Know Your Enemy
Summary: Two people who were never meant to come together, do exactly that in a mixture of love, passion and lust. Which of the three means more to the pair? H/D Slash. Don't like, don't read.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter... I just mentally and physically destroy them, before returning them to the brilliant JK Rowling. "No! Draco! Drink the poison now!" It's lots of fun!
Rating: R. Hey, they're seventeen!
Author's Note: Okay. I've resorted to writing a Draco/Harry fanfic. I've always wanted to do it.... I was just worried it might not meet you fine readers' standards. Well too bad. I'm writing one anyway. I adore Draco/Harry. I really think they're perfect for each other. So after this fic, I'll probably write loads more.
So, now you're thinking, "Well what distinguishes this Draco/Harry fic from all the others?" Since I write so very well (I'm lying) I'm going to put my writing skills (hey, all writers have them) to good cause. It also might have a twist in it, because a lot of the D/H fanfiction here is very predictable. (Not to be insulting anyone's work, I am merely making a statement). You know, the: Everyone but them knows they're in love, Ron's against it, Hermione's for it. I'm not trying to insult anyone if that's what happens in their fics, I just like reading ones that have a completely different view on them. So, if I get even a single flame from a homophobe, or from someone who thinks my work is crap, you're going down. So think before you write.
My favourite Draco/Harry fanfics are Unfogging the Future by Pepperjack Candy, Unthinkable Thoughts by Aidan Lynch, and anything written by Kiara (seeing as most of it is D/H, which I love her for). But mostly I must recommend the brilliant Resident Goddess. She writes absolutely amazing D/H fanfiction and every day I check to see if she's written a new one, updated or whatever. She also wrote a hilarious D/H fic (A Very Harry New year, featuring Draco in tights) BECAUSE I ASKED HER TO! I was pleased to say that least. She's my favourite author on fanfiction, so do not hesitate to read her stuff. It's all very amazing. Read all the D/H fics I've mentioned. Draco and Harry are so cute together (and the fact that Draco is extremely sexy makes it all the more fun to read)!
This fanfic is going to be alternate 1st person narrative between Harry and Draco. The first chapter will be Draco's thoughts, second chapter will be Harry's and so on. If for any reason, I must switch unexpectedly, I will warn you first. 8-) Hope you enjoy this and I apologize for the incessent rambling. I'm very random as you will soon see. Anyway.... R&R.
I remember the day, the time, the weather, where I was... even the smell. Depressing as it is. It was the summer before my seventh year, July 31st, midnight, my room, I'd been reading a boring article in the previous day's Daily Prophet. The air outside my window smelled like him. That was unusual, but the thought was abandoned.
Why did I remember all these things? Well it was when I first realized that I had fallen for Harry Potter. But he's a celebrity.... how should that be any more different than someone at school developing a crush on the famous boy? Well exactly that. He's a boy.... and so am I.
Why did I come to this astonishing realization right then? I'm not quite sure. I was just reading an article about an old woman named Jarka Williams and suddenly, just as the grandfather clock in the hallway chimed midnight, I thought of him. Rather than throw the Daily Prophet across the room in disgust, I soon found I was getting a hard on. Thinking about his untidy ebony hair, his emerald green eyes and just what might be under those robes of his, I sat there, feeling so very ashamed, clenching my fists.
I was terrified. I'd known I was gay since the beginning of sixth year and I'd got excited over many people in dreams since, all ranging from a very romantic walk on the beach with Justin Finch-Fletchey and even a violently disturbing dream about Harry Potter's own best friend, Ron Weasley. And the problem with that was that our families hated each other. Not unlike that muggle story, Romeo and Juliet. Except I wasn't crushing on Weasley.... I was crushing on Potter. *That* was bad because he was my sworn enemy.
So what made Harry so different from Ron or Justin? Well... I did at first think it might not be anything (that maybe it really was just Potter's turn in this circle of love I had going) but as the days wore on, I found I could scarcely keep my mind off of him. After doing some extensive research on Potter, I found out my crush had turned seventeen that very day. All I could think was, 'Well damn.... if I figured out that I have a crush on me enemy the moment he turned seventeen, that must be some sort of sign'. I hate signs.
As days, weeks and eventually a month passed, I began to become quite obsessed with my new found crush. When I returned to Hogwarts, things only got all the more complicated.
*
The Welcoming Feast was great. It was when I got my first glimpse of Harry in two months. I could feel the hard on right through my jeans and robes. I had to quickly look at Pansy. As soon as I'd calmed down I chanced another glance at him.
He was beautiful. His hair was just as untidy as always, his eyes were a fiery green and his smooth face made me all the more eager to jump over all the tables, grab Harry and kiss him roughly. I was not going to do that. No way.
So I just continued watching him for the rest of the Sorting. As soon as the meal started, I was immediately sought out in conversation. Everyone wanted to know how my summer had gone. Truthfully, it had been horrible. Full to the brim with my nagging mother and horribly evil father. I'd stayed in my room for most of it and when my father had come in to smack me or tell me to get a move on, I'd simply say I wasn't feeling well. Usually it worked, sometimes it made things worse.
"Oh it was wonderful. Father, Mother and I went on a vacation. To this wizard/witch resort abroad. It was highly entertaining. I even got to practice some new spells there. Father told me they wouldn't be able to track the magic down in Canada." All the seventh year Slytherins were nodding their heads. They weren't actually listening, of course. We never really listened to each other. Nodded our heads, asked questions. One of us was always talking, and the others pretended to listen. The only Slytherin who broke this unspoken rule was Pansy. She always listened to my stories rather intently. It was unnerving. She was smiling.
"Mother took me to see the wonders in Japan. Not the muggles, of course, the purest of blood wizards and witches we could find. They were going on about how I should be made next empress. That was highly enteretaining as well," Pansy submitted to the conversation. I processed the information and came to the conclusion that it was a lie. Pansy had been working for Voldemort during the summer in muggle London. I almost told Pansy I knew what she'd really done when Dumbledore stood up.
"I have many start of term announcements to make. Remember that the Forbidden Forest is exactly that. Please keep away from it," his eyes darted to Harry, Ron and Hermione, "No magic in the corridors, no going into Hogsmeade without a permission slip, no leaving the common room after curfew, no going off grounds after dinner, and please keep the Astronomy Tower for astronomy. Now that I've made Hogwarts sound like a very boring and tasteless place, why don't I announce who the Head Boy and Girl are this year. For Head Girl..... Ms Hermione Granger of Gryffindor."
