Banshee\'s Balls!

Hey guys sorry about the wait. I hit a road block about half way through the chapter so I spent some time exploring new ideas I’ve had for other stories.


Thanks to everyone who reviewed.

Raen
Moyima
DiscoLemonade...Hey thanks for reviewing. I’m still unsure about where this is going to go with regards to Harry and Ron. Either way I don’t think their friendship would be the same if Ron decided to apologise. As for Ron and Hermione knowing Harry’s gay. I haven’t addressed that issue yet, I think because I myself have never considered anybody being gay a big issue so I think thats why I haven’t dealt with it. I also wanted to keep the angst n arguments and things to a minimum and thats why I didn't mention anyones thoughts on the issue. I decided that this one would be a light hearted story compared to most of my other multi chap ideas so far.
ZooArmy
Midnight Fairy
Spikesbitch
FallenAngel1129...lol, I like that idea. Thanks for reviewing.
Arieru
Lilith...Hey thanks for reviewing. The Devon thing will come up but that will be in the sequel if people want to read it.
Werewolf Mistress
Thrnbrooke
LoveGD
dominique


Chapter Seven

There’d been a little bit of rearranging this year, he’d only just noticed it actually. Usually they had a Hogsmeade weekend the weekend of Halloween, but last week had been the Hogsmeade Saturday and this one was Halloween. Harry didn't really understand why things had been changed but he didn't mind all that much. Usually everything seemed to happen in the same weekend, they’d have a Hogsmeade trip, a feast and then a Quidditch match the next day. Well this time the events were spread out a little more. It was a cold rainy Saturday and the Nifflers were having their first match against the Bowtruckles.

The match was being played on Saturday before the Halloween feast because throwing a separate party seemed stupid and because if it was played on Sunday there’d be a party afterwards and none of the teachers wanted to have to try and teach them anything the next day. Seemed like a pretty good reason to him, based on their own winner’s party Harry definitely wouldn’t want to be in the teacher’s shoes if they had to try and teach him the next day. He would likely have hexed them all into oblivion; he knew some good ones now and had the power to back it up. He didn't know what he’d have been like that weekend if he’d been forced to get up early for classes.

Currently he was eating breakfast at the Slytherin table as had become his habit since the events of last week. He was comfortably seated between Blaise and Pansy with Draco opposite him. He supposed he’d been avoiding Draco a little over the last week. Oh he’d still hung around with him and gone to practice and everything but he hadn’t allowed himself to get too close in case what he’d feared came to pass. He really didn't want to fall in love with Draco, with a friend. It was bad enough that his breath hitched every time he saw him or how he would seek out blonde hair in a crowd, he couldn’t allow himself to fall any farther.

Looking for blonde hair, well that he supposed could be taken as searching out a friend but Harry knew it wasn’t as innocent as that. He didn't want to feel this way, it made him feel awkward and uncomfortable especially when he thought about Draco’s reaction should the blonde ever find out what he was thinking. He didn't want to lose that friendship; he feared Draco would feel uncomfortable with him if he found out. And he was right, if what he’d overheard yesterday was anything to go by.

”Blaise I called him love! I didn't mean to, it just slipped out. Oh what am I going to do? I can't have Harry think I like him. What if he does? Oh Merlin I’ve ruined everything, he’s going to hate me now.”

Draco had the same fears as him.

As much as it hurt him Draco’s words had been an accident and the blonde was as worried about this as him. Worried that Harry would read something out of them that just wasn’t there. And so he’d thought a little distance would help them. But whatever Draco’s feelings, whether he agreed or not he didn't seem happy that Harry stayed away from him. He’d thought it for the best at the time but now he wasn’t so sure. He might just ruin their friendship this way too. He needed to talk to someone.

***

There was an hour left to go before the match, plenty of time for a quick chat. He knocked on the door and waited for Remus to answer the door. A moment later he was ushered inside with a bright smile. After an enthusiastic greeting Remus busied himself making tea and Harry contented himself with looking over his second Godfather.

Since the end of the war Remus’ health had improved greatly, sure there was the odd escaped deatheater still around but all in all it was a wonderful time. Without the fear of Voldemort and his supporters a change had come over the Wizarding world not just Remus. Unlike the last time people were willing to change. Maybe because this time they were sure he was gone or maybe they’d finally realised where their world was headed before the fall. Voldemort’s soul had been shattered and then his body burnt quite prominently in an open area, allowing reporters from around the world and ordinary people needing closure to witness it. It was over and they knew that.

