Buckbeak
Days went by. Malfoy and Harry weren’t exactly friends, but at least they weren’t trying to murder each other, it was a progress.
Harry was eating in the Great Hall with his friends. Harry noticed that Malfoy wasn’t there, as always. Malfoy’s friends didn’t seem worried, odd, Harry thought. How could his friends not care that he was skipping almost every meal? Slytherins, they only care about themselves, no one else.
Ron had been the same after the ‘fight’ with Malfoy, he acted like nothing happened. But Harry couldn’t forget, seeing Malfoy with blood coming out of his nose, that was probably the first time he ever felt sorry for him.
“Oh look! Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban.” Seamus said while he showed the newspaper.
“Who is Sirius Black?” Harry asked.
“Stop it Harry.” Ron said.
“What?” Harry frowned.
“You can’t tell me you don’t know who is Sirius.”
“I- I’m not kidding. I don’t know who he is.”
“Oh”
An awkward silence.
“Well, he is definitely dangerous, he escaped from Azkaban. Not a lot do that.” Seamus said.
“Yeah.” Ron added. “Whatever the reason, it’s probably something bad.”
Harry kept asking himself. Who is that man? How could he escape? And what did he want?
—————————————————
Harry had class with Hagrid. And Malfoy was there. They all went to the forest, Hagrid said he had something to show them.
“Very well everyone, today I’ve brought you here for a very special reason. Wait a minute, I’ll bring it to you.” Hagrid said.
“What do you think it is?” Hermione asked.
“I dunno.” Harry answered.
“Maybe something dangerous, that’s why we’re in the forest and not in the castle. Cool, isn’t?” Ron smiled.
Hermione glared at him. “Not funny Ronald. Why would we want something dangerous?”
“Then it’ll be interesting.”
“Idiot.” Hermione murmured.
Harry was looking at Malfoy, the boy was chatting in front of a tree with his friends. His blonde hair was shining under sunlight.
“Malfoy.” Harry said.
Every Slytherin turned to look at him. Harry was a bit embarrassed at first.
“What is it Potter?” Malfoy asked.
“Come a bit closer.”
“What? Why?” Malfoy frowned.
“Just do it.”
Malfoy rolled his eyes. “Fine.”
They walked to another big tree, hiding behind it.
“What is it Potter?”
“I wanted to ask you something.”
“Uhh, ok? Go on.”
“Umm, what do you think Hagrid will bring? Something dangerous?”
Malfoy scoffed. “Did you just brought me here to ask me that? Seriously?”
Potter’s cheeks were turning red, he was embarrassed.
“I’m just messing with you, relax idiot.”
“Did you just call me an idiot?”
“Don’t act like you aren’t one Potter. But now, answering your question, I don’t think is something dangerous. Hagrid would never put you in danger.”
“But he is not only teaching me, he is teaching all of us.”
“Yeah, but you know. You’re his favorite.” Malfoy smiled.
“Shove off.” Harry pushed him a bit. Malfoy laughed.
He was stepping closer to Harry to tease him when Ron talked.
“Get away from him Malfoy.”
Malfoy and Harry turned at the same time. Surprised to hear Ron.
“What?” Malfoy asked.
“I said, Get. Your. Fucking. Ass. Away. From. Harry. Or do you need another bloody nose?”
Malfoy looked embarrassed, of course Ron would bring that up.
“I wasn’t doing anything Weasley. No need to be aggressive.”
“Actually Ron, he’s right.” Harry said.
Ron frowned. “Do you think I’m an idiot Malfoy? Why would you be near Harry unless it’s for bothering him?”
“Your friend just told you I wasn’t doing anything!” Malfoy raised his voice, his left hand pointing at Harry. Harry just stared at the boys.
“Well maybe he is so scared of telling the truth because you’ve threatened him or something!” Ron yelled.
“How could I-” Malfoy looked offended.
“Don’t ask me! You’re a snake, just like everyone else from Slytherin! You’re selfish, rude, stupid and I bet those two idiots you call ‘friends’ are only with you because they’re interested in your family’s money or because their parents asked them to spend time with you. How could someone want to be your friend? No one cares about you! I bet not even your own father!” Ron shouted.
