Just Some... Help

Chapter 22

The day of the date Harry was shaking with jitters.

“it’s only Pansy and Draco you guys” a bewildered Ron said to Harry and Hermione, who was nearly as jumpy as Harry. Both of them just looked at him with an eyebrow raised.

“Okay okay!” He said, raising his arms at their looks. “I get it you’re both in love” Hermione shrieked and made to whap him on the head.

“See ya Harry I’ve got to go” Ron laughed before running down the stairs to go to lunch.

“I am NOT Ron I don’t even- I’m just worried about what they might do.”
“Sure” was the answer as Ron dropped out of the portrait hole.

“You like Draco?” Harry asked, confused at where this had come from.

“No” Hermione replied vehemently, cringing at the hurt look on Harry’s face. “It’s not- I’m not in love with anyone- I don’t even like her I just. It’s Pansy. She’s very pretty. And smart”

“Oh” said Harry, baffled at this new information. Since when had Hermione liked girls? How did he not know any of this? Seeing Hermione looking at him worriedly, Harry grinned.
“So, Slytherins huh?” he said and laughed at the pink on Hermione’s face as she tried to elbow his ribs.

“Let’s go down for lunch.” She smiled, relieved at Harry’s acceptance.

…

Harry watched the door materialise in front of him before stepping through. As Ron and Hermione entered after him, he blinked to adjust his eyes to the bright afternoon sun shining through the large windows that lined the walls. Draco was sitting across from Pansy at the wooden table and stood up as he saw Harry come in, a smile spreading across his face. The pair rushed to each other, meeting in the middle of the room as the sun illuminated them. Draco looped his arms around Harry’s waist, encircling the shorter boy as Harry circled his arms around Draco’s shoulders, pulling the taller boy closer as he tilted his head and captured his lips with his own.

“Hey love” Draco murmured against Harry’s lips.

“Hi Dray” Harry smiled back. At Ron’s cough they pulled back, Draco’s cheeks tinged pink as he turned to face Ron and Hermione.

“Hi… Draco.” Ron said hesitantly.

“Ron, Hermione” Draco nodded at them, cheeks still pink. As Pansy stood to come over to them, Harry looked over at Hermione, checking if she was okay. Her breathing quick, she set her shoulders back.

“Hi Draco, Pansy.” She said in a high voice. Pansy smiled, her expression guarded but curious.

“Hermione.” She said, drawing out the vowels. “Ron.” She continued, her eyes never leaving Hermione’s face as it turned pink and she looked down. Harry grinned at Hermione before taking Draco’s hand and pulling him to the table.

“It’s a coffee date today.” Draco said, smiling at Harry’s happy expression.
“I love coffee dates” he said, leaning forward to place a light kiss on the pale boy’s nose. Pink reappearing on Draco’s cheeks, Harry leaned over him to search for the bag he knew was on the floor containing the coffee.
“Hey” Draco protested, a silly smile on his face as Harry reappeared from under the table. Reaching out, Draco combed his fingers through Harry’s hair, messing it up more.

“Hey, you. Stop that, you’re messing up my hair” Harry said, a frown creasing his forehead as he pouted, holding on to the thermos of coffee.

“Yes. I know.” Draco grinned, his mouth quirking up teasingly. Harry reached up to grab the offending hand, linking their fingers together and turning to pour the coffee triumphantly for everyone without letting go.

Passing the coffee around, Harry laughed at Ron’s slightly alarmed face and Pansy and Hermione deep in conversation as they sat awfully close.

“So, Draco.” Ron began in a serious tone. “You’ve changed?”

“Yes.” Draco replied, his body tense. Harry shot Ron a warning glance.

“I trust him with my life.” He said fiercely, gripping Draco’s hand tightly. Ron nodded, accepting this and the new Draco in a single moment.

Changing the subject to something lighter, Harry mentioned the recent quidditch game between the Chudley Cannons and the Appleby Arrows. Draco turned out to be an avid supporter of the Chudley Cannons and talked with Ron about almost every single match they had played in the history of quidditch, Pansy and Hermione joining the conversation after some time. Harry smiled, happy and surrounded by the joyful chatter of his friends.

…

As they left, Ron turned to a smiling Draco. “But remember, Malfoy, if you break his heart, I will break e v e r y   o n e of your bones.” He growled in an undertone as they left, careful not to let Harry hear. Draco only nodded, terrified of this unseen side. “Nice to meet you though Draco.” He smiled.