Second Mission | By : KitBaiu Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 6739 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1 |
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. |
This chapter has been betaed by QuixoticContradiction and PrettyPinkDepression, in which I am eternally thankful. ^.^
A/N: Consider this a Half-Blood Prince AT AU. Some of the events of the book will be referenced, but still AT on the technicality that I just couldn't quite get the months to sync. :/ Also, I completely ignored the Ron/Lavender issue. :)
"Lumos." Wand aloft and the Marauder's Map clenched in the other hand, Harry scanned attentively for the dots labeled Draco Malfoy. He combed through every room, every hall, taking second glances when he thought he saw him, but realized his eyes were only playing tricks.
Harry was aware of how late it was and the likelihood of Malfoy being out at these times were slim. But, he was too busy earlier today or otherwise harassed by Ron and Hermione to search for him.
"Harry, this isn't healthy!" Hermione had told him earlier that day, "Constantly looking for somebody, Malfoy no less. . . It's almost like you're stalking--"
"I'm not stalking him!" Harry defensively retorted, "I mean, he's up to something. And if Death Eaters are involved, then the sooner I find out, the sooner I can sort it."
"Oh, so now Hermione and I don't get to help?" Ron indignantly asked, "We're your best friends and were always there to help with other problems involving You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters. The Department of Mysteries for one, and you'd never have gotten to the Philosopher's Stone if not for us! Not to mention--"
"Shut up! Stop rambling, Ron! I only meant--"
Ron had tutted, "Yeah, I'm not the stalker. Stalking a guy. If I didn't know better I'd say you--"
"Ron!" Hermione had cut him off.
"I'd keep that comment to yourself if I were you." Harry angrily muttered through his teeth.
Ron immediately obliged, realizing he'd almost gone too far. Harry decided to leave his map scans until he had a moment alone.
Ever since his return from the Christmas Holidays, Harry had been frantically checking the Marauder's Map like this every night. When he overheard Malfoy's conversation with Snape, he was sure he'd been right the whole time.
Hermione and Ron seemed to think that Harry was possibly right when he first told them about what he had overheard. Though, with Harry constantly searching out Malfoy on the map, they seemed to lose their enthusiasm.
Harry's frustration grew as he sat alone on his four poster scanning the map. He could see the Slytherin common room, but it was so crammed he couldn't possibly tell if Malfoy was among the mass. Aware that almost all in Gryffindor tower were asleep, it would make sense for Malfoy to be as well. If he could just make him out in the common room to confirm he was there; then, Harry could go to sleep.
It took nearly an hour to search the entire map of Hogwarts, plus another hour as Harry watched the entrance to the Slytherin common room (in which nobody left nor entered the area). Heaving a sigh, Harry reluctantly gave in and went to sleep.
With a busy schedule, Harry hardly had time during the day to check the map. Even if he did spot him in between classes, by the time he got there, Malfoy would be gone. It was a never-ending wild goose chase, but acknowledging that wasn't an option.
The only time Harry managed to catch glimpses of him was during breakfast, lunch, dinner or during class. It was odd. Malfoy was normally so loud, throwing jeers and insults at others' expense. The other Slytherins would roar with laughter, praising Malfoy like a king. Recently, the blond was much more withdrawn, occasionally throwing angry whispers at Crabbe and Goyle. He didn't even seem to eat enough to sustain himself.
Endless books stacked in front of him with handfuls of parchment, Harry couldn't have been more resentful about the upsurge of homework. Of course, now would be a good time to check the Marauder's Map if not for the closeness of Ron and Hermione.
It was a stroke of luck that Ron demanded help with his own homework. Hermione and Ron's heads were blocked from view by a large tattered sheet of parchment. Harry knew they'd be too distracted to give him a hard time about checking the map.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." he whispered.
Harry's heart raced as he immediately spotted Draco Malfoy on the map. Sinking just as quickly as it started, he saw Malfoy's name sitting by his lonesome in the Slytherin Common Room. Even so, Harry didn't immediately put the map away in the hope that Malfoy would leave.
"I don't care if it sounds cool, Ron. It's not a real word!" Harry could hear the annoyance and frustration in Hermione's voice.
