Love, Lies & Loneliness

Chapter 14
(Wordless Truce)

Harry was sitting quietly in a corner of the Slytherin common room. Since the mornings incident the Slytherin’s had all largely left Harry alone, none daring to ignite the boy’s temper. The Slytherin common room was now largely empty anyway most of those not at the Slytherin’s Quidditch team practice already upstairs waiting for dinner to be served in the hall. Harry had a free period before dinner and so like Snape had told him to he’d spent it studying.

With his head buried in his Transfiguration text book Harry hardly noticed as a figure approached him and came to a stop opposite him at the desk.

“Potter.” Harry’s head snapped up almost immediately at the sound of Draco’s voice hovering above him. Looking up at Draco wasn’t something Harry had ever had to do considering he was at least two inches taller than the blonde. Crystal blue eyes seemed to measure Harry up and Harry automatically straightened himself and puffed out his chest in defiance.

“What do you want?” Harry noted with slight guilt that Draco’s right arm was in a sling but still bit out venomously at the boy through sheer habit.

“Snape said you had notes from class for me.” Harry nodded in silence and pulled out the duplicate copy of his potions notes he’d scribed earlier during History of Magic with boring professor Binns. There was no sign of gratitude from Draco as Harry handed him the notes, not that Harry had expected it. Instead Draco stood quickly scanning the notes to himself and Harry watched the azure gaze critically evaluate his work.

“If it was too strong you put in too much ground daisy root.” There was no malicious taunt or jab behind Draco’s tone of voice and Harry rolled his eyes at the boy before him.

“That’s what Snape said.” It was obvious the conversation was strained neither boy wishing to be talking to the other. Harry was surprised Draco had even approached him for the notes, knowing the boy would have been able to get them from any of the other Slytherin’s in the class. There was a silence that lingered between them for a moment and Harry wished more than anything that Draco would leave but the blonde haired boy had no intention of doing so as he folded the notes and slipped them into his pocket.

“That curse you hit me with, that was dark magic.” Harry wasn’t sure he wanted to be talking about what happened between he and Draco earlier but as the other boy sat down in the chair on the opposite side of the table to him, Harry knew it was unavoidable. Harry didn’t miss the way Draco had looked cautiously about himself before he sat down, obviously ensuring that no one of consequence would see the two enemies talking in what Harry would only describe as civility.

“No it was a simple disarming charm.” Harry defended himself weakly as he stared at Draco, his hands resting together on the book in front of him. A smug smile crossed Draco’s face the boy leaned back casually on his chair.

“Maybe that’s what you intended it to be but that’s not what came out the end of your wand.” Draco idly pushed one of Harry’s quills back and forth on the table in front of him. It had occurred to Harry that their conversation if unintentionally was taking place in hushed low voices between them. It was uncharacteristic of Draco not to do anything without having everyone hear and this intrigued Harry a little. “Snape said it would have killed me had you actually aimed properly.” Harry swallowed around a sudden uncomfortable lump in his throat.

“Well if it’s any consolation I didn’t intend to kill you.” Harry looked guiltily away from Draco’s sea blue gaze, unnerved by Draco’s knowing smile.

“I know.” It was two words that said so much and Harry forced himself to look up at his enemy, who’s smile had disappeared and was replaced by what Harry could only describe as genuine fear. “It’s ‘transition’, everyone goes through it eventually, only some fare better than others.” At this Draco’s gaze dropped to the table top, the proud stuck up Malfoy for once showing his weakness.

“Are you…. as well?” Harry couldn’t believe he’d asked Draco such a personal question, but then again a lot of things lately were things he’d never expected to be doing.

“No, not yet. It’s not something I look forward to though.” Draco’s gaze slowly rose to meet Harry’s again and Harry vividly remembered Dumbledore telling him that Voldomort recruited all his death eaters during their ‘transition’. The gravity of what Draco was telling him seemed almost unbelievable but there was something in Draco’s gaze that told Harry there was no scheme or plan behind Draco’s genuine response. With his point seemingly having got across Draco rose from the chair opposite Harry and stepped back from the table. “Today you reminded me of something I shouldn’t have forgotten. I apologise for attacking you unarmed last week.” Harry nodded in acceptance, seeing how hard it was for Draco to have said those words to him.

“Sorry for unintentionally trying to kill you this morning.” A smirk broke across Draco’s lips at Harry’s poorly worded apology. Apologising for trying to kill someone was just absurd but Draco accepted it with a proud nod. As Draco walked proudly away in his usually manner Harry watched him go with a smile on his face. There was now an unspoken truce between them, and Harry was willing to bet he knew why. For Draco to take advantage of Harry when he was going through ‘transition’ would make him just as low as Voldomort. Harry was also willing to bet that if Draco afforded Harry the decency of truce during his ‘transition’ Draco would expect that in return during his own ‘transition’ when it inevitably came. This new development was certainly a welcome one as it eliminated at least one of those people that would have made his life hell in the coming school year spent in Slytherin.

Glancing at the time on his watch Harry hastily cleared up his things and made his way towards the hall for dinner. Having spent so much time talking to Draco Harry had quite forgotten about his and Snape’s meeting in the duelling clubroom after dinner and judging by his lateness he would have to scoff dinner quickly to get there on time.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A/N Alas I am weak of heart, I could not bear for an insanely evil Draco, so hence I\'ve given him motive and a dash of understanding.....hope you agree with it but then again not everyone agrees with me no matter what I do. If you enjoyed this update tell me so in the reviews and as always I\'m available via email for those who prefer a less public chat.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more...

RiffRaff