𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃| ✎

𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄|𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐘

HARRY FELT HIS heart stop. He groped into his pockets for his wand; ready to strike at whatever was behind him. There was certainly movement, and Harry physically tried thinking of anything else other than the obvious answer. A Crup maybe? A Kneazle? Turning around with anticipation, his breathing patterned almost into a rickety motion as he halted —

"Potter!"

The voice snarled. Blonde hair, silver striking eyes. The scent of vanilla as a rather conspicuous boy leaned against the doorway. Yes. It was undeniably, Draco Malfoy.

Shit shit shit!

Harry swallowed back the lump in his throat, shoving his wand down his robe pocket. Everything he tried to remember to say just went out his head. Fortunately, (and unfortunately) Malfoy spoke for him, quickly grabbing his own wand from the nightstand and pointing it at him.

"Potter you have five seconds to tell me what the hell you are doing in my room before I Stupefy you into an oblivion," he growled.

Harry felt his skin heat. "Watch what you say to me, Malfoy. I'm the reason you're back here. I testified for you and your mother and I had the gut to return you that wand." he glowered with a low voice.

Malfoy gave a bitter laugh, one that made Harry fume. "Oh, what? You expect me to get down on my knees and express my gratitude for your everlasting righteousness? Look, what you did for me and my mother is a debt I could never repay, but that doesn't mean you have the right to barge into my room for fucks sake!"

The Gryffindor grit his teeth. He hated to admit it, but Malfoy was right. He knew practically breaking into his dorm without permission was wrong, but he couldn't help it! He needed to talk to him. He had to do what he had to do. No regrets.

"Lower your wand, Malfoy."

"Not until you give me a good enough reason why you're here."

Harry inhaled. "I know about the bond. Our betrothal."

Malfoy's wand lowered instantly and his eyebrows creased. "Snape told you..."

"Of course he did!" Harry snapped. "If I hadn't come to him I would've found out sooner or later."

"So I assume you've come here to talk to me about it," Harry nodded. "well unfortunately, I don't want to talk to you — so in that case, you can leave." he gestured to the door.

"What? What do you mean? Snape told you about the consequences. We can't ignore it. We need to form a plan. I don't want to marry you."

Malfoy pouted. "You break my heart, scarhead, you really do," he said. "but clearly I don't plan on following through either."

"Right," feeling bold, Harry took a seat next to him on the bed. Draco raised his eyebrows at him.

"If I didn't know any better, Potter, I'd say you've come for a shag."

Harry turned a rosy red and slapped the Slytherin's arm, only to have Malfoy snicker. "NO! It's just — I shouldn't have to talk to you across the room."

"Are you sure it's not the temptation to be close to me? As I recall I'm pretty irresistible." he bickered.

"Shut up, will you, or we'll never get anything done!"

"Whatever, scarhead. So talk, what's this brilliant infiltrative plan you have in mind? Do tell." he quipped, kicking up his feet.

Harry looked away. He couldn't help feeling flustered. "Well, uh... I think we should start by being civil to each other. This petty rivalry has been meaningless and going on for far too long. It's exasperating. We aren't children anymore, Malfoy."