White Lies (14/?)
Title: White Lies (14/?)
Author: Cassis Luna
Rating: PG-13 for now
Warnings: ignores DH, EWE, AU, adult themes, profanity
Chapter Word Count: 7110
Disclaimer: Harry Potter does not belong to me, it belongs to J.K. Rowling. No money is being made out of this.
Note: I got the idea about the Restoration Potion from the Troyjeinen Potion found here, so that's not mine either.
Summary: Eight year. Draco drinks a potion that makes him know if a person is lying, and Harry, apparently at fault that Draco is this way, is forced to 'help' him throughout the effects of the potion. For the first time, they deal with each other with no lies to hide behind.
Alternate Summary: In which Draco's a Potions experiment gone bad, Hogwarts wants to eat Harry (oh, but does it really?), and everyone thinks they're shagging each other. (Yes, even the house-elves.)
CHAPTER 14
Sunshine and Blond Hair
Almost overflowing with sleep and bed rest, Hermione woke up with the sun still far from rising. It wasn't surprising, really, because she had been itching through all of yesterday to investigate Harry's predicament. She and Ron had been heatedly going through all sorts of possibilities during dinner, and a glance at the Slytherin table told them that Pansy and Blaise were too.
She had hoped that Harry and Draco would wake up soon, but dinner came and went, and they remained in the infirmary.
She and Ron had tried visiting - and tried hard, they did, but along the way, they bumped into Madame Pomfrey who treated them with a raised eyebrow and told them that things could surely wait in the morning.
Well, Hermione decided as she leapt off her bed to search for clothes. It's certainly morning now.
Even if the sun still hasn't risen.
But she was restless, and her mind was working overtime, and she really wanted to squeeze all the details out of Harry as soon as possible.
Like, now.
She put on her school robes and rushed out of the dormitory.
-
Well, the sun wasn't that far from rising. At least, it meant that Filch was still sleeping peacefully beside his beloved Mrs. Norris.
Hermione hurriedly walked down the corridors. Hurriedly, not because of the possibility that Filch may have decided to wake really early today of all days, but because she wanted to get to the infirmary quickly and shake Harry awake and pester him with questions.
She wasn't doing this just to satisfy her curiosity.
She was doing this because Harry was her friend, and she was worried out of her wits.
"Granger?"
Hermione jumped and turned around to blink at Pansy Parkinson.
"Well," Pansy said, smirking as she walked towards the Gryffindor. "I wasn't surprised when I bumped into Greengrass earlier, but you? Fancy seeing you sneaking in the corridors at night."
Hermione relaxed, shaking her head amusedly. "It's hardly night anymore, Pansy."
Surprised, Pansy raised an eyebrow at the use of her first name.
"I hope you don't mind," Hermione said casually, smiling. "Since we're friends now and all."
Pansy's face broke into a grin. "Saps, you Gryffindors. On your way to the Hospital Wing, I presume?"
"Guilty as you are," Hermione chirped as they continued their walk towards the infirmary together.
"I really hope that Madame Pomfrey's still asleep. She kept on shooing us away yesterday!" Pansy scoffed, looking sulky as she flipped her hair over her shoulder. "A day without Draco's whining just isn't right."
"Why," Hermione said, lips quirking up into a smile. "I didn't know Slytherins could do sweet."
"I hope you're not thinking what I think you're thinking, Gra - Hermione. Draco and I aren't like that," Pansy said smoothly with a toss of her hair.
Hermione blinked. She had figured as much. Pansy and Draco didn't seem like they were involved, but it was still different having it confirmed firsthand rather than from just offhand observations. "Of course not," she replied just as smoothly. "Harry would be heartbroken."
She had said it in good humor, in reference to the Harry and Draco's Illicit Love AffairTM, but Pansy's head had shot up in surprise.
Pansy quickly realized her mistake though, when it registered late in her brain that Hermione was just joking. She forced out a laugh. "He should be," she replied as carelessly as she could, and wished it were true. "Poor Potter though. Even his friends are against him in this joke." She grinned in a way that said that she wasn't feeling bad for Harry at all.
Hermione glanced at her calculatingly, and tried her luck. "But I suppose it would be nice," she murmured thoughtfully. "If it wasn't one."
Pansy raised an eyebrow at her. "Wasn't one what?"
"Wasn't a joke."
And Pansy closed her mouth, looking thoughtful as well. She remained silent, picking her words carefully in her head as they turned the corner. Finally, she settled for, "You think so?"
Hermione nodded, brightening as the cogs in her brain turned. "Oh, I know so. Harry's had this unhealthy obsession with Malfoy ever since first year, even if he's not aware of it. Ron and I were driven mad by it," she said exasperatedly.
Now, Pansy was clever, but not as clever as Hermione. Still, the suspicion at just why Hermione was telling her about her best friend's proclaimed unhealthy obsession with Pansy's best friend was there, even if it was pushed at the back of Pansy's head in favor of her glee at the thought that Draco's unrequited love with Harry Potter might not be so unrequited after all.
Might not. No need to jump to conclusions yet, Pansy, she firmly told herself. "You think there's something more for Potter concerning this so-called Illicit Love Affair?" she asked coolly.
Hermione gave her a small, secretive smile. "Oh, I should hope so."
Pansy had no idea what that meant. She was about to say so, but they had already arrived at the door of the Hospital Wing and if they wanted to get inside to shock awake their victims and get the answers to the questions that kept them from waiting until breakfast, then they would have to enter quietly and make sure that Madame Pomfrey didn't wake up.
Quietly, they opened the door and slipped inside.
It was dark, and only the gray and purple hue of the sky out the window enabled them to see. Only one bed had its curtains drawn, which was odd. They didn't have time to speculate on this, however, because as they came closer, they saw that Draco's bed was empty. And the blanket looked like it was just carelessly thrown over the mattress.
Pansy's eyebrows show up in alarm. "Draco's a neat freak. He always makes his bed," she whispered.
"Do you think he returned to his dorms?" Hermione whispered back.
Pansy shook her head. "I see no reason for him to."
All his things were here, the beds in the Hospital Wing were immaculate and the most comfortable things ever, and well, Draco certainly wouldn't pass up a chance to sleep in the same room as Harry Potter.
Pansy became even more alarmed. Potter! What if Potter was also gone? Maybe someone took them!
Hermione turned to her, looking alarmed as well. It seemed that she had realized the same thing as well.
Forgetting to be quiet about it, they ran to Harry's bed, yanked the curtains aside and -
"Oh," Hermione said.
Pansy could barely contain her squeal of joy.
"Oh my," Hermione murmured, blushing.
On the bed lay the two boys they came to see, sleeping peacefully under the blankets. They laid on their sides, with Draco wrapping both arms around Harry, one around his shoulders and the other loosely around his waist. Harry in turn had one arm draped over Draco's hip and his head tucked under Draco's chin.
They both looked so peaceful and so comfortable that it made Hermione look back on her thoughts on Harry's obsession with Draco Malfoy for seven years.
She knew all about Harry's nightmares, of course. She experienced them too, and they were awful, but she knew that the ones Harry went through were far more sinister than hers. There was nothing she could do, but that didn't mean she didn't try. It was just that Harry disliked Dreamless Sleep Potions because they made him feel extra heavy in the morning, so she let him be and simply hoped that time would the things that needed healing.
If Harry came to breakfast with bloodshot eyes the next morning, well, it was just something they had learned to take, but this -
Hermione found herself tearing up at the thought of Harry finally being free from his nightmares - from Voldemort.
Because of Draco Malfoy, of all people.
Then again, she thought with amusement, that wasn't really that surprising.
"Do you think we should still…" she started awkwardly, waving a hand at the two boys.
"Oh, no, Hermione," Pansy quipped. "I may just have to hex you if you wake them up. Just look how peaceful they look." She smiled wistfully. She didn't think she'd seen Draco look like that since… well, first year.
After all, Draco's had the shadow of the Dark Lord and the Dark Mark looming on him ever since he was a child. Things just got real when he entered Hogwarts.
Hermione sighed, but a smile was on her lips. "Come on then. I feel like I'm intruding on some private moment."
Pansy chuckled, but nodded and silently drew the curtains closed again. She turned to Hermione with a grin. "I suppose whatever we came down here for can wait until later."
Hermione agreed.
-
When Harry woke up, it was to sunshine and blond hair, and it was the most beautiful morning that he had ever had in a long, long time. There were no Dursleys to come slamming on his door, no Dudley to stomp on the stairs above his cupboard and rain sawdust on him, and most importantly, no Voldemort looming over him.
All that existed… was sunshine and blond hair and Draco's face so close to his, peaceful and eyes closed, and Draco's steady heartbeat underneath his palm and Draco's arms around him.
That was how Harry finally recognized the fluttery feeling in his stomach whenever Draco would smile at him.
That was how Harry realized that he was in love with Draco Malfoy.
-
When Draco woke up, it was to bright, green eyes and… a gobsmacked expression. Harry was awake, eyes wide and jaw dropped, and he was very, very pale.
Groaning, Draco raised a hand to rub at his eyes but since both his arms were around Harry, that only succeeded in bringing the other closer to his body. He abandoned the action and merely settled for a sigh. "Really, Harry, no deflowering done or any of the sort, so you can fix your jaw now and maybe get some color back to your face."
