The Exchange - Farewell Dear Friend
Draco urged himself to wake up before his friend did. He set a mental timer in his head to open his eyes at least one minute before Haley opened hers. So when he went to sleep last night, he was damn near positive that he would finally wake up before her. Too bad he was wrong.
Haley opened her eyes slowly. She frowned. Considering she had slept on her side, she was sure that when she looked at this side of her room, she would see the door to her bath. Obviously, she was not in her room. That's when she felt an arm move, grazing her stomach softly. Again, she frowned. One of her hands was under her head and the other hand was resting in front of her face where she could see it. She even wiggled her fingertips just to make sure those were hers. Clearly, someone was holding her. Then she felt the bed shift and a head nuzzle the back of her neck. Again, Haley frowned. Where the hell was she?
The girl grabbed her glasses from the nightstand next to her, put them on, and sat up. She spotted Draco snoozing next to her and things suddenly made sense. 'Oh… so this must be his room… Why am I in his room? When did we get here?' She glanced at her watch. It was only six in the morning. She figured she felt so awake now because of how early she had gone to sleep the night before. In the infirmary. 'Did he bring me here?' she wondered.
That was beside the point now. The fact of the matter was that she was lying in bed with Draco. Haley shook her head and looked at the sleeping boy. 'You sure do have a mean streak, don't you?' she thought, pinching his nose slightly, but not enough to wake him. 'I'm supposed to get over you and then you go and do this… you're too charming for your own good…'
Haley sighed and ran a hand through her hair. Gently and quietly, she moved out of Draco's hold, slipped on her shoes, and tiptoed to the door. Giving one last look at the boy who had stolen her heart, Haley left without making a peep.
'He's in love with someone else. That's the bottom line. Even if I were best of friends with him as Harry, he's still going to be in love with someone else.' She slumped against the closed door, happy that everyone else was still asleep at this time. 'If I'm ever going to get a chance to get over him, this is the best time. I'll say my goodbye as Haley and move on as Harry. Hopefully we'll be able to be friends again as Draco and Harry, that is, if Ethan's right about everything. Maybe…'
She had her mind made up. The exchange couldn't have come at a better time. At the rate she was going, it would be hard indeed to get over the boy. At least if she were back to being Harry, back to being a Gryffindor, she'd have less time to face him. Ultimately, to her, that's what was best. Picking herself up, she walked over to her door and prepared for what was to come.
---
It was a nice Monday morning. The sun was warm and shining behind light clouds. The snow was sparkling in the sunlight. Even a few birds cared to grace the morning sky. However, Draco was pissed. He figured it was rational to be annoyed with the early-riser that was Haley Jones. He told himself that it was okay to be mad at the girl who kept sneaking away from him. He was doing a pretty good job of convincing himself it was all her fault he was annoyed that morning, and not the fault of his own for not having woken up in time to see her next to him. That is until he saw her at breakfast.
He had forgotten that Sunday was the day that the students returned from holiday, so he was momentarily surprised by the number of people in the great hall when he arrived there for his meal. The girl he was supposedly annoyed with was sitting in her usual spot, surrounded by her friends. She looked happy. He didn't want to disturb that. Calmly, he took his seat next to her.
"Morning, Draco," Haley smiled. "Feeling better?"
"Yes, physically, but where did you go? You disappeared so early this morning…"
At this, Blaise and Pansy shared curious sidelong glances.
"Oh, I didn't want to wake you. There were a few things I needed to do before I leave today."
"Oh."
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen! Welcome, welcome!"
All turned to look at the Headmaster who stood from his seat.
"Welcome everyone. I hope you have all had a wonderful holiday. Unfortunately, holidays cannot last forever as we must all eventually return to work." The room was filled with light groans. "Now, now. We shall start the New Year with a few announcements. Mister Filch has asked me to ask all students from refraining to use any Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes products you may have received over the break as some items tend to stain the tapestries. Also, if anyone has seen Madame Trelawny's spare eyeglasses, please return them promptly. They were last spotted on Peeves' face. And finally, we must all unfortunately bid farewell to our exchange student, Miss Haley Jones. She'll be leaving us after classes today to return home, just as Mister Potter will make his return later this evening. That is all. Thank you and let's eat!"
A number of students took this time to look at Haley before murmuring amongst each other of the impending return of their school celebrity.
"You must be excited," Blaise said with a smile.
