowing bulbs were fairies. Draco twirled his wand, and then the fairies started joining together forming various shapes: butterfly, flower, candles, snake, and a woman.
Purely on impulse Harry stepped forwards to approach Draco. So absorbed in watching that mesmerizing view, he didn't see where he was going. Somebody snatched his arm and pulled him back.
"Watch it, Harry. You were going straight to the lake." Hermione turned to look at Draco and the fairies. "That is unbelievable. Is that the new Dark Art he'd learnt over summer? Amazing..."
Harry had told Ron and her about his feeling for Draco, although he still hid the fact that the Dragon was in love with Hermione instead.
Harry sighed dreamily, "Isn't he the most beautiful being on Earth?"
Hermione smiled. "There's no need to tell me that. You should say it directly to him."
"I told him once that he was cute," Harry pouted. "He laughed at me."
They turned again towards Draco at the other side of the lake, and saw that the Slytherin boy was looking at them with indescribable expression. Harry and Hermione smiled and waved at him, but Draco just smiled sadly. Harry and Hermione stood close to each other, so Draco seemed to look at both of them. Nevertheless, Harry was sure that Draco only looked at Hermione.
Draco waved his wand upwards, and the fairies gradually disappeared in waning lights. He crossed the lake, walking calmly on the water surface amidst the floating lights of his remaining fairies. Harry caught his breath, captivated not by Draco's magic but by his beauty.
"Wow, is that our little Draco walking on the water? Since when does he become so bloody powerful?" Ron's voice was heard from behind Harry. He and Hermione turned around and saw Ron with Dean, Seamus, and Neville. All of them wore the same amazed looks towards Draco. Draco scowled at the remark, but didn't say anything. Hermione would come to his defence.
His prediction was right. "Ron, if you hadn't been so occupied with the food in Room of Requirement when we were practising, you would have known when precisely Draco mastered that magic."
Ron blushed, but grinned none the less.
Seamus spoke up, "We came to accompany your stroll, Mr Head Boy. Didn't know you'd be here as well, Hermione."
"Actually I saw Draco walking alone here from my room, so I decided to come see him." Draco almost smiled at this. If only Potter and the others hadn't come along
The five boys and the girl walked along the lake for almost half an hour. They returned back to the spot where they first met that night.
"Let's go back inside. It's almost curfew," Hermione advised. The boys nodded. It was getting cold out there.
Seamus, Dean, and Neville walked first, followed by Ron and Hermione who were arguing over the past summer's event. Harry was left with Draco. They walked slowly side by side, and soon they were left quite apart from the others. Draco was looking intently at the back of Hermione and Ron, and Harry didn't miss his look of jealousy. He felt a pang at his heart.
Harry suddenly stated aloud, "Ron and Hermione look so great together."
Draco maintained a blank face, but his voice was bitter. "Oh, really?"
"Yes, really. Don't you see the chemistry between the two of them? I mean, it's like sparks are everywhere whenever they are close to each other."
"Who cares? But personally I think Hermione is too good for Weasel."
"Oh? But Hermione doesn't think so," Harry countered. Draco growled, "What do you know, Potter? They're always bickering. I can't picture them going out in the near future."
"I know a lot of things, Draco. You know it too, but you only see what you want to see."
Draco looked at the boy beside him. The understanding and sympathy he saw in those almond-shaped green eyes unnerved him. Did Potter know about his feeling for Hermione?
Trying to stay cool and unaffected, Draco held up his chin and placed his usual sneer, refusing to reply. He sped up his step so he could walk past Potter. But he nearly toppled down when suddenly Potter called him from behind, "Draco, have I told you that you're the most beautiful being on Earth?"
Draco steeled himself from the urge to turn and lash out at Potter. He did whirl his head to look at the smiling boy a little behind him and fixed the iciest glare he could muster. Without any words he swivelled and must force himself not to run back to the castle.
