To Play with Fire
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Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Draco/Hermione
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Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Draco/Hermione
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
13
Views:
4,665
Reviews:
12
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Ch - 12 To Replace The Physical Pain
Disclaimer: I own only plot and the pleasure of writing. All hail J.K.Rowling!
WARNING -> Due to having too busy life, I'm going to update my story on this site only one more time. The 13th will be the last here. If you are interested in reading it further, you are more than welcome to check it out on Granger Enchanted.
http://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?sid=1273&textsize=0&chapter=1
Please do :)
Serinah
Chapter 12
To Replace The Physical Pain
Draco raised his head. Severus Snape was astonished by how bright Draco's eyes were. They were alive and full of utter torment. For a moment Severus didn't know what to say, though he knew from personal experience that there was nothing that would make it better anyway.
“I'm sorry for your loss,” he offered.
Draco nodded and the head of his house sat down on the bed opposite him. They really had no time for it but Snape understood that Draco needed to get himself together before they started for the castle. Minutes passed.
After a while Severus said, “I'm afraid I have some distressing news.” He paused to make sure the younger man was paying attention, “You have to get your wits together. And I don't mean it in general, I mean right now.”
Draco's left eyebrow rose in inquiry. It was clear that his teacher was solemn and very, very serious. It seemed that Draco suddenly remembered who the man in front of him was, because he sat up straighter and his eyes turned shielded and mirror-like.
“What is it, Sir?”
“The Dark Lord wishes to see you and we are to go now.” Still, Snape remained sitting and watched as Draco contemplated the announcement.
“I wonder if you can tell me one thing, Sir?" As the professor nodded, Draco continued, "Does he want me to take my father's place in his court or is he so disappointed by the loss that he needs some one to... unwind with?”
Severus was deeply satisfied with Malfoy's insight but unfortunately he had nothing good to say, “I'm afraid, you will have to ask him himself.”
Draco refrained from sighing and just nodded, “Disappointed then.”
The professor watched as the young man sat, the intense look in his eyes indicating that he was going through his options. He must understand now, that he has to offer the Dark Lord something very good to stay alive, a valuable information or at least highly convincing promises. Something only Draco would be able to accomplish. Another option would be not to go, of course, but then again, Draco couldn't be sure what kind of orders Severus had received regarding to his refusal. No, the young Malfoy would come, he was sure about that.
The prospect of facing a pissed off Voldemort in was frightening indeed, but it was also a well-known fact, that when angry, Voldemort tended to avada first and ask questions later. Cruciatuses were cast more for entertainment than punishment. Severus wondered what would scare Draco more – death or pain?
At that moment the blond stood, “I'm ready, Sir.”
When they returned shortly before sunrise, Severus Snape was not nearly as disappointed with the outcome of the meeting, as he had thought he would be.
* * *
Draco knew that he needed to talk to Potter as soon as possible but he couldn't think of how to do that. Maybe he would manage to drop him a message during Potions or Herbology, these were the only classes were you could move around relatively inconspicuously. He headed for the class, and sat down. One more lesson to endure. To Draco's annoyance, it was one of the few classes, they had with Huffelpuffs, instead of Gryffindors. The course was slow; Draco felt he that he could ace the exam with his eyes close already, and Sinistra was simply ignoring the fact that there were students who bored to death with the slowness. Why couldn't they take the course with Rawenclaws? Actually, Draco would prefer to take all his classes with the more intelligent quarter of student body. Well, even Gryffindors would be better study buddies than these...
Still, he was also slightly embarrassed to see certain Gryffindors, because of the dry heaves he had suddenly overcome with in their presence in the infirmary the night before . It had been humiliating to rush to the toilet facility and then to be sitting there, on the floor Merlin knew for how long, until the bloody Gryffindors came knocking. He had been forced to finally come out, as Hermione had threatened to call Madam Pomfrey. (The mediwitch rarely slept in the infirmary.) After returning, Draco had lain on the bed and avoiding everyone's gaze demanded them to leave. When he had assured them he was fine, they had.
