Tag! You\'re it!

Author(s) notes: I was going to post last night but my dad wouldn\'t let me use the net. I won\'t be posting this weekend (You are All going to hate where it cut\'s off.) being as Friday 4-16 is my birthday and me and 3 friend are going Cosmic Bowling Saturday night. Plus there is not that much written past what I\'m now posting. The fight that me and my co-author, Nephimar(Her fic is the one in my Recomended Reading section), was resolved *Yay!* but the resolution to that fight won\'t be making an appearance for a while yet. Hope you like it. Till my next post... That\'s All!


Viva La Slashy!!!!!

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**********Harry\'s POV**********

There I was, standing before a roaring fire in a dim, cozy room with Malfoy’s lips pressed to mine. The world had officially gone mad. Completely, stark-raving mad.

Once my shock wore off, I shoved him away. “What... you... why... er...” At this point, I was having a problem forming coherent sentences.

This had to be a dream. No, this was a nightmare. Only one thought penetrated my confused and astonished mind: Get the hell out.

So, that’s what I did. I pushed passed the Slytherin and exited the room as fast as possible. I passed Ron and Hermione’s questioning looks and didn’t stop until I reached Gryffindor Tower. All the while fervently hoping to wake up and realize that the eighteen chocolate frogs I ate just before bed had been the cause of such a bizarre dream.

**********Draco\'s POV**********

Well... If I said that I was shocked by his reaction... I’d be lying. Discouraged, disappointed and slightly angry, yes; but not shocked. After drinking the bottle of wine, I was inebriated enough that I didn’t think it was a bad idea to write to Potter. The whole ‘sober enough to know better, too drunk to care’. The letter was still written beautifully in appearance and intelligible in content. I wasn’t that drunk. I sent it with a school owl. To be delivered with the morning post. God let’s hope this works...

Harry,

Firstly, let me apologize for my actions last night. I should have made you aware of both my standpoint on the issue as well as my intentions. For that I am sorry. However, I am not sorry that I did it.

Secondly, I will tell you why I did it. I realized at the end of fourth year (while everyone was in an uproar because of the portkey incident) that you were an important person in my life. It felt like a knife was twisted in my gut when I heard you were gone. It wasn’t until after the relief of you being back washed over me that I was able to identify what exactly it was that I felt for you. If it’s not love, it’s so close, it’s scary.

You probably are thinking that I’m full of shit or am trying to trick you. But I’m not. That summer I realized that I’ve done a lot of things because of you but never knew why until then.

First year: I wanted your friendship but you refused my offer; that led to me being bitter towards you and led you to form stronger bonds with Granger and Weasley. I wanted to know if you could fly a broom by natural skill alone; that led to me taking Longbottom’s Rememberall and you making to the Gryffindor Quidditch team as a first year.

Second year: I wanted there to be a way that I could actually beat you at something (because no one, not even Slytherin, believe that I earn my potions grade), that led to me joining the Slytherin Quidditch team, which led to you royally kic my my ass. I knew that it was you (and not Crabbe and Goyle) that came into the Slytherin Common Room during Christmas break, I told you information that I wasn’t even supposed to know. It was cryptic but there.

Third year: I knew Sirius Black was innocent as well as your Godfather, I taunted you into finding the truth for yourself, and you now have a member of your family back.

Fourth year: I couldn’t do much because it was too easy to be caught based on all your publicity. I did however answer the question of a certain house elf that wanted to know where to find some Gillyweed. I’m talking about Dobby. I’m also the one who sent him to you second year. Go ahead and ask him.

Fifth year: I told Professor Snape all I knew of my father’s plans, ones that were just between my father and Voldemort, I am the one who left the stupifyd and petrified animagus form of Peter Pettigrew for Professor Lupin to find.

By defecting, I not only avoid being forced to take the Dark Mark, I am being disowned, disinherited, and am putting my very life in danger. I am willing to fight for the side of light, however, I am only willing to die for you.

Sincerely,

Draconis Christopher Malfoy

**********Harry\'s POV**********

The night of The Kiss, I was unable to sleep until the small hours of the morning. I went straight to bed and refused to tell Ron more than, “It wasn’t important. Don’t worry about it, I can handle Malfoy.” But could I? How well had I handled him in that room? Instead of getting answers I got a kiss. A kiss from Malfoy.

That was what was really bothering me. I should have left him tied up. How did he even know I fancied boys? And WHY did he have such soft lips? Dear Merlin, I thought, did I just think that? Oh shit...

I spent most of the night thinking over what had been said (and done) in the room behind the tapestry. Dumbledore had given Malfoy sanctuary. Or had he? Maybe it was just a lie. I mean, why would he be given asylum? Even on the off chance that he wasn’t lying, why would Malfoy defy his father? Even if Malfoy Sr. was in wizard prison. No, that letter had to be a fake. It had to be.

That was my last thought before drifting off.