Harry watched his love walk away as he himself stood unmoving. 'What will he think of me now?' Harry turned to look at the spot across the lake, where Draco had demonstrated his impressive magic earlier. He could still sense the magical residue left over there, and saw some tiny glows soaring up to the night sky.
The next day found Harry alone in the Room of Requirement, preparing the first DA meeting for this year. This year they carried out DA meeting on daily basis, considering the present situation. Tonks had said that she would assist Harry and the others. The DA had been acknowledged as an official club and functioned as advanced class for Defence Against the Dark Arts. But they selected carefully the people who wanted to join DA, only those who seriously wanted to learn would be accepted, regardless of their connection with the Order of the Phoenix or Death Eaters society. Up till now, only two or three Slytherin joined the DA meeting excluding Draco, who had come there a few times only after Hermione persuaded him.
Suddenly Harry felt a familiar thrill come up his spine. This was his developed bodily sign whenever Draco was around. He turned his head and saw Draco standing on the doorway. Smiling, he walked towards the blond Slytherin who seemed uncomfortable being there.
"Glad you come, Draco. Get in."
Draco stepped forward and closed the door behind him. He strutted to the centre of the Room of Requirement and observed his surroundings. "Nice touch, Potter. You prepared all of this yourself?"
Harry nodded affirmatively. "Mmh. I spent all night to plan today's activity. Hermione, Ginny, and Ron helped a lot though. Anyway, Draco, what brought you here? Have you considered my request on the train?"
Draco snorted. "Something like that. I don't want you to think I'm a coward, even if that's the truth."
Harry chuckled and stepped closer to place his hand on Draco's shoulder. "Nobody thinks you're a coward, Draco. Not after your heroic stunt summer last year."
The blond shrugged the hand off his shoulder, wondering why it was always uncomfortable for him whenever Potter touched him. Harry looked at his watch.
"There are still fifteen minutes left before the others come. So, how about one-on-one?"
"Huh?"
"I mean a practice duel, you against me."
"Oh. Yeah, well. Why not?"
The two boys wielded their wands and took position.
Harry smiled. "Scared, Malfoy?"
Draco sneered. "You wish." Actually yes, he was. Potter had grown into a powerful wizard who made lesser Death Eaters cower in fear just at his name. He knew about Potter's victory over Snape last summer. But Draco had got stronger too. Building his self-confidence, he faced his opponent and on the count of three, threw the first hex.
"Expelliarmus!"
To his dismay and surprise, an invisible wall appeared in front of Potter and blocked his disarming spell. He didn't even see Potter move his wand or say anything to form that wall. He got even more shocked that the wall actually reflected his spell to backfire upon himself.
Draco was thrown back by the power of his own reflected spell. He had put reasonable strength on his attack before, so when it backfired he received quite a nasty effect. Harry ran towards him, concern evident on his face.
"Draco! Are you okay?" He crouched beside Draco and checked for potential injury. Draco batted his hands away, completely irked and humiliated that he was knocked down just after the first attack, and with his own spell!
"What the hell was that, Potter? You didn't even move an inch to deflect my spell!"
Harry stood up, relieved that Draco was just fine. His spiteful inquiry proved it. "That was my wandless defence magic, it comes up automatically whenever an offensive spell assaults me."
"Great, you asked for a 'one-on-one' with me knowing fully that any attack towards you would be reflected back," Draco said through gritted teeth. Potter was one step ahead in mastering wandless magic.
Harry looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. You've improved greatly yourself so I thought you would be able to handle it. If the attack is quite powerful, it will be able to breach my defensive wall."
"You mean you overestimated me? Next time I won't hesitate to beat you, just wait till I kick your arse!"
Harry just smiled and offered his hand to help Draco stand up. The blond boy hesitated a moment before grasping Harry's hand and stood. However Harry didn't immediately release his hold. Draco raised an eyebrow towards their clasped hands. He drawled, "Your hand is sweating, Potter."
Harry automatically released Draco's hand and checked his palm. Draco bent down to retrieve his wand from the floor. He straightened up and nearly tumbled back as Harry had moved closer to him. There were merely a few inches separating their noses. Harry's eyes were so green and alive within this close distance, and suddenly Draco's cheeks felt hot. He blamed Potter's breath on his face for this.