He sighed once again and retracted his arms. He had known he was going to regret getting in the bed with Potter last night.
Or, well, not. It really was very comfortable here, and waking up to Harry felt very, very nice. (You know, if Draco could ignore the fact that Harry actually thought that Draco took advantage of him yesterday, which he didn't.)
Harry seemed to regain his composure when Draco took his arms back, and he actually… looked… disappointed? Draco stared dumbly, but the expression was gone soon enough as Harry then flushed with embarrassment. "Oh! No, I mean - I wasn't thinking of that-"
Gold.
Draco blinked dumbly, then stared dumbly some more.
"Sorry if it seemed that way," Harry said hastily. His eyes shifted to the side, but then, as if determinedly, shifted back to Draco. "And thanks for, err, you know. Last night. I slept peacefully," he added earnestly, smiling a bit as he sat up.
Draco preened.
It was a good idea to hop in Harry's bed last night after all (which wasn't really a surprise since anything concerning Harry Potter's bed is generally and universally a good idea).
Harry reached for his glasses and put them on at the same time he reached for his wand and casted a Tempus.
Draco tried not to let his disappointment show. He liked Harry without his glasses on. His eyes were much clearer - greener.
"We'll be late for breakfast," Harry said distractedly as he slid open the bed curtains. As expected, the infirmary was empty, save for the two of them.
"Must we really?" Draco muttered, sighing dramatically.
Harry sent him an amused smile. "We're gonna have to face the world soon, you know."
"I don't know," Draco replied smoothly, a wicked grin making its way on his face. "I rather like having you all to myself."
His words had the desired effect. Harry's face turned pink up to his ears and he looked away awkwardly, shiftily.
It was the same thing that happened whenever Draco would harmlessly flirt as part of their 'joke' so Draco didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
In fact, he was in such a good mood that morning that he couldn't resist adding another quip.
"Besides, imagine what everyone's thinking, since we've pretty much disappeared on them all day since breakfast yesterday."
Whatever spluttered reply that Harry was about to utter was lost as the door to the infirmary opened and in came the cavalry - or, in this case, Headmistress McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Madame Pomfrey.
"Good morning, boys," McGonagall greeted, but her eyebrow rose at the sight of the two boys lying in one bed. Under one blanket. (Well, Harry was sitting up…)
Snape pressed fingers on his temple and looked pained while Madame Pomfrey didn't even bat an eyelash.
Harry could feel his face burning. "Good morning, err, Professors," he muttered awkwardly.
Beside him, Draco sat up, also looking rather awkward. It was one thing having your professors think you were together and yet another thing to have them walk in on you in the same bed. Not that anything happened, but really, it still disturbed him greatly.
"I suppose it'd be wise of me not to comment," McGonagall started dryly.
Harry nodded meekly to show his agreement.
Snape pinched the bridge of his nose in great distress. "Draco," he let out, and it sounded like it took him a lot of effort. "A word," he muttered, motioning with his head to the other side of the room.
Draco looked at Harry, before shrugging. He got off the bed and followed Snape and Madame Pomfrey across the room, leaving Harry alone with McGonagall.
"Ms. Granger, Ms. Parkinson, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Zabini are all in the Great Hall having their breakfast," the Headmistress said. "We have already discussed with them the situation yesterday, and while I believe that Madame Pomfrey has already instructed you not to go about the castle on your own, Harry, I felt the need to remind you again personally."
She looked down at him gravely, and Harry ducked his head in embarrassment, remembering what happened yesterday between him and Draco. His shoulder still hurt after falling to the floor like that, Petrificus Totalus-ed and all.
"I want you to know that Professor Snape and I are starting the investigation," McGonagall continued, more softly this time. "We'll enlist the help of Professor Lupin as well, as soon as he… returns."
Harry was reminded that today was Monday. The full moon.
"Again, this must be kept in absolute secrecy. Ms. Coulby has also been informed of this," she said. "And Harry, I believe that Mr. Malfoy is to be with you at all times?" she asked this in that way of hers that was both scolding and amused. "Outside classes, of course."
Again, Harry nodded, face still burning. He knew what the Headmistress' words implied, especially since she really did think that they were together - which Harry had just realized was unfortunate.
McGonagall seemed satisfied with his answer, and she relaxed visibly. "If anything arises, Harry, anything at all, you must inform us immediately."
Harry smiled softly at the worry on her face. "Alright, Professor McGonagall."
McGonagall found herself smiling back. She looked at him with a very familiar twinkle in her eye. "You do know the password to my office, after all."
Harry grinned.
"Of course."
Lemon drops.
-
On the other side of the room, Snape tried very hard not to think about Potter buggering his godson. It was preposterous. And certainly made him decide to skip breakfast.
"Madame Pomfrey has informed me of what happened last night," he started, trying (desperately) to get some semblance of normality.
Draco raised an eyebrow. A lot of things happened last night. (A lot of good things, might he add.) Still, Draco was pretty sure that Snape wasn't asking him about his… time with Harry. "The potion's side-effects, you mean?"
Snape nodded. "Tell me what happened."
"It's not as worse as before," Draco said, shrugging carelessly. "Just a few dry coughs."
Snape's upper lip curled. "And blood?"
Draco paused. "Very little."
Visibly, Snape relaxed. "The belladonna must be taking effect then. I don't think that the Veritaserum in the potion will wear off sooner because of it, but I believe that it's not a problem for you?" he asked, eyebrow raised in amusement. "You seem to enjoy knowing the truth."
Madame Pomfrey clicked her tongue, but Draco merely gave his godfather an innocent smile.
"Nonsense."
-
After Madame Pomfrey finished doing the standard check-ups on Draco, Harry and Draco changed into their school robes and they all headed for the Great Hall. In the Entrance Hall, the professors parted ways with the students to use the door nearer to their table.
So it was only Harry and Draco that entered through the two, giant doors, and when they did, the Great Hall was unsurprisingly suddenly swept into conspired silence.
Draco turned to Harry and flashed him a smirk. "Later then, Harry."
Harry turned red at the very purposeful use of his first name and at the effects it gave him with his new-found realization. It gave him butterflies now and made his traitorous heart beat faster, having Draco go around and show him off proudly to everyone as his, err, boyfriend… even if it was all just done in jest.
He tried to resist rolling his eyes as he smiled back in amusement. "Later."
The Great Hall was alight with giddy whispers when they parted ways.
Harry was pretty used to this by now, and besides, he had a lot more pressing things on his mind to pay any heed to the gushing murmurs of the Hufflepuff fourth-years.
In fact, if Harry didn't have aforementioned 'more pressing things on his mind', he would have noticed that the Queen of Gossip (Lavender Brown, as so dubbed by Hermione haughtily during their sixth year) wasn't gushing and murmuring with them, but since he did, he merely walked towards the Gryffindor Table, seemingly lost in thought.
As soon as Hermione saw Harry enter the Great Hall, she knew something was wrong. Or at least… different. And it wasn't because she had just witnessed him and Draco in a rather private (and sweet, if she permitted herself to say so) moment that probably didn't mean anything.
She couldn't quite put her finger on it, though she felt like it should be very obvious to her.
"Hullo, 'Arry," Ron greeted him jovially through a mouthful of eggs. He chewed some more, before swallowing hugely as Harry sat down between him and Lavender. "We wanted to visit, mate, but I think Madame Pomfrey's got tracking charms on us or something. She'd appear whenever we'd start walking towards the Hospital Wing!"
Harry chuckled at the thought. "That wouldn't be surprising," he said.
Ron nodded. "Well? You okay now?"
Harry grinned at him. "Never better."
And that was true.
If you could count out the facts that he just relived the chambers of the Philosopher's Stone yesterday and that he was still a little bit shaken up and rather distressed at the thought that shite, fucking Merlin on a stick, he was in love with Draco Malfoy, then he was pretty peachy.
Besides, he just had the most refreshing morning ever in a year.
He didn't think that anything could spoil his good mood now.
"Harry," a voice suddenly said from his other side.
"Morning, Lavender," he greeted, but Lavender didn't seem to share his good mood.
She glared straight ahead, and even as she talked to Harry in a calm voice, didn't tear her eyes away from… whatever it was she was glaring at.
"Have you seen Neville?" she asked sweetly.
Harry glanced apprehensively at Ron, then at Hermione questioningly. "Err. No, I haven't."
"If you do, tell him I'm looking for him, alright?" Lavender said, turning to him to flash him a sweet smile momentarily before resuming her glare towards the other side of the room. "And not to go near Greengrass," she muttered through gritted teeth.
Harry's eyes flickered over the Slytherin table, where sure enough, Daphne Greengrass was looking back at Lavender, except that her expression was smug.
"They've been at it all morning," Ron muttered to him in a low voice. "Rumor has it that Greengrass has her eyes set on Nev."
Harry's eyebrows flew to his hairline. "Nev? But he and Luna -"
Hermione's sandwich slipped from her fingers to land messily on her plate. Her cheeks flushed. "Sorry. Go on," she said, waving her hand at them before getting back to her sandwich and Not Looking at them.
