Right, this one took me a while, and it's kinda long but you have to understand that it's been unbearably hot over the past couple of days and my mind's gone like 'beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep' and had stopped working completely.
Reviews! Oh my god! I've been getting them non-stop for the past three days, hell- I even got three while I was in ICT yesterday!
I think this is cause for another gold star –pins garish, flashing gold star on reviewer's old granny jumper- there!
Another chapter you'll all probably hate me for- the ending anyway… don't worry, you'll know what I mean when you've read it.
Deep breathes now!
Chapter 9 - touché
Once more there was darkness, but this time its occupant wasn't alone, and neither was he conscious. The fire burned mercilessly from the corner, the cracking and spitting form the dancing flames seeming more sinister than comforting- to Harry the darkness was just frightening.
His eyes flickered as he regained consciousness for the first time since he had fallen into an uneasy sleep the night before. He'd been too weak to take Draco to the Hospital Wing where he needed to be- it had hurt to walk or even sit and he would have died trying to carry him. He had hated himself for doing nothing- he'd cursed himself a dozen times over and cried helplessly as he stroked back the greasy hair that still fell into Draco's eyes. But his tears had dried and he had curled around the unconscious form to fall into a disturbed sleep, only thankful for the soft beating of Draco's heart through his chest.
His eyes shut dreamily again and he rolled onto his back, yawning deeply from the little sleep he'd got, stretching out his arms and snapping his lips together as he woke. He opened his eyes to see the darkness- and assumed that it was still night, and frowned into the shadow before sitting upright. He looked out to see the grand velvet chair near the angry fire, the darkness branching out like fingers to reach everywhere that the light missed, and he remembered.
His heart leapt up into his throat as he felt the darkness swallow up everything within it, the darkness that he'd seen all of his life and had grown to hate. It reminded him of those times in that closet at the Dursley's as a child, or the Chamber of Secrets. A shudder ran down his spine and he leapt to his feet, turning in circles to try and find Draco to take him to the Hospital Wing. He nearly made a full turn before he spotted him, the bunch of dark robes merging into the darkness, but that beautiful golden hair still shining like the sun.
His heart both leapt and sunk at the same moment as he tore his way over to his side, skidding the last few feet on his knees. He was so happy to see Draco there again; happy that as he pressed his ear to the blonde's chest he could still hear his heartbeat. Happy to see his beautiful chest raising and falling, happy to see that his knee hadn't been resting in the wrong position. He was so happy to be able to run his hand over that smooth skin, no longer creamy but pale. But at the same moment, as he looked to see that sunken face with the shadows lining his closed eyes- he felt despair for his health. He was malnourished, starved even, and his knee was still broken no matter what position it was in.
He loved Draco, loved his hair whether it was dirty or silky, loved his skin whether it was creamy or pale, and he would love those eyes if only they opened. Seeing him hurt- all because of him, it just brought back so many painful memories that he wanted to shut himself away forever. Memories he thought he'd seen through another's eyes, memories he had forgotten with every glance he got of Draco.
He shook his head as he brushed back a bit of Draco's hair gently, barely daring to touch him and hurt him even more. Now was not the time to be feeling sorry for himself- and it was also not the time to feel bad about hurting the blonde, because there was no other way he was going to get him better. He took a deep breath to ready himself, ignoring his heart beating faster and his breaths becoming sharp as half of him screamed that he shouldn't do it. He screwed up his eyes and balled his fist- he had to do it, the only way Draco was going to be getting any help was if he got him there, and that would involve hurting him.
Trying to control his shaking hands, keeping his face hard and emotionless in the fear that he may back out at any moment, he slipped an arm gently under Draco's shoulders and propped him a little off the ground. His body was weak and limp, instead of Draco's head tucking nearly into his chest as it had done the last time, it hung limply over his arm and made him cringe. Gently he picked up his arms and placed them over his chest so that they wouldn't hang by his sides, more to ease himself than Draco, although he wouldn't admit it, and carefully pushed his arm further back so that Draco's head wouldn't loll about as though he were dead. He cringed again, and forced himself to continue.
Now was the hard bit though, now was the bit that was really going to hurt Draco, that he was going to hurt Draco doing. He scowled to himself as his arm hovered near Draco's knees, he tried to convince himself to do it, he had to do it! He took another steadying breath and cleared his face, his emerald eyes hardening with the pain he felt, and his jaw set with the determination he summoned. He slipped his arm beneath Draco's knees, relaxing a little as he didn't hear another crack from his injured leg, and looked down.
