Cabin Fever (dm.hp)

F I V E

☽ ☽ ☽

Harry woke up mid afternoon, feeling more rested than he'd been since coming to the cabin. He rolled onto his back and felt disappointed when he realized Malfoy was gone. Grabbing his glasses and changing into fresh clothes, Harry made his way to the bathroom. He took his time brushing his teeth, staring absently at the motel-like art on the wall. Once he finished, he inspected his appearance in the mirror. The bags under his eyes were still rather severe, his shock of raven hair an absolute mess, loose curls tickling his forehead. He pushed them back, and gently traced his lightning bolt scar with his finger. After splashing his face with cold water, Harry exited the bathroom and headed downstairs.

Malfoy sat at the kitchen table, cradling a steaming cup of tea in his hands. He wore a dark grey cashmere jumper, an emerald green scarf draped over the back of his chair. He raised his head and met Harry's eyes, giving him a small close lipped smile. Without saying anything, Harry poured himself a cup of coffee and sat across from Malfoy.

"Come outside with me?" Malfoy asked. He picked up one of Harry's jumpers that was sitting on the chair beside him.

"You went through my things?" Harry raised an eyebrow. Malfoy shrugged and set it in front of Harry. He grabbed his scarf, wrapped it around his neck and made his way to the back door.

"Well, are you coming?" Malfoy opened the door and waited expectantly. Harry pulled his jumper over his head, grabbed his mug and followed the slender boy outside. He saw that Malfoy had cleared the snow off of the first step of the deck. They sat side by side, looking out into the trees. Harry hadn't taken the time to appreciate their surroundings. The frost glimmered off of the tall evergreen trees that circled the cabin. In the distance, Harry could see a snow capped mountain range. He could hear the birds singing their wind chime songs. The odd squirrel would scurry up the trees closest to them.

"I can see why you spend a lot of time out here, even if it is so bloody cold." Harry murmured, holding his mug even tighter in an effort to keep his hands warm.

"I can think more clearly in the fresh air. Reminds you a bit of the Forbidden Forest, doesn't it?" Malfoy put his chin in his hand, elbows resting on his knees. Harry nodded.

"Not as menacing, though."

They continued to a sit in silence, thighs just barely touching. Harry had to keep wiping his glasses as his breath fogged them. They snuck quick glances at each other, hearts beating a bit faster than usual. Suddenly, Malfoy placed a hand on Harry's knee and shifted his gaze back to the trees.

"Look," he breathed, "I was hoping he'd pay us a visit"

Harry squinted his eyes, scanning the tree line. Then he saw what Malfoy was talking about. A stag made its way carefully into the clearing, pushing away snow with it's nose searching for something edible. It raised it's head slowly, and Harry felt as though it was staring directly into his eyes. He felt himself choke up, throat getting tight and his eyes welling with tears. The stag turned around and disappeared into the forest once again. Malfoy turned to Harry smiling, but a confused expression replaced the smile when he saw Harry's heartbroken face.

"Whats the matter? I thought you'd like him, he's beautiful, isn't he?" Malfoy frowned slightly.

"My dad's Patronus was a stag." Harry whispered. He continued to watch the spot where it had retreated into the trees, wishing it would come back. Malfoy nodded in understanding and took one of Harry's hands in his own, and they stayed that way until Harry wiped a stray tear with the sleeve of his jumper and stood with a sigh. He went inside and Malfoy followed closely behind him.

"I'm sorry about your parents. I know what its like to feel alone growing up." Malfoy's tone was understanding. Harry whipped around to face him, setting his mug on the side table beside his favourite chair. He glared at Malfoy harder than he had since their first day at the cabin.

"You don't know ANYTHING about how I feel. You had a silver spoon shoved in your mouth before you could walk! You have always gotten anything you've ever wanted. You were fucking doted on, don't bother trying to deny it. Your parents probably helped Voldemort in tracking us down!" Harry grabbed fistfuls of his hair, voice breaking.

"I just mean that nobody was ever really around-" Malfoy began, backing away from Harry.

"That's a load of shit, Malfoy! So what, you had nannies around when daddy was off torturing people?! That is nothing, nothing compared to being shoved into a damn cupboard-" Harry cut himself off, catching himself before revealing too much.

"Wait, what? Cupboard? What do you mean?" Malfoy crossed his arms and shifted his weight uncomfortably to one side.

"Just stop. You know nothing about about being truly alone, Slytherin prince."  Harry sneered. He stepped closer to Malfoy, sizing him up despite being inches shorter. Malfoy placed a hand on Harry's chest and opened his mouth to reply. Harry shoved his hand away and pushed the blonde away from him. Malfoy pushed back, cursing at Harry.

"I'm trying to fucking understand, you idiot! Stop acting like a child!" Malfoy yelled. He placed his hands on either side of Harry's face and forced him to look up. "Why can't you let me try to help you?"

"You can't help me, Malfoy. You are the last person in the world who could help me." Harry's voice was gentler, sadder.

"Let me try." Malfoy tipped his head down and softly pressed his lips to Harry's. He pulled away after a moment, keeping his hands on Harry's face. "I want to try."

Harry's eyes were wide and he seemed frozen in place. Malfoy placed a hand at the back of Harry's head and brought the shorter boy's face into the crook of his neck. He wrapped his other arm around Harry's back, holding him close. He felt Harry's body go limp and tears began to soak his jumper.

•••
feedback would be much much appreciated! i want to know how you guys feel about this so far! love u xo