Chapter 8: Conflicting

-Two months later-

Harry gasped harshly as he ran, his lungs were beginning to burn as he tried to swallow gulps of air. An immense pressure pushed back against him, making it hard to move. It was like trying to run underwater but there was none. He was in a cold corridor of some sort at Hogwarts but he couldn't find the strength to turn his head to look at his blurry surroundings. Breathing in short desperate pants, his icy breath appearing in small white puffs of air as he ran. Harry's legs were shaking badly and he was surprised they hadn't buckled yet, already at their limit. It felt they were going to collapse at any second and send him hurling to the cold stone floor.

Forcing himself to stiffly lift his head, his robes whipping behind him in silent flutters, Harry could see who he was after. A hazy cloaked figure a few meters ahead of him, that was running away from him. Why? Harry didn't know. All he knew was that he had to catch this person. What for? He also didn't know. But the urge he felt deep in his gut wouldn't allow him to stop for anything, absolutely nothing would keep him from running. Harry felt his stiff jaw involuntarily move, muffled and unrecognizable words rolled over his tongue as he spoke. He could feel the vibrations of his shouts ring off the walls and echo into his ears but he couldn't make out what he was saying. It sounded like an unknown language of garbled words.

The cloaked figure showed no signs of stopping when he shouted, although they turned just slightly to glance. Harry strained to see who it was but his hazy vision prevented him from doing so before they turned back away. Having no other choice, Harry pushed himself to run. The two continued to dart behind every corner that nearly sent them skidding and crashing, the sound of their feet pounding against the concrete floor rang off the halls dimly.

The figure's robe was whisking around behind them wildly and time sped up for just a brief moment, the invisible water disappearing, and Harry swiftly raised an arm. Finally, close enough, he snatched at the silky cloak and grasped on tightly, yanking it back..

Harry's eyes snapped open as he jolted up, nearly slamming himself against the bed's headboard, his arm automatically reaching out as it grasped nothing but air. Panting harshly, he blinked, confused, before gasping when a sharp pain went through his head. Jerking his arm back, he quickly brought both of his hands to his head in an attempt to put pressure on the pain to ease the intensity.

It had been almost two months since he and Draco had split. And ever since then, he had been having dreams that always resulted in a sharp pain shooting through his skull and a throbbing headache. They happened at least once a week, at first it had been every night and he never remembered what they consisted of. They slowly became longer and he was able to remember bit by bit now but he still wasn't used to the aftermath. And the longer he went without dreaming, the harsher the headaches were.

This one, in particular, had one hell of a punch. It quickly started its intense punishment and was soon hammering invisible fists against his brain mercilessly. Gripping his thick hair that felt damp from sweat, Harry continued to keep his eyes screwed shut. It was several minutes before it was reduced to a throbbing headache instead. With a relieved sigh, he fell back onto his bed with a quiet "oof," the bed creaking slightly in response to the shifting weight. Harry gripped the bridge of his nose, sighing again to himself as his head continued to throb.

He gazed around the room briefly, relieved that his racket hadn't woken anyone up, not even Dean who was the lightest sleeper of them all. Ron's soft snoring, Seamus's constant moving, and Neville's silent mumbling reached his ears. Reaching up absentmindedly, he ran a finger over the smooth scar, soon getting lost in thought as his mind wondered about the dream he just had.

It had been the same dream from the week before. The only difference this time was that he had actually grabbed a hold of the person running in front of him but he still never saw their face. It was frustrating to be having these dreams in the first place but it was even more frustrating to not know why. Harry knew there was an obvious connection between all the dreams but since he couldn't remember the first few he had, he was stuck with this repeated one.

Harry wondered if the dreams had to do with Draco, they started when they broke up but it wasn't like he had a chance to talk to the blonde since their brief confrontation in front of the Great Hall because, well, because he was avoiding him. And he was doing a damn good job at doing it.

