Harry rolled his eyes, that wouldn't give you a heart attack, don't be so over dramatic. Harry was dragged around by Draco until they finally found the room of requirement. Harry sat on the arm of the sofa comfortably and looked down at the curled up fragile boy on the sofa, this was not the Draco he remembered.
"You told your father?" Harry's eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his head, "Are you crazy! After everything I said to you, I could have helped you, now this? Wow. Just... Wow." Harry sighed a long outward breath.
"You want me to just forget everything? Huh, I can't do that, you let me get close and then try to walk away from me, thats not fair Draco. We could have kept this quiet no one needed to know." Harry looked visably upset. "Now what am I supposed to do?" Harry felt like he was losing Sirius all over again, he was loosing someone he considered to be finally close to, Voldemort was the bane of his existence he made everything go wrong in some way for Harry and took all the good things away from him.
"What am I going to do about this Draco? Tell me!" He demanded.

"Stop. Dot scold me Potter." Draco's voice raised a few octaves. "You don't know what it's like to be tortured in front of everyone. He knew Harry. He wasn't surprised when I told him." He didn't realize he was shaking. "He used the Crucio curse on me." He was screaming at this point. "What do you want me to do?! Set myself on fire? Maybe you want me rip out my still beating heart and give it to you." He choked on his own sob, face covered in tears. "So you fall me chosen one. What are we going to do?" He wiped his eyes continuously, trying his best to get his face dry. He felt incredibly alone despite the fact that Harry was with him.

Harry's wand let of red sparks in frustraition, "How did he know?" He had to turn away from Draco, he just could look at his broken face any more he wanted to grab him and shake him and hug him and protect him but he just couldn't get close and it was hurting Harry now more than before that he couldn't get any closer to Draco.

"You just have to learn to be stronger, Draco. You think its the easy option to be a Death Eater? I've seen him kill death eaters, he'll kill you whether you're with him or against him because he's a psychopath. There's nothing I can suggest." He still kept his back to Draco, he was wary of what he would do if he was facing him.

Draco pushed his hands through his hair, his nerves shot. "You're the psychopath Potter!" He laughed and cried at the same time, making him look insane. "You want me to just 'learn to be stronger.' Those are your words of wisdom for me? No comfort. No 'It'll be ok Draco, I'm going to take care of you' Just 'learn to be stronger.' That's beautiful." He stood and went to the door, shrieking when it wouldn't open. "Oh my god I'm stuck in here with you." He ground his teeth together in an attempt to calm down. "I can't believe I wanted to be friends with you. You're going to get me killed."

Harry looked outraged, how dare Draco say that he was the psycopath when he had tried to do nothing but help Draco, he was getting turned away at every chance and he just wanted someone to be close with him and he just wanted to understand Draco, he thought this would be dramaless and it wasn't and it felt like nothing ever went right for him.
Harry Clutched his wand fiercely. "If you think I can get you killed you that easily then you're obviously not strong enough to be a Death Eater."
Harry flicked his wand at Draco calling "Stupefy", the stunning spell projected Draco into the black sofa with a force hard enough to knock the sofa clean over. Obviously, as Harry suspected, Draco wasn't expecting that, Harry wasn't expecting much of a retaliation though, he knew he'd have to encourage the blonde to fight him like a wizard.
"Raise your wand Malfoy." He shouted angrily at him. He wanted to duel, he'd dueled Draco before in front of his classmates but it ended pretty quickly, Harry was very good at disarming himself.

Draco was completely unprepared by the spell and made a little yelping sound as he was stunned completely. Once over the fact that he'd been attack, Draco's face slowly twisted into an expression of confusion, then hurt, then betrayal, and finally anger. "Is this how you treat everyone who tries to get closer to you Potter?" His voice didn't raise above a whisper. "Do you tell all of your friends to 'learn to be stronger' and as If a comment like that isn't an insult, do you physically attack them? Is that what kind of wizard you are?" He pressed himself against an opposite wall. "I guess I've given up following one madman to follow another. You're more like him than I even feared." He wore an emotional mask, forcing his face to look calm even though he was falling apart on the inside. "Thank you. For showing me that the muggles aren't the disgusting ones...we are.." He finally managed to get out of the room, speed walking until he reached the headmaster's office.

Draco burst into Dumbledore's office, almost losing his cool before taking a deep breath and regaining it. "Headmaster sir." He was looked at by blue eyes from an old face. "Draco Malfoy." He sounded truly surprised. "Can I help you?" Draco could tell he wasn't trusted and the old wizard was ready to strike him down at any moment. "I wish to be expelled sir." He managed to remain calm. "And I'd like to be sent to Azkaban for dabbling in death eater activities." The more he thought about it, the more Draco realized he'd be safe in prison. Nothing could attack him there. Draco blinked as he heard laughter from the headmaster. "Are you not taking me seriously?" Draco shrieked, ripping the sleeve of his robe up to reveal the dark mark. That shut Albus up really quick. "You're not kidding.." He muttered and looked over Draco's arm before nodding. "Very well..if it is your wish to go to Azkaban I will send you, but because of your repentance and age you would be dismissed from charges by me if that's what you'd rather." Draco shook his head and took a shuddery breath before snapping his own wand and handing it to Dumbledore.

Harry looked to the floor with shame. "Sorry." He croaked not mug more than a whisper as he felt his actions were so wrongly planned he wanted nothin more than to be close to the Slyherin and in urn he pushed him away as Draco left Harry's heart sank he didn't chase after him there was nothing he could do to fix the problem he felt utterly hopeless. Harry sloped of back to his dorm to be met with a very angry girlfriend. "Where have you been?" She said angrily.
"I had to speak with Malfoy." Harry answered honestly there was no point in hiding the truth not to his own girlfriend atleast.
"Why?" She asked curiously she was surprised.
"Honestly, I don't know." Harry said. It was true he never was certain as to why he had spoken to Malfoy in the first place he knew he but wanted to find some comfort in someone he could be honest with by now his world was crumbling he couldn't make Draco like him and yet he was angry a Draco for who he was even if he could t help it and the. Harry realised. He was just angry.
"I've been Talking to Draco a lot he's really helped me." Harry admitted. Ginny looked suspicious.
"In what way? How exactly could that boy help you? He's a Malfoy help isn't in their nature." She said
"give him a chance he's not like them all seriously. And now he won't talk to me he ran away from me and I do t know what to do" Harry looked heart broken and this repulsed ginny. "He is not your friend you're lucky he left you I'm got girlfriend and Ron and hermione care about you we are All you need." Ginny said with a finality in her to e.

