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A/N: Here we are. Reviews are much appreciated. Those who don't will be subjected to the Cruciatus curse.

Chapter 12

Harry followed hesitantly after Draco, surprised when Draco entered without knocking and Snape didn't threaten to kill him instantly.

How was that fair?

If Harry entered without knocking Snape would probably fire an Unforgivable at him. But Draco just strolled in with his usual swagger and Snape said not a word.

"Draco," He drawled, his face darkening when he realized that Harry was following him into the room. "Mr. Potter."

"Professor Snape," Harry nodded, trying to remain civil, though he knew it was always a matter of time. He always tried to start civilly, but then Snape started on him about being lazy, or privileged, or whatever he felt like on that particular day, and it reminded Harry far too much about being back at Privet Drive to take it. At least here he could talk back, defend himself, without being fearful of getting smacked without repercussions.

"What happened to your face, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked. Harry wrinkled his nose and then stopped abruptly when he realized that was causing more pain. You'd think, after how many he'd suffered from, that he'd remember what movements he could make without hurting a bruised nose.

"He was punched," Draco said, leaning languidly against a desk. His cheeks were still slightly pink from being at Hogsmeade, perhaps sun burned or wind burned, but he looked just as sexy as ever. He sent Harry a look with his silver blue eyes and Harry's stomach flip flopped.

"How long ago?" Snape asked, approaching Harry. Harry eyed him suspiciously and he rolled his dark eyes before gently probing Harry's face. Harry resisted the urge to flinch and grimaced at the man who clearly thought asking for permission was beneath him.

"Probably about an hour," Draco answered again for Harry, which Harry supposed was good, as Snape's hands were still on his face. They were surprisingly soft and warm. Harry expected them to be cold, he didn't know why, perhaps because of all the rumors about him being a vampire, but they were actually warm and tender against his bruise, tilting his head this way and that.

"Run into my storage and grab an anti-swelling potion as well as a vial of bruise removal cream," Snape ordered. Harry made to move, stupidly, but he was so used to being treated like a house elf, and then realized that Snape was talking to Draco. Draco disappeared into the storage room and left Harry in a very awkward situation with Snape.

"Did you get in fight?" Snape asked, his voice slight rougher, like Harry was used to. Harry made to shake his head and then thought better of it.

"No, it was a guy who was convinced I had gone over to the Dark Side," Harry said.

"Simply a bully?" Snape asked, his voice almost soft. Harry wished that Draco would get back out here. Though he was no longer touching him, Snape was still uncomfortably close, about a foot away, and he was staring with weird intensity at him.

"Just a bully," Harry said, wondering what kind of strange universe he was in, in which he was agreeing with Snape, of all people.

"Have you told the Headmaster?" Snape asked him. Harry shook his head.

"I'm used to bullies," He said. Snape stared at him and Harry found that he could not look away until Draco walked back into the room.

"Swallow this," Snape ordered him. Harry swallowed it back, wincing at the rancid taste. Snape pressed another vial into his hand. "And apply this after your shower,"

"Thank you," Draco said, his eyes intent on Harry's face in such a way that made Harry's face heat up. He gingerly pressed against his nose, surprised to find that it had shrunk back to its normal size already. No matter how many times magic healed him, he still found it amazing.

"Yes, thank you," Harry said. He pocketed the vial and stared at Draco.

"We'll leave you, then." Draco said. He left the room and Harry followed after with one last glance at Snape. The sallow man was still staring at him with that unnamable look, even as he shut the door to the Potions classroom.

"Does your nose still hurt?" Draco asked him as they started down the hall.

"A little, when you touch it," Harry said.

"I guess I'll have to settle for this, then," Draco said, reaching over and taking Harry's hand in his. "At least until after you shower."

There had been times when Harry had been denied the ability of using the shower, or at least a warm one. He was always anxious to take one when he got to Hogwarts, to wipe off the grime and shame of the summer.

But never before had he been as eager for a shower as he was now.