chapter 9

Harry's POV

It was a stupid mistake that I could've probably avoided. But, me being me I just...froze. When I first heard those words all I could think, all I could see was my relatives; their glares and sneers. Sometimes I forget that I'm relatively free as far as they're concerned. I never have to return. I never have to listen to them, believe them. It was thanks to Neville and Hermione that I was able to get past it as much as I have to this day. But sometimes, sometimes it just comes back and its like I'm eleven again, desperately wanting to escape, hoping beyond anything that Hogwarts is real; that its not just a dream. I hadn't realized I was leaning to heavily on the door till it was too late. With a crash I landed painfully on my arse.

Hmmm, really I felt I should be scared. Draco alone could maim me pretty good on his own; and I was, for all intents and purposes easdroping. Of course I wouldn't go down without a fight but still; I was pretty sure neither of us would get off injury free. The looks on Blaise and Theo's face alone could give me pretty deep despite this I could not bring myself to be scared. Actually, all I could really think about was the raw pain I heard in his voice. All I could see is the tear tracks still staining his cheeks. All I could feel is the urge to comfort or fight; anything to bring his smile back in full force.

A snort brought me crashing back to reality. I blinked and looked for the source.

"Gryffindorks, it should be a crime to be that see through." Blaise walked up to me, invading my personal space. It was only a combination of self-preservation and Gryffindor bravery that kept me still with enough will power to keep eye contact. Harder than it looks with that menacing aura surrounding him. This guy truly was dangerous. The scowl just proved me right.

"I could talk and threaten till I'm old and gray. It would do no good. It never does when it comes to you." I swear he could see things about me I can't even see. " Draco is my little brother in all but blood. You might be the Boy Who Lived. The chosen git who saved the world. But to us, the snakes and outcasts your just another person. Another self important bastard that loves to judge based on what you hear, not what you see. "A pause. The way he studied me had me wondering if there was a form of legimency that I had yet to hear about.

"You have 5 minutes. If he is not better by than...well I don't care what lengths I have to go to. I will see to it personally that your life is very miserable. Trust me when I say that I wont be the only one." Damn, but if glares could kill, I would seriously worry. I could still feel it trying to crucio me long after he left. I reverted my attention to the clearly ignoring me blond angel. It didn't help. I was still seriously confused; what good could I do? As far as I was concerned I was the last person that could reassure Draco, as much as I wished otherwise.

Blaises' look came to mind and practically flashed a neon sign that clearly told me how idiotic I was for even thinking along those lines. Huh, well I stand corrected, Hermione is always right! I am very obviously oblivious. Only grace on that point is that Draco's obviously equally dense. A garden gnome could tell I was lost for him. Whether I chose to deny it or not. I pointedly ignored that inner voice telling me how unfair that was.

"You could leave any minute now. I promise I wont tell Blaise." Dracos voice was so quiet, so defeated I barely recognized it. I had to forcefully take a deep breath when the words finally registered. Did he seriously think I would just leave him like this? I had the inappropriate urge to whack him over the head with his way too expensive silk pillows.

"I will leave." Paying no attention to his flinch, I clawled on the bed next to him, marveling at the softness of it. "Just as soon as I see a real patented Dragon smile... " he stared, his gaze curiously blank.

"I don't need your pity. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I don't need you." I wonder if Blaise will fault me if I 'accidentally' drop a book on his head. Gahhh but he was always the only one who could get under my skin. "Besides Blaise and the others were exaggerating. what would I care if I disgusted you. Your just.. mad. Just jealous." It would've been more beileveable if he didn't avoid my eyes throughout his whole speech.

"Good thing I don't consider you particularly worthy of my pity, let alone disgust then huh. You know what my childhood was like. Merlin, Dragon,you know more than I was even willing to tell Hermione or Ron." I looked at him, trying to will him with want alone to meet my gaze. "Don't hate me but, I already know. I told you about my connection to Voldemort. What I didn't tell you was that I saw. Not a lot, but enough to know you are not your father. Frankly it made me want to kill him as much as I had to kill Voldemort. It did not make me pity you." I gave in, brushing my fingers through his baby soft hair. "To be honest, it was what made me first see you in a different light. Didn't you ever wonder why I trusted you so willingly despite even Dumbledores' doubt...I will leave if that will make you smile. But only ask if it is what you truly want."