Draco was quickly escorted out by Snape to his room to gather his things. "I need to speak with you.." Snape demanded, giving Draco a stern look. "No.." Malfoy answered. "I don't want to talk to you. You disgust me." He threw his belongings in a trunk and turned on his heal to storm away. His arm was grabbed by the professor upon entering a hallway. He was pulled to the side and pressed against the wall. "I wasn't asking Mr. Malfoy." Draco glared into his former teacher's eyes. "What do you want? Be quick about it. I don't have all day to speak with you." He refused to look Snape in the eye. "Why are you going to Azkaban? Have you gone mad? And snapping your wand in half? What kind of crazy are you? Do you know the chances of us finding another wand that will choose you? Look at me Malfoy." Draco's face was turned, forcing him to stare Snape in the eye. "I hate you." He spat. "I hate Father. I hate Voldemort. I hate Harry Potter. I hate being a wizard. You're all horrid and violent and I just might go crazy if I have to be around any of you any longer." Snape was left blinking at these words. "Who are you? You are not Draco Malfoy. In fact, you aren't a Malfoy at all... What's changed?" Draco didn't answer and allowed Snape to escort him to his ride away from hogwarts.

At the dining hall that night, there was talk all around of Draco Malfoy. Some claimed he'd gone crazy, others claimed he'd died. Some people were saying he'd been expelled. No one knew the real truth. Crabbe and Goyle were searching for him, talking of how his things were gone and everything. Hermione seemed pleased and Ron wasn't sad about the sudden disappearance of the Slytherin. In fact, many were happy he was gone.

Draco dozed on his way to the prison. He was exhausted from emotions and staying awake only allowed him to think more anyway. A sudden jolt however had him awake again. Something had gone wrong. His head hurt and he couldn't see. He could smell the iron of blood and could hear voices. "Draco..." He couldn't place the voice, but it was familiar. "Draco wake up." He tried to go towards the voice, but something was keeping him from doing so. He wanted to cry and scream and declare he was alive, but he couldn't. Wherever he was, he was comfortable enough. He felt like he was on a bed or maybe a couch. A wet cloth was pressed to his forehead and that brought him to full consciousness. He almost shrieked as the first thing he saw was Hagrid, then Dumbledore. He was on a very large bed in the shack that Hagrid lived in which confused him. "Why am I here." He demanded, but was shushed. "You're not safe going to Azkaban. Your father is looking for you." Draco groaned. "And you think I'm safe here?" Hagrid nodded. "Yer always safe at Hogwarts..." Draco shook his head in confusion. "Alright then I guess?" He looked at the headmaster. "So, am I being forced to stay here?" Dumbledore shook his head. "You can go back to your regular classes once we acquire a new wand for you." "No." He stated plainly. "Besides.. I know you-know-who can get in here. Harry and I saw him in the woods that time." Dumbledore sighed. "Draco, you're safe here." He turned and left, leaving Draco with Hagrid.

---------- Post added 07-28-2013 at 10:10 PM ----------

((Sooo mom canceled on me and I won't be gone for the week))

(Oh shame... For you :p )
Harry sat with Ron and Hermione in the great hall, "he went crazy and Pavarti says he snapped his wand." Hermione was gossiping with Ginny. Ron shook his head in disbelief, "I just don't understand what could happen to make him do this!" Harry just stayed silent he picked at his food with disinterest, which didn't go amiss by Ginny. "Harry! Just bloody eat something and get over the loss of your tragic long lost lover." Ginny said with disgust she felt like Harry had replaced her with Malfoy of all people and that really did t sit will wih her. She pushed her plate to the side and left the hall.
"Harry?" Hermione asked, "what's going on between you and Malfoy?" She almost did t want to know the answe how could her best friend of six years choose someone as bad and dark as Malfoy.
"Nothing really we jut spoke a few times we have a lot in common that's all and he had a lot of pressure from home you know he's a coward he just couldn't handle his dad making his become a death eater. Which is inevatable. Just drop in Hermione" Harry said.
"So... Will he be playing in the quiddich match against you?" Ron asked. Harry had forgotten all about quiddich as he was set to play Slytherin in two days time.
"Howard I suppose to know that Ron?" Harry swore to himself that he would not get close to Draco again he would leave him alone he felt completely to blame for Dracos bout of insanity and he couldn't take the pressure if being blamed again he had his own rings to take care of. Like training for quiddich.
Harry ran off for his evening training session of quiddich, after being made captain he knew he needed to sort the team out and whip them into shape but his mind was so distracted he nearly got hit I the face with the bludger. "Where are my beaters?" Harry yelled out in the fierce rain. The rain began soakin him through and eventually he had to call off training they went inside and he talked through the upcoming match with everyone it was crucial for everyone to stay focused whether Malfoy was on the opposition or not he said that they were not to let the current drama defeat their chances of a first win against Slytherin.harry eventually finessed and went for a long hot shower before collapsing. Into his bed and falling asleep quickly.

((Pfft XDD I...think it's very possible I got too excited about replying...))