Refusing to be intimidated, Draco stood on his ground. But actually he couldn't move even if he wanted to. He was suspicious that Potter had released another wandless magic to bind him.
"What do you want?" He meant to make it sound harsh for Potter to invade his personal space, but it came out in a low breathless whisper.
"I" Harry couldn't finish whatever he was going to say because a loud boom broke out from the door. Both Harry and Draco jumped back in surprise.
"Hey guys! Waited long?" Tonks greeted cheerfully. She was followed by the other DA members. Hermione and Ron saw Harry standing near Draco and grinned knowingly.
"Sorry, mate," Ron whispered to Harry. "Didn't mean to disturb your session with Ferret."
Harry smiled and punched Ron's arm playfully. "Yeah. Your timing sucks, guys."
Draco was relieved with the interruption. He didn't want to admit it, but Potter had scared him. He didn't know what Potter wanted to say before, and he decided he didn't want to know.
The meeting started immediately. Draco refused to be partnered with Harry again when they decided to practise Freezing Charm. He settled with Ron instead, but he promised to be Harry's partner next time. When he was muttering Finite Incantatum to release Ron from his frozen state, Draco sensed someone's glare stab his back. He whirled around and was confronted by a pair of murderous brown eyes belonging to Ginny Weasley.
'What does Miss Weasel want to do with me?' Draco scowled at her and turned back to face Ron again. 'Maybe she's angry that I froze her brother.' He smirked. He managed to defeat Ron again and again, which pleased him and his ego greatly. None of the previous things: his instant loss from Harry, Harry's strange attitude, and Ginny's threatening glare, disturbed him any more by the time they finished.
Three weeks passed after the new school year at Hogwarts began. Draco and Harry still met everyday for the DA meeting and always became training partners. True to his words, Draco showed his real power and managed to stand up to Harry. Harry sometimes lost from him, but mainly because he was too distracted by the passion flaring in a pair of molten silver eyes.
During these three weeks, Harry had become aware of Draco's smooth and subtle effort to court Hermione. He gave her a cute necklace with moonstone pendant shaped like an otter, Hermione's Patronus. She wore the necklace every time afterwards. For her birthday, he presented a private concert of House-Elves in her Head Girl's room, and for the highlight he performed a song by himself. His voice was just like an angel's would be. Harry knew this because Hermione had told him and Ron about the show in details. Hermione had giggled in front of him and gushed, "Oh, Harry. He's so charming and romantic. You're such a lucky guy if he can fall for you." Little did she know it meant more than just a mere birthday present. Nevertheless, Ron seriously must learn from Draco how to woo Hermione, or any girl for that matter.
Other than those special gifts, Draco mostly just wanted to spend private times together with Hermione. Luckily for Harry, as the Head Boy and Hermione's counterpart, he could prevent this from happening as many times as possible. He invented various excuses and reasons that he needed Hermione whenever Draco asked her. Draco had looked at him with combination of anger, confusion, and hurt. It pained Harry very much, but he didn't want Draco to get his hopes too high about Hermione. Besides, he was insanely jealous every time Draco spent his time alone with Hermione.
Today Harry was in the library doing research for Advanced Potions homework, when he spotted Draco walking to his direction. Apparently the Slytherin was going to do his Advanced Potions homework too. As usual Harry gave Draco an indulgent smile while Draco just frowned a bit before nodding back to Harry. After some chit-chat Harry asked Draco to finish their homework together. Draco seemed to be reluctant about it before eventually agreeing. But the blond boy was quite astounded with the joy radiated from Harry after he said okay.
They sat together on a secluded corner in the library, facing each other. Harry began to feel that he had made a wrong decision since he could hardly concentrate with Draco being so close to him. Draco looked so serious working on his essay, once in a few minutes he would sweep his platinum fringe from his eyes. For Harry that movement was almost sensual. He couldn't stop glancing at the blond who seemed totally oblivious to that attention.