Draco's head now lay to its side facing his chest, and his hair covered his eyes again. He smiled gently, he loved that hair, he loved everything. Another shudder crept up his spine and another wave of heat seemed to hit him but he ignored it, and as gently as he could he raised himself to his knees, and then stood up.
And there was the crack. He cringed and looked away as he heard the sickening crunch from his knee as it bent over his arm, and he took two deep breaths before looking back down again. Draco's delicate eyebrows were together a little, frowning even in his condition and it only hurt Harry more. He couldn't help but think that he could feel it- that it was causing him pain and he was unable to express it. No! He scolded himself; don't think about your own feelings! Get Draco out, get him to the Hospital Wing.
But- wait a minute! He suddenly thought, widening his eyes and standing where he was for a few moments. The Hospital Wing, he hadn't been able to take him only hours before because he was too hurt- because he could barely even sit up. And now- now look! He was carrying Draco in his arms, he had yawned as he woke and had sat up without any trouble at all, and he hadn't even noticed.
But how the hell was that possible? He asked himself as he continued on walking and moving his arm a little to make Draco more comfortable. He hadn't taken any potions- cast any spells, hell, he hadn't even picked his wand up from the corridor, Draco had. The room couldn't have done anything as- he jostled with Draco for a moment as he turned the handle on the door- it was just a room! Even if it is the room of requirement it only gives you things, it doesn't do them for you!
Harry blinked a few times as he stepped out into the winding corridor he'd been beaten in the night before. The golden sun was streaming through the window at the far end, and now in the light, the shadows and hiding places from the night were non-existent. The winding of the walls that seemed like the coils of a snake now looked warm and smooth, curving gently and winding like a river. In the light he recognised the hallway, he remembered the times only last year when he had held the DA meetings in fear of being caught, but he didn't have time to look.
The suits of armour glistened as he passed them and the marble floor made little noise beneath his feet. As he passed into another hallway, the sunlight intensified and he squinted as he passed beneath the beams as he moved by the windows lining either side. Had he not been in the position he was in, he would have seen that it was a beautiful day, cold but with sunlight that would warm you. But no amount of light could relieve the ice that had surrounded his heart and the pain that coursed in his mind as he felt the weight in his arms, occasionally hearing a click as Draco's knee moved a little too much.
His mind still whirled with what had happened to him, how he had managed to heal from broken bones to cuts and bruises with nothing, leaving no trace of their existence. It seemed that new gift number three had just shown itself, and he was very grateful. If he hadn't been able to heal they'd still be in that damned room, and Draco would never get the help he needed. Hearing Draco's threats about the teachers the night before he knew that he'd have had a little trouble explaining himself, and in turn it would only get Draco into trouble. He just hoped and prayed that everyone else was in classes; he knew for certain that the blonde wouldn't take kindly to being seen like this.
He couldn't help but look down, Draco's hair sparkled as the beams hit him as they passed, and although he was still gaunt and pale, he seemed healthier than he had in the darkness. Harry's heart leapt in a little relief and he pushed onward, ignoring the straining in his arms as he made his way at the fastest pace he could muster. He had to slow down for the staircases, making sure that the body in his arms didn't move too much, but luck seemed to be on his side and he didn't have to wait for any.
It didn't take long until his muscles were burning in protest and his breathing was becoming harsh, but he only forced himself harder. He wouldn't allow himself to slow down for anything- even when Peeves appeared. He just growled low in his throat, and for the first time he had ever remembered, Peeves flew right back through the wall he'd come from. Nothing was going to get in the way of his Draco; nothing was going to stop him from getting to the hospital wing, whether his own muscles or a hoard of stampeding dragons.
As he moved, the floor changed from marble to wooden, as he wound through disused corridors and right past the classrooms he had lessons in. He felt himself sigh in relief as he heard the chatter from behind the doors, everyone was in class and it would save his Draco the humiliation he'd feel when he woke. However he didn't see any reason for him to be humiliated- he was the bravest person he had ever know, he'd made a seventh year cry and had told his ex-best friend the words he didn't have the heart to say himself. He still missed Ron, he'd probably be forgiving enough to accept his apologies, but the words Draco had spoken, so sincere and so deep, made him just well up inside.