Haley shrugged. "It's kind of bittersweet. I'm excited to go back, but also sad that I have to leave."
"So then don't," Draco said simply. He was still a little cranky but decided it best not to let it show. Much anyway.
"We've already been through this, Draco. I have to go. And you won't fit in my luggage, I'm sorry."
"What happened last night?" Pansy thought aloud, effectively changing the subject. "Did something happen between you two?"
"What? No!" Haley frowned. "We just fell asleep next to each other. That's all."
"That's all?" Ethan, who had been quiet up until now, cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes."
"Technically, she fell asleep next to me in the infirmary so I carried her down to my room and that's where we slept."
"You were sleeping in the same bed?" Ethan asked incredulously.
"Well, technically-"
"What're you on about? It's not like it was the first time, isn't that right, Haley?" Draco said with a smirk. "I'd say we've slept together a good two or three times by now."
"What?!" The other boy was shocked.
"Not like that! Quit implying things that aren't true!" Haley said, hitting Draco on the shoulder.
Draco just smirked, slyly.
"Anyway," Haley said with one last shove against the boy sitting next to her, "I'm very happy to go back. Of course, I'll keep in touch with all of you…" she looked sideways at Draco. "Well, maybe not you." She said, half joking.
"Nonsense. You'll write me everyday and send me flowers."
"You're delusional."
As the other three broke off into casual conversation, Draco bumped Haley lightly with his elbow. He whispered to her, "Is it weird that I'm sort of dreading this afternoon?"
"…No," she looked at him, her eyes somber. "I sort of am, too."
From under the table, he held his hand out to her. Haley gladly accepted it and the two held hands away from the prying eyes of their friends. The two hands remained interlocked in a tiny form of comfort for the rest of their meal.
---
"Oy! Haley!"
The Slytherin girl turned in hearing her name. She and her fellow Slytherins had been walking out onto the grounds to see what new creature Hagrid had to teach them about when Seamus jogged over to her with Dean in tow.
"Morning, Seamus," Haley smiled. "Hello, Dean."
Both boys nodded in greeting.
"So it's true then? You're leaving today?" Seamus asked.
"'Fraid so."
"So Harry Potter's coming back?" Dean asked, arching an eyebrow.
"It looks that way." Haley said, giving Dean a knowing glance. He nodded again in understanding.
"Well then if we don't see you before then, I guess I'll say goodbye now. Bye Haley," Seamus smiled. "It was great knowing you!" He walked over to the girl and gave her a firm and friendly hug.
"All right. Goodbye Seamus. It's been great knowing you, too."
"And I guess we should thank you, too," Dean said.
"Thank me? For what?"
Dean just looked at Seamus and took the other boy's hand in his.
"Oh! Really? You two worked things out?"
Dean grinned. "Yes. Yes we did."
Seamus just blushed. "Errr… yeah…" he said, shyly, looking anywhere but at Haley or Dean.
"Well, congratulations." Haley smiled. "I'm happy for you both."
"Thank you and thank you," Dean beamed. "Bye Haley. Maybe I'll see you again someday," he said with a smirk.
"Sure. Maybe even this afternoon." She chuckled.
"What? But I thought you're leaving," Seamus said with a look of confusion. "I don't get it."
"Come on, you," Dean said, pulling his new boyfriend into a headlock. "Class is starting." He looked over to Haley. "Bye!"
Seamus looked up at the girl and waved at her with a grin on his face. "Bye!"
"Bye!" She laughed at the pair. She watched them, happy that they had finally sorted out their feelings. She then found herself glancing in Draco's direction.
Haley sighed and walked solemnly towards her friends.
---
The first few classes flew by in record time and before she knew it, it was already time for lunch. Haley had been called to the teachers' table to discuss the last few details of her departure with Professor Dumbledore.
"So the house-elves will be moving your things between classes and I will hang on to the antidote for you until after class."
"Okay," the girl nodded. "So after classes, I'll just head on over to your office, right? Is the password still… pie related?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Yes."
"Okay."
"Leave out a change of clothes that the elves can bring to my office, unless you prefer to remain in your uniform."
Haley blushed. "Of course not! I'll do that now…"
The headmaster chuckled. "All right Miss Jones. It seems everything is set."
"Yes. Thank you, sir."
"You're most welcome."
Haley turned and left the table, making her way to her place with the Slytherins.
"What was that about?" Draco asked as his friend approached her place beside him.
