Uncomfortable Truths

Chapter Twenty-Four - Small Events

"Potter." Someone whispers.

Harry is being poked in his shoulder. It feels like he just went to bed. He hates sleeping in the dungeons, you can never tell the time of day. There's never any sunshine or night sky out any window. Just the lake, which he will admit is very cool; but it invades his nightmares from time to time. Drowning is now a frequent theme.

"Potter, you git, wake up."

The poking is getting harder and more frequent. Harry turns over, away from that side of the bed and the unwarranted assault on his sleep.

"Potter! Wake up."

"Piss off." Harry mumbles into his pillow. His pillow that still smells strongly of Malfoy...

"Wake up you poncey bastard." Malfoy pinches Harry in the shoulder that he's been poking.

"What the fuck, Malfoy?" Harry rolls over to look at his watch on the night stand, no use, where's his glasses?

"Get dressed Potter. You're coming with me."

"What time is it?"

"Nearly 4:00."

"No, no way, there's no reason to get up."

"Get the fuck up Potter, I'm not asking."

Harry sighs, "Fine, it better be important." Malfoy is throwing clothes at Harry, hitting him in the head. They're his muggle athletic clothes, he dodges his trainers that Malfoy tosses.

"Come on, get dressed."

"Are you going to leave?"

"No. I don't trust you not to go back to bed. I'll wait here."

"Accio glasses." Harry flicks his wand and his glasses come from atop his desk. He climbs out of bed and uses his bathroom to change and brush his teeth. He's not going to bother with his hair, he'll just throw his beanie on. If he can wear muggle clothes, he can wear his beanie.

Malfoy is leaning on the door listening to Seamus snore as Harry leaves the bathroom. He watches him dig through his closet for a knitted hat.

"Ready Potter?"

"No, it's too early."

"Come on, quit complaining."

Harry follows Malfoy out of the dungeons.

"Where are we going? It's really early."

"You're coming jogging with me."

Harry stops, "You're kidding right? This is a joke?"

"Listen Potter. I have to brew potions for the next two weeks before breakfast. That means I cannot join my friends jogging. Since this is your fault, you have to go instead."

"How is this my fault?" Harry continues walking with Malfoy out of the school. It's still dark out.

"It's your girlfriend who's the nutter. If I have to brew an antidote for her lust potion, then the least you can do is jog with me in the mornings."

"Ex... she's my ex-girlfriend."

"Don't be a tosser, Potter."

"I won't be able to keep up with you."

"You will. I'll try and pace myself."

"Ron's her brother. Why not make him do this?"

"Really, Potter, you think I want Weasley here? Honestly, I can barely stand the amount of time I'm required to be around that prat. I'm not going to be alone with him if I can help it."