Actually Draco felt the eyes constantly on him, but he chose to ignore it. First he thought that Potter was just trying to look at his work, but after a while he realized that all the glances were focused on him. Potter also sometimes asked him about the homework or engaged him in light conversation which he responded curtly. Draco wished Potter would stop looking at him as if he were the most beautiful person in the world. He knew he was good looking, but this was getting too weird.
Harry looked up from writing down his essay to see Draco collecting his stuff from the table. Draco looked back a moment and said, "I've finished."
"Can you stay a moment and help me finishing this?" Harry didn't want them to part so soon.
Draco sighed but he stood up and walked round the table to sit beside Harry. Harry was a bit surprised but delighted. Draco looked at Harry's writings while absently chewing his lips, a sight Harry found utterly adorable. He was so captivated with that view and the proximity of Draco beside him that he completely missed Draco's scornful remarks about his work and the following comments about what he ought to write down instead. When two metallic grey orbs suddenly invaded his vision, Harry jerked back a little. Draco's face was so close to him and the Dragon was watching him with confused and annoyed expression.
"Potter, are you listening to me?" he asked irritably. The other boy tilted his head in a dazed manner and only managed to give an intelligent reply, "Huh? Oh, yes. Of course I am. What did you say?"
Draco lifted his nose in indignation. "Gods, Potter. You dared fantasize about your dream girl while I was wasting my time to check your stupid essay! Here I thought you seriously asked me to help!"
Harry blushed. Oh, if only Draco knew how right he was. "I wasn't fantasizing any dream girl," Harry defended himself. That wasn't completely a lie anyway, since no girl was involved in his fantasy.
"Then what were you doing, daydreaming about the giant squid on a grill? You certainly looked hungry."
"Hungry- what? No, I was just uh, tired."
"Tired? Are you tired because you have successfully written down a barely one foot long essay? Or because you're with me?" Draco didn't realize that his voice had raised an octave and Madame Pince shushed him from several feet away. He was too busy mentally slapping his forehead because he inexplicably got extremely agitated with Potter's lack of attention towards him. On the other hand, Harry blushed even more with annoyance. 'How come he doesn't realize that I could only compose a few words for my homework because I was just too distractedly happy being with him?'
Since Harry didn't say a word back, Draco hmph-ed and stood up in a huff. He took his things and started to walk away. Draco turned his head to Harry, "By the way, Potter. What I said earlier were basically three words: your homework sucks! Goodbye!"
A swish of black robe accompanied his departure from the library, leaving a stunned Boy-Who-Lived. Harry sighed dejectedly and started banging his head on the table while repeatedly saying 'Stupid' to himself. Madame Pince glared at his direction.
Harry was still banging his head when a heap of books was placed on the table in front of him. He looked up to the amused eyes of the Head Girl. Harry groaned, "Hermione"
Hermione sat down where Draco was sitting previously opposite Harry. She gave him a big smile and said affectionately, "You're such an idiot, Harry Potter." Obviously she had seen the scene with Draco earlier.
"Please, Herm. You don't have to remind me." Harry pouted. "I can't help it if I become so entranced whenever I'm close to him. Draco is such an insensitive git, he wasn't aware how much he affected me. I don't understand him."
"Harry, truthfully I don't understand either why Draco always seems oblivious to your not-so-subtle 'display of affection'. I also wonder why the whole school hasn't noticed it yet, you're practically drooling all over him. But let's put that aside for now. I tell you again: just say it to him, Harry. Tell him you love him."
Harry blanched before suddenly blushing furiously. "I, I can't"
"Why can't you? It's been three weeks since the school started. You didn't make any progress whatsoever. Clearly you're hopeless in seduction; you turn into a puddle of goo first before you start seducing him."
"Hermione, it's been just three weeks! I can't just suddenly corner him and make a confession. I wouldn't know what to say."
Hermione twirled the otter pendant of her necklace, playing with it. Harry watched her enviously. She suggested, "I can help you with that. I will tell him on your behalf that you have something for him."