With his eyes not leaving the dot labeled Draco Malfoy, Harry knew this was pointless, and that he should be working on his own homework. But, the gut feeling seemed to have the hope that the Slytherin would leave. Several minutes passed by, and the name on the map remained still.
"Okay, just correct that paragraph and add this conclusion. You'll get top marks, I promise." This informed Harry that Ron and Hermione were no longer distracted.
Harry's wand tapped the map, but Malfoy suddenly seemed to move. Green eyes widened in shock, an eager expression written all over his face, it was just what he was hoping for. The little black dot appeared to be pacing momentarily, then moved to where Harry could only assume was the Slytherin dormitories.
"Mischief managed." Harry sighed, folding the map and placing it in the pocket of his robes. Packing the books and parchment back into his bag, his impatience wiped any motivation of taking care of his homework.
"Surely, you're not done already?" Hermione asked, taking note to Harry walking toward the dormitories.
He shook his head. Hermione and Ron didn't really do anything wrong, but the idea of hanging around them right now didn't seem like it would lift his mood.
"Hiya, Harry!" Neville was already in their dormitory.
"Hey Neville." Harry unenthusiastically replied.
Flopping back on his four poster, Harry stared, not paying attention to Neville, who was going on about plants, Luna Lovegood and his grandmother. It was too early to go to bed, but too late to escape the clutches of Gryffindor tower. He knew he shouldn't just go wandering, but this knowledge never seemed to stop him. Plus, his invisibility cloak was already pocketed.
"Er, that's nice Neville. But, I just remembered. . . I have to go see Ron." Harry made haste before Neville could piece together the bad lie.
The cloak was thrown over himself while descending so that no one would see him. He certainly didn't want Ron or Hermione to try and stop him from leaving, or worse, try to come with him. After slipping past the Fat Lady, Harry broke off into a quiet run. He knew his best friends would know what happened if the portrait door swung open so randomly.
Harry had wandered a good distance from Gryffindor tower. He wasn't really sure what to do from here, but didn't want to go back to the common room. It wasn't until he saw the statue of Boris the Bewildered that he realized he was just outside the Prefects' bathroom. Playing with bubbles or just relaxing sounded very pleasant at the moment.
"Spic 'n span." he whispered, entering the great marble room.
Harry amused himself while the bath filled with the random colored and sized bubbles. It took some time to fill; then, the raven-haired boy stripped down and slid in on a spot that was shallow enough for him to sit comfortably.
The water was warm and very relaxing. Harry rest the back of his head along the edge and closed his eyes. Quidditch, Homework, Girls, Malfoy, Voldemort. . . The every day stresses seemed to magically lift away. He wouldn't worry about it now; he could continue tomorrow.
"Who's there?" came a drawling voice.
Harry's eyes opened wide immediately, and he turned on the spot. He hadn't even heard someone come in the bathroom.
Draco Malfoy's loathing gaze met with Harry's. The blond was draped in plush green bathrobes. Harry realized he must have not been going to bed, but rather planning on coming down here, just as he was.
"What are you doing here, Potter? You're not a Prefect!"
Harry's hand was under his own robes, which were right next to the tub, clenching tightly onto his wand. He left it hidden as he didn't want to provoke a duel, but was on his guard nonetheless.
"I'm Quidditch Team Captain, Malfoy. Captains get to use the Prefects' bathroom, too!" Harry quickly informed him, "But, what about you? Ron and Hermione said you gave up your Prefect post. You shouldn't be here."
Malfoy gave his normal elitist laugh, "I'm still a Prefect, Potter. I just haven't been following my Prefect duties. That doesn't mean I'm going to pass up on luxuries such as this." He hung his arms out wide, as if displaying the impressive bathroom.
Harry rolled his eyes. This shouldn't have been surprising. It would be typical of Malfoy not to take care of his responsibilities, yet still indulge in the benefits. His hand stayed clenched, however. Harry felt pretty sure Malfoy was going to want the entire bathroom to himself.
Draco Malfoy, contrary to Harry's assumption, did not seem to care. He walked to an edge opposite Harry and began undoing his own robes. Harry was astonished.
"Do you want to see me naked, Potter?"
"What!? No!"
"Then stop watching me undress!"
Harry's eyes immediately darted from Malfoy to the portrait of the mermaid, sleeping silently on her rock. He muttered sorry under his breath. As rude as Malfoy's comment may have been, Harry had to admit, it had a certain validation.