Ron and Harry exchanged glances.
Then, in a split second, Hermione's plate was off the table and in Harry's hand, out of reach.
"Alright, Hermione, spill," Ron said, one eyebrow raised. He would have crossed his arms, just to seem more authoritative (He never did get a lot of chances to be authoritative, so he grabbed at it whenever he could.), if only his fingers weren't buttery at the moment.
Hermione flushed even more, but she straightened her spine and sniffed haughtily. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Ronald."
Ron sighed dramatically. He didn't want to resort to such measures, but… "I still have your History textbook with me. I'll write on it," he threatened.
Hermione's expression was one of horror.
Harry realized that one does not become Hermione's boyfriend without learning a thing or two. He was actually proud of Ron.
"Alright," Hermione huffed out, glaring at her boyfriend. Then she turned her glare to Harry. "Can I have my sandwich back now?"
Harry grinned at her guiltlessly and gave it back.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at Ron. "I want my History textbook back, Ronald," she muttered, before leaning in to whisper conspiratorially. "Luna and Nev were never together."
Ron and Harry shared looks of surprise.
"What? But everyone -" Harry started, but Hermione cut him off with an impatient wave of her hand.
"Yes, Seamus and Dean just spread those rumors to fight off all those girls throwing themselves at Neville's feet," she said, rolling her eyes at the memory. Shameless, those girls. "Nev and Luna just went along with it."
Ron blinked dumbly. "Oh," he said. "I was wondering why they didn't seem very… err, together."
Harry raised an eyebrow at Hermione. "And you know this because?"
At this, Hermione rolled her eyes. "Because I actually had the decency to ask Nev and Luna about it instead of just listening to the rumors," she said, but without bite and with a hint of exasperated amusement.
Harry and Ron turned pink.
-
"Good morning, Draco," Pansy greeted him cheerfully. "Are you well-rested now?"
Draco smirked at her as he took his seat. "As a matter of fact, I am."
Pansy smiled at him brilliantly. "Potter has that effect on you, does he?"
Draco's hand froze mid-way from scooping up some bacon. He raised an eyebrow at Pansy, who merely continued smiling at him, and at Blaise, who rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"I'm surrounded by Hufflepuffs," Blaise muttered, stabbing at his eggs forlornly.
The light around him turned black, so Draco didn't worry much about being categorized as a Hufflepuff.
"Alright," Draco said with a deep sigh as he continued gathering his breakfast. He looked at Pansy sternly. "What's your problem -" Then he nudged his head towards Blaise. "- and what's his?"
"I have no problem," Pansy said indignantly, but that expression didn't last long. Soon enough, a smile took over her face once more but this time it was more wistful. "I'm just happy for you, Draco," she whispered, just in case anyone was listening in. "That you and Harry are getting along so well."
Draco felt his cheeks color. "You sound like my mother," he muttered. Then, he narrowed his eyes. "And when has it been Harry to you?"
Pansy's smile turned wicked. "Oh," she said loftily. "Since you two have been spooning."
Draco stared at her, aghast. And then he turned an even darker shade of red.
"Spooning, Draco," Blaise muttered beside him. "Spooning! Draco Malfoy. Spooning. And she -" Here he cast an accusing look towards Pansy which was promptly ignored. "She's been gushing over it the whole morning. Merlin. Hufflepuffs."
"Nothing's going on, Pansy," Draco replied after a pregnant pause. He sighed again. "Unfortunately," he added dryly.
Pansy raised an eyebrow. "Surely something is starting to go on?"
Draco smiled at her wryly. "I merely took advantage of the fact that Harry was inebriated with sleep." His voice did not sound bitter at all.
Pansy flipped her hair back over her shoulder carelessly. "I refuse to believe such a thing. Anyway, I'm not jumping to conclusions so you don't have to worry your pretty little head to make excuses just to sway me. I just thought that you two made a nice picture earlier," she said, smiling earnestly.
The fact that the light around her stayed gold throughout her speech made Draco smile back.
"I think so too," he replied with a smirk. "Now that's out of the way, tell me what's his problem?" He motioned back to Blaise, who was still sulking and brutally abusing his scrambled eggs.
At this, Pansy grinned wickedly. "Oh," she started, as if she was just about to comment on how the weather was. "Greengrass has started on her dastardly scheme to get into Longbottom's pants."
Blaise glared at her. "That's not my problem!"
Black.
"Huh," Draco said, unconvinced. He glanced at Daphne Greengrass just a few seats away, who was smirking quite smugly towards someone across the room.
Draco craned his head to see who. It wasn't hard, really. After all, Lavender Brown wasn't exactly being subtle.
And since his eyes were already on the Gryffindor Table, he sought the hopelessly messy mop of black hair. That was easy too. After all, Draco's had a lot of experience with this.
The Golden Trio were huddled close together, as if conspiring on something.
Once upon a time, the sight would have made Draco's blood boil and his mind working furiously on how to foil their plans but now it just made him feel rather nostalgic and… fond?
Dear Merlin, he was a Hufflepuff!
He didn't have time to be horrified, though, as Harry looked up at that moment and easily caught his eyes.
Draco's breath caught in his throat as a shygrin covered up Harry's face, before Harry was once again pulled back into the conversation with Weasley and Granger.
Across Draco, Pansy glanced at her two best friends.
"Must be nice to be in love," she sighed mournfully.
-
It was after Harry had finished eating his breakfast that he remembered that he forgot to bring the Marauders' Map with him. He told this to Hermione and Ron.
Ron, done with his breakfast as well, readily stood up to accompany his mate to the Hospital Wing, but Hermione reached over the table to pull him back down.
She flashed Harry a sweet smile. "Harry, isn't Draco supposed to accompany you with these things?"
Harry's eyebrows knitted in confusion, and he flushed at the thought of being alone with Draco again. His nerves were still jittery and he didn't quite trust himself not to act like a fool in front of the blond. "Yes, but you two -"
"Are still not finished with our breakfast," Hermione finished for him. She turned her sweet smile to Ron. "Isn't that right, Ron?"
Normally, when your mother or your girlfriend asks you that (especially if your mother is Molly Weasley and your girlfriend is Hermione Granger), one must simply go along with no questions asked lest you be horribly punished or publically humiliated.
And Ron liked to think that he was a pretty smart kid.
So he nodded and shot Harry an apologetic look when Hermione wasn't looking.
"Why don't you go and ask Draco, Harry?" Hermione said. "Ron and I will just wait for you here."
Confused and just a little bit hurt, he nodded and stood up from his seat. This was normally the part when Harry would think about simply getting the Map himself. It wasn't because Harry had this insane thrill for danger or for having other people worry about him needlessly. That wasn't how Harry's mind worked after all.
Harry was thinking about how Hermione and Ron were still eating their breakfast and how Draco was probably doing the same thing as well, and Harry felt like a bit of an arse depriving them of that just because he forgot to bring the Map with him.
But then Harry remembered how going out alone now would probably be very stupid of him. And everyone would be angry with him. And - well -
…He was just going to have to apologize to Draco for ruining his breakfast, he supposed.
-
Not that Harry needed to, of course.
Draco was already off his seat as soon as Harry stood up from his and started walking away from his friends. Alone. As Draco walked towards Harry, he wished that the Golden Boy wasn't going off unconsciously and stupidly sacrificing himself to whatever evil villain was out there waiting to capture him.
When Harry caught sight of Draco walking towards him, he stopped in front of the front doors, waiting and running a hand through his hair in nervousness.
Draco stopped in front of him, one eyebrow raised in question.
"I forgot something in the Hospital Wing," Harry muttered sheepishly.
"Granger and the Weasel aren't coming with you?" Draco asked, honestly surprised.
Harry shrugged. "Still eating."
Draco blinked. "Well, that's…" Awfully selfish of them, he wanted to say, but stopped short because they would never leave Harry alone with this situation, unless there was a good reason to…
"I was about to ask if you wouldn't mind coming with me," Harry continued, slowly, a bit hesitantly. "That is, if you don't mind."
Draco found his nervousness endearing and thought that Granger and Weasley could be awfully selfish all they want if it got Draco this.
"Anything for you, Harry," he said teasingly, flashing Harry his winning smile.
Harry stared at him, gaping, as Draco started to walk towards the doors of the Great Hall, oblivious to Harry's internal turmoil.
-
The walk to the Hospital Wing was rather uneventful, although Harry spent the whole time wondering - panicking - just since when had he been so hyper-conscious of Draco.
Things weren't going very well for him. He was - well, he was terrified. He never was very good with these kinds of things. It was like that thing with Cho that went horribly downhill, all that skirting around before the kiss happened which was really… wet and… kind of wrong if Harry thought about how she had been thinking of Cedric. And that other thing with Ginny. The liking Ginny bit, and the not liking Ginny anymore bit.
I must be emotionally deprived, Harry thought dumbly. It wouldn't surprise him, really. If he thought about it, living in a cupboard and being starved and beaten for eleven years didn't give much way for emotional freedom - except… except this one seemed different somehow.
Well, of course it'd be different - Draco wasn't a girl.