"We were going over the little details of my departure," Haley shrugged reaching for a piece of bread. She tore off a piece and popped it into her mouth.
"Aren't you staying?" The blonde wondered aloud as Haley remained standing instead of sitting by him.
"Can't. I need to run on down to the dorms one last time."
"I'll come with you."
Again Haley shrugged. "Sure, okay. Let's go." She snatched up another piece of bread before heading out of the great hall.
"You know, I've noticed that you miss quite a few meals."
"Do I? I usually make it up by either going to the kitchens or gorging myself the next mealtime, though."
"Yes, that's true. You are a horrendous eater." Draco smiled in hearing her scoff. "So what's going to happen?"
"Well, after my Divination class, I will be headed for Dumbledore's office. I leave from there."
"You won't have time to spare after class? You just leave right then and there?"
"I suppose I can stick around a little longer to say a few more goodbyes. Professor Dumbledore didn't seem like there was much rush for me to get to his office. But that doesn't mean I want to keep him waiting either."
"True."
Crossing the common room, Haley opened the door to her room one last time. Her fully packed trunk was still waiting at the foot of her bed. Draco took the opportunity to hop onto the bed as the girl rifled through her things.
"You can't leave without saying goodbye to me, okay?" Draco said firmly.
She looked over to him from behind the lid of her trunk. "Awww, shucks. I so planned on leaving without having to look at you anymore."
"Seriously."
"Honestly, Draco," Haley stood with her hands on her hips. "Do you really think I could leave without saying goodbye to you of all people?"
"I'm just making sure."
"Well all right then. I won't leave without saying goodbye to you," she confirmed.
"Good."
Haley moved back to her trunk and picked out some clothes she would change into in Dumbledore's office. She shoved them into a satchel and set it aside. Closing and locking her trunk with a spell, she was ready to go.
"All finished, then?" Draco asked.
Haley nodded. "Yup. Let's go."
Draco chuckled to himself as he rolled off the bed. "Haley Piper…"
"…What?"
"H. P." He said, pointing to the trunk. "You said it stands for Haley Piper. Haley Piper Jones."
"Well, I lied. That's not what it stands for."
"Oh?" Draco cocked an eyebrow. "What does it stand for then?"
"It doesn't matter now. I'm leaving."
"Maybe that's what makes it matter even more."
"Okay, then. Since you put it that way. H. P. It stands for Helen Paddington. Yes. That's the girl whose arse I kicked in order to claim this trunk."
Draco laughed.
"Or maybe it just means Hot Pastrami, as I do enjoy such a sandwich. Or it could mean hodge-podge or higgledy-piggledy or even hula power."
"Hula power?"
"Or maybe-"
"All right, all right. I get it. It doesn't matter."
"Not really. No." Haley said with a smile. "Come on. Let's hurry. I might have some time to get a few bites in."
Draco scoffed. "Like you need it."
Haley responded by throwing her half-eaten bread roll at the boy. Tossing a smirk back at the blonde, she dashed out of the room before he could retaliate.
Draco smiled and chased after her.
---
Haley had been making her way down to the dungeons for Potions class when she heard her name being called yet again. Turning to look at the source, she smiled in seeing her favorite redhead.
Ron ran up to the girl, launching himself at her in a hug from behind. "Say it isn't so, Haley! You can't leave!" He joked.
"Get off me, you git."
"No. Maybe if Hermione sees me with another girl, she'll go into a jealous fit."
"Don't be daft. She knows it's me."
Ron shrugged. "It's worth a shot." Still hanging on to his friend, Ron placed his chin atop her head, moving his arms from around her waist to drape them over her shoulders. "So you're really coming back then? No quick disappearances again?"
"Nope. I'll be back for good this time around."
"Brilliant. It's about time. You know how boring it is without you around, mate? First off, I'm stuck with Hermione all day and you know I love her and all, but she always nags me about my schoolwork and that gets tiresome real easy, you know? And if I'm not hanging out with her, I'm with Seamus and Dean who recently found snogging to be a great time killer."
"No! Really? In front of you?"
"Mm-hmm. In the dorms. I hear you're to thank for that. So thanks a lot," the redhead said dryly. Haley just laughed. "And if I'm not with Seamus and Dean, I'm with Ginny and Neville who just stare at each other with longing eyes. It's sickening. Almost as sickening as you and Malfoy. All day, either you're staring at him longingly or he's staring at you longingly."