With the certainty of their safety it had been surprisingly easy for the new regime headed by Lucius Malfoy to begin making the changes that were sorely needed. No one had been more surprised than Harry to learn that Lucius Malfoy had been a good guy all along and that while Snape played the role of the obvious spy Lucius played the hidden one. He gained more important information than the dark haired man and while doing so safe guarded the other’s position. By providing information that Snape couldn’t possibly have known Lucius kept his friend out of harm’s way.

Supported by Dumbledore Lucius Malfoy had easily attained office. Never before had an election been arranged so quickly. It seemed that barely a week passed between Voldemort’s death and Lucius’ appointment. The first thing Lucius had done was propose several reforms; surprisingly they had been quite well received by his advisors and the public in general. They were a long way off but were still on the agenda and were thought likely to pass. Over the next couple of years the Wizarding world would change, Lucius Malfoy was hoping to extend friendship to all the races as well as improve the relationship between foreign Ministries, the ones Fudge had alienated during his time in office. Because of all this Lucius had been unable to watch his son’s first match. Draco hadn’t minded because this was the first his Father had missed, he knew it would be pretty hectic for the man for a while so he refused to hold a grudge against his Father for missing one little match, much to his Father’s relief. Hopefully Lucius would be able to see the next one though, he wanted to apologise to the man for thinking him Voldemort’s supporter.

Of all the reforms the man planned the one Harry couldn’t wait for was the proposed changes to the Werewolf bill. The first change planned was the removal of Doloris Umbridge’s additions that made it impossible for Werewolves to hold jobs. Luckily for Remus no one would go against Dumbledore now, not after the man had made Voldemort’s defeat possible. His job was safe but there were many others who weren’t so lucky. He would be happy if that was the only change made for a while. He didn't think the other proposed changes would be passed as easily. He didn't allow himself to hope for those changes. He wouldn’t get his hopes up for them to be dashed, he wouldn’t think about them for now.

Remus cleared his throat. Harry looked up and found a cup of tea being held out, he took it with a small smile at being caught lost in thought. His Godfather smiled back and took his seat.

It hadn’t been long enough for him to forget Sirius, not even being half a year yet but after Voldemort’s defeat the public had been on Harry’s back and he’d needed to get away. Dumbledore had sent him abroad with Remus, both of them needing a break. Turkey had been lovely, the people so friendly. During that time both he and Remus had been able to purge their grief to a manageable level and had grown closer. He still missed his Godfather but he no longer blamed himself for what had happened.

“Harry?”

Harry started and then blushed when he realised he’d done it again.

“Something seems to be on your mind Harry, why don’t you tell me what it is?”

Suddenly his nerves came back, did he really want to admit this?

Remus smiled gently at him. “Is this about Draco?”

Harry blushed again, he was starting to think he’d make a good traffic light.

Remus chuckled. “I take it by that reaction that I’m right.”

Harry nodded.

Remus sighed, wondering how to begin. He’d never had to do this before. “Tell me what’s wrong Harry?”

Harry echoed Remus’ sigh before speaking. “Draco...he’s just so perfect.”

“Perfect huh?” Remus chuckled. “In what way Harry? As friends or something more?”

“Both.” Harry smiled. “It started out as just friends; it was surprising how easy it was for us to get friendly. It hardly took anytime at all. It just seemed so easy. He helped me make a potion. No one’s ever done that before, helped me, they just let me flounder. He didn't.”

Remus just nodded, deciding to let Harry talk. He needed it.

And so Harry talked he told Remus about the last couple of months. The things his Godfather might have missed. Remus just let him talk; he didn't do anything that made Harry feel like an idiot or a kid as he’d feared. He wasn’t used to this, talking about his problems with someone older, it wasn’t something he’d ever had to do before. His godfather just listened and offered the odd comment. When he’d finally run out of things to say Remus remained silent, obviously thinking about what he should say. After all he couldn’t have much experience of doing this either. When talking about Sirius they’d both been grieving now was a different matter. Grief and confusion over matters of the heart were totally different things and giving good advice was never easy.

