I Hate That I Love You (Harco/Drarry)

Chapter 21

Harry was a total train wreck the next day. He didn’t pay attention in lessons, he didn’t eat anything, and he was distracted from everything around him. His mind was always on Malfoy.

“Harry?”

“What?” Harry jumped when Hermione addressed him.

“Are you listening?”

“Oh, uh—no…sorry,” Harry muttered.

“Are you alright, mate?” Ron asked, turning to Harry.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Harry said. “I’m going to go to the bathroom.”

Hermione and Ron exchanged looks as Harry ran off in the opposite direction. They both knew something was wrong with Harry.

Harry ran into the bathroom and to his surprise found Malfoy sitting on the floor. His back was to Harry and it sounded like he had been crying.

“Malfoy?” Harry said, taking a step closer to him.

Malfoy jumped and spun around. He saw Harry, took out his wand and then got to his feet.

“What do you want, Potter?”

“Why are you starving yourself?” Harry asked without hesitation and took out his own wand.

Malfoy didn’t say anything to Harry. He just stood, rooted to the spot staring at Harry, his mouth trembling.

“Answer me, Malfoy!”

“That’s none of your business!” Malfoy suddenly shouted. “Stop bothering me, Potter!” He turned his back on Harry.

Harry stared at him for a few moments. Then he said, his voice trembling, “I’m not trying to bother you. I care about you.”

Malfoy froze. “Since when?”

Harry was shocked by this question but he answered it anyway. “I cared about.you right up until you decided to become a death eater again.”

Malfoy clenched his fists and turned to face Harry. His face was streaked with tears. “Do you think I want this, Potter, because I don’t! I have no choice!”

“You have a choice! You don’t need to join up with your parents! Who, by the way, are trying to kill me!”

“I didn’t have any choice!”

“You were given a choice two years ago! Dumbledore told you that he could protect you! That he could protect your whole family! You were given a choice then and you are given a choice now!”

Malfoy was silent. He pushed past Harry and left the bathroom. Harry ran after him.

Harry caught up with Malfoy and grabbed his arm but Malfoy pushed him away and Harry hit the ground.

“Don’t touch me, Potter!”

Malfoy had his wand pointed at Harry’s chest. Harry didn’t know what to do. He stared at Malfoy who looked terrified but determined.

To Malfoy’s surprise a tear rolled down Harry's face and he lowered his wand. He shoved it in his pocket and walked off.

“J—just leave me alone, Potter…”