The next couple of weeks passed in much the same manner for Harry and Halloween was fast approaching. He and Blaise had gotten together sometime during the first two weeks of classes and were absolutely perfect together in Harry's opinion. Draco had been a close friend since their first day of Art History. The two had bonded over the short time they'd known each other and were best friends. Although lately, Harry wasn't sure why, Draco had been pulling away from him, since he and Blaise had started being more open about their relationship, to be honest. Finally, with only a week until the Halloween Dance, Draco slammed into the room he and Harry shared in the middle of the night. Harry was jerked awake, having been sleeping due to an early class the next day, and glared at Draco. Draco paid no mind to Harry as he banged and shoved various objects that dared to get in his way. Eventually Harry couldn't take it anymore, and he growled at Draco.

"Malfoy, what is your problem? I was sleeping!"

Draco turned to face Harry, a sneer marring his perfect features, "shut up, Potter. No one asked you."

Harry threw off his covers and stood chest to chest with Draco, which was easy since they were around the same height, "look, I didn't ask you to wake me up at… one o'clock in the morning. I have class, and a major test, might I add, at 6. I do not appreciate you storming into the room trying to tear it apart. Now, I don't know what pissed you off, but if you would kindly shut up, I would like to get back to sleep."

"I'm fairly certain that what pissed me off will surely piss you off just as much."

Harry looked at Draco wearily, "why?"

"Well, you see I caught my girlfriend, now ex, in bed with someone else not moments ago."

"I still don't see how this affects me."

Draco smirked, "well, you see, she was in bed with none other than your boyfriend, Blaise Zabini."

Harry shook his head, "I don't believe you. Blaise went home to visit his mum since his classes are over for the week."

Draco sat down on the edge of his bed as he watched Harry's face drop. Harry turned on his heel, climbed into bed, and drew the curtains. He flopped on his stomach and buried his face in his pillow. No, Blaise wouldn't cheat on him. They were perfectly happy, weren't they? Harry had been sure they were. Was there something he had missed? Harry could only deduce the fact that it had been he who had done something wrong. He had somehow driven Blaise away and into the arms of another. For all the appearances Harry put on, he was dreadfully insecure when it came to relationships. He had had his heart broken at the tender age of 13. He had been dating an older boy who had beaten him and used him every chance he got. It had taken the combined efforts of all of his friends to get the guy to leave Harry alone. Harry's chest constricted as he choked on sobs.

After finally calming himself down, Harry found that he could no longer sleep. He threw back his curtains and yanked on a pair of gym shorts. Harry tore out of the room and started running. He ran for all he was worth, until he couldn't anymore. Making his way towards a bench in the quad Harry collapsed on top of it, paying no mind to the fact that the sweat on his body was turning cold as the icy wind whipped around him. Goose bumps appeared on his bare chest, but Harry didn't care. He could no longer move, his bones felt weary and his muscles ached. Shivering and shaking from cold, Harry finally passed out.

In the morning Draco awoke to an empty room a few hours later. Harry had not returned. Draco swore and hurriedly pulled on clothes and set off to find his friend. He searched for over an hour before he spotted Harry's still form on a bench. Draco rushed to Harry's side and noticed the other boy's skin was tinged a slight blue. Draco, desperate to wake Harry, lightly slapped Harry on the face. Harry let out a low moan followed soon after by a round of shivers. Draco hauled Harry over his shoulder and hurried him to the Infirmary. He placed Harry on a bed before seeking out the school nurse Ms. Pomfrey. He explained Harry's condition, and the woman gasped before practically running to his bedside. The older woman fussed over Harry as Draco stood off to the side.

"Mr. Malfoy, your hovering is not helping Mr. Potter's condition. Please, go away."

Draco scowled, "I don't think so. I'm not going anywhere."

Ms. Pomfrey gave and exasperated sigh, "honestly. You cannot stay here. Go back to your dormitory."

"No."