"That's not true."
"It sure looks that way. Heck, he's doing it now. Actually, with the way he's sneering in my direction, he looks to be a little miffed."
"What?"
"Look."
Haley glanced over at Draco at the other end of the hall. The blonde quickly looked away, but there was no denying how cross he looked even now.
Ron just laughed. "You'd think he's jealous. Of me! Haha! Oh how the tables have turned!"
"That's stupid. He knows you and I are best friends and that you're already with Hermione- by the way, where is she?"
"She should be coming soon, so look sharp."
"Ron! I won't be a pawn in making your girlfriend jealous."
"Too late! Here she comes!"
Hermione walked up to her two best friends. "Hello you two."
"Hello," Haley greeted.
"Hello again," Ron smirked. "Does seeing me in this position make your blood boil?"
Hermione blinked. "What?"
"He thinks that if you see him with another girl, you'll get jealous," Haley stated.
At this, Hermione burst out laughing. "You can't be serious, Ronald. Why would I ever be jealous of you hanging all over Harry? If anything, I'd be relieved. You've been hanging all over me since Harry's change and you know I love you, but spending so much time with you can be very tiresome. I don't know how Harry does it."
Ron pouted. "Oh enough, already." He straightened up, finally letting Haley out of his hold.
Haley just laughed at them. "It seems both of you are miserable without me."
"Which is precisely why it's good you're finally coming back," Ron perked.
"I have to admit, Harry. Things are different without you around." Hermione nodded. She paused as a frown grew on her lips. "What's Malfoy's problem?"
Haley and Ron both looked back at the blonde who quickly looked away again.
"He's just jealous that I'm hanging all over his Haley," Ron smirked, draping himself over the brunette once more.
"Get off!" Haley frowned. "You're heavy!"
"Oy. Watch." Ron moved and placed a kiss on his friend's cheek.
"Ron!" Haley growled.
"What? We're friends! And look!"
The trio watched as Draco stormed away from a befuddled Blaise to enter the classroom.
"Ron, you're simply horrid," Hermione shook her head.
"Just proving a point."
"Okay, now get off." Haley said, pushing her friend off of her.
"See. Why can't you get jealous like that, 'Mione? It'll make me secure in our relationship."
"I don't need to get jealous to make this a secure relationship. In fact, you should be happy that I trust you well enough with other girls to not get jealous." When Ron didn't reply other than to roll his eyes, Hermione exhaled. "Watch." She moved toward Haley and placed a kiss on the opposite cheek that the boy had kissed. Almost immediately, Ron pulled Hermione away, wrapping his arm around her waist.
"Will you two stop that?" Haley frowned again, wiping both her cheeks with her sleeves.
"You see? Feeling jealous is never good, is it?" Hermione lectured to the frowning redhead.
"What're jealous over anyway?" Haley jibed. "You know it's me. I would never try to steal her from you even if I did like her in that way. Not that I don't love you, 'Mione, but you know what I mean."
"Of course," she nodded, smiling.
"Yeah, but it seems like everyone around me is secretly a poof. I don't want my girlfriend getting any ideas, too."
Both girls responded by hitting the redhead on the shoulder each before leaving him alone in the hall.
Ron smirked and called out to them. "What did I say?"
---
The rest of the day was a blur. Most of her spare time was spent saying goodbye to people, even to people she didn't really know. She had bid farewell to Pavarti and Lavender after thanking them for taking a huge chunk of the clothes she had left over out of her hands. Then again, they thanked her for the free clothes. She even said goodbye to Colin Creevy who insisted upon snapping one last picture of the girl. It was all a little overwhelming. And before she knew it, classes were done. Now, she walked with Pansy, Blaise and Ethan from the Divination classroom out into the corridor. They all headed towards the headmaster's office, where Haley was finally going to change back into Harry.
"So… this is it," Haley said. She turned around and smiled at her friends. "I'm finally going back."
"How does it feel?" Blaise asked.
"Good. I'm ready to go."
"What about your things?" Pansy wondered.
"They should already be in the Gryffindor dorms. And Professor Dumbledore is waiting in his office with the antidote."
"And even though you're going to be a self-righteous Gryffindor again, that doesn't mean you have to go on avoiding us troublesome Slytherins, right?" Blaise joked.
"How could I ever? You guys have been great friends. I'm glad to have gotten the chance to get to know each of you."
