Slipping Through

*

"Did you hear?!"

"Oh my God!"

"I can't believe it!"

"... That big!"

"He must be exaggerating."

"I wish I could have seen it."

"I bet it was amazing."

The group of Ravenclaw girls that were huddled around the foot of the stairs immediately grew quiet as Harry walked past them. He sent them a questioning glance. They blushed under his gaze and quickly disbanded, leaving the way clear. Harry rolled his eyes and walked on to the Great Hall.

He walked in amidst fervid whispers that followed him to his seat. He kept his eyes fixed on the floor as he walked past all the other House tables until he reached his own. He slid in next to Hermione, who was watching him through very interested eyes. On his other side, Ron was sitting as though shell-shocked. He was staring unseeingly at his plate that was full of untouched food.

Harry ignored Hermione's piercing gaze and turned to Ron, giving him a concerned look. "Ron, are you okay?"

Ron jerked back suddenly as though he'd been hit in the face. He looked around at Harry, his eyes darting nervously around.

"Wh-what?" he stuttered and Harry's confusion increased. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. Nothing--I didn't do anything."

Harry gave him a perplexed look and opened his mouth to ask more but was interrupted as Hermione elbowed him sharply in the side.

"Harry," she hissed. He looked at her, seeing that she had a very eager expression on her face. "Aren't you going to tell me?"

"What?" Harry asked cautiously. He watched as her expression became more like when she was determined to get the truth.

"What happened last night!" she whispered, at least trying to keep her voice low for his sake.

Harry sighed deeply. He hadn't seen Hermione since the night before the party. After leaving the room and Draco, he had snuck back up to Gryffindor tower, thankfully not meeting anyone along the way. To his great relief, there had been no one waiting up for him when he had arrived. He'd managed to slip into his dormitory unnoticed and go to sleep.

That morning, he had woken earlier than the others, taken a shower and again slipped unnoticed out the door. No one had seen him since the night before when he had disappeared with Draco out of the Slytherin common room.

"Hermione," Harry said quietly, giving her a pleading look. "This isn't the time."

"But I heard you and Malfoy--"

"Shh!" Harry hissed as several people looked down the table at them. This didn't help as half the table was already whispering furtively behind their hands.

"Sorry," she apologized half-heartedly. Harry rolled his eyes and glanced over at Ron who hadn't appeared to hear a word that they'd been saying. At the moment, he was pushing his food around uninterestedly on his plate with his fork.

"Ron?" Harry asked again. Ron didn't respond, his concentration on the plate. Harry glanced at Hermione and shrugged.

Hermione leaned in closer. "So Harry, are you going to tell me what those rumors are?"

"What rumors?" Harry asked.

Hermione eyed him suspiciously. "You know," she said with a significant glance. "About you and..." She left the sentence hang, hoping that he got her drift.

"Me and who?"

"Malfoy!" she exclaimed.

"Hermione!" he hissed, his eyes shooting fire at her. The tables' attention was once again fixed on them. Harry turned and glared at them and they immediately abandoned watching them, returning to whispering behind their hands.

"What?" she replied indignantly when everyone had looked away. "I just want to know what you did after leaving us last night."

"I don't think that's really any of your business," Harry said coldly. He was still angry at her for her suggestion the night before. "Why did you do that anyway?"

"Do what?" she asked, now feigning ignorance, reaching over and pouring more pumpkin juice in her goblet.

Harry's eyes narrowed as he watched her. "Make that stupid suggestion! Why did you make me do that?! You know I hate him!"

"Oh, sure," she said with a knowing smirk. "You hate him."

"I do!" Harry exclaimed.

She set down the jug and leaned in to him once again. "That's not what the rumors say," she said, shrugging but still with that infuriating smirk on her face.

"What rumors?" Harry pressed.

She merely shrugged as if to say that if he didn't know, she wasn't going to tell. Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head. He decided to concentrate on his breakfast but Ron caught his attention once more.

