Don't Mess With The Chosen One....

16

It was nearing June, and the Fifth Years had started taking their O.W.L. Exams. The library was filled with anxious Fifth and Seventh Years trying to cram as much last-minute studying in as possible.

So far, Harry felt he was doing alright. His Potions exam had gone a lot smoother without Snape breathing down his neck; He doubted he'd be continuing Divination next term; Care of Magical Creatures was fine. (Harry had been sure to give Hagrid a thumbs up after his examiner told him he'd done well.); And Harry was positive he'd earned himself an 'Outstanding' in Defense Against the Dark Arts after performing his Patronus for the eager wizard who was overseeing his testing.

The night before their History of Magic exam, Harry, Ron and Draco were enjoying some much needed peaceful relaxation in the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry and Ron were playing a game of wizard's chess, and Draco was watching, giving a few helpful pointers here and there.

Hermione approached them, and took a seat on the couch. "Harry? Ron? How- How are you feeling about your last exam?"

Harry shrugged, as he told one of his remaining pawns to take out Ron's knight.

Ron answered her, "I'm sure it won't be so bad. I can't wait to be done with these bloody exams!" Ron prodded his queen forward, and Harry found his king in check-mate.

"Oh." Hermione said, awkwardly.

They put the game away, and Draco stood up from his perch on the arm of Harry's chair.

When Hermione saw Harry start to head towards the portrait hole, she asked, "Where are you going, Harry?"

"I'm walking Draco back to his common room," Harry said.

Hermione looked like she was about to say something, but Harry ducked out of the portrait hole before she could.

Draco said, "You know you don't have to walk me back, Potter. I do know the way."

"Yes, but you don't have a map, and so you wouldn't be able to hide from Filch if he was coming towards you." Harry countered. "Besides, I want to."

Draco looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "Okay."

They made their way down to the dungeons, though Harry never once looked at the Map. (He couldn't have anyways, since he'd left it up in his dormitory.)

"Harry?" Draco asked, when they were going down the stairs to the Entrance Hall. "Do you like anyone here?"

"Sure I do." Harry said. "I like you. And Ron. And Ginny. And Neville. And-"

"No, I mean, do you have a crush on anyone?"

Harry slipped, and Draco caught him before he could fall down the last three steps.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, yeah." Harry regained his balance and waited until they were on the floor, before he answered. "No. I don't at the moment."

"Uh huh?" Draco drawled. "So you just tripped because....?"

"Because I tripped." Harry said firmly, and went down the stairs to their right.

But Draco was now curious. "Is it Cho?"
He'd remembered how Harry had liked her for a while.

"No."

"Is it Granger?"

Harry snorted. "No, definitely not. Hermione, if anything, would be like a sister."

And Draco continued to list all the girls in their Year, as well as the ones on the Quidditch teams, and randomly from other Houses.

Harry continued to respond 'no' to each name. When he did so, Draco listed certain traits the particular girl had that might make her attractive to Harry.