"Even Maxwell?" Pansy looked unsure.
"Haha." Ethan replied dryly, sending the girl a glare.
"Yes," Haley smiled. "I'm happy to have met even Ethan."
"When are we ever going to get the chance to make fun of you again?" Blaise asked.
Haley lightly shoved Blaise for the comment, but responded anyway. "It's not like I'm going to flat out avoid you lot now that I'm going back. We'll see each other in classes and between and even after. Just because I'm switching houses doesn't mean I'm never going to see you again. Maybe less so, but not never. Then again, if all you intend to do is tease me, maybe that's a good thing."
"Just kidding, love. You know it's all in good fun," Blaise said, slinging an arm over her shoulders.
"Yeah, yeah." She rolled her eyes, but smiled. Then Haley looked at her watch before looking around the hallway. Thirty minutes had passed since classes had let up.
"He's not here yet." Ethan said.
"What?"
"Malfoy. You're looking for him, right?"
"Well, yeah. He should be here by now."
"Oh, he'll show up," Pansy said with a wave of her hand. "I doubt he'd want to miss this."
"Yeah… but I should go soon…"
"All right then, Haley Jones. It was a pleasure making your acquaintance," Blaise said pulling away from the girl to bow slightly to her.
Haley just smiled and hugged the boy. "Stop acting like I'm actually leaving."
"Then why are you hugging me?"
"I've got to keep up appearances, remember?" She pulled away and turned to Ethan. "You too." She gave him a hug.
"Goodbye, Haley Jones. If you're finally over Malfoy, don't hesitate to come my way."
Haley snorted. "Yeah, good luck with that, mate."
Ethan shrugged. "I'm just throwing it out there…"
The girl just smiled before looking to her other friend.
"Don't look at me like that. Don't you go all sentimental on me, Jones." Pansy said, her arms crossed over her chest. "I'll see you later."
Haley laughed but charged at the girl anyway to give her a hug. "You have been a great friend, Pansy, despite our rough start. I'm glad I got this opportunity to see how un-snobbish you really are."
"Oh, shut up. Let go, Jones." Pansy frowned, although a faint blush graced her cheeks. "Goodbye already."
Haley did as she was told. She looked between all three of her new friends. Her smiled faded a little as she looked down the hall once more. "…Where is he…?"
"Maybe he's caught in traffic. You know those stairs never go the way you want them to when you're in a hurry," Blaise figured. "Hey I was wondering what happens now that you're going back to being you while he's still being him."
"Well… since he's clearly smitten with this mystery person, I'm trying to let him go. And me changing back will be a good thing because that gives me less time to have to see him. Ergo, it'll be easier to forget I ever fell for him."
"I don't think that's a good idea," Pansy frowned. "I mean, he clearly loves-oof!"
Blaise chuckled nervously after having pushed the smaller girl. "Remember, Pansy dear? We promised never to reveal Draco's secret love…"
Ethan just scoffed at the words, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes.
"You all know who he's in love with?" Haley asked.
"He never officially proclaimed such a thing, but it's been quite obvious for years now…" Ethan frowned.
"Hush up," Blaise warned, glaring at his other friend.
Haley slumped her shoulders. "Years?"
"It's not what you think, Harry. Draco-"
"Stop! I know what you're going to say and you swore you wouldn't say it!"
"But come on! They're being idiots! You have to agree with me on that."
"Of course I do! But that doesn't mean we betray the trust Draco has bestowed upon us."
"Screw it," Pansy frowned. She turned to the other girl abruptly. "Harry, Draco's in love wi-"
Blaise covered Pansy's mouth with his hand. "You stop it right now." He turned his attention back to the other girl. "Harry, it's been wonderful getting to know you, but I'm afraid we'll be leaving now."
"No, wait-" Haley tried.
"See you later!" Blaise smiled, cheerily, still covering Pansy's mouth as he pulled her along with him.
Haley looked to Ethan. "Who is it?"
The brunette just looked back at her, not saying a word.
"Come on, Ethan. Who is it?"
He sighed. "With Malfoy… he tries real hard to be good at everything. You ever stop to think why?"
"Well no, but what does this have to do with anything?" She shook her head, not really understanding his meaning.
Again, Ethan sighed. "When you figure out who it is Draco's trying to prove himself to, then you'll figure out who he's in love with." Before she could say anything else, Ethan held up his hand to stop her. "That's all I'm going to say. Bye Harry. I'm glad to call you my friend." He took her hand in his and gently kissed it. "Remember, if it doesn't work out…" he smirked.