But there was something else…
Draco was certainly the only person to have successfully riled him up all those years, made his blood singe, made him feel something so intense.
Like anger.
Like… Well, like…
Harry's world crashed down upon him.
Holy fucking Merlin, he thought, horrified. Ron and Hermione were right. I have been obsessed with Draco since I was eleven.
"Harry?"
Harry was startled so much that he hit his head on the top of his trunk.
Draco's muffled laughter reached his ears. "Really, Harry. You were taking so long in there; I was beginning to wonder if you'd fallen asleep. It seems I was right."
Harry didn't need to look up to see Draco's smug smirk. He could feel his face burning with embarrassment as he continued shuffling through the things in his trunk, looking for that blank piece of parchment. When he found it a good minute later, his face was still red as he re-emerged from his trunk.
He stood up, dusting off his robes as he glared half-heartedly at Draco's smirk. "I wasn't that long."
The way the light around him turned black told Draco that Harry knew exactly how long he took.
Draco grinned at him fondly. "We'll be late for our first class if we don't start walking now."
Harry almost had to remind himself that staring was rude. "Uhm. Yeah. Sorry," he muttered as he shuffled out the Hospital Wing, following Draco. "And thanks. You know, for coming with me."
Draco slowed his steps so that they could walk side by side. "You're welcome, Harry. And now I believe I said something before about your eloquence?"
Harry still thought that Draco was a prat. Nothing changed about that.
-
"What's that?" Draco asked as they exited the Hospital Wing. He knew exactly what that was, that being the blank and folded parchment in Harry's hand, but wanted to see if Harry will tell him anyway.
"A map," Harry answered without hesitation, and the fact that he did completely took Draco off-guard.
He blinked. "A map…?" he asked, pushing his luck.
Harry nodded, oblivious to Draco's searching stare as he continued walking. "A map of Hogwarts. It lets you see everyone, where they are, and what they're doing," he said, not being able to resist grinning mischievously. Harry remembered the Weasley twins, and suddenly missed having them in Hogwarts.
Now Draco didn't know that. He looked at Harry, eyes wide and big with curiosity. "Where'd you get it?"
Harry smiled wistfully. "My dad and his friends made it when they were still students here. Remus' doesn't look it but he's quite the prankster," he grinned.
Draco raised an eyebrow doubtfully, even though the light around Harry stayed gold. "Professor Lupin?"
Harry laughed at his expression.
Shaking his head clear of the far-fetched image, Draco settled for being content with how free Harry looked when he laughed. "Must have come in handy then." Then, certain memories went back to him and he gasped, narrowing his eyes accusingly at Harry. "So that's how you were always around whenever I least wanted you!"
Harry feigned mock-hurt. "Me? Never!"
Draco rolled his eyes, raising his nose in the air and sniffing haughtily. "Certainly makes sense of a lot of things, along with that Invisibility Cloak of yours," he muttered. He had known about the Cloak during the war, of course. Used it, even. It was very handy, Draco found out. And smelled sweetly of Harry.
Then, as if the flooding of memories encouraged them to float about also, more memories came up, ones that Draco rather did not remember. "And sixth year too," he murmured, almost thoughtfully to himself, eyes clouding over.
Harry suddenly felt awkward.
Although they'd had their fair share of yelling and accusing during that memorable fight they had in Grimmauld Place, when Draco had first been sent to hide there after his cover was blown to Voldemort, they didn't really talk much of sixth year anymore. At first it had been because they were afraid to destroy that shaky alliance they had formed in the face of Voldemort's threat. After winning, they didn't talk about it because they didn't talk about the war - not because it was taboo or anything but because there was nothing more to talk about. It was over and done with.
Now, though… Harry didn't want to talk about it because it made Draco distressed.
He thought that he really, really wanted that frown off Draco's face right about now.
"Draco," he announced, suddenly stopping and grabbing hold of Draco's wrist to stop him too.
Draco blinked up at him confusedly.
"I'll show you how it works," Harry said, breathless at the thought. The only people he'd ever really shown this to were Hermione and Ron, but somehow… it felt alright, showing it to Draco.
He found himself smiling when Draco's face immediately lit up, all depressing thoughts forgotten as he looked at Harry and the golden light around him. A grin split Draco's face - before it faded a little, confusion settling in its place.
"Why?"
Harry shrugged. "So you don't think I'm spying on you again or something." That was true, in a way. He didn't think that Draco would see him lying about that.
Draco yanked his wrist back as if burned, looking hurt. "I don't -"
Harry immediately caught it again, rubbing the smooth skin underneath his thumb in small circles. He smiled apologetically. "I know."
Draco relaxed, but still looked fairly skeptical.
"Ron and 'Mione are the only ones who knows how this works. The Weasley twins too, and Remus of course. I reckon Nev knows, but I'm not really sure," he rambled on, as he took out his wand.
"Why are you telling me then?" Draco asked, one eyebrow raised.
Harry blinked. His initial reason didn't seem like the proper thing to say. "Seamus and Dean would have nicked this from my trunk every chance they get just to smuggle some butterbeer and firewhiskey. Besides, I suppose I don't have to tell you not to tell anyone about this?" he asked, an amused smile on his lips when Draco's face lit up with pride.
"And, well," Harry added thoughtfully. Voldemort was gone now, even though there were a few loose Death Eaters here and there still trying to point their wands at Harry, but he at least knew that Draco was smart enough to keep quiet about this. "I suppose it would come in handy as well, if I suddenly disappear again without the Map with me. Although you'll have to note that the chambers of the Philosopher's Stone aren't in here, or the Room of Requirement or the Chambers of Secrets -"
Once again, Draco yanked his wrist back, only to curl his fingers firmly around Harry's own wrist. "Harry," he let out through gritted teeth. It disturbed him, how Harry could talk about suddenly disappearing so casually. "I tell you now, if you suddenly disappear on me, I'll break your Firebolt into pieces."
Then, unable to take how bright and green Harry's eyes were looking, shocked, into his own eyes, Draco added something else after an embarrassed pause.
"I'll lose a lot of credit here, you see, if I carelessly misplace the Golden Boy."
Harry would let the use of that horrid nickname go unnoticed. He was too busy smiling to properly reprimand Draco on it.
"Alright. Here, you just tap your wand here and say…"
-
See, here's the thing.
Those Things (Harry felt obligated to give it a capital letter, out of respect to the girls.) with Cho and Ginny weren't the same with Draco.
Because Draco was a boy.
And most importantly, Draco was Draco.
No, don't get him wrong, those Things with Cho and Ginny had been absolutely terrifying, yes, but now they seemed like the easiest thing ever compared to being stuck in the predicament of having fallen in love with Draco.
Harry wondered how the others did it, you know, dealing with having this big crush on Draco Malfoy, who was pretty much everything anyone could ask for.
He was gorgeous (Harry blushed at using this word, thinking that it sounded a little corny and over the top but feeling that it expressed his sentiments as perfectly as a word could and yet not enough.), he was smart (Really. The potions he and Snape made during the war saved all of their lives. Probably the only thing Draco could not do is… well… Wow, this was unfair, how Harry couldn't think of something.), he was good (fucking excellent) in Quidditch, he was a powerful wizard, he was funny, he was -
Harry felt that he should probably stop now, because he was embarrassing himself with these mooning thoughts.
The point was: how did one stand up to someone like Draco?
Not that Draco made anyone feel inferior or anything but - No, wait, scratch that.
If Harry sat in the Great Hall, he could pinpoint just who were the ones who, at least once in their life (or throughout their lives), crushed on Draco Malfoy. It was another testament to just how true Ron and Hermione's accusations about Harry's certain 'obsession' was that Harry actually knew everyone who crushed on Draco Malfoy. (This wasn't hard, really, because almost the whole female student population of Hogwarts had harbored desire for him. And some of the males too.)
Even when word was going around that Draco had gotten the Dark Mark, Harry didn't think that the list dwindled very much. (Speaking of lists, the people who didn't fancy Draco at least once in their lives made a considerably shorter one and were much easier to enumerate.)
Harry could feel years of memories piecing themselves together in his brain, and quite honestly, he felt rather mortified about all this.
Giddy, yes, but absolutely, fucking terrified.
And it felt wonderful, in a really weird, masochistic way.
Really, those Things with Cho and Ginny?
They were nothing.
At least they were girls. Harry was entitled to have crushes on them! He was also most certainly entitled to ask them out for a date in Hogsmeade, because they were girls and he was a guy and that's what guys do.
But Draco's a guy too, and that certainly ruins Harry's mathematics and logic a bit, that he thought that the only thing he can do now is, well…
Nothing.
After all, as if anything will come out of this.
If Harry waited long enough, he supposed these feelings of his would have to go away sooner or later.
Besides, he didn't think it was normal for him to feel so strongly about Draco like this, but then quickly remembered that he hasn't ever been normal, not really.
Harry liked it better before (like, say, yesterday) when he still hadn't had this sudden epiphany over sunshine and blond hair this morning.
At least he could still be happily ignorant and oblivious to all of this.
Now, sitting in the middle of History of Magic and listening to Binn's droning voice, Harry just felt like his head was about to split open.
Once a freak, always a freak, Uncle Vernon had always told him.