Eyes closed, head against the edge, Harry tried to relax himself the way he was before he was interrupted. Although, even with Malfoy a good distance away, his presence created a horrible distraction. It was highly unlikely that the Slytherin was planning any plots while sitting in the giant bathtub. Although, it did occur that with him undressed, Harry might be able to sneak a glance at his forearm.
An eye peeked. Malfoy appeared to be upset. Only the top of his blond head could be made out with his forehead resting on his palms. The back of his forearms faced Harry, so even if Malfoy had a Dark Mark, he wouldn't be able to see it.
The only way to maneuver around to see it would make Malfoy take notice. In which case, he'd be sure to hide it.
Harry couldn't help but feel awkward and uncomfortable at this point. He'd never imagine Malfoy to express any distress right in front of him. He must have been counting on Harry to remain silent with his eye's shut. The Gryffindor felt now would be a good time to leave.
Turning slowly and standing as silently as possible, he kept a vigilant eye on the blond. He didn't want Malfoy to notice in case he'd suddenly look up and see him naked. Carefully pulling himself out of the bath, he couldn't help but notice a sniffle. Was Malfoy crying?
Feeling overcome with a sense of empathy, Harry couldn't help but remain where he was. Sure, Malfoy was rude and his family appeared to mostly consist of Death Eaters, but he never seemed the emotional type. The raven-haired boy could only imagine that something really terrible had happened if he was to the point of crying. Especially, knowing that Harry was in the same room.
Just leave. Whatever it is, it doesn't matter. He probably deserves it! Just leave! Harry kept endlessly trying to nag himself, but couldn't bring himself to do it. He cursed himself under his breath. Then slowly, Harry drifted across the tub over to Malfoy.
"Er- Is something the matter?" Harry tried to sound caring, but a tone of awkwardness was quite apparent.
"Get out of here, Potter!" Malfoy immediately lifted his head and pulled his arms underwater. The mass of foamy bubbles hid his body below his chest and collarbone.
"You were crying, Malfoy." Harry's voice remained calm.
"I was not! You must really want to see me naked! Go back to the other side or leave!"
Harry noticed Malfoy's grey eyes weren't swollen. There didn't appear to be tear streaks down his cheeks, either. Perhaps, he hadn't been crying, but he still appeared very perturbed.
Harry didn't stray from his calm demeanor. He certainly didn't expect Malfoy to start pouring his heart out to him. But, with patience, he thought he might be able to get some answers.
"Is it Voldemort?" Harry asked, Malfoy flinched at the sound of his name, "Did he get your mum?"
"No. Go away."
"Your father?"
"My father is in Azkaban, Potter! Surely, you remember, as it's your fault!"
"Yes," Harry almost seemed amused, "You reminded me on the Hogwarts Express, remember, at the beginning of the year? Be as stubborn as you will, something is bothering you."
"Oh, like I'd tell you, anyway. Quit acting like you're my best friend. You don't understand real fear!"
Harry rolled his eyes at the last comment. As tempted as he was to remind him of the power hungry noseless bastard that had him marked as of fifteen years ago, he decided to refrain. Instead, he focused his attention toward the middle statement, "Don't worry, I don't think we're friends. You've spent the last five and a half years making sure I know. Actually, just five. You haven't seemed to be going out of your way to harass my friends and I this year, have you, Malfoy? Why is that?"
"There are more important things in the world than ruining your life, Potter. Right now, I don't have the time." Malfoy's volume seemed to turn down, but the anger in his voice remained.
"Is that so? It didn't seem that way the previous years, Malfoy. You really went out of your way to harass us."
"Did it ever occur to you that I was trying to get your attention?"
Harry lifted a curious eyebrow, but remained silent.
"I- Wh- Y- No- . . . You took that the wrong way, Potter!" Malfoy seemed desperate to make up for his slip, "I can't relax with you here. I'm leaving!"
Malfoy quickly turned around and pulled himself out of the bath. A line of black against his forearm caught Harry's eye. But, he was robed before the Gryffindor could make out any detail.
"God, Potter, you must be gay! You didn't even turn away when I got out!"
"You wish, Malfoy!" Harry retorted, turning back so he could grab his own robes.
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