Opine

Chapter 3 ⚡ Compunctious

Harry had a hard time wrapping his mind around the kiss. Draco had quite the idea about fun, and he knew the Slytherin had done it for something interesting. From mysteries to war, each year had some new mystery to solve and Draco had been key to many of those, he had played a massive part in Harry's history, and now, the platinum blonde had made sure to solidly insert himself into his last years as much as he had the first 6, if not more so.

The rumor had spread quickly, by the time Harry had escaped Gryffindor tower, his cheeks were ablaze with the whispering he heard. Some of the older students had very vivid imaginations and were not afraid to share their thoughts with one another, loudly. Lover, boyfriends, conspirators, war-torn love interests. There were many claiming they knew it would happen, they had seen the chemistry before the war. He ran a hand through his hair, fleeing down the stairs, bag hung over his shoulder, the Animagus book clutched in his hands.

McGonagall stopped him in the hall, stern eyes saying very little to his current predicament. His lips parted and she raised a hand "Your personal life is your personal life. I wanted to give you an update on your Animagus registrations. A week from now, there will be an official here from the ministry of magic. Continue to make your training sessions with me and we can officially get you registered in a week. You have been completing the form very well." Her warm smile reminded Harry of Ms.Weasley. Thought following that were less than welcomed thoughts about Ginny, either way, he grinned at his headmistress and nodded eagerly.

"I will be there. I will make sure to continue to show up for my training." He stepped around her, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Please be aware, Potter, that there is more to Malfoy than there seems to be." She wanted to tell him more, he could see it, but something stopped her. "I do not disapprove, but please be careful." she gave his shoulder a squeeze, before waltzing away, no doubt having something else to take care of before classes began that day.

Harry took off for breakfast, almost stumbling when he spotted Draco waiting for him at the Gryffindor table, looking extremely out of place. Harry walked over and sat down, his bag being left beside his feet on the floor. He grabbed a bagel, dropping it on his plate, setting the book down beside his arm for now.

"Morning Draco."

"We sit at my table tomorrow" he muttered sullenly, and Harry laughed.

"I will feel just as awkward, but this is all your fault after all." Harry shook his head and watched as Draco shot him the darkest glare he could.

"Any more thoughts on becoming an animagus?"

"Yeah, it's not something new, I began playing with the idea a few years ago, started training with McGonagall over the summer." Harry left out the newest bit of information, he was nervous enough as it was, but to tell Draco would just be added pressure to succeed.

"Did you take any downtime?" Draco was watching him, something close to concern in the Slytherins eyes.

"It was hard to. So no. I figured if I kept busy, then maybe the nightmares would go away." Harry sighed and began buttering the bagel "Can we talk more about this subject when we are alone?" he asked.

Draco nodded, teeth sinking into his lip. Harry almost laughed at the fool, but managed to bite it back. The whispers around them faded and their conversation turned to a lighter subject. Classes.

"What do you have today?" Draco asked.

Harry had to dig out his timetable, spreading it out on the wood between them, Draco did the same and they studied the eery similarities in their schedules.

There were two classes they did not take together. Harry had dropped defence against the dark arts, Draco had taken a double class. Harry had picked up Care of Magical Creatures again, though he did not have a double class, his time table had a dark square everyday at the same time, marked solely as A101.