Alone Together (drarry)

chapter 3

Sitting in the Great Hall with his two friends, Harry ate his food silently and his best friends sensed that something might be bothering him.

"What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione asked reluctantly, making the Gryffindor look up at her. "Nothing," he muttered and averted his gaze back to his dinner. Ron and Hermione exchanged worries looks. "It's not nothing, mate. We know you for long enough to know when something's wrong," Ron joined in, pressuring Harry to answer.

However, Harry wasn't sure whether he should tell them about what he witnessed. He felt as though it wasn't right to expose Malfoy's secret just like that. Although they were enemies, he wasn't that cruel.

"I just..." he began, "I think Malfoy is up to no good. He's been too quiet lately, ever since he arrived actually."

"Not Malfoy again!" Ron raised his voice, irritated by the mention of the Slytherin's name. Hermione immediately shushed him.

"He's right, though. It's as if he's the only thing on your mind," Hermione agreed, making her boyfriend nod in satisfaction. "That's not true!" Potter objected.

Hermione's brow rose as she gave him a knowing look. "Well, maybe..." he continued, now unsure of himself. "Whatever!" he gave up and stood up, leaving after telling his friends he'll be staying in the Common room.

There he fell down onto his bed and closed his eyes, sighing. He couldn't stop imagining Malfoy crying in the boys bathroom. It didn't fit him at all. After all, he was the type to not care about other's feelings and he'd never show his weak side to anyone. And now he witnessed Draco in a vulnerable state and couldn't get the image out of his head. The sobs he heard broke him. What happened to make him feel this way?

The Gryffindor knew his enemy had gone through a lot, but it was still unbelievable. Malfoy always acted strong in front of others. But this was also a side of his. A hidden one.

As Harry rested, gazing up at the ceiling, he suddenly felt the urge to get some fresh air even though it was getting dark outside. Standing up, he fixed his clothes and trudged over to the door.

Wandering through the hallway, he watched as other students walked by, probably heading to their dorms. Once outside, he took a deep breath, enjoying the cool air, and decided to venture out further and explore the grounds of Hogwarts.

Just then he spotted a person sneaking through the bushes and down the meadow. Curiosity got the best of him so he quietly followed the stranger. Who is that and what are they hiding?

Harry stalked them till they arrived at the beginning of the Forbidden Forest. Luckily, the person hadn't noticed Harry's presence yet. The raven boy hid behind a tree as his eyes still followed them.

All of a sudden, the student took off his hood, giving Harry the chance to stare at his face. His eyes widened as he recognized him.

Malfoy. Once again.

The Gryffindor watched shocked as the blond sat down and leaned his back against a tree, even going as far as closing his eyes. This gave Harry the opportunity to study his face. It was dark, but Harry's eyes were somehow able to decipher his traits.

How could he sit there so openly? This vulnerable state could put him in danger! Why is he near the Dark Forest anyway?!

Harry's anger grew at the Slytherin's nonchalant behavior. Deciding he found out enough, which was basically nothing, he stealthy turned around, planning to return to the castle. Taking the first step, it was too late when he noticed the stick under his feet as he stomped on it.

The sound was loud and couldn't go unnoticed by Malfoy sitting a few meters away. Harry blamed himself and cursed under his breath at his own stupidity. He should've moved more skillfully.

"Who's there?!" the voice behind him shouted. The raven didn't dare move a single finger, hoping Malfoy would let it go like last time. However, he didn't this time and Harry panicked.

The steps neared themselves in his direction and he debated whether or not he should make a run for it, deciding against it. Breathing in and out one last time, he made his decision.

"Oh, Malfoy! What a surprise! What are you doing here?" Harry said, leaving his hiding spot. The Slytherin's face turned into one of confusion as he stared in bewilderment. "For how long have you been there, Potter?" he growled.

"What do you mean? I just arrived. I was taking a quick stroll when I met you."

"Stopping kidding me! You obviously followed me here, no?!" Draco's voice grew in volume, slightly panicking. He feared he'd have to answer questions he wasn't ready to face.

"You're overthinking!" Harry retorted. "But it is suspicious for you to be here, all alone." He paused, studying the blond's expression. "What are you planning, Malfoy?"

"Nothing," the Slytherin replied, avoiding eye contact. Silence took over and neither of the two boys knew what to say, the atmosphere now awkward. Harry was the first one to break it. "Well then... I'll be going," he breathed and turned around, making his way back towards the school. Draco didn't stop him and watched him disappear in the distance.

What he planned to be a break from people turned into an unexpected meeting with Potter. Sighing, he ran his hand through his blond hair that was usually well combed. He felt exhaustion make its way to him. Slowly but surely.

He was tired. Tired of pretending he was fine all day. Tired of acting like the jerk he was known to be. However, he didn't have the courage to talk to his friends about his feelings. What if they laughed at him? Told him he was weak for acting this way? For letting his feelings take over?

Draco knew his Slytherin friends weren't the type to do that, but still. He couldn't shake off the possibility of that happening. Ever since he was young he never had anyone he could truly depend on. Except for his mother. But she too was not always there. The friends he made along his journey weren't many. No, it was the exact opposite. His only good companions were Pansy and Blaise.

But now he was determined to change. The first step at becoming a better person was to apologize to Harry. Maybe even become friends. However, he couldn't muster the courage to tell him.

This unexpected meeting with Potter had been a great opportunity to talk to him about it. If only he hadn't been a coward and just apologized. But that was something he wasn't yet used to. Since a young age, he was taught to never show any signs of weakness. And apologizing was one of them.

He hoped to cross paths with Potter again and this time not let the chance slip away. Who knows, maybe it could be the last chance he got.

After a while of being deep in thought he too decided to get back inside.