Quick Note: Oops, looks lik emy eyes weren't good enough for the mistake. Heh. I apologise for the age mix up if anyone has noticed. I originally had Harry at 16 years old, however, to avoid any sort of flames I upped him to seventeen. I thought I had changed all the 'sixteen' parts apparently I did not. I apologise and that will be a reason why there's a lack of Hermione and Harry or Draco being Head Boy and Girl. :) I apologise! Oh, and there are 19 chapters in this story. I couldn't swing for an even 20. It just - didn't want to work that way.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Although Harry's parents had left his bedroom that night, the teen still didn't want to be there, especially alone. He'd been dressed in his pyjamas and walked over to the fireplace and opened up the pot on the mantel. He threw the powder in and waited for it to flash green and then jumped in. "Doggie Playhouse." He couldn't help but smile to himself despite the situation.

He folded out with grace and landed flat on the floor in the two bedroom bungalow that was home to his godfather and best friend. The lights were all out except for the hall light. It was a small cozy little house. There were no upstairs bedrooms. Harry was a bit wary of walking through afraid of what position he would find them in, so he simply tapped upon the threshold like it was a door and waited.

He saw a large shadow form on the wall and then glittery amber eyes flickered in front of him. "Harry? What's wrong?" asked Remus, at once. "It's - midnight!" Harry opened his mouth to speak but words failed him, he could only bow his head and he felt the tears well up in his eyes and they began to fall. "Harry!" Breathed Remus, grabbing the smaller teen and gathering him up in his arms. "Cub?"

"Remus? Ha-" Sirius had come through and he saw that Harry was crying on his mate. "Harry! What's wrong? What happened? Didn't you go to a ball tonight?"

Remus waved Sirius off and told him to go back to bed, he didn't wait for Sirius to move as he led Harry to the overstuffed Gryffindor coloured sofa. "Harry!?" He sat down and Harry curled up in his lap and clung against him like a lifeline.

"It went so well-" Sniffed Harry. "I - it was one of the best nights."

"And you're crying because of that?" asked Remus, perplexed.

Harry coughed and shook his head, his heart thumping and burning while his head began to ache from the pressure of crying, He sniffed, and raised his head, "Roger Davies was there-"

"Oh."

"Dad and him- they - talking and laughing" His stringing of words was hard underneath the frog inside of his throat. But, Remus caught the jist of it.

"Oh no." Remus grimaced; James didn't have any tact at times.

"He confronted me outside-" Through strained tears and stuttering, Harry told him what had happened. "Oooh, Remus, all those people…" He said, laying his cheek against Remus' bare chest. "it had been so great too- dancing with Lucius, forgetting about all the crap that had been going on. I felt like I belonged for once." said Harry, licking his dry lips. "It was nice."

"Oh, Harry." said Remus, brushing the boy's hair back behind his ear and caressing his cheek. "I'm so sorry, Cub, that I couldn't be there."

"It was just another ploy to get attention." said Harry, feeling Remus' arms tighten around him. "That's all it was. He's probably getting paid somewhere for the fame he gets for being in an article with me." He laughed haughtily, "The more my name gets run through the mud the more my price goes up." He rubbed his nose and brought his legs to his chest. "It's pathetic."

Sirius had been leaning in the doorway, watching the interaction between Harry and Remus; it was the first time the animagus realized that Remus was more of a godfather to Harry than he was. Harry never came to Sirius with anything important or heartbreaking. He always went to Remus. Sirius knew it was because of his closeness with James, but it didn't make it any easier to know that his godson had drifted away from him.

"Harry, I'll fix the guest room for you." said Sirius, softly.

Harry raised his head and nodded, "Thanks Siri."

Sirius gave him a slightly sad smile, before turning and heading back through.

Remus smiled and held the boy tightly, "I'll retrieve your school trunk and everything in the morning, alright Cub? What you need now is some sleep." He kissed the boy on the cheek and dried his tears.

