See Chapter One for Disclaimer

Hospital Wing

Harry's continued absence from the hospital wing.

It was a week into sixth year, and Harry had yet to even share words with Draco Malfoy. The pointy little bugger never seemed to be within speaking distance. Not that Harry minded. He liked not talking to Malfoy. The silence was just a little…unsettling.

He didn't know if he was at the center of some nefarious plot, of Malfoy actually was minding his own business. Harry decided to find out on his own terms.

After potions on the second Tuesday of classes, Harry followed Malfoy for a little bit. When he was dangerously close to losing his quarry to the maze of dungeon corridors, Harry called out.

"Hey, Malfoy!"

Malfoy stopped and turned around. Crabe and Goyle were not at their usual spots, as they had not even merited letters on their Potions NEWTS, something which Snape pointed out often. The Slytherin looked cornered, but his ever-present visage was there.

"Yes Potter? Is there some reason you are accosting me in a dungeon hallway, far away from the stains of Gryffindor territory?" He crossed his arms over his chest, and placed his feet farther apart. Typical Slytherin, defending himself ten seconds onto a conversation.

"I wanted to talk to you."

"And , it may seem, you are in the process of doing so. Is there a specific topic you wanted to converse about? Doxies? Dragon blood? The size of Snape's—"

"You can stuff that though right back where it came from" Harry was blinking rapidly, trying to rid him self of the picture of Snape's…anything.

"I was going to say 'favorite cauldron'" Malfoy wore a self-satisfied smile, pleased a riling Harry up.

"Anyways. I wanted to enquire about your current silence and what you intend with it" Harry let the phrase out a little too quickly, and Malfoy caught it.

"You practiced that line didn't you?" he laughed. It was slightly less mean than usual. His face changed quickly, and he motioned Harry to follow him, holding up a finger to his lips to indicate quiet. Harry hesitated for a moment before going after his…enemy? That didn't quite sound right. Malfoy went around a sharp corner, and when Harry came to the spot, all he saw was wall.

"Wha—" and a hand pulled him through. They were in a small out cove, with a single candle on the wall, newly lit. It still was not very bright. Malfoy was leaning against the wall, and let go of Harry as an afterthought.

"I had a conversation with Dumbledore." Judging by his facial features and tone of voice, Harry knew exactly what was implied. Even so, he let the moment stretch out. This changed a giant part of his perception, but not unwelcomely.

"Good for you." He sounded genuine and Malfoy faltered a little.

"Yes, well, the good will be all your doing. If you let me down, I will be very disappointed…Harry." He looked straight into the other boy's eyes, an honest look on his face. Harry experienced a moment of wonder before he smiled widely.

"If you were not who you were, I would hug you, Draco" He liked the name Draco, it was a new experience.

"Too good for me? Can't soil your robes with Slytherin filth?"

Harry was about to explain himself, when he caught Draco's tone. He was joking! The nerve…

"No, I just don't want to end up in the hospital wing." He made sure his tone was joking too.

"I don't think you have to worry about that" Draco paused for a moment "I promise to not purposely put you in the hospital wing, if you will too?"

"Of course I will promise not to put myself in hospital wing" he grinned wickedly.

"You know what I mean, you prat."

"Yes, I do" and he stuck his hand out, poised for a handshake. Draco looked at his hand, and shook it vigorously.

"Oh, and you can't tell anyone."

"Why?" Harry retrieved his hand, consciously not rubbing where it now tinged.

"Do I need to answer that?" Draco raised an eyebrow.

"I guess not. Listen, I should get back…" Harry looked towards the entrance.

"Yes, but I should leave first, it will look better."

Before Harry could question that logic, Draco was brushing past him, out of the out cove. Harry could have sworn he felt a hand on his bum.