Malfoy stared at Ron, speechless. Harry too, he knew his friend hated Malfoy, but that was actually mean. Then, he turned to look at Malfoy, he saw tears filling his eyes, his cheeks pink and his lips quivered a bit. That was the first time Harry had seen Malfoy like that, acting so ‘weak’.
“Now get the fuck out of here Malfoy. Leave us alone!” Ron said.
Malfoy didn’t speak, he just turned around and left the place. Harry wanted to tell him not to leave, but how could he? Ron would’ve thought he was going mad.
“Ron. Why did you do that?” Harry asked, with anger filling his body.
“What? I helped you!” The red hair yelled.
“But he wasn’t doing anything!”
“Then what were you doing together? Don’t tell me now that you’re his friend!” Ron rolled his eyes.
“I- I mean, not exactly friends. But we don’t hate each other anymore.” Ron looked disgusted. “Don’t look at me like that Ron! It was for the sake of both of us, I can’t have a roommate that hates me.”
“But Malfoy? Harry have you lost your mind? He deserved it, besides, I was only telling the truth. It’s what everyone thinks about him.”
“But that doesn’t mean you have to say it in front of him. You could hurt him.”
“That’s the point!”
“Whatever.” Harry walked past him.
When Harry got back with the rest of the students he saw Hagrid with a hippogriff. Wow.
“This is Buckbeak. In this class you’re going to learn how to fly with him, but be careful. You need to show them respect and be extremely wise with every move that you make.”
Harry wasn’t paying too much attention. All he could think about was Malfoy and the way his eyes watered and his lips quivered. He must’ve felt really bad when Ron said that to him. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn’t realize that Hagrid was talking to him.
“Very well Harry. Thanks for volunteering!” Hagrid smiled.
“What?” He looked behind and everyone was way too far from him. Okay. Shit.
“Come here Harry. First, you need to bow, show him some respect.”
Harry did. Buckbeak fortunately accepted him and didn’t try to kill him. He was going to fly on a hippogriff!
“Alright Harry. Now, you’re going to fly, try not to hold his feathers so hard, he might not like it. Now go on.” Hagrid said.
“WoaaaaaAAaa.” Harry screamed a bit at first, but once he was in the air all his fear vanished. It was exciting, he could see Hogwarts and the lake, it was such a nice view. Feeling all the air in his face and hair, he felt free, he liked it.
Finally, he returned to the forest with Hagrid and the rest of the students.
Everyone clapped.
“Well done Harry! You did it!” Hagrid said. “Very well, there are only six minutes left until the class is over, so let’s go to the castle everyone! You’re all going to fly on the next class.”
Harry looked at Malfoy, the blonde looked upset.
Malfoy had to pick his book, the book was near the stone where Buckbeak was standing, he went a little to close and -oh.
Malfoy groaned in pain, Buckbeak got scared and he hurt Draco. The boy fell.
Harry instantly ran towards him. “Malfoy are you okay?”
Malfoy just closed his eyes and groaned more.
“Hagrid!” Harry said worried.
“Oh dear. It’s alright Harry, we just need to take him to the Hospital wing. Could you help him while I take care of Buckbeak?” Hagrid asked.
“Yes, sure.” Harry looked at Malfoy again. “Can you stand up?”
Malfoy nodded.
“Alright. Come here.” Harry placed Malfoy’s arm around him, helping him to stand on his feet.
“I-” Malfoy groaned. “I can walk by myself Potter.”
“Don’t be an idiot. I’ll help you.” Harry rolled his eyes.
Malfoy didn’t answer.
They walked for a while when they finally got to the Hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey looked at the two boys.
“What brings you here boys?” Pomfrey asked.
“He was attacked by a hippogriff.” Harry said.
“Alright then. Come here boy, get on the bed.”
Harry helped Malfoy to get on the bed, not that he needed that much help or attention, but Harry wanted to be there for him.
“Okay Mr. Malfoy. Let’s have a look on you.”
Madam Pomfrey checked his face, his legs and his arms. Harry sat on a chair next to the bed, watching the boy and Pomfrey. She touched Malfoy’s left arm and he groaned.
