As the Ice Thaws

First week

It was the first week back at Hogwarts and Draco had just had the realization that he was gay. A little too late in my opinion.

Draco had had strange thoughts about boys, but he figured that was a part of adolescence and growing up.

He was 16 now so he knew it wasn't just a faze. He had begun to see boys in a whole different way. The boy he had been noticing the most was a certain emerald eyed, raven haired, Quidditch champion.

Why do I like him? He's a git! A beautiful, talented git....get a grip! He's way out of your league. He's not even gay.

Harry was not having a good start to his year. Umbridge was giving him a very hard time. But since Draco's father was such a big person in the Ministry, he couldn't do anything that might embarrass him or make him upset. So he sat back in class and watched that pink toad who called herself a human give him detention.

Draco had to watch as Harry struggled with the scars on his hand. Draco decided that he would help. He knew that Harry wouldn't accept his help if he offered, so he didn't bother asking.

He stayed holed up in the library researching pain relievers and scar removers.

"What are you doing Draco? You've been spending all of your time in here, barely coming up for air." Pansy said as she sat down next to Draco.

"It's nothing Pansy. Aha! I've found it!" "Found What?" Pansy asked as she leaned over Draco's shoulder, trying to make out the title of the book in his hand.

"I'll be right back." Draco said as he rose to his feet.

"What are you talking about?" Pansy asked suspiciously.

"Just stay here. I'll be back in just a moment." Draco dashed out of the Library, hurried down the stairs, and skidded to a halt in the Entrance Hall.

Granger and the Weasel were leaving the Great Hall and Harry didn't seem to be with them. Draco walked forward into the Hall and walked into Hermione on purpose.

"Malfoy! What's wrong with you?" She demanded.

"Get out of my way Granger." Draco snapped at her.

"Don't even bother Hermione." Ron said, glaring at Draco. While Hermione was distracted, he slipped the book into her bag, the page telling how to take away scar pain marked with a colored tab.

When Draco walked away, he heard Weasley and Granger muttering under their breaths. Draco ran back to the library where he found a very irritated Pansy waiting.

"Where have you been?What were you doing?Why won't you tell me what's going on?" Draco shrugged as he sat down in a chair.

"I had to get a book to someone. They asked for it and I had forgotten until now. There's nothing going on Pansy." Pansy glared at him suspiciously.

"And why don't I believe you? "I don't know. That sounds like your problem." Draco gave a large, fake yawn.

"Whew. I'm beat. Goodnight Pansy." "You better tell me what's going on!" Pansy shouted as he walked away, earning her a disapproving gaze from Madam Pince.

"I did. You should get some sleep Pansy. You seem very stressed." Pansy scoffed then narrowed her eyes.

"You're acting weird." Draco smiled at her. "Goodnight Pansy." She grumbled a goodnight in return and Draco smirked as he left the library.

A couple of days later, Draco saw that Harry's hand wasn't bleeding anymore. Finally, the Mudblood something right. At least she made the bowl correctly.

Harry didn't know that Draco had gotten him the help. How would he? He also didn't know that Draco knew how bad his hand was.