Chapter 15
Author: Cassis Luna
Rating: PG-13 for now
Warnings: ignores DH, EWE, AU, adult themes, profanity
Chapter Word Count: 7110
Disclaimer: Harry Potter does not belong to me, it belongs to J.K. Rowling. No money is being made out of this.
Note: I got the idea about the Restoration Potion from the Troyjeinen Potion found here, so that's not mine either.
Summary: Eight year. Draco drinks a potion that makes him know if a person is lying, and Harry, apparently at fault that Draco is this way, is forced to 'help' him throughout the effects of the potion. For the first time, they deal with each other with no lies to hide behind.
Alternate Summary: In which Draco's a Potions experiment gone bad, Hogwarts wants to eat Harry (oh, but does it really?), and everyone thinks they're shagging each other. (Yes, even the house-elves.)
CHAPTER 14
Sunshine and Blond Hair
Almost overflowing with sleep and bed rest, Hermione woke up with the sun still far from rising. It wasn't surprising, really, because she had been itching through all of yesterday to investigate Harry's predicament. She and Ron had been heatedly going through all sorts of possibilities during dinner, and a glance at the Slytherin table told them that Pansy and Blaise were too.
She had hoped that Harry and Draco would wake up soon, but dinner came and went, and they remained in the infirmary.
She and Ron had tried visiting - and tried hard, they did, but along the way, they bumped into Madame Pomfrey who treated them with a raised eyebrow and told them that things could surely wait in the morning.
Well, Hermione decided as she leapt off her bed to search for clothes. It's certainly morning now.
Even if the sun still hasn't risen.
But she was restless, and her mind was working overtime, and she really wanted to squeeze all the details out of Harry as soon as possible.
Like, now.
She put on her school robes and rushed out of the dormitory.
-
Well, the sun wasn't that far from rising. At least, it meant that Filch was still sleeping peacefully beside his beloved Mrs. Norris.
Hermione hurriedly walked down the corridors. Hurriedly, not because of the possibility that Filch may have decided to wake really early today of all days, but because she wanted to get to the infirmary quickly and shake Harry awake and pester him with questions.
She wasn't doing this just to satisfy her curiosity.
She was doing this because Harry was her friend, and she was worried out of her wits.
"Granger?"
Hermione jumped and turned around to blink at Pansy Parkinson.
"Well," Pansy said, smirking as she walked towards the Gryffindor. "I wasn't surprised when I bumped into Greengrass earlier, but you? Fancy seeing you sneaking in the corridors at night."
Hermione relaxed, shaking her head amusedly. "It's hardly night anymore, Pansy."
Surprised, Pansy raised an eyebrow at the use of her first name.
"I hope you don't mind," Hermione said casually, smiling. "Since we're friends now and all."
Pansy's face broke into a grin. "Saps, you Gryffindors. On your way to the Hospital Wing, I presume?"
"Guilty as you are," Hermione chirped as they continued their walk towards the infirmary together.
"I really hope that Madame Pomfrey's still asleep. She kept on shooing us away yesterday!" Pansy scoffed, looking sulky as she flipped her hair over her shoulder. "A day without Draco's whining just isn't right."
"Why," Hermione said, lips quirking up into a smile. "I didn't know Slytherins could do sweet."
"I hope you're not thinking what I think you're thinking, Gra - Hermione. Draco and I aren't like that," Pansy said smoothly with a toss of her hair.
Hermione blinked. She had figured as much. Pansy and Draco didn't seem like they were involved, but it was still different having it confirmed firsthand rather than from just offhand observations. "Of course not," she replied just as smoothly. "Harry would be heartbroken."
She had said it in good humor, in reference to the Harry and Draco's Illicit Love AffairTM, but Pansy's head had shot up in surprise.
Pansy quickly realized her mistake though, when it registered late in her brain that Hermione was just joking. She forced out a laugh. "He should be," she replied as carelessly as she could, and wished it were true. "Poor Potter though. Even his friends are against him in this joke." She grinned in a way that said that she wasn't feeling bad for Harry at all.
Hermione glanced at her calculatingly, and tried her luck. "But I suppose it would be nice," she murmured thoughtfully. "If it wasn't one."
Pansy raised an eyebrow at her. "Wasn't one what?"
"Wasn't a joke."
And Pansy closed her mouth, looking thoughtful as well. She remained silent, picking her words carefully in her head as they turned the corner. Finally, she settled for, "You think so?"
Hermione nodded, brightening as the cogs in her brain turned. "Oh, I know so. Harry's had this unhealthy obsession with Malfoy ever since first year, even if he's not aware of it. Ron and I were driven mad by it," she said exasperatedly.
Now, Pansy was clever, but not as clever as Hermione. Still, the suspicion at just why Hermione was telling her about her best friend's proclaimed unhealthy obsession with Pansy's best friend was there, even if it was pushed at the back of Pansy's head in favor of her glee at the thought that Draco's unrequited love with Harry Potter might not be so unrequited after all.
Might not. No need to jump to conclusions yet, Pansy, she firmly told herself. "You think there's something more for Potter concerning this so-called Illicit Love Affair?" she asked coolly.
Hermione gave her a small, secretive smile. "Oh, I should hope so."
Pansy had no idea what that meant. She was about to say so, but they had already arrived at the door of the Hospital Wing and if they wanted to get inside to shock awake their victims and get the answers to the questions that kept them from waiting until breakfast, then they would have to enter quietly and make sure that Madame Pomfrey didn't wake up.
Quietly, they opened the door and slipped inside.
It was dark, and only the gray and purple hue of the sky out the window enabled them to see. Only one bed had its curtains drawn, which was odd. They didn't have time to speculate on this, however, because as they came closer, they saw that Draco's bed was empty. And the blanket looked like it was just carelessly thrown over the mattress.
Pansy's eyebrows show up in alarm. "Draco's a neat freak. He always makes his bed," she whispered.
"Do you think he returned to his dorms?" Hermione whispered back.
Pansy shook her head. "I see no reason for him to."
All his things were here, the beds in the Hospital Wing were immaculate and the most comfortable things ever, and well, Draco certainly wouldn't pass up a chance to sleep in the same room as Harry Potter.
Pansy became even more alarmed. Potter! What if Potter was also gone? Maybe someone took them!
Hermione turned to her, looking alarmed as well. It seemed that she had realized the same thing as well.
Forgetting to be quiet about it, they ran to Harry's bed, yanked the curtains aside and -
"Oh," Hermione said.
Pansy could barely contain her squeal of joy.
"Oh my," Hermione murmured, blushing.
On the bed lay the two boys they came to see, sleeping peacefully under the blankets. They laid on their sides, with Draco wrapping both arms around Harry, one around his shoulders and the other loosely around his waist. Harry in turn had one arm draped over Draco's hip and his head tucked under Draco's chin.
They both looked so peaceful and so comfortable that it made Hermione look back on her thoughts on Harry's obsession with Draco Malfoy for seven years.
She knew all about Harry's nightmares, of course. She experienced them too, and they were awful, but she knew that the ones Harry went through were far more sinister than hers. There was nothing she could do, but that didn't mean she didn't try. It was just that Harry disliked Dreamless Sleep Potions because they made him feel extra heavy in the morning, so she let him be and simply hoped that time would the things that needed healing.
If Harry came to breakfast with bloodshot eyes the next morning, well, it was just something they had learned to take, but this -
Hermione found herself tearing up at the thought of Harry finally being free from his nightmares - from Voldemort.
Because of Draco Malfoy, of all people.
Then again, she thought with amusement, that wasn't really that surprising.
"Do you think we should still…" she started awkwardly, waving a hand at the two boys.
"Oh, no, Hermione," Pansy quipped. "I may just have to hex you if you wake them up. Just look how peaceful they look." She smiled wistfully. She didn't think she'd seen Draco look like that since… well, first year.
After all, Draco's had the shadow of the Dark Lord and the Dark Mark looming on him ever since he was a child. Things just got real when he entered Hogwarts.
Hermione sighed, but a smile was on her lips. "Come on then. I feel like I'm intruding on some private moment."
Pansy chuckled, but nodded and silently drew the curtains closed again. She turned to Hermione with a grin. "I suppose whatever we came down here for can wait until later."
Hermione agreed.
-
When Harry woke up, it was to sunshine and blond hair, and it was the most beautiful morning that he had ever had in a long, long time. There were no Dursleys to come slamming on his door, no Dudley to stomp on the stairs above his cupboard and rain sawdust on him, and most importantly, no Voldemort looming over him.
All that existed… was sunshine and blond hair and Draco's face so close to his, peaceful and eyes closed, and Draco's steady heartbeat underneath his palm and Draco's arms around him.
That was how Harry finally recognized the fluttery feeling in his stomach whenever Draco would smile at him.
That was how Harry realized that he was in love with Draco Malfoy.
-
When Draco woke up, it was to bright, green eyes and… a gobsmacked expression. Harry was awake, eyes wide and jaw dropped, and he was very, very pale.
Groaning, Draco raised a hand to rub at his eyes but since both his arms were around Harry, that only succeeded in bringing the other closer to his body. He abandoned the action and merely settled for a sigh. "Really, Harry, no deflowering done or any of the sort, so you can fix your jaw now and maybe get some color back to your face."
