Cunning Yet Kind [Draco/Harry]

Chapter Nine

Two weeks passed and Malfoy hadn't talked to Harry. He hadn't even looked in the direction of the Slytherin table. Harry had told the school he lied to affect Malfoy's reputation and the blond hadn't even thanked him. Though he had taken the damn pendant, agreed to Harry's - stupid, he thought, stupid indeed - 'peace offering', Malfoy didn't acknowledge Harry's existence. Had it been a month ago, Harry wouldn't have noticed. But it wasn't. It was present time and it bothered him more than anything else. He was afraid as to why. And wasn't that funny; Harry Potter, Slytherin, afraid. It was the weekend and Harry was being pestered by Ron to help sort out a plan to ask Hermione to the party.

Walking down the halls of the school, heading towards the courtyard to soak in the last of the remotely warm weather before November, Ron was sputtering what sounded like nonsense to Harry.

"Why don't you just walk up to her and ask?" Said Harry, frustrated with his friend.

"That's- I can't!" Ron exclaimed.

"Can't," Harry said, turning his head to look at Ron. "Or you're scared?"

"I am not scared! Besides, I'm not the one who screwed up with his date!"

"Watch it, Weasley." Harry grumbled. "I don't know what his problem is."

"Speak of the Prince!" Ron laughed, gesturing towards the fountain in the middle of the courtyard where Malfoy was sat with Granger. Harry glanced at Ron before he adjusted his posture and made a B-line right to Malfoy. "Wait, Harry!" Ron said, following behind him.

"Malfoy." Harry said, watching as Malfoy looked up at him with a curious expression.

"Potter?"

"May I ask why you've been avoiding me?" Harry said, leaning towards Malfoy.

"I haven't been avoiding you, Potter. There's just been no reason to interact."

Harry was now close enough for his lips to brush Malfoy's ear, relishing at the intake of breath.

"How about another date?" He whispered, but Granger heard him.

She gasped. "No! Oh, no!" She exclaimed. "You won't."

Malfoy looked over at Granger, giving her a look of sympathy before looking back at Harry, jumping slightly when his face was right there.

"Why should I?"

"Why shouldn't you?"

"Because you can't!" Granger exclaimed. "Draco," She said, grabbing at the sleeve of his black jacket. "Listen to me, he's just messing with you."

"Hermione." Ron muttered.

"What?" She asked, staring at him.

"Maybe Harry actually likes Malfoy."

"Ron." Harry said, turning to look at the redhead.

"Oh, so are we going to deny that maybe - just maybe - the reason you keep asking Malfoy out is because you've grown to like him?"

"Shut up," Harry hissed. "No."

"Oh?" Malfoy said, standing. Harry couldn't stand the smirk on the blond's pointed face when he had turned around. "You like me, do you?"

"Sod off, Malfoy. Forget I said anything." Harry grumbled. As he went to walk away, Malfoy's hand shot out and his fingers wrapped around Harry's wrist, pulling him back.

"I never said I wouldn't go out on another date, Potter."

"So," Harry said, staring at Malfoy bewildered. "Yes, then?"