REPOST!
BETA: The wonderful MINDFREAK23!
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Story details can be found on chapter one
Nothing As It Seems
Chapter Two
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Draco
I was walking back to the castle, practically skipping until I got to the front doors – I had a reputation to maintain, I couldn't afford to be seen skipping about like some git from Hufflepuff just because I'm smitten. When I entered the Slytherin common room it was rather full and I looked at the clock – nine thirty, the tryouts took a lot less time than I thought. With everything that happened afterwards, it felt like I've been gone for days.
"Well, well, well, looks like someone got some action tonight, you look thoroughly snogged. Who's the lucky girl this time?" Millicent called gleefully, and I narrowed my eyes and glared at her until her smile faded, I'm just too good at that.
"Shove off, Bulstrode!" I hissed as I made my way to my dorm room. I'm not going to let that kiss be cheapened by that overly grown oaf, and I certainly am not about to share tonight's experience with any of these buffoons.
Once in my room I slumped on my bed and closed my eyes, I wanted to relive every glorious nano-second of that kiss, the way Oliver looked at me right before he plunged in, the feel of his lips, his taste, his smell, his...
"Draco, can I come in?" Pansy almost whispered and when I didn't answer, she tiptoed her way in and sat on the edge of my bed, so I had no choice and reluctantly opened my eyes. She smiled at me and her eyes were sparkling.
"So, who was it?" I shrugged and tried to hide my smile, but she saw it and gasped in shock.
"No way! Don't tell me you snogged Wood!" she called out and I immediately rose to shut her up, her dark eyes glared at me above my hand, huge and alarmed and I sighed. Of course Pansy knew of my "secret crush", we were friends practically from birth and knew everything there was to know about each other.
"You can't be serious," she said once she pulled my hand off her mouth. "Wood? Please tell me you are only doing this to get on his good side so we'll have an ally to win the cup." I didn't answer her. I didn't have to, she already knew this was not the reason and I knew what she was going to say next.
"You can't do this! He's a teacher!" she hissed angrily,
"He's not my teacher!" I protested, "And besides it's not like he's old, like Snape, or something." We both cringed at that, Pansy because she could never imagine Snape as someone who actually has any sort of sex life and me because he was my godfather after all and the person whom I trusted more than anybody else.
"I hope you know what you're doing."
"Look, Pans, it doesn't really matter anyway. He doesn't really want me." I tried not to sound too bitter, although it was hard. That was really the only plausible explanation for him running away like that.
"Well, I'm glad. You should get over this little obsession of yours by now." She said firmly but laid a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"I'm not obsessed," I protested, "I'm a Malfoy, we do not obsess." Pansy bit her lip and tried to nod in agreement, I punched her and she rolled on the bed laughing. I can't believe I managed to finish that sentence with straight face. Malfoys don't obsess… really, who am I trying to fool? You can hardly call father's fixation with the Dark Lord healthy, can you?
Pansy rose from my bed and kissed my forehead.
"I think it's time we find a new bloke for you to fancy. Leave it to me!" she smiled with that glint in her eyes that said she's going to have loads of fun on my expanse.
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The next afternoon was spent in the library. The main reason was of course, not to run into Wood, the secondary was to study. While I managed the first spectacularly, I failed the second quite abysmally, and that was because I didn't see Wood. When did my life become so complicated? I never had any trouble concentrating on my studies before but right now all I could think about was Oliver's lips on mine. I suppose the frequent drainage of blood from my brain to my crotch didn't really help my ability to focus on my Herbology assignment.
It was about seven o'clock in the evening before I saw Wood again. I was walking back from the Astronomy tower after the end of the Astronomy class, when I passed Professor McGonagall's office and Oliver stepped out. I froze and so did he when he saw me. We stood there staring at each other for what felt like a year when Professor McGonagall stepped out of her door and broke the spell,
"Mr. Wood, you forgot your…" And then she saw me. "Mr. Malfoy, is everything alright?" I nodded slowly, trying to get my body to function and move away, but I couldn't leave Oliver.
