Harry Potter and the Unbeknownst Truth

Chapter Three - Potions Class

Hermione left the next day and the rest of summer break flew by. Before anyone knew it, kids were boarding the Hogwarts express and saying goodbye to their families. Harry had been hesitant to cross the barrier onto the platform, but with Ron standing by his side, as well as Molly's support, he'd managed. For once, he didn't have people staring at him from when he walked on. Maybe it was because he didn't look like himself. He grinned as he made his way onto the train, him and Ron heaving their trunks up. They were making their way to look for Hermione when they were brought to a stop.

"Hey Weasel, who's your new friend?" A snarky voice asked.

Harry and Ron both turned around to see Malfoy standing there, Crabbe and Goyle on either side of him, a smirk on his face.

"What's it to you?" Ron replied, crossing his arms.

"Already replacing Potter as your bestie?" Malfoy taunted, "Maybe then he'll realize how pathetic you are. Surprised he couldn't already see it, it's blatantly obvious when you compare yourself to someone of importance, like me."

Harry took a step towards Malfoy, and kept walking until they were face to face, their noses only inches apart. Harry flicked a strand of hair away from where it'd been falling over his scar. The blonde's eyes widened.

"Recognize me now, Malfoy?" Harry asked, tilting his head to the side, "Or can you not even realize when the person you must spend hours thinking about how to insult is standing right in front of you?"

Malfoy took a step back in what appeared to be shock, "P-Potter?!"

"So nervous you can't even say my name without stuttering?" Harry asked, "I'm touched."

"What happened to you?" Malfoy demanded.

"Don't like the new look? Too bad," His voice dropped to a whisper so that only Malfoy could hear him, "I was hoping to impress you." Malfoy's mouth hung open slightly as he struggled to find words, little specks of light pink now at the corners of his cheeks. Harry smirked and turned around, a hand raised in goodbye, "See you around, Malfoy."

Ron followed Harry away from the blonde and into the crowd of people.

"That was brilliant!" Ron told Harry in a hushed voice so that those around them couldn't hear, "Weird, but brilliant!"

Harry blinked, his hand immediately flying up to his mouth. He groaned and ran a hand down his face.

"I can't believe I actually said that stuff-"

A look of confusion spread across Ron's face, "What do you mean?"

"It happened again." Harry told him, "The Incubus thing, did you not hear me?"

Ron shook his head, "What did you say?"

"I was hoping to impress you." Harry said through gritted teeth.

Ron grinned, failing to conceal a small fit of laughter. Harry shoved him for it.

"I think that has to be the best one so far." Ron told him, "Hitting on Malfoy- Merlin, that's brilliant."

"It's embarrassing." Harry said, "I mean- Sure, it made him shut up, but- I don't want him to think I fancy him or something."

Ron started laughing again, "No wonder he looked so shocked! He's probably terrified."

"With my luck he'll go around telling everyone what I said." Harry muttered.

"That's why this is brilliant!" Ron declared, "He's too much of a coward to do anything, much less approach us again. Why didn't I think of that?"