Crabbe and Goyle searched through the few things Draco left behind, finding no clues until the looked under the bed. Underneath was a small box that had been charmed shut. It had a tag with Harry's name on it. Crabbe grabbed it and the two went down, trying to find Harry. "What are you doing up at this hour?" The whirled around, eyes locking with those of Ginny Weasley who was still angry at Harry for even looking at Draco. Crabbe and Goyle were both silent before handing her the box. "Take this to Harry. We don't think it'll open for anyone but him. It was under Draco's bed." The redheads girl debated keeping it to herself, but decided better. She took it back to the common room and tried opening it. When she finally figured it out, she snorted. "It isn't charmed. It was just locked." She almost laughed at the stupidity of the Slytherin boys who couldn't open the box, but once she saw what was inside she became silent. Every letter Draco had received from Harry was in the box. She pulled them out, skimming through them and seeing nothing more than talking between two friends until she found one at the bottom that was folded up. It was for Harry from Draco, and she was sure she shouldn't read it, but she did anyway. Her cheeks flared up a dark shade of angry red as she silently read.

'Dearest Harry,
Our chats over the summer were quite fun. I'm not good at expressing feelings or gratitude, but I want you to know I'm quite thankful for your friendship. I was always really lonely even with father and mother and my Slytherin friends. I know you have Ginny, and I'm sure you love her, but if you ever receive this note, then you won't be able to find me anyway, so it won't matter I guess. I just wanted you to know that I love you, as a friend or maybe more than that. I'm not really sure. I've never been one to develop crushes, and I certainly for consider myself gay. Maybe it's just you that makes these feelings come to up. It's like a million butterflies flying around in my guts and it honestly pisses me off, but then, you piss me off, so that's not unusual. But the world pisses me off, so, I guess what I'm trying to say is that you piss me off less than other people and you're really great so we should snog or something stupid like that.

With stupidity and regret,
Draco
P.s. if you pick on me for sucking at writing love letters, I will tell my father and he'll kick you in the face.'

The letter was dated for months ago, and Ginny wondered why Draco never bothered giving it to Harry. Either way she could feel anger rising and she wanted to throw the Leyte in Harry's face. She turned to George who was sitting up late. "Take this to potter." She hissed, and stormed off. George (after telling everyone he saw about the letter) went up and shook Harry. "Psst. Special delivery for Harry Potter."

Draco stared at the door after Dumbledore left. He'd never been all that fond of Hagrid, and he knew Hagrid hated him. He tried to ignore the animals around the shack. He'd never been fond of creatures. "What made ya go all coco Malfoy? Why'd ya go 'nd tattle on yerself like that?" Draco shrugged. "Pressure I guess. I couldn't take all of it." He moved to the couch and Hagrid helped him. Apparently he'd gotten a bit banged up. His realized why he'd smelled blood earlier. His leg was wrapped tightly. "What happened to me?" He asked, greatfully accepting a cup of tea from Hagrid. "Eh. Well, ye know, the animals don't like ye very much. Ole Fang decided to note ye...sorry 'bout that." Draco hissed at the dog almost like a cat. "Great to know I can provoke violence in even the gentlest of creatures." He thought back to Harry, wondering if that whole thing was his own fault. "Yer quite a nervous creature yerself. I've never seen a boy so skittish in me life. What's goin on with ye Malfoy?" Draco shook his head. "Please don't call me that. My name is Draco." He was determined to drop the name Malfoy, but he knew he couldn't drop Draco. He was too used to his first name. "I've just been stressed." He replied, answering the question a bit flatly. "Father wants me to be a death eater, my only friend wants me to defy you-know-who and 'get stronger.' I suppose I am rather weak. I couldn't even handle one curse." He could feel a pain in his chest that he knew was potter related. He felt empty and alone. He'd lost his father, his friend, his way of life all in the same evening. Hagrid was staring at him. "I always saw ye as bein purely evil Mal- Er..Draco." Hagrid smiled at him. "I 'spose ye ain't sa bad after all." He hugged the blonde headed boy until he was gasping for air. "Hagrid..let go..air.." The fiat let go of him, shedding huge tears of joy. Draco couldn't believe how emotional the groundskeeper was. "Don't cry Hagrid. I assure you I'm still a snobby little arse. I'm just not a death eater any longer..." He pulled up his sleeve, staring at the dark mark. "Is there anyway I can be rid of it?" He was talking more to himself than to Hagrid, but the giant answered anyway. "I'm not sure. It'd prolly hurt no matter what ye did to remove it..I'd just leave it if I were ye." Draco glared at his arm. "Well, you're not me. And I'm going to remove it. For you dare try to stop me or I'll...I'll.." Without his wand he was powerless. "I'll say you abused me!" Hagrid looked taken aback. "What're ye going on about now?" Draco stood and hobbled over to the fireplace, grabbing a long poker with a brand on the end. "Oi! Don't touch that! That's only used for putting designs in steaks 'n such. For when fancy folk come here." Draco didn't listen, pushing it into the fire and letting it turn red hot. "Whatever you're doing you'd best be thinking twice!" Hagrid came towards Draco, but the Malfoy held the poker up as a warning. "Stay back." He threatened before taking it and pressing it down against the dark mark, shrieking as it burned the skin away, leaving a red and black place behind. "Stop!" Hagrid boomed, yanking it from Draco. He bandaged the area and locked Draco in the bedroom.

Hagrid went up out to care for his animals, and came back to an odd crying sound. He swung the door open and saw Draconsitting on the floor of the bedroom, his arm sliced open and his face a mess of tears and sweat. "What did ye do?" Hagrid shrieked, grabbing the arm and giving it a good look. The dark mark had been clean cut off and Draco looked like he might faint at any moment. Hagrid rushed him off to madam Pomfrey who yelled about how she was a school nurse not a doctor. Hagrid left him in her care before going to Dumbledore, begging to have someone else care for Draco. He claimed the self destructive behavior was too much for him to handle.

(genuinly laughed out loud at "my father will kick you in the face" so glad i was alone in my room at the time!! :'D too funny and omg, whatever I post now will look shameful.)