There was an eruption like a volcano from the Gryffindor table. Hermione was in her seat, her head on her arms, probably crying. Harry and Ron were cheering and hugging her endlessly. I wished I was in her place. All the seventh years were whistling and jumping around. Finally the cheering died down and Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, well done Hermione. The Head Boy is....... Mr Draco Malfoy of Slytherin."
There was absolute silence as the words sunk in. Suddenly I realised.... I'd beat out all the other seventh year boys. "YES!" I shouted and some people started laughing. That of course got lots of applause and cheering as well. I thought of applauding myself but realized that would be very arrogant so I settled for gloating.
"Well done, Draco. Now, if the Head Boy and Girl would stay after supper, it would be appreciated. Prefects lead the younger students back to their houses. Thank you." Pansy threw her arms around me the second I sat down, screeching her congratulations. I involuntarily shuddered. Pansy touching me was just a little disgusting.
"Got to meet with Dumbledore, Pansy. Sorry." I quickly jumped out of her embrace and stuck my finger down my throat as I walked away. Unfortunately, Hermione, who had been walking toward Dumbledore, saw me.
"What was that, Malfoy? Don't like Ratface touching you?" she asked, a smile on her face. Her teeth looked a lot better than they had before my shrinking spell hit her in Fourth Year. Hermione was actually rather pretty, if only I wasn't attracted to guys. I grinned.
"Nope." She smiled back.
"Hello Hermione, Draco. Follow me." Dumbledore lead us out of the Great Hall and down a corridor, "how was your summer?"
"Wonderful," Hermione gushed, "I spent it with Harry and Ron at the Burrow. It was strange. Without a whole bunch of Weasleys walking around. It was just us three and Ginny. So much fun."
"I can imagine. How about you, Draco?" Dumbledore inquired, while we ascended a flight of stairs.
Now I could have lied. Told the same lie I'd told the Slytherins. But for some reason, Dumbledore's piercing gaze made me tell the truth, "honestly, I stayed in my room all summer and hid from Mother and Father." I neglected to add why. But Hermione was sure to ask.
"Why?"
"Have you got a mother? Mine is one of those 'Pick up your clothes Draco, stop feeding Sitty Draco, stay out of your father's way Draco, eat your dessert Draco, get better marks Draco, shut up Draco'. She never forgets my name." Hermione laughed.
"Who's Sitty?"
"My cat," I replied shortly, "died last year 'cause I fed him too much. I hate when mothers are right." She laughed again.
"You don't like eating you dessert?" she asked as we came up to a statue of a gargoyle.
"No. Because we always have the same horrible pineapple pie." Suddenly the gargoyle jumped out of the way to reveal two oak wooden doors. I gaped, "that's the passward? Pineapple pie?"
"It is indeed. Usually takes Harry at least ten guesses to get my password," Dumbledore said, grinning. I could feel myself getting excited at the mere mention of his name. I breathed deeply and smiled back hastily. He guided us into his office, "I'm glad to see that you two aren't tearing at each other's throats."
"We became civil toward each other last year," Hermione explained, sitting in a chair in front of the headmaster's desk, "we decided that if we were both on the same side, we might as well become friends. Right?" I nodded.
"When we finally became friends, Ron and Harry got a bit defensive. They're still rotten to me. Oh well," I said, although my stomach flip flopped when I said Harry's name.
"They'll come around, Draco, I'm sure of it. It might take Ron longer than Harry because of the rivalry between your families, but I'm sure he'll take your friendship some day." Inside, I was grinning like a madman.
"Well, here I was thinking I had to warn you two not to start arguments as an example for the younger students. Well, there isn't anything I have to talk to you about. Except remember that Voldemort is indeed out there. We need the older students to... make the younger ones feel safe. Even though I'm sure you're probably very scared, try and put on a brave face for your fellow classmates," Dumbledore said. Hermione and I nodded and left his office together.
"So.... was your father pressuring you to be a Death Eater all summer?" Hermione asked, once the door had slid shut behind us.
"Yes," I answered and Hermione nodded.
"It must be really horrible. Remember that we've got the best witches and wizards of all time on our side. We're going to win. I'm sure of it," she said. I nodded again. I didn't feel like talking about that.
"Enough of my summer. How are you and Ron doing?" I inquired.
"Horrible. He's really angry that I'm your friend. He said if I remained your friend he'd never kiss me again. He came up and kissed me an hour later. Harry's been really distant lately, too. But I'm not sure if that's the reason. So what about you? How are the Slytherins taking our unexpected friendship?"
"They think I'm going to betray you. They've got nothing to say, really. Even if they did, I wouldn't care."
"You've changed, you know that," Hermione said, "I like it."
"You haven't. I was just too blind to see what a nice person you are."
"That was sweet," Hermione grinned.
"I was trying," I replied, familiar smirk on my face. "So," I said, throwing all caution to the wind, "Harry. How is he exactly? Getting along all right?"
"I don't honstly know. He won't tell me anything. It's rather frustrating, really. So... anything in the love departmant?"
"No," I answered, a little too quickly.
"All right," Hermione replied, looking doubtful "Well, see you tomorrow. Want to meet at the lake around 4.00?"
"Sure." We split up and went to our separate houses.
In bed nights later, I thought of Harry. We'd had our first day of classes. The thing about Harry was that he never physically got very much older, but emotionally, he got older every single day. When Professor Snape asked Harry the first question of the year, Harry answered: "Why don't you just ask Hermione? You know she knows the answer." Snape had been shocked to say the least. He'd taken ten points from Gryffindor, but it didn't matter. Harry had still proven his point, for Snape hadn't asked him another question all class.
It took me another couple months to realise that I was in love. Truly, madly, deeply in love with Harry Potter. It usually takes people years to find someone they love. It took me six.
*
As the days wore on, Hermione and I got closer and closer. One day, in October I decided to tell her about my dilemma.
"What do you think of gays and lesbians?" I asked, shortly one day.
"That came out of nowhere. Why do you ask?" she was leaning against a tree, swirling a dendelion between her fingers.
"I don't know. Curious, I guess." I was eating a blade of grass.
