Chapter six: Unthinkable truths

Harry felt horrible. Could things go any worse? All he wanted was to try and get Malfoy to be like his old self so that Harry could stop worrying and then wonder why he was worried and then get himself all confused and wrapped up in odd emotions that he shouldn't have for his enemy and make his head hurt. Was that to much to ask?

It would seem so.

In the last two days he had insulted Malfoy's character, though one would wonder why that was a big deal since Malfoy's character is a prat but than again being a prat and a slut are two different things and Harry could understand the other boy's anger, and now, if that weren't enough, Harry has caused the boy to be burned.

The walk to the Infirmary was spent in uncomfortable, stony silence. Actually, Harry was uncomfortable and kept murmuring apologies and stuttering answers. Snape was stony and lectured Harry the whole way, stopping in his lecture every now and then to ask what the boy had been thinking and was he really that stupid and making a slur or two against Harry's father and godfather, and Malfoy, as always, was silent.

The blond just cradled his injured arm and seemed to be more focused on putting one foot in the other than in berating Harry or to enjoy Snape's comments.

Once they reached the Hospital Wing, Harry was sent to get Madame Pomfrey from her office. As soon as she came out, she clucked her tongue in sympathy and set to work on healing the boy.

"Oh you poor, poor boy. Potion burns are the worse." She said as she preformed several spells on the injury. Twenty minutes later she announced she was done.

The injury still looked horrible, it was an angry red and looked very painful but at least the blisters weren't as large and no puss was leaking from them.

"That's the best I can do, dearie. Magical injures cannot be healed all the way by magic. You'll just have to wait and let your body do the work. All I can do is give you something for the pain and make you as comfortable as possible." She said looking sadly at him.

"How long until it heals?" Snape asked, Malfoy said nothing.

"I'd like to keep him for at least the rest of the week and the weekend," Pomfrey said.

"Three days?" Malfoy spoke up, his voice emotionless. "And it's a Hogsmeade weekend."

"I know, but if you don't rest, your body can't heal itself and it might get infected." The mediwitch said, her wrinkled face showing absolute pity.

"Alright," Malfoy said softly looking away from the woman. The room was quite as the other three occupants looked at the blond. Finally, Harry spoke up.

"I'll stay with him," He said. Malfoy's head snapped back to Harry.

"What?" He asked incredulously.

"I'll stay with you," Harry said setting his chin in a definite stance.

"No, you really don't have to-," Malfoy tried to say but Snape interrupted him.

"That's a great idea, Potter, seeing as this is all your fault. You will not leave Mr. Malfoy's side. You will give him whatever he wants and be sure that he has his homework. I will inform your teachers that you will not be at class tomorrow." Snape said with a decisive nod before sweeping out of the room, successful killing any protest Malfoy might've made.

Madame Pomfrey looked between the boys with trepidation. She, of course, had heard of the recent 'changes' in the boy's behaviour but she was still nervous about leaving them alone. Then a Hufflepuff came in with a bloody nose.

"Oh, damn," She muttered. "Mr. Potter, please go and get your and Mr. Malfoy's school things." She said thinking quickly. Harry turned his eyes away from Malfoy; they seemed to have been engaged in a staring contest.

"What?" He asked.

"Go get your things from Professor Snape's classroom. You wouldn't want them to be taken do you?" She asked sending the boy a look that told him if he didn't leave now then she'd levitate him out.

"Alright, I'll be right back." He said the last part to Malfoy who just shrugged indifferently.

Harry rushed out of the Hospital wing and made it to the dungeons in record time. He went into the classroom, ignoring Snape's glare and his friend's questions. Harry quickly gathered up his things and shoved them in his bag, then went over to Malfoy's seat.

Malfoy's things were all laid out neatly. His ingredients were all packed away in his kit, his quill, inkwell and parchment were to the right of the cauldron and his book was still in his bag. Malfoy, of course, being the potions savant that he was, didn't need instructions to brew such a simple potion.

