Chapter 21 – Giving Up Friendship for Love

Ron stares at Harry in awe and for a second I actually think he's serious about killing both of us. I don't know what makes me think this, but something in his eyes tells me he won't let this go easily. Shockingly, he straightens up his back and tries to look calm. He must be pretty tense about this since I can vaguely see the scratches on his cheek pulsating with rage even though he's trying to hide his anger.

His eyes shoot at me, "I knew there was something going on between you two." He looks at Harry, "How could you do this, Harry? He's a filthy snake! And you're acting like he's more important than us – Hermione!"

"Ron, I've been to Hell and back with him. You can believe what you want, but I know Draco didn't kill Hermione on his own free will. I see how scared he is of Goyle – he scares me too! I can only imagine what he's put Draco through that day."

"So that makes it right!? He still killed her! He put himself before Hermione, and he knows it!"

"No, I didn't." I speak up. "I put Harry before myself, and you should know that." If I didn't kill Hermione I never would have made it to Harry and he probably would have died anyway since he was attacked by a mutt when I found him. I know Ron has no idea what I mean by this because he has that famous stupid look of his on his face.

"You be quiet." He says, pointing his knife at me like I'm scum. "I'll still kill you, even if Harry is in the way."

"So then you would kill me?" Harry asks, sounding a bit hurt.

"….No…. you know what I mean. Harry, you've hated Malfoy all these years. Why would you suddenly have feelings for him? After everything he's done! He's a Death Eater for God's sake!"

"I'm not just realizing this now, Ron. I think I've had feelings for him the day I first met him… I just didn't realize that until sixth year."

Ron rolls his eyes. "Please. It's like you can care less about Hermione."

"That's not true! Don't you dare throw her death in my face like I wanted it to happen! It's not my fault-"

"You're right." Ron's eyes trail to me, "It was his." I lower my head, trying to avoid his gaze. I feel like a criminal. But Maybe I am – Ron's only looking at me the way anyone would look at a Death Eater.

"Ron, you think I asked for this to happen – these Games? I miss her too – I really do…" Harry says, his voice breaking, like he's about to break down but holds it back. He shuts his eyes briefly to calm himself down before he continues. "Look, I know you loved her," Ron looks at him with sympathy and mourning. I feel a pang of regret and guilt wash over me. Maybe I should have let Hermione go. But if I did, would it have even mattered? Sooner or later she would have died anyway… just like Pansy did. Harry takes a quivery sounding breath and I press my side next to his to comfort him. I notice the lining of his throat when he swallows hard, trying to hold back his emotion. I feel terrible for him – I really do. He's managed to stay strong this whole time and even now he's holding it together better than I would have expected. "And I'm sorry, Ron. I'm so… so sorry." He says slowly, trying to keep his tone straight, "But right now you and Draco are all I have left. Please, If not for the both of us, than do this for me. Just let Draco go…"

Ron looks at him uneasily but Harry's not letting his guard down. He gently pushes me behind him and presses his back into me as if Ron might try to force us apart. "Please…" Harry says helplessly. I've never heard him sound so desperate. "I love him… And I don't know how much more pain I can stand to see him in." He pauses and lowers his head, "And even me… I… I don't know how much more I can take."

Ron takes a while but he eventually sighs and backs up. "Okay… For you then, Harry…" He looks at me, "But keep in mind, Dragon, this doesn't make us friends!"

"Oh, believe me when I say, that's a miracle." I sneer.

Harry moves away and turns around to face me. His hand goes straight to my face where Ron cut my cheek. I look up at him in grief, noticing a thin line of tears running down his dirty and slightly blood spotted face. Still he manages a soft smile, sniffling softly, "You alright?" He says as he whips away a bit of blood from my cut.

I blink, "Are you alright?" He smiles softly in amusement and kisses my forehead.

"Hang in there for me. Okay?" He sounds broken and the way he ignores my question only hints to me that he's not okay. And how could he be? After everything that's happened…

I hug him and press my face to his chest, "I will if you do."

When we pull back I see Ron by our sides and I make sure I see him put his knife in his belt. "So, what now?" He asks.

"We were hunting before you came along. We could use an extra pair of hands. You want to come?" Harry says.