"Well... I believe diversity is very important. So I think that if two men or women are truly in love, then there's no reason they should be treated differently than a man and woman in love." I inwardly sighed with relief. Then I knew I had to tell her.
"Hermione. I'm gay."
"I figured," she replied and grabbed my right hand with hers, "the question came out of nowhere. You've never had a girlfriend and you care way to much about your appearance. But there's nothing wrong with it, Draco."
"Well seeing as you're the smartest witch in the year, I won't worry that everyone in school has figued it out. You're just special I guess," I said, eating another blade of grass.
"That's right, I am. So... any guys you're crushing on?" she asked. I nodded. "Who!?" she demanded.
"Not telling."
"Yes you are, you're going to, or I'm going to tickle you with this dandelion!" she said. I'm very ticklish so I nodded and said I would, but she did it anyway. I grabbed her and we began to fight a bit. Just playful fighting, though. Finally, she bit my hand, drew blood and sat back up.
"Tell me now!" she said, opening her mouth to show me her teeth. I shuddered. It had really hurt, "it's not Ron, is it?" I shook my head, feeling a but guilty, remembering the dream I'd had over the summer.
"I like.... I think I love.... Harry," I said in a quiet voice.
"That is so cute!" Hermione shrieked and got to her feet. She ran around in a circle shouting, "DRACO MALFOY IS CUTE!"
"Is he now?" asked a furious voice behind me. I looked up from my spot on the ground, my head still resting against the grass to see Ron standing there, a very angry expression on his face. Hermione had stopped running.
"Oh hi Ron," Hermione said calmly, "Draco told me something cute and so I was saying that he was cute because of what he said. Not that he's actually physically cute, although he is." I grinned, sitting up.
"Hermione! He's Draco Malfoy. My sworn enemy."
"Oh please, Ron," Hermione said walking over to him and shaking him slightly, "this silly feud between you two has got to stop. Draco's willing to apologize, aren't you Draco?" I nodded, "and you're willing to accept, aren't you Ron? Because unlike you, I can actually live without kissing my boyfriend for an hour. Either you accept his friendship, or I won't be kissing you any time soon."
Ron turned around and walked right back to the school. I was sincerely shocked, and by the look on Hermione's face, so was she.
"Well that went well," I said after a moment.
"Better than I thought it would, actually," she said and we both cracked up laughing.
*
Ron went cold turkey for two whole weeks. He didn't kiss Hermione once in that duration of time.
But some important things happened on the anniverary of those two weeks. Hermione looked up thoughtfully.
"I'm worried about Harry," my ears perked up at the mention of his name, "Ron is his best friend, better than me. If there was something wrong he'd tell Ron, and Ron would tell me. But I've heard nothing."
"Perhaps because you said you wouldn't kiss Ron until he accepted my apology," I said, during double Potions one afternoon. We were working on Veritaserum. Hermione was my partner and we were talking in hushed tones, hoping no one would hear.
"Shut up, Draco. I'm doing this for you. It's really hard not kissing Ron when I'm attracted to him."
"Think how it is for me," I said quietly and Hermione didn't say anything for a good minute and a half.
"But you two aren't dating."
"No, we aren't," I echoed, sprinkling some lace wings into the murky red depths of the water.
"Sorry. That was thoughtless," Hermione admitted, "I just mean -"
"I know what you mean," I interrupted. She smiled sadly.
"Back to the matter at hand. You must watch him once in a awhile. Have you noticed anything about him?" Hermione asked.
"If this potion supposed to be orange?" I asked.
"Yes... a little lighter, add some more of that," she said pointing to a jar.
I took care in crushing the ingredients and tossing them into the cauldron. We were both silent for another five minutes, Hermione cutting up the shrivelfig and I mashing the cockroaches. "Of course I've noticed things."
Hermione's head snapped up to face me. "Like?" she asked, her knife missing the shrivelfig and slicing a spare cockroach right in half. I chuckled (which was insane, as I never chuckle) and tipped the bowl of crushed cockroaches into the potion.
"It's so annoying!" shouted an irritated voice across the dungeons. All eyes travelled to Ron and Harry. Harry looked around sheepishly while Ron blushed to the roots of his hair. Hermione smirked as Snape subtracted ten points from Gryffindor.
The two of us were quiet again. "When he's talking to Ron, he always looks guilty," I replied after a couple minutes.
"Really?" It was a rhetorical question. She muttered something that sounded like 'I knew it!' and looked back at me.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?" she asked.
"No," I replied truthfully. Hermione laughed.
"I'm guessing he's got something really big on his mind," Hermione whispered, "chances are, it may be so big, he's scared to share it with his best friend. But maybe his other best friend....." Hermione was lost in her thoughts until the end of class. It was really rather amazing that she could think about one thing and do something completely different at the same time.
*
I watched him. Okay, so I always watched him. This time, I was watching him from my spot on the grass. It was slightly damp (it had rained the night before) and uncomfortable, but I couldn't do anything about it. Hagrid was talking. About centaurs. I was watching Harry's face. It was screwed up in a wide smile. Watching it made me want to smile as well. I had become religiously obsessed with Harry. I felt my heart jump when he spoke.
"How's Firenze doing, Hagrid?" Harry asked, green eyes sparkling. I wasn't close enough to his face to actually see this, but after watching him for two months, I'd memorised his every laugh line... his every expression. Whenever I heard the tone of voice he was using, I knew exactly what he was doing with his eyes, hair, hands, mouth, nose, forehead. While some would find that extremely creepy and weird.... I'd just say it's something to pass the time. Only twice had he ever managed to catch me studying him.
The first time, he'd stared back for a good twenty seconds, then he'd given me an inquisitive look and turned back to his friends. The second time, only a week ago, he'd looked up from his cauldron and caught me staring at him. Then he'd given me a little smile.
I don't think I've ever been so pleased. I quickly turned away and a moment later, a wide grin had spread across my face. It was good he'd continued with his potion by that time.
"He's great... but yeh can ask him that yourself, if yeh like," Hagrid said and suddenly, a large centaur strolled right onto the Hogwarts grounds from behind the picket fence. It was the most amazing thing I'd ever seen. Unless you were using Harry as a comparison. Harry beat all the amazing things in the world. Harry was the defintion of amazing. I recognized the centaur. Harry had riden him in our first year during our detention in the Forbidden Forest "class, this is Firenze. Firenze, this is my seventh year Gryffindor/Slytherin class."