"What are you doing with Draco's stuff? Where is he?" Zabini hissed at him. Harry ignored the boy and turned to leave. Zabini reached out and grabbed the strap of Malfoy's bag, stopping him. Harry whirled around, his green eyes blazing. He didn't want to leave Malfoy alone. Zabini seemed to sense that. "You be good to him. He's had enough pain." He said, handing Harry a piece of parchment that was covered in Malfoy's neat script. Harry was confused but he took the parchment and left.

XxXxX

As soon as Potter left, Malfoy let his mask of cool indifference slip and his fine features contorted in pain. When the boy let out a low hiss of breath, Poppy seemed to awake from her trance.

Malfoy was acting odd to say the least. The boy had nearly threw a fit over a scratch from a hippogriff and yet, when he had the perfect reason to be screaming like a banshee, he didn't so much as bite his lip until Potter left the room. Curious, very curious. The only conclusion Poppy could come to was that for some reason, Draco Malfoy did not want the pity of Harry Potter, nor, it would seem, anyone else for that matter, at least, not any more.

"Sorry, dear," She apologized as she walked over to the boy. She gave him some pain reliever potion. "It'll take a few minutes for it to work, but when it does you'll be a little loopy and drowsy."

Malfoy nodded and took the potion. Poppy then turned from him to assist the Hufflepuff with a quick healing charm. She turned her attention back to Malfoy just as Potter came back in.

"I'm back." He announced.

"Ah, the saviour has cometh. Let's all bow down in praise." Malfoy spat. Poppy was once again glad that she had a sanctity spell over the Hospital Wing so the boys would be unable to fight.

"Shut it, Malfoy. You're really making me regret agreeing to stay with you." Potter snapped.

"Oh, you know you just want to be able to take advantage of me in my weakened state." Malfoy said, humour gleaming in his eyes. Potter didn't seem to catch on.

"You wish. I am not bent and if I were it would definitely not be for you." He said coolly, but Pomfrey could see the amusement in his eyes as well. Maybe Potter isn't as oblivious as he seems.

"Whatever makes you sleep better at night." Malfoy responded.

"Oh, I dunno, I do believe a long night of 'Malfoy-violating' will chase away the bedbugs." Potter replied with a thoughtful look. Malfoy looked at him in shock before he began to laugh.

"I have to admit, Potter, that was a good one." Malfoy said with a smile.

"Yeah, well," Potter said looking embarrassed by the praise. Poppy resisted the urge to coo affectionately at the adorable boy. Potter has always been so uncomfortable about compliments. It would be endearing if she didn't know about his horrid childhood where he was degraded and locked in a cupboard for eleven years.

With one last matronly look at the two, Poppy turned her back on them and went to her office. Maybe the rumours of their new relationship were true.

XxXxX

"Thank-you," Potter said softly once they were alone. Draco's head snapped up.

"W-what did you say?" He couldn't have possibly have heard him right. Could he?

"Um, I said thank-thank-you," He repeated, his cheeks flaming. "You know, for the thing in Potions and all."

"Oh," Draco said.

"Its just-just that if you hadn't done…that than I would've…y'know…died." Potter said shifting uncomfortably.

"And a mandrake root would've succeeded where the Dark Lord has failed so many times." Draco said with a small smile. Potter returned the smile nervously.

"Uh, why-why did you do it?" He questioned.

"What?" Draco asked. His head was feeling fuzzy and his thoughts were sluggish. He felt like he was drunk but not as light-headed.

"I asked why you did that." Potter repeated, more confident.

"Because you're the Boy-Who-lived. The Wizarding World's only chance in the war against the Dark Lord." Draco said as if it were obvious, his brain not registering the words that were coming out of his mouth.

"Uh, yeah but you're father is a Death Eater. He's on Voldemort's side." Potter said incredulously.

"Yes, he is. " Draco mumbled.

"Malfoy, what does that mean?" Potter asked. Draco looked at him and then it hit him what he had been saying. He clamped his mouth shut. "Malfoy, what are you saying? Are you switching sides?" Potter asked hurriedly. The potion seemed to loosen Draco's tongue.

"Of course not, Potter." He said rolling his eyes. "But that doesn't mean I want that psycho to win." The blond said the last bit through a big yawn.

"That-that makes no sense, Malfoy." Potter said dubiously.

