Disclaimer: Don't sue. I'm not her. All not mine. Well, almost not mine. I am borrowing them, for awhile, anyways.

A/N: THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS EVERYONE! See below for responses!

The Nightmares Resurface

Christmas day came and went without further incident, because Draco and the twins were on an unspoken ceasefire lest they incur the wrath of Molly. "A very good idea, if you ask me. Mrs. Weasley still doesn't think you're involved. Good acting," Harry commented to Draco after all the gifts were opened. Dumbledore had forwarded Draco's gifts from Hogwarts. Draco had even managed an awkward 'Thank You' when he opened a hand knitted green sweater with a silver D on it. Molly had beamed with pride.

"I didn't ask you," was Draco's short reply. Then he looked at Harry's inquisitive face. "I've been acting since I could walk. Remember my family?" Draco said bitterly.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry," Harry looked down at the one unopened present at Draco's feet. "That's from them?"

Draco nodded soberly, picking up the package carefully. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight everyone, Happy Christmas," Draco started up the stairs, unopened package in hand. A round of 'goodnight's and 'happy Christmas's could be heard from the gathering. Hermione could not take her eyes off Draco as he climbed wearily up the stairs.

"Is he okay?" Ginny sat next to Harry, putting her hand on Harry's arm.

Harry felt warm at her touch. "Yeah, a little upset about… a few things," Harry wasn't about to betray his trust, even if it was Ginny. "Maybe you shouldn't sit so close, especially with your entire family watching us," Harry requested. They both glanced up at the other occupants of the living room, every one of which had been watching them intently, but when caught, quickly glanced around and pretended to be doing something else. "Oh, Lord. I'm going to get my arse kicked by your brothers, aren't I?"

Ginny giggled, "Ron would be the problem. But, he's conveniently missing right now. Mum asked me about us the first night we were here. She's got some sixth sense about things with me, you know: Seventh daughter of a seventh daughter and all."

Harry stuttered, "N- but- what did you tell her?"

"That I was interested and you were interested and that we're taking it slow. Which is the reason that my brothers aren't about to hex you into oblivion right now," Ginny grinned. "Besides, they know that if I had to, I could take care of myself."

Harry grinned back, "Bat-bogey hex, right?"

"Among others," said Ginny, laughing at Harry's mock shock.

"I'd better go tell Ron before he finds out another way," Harry said, giving Ginny's hand a squeeze and getting up.

Harry made his way into the kitchen, finding Ron sitting at the kitchen table scribbling away on a piece of parchment. Ron was so intent on the task at hand, he didn't notice Harry come up behind him and begin to read over his shoulder.

Dearest Lavender-

Harry didn't make it any farther than that before he snorted in laughter, causing Ron to quickly grab the parchment and hold it to his chest. "Lavender Brown?" Harry asked in delight.

"What? No." Ron replied, upset that Harry had read that much.

"Don't tell me there's another Lavender in our school? Are you hitting on third years now, Ron?" Harry was enjoying this way too much.

"Okay, okay, fine. It is Lavender Brown, but it's not what you think," Ron responded.

"I think you were writing her a love letter," Harry teased.

"Okaaaaayyyy. Then it is what you think," Ron gave up the pretense. "We've sort of been seeing each other for a couple of months. Are you mad?"

"Mad? Why would I be mad?" Harry asked.

"Well, everyone seems to think that Hermione and I…" Ron waved his hand, palm up, inagitation."But I just don't see her that way. She's like another sister!" Ron explained.

Harry blushed at the reminder of Ginny. Ron took it the wrong way, "See! Even you thought that we would end up… together! I don't want Hermione to know. I don't want her feelings hurt. Don't tell her, okay?"

Harry promised he wouldn't tell Hermione. He also decided that this was not the time to tell Ron about Ginny and himself.

That night, Harry was awoken by a noise unfamiliar to his ears. He glanced sleepily at Ron, who was sound asleep, and drooling on his pillow. One glance at his other roommate showed Harry where the noise was coming from. Draco lay twisted in his sheets, every once and awhile turning sharply to a new position.