"Sure." Ron says suspiciously, glaring at me but addressing Harry. I shift slightly and press my side to Harry's, feeling him immediately grab my hand.

"Then let's go." Harry says, keeping the lead of the team. I try to stay by this side not wanting anything to do with Ron – I don't feel like listening to him knock my name and call me a killer. Because if that's what he really thinks of me, then he has no idea who I really am.

I'm trying to stay out of Ron's sight, but he looks like he's trying to get a glimpse at the scratches on my neck. "Mutts?" He asks. My first instinct is to cover up my neck with my hand, hoping he'd get the hint and not ask any more questions. I just don't answer him.

"You know, Malfoy, I'm surprised you're still alive. You're not the type to fight for anything."

Suddenly Harry stops short, but I ignore him even if his intention is to cut off the outburst I'm about to lash out at Weasley. He says nothing, and I see him look around the clearing carefully, spear tightly gripped in his right hand, like he's preparing for a fight. Probably saw a rabbit or something…

"Clearly you don't know me, now do you?" I say.

"Well, I've seen the dark side of you for seven years, so…"

"Well, maybe you should stick around a little longer."

Ron scoffs. "Like you're any different from your father! My dad grew up with him, he knows the shame of your name. Don't act like you're a softie."

I try to fight the back the urge to stick my axe in his throat. Instead I just grip the handle of my weapon tightly, feeling the wood digging in the bandages on my hand. "I'm nothing like him! You'll do well to remember that, Weaslebee."

"Guys…" I hear Harry say nervously, a slight quiver to his voice. But I still ignore him.

"Prove it! Prove to me, you were forced to kill her!"

"I didn't-"

"GUYS!"

"What!?" Ron and I say in unison, turning to face Harry.

"We're being followed…" He says as his eyes shift around the clearing like he's looking for our spy between the trees and bushes.

I hold my axe up to my waist and stand by his side. Now I can hear the rustling in the distance too. Only it doesn't sound like someone or something might want to attack. I know it seems weird, but something about the movement sounds like someone is either hurt or seriously weak. The rustling is hesitant, like someone is limping.

"Harry…" I whisper nervously, turning my head to see Ron standing his ground on the opposite side of Harry when the movement suddenly changes in that direction.

Harry doesn't answer and pushes me behind him… like he's protecting me… after all, it might be Goyle trying to trick us.

Then suddenly I hear dry gagging sounds, "Stop." A raspy voice calls out. My eyes blink wide. I recognize that voice. That's Marcus. "Harry, we gotta go." I say, feeling my heart beating faster.

"We're not going anywhere…" Ron growls.

"But you don't-" My words are cut off by a gasp when Marcus limps out from behind a tree coming from Ron's direction. He looks… Almost ill – seriously ill. Ron's about to attack him, but something about Marcus tells me he doesn't want any trouble. Not to mention that petrified look on his face when Ron viciously pulls out his knife.

"No, Ron, wait!" I yell as I lower my axe to pull Ron back by his arm. He tries to force me off and looks at me like I'm nuts. "Are you crazy!?" Maybe I am, this could be a trick, but then again it might not be. I can't be sure and I don't anyone to do anything until I do.

I glare into his eyes evilly to let him know I'm not fooling around. "You filthy snake…" He says through gritted teeth, slamming me against a tree to make me let go of him.

Marcus looks terrified and hesitantly takes a step back.

"Ron, let him go!" Harry growls viciously, tugging Ron away from me.

"Why?! He's one of them," Ron growls, gesturing his knife to Marcus like Slytherins are nothing more than demons. "Come on, Harry…"

Harry's eyes shift over to Marcus and he gives a slight jolt at Harry's stare. "Something's off about him… Don't kill him yet…"

"Yet?!" Ron echoes.

Harry ignores him and slowly walks up to Marcus, keeping a relatively safe distance. "Tell us what you want and maybe we'll let you go."

I move on over to Harry, holding my axe tightly. "W-Water." Marcus says almost with no voice. Harry and I share looks. I want to tell Marcus there's a river, about a five minute walk from here, but apparently Harry has a different idea since he's reaching into his backpack, an uneasy look on his face. "Harry?" I question cautiously. Then he pulls his hand out of his backpack and my heart lurches, even Ron looks tense.