"Mr. Malfoy, could I possibly have a word with you in my office?" I looked at Wood and saw he was red around the ears and smiling sternly. I nodded again; I would probably go with him to swim in the bloody lake if he asked me. Professor McGonagall handed him a stack of papers and he smiled at her "Thank you, Professor."
He indicated with his head down the corridor and I followed him. I was a little disoriented; I didn't think that seeing him again like that would have such an effect on me. We didn't say a word to each other as we made our way to his office. When we got there he opened the door and we walked inside, I wasn't sure what was about to happen. I knew what I wanted to happen, but it was Oliver's move now. I stood next to the door and looked at him as he made his way to his desk to put down the papers McGonagall handed him. Then he turned and looked at me, and I felt my heart racing at a hundred miles an hour. For a moment we just stood there staring at each other when suddenly he crossed the room and launched himself at me, I was so surprised and happy all that came out of my mouth was a startled "eep" before his lips were on mine and all rational thought fled me. I threw my arms around his neck; I'm not going to let him run away this time.
He shoved me against the door and ran his hands down my body. He placed them under my arse and nudged my thighs upwards, I braced my back against the door and he simply lifted me off the floor without breaking the kiss. I wrapped my legs tight around his waist and he carried me to his desk. He laid me on the surface and himself on top of me; we broke the kiss for much needed air before locking our lips firmly together again. Oliver moved his hand to play with my hair and half of the things on his desk came crashing down on the floor. He hurriedly broke the kiss and we both looked at the mess on the floor, then he looked at me and I smiled and shrugged; I couldn't care less for the mess, not when the promise of Oliver's lips was so close by. He smiled back and lowered his head but before he could reach my eager mouth there was a knock on the door. Oliver sprang to his feet when the voice of Professor Lupin was heard from the other side of the door,
"Is everything alright, Oliver?" Oliver grabbed my arm and unceremoniously shoved me through the other door in the room before he rushed to open the main door and let Professor Lupin in. I couldn't hear what was said in the office and I didn't really care because I just found out I was standing in Oliver's bedroom! I sure got here a lot faster than I thought I would. I looked around curiously, not even sure what I was looking for. The room wasn't big, as Oliver wasn't married. There was a double bed in one corner and a big wardrobe in the other, pretty Spartan if you ask me. There was a door on the other side of the room, probably leading to the washroom.
I leaned against the door and wandered what I should do now, when the door behind me suddenly opened and I lost my balance and ended up in Oliver's arms. He smiled at me and tightened his grip around my waist and I leaned against him, it was the first time I noticed how much taller he was than me.
"That was a close call..." He whispered into my hair, and I could feel his heart still pounding against mine. "You better go." He said without moving. I rested my head on his shoulder and looked at his lovely ear, it was pink again. I already discovered I was developing a little fetish for those ears and I was not about to let this golden opportunity slip me by. I ran my tongue over the outer shell of his ear, from top to earlobe and gently bit the lobe. I felt Oliver's entire body shiver against me, and I smiled in satisfaction. But then he pushed me away from him, "You really have to go now!" he insisted and I pouted at him, just for good measure, but I also knew I better get going.
"When can I see you again?" I asked and he thought for a couple of seconds, his eyes rolling up.
"How about Friday?" he finally said.
"How about tonight?" I whispered in my most seductive voice, at least I think it was my most seductive voice; I never actually got to use it before.
"I can't," He answered simply. "I have the Hufflepuff tryouts, and the Ravenclaws' are tomorrow." I sighed and pouted again. It wasn't fair; I can't wait two whole days to touch him again. "If I didn't know better, I'd say it's a clever plot on your part to try and sabotage the other houses tryouts." He was joking, of course, but I was in a lousy mood and that's always dangerous, as I tend to let my mouth run on me.