I woke to the sound of my dorm mates’ thundering footsteps as they got ready for a relaxing Saturday. I slowly rose to do the same. I exited Gryffindor Tower hoping I wouldn‘t have to see Malfoy that day.

I realized my hope had been in vain when I entered the Great Hall and immediately spotted the Slytherin in his usual seat. He stared back with a blank expression. I adverted my eyes and hurried over to the Gryffindor table. I sat down and glanced up at him. He was still looking at me. I ate mechanically and refused to look at him again.

Halfway through breakfast the Owl Post arrived. I rarely received post but looked up for Hedwig anyway; she sometimes likes to visit and have a bit of toast with me. I was surprised when a tawny school owl sped in my direction and deposited a letter in my eggs. I picked it up and saw my name scrawled in an elegant script on the folded parchment. Already guessing whom it was from, I glanced over at the Slytherin table and got all the confirmation I needed when Malfoy gave a slight nod.

I looked back to the parchment and unfolded it. Harry, it said. I stared at the graceful slant of my first name. Since when was I “Harry” to him. Since last niappaapparently. I read the next few paragraphs with astonishment then paused.

It wasn’t until after the relief of you being back washed over me that I was able to identify what exactly it was that I felt for you. If it’s not love, it’s so close, it’s scary.

Love? I looked up at Malfoy who, as if he reading my mind, gave another nod. I went back to the letter before me.

You probably are thinking that I’m full of shit or am trying to trick you.

es aes and gentlemen let me present to you that largest understatement in recorded history!

I knew Sirius Black was innocent as well as your Godfather, I taunted you into finding the truth for yourself, and you now have a member of your family back.

I felt boiling rage at this. How dare he mention Sirius! If it hadn’t been for Malfoy’s family, Sirius might still be alive. I did have a member of my family, but then that bastard’s aunt had to shove in through the veil. I looked back to the Slytherin table to glare at Malfoy. His eyes widened a bit at my angry expression, but was otherwise blank of emotion.

I am willing to fight for the side of light, however, I am only willing to die for you.

I must have stared at that last sentence for a full minute. It just wasn’t possible. There were certain things I knew I could count on. Rain is wet. Rocks are hard. The sun hurts your eyes if you look at it for too long. And Draco Malfoy was a malicious bastard whose heart had no room for anything but pure evil. It was all a part of nature, it never changed. Right?

“Harry, what have you got there? Did you get a letter? Who sent it?” Hermione brought me out of my silent contemplation with a poke in the side.

“Er...” was my clever reply. I quickly refolded the parchment and stuck it in my pocket. “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

Her I-don’t-believe-you-and-I’m-going-to-get-the-truth-right-now-Mr. face sprang to life and I hastily got to my feet and made for the door before she could begin the interrogation. As I reached the door, I looked back and saw Malfoy still staring at me with that blank expression. I left as fast as I could.

**********Draco\'s POV**********

I mentally went over everythi had had written in the letter. The first time he looked up, I confirmed that it was from me. The second time, I could tell by his shell shocked expression that it was the love comment, and again confirmed it. That’s where he lost me.

Saying he got angry would be a major understatement. But why? What did I say in the letter to make him so... Oh, fuck! Sirius Black. How could I be such an idiot?!? I remember Aunt Lestrange gloating. Fuck! How in the hell am I gonna fix this one?

He kept reading and the anger, not to mention any emotion other that utter confusion, left his body. He just stated at the letter, must be the last line... Hermione leaned over and whispered to him. He stashed the letter and bolted. That in correlation with the fact that Weasley hadn’t throttled me within an inch of my life, told me that he hadn’t told them what happened after they. But why?

I quickly sneaked away from the Slytherin table and out the doors After a quick check back in... Nope, Weasley and Granger hadn’t noticed my exit (very good). I went in search of Harry.

**********Harry\'s POV**********

I didn’t know where I was going. I just needed to leave. The castle suddenly felt confining so I went to wonder the school grounds. Mid Autumn wind whipped through my robes and tangled my hair.

I headed for Hagrid’s hut changed course half way there. I decided the lake seemed like a good place to be. I would rather be with the squid than people. At least the squid never changed. It never swapped sides or claimed to love it’s enemy. What I needed was to be alone and spend a little quality time with the squid.

But no, nobody cares what Harry needs. as soon as I reached my destination, I heard someone coming up behind me. I continued my march along the lakeside and refused to face whoever was following me. With any luck, they would take the hint and leave me alone. I, however, am very unlucky.

**********Draco\'s POV**********

I knew he didn’t know it was me, he just didn’t want to talk to anybody I suppose. Tough shit. We were gonna talk, now. He sat down in the Gazebo and that’s when I closed in. I approached behind the cover of the trees and didn’t show myself until the last moment. I drew my wand before I let my presence be known.

I held it out, handle facing towards Harry and slightly bowed. “Can we talk?”

**********Harry\'s POV**********

I should have guessed Malfoy would be the one following me. When he finally gave up stag meg me and showed himself, he offered me the handle end of his wand. I stared at it suspiciously as he asked if we could talk.