Harry wason his side in his bed he couldn't sleep he had too many thoughts, he didn't know what to do and he worried for Draco's safety and at the same time he wanted to forget everything about him, he kept his eyes tightly shut because he wanted to keep out the world. He was rudely inturrupted from his self pity by one of the weasleys, and by the way he was whispering to harry he could tell it was one of the twins.
Harry sat up, "What?" He asked in the dark, even with his glasses now on he couldn't tell who it was, "What is it?" Harry was handed a letter, it was neatly folded and unfolded several times. The twin left his bed with a grin and disappeared, Harry put the lamp on with his wand next to his bed and began to read the letter properly himself.
He was so confused by the letter as it was dated for a few months back, he almost didn't believe it was Draco until he read the last part, he smiled and knew it was from Draco, it was still Draco's handwriting. Harry had always admired Draco's neat handwriting it was better than his own pointy scrawl. It looked like it had some kind of importance, every time. But now was not the time for harry to be inspecting his handwriting, the content of the letter was far more important and it created little signals in his own brain telling him that he felt the same thing. And then a moment of dread.

How exactly had this letter got to him? It arrived via one of the weasley twins, this meant only one thing. He looked around the room, all the boys had left their beds, they were probably in the commonroom discussing things right now. Harry knew that everyone would know, and he couldn't face that. This was a nightmare and the last thing he wanted when he started talking to Draco. He knew draco wouldn't leave something like this lying around. Then again, Harry thought Draco wouldn't tell his father, wouldn't go mad and wouldn't leave the school. There were many things that Harry once thought he knew, infact everything he thought he knew about the blonde had changed, some for the better. But not this time.

He pulled a jumper on over his PJs and grabbed a thick pair of woolly socks, he knew he would have to face everyone and he wouldn't be able to sleep until he did. Harry bravely walked down the spiral staircase into the common room, he would rather take on atleast fifty dementors than take on a circle of people he knew as friends mocking him for who he was.

He first saw Ron and hermione sharing a chair by the fire, the twins on the other chair, Ginny was sat on her own in the corner, a large group of girls had gathered and were gossiping very loudly, he saw Dean, Seamus and Nevil all in deep conversation.
Harry cleared his throat. "I'm going to make one assumption." He said very loudly. "You've read or heard of this letter."

Some people started laughing at him, Hermione genuinly looked concerned but he didn't comfort him, his best friend Ron was angry. Harry knew why, he was very protective over his little sister, his whole family was. He was surprised however when Lavender stood up, "I think everyone's being really silly." She said in her girlish voice.
Harry was stumped, of all the people to stand up and say something he wasn't expecting it to be Lavender.
"Just because Harry made friends with someone we'd all like to hurt doesn't make Harry a bad person. And I'd like to also point out that it's Draco who has the crush on Harry. Draco is gay, but no where in that letter does it mention Harry's orrientation so we'll leave that up to Harry." She pointed at Ron and Hermione, "You two should have supported Harry about this. You're just jealous he's got other friends." she said as she pouted and folded her arms. "Draco's obviously having a difficult time put yourself in his shoes! We're Gryfindors, not Slytherins, so why are we so quick to judge."
Harry interupted her, "Erh thanks Lavender. But this was dated a long time ago, there's no proof it's actually Draco."
It was Ginny's turn to say something then. She stood up with a tear stained face, "I read the other letters Harry, they were all signed by you."
Harry blushed deeply, "I'm sorry. but if everyone could just forget-"
"You're supposed to be my friend and Ginny's boyfriend!" Ron yelled angrily.
"Friends don't keep secrets, not big things like this and you lied to us." Hermione said.
"Watch out he doesn't brew a love potion for you potter!"
"Wanna see my chamber of Secrets, Potter?"
"Quiddich will be no more than a lovers tiff!"
"Potter and Malfoy sittin' in a tree..."
"Shut up!" Harry shouted at them all. "He's a good person, okay? since when were you all homophobic? I'm going to bed. I'll curse the next person to mention Draco. I'm serious."
He stormed off to his dormitory and lay on the bed, he eventually heard Ron and the rest of the boys enter but they went silently to bed and didn't bother to interrupt him. He opened his map, he wanted Draco to be on the grounds again, he couldn't think of the danger he would be in if he was out in the world alone. Harry saw the name's 'Hagrid and Draco coupled together as the moved through the castle he saw that draco finally made it into the Hosptial wing and was being tended to by Madam Pomfrey. Harry's stomach sank. He knew Draco must be in grave troubles if he'd be placed under the care of Madam Pomfrey.

(oh apparently i can write too :'D )

((Sorry I had a doctors appointment I didn't know about.))
Draco hissed and twisted away as he was tended to in a less than gentle way. "Draco, hold still. I have to get the wound cleaned up." He held out his arm and looked away. "Ok.." He whispered. The wound was cleaned and he was given back some blood. "Rest." She demanded and he laid down in one of the beds. He closed his eyes and went to sleep.


The next morning, Draco was dressed and allowed to go get food in the dining hall. Hagrid helped him walk and he sat, using his one good arm to eat. He was forced to sit with Hagrid for fear he would have another breakdown if he was to speak to any of the students. He could feel the eyes of everyone on him. He caught a few smirks as well and he frowned. He didn't see why they'd have any reason to look at him like that. He could hear whispers of "There's Potter's boyfriend." and 'Look, it's Gayco." His cheeks went pink. "Those aren't even good insults." He muttered under his breath. He looked up at Crabbe who was walking towards him. Goyle chose to glare at him from across the room. "Hey Draco.." He sounded friendly enough, but Draco kept his guard up. He could tell Hagrid was watching out for any sign of trouble too. "You feeling better?" He asked softly. Draco nodded. "Yeah. I guess. Thank you." Crabbe sat down beside Draco. "Everyone found out about the letter you wrote for Potter..." Draco's face turned a deep shade of red. "Oh..." He understood the stares now. Crabbe swallowed nervously. "So...it's true then? Not that I think any less of you of coarse." Draco gave a sigh, then a nod. "Yes, it's true." With that Hagrid shooed Crabbe away. "We've gotta find Mr. Draco here a wand. We'd best be going." Hagrid took Draco's good arm and helped him limp off.