In Harry's hand are the leaves – the one's I found only for Pansy to tell me they were poisonous. Harry took them from me because he didn't trust me with anything deadly. I forgot he was still carrying them around.

Marcus looks at him, a questionable look on his face. Harry holds his hand out him so he can take the leaves. Marcus doesn't move and just holds his eyes onto Harry's waiting for an explanation.

"You wanted water." Harry begins a slight shakiness to his voice, "Leaves are the only water source and these might be the only ones that have enough water in them to make you last until you find a river."

Now that I think about it the color does look strange on these leaves. It's not like a normal green – the color is so dark that the green almost looks black. I'm not good at knowing different types of leaves or anything related to wildlife, but I'm guessing the darker the green, the more water they have? Maybe that's what the Game Keepers want us to believe at least. But that could just be the poison giving off a weird color. I mean, Marcus can just pick any random leaf off of the ground and eat that. But he's isn't that smart. Plus he looks far to panicked to even think straight.

Harry holds his eye contact on him to show he's not lying, even though it's clear to me that he is. Hesitantly, Marcus steps forward and takes the poisonous leaves from Harry's hand.

"These will help me?" Marcus says as he steps back.

I notice Harry swallow hard and he nods uneasily.

I'm a bit confused as to why Marcus even trusts Harry. There's no mistaking the anxiety in his green eyes, but I assume Marcus is just far too desperate to care. Maybe he's giving up? It seems like the only other option right now, anyway.

Ron's head shifts from Harry to Marcus, a look of shock on his stupid scratched face, like he can't believe what Harry's doing. I know what this feels like – taking a life, even if it's just a trick. For Harry's sake, I press my side to his to reassure him that I'm there for him. He feels tense at first, but I slowly feel him relax.

"Don't look." I whisper to him. But he does.

Marcus pulls one of the leaves off of the steam suspiciously and bites off half of it; like he's taste testing it to make sure it's good enough. After he swallows, nothing happens, so he eats two more, still a bit uneasy. I start to get nervous and now I'm questioning if these things are even bad for you. I'm about to take a step back, thinking Marcus is perfectly well now and will lunge out to attack. But then I suddenly hear him wheeze and see him hold onto his throat. His eyes get wide, as if they might explode due to whatever intensity he's feeling and is face turns into a ghostly white. He looks like he's suffocating.

Harry jerks slightly against me, but doesn't turn away. Marcus uses a tree to support him, digging his nails painfully into the bark until I can see some blood drip from his fingertips. I wince at the sight. He coughs hard and finally hits the ground, hacking up blood, spraying the green grass in crimson. Ron looks away but Harry and I can't, and for some reason, I feel horrible for him. But his death doesn't have an effect on me like Pansy's or Blaise's did. I know he deserves this, and I feel guilty for saying that, but, again, another friend is dying in front of me. Even though part of me is happy he's out of the way, I can't help but feel slightly hurt.

I bit my lip nervously as I watch Marcus turn over on his back, trying to breathe, but ends up choking on his own blood. His body spazzes until he eventually goes completely limp. His head tilts to the side and blood oozes from his mouth, nose and eyes forming a puddle around the side of his face.

The cannon makes me jump, but I don't take my eyes off of him. "Bye, Marcus…" I say softly to his body. Four more Tributes left… Just four…

Then I remember Harry and look up at him. I know he's trying to hide his emotion, but I can tell he's shocked by the way his throat is moving when he swallows. He starts to get tense again and I gently grab his hand.

I look down at his spear and see him grip the thing so tight that his knuckles turn white. I know he wasn't expecting Marcus' death to be that intense – I wasn't either.

"Harry?" I ask cautiously so as not to startle him. He doesn't answer and suddenly the wind starts to pick up.

"We need to go." Ron says. "The hovercraft will be here any second."

Harry's silent, still not taking his eyes off of Marcus' body. I grip his hand tighter and talk for him. "We'll go back to the boulder. I think we all need some rest."

I see Ron nod at me, even though it kills him to agree. I try to pull Harry away by his hand and finally he loosens up, turning his back to the blood bath leaving the hovercraft to take Marcus' body away.

"What about Goyle?" Ron asks, looking over at me as we walk.

I feel a shiver run down my spine. "We'll worry about him later."

