The Amourette | By : Manhattan Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 1461 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
Title: The Amourette
Author: silverXserpent
Rating: R
Disclaimer: All characters belong to JK. Rowling. No money is being from this story in any way.
[Chapter Four] Battle of the Minds
Harry lay tossing and turning in his sleep, not really dreaming of anything but he was in pain. It was impossible to tell whether it was physical or mental, but it was pain nonetheless. He felt uncomfortably hot as if his body was on fire and his unconscious self was crying out words that he couldnt quite hear.
His nails, digging sharply into the flesh of his palm, was what woke him from this terrifying state.
His eyes shot open and he gasped for breath desperately, trying to calm his racing heart and heaving lungs. It took him a while to finally be able to see his surroundings somewhat vaguely and it was then that he noticed that he was laying sprawled on the sofa and not in his bed.
He closed his eyes and rubbed his sweat glistening forehead with a trembling hand. His mind was too confused to think about anything, let alone remember why the hell he was in fact still in yesterdays clothing.
Everything was completely still around him. There were no annoying thumps coming from the residence below him. There was no sound of zooming cars in the street outside. There was no blinding morning sunlight streaking through the gap in the curtained windows. He slowly opened his eyes again and turned his head weakly toward the digital clock sitting atop the coffee table in front of the sofa.
The red flashing numbers read; 5:02 am.
He sighed and rolled over, deciding that it was too early to be awake. But p nep never claimed him again when his mind began rewinding at breakneck speed and suddenly, images of the previous night were zipping before his eyes. A horrified sinking feeling invaded his body and he felt as if he was frozen and stuck to the sofa. The pounding of his veins could have matched the speed of a shooting bullet and the silent noise was deafening in his ears.
What if the man in the other room heard the insane beating of his heart? What if he woke up and came charging into the room this very moment? It was even a surprise that Harry was still alive.
Thinking rationally was completely out of the question. He didnt even have his wand. In fact, his wand was hidden in the secret cabinet in his bedroom along with all his other magical trinkets, but the lock on the door could easily be broken by a wizard. The only danger up until now had been muggles and so he hadnt bothered to put a strong anti-opening spell on it.
He was completely oblivious to the fact that his lip was bleeding and swelling slowly in size from biting on it too hard.
How long he remained this way was unknown to Harry but the minute some of his senses returned to his paralysed being, he practically tumbled off of the sofa and onto the cold wooden floor in his hurry to reach his mobile which was lying exactly where hed dropped it the night before.
With trembling hands, he tried to punch in the correct numbers on the tiny key pad but the phone was shaking so much that he kept missing and jabbing at the wrong keys.
His throat let out a frustrated noise and he attempted again. On his fourth try, he finally got it right and frantically waited for the person on the other side to pick up.
One ring. Harry tried to inhale without choking.
Second ring. Harrys fingers tightened painfully ad thd the small phone.
Third ring. It seemed to take an eternity for the ring to end.
Please pick up! He thought as he sent frightened glances over his shoulder toward the closed bedroom door across the living room.
When he was about to give up, the line clicked and a sleepy and muffled voice answered.
Hello?
Hermione? he breathed, his voice quivering.
There was a pause and then loud shuffling.
Harry? Hermiones voice hissed. Harry? Whats wrong?
Hermione.... he said, speaking in a barely audible whisper. I- I...
Harry. Whats wrong?? her voice sounded urgent and very worried. Are you okay? Whats happened? Are you hurt?
N-no. he replied. He realised that he couldnt bring himself to tell her about last night, and the fact that their most wanted and searched for suspect was sleeping only paces away.
Then what is it? Whats wrong?
Oh god. he murmured, running his free hand through is hair. I d-dont know what to do... I-I cant....
HARRY? What in the name of Merlin is going on? Should I go over there? Harry please! Tell me!
Harry picked himself off of the floor jerkily and stumbled into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter to support his weight since his legs were about to give out at any second.
Hermione? Hes- hes..... Harry stuttered and gulped. Hes here.
Who is?
M-Malfoy.
Hermione gave a sharp gasp and there was silence.
H-hes there? she echoed faintly, obviously not knowing what to say. Harry? Did he hurt you? Are you-
No... hes not armed and hes not conscious... Harry said nervously. He just... appeared at my door last night and then he blacked out...
Harry slid down to the floor wearily and groaned.
Oh god Hermione... What am I supposed to do? Harry knew the answer to that question but he couldnt help but feel completely lost and helpless.
Harry...
I know I shouldve called Pat but I had to call you first.... he cut in. But I guess I should call him now-
Wait Harry- hermione said hastily. I-Im not saying that Pat shouldnt know about this but... maybe ... maybe it would be better to watch him for a while...
Harry frowned and gripped the phone even tighter. So tight that his knuckles were turning blue.
Wh-what do you mean?
Well, hes not armed, hes unconscious, and even if we arrested him now, wed have to use Veritaserum even though its illegal to use it unless we have proof to support our intentions... I just think it would be wiser to try and get information from him without all the complications...