He sighed once again and retracted his arms. He had known he was going to regret getting in the bed with Potter last night.
Or, well, not. It really was very comfortable here, and waking up to Harry felt very, very nice. (You know, if Draco could ignore the fact that Harry actually thought that Draco took advantage of him yesterday, which he didn't.)
Harry seemed to regain his composure when Draco took his arms back, and he actually… looked… disappointed? Draco stared dumbly, but the expression was gone soon enough as Harry then flushed with embarrassment. "Oh! No, I mean - I wasn't thinking of that-"
Gold.
Draco blinked dumbly, then stared dumbly some more.
"Sorry if it seemed that way," Harry said hastily. His eyes shifted to the side, but then, as if determinedly, shifted back to Draco. "And thanks for, err, you know. Last night. I slept peacefully," he added earnestly, smiling a bit as he sat up.
Draco preened.
It was a good idea to hop in Harry's bed last night after all (which wasn't really a surprise since anything concerning Harry Potter's bed is generally and universally a good idea).
Harry reached for his glasses and put them on at the same time he reached for his wand and casted a Tempus.
Draco tried not to let his disappointment show. He liked Harry without his glasses on. His eyes were much clearer - greener.
"We'll be late for breakfast," Harry said distractedly as he slid open the bed curtains. As expected, the infirmary was empty, save for the two of them.
"Must we really?" Draco muttered, sighing dramatically.
Harry sent him an amused smile. "We're gonna have to face the world soon, you know."
"I don't know," Draco replied smoothly, a wicked grin making its way on his face. "I rather like having you all to myself."
His words had the desired effect. Harry's face turned pink up to his ears and he looked away awkwardly, shiftily.
It was the same thing that happened whenever Draco would harmlessly flirt as part of their 'joke' so Draco didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
In fact, he was in such a good mood that morning that he couldn't resist adding another quip.
"Besides, imagine what everyone's thinking, since we've pretty much disappeared on them all day since breakfast yesterday."
Whatever spluttered reply that Harry was about to utter was lost as the door to the infirmary opened and in came the cavalry - or, in this case, Headmistress McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Madame Pomfrey.
"Good morning, boys," McGonagall greeted, but her eyebrow rose at the sight of the two boys lying in one bed. Under one blanket. (Well, Harry was sitting up…)
Snape pressed fingers on his temple and looked pained while Madame Pomfrey didn't even bat an eyelash.
Harry could feel his face burning. "Good morning, err, Professors," he muttered awkwardly.
Beside him, Draco sat up, also looking rather awkward. It was one thing having your professors think you were together and yet another thing to have them walk in on you in the same bed. Not that anything happened, but really, it still disturbed him greatly.
"I suppose it'd be wise of me not to comment," McGonagall started dryly.
Harry nodded meekly to show his agreement.
Snape pinched the bridge of his nose in great distress. "Draco," he let out, and it sounded like it took him a lot of effort. "A word," he muttered, motioning with his head to the other side of the room.
Draco looked at Harry, before shrugging. He got off the bed and followed Snape and Madame Pomfrey across the room, leaving Harry alone with McGonagall.
"Ms. Granger, Ms. Parkinson, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Zabini are all in the Great Hall having their breakfast," the Headmistress said. "We have already discussed with them the situation yesterday, and while I believe that Madame Pomfrey has already instructed you not to go about the castle on your own, Harry, I felt the need to remind you again personally."
She looked down at him gravely, and Harry ducked his head in embarrassment, remembering what happened yesterday between him and Draco. His shoulder still hurt after falling to the floor like that, Petrificus Totalus-ed and all.
"I want you to know that Professor Snape and I are starting the investigation," McGonagall continued, more softly this time. "We'll enlist the help of Professor Lupin as well, as soon as he… returns."
Harry was reminded that today was Monday. The full moon.
"Again, this must be kept in absolute secrecy. Ms. Coulby has also been informed of this," she said. "And Harry, I believe that Mr. Malfoy is to be with you at all times?" she asked this in that way of hers that was both scolding and amused. "Outside classes, of course."
Again, Harry nodded, face still burning. He knew what the Headmistress' words implied, especially since she really did think that they were together - which Harry had just realized was unfortunate.
McGonagall seemed satisfied with his answer, and she relaxed visibly. "If anything arises, Harry, anything at all, you must inform us immediately."
Harry smiled softly at the worry on her face. "Alright, Professor McGonagall."
McGonagall found herself smiling back. She looked at him with a very familiar twinkle in her eye. "You do know the password to my office, after all."
Harry grinned.
"Of course."
Lemon drops.
-
On the other side of the room, Snape tried very hard not to think about Potter buggering his godson. It was preposterous. And certainly made him decide to skip breakfast.
"Madame Pomfrey has informed me of what happened last night," he started, trying (desperately) to get some semblance of normality.
Draco raised an eyebrow. A lot of things happened last night. (A lot of good things, might he add.) Still, Draco was pretty sure that Snape wasn't asking him about his… time with Harry. "The potion's side-effects, you mean?"
Snape nodded. "Tell me what happened."
"It's not as worse as before," Draco said, shrugging carelessly. "Just a few dry coughs."
Snape's upper lip curled. "And blood?"
Draco paused. "Very little."
Visibly, Snape relaxed. "The belladonna must be taking effect then. I don't think that the Veritaserum in the potion will wear off sooner because of it, but I believe that it's not a problem for you?" he asked, eyebrow raised in amusement. "You seem to enjoy knowing the truth."
Madame Pomfrey clicked her tongue, but Draco merely gave his godfather an innocent smile.
"Nonsense."
-
After Madame Pomfrey finished doing the standard check-ups on Draco, Harry and Draco changed into their school robes and they all headed for the Great Hall. In the Entrance Hall, the professors parted ways with the students to use the door nearer to their table.
So it was only Harry and Draco that entered through the two, giant doors, and when they did, the Great Hall was unsurprisingly suddenly swept into conspired silence.
Draco turned to Harry and flashed him a smirk. "Later then, Harry."
Harry turned red at the very purposeful use of his first name and at the effects it gave him with his new-found realization. It gave him butterflies now and made his traitorous heart beat faster, having Draco go around and show him off proudly to everyone as his, err, boyfriend… even if it was all just done in jest.
He tried to resist rolling his eyes as he smiled back in amusement. "Later."
The Great Hall was alight with giddy whispers when they parted ways.
Harry was pretty used to this by now, and besides, he had a lot more pressing things on his mind to pay any heed to the gushing murmurs of the Hufflepuff fourth-years.
In fact, if Harry didn't have aforementioned 'more pressing things on his mind', he would have noticed that the Queen of Gossip (Lavender Brown, as so dubbed by Hermione haughtily during their sixth year) wasn't gushing and murmuring with them, but since he did, he merely walked towards the Gryffindor Table, seemingly lost in thought.
As soon as Hermione saw Harry enter the Great Hall, she knew something was wrong. Or at least… different. And it wasn't because she had just witnessed him and Draco in a rather private (and sweet, if she permitted herself to say so) moment that probably didn't mean anything.
She couldn't quite put her finger on it, though she felt like it should be very obvious to her.
"Hullo, 'Arry," Ron greeted him jovially through a mouthful of eggs. He chewed some more, before swallowing hugely as Harry sat down between him and Lavender. "We wanted to visit, mate, but I think Madame Pomfrey's got tracking charms on us or something. She'd appear whenever we'd start walking towards the Hospital Wing!"
Harry chuckled at the thought. "That wouldn't be surprising," he said.
Ron nodded. "Well? You okay now?"
Harry grinned at him. "Never better."
And that was true.
If you could count out the facts that he just relived the chambers of the Philosopher's Stone yesterday and that he was still a little bit shaken up and rather distressed at the thought that shite, fucking Merlin on a stick, he was in love with Draco Malfoy, then he was pretty peachy.
Besides, he just had the most refreshing morning ever in a year.
He didn't think that anything could spoil his good mood now.
"Harry," a voice suddenly said from his other side.
"Morning, Lavender," he greeted, but Lavender didn't seem to share his good mood.
She glared straight ahead, and even as she talked to Harry in a calm voice, didn't tear her eyes away from… whatever it was she was glaring at.
"Have you seen Neville?" she asked sweetly.
Harry glanced apprehensively at Ron, then at Hermione questioningly. "Err. No, I haven't."
"If you do, tell him I'm looking for him, alright?" Lavender said, turning to him to flash him a sweet smile momentarily before resuming her glare towards the other side of the room. "And not to go near Greengrass," she muttered through gritted teeth.
Harry's eyes flickered over the Slytherin table, where sure enough, Daphne Greengrass was looking back at Lavender, except that her expression was smug.
"They've been at it all morning," Ron muttered to him in a low voice. "Rumor has it that Greengrass has her eyes set on Nev."
Harry's eyebrows flew to his hairline. "Nev? But he and Luna -"
Hermione's sandwich slipped from her fingers to land messily on her plate. Her cheeks flushed. "Sorry. Go on," she said, waving her hand at them before getting back to her sandwich and Not Looking at them.