Draco did feel something for him, he'd never done anything to help other people before, and he'd leapt into a fight when he hadn't eaten in a week and won- all for him. How he'd managed it Harry still didn't know, how could a person be so imposing, frightening when they should have been too weak to walk? There were things about Draco he had yet to learn, and he couldn't wait to learn them all. To explore every part of him, to map out everything there was to know- to see. He wanted his kisses returned- and this new hope made him feel that there was a chance that someday they would, he wanted him to open his eyes- hell he wanted a proper conversation.
But as he looked down to see the battered form of that very person in his arms, he knew that he'd never be able to force him against his will. It may take time, it may happen the moment he woke, he didn't know- but he knew that he'd work until he could. Right now though, before any of that could happen, Draco needed healing- and a lot of food. He wanted to be the one to nurse him back to health, but he knew without giving it a second thought that he'd be hopeless, because however much he preformed miracles upon himself he wouldn't have anything less than the best for his Draco.
He turned and slammed his back against the Hospital Wing doors, ignoring the shock that spread over his back as he turned and stepped through to find a rather peeved look on the nurse's face. But the second her eyes found their way to the boy in his arms the expression was dropped immediately, and she ushered him over to a bed where he carefully placed Draco on the sheets- watching as his head fell to the side.
"What happened?" she asked calmly, yet with concern in her voice as she ran her hands over Draco, making Harry growl low in his throat. What would he say? He thought fast, his mind running through all of the possibilities until he decided upon the answer closest to the truth he could come up with.
"He hasn't eaten since he disappeared 8 days ago, and I think his knee's broken but I don't know how it happened," he lied as he continued to stare at the blonde, carefully picking up the arm that hung limply over the side of the bed and placing it in his own hand. A beam of light played across Draco's face, highlighting the shadows beneath his eyes and making his pale skin so bright it was almost hard to look at, but he never stopped looking beautiful.
From high above them, at the height of the ceiling yet higher and lower at the same time, Draco had a view that he never thought he'd have. He was looking down, not just at the matron, not just at Harry, but himself. He could see everything perfectly, but at the same time it was like he could sense something missing. It was the strangest feeling he'd ever had, he wasn't sure if he was dead or if he was dreaming, if that was really him or if it was a memory of some kind.
But he wasn't sad with the prospect of being dead, he wasn't happy with the prospect of being dead, he wasn't angry with the prospect of being dead, in fact he didn't feel anything. He was just- there, plain and simple. There was nothing about him but the views he saw, the memories he was gathering. He saw the hurt and longing in those emerald green eyes, he could sense the confusion on the face of the matron, on the way she stole glances. He could see his hand being held and could imagine the feel but he couldn't actually feel it. But what was most prominent- like a pungent smell wafting through the air, was love.
Love- how did he know it was love? He had no idea, to be honest he had no desire to know how he knew either, but he was certain of it. He was just as sure that it was love, that he was sure his nimbus 2001 was expensive. It was a fact; it came as easily as though you were stating statistics. It was love, and he couldn't deny it. The smell hit him again- it wasn't actually a smell, but it emulated in waves like pollen from a plant or sound waves through the air, but this time it wasn't just coming from the bearer of those emerald eyes- but the figure of himself on the bed. He could almost see the shimmering in the air- and yet he didn't know what to think, he couldn't feel any of it, he was just learning- knowing.
Everything suddenly seemed so damned simple; it was just laid out there in front of him. He didn't have any thoughts on it, any feelings about it, but it was there. The whole room was buzzing with emotions, but for some reason he didn't see the need to look anywhere else. It was just like he was meant to be seeing that, it was just meant to be, meant to happen.
He looked on with blank thoughts and an emotionless view as he saw Madame Pomfrey try to shoo Harry away, but he wouldn't leave- only gripped the hand defensively and gave the matron a cold and clear look. He wasn't going to leave- and whatever she did would make no difference whatsoever.
He got his first real look of the Veela he had actually taken, surprisingly enough. His raven hair shone reddish in the light but it was barely noticeable, and it tumbled to his collarbone with the thickness that it had always held. His nose was smooth and rounded and his jaw was strong, his cheekbones high and eyelashes long and dark concealing the startling eyes within. He had to be as tall as the Weasel, he thought without emotion, taller than average but not as lanky as the redhead. On the contrary, Harry had broad shoulders and a wide chest with long sturdy legs and good sized arms, whereas Ron would have to lose a foot to be in that proportion. Although he knew he should think he looked great, attractive, in his state he still didn't feel anything- just saw.