"Thanks Remus."

The Golden Griffin's Retribution

By: Rita Skeeter

Exactly one month ago our beloved Saviour received the tragic news of his partner's unfaithful nature, and just last night the Fallen Raven was struck down by our Golden Griffin, whose own words spoke for themselves, see page 2 and 3 for complete conversation between Roger Davies and Harry Potter. The strike down should have been expected, but no one ever expected to see Harry with a new companion, who remains nameless and no photographs have been taken. According to an onlooker who also remains nameless; Harry had been dancing with an upstanding gentleman of high stature and was found smiling and laughing through out the evening. Furthermore…

Harry shook his head with sheer disgust as he sat down next to Remus; he flung the Daily Prophet across the table where it toppled off and onto the chair face down. He took a long drink of his coffee and scowled at it.

Remus' hand pressed against Harry's back and rubbed it in slow circles. Sirius came through and kissed Harry on the cheek.

The teen blinked in confusion, "Siri?"

He smiled, "Good morning, how you feeling?"

Harry nodded, "A bit better. So long as I dun have to look at dad." He mumbled, fixing his eyes on his bacon.

"Well, we're taking you to the train station. Lily has an appointment and James, well, I told him it would be a wise idea to sit this one out." said Sirius sitting opposite, of Harry and snagging a piece of bacon.

Harry looked at his godfather with surprise, "Siri?"

"Yeah?"

"You okay? Usually, you'd be trying everything you could to get me to go back to dads…"

Remus arched an eyebrow, "That's true. You're usually nagging…"

Sirius swallowed his bacon and looked over at Harry, "You need time to yourself Harry. You're mad at your parents. I remember what that's like."

"No, I'm not mad at mum. I'm mad at dad, I feel betrayed and hurt. He does not understand. He tells me to deal with it; when someone's hurting they don't want to hear the words, 'I told you so.' or 'you'll get over it.' " Sirius winced visibly, when Harry said this. "They want something better from those that are supposed to love them."

"Support." said Sirius, swallowing. "Which no one but Remus and Lily has given you." He said more to himself than to Harry.

"Exactly."

Remus leaned in and kissed Harry, 'You better get dressed. Where's his trunk Siri?"

"Oh!" The man came out of his daze, "Uhm - it's in the hall!" he said jabbing his thumb over his shoulder.

Harry nodded and got up, "Thanks."

-

Harry lingered for a moment in Remus and Sirius' bedroom. He was staring into the wardrobe mirror at the green-eyed boy that was staring back at him. He couldn't help but reflect on the events of last night. Not the bad events, but the events before it went to hell. A smile graced his features; it had been a most spectacular night. He never expected it to begin the way it had. Why couldn't it have stayed that way? The dance with Lucius had been remarkable. He had not wanted to leave the man's arms. He felt as if he belonged for one of the first times in his life.

Who was he kidding? Lucius was probably just amusing himself with leading on a wayward teenager with a crush.

Harry sighed and adjusted his trousers, which were kind of baggy against his legs and clung against the base of his hips. One side was white the other side was black; it was a perfect contrast to how he was feeling on that particular morning.

The shirt was a black and clung against his slender frame, it was short sleeved and the cuff of the sleeves and edges of the shirt were white. His hair was down, as it almost always was and a black spider earring dangled in one ear while the other held a white a diamond. He finished the outfit with thick black leather boots that gave him a bit more height than that of 5'6.

There was a tap on the door, Harry glanced over to his godfather standing there with a small smile, "Hey gorgeous, are you about ready?"

"Yeah, I am."

"Harry? I want to apologize..." began Sirius.

Harry arched an eyebrow, "Apologise? What for?"

"For neglecting you and acting like a child. I haven't been giving you the proper support you needed. I'm your godfather and I've been an insensitive arse."

"Don't worry about it Sirius." said Harry, "I don't expect everyone around me-"

"But, you should expect me too. I'm your godfather, and I have hardly shown it."

