The Things No One Notices (A HP Fic)

Chapter seven

Under the cover of a few hospital blankets, pillows, two metal bed frames, and a bedside cabinet, Harry and Draco sat on the cold stone floor an old thick black book in their laps. Light from Draco's wand was the only light in their makeshift fort.

Harry skimmed his finger over the thick pages. They were made from paper he had never seen before. The words were in a language that neither boy knew entirely how to read. This was most concerning for Malfoy. Knowing three languages, it was rare that there was something written in his cultural literature that he did not understand. Unfortunately, this was one of those rare moments.

"I have no idea what language this is," Draco made a 'hmph' sound.

Harry thumbed the corner of the page. "It's old. That's about all I know. It probably contains a bunch of dark magic."

"That's kind of why I grabbed it. Whatever is connecting you to the Dark Lord is definitely some kind of dark magic."

Potter hummed in thought. It had occurred to him that something dark was at play. Besides, it was one of the only things that Dumbledore told him about the connection. It was bad news for the headmaster if either Harry or Voldemort learned how to use it.

"But why?" he asked aloud.

"What?" Draco asked.

"I was thinking about something Dumbledore told me. He said that this connection could be used to play into the hands of Voldemort. That's why he had me learn occlumency. He was afraid Voldemort would use it to gain information. But all he did was use it to torment me."

"Lovely of you to point that out," Voldemort sneered.

Harry inwardly, groaned. "Shut up. I'm thinking here."

"Don't hurt yourself."

Harry picked up a pillow off the floor and bashed it against his face.

"He's talking to you, isn't he?" Draco asked.

The Gryffindor nodded.

~~

Hermione paced back and forth. The map was clutched in her hands.

"He's still there!" She exclaimed.

"Who?" Ron asked, around a mouthful of chocolate cake.

"Malfoy! He's in the Hospital Wing every damn minute. I can never get a minute alone with Harry. How can I ask him things if Malfoy's always there?" She threw her hands in the air in frustration, tossing the map onto Ron's bed.

Ron turned to his friend. "You're worrying too much. Harry's fine."

"But he's not Ron! Sirius's death really hit him hard. He's been stalking Malfoy all year. Almost killed him. Now he's become practically inseparable from him. I can't stand it!"

Ron stared at the map. In the Hospital Wing Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy were practically on top of one another. Okay. Maybe Hermione had a point. Was he going to admit it? No. Was this the first time he noticed this? Definitely not. It would be best for everyone involved if he decided to agree with Hermione than fight her on the topic.

"Have you talked to him about it?" he asked.

"Who?" she snapped.

"Harry."

"Of course, not. I haven't had the time. I'm not going to talk to him with Malfoy there."

"That might be you're only choice."

Knowing Ron was right, she flopped onto the bed. "You're right. I just have to do it. But he gets so defensive, every time someone tries to say something to Malfoy. Even it's only a dismissive comment. It's getting ridiculous." She sighed. "His cloak is still here, right?"