"I'm a Slytherin, we always plot." I said dryly and immediately regretted that, the look on his face was beyond hurt and he pulled away from me. Bugger! I should have learned to keep my mouth shut by now, as it always seems to get me into trouble. "Oliver, I'm sorry. It was a joke!" he still looked hurt. Gods, Gryffindors are touchy. Now I was getting really put out, "Do you really think I'm doing this for the bloody Cup? I may be a Slytherin but I will not whore myself!" A small smile was playing at the corners of his mouth and I felt a lot better all of a sudden. "I'm here because I want to be with you." I said quietly, looking deep into his eyes and his smile broadened. He reached forward and scooped me into his arms again and kissed me.
"I want to be with you too," he whispered and I felt like I could fly without a broom again. "But you really have to go now, and so do I…" he said after a short glance on his wristwatch. He released me and before I could pout again he added, "I'll see you on Friday after dinner then." I smiled and nodded.
We parted at the door; Oliver glanced at all directions before placing a chaste kiss on my lips, causing me to giggle.
I didn't feel like going back to my common room, and I certainly didn't want to see any of my housemates so I made my way back to the Astronomy tower where there was an excellent view of the Quidditch pitch.
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Oliver
Who would have thought that two days could feel like a bloody year? I know that I was probably digging myself even deeper with that Friday request but the truth of the matter was that I didn't give a flying fuck what the rest of the school thought. I haven't felt this way towards anyone since Peter. Damn it, up until this moment I managed not to think about Peter at all, at least not since they kicked me out of the team. But no matter how great Draco was, thinking of Peter still hurt, and I was just about fed up with feeling like that. He is the one who didn't want me, he's the one who left and gave up on us, and I'm the one who still suffers even though it's been over a year now.
In order to keep my mind off of Peter I busied myself with stealing glances at Draco during meals (which was pretty much the only time I could see him). He tried to pretend he didn't notice but I know he did because he was very aware of every move he made, and made sure they come out as sexy as possible.
I was hoping I wouldn't burst from frustration before Friday. I didn't really like the re-acquaintance with my right hand. Not when I could have so much more, in only two bloody days.
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Friday, what a magical day… You've just got to love Friday, and I'm certainly going to love this Friday. I could hardly concentrate on anything today. And I could hardly stop that silly smile that threatened to creep up and spread over my face. Luckily I had no classes on Friday; I was so out of it I would have fallen off my broom. To my horror I found I was almost counting the minutes until dinner. When did I become a fourteen year old girl?
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Draco
It had been two very difficult days for me, I hardly ate and I couldn't sleep. Not only because I wanted Friday to come so bad but mostly because I was afraid of what Friday meant. I'm not ready to "go all the way", I know that much. As much as I want Oliver, and believe you me that I want him bad, it's still scary as hell. Snogging around and being almost caught by Lupin has its charm, its excitement. But actually letting him going further, letting him enter me? Even the thought makes me cringe.
I don't want things to progress too fast, but what if he finds out I've never been with anyone? What if I suck at it and he doesn't want me afterwards? I would surely die if he chucks me after we have sex. This whole internal turmoil was taking a toll on me; I noticed this when I nearly blew out my cauldron in Potions. In the end I decided that there was nothing to it, I'd just have to tell Oliver that I'm still not ready to have sex with him. Hopefully this won't scare him off either.
I sat at dinner Friday evening, shoving food around my plate and trying to think what to say to Oliver that would make him still want me. At length I couldn't take it anymore and got up; I glanced at the staff table and saw that Oliver was already gone.
On the way to his rooms I almost turned tail and ran at least twice, so you can imagine my surprise when I suddenly found myself in front of his door. I took a deep breath and raised my hand to knock, and saw it was shaking. This was ridiculous! I wasn't going to my execution I was going to meet my… Oliver. Well, I can't call him my lover or my boyfriend yet, can I?
When he opened the door and saw me there he was smiling, and I felt all my fears vanishing. He is so desirable and sweet, what the hell was I so scared of?