And finally he saw himself- attractive too, but hideously ill. He was dirty and needed a shower, he probably stank, his face was tinged pink and his neck burnt a little more from the fire, but his lips were deathly pale and chapped, and his eyes seemed so sunken that they merged into shadows. He wasn't thin yet, but he looked wasted. In his normal state he knew that he'd be in a good shape, toned but not big, with nice skin and prominent features. A sharp nose and chin, high cheekbones and golden hair, stormy grey eyes and rosy lips. The two fit- light and dark- ivory and ebony- grey and green- silver and gold, it was just like pieces of a jigsaw.
He'd just had an epiphany… everything made sense.
He continued to watch as the matron finally gave up persisting and handed Harry a vial of red liquid that he eyed suspiciously, glancing at the 'him' on the bed. He felt a small breeze pass over him- a change from hearing and feeling nothing at all, and he knew that whatever liquid it was it would wake him up. Harry argued with the matron for a further few minutes, complaining about the liquid no doubt, asking about what it would do and such. He knew that he would have felt embarrassed yet secure had he been able to feel anything at all, except that breeze that was growing steadily, and continued to watch as the matron began to grow agitated.
And finally he saw Harry gently tip his head back, and he once more could imagine how it felt though he felt nothing at all. One last breeze of not air- not cold nor warm- just a breeze of… something washed over him, and he knew that he'd wake up momentarily. He watched Harry give the matron one last look, before looking down at himself with concern and anticipation, before he cracked open the mouth on the 'him' below and poured the liquid down it.
Draco was roughly pulled back down and began coughing, spluttering with the foul bitter taste of whatever that had been run down his throat, and slowly woke up the rest of his body. His knee seared and burned with intense pain that ran down his nerves even if he didn't move, throbbing like the beating of his heart, and his stomach growled angrily.
"Merlin that stuff tastes foul!" he managed as he subconsciously gripped Harry's hand right back without realising it, and grimaced with the pain that coursed through him as he gritted his teeth and fell back against his pillow. His eyes seared and he could almost imagine the surface cracking and he screwed his eyes up tightly in a vein attempt to calm them as he swallowed the acid creeping back up his neck.
"Well I think he'll live," the nurse muttered dryly as she scuttled to the other side of the room, presumably to gather more potions. He heard a soft growling low in the throat of the person beside him and felt his hair being swept back gently and a warm rush spread through him, merging with the pain that coursed through his body.
"OI!" he shouted indignantly at the nurse who he felt glare at him even without opening his eyes, and he felt the hand clasped around his tense. "My leg feels like its being ripped apart by a ravenous dog!" he complained, and he heard her huff, and in response gritted his teeth as another wave of pain shot through his body, coursing down his backbone and through every nerve in his body. He felt himself arch his back as tears of pain pricked the edges of his eyes and the hand around his squeezed gently and another hand was placed on his forehead.
"Don't worry, she's coming," he heard Harry speak gently into his ear- his warm breath tickling his skin and causing the hair on his neck to stand on end as a shudder ran down his spine and another wave of heat passed him. He grunted in response, and coughed on the acid making its way into his mouth as he jerked every time he let one escape.
Harry was more scared than he'd ever remembered being- every time he'd faced Voldemort wouldn't add up to the worry that he felt as he gripped the hand of the man he loved, coughing and wheezing, his lungs bubbling and his stomach groaning. His heart clenched and he frowned and he tried to comfort him as best he could, all the while sending glares in the direction that the matron had disappeared in. Thankfully the next time she appeared again she had five bottles in her arms, and in that moment he no longer cared which was which.
Rather forcefully he noticed, glaring at her as she did it, she tipped back Draco's head in between coughs and emptied a vial into his mouth. He coughed a little longer, and Harry tightened his grip, his emerald eyes emulating the worry he felt, and slowly he calmed down.
"'Bout bloody time," Draco muttered after the heat had spread through his whole body, engulfing the pain he had felt to be replaced by a warm sensation. His skin tingled again and another shudder went through him and his stomach fluttered as Harry's other hand found its way to his shoulder to rub circles, soothing him. He forced himself to crack open his eyes, and although they didn't hurt any longer, they didn't work very well, everything was a strain to see.
"My eyes," Draco began, bringing a hand in front of his face as he waved it about, causing him to strain. "They don't seem to be working too well," he mused and placed his hand back on his chest as he strained to read the expression on the matron's face.