"Get out of here," Haley shoved him away, a smile on her face. "I'll see you later."
Ethan waved and turned to walk down the hall. He paused in seeing a figure turn the corner.
"Lucky fool…" he breathed. He shook his head and went his separate way.
"Haley!!"
Draco sped down the hall to his friend just in front of the statue of the eagle. A smile immediately came to Haley's face in seeing him. He charged right at the girl, slowing down only to catch her in his arms in an embrace. She gladly returned the hug.
"Thank goodness… I was worried I'd missed you…" Draco panted.
"You, sir, are late."
"It wasn't my fault… bloody stairs…"
Haley chuckled. "If you were any later, I would have thought that you weren't coming. And after you made me promise to stick around long enough to bid you farewell…"
"Well then it's good that I did otherwise you would have been tempted to leave. I would never forgive myself if I let you go without saying goodbye first."
The moment grew bittersweet the longer they stood there clinging to each other.
Draco sighed. "I'm going to miss you… things will certainly be quieter with you gone…"
"I'll miss you, too. Who else is going to insult me on a regular basis?"
"I could always send you an owl if you'd like…"
Haley hit him lightly on the shoulder. "Jerk." Despite her words, she was smiling. She pulled back, but not enough to be out of his arms. "You've been a wonderful friend to me Draco… if only circumstances had been different…"
"Yeah…"
Tears began to well in her eyes as she moved back into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck. "…Who's going to protect me now?"
"I'll always be here for you, Haley… Just come back to me, okay?"
Haley didn't say anything in response. She wasn't entirely sure what he meant by that. Instead, she just pulled him closer, letting her tears fall from her eyes. "I'm really really going to miss you, Draco…"
"Me too…"
"…You're one of my best friends, you know…"
Draco chuckled. "Yeah, one of your many…"
"That's not true. There are only three people I consider to be my best friend… You're one of them. And considering how we started out, that's saying something…"
"True…" He nuzzled her neck. "You're my best friend too…"
She smiled. "One of many."
"One of two. Three, on good days."
Haley chuckled, but felt a lump in her throat as sadness began to wash over her. "I'm really really really going to miss you…"
Draco smiled. "That much?"
"Yes."
"I'm just right here."
Haley sighed, her eyes welling even more. "Now you are… what happens tomorrow?"
"I'll still be right here."
"…Really?" It was a question she really meant to ask herself. She wasn't so sure the answer was a positive one.
Her head was spinning with thoughts and a torrent of emotions, but all she could think of right now was how much she was going to miss Draco if things didn't work out as she hoped. She would miss his wit and even his stupid smirk. She'd miss teasing him and the way he would whine whenever she was gone too long. She'd miss those moments of comfort she felt just being with him and she'd miss all those times they were free to act like children with each other. Most of all, she would miss his smile. It was a smile that he rarely shared with much of anyone and one that she doubted she would see again as Harry. Thinking this, she let go of reason.
Overcome with yearning, Haley took Draco's head between her hands and reached up to plant a full kiss on his lips. Draco was slightly startled by the action but almost immediately returned the kiss, holding her closer still. Their lips savored the sensation they had both so longed for. Warmth enveloped her as her heart raced with the love she felt for him. Haley kissed him full and long, trying to insert every feeling she felt into the kiss. She wanted him to feel just how much she truly loved him. Haley kissed him twice more shortly and gently before finally pulling away from him with her eyes closed. She hung her head, resting the top of it against his chest.
She took a step back as both of them tried to control their breathing and the pounding of their hearts. She had granted herself this gift, but it was now time to face reality. 'He's in love with someone else.' It was the mantra that kept her from pleading with him to love her just as she loved him. She knew this and she accepted it.
Finally, she looked back up at him with a smile. "Don't forget to give back my necklace," she chuckled, despite the tears falling from her eyes. "It's important."
Draco blinked, but after a moment, came to. "…I know… As soon as it's fixed, it's yours… As it should be…" His eyes were sad, although he tried his best to keep his voice light.
"And Draco," Haley furrowed her brows, placing her palm over his heart. "Please, please remember… I'll always be your friend. No matter what."
The boy nodded. "I know…"
She took another step back, now completely out of his embrace. She tried to remain cheerful. "Goodbye Draco."