He still hadn't touched his food, just staring at the plate. Harry knew something was definitely off if Ron wasn't hungry. Ron gave a small sigh, staring at his plate and Harry's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Ron?" he asked. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," Ron replied, sounding as if he wasn't all there. "Just fine."

Harry eyed him closely but decided not to comment for the time-being. He turned back to his own breakfast, also not very interested in eating. Around him, whispers swept down the table. His House mates kept shooting him furtive glances and whispering to their neighbors.

Harry sighed and tried to ignore it as he pushed his bacon around uninterestedly. He glanced up and across the room. His eyes swept over the other House tables where many other people seemed to be watching him, turning away sharply when he caught them looking. They merely turned away, leaning into the person next to them and whispering something. Harry rolled his eyes as this happened at two successive tables.

His gaze came to rest on the Slytherin table. Only they appeared not to be fixated on watching him. They were sitting and eating their meal as normal. A few were talking quietly, shooting glances down to where Draco sat with Blaise. They weren't speaking to each other as they ate normally.

Harry's eyes stopped at Draco, watching him eat slowly. He watched him for a few seconds, thinking back to the night before. He wondered now if he had made the right decision. He lost himself in thought as he gazed at Draco. He gazed blindly at the spot between Draco and Blaise, thoughts swirling around his head.

He didn't know how long he spaced out but suddenly he was brought out of his thoughts, realizing where he was. He looked around quickly as though just remembering where he was. Several Gryffindors were watching him as he looked around, disoriented. They looked away though as Harry caught them and and he glared at them.

He shook his head sharply to clear his head. He glanced up and locked eyes with Draco. Harry didn't break the gaze for several seconds until Draco pulled away, turning to Blaise and engaging him in conversation.

Harry kept watching him for a moment, an odd look on his face. He turned back to his food only to find Hermione staring at him intently.

"What?" he asked her carefully.

"Nothing," she replied loftily, giving him a knowing look. He just rolled his eyes, thinking he really didn't want to know what she was thinking.

"It's time for class," Harry replied tiredly, opting not to respond to her. He stood up from the bench, grabbing his bag and Ron as well. He grabbed him by the under arm and hoisted him off his seat.

"Huh? What?" Ron asked quickly as Harry pulled him to his feet.

"It's time for class," Harry said. He tugged harder on Ron's arm, pulling him toward the doors to the Hall. Ron nodded vaguely and allowed himself to be pulled along.

Together, he, Ron, and Hermione made their way down to Herbology. Across the sweeping front lawns and down to the greenhouses, Harry tried to ignore the fervid whispers that followed him as he went. He let go of Ron's arm once he was sure he could walk along by himself and they came to a stop in front of greenhouse five.

Professor Sprout was already there with most of the Hufflepuffs gathered around. Harry came to a stop just outside the group, scowling as several students glanced at him and whispered to their neighbor. Beside him, Ron stood looking dreamily at the sky. Harry wondered if there wasn't something seriously wrong with him.

"Alright, chaps!" Professor Sprout announced, clapping her hands together. "We're going to do a bit of review in preparation for your N.E.W.Ts which are very close!"

Hermione, it seemed, forgot all about her fixation on Harry as the N.E.W.Ts were mentioned. Her attention was immediately focused on the Professor and Harry was allowed a reprieve from her at least. He wasn't so lucky from the other students.

As they entered the greenhouse, Hannah Abbott and her boyfriend Ernie Macmillan hung back to walk by Harry's side. Harry gave them a questioning look as they fell into step with him, one on either side.

"Hello, Harry!" Ernie greeted him pompously as always.

"Er, hi, Ernie," Harry replied slowly, wondering what this was all about.

"Listen, Harry," Ernie said in an unassuming voice which obviously meant he was up to something. "Hannah and I were wondering if you could settle something for us."

Harry glanced at Hannah, who gave him a small smile and shrugged. He furrowed his eyebrows but agreed. "Okay..."

"Excellent!" Ernie said. "Well, Hannah wants to know--"

"Oh, Ernie!" Hannah interrupted. "Don't pretend you don't want to know either."