Crabbe went over and sat with Harry, ignoring The stares from Hermione and Ron and the angry Glares from Ginny. "He's doing ok from what I can tell." He informed his former enemy. "He says the confession was true. He didn't seem too proud of himself. Be kind to him when he gets back ok Potter. He's my friend, and if you hurt him, I'll probably kill you." With that he stood, cleared his throat and exited the room, heading off to his first class along with all the other students.

Draco felt his heart racing as he entered Olivander's with Hagrid. He didn't feel safe away from Hogwarts. He tried a few wands, getting varied results before finding the right one. It was beautiful in Draco's opinion. It had engravings all over it of vines and a doe engraved on the handle. "Ah...that's a lovely wand." Hagrid complimented as the headed off to get Draco a cat. "I don't want another owl." He informed Hagrid. "Cats are more my thing." He found a solid black kitten and chose it, smiling at the half giant as they headed back to Hogwarts.

Draco got back in time for Snape's class and he entered cautiously. He refused to look at anyone, ignoring any stares or comments. Snape had a look of disgust written all over his face and Draco swallowed thickly. He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you come sit with me?" It was Luna, and he was shocked. "Uh...sure..." She smiled at him and he flushed. "Can I see your new wand?" She asked softly and he handed it to her. "That's really pretty." She complimented. "Thanks..." He murmured, wondering why she'd chosen to be kind to him. He gave Ron a glance, but quickly looked away when the Weasley gave him a dark glare. "They all hate me don't they?" He asked Luna blandly and she shook her head. "Of coarse they don't. No one knows how to feel yet is all. I'm sure if you give it time they'll be kinder to you." He shook his head and became silent. Today he focused on his school work and did very well. He didn't want to think about anyone around him.

Harry got shoved down the corridor by random students, some of which he swore he had never seen before in his life, yet all of them now knew about him and Draco, he wouldn't be surprised if the entire wizarding world now knew the tale of a future Death eater falling in love with the chosen one, it was ridiculous and he didn't know what he could do to stop any of this.
"Hey Potter, how many inches is Draco's wand?"
"Gayboy!"
Harry kept his head down and walked through the people. Hermione and Ron stuck by Harry this time, Ginny was a little more reluctant but after Lavender's speech last night most of the Gryfindors were starting to accept the rumours, most of them never liked Malfoy anyway. Harry managed to make it to the table for breakfast without too much bother. He was relieved when Crabbe came over to their table, "What is it?" He asked, "Thank you." Was about all Harry could say, but he was very worried about Draco. He didn't know what had happened to him, perhaps he would make a visit to Hagrid later, alone, he hadn't seen the giant all term anyway... He took Crabbe's threat very seriously, he knew they all protected Malfoy, he was envious of Draco in a way, his friends stuck by him, unlike Harry's who seemed a little more tangible.

Harry's first lesson went smoothly in the greenhouse re-potting some magical herbs, he wasn't paying any attention as to what they were called he just liked to feel the earth under his fingertips as he pressed it into the pot. Nevile sided up to Harry, "I'm still on your side Harry." he said.
"I didn't know there was another side to be on." Harry said rudely.
"Well, Dean says that Seamus says that some of the Ravenclaws are planning to sabotage the quiddich match with posters to put you off your game, apparently Malfoy's out of action for Quiddich unless he makes a full recovery, and they just want to make you have a lower advantage for when they try and beat you. Harry it's quiddich I've never been that brilliant with the rules. You know what i mean though right?" Nevile said.
"Erh, yeah I think so, but what is he recovering from?" Harry asked, concerned.
"Hasn't anyone said?" Nevil looked worried.
"No?"
"Well he's had his arm bandaged up and people say that he had his arm cut off by you know who, and they're giving him a new arm now. But you really ought to speak to him yourself, Harry."
Harry nodded, he left for potions and sat at the back on his own, he looked over at Draco, he wanted to ask him if he was okay but he knew their last conversation didn't end too well. He didn't want to making things worse for Draco by going over to him and talking to him.

Draco glanced back at Harry a few times before looking forward. “Is he mad at me?” He asked Luna calmly. She shrugged. “I don’t think so. He didn’t really seem to be.” She handed back his wand and looked at his bandaged arm. “Is it really gone?” He looked down. “No, it’s under there. The skin was just cut off of it.” She didn’t seem fazed. “Oh. Ok. What happened?” He became silent. “It doesn’t really matter…” He muttered, turning away from her. She dropped the subject, not pressing for more information. “Would you like to come with me to lunch today? You can sit with me if you’d like.” He shook his head quickly. “I’m supposed to stay with Hagrid during meals and I’ll be staying in his place at night.” Dumbledore had been clear that Draco was to be away from other students anytime that wasn’t class until he healed. She smiled at him. “Oh, ok. Well, I’m here for you if you ever need a friend, ok Draco?” He smiled. “Thanks.”

His calm was cut short by a few students who seemed to think he’d had enough peace. “Hey there Gayco.” Draco’s eyes narrowed. “You do realize that is the most foolish insult I’ve ever heard in my life, right?” He chose not to be offended. “The only foolish thing here is the fact that you think Potter would ever go for death eater trash like you.” The blonde wizard could feel his heart sinking, but he refused to show how badly he was hurt. “I assure you I don’t know what you mean. I would never go for someone in a happy relationship.” He replied coldly. “Stay away from him he doesn’t want you.” He looked into the glaring faces above him. “I know.” His voice cracked and he cleared his throat. “He made that quite clear yesterday.” Draco stood and exited the classroom as Hagrid told him too if he started to feel threatened. “Where are you going Mr. Malfoy?” Snape droned and Draco looked at him with a blank stare. “I’m going back to my current Dormitory.” He informed the Professor, leaving in a hurry.