"Mmm, I'm just tired, Potter." He said softly as he snuggled into his pillows. "I'm just so tired of trying to be someone I'm not." Potter's head snapped up at that.

"And who's that?" He asked quietly.

"My father," Draco mumbled before he fell asleep.

XxXxX

Harry sat there watching Malfoy sleep for what felt like an eternity, but was probably no more than a few minutes. The blond boy confounded him. At one moment he was stoic and tight-lipped and the next he was telling him that he wanted Harry to win the war.

And what did that mean anyway? If Malfoy was on Voldemort's side than why would he want Harry to win? None of this made any sense to the black-haired teen. With a frustrated sigh, Harry went to tell Madame Pomfrey that Malfoy was asleep and that he was going to speak with their teachers about not being there tomorrow.

"Harry!" He heard someone call behind him. Harry turned around and saw Hermione running toward him.

"Hi, 'Mione, where's Ron?" Harry asked his friend.

"Oh, I lost him outside of Potions class. I have no idea where he went. Are you going to lunch?" She asked. Harry had forgotten all about lunch and his stomach gave a loud rumble at the prospect of food.

"I guess I am." He chuckled, following the girl into the Great Hall. A few minutes later Harry was tucking into a chicken pie when Ron walked in with none other than Blaise Zabini. Harry almost choked on his food.

"Hiya Harry, didn't think you'd be here." Ron said pleasantly as he sat down on Harry's left.

"What? Oh, yea, Malfoy. He's asleep and I was going to talk to our professors but since they are at lunch I thought I'd have a bite." Harry explained. Hermione, who had been talking to Ginny turned toward Harry.

"What's that about Malfoy?" She asked curiously.

"Oh, I volunteered to stay with him while he's in the Hospital Wing, since, it was my fault and all." Harry explained.

"Is he ok? How long is he going to be in there?" The girl asked.

"About three days, and he seems to be doing ok. He hasn't complained and didn't even flinch when Pomfrey cleaned it. I was surprised really. He acted as if he would die when Buckbeak gave him that little scratch." Harry said.

"Well, people change." Hermione said giving Harry a knowing look but it just confused Harry.

"Right, I guess they do," He said feeling awkward under her gaze and instead turned his attention to Ron. "So Ron, did I see you walk in with Blaise Zabini?" Harry questioned the red-head who was inhaling his food.

"Yop," He said threw a piece of his pie.

"Why?" Harry asked. He couldn't think of one reason why the two would be coming in together.

"Just arrived at the same time, I guess," Ron said not looking at Harry. Harry tried to tell if the boy was hiding something but he was too distracted by Ron's bulging cheeks to be able to tell.

"Oh," He said turning away to look at his own food. He suddenly felt guilty for sitting here with his friends and eating while Malfoy was up in the Hospital Wing alone. It had been Harry's fault to begin with. Hermione was looking at Harry thoughtfully.

"Come on," She said. Harry looked up at her.

"Where we going?" He asked.

"We need to talk." She said grabbing his arm. Harry let the girl drag him to his feet.

"Wheryogoin?" Ron asked through his food. Hermione grimaced.

"To the library. Wanna come?" She asked sweetly. Ron went white and quickly shook his head, as she knew he would. "Alright then." She said and the pulled Harry behind her.

Once out in the hall, Hermione turned around, grabbed the front of Harry's robes and pushed him against the wall. Before he could make a sound, she quickly covered his mouth with hers. The kiss went on for a few seconds with no reaction from Harry, before Hermione pulled away.

Harry was looking at him, his eyes were wide and his mouth was open in shock.

"What was that?" He asked, his voice a bit strangled. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"It was a kiss, Harry."

"I knew that." He said angrily. "But, why?"

"To prove a point," she said and let go of him.

"And what point was that?" He asked straightening his robes.

"Let's talk about this somewhere else." Hermione said and lead Harry to the library.

The library was empty since everyone was at lunch so Hermione led Harry to the first table she saw. From the table they had a perfect view of the front door and would know if anyone came in.

"Now, Harry, what is going on with you and Malfoy?" Hermione asked as she sat down.