"Miss Granger! You will not do such a thing! I am the first one who will tell him about my feelings, not somebody else! How many times I've told you this?"
"Oh, please. If we all must wait for you to say a thing, Draco would probably know nothing till at least age 30." Hermione looked sternly at Harry. "You couldn't hide your feelings from him for ever, Harry. Neither you nor he could benefit from this situation. Promise me you would tell him before this month is over, or I'll tell him myself."
"You cannot rush me for doing that! I want everything to be perfect when I confess my love to him. Please understand, Hermione. And I hope you would help me with this, but not with telling him what is supposed to be my lines. I will tell him myself at the right time."
The Head Girl huffed in exasperation, but she nodded none the less. She knew her friend would carry out his words. Moreover, she appreciated Harry's yearn for perfection in planning his relationship with Draco. This was the one true love for the black-haired boy. Before this he was always drifted back and forth among some girls around him, like Cho, Ginny, and Luna. With Draco, Harry knew he had had the love of his life his irreplaceable, ultimate destination.
Meanwhile
'Stupid Potter! He made me look like a fool, checking for his innumerable mistakes while he didn't even listen to me! Why should I bother anyway? With that essay, Severus will surely butcher him on the next Potions lecture. Serves him right for neglecting me. Neglecting? I mean ignoring. Damn, I think I'm losing my mind.'
Draco halted suddenly and took a deep breath. After he became calmer, he continued his step. As he walked along the hallway, he caught whispers and conversation and giggles from students he passed. They were all talking about Potter. Draco thought that Potter had really become even more popular this year, especially since he was the Head Boy. He also appeared more gorgeous and charismatic, Draco admitted with pained jealousy. Harry Potter was indeed, the Hogwarts Sex God. He was disgusted to see that there were not only girls who threw themselves on Potter's feet, but also a lot of guys. What had happened to Hogwarts? Had this school transformed into the almighty Harry Potter's shrine?
'At least Hermione doesn't seem to be affected with Potter's charm. Ugh, it would be worse than now. Now at least I still have advantage with my many plus points over Ron. But if I must compete with Potter, Merlin help me'
It was not his nature to admit his inferiority against someone else. However, Potter had been a rival for him since eleven. He was still holding resentment towards Potter regarding the refusal of his friendship seven years ago. Even after Potter in return had tried to befriend him after he saved Hermione, he couldn't forget the insult he had experienced that time. If not for Hermione's persuasion and his own high appreciation for the girl, he would never want to accept Potter and Ron. Funny that he accepted Ron much easier than Potter, he didn't even have difficulties in calling the Weasley by his first name, although he still preferred Weasel.
Back to Hermione. For Draco, Hermione was a serious matter, far from his schoolboy infatuation towards Cho. Draco was relieved when he realized she still hadn't been together with Weasley. He had dreaded that the two of them would show up in front of him after summer, holding hands.
When he saved Hermione from the dungeon in Malfoy Manor, he couldn't believe his own nerve. He just knew that this girl must not die, that he wanted to protect her. It was strange considering Granger was a mudblood and a long time enemy. But all bad thoughts and cruelty that had been drilled into his mind vanished in a moment, just looking at the bloodied girl lying helplessly on the dungeon's cold floor.
Of course he had times when he really thought he had made the biggest mistake in his life, but gradually, with Hermione's compassion and warm friendship he began to learn that some of his previous beliefs were actually twisted. He learned that pure-blood wizard was by no means a god, and that he could be truly happy if only he opened his mind and let go of his prejudice. And during this time, love came on the way.
Harry was lounging at the bank of the lake after he left library, already finishing his homework with Hermione's help. Hermione had announced that tomorrow was Draco's birthday. He was just 3 days younger than her. Harry snorted, he had already known that. She fixed him a look, and then stated that they would throw a surprise party for Draco. Apparently she had been musing over this idea ever since the House-Elves concert from Draco on her birthday. Harry was very interested with this, and they had spent an hour planning the party. They would continue this with Ron and the others after their DA meeting.