Ernie had the grace to look embarrassed and flustered as he continued. "Yes, well, we wanted to know if the rumors about Malfoy were true."

"What... rumors?" Harry asked, this being the third time he had heard that this morning.

"Well, you know," Ernie said in a hushed voice as if afraid of being overheard as they walked into the damp and quiet greenhouse. "If he's as... well-endowed... as they say. See, we'd just like to know, as a comparison."

Harry was rendered momentarily speechless as they waited for his answer. He gave a laugh, mostly out of shock from the question. "Why are you asking me?" he asked finally.

"Well, I mean, didn't you...?" Ernie asked, not completing the sentence.

"What I have and haven't done is my own business," Harry said.

"Oh," Ernie said. "Right, sorry." He apologized and he and Hannah walked quickly away, whispering between them once more. Harry sighed and went to catch up with Ron and Hermione, listening as Professor Sprout enumerated the many uses of bubotuber puss.

Harry stood next to Hermione who was copying down everything Professor Sprout said with fervid enthusiasm. He spaced out her voice as his mind began to wander once more. He thought about the party once more, still cursing himself for actually listening to Hermione and going. He didn't understand why she was so eager to see him with Draco anyway. What was the appeal? Why would he want to sleep with someone with whom he'd fought for the last seven years?

Soon he was nursing another bruised rib as Hermione elbowed him sharply to get his attention. He looked up sharply to see Professor Sprout watching him intently. Beside him, Hermione gave him a reproving glare for not paying attention in class. Even Ron had snapped out of his daydream to watch Harry apprehensively.

"Potter!" she said, losing some of her good-nature.

"Yeah?" he asked nervously.

"What are the uses of the buds of a Flutterby bush?" she asked, giving him a severe look for having to ask that question.

"Uh... er... they can be used in potions?" Harry guessed. He watched apprehensively as Professor Sprout shook her head and sighed, turning away.

"Yes, Mr. Longbottom, please tell us."

Harry sighed in relief as she moved on and Neville went on to explain all the uses. He was so wrapped up in relief he forgot that Hermione and Ron were present. As he let out his sigh, he heard a tut from his right.

"Harry," Hermione scolded. "You should be paying attention!"

"Sorry, I'm just tired is all," he muttered. Hermione almost replied but stopped herself, looking at him closely. "What?" he asked her, tired of her looking at him like that.

"It's nothing," she said, dismissing him.

"Fine," he muttered, turning away from her and trying to concentrate on what Professor Sprout was saying on some rather large and dripping plant. He couldn't seem to force his mind to focus though as she went on and on about the large, reddish plant.

His gaze became unfocused as he stood in a haze in the warm, damp room. The thickness of the air was starting to weigh on his overtired nerves. Finally, Hermione poked him out of his stupor, telling him the class was over.

Harry breathed the light, clean air as they emerged from the greenhouse. People skirted around him, muttering and whispering between themselves all the way up to the castle. Harry scowled after them as he, Ron, and Hermione followed them up, intent on getting some lunch.

He slid into his seat at the Gryffindor table, trying valiantly to ignore all the whispers that followed his every move. He sighed and took a long drink of his cold pumpkin juice. He felt much more refreshed as he set it down and tried to eat something. Next to him, Ron appeared lost in thought once more.

He tried to eat his meal in peace but was interrupted halfway through when Seamus scooted down the table and up closet to Harry. Harry looked over at him, confused.

"Seamus?" he asked when the Irish boy was right next to him. "What are you doing?"

"I know they've been talking about you," Seamus said with a wink and Harry's confusion increased. "I just had to know. Is it true?"

"Look, Seamus," Harry said. "I really don't have any idea what you're on about. People have been acting odd all day."

"Oh yeah," Seamus agreed, winking again. "I don't know what I'm talking about either. I've just been hearing things; you know me and my ears. If it was true I guess I'd know, wouldn't I?"

"Huh?" Harry asked, thoroughly confused.

"You're right, Harry. Besides, keeping it a secret is half the fun!"