Hagrid blinked as Draco stormed past him and a group of first years. “Ay! Draco!” He took the young wizard’s arm, taking him to the side. “Are ye ok?” He wiped a few tears from Draco’s face. “Now then, don’t cry. What ‘appened?” Draco shook his head. “This is all hard is. Too much at once.” Hagrid turned to the first years, setting one in charge of the group while he took Draco in. “He hates me.” Draco wailed and Hagrid shushed him. “No, no he doesn’t. Shhh.” He placed a large hand on Draco’s shoulder. “Come on, get out of those clothes, I’ll help you. You can go to bed.” Hagrid helped Draco get into his pajamas before going to his class again, leaving Draco in the shack alone.

Draco laid on the huge bed and cried until he was drowsy, drifting off into a restless sleep. His dreams were filled with voldemort and his father, making him toss and turn, muttering things softly as he tried to rest.

Harry's day passed relatively smoothly considering, he played Quiddich in the evening and completed an essay for Defence against the dark arts, Ginny came up to him and sat by him. Her fingers made their way into his hand. He looked down at her and smiled, "You okay?" He asked, more out of formality.
"I'm more worried about you... And us." Ginny said, "You really should go and speak to Draco."
"I don't know where he is." Harry said quietly. "And I dont need to he's made such a huge mess I'll speak to him when he calms down, or maybe if he talks to me first."
Ginny rolled her eyes, "He's obviously really hurt you wont talk to him."
"Its not that I wont!" Harry argued. He looked at Ginny's bright and pretty face, "I couldn't even if I wanted to."
"DOn't be stupid, Harry, I've seen your map, if he's on the grounds you'll find him." Ginny said, it was news to Harry that she new about the map, then again the map did come from her brothers.
"And what about us Harry?" she asked, her voice cracked a little like she was trying to hold back the emotion.
"What do you mean?" He asked stupidly, Ginny stood up but her wrist was grabbed by Harry, he pulled her back and just made out with her, right there infront of everyone else in the commonroom. He wanted to push the idea of Draco out of his head completely, he'd always been interested in Ginny, He was lying to himself and everyone else around him. But he didn't want to ruin everything. He held the back of Ginny's head caressingly, she was a little reserved at first but the kiss felt genuine enough to her so she went a long with it regardless of whether any of her brothers were watching.
Ron stood by the wall with Lavender and Hermione, he had a disgusted look on his face but the girls seemed please.
"Awh! They're so cute!" Lavender exclaimed.
"A better choice than Malfoy." Hermione commented.
"No way, Potter and Malfoy, thats so hot!" Lavender argued.
Hermione looked shocked, "That's disturbing. They're from different houses to start with and they're, well, they're practically mortal enemies."
Lavender shook her head, obviously Hermione just didn't understand things the way she saw them. She's always been a little fan of Harry Potter, after all he was famous, and she knew he could have a future career in Quiddich.

Draco woke up and turned over, not wanting to get out of the bed. His hair was sticking up in different directions and his mouth felt sticky. He stood and brushed his teeth, rubbing sleep from his eyes. It was much later than he'd expected. He had Hagrid help him into his robes and was the escorted to dinner. Before they went in, Draco looked up at Hagrid. "You know I appreciate you taking care of me." He said softly. "But, do you think I could sit with Luna?" He could see Hagrid was surprised. "Er, Luna? I didn't know ye were friends, but of coarse ye may." Draco slowly made his way towards her and sat beside her. "Draco." She smiled, but seemed less than surprised. "Hello Luna." She offered him a glass of grape juice and he took of greatfully, taking sips. He could feel less whispering about him, but he was getting stares from others at the table. "What?" He snapped. "Why are you sitting here?" A girl asked, nose wrinkled up in disgust. "Because I can." Draco gave her a sickly sweet smile. "Now turn around and mind or own business or I'll hex you." She laughed. "Of coarse you will. By the way, Harry dumped you for Ging just so you know. They had a wonderful little makeout session and everything." He smiled at her again. "I wasn't aware I was ever dating Potter to be dumped. In fact, the only reason I ever spoke to Potter in the first place was to turn him over to father. It's a pity he messed with my head and drove me to insanity. I was quite a good death eater. I suppose I won't be one of those any more though." He could see every word he spoke was being believed. "Oh." The girl nodded. "It seemed a little far fetched that you'd fall in love with Potter anyway." He could see her disappointment and laughed. "I assure you I'm quite straight. In fact, I honestly find Luna attractive." He watched as Luna's cheeks turned link and she diverted her eyes nervously. "Oh, no. You shouldn't say things like that Draco. I don't want you to lie just to make me feel--" he cut her off and kissed her, secretly hoping deep down that Harry saw. He forced his mind to go along with the lie. He wanted to like Luna. She was sweet and kind to everything and everyone. Luna had pretty much gone limp against him, and he could feel her quivering so he pulled away. She was shuddering much to his surprise and he choked. "Are you ok? I didn't mean to upset you." She threw her arms around his neck and held him, kissing his cheek. "I'm fine, just surprised." She laced her fingers with his and Draco grinned at her. "Want to go for a walk?" She nodded and they stood. "Hagrid, can Luna and I go walk in the courtyard." The giant nodded. "Just be back before it gets to late." He walked the blonde headed girl out and sat outside with her, staring at the sky.

Harry was sitting with his hand in Ginny's when he saw Draco with Luna, it made him feel unfomfortable to see them making out like that, and it seemed so unlike Draco. He couldn't hear what he was saying but Luna looked as understandable as she always did.
Harry turned his back to it all, he didn't need to see that. Ginny brought his focus in, "Harry... Quiddich?" She said, reminding him.
"Hm? Oh yeah, so basically you'll fly in close left making sure you're covered by one of the beaters and get the crowd interested and I'll faint a dive to the ground, score a hoop and I'll climb to look for the snitch. Its the best formation it works nine times out of ten." Ginny nodded along with interest, she always look up to Harry and his Quiddich skills.
Ginny saw Luna leave with Malfoy and she was curious.
"Harry?" She asked, "Can we go for a walk please?"
Harry nodded in agreement and went for a walk, Ginny found Draco and Luna pretty quickly.
Ginny pushed Harry forward, "Harry wants to talk to you Draco!"
Harry whispered at her furiously, "I didn't say that... Erh, hi?" Harry said, he was so uncertain of how Draco was feeling, he knew he must be pretty volitile though. "Hows your arm?" He asked noting the bandage.