She had said it was 'a ridiculous idea'. Hearing her express her disgust of him, had caught him on the raw. It didn't matter that he had refused the idea of the dating himself, because his reasons were of entirely different nature. Draco simply could not stand the beauty of her spirit being in a contact with his ugliness even for a second, it just wouldn't be... right. How could he even attempt to make it believable that they were dating if he couldn't bring himself to touch her? But Hermione dismissing him had hurt nonetheless. Everything in him ached even today and it was not his body that hurt. He was pretty good at masking it though, he was sure.
Mostly, Draco was grateful his hand didn't hurt any more. Still, sometimes the pain was a welcome distraction from his depressing thoughts. The dull ache had been so much easier to bear than the confusing thoughts concerning his father. Draco missed him. Yes, it was true that Lucius Malfoy had never been overly emotional regarding his son, but Draco had always thought - or hoped – that his father had still loved him. Draco had always thought, that there would be a day when Lucius Malfoy would approve of him. But then life made a turnabout, and Draco made a decision to go against everything his father had ever believed in. Now Draco felt as if he had betrayed him, because if Lucius Malfoy had been alive, he would still have a chance to tell him, to explain why he was thinking the way he did, and maybe... No, his father would have never understood; Draco would have been disowned.
Draco was a bastard. A worthless creature. It was apparent that the son had not loved his father. How else could you explain what he was feeling now? How was it possible that of all the crazy and unexplainable emotions he was feeling... this?
Relief, liberation, freedom... How could he have loved his father so little?!
Draco halted. He remembered that he had forgotten Charms textbook on the bedside table. Moron... He had to go back to his dorm again. Soddin' useless... He turned around. He'd surely be late for class now. He hated being late. But hey, surprise, surprise, Crabbe and Goyle had run late too as they always paid more attention to the food in front of them than to the time.
The three were walking down the hall towards Charms classroom, when Draco heard someone call his name. He halted and turned.
“Potter.”
Weasel and Granger were not far behind The Bloody Heroic Gryffindor but Draco barely glanced at them.
As always, Potter was the spokesman, “Need a word.”
Harry's friends were flanking him the same way, Draco was flanked by his – it was a collision of powers and suddenly there was an empty space around two groups.
Though both boys were serious looking and not even sneering at each other, some younger students still swivelled aside to get away from the potentially explosive situation. Many of them anticipated hexes to start flying at once.
Gryffindor spoke, “Fancy a broom ride after classes?”
Slytherin thought for a second, “Is it a challenge?”
A shrug, “If you want it to be.”
A smirk, “Bet I'll beat you to the shrieking shack.”
Harry grinned, “Shall we shake on it?”
“Sure!” Draco reached out his hand and they shook, “On the pitch at six, Potter?”
“Deal, Malfoy.”
* * *
Hermione knew that this type of conversation Harry and Draco had, was called a ritual opposition in muggle psychology, and between two rivalling males it could actually mean bonding and not hostility. Still, as she was quickly walking towards the pitch, she was nervous. Harry and Ron seemed serious but not worried. She even thought that Ron was a bit excited, as if the bet was real. But what if Draco thought it was too? Hermione knew, that Harry just wanted to talk to Draco privately and make it seem like they had a reason to do so, but she wasn't sure what Malfoy thought about it. He might make it into a real competition or piss Harry off, and then what?
When they reached the pitch, there was quite a number of students already gathered. The rumour of the bet had spread in half an hour all over the school, and a lot of them had shown up to witness the event. Hermione was even worried that some of the professors might have come to break everything off.
But no, there was no professors present. As they arrived, the crowd parted and they saw the one and only Draco Malfoy leaning against spectators stand, his best broom next to him and some Slytherin goons nearby. His face was closed off, hands crossed on his chest.
When Harry stepped up to him, Draco said, “Didn't think you'd show up.”
“I said I'd come didn't I? You ready to eat dust, Malfoy?” The words were offensive but the tone was not. Hermione couldn't tell though, if the Slytherin got it or not.
“Not really, but I'm sure, you'll tell me how it tasted.” Draco smirked, pushed himself off the stands and took his broom. “Shall we?”
“Of course,“ Harry mounted his broom and suddenly they were off – the crowds were baffled. Everything had happened so quickly and relatively politely that most of the boys, who had been planning on following the contestants to see what would happen, missed the start. Some still made an attempt at chasing but as only few of them had good enough brooms and none were as skilful flyers, Harry and Draco were pretty soon so far ahead that reaching them seemed impossible.