Ron and Harry exchanged glances.
Then, in a split second, Hermione's plate was off the table and in Harry's hand, out of reach.
"Alright, Hermione, spill," Ron said, one eyebrow raised. He would have crossed his arms, just to seem more authoritative (He never did get a lot of chances to be authoritative, so he grabbed at it whenever he could.), if only his fingers weren't buttery at the moment.
Hermione flushed even more, but she straightened her spine and sniffed haughtily. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Ronald."
Ron sighed dramatically. He didn't want to resort to such measures, but… "I still have your History textbook with me. I'll write on it," he threatened.
Hermione's expression was one of horror.
Harry realized that one does not become Hermione's boyfriend without learning a thing or two. He was actually proud of Ron.
"Alright," Hermione huffed out, glaring at her boyfriend. Then she turned her glare to Harry. "Can I have my sandwich back now?"
Harry grinned at her guiltlessly and gave it back.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at Ron. "I want my History textbook back, Ronald," she muttered, before leaning in to whisper conspiratorially. "Luna and Nev were never together."
Ron and Harry shared looks of surprise.
"What? But everyone -" Harry started, but Hermione cut him off with an impatient wave of her hand.
"Yes, Seamus and Dean just spread those rumors to fight off all those girls throwing themselves at Neville's feet," she said, rolling her eyes at the memory. Shameless, those girls. "Nev and Luna just went along with it."
Ron blinked dumbly. "Oh," he said. "I was wondering why they didn't seem very… err, together."
Harry raised an eyebrow at Hermione. "And you know this because?"
At this, Hermione rolled her eyes. "Because I actually had the decency to ask Nev and Luna about it instead of just listening to the rumors," she said, but without bite and with a hint of exasperated amusement.
Harry and Ron turned pink.
-
"Good morning, Draco," Pansy greeted him cheerfully. "Are you well-rested now?"
Draco smirked at her as he took his seat. "As a matter of fact, I am."
Pansy smiled at him brilliantly. "Potter has that effect on you, does he?"
Draco's hand froze mid-way from scooping up some bacon. He raised an eyebrow at Pansy, who merely continued smiling at him, and at Blaise, who rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"I'm surrounded by Hufflepuffs," Blaise muttered, stabbing at his eggs forlornly.
The light around him turned black, so Draco didn't worry much about being categorized as a Hufflepuff.
"Alright," Draco said with a deep sigh as he continued gathering his breakfast. He looked at Pansy sternly. "What's your problem -" Then he nudged his head towards Blaise. "- and what's his?"
"I have no problem," Pansy said indignantly, but that expression didn't last long. Soon enough, a smile took over her face once more but this time it was more wistful. "I'm just happy for you, Draco," she whispered, just in case anyone was listening in. "That you and Harry are getting along so well."
Draco felt his cheeks color. "You sound like my mother," he muttered. Then, he narrowed his eyes. "And when has it been Harry to you?"
Pansy's smile turned wicked. "Oh," she said loftily. "Since you two have been spooning."
Draco stared at her, aghast. And then he turned an even darker shade of red.
"Spooning, Draco," Blaise muttered beside him. "Spooning! Draco Malfoy. Spooning. And she -" Here he cast an accusing look towards Pansy which was promptly ignored. "She's been gushing over it the whole morning. Merlin. Hufflepuffs."
"Nothing's going on, Pansy," Draco replied after a pregnant pause. He sighed again. "Unfortunately," he added dryly.
Pansy raised an eyebrow. "Surely something is starting to go on?"
Draco smiled at her wryly. "I merely took advantage of the fact that Harry was inebriated with sleep." His voice did not sound bitter at all.
Pansy flipped her hair back over her shoulder carelessly. "I refuse to believe such a thing. Anyway, I'm not jumping to conclusions so you don't have to worry your pretty little head to make excuses just to sway me. I just thought that you two made a nice picture earlier," she said, smiling earnestly.
The fact that the light around her stayed gold throughout her speech made Draco smile back.
"I think so too," he replied with a smirk. "Now that's out of the way, tell me what's his problem?" He motioned back to Blaise, who was still sulking and brutally abusing his scrambled eggs.
At this, Pansy grinned wickedly. "Oh," she started, as if she was just about to comment on how the weather was. "Greengrass has started on her dastardly scheme to get into Longbottom's pants."
Blaise glared at her. "That's not my problem!"
Black.
"Huh," Draco said, unconvinced. He glanced at Daphne Greengrass just a few seats away, who was smirking quite smugly towards someone across the room.
Draco craned his head to see who. It wasn't hard, really. After all, Lavender Brown wasn't exactly being subtle.
And since his eyes were already on the Gryffindor Table, he sought the hopelessly messy mop of black hair. That was easy too. After all, Draco's had a lot of experience with this.
The Golden Trio were huddled close together, as if conspiring on something.
Once upon a time, the sight would have made Draco's blood boil and his mind working furiously on how to foil their plans but now it just made him feel rather nostalgic and… fond?
Dear Merlin, he was a Hufflepuff!
He didn't have time to be horrified, though, as Harry looked up at that moment and easily caught his eyes.
Draco's breath caught in his throat as a shygrin covered up Harry's face, before Harry was once again pulled back into the conversation with Weasley and Granger.
Across Draco, Pansy glanced at her two best friends.
"Must be nice to be in love," she sighed mournfully.
-
It was after Harry had finished eating his breakfast that he remembered that he forgot to bring the Marauders' Map with him. He told this to Hermione and Ron.
Ron, done with his breakfast as well, readily stood up to accompany his mate to the Hospital Wing, but Hermione reached over the table to pull him back down.
She flashed Harry a sweet smile. "Harry, isn't Draco supposed to accompany you with these things?"
Harry's eyebrows knitted in confusion, and he flushed at the thought of being alone with Draco again. His nerves were still jittery and he didn't quite trust himself not to act like a fool in front of the blond. "Yes, but you two -"
"Are still not finished with our breakfast," Hermione finished for him. She turned her sweet smile to Ron. "Isn't that right, Ron?"
Normally, when your mother or your girlfriend asks you that (especially if your mother is Molly Weasley and your girlfriend is Hermione Granger), one must simply go along with no questions asked lest you be horribly punished or publically humiliated.
And Ron liked to think that he was a pretty smart kid.
So he nodded and shot Harry an apologetic look when Hermione wasn't looking.
"Why don't you go and ask Draco, Harry?" Hermione said. "Ron and I will just wait for you here."
Confused and just a little bit hurt, he nodded and stood up from his seat. This was normally the part when Harry would think about simply getting the Map himself. It wasn't because Harry had this insane thrill for danger or for having other people worry about him needlessly. That wasn't how Harry's mind worked after all.
Harry was thinking about how Hermione and Ron were still eating their breakfast and how Draco was probably doing the same thing as well, and Harry felt like a bit of an arse depriving them of that just because he forgot to bring the Map with him.
But then Harry remembered how going out alone now would probably be very stupid of him. And everyone would be angry with him. And - well -
…He was just going to have to apologize to Draco for ruining his breakfast, he supposed.
-
Not that Harry needed to, of course.
Draco was already off his seat as soon as Harry stood up from his and started walking away from his friends. Alone. As Draco walked towards Harry, he wished that the Golden Boy wasn't going off unconsciously and stupidly sacrificing himself to whatever evil villain was out there waiting to capture him.
When Harry caught sight of Draco walking towards him, he stopped in front of the front doors, waiting and running a hand through his hair in nervousness.
Draco stopped in front of him, one eyebrow raised in question.
"I forgot something in the Hospital Wing," Harry muttered sheepishly.
"Granger and the Weasel aren't coming with you?" Draco asked, honestly surprised.
Harry shrugged. "Still eating."
Draco blinked. "Well, that's…" Awfully selfish of them, he wanted to say, but stopped short because they would never leave Harry alone with this situation, unless there was a good reason to…
"I was about to ask if you wouldn't mind coming with me," Harry continued, slowly, a bit hesitantly. "That is, if you don't mind."
Draco found his nervousness endearing and thought that Granger and Weasley could be awfully selfish all they want if it got Draco this.
"Anything for you, Harry," he said teasingly, flashing Harry his winning smile.
Harry stared at him, gaping, as Draco started to walk towards the doors of the Great Hall, oblivious to Harry's internal turmoil.
-
The walk to the Hospital Wing was rather uneventful, although Harry spent the whole time wondering - panicking - just since when had he been so hyper-conscious of Draco.
Things weren't going very well for him. He was - well, he was terrified. He never was very good with these kinds of things. It was like that thing with Cho that went horribly downhill, all that skirting around before the kiss happened which was really… wet and… kind of wrong if Harry thought about how she had been thinking of Cedric. And that other thing with Ginny. The liking Ginny bit, and the not liking Ginny anymore bit.
I must be emotionally deprived, Harry thought dumbly. It wouldn't surprise him, really. If he thought about it, living in a cupboard and being starved and beaten for eleven years didn't give much way for emotional freedom - except… except this one seemed different somehow.
Well, of course it'd be different - Draco wasn't a girl.
But there was something else…
Draco was certainly the only person to have successfully riled him up all those years, made his blood singe, made him feel something so intense.
