Confidential Lover

Chapter 9

The next morning, Harry was the last to wake up. It was about 11 am and the sun was pouring into the room through the curtains that he forgot to close last night. He felt odd, not quite sick but almost if he was in a depressed state. He really wanted to go back to sleep and pretend he never woke up.

"Oh, Harry, great you're up!" Hermione said, swinging the bedroom door open.

Obviously, he wasn't going back to sleep anytime soon.

"Mrs. Weasley had made breakfast for everyone. Yours might be a bit cold..." she said.

Harry sat up and slid his glasses on. "It's fine, I'm not really hungry anyway."

Hermione dragged a chair from the corner of the room next to the bed and sat down. She studied Harry's face and tilted her head. "Has something happened?"

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, but he knew what she meant. Harry rarely ever slept this late and yet he was still exhausted.

"I just...you look like you've seen better days is all. Did you sleep alright?"

Harry wanted to say yes, he slept perfectly and it was from the travelling that he felt sick. But even he was smart enough to know that Hermione wouldn't let that slide. "Well," Harry started. "I didn't get to sleep until 3 this morning. I was up thinking."

"Don't tell me you've got Malfoy on your mind." Ron said, walking into the room and sitting on the floor next to Hermione, who rolled her eyes at him and directed her attention back to Harry.

"No. Well, yes. I mean not really Malfoy, I was just thinking about IRS." he explained.

Hermione sighed. "Like I said, Harry, there's no avoiding it. Maybe it won't be too bad."

Ron squawked. "Not too bad? Hermione have you not realized that he has to do it with Malfoy!?"

"She's right, Ron. I'll have to deal with it. There's nothing more to think about." Harry said. He then abruptly got out of bed as Ron stood up. He followed Ron to the door and just as he walked out, Hermione grabbed his arm.

"We'll meet you downstairs, Ron." she said and yanked him back into the room. "Harry, why do I get the feeling you're not telling us something?"

Great. Harry knew he wouldn't be able to get away with not telling her. What was he supposed to say? That he's been dreaming about Malfoy being in the room with him? "Hermione, honestly I'd rather not talk about it."

With that, Harry walked around her and met Ron in the kitchen.

***

It was three days later now, and Christmas day had finally arrived. Harry was excitedly seated in the sitting area with the Weasleys and Hermione, waiting to open gifts. Molly had made them promise to not start opening until she had a picture of all of them together.

They all opened their gifts, one person at a time, going in the order of how they were sitting. It started with Molly and Arthur, then it went to the twins, Ron, Hermione, Ginny...it was finally Harry's turn.

Feeling quite awkward with everyone watching him, Harry picked up the first box. It was from Molly and Arthur; it was yet another dark red jumper with the letter H on the front. Hermione gave him a book entitled A Guide to Getting it Up. As soon as he read the title, Harry choked a bit and looked directly to Hermione, who had a smirk barely lingering on her lips. 

"What's that about, Hermione?" Molly asked, intrigued.

Hermione answered back smoothly, "I thought it would help Harry in one of his classes. He's starting to ignore his work and I was hoping the book would help him do it." She looked right into Harry's eyes as she said that last bit.He knew exactly what she was talking about. Harry felt his face heat up and he prayed that it wouldn't be too noticeable, although Ron did start snickering next to Hermione.

"Wow, thanks, Hermione. But I do think I'm really starting to assert my dominance, if you know what I mean." Harry replied, and at that Ron just straight up laughed, he didn't even try to hold it back.

Molly smiled. "Oh, how wonderful! I always knew you were a dedicated student!"

Harry just smiled at her, as did Hermione and Ron. He quickly grabbed the last of his gifts, which was a very small box, like one that a ring would come in. He then thanked Merlin that Molly didn't ask any further questions and he didn't have to drown in awkwardness. He untied the thin, silver ribbon that tied the box closed and opened it up. 

"Well what is it, Harry?" Ginny asked him, trying to get a good look at it. Harry shot her a confused glance.

"What do you mean? I thought this was from you?" Harry asked. When Ginny shook her head, he looked around at everyone else, who seemed just as curious as Ginny. Harry cleared his throat and looked down into the open box.

The gold rim glittered magnificently as the small, round object lied in the center of the cushion. He ran his finger over the top, letting his skin take in every groove. Was it real? It couldn't be...but it was so detailed and clean...it had to be real. But then who would've...

"Harry, what is it?" Ron pressed.

"Um," Harry started, a bit confused. "it's a galleon."

Hermione laughed, but it was very obviously forced. "Who would give you that? I mean, you have so much already..."

Harry looked at her, took in everyone else's expression in the room (which matched his of uncertainty) and looked back to his two best friends.

"Yeah, that's what I'd like to know." he said.

A/N: Hey guys, I'm finally updating again! I know it's been a while, I guess I kinda lost my flare...but it's back!

I know this chapter is very short (especially because I usually write a lot in each chapter) but I'm thinking about making the chapters shorter and adding more of them. Also, I know this chapter isn't really good and it's just a filler, but it ties into the rest of the story line and I have good ideas for the next one! If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Also like and comment on this story, it would mean a lot to me, and for more updates and drarry posts, follow my instagram @drarry_palfoy. Thanks for reading!

-Danielle