"You're also dad's best friend. You two are a lot alike."

"Not exactly." said Sirius, softly. "We're alike, yes, in the playful sense but I should know when you're hurting and I should know when to keep my mouth shut." said Sirius softly. "James has never been in another relationship besides Lily, I have. I know what its like to be hurt and I just seemed to forget."

"I'm not hurt by Roger Davies any longer. The bastard can't hurt me now." said Harry firmly. "I was humiliated, and dad betrayed me. He's my father, he's supposed to be on my side not my ex boyfriends."

"James doesn't think things through very often."

"You think?" retorted Harry, dryly, as he shut his trunk and locked it securely.

Sirius walked over to the teen who looked up at him. He took a hold of Harry's shoulders, "Will you accept my apology Harry?"

Harry laughed and hugged him, "Of course Sirius. What's got you acting like this?" asked Harry, pressing his chin against Sirius' shoulder.

He rubbed the boy's back affectionately, "Jealousy maybe?"

Harry blinked and looked up, "Jealousy? What of?"

Sirius chuckled, "I'm kidding-"

"No you're not." said Harry as a matter-of-factly. "What are you jealous of?"

"The fact that I'm not close to you, like I should be."

"We're close, Siri."

"Not really." Sirius expressed, "But, I understand that it's a sacrifice I have to make for my closeness to your father."

"That's why you're my godfather." said Harry leaning up and kissing him on the cheek. "Don't feel bad Siri, really. Don't."

"I'll try not too."

They walked out when Sirius asked, "So, what's going on with you and Malfoy?"

"Nothing." said Harry, trying his hardest not to smile.

"Nothing?" scoffed Sirius. "Oh come on! First they're invited to dinner and then you're invited to his house personally and then - you dance with at the ball. I heard you telling Remus, you had one of the best nights of your life..."

Harry blushed, when Remus came over and collected the trunk. He winked at Harry before taking it to the car. "Nothing is going on. He bound the check for me so that no one could get their greedy hands on it and tax it to death and I owed him a dance..."

Sirius blinked, "Right... would you please entertain me on how you became involved with Lucius Malfoy in the first place?"

Harry laughed, and felt that Sirius deserved to know. It kind of hurt when Sirius was telling him that they weren't close. Maybe they weren't as close as he and Remus were, but maybe he ought to give his godfather the benefit of the doubt.

The man deserved it.

As Harry picked up another cup of coffee, they followed Remus out into the cool September morning. He gave Sirius a short-story account on the night he had been drug to the ball and Lucius caught him intoxicated. He left a few bits out, not wanting to get into all of what had happened. Not even Remus knew everything, like the conversations or anything the like.

Harry was wedged between both Remus and Sirius as they headed out of the drive and toward Kings Cross station. Sirius was now teasing him, about seeing a Slytherin teacher, and all the benefits he could get out of it.

"Oh, Siri, please, he's probably just leading me on because he thinks its funny." murmured Harry, in a glum voice.

"In the public eye?" asked Remus, "I don't think so Harry. If he was teasing you for kicks he would not do it in front of a thousand people."

Harry grumbled; he just didn't want to get his hopes up only to be let down.

"You really, like him?" asked Sirius, in disbelief. "You really, really like the former Slytherin teacher who has made your life hell?" The man shook his head, "I mean the Malfoy's good looking, almost all of them are but that's beside the point."

Harry chuckled and looked down at his hands, "He's a man who knows what he wants. He's a man who doesn't need fame. He's older than me and far more experienced than I would ever be, but he also doesn't need to prove himself to look good."

Sirius arched an eyebrow, "That is true."

Remus smiled lightly and pulled into King's Cross station.

Platform nine and three quarters was bustling with parent's hugging their children goodbye. The scarlet steam engine blew in full force, the smoke poured out of the top. Harry hadn't walked through the platform longer than a moment when his arms became full when a vibrant brunette with a mass of curls.