"How much later?" Ron growls, "You can't run from him forever, Malfoy!"

"Weasley, enough!" I say, immediately seeing the shock on his face that follows. Clearly he can make out the slight fear in my tone. "Right now, think about Harry! I'll figure something out for Goyle, okay, just shut up!"

When we get back to the boulder the sun is already setting. I can't help but feel a bit suspicious about this since it seems quiet early.

"Why is it getting dark now?" Harry asks, as he sits up against the boulder, still a bit out of it.

"Probably in a hurry to end this. I wouldn't blame them." Ron says, stepping off of the rock when he sees Harry come out of his shock as if knowing he's in good hands with me. Which I find kind of strange.

"Where are you going?" I say. Ron just looks at me blankly. "I can't stay here. I don't want these Games coming down to just the three of us. It'll be better if I'm on my own."

"Wait, Ron – you can't leave!" Harry says, getting to his feet.

Ron lightly smiles at him, a look of sadness in his eyes, "I won't make it either way, Harry. I'll give Hermione a hug for you." I see Harry shaking slightly, confusion and pain on his face.

"But-" Harry shakes his head. His green eyes are getting glassy and his voice is breaking again. "No-"

Now, even Ron looks miserable. His bottom lip quivers and, to hide his emotion, he grabs Harry and pulls him into a tight, brotherly hug. I shift slightly and press my back to the boulder, hugging my legs to my chest. All I can picture right now is Blaise. If I could bring him back, all I would want is to give him a proper good-bye. I miss him…

"Take care of my sister when you get home." I hear Ron whisper.

"I promise." Harry says shakily when they pull apart. "Be careful, Ron." He pushes Harry's bangs out of the way so that his lightning scar is now visible and nods with doubt on his face, "See you around, kido."

Ron turns to walk away and I jump to my feet, taking a step after him, "Ron." I say, and he turns around to face me a bit of anger on his face, "I'm – I'm sorry… about Hermione… about everything. But, Ron, I swear I didn't kill her on purpose. If I could bring her back I swear I would – you loved her. I know sorry isn't enough, but," I sigh, "I just wish she were here right now…"

Shockingly the anger on his face ebbs, snaking his mouth into a half smile. He walks over to me and puts a hand on my shoulder. "I should apologize too. I shouldn't have accused you, Draco. I'm sorry."

I smile back and nod curtly. "Just do me a favor and take care of this one for me." He nods his head to Harry and when I look at him, I notice his sad eyes looking at Ron and me. They're shiny with tears.

"I will." I say, turning back to Ron. "I'll do anything to keep him safe." He pats my shoulder, pleased with my answer. His smile widens sadly and he finally turns to walk away.

Harry watches him leave and I feel my heart drop when I see the pain on his face. Once Ron is out of sight, Harry turns to the boulder and sits down against it, "Harry." I say softly, going over to sit down beside him. I wrap my arms around him and he buries his face in my shoulder.

"He'll be okay. Either way, he's going to be okay. You know Ron, he's tough." I say calmly. I know he's hurt and I actually feel my heart aching for him. I just want him to know I'll never leave him, especially now.

We stay in each other's arms for a bit until I feel Harry pull away, his face slightly red from crying. I half smile and put my bandaged hand over his cheek and gently whip some tears away from under his eye. He puts his hand over mine and reluctantly takes it off his face. "Draco…" He says softly, grabbing the back of my head and pressing his forehead to mine. "Don't ever leave me…"

I wish it were that easy…

Still, I try to look convincing and smile lightly, but sadly, gently holding the back of his neck with my other hand. "Never." I say softly. Now, I feel tears burning the backs of my own eyes.

"Harry." I say, suddenly shaking.

He pulls back a bit from me and I look into his eyes, hoping to find an escape. "I'm scared…" It's just hitting me. What if Ron dies before one of us? That'll leave Harry and me alone to fight Goyle. Yes, he'll be outnumbered, but strangely, I don't think that will stop him from killing us both. And if Goyle does die, then it'll just be Harry and me remaining to fight each other. No, I won't kill him and I know he won't kill me. But they have to have their victor. Like it or not, they have to. But the thought alone of facing Goyle one on one… it scares the hell out of me. That evil monster – he'll really give the viewers a show they will never forget.