Oliver pulled me in and closed the door, this time he remembered to place a locking charm and a silencing charm. He took me in his arms and kissed me, it felt so different from the kisses we had shared so far, as it was not a hungry, crushing, filthy kiss but a sweet, tender and gentle one. It was like we were trying to communicate through it, and succeeding brilliantly, I thought. When we broke apart Oliver was smiling at me again, a lovely smile that said he wanted me. I felt my heart swelling and it was almost too overwhelming to bear. He ran his hand on my face and down my neck and kissed me again.
His lips were working their way down my neck, finding sensitive spots and sending those pleasurable shivers down my spine again; it was all I could do to keep myself from landing on the floor in pool of steaming goo. I could feel his hands tugging at my shirt and his fingers started to unbutton it, and suddenly things were going a little too fast for me. I pulled back and Oliver looked up in surprise,
"What's wrong, Draco?" he asked me, his voice quiet and gentle and I almost lost myself in his dark eyes.
"I can't do this," I whispered, my voice trembling "I'm not ready." Oliver nodded and pulled back with visible effort, I felt lower than the dungeon floor at that moment. Oliver lifted my chin with his finger and smiled at me.
"It's ok, don't worry. I would never do anything you don't want me to." I nodded and tried to blink back tears, if anything, his kindness made me feel even worse than I did before.
"Can I please stay here tonight?" I asked shyly, I couldn't possibly contemplate the idea of sleeping alone tonight, even if nothing happens I still wanted to hold Oliver in my arms, have him holding me. He seemed engaged in a fierce internal battle and I mentally crossed my fingers for a positive answer.
"Yes, of course. Tell you what, why don't you go get your things while I go round to the kitchens and get us something to eat. I noticed you didn't eat anything during dinner." He gave me a stern look at that and I blushed slightly. It felt good to know he was worried about me, though I didn't really wanted him to be worried at all.
"You're going to raid the kitchens?" I asked, amused and Oliver flashed a wicked smile.
"Well, you can't really be in the same house as Fred and George Weasley for five years without picking up a thing or two." He walked me to the door and we parted again at the corridor with a promise to meet again in twenty minutes. When I turned to leave, Oliver grabbed my arm,
"Draco, in case you come back before I do the password for my door is "Gummy bears". It's a muggle candy, made of colourful gummy stuff- I like it." He added almost apologetically at my questioning glance. I smiled at him and drew closer pointing a finger at his chest,
"You got the candy password idea from Dumbledore, didn't you?"
"Maybe… I've always thought it was a brilliant idea but I never got the chance to actually come up with my own password until now." He said with a huge grin and I couldn't help but kiss him. He pulled back fairly quickly; he was much better at this whole 'remember we're in the middle of the corridor where everyone can see us' thing than I was. We parted, each heading in a different direction.
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Oliver
Well, that was… interesting. And more than a little disappointing, I must admit. I was kinda hoping for something more. But I can't pressure Draco; I don't want to scare him off. It's fairly obvious he's not exactly experienced; if I were any judge I'd say he was a virgin. For some reason I found that thought quite exciting, I mean, you know how they say you never forget your first time? I never had a chance to be someone's first time before. Right now, all I wanted was to give Draco the best first time ever, and if he needs time to get himself ready, then that's the least I can do.
I guess that's why I agreed to him sleeping in my room tonight, I wasn't a martyr and I didn't think of it as some sort of pity solution or anything. If I can't make love to him, then at least I could hold him and snog him and who knows where that might lead.
To be truly honest, I'm actually glad he said what he said, because I was rather hungry. That was why I suggested the kitchens in the first place, I didn't get much dinner either and I figured we both could do with some refreshment.
When I got to the tapestry of the fruits bowl it took me a second to remember which fruit I was suppose to tickle, was it the pear or the banana? I tried them both and then the pear started to twitch and formed itself into a doorknob. I smiled; it felt like being sixteen again, going to raid the kitchens with the twins in spite of Percy's objections. Oh, the good days.