* * *
Harry had planned to continue to their destination but as they were out of spectators' sight Draco shouted for him to slow down. They landed in a grove of the Forbidden Forest and unmounted.
“A clever idea,” Draco said. “Was it anything in particular you wanted to discuss with me?”
“No, I just thought we could disappear for a while and upon returning act as if we've buried the hatchet.” Harry was relieved – Malfoy seemed to understand that the bet wasn't real.
“Bury what?” the blond asked.
“Muggle saying. Bury the hatchet of war. Some Indians used to do that as a part of a ritual, when making peace with another tribe.” It was weird talking to the Slytherin as an equal and without apparent hostility. He was unsure what they were supposed to do now that they were alone. “Anything you wanted to discuss?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I did.” Draco turned to look into the woods, as if checking if they were really alone.
“Oh?” Harry was surprised, “Did anything happen today? News about Voldemort?” What the hell could have happened in such a short time? He, as many of his peers had been surprised to see Malfoy up and about the day after his father's death. But after the night in the infirmary, Harry could not accuse Malfoy of being cold-hearted any more. Maybe now he would hear what was behind the Slytherin's composedness?
“Not today. Last night after you all left, Snape came into the hospital ward.”
Harry inhaled. “What? Do you think he heard anything?”
Draco shook his head, “I don't think so, or I wouldn't be standing here right now. He took me to see Voldemort.” He turned slightly to the side. Harry thought that maybe Malfoy was trying to hide the look in his eyes.
“What did he want with you?” Harry was observing Malfoy's taut posture and nervous stillness. Weird how even a seemingly calm body could give off anxiety.
“He was pissed about my father,” the Slytherin said almost curtly at first. Then he shrugged in an impatient manner and continued. “I guess, he wanted to teach me a lesson or something. I don't think he cared which of the Malfoys would be paying.” He ran his hand through his hair.
A trepidation filled Harry because of what he was about to hear, but didn't know how to ask if Voldemort had hurt Draco.
“Did he..? Was it...?”
“No.” It was a too quick denial to be entirely believable, but the blond continued before Harry could say anything else, “Wasn't that bad really, but I had to give him something to calm him down.” He was looking at Harry now, as if considering how honest he could be with him.
Harry nodded encouragingly, although he was apprehensive about what it was, that Draco had to trade for his well-being. Harry was not fully sure he if he could trust the Slytherin not to betray him. But if Malfoy was about to stab him in the back, would they be having this conversation now?
The Slytherin took a deep breath, “My initiation is next Saturday.”
Harry was slightly thrown off, it wasn't what he had been anticipating at all, the first second he had even thought 'what initiation?'. Then the realisation dawned and Harry's eyes narrowed into slits. Their gaze held for a moment before the other boy looked away, his lips twisting into a bitter sneer.
But of course, Harry thought, they all knew that if Malfoy was going to help them win the war, he would have to take the mark some time. Harry was pleasantly surprised to see, that he hadn't yet and even more surprised, that Slytherin seemed to resent it.
“I'm sorry it has to be so soon.” Harry didn't know what else to say. “Do you know what it's going to be like?”
The blond sharply turned to look at Harry, “You're... you are not... ?” He swallowed with a visible difficulty.
Harry's brows furrowed. It was evident that Malfoy was completely befuddled and for a beat Harry couldn't tell why. He found it curious that Malfoy really seemed to be distressed about joining Death Eaters, and apparently he expected to be judged for it.
“You are doing it to infiltrate his organisation, are you not?” Harry asked calmly.
Draco startled. “Yes, I am.”
Then he looked straight at Harry and said, “It also means I'll have to do something... unforgivable during the rites.”
Harry had to will himself not to smile. It was as if Malfoy was daring Harry-I'll-always-do-the-Right-Thing-Potter to reproach him. Luckily Harry was also I-can-see-through-your-façade-Potter and understood, that at the moment Slytherin just needed someone to pat his back.
Harry held his former enemy's gaze and said solemnly, “You are doing the right thing, you know.” He wanted to ask him about Blaise, but sensed it was not the time.
The Slytherin dropped his gaze and shrugged. “Maybe.” Some of the tension left his rigid body, but then he shuffled uncomfortably again.
