Harry had to get out of the loud chatter of the Great Hall. Today was not the mood for hearing Neville's repetitive stories or Ron gushing about his new favorite thing. He just wanted to breathe for a while. And so he skipped dinner and steered toward the abandoned bathrooms instead.
The heavy door slid open from his weight, and his gaze met silvery hair. Draco Malfoy. The boy was leaning on one of the sinks and holding what Harry would only describe as a cigarette, only he was unsure of the content. Sweet smoke was circling him.
"You gonna bother me, Potter, then get on with it," he said and let a heavy breath out.
"I'm not looking for trouble... Actually was hoping to catch a break too."
Draco nonchalantly gestured for him to enter the room.
"So, what's your reason? For skipping dinner, I mean."
"Wouldn't you like to know, you stupid scar bitch?"
Seems like Harry stepped on sensitive tissue. And soon he would once more.
Harry instinctively reached for his wand. After all their bullying, he never knew when would be a serious case. His hand never got far enough before Draco spoke again.
"Look. Today's not my day, okay?" The light landed on his pale cheek as he turned to face Harry. Was that a shake in his voice? Draco turned away again, as if ashamed. He brought his fingers back to his lips and inhaled deeply once more.
Harry walked towards him. By the few candles lighting up the room, the floor was barely visible. As Harry put his other foot down it met light resistance, until his weight crushed the object. A soft mushy sensation shot up through his body, causing all of his hairs to rise. He had no time to think. The world spun in front of his eyes.
"Levicorpus!"
He suddenly stopped, upside down, his head inches from hitting the wet floor. Draco was now in front of him. He probably thought it was so funny to have this power over Harry. But he let him down slowly, to Harry's surprise.
"Thanks. You really helped me there."
Draco quickly turned his head away, but Harry could see the faintest blush in the dim light.
"Shut up, Potter." His words venomous, but Harry immune.
The culprit, lying crushed on the floor, was a banana. How did that get in here?
The door flung open. Professor Snape burst in.
"What are you two doing in here? Malfoy. I see you have taken a liking to herbology."
Snape only looked at Harry with contempt. "Who told you to skip todays gathering in the Great Hall?"
As Snape rushed in, he too stepped on the crushed fruit. The professor lost his footing, and the boys ran out through the corridor together. A giggle bubbled up from the blond boy. Harry smiled at him. Maybe the evening could get better after all.