"Haley…"
She waved at him before turning to look at the eagle statue. She wiped her eyes and exhaled.
"Haley, wait."
Before she could even move, she felt herself being turned just as Draco held her face between his hands and kissed her again. She clung to him, relishing the moment. Draco kissed her fervently, with just as much passion as she did he. He wanted to comfort her in his kiss. He wanted her to know that tomorrow would be better even though she was leaving today. Breaking away from her lips, he pulled her close, hugging her, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
"I care about you, Haley Jones… I hope you know that…"
Haley shut her eyes, saddened at how much the sound of her own name hurt. "…I know…"
"You have to come back to me, okay? You can't leave me…"
"I… Draco…"
He clung to her. "Please Haley… you have to come back to me…"
Her heart felt heavy. "I… I already told you, Draco… I'm always here for you. No matter what… You know where to find me…"
This seemed enough to settle the boy as he loosened his grip on her.
Haley pulled away from him and shook herself, trying to rid herself of the emotions that overtook her. Looking up at Draco, she forced a smile. "Okay… this is it."
Draco nodded slowly, although the last thing he wanted to do was let her go. "Okay… Goodbye Haley…"
"…Goodbye Draco."
Their eyes remained locked on each other as Haley walked backwards to the statue. She waved at him one last time before turning to face the eagle. She exhaled and gathered herself. "Lemon Meringue."
On cue, the eagle moved aside revealing the stairs to Dumbledore's office. She stepped on the first one, setting off the magic that moved the stairs upward. Haley looked back at Draco once more, not sure whether she'd ever be able to see him in this light again but knowing how much she wanted to. He, too, looked a little distraught as he watched her disappear further up the stairs. Soon, he was completely out of sight.
Haley looked forward, weighed down with emotions. She came to a halt just outside the headmaster's door, but she lingered just a little longer on the step. She hung her head. 'This is it… I'm going back to being me…I knew this was coming long before I even befriended Draco… So why does this feel so hard? This is what I want. I know that. I can't stay Haley… I don't want to… But…' She shook her head. 'No. Even though he wants Haley around, I have to come first. I can't be happy if I can't be myself. And maybe he'll learn to like me for who I am. Maybe he'll get over the fact that I'm really Harry. Maybe he'll be able to see me. And by then, this won't hurt as much. By then, if things go as I hope, I'll have gotten over him and we'll be able to carry on as Harry and Draco. Friends. Best friends. Like how we are now.' She was satisfied with this decision. She had hope for it. This helped to lifts her spirits some. And so, finally feeling ready to move on, Haley opened the door.
"Ah, Miss Jones. Welcome," Professor Dumbledore smiled.
"Hello, sir. Sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's quite all right," the headmaster nodded in understanding. "It is never easy to leave a life you've grown used to."
"Yeah… but it helps in knowing you're returning to a life you enjoy. And finally being able to get away from these skirts helps too." She chuckled.
"Ah yes," Dumbledore laughed. "Your change of clothes is waiting for you in the other room."
Haley nodded. "Thank you, sir." She quickly changed out of her school uniform, mentally ecstatic in knowing this would be the last time she had to wear a skirt. She slipped into her normal clothes as Harry, bundling up her uniform and sticking back into her satchel. Glancing at herself once more in the mirror, Haley exhaled. 'Goodbye, Haley Jones. It was nice knowing you.' She stepped back out into the office eager to get this over with.
"Are you ready?" The headmaster asked, petting Fawkes upon his perch.
She exhaled. "As ready as I'll ever be."
"The antidote is there," he pointed to the vial on his desk. "You know what to do."
Haley nodded. Popping the cork, she downed the concoction in one fell swoop. "Ugh… I wish this tasted better…"
"It can't be as bad as earwax, could it?" The headmaster said with a smile.
Haley smiled back. "What would possess a person to make an earwax-flavored jellybean anyway? It can't really be good with sales."
"I suppose it's the thought of never knowing what you'll be biting into next that keeps people wanting more."
"True… but earwax?"
Dumbledore just laughed again.
She sighed and looked at her watch. "Isn't something supposed to happen by now?"
The older man frowned. "I'm not su-"
"Oh, there it goes!" she groaned. Haley doubled-over, falling to her knees on the office floor. The all-too familiar rumbling came to her stomach as she felt herself change one final time. Her hair dramatically receded as she felt herself grow to her normal height. It was over mere moments after it had begun.
