Comments/answers to reviewers queries:-

Mahrae – no, I have a vague plan of what I'm going to do but it's hardly structured and leaves room for a lot of changes

Short Fat Fag – who says harry and draco aren't together and there may be some guilt involved but all works out in the end

TheForbiddenChild22 – lets just say harry will be a little more cautious in future

Reese Craven – no, draco will go back to new york in a few days

Tygrressatheart – they haven't spoken since because draco's freaked out by what he did and harry's caught between believing what sirius told him and believing what he thinks

Spamy – lol, well im glad you finally read it

Lady.of.the.stars1 – yea, don't worry harry's not about to stop everything with Draco

And thanks to everyone who reviewed my stand alone – Join me in death

23. Get by with a little help from my friends

"Hermione, why can't we just leave him be and see him tomorrow at school?" whined Ron as his girlfriend dragged him up Harry's driveway.

"Because the last time we saw him was Friday, we've heard nothing from him all weekend and he didn't come to school today. You may not be, but I'm worried about him," Hermione replied sharply.

"If I thought there was something to worry about, I would, but the reason we haven't seen him is probably because him and Draco have been going at it like bunnies all weekend and you'll notice that neither of them were at school today," argued Ron.

They were at the front door now and Hermione rung the doorbell.

"Fine, if you're not in the slightest bit worried about your best friend then just go home."

Ron smiled slightly. "Calm down, I'm coming with you."

The door opened and Lily smiled brightly at them.

"Hello dears."

"Hi Mrs Potter, is Harry here?" asked Hermione politely.

"Yes, he's upstairs in his room. I'm glad you two are here. Perhaps you can cheer him up."

"Cheer him up?" frowned Hermione.

"Yes, he's been terribly upset after that fight he had at school."

"Fight?" asked Ron, looking confused.

Hermione elbowed him. "Well, you know Harry hates to fight."

"What? Oh, yea, hates it," added Ron, still confused.

"I'm glad of it," sighed Lily. "Well, go on up."

Smiling at Harry's mother, Ron and Hermione hurried up the stairs and into Harry's room.

It was dark and music was playing loudly. A lump on the bed made Harry known to the other two. Hermione turned off the music and flipped on the light.

Harry looked at them blearily. His bruises had now become purple, with an almost yellow tinge.

"What happened Harry?" gasped Hermione, sitting next to him on the bed.

"Yea, mate. Your mum said something about a fight at school."

Harry sat up and shrugged. "Had an altercation with Draco."

"He did this?" exclaimed the red head and the girl in unison.

"Not purposely."

"How could it not be purposely?" inquired Hermione, her voice soft and soothing.

"Look, it's nothing, I'd rather not talk about it."

"Where is the yellow headed bastard?" muttered Ron.

"Draco is in England," replied Harry, not even bothering to argue with Ron. "His father died on Friday and he's over there for the funeral."

"Oh my gosh, what happened?" gasped Hermione.

"Heart attack."

"Is Draco okay?"

Harry smiled. It was at times like this he was so glad he had Hermione for a friend. "Not really. I haven't spoken to him since...this." He gestured at his face.

"Probably a good thing," murmured Ron, pacing up and down Harry's room.

"Ron!" scolded Hermione.

"Well, I'm sorry but the guy beat the crap outta Harry. Harry, he did."

Harry sighed. "I know he did. But I'd rather not talk about it."

"Have you been out since Friday?" Hermione asked, concerned.

"Don't think so."

"That settles in. Shower and get dressed and you, me and Ron will go out."

"Hermione-"Harry moaned.

"Come on, just to Central Park. Just a bit of fresh air."

"Yea, come on," coaxed Ron. "Do you even remember what the sun looks like?"

Reluctantly, Harry got up and grabbed some clothes from his cupboard. "Fine. Ten minutes."

They heard the phone ring downstairs, but it stopped as someone picked it up.

"Harry!" yelled Morgan from downstairs. "Someone on the phone for you."

"I'll take it up here," Harry shouted back, going out into the hall to pick up the phone.

"Hello?"

Hermione and Ron watched as Harry answered the phone and a look of pain, excitement and apprehension all morphed his face.

"Draco?"

I know this chapter was short and kinda pants and ended on a cliff hanger but Harry and Draco talk next so some of you should be happy.

Please review – I'm so happy, I have over 350 now!!!