Here's a super long chapter, enjoy :)
I roll out of bed, having woken up already smiling. I see that Ron is already up and half-sleepwalking around the dormitory, a groggy look in his eyes. I feel guilty, realizing he must not have gotten much sleep, probably because of me. In a way it's sort of my fault. I pulled another condition into our friendship and didn't give him much of a choice.
But I can't bring myself to feel too bad, because Ron'll get over it, and I can now see Draco without the fear of being rejected by my friends.
The walk to the Great Hall is awkward, with Hermione doing most of the conversing, trying to keep things from settling into an uncomfortable silence. I try to put in what I can, but Ron mostly just nods his head. I know he's not really listening because he's been nodding in agreement about the importance of SPEW for the past several minutes.
I can't help but look over at the Slytherin table once we settle down at the table, and am pleased to see Draco looking well. He looks much more well slept, and like he's been eating more. I know that he must still be terrified over the prospect of escaping Voldemort, and even still worried over completing whatever task has been set for him, but he seems to be much more in control of things now.
He catches me watching him, and smiles slightly, before quickly looking back at Pansy who appears to be talking his ear off. I force myself to look back at Hermione, who appears to be growing more and more desperate to get through the breakfast. I take pity on her and address Ron directly.
"So, err, how are the Cannons doing?" Ron glares back me.
"You know fully well that they're doing terribly." With that he stalks off, leaving me confused at what I'd done wrong. Hermione pats me on the shoulder comfortingly.
"You know how he can be with anything new, just give him time."
"I shouldn't have to. I don't have to give you time."
"You're honestly comparing me to Ron?"
"Good point."
"He'll get over it. Just... go easy on him, will you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well," Hermione blushes, "Maybe being overly... public, with your affection, might-" She trails off, and I blush as well.
"No! The most important thing is helping Draco, and that is the only thing Ron will be hearing about. But maybe someday they'll get along. He's changed, Hermione, you believe me, right?"
"I trust you on this Harry, just please be careful. You'd better go, I think he wants you to meet him." She tilts her head in the direction of the Slytherin table, where Draco is attempting to get my attention. I quickly nod at Hermione, then head off to meet him.
"Looked like you were having fun with Weasley, before. That is, until he marched off."
"You know, this would be easier if either of you would put effort into liking the other."
"Now why would I do that? I'm busy enough as it is, I've got no time for such rubbish." He leans back on the wall casually, smirking. I roll my eyes, annoyed that his arrogance seems to have surfaced once again. He reaches out his hand towards mine, but pauses to meet my eyes, seeking permission.
I reach the extra distance and let him pull me next to him. He squeezes my hand, and I close my eyes for a second, letting myself take in the feel of his slightly rough hand in mine, with our arms brushing. I breath in lightly, and feel the butterflies in my stomach taking in his scent, and all I want to do is breath deeper. However, Draco interrupts my thought.
"You know, I think I've wanted this for awhile. I mean, I didn't know it, but it was there. There's always been something different about you."
"Right," I nod gloomily, and pull my hair off my forehead, "This."
"No, it was before I knew about that. For some reason, I just couldn't stop thinking about the tiny little boy with the large, ugly glasses.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say that you're doing soft on me, Malfoy."
"Maybe I am... I'm here with you, aren't I?"
"Why would that mean you're going soft?"
"I'm supposed to hate you. And I've managed to pretty well. Well, until now, anyways."
"In that case, I'm glad you're softening up." He grins slightly, a much less noticeable expression than his smirk, but this one carries into his eyes and makes his pale face seem lively. He pushes himself off the wall and into my arms, kissing me eagerly and not hesitating with fear. I kiss back hard, knowing I don't have to worry about scaring him off or hurting him. He pulls me closer to him, and I know he's trying to get rid of any space between us.
I can barely think my head is spinning so much, and I'm so delirious yet I know exactly what I'm doing. After a minute, I pull away from him gently, worried about moving too fast. Draco seems to understand and lets me release myself from him.
"So, going soft?" I laugh and shake my head, disturbing my hair and glasses even further than they already are. He frowns, and reaches out to straighten me up. He pushes my glasses back onto my nose and attempts to brush my hair down, with little success.
"How do you manage to make this hair look even halfway decent? If it was on someone else's head it would look terrible. And are you ever going to get new glasses?"
"Thanks for the support, Draco."
"Anytime. Just trying to make sure you look your best." I glower at him, and he laughs, a real full laugh, and I can't help but smile back.
"So... how are things going with Dumbledore? And, you know, me. Helping. Me."
"Oh, well, I've been thinking about it, and I've realized, it's not just about you. It's your whole family, or we can't do it at all. So it's up to them, isn't it?"
"So, we're going to have to talk to my parents? Yeah, that's not gonna happen."
"Come on Draco, we can't do it without them."
"Why not?"
"What would happen if we left them?" Draco stares in silence, just understanding what Voldemort would do to them if he escaped.
"You're right, it's all or none. I'll owl them tonight."
"And I'll help you. You don't have to do this alone." He smiles a tired smile, showing how little he believes me. His eyes look aged beyond his years from his solitude. But he doesn't have to be alone, and I'm not going to let him be.
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