Relief Vs Distress

He slowly made his way through the hall and jumped at a scream. Everything started going so much faster as if it was a film being fast-forwarded. Then, he came face to face with a door.

"Saqr ennajd, anjid!" chanted around him in his own voice.

"What do you mean you can't?!"

His heart kept racing itself loudly.

"Mr. Malfoy!" he heard from behind him as the door opened and revealed the occupants.

His eyes shot open, perspiration slicking his body under the sheets. Bloody hell! He caught his breath and looked around, the softness of the pillow having a calming effect on him. As his eyes became heavier, his mind kept echoing analysis concerning his flashback. Why? I don't understand why, was his last thought before his eyes closed once more for the rest of the night.

The hour after breakfast found him sitting in the common room aimlessly.

"Well if it isn't the Draco."

"Must you 'the' everything, lately?"

"Shut up, Malfoy, it's the new blue. I see you're not Hogsmeade-ing along with the other bright little things."

Malfoy's brow rose as Blaise Zabini took a seat next to him on a bent leg, putting his arm on the back support of the leather couch.

"What?"

"Spare me the retarded talk. What is it that you want, Blaise?"

Zabini shook his head once, his eyes looking through the fire.

Malfoy turned to the scroll above the fireplace himself.

Zabini turned to Malfoy's profile, very sharp.

"If you keep staring, Blaise, I'm going to start thinking you fancy me."

Zabini snorted, turning back to the fireplace as Malfoy turned to him then away. "You know, you don't have to be so keen on being ice."

"What the hell are you talking about, Zabini?" Malfoy said then met Zabini's eyes.

Zabini looked up to the scroll above the fireplace. "You like someone."

"What?" Malfoy said, "Don't be ridiculous." Malfoy turned back to the large Slytherin scroll.

"Why would you hide it?"

"You're delusional."

"Unless…" Zabini turned to Malfoy, who returned his gaze. "You don't want anyone to know."

"Very good, Zabini, one point for your fine, misguided logic."

"Thank you, professor!" Zabini exclaimed in mock enthusiasm.

Malfoy rolled his eyes.

"One question, though."

Malfoy raised a brow.

Zabini's eyes darkened in seriousness. "Are you courting the enemy, Draco?"

Malfoy's expression didn't change, but his heart rate did. "What on Earth are you talking about?"

"I was in the library too, Malfoy, just like many students who study."

"What, Zabini, you want another point?" Malfoy sneered.

"Answer the question Malfoy. I saw it all."

Malfoy stood and looked at Zabini. "You're delusional," he said before turning and walking away.

Blaise Zabini remained seated; his arm thrown lazily on the back support next to him as he watched Malfoy walk out then straightened is leg and returned to scrutinizing the scroll. "Am I, now?" He snorted and stood, glaring at the mascot before leaving the common room.

Malfoy's hand shot out and grasped Harry's elbow, swinging him around and close. His eyes captured Harry's. Harry's heart raced and a blush crept to his face.

He hummed and made his way gingerly through the corridor, yes, I do own the place. He chuckled and patted a statue, turning a corner and coming face-to-face with two startled Gryffindors.

"Why Ms. Weasley and Mr. Granger, you sound like you've just seen another life-size serpent."

They glared.

"Ooh. Scary. Sorry," he mocked and walked through them, catching robed figure turning a corner at the end of the corridor. He clicked his tongue and kept moving towards the stairs for the observation deck. Well, well… Boy Wonder seems to be in a hurry today. He shrugged and kept walking.

"We have to know what Mr. Malfoy I hiding from us regarding Potter," Professor McGonagall's voice came.

He halted and peeked down.

"I'll speak to him again tonight," Professor Snape's voice said, ending the conversation.

He watched them part ways before raising an eyebrow. Hmm.

"Hey Blaise, gracing the meeting anytime soon?"

He looked up then continued his ascent. I'll find out, Malfoy.

On the other side of the castle, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Seamus, Dean and Ron waited patiently as Harry got ready to leave.

"What's taking him so long!" Ron exclaimed, pacing.

"Well go check!" Ginny huffed back at him.

Ron stomped up the stone stairs. "Harry if you're not ready before I get there, you're going naked."

"I'm sure many would like that," Harry said, with an unfamiliar grin.

Ron stopped and looked at his friend. "Did you grow taller?"

"Who knows?"

Harry closed the door behind him and walked past Ron downstairs. Ron followed and half pushed Harry down the rest of the stairs. "Move it!" Harry chuckled.

"Finally!" Seamus exclaimed, alerting everyone.

"What took you so long?" Hermione said, standing.

"Somehow I got into clothes that I didn't know I even had so I had to change."

"No comment," Ron said.

"Yeah, Harry, is there something you want to tell us?" Seamus teased as he threw an arm around Harry's shoulder, starting a round of laughter as they left.

Many hours later and in an abandoned classroom, Harry found himself standing very still and very vulnerable.

"Did you have fun today, Harry?"

Harry looked down with a fond smile. "Yes, I did." He looked up. "Dean and Seamus were goofing all over Zonko's. Then, Fred and George came in and there were these-"

"I'm not interested. I just wanted to know if you were happy while your friends lie dead."

He gasped as his heart sped. His eyes widened as slowly every single loss hit him. As a hand choked him, his back hit the wall. "I'm sorry…" he whispered, hot tears streaking their way down his cheeks.

"I love it when you cry, Harry. Your tears will redeem us. Your beautiful eyes…" Harry choked at the sudden tightness around his neck.

"Tell me, Harry: did you have fun today?"

"Yes," he said with the same intensity but a very different emotion – more a wail than content.

He felt a tear being licked off. "Did you enjoy watching Dean and Seamus' fanatics?"

"Yes…"

"Did you enjoy being with Fred and George? With Hermione, Ron and everyone else, being showered with their affections?"

"Yes…"

"And did you deserve it?"

Harry saw him move away, leaving him lightheaded at the rushing return of circulation. "…No," he whispered, slowly sliding down the wall, holding the sides of his head and shaking it.

A creepily satisfied smile looked right back at him. "Sweet Harry, next time just spare yourself and say no…" Harry looked up to the kneeling speaker. He touched Harry's cheek with his palm and Harry leaned into the touch and looked up. "Don't hurt anymore innocent people." Harry nodded. "Ok, Harry?" Harry nodded once more, his stare constant. "Come, Harry." Harry watched him stand and reach out for him. "Let me take care of you."

Harry's mouth opened but no words came. He bit his lips, unable to stop the tears. He cried and reached for the hands.

The door burst open then.

Don't look at me! Harry covered his ears and screamed as a burst of energy shattered his surroundings.