“Ouch!” Malfoy groaned in pain.
Harry stood from the chair to have a better look on Malfoy.
“Oh, I see. You have a broken arm Mr. Malfoy.” Pomfrey said. “But don’t worry, it’s nothing that a bone potion won’t fix. I’ll go get it.” She smiled.
When the two boys were alone Malfoy talked.
“Thank you.” His eyes met Harry’s.
“Umm, no problem. How do you feel?”
“I’ve been better.” The blonde smiled.
The other boy chuckled.
“I’m sorry.” Harry said.
“Why? It was my fault stepping to close to Buckbeak.”
“Not for that Malfoy. Well, for that too. But… you know. I’m sorry about what happened before.”
Malfoy just stared at him.
“The things that Ron said were wrong.”
“Well, he is right.” The blonde looked at his hands.
“I don’t think he is right.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve realized that you aren’t a bad person, just… misunderstood sometimes.”
“I am a bad person Potter, everyone knows it. Weasley’s right about every single thing he said.” Malfoy looked tired.
“But what about your friends? Your father? He was lying about that.” Potter frowned.
“He wasn’t. It is true.” There was something in his voice, like he had a lump in his throat.
“What do you mean?”
“He is right Harry. What else do you want to hear? My friends aren’t really my friends and my fa-” His voice broke. “My father is ashamed of me.”
Harry was surprised, he couldn’t believe Malfoy was trusting him enough to tell him that, and the fact that he said Lucius was ashamed of him was definitely surprising. He always thought Lucius adored Malfoy, he was his son after all.
“I’m sorry Malfoy. I didn’t mean to bring it up-”
“It’s alright.” He looked at Harry.
Harry suddenly felt nervous, every time his eyes met Malfoy’s his mind felt overwhelmed, he gets distracted every time, focusing only on Malfoy’s grey eyes. Then he heard steps.
“Here it is! The bone potion. You’ll need to take this for three days, I think it’ll be better if you stay here until the recovering process is done.” Madam Pomfrey said.
“But— What about my classes?” Malfoy asked.
“Well, Mr. Potter could help you with that, perhaps. Mr. Potter, do you think after the recovering process is done you could help Mr. Malfoy with his studies?”
“Uhhh, I— I yeah, of course. I’ll help him with everything he needs.”
“Then it is done. Now, take this Mr. Malfoy. You will have to take this every morning and evening for three days. Then your arm and bones will be strong again.” She smiled. “That being said, it is time to rest, go to sleep Mr. Malfoy.”
“But it’s only 6pm!” Malfoy said.
“But you have to rest, you need to sleep to recover.”
“I-” He closed his mouth. “Fine.”
“I have to go out for a moment, you can chat if you like, but I suggest you let Mr. Malfoy rest Mr. Potter.”
“Oh, umm, okay. I’ll leave very soon.”
“Goodbye boys.” Then she left.
“I- I should be going…” Harry whispered.
“Umm, yeah.” Malfoy said.
Harry nodded, but he didn’t stand up from where he was. “You sure you’re ok?”
“Yes Potter. I’m fine.”
Harry hesitated.
“I promise. It’s just a broken arm, I’m not dying.” The blonde smiled.
“Just a broken arm?” Harry scoffed. “Fine. If you say you’re fine then it’s alright.”
Malfoy chuckled a bit. “Fine.”
“Ok… Umm, I— see you later.” Harry touched the boy’s arm.
“Not that one you idiot! Ouch.”
Harry quickly lifted his hand. Looking extremely embarrassed. “I- oh- I’m so sorry Malfoy. I didn’t mean to-”
Malfoy laughed. “It’s fine Potter.”
“O-Okay. See y-you later.” Harry nodded and left.
Malfoy just smiled until the boy was gone.
Harry went to the Great Hall for dinner, he joined Ron and Hermione.
“Hey.” He said.
“Hello Harry…” Hermione smiled. “How are you?”
“Uhh, fine. What about you?”
“I’m fine too… Ron? What about you?”
The red hair answered. “I’m fine Hermione.”
“Umm, alright then. Everyone’s just fine.” She gave them an awkward smile.