Right now Harry was just lying on grass, relaxed, thinking about Draco. Life was beautiful like this.
Draco Malfoy. A pure-blood Slytherin snob with one of the most devious brains Harry ever knew. It was a shock for everyone that this boy bet on his own life to save a mudblood. The incident opened the eyes of people around him. Draco had bashed the expectation given to him from both the Light Side and Dark Side. After he recovered from his injury, Hermione had immediately befriended him, forgiving him for all his past deeds although he didn't openly apologize. Harry and Ron followed her example and found that Draco was not the same person as before. He had become quieter, colder, and at the same time friendlier towards people he previously treated as enemy. For the old Draco, if you weren't his friend, then you were either a slave or an enemy. Even the definition of friend was vague, definitely not 'someone you'll sacrifice yourself for'. But that wasn't what he became now. He changed, not radically, but changed none the less. And all his changes didn't escape the observation of Harry Potter.
Harry's sudden change of heart was not so sudden actually. On the summer before his sixth year, Harry was still grieving over Sirius' death when he suddenly received the call informing Hermione had been kidnapped. He was terrified, edgy, and furious, because the Order's members couldn't locate her for days and he couldn't do anything either. The vision of Sirius falling through the veil haunted him, what if he lost another precious soul because of his incompetence.
Then unexpectedly Draco Malfoy apparated near the ground of Hogwarts, carrying unconscious, badly injured Hermione. Harry and Ron were in Hogwarts that moment, and seeing their best friend return alive, albeit in the arms of a Malfoy, was overwhelming. While the others were fussing over Hermione, Harry was the only one who became aware that Draco Malfoy was in no better state than her. In fact, Draco's condition was worse. How he could stay on the ground after apparating himself and Hermione was the question of the day. As Harry approached him, calling: "Malfoy, are you okay?", Draco collapsed. Harry caught him before he bumped the ground, and for the first time he was in physical contact with the other boy without any hatred behind it. It was electrifying. Harry only recalled that moment much later when he was leisurely daydreaming about no particular things. Since that time, he couldn't take Draco out of his mind, but didn't comprehend the length of his attraction towards the blond Slytherin he had befriended together with Hermione and Ron. That time he was also still in relationship with Cho.
Without he even realized it himself, Harry began to notice every little thing about Draco. He knew Draco's daily routine, Draco's favourite foods, Draco's unique style of flying, Draco's elegant way to sweep his fringe from his forehead. He knew that Draco was left-handed, that Draco raised one eyebrow when he felt disbelief or questioning something, and that he chewed his bottom lip in concentration or nervousness. He knew that Draco's amazing grey eyes could change their shade depending of his emotional state.
Harry found that the Slytherin wasn't as bad as he thought before. Being raised as a Malfoy had helped construct his evil character, but after the rescue of Hermione he began to change for the better. Harry knew that Draco was not perfect, some of his traits were his real personality: scheming, snooty, sarcastic, and selfish. No wonder the Sorting Hat didn't take a time to analyze that he belonged to Slytherin. But his arrogance was tolerable, his sarcasm was somehow entertaining if one didn't take it personally, and his selfishness was actually adorable at least in Harry's eyes.
Harry first realized that the thing he had for the Slytherin was far more than mere friendship after a chaotic incident involving Death Eaters' attack in Hogsmeade. Hermione had insisted that Draco came with the three of them, and they were walking on the street when suddenly they heard screams and crashing sounds. During the hectic situation Harry spotted a masked man pointing his wand on Draco's direction, ready to throw Killing Curse. Without thinking Harry swept Draco out of mortal danger and in turn cast Avada Kedavra to the Death Eater. Killing the man instantly, Harry felt no regret whatsoever. Draco was safe. On that exact moment, he knew he would die for Draco. It was a different feeling from one he had previously for his other friends. It was stronger, deeper, more frightening, and more beautiful. He felt as if he could sacrifice the whole world just to keep Draco happy.