It was almost like Draco didn't even exist and was just another student in the halls. The only one delighted about it was Ron, even though he did his best to hide it. The only time Harry really saw him was in class. Harry caught glimpses of him at mealtimes and in the halls. Draco would either arrive late when he was leaving or just leaving when he arrived.

It hurt him deeply and only made him more desperate to talk to him.

Harry didn't know what was worse. Being rejected by someone you loved or not even being acknowledged at all. Hell, Draco didn't even shoot snarky comments at Hermione and Ron anymore, not even at the times when Ron would insult him first. It was unsettling. Extremely unsettling. It was like living in a different universe in which Draco was someone that Harry would never talk to or acknowledge. But sadly, that wasn't the case and Harry missed him. He missed him badly.

Despite Draco's behavior and Hermione and Ron's objections, Harry had tried several times to reach out to him. To talk to him or even get Draco to look his way, but he hadn't had a chance because of Zabini. When Goyle and Crabbe had been Draco's go-to bodyguards, they were at least easily fooled and manipulated but Zabini was merciless. He had intercepted every one of Harry's attempts flawlessly. Every. Single. One.

Harry had sent a few unsigned letters to Draco but Zabini would always be waiting for them and make them vanish the second the owls dropped them. Using different owls proved useless considering Draco sat at the same spot every day since he was eleven. Using different colored letters and changing his handwriting didn't work, if Zabini was suspicious he did a thorough check with his wand that eventually made Harry's spells wear off. Hermione had refused to aid him, telling him he shouldn't be seeking for more heartbreak and Ron wasn't much help either, mostly because he was still bothered by the fact that it'd been Draco he'd been with.

Not really having any other ideas of how he could reach him, Harry had even gone as far as walking straight up to Draco in the rare times when he saw him, going for an upfront confrontation. That didn't work either since Zabini was practically super-glued to Draco's side, hexing anyone within five feet that was a potential threat to the blonde. This even included Hermione and Ron but Harry was a special case, he got no closer than fifteen feet. He didn't try an upfront approach anymore although when the stinging hex Zabini always shot his way finally got him and left half of his face swelled up for several painful hours.

That had been over two weeks ago now and despite Hermione and Ron's pleads and refusal to help, Harry wasn't going to give up. He was planning a new move and was determined to succeed. His gut was telling him that there was something missing and it was almost never wrong. Draco had kissed him back that night, even though he claimed it meant nothing he didn't believe him. He wanted Harry just as much but something was preventing him from going any further. He would find out what it was and fix all of this. All Harry had to do was get Draco alone, maybe wandless to avoid another swollen face, and he'd take it from there.

Even though Draco had been the one to tear him apart, Harry had put himself together again and wanted to give it one last shot. There was something there between the two of them and he wouldn't let it go that easily. As long as there was a chance, no matter how small, that Draco could be his Harry would be damned if he wouldn't fight for it.

Harry's head throbbed pulling him from his thoughts and he sighed again. Pressing his fingers against his forehead to help relieve the pain he reached out for his glasses, despite it being pitch-dark. Slipping the thick frames on he blinked a few times while waiting for his tired eyes to adjust and with great effort, he turned his aching head, looking at the clock to see the time.

Breakfast would be starting in half an hour and he could sleep in since it was the weekend but he needed to go to the library. The end of the year finals were coming up soon and Harry had to study, much to his dislike. With everything that had happened, his grades had slipped but thanks to Hermione, and even Ron, he was managing to pass and was actually doing very well. He couldn't afford to fail now after all his hard work. Christmas break was around the corner, all Harry had to do was pull through the rest of the weekend, survive a month's worth of tests crammed into two days, and he'd be free to do as he liked for almost two weeks.

There was a chill in the air that nipped at Harry and made him want to slip back underneath his warm covers but he forced himself to throw the blankets aside. Quietly, he quickly began getting dressed for the day to avoid the cold. He slipped on a t-shirt he hoped was as clean as it looked and put on a thick black sweater over it. Not bothering with jeans, it was too cold, he simply threw on a pair of black sweats that hugged his lower body snuggly and tugged on some wool socks and his shoes. Lastly, he slipped on his robes and tie.