Finally Remus seemed to have decided on something.

“Harry, what do you feel when you see Draco?”

Harry was confused. “I thought I’d already told you.”

Remus shook his head. “No that’s the one thing you never said. You told me everything he did for you, the potion, staying with you in the hospital, just being there but you never mentioned how that made you feel. I can guess but you need to hear yourself say it. How do you feel when you see him? Do you feel like smiling no matter what’s happening? Does he make your heart flutter? Do you want to be with him all the time?”

“Yes.” Harry answered. Remus heard the breathy, almost sad tone in Harry’s voice. He stood and went around the desk and kneeled before the young man. He grasped Harry’s chin lightly and lifted the boys head until he could see his amazing eyes.

“Harry you’re in love.” He said simply.

“But...I can’t be!”

Remus huffed. “And why not? He’s a nice young man. In fact if your Mother were here...well let’s just say you’d be fending off her match making skills right about now.”

Harry choked, with all the stories Remus had told him of his Mother when they were younger he knew Remus was completely serious. He would have liked that, he realised having his mother meddling in his love life. From what he’d heard other people didn't like it so much, but to Harry that meant that they cared and they wanted the best to you.

When he looked back up Remus was gazing at him sadly. “Don’t take anything for granted Harry. You don’t know how Draco feels. And love isn’t something you should give up on, it may not be obvious or it might be as obvious as the world and only you can't see it. Don’t base anything on an overheard conversation Harry you never get the full picture. And believe me when I say that Draco does care for you, now all you have to do is find out just how much. If you look at him, really look at him you’ll see it.”

***

It was just before the hour was up when he finally left the office. He knew what Remus was asking of him but looking back he really couldn’t see anything in Draco’s actions that made him think Draco considered him more than a friend.

When Draco had called him love, he’d really hoped...but Draco didn't feel anything. It was just another pet name he heard other people use them all the time. Never mind that Draco didn't use pet names with any other person, one little slip of the tongue couldn’t be mistaken for a hint of feelings.

The truth was that Harry was scared. His feelings were getting away from him, he’d never felt this way before. He’d felt something for Cho but that was gone now, it had been such a little feeling compared to this. He hadn’t really thought about it but if he felt something for someone he’d expected the feeling to be no different than what he’d felt for her. But it wasn’t, it was so much more.

It hurt a little, was it supposed to do that?

He’d never experienced anything like this before; thinking about Draco made him happy there was no doubt about that. But why did he feel sad at the same time? If this was love...

If it was then he wasn’t sure he liked it. The feeling was strange but it was more than that, the fear... He’d felt fear before, he had stood before the Dark Lord when he was eleven and was scared. But this, people spoke of broken hearts- of loving someone and not having that feeling returned, or worse having it returned but then losing it when the other believed you weren’t meant to be together. The stories all painted this in a terrible light and he could see it. He was afraid.

He’d lost loved ones, family, friends but he hadn’t lost a lover yet. Was it worse than all the others? He wasn’t sure but he feared that it could be, the feelings Draco gave him were stronger than anything he’d felt for anyone. Surely it would be worse if he lost him...

“Harry?”

Startled he turned around to find Alana walking down the corridor towards him. Alana smiled at him in what he recognised as a reassuring way.

“I came to find you; the match is starting soon...” She paused and took a closer look at him. “Are you alright Harry?”

He smiled at her but even to him it seemed to be forced.

Harry sighed.

If this was love, then it had to happen at some point. He just wished he hadn’t chosen a friend, more than that he wished he hadn’t chosen Draco. There was so much against this working, their past as enemies, being friends now, being on the same team and as much as he hated to admit it...the public. He didn't care what they thought, but what if Draco did? There had already been stories in the paper about their friendship, how odd it was.

Draco hadn’t had an easy time when the war first ended, his Father had been backed up by Dumbledore but many people remembered well how Draco had acted over the last five years. After the happenings at Hogwarts had been revealed people had speculated on whether Harry should be allowed so close to the blond. After all no kid could act that well! The public didn't believe Draco was playing a part just like his Father, they thought he was a sympathiser. And there were some who still believed that. Could Draco deal with all that being brought up again?