I owe a lot to Harry for making me last this long in the Games. If I didn't find him I would have been dead already. He saved my life so many times. I honestly can't make it anywhere without him. Fear holds me back too much. I'm a coward, I'll admit that. But it's the only way I get by.

My thoughts are cut off when Harry shifts, pushing my legs apart and pressing his knee between my thighs. I let out a soft huffing sound, feeling my heart jump in my chest, and let him lean over me, pressing my back into the boulder. He tilts my chin up to face him, making me stare into those beautiful green eyes of his. "Don't be. I told you we'll find a way through this. If not, we go down together, because I'm not leaving you either, Draco."

I shake my head, my eyes watery with tears that blur my vision. "I can't." My voice comes out in a half squeak.

"You can, don't say that. It's not over yet."

I grip his shirt, pulling him closer as he presses on me. I just need something, anything to take my mind off of this. I kiss him hard and feel one of his hands on my chest, sliding under my jacket, pressing my body harder into the rock behind me. My heart hammers against his palm and I know he can feel it by the soft smirk of amusement that slides onto his lips.

His other hand moves to the back of my head, gripping my hair between his fingers, pulling my head back. He shifts down, ending our kiss and moves to peck my neck lightly. I get a slight chill up my spin and moan softly into his ear. I hear him groan back in reply, feeling his hot breath run down my neck.

"Harry…" I breathe. He doesn't answer and starts to slide my jacket off my shoulder. I gasp, gripping my right arm, feeling the sleeve begin to slide down. "Harry!" I say a more jumpy.

He pulls back, "Right. You're neck. I forgot."

I shake my head. Although remembering about the mutt scratches on my neck starts to make them burn. "Not that. We're kind of on TV right now…" I grit my teeth so no one watching can read my lips, "My dad's watching."

Harry's face turns red and he pulls himself off of me. "Rii-iiight."

"Yeah." I say with a slight laugh, finding his reaction a bit amusing.

"Too bad we're in the Games then…" He says mischievously with a smirk, eyeing me up and down. I blink and shut the slight gap between my legs when his eyes go down farther. He laughs and I press my hand on his chest, shoving him back a bit playfully. "You pig!" I can't hide the smile on my face, though.

His smirk grows more into a sweeter smile and I watch as he takes his backpack and positions it to a different area on the rock. He gets down on his back and uses the backpack as a pillow. I follow his lead and lay down next to him, resting my head on his chest. His arm wraps around me, pulling me closer.

"Of all the nights in this hell hole, this is the best one." I say softly. Aside from Ron leaving, and Marcus dying, but I'm bringing that up.

Suddenly the anthem begins to play, making Harry and I look up to see Marcus' picture. A soft sigh escapes Harry and I cuddle up into him. "If it's any consolation, what you did was pretty clever." I say as the anthem begins to stop, bringing back the sound of the crickets and slight chill of the wind.

"I couldn't think of anything else. If I told him he was close to the river he would have got back enough strength to kill us. I just… I don't think I could see anyone else hurt you."

I say nothing and just wrap my arm around his chest in response not really knowing how to answer him with words.

"Well," I begin to say slowly, "you were hurt by many people in your life, Harry. It kills me to see it happening all over again."

He turns over onto his side, making extra room on his backpack for me to rest my head on. I shift on my side too, to face him. I wrap my arm around his shoulder while he wraps his around my waist, secretly sliding his hand up the back of my shirt and jacket. I glare up at him. "Harry…" I snarl gritting my teeth.

"What?" He says with a laugh. "I'm not doing anything." His hand is warm against my skin, and I won't lie when I say the caress feels good. But we're on TV… My dad's watching… I can't help but feel slightly awkward about this.

"Well, just don't get out of hand and try to get some sleep." I say.

He laughs softly and kisses my forehead. "Okay."

I yawn and press my forehead to his chest, hugging him closer. I've never felt this relaxed in the Games. This is probably the first.

Just lying here, being wrapped in his arms makes me feel stronger.

It makes me feel safe…

AN: I was planning on posting this on Friday, but I couldn't wait anymore XD. However, I need study time these next few days. So no more Chapters until Saturday at the latest. I know that's not a long way off, but oh well. This week has just been hecktic.

And thank you to all my new Followers! I hope you like the story so far! :3