"Pleased to meet you, friends of Hagrid," the creature said and I saw a few Slytherins scoff. I almost smiled, but caught myself in time.
"Firenze here is going to be giving you all a ride. But only if yer worthy. Trushworthy, tha' is. If he doesn't trust you, you'll ride one next class. You simply put your hand on Firenze's back and if he says you can ride him, hop on." I was intrigued. "Harry, since yer familiar with him, why don't you go first?"
"Sure," Harry said in an excited voice, and I could feel him gertting to his feet quickly. I felt him approach Firenze and put his hand on the centaur's back.
"Get on Harry," the centaur said and Harry climbed on his back. They trotted off around the lake. Hermione walked over.
"Do you remember Firenze?" she asked.
"How could I forget. He was the one who rescued Harry in our first year." Hermione nodded eagerly.
"Bet you half these Slytherins won't be welcome on his back," Hermione said.
"Well no, I hardly think anyone would be welcome on Harry's back."
"You're sick Draco!" Hermione shouted, grabbing me around the neck, but she was laughing. She rubbed my head with her knuckles. I pushed her away.
"That is my hair!" I said indignantly and she laughed so hard she fell to the floor, giggling. I frowned at her until she stood up.
"I'm a Slytherin, I take offense to that," I said, thinking about what she'd said.
"He'll let you ride him, I'm sure of it."
"Boy do I ever hope so," I replied.
"Are we talking about Harry or Firenze?" Hermione asked, a huge smile on her face. I narrowed my eyes.
"Take your pick," I replied and we both laughed. Meanwhile, Firenze was returning with Harry. Harry climbed off and hugged the centaur before returning to Ron.
People began taking their turns with Firenze. When my turn finally came, I was so nervous, my hands were sweating and my breath was coming in short, painful gasps. I approached Firenze and held out my hand, placing it palm down on the shiny brown fur. I was expecting the centaur to flinch away from the touch but it actually relaxed against my hand. I smiled so wide I'm sure it shattered into a million pieces, and stroked his fur smoothly and rhythmically. It was enough for me, but a moment later Firenze said:
"Climb on, friend." I sighed with relief, settled my hands around his neck and pulled myself onto his back. It was the most exhilerating feeling ever. He began trotting away from the class, "Your name, friend?"
"Draco."
"That means dragon in latin, does it not?"
"Yes," I answered and could feel myself nodding.
"Is there anything you would like to talk about. I will not tell you your future but I'm a very good listener. I felt this inexplicable feeling of trust. I fel tlike I could tell Firenze everyting. I did just that.
"Well. I'm sort of in love."
"That is a very wonderful feeling, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes," I replied, "but the person I love is of the same gender."
"I see. Would I know this person?"
"It's Harry." I said it before I could lose me nerve. I was sure Firenze would launch me off his back into the lake, but he did not.
"Have you told him that you love him?" he asked. I sneered.
"Yes and get the biggest rejection of my life," I replied.
"Don't be so sure. You must be willing to take chances in life, Draco. Otherwise you'll never even get the oppurtunity to be rejected."
"I'd rather be out of love, than be out of love because the one I loved didn't love me back and told me so," I said, "I appreciate your kind words and I will think them over. But put yourself in my shoes. I'm Harry's rival, I'm a boy, I'm a Slytherin. I doubt any of those things appeal to him."
"Do you know that for sure?" he asked.
"No."
"I recommend knowing before speaking," Firenze said gently. I thought about that. Firenze was very smart. Now I really did wonder. Did I stand half a chance?
"Bring me back to the class. I have to see him again to decide if I love him enough to risk the pain of his rejection." Firenze nodded his head and broke off at a run toward the class. Just as I got off, the centaur called me back.
"Oh Draco!" he said and I turned to him.
"Sometimes you must risk the pain of rejection if the other option is so much better. You may very well get what you want. Don't be afraid to make the move." I looked at Firenze and smiled.
"Thank you, Firenze. I'll keep that in mind." Hagrid has just called Crabbe over and was attempting to get Firenze to calm down. I walked over to Hermione, Harry and Ron. It occured to me that I'd never actually apologized to Ron or Harry ot their faces. Hermione had always done it.
"Hi," I said in a quiet voice and all three of their heads turned to look at me, "let's do this properly." I held out my hand, "my name is Draco. I've heard you three can be good company." A glance at Hermione, who was grinning, a glance at Ron, who was considering me with an inqusitive look in his eye, and a glance down at the hand in mine.... that belonged to Harry! I almost completely freaked out at the smooth touch of his creamy white skin.
"Nice to meet you," he said, "my name is Harry. This is Ron and this is Hermione. We're good company if you like lots of adventure, plenty of petty arguments and good, loyal frienship. What do you say?" I settled my gaze on Harry's perfect face and after a moment, I smiled. Not a grin, or a smirk. A smile.
"I say, sounds like my kind of friends." It was miraculous what the returned smile did to my legs, which suddenly felt rather unstable. I pulled my hand out of Harry's and held it out in front of Ron. I was very scared he'd reject my friendship right there. If I wanted to have even a slight chance with Harry, I had to be on good terms with his best friend.
"Ron Weasley, is it? I've heard lost about you," out of the corner of my eye I saw Hermione give me a worried look, but I continued, "I like the bright red hair. Really stands out in a crowd. Hey, look. Would you accpet my apology please? I'm trying here."
Ron studied me for a moment and held out his hand. Then he grabbed mine and pulled me into one of those manly hugs. We slapped backs and he smiled.
"Sure mate! Nice to have you in the group." I grinned. I grined and grinned and grinned.
Um.... yeah. I would never demand reviews in exchange for a chapter but if I get more five or more reviews, the next chapter may get up *faster*. -Wink, wink. Nudge, nudge- As it stands, it's not yet written but it's on the way.
Right. So what did you think? Constuctive criticism welcome. I really don't want to get any reviews saying that Draco and Harry, Ron, Hermione would never be friends because Ron hates him, Harry hates him and Hermione's a muggle-born. You've just seen what happened and Harry and Ron's quick acceptance of Draco will be explained in the next chapter. It's my story, and in it, they're friends. So if Draco's OOC, it's because he's seventeen. He's not a little kid anymore. Remember to think before you flame me. Make it good or you'll get a nasty reply back. Ciao!