"I don't know what your talking about. Nothing's going on" Harry said going stiff and defensive. Hermione gave him a look and he sighed heavily. "It's just like I told you before. I just wanted to get a reaction out of him." Harry said. Hermione surveyed him intensely.

"Is that why you really wrote the letter?" She asked. Harry stared at his hands.

"Yeah," He said.

"Are you sure that's the only reason?" She asked him. Harry looked up at her startled.

"Of course, why else?"

"Harry, did you feel anything? When I kissed you, I mean. Anything at all?" She asked him, instead of answering his question.

"No, of course not. You're my friend and I don't think of you that way." Harry cried.

"Are you sure it's because I'm you're friend and not because I'm a girl?" She asked.

"What-what are you trying to say?" Harry asked suspiciously.

"Well, it's just that you haven't exactly been…interested in a lot of girls." Hermione said blushing with embarrassment. "And…I was just thinking…I mean…" She left off and her cheeks were flaming. Harry stared at her and then his mouth dropped open in shock.

"You think I'm…that I'm…bent?!" He asked incredulously. Hermione nodded sheepishly. "Hermione! How can you think that? What about-about Cho last year? I really had it bad for her." He exclaimed.

"Well, she was always kind of boyish and really, Harry, you went on one date with her and that was the end of it." Hermione said crossly.

"That's because all she did was bloody cry," He said.

"I just think there's more to it than that, is all." She said with a shrug.

"But there isn't more to it. I like girls. I like there soft skin and shiny hair and the way their body moves when they walk." Harry said. Hermione looked at him.

"Harry, describe you dream girl." She requested. Harry looked at her suspiciously but did as she asked.

"Well, she has to like Quidditch," Harry started out slowly and then began to warm up to his topic. "And be smart, too. She has to be passionate and mysterious. Always keep me on my toes, you know. Be challenging and keep things interesting." Harry said. "I want her to be tall. Not taller than me but about the same height or close to it .She should be slim, not stick-like but not fat either, I want to be able to put my arms around her. I want her to be toned not all squishy, y'know. She has to really care for her looks and her body, maybe work out or something. If a girl cares what she looks like that means she has high self-esteem. I don't want to have to tell her she's pretty all the time."

"What about looks? Hair and eye colour…" Hermione asked. Harry frowned.

"I don't really care what she looks like. Black hair, maybe? Cho had black hair." Harry paused and thought for a moment. "No, not black…blond. Yeah, blond would be good. Eye colour…I want her to have eyes that really stand out. They have to be unique and expressive. Eyes that set her apart. Like Remus's amber eyes do for him and my mother's and my green." Harry stopped and looked at Hermione who was grinning at him. "What?" He asked immediately self conscience.

"You just described Malfoy to a 't'." She said still grinning.

"What? N-no I didn't." Harry sputtered.

"Yes, you did." She said nodding.

"How did you get Malfoy out of that? I was talking about a girl." Harry said.

"Well, let's see," Hermione said and began to tally with her fingers. "Number one has to like Quidditch. Malfoy is the Slytherin seeker and from what I hear, loves Quidditch just as much as you and is sensational. "

"Right" Harry snorted. "He couldn't even get on the team himself." Hermione glared at him.

"Do you think Lucius Malfoy is a stupid man? There is no way he would spend all that money on new brooms for the team if he didn't think they had a chance. Lucius wouldn't make a bad investment. He knew Draco would train hard and he does. The only seeker better than him is you." She said. Harry didn't say anything but thought about that.

Guess that would explain why Slytherin is always playing Gryffindor in the house cup Harry thought. Hermione continued.

"Number two, has to be smart. Malfoy's marks are really good. He is right behind me in all subjects and beats me in Potions."

"That's because Snape favours him." Harry argued.

"No it isn't. I wish it was, believe me. I'd like to think he's a spoiled prat as much as you but he is very intelligent." Hermione assured him. "Number three, has to be passionate. Isn't that what you were just saying earlier? That you miss Malfoy's 'reactions'? Malfoy has always been fiery and passionate. He doesn't back down and always turns up the heat on things. "

"True," Harry mutter reluctantly.