Draco stared at Harry. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to just come up and start talking to me considering what everyone already thinks." He muttered under his breath. "It's fine. Healing nicely actually." He made a point to look away so his emotions couldn't be read through his eyes. Luna spoke up before Draco could speak again. "Draco, We both know you don't really like me. I can see what's going on here." She calmly stood, still smiling that understanding smile. "Talk to Harry. We can still be friends." She walked off, leaving Draco behind. "Wait!" He choked out, but she didn't even turn around. He glared up at Harry. "Fine..what do you want Potter? Make it quick. I have to go to Hagrid. He said not to stay out too late." He glanced at Ginny nervously, knowing she didn't like him. He stood quickly and grabbed Harry, kissing him. He moved away shortly after, receiving a slap from Ginny. He rubbed his cheek and turned away. "I won't do that again. I just needed to know." He walked off quietly. His embarrassment showed up on his cheeks. His eyes were watering, and he tried to convince himself he was fine. He tried not to care about Harry anymore. He headed towards Hagrid's. his brain was a million places at once.

Harry shrugged, "Most thigns I do are considered a bad idea." He said honestly, he knew Draco was hurting. Draco Grabbed Harry and for a moment it felt so right, his hands were cool from the air outside, but he was so warm to Harry, he couldn't help but enjoy to be kissed by Draco.
He had moved backwards just enough for Ginny's slap to miss him.
"Ginny... I! Not my fault...!" Harry said as Ginny stormed away disgusted. But Harry could not be bothered with her anymore, she'd been funny towards Harry for a while, and she was his girlfriend she should have taken his side. Everything was comming into clarity like he's cleaned his glasses free of smudges.

A cold air blew around Harry as he saw Draco walk off to Hagrid's.
"Draco!" Harry croaked out. He ran after him, "Draco wait, stop!" He stood in front of Draco blocking his pathway. "That was so brave of you I'm surprised Ginny didn't hex you!" He said with a half smile. "... I liked that." He admitted awkwardly.

Draco could feel his emotions slowly rising again. He felt stupid for doing such a thing. He didn't like being brave. It got him into far too much trouble. He had almost reached Hagrid's door when Harry jumped in front of him. He flushed and stepped back some before hearing what Harry had to say. "Potter, don't be ridiculous. I shouldn't have kissed you. Your friends would never support you in this. I can't let you throw them away for me." He shivered in the cold air. "People are cruel enough to you as it is. I don't want them picking on you for being with me." He fidgeted with his hands nervously and stared at the ground. He wanted Harry. He wanted to kiss him and be held by him, but he didn't make a move to touch the other Wizard. He wondered where Hagrid was. He was surprised the noise hadn't alerted the groundskeeper. "Besides..we'd have to compete. We're in different houses and everything." He kept trying to make excuses, not feeling that he was good enough to be with Harry. "You need someone great Harry..." He whispered.

"Ergh! Draco!" Harry complained, "You are good enough, why don't you get that? My friends will understand and if they don't then they're not the people I thought them to be." Harry smiled at the boy, he wanted to help, he wanted to be with Draco, he felt it was right now. He'd never felt like this about Ginny.
"You're great...Actually,"Harry paused, "You go the potential to be great, if you were 'great' then you wouldn't go for me." Harry said reassuringly, he slipped his wand free hand into Draco's. He always carried his wand when he was out on the grounds, Harry was always prepared, life experience had made him paranoid and twitchy and he hated that about himself, but it had served him well so far.

Harry's hand felt comfortable in Draco's he held his hand dearly. "Are you well enough for Quiddich tomorrow night?" Harry asked with a grin, "Cause this will make for an interesting match. I'm still going to win."

"If you really think I am.." He muttered. He looked down at the hand in his own, lacing his fingers with Harry's. "I still think you're better than I am. Whatever." He sighed. "What about Ginny? I know she just gave me a slap this time, but you're right. She might very well hex me if we become a thing. Are we a thing?" His mind was spinning with questions. He unwrapped the bandage from his arm. "No one else was supposed to know yet, but I'll certainly be playing tomorrow. My arm's back to full strength. My leg is still a little messed up, but not badly enough to stop me from being active. Besides, my leg isn't that important for flying my broom." He snickered. "I'm going to totally beat you." He hummed, trying not to laugh. He leaned in to kiss Harry, but the door to Hagrid's place swung open and caused him to almost jump out of his skin. Hagrid was glaring down at him. "What did I tell ye about staying out late?" Hagrid demanded, arms crossed. "But..I was just--" he was cut off. "Go to bed! You've got a match tomorrow." Draco kissed Harry's cheek and ran in the cottage, laying on the couch.

Hagrid smiled at Harry. "Shouldn't ye be in bed too? I can escort ye back to the school if ya'd like?" The giant hasn't seen Harry since school had started back. "We've got some catching up ta do anyway, yes?"

Harry thought about Ginny, "Its fine, I've seen her eyeing up Dean again anyway, so I wouldn't be surprised if she move on from me pretty quickly now." Harry didn't know what to make of him and Draco were they a thing? Was there anything? There certainly was something but he wasn't sure how much of a something there was. "We're not a specific thing, lets just keep it quiet from people for now, I mean of course in time they'll find out, but its more fun this way." Harry said with a grin. Harry shook his head, "You're not going to beat me at Quiddich, Draco." Harry said seriously, "I'm glad you're feeling better though."

