Uncomfortable Truths - - (Drarry Fanfiction)

Chapter Thirty-Nine - Wedding Date

Harry wakes in Neville's bed. He had another horrible nightmare; but this one is new. He keeps replaying last night when Hermione screamed, watching her break down and not being able to help her. Watching Pansy, Pansy of all people sweep in and do what he couldn't. He still doesn't know who he hurt, or who was hurt. He knows they have to be the same person, but he also knows he didn't hurt anyone. He would know if he hurt someone enough that they needed a blood replenishing potion, he didn't leave his room after group; except to go to Malfoy's. He'll need to sketch this nightmare; he can't keep watching Hermione break down night after night. He needs to talk to her, to find out who he hurt. Yesterday was a mess. He needs to apologize to Greg; he was a total asshole to him and for no good reason. Maybe at breakfast.

Harry checks his watch, 4:30, if he wants to avoid the Slytherins, he'll need to leave for his run before 5:00. He knows that it's cowardly to just be gone when they come get him, but he needs a break. Individually, they're alright. Well except for Zabini who's a raging twat whenever he's awake. He doesn't dislike Zabini but when it's just him and the Slytherin's, Harry is usually the target of most of his comments and insults; and it's just too early in the morning to deal with him, not every day. Anyway, Ernie promised to start running with him.

Harry slides out of bed and starts dressing. He brought his running clothes with him last night since Neville shares his room with Ernie. It was the main reason he came here instead of sleeping with Seamus. Well, that, and Malfoy asked him not to. Harry never said he wouldn't but maybe not for a while. Not if he was serious about trying with Malfoy. He wonders if Malfoy ever realized that they still haven't defined what they're trying to be other than an us. It doesn't matter, actions always spoke louder to him anyway.

"Harry, bloody hell man, what time is it?" Neville asks; he watches Harry shake Ernie.

"A little after 4:30, I'm going running. You want to join us?"

"No, Harry." Ernie slaps at Harry's hand.

"You promised Macmillan." Harry shakes the Hufflepuff.

"I lied, Potter." Ernie rolls over.

"Come on Ernie, don't be a prat."

"I'll come." Neville scrambles out of bed, moving to change his clothes. He turns the light on causing Ernie to groan.

"I hate Gryffindors. I hate them." Ernie sits up, stretching.

"I'm very fond of Hufflepuff's." Harry laughs, "I'll meet you in the common room."

Harry and Ernie decided that the greenhouses would be their running area, leaving the quidditch pitch to the Slytherins. The area is just as large and flat but on the other side of the school. There would be little chance of running into the others out here.

"So, ah..." Harry starts half way through their jog, "I need your opinions on something." Neville surprisingly is keeping up just fine with Harry while Ernie is winded and holding his side.

"If it's about Malfoy." Neville pants.

"Oh my god, Potter." Ernie says in his Malfoy voice, "How dare you talk about my personal, no, our personal intrigues with these no-do-wells without my knowledge or consent, honestly Potter..." Ernie stops, holding his knees as he gasps.

"Shut it, Ernie." Harry laughs, "It's not about Malfoy. We talked last night, and, ah, anyway, it's not about that."

"Wait, you talked things out with him, and you still made me do this." Ernie wheezes, "So, we're spiting the Slytherins while you're on good terms with whatever he is to you?"

"It's not spite, it's, ah, self-preservation. Slytherins know all about self-preservation."

"Is that what you're going to tell him?" Neville smirks.