The house-elves were mightily glad to see me, as usual. It was as if I never left, as if it hadn't been four years since I last visited here. They all seemed to remember me calling me "Mr. Oliver" and practically falling over themselves trying to meet my every request. Before long my hands were laden with dishes and plates and boxes and I had to refuse any further offers of food for the lack of room in my hands. The elves seemed almost disappointed at that and I edged my way quickly to the door, hoping they wouldn't burst into tears or something, there is nothing more disturbing than seeing a house-elf cry, the way their unnaturally large eyes fill with tears just makes you want smack yourself – although it usually ends up with them doing the smacking.
It took me a while to get back to my room, as I tried to choose particularly deserted corridors. I didn't feel like answering questions.
When I got back to my rooms I laid all the stuff from the kitchens on my desk and then went over to my bedroom. I had absolutely no desire to eat in my office, it was far too formal and impersonal and besides I was kind of hoping we'd move to the bed after dinner. I looked around my bedroom and realized I had no table, and only one armchair. Well, I suppose it was time to put to practice all the stuff McGonagall and Flitwick ever taught me about Transfiguration and Charms. I set to work humming to myself.
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Draco
I raced to my room, feeling so happy I couldn't believe it was possible. When I reached my bed I tipped my bag over and emptied it of books, parchments, quills and other study things. Then I proceeded to my wardrobe, I looked at my rather vast collection of pyjamas and tried to find one that did not carry the crest of the Malfoy family, which was a good idea at the time but right now seemed quite annoying, not to mention potentially embarrassing. In the end I found a pair of black, plain silk pyjamas and stuffed it in my bag. I went over to the washroom to take my toothbrush, when I hesitated. I didn't want any of my dorm mates to notice I was gone and therefore couldn't really take my toothbrush away, after a moment's thought I simply duplicated both the toothbrush and the hairbrush and stuffed them in my bag as well. Next was the shaving potion, I was pretty sure Oliver had some in his room but I wasn't a hundred per cent sure and I didn't want to go without. I'm not particularly hairy, and if I don't shave for a couple of days most people probably wont even be able to tell, but I actually like that smooth, baby-skin feeling my skin gets after shaving. In the end I duplicated that as well. Just in case.
I stood in front of my wardrobe and wondered what I should wear, right now I was in my school robes but they would not do at all for a romantic evening with Oliver. I needed something that would bring out my best features, but would still be casual enough so I wouldn't look like I'm trying too hard. Unfortunately, most of my clothes fit that description and that made the choice rather hard, and I didn't have much time. In the end I settled for a pair of grey trousers and a light blue sweater, that Pansy kept saying brought out my eyes and made me look good enough to eat (her words not mine).
I checked one last time I had all I needed and headed out of the dorm room. I passed the common room without a hitch, mostly because there wasn't anyone from the seventh year there and I couldn't care less about the lower years.
I made it safely to Oliver's corridor but when I peered round the corner to see if the coast was clear I saw Potter, the Weasel and the Mudblood knocking on the door. I smiled bitterly when I saw Oliver's face when he opened the door- clearly he wasn't expecting them. I cursed under my breath and leaned against the wall, that's just brilliant! What the hell am I suppose to do now?
Before I could think of some solution to the problem I heard the soft voice of professor Snape at my shoulder. It nearly caused me to jump out of my skin.
"Draco, what are you doing here? Are you feeling well?" My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it and I barely managed to give him a weak smile. Unfortunately it seemed to reassure him I was not doing so well as he narrowed his eyes at me, "Right, that does it. You are coming with me to see Madame Pomfrey." He said firmly and before I could protest I found myself being dragged behind him towards the Hospital Wing. I tried to argue on the way there, just for good measure really – I know Snape, once he gets an idea into his head, it's very hard to change his mind. When we got to the Hospital Wing, Madame Pomfrey gave us a stern look,
"What seems to be the problem?" she asked, but before I could say there was absolutely nothing wrong with me Snape cut in.