“Keep you wand, Malfoy. If I decide to hex you, you should be able to attempt a defense. Not that it’ll do you any good.” I paused to make sure he got the message. “Now tell me, why should I talk to you? Last time I tried that, you kissed me.”

**********Draco\'s POV**********

I pocketed my wand and motioned to the seat opposite him, he nodded. I sat on the end of the bench resting my forearms on my knees. After sighing deeply...

“Last night didn’t go as I had originally hoped it would. I wanted to talk to you about a number of things. We were both getting upset, and I acted rashly. Although I do not regret kissing you, letting you know where I stand in that matter was an act of desperation.”

**********Harry\'s POV**********

“You acted rashly,” I repeated slowly. “And kissing me was a desperate act.” Malfoy was staring at his hands so my glare went unnoticed. “Oh, and thanks so much for the letter,” I said sarcastically. “I really enjoyed the trip down Memory Lane. However, I seem to recall a few things differently.”

**********Draco\'s POV**********

\"In an act of desperation, I let you know how I felt about you in the bluntest way possible. And I thought that a kiss was blunt enough... And as for the Memory Lane stuff... Things happened to you. Even you can\'t deny that I had a hand in some of them.\"

**********Harry\'s POV**********

“Like hell I can’t. You were never involved in anything important. Just some stupid, childish pranks.” I stood up and looked down at him. “All you’ve done is develop some twisted schoolboy crush and given up a little information. So you’ve decided to oppose Voldemort. So what? How useful will you be? Not very, is my guess.”

**********Draco\'s POV**********

I shot up to my feet and looked him in the eye. We ere nose to nose. “Never involved in anything important! Like hell! You’ve been under the Cruciatus Curse, what, once, maybe twice… Try all summer. Damn near constantly. And a little information… Try a hand copied list of all the Death Eaters in the UK! Oh, that must be little to you. I’ve brought information no one else could get. But it means nothing to you. The fact that I made my life forfeit, FOR YOU. And you don’t care.” I slumped back down on the bench. The anger leaving my voice as I spoke the last. “And it’s not a twisted schoolboy crush. And for what it’s worth, any task I’m given during this war will be completed, only death could stop me.”

**********Harry\'s POV**********

I was startled by the vehemence of his words. And even more startled to find him suddenly so close to me; invading my bubble, so to speak. I could feel his frustrated words blowing warm air onto my lips. I was reminded of the night before, when he had pressed his lips to mine. I stopped breathing for a moment and just stared at him until he finished speaking and moved away from me to sit back down.

I stared down at him once again but this time, I didn’t know what to say. An awkward silence was avoided as Malfoy began speaking again. I gave myself a mental shake and focused on his words. I very carefully ignored the way his lips moved and how soft they looked.

He finished speaking and I blurted the first thing that came to mind. “What am I supposed to do?!” I cursed myself for the way I had sounded. Half frustrated, half pleading. “I mean, er, what do you want me to do about any of this, Malfoy?” Damn Malfoy, I thought fervently, damn him and his ability to make me sound like an idiot!

**********Draco\'s POV**********

“I thought that at least you of all people would be able to understand what I’ve been through. But no. Just wishful thinking on my part I s… s… Just forget it. You know where I stand now. And it means nothing to you so…” I stood back up and gave him a sweet chaste kiss on the lips that I wished would actually kiss me back. “If it ever means anything to you… You’ll know where to find me.”

With that I turned to walk away, off to contemplate what had just happened. Don’t you dare call it wallowing in self-pity, because I don’t wallow, nor do I need pity… Just time to contemplate, to reflect, to sort some things out… But it seems that wasn’t what Harry had in mind as he surprised me with his next action.

**********Harry\'s POV**********

Damn, I thought, damn, damn, damn! I let Dra- Malfoy kiss me again! And I liked it! What the hell was wrong with me?! How could I possibly go from hating every fiber of his being one day and then the next day wanting him to kiss me?! There were plenty of nice boys at Hogwarts, why couldn’t one of them express their undying love to me? Why did it have to be Malfoy?

None of my questions had answers. Well, none of my questions had answers I was willing to accept. I was frustrated and confused and growing angrier with each unanswerable question. How could he just kiss me and then walk away leaving me in this dazed confusion? And why was I feeling so bloody dazed?!

Now, I’m not a fan of violence. But when I saw him turn to leave, my anger grew tenfold. Taking my irritation, perplexity and rage out in the quickest and easiest way possible seemed a good idea. As his back turned to me I grabbed his arm and spun him around. Before a look of shock could even register on his face, my fist connected with his jaw. He fell backward and I was on him in a flash. I punched him in the face again and watched as blood bloomed from a small cut on his lip.

“Why?” I yelled more to myself then to him. “Why can’t I just hate you?!”

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That\'s it so far! Enjoy, review, give me B-Day Prezzies!

Viva La Slashy!!!!!