Ms. Pomfrey sneered, but didn't push the matter any further. Draco smirked triumphantly and sank into one of the chairs by Harry's bedside. Ms. Pomfrey continued to give Draco a few disapproving glares as she worked, but otherwise ignored Draco completely. Draco kept running through the previous night in his mind, and cursed himself for it. He had known about Harry's insecurities, but had been too wrapped up in his emotions to even consider Harry. He had been the first one Harry had ever opened up to, he was sure of it. Draco had to swallow his guilt for the time being, feeling guilty was not going to help Harry recover any faster. No matter how much he wanted Harry better, it was all up to Harry now. Only Harry could get himself through this. And Draco had a feeling he didn't want to get better.

When the 5 minute warning bell rang, Draco, much to Ms. Pomfrey's disgust, didn't even bother to move. Draco spent the entire day sitting at Harry's bedside. Every now and then he would take Harry's hand into his own and give it a gentle squeeze. Draco desperately wished for Harry to wake up. He couldn't help but feel the whole thing was his fault. If he had just stopped and considered how his ranting would affect Harry, he never would have opened his mouth. Draco had long since lost track of how long he had been sitting in the same position, but the sun had dropped from the sky and the moon was shining brightly. Harry had still not awoken .Ms. Pomfrey had made herself scarce, only showing up to give Harry a once over. When she finally returned, Draco could not hold his tongue anymore.

"What's wrong with him?" he growled, "why won't he wake up?"

"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter's body is in shock. We don't know how long he had been out there in the cold. You said that he had been out running the last time you saw him. His body obviously went through a dramatic temperature change. As for what he has, as I have no doubt he has caught something from the dreadful weather, I will not know until he wake up."

"What if he doesn't wake up?"

"There's nothing we can do now, but hope. Sitting here not eating or sleeping is not helping. You need to go back to your room and get a good night's sleep. Eat breakfast in the morning, and then come back. Mr. Potter is going to need you when he wakes up. You cannot provide him with what he needs if you are on the bed next to him. Now, go get some rest."

Draco was about to open his mouth to protest, but thought better of it and snapped his jaw shut. He nodded and pulled himself out of the chair he had not vacated all day. With one last glance at Harry's unmoving body, Draco sighed and left.

---

Draco returned to the Infirmary as soon as he'd finished picking at his breakfast. He was surprised to see a privacy curtain drawn around Harry's bed. Faint voices could be heard and Draco held his breath, hoping one of those voices was Harry's. Draco began pacing around the Infirmary, not being able to stand still for more than a second or two. The minutes seemed to drag on forever before Ms. Pomfrey emerged from behind the curtain. She was quickly attacked by Draco and his incessant questions.

"How is he? Did he wake up?"

Ms. Pomfrey held up a hand, "relax Mr. Malfoy. Yes, he is awake, but he's slightly disoriented. There is no doubt in my mind that he has Hypothermia, now. A few days bed rest in a warm atmosphere should be all he needs. I've adjusted his IV, and he should be able to leave by tonight."

"Thanks. Can I see him?"

At Ms. Pomfrey's nod, Draco rushed forward and behind the curtain. Harry looked at him with a dazed expression on his face. Draco shook his head at his friend and sat down in the chair by his bed. The pair remained silent for a few minutes, both trying to figure out what to say. Draco's guilt magnified ten-fold when he noticed Harry shiver slightly. Draco sighed and hung his head, not being able to stand looking Harry in the eye. He wasn't sure how long he'd had his head down, but eventually Draco felt a tentative hand brush through his hair. Draco looked up slowly. He opened his mouth to apologize, but Harry simply held up his hand.

"Don't Draco. Please."

"Harry, I-"

Harry shook his head, "don't say you're sorry. Don't say you wish you'd told me in a different way. Just don't. I don't need to hear it, I know it."