Tine! 8-)
Summary: Two people who were never meant to come together, do exactly that in a mixture of love, passion and lust. Which of the three means more to the pair? H/D Slash. Don't like, don't read.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter... I just mentally and physically destroy them, before returning them to the brilliant JK Rowling. "No! Draco! Drink the poison now!" It's lots of fun!
Rating: R. Hey, they're seventeen!
Author's Note: Okay. I've resorted to writing a Draco/Harry fanfic. I've always wanted to do it.... I was just worried it might not meet you fine readers' standards. Well too bad. I'm writing one anyway. I adore Draco/Harry. I really think they're perfect for each other. So after this fic, I'll probably write loads more.
So, now you're thinking, "Well what distinguishes this Draco/Harry fic from all the others?" Since I write so very well (I'm lying) I'm going to put my writing skills (hey, all writers have them) to good cause. It also might have a twist in it, because a lot of the D/H fanfiction here is very predictable. (Not to be insulting anyone's work, I am merely making a statement). You know, the: Everyone but them knows they're in love, Ron's against it, Hermione's for it. I'm not trying to insult anyone if that's what happens in their fics, I just like reading ones that have a completely different view on them. So, if I get even a single flame from a homophobe, or from someone who thinks my work is crap, you're going down. So think before you write.
My favourite Draco/Harry fanfics are Unfogging the Future by Pepperjack Candy, Unthinkable Thoughts by Aidan Lynch, and anything written by Kiara (seeing as most of it is D/H, which I love her for). But mostly I must recommend the brilliant Resident Goddess. She writes absolutely amazing D/H fanfiction and every day I check to see if she's written a new one, updated or whatever. She also wrote a hilarious D/H fic (A Very Harry New year, featuring Draco in tights) BECAUSE I ASKED HER TO! I was pleased to say that least. She's my favourite author on fanfiction, so do not hesitate to read her stuff. It's all very amazing. Read all the D/H fics I've mentioned. Draco and Harry are so cute together (and the fact that Draco is extremely sexy makes it all the more fun to read)!
This fanfic is going to be alternate 1st person narrative between Harry and Draco. The first chapter will be Draco's thoughts, second chapter will be Harry's and so on. If for any reason, I must switch unexpectedly, I will warn you first. 8-) Hope you enjoy this and I apologize for the incessent rambling. I'm very random as you will soon see. Anyway.... R&R.
I remember the day, the time, the weather, where I was... even the smell. Depressing as it is. It was the summer before my seventh year, July 31st, midnight, my room, I'd been reading a boring article in the previous day's Daily Prophet. The air outside my window smelled like him. That was unusual, but the thought was abandoned.
Why did I remember all these things? Well it was when I first realized that I had fallen for Harry Potter. But he's a celebrity.... how should that be any more different than someone at school developing a crush on the famous boy? Well exactly that. He's a boy.... and so am I.
Why did I come to this astonishing realization right then? I'm not quite sure. I was just reading an article about an old woman named Jarka Williams and suddenly, just as the grandfather clock in the hallway chimed midnight, I thought of him. Rather than throw the Daily Prophet across the room in disgust, I soon found I was getting a hard on. Thinking about his untidy ebony hair, his emerald green eyes and just what might be under those robes of his, I sat there, feeling so very ashamed, clenching my fists.
I was terrified. I'd known I was gay since the beginning of sixth year and I'd got excited over many people in dreams since, all ranging from a very romantic walk on the beach with Justin Finch-Fletchey and even a violently disturbing dream about Harry Potter's own best friend, Ron Weasley. And the problem with that was that our families hated each other. Not unlike that muggle story, Romeo and Juliet. Except I wasn't crushing on Weasley.... I was crushing on Potter. *That* was bad because he was my sworn enemy.
So what made Harry so different from Ron or Justin? Well... I did at first think it might not be anything (that maybe it really was just Potter's turn in this circle of love I had going) but as the days wore on, I found I could scarcely keep my mind off of him. After doing some extensive research on Potter, I found out my crush had turned seventeen that very day. All I could think was, 'Well damn.... if I figured out that I have a crush on me enemy the moment he turned seventeen, that must be some sort of sign'. I hate signs.
As days, weeks and eventually a month passed, I began to become quite obsessed with my new found crush. When I returned to Hogwarts, things only got all the more complicated.
*
The Welcoming Feast was great. It was when I got my first glimpse of Harry in two months. I could feel the hard on right through my jeans and robes. I had to quickly look at Pansy. As soon as I'd calmed down I chanced another glance at him.
He was beautiful. His hair was just as untidy as always, his eyes were a fiery green and his smooth face made me all the more eager to jump over all the tables, grab Harry and kiss him roughly. I was not going to do that. No way.
So I just continued watching him for the rest of the Sorting. As soon as the meal started, I was immediately sought out in conversation. Everyone wanted to know how my summer had gone. Truthfully, it had been horrible. Full to the brim with my nagging mother and horribly evil father. I'd stayed in my room for most of it and when my father had come in to smack me or tell me to get a move on, I'd simply say I wasn't feeling well. Usually it worked, sometimes it made things worse.
"Oh it was wonderful. Father, Mother and I went on a vacation. To this wizard/witch resort abroad. It was highly entertaining. I even got to practice some new spells there. Father told me they wouldn't be able to track the magic down in Canada." All the seventh year Slytherins were nodding their heads. They weren't actually listening, of course. We never really listened to each other. Nodded our heads, asked questions. One of us was always talking, and the others pretended to listen. The only Slytherin who broke this unspoken rule was Pansy. She always listened to my stories rather intently. It was unnerving. She was smiling.
"Mother took me to see the wonders in Japan. Not the muggles, of course, the purest of blood wizards and witches we could find. They were going on about how I should be made next empress. That was highly enteretaining as well," Pansy submitted to the conversation. I processed the information and came to the conclusion that it was a lie. Pansy had been working for Voldemort during the summer in muggle London. I almost told Pansy I knew what she'd really done when Dumbledore stood up.
"I have many start of term announcements to make. Remember that the Forbidden Forest is exactly that. Please keep away from it," his eyes darted to Harry, Ron and Hermione, "No magic in the corridors, no going into Hogsmeade without a permission slip, no leaving the common room after curfew, no going off grounds after dinner, and please keep the Astronomy Tower for astronomy. Now that I've made Hogwarts sound like a very boring and tasteless place, why don't I announce who the Head Boy and Girl are this year. For Head Girl..... Ms Hermione Granger of Gryffindor."
