Walking On Glass ∆ Drarry AU

eight ∆ behind closed doors

The next few days were absolutely torturous for Sir Harry. After having pie with Prince Draco, he just couldn't bring himself to speak with him. He was angry, and just didn't know how.

Mostly, he was disappointed -- not because he found himself stopping anything else from happening that afternoon, but because he was failing miserably at his instructed goal.

If he were anywhere close before, he was far from it now. From what little interaction he'd had with the prince, he could tell his presence was now more than unwanted -- even if he had kissed him.

Perhaps beginning an intimate relationship with Prince Draco would actually make everything easier. If he ever got the opportunity, the knight assumed he might as well take it. It's not like he had anything to loose.

Now, he was in his room, lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. A knock came upon the door. Groaning, he rolled onto his feet, and went to unlock it.

"Pansy? Why're you--"

"Good, you're not dead!" Huffing, she pushed her way into the room, dark hair swishing at her shoulders. She sat the dish she was carrying onto the nightstand. "I haven't seen you out and about in days, so I assumed you were probably quite hungry...and possibly also depressed, so I brought you these candied apple slices."

Sir Harry blinked, then stupidly asked, "Why candied apple slices?"

She smiled, and plopped herself down on the end of the bed. "They were the sweetest thing I could find. Now, come sit." she patted the space beside her. "We need to have a chat."

He walked over, and picked up the dish, before sitting down. "What about?"

"The border patrol. No one can get in or out of the forest on the Weasley side. I assume you know something about it?"

"No," he managed to get out between bites. "How would I?"

"I don't know! All I know is that I can't see certain people that I'd like to, and it's upsetting."

"Are you talking about the girl you left the prince for?" the knight asked, without thought.

Pansy gaped at him. "He told you?!"

"Yeah... What's her name?"

"Hermione," she answered. "Hermione Granger. She's the smartest women I've ever met."

Sir Harry's eyes went wide. "Holy... She's the one Ron's been courting!"

"Ron? As in Prince Ron?" She narrowed her eyes. "He's courting her?"

"Is there something I'm missing? Is that weird?"

"No, it's just... I didn't know I had that big of a competition," she said with a small laugh. "Still, she's lovely. I have to try."

Smiling, Sir Harry couldn't help but feel somewhat relieved. At least he could have a pleasant conversation with someone.

"So, what're you doing now? You just going to stay here forever, then?"

"No... I'm not sure, actually." He really wasn't -- about anything. "King Lucius said I should decide whether we need a peace treaty... But, it's not for me to decide; I'm just a knight, and a mediocre one at best."

"I'm sure you're not that bad. You survived the forest, didn't you?" Pansy pointed out.

"You survived the forest!"

"Yes, well-- I..." She crossed her arms, and looked away.

The knight sat up straight with intrigue. "You what?"

Huffing, she stood. "It's not important..." She brushed her hair behind her ear. "I need you to come with me."

"Where?" asked Sir Harry, as he stood.

Pansy smiled. "To see Astoria, of course."

Sir Harry followed her out into the hallway. "Why?"

"Draco won't speak with me; she's my only option at this point."

They turned a corner.

"Why do you need to speak with the prince?"

"Well, you were my second option."

"What would he know about the border patrol?" Sir Harry tried again.

"He goes into the forest, like, every other day," she said, then added, "Do you even pay attention?"

He thought he had been, but maybe not as much as he needed to. "Of course I do. I just don't want people to think I'm spying...or something."

Glancing back, Pansy narrowed her eyes at him. "No one is going to think that."

Except the prince himself, the knight thought, staring at the ground as he walked.

The two made their way out of the castle, and into a courtyard. Astoria was lounging on a chair. The afternoon sun had come out from behind the clouds, and was shining on her skin. She frowned once she noticed Sir Harry and Pansy approaching.

"Hey!" said Pansy, as she made her way over.

Astoria sighed. "What do you want?"

"To talk...about, uh, the forest?"

Astoria rolled her eyes, and "This is about the border patrol, isn't it? And your stupid new love!"

"She's not stupid! I-I'm sorry... I don't know why it matters so much to you." Pansy said, as she took a seat in a chair across from her.

"It matters because you hurt Draco! You know he has trust issues, and yet you go off and do this? He even stopped talking to Blaise. He...he said he wants us to be married as soon as possible!" She breathed in deeply. "I can't-- no, I don't want to marry him now."

"When did he say that?" questioned Sir Harry. He sure hoped it had been after he'd kissed him. Really, he just didn't want to be involved in the prince's relationship drama. Or any relationship drama, for that matter.

"Last night," she answered, and Sir Harry let out a relieved sigh.

Eyes wide, Pansy leaned forward. "What do you mean you don't want to marry him now?"

"He's been doing things... Things the king says will make him better." Astoria shook her head. "Haven't you noticed he's becoming worse?"

"No, I haven't..."

"Plus, I don't think he's even attracted to me!" she added, her voice wavering.

"That can't be true," Pansy objected. "You two have kissed and he's said he loves you."

"It's not that simple." Astoria's voice was no louder than a whisper at this point. "When we would all get together, did you ever notice how he'd always try to be closer with Blaise than us two?"

Pansy bit her lip. "Are you saying he only fancies men?"

"I've suspected for awhile now..."

They all sat in silence. Sir Harry didn't know what to think. He contemplated revealing what had happened just a few nights ago, but decided against it. If it got back to Prince Draco that he'd gone off and told someone, there's no telling how he'd react.

"So," began Astoria, interrupting the quiet. "You came to speak with me about the border patrol?"

"Yeah. Know anything?" Pansy looked more than intrigued.

Letting out a small laugh, Astoria crossed her legs. "Other than rumors of werewolves attacking on this upcoming full moon -- no, nothing."

"Damn..."

The ground shook beneath them.

"What--"

Sir Harry looked around, but it wasn't until he looked up that he saw it.

A huge red dragon.

The exact one he had seen in his dream.

The crimson dragon who had defeated Sir Cedric.