"I just feel like I failed you somehow. I should have thought of you for just one second instead of trying to forget my own pain. It hurt me so much to see Daphne in the arms of another. We've been together since 7th grade, our parents run in the same circles and they chose to send us to the same boarding schools from middle school on. I thought she would be the girl I'd marry. I guess not, though, huh? This is going to rip our circle of friends apart. I just can't understand how Blaise could do this to me, us, I've known him since kindergarten."

Harry stared at a spot on the wall, having no reply to Draco's speech. This would bring the two of them even closer together, of that Harry was sure. His crush on Draco had never gone away, but Harry had been able to ignore it because Draco was his best friend, and not to mention straight. Harry sighed. He wasn't sure how long he could keep his infatuation hidden from Draco now that they were both unattached. Sharing a room with someone you learn their every nuance, how they respond to scary situations, and how they think. It was hard to ignore the little details in such close quarters, and Harry was surprised that Draco had not figured out his feelings. Every day he had battled with himself, should he tell Draco, or stay with Blaise. Harry could feel a headache coming on as his thoughts whirled through his mind.

Draco stared at Harry, who was completely oblivious. Draco had always been straight, but did not label himself as such. He was a firm believer in not being able to choose who you fell in love with. If it was a male who won his heart, then so be it. His mother had always accepted him for who he was, and his father had been caught in a bad business deal and was brutally murdered when he was a kid of all but 3. All in all, Draco had lived a very loved life. Narcissa had remarried a 7 years prior. Draco had been pleased his mother had found someone to love. His godfather Severus Snape had been a pillar in their lives since he could remember. Now, Draco had three half siblings and another on the way. The twins, little Annabelle and Ariana were the oldest at 6 years old, and Gabriel was 3. Draco loved watching them as they grew up.

Both Draco and Harry snapped to attention when the Infirmary door opened with a loud bang. Draco whipped his head around to see who dared to intrude on the moment he was having. How dare they burst into the room when Draco was picturing how Harry would be with his younger siblings. Draco scowled as the person got nearer to Harry's bed. He had to force down the growl that threatened to spill from his throat at the sight of Blaise. The boy in questions seemed not to notice Draco's odd reaction to him, and hurried over to Harry's bedside. Harry moved as far away from him as he could without falling off the bed. Blaise's face flashed with confusion and hurt before settling into a mask of indifference. He took a step back.

"Harry, babe, what happened?"

Harry's eyes narrowed, "I don't see why you'd care, Zabini."

"I'm your boyfriend. Of course I care."

Harry shook his head, "no, you're not my boyfriend anymore. Not after what you did. How long, Blaise? Hm? How long have you been cheating on me? And why with one of your closest friend's girlfriend?"

Blaise's expression darkened, "oh, finally found out did you? Took you long enough. How'd you find out anyway?"

"Draco saw the two of you."

Blaise laughed, "ah, I see. Did you honestly think I could really love you, Potter? No, you're too whiney for me. I don't do little bitches. Although, you were a good fuck. I'll miss that."

Harry's jaw dropped as Blaise turned on his heel and headed for the door. Draco finally snapped out of his stupor and charged at Blaise. He tackled Blaise to the ground, and they both fell hard. Blaise snarled in outrage as Draco's fist connected with his jaw. In a second Blaise had flipped them over so he was the one on top, delivering blows to Draco's stomach and face. Harry heard and audible crunch and the tell tale spurt of blood that signaled a broken nose and squeaked in horror. He felt helpless just sitting on the bed, but he was tired and achy. Just lifting his arm earlier had been tough. Blaise and Draco continued to scrabble and flail all over the floor, forgetting that they were in the Infirmary.

"What is all this ruckus?" Ms. Pomfrey gasped at the sight of the two boys wrestling about on the floor. "All right, that's enough! Stop it, the both of you!" Ms. Pomfrey's shouts went unnoticed. "I said, ENOUGH!"

