The Domino Effect [DRARRY]

5.

No more words tonight. No more words, I'll forever keep the silence and you can keep your lies - Luba

"I don't know, 'Mione, I still think there's something Harry's not telling us," Ron said as he crossed his arms over his chest and pouted slightly. Hermione shook her head and smiled slightly at her sulky friend.

"Maybe there is, Ron, but Harry's a big boy, he can take care of himself - as I've said before - and if he is keeping something from us, then it's his business to do so. When he's ready to talk about it, he'll tell us," Hermione put her hand on Ron's arm and squeezed gently. "I know you're worried about him, but he said he was fine. You have to leave it at that."

"But he lied to us!" Ron all but yelled. "He said he was reading all day! Harry wouldn't spend the entire day reading, Herm, that'd be like me saying I spent the whole day revising, or that Neville spent the day making potions with Snape! It would never happen, not voluntarily."

"Oh, Ron," Hermione sighed. "Are you forgetting that school will be over in a matter of months? That Harry will have to leave the only real home he's ever had? How about the fact that there is a war looming ahead of us, or that Harry is going to be on the front lines?" Hermione stood with her hands on her hips now and Ron, looking rather sheepish, bowed his head and scuffed his toe on the floor.

"Sorry, 'Mione. I guess I wasn't thinking."

"I know, Ron, and sometimes, I forget too. But we have to remember that Harry has a lot on his mind right now, and we have to be supportive and allow him his space and privacy. Can you do that?"

Ron nodded and Hermione smiled at him. "Good. Now get your Herbology notes, and I'll quiz you for tomorrow's test."

~!~

Harry was silent on the walk through the dungeons, but once they reached the main hall, he felt that he had to tell Draco that he'd overheard his and Snape's conversation. He was worried about the other boy; if his housemates had it in for him, he wanted to help. To return the favour as the case may be.

"Er, Malfoy?" Harry looked up at the slightly larger boy through half-lidded eyes. "I heard what Snape said to you, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but I have finely attuned listening skills. It's something that Snape himself drilled into me, so really, he should have known better than to talk to you with me in the room..." Harry trailed off as Draco's eyes widened in alarm

"Potter? You're telling me that Snape has been training you?"

Harry got that 'oh shite' look on his face. It occurred to him - too late perhaps - that Draco could be in league with Voldemort, and have no idea of what Snape was doing - being a spy for the Order - and Harry had essentially just blown his cover. "Er, um... no?"

Draco scowled at Harry and narrowed his eyes in distrust. "I think we need to talk, Potter. Now."

Harry sighed and nodded his head. "Alright, Malfoy, but not here. Come on."

Harry turned and walked toward the front entrance, after a few seconds, Draco followed. "Where are we going?"

"Someplace where we can talk without being overheard," Harry replied. And where I can Obliviate you if necessary, he continued silently.

~!~

The tunnel beneath the Whomping Willow wasn't necessarily the best place for this kind of conversation, but the look on Draco's face when he'd seen where they were headed more than made up for the uncomfortable conditions. Just thinking about the panic-stricken look on the Slytherin's face made Harry smile.