Harry gave a disbelieving laugh.
Complications? Y-you cant be serious! I- I cant.... He cant stay here!
Harry listen. I just dont think we should jump to conclusions. It could be risky but I really cant bring myself to believe that hes guilty. Can you?
Harry ignored the question and tried to keep his voice lowered despite the anger that was mounting in his chest.
I cant Hermione. he said flatly. And you know that.
You dont know what Pat might do if you turn him over Harry. He might not even give Draco a fair trial. He has enough power to throw him straight into Azkaban!
Then let him do what he wants. He knows best and I bloody dont give a fuck what happens to Malfoy. he spat coldly. He deserves it.
Do you really mean that? Hermione asked softly. Do you really think that he killed all those muggles48;
He then proceeded to towel Dracos face and neck and pulled the duvet up once more.
Draco was now sleeping peacefully and the redness in his cheeks was starting to fade. His chest was rising up and down steadily and calmly; in complete contrast to the labored heaving from a few seconds before. Harry had done everything he could think of, yet for some reason, he continued to sit on the bed, gazing through the dimness at the object of what hed been pushing away from for the past eight years. It seemed unreal, and it scared him. He didnt know why he couldnt just give up this case right now and go on living as though this interruption in his life had never occurred. Itd be easy, and he wouldnt have to be tormented by his unwelcome past.
He smiled sadly to himself arushrushed a damp blonde lock out of Dracos face without thinking.
Where the hell did my life go wrong? He wondered.
Suddenly, the figure beneath him stirred.
H-Harry?
Harry stifled a gasp and jumped backwards, ungracefully crashing to the floor. He clamped his mouth shut and held his breath.
There was a soft rustle of sheets and a pause before Dracos head peered over the edge of the bed.
The two stared at each other for what seemed like eternity before a weak smirk spread over the blondes lips.
What are you doing down there?
Harry didnt hear a word of Dracos question. He just saw the silver pools flickering back at him.
He realised that his mouth was hanging open and blinked, before a blush began to creep uto hto his face. He dropped his gaze hastily and stood up.
Y-youre awake. he grunted lamely.
Draco nodded slowly.
I guess so.
Harry blushed even more and cursed at himself inwardly for his clumsiness. Without meeting Dracos eyes, he coughed and turned away slightly.
Er- do you... are you hungry? Or thirsty?
I could use some water. Draco replied. Harry saw out of the corner of his eye, Draco close his eyes tiredly and lower himself back onto the mattress.
Right. Ill bring a glass.
But when he returned with a glass of water five minutes later, Draco had fallen asleep again, with his head turned sideways and his disheveled hair splayed out over the pillow.
Harry set the glass on the bee tae table and glanced at him once more, before shutting the bedroom door quietly and retreating to the living room.
By then, the sun was already well up and the sounds of the morning that had been absent a few hours before, were back to their usual business. He yanked open the heavy curtains and let the bright light pour in, illuminating even the darkest and furthest corners of the scopic room. Seeing the rest of the world outside his flat going about normally and unaffected eased his tension a might, for in a sense, it told him that things werent insane after all. That the whole chain of unexpected events werent impossible like hed thought.
Certainly, seeing Draco Malfoy for the first time since the end of the War had an affect on Harry that he couldnt quite understand but he knew that they both had their own lives now. Draco had his work cut out for him and Harry had his own duties to fulfill, which was at this point in time, to do whatever he could for the Ministry as a top Auror.
He should be able to ignore his past without it interfering with his mind; he was a grown man now and had learned from his experiences that emotions really just got in the way of everything. Therefore, love was another one of those strict emotions that you had to trust and be entirely and completely sure of, before committing yourself to its powers.
This was one of the reasons that during his years as an Auror, Harry had restricted himself from too much of any kind of sentimental affection for another human being. Of course, it didnt mean that he never felt attracted to anyone. He just tried to keep himself at a good distance from the danger zones. Alex, his friend for a long time now, was openly takenh Hah Harry but he had accepted Harrys plea to become nothing more then close friends. Alex was one of those people that never pushed anything to get what he wanted, he was rarely angry or jealous. Just always smiling and an occasional tease. Harry was grateful to have met such a wonderful guy.
Whenever Harry felt sad or stressed, Alex would be there to comfort him whether on the phone, or if he wasnt at work, hed race over to Harrys like lightning and hug him and kiss him and tell him everything would be okay.
On the shelf that held his volumes of thick books, a framed photograph of them was propped up; a picture of the first time they had met at a club called Moonlight. They were both still considerably younger and more carefree looking, with their faces red from the heat and the alcohol. Alex had his arm around Harrys waist and Harry had his head against Alexs shoulder. It had been a memorable night. From then on,y hay had become good friends and would go to Moonlight on the weekends along with other friends.
Harry absentmindedly fingered the frame and sighed. If only he wasnt an Auror, he would have been more appreciative of Alexs sweet compassion. He wouldnt hesitate to let himself drown in the sea called love. But of course, that was only his irresponsible side. He had far more important things to do, like catch Death Eaters and stop innocent people from gettingderedered. He was depended on.