“Harry, do y-you know something about Malfoy?” She asked.
“Quite a scene he made there.” Ron rolled his eyes.
“It wasn’t a scene Ron, he was hurt.” Harry answered.
“And? Better that way isn’t it?”
“What’s wrong with you Ron?!” Harry looked disgusted.
“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you? Why are you defending Draco bloody Malfoy?!” Ron yelled.
“Guys… stop it.” Hermione whispered. None of them listened to her.
“I’m not defending him!” Harry stood up.
Ron as well. “You are Harry! That’s all you’ve been doing these days!!”
“I- No! I wasn’t!”
“Then why don’t you laugh when I say something about him? Why aren’t you happy when he’s upset? Isn’t that what you wanted for the last two years?!”
“No! Not anymore Ron. Things have changed, we need to be friends for the sake of both of us. I’ve already told you!” Harry yelled.
“Friends? Did you lost your mind?” The red hair boy said.
Everyone started staring at the boy fighting.
“How could you want to be a friend with that fucking snake!?”
“Don’t call him that Ron! He is not!”
“He is! He’s a selfish and evil snake, who deserves everything bad that happens to him.”
“SHUT UP!”
“Boys! Stop it right now! Everyone can hear you!” Hermione yelled.
The boys obeyed. They sat in silence in front of each other.
“Boys? Aren’t you going to apologize?” Hermione asked.
“Why?” Ron said.
“What do you mean why Ronald? You know why.
“Well, it wasn’t my fault. I didn’t start it.”
“Yeah, sure.” Harry whispered looking at him.
“Do you want to say something?” Ron asked sarcastically.
“Yeah, actually-”
“Stop it! Both of you!” Hermione yelled again.
They stayed in silence.
“Ron, apologize to Harry.” Hermione said.
“But-”
“Now Ronald!”
“Fine.” He rolled his eyes. “Harry… I’m sorry. But how can you be so stupid? Malfoy is nothing more than an idiot.”
“Ronald!” Hermione said furious.
“If you say something more about him I’ll leave.” Harry said coldly.
“What? I’m only saying the truth. He is selfish, stupid, ugly, a snake-”
Before Ron could finish his sentence Harry stood up loudly and walked to the door of the Great Hall.
“Harry wait!” Hermione said.
But Harry ignored her, he was too tired to go back there and listen to Ron talking about Malfoy, so he went to his room.
When he opened the door he felt a cold wave rushing through his body. The room felt different without Malfoy, it looked empty and boring.
He sat on Malfoy’s bed, the green sheets were soft and if you focus for a moment you can smell Malfoy’s perfume. It’s a great scent, but not too strong to smell it from a very long distance, you would need to be really close to Malfoy to smell it.
Harry thinks he smells good, he smells like different things, like apples, quidditch equipment,
mint and… a bit of lemon, Harry thinks. Really good.
Then, he stood up and walked to the desk, he grabbed one of the books that Malfoy was reading. It was an old potions book, really boring actually, but once Harry opened it he saw Malfoy’s writing, his calligraphy was perfect. The curves on the letters, all the details, Harry could definitely recognize that writing anywhere.
He placed the book on the desk and went to the bathroom. He took a very long bath and put on his pijamas, when he was out of the bathroom he didn’t feel like sleeping on his own bed. Now he had the room for himself, he could do anything he wanted. So he jumped to Malfoy’s bed and tucked himself in the cozy and warm blanket. Then, he hugged Malfoy’s pillow, in the same way that Malfoy does, like a little child. He felt so cozy and warm, and the smell of Malfoy on the pillow was definitely great. He fell asleep in less than ten minutes, Harry could say it was the best sleep of his life.
On the next morning when Harry woke up he felt great, cozy and warm. That was the best sleep he ever had, he slept like a baby. Even though, the warmth left his body, he felt alone. It felt weird waking up without Malfoy next to him, without his blonde hair shining under sunlight.
Odd, he thought. Without Malfoy the room seemed bigger. Anyway, he put on his uniform, grabbed his books and then he left to Herbology class. The day had to keep going. In the afternoon he wanted to visit Malfoy, but profesor McGonagall told him it was best if he left him alone so he could rest properly, without distractions.
