How Things Change

A/N: So I bet everybody was really confused, huh? What was originally posted as Chapter 6 will be included in Chapter 7, I believe. I don't know. I get so confused, lol. But yeah, I think it's CH 7, as I only have typed through Ch 8, and a little hand written of Ch 9. So here's the real Ch 6 and I'm going to put up Ch 7, too. Sorry for the mix up!!

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Harry POV

By dinner, the few people in the school that had not been at the Slytherin party knew about me and Draco. The Hufflepuffs seemed to be glad that at least they didn’t have to run in fear every time Draco and I got near each other. The Ravenclaws didn’t really seem to care. Gryffindors were split, half happy for me, half mad at me for “betraying” them. And the Slytherins appeared to be mad at both of us.

Draco was sitting at the end of the Slytherin table eating by himself. He didn’t seem to mind, though, as he was spending more time starring my way than eating. Of course, I was doing the same thing back.

Hermione sat down next to me and said, “You guys make such a cute couple.”

I blushed. Thanks. Hey, have you talked to Ron lately?”

She sighed. “Yeah. He’s still mad. He’ll come around, though. He just needs time to get used to the idea that 1. Draco is not the Prat he used to be and 2. You and Draco are together. Just don’t let Draco get into any pissing matches with him and you should be fine.”

I laughed. “Easier said than done.” My smile fell as I thought of something. “He’s going to be mad all over again when he hears I’m not playing Quidditch this year.”

“You’re WHAT! Why not?” She looked absolutely shocked.

“Well, Draco said it wouldn’t be fair to his team as he couldn’t be competitive against me, and if he’s not playing, neither am I. Plus I’m sure the Slytherins will even want him to play for them anymore.”

“Well, you’re probably right on that last part,” Hermione said, quite seriously. “But Harry, not playing Quidditch? You love it.”

“I know, but it just doesn’t seem that important to me anymore.” I wondered how many times I would have this conversation over the next couple days.

“Well, if you’re sure.”

I laughed. “You sound just like Draco. And, yes, I’m sure.”

“Well, ok, then,” she said, and launched into a speech about our transfiguration homework.


Katie Bell, the Quidditch captain approached me in the common room later that evening. “Hey, Harry. Tryouts are next Saturday. Not that you need to, but I thought I’d give you the heads up.”

“Sorry, Katie, but I won’t be playing this year.” I cringed, waiting for her reaction.

“WHAT!!!!!” she shrieked. “You’re not playing! But Harry, where am I going to find another seeker with half the talent of you?” she asked, sounding quite panicked.

“I really am sorry, Katie.” I was, but I wasn’t going to change my mind.

“It’s because of him, isn’t it?” Ron asked from across the room. “He’s tricked you into not playing so that Slytherin has a shot at the Cup this year. I knew he was trouble.”

“Draco won’t be playing this year, either, Ron,” I said, starting to get mad. What was with everyone? It was my decision to ply or not. Not theirs. “And he’s not trouble. He’s wonderful.”

“Yeah, right,” Ron snapped back. “Just don’t be surprised when he goes back on his word, or breaks your heart.” And he went storming up to the dormitory.

“Well, Harry, I can’t say I’m not upset, but I’ll respect your decision

“Thanks, Katie,” I said, smiling at her.

“No problem,” she said. “Now where am I going to find another seeker?” she mumbled as she walked away.

It was getting late, so I finished the homework I had been working on and headed to bed. Ron was already in bed with his curtains drawn. I couldn’t say I was sorry, either.

Draco POV

Ugh, it was Monday. Have I mentioned how much I hate Mondays? I dragged myself out of bed, showered, and headed down for breakfast. Pansy and Blaise were the only ones in my house still talking to me, but I didn’t care. If they couldn’t at least support my decision, I didn’t need those losers. When I got to the Great Hall I sat next to Pansy.

“Good morning,” she said happily.

“What in heaven’s name are you so cheery about? Don’t you realize it’s Monday morning?” I asked.

“Yeah, I know. I’ just in a good mood. You should be too, since your boyfriend is over there looking at you like a love sick puppy dog.”

I looked over at Harry. She was right, he was. And I couldn’t help but look back at him with the same look on my face. “He is gorgeous, isn’t he?” I asked her.

She laughed, “I’d say yes, but you’d probably hit me for it.”

I grinned back at her. “You’re probably right.” All of the sudden there was a flutter of wings. Morning post had arrived.

I had no reason to suspect a letter, so when a bird landed in front of me, I was surprised. I looked up and my stomach dropped. It was my mother’s owl. That meant she had probably heard about Harry and me. But at least it wasn’t my father’s owl. That would have been much worse.

I still hadn’t removed the letter from her leg and she started to peck at my arm. “”Oh, sorry. I’m getting it,” I said as I removed the letter. I gave her a hunk of sausage and sent her on her way.

My hands were trembling slightly as I opened the letter.

Draco,

You know I’ve never cared who you decided to make friends with, but you might want to be careful. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy, and I won’t be telling your Father, but don’t expect it to be too long before he finds out. Be careful. I love you.

Mum

I took a deep breath. At least she was on my side. And she wouldn’t be telling my father.

“Who was it from?” asked Pansy.

“My Mum. She knows about Harry.”

Her eyes got real big. “And?”

I smiled. “She’s on our side.”

“Oh, good!” she smiled back. “And you father?”

I sighed. “He doesn’t know yet. And for now I think I’m going to try to keep it that way.” I stuffed the letter in my pocket. “I’m going to go talk to Harry before classes start,” I said getting up.

“Ok, see ya later.”

Harry was finishing as I got over there, and he stood up. I wrapped my arms around his waist and have him a kiss. “Morning,” I said, smiling at him. It was really hard not to smile when he was around.

“Morning.” He smiled back. “Who was the letter from?”

“My mum.” his face fell. “Don’t worry, she’s ok with it.”

And you father?”

I laughed. “You sound just like Pansy.” He scowled at me. I kissed him again. “My father doesn’t know yet.”

“That’s good, right?” he asked.

“Yeah, it’s good. Of course I’ll have to tell him sooner or later, but for now I’d rather it was later.”

“Well, he said, “We’d better get ready for class. We’ve got Potions. Yuck.”

I laughed again. “It’s not that bad.”

“Easy for you to say,” he said smirking at me. “You’re Teacher’s Pet.”

I laughed once more, grabbed his hand and walked with him back to class.