For the second time during the conversation Harry's eyes turned into slits and he asked, “There's more, isn't there?”
The blond nodded. Then slowly as if searching for words, he answered, “Snake face demanded results rather harshly and I kind of... “ He trailed off but then continued more confidently, “I hinted that I might be dating a certain Gryffindor soon. I just couldn't think of anything better at that moment, sorry.”
Harry gave out a bark of laughter, “Not sure Hermione is going to like it.”
The blond's face closed off. “I suppose you're right. But I might be able to downplay it with time. If you and I will be seen together often enough, he might agree with dismissing this particular course of action.”
“We'll just have to make it look good then, huh, Malfoy?”
They exchanged slight smiles.
* * *
It was an hour and a half later now and Hermione was sitting high on the stands, worrying her lower lip while Ron, Luna and Neville kept her company. Though the latter two had no idea of the true reason for the flight, they were all anticipating the results. It was getting chilly and Hermione was starting to get nervous, as the boys were watching an impromptu interhouse Quidditch match, that some students had started. Luna on the other hand, was being her usual self, singing an off-key lullaby for some creatures living in the wood of the stands.
The crowd had started to thin about twenty minutes after Harry and Draco had left, and when Madam Hooch had come to enquire what it was all about, many had returned to the castle. Everybody were curious though of what would happen, and some students had even started a totalizator. Some bet that either of the boys won, others that one of them would return injured but none of them could have even dreamed of what really happened.
Suddenly Hermione saw two small dots on the horizon. She jumped up to see better.
She was quite confident that for appearances sake, the boys would return reconciled, but not even she had been prepared for the guys embrace upon dismounting. Then Draco gave his house mates you-mess-with-him-you-mess-with-me-speech, and Ron commented it being an overkill under his breath, but Hermione saw immediately, that something significant had indeed happen between the two boys.
Neither of them looked overly cordial with the other, but the performance was still impressive enough to be talked about for two weeks and even longer.
To Be Continued...
WARNING -> Due to having too busy life, I'm going to update my story on this site only one more time. The 13th will be the last here. If you are interested in reading it further, you are more than welcome to check it out on Granger Enchanted.
http://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?sid=1273&textsize=0&chapter=1
Please do :)
Serinah
WARNING -> Due to having too busy life, I'm going to update my story on this site only one more time. The 13th will be the last here. If you are interested in reading it further, you are more than welcome to check it out on Granger Enchanted.
http://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?sid=1273&textsize=0&chapter=1
Please do :)
Serinah
Chapter 12
To Replace The Physical Pain
Draco raised his head. Severus Snape was astonished by how bright Draco's eyes were. They were alive and full of utter torment. For a moment Severus didn't know what to say, though he knew from personal experience that there was nothing that would make it better anyway.
“I'm sorry for your loss,” he offered.
Draco nodded and the head of his house sat down on the bed opposite him. They really had no time for it but Snape understood that Draco needed to get himself together before they started for the castle. Minutes passed.
After a while Severus said, “I'm afraid I have some distressing news.” He paused to make sure the younger man was paying attention, “You have to get your wits together. And I don't mean it in general, I mean right now.”
Draco's left eyebrow rose in inquiry. It was clear that his teacher was solemn and very, very serious. It seemed that Draco suddenly remembered who the man in front of him was, because he sat up straighter and his eyes turned shielded and mirror-like.
“What is it, Sir?”
“The Dark Lord wishes to see you and we are to go now.” Still, Snape remained sitting and watched as Draco contemplated the announcement.
“I wonder if you can tell me one thing, Sir?" As the professor nodded, Draco continued, "Does he want me to take my father's place in his court or is he so disappointed by the loss that he needs some one to... unwind with?”
Severus was deeply satisfied with Malfoy's insight but unfortunately he had nothing good to say, “I'm afraid, you will have to ask him himself.”
Draco refrained from sighing and just nodded, “Disappointed then.”
The professor watched as the young man sat, the intense look in his eyes indicating that he was going through his options. He must understand now, that he has to offer the Dark Lord something very good to stay alive, a valuable information or at least highly convincing promises. Something only Draco would be able to accomplish. Another option would be not to go, of course, but then again, Draco couldn't be sure what kind of orders Severus had received regarding to his refusal. No, the young Malfoy would come, he was sure about that.