There was an eruption like a volcano from the Gryffindor table. Hermione was in her seat, her head on her arms, probably crying. Harry and Ron were cheering and hugging her endlessly. I wished I was in her place. All the seventh years were whistling and jumping around. Finally the cheering died down and Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, well done Hermione. The Head Boy is....... Mr Draco Malfoy of Slytherin."
There was absolute silence as the words sunk in. Suddenly I realised.... I'd beat out all the other seventh year boys. "YES!" I shouted and some people started laughing. That of course got lots of applause and cheering as well. I thought of applauding myself but realized that would be very arrogant so I settled for gloating.
"Well done, Draco. Now, if the Head Boy and Girl would stay after supper, it would be appreciated. Prefects lead the younger students back to their houses. Thank you." Pansy threw her arms around me the second I sat down, screeching her congratulations. I involuntarily shuddered. Pansy touching me was just a little disgusting.
"Got to meet with Dumbledore, Pansy. Sorry." I quickly jumped out of her embrace and stuck my finger down my throat as I walked away. Unfortunately, Hermione, who had been walking toward Dumbledore, saw me.
"What was that, Malfoy? Don't like Ratface touching you?" she asked, a smile on her face. Her teeth looked a lot better than they had before my shrinking spell hit her in Fourth Year. Hermione was actually rather pretty, if only I wasn't attracted to guys. I grinned.
"Nope." She smiled back.
"Hello Hermione, Draco. Follow me." Dumbledore lead us out of the Great Hall and down a corridor, "how was your summer?"
"Wonderful," Hermione gushed, "I spent it with Harry and Ron at the Burrow. It was strange. Without a whole bunch of Weasleys walking around. It was just us three and Ginny. So much fun."
"I can imagine. How about you, Draco?" Dumbledore inquired, while we ascended a flight of stairs.
Now I could have lied. Told the same lie I'd told the Slytherins. But for some reason, Dumbledore's piercing gaze made me tell the truth, "honestly, I stayed in my room all summer and hid from Mother and Father." I neglected to add why. But Hermione was sure to ask.
"Why?"
"Have you got a mother? Mine is one of those 'Pick up your clothes Draco, stop feeding Sitty Draco, stay out of your father's way Draco, eat your dessert Draco, get better marks Draco, shut up Draco'. She never forgets my name." Hermione laughed.
"Who's Sitty?"
"My cat," I replied shortly, "died last year 'cause I fed him too much. I hate when mothers are right." She laughed again.
"You don't like eating you dessert?" she asked as we came up to a statue of a gargoyle.
"No. Because we always have the same horrible pineapple pie." Suddenly the gargoyle jumped out of the way to reveal two oak wooden doors. I gaped, "that's the passward? Pineapple pie?"
"It is indeed. Usually takes Harry at least ten guesses to get my password," Dumbledore said, grinning. I could feel myself getting excited at the mere mention of his name. I breathed deeply and smiled back hastily. He guided us into his office, "I'm glad to see that you two aren't tearing at each other's throats."
"We became civil toward each other last year," Hermione explained, sitting in a chair in front of the headmaster's desk, "we decided that if we were both on the same side, we might as well become friends. Right?" I nodded.
"When we finally became friends, Ron and Harry got a bit defensive. They're still rotten to me. Oh well," I said, although my stomach flip flopped when I said Harry's name.
"They'll come around, Draco, I'm sure of it. It might take Ron longer than Harry because of the rivalry between your families, but I'm sure he'll take your friendship some day." Inside, I was grinning like a madman.
"Well, here I was thinking I had to warn you two not to start arguments as an example for the younger students. Well, there isn't anything I have to talk to you about. Except remember that Voldemort is indeed out there. We need the older students to... make the younger ones feel safe. Even though I'm sure you're probably very scared, try and put on a brave face for your fellow classmates," Dumbledore said. Hermione and I nodded and left his office together.
"So.... was your father pressuring you to be a Death Eater all summer?" Hermione asked, once the door had slid shut behind us.
"Yes," I answered and Hermione nodded.
"It must be really horrible. Remember that we've got the best witches and wizards of all time on our side. We're going to win. I'm sure of it," she said. I nodded again. I didn't feel like talking about that.
"Enough of my summer. How are you and Ron doing?" I inquired.
"Horrible. He's really angry that I'm your friend. He said if I remained your friend he'd never kiss me again. He came up and kissed me an hour later. Harry's been really distant lately, too. But I'm not sure if that's the reason. So what about you? How are the Slytherins taking our unexpected friendship?"
"They think I'm going to betray you. They've got nothing to say, really. Even if they did, I wouldn't care."
"You've changed, you know that," Hermione said, "I like it."
"You haven't. I was just too blind to see what a nice person you are."
"That was sweet," Hermione grinned.
"I was trying," I replied, familiar smirk on my face. "So," I said, throwing all caution to the wind, "Harry. How is he exactly? Getting along all right?"
"I don't honstly know. He won't tell me anything. It's rather frustrating, really. So... anything in the love departmant?"
"No," I answered, a little too quickly.
"All right," Hermione replied, looking doubtful "Well, see you tomorrow. Want to meet at the lake around 4.00?"
"Sure." We split up and went to our separate houses.
In bed nights later, I thought of Harry. We'd had our first day of classes. The thing about Harry was that he never physically got very much older, but emotionally, he got older every single day. When Professor Snape asked Harry the first question of the year, Harry answered: "Why don't you just ask Hermione? You know she knows the answer." Snape had been shocked to say the least. He'd taken ten points from Gryffindor, but it didn't matter. Harry had still proven his point, for Snape hadn't asked him another question all class.
It took me another couple months to realise that I was in love. Truly, madly, deeply in love with Harry Potter. It usually takes people years to find someone they love. It took me six.
*
As the days wore on, Hermione and I got closer and closer. One day, in October I decided to tell her about my dilemma.
"What do you think of gays and lesbians?" I asked, shortly one day.
"That came out of nowhere. Why do you ask?" she was leaning against a tree, swirling a dendelion between her fingers.
"I don't know. Curious, I guess." I was eating a blade of grass.