"Harry!" squealed Hermione, her arms squeezing around his neck. "Oh my god! You look so great, I've missed you!" she held him by the neck and looked him over. "How've you been? I read the bloody papers this morning."

"Ulgh, let's not talk about that." insisted Harry, his arm going around the young girl's waist.

Hermione gave him an understanding smile before she greeted Remus and Sirius. Remus had Harry's trunk and took it over to the train.

It wasn't long after that the Weasley's ran through the platform and Harry was met by a bunch of redheads trying to hug him to death... literally.

Ron laughed and nudged his mother, "You're going to kill him mum."

"Oh, oh, so very sorry, Harry dear, where's your mum?" Mrs. Weasley looked up over Harry's head and only saw Sirius and Remus.

"They're not here; I stayed with Rem and Siri last night." Harry informed them.

"Oh, darn, I was hoping to get together with your mum."

Harry spoke with Mrs. Weasley and greeted Mr. Weasley in the usual fashion. He then hugged Remus and Sirius, and boarded the train just as he saw a pair of familiar Slytherin blonds pop into existence on the platform. Harry couldn't help but look out over Hermione's head to catch a glimpse of Lucius Malfoy, and to his utter surprise, he strolled casually over to Sirius and Remus and shook their hands.

He turned away trying to hide the stupidly happy smile that flashed upon his features. He bit his lip and wanted so much to walk back over, but the nerves got the better of him, and he curled his arm around Hermione, keeping her from looking behind him.

"What are you smiling at?" asked Hermione, looking at him curiously.

"Nothing."

Ron arched an eyebrow, "Mhmm, well you two better get to the prefect compartment."

Harry blinked, "Oops, I forgot! Where's my badge?" He then said, as Hermione whacked him in the arm and gave him a glare for forgetting.

"Is it in your trunk?"

"Er- might be." said Harry, "Where we sitting?"

"Luna's already got our seat." Ron informed. "She's been here since 10:15!"

"Believes in punctuality much, huh?" asked Harry, as he nudged Ron to lead the way down the train to the compartment. Hermione was behind Harry, and she would randomly finger his hair, asking him what he did for the summer.

"Nothing except them damn balls."

Ron winced, "Yeah, we were going to ask you about those-"

"You've hardly written us!" declared Hermione, slamming a door shut on a fifth year Hufflepuff who had been craning her neck to look at Harry eagerly.

They got to the end of the train, and when they opened the compartment door they were graced with their eccentric Ravenclaw friend, Luna LoveGood, Ron's sister Ginny, and Harry's dorm mate Neville Longbottom.

Luna jumped up and ran to Harry's arms, hugging him around the neck and even kissing him on the cheek. Harry laughed and wrapped his arms around her thin waist, "How you doing, Lunatone?" He teased.

She giggled and unwound her arms, "I am doing spiffy, Harry. You wouldn't believe the excursions me and daddy went on this summer!"

Harry laughed and stood up on the seat between Neville and Ginny and sifted through his trunk.

"So, Harry, care to explain the Daily Prophet?" asked Ginny eagerly.

Harry groaned, "Not particularly." He admitted, pushing a few of his books back.

"Oh, come on! Who was it you were dancing with?" asked Ginny.

"Oye! He's going to tell us first." declared Ron. "We're his best friends."

Hermione quirked her lip, "Did you really say that to Roger Davies, Harry?"

Harry glanced at her, "I dunno, what did the papers accuse me of? I only read the first paragraph." He found the badge, which was slightly bent up.

"You told Davies to go back to his diseased whores and leave you alone…" Ron informed. "Did you really say that?" Hermione had a little too much class to recite what was in the papers.

Harry laughed; "I sure did and I meant every damn word of it." said the teen in a biting voice. "All he was trying to do was get more fame out of it all."

Hermione sighed, "I don't know what he was pulling-"

"You know the worst bit?" asked Harry, as he pinned the badge to his chest.