Harry didn't know and he didn't want to be the one that got Draco’s name dragged through the mud again. He didn't know if he loved the other boy, he’d never felt anything like this before but it was the closest he’d ever come to the feeling if it wasn’t. And because of that he couldn’t allow the public to have another go at the blond. He and Draco had to remain friends. They just had to. He hurriedly wiped at a tear when he felt it escape his eye.

“Harry?”

Glancing around Harry realised Alana was still with him, he’d completely forgotten she was there. It made him realise that even if Draco found out, even if he left he still had good friends. Yes Draco was his best friend but the others were friends too, stronger than Ron and Hermione had ever been. Thinking about it he didn't truly believe Draco was capable of turning his back on him, their friendship was strong. If Draco found out about his feelings things might get awkward for a while, Draco might not love him but he knew that he cared enough not to break their friendship. And as long as he had that he could deal with the heartbreak when it came. He may be new to this whole thing but he did realise that one day it would all come out in the open. And when it did they would deal with it and move on.

He turned a much more genuine smile on Alana which widened when she returned it.

“Come on Banshee, let’s get to the match. We have to check out our competition.”

***

“NIFFLER’S SCORE!”

“Blast it!” Draco’s words just managed to reach Harry over the shouts from the crowds. “I need to have a word with Baddock.” He said leaning across Blaise to speak with Harry. “He should have blocked that one easily.”

“He’s not on our team Draco.” Blaise laughed. “He’s a Bowtruckle Drake, you’re not supposed to give ‘em tips.”

Harry and the rest of the team laughed.

“He is right Draco.” Snape said raising his voice only slightly as the supporters were quietening down. “Your help would not be appreciated. But as a Slytherin Mr Baddock should be performing better, I will speak to him as his Head of House.”

Draco nodded and turned his head back to the match. The Niffler’s were fifty points up. Ron had definitely put together a good side but then again Harry didn't know how much of that to attribute to Professor McGonagall. Any team she coached would be good because there was no way she’s allow them to be anything different.

“WHOA FOUL! The Niffler’s chaser Sam Corey nails the Bowtruckle’s chaser Sid Lester.”

“Bloody hell!” Alana said. “That was violent.”

“Definitely, that’s something to watch when we play them.” Harry said looking from Draco and Blaise to Collin on Draco’s other side.

“Yeah but remember Harry you need to watch your back too.” Collin said leaning forward in his seat. “Remember how Cho blocked you in third year; well I’m sure she won't mind doing it again.”

Harry nodded to show he understood. He chanced a glance at Draco and quickly turned his eyes back to the match. Draco seemed really concerned, he’d seen that look before when Collin had been practicing a dive to disrupt the play of the other two chasers. Unfortunately when he did so he also had to avoid one of the bludgers, the timing had been off and the bludger had hit his broom tail and had spun him out of the air. Luckily he hadn’t been too high up after the dive and hadn’t been injured. Harry remembered the look on Draco’s face when he landed beside Collin, he had looked worse than Collin. If Draco was feeling this way for him now just at the thought of possible injury then maybe there was a chance?

Suddenly Cho Chang, Ron’s seeker went into a sudden dive. Luna who unfortunately happened to be at the other end of the pitch quickly followed. It was a shame that she hadn’t been closer; Luna was a very good seeker. She’d actually led Cho into a Wronski Feint earlier, unfortunately it hadn’t come off as she’d wanted but it was well executed. Cho had caught the tactic and pulled out before collision.

Now both girls were hurtling towards the ground, Harry could see the snitch, he followed it easily. He was itching to be on his broom and following it. He was actually reflexively opening and closing his fist wanting to grasp the ball.

Suddenly he felt a hand grab his, he turned to look and found Draco smirking at him. He could feel the other boys thumb stroking his palm, it made him feel weak. He was sure Draco could feel him trembling.

“Relax seeker.” Draco whispered in the silence, everybody too focused on watching the progress on the pitch to cheer. Draco’s eyes seemed to shine with emotion but he had no idea what emotion that was. “You’ll get your turn soon enough.”

When Draco released his hand Harry felt one of the strongest senses of loss he had ever felt. It had to be love, what else was there that made you feel like that?

He heard again what his Godfather had said earlier that day...

“If you look at him, really look at him you’ll see it.”

He was starting to see it.