Hed often wondered what a life as anyone else would be like. as Has Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived, or He-Who-Defeated-The-Dark-Lord. Just a plain guy you could spot anywhere and not care to give him a second glance. Without the scar, without the past, without the fame. Just someone who could spend every day of their life prancing about with their friends with not a care in the world. Someone who didnt have to hide in order to stay alive. Someone who could love without having the fear of endangering their loved ones.
What would it have been like if he were a muggle? What if he hadnt been born a wizard? What if magic never existed? Would the world be any different?
He was honestly enjoying his life among muggles so much right now that he sometimes forgot that he had ever gone to a boarding school that taught magic, and that hidden in his bedroom, he owned a wand. Sometimes, he even wished to forget it. Especially when he was spending time with his friends. The whole concept of Wizardry seemed so unnecessary.
What the hell am I thinking? Harry thought to himself irritably. I should be thankful that I didnt end up having to spend my whole adolescence with the Dursleys. That would have been terrible.
He set down the photo and turnedund und to see Draco standing in the bedroom doorway, looking at him with an unreadable expression. It was a very familiar expression, but Harry had never liked it once in his past because it was impossible to decipher.
Harry kept his eyes at a point behind Draco and stuck his hands in his pockets.
You look depressed. Dracos voice whispered quietly.
Harry shrugged and tried to look as though he was simply tired.
I havent had a good sleep lately. Thats all.
Youve changed a bit.
Harry glanced up, and was startled to see that Draco was smiling. It was a sincere smile, and not a trace of his smirk, which was very unDraco-like. But perhaps the Slytherin had changed too.
Well its been a while hasnt it. was Harrys reply.
Yeah, it has.
They stood in silence the nexw miw minutes, Harry biting his lip and running his hand nervously and repetitively through his hair and Dracos intense eyes never leaving Harrys face. Harry couldnt help but feel as if the blonde was studying him, trying to memorize every new feature of his face, every sparkle in his eyes. Finally, he broke the tense lapse and motioned toward the kitchen.
Are you hungry now?
Draco nodded and watched as Harry pulled his hands out of his pockets and made his way into the kitchen wordlessly.
Sorry its not much, but Im not that much of a great cook. Harry said as he plopped down into a dining room chair not long after, along with two plates of eggs and toast.
Draco didnt answer and the silence continued throughout the meal. Only the clinking of their forks against their plates could be heard.
After both their plates were cleaned off, Draco looked pointedly at Harry, as though he wanted to say something, but he never did. Harry had to practice all his self control not to show the annoyance he felt, on his face.
There were a million things that he wanted to ask Draco but he knew that it would only manage to make things between them more awkward, hence putting his chances of gaining Dracos trust at a more difficult level. And he didnt feel that he wanted more of a challenge then what he currently had in his hands.
Suddenly, his mobile rang and Harry got up to answer it.
His mouth still chewing the last bite of toast, his voice was slightly muffled.
Hewo? he asked, gulping down orange juice.
Uh- Harry?
Harry blushed and swallowed hastily.
Hi Alex, sorry about that- I was just finishing up breakfast-
Breakfast? Isnt it sort of late fot that? More like lunch?
7;I 7;I woke up late! Harry protested.
Oh, I see. Lazy bum.
Shut up. Harry smiled into the phone. So how was work last night?
Not bad. Quite a lot of people. There were thirty orders of the special and the cook was really sweating it. Alex laughed. Andt worry, all the diners were there as a couple so I wasnt in danger or anything.R>
Good.
So you were okay yesterday aft lef left?
Harry furrowed his brows, trying to remember what had happened yesterday when Alex had been there. It seemed like such a long time ago.
Er- yeah. Yeah. I was fine. Im cool now.
Good. said Alex, copying Harrys defiant tone, making Harry laugh too. God though, Im so worn out from all the orders that I had to take. I definitely need tonight to release all that stress!
Tonight?
Duh! Moonlight? You said you were coming!
Oh, that! Yeah, of course..... of course Ill be there. Harry said quickly. Have I ever missed a chance to go?
Phew, cuz you got me scared there for a second Harry. Youre such a tease.
Me? A tease? Oh pu-leeeze.
Wher. er. Just dont forget the time okay Har? If you forget, I wont forgive you!
Right. Right. Well Ill see you then. Harry chuckled.
Yeah, Ill see you. Later luv.
Bye Alex.
Harry turned off the phone and went back to the dining table to find Draco looking at him again. He thought he could have imagined it but Dracos expression seemed to be a bit darker then before.
Before sitting down, he decided that he had better tell Draco about that night and so he forced himself to look into Dracos eyes without turning away.
That was a friend of mine... and we usually go out with a couple of other friends on Friday nights and weekends to a club or bar or something. You want to come with? Itll be fun.
Draco pursed his lips and looked to be considering the invitation thoughtfully before he shrugged and stood up with both his and Harrys plates.
Sure, I guess. Why not.&;
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