"There's a worst bit?" asked Hermione slowly. "A bit that the reporters didn't catch?"

"Yep, my dad was talking to Roger Davies as if they were the best of friends. He even told Roger that he had high hopes of us getting back together."

"Oh no." whispered Hermione.

Ron winced, "Is your father mad? Even I wouldn't say something so thick, and I'm thick!!!"

"Why do you think, Remus and Sirius took me to King's Cross?" asked Harry. "I couldn't stand it one more moment in that freaking house. I had to get out."

"Oh, Harry!" said Hermione, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm so sorry. We've written you a thousand times." "I know," said Harry, his arm snug around her waist. "I just - I needed some time."

"We understand mate, why do you think we didn't come barging through the Floo? We had a half a mind you know." quipped Ron, "I'll walk you guys to the prefect compartment. Luna?"

"I shall stay here and make sure Neville Longbottom keeps his mouth closed about what Harry has said." she said, with a twinkle in her dark mossy green eyes.

The chubby boy in the corner gulped, and shook his head, "I'm not saying anything!" He held up his hands in defence, afraid she would start kissing him or worse.

"Yet." said Luna, with a bright smile on her usually vacant face.

Ginny sniggered, "Poor Neville…"

With Harry's prefect badge finally bent back to shape, they headed toward the prefect compartment talking in low voices. Harry was used to people randomly poking their heads out and so were his friends, for every time someone tried to stop and talk to him, Ron or Hermione would push them back into the compartment they had come out of.

"I'm sorry I've ignored you guys." said Harry, his hands against Hermione's shoulders. "I've been doing other things to try and get my mind off - everything."

"We still want to know Harry, who he is." hissed Ron, from behind him.

Harry laughed, "I don't know, what to say. I think I ought to keep it under covert for now."

Hermione looked over her shoulder and pouted, "Why?"

"Cause you'd never believe it." That was the last thing he said, before he waved goodbye to Ron.

He left the redhead's curiosity running.

-

"There you are!" scoffed the Hufflepuff Head Boy, Randy Menkas. He had dark brown hair and a thin long face. "We've been waiting for you."

"Sorry, loss of badge." remarked Harry, as Hermione took him by the hand and led him over to the other Gryffindor Prefects.

Harry glanced once to Draco who was following his every move with close inspection. Hermione noticed this, as Harry sank down next to her. The Head Girl, who was a seventh year Slytherin, began to hand out patrol schedules. Her name was Anna Belvoe; she had black curly hair and a kind round looking face. She was the type of girl who looked good with a bit of weight on them. It accented her features. She was not your typical, Slytherin. She was really quite nice and sweet.

She especially liked Hermione; another strange trait for a Slytherin.

Harry half listened to the rundown of rules and regulations to follow by. It was the same every year, the exact same speech. Harry wondered if McGonagall would ever get more creative. Hermione was listening as if it were a brand new lecture.

Harry found his eyes searching the compartment at those that were in his year. Ernie Macmillan and Susan Bones were the Hufflepuff Prefects. The Ravenclaws was Lisa Turpin and Terry Boot and Slytherin of course was Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy. Harry's eyes locked with Draco's grey ones. Harry didn't blame Draco for being so suspicious.

The teen looked away from Draco and then at Hermione, who was leaning into him. When they were all finally dismissed, Harry and Hermione found Ron waiting on them outside. He was leaning against a vacant compartment door.

"Finally." said Ron, shaking his head.

"Potter." Called Draco from behind them. Harry tried not to wince visibly as he turned around to see Draco coming toward him. "Can I talk to you?"

Harry knew exactly what it was about, and before Ron could answer for Harry, he nodded.

"Sure."

"Alone." He looked pointedly to Ron and Hermione. He turned to Pansy whose mouth opened to debate, but he shook his head, "This has nothing to do with you, Pansy. Tell Blaise I'll be in the compartment."

Pansy wanted to protest but the look in Draco's eyes made her think better of it. She huffed and walked off, murmuring under her breath about men.

