The Domino Effect [DRARRY]

10.

I wish that I could fly. Into the sky. So very high - Lenny Kravitz

The rest of the day passed rather quickly. Between classes, Harry and Draco would exchange amused looks in the hallways, as Justin's actions at breakfast had the whole school whispering. Justin himself had been absent from lessons that day, most likely hiding out in his dorm.

After double Potions - which was the last class that day, Gryffindor had the pitch booked for Quidditch practise. Harry really didn't want to go, but short of telling Ron why, he didn't have any excuse.

He stood by the locker room door, his Firebolt propped against the outside wall. He had had to carry the thing down, but he didn't want to touch it any more than necessary. If it hadn't been a gift from Sirius, he'd have destroyed it already. It was a shame really, but the very idea of getting on his broom made him sick, he didn't know how he was going to manage practise today.

"Psst, Potter!" came a harsh whisper from the side of the building. Curious, Harry took two steps to the side - his hand automatically slipping inside his robes to find his wand - so he could see who it was.

"Draco? What are you doing here, if Ron catches you trying to spy on our practise he'll go to Hooch and you'll get detention, you know."

Draco rolled his eyes. "I'm not here to spy, you dolt. Here." Draco held out his broom. "I thought, well, since you paid for it and all, the least I can do is let you borrow it."

Harry blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"Well, don't think I'm going to let you have my broom when our teams play against each other, but for now, until you get comfortable... " Draco trailed off; this being nice thing wasn't easy, even if Harry was his... something substantial.

Thanks, Dray," Harry reached out and took the broom, then grudgingly retrieved his own and passed it to Draco. "Would you take this back to the castle?"

Draco accepted the other broom and then blurted out, "Will I see you tonight?"

Harry smiled. "Sure. Meet me after supper? In Myrtle's bathroom?"

Draco nodded, turned and walked away. Harry watched him go for a few minutes before turning around and heading for the pitch. He didn't notice a certain red-head standing back in the shadows.

~!~

At the sound of the knock, Albus Dumbledore flicked his wand to open the door. "Ah, yes. Do come in Severus, I have been expecting you."

Professor Snape rolled his eyes and came inside. It almost seemed as though the headmaster's efforts might have been better spent had he taken the job as Divination professor instead of Headmaster. The man always knew what was going to happen before it happened. "In that case, is there any point in my even being here, as I'm sure you know exactly why it is I've come?"

The old man's eyes twinkled merrily and he smiled before answering. "And deprive myself of your wonderful company? I think not, Severus. Please, have a seat and tell me why you are here."

Snape resigned himself to an evening of playing the fool and took a seat.

"Tea, Severus?" the older wizard asked as he conjured a service for two.

"Thank you, Albus. Tea would be lovely," Snape responded somewhat sarcastically. "I've come to speak with you about Draco Malfoy."

At this, the Headmaster looked up with more than slight interest. He had been aware for some time of Snape's growing concern for the young man. "Go on, Severus, what is it?"