"What are you-- I don't-- Seamus, what are you talking about?" Harry asked, giving him an incredulous look.

Seamus merely shrugged but gave Harry another suggestive wink. "It's alright, Harry. I can keep a secret." Then he scooted back down the table, leaving a completely flustered Harry at the other end.

He turned back to his plate, staring at the half-eaten food, suddenly not hungry anymore. He pushed away his plate and slumped down in his chair, looking up and glaring at anyone who happened to catch his eye.

He looked over to the Slytherin table, watching as Draco and Blaise sat. Draco's gaze flickered up from his meal and to Harry. He looked at him for several seconds before smirking slightly and looking away. Harry scowled as he looked back at his plate.

Finally, the meal was over and Harry was able to escape from the constant staring and into a classroom with only his Housemates. Harry filed into the Charms classroom, taking his seat near the back of the classroom, Ron and Hermione sitting on either side of him.

Tiny, old Professor Flitwick was standing at the head of the class, perched on top of several books as he instructed the class that they too would be doing review work for their N.E.W.T's. Harry sat back in his chair, waving his wand vaguely, accidentally causing the table's legs to become alive and stagger sideways, tipping over and sending their books sliding to the floor.

He barely heard the reprimand from Hermione as she put the table right. Ron didn't seem to be paying much attention, accidentally shooting red wine out of his wand and staining Lavender Brown's robes. She seemed to take it as a personal attack and sent a jet of purple sparks at Ron, who yelped and dove underneath the desk. Harry and Hermione watched as Ron nearly avoided catching fire.

Lavender glared at him as he resurfaced carefully then turned around huffily. Apparently, she had found out about not being invited to the party and was taking her anger out on Ron. She also hadn't exactly forgiven him for breaking up with her.

Ron picked himself up from the floor, sitting back in his chair and performing no more magic the entire class period. Harry once again tried to force himself to concentrate, forcing himself to focus and charm his book to read itself out loud.

Hermione even praised him for doing such good work, that is until the charm began wearing off, and the book started shouting and loosing words every other sentence. Finally, Hermione, with her hands clamped over her ears, performed the counter-charm to stop it. Harry sighed and shut the book, stuffing it into his bag and joined Ron, refusing to do any more magic in the class.

Hermione shook her head at the both of them, continuing to do her work, determined not to give up like they had. Harry thought that if he hadn't been so distracted, it might have worked better.

Finally, the class ended. Harry was looking forward very much to being able to relax in the comfort and safety of the common room but first had to endure one more meal with then entire school watching and talking about his every move.

He refused to look at anyone as he ate quickly, simply wanting to escape upstairs. He finished sooner than normal and left the Hall amidst the whispers and furtive glances shot at him from his classmates. He avoided looking anywhere until he was out of the Hall.

He walked slowly back up to the common room, for once enjoying the silence, instead of feeling like he was in the middle of a windstorm. He reached the Fat Lady and gave the password, climbing in when she swung open. He walked over to the armchairs by the fireplace and collapsed in one.

He was shortly joined by Ron and Hermione. They climbed through the portrait hole and made for him once they caught sight of him. Ron plopped down in the other chair and Hermione took her place in the third.

She turned and looked intently at Harry, who sighed and looked away.

"Harry," she said seriously. "What's been going on?"

Harry sighed again, looking up as the portrait hole swung open and more people came in from dinner, spilling into the common room. They saw Harry and immediately began whispering behind their hands. Harry saw this and his eyes narrowed in anger.

"You want to know what's going on?" he said loudly and everyone in the common room turned to look at him. He stood up from his chair and climbed on the short table in front of them. "Come on!" he yelled. "You want to know?"

The occupants looked around at each other nervously. Their hero was standing on a coffee table asking them if they wanted to know what had been going on.

"Yeah!" someone in the back yelled.

"Okay!" Harry said loudly and sarcastically. "I slept with Draco Malfoy! Happy now?"

He jumped down from the table and stalked up the stairs to his dormitory, leaving one very shocked House.


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A/N: Glad you're enjoying :) Please review!