Lions Vs Snakes

Chapter Nine

Harry woke up the next day in Draco's bed. The sheets next to him were swept over a small body. blonde hair visible over of the covers. Draco stirred in his sleep so his face was now facing Harry's. He stared at Draco for a while. Draco was always so stressed these days. There were always dark circles under his eyes and wrinkles on his forehead. He was only nineteen but the stress made him look in his twenties. Now as his face was resting he looked rejuvenated. He also looked vulnerable. Draco would hide his feelings in the snickers and callous remarks but deep down he was a scared vulnerable boy. It made Harry sad to think about an abused and broken Draco. 

Maybe we're not as different as everyone thinks. I'll help you Draco. You're not alone. I'm here for you. I love you. Harry thought to Draco as if he could hear.

Draco's body stirred once more. Then his eyes fluttered open. "Good Morning"

"Good morning." Harry sat up. He flung the green and white covers off himself. He was still wearing the muggle t-shirt and muggle jeans from the previous day. He suddenly realized it was Christmas eve. He sprang up from the bed and grabbed his robes up from the floor.

"Blimey! I completely forgot it was Christmas eve! I've got loads of shopping still to do!" Harry hurriedly threw on his robes. They were inside out but Harry hadn't noticed.

Draco who was wearing his black trousers and an unbuttoned white dress shirt slowly crept out of bed.

"Oh calm down Harry. It's hardly even..." He glanced at his watch. "Twelve o'clock!"

"I love you but I have shopping to do." Harry hastily kissed Draco's lips and ran out of the dormitory.

"Your robes are-" but Harry was already gone. He wouldn't hear if Draco shouted at him. It didn't matter anyway.

Draco sighed. Suddenly the domestic moment with Harry was gone and the ghost of their kiss lingered on Draco's lips. He hated when he was left alone. He hated being in silence. He knew it was stupid, but he was scared he would always be alone. 

He dressed into a new outfit. He stood in front of the vanity mirror in the washroom. He stared for a little while at his worn face. These past nineteen years had been tough. Draco could only hope this upcoming year would go better. 

~~~~~Harry~~~~~

Harry ran to the headmistress' office. He knew Mcgonagall would be perfectly fine if Harry went to Hogsmeade or even Diagon Alley with out asking but asking permission just seemed right.

"Alohomora" Harry spoke the password and the stair case leading to the headmistress' office was revealed.

Harry scurried up the flight of stairs and knocked on the door at the top.

"You may enter." Mcgonagall's soft but stern voice answered the knock at her door.

When Harry entered he was surprised to see a distressed Professor Snape and Mcgonagall looking like she was holding back the urge to punch him.

"Harry dear what do you want?" Mcgonagall asked glad to have a distraction.

"I was just wondering if I can go to Hogsmeade?" Harry looked down at his feet. He didn't like the glare Snape was giving him.

"May. If you may go to Hogsmead." Snape corrected Harry flatly.

"Right. May go to Hogsmead." Harry asked again.

"Now Harry." Mcgonagall started. "You know you needn't ask."

Harry knew Mcgonagall would say that. "Yes I know. I just...I'm used to asking I guess."

"Very well Harry. Hurry up. We all going to have a special Christmas Eve dinner for everyone still at the castle. Don't be late." Mcgonagall said, turning her attention back to Snape.

With that Harry walked out of the office. He walked out of the castle and passed gates.