"Well... I believe diversity is very important. So I think that if two men or women are truly in love, then there's no reason they should be treated differently than a man and woman in love." I inwardly sighed with relief. Then I knew I had to tell her.
"Hermione. I'm gay."
"I figured," she replied and grabbed my right hand with hers, "the question came out of nowhere. You've never had a girlfriend and you care way to much about your appearance. But there's nothing wrong with it, Draco."
"Well seeing as you're the smartest witch in the year, I won't worry that everyone in school has figued it out. You're just special I guess," I said, eating another blade of grass.
"That's right, I am. So... any guys you're crushing on?" she asked. I nodded. "Who!?" she demanded.
"Not telling."
"Yes you are, you're going to, or I'm going to tickle you with this dandelion!" she said. I'm very ticklish so I nodded and said I would, but she did it anyway. I grabbed her and we began to fight a bit. Just playful fighting, though. Finally, she bit my hand, drew blood and sat back up.
"Tell me now!" she said, opening her mouth to show me her teeth. I shuddered. It had really hurt, "it's not Ron, is it?" I shook my head, feeling a but guilty, remembering the dream I'd had over the summer.
"I like.... I think I love.... Harry," I said in a quiet voice.
"That is so cute!" Hermione shrieked and got to her feet. She ran around in a circle shouting, "DRACO MALFOY IS CUTE!"
"Is he now?" asked a furious voice behind me. I looked up from my spot on the ground, my head still resting against the grass to see Ron standing there, a very angry expression on his face. Hermione had stopped running.
"Oh hi Ron," Hermione said calmly, "Draco told me something cute and so I was saying that he was cute because of what he said. Not that he's actually physically cute, although he is." I grinned, sitting up.
"Hermione! He's Draco Malfoy. My sworn enemy."
"Oh please, Ron," Hermione said walking over to him and shaking him slightly, "this silly feud between you two has got to stop. Draco's willing to apologize, aren't you Draco?" I nodded, "and you're willing to accept, aren't you Ron? Because unlike you, I can actually live without kissing my boyfriend for an hour. Either you accept his friendship, or I won't be kissing you any time soon."
Ron turned around and walked right back to the school. I was sincerely shocked, and by the look on Hermione's face, so was she.
"Well that went well," I said after a moment.
"Better than I thought it would, actually," she said and we both cracked up laughing.
*
Ron went cold turkey for two whole weeks. He didn't kiss Hermione once in that duration of time.
But some important things happened on the anniverary of those two weeks. Hermione looked up thoughtfully.
"I'm worried about Harry," my ears perked up at the mention of his name, "Ron is his best friend, better than me. If there was something wrong he'd tell Ron, and Ron would tell me. But I've heard nothing."
"Perhaps because you said you wouldn't kiss Ron until he accepted my apology," I said, during double Potions one afternoon. We were working on Veritaserum. Hermione was my partner and we were talking in hushed tones, hoping no one would hear.
"Shut up, Draco. I'm doing this for you. It's really hard not kissing Ron when I'm attracted to him."
"Think how it is for me," I said quietly and Hermione didn't say anything for a good minute and a half.
"But you two aren't dating."
"No, we aren't," I echoed, sprinkling some lace wings into the murky red depths of the water.
"Sorry. That was thoughtless," Hermione admitted, "I just mean -"
"I know what you mean," I interrupted. She smiled sadly.
"Back to the matter at hand. You must watch him once in a awhile. Have you noticed anything about him?" Hermione asked.
"If this potion supposed to be orange?" I asked.
"Yes... a little lighter, add some more of that," she said pointing to a jar.
I took care in crushing the ingredients and tossing them into the cauldron. We were both silent for another five minutes, Hermione cutting up the shrivelfig and I mashing the cockroaches. "Of course I've noticed things."
Hermione's head snapped up to face me. "Like?" she asked, her knife missing the shrivelfig and slicing a spare cockroach right in half. I chuckled (which was insane, as I never chuckle) and tipped the bowl of crushed cockroaches into the potion.
"It's so annoying!" shouted an irritated voice across the dungeons. All eyes travelled to Ron and Harry. Harry looked around sheepishly while Ron blushed to the roots of his hair. Hermione smirked as Snape subtracted ten points from Gryffindor.
The two of us were quiet again. "When he's talking to Ron, he always looks guilty," I replied after a couple minutes.
"Really?" It was a rhetorical question. She muttered something that sounded like 'I knew it!' and looked back at me.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?" she asked.
"No," I replied truthfully. Hermione laughed.
"I'm guessing he's got something really big on his mind," Hermione whispered, "chances are, it may be so big, he's scared to share it with his best friend. But maybe his other best friend....." Hermione was lost in her thoughts until the end of class. It was really rather amazing that she could think about one thing and do something completely different at the same time.
*
I watched him. Okay, so I always watched him. This time, I was watching him from my spot on the grass. It was slightly damp (it had rained the night before) and uncomfortable, but I couldn't do anything about it. Hagrid was talking. About centaurs. I was watching Harry's face. It was screwed up in a wide smile. Watching it made me want to smile as well. I had become religiously obsessed with Harry. I felt my heart jump when he spoke.
"How's Firenze doing, Hagrid?" Harry asked, green eyes sparkling. I wasn't close enough to his face to actually see this, but after watching him for two months, I'd memorised his every laugh line... his every expression. Whenever I heard the tone of voice he was using, I knew exactly what he was doing with his eyes, hair, hands, mouth, nose, forehead. While some would find that extremely creepy and weird.... I'd just say it's something to pass the time. Only twice had he ever managed to catch me studying him.
The first time, he'd stared back for a good twenty seconds, then he'd given me an inquisitive look and turned back to his friends. The second time, only a week ago, he'd looked up from his cauldron and caught me staring at him. Then he'd given me a little smile.
I don't think I've ever been so pleased. I quickly turned away and a moment later, a wide grin had spread across my face. It was good he'd continued with his potion by that time.
"He's great... but yeh can ask him that yourself, if yeh like," Hagrid said and suddenly, a large centaur strolled right onto the Hogwarts grounds from behind the picket fence. It was the most amazing thing I'd ever seen. Unless you were using Harry as a comparison. Harry beat all the amazing things in the world. Harry was the defintion of amazing. I recognized the centaur. Harry had riden him in our first year during our detention in the Forbidden Forest "class, this is Firenze. Firenze, this is my seventh year Gryffindor/Slytherin class."