The prospect of facing a pissed off Voldemort in was frightening indeed, but it was also a well-known fact, that when angry, Voldemort tended to avada first and ask questions later. Cruciatuses were cast more for entertainment than punishment. Severus wondered what would scare Draco more – death or pain?
At that moment the blond stood, “I'm ready, Sir.”
When they returned shortly before sunrise, Severus Snape was not nearly as disappointed with the outcome of the meeting, as he had thought he would be.
Draco knew that he needed to talk to Potter as soon as possible but he couldn't think of how to do that. Maybe he would manage to drop him a message during Potions or Herbology, these were the only classes were you could move around relatively inconspicuously. He headed for the class, and sat down. One more lesson to endure. To Draco's annoyance, it was one of the few classes, they had with Huffelpuffs, instead of Gryffindors. The course was slow; Draco felt he that he could ace the exam with his eyes close already, and Sinistra was simply ignoring the fact that there were students who bored to death with the slowness. Why couldn't they take the course with Rawenclaws? Actually, Draco would prefer to take all his classes with the more intelligent quarter of student body. Well, even Gryffindors would be better study buddies than these...
Still, he was also slightly embarrassed to see certain Gryffindors, because of the dry heaves he had suddenly overcome with in their presence in the infirmary the night before . It had been humiliating to rush to the toilet facility and then to be sitting there, on the floor Merlin knew for how long, until the bloody Gryffindors came knocking. He had been forced to finally come out, as Hermione had threatened to call Madam Pomfrey. (The mediwitch rarely slept in the infirmary.) After returning, Draco had lain on the bed and avoiding everyone's gaze demanded them to leave. When he had assured them he was fine, they had.
She had said it was 'a ridiculous idea'. Hearing her express her disgust of him, had caught him on the raw. It didn't matter that he had refused the idea of the dating himself, because his reasons were of entirely different nature. Draco simply could not stand the beauty of her spirit being in a contact with his ugliness even for a second, it just wouldn't be... right. How could he even attempt to make it believable that they were dating if he couldn't bring himself to touch her? But Hermione dismissing him had hurt nonetheless. Everything in him ached even today and it was not his body that hurt. He was pretty good at masking it though, he was sure.
Mostly, Draco was grateful his hand didn't hurt any more. Still, sometimes the pain was a welcome distraction from his depressing thoughts. The dull ache had been so much easier to bear than the confusing thoughts concerning his father. Draco missed him. Yes, it was true that Lucius Malfoy had never been overly emotional regarding his son, but Draco had always thought - or hoped – that his father had still loved him. Draco had always thought, that there would be a day when Lucius Malfoy would approve of him. But then life made a turnabout, and Draco made a decision to go against everything his father had ever believed in. Now Draco felt as if he had betrayed him, because if Lucius Malfoy had been alive, he would still have a chance to tell him, to explain why he was thinking the way he did, and maybe... No, his father would have never understood; Draco would have been disowned.
Draco was a bastard. A worthless creature. It was apparent that the son had not loved his father. How else could you explain what he was feeling now? How was it possible that of all the crazy and unexplainable emotions he was feeling... this?
Relief, liberation, freedom... How could he have loved his father so little?!
Draco halted. He remembered that he had forgotten Charms textbook on the bedside table. Moron... He had to go back to his dorm again. Soddin' useless... He turned around. He'd surely be late for class now. He hated being late. But hey, surprise, surprise, Crabbe and Goyle had run late too as they always paid more attention to the food in front of them than to the time.
The three were walking down the hall towards Charms classroom, when Draco heard someone call his name. He halted and turned.
“Potter.”
Weasel and Granger were not far behind The Bloody Heroic Gryffindor but Draco barely glanced at them.
As always, Potter was the spokesman, “Need a word.”
Harry's friends were flanking him the same way, Draco was flanked by his – it was a collision of powers and suddenly there was an empty space around two groups.
Though both boys were serious looking and not even sneering at each other, some younger students still swivelled aside to get away from the potentially explosive situation. Many of them anticipated hexes to start flying at once.
Gryffindor spoke, “Fancy a broom ride after classes?”
