A Nightmare in Heaven

Chapter 9

Harry woke up the next day feeling more refreshed than ever and carefully got out of bed without waking Draco. He dressed in clothes the room provided, used the loo and made his way down to breakfast.

Or rather, he made his way down to lunch if the food selections were any indicator.

He ate and quickly made his way back to his dorm to grab his homework so he could spend his Sunday relaxing instead of panicking that his essays were due. He had just grabbed his bag and turned when he practically ran straight into Ron who promptly tried convincing him that he didn't need to be studying right then. They had better things to do.

"Ron, just stop. I've got to get my homework done. Besides, I thought you wanted nothing to do with me anymore."

"What, me? What gave you that idea?"

"Are you kidding me? You've been glaring at me from across rooms and trying to pick a fight since school started again! Don't give me that innocent act, it's not going to work. I don't want to deal with your insincere attitude, just leave me alone already!" Ron's face darkened and Harry took an involuntary step back.

"How dare you? After all the things I've done to watch your back? I've done so much for you and you're just going to piss all over that? What the fuck gives you the right to take my loyalty and not give any in return? Huh? Are you going to answer me, or not?" Harry shivered in fear, but desperately tried to stand his ground.

"No, Ron. I'm just done. I've got somewhere else to be, now move."

"Oh I don't think so. You're going to tell me exactly why you're cutting your ties with me when I've stuck my neck out for you and stood by you when you've been nothing but a jerk back. You're going to explain to me why you treat me like shite because you're not allowed to treat me like that anymore! This whole thing is your fault, let's not forget that! You're ungrateful and you can't see what's right in front of you. Just how is it that you've decided that I'm in the wrong when it's you that has to be a spoiled brat!"

Tears welled in Harry's eyes and he practically ran from the room. He bolted through the common room and just kept walking. He didn't stop until he realized he was at the top of the Astronomy tower. When he realized where he was, he sat down and thought about all that Ron had said.

He was fully prepared to beat himself up for being such a crappy friend when he thought about Draco. He must not be such a terrible friend if Draco had stuck around, right?

"Harry, I was worried when Hermione said you ran from the common room instead of meeting her in the library." Draco sat down next to him and Harry took a deep breath to calm himself down.

"Draco, am I a good friend?"

"Why would you even ask that? You're a bloody great friend!" Draco must have sensed Harry's disbelief because he continued after a moment. "Look, I don't have many friends. Acquaintances, yes. Friends? Not really. In the time I've gotten to know you, you've done nothing but exactly what friends are supposed to be for and more. I don't think you understand just how amazing of a person you are." Harry shrugged and looked towards the sky to watch large puffy white clouds drift along the grey expanse above them.

"Listen, you're more than just a friend to me Harry." Confusion broke Harry from his stupor.

"What do you mean I'm more than just a friend?" Draco blushed and Harry couldn't help but think about how attractive Draco was when he got embarrassed.

"I don't want it to affect our relationship. I'll tell you if you want, but you have to promise you won't let it bother you." Harry agreed readily. He always was too curious for his own good.