"Pleased to meet you, friends of Hagrid," the creature said and I saw a few Slytherins scoff. I almost smiled, but caught myself in time.
"Firenze here is going to be giving you all a ride. But only if yer worthy. Trushworthy, tha' is. If he doesn't trust you, you'll ride one next class. You simply put your hand on Firenze's back and if he says you can ride him, hop on." I was intrigued. "Harry, since yer familiar with him, why don't you go first?"
"Sure," Harry said in an excited voice, and I could feel him gertting to his feet quickly. I felt him approach Firenze and put his hand on the centaur's back.
"Get on Harry," the centaur said and Harry climbed on his back. They trotted off around the lake. Hermione walked over.
"Do you remember Firenze?" she asked.
"How could I forget. He was the one who rescued Harry in our first year." Hermione nodded eagerly.
"Bet you half these Slytherins won't be welcome on his back," Hermione said.
"Well no, I hardly think anyone would be welcome on Harry's back."
"You're sick Draco!" Hermione shouted, grabbing me around the neck, but she was laughing. She rubbed my head with her knuckles. I pushed her away.
"That is my hair!" I said indignantly and she laughed so hard she fell to the floor, giggling. I frowned at her until she stood up.
"I'm a Slytherin, I take offense to that," I said, thinking about what she'd said.
"He'll let you ride him, I'm sure of it."
"Boy do I ever hope so," I replied.
"Are we talking about Harry or Firenze?" Hermione asked, a huge smile on her face. I narrowed my eyes.
"Take your pick," I replied and we both laughed. Meanwhile, Firenze was returning with Harry. Harry climbed off and hugged the centaur before returning to Ron.
People began taking their turns with Firenze. When my turn finally came, I was so nervous, my hands were sweating and my breath was coming in short, painful gasps. I approached Firenze and held out my hand, placing it palm down on the shiny brown fur. I was expecting the centaur to flinch away from the touch but it actually relaxed against my hand. I smiled so wide I'm sure it shattered into a million pieces, and stroked his fur smoothly and rhythmically. It was enough for me, but a moment later Firenze said:
"Climb on, friend." I sighed with relief, settled my hands around his neck and pulled myself onto his back. It was the most exhilerating feeling ever. He began trotting away from the class, "Your name, friend?"
"Draco."
"That means dragon in latin, does it not?"
"Yes," I answered and could feel myself nodding.
"Is there anything you would like to talk about. I will not tell you your future but I'm a very good listener. I felt this inexplicable feeling of trust. I fel tlike I could tell Firenze everyting. I did just that.
"Well. I'm sort of in love."
"That is a very wonderful feeling, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes," I replied, "but the person I love is of the same gender."
"I see. Would I know this person?"
"It's Harry." I said it before I could lose me nerve. I was sure Firenze would launch me off his back into the lake, but he did not.
"Have you told him that you love him?" he asked. I sneered.
"Yes and get the biggest rejection of my life," I replied.
"Don't be so sure. You must be willing to take chances in life, Draco. Otherwise you'll never even get the oppurtunity to be rejected."
"I'd rather be out of love, than be out of love because the one I loved didn't love me back and told me so," I said, "I appreciate your kind words and I will think them over. But put yourself in my shoes. I'm Harry's rival, I'm a boy, I'm a Slytherin. I doubt any of those things appeal to him."
"Do you know that for sure?" he asked.
"No."
"I recommend knowing before speaking," Firenze said gently. I thought about that. Firenze was very smart. Now I really did wonder. Did I stand half a chance?
"Bring me back to the class. I have to see him again to decide if I love him enough to risk the pain of his rejection." Firenze nodded his head and broke off at a run toward the class. Just as I got off, the centaur called me back.
"Oh Draco!" he said and I turned to him.
"Sometimes you must risk the pain of rejection if the other option is so much better. You may very well get what you want. Don't be afraid to make the move." I looked at Firenze and smiled.
"Thank you, Firenze. I'll keep that in mind." Hagrid has just called Crabbe over and was attempting to get Firenze to calm down. I walked over to Hermione, Harry and Ron. It occured to me that I'd never actually apologized to Ron or Harry ot their faces. Hermione had always done it.
"Hi," I said in a quiet voice and all three of their heads turned to look at me, "let's do this properly." I held out my hand, "my name is Draco. I've heard you three can be good company." A glance at Hermione, who was grinning, a glance at Ron, who was considering me with an inqusitive look in his eye, and a glance down at the hand in mine.... that belonged to Harry! I almost completely freaked out at the smooth touch of his creamy white skin.
"Nice to meet you," he said, "my name is Harry. This is Ron and this is Hermione. We're good company if you like lots of adventure, plenty of petty arguments and good, loyal frienship. What do you say?" I settled my gaze on Harry's perfect face and after a moment, I smiled. Not a grin, or a smirk. A smile.
"I say, sounds like my kind of friends." It was miraculous what the returned smile did to my legs, which suddenly felt rather unstable. I pulled my hand out of Harry's and held it out in front of Ron. I was very scared he'd reject my friendship right there. If I wanted to have even a slight chance with Harry, I had to be on good terms with his best friend.
"Ron Weasley, is it? I've heard lost about you," out of the corner of my eye I saw Hermione give me a worried look, but I continued, "I like the bright red hair. Really stands out in a crowd. Hey, look. Would you accpet my apology please? I'm trying here."
Ron studied me for a moment and held out his hand. Then he grabbed mine and pulled me into one of those manly hugs. We slapped backs and he smiled.
"Sure mate! Nice to have you in the group." I grinned. I grined and grinned and grinned.
Um.... yeah. I would never demand reviews in exchange for a chapter but if I get more five or more reviews, the next chapter may get up *faster*. -Wink, wink. Nudge, nudge- As it stands, it's not yet written but it's on the way.
Right. So what did you think? Constuctive criticism welcome. I really don't want to get any reviews saying that Draco and Harry, Ron, Hermione would never be friends because Ron hates him, Harry hates him and Hermione's a muggle-born. You've just seen what happened and Harry and Ron's quick acceptance of Draco will be explained in the next chapter. It's my story, and in it, they're friends. So if Draco's OOC, it's because he's seventeen. He's not a little kid anymore. Remember to think before you flame me. Make it good or you'll get a nasty reply back. Ciao!
Tine! 8-)