Slytherin thought for a second, “Is it a challenge?”
A shrug, “If you want it to be.”
A smirk, “Bet I'll beat you to the shrieking shack.”
Harry grinned, “Shall we shake on it?”
“Sure!” Draco reached out his hand and they shook, “On the pitch at six, Potter?”
“Deal, Malfoy.”
Hermione knew that this type of conversation Harry and Draco had, was called a ritual opposition in muggle psychology, and between two rivalling males it could actually mean bonding and not hostility. Still, as she was quickly walking towards the pitch, she was nervous. Harry and Ron seemed serious but not worried. She even thought that Ron was a bit excited, as if the bet was real. But what if Draco thought it was too? Hermione knew, that Harry just wanted to talk to Draco privately and make it seem like they had a reason to do so, but she wasn't sure what Malfoy thought about it. He might make it into a real competition or piss Harry off, and then what?
When they reached the pitch, there was quite a number of students already gathered. The rumour of the bet had spread in half an hour all over the school, and a lot of them had shown up to witness the event. Hermione was even worried that some of the professors might have come to break everything off.
But no, there was no professors present. As they arrived, the crowd parted and they saw the one and only Draco Malfoy leaning against spectators stand, his best broom next to him and some Slytherin goons nearby. His face was closed off, hands crossed on his chest.
When Harry stepped up to him, Draco said, “Didn't think you'd show up.”
“I said I'd come didn't I? You ready to eat dust, Malfoy?” The words were offensive but the tone was not. Hermione couldn't tell though, if the Slytherin got it or not.
“Not really, but I'm sure, you'll tell me how it tasted.” Draco smirked, pushed himself off the stands and took his broom. “Shall we?”
“Of course,“ Harry mounted his broom and suddenly they were off – the crowds were baffled. Everything had happened so quickly and relatively politely that most of the boys, who had been planning on following the contestants to see what would happen, missed the start. Some still made an attempt at chasing but as only few of them had good enough brooms and none were as skilful flyers, Harry and Draco were pretty soon so far ahead that reaching them seemed impossible.
Harry had planned to continue to their destination but as they were out of spectators' sight Draco shouted for him to slow down. They landed in a grove of the Forbidden Forest and unmounted.
“A clever idea,” Draco said. “Was it anything in particular you wanted to discuss with me?”
“No, I just thought we could disappear for a while and upon returning act as if we've buried the hatchet.” Harry was relieved – Malfoy seemed to understand that the bet wasn't real.
“Bury what?” the blond asked.
“Muggle saying. Bury the hatchet of war. Some Indians used to do that as a part of a ritual, when making peace with another tribe.” It was weird talking to the Slytherin as an equal and without apparent hostility. He was unsure what they were supposed to do now that they were alone. “Anything you wanted to discuss?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I did.” Draco turned to look into the woods, as if checking if they were really alone.
“Oh?” Harry was surprised, “Did anything happen today? News about Voldemort?” What the hell could have happened in such a short time? He, as many of his peers had been surprised to see Malfoy up and about the day after his father's death. But after the night in the infirmary, Harry could not accuse Malfoy of being cold-hearted any more. Maybe now he would hear what was behind the Slytherin's composedness?
“Not today. Last night after you all left, Snape came into the hospital ward.”
Harry inhaled. “What? Do you think he heard anything?”
Draco shook his head, “I don't think so, or I wouldn't be standing here right now. He took me to see Voldemort.” He turned slightly to the side. Harry thought that maybe Malfoy was trying to hide the look in his eyes.
“What did he want with you?” Harry was observing Malfoy's taut posture and nervous stillness. Weird how even a seemingly calm body could give off anxiety.
“He was pissed about my father,” the Slytherin said almost curtly at first. Then he shrugged in an impatient manner and continued. “I guess, he wanted to teach me a lesson or something. I don't think he cared which of the Malfoys would be paying.” He ran his hand through his hair.
A trepidation filled Harry because of what he was about to hear, but didn't know how to ask if Voldemort had hurt Draco.
“Did he..? Was it...?”
“No.” It was a too quick denial to be entirely believable, but the blond continued before Harry could say anything else, “Wasn't that bad really, but I had to give him something to calm him down.” He was looking at Harry now, as if considering how honest he could be with him.