Harry Potter stood up. He looked at his hands. He ran them through his now short hair. With a chuckle, he ran them over his chest, happy to be free of female parts. He turned to look at the headmaster. Smiling, Harry cheered. "I'm back!"
"Welcome back, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore smiled.
"Oh it's good to be back, sir. Real good!" Harry jumped around, flexing his joints as if he hadn't used them in quite some time. "And my voice! It's back too! Oh I'm so happy! This is great. Life is great. YES!"
Dumbledore laughed at his favorite student's exuberance.
Harry walked up to the headmaster, took his hand in his, and shook it vigorously. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything!"
"You should be thanking Professors Snape and Sprout for this."
"I will. I'll bake them both cakes!" Harry laughed. "I'm back!"
"That's all good and well, Mr. Potter, but I'm afraid you're beginning to startle poor Fawkes."
"Oh," Harry stopped his prancing. "Sorry." He grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head. "I suppose I should go now. Thank you again, Professor."
"You're very welcome, Harry."
Harry eagerly flew out the door and trotted down the steps. His spirits were high. He felt good. Nothing could get him down.
"Potter."
Nothing except that. Harry froze. Draco had been waiting at the bottom of the steps. He straightened up in seeing Harry.
All the emotions Harry had felt spurred within him once more. He was happy to see Draco. In fact, he was fighting the temptation to run over to the boy and hug him just as he had no more than fifteen minutes before. But in hearing Draco use his surname, Harry felt glued to the spot. He didn't know if Draco would accept him and that worried him. So Harry stayed put.
"…Malfoy."
If hearing Harry use his surname bothered him, Draco didn't show it except for a momentary crease between his brows. Harry wasn't even sure he really saw it.
"So… you're really back, then?"
Harry didn't know what to make of his tone. Draco didn't sound happy or sad. However, his expression did make him seem a little upset. Harry was sure of the crease this time. It didn't help that the corners of Draco's lips were turned down in a small frown either.
"Yes. I am," he nodded. He didn't know what else to say. He could feel the tension begin to grow, that he could swear he could feel it. Harry was nervous.
"So-"
"Harry!!"
The two boys looked to the source of the voice.
Hermione ran down the hall with Ron right behind her. Harry smiled at the sight of his two best friends. The three hugged each other, leaving the fourth somewhat forgotten.
"Welcome back, Harry!" Hermione smiled.
"Yeah, welcome back, mate!" Ron cheered, draping his arm around Harry's shoulders. "Zabini told us you would be arriving soon so we came to greet you."
"Well, thanks," Harry smiled.
"Oh," Hermione blinked. "Hello, Malfoy. What're you doing here?"
Draco momentarily looked surprised in having finally been spotted. He quickly straightened himself up, his familiar sneer appearing on his face. "I was here to say goodbye to Haley." His eyes darted to Harry's. "Obviously, she's gone now."
Harry wanted to reach out to the other boy. "Dra-"
"Well obviously," Ron shook his head. He turned his attention back to his friend. "Come on. There's a party waiting for you in the common room. Everyone's excited that you're back."
"Not everyone…" Harry said under his breath, his eyes still on Draco. The other boy looked away momentarily before looking back at Harry.
"Nonsense," Ron grinned, pulling his two best friends along with him. "Everyone missed you. There's cake and ice cream and everything. We had to sneak it all upstairs, but it's all worth it."
The trio walked down the hall, leaving Draco in his place. Green stayed locked with grey until, once they turned the corner, they could be seen no more.
Author's Notes/Disclaimer: Need I remind you of my lack of ownership? I didn't think so.
So… the big change. And Harry and Draco's first official kiss. Aren't you glad you waited so long for this one? I read and reread things just to make sure things worked. I even tied up loose strings so that after this, all that's left is Draco and Harry. Most likely. I somehow managed to miss class today, which is sad because I was only one elevator ride away from it. What good is it to go to school and not go to class?!?! Shame on me. Missing class is bad, okay? Even if it is to write the next chapter of a Harry Potter fanfic. But at least this is a longer one, right? Right?!
P.S. I, too, randomly say 'EPIC' when things are awesomely badass. Almost as much as I say dude. Dude? Duuude. Epic. Chyah. When it comes to speaking, I am far less than articulate than one might assume.
Thanks for all your comments! They make me smile so I encourage you to write even more of them! Yeah! Have a nice day!!