Nightmare | Drarry | English

Chapter 25

Immediately after the dinner at the Burrow, Draco intended to leave, but Mrs. Weasley insisted that he stay a bit longer. Coupled with Harry's sweet look, Draco found himself mingling with the mostly red-headed crowd in the living room. Various conversations were happening, but none of them mattered to him. His attention was entirely on Harry, listening to his words and never taking his eyes off him.

A chess tournament seemed to have started, or so Draco thought, as Ron was defeating everyone who came his way in mere minutes. Harry and Draco were sitting side by side on the couch, while Ron was seated on the floor in front of them. After George lost a match and got up, Ron grinned at Harry.

"Looks like it's your turn to lose," he said. "Come on, mate."

"You already know I'll lose," Harry said. "Can't we just skip me?"

"Don't think you can escape just because you're with your boyfriend."

"Merlin," Draco muttered in a complaining tone.

"If you want, I can play against you too, Malfoy, unless you're afraid of losing."

"I'd better get over here before you start arguing," Harry said, moving from the couch to the floor. Only a minute or so into the game, Draco couldn't stand it any longer and moved to sit on the floor behind Harry, resting against his back while watching the game over his shoulder.

"Move your rook," Draco whispered in Harry's ear. "Take his knight."

Harry stared at the chessboard for a while, then turned slightly towards Draco. "But if I do that-"

"Just do as I say, Potter."

"If you two stop whispering, you might actually play the game, mate."

Harry quickly turned back and made the move Draco suggested, surprising Ron into a brief silence. Then Ron made a carefully planned move.

"E-3, E-5," Draco whispered again. Ron noticed the hint but stayed silent, waiting for the move. After Harry moved the bishop as instructed, Ron sighed deeply.

"Nice move, Malfoy. But it's not enough."

"Hey," Harry protested. "I'm the one-"

"I've played with you enough times to know you wouldn't make that move, mate," Ron said, making a counter move.

"H-5, F-6," Draco said louder this time.

"B-4, C-3," Ron countered, taking Draco's pawn.

"B-1, C-3," Draco said, taking the pawn with a knight. Harry quietly got up and sat next to Hermione on the couch.

After a few more moves, Ron's face showed satisfaction. Draco forced him to sacrifice his queen, and Ron grinned. "Finally," he said happily. "A worthy opponent!"

Hermione leaned towards Harry. "Do you think they'll get along?" she asked, laughing softly.

"I doubt it," Harry said. "But I'll definitely never forget this moment."

Hermione smiled and rested her head on Harry's shoulder. "You're happy," she said softly.

"I am," Harry replied, his gaze fixed on Draco. "Though I still suspect this might all be a dream."

"Wow!" George, who was standing and watching the chessboard, grinned. "So, you like the smart types, Harry. Our Charlie is smart too, you know, don't be fooled by the dragons."

Draco's attention immediately shifted from the chessboard to George. "What nonsense are you spouting, Weasley?"

Harry was also puzzled. "What does Charlie have to do with this?"