Harry glanced to Ron and Hermione, "We'll see you Harry." said Hermione kissing his cheek.

"See you mate." He looked warily at Draco before turning with Hermione and heading back down the aisle.

"Wow, you didn't even have to fight them." said Draco, impressed, as he led the way into the empty compartment Ron had been leaning against.

Draco closed it and then added a silencer to the door.

Harry moved to the end and took a seat and crossed his legs, Draco sat opposite of him and they stared at each other for several long uncomfortable moments.

"Father said you danced with him last night."

Harry arched an eyebrow, "Did he? I'm surprised he told anyone."

"How did this begin?" asked Draco, "My father never told me."

"Probably to save the rest of my humiliation." mumbled Harry, looking out the window into the rolling hills that passed by.

Draco stared at Harry, "What is going on between you two?"

"Nothing." said Harry, with honesty.

"It doesn't seem like nothing Potter. My father was worried about you last night."

"How do you know it was me he was worried about?"

Draco scowled, "He told me to check up on you!" snapped the Slytherin. "Why do you think, I asked to speak to you alone."

"Did he tell you what happened?"

"No, he didn't go into details. He never does. But, this is pretty damn weird, you showing up at the manor, riding Aurora, which I still have no fucking idea how you did it, and then the dancing at the ball. Are you interested in my father?" Draco blurted out.

Harry froze up, and his eyes widen marginally. What was he to say to this? If he said no, then it would get back to Lucius that he didn't like him, and Harry didn't want them. But, if he said yes, what would happen then?

Harry's mouth was dry, he swallowed and met Draco's eyes, "I- Draco, I don't want to humiliate myself anymore than what I've done-"

"It's a simple yes or no question, Potter." stated Draco. "I'm just trying to make bloody sense of this. Do you like my father?" He repeated.

Harry was struggling with this; he pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes briefly. His heart was beating fast, "Yes, Draco. I do." He reopened his eyes and locked with Draco's once again. The intense honesty was there for him to see.

Draco opened his mouth to respond but then he closed it again, as if trying to choose his words carefully. "Damn, I though I was going to have to argue with you for a few..."

"I like him, Draco. Last night was one of the most fun nights I have had in a long time until everything happened."

"You kicked him in the arse in a very Slytherin way. Why are you so upset?" asked Draco. "You still like him?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I am over him. How would you feel Draco, if you were humiliated by your ex and a month later you catch him and your father talking and laughing like they're the best of friends. Your father then gives the bastard high hopes for you getting back together."

"Yikes." declared Draco. "That's what he said?"

"Something around there, I was so upset I didn't demand the rest. I don't think I could handle it. I already felt betrayed. I left as soon as the whole scene was over, I did not want reporters on my arse for the rest of the night." He didn't know why he was rambling to Draco, maybe he was hoping to make him forget his confession.

The teenager across from him however, was very unlikely to forget the fact that a fellow student and an arch enemy no less was in love with his father.

"You like my father." Draco smirked, "I had my suspicions when I saw you riding Aurora."

"He was just being cordial, because I invited him and Professor Snape to dinner."

Draco snorted, "My father isn't cordial for no reason." He rolled his eyes, "Potter, if I didn't know any better, I would say you were more modest than I expected."

Harry smirked, "Maybe I am Draco."

For several long moments it remained quiet. Draco had taken to staring at him while Harry busied himself with the green mountain view of Scotland.

"I can't believe, I'm going to be forced to put up with you around more often-"

Harry blinked and shifted back to Draco. "What? Nothing's really happened-"

Draco shook his head, "You're daft."

"No, I just don't want my hopes up. I'm seventeen; your father could have anyone."

Draco scowled, "I don't want to get into this, it's not exactly appetizing, and however, I will tell you that maybe my father doesn't want just anyone." The teen stood abruptly. "I'm going to go, before this conversation goes too far."

Harry nodded, "Bye." he said, waving him off.