Draco looked up from his current spot underneath Blaise. Blaise stopped with his fist drawn back, ready to land another blow. Ms. Pomfrey made noises of disapproval as she hurried the two beaten and battered boys into beds of their own. Draco scowled as the elderly nurse fussed over him. She poked and prodded him all over his body. When she reached his right shoulder, Draco winced in pain. Ms. Pomfrey hesitated and then prodded again. Draco hissed and glared at her. After a third poke, Draco's lip was curled in disgust. He gritted his teeth and prepared for another round of prodding from the nurse. Draco wasn't disappointed.

"Ouch, woman, that hurts. How many times are you going to fucking poke the same spot? I think it's pretty clear that it isn't okay."

"Language, Mr. Malfoy. I'm just trying to see how much damage was done."

"Obviously a hell of a lot," Draco muttered under his breath.

Finally, Ms. Pomfrey moved on. She bandaged his nose and then moved on to Blaise. After ten minutes she returned to Draco's side. He bared his teeth and shifted away, very much aware of her intentions. Ms. Pomfrey shook her head at his antics and continued on to shift his arm into the proper position as Draco hissed and snarled in pain. After a stern warning not to move, Ms. Pomfrey disappeared into her office. Draco studiously avoided looking at Harry, afraid of what he would see in his eyes. In what seemed like no time Ms. Pomfrey had emerged from her office and headed back over towards Draco's bed.

"I cannot treat that arm here. It's at best a dislocated shoulder. I think it's best if it was looked at by a professional. You have the choice of having them come here, or you going there."

Draco set his jaw, "I'm not going anywhere."

Ms. Pomfrey nodded shortly, "very well, then. The doctor should be here within the hour. Mr. Zabini," she greeted Blaise as she strode over to his bed, "you may go. All that's wrong with you is a few bumps and bruises, nothing major. I do not want to see you back in here while Mr. Malfoy is a patient. And don't think I won't be mentioning this to your House Advisor. The both of you will be receiving detention for fighting."

Draco sighed in resignation, and didn't argue the point, although Severus was going to kill him when he found out. It was both a curse and a blessing going to the same school his godfather taught at. His mother had figured it a good way to keep him in line and also give him someone in the family to turn to should there be need. Draco wasn't too fond of the idea now, though. Sev would give him a punishment far more severe than the one he would give Blaise. Severus expected more from Draco, and there was no doubt in Draco's mind that he would show his displeasure. Draco watched Blaise as he got to his feet, smirked, and left the Infirmary. Not two minutes later did Severus walk through the doors. Draco winced at the murderous expression on his face.

"Draco Lucius Aidan Malfoy, what on earth were you thinking?"

Draco hung his head in shame, "I'm sorry, Sev."

"Sorry isn't good enough."

Harry saw his chance and seized it, "he was defending me, sir."

Severus' head snapped in Harry's direction, "excuse me?"

"Yeah, Sev, Blaise pretty much said he'd been using Harry and that all Harry was to him was a cheap fuck. I couldn't allow him to get away with that."

Severus sighed, "Draco, you know that violence is never the answer. Why disregard that now?"

Draco shrugged his good shoulder, "I don't know. I just snapped I guess."

"How bad is it?" Severus gestured towards Draco's right arm.

"Dunno. Doctor hasn't been in yet."

Severus nodded, "very well. Let that be a reminder of what happens when one resorts to violence. Make no mistake, you will serve your detention as soon as you have healed. Keep me posted on the situation. Feel better Mr.…"

Harry flushed, "Potter, sir. Harry Potter."

Severus nodded before exiting the Infirmary. Harry glared at Draco and turned his back on him. Draco groaned in frustration. He knew that Harry wouldn't appreciate being fought over, but he couldn't let Blaise get away with that cheap dig. No, Harry meant far too much to him. That was a feeling Draco wasn't sure he was ready to look at too closely just yet. He had always been aware of the slight attraction he had to Harry, but had been all it was. Draco hissed as he jostled his shoulder by shifting slightly, Harry didn't even turn his way. For some reason, Harry's obvious avoidance hurt him more than a dislocated shoulder ever could. Draco got lost in his own thoughts, desperately trying to understand why he had certain feelings.