A Lion and a Snake

Chapter 25

Harry's POV

I ran down into the common room, almost running into Hermione, one of the people I wanted to see.

"Oh, hey 'Mione." I said, focusing my gaze on her.

"Hi Harry. What's wrong?"

"I-long story. I'll tell you at breakfast, yeah?" I darted around a bewildered Hermione, making my way toward Joshua, who I had just spotted by the fireplace.

"Hey," Joshua said, not looking at me. "I know what you're here to say, Harry."

"I-you do?" I said, relieved. I wasn't sure how to start this conversation.

"Yes, and I agree. We need some space." Joshua looked me in the eyes. "Well, you need some space-from me."

"Joshua, I don't mean it like that..." I trailed off, looking for the right words to say.

"It's fine, Harry." Joshua sighed. "I understand." He made his way over to me, staring down at me. "But if you ever decide you want me back, I'll take you. I love you, Harry."

Then, before I could say anything, Joshua kissed me, a kiss that made me remember all the reasons I had had feelings. A kiss that even resurfaced some of those said feelings, although the feelings I had for Draco were still stronger.

I had almost wished they wouldn't be.

Joshua pulled away, smiled at me sadly, and left the common room.

I didn't notice Draco Malfoy as he ran back up to the common room, tears streaming down his face.

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Draco's POV

I hurried back up the stairs. Had I just seen what I thought I'd saw?

Joshua King loves Harry Potter? And Harry-what did he think? He hadn't pushed him away-not entirely.

Why was I thinking like this? Why was Harry always in my thoughts? I knew I had a crush on him, but this seemed obsessive. Maybe it was because of the kiss...?

"Draco, what's wrong?" Neville asked, sliding his robe over his head.

"I-nothing." I said, far too quickly.

Neville narrowed his eyes and studied me as I wiped my tears away, careful to keep my face hidden from Neville, although he almost certainly knew I was crying.

"It has to do with Harry, doesn't it?" Neville asked quietly.

I snapped my face around to look at him. "Blaise told you?!!" I demanded.

"No, but you did. Just now." Neville said, shrugging. "I've thought you liked him for a while now, but I wasn't sure."

I mentally slapped myself. Of course Blaise hadn't told Neville. Blaise was a lot of things, but a gossip wasn't one of them, even if it was toward his boyfriend and especially if I had asked him not to tell.

"Right."

"Anyway, what happened?" Neville asked, sitting down on his bed and watching me curiously.

I sighed and began to tell Neville what I had seen.

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Done with this chapter!! This book is waaay longer than I thought it was going to be. Oh well.

Also, I really liked this chapter, it was SO fun to write!! I hope all you lovely readers liked it too!!

See you, fellow Drarry shippers!!