Harry watched his new friend, curious as to what was disturbing his sleep. A deeply pained expression graced Draco's normally cool demeanor and controlled countenance. Harry watched, entranced, as Draco twisted in his sheets again and whispered, "No, I won't, father." It wasn't painful. The words were firmly, but calmly stated. But Harry knew what was coming.

Harry grabbed his wand from the bedside table. "Silencio," Harry commanded.

Draco's nightmare worsened almost immediately. He lashed out, throwing his covers from his body, the pained expression resurfacing on his face. His mouth formed a silent scream, and Draco bolted upright in bed, covered in sweat. His chest heaved with deep breaths as he tried to gain control of the panic rising in his body.

Harry looked at Draco, "Are you alright?

Draco's mouth formed the word 'Yes', but nothing came out. Draco's hand flew to his throat, and he looked at Harry questioningly. "Sorry," Harry muttered. "Finite Incantatum." Draco was able to find his voice.

"You silenced me?" Draco asked.

"You were thrashing about your bed. You looked like you were having a nightmare. I wasn't sure what to do, and I didn't want to wake the entire house in case you screamed, which it looks like you did," Harry supplied.

Draco, embarrassed, merely nodded. He didn't want to have to give any kind of explanation. "Thanks," Draco said, lying back down.

Harry didn't say anything in return, but wondered at Draco's calmness. Hermione isn't this calm after one of her nightmares. Hermione. I wonder if she had one too.

Harry would have to wait until morning to find out.

Harry didn't sleep the rest of the night. He walked into the kitchen to find Ginny and Molly sitting quietly, Molly drinking her morning coffee in her dressing gown. She looked at Harry when he entered the kitchen, "My goodness, Harry. You're up early. I suppose I should go get dressed before others begin to come downstairs."

Ginny shot a thankful glance at her mother. She had to talk to Harry. As soon as her mother was out of earshot, Ginny began, "Hermione had another nightmare last night. Did you happen to notice if –"?

"Draco did too," Harry answered, reading her thoughts. "I woke up before it got out of hand, because he was talking in his sleep. I put a silencing charm on him before he screamed."

"Hermione puts hers on every night before bed," Ginny responded. "Do you suppose there's any way to get them to talk about it?"

Harry shook his head, "I don't think Draco wants anyone to know. He thinks it is weak to have-"

Harry stopped abruptly. The sound of footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs. Ginny rose from her chair to make some tea and tried to sound casual, "Tea, Harry?"

"Yes, please," Harry responded, before looking to see who had entered the kitchen.

"How about you, Draco? Want any tea?" Ginny asked.

"No, thanks," Draco mumbled. He sat at the table across from Harry, crossed his arms, and laid his head down on the table.

Ginny exchanged a worried glance with Harry, but Hermione entered the room before anything could be said. Upon seeing Draco, she paused for a moment at the doorway. Then, to Harry and Ginny's astonishment, Hermione patted Draco on the shoulder as she passed. Their surprise was nothing to Draco's. He froze at the comforting touch, and his eyes opened wide. He sat up quickly in his chair, and looked confused. Well, at least he's not sulking anymore, thought Harry. Hermione went on about her business as if nothing unusual happened.

What in the hell was that? Draco thought, shifting his eyes to the other occupants of the room to see if they'd noticed. Harry was watching Ginny, who was bringing tea to the table. It looks like no one noticed. Thank Merlin. Why would Hermione do that?

Chapter 22 Teaser: Two piercing screams shattered the cold night air. Draco looked about the room with dawning comprehension, eyes narrowing at the realization that someone else screamed.

"You," he accusingly whispered. "It's you!"

A/N again: So, there it is. and a bit of a teaser too. I know it's mean. You know you like it. :) Again, thanks to everyone for the reviews. It means loads to me.

Karone Sakura: I know it's not shiney, but I really appreciate your review!

lstkitty: Glad you like my Draco. He's going to get surprised next chapter if you can't tell by the teaser. I loved writing that duel as well. I wrote another duel scene, but it's a bit more serious. It will come later...

Elemental Dragon1: Yay! Hope this one was up to your standard. Thanks for the review!

Lady Lily3: Much thanks! It's so nice of you to say 'lovely'. -smiles-

Festis: Thanks! Hope you like this one too.