Chapter 16
The next morning, things went a little different from Harry's usual routine. When he got to the main hall for breakfast he sat in his usual spot on the Gryffindor table. From where he sat he had a perfect view of Draco Malfoy. He sat alone, away from the other Slytherins, delicately nibbling on a piece of toast washed down with what looked like some kind of tea. He was also deep into a huge book the size of a muggle yellow pages.
He was only half listening to the conversation surrounding him. His friends were discussing the project that Slughorn had set them.
"It's just absolutely mad, coming up with a brand new potion? Insane!" He heard Shamus say.
"Yeah speaking of that guys, I'll be back in a minute, if you're done before I get back I'll see you in charms."
He stood from the table grabbed his bag and an apple and made his way to the Slytherin table at the other side of the room. All eyes in the room followed him and a soft hush fell over the room. Undeterred he kept his pace and didn't stop until he'd reached Draco's side.
"Can I sit here?"
His soft loose hair shook a little as he took a double take.
"Um yeah of course."
"Sorry, it was just getting a bit too much over there. And you look like you could do with some company."
Draco seemed like he wasn't paying too much attention to what Harry was saying. His eyes flitted around the hall, staring back at the people who were staring at him.
"What are you playing at?" He muttered, the mug in his hand shaking slightly.
"Why are you so worried? I told you, I don't care what people think. If I want to sit with you and you want to sit with me I don't see what the problem is."
Draco said nothing but kept his grip on the mug and turned his attention back to his book.
"So you aren't going to talk to me then?"
"Yes, fine I'll bloody talk to you, if it'll get you to stop nagging like a child." His words sounded harsh, but his face showed nothing but slight affection.
"What are you reading?"
"A book?"
"Hilarious...what book?"
"Oh nothing you'd be interested in don't worry."
Harry wanted so badly to just let it go there and show Draco he actually didn't care, but his curious side got the better of him. Without warning, he flipped the book and read the title.
The Cat : its Behaviour, Nutrition & Health
Before Harry could read anymore Draco snatched the book away and shoved it into his bag. Harry couldn't hold back his laughter long enough to read further anyway.
"Oh stop cackling would you? I don't know why you think it's so funny!" He hissed.
But he couldn't stop, tears had even formed in his eyes.
"You look like a right prat you know? Laughing to yourself."
"Ah I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it just quite funny to me for some reason. Your reading a muggle book about cats?"
"Well I've never had a cat before! And I didn't want to do something wrong. What if Duri was ill or something and I hadn't picked up on it?"
"Okay I know, sorry, you're right. It's actually endearing and a bit cute..."
"Cute! Bloody cute?! I'm a Malfoy! Malfoy's aren't cute!"
"Maybe you're adopted?"
"Ugh you're impossible Potter."
Harry narrowed his eyes.
"Oi, no last names remember?"
Draco just shot him his best sneer, which held little spite.
Breakfast was coming to an end now, but Harry felt didn't want to leave. He supposed as they both had charms class they could just walk together. That seemed like the most logical solution, no need for him to go back to his other friends just yet.
"What? Not running back to your normal friends?"
"Shut up I am with a friend."
"Hmm, I suppose you are." Draco grinned.
As they made their way to the charms classroom, Harry with the apple in hand, half eaten. Other students were still watching them in shock, but he didn't care. He enjoyed spending time with Draco, he was interesting, and he challenged Harry, which is what he needs. Most people now just roll over and go along with everything that comes out of his mouth, but Harry, he can't live like that. He hated the 'hero who survived Voldemort twice and saved the world' image and what it made the people around him act like. Draco didn't conform to that, it was like he knew the real Harry.