He also jumped when Hagrid's door opened. "Bye!" He called to Draco, he glowed from the warm kiss that was place on his cheek. He looked embarrassed when he saw Hagrid at the door, "Erh, yeah... I'm fine I can walk back in I'm sure nothing's going to jump out at me. I'll come down and see you before the match tomorrow, you're coming to watch right?" Harry said.

He left Hagrids with a smile, Hagrid was the only person to know the whole story of Draco and Harry, and Harry trusted Hagrid with all his heart, he knew he was a good man. Harry walked up the long grassy path to the large doors, the grass was slippy, he heard some voices coming so he slipped his cloak on quickly and stood out of sight.

"Potter is in grave danger if he continues to meddle with the Malfoy boy! We should be concerned for his safety!" A shrill Scottish accent whispered,
"Now, Minerva," Dumbledore's soothing voice carried across the wind, "Harry is in no more danger than her was when he first entered the school, Hogwarts is a place of safety, and if you worry about anyone it should be for the poor Malfoy."
"How can you still say Hogwarts is a safe place after what happened at the tri wizard tournament?" McGonagall said worriedly.
Dumbledore's blue eyes looked straight over to where Harry was standing, Harry always wondered whether Dumbledore could see through his cloak.
"We've changed the school's safety as a result of that, you should know that, and all students are free to express themselves how they see fit."
Harry didn't hear much more of the conversation as he quickly darted inside the building before the doors shut behind them, he ran up the stairs and into the common room where he removed his cloak.

Draco drifted into a slumber with thoughts of Harry, but those soon changed into nightmares of his father. He felt like he'd forgotten an important detail, but he couldn't remember what. His father somehow had made his way into Hogwarts property in Draco's dreams. His father's long fingers wrapped around his throat, squeezing until he convulsed for air. His eyes rolled back, and then he died. He wasn't sure why he could still see what was happening if he was dead. It was as if he'd been separated from his body. Dumbledore had been killed at the hands of Snape. Many other wizards were fighting each other off. First years students ran away screaming, some crying from wounds they'd sustained. He couldn't see Harry, and he assumed something awful happened to him as well.

"Draco... Draccco..." He woke to someone shaking him and calling his name. He opened his eyes to peer up at Hagrid. "Are ye ok? Ya've been cryin out like a wounded beast." The younger wizard nodded groggily. "I'm fine" he croaked. Hagrid wasn't convinced, but left it be. "Well, it's time for ya to get up anywho. Ya've gotta get a shower 'nod get dressed." Hagrid was grinning widely at him and Draco squirmed under the gaze. "Don't look at me like that..." He whined, prancing off grumpily to the shower. He scrubbed himself pink and washed his hair before getting out and drying off with a flick of his wand. "Alright Hagrid. Care to tell me why you were grinning like a murderer?" Hagrid lead Draco off to the bed room where clothes were laid out for him. "This is a girl's uniform." Draco stated very blandly. "I refuse to wear that." Hagrid shook his head. "Ya want to impress 'arry don't ye?" Draco pulled on the button up shirt and the tie, then pulled the grey prep sweater over his head. "Not that badly." Hagrid sighed. "I supposed that would be yer reaction." Draco was handed a pair of slacks and he greatfully slid them on. "My legs aren't shaved anyway. That would be repulsive." He looked at him self in the mirror, trying to fix his hair perfectly. "I still look nice don't I?" Hagrid nodded and handed Draco his books and robe. He escorted Draco to the dining hall and Draco simply sat with Hagrid, worrying about what kind of things might be done to him if he sat with the students. He did take a moment to glance at Harry though, and he grinned at him.

He saw Hermione trying to console Ginny on the armchairs infront of the fire, it was late so Harry just left them to it. He walked up to his room at sat on his bed, he couldn't sleep, not with all the thoughts of Draco's warm lips... "Harry? You're back?" Ron said through the dark. Harry cleared his throat, "Sorry mate did i wake you?" He said, "Nah." Ron replied. Harry thought Ron seemed a lot calmer than he should, maybe he doesn't know Harry thought hopefully.
"Ginny saw Draco kiss you." Ron said bluntly."She didn't like it. You're still with my sister right? I mean, Draco's gone mad hasn't he?" Harry shifted uncomfortably, "I'll talk in the morning, I'm tired now." He lied.
Ron grunted and turned on his side, "Think she's really upset."
Harry didn't say anything,
"Do you care?" Ron said quietly.
"Of course I care! Its out of my control." Harry whispered, "Go to sleep Ron, Quiddich tomorrow." Harry reminded him.
He lay in bed and eventually he fell asleep. But it wasn't a restful sleep he woke uncomfortably he washed and dressed and made it down to the Great Hall for breakfast, there was an exciting buzz in the air for the first Quiddich match of the season and all the talk were of Potter and Malfoy going head to head to kick off one of the most talked about seasons of School Quiddich for over a century. All of this had not been noticed by Harry. He was oblivious to everyone's chatter, he did however see Draco walk in looking a little chirpier, he shot him a warm smile back.

Ginny was sat with a group of fifth years discussing Harry, her eyes were red from crying but she seemed a lot happier, they were all giggling which made Harry feel very anxious.
"I feel sick." Harry muttered to Ron who was on his third helping of porridge.
"Basically mate, if you let Draco get the snitch before you, we're bloody ruined for the whole season!" Ron said.
"Cheers, that really helped."
"And if you don't win, well... There's a lot of talk about you and Malfoy."
"Talk?"
"Everyone knows about him kissing you Harry, everyone knows he likes you. So if he wins they'll say you let him win because you fancy him back."
Harry shook his head, "No way, I wouldn't let Draco win just because I like him."
Ron's face froze in shock for a moment.
Harry put his hands under his glasses and rubbed his eyes, "Nooo!" He groaned.
"Bloody hell Harry!" was the exact reaction of Ron's surprise to finding out his best friend of six years was actually gay. Ron simply didn't know what to do. He would always stick by Harry but he didn't want people thinking he was gay too. Did it work like that? He worried that just being friends with Harry also made him gay by association.