When the Snow Melts

Innocence Lost

Draco was not there.

In a flash of panic, he launched himself out of the window, getting his broom between his legs just seconds before he hit the ground.

"Nox," he whispered, realizing his wand was still lit. He pocketed it quickly, his heart thundering wildly in his chest as he tore across the grounds, running at breakneck speed towards the Gryffindor Tower.

"Strawberry Sherbet," he growled, impatiently waiting for the Fat Lady to open the portrait hole. As soon as there was space enough, he squeezed through the opening and made a mad dash for the dorms, almost knocking down a startled second-year on his way up the stairs.

His breathing became erratic when he couldn't find the map in its usual hiding space. Darkness was beginning to engulf his vision. He closed his eyes against the sudden dizzy feeling, forcing himself to take slow deep breaths so that he wouldn't pass out. He needed to calm himself, to think. He quieted the alarm bells that were ringing in his brain, pulling rationality into himself with each shuddering breath.

Ron probably had the map, but a quick glance towards his bed was enough to confirm that Ron was not there. It was at that moment that he realized there were three sets of large, worried eyes studying him. He spun around to meet Seamus' gaze.

"Where's Ron?" he questioned, his voice sounding pleading and desperate in his ears.

"Probably with Hermione in the Astronomy Tower or something," he replied, staring back at Harry in shock.

Without sparing another glance back, he took off in that direction. He found the two in a compromising position but was too frantic to spare a thought for what he might be interrupting.

"Ha-Ha-Harrry," Hermione sputtered in surprise, quickly tugging at her skirts to cover herself, her face bright red in embarrassment.

Ron jumped back in alarm, spinning away so that he could pull his pants up without Harry seeing anything.

"Where's the map?" Harry demanded, holding out his hand in a forceful manner.

Ron was taken aback by the suddenness of it all. He stared at Harry, eyes wide as he took in the boy's disheveled and sweaty appearance.

"What do you need the map for?" he questioned in a slightly mistrustful tone of voice.

"Draco's in trouble," Harry growled in frustration, shoving his hand forcefully in Ron's direction. "I need the map. I have to find out where they've taken him."

Comprehension dawning on his face, Ron quickly reached into his robes and handed it to Harry.

They huddled around him, eyes scanning the page in conjunction with his. With a sharp intake of breath, he located Draco's name, realizing at once that he was in the abandoned classroom – their abandoned classroom – and he was not alone.

He shoved the map into his robes, flying down the steps of the astronomy tower at a reckless rate of speed. He was vaguely aware that Ron and Hermione were hot on his heels, charging after him in an equally reckless manner.

Almost at the classroom now, he pulled up short, peaking around the corner to confirm that Crabbe and Goyle were still standing guard. After having seen the map, he knew that he would find Nott and Parkinson inside.

Without having to say a thing, Ron and Hermione had both pulled out their wands, determined expressions on their faces as they exchanged some sort of signal. Like a beautifully choreographed dance, they both stepped around the corner, stunning the two boys before they even had a chance to recognize they were under attack.

Harry gave an appreciative whistle, smiling at the scene in front of him as he strode to the door. Loud as a thunderclap, he slammed the door open, disarming Parkinson in an instant before stalking towards the larger boy.

His vision went red as he caught sight of Nott, his pants pulled down around his ankles. Nott had Draco pinned against the wall, furious tears rolling down his pale face. Harry had never wanted to hurt someone so bad in his life. He cast the first spell that came to his mind.

"CRUCIO!"

The force of his anger behind that spell slammed into Nott's body. With a violent spasm and a tortured shriek, he fell to the floor, his continued screaming echoing around the room as his body was wrenched and twisted about.

"HARRY, STOP IT!" Hermione shrieked, tugging desperately at his arm to get him to break the spell.

He didn't want to stop though, he wanted to pour every ounce of hate that he could into it, he wanted Nott to suffer for what he had done.

"EXPELLIARMUS!" Ron shouted, causing Harry's wand to fly out of his hand, effectively ending the curse.

With a dark and threatening look, he rounded on his best friend, eyes blazing with fury. Hermione jumped in between them. The sight of the fresh bruises still on her face startled him back to his senses. He took a hesitant step back, eyes darting between the two of them.

"Stop this," Hermione commanded. "Malfoy needs you."

With a shocked expression, he turned to acknowledge his true purpose in being there.

Draco was slumped against the wall, his body sagging against the weight of what had happened. With cautious steps, he approached the boy.

"Draco," he whispered hesitantly.

Furious cold eyes snapped up to meet his, sending a chill down Harry's spine.

"Don't you fucking touch me," he hissed.

"Draco," Harry implored, his voice cracking slightly.

"I said don't touch me," he snarled, standing up to straighten out his clothing with shaking hands.

Draco brushed passed Harry like a cold winter breeze, throwing off every attempt to stop him from leaving.

Harry didn't know what to do, so he did the first thing that came to his mind. He clobbered Parkinson in the face with so much force that she lost her footing and went crashing to the floor. Something in his eyes must have terrified her then because she glanced up at him, her whole body trembling as she rambled out an explanation.

"It was all his idea," she cried, pointing at the body of the larger boy a few feet away. "I was just going along with it because he threatened me."

"I was so afraid," she wailed, crocodile tears spilling down her cheeks as she glanced around to see what effect she was having. No one was buying it.

"Let's get these four to Professor Dumbledore," Hermione suggested, giving Parkinson a cold and dispassionate look.

"I'll get...," Ron paused, casting a worried glance in Harry's direction. "How about you go after Malfoy. Hermione and I can wrap things up in here."

Ron's suggestion made a lot of sense. He took off after his friend without a second thought.

Endnote: I'm sorry. I said I wouldn't, but the muses, they are so mean. I'm crying here. I can't believe I had to write that. I swear, the muses take it in turns with those poor boys. Won't they ever be allowed to be just happy? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. ::runs off crying::