Harry broke up with Cho immediately, telling her there was someone else. Cho was quite hurt, but eventually she understood. They were still friends, and realized it was better this way. However, Harry couldn't bring himself to tell Draco what he really felt. He knew Draco was in love with Hermione, on very close inspection it was practically written all over his face. Moreover Draco seemed to be reserved and uncomfortable around Harry, and during his bad mood his insults towards Harry stung. That didn't deter the Gryffindor, though. Loving Draco brought peace and strength to him, and he was not the type who gave up easily.
Flashback from last summer came into his mind.
Harry had just finished reading Draco's letter at Sirius' house. Hermione knocked on his door and seeing the letter at his hand, she smiled brightly. The exclusive parchment was so obviously from a Malfoy. Moreover Harry's radiant countenance betrayed everything. He reached his best day during the stay at Grimmauld Place whenever Draco's letter arrived.
"Hey, Harry. Come downstairs, lunch is ready. Mrs Weasley cooked your favourite."
"I'll be there soon," Harry grinned.
"How's dearest Draco anyway?"
Harry smiled. "Still the high and mighty Slytherin as always. I quote: 'This set of rings was designed specifically for a person born within respectable pure-blood family. It isn't suitable for anyone without high ambition and desire for perfection. So it's in particular not intended for a lowly Gryffindor.' Sweet little dragon, isn't he? You know, I began to think that unless Draco was a Veela and I were his mate, it's hardly possible for him to fall for me."
"Oh, don't be such a pessimist, Harry. You're a great person, a smart, brave, and handsome devil. One day he will certainly realize how good you are for him."
"Exactly there it is. One day, when will this one day come? For months I've been trying to win his heart, but the best he reacted was acting civil towards me. Either he's dense or he doesn't want me that way. I'm praying he simply plays hard-to-get, but that's not what he is. I have this feeling that Draco tends to avoid me because he sees how a great person I am," He rolled his eyes in mockery. "He is jealous of me, bordering on hate."
Harry's voice had become bitter, the good mood forgotten, and he continued: "He's always been like that for years, you know."
"Calm down, Harry. I still would say you should just tell him outright."
"No! He'll reject me for sure! He may even hate me because of that. I told you, I want him to like me first, to at least have a bit positive thoughts about me. Right now he thinks I'm just slightly better than a long time enemy."
He lounged onto his bed while Hermione patted his thigh in soothing manner.
"What am I supposed to do? If I stayed scrawny and stupid he would never take a glimpse at me. Yet when I tried to impress him, his competitive character made him see me only as a rival instead. Doesn't he get bored with this rival thing? Six years, for Merlin's sake! Do you think I have to give in to him someday, Herm? Let him win just to make him happy?"
"No way, Harry. Draco would know, and he doesn't like to be taken lightly. He'll hate you for sure."
"That's what I think too," sighed Harry.
He looked at Hermione and felt a surge of jealousy to this girl Draco adored so much. She didn't know how much Harry wished he were in her spot. Sometimes Harry even had the inescapable thinking: if only Hermione didn't exist But then she looked at him with love and friendship, and Harry bashed any evil thoughts from his mind. Just like now.
"Just don't give up on him soon, Harry. I'm sure he would be very good for you. Even maybe he's the best for you. You two complement each other perfectly."
"I know." Harry grimaced a little, but determination shone in his eyes. "I don't want to give up on him. I never will."
"That's my Harry. Now let's go for lunch."
Back to the present, Harry was reminded of his own words. He should do some drastic measure to acquire Draco's love. Hermione was right. He couldn't hide his feelings for ever. But how to reveal it anyway? He really wasn't a romantic person and he had no nerve to seduce the object of his affection. With present situation, when Draco was barely his friend, he couldn't persist in direct confession without risking some gruesome hexes or becoming a laughing stock. Worse yet, he could lose their current good terms too.
"Oh, where is my famous Gryffindor courage when I need it?" Harry shouted in frustration. Some birds chirped and the squid under the lake squirmed in response.
TBC