"What happened to them?" she asked, but before he could answer he'd had another potion shoved down his neck, this time having a different affect. He immediately felt ill, the potions threatening to escape again, and he tried to lean over the bed to throw up- but with more strength than he'd have given her credit for, she pushed him back up and put a hand over his mouth until he'd forced himself to swallow it back down. It tasted like lard, and he knew at once it was a nutritional potion, one of the very things he'd spent his entire life trying to avoid thanks to the weight they made you gain. He hoped with all of his might that he was stick thin because the tiniest bulge when he was released- and he'd sue her for all she was worth!
"Urg!" he cried indignantly and held out his tongue in disgust as he felt his stomach greedily eat away at the potion as it forced its fat self down. He cringed- damn nurse!
"Well? What happened to them?" she demanded as though she hadn't just forced that wretched potion down his neck at all. He gave her the strongest glare he could muster but it was hard as his stomach bubbled and his mind could picture his arteries clogging horribly.
"I sat for eight days in the dark in front of a fire, that's what," he muttered as he brought a hand to his throat and tried to stop himself being ill again as his mouth watered- the first sign that he would. She clicked her tongue at him with irritation before bustling away again, leaving him suddenly aware of the other person.
"How do you feel?" Harry asked him with that lovely, deep voice as another shudder crept up his spine. Slowly he brought his eyes up to meet his- for the first time he truly looked into them, and tried to hide the sudden wave of warmth that rushed through him with that look.
"Ill," he muttered, and he strained to see Harry smile sadly and brush that irritating piece of hair from his eye again. His stomach gave another growl and again he felt a wave of nausea rush through him and he grimaced and shut his eyes as he sunk into the pillow. The shudder that ran through him again did nothing for the potions his body wanted to expel with the gentle touch, and he swallowed to keep it down.
"Mr Malfoy!" he heard from above him and he snapped open his eyes to the noise- and at once felt them both surge with pain.
"Aarg!" he cried as he clamped them both shut again and he felt the grip on his hand tighten again as he listened to Harry scold the nurse for tricking the eye drops on him.
"Damned woman," he muttered as the pain potion he'd taken made its way upward to slowly take effect and soothe the burning, as his eyes healed. He raised his burnt arm up to his face and rubbed them until they felt fine again, before he tried to open them.
Harry turned away from Madame Pomfrey as he watched Draco's eyes flutter open and adjust to the light, and nearly gasped as warmth ran through him. His eyes- they looked so bright from the drops that they glistened in the sunlight, as though he had charmed them, and the mysterious secrets they held only intensified as he once more wanted to lose himself in them. His stomach fluttered uncomfortably as he watched Draco blink as he adjusted- his face no longer scornful but a little shocked, and he felt relief run through him.
But once more Draco felt his head tipped back as another potion was tipped down his neck, and once more he wanted to be sick, but in a different way. It slugged along his body, he felt it slosh through his blood towards his knee, and when it reached there he had the uncomfortable experience of 100 tiny pins pricking at his skin and muscle. He gritted his teeth and glared down his leg as though expecting them to be there, despite knowing that they would not be.
"This last one's a sleeping potion, Mr Malfoy," the nurse informed after a few moments and he looked up to see her holding out a purple flask for him. He raised an eyebrow- thankful that he'd be able to sleep and get away from it all, yet at the same time noticing the sinking of his heart as he gave a side-glance to Harry who was frowning. "Make sure to drink every last drop," she said before turning on her heel and stalking away to another bed.
Hold up- he thought, raising his eyebrow and eyeing her as she walked. Why had she just left- it was almost as though… oh no… he inwardly groaned, the damned nurse was giving them some alone time. But then again, he thought rationally, it's not all that bad- I get to sleep and not think about it at all for a few hours after.
Draco was still holding his hand, Harry thought as his heart soared, he could feel his palm along his, he could run his fingers over his and skirt along his skin and Draco didn't even seem to mind! Another shudder crept up his spine as all worry for him vanished as he watched him carefully inspect the bottle with unfocused eyes, and knew he too was simply concentrating on their touch. But suddenly he felt guilty for no longer being worried- it had been because of him that they were in the hospital wing now anyway. He needed to apologise- Draco may have forgiven him but he needed to relieve the stress that was suddenly tugging at his insides like an animal. He didn't know why Draco was even tolerating him now, but he knew that he loved him, that he'd been the reason Draco fought, that he'd been the reason Draco disappeared.