And there goes my denial stage.

The blinding white smile he gave me wiped any and all fears I previously had. Just as soon as it came; it was gone. His brow furrowed and I had to resist the urge to kiss him stupid.

"You were disgusted." Again with the blank face. Ohhh, but by Merlin I will make it my life mission to erase that face from his responses. If only when he's with me.

"Of course I was disgused. I had a sleazy slut practically molding herself to me." I scowled.

"Your.. not dating Ginerva?" I blinked, resisting the strange urge to clean my ears. I couldn't help but laugh though, when I got a good look at him. He just looked so damn confused while trying act like it didn't bother him. It was so cute. Just like that my anger and annoyance faded. Merlin this man could give me whiplash with how fast he could change my emotions. No wonder I like him.

"No Dragon. Its actually been a while since anyone asked me that. I would've thought everyone knew by now. Our breakup wasn't exactly quiet."

"You called me Dragon." A smile threatened to break free as a blush creeped up his pale skin. He continued after I arched a brow at him." I.. I don't read the paper. It never prints the truth and really I thought you loved that Weaselette. She is your best friends sister after all and Merlin himself knows you take the Weasels word as law itself. It makes me urked like no... why are you laughing, you jerk!?"

I wasn't laughing. I was chuckling and I couldn't help it. The more he talked, the more red he got. It was as adoreable as it was endearing. I made it a point to get myself under control. Only a miracle could wipe the grin off my face though.

"Well, me and Ron aren't the closest of pals any more. He's still my friend, don't get me wrong, I'm just not so easily led nowadays. As for Ginerva.. well, she cheated on me and the next day I find my so called love is potion induced. There's nothing more to really say. I admit I had a lot of faults, not the least being a pawn for so long. But that was years ago and everyone grows up. Don't put to much stock on what she says. As hard as it is to gain my trust; It's almost impossible to gain it back once you loose it. And it'd certainly be hypocritical of me to fault you for your wandless, wordless when it comes just as easily to me. It just says we're more powerful than most others. It in no way, shape or form makes you disgusting."

" Funny, Blaise said the same thing..So why. Why is it that I only believe it when you say it?" He was close. So close I could smell his unique scent of lime and vanilla. So close I could see the blue hidden in the darkness of his grey eyes. It took a while to get the haze out of my head enough to realize he was waiting for something. Waiting for me. I smiled. A tender smile I reserved only for those I truly trust and cared about. Slowly, so slowly that he could pull away at any moment I brought my hands to caress the back of his neck. Heat finally found color in his face and he broke eye contact. Gently I used one of hands to tilt his chin back to my face. I waited, refusing to move unless he met my eyes once more. When he did I could've whooped for joy. Instead I settled for bringing my face that much closer, till our breaths fairly mingled in an almost there, so close kiss.

"Hmmm, I'm not sure but I can't say I'm sorry." I moved to close even that last distance. Merlin, but I suddenly wanted nothing more than to taste him. This dragon, my dragon. I wanted to plunder his mouth and drink him in till I was sure I would taste him hours after we were done. It made me that much more irritated when the door barged open and effectively ruined the mood. A growl escaped before i could swallow it down.

I ignored Pansy's highly amused smirk and Blaise could talk all he wanted. I was barely paying attention. I was too fixated on Draco. His smile was ready and waiting again and it soothed any ruffled feathers I wasn't aware I even had. Even if I could still see some shadows and knew, just knew we were no where near where I wanted us to be, I still felt lighter than I had since we started this mission. Maybe even since we became partners. I inwardly gave a smirk of my own. Oh, but there will be no more running. I will make Draco mine. After all it would only be fair since he took my heart and soul before I was even aware I cared for him.

Life will most certainly turn interesting.