"He's been pale and disoriented lately, he's not eating and he barely sleeps." He informed the matron and I gaped at him, how the hell does he know I'm not sleeping? Does he creep at night to our dorms to check up on us? The thought made me shudder. Madame Pomfrey scanned me with a critical eye,
"He does seem rather pale," she said and they both looked at me.
"It's the N.E.W.T's." I lied from the top of my head, what else could I possibly say? I'm completely taken with Oliver Wood? Somehow I had a feeling this won't go down well, especially with Snape.
"Well, it looks like a fairly simple case of exhaustion," said Madame Pomfrey, "What the lad needs is a bit of chocolate." She went over to her room and came back holding a bar of chocolate the size of a small elephant. "Eat this." She commanded me; I started nibbling at the chocolate unenthusiastically and they both looked at me. I can't stand when people look at me when I eat and I tried my best to avoid gagging over the chocolate. Eventually Madame Pomfrey turned to Snape,
"Severus, take the boy back to his dorm and make sure he goes straight to bed." She ordered, Snape nodded curtly and signalled me to follow. We walked silently through the corridors back to the Slytherin common room, Snape pacing briskly before me, his robes billowing in his wake while I trailed behind him still nibbling my chocolate and wondering how am I going to get to Oliver. At the entrance to the common room I turned to Snape,
"I will be fine from here," I said and he narrowed his eyes at me, "I promise to go straight to bed." I didn't necessarily mean my own, but I iwill/i get to a bed eventually, count on that. He looked at me a minute longer and I held his gaze; he knew the last thing I needed was to be seen escorted to my room by my head of house like a first year.
Eventually he nodded and I smiled at him, and the corners of his mouth rose ever so slightly, which was his way of smiling I suppose. He waited for me to enter the common room and I had little choice but to go to my bed. I flung myself on it and miserably. I finished the chocolate and licked my fingers clean. I didn't really want to wait until all my roommates were asleep to sneak out, by the time that would happen Oliver would probably give up on me altogether.
"Draco, are you alright?" came the slow drawl of Blaise. I sighed in irritation but called out to him,
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little exhausted." Well, it was the matron's diagnosis after all.
"Then I take it you are not interested in an Arithmancy study group. That new teacher is a nightmare! I'm starting to wish Professor Vector was back." I rolled my eyes impatiently at his ranting but managed a civil tone all the same,
"No, I'm going to sleep. See you in the morning." I pulled the curtains around me to indicate I was going to sleep, and Blaise said,
"Alright then, good night, Draco." I waited until I heard the door close and then sprang from my bed. How the hell am I going to get out of here? I couldn't possibly use the door since it led me through the common room and I already told Blaise I was going to sleep so would be rather incriminating if I showed up in there. My only other option was the window.
The window… yes, of course! I could get out of the window and make my way around the castle to the front doors; apparently there were obvious benefits to living on the ground floor, as oppose to say, living in a bloody tower 100 bloody feet above the ground. Better yet, I could fly to the other side of the castle! I was thoroughly excited by the idea as I grabbed my bag and cloak and produced my broom from under my bed.
I carefully closed the curtains around my bed and went to the window; I climbed it and softly dropped to the ground on the other side. Then I mounted my broom and zoomed my way around the castle, until I reached the front doors, which luckily weren't closed for the night yet. I made my way carefully, avoiding people until I reached Oliver's room. I didn't bother to knock, and I hoped beyond hope that the annoying Potter and his annoying friends were gone by now. I whispered the password and snuck into the room. Oliver was pacing the room anxiously, when he saw he let out a sigh of relief and came over to pull me into a tight hug.
"What the hell took you so long?" he inquired breathlessly. "I was worried." I smiled and kissed him softly,
"I got detained," I said and proceeded to explain exactly what happened.
He hugged me tight and pulled me to the bedroom with him, in the middle of the room was a table laden with food and two chairs. I smiled again and dropped my bag, cloak and broom on the floor.