"I'm sorry Draco," he muttered, and looked down guiltily at his hand as he played with it. He held it in his hand and ran his other over Draco's fingers that were protruding through his own, running his fingers so lightly that Draco shuddered but still didn't draw his eyes away from the vial in his hand.
"About what?" Draco replied simply with his silky purr, laced with the lust he suddenly felt with the light touch on his fingertips. He had a very strong urge to suddenly tug those hands closer, but he had enough self-control not to as he drew his eyes carefully from the bottle. He fixed with those emerald eyes in a blank stare, it was hard, but sincere- it showed that he didn't care, that he'd forgiven him.
Harry really was hot- those green eyes framed by dark lashes asked him so many questions, but he simply quirked his eyebrow in return- refusing to lose to the eyes that unnerved most people. He could tell that Harry was confused- confused as to why he didn't care, but he simply didn't. He should have nothing to feel sorry about; it hadn't been his fault, yet he blamed himself for everything. His stomach did another flip as he watched those eyes, feelings another wave of heat hit him, and made him swallow hard as his stare softened to show the desire he felt creeping up from his toes.
Harry felt his heart going wild as it tried to tear itself out of his chest and toward the blonde that was looking at him with those eyes he could finally lose himself in. But he couldn't help but feel confused- why had he just forgiven him like that? The stormy greys were so sincere that he couldn't help but feel a little awed, and he felt a deep desire to move a little closer into him.
Draco sighed, he couldn't do this- this was too intense and he was far too tired. He wanted to take that potion and get it over and done with, see Harry on familiar ground instead of wounded and numb in the hospital wing. Although his feelings were now set out straight, there were now many questions and he was exhausted. But as he moved his eyes back up and away from the purple liquid he played between his fingers he stopped breathing, and his heart beat and his stomach fluttered.
Harry's breath entwined with the blondes as he leant over the bed, leaning so softly that he barely put weight on the mattress as he simply stared into those grey eyes that now seemed a little surprised. But Draco didn't turn away- those eyes didn't waver as he stared into his own, as the heat hit each other from their secluded spot between the curtains.
"Why did you save me?" he muttered as he let his eyes skirt across Draco's face- a little colour coming back in as the potions began to take effect, his eyes no longer so sunken and drawn. Again he looked beautiful, and as he reached up to brush that piece of hair away, Draco's eyes followed his eyes and he felt him shudder, and he let a small smile curl his lip. This was the moment he had been waiting for, for weeks, the moment his heart had yearned for and his stomach had flipped repeatedly over.
"Because-" Draco whispered, trying to find the right words, as his mind seemed sluggish with the extremely close proximity. His heart was beating faster and his breaths were long and shallow as he felt the other's breath on his skin and the hand that was finding its way around his back as Harry only leant closer. He shuddered again- why did this always happen to him?
"Because-" he tried again, painfully aware that Harry was only leaning closer, their bodies coming closer and closer until his heart beat uncomfortably and he felt his eyes skirt over the brunette as he took in everything. Harry's leg pressed against his own as he moved closer and Draco swallowed hard as he let his eyes jump about almost like a scared rabbit- unlike any of the calm, silky reactions he gave everyone else when in this position. Harry's nose brushed against his as he tipped his head slightly to the side, his eyes never leaving his as he teased, and Draco's stomach fluttered.
Before he knew what he was doing, his own hands were snaking up as they searched around Harry's neck, feeling the other shudder as he had just done, and in the end he tore his eyes away. He was tired and injured- plus the curtains were wide open. He'd have to play the Veela at his own game, make him the one in control of the situation. He could almost feel Harry's heart sink, and he did the only thing he could think to do. He uncorked the vial with his teeth, and gave the Veela the smarmiest smirk he could give before downing the bottle, which fell from his hands as he sank back into the pillows- unconscious.
Harry smirked as his eyes skirted over the sleeping form and he placed a kiss on his forehead.
"Touché," he muttered, just as the nurse returned.
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And – wow! What a change, I'm going to reply to your reviews!
WhiteDragonPriestezz – I agree, I doubt Harry would take kindly to Filch hanging Draco up by his thumbs in detention… although…he could probably make the situation a little interesting…
Felix-the-bandit – yes, lets hope these small spells of writers block stay small so I can keep updating quickish… I'm glad you think I'm worth repeating the word 'genius' too, because I'm very chuffed. Two chapters back to back, wow! You really are a lucky one, aren't you?