Harry grabbed his school bag and tucked a few books under his arms and scrawled down a note telling Ron he would meet him later before slipping out of the door. Harry normally would have woken the ginger up but he wanted to get a head start on his work and he knew Ron would be pissed at being woken up early so it was better to leave him be. Plus, Harry's stomach fluttered at the thought, he was going to take a chance on his new plan.

Harry had noticed that Zabini would arrive around the same time he did for every meal and always stayed in the Great Hall until after he left. This was probably all to keep an eye on him, but Harry slowly realized a flaw in his plan. If he was busy keeping in tune with his personal schedule, it meant there was a small-time frame when Draco was alone since he usually arrived early in the mornings. Of course, Zabini would arrive a few moments later but there was still a small amount of time when the two weren't together. It was Harry's loophole.

The thought made Harry quicken his pace, and he practically flew through the Gryffindor corridor, startling students that were sitting on the couch with books in their laps.

Ignoring the swears the Fat Lady and other portraits shouted when the door slammed louder than necessary behind him, Harry hurried down the hall. The sound of his own swift footsteps and the rustle of clothes rubbing together filled the halls as he speed-walked. Clutched in Harry's free hand was a scrap of folded parchment he always kept on him as a sort of back-up if he were to ever randomly run in Draco and was capable of giving it to him. It felt cheesy to write down his confession in a letter like this but it was his best shot.

"Today's the day. I can feel it." Harry thought, his stomach filled with flutters again, "I'm going to see him today. It's still a small chance but fuck it, I'll take any chance I can get."

The excitement soaring through him was overbearing and he was half-running by the time he was past the moving staircases, receiving glares from the few students in his year, who were up early like him. The look on their tired, drained faces only proved how tough fifth year was. Slowing down for a moment, Harry took a quick glance at his watch to look at the time to make sure he had left early enough.

"Three minutes past seven, I'm usually leaving around this time, so-" he quickly calculated, "I'll be eight minutes earlier than usual, at the most. Damn, I should've left sooner."

Harry was too busy looking at his watch that he ran into a student that was in front of him. The surprise made him jump back in alarm, his glasses clattering to the floor along with the books tucked under his arm.

"I-I'm sorry," he spluttered as his cheeks burned from embarrassment. He quickly kneeled down to pick up his things, "I wasn't paying attention."

"In a rush this morning Harry?"

Harry looked up once his glasses were back on, and recognized the voice to be Cedric's. He awkwardly smiled, feeling his face flushed again. It was weird how often he was running into the brunette, he seemed to be everywhere he was nowadays. They were always bumping into each other. Cedric had been a good friend to him these last couple of months. They'd gotten so close that it was like their friendship had been ongoing for years.

"Yeah, a bit," He chuckled awkwardly, "Sorry, I should've been paying attention."

"It's alright, here let me help you." Cedric said with a smile, bending down to help Harry pick-up his scattered books and notes. Harry hastily stuffed everything into his bag while the brunette handed him his stuff. Harry was quick to rise to his feet and was about to take off again when Cedric spoke.

"Why in such a hurry? The tower on fire or something?" Cedric joked. "I've only ever seen you move this quickly during a quidditch match."

"Breakfast. Studying. You know, the normal end of the term stress." Harry grunted out, slinging his heavy bag onto his shoulders. Another quick glance at his watch told him he only had five minutes, he'd have to run if he wanted to make it. Zabini was probably already nearing the hall.

"I remember what fifth year is all about, good luck on your exams. They're honestly not as bad as everyone makes them it be."

"Thanks, good luck to you too." Harry said quickly, going around the teen as he prepared himself to sprint "Well, I best be going then, see you. Happy Christmas to you and your dad."

"Wait!" Cedric said, grabbing onto his robes before he could flee, "You dropped this too."