"Aren't you going back to your friends?"

"In a little while." Harry murmured, trying to keep the sadness out of his voice. The reflections of last night came back to haunt him. It had been pretty nasty the way it ended.

"Ah shite!" Hissed Draco, "You're not okay!"

Harry blinked and shook his head, "Yeah I am. I'm just fine."

"Fucking liar!" exclaimed Draco, "And a bad one at that. Your eyes tell on you, Potter."

Harry looked at him blandly, "Draco, I'm fine, really. I just want to be alone for a while. I believe Pansy is looking for you."

Draco scrunched his nose when Harry told him that, "I suppose, but I know you're not alright."

Harry glowered, "What are you? My mother!"

Draco gave a derisive snort, "No, Harry I'm not that pretty." He said, indignantly

The Gryffindor blinked in surprise, "Did you just compliment my mum?"

Draco rolled his eyes, "Don't get used to it." He walked out after that.

When Harry finally got to the compartment where his friend's were he pulled out the book Lucius had given him and plopped down beside Hermione.

"Harry? What was that all about?" asked Hermione, when it was just the three of them.

Harry didn't answer right away as he flipped open to chapter twenty-six. "He just wanted to talk to me is all."

"What about?" asked Ron, peculiarly. "Since when did Malfoy want to talk to you alone? You're not seeing him are you?"

"No." said Harry quickly. "We're definitely not seeing one another." He insisted. "Please, don't badger me?" Harry gave them the most pitiful of looks.

His two friends shared a suspicious glance, before Hermione's eyes softened. "Fine, fine! Will you tell us sometime though?"

Harry nodded, "When I can."

Ron scratched his head, "What can't you tell us? Does this have something to do with last night?"

"Yeah." said Harry honestly.

"What are you reading?" asked Hermione suddenly, not recognizing the book.

"A book that was given to me over the summer holidays. Very interesting, it has some very rare and ancient curses."

"Ooh! Can I see?" asked Hermione. "How far are you on it?" She was bouncing with excitement, as she slid closer.

"Chapter twenty-six. There are forty something chapters in this book."

"Wow!" said Hermione almost faint.

"Oh bloody hell! I'm gonna sleep." griped Ron propping his large feet up on the seat and stretching out. He yawned, "Wake me when we get there..."

Hermione laughed and shook her head, as Harry grinned. "Is he cute?" asked Hermione, unable to contain herself.

Ron grunted and looked over, at Hermione's question.

Harry laughed, "Well, there's really nothing cute about the man."

"Man?" asked Ron blinking. "You're talking about someone older?"

"Yep. But, if you mean to say, is he fine as hell? Then fuck yeah."

"HARRY!" gasped Hermione, laughing and trying to be stern at the same time. "Watch the language!!" she squeaked.

Ron snorted, "So, who is it? A teacher?" Harry couldn't hide the smile, "Oh my god it is." breathed the redhead his face full of surprise.

"HARRY! A teacher? Who? There are only three young teachers at our school!" declared Hermione. "Well, ones that are men."

"Don't tell me it's Snape, Harry!" grumbled Ron horrified.

"No! It's not Snape." said Hermione, bouncing again. "I know, I know! Oh my Merlin, Harry, how did that happen?" asked the female unable to contain herself.

"It's Malfoy?" asked Ron realizing exactly who Hermione was thinking of. "What the hell!"

Harry winced, "Ssshh!" He placed his finger to his mouth. "Keep your mouth shut!" he hissed. "No one can know, and yes, Lucius was the one who kept me from making a fool of myself two weeks ago when I got blasted."

"Oh my gosh!" Hermione breathed.

"We danced a couple times last night. It was the best time of my life."

"But- but - its Malfoy." whimpered Ron looking horrified. "MALFOY, the Lucius Malfoy."

"Ron, I know who he is. I did try and hit on the man when I was drunk-"

"You did?" asked Hermione shocked. "You don't hit on anyone."