"Number four, has to be mysterious and keep you on your toes. What do you really know about Malfoy? Not much. He's as big of a mystery as you're likely to get. And he has always kept you on your toes. You never know where he's going to be or what he's going to say."

Harry had no response.

"Number five, be a challenge and interesting. Malfoy and you have been competing against one another since day one. What more of a challenge can you get? And even I have to admit that Malfoy is interesting. The way he's been raised and the life he's lead thus far is very intriguing. There's no telling what he knows."

"Yes, think of all the spells he knows to disembowel a person." Harry muttered. Hermione ignored him.

"Number six, height, body, and self-esteem. Malfoy is same height as you if not maybe an inch shorter. From what I hear he is a total fitness guru. He's always training for Quidditch and works out daily. He's slim and trim and I don't believe there's an ounce of fat on that body. He's good-looking and he knows it."

"Yeah and he's a right bastard about it to. He thinks he's God's gift to the world or something." Harry exclaimed.

"True, he can be a bit…insufferable. But it's not without merit. He looks good and works hard to look that way." Hermione replied.

"Number seven, should be blonde with a unique eye colour. Well obviously he's blond so that's that. As for the eye colour, grey is a very unique colour all on its own. Many times in Greek Mythology they have their gods and goddesses with that eye colour because it's so rare. Not only that, but Malfoy's eyes are truly something to see. Sometimes they can be charcoal grey when he's upset, stone grey when he's being cold and molten silver when he's angry. It's quite amazing." Hermione gushed. Harry looked at her oddly. "Sorry," She muttered sheepishly.

"So what's all this suppose mean anyway?" Harry asked her. "And why do you care?"

"Harry, it means that you're dream girl could very well be Malfoy." Hermione said as if it was obvious. "And I care because you're my friend and you're not happy right now."

"But Hermione, I already told you. I'm not queer. I like girls. And besides, why would I like Malfoy of all people?" Harry said exasperated. "And I am perfectly happy."

Hermione sighed in frustration.

"I give up," She announced throwing her hands up in the air.

"Good," Harry said.

"But I do have one more question for you."

"Alright," Harry said warily.

"Why are you so depressed right now?" Harry was a bit taken back by her question. He opened and closed his mouth. He wanted to tell her that he was not depressed but he couldn't.

"I'm afraid Malfoy is angry with me. And I feel horrible. In the last two days I've called him a slut and now I've burnt him. What's next?" Harry sighed.

"Harry, I know this all seems…odd to you. I know you probably didn't even realize that you liked Malfoy-"

"I do not like Malfoy!" Harry yelled.

"Alright, alright, but still, I just want to say that whatever you decided…I'm here for you. I trust your judgment. I know I've been a bit paranoid in the past and all but really I just want what's best for you."

"And you think Malfoy is what's best for me?" Harry scoffed.

"Not Malfoy per se. But Harry, you have so much love to give and I'd like to see you give that love to someone who'll return it the way it should, someone who will love you for you and not for your name."

"Malfoy, whether I loved him or not, which I don't, would never love me back," Harry protested.

"Maybe, maybe not but still, if anyone would be able to love you, Harry, rather than the Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Lived, it'd be Malfoy. He's always despised your fame." Hermione reasoned.

"No, he's always despised me. Besides, Malfoy has made it clear that he doesn't believe in love. He believes that 'love is always over in the morning'…what's that mean anyway?" Harry asked looking at his friend.

"Wait, slow down, what's the question?" Hermione asked. Harry took a deep breath.

"Malfoy once wrote in one of his letters that it has been his experience that 'love is always over in the morning'. I guess I just don't understand that."

"Harry, I think you should get to know Malfoy. You know, ask him about that comment and others or something. Open up communication. Isn't that what you wanted all along?" Hermione questioned. Harry looked at his friend. He didn't understand why Hermione was suddenly so on-board with this but something in the back of his head told him to just take it and run with it.

"Maybe," He said and with a sigh he got up. "I should go talk with the Professors so I can get back to the Hospital Wing before Snape accuses me of shirking my duties." Hermione nodded.

"Alright then,"

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

(An: and the plot thickens…..Hermione is female and therefore very perspective. Hence, how she could make all those observations on Malfoy.)