Earthwytch – well, I think this has comfort in it, but you'll just have to wait to hear about Ron, won't you… ;)
Katsu Kitsune – mmmm… chocolate! Eh- sorry, what? Oh… yeh, here's the next chapter munch I – swallow hope you like it enough to give me more chocolate! Err… I mean… looks shifty
CrAzYLoOn – ah, dear- silly little dirty person. There is more to life than dirt you know, although I am drawing this out a bit, aren't I! THAT'S COS I'M EVIL! HAHAHA!
dragondaughter – GASP! A medal! Wow! Is it silver? Cos gold is just sooo last season, LOL! Cheers matey!
Makalani Astral – and this one was eeeeeeeeeven longer!
Shakespeares Whore – NO! Don't feel sorry for Ron, I think, and yet I agree with you. That's the whole point of him though, play on the reader's emotions, and toy with you people! Woo! Munches on baked goods you know; you people are going to get me mentally fat!
Leïlia – OMG! I MEAN… GOD OF FANFICS? Dahl, I think you're praising me a little too much there- I don't think I could handle any godly worship, although I wouldn't decline the offer- NO! Right, thanks for the 'I love you!' bit- that made me smile!
Danish Pastry 28 – avid follower? Christ- I really am starting a cult!
firefairy42 – yay! English… No, actually I'm not doing any exams at the moment but a load of my friends are, I'm kinda glad though, you should be too, because then I'd just be revising and I'd have absolutely no time to update!
Alea – ah! More love, I'm being smothered! Choke it's like the fluff… mmm… anyway! I'm glad I get you to scream at your computer- really makes me proud of myself! Woo! Hope you liked this!
kt – yeh, isn't it great to read fanfictions when your in the right mood? Lately, well since I last updated I haven't been in the right mood AT ALL! It's really annoying, I just couldn't get in the right feel for the story, but I really got into this one at the end.
djs – YAY! I'm on an alert list! Woo! I'm glad I have another one to add to my regulars list now- the rest of them were getting boring. JOKE! Lol, nice to know you like it, I'm glad you found it!
vanakuvixen – awww! I was grinning when I got your review, even though it was only short. I really love when people tell me I'm a good writer! Really uplifts me, especially after that stupid Jacqueline Wilson woman is becoming so damned popular when I really don't like her story lines- or her rings for that matter.
Kilikapele - OMG! How did they go? I hope they were alright, and It really means a lot to me when you can read my work to celebrate! Hope the results are good whenever you get them!
CompleteGeek – I'm glad you feel so strongly about Ron, I've been trying to build emotions around him for a while. I'm even more glad that it was your fave chapter- it was really fun to write, and yeh, I did like what Draco said, I think it seemed rather realistic!
Natasha AKA Tash – hope this answered some questions, please don't stop asking them- I don't want you confused or anything.
stargirl2004 – OMG NOT THE FLUFF-NOT-ANGST PATROL! ANYTHING BUT THAT! I WAS ONLY T-T-TRYING TO WRITE! PLEEEEASE DON'T HURT ME! Lol, I hope this was a little fluffy- I was more trying on description though. But as with most stories there are always parts you like over others, and there have been some people that loved it, and some crazy people like yourself that have brawled their eyes out and threatened me! Lol!
Caelistes – yeh, ugly Draco, -shudders- oh well, the potions should help all of that. Anyway- he was only defending poor ikkle Harry's honour!
HecateDeMort – OMG! WE MIGHT REACH A WHOLE COHEARENT SENTENCE BY THE END OF THE MONTH! Actually- lets make that two months…
lovi – yeh, Ron, GRRR! But I'm glad you liked it!
SilverDragonWings – puts hand reassuringly on shoulder- calm down love, I'm sure Ron will get what's coming to him hint, hint… I don't want you breaking your poor little hands and stop yourself from typing, and I'm rather chuffed that I got you searching for the right words.
Triola – ah, I'm sure I'll take you up on that offer at some point to come love! I love your 'screw morality' line, v funny. Okay- I'm glad I can't overdose you because this is pretty long and I've got to admit I struggled with the first half so there's a chance that it won't be too good, but at least I tried eh!
Don't forget to review peeps, even though I don't think this chapter's particularly good, if you comment I may be able to change it if I can bring myself too! Ciao!