"I know that!" said Harry shortly. "But, I wasn't exactly sober." he reminded.

"Right, true." Hermione swallowed, "So - did he give you this book?"

Ron scoffed, "Hermione! Harry just told us some awful news and all you can think about is a book?" Ron shook his head, "Harry, please, tell me you're fucking joking. This can't happen, not - him!"

"We're not together." said Harry glumly. "We just danced a few times, and I visited him twice."

"Ulgh." grunted Ron. "You really - like him?"

"Yes," said Harry look off in the distance. "He's everything I want..."

"Eww."

"Shut it Ron." snapped Hermione. "Go on Harry."

"He's a man who knows what he wants. He doesn't need fame, he's strong and stern. He doesn't have to prove himself or show off. He's firm and he's direct. I feel protected-"

"Yuck- ouch." Ron grimaced when Hermione smacked him.

"I doubt it'll ever happen. It's too good to be true."

"Oh, Harry." said Hermione, with sympathy. "You really do like him."

"Of course I do, Hermione. Since when did I ever put anything halfway in?"

"Yuck!" declared Ron once again as he leaned back and crossed his arms. "Lucius Malfoy, honestly!"

"Please, Ron?" said Harry, looking up at his friend who was irritated and annoyed.

"Of all the people!" grumbled Ron.

"Ron, it's not your relationship. It's Harrys! Didn't you hear him?"

"Unfortunately."

"Please keep this quiet, Ron." murmured Harry. "The last thing I need is for more humiliation."

Ron scowled, "Who the hell you think I am, Harry?" snapped the redhead. "I don't like this. Malfoy has always been a foul git, even more foul than Snape at times." he breathed deeply through his nose. "I'm going to change into my robes." said the lanky teen, swiftly. He stood and grabbed them out of his trunk.

He ignored Hermione's call for him to come back and Harry winced visibly, more pain shooting emotionally into his chest. Harry sighed sadly, "Why can't anything be easy for me?"

Ron didn't show up the rest of the train ride. Harry felt worse than ever. He found himself sitting at the end of the compartment staring out the window with his legs drawn up to his chest. He rested his cheek against his knee and simply stared at the moving world around him.

Hermione was trying to read the Defence Book, but it was all half-hearted, she kept looking up at Harry with a worried look while also glaring at the door hoping that Ron would come back through so she could chew his ear off.

The time passed and when the day began to descend into dusk, Harry finally moved and picked up his robes. "Want me to come with you, Harry?" asked Hermione, worry gracing her features.

"No, I'm okay, Hermione." he smiled, and tickled her under the chin. "I'll be back." His voice didn't have the heart it usually did.

"Oh, Harry!"

Harry shrugged, "Don't worry about it. He'll get over it." At least Harry hoped he would. He didn't like the thought of squabbling with his best friend.

On the way to the bathroom he ran into his two dorm mates, Seamus and Dean; they both greeted him and asked what was wrong with Ron.

"Nothing." lied Harry. "He just reminds me, why I keep secrets in the first place."

Dean and Seamus exchanged glances. "He looked a bit frazzled at the edges." Dean told Harry. "What did you say?"

"Nothing worth mentioning." insisted Harry, softly. "I'll see you guys." "We'll try and talk to Ron!" said Seamus, he couldn't help but feel bad.

"Don't worry about it." Harry smiled and disappeared into the bathroom.

With Harry's black robes on, he stared at himself in the mirror. He had dark lines under his green eyes and his face looked crestfallen. He ran his fingers through the ends of his black hair, and then turned away from the mirror, sick of looking at himself. He folded his muggle clothes and draped them over his arm.

He met Hermione back at the compartment, Luna had joined but Ron was still gone. Luna didn't inquire, she never did. As the night slowly settled in around the Hogwart's Express the announcement filtered through the air, warning all students to be ready to depart. Harry was wedged between both females as they moved off the train and into the soft translucent darkness.