He wanted to ignore her and go there anyway, but she was right, Malfoy needed to rest if he wanted to heal. So he obeyed, even though he had to fight against the urge of visiting the blonde boy.
———————————————
Those three days were the longest days ever, but finally, the day arrived. Malfoy was finally returning to their room, Harry was extremely excited.
He has to admit that he missed the blonde a little too much.
Harry was doing homework on the desk when somebody knocked the door.
“Come in!” He said.
“Hi.” The blonde smiled.
Harry doesn’t know what happened to him, but as soon as he heard Malfoy’s voice he rushed towards him, his arms around the blonde’s neck, hugging him really tight.
He recognized Malfoy’s scent, it was so good.
“Uhh, Potter?” The blonde said.
Then Harry was out of his trance, and that’s where it hit him, he was HUGGING DRACO, DRACO MALFOY.
When did that happen?
“Oh, sorry. I was- I dunno, sorry. I was happy to see you” Harry admitted shyly. “I didn’t realize-”
“It’s fine Potter. I’m happy too.” The blonde chuckled.
Harry’s cheeks were on fire, his face turning red.
“Yeah… How- How are you?”
“I’m alright. It’s a bit annoying having to wear this arm cast for another week, but it’s fine I guess.”
“What arm-? Oh, I didn’t notice. I’m sorry.”
“What’s are you apologizing for?” Malfoy laughed.
“For hugging you… I wouldn’t have done it if I had realized you had an arm cast.” Harry was so embarrassed.
“Don’t worry Potter, I liked it.”
Oh. What?
Harry was RED, just like Ron’s hair or even more.
“Uhh… o-okay. G-great then.”
Malfoy just laughed. Then his face changed.
“Why is my bed unmade?” Malfoy asked.
Oh shit. Harry didn’t have an answer for that. Imagine saying, ‘Oh, I missed you, that’s why I slept in your bed for three days.’ That doesn’t sound great at all.
“Uh- I- I slept there. Sorry.”
Malfoy blushed a little. Pure shock on his face.
“Uhh, w-why?”
“Yesterday I was too tired, when I opened the door of the room I just jumped into a bed with my eyes closed, I didn’t even realize it was yours until I woke up next morning. After that I had to leave and I didn’t have time to fix it. I-I’m sorry.”
Please believe me, please believe me, please believe me. Harry thought.
“Oh, it’s alright. Yeah, I get it. No problem.” Malfoy said.
Harry stared at the blonde.
“Umm, well. If you don’t mind, I’m going to take a bath.” Malfoy said while he picked up his silver pijamas.
“Sure. See you later.” Harry smiled.
“See you.” Malfoy closed the door.
When Harry was alone his stomach dropped. What happened?? Why was he hugging Malfoy? Why did it felt so good to do it? Why?!? Hugging Malfoy brought him the same comfort Malfoy’s bed had given him. Or even more, it felt… safe, and it smelled good.
Malfoy spent one hour in the bathroom. Harry was literally agonizing, he was forcing himself not to sleep so he could see Malfoy before he went to bed.
“Sorry I took so long, you must be exhausted.” Malfoy said.
Harry stared at his wet blonde hair, all the tiny drops of water falling form his hair. He looked great-
What? No, he didn’t.
“It’s fine.” Harry gave him a weak smile.
“Are you going to sleep now?”
“Yeah, it was a long day.”
“Okay. I’ll sleep too.”
“Alright.”
Both boys jumped into the bed and tucked themselves in the blankets.
“Good night Potter.” Malfoy smiled while his eyes met Harry’s.
“Good night Malfoy.” Harry smiled as well.
They closed his eyes. But Harry spoke.
“Malfoy?”
“Yeah?”
“It’s… nice having you back.”
Malfoy chuckled. “Well, it’s nice seeing you again.”
Harry smiled without even thinking. He felt happy, with Malfoy the room seemed smaller, but cozier and warmer.
Harry had always said that the only reason of their friendship was for the sake of both of them, but in the deepest part of his mind, he knew it was because he actually enjoyed spending time with Malfoy.
After smiling, they both fell asleep.