Harry nodded encouragingly, although he was apprehensive about what it was, that Draco had to trade for his well-being. Harry was not fully sure he if he could trust the Slytherin not to betray him. But if Malfoy was about to stab him in the back, would they be having this conversation now?
The Slytherin took a deep breath, “My initiation is next Saturday.”
Harry was slightly thrown off, it wasn't what he had been anticipating at all, the first second he had even thought 'what initiation?'. Then the realisation dawned and Harry's eyes narrowed into slits. Their gaze held for a moment before the other boy looked away, his lips twisting into a bitter sneer.
But of course, Harry thought, they all knew that if Malfoy was going to help them win the war, he would have to take the mark some time. Harry was pleasantly surprised to see, that he hadn't yet and even more surprised, that Slytherin seemed to resent it.
“I'm sorry it has to be so soon.” Harry didn't know what else to say. “Do you know what it's going to be like?”
The blond sharply turned to look at Harry, “You're... you are not... ?” He swallowed with a visible difficulty.
Harry's brows furrowed. It was evident that Malfoy was completely befuddled and for a beat Harry couldn't tell why. He found it curious that Malfoy really seemed to be distressed about joining Death Eaters, and apparently he expected to be judged for it.
“You are doing it to infiltrate his organisation, are you not?” Harry asked calmly.
Draco startled. “Yes, I am.”
Then he looked straight at Harry and said, “It also means I'll have to do something... unforgivable during the rites.”
Harry had to will himself not to smile. It was as if Malfoy was daring Harry-I'll-always-do-the-Right-Thing-Potter to reproach him. Luckily Harry was also I-can-see-through-your-façade-Potter and understood, that at the moment Slytherin just needed someone to pat his back.
Harry held his former enemy's gaze and said solemnly, “You are doing the right thing, you know.” He wanted to ask him about Blaise, but sensed it was not the time.
The Slytherin dropped his gaze and shrugged. “Maybe.” Some of the tension left his rigid body, but then he shuffled uncomfortably again.
For the second time during the conversation Harry's eyes turned into slits and he asked, “There's more, isn't there?”
The blond nodded. Then slowly as if searching for words, he answered, “Snake face demanded results rather harshly and I kind of... “ He trailed off but then continued more confidently, “I hinted that I might be dating a certain Gryffindor soon. I just couldn't think of anything better at that moment, sorry.”
Harry gave out a bark of laughter, “Not sure Hermione is going to like it.”
The blond's face closed off. “I suppose you're right. But I might be able to downplay it with time. If you and I will be seen together often enough, he might agree with dismissing this particular course of action.”
“We'll just have to make it look good then, huh, Malfoy?”
They exchanged slight smiles.
It was an hour and a half later now and Hermione was sitting high on the stands, worrying her lower lip while Ron, Luna and Neville kept her company. Though the latter two had no idea of the true reason for the flight, they were all anticipating the results. It was getting chilly and Hermione was starting to get nervous, as the boys were watching an impromptu interhouse Quidditch match, that some students had started. Luna on the other hand, was being her usual self, singing an off-key lullaby for some creatures living in the wood of the stands.
The crowd had started to thin about twenty minutes after Harry and Draco had left, and when Madam Hooch had come to enquire what it was all about, many had returned to the castle. Everybody were curious though of what would happen, and some students had even started a totalizator. Some bet that either of the boys won, others that one of them would return injured but none of them could have even dreamed of what really happened.
Suddenly Hermione saw two small dots on the horizon. She jumped up to see better.
She was quite confident that for appearances sake, the boys would return reconciled, but not even she had been prepared for the guys embrace upon dismounting. Then Draco gave his house mates you-mess-with-him-you-mess-with-me-speech, and Ron commented it being an overkill under his breath, but Hermione saw immediately, that something significant had indeed happen between the two boys.
Neither of them looked overly cordial with the other, but the performance was still impressive enough to be talked about for two weeks and even longer.
To Be Continued...
WARNING -> Due to having too busy life, I'm going to update my story on this site only one more time. The 13th will be the last here. If you are interested in reading it further, you are more than welcome to check it out on Granger Enchanted.
http://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?sid=1273&textsize=0&chapter=1
Please do :)
Serinah