Like anger.
Like… Well, like…
Harry's world crashed down upon him.
Holy fucking Merlin, he thought, horrified. Ron and Hermione were right. I have been obsessed with Draco since I was eleven.
"Harry?"
Harry was startled so much that he hit his head on the top of his trunk.
Draco's muffled laughter reached his ears. "Really, Harry. You were taking so long in there; I was beginning to wonder if you'd fallen asleep. It seems I was right."
Harry didn't need to look up to see Draco's smug smirk. He could feel his face burning with embarrassment as he continued shuffling through the things in his trunk, looking for that blank piece of parchment. When he found it a good minute later, his face was still red as he re-emerged from his trunk.
He stood up, dusting off his robes as he glared half-heartedly at Draco's smirk. "I wasn't that long."
The way the light around him turned black told Draco that Harry knew exactly how long he took.
Draco grinned at him fondly. "We'll be late for our first class if we don't start walking now."
Harry almost had to remind himself that staring was rude. "Uhm. Yeah. Sorry," he muttered as he shuffled out the Hospital Wing, following Draco. "And thanks. You know, for coming with me."
Draco slowed his steps so that they could walk side by side. "You're welcome, Harry. And now I believe I said something before about your eloquence?"
Harry still thought that Draco was a prat. Nothing changed about that.
-
"What's that?" Draco asked as they exited the Hospital Wing. He knew exactly what that was, that being the blank and folded parchment in Harry's hand, but wanted to see if Harry will tell him anyway.
"A map," Harry answered without hesitation, and the fact that he did completely took Draco off-guard.
He blinked. "A map…?" he asked, pushing his luck.
Harry nodded, oblivious to Draco's searching stare as he continued walking. "A map of Hogwarts. It lets you see everyone, where they are, and what they're doing," he said, not being able to resist grinning mischievously. Harry remembered the Weasley twins, and suddenly missed having them in Hogwarts.
Now Draco didn't know that. He looked at Harry, eyes wide and big with curiosity. "Where'd you get it?"
Harry smiled wistfully. "My dad and his friends made it when they were still students here. Remus' doesn't look it but he's quite the prankster," he grinned.
Draco raised an eyebrow doubtfully, even though the light around Harry stayed gold. "Professor Lupin?"
Harry laughed at his expression.
Shaking his head clear of the far-fetched image, Draco settled for being content with how free Harry looked when he laughed. "Must have come in handy then." Then, certain memories went back to him and he gasped, narrowing his eyes accusingly at Harry. "So that's how you were always around whenever I least wanted you!"
Harry feigned mock-hurt. "Me? Never!"
Draco rolled his eyes, raising his nose in the air and sniffing haughtily. "Certainly makes sense of a lot of things, along with that Invisibility Cloak of yours," he muttered. He had known about the Cloak during the war, of course. Used it, even. It was very handy, Draco found out. And smelled sweetly of Harry.
Then, as if the flooding of memories encouraged them to float about also, more memories came up, ones that Draco rather did not remember. "And sixth year too," he murmured, almost thoughtfully to himself, eyes clouding over.
Harry suddenly felt awkward.
Although they'd had their fair share of yelling and accusing during that memorable fight they had in Grimmauld Place, when Draco had first been sent to hide there after his cover was blown to Voldemort, they didn't really talk much of sixth year anymore. At first it had been because they were afraid to destroy that shaky alliance they had formed in the face of Voldemort's threat. After winning, they didn't talk about it because they didn't talk about the war - not because it was taboo or anything but because there was nothing more to talk about. It was over and done with.
Now, though… Harry didn't want to talk about it because it made Draco distressed.
He thought that he really, really wanted that frown off Draco's face right about now.
"Draco," he announced, suddenly stopping and grabbing hold of Draco's wrist to stop him too.
Draco blinked up at him confusedly.
"I'll show you how it works," Harry said, breathless at the thought. The only people he'd ever really shown this to were Hermione and Ron, but somehow… it felt alright, showing it to Draco.
He found himself smiling when Draco's face immediately lit up, all depressing thoughts forgotten as he looked at Harry and the golden light around him. A grin split Draco's face - before it faded a little, confusion settling in its place.
"Why?"
Harry shrugged. "So you don't think I'm spying on you again or something." That was true, in a way. He didn't think that Draco would see him lying about that.
Draco yanked his wrist back as if burned, looking hurt. "I don't -"
Harry immediately caught it again, rubbing the smooth skin underneath his thumb in small circles. He smiled apologetically. "I know."
Draco relaxed, but still looked fairly skeptical.
"Ron and 'Mione are the only ones who knows how this works. The Weasley twins too, and Remus of course. I reckon Nev knows, but I'm not really sure," he rambled on, as he took out his wand.
"Why are you telling me then?" Draco asked, one eyebrow raised.
Harry blinked. His initial reason didn't seem like the proper thing to say. "Seamus and Dean would have nicked this from my trunk every chance they get just to smuggle some butterbeer and firewhiskey. Besides, I suppose I don't have to tell you not to tell anyone about this?" he asked, an amused smile on his lips when Draco's face lit up with pride.
"And, well," Harry added thoughtfully. Voldemort was gone now, even though there were a few loose Death Eaters here and there still trying to point their wands at Harry, but he at least knew that Draco was smart enough to keep quiet about this. "I suppose it would come in handy as well, if I suddenly disappear again without the Map with me. Although you'll have to note that the chambers of the Philosopher's Stone aren't in here, or the Room of Requirement or the Chambers of Secrets -"
Once again, Draco yanked his wrist back, only to curl his fingers firmly around Harry's own wrist. "Harry," he let out through gritted teeth. It disturbed him, how Harry could talk about suddenly disappearing so casually. "I tell you now, if you suddenly disappear on me, I'll break your Firebolt into pieces."
Then, unable to take how bright and green Harry's eyes were looking, shocked, into his own eyes, Draco added something else after an embarrassed pause.
"I'll lose a lot of credit here, you see, if I carelessly misplace the Golden Boy."
Harry would let the use of that horrid nickname go unnoticed. He was too busy smiling to properly reprimand Draco on it.
"Alright. Here, you just tap your wand here and say…"
-
See, here's the thing.
Those Things (Harry felt obligated to give it a capital letter, out of respect to the girls.) with Cho and Ginny weren't the same with Draco.
Because Draco was a boy.
And most importantly, Draco was Draco.
No, don't get him wrong, those Things with Cho and Ginny had been absolutely terrifying, yes, but now they seemed like the easiest thing ever compared to being stuck in the predicament of having fallen in love with Draco.
Harry wondered how the others did it, you know, dealing with having this big crush on Draco Malfoy, who was pretty much everything anyone could ask for.
He was gorgeous (Harry blushed at using this word, thinking that it sounded a little corny and over the top but feeling that it expressed his sentiments as perfectly as a word could and yet not enough.), he was smart (Really. The potions he and Snape made during the war saved all of their lives. Probably the only thing Draco could not do is… well… Wow, this was unfair, how Harry couldn't think of something.), he was good (fucking excellent) in Quidditch, he was a powerful wizard, he was funny, he was -
Harry felt that he should probably stop now, because he was embarrassing himself with these mooning thoughts.
The point was: how did one stand up to someone like Draco?
Not that Draco made anyone feel inferior or anything but - No, wait, scratch that.
If Harry sat in the Great Hall, he could pinpoint just who were the ones who, at least once in their life (or throughout their lives), crushed on Draco Malfoy. It was another testament to just how true Ron and Hermione's accusations about Harry's certain 'obsession' was that Harry actually knew everyone who crushed on Draco Malfoy. (This wasn't hard, really, because almost the whole female student population of Hogwarts had harbored desire for him. And some of the males too.)
Even when word was going around that Draco had gotten the Dark Mark, Harry didn't think that the list dwindled very much. (Speaking of lists, the people who didn't fancy Draco at least once in their lives made a considerably shorter one and were much easier to enumerate.)
Harry could feel years of memories piecing themselves together in his brain, and quite honestly, he felt rather mortified about all this.
Giddy, yes, but absolutely, fucking terrified.
And it felt wonderful, in a really weird, masochistic way.
Really, those Things with Cho and Ginny?
They were nothing.
At least they were girls. Harry was entitled to have crushes on them! He was also most certainly entitled to ask them out for a date in Hogsmeade, because they were girls and he was a guy and that's what guys do.
But Draco's a guy too, and that certainly ruins Harry's mathematics and logic a bit, that he thought that the only thing he can do now is, well…
Nothing.
After all, as if anything will come out of this.
If Harry waited long enough, he supposed these feelings of his would have to go away sooner or later.
Besides, he didn't think it was normal for him to feel so strongly about Draco like this, but then quickly remembered that he hasn't ever been normal, not really.
Harry liked it better before (like, say, yesterday) when he still hadn't had this sudden epiphany over sunshine and blond hair this morning.
At least he could still be happily ignorant and oblivious to all of this.
Now, sitting in the middle of History of Magic and listening to Binn's droning voice, Harry just felt like his head was about to split open.
Once a freak, always a freak, Uncle Vernon had always told him.
Chapter 15