The parchment for Draco was in his hand. Harry's stomach dropped and he took it from him swiftly, this time tucking it into his robes to avoid dropping it again.

"Thanks. Again." Harry repeated with a quick smile, relieved that he hadn't left it behind. He could only imagine what drama would stir up if it got in the wrong hands.

"Anytime. Happy Christmas." Cedric said with a wave, smiling back.

Harry wasted no more time, he only had four minutes left, and he began to run. He regretted wearing a sweater under his robes when he felt sweat gathering on his back and forehead but he didn't slow down. He wasn't going to ruin his plan because of his bad endurance and he wasn't too far away now. After two solid minutes of sprinting, Harry felt a burst of happiness when he saw the Great Hall's doors when he turned the next corner.

"YES!" He thought, slowing down enough to tug his tie that was suffocating him, "I'm going to make it!"

Harry had barely taken another step when on the other end, coming up the dungeon stairs, was Zabini. Both boys froze where they were, Harry holding his parchment tightly in his hand and Zabini in mid-step. Neither did anything at first, both surprised to see each other. Harry saw his eyes flick down to the paper in his hand before widening in realization and Zambini quickly reached for his wand. Harry did the same and whipped his out quickly. It was just the two of them, who knew what Zabini had in mind for this time around.

"Colloshoo!" Harry said with his wand aimed at the other boy's feet. Zabini leaped back but wasn't fast enough, his right foot stuck tight to the floor as if it was cemented down.

Zabini scowled loudly, his teeth bared and nearly lost his footing. A curse shot from his wand but Harry dodged it easily. He waved his wand out again before he had the chance to cast another spell.

"Titillando!" Harry shouted.

Uncontrollable laughter filled the halls as Zabini was tickled with no mercy. He squirmed wildly around while the invisible hands of the curse roamed all over his body. Harry couldn't stop the giggle from his mouth as he watched the funny scene unfold before him. Despite the atmosphere and Zabini still laughing, he managed to glare at Harry with tears filling up in his eyes.

"I'll-I'll-" he wheezed between laughs, "Get you for this, P-Potter!"

"Try not to piss yourself first before you do!" He said smugly before ducking behind the doors, shoving his wand back in his pocket.

The Great Hall didn't have many students inhabiting it and only a couple teachers but Harry paid no attention to them, he immediately looked towards Slytherin table. His heart skipped when he saw Draco sitting there, reading a book as he ate what looked like porridge. But what made Harry happy was that he was alone. All alone at that long table. Taking in a sharp breath filled with confidence, Harry quickly ran a hand through his hair and fidgeted with his clothes to make himself look less disheveled before he approached the table.

His stomach bubbled again with excitement and nervousness, his eyes glued to the blonde's thin form as he neared. Now that the moment he had been dreaming about was finally happening, he didn't know what to say his mind going blank.

"Then again," Harry pinched the paper in his hand, "This should be enough."

Within the next second, Harry was in front of Draco, standing on the other side of the table. The blonde didn't take notice of him at first, heavily invested in his reading. After two months of zero contact, Harry savored the precious seconds he had and admired him.

His dull grey eyes were zipping past each word of whatever it was he was reading, and Harry could practically see his mind engulfing the knowledge. His lips were parted slightly, moving as he read each word while slowly raising a spoonful of goopy food to his mouth. His blonde hair wasn't slicked back with gel, giving it a wispy look. Harry's fingers twitched when he remembered how soft it was and his face was as smooth looking and as pale as he had ever seen it. Harry sighed quietly to himself, his heart melting into a puddle of admiration. He wondered how he was flawless and beautiful even in his most vulnerable moments.

The moment was short-lived although when the doors banged open loudly, making both of them jump. Harry snapped his head back to look over his shoulder and saw Zabini standing at the entrance. He was breathing hard, his face full of rage. With a quick glance, Harry tried not to laugh when he saw that he was missing his right shoe. Despite the angry look, he was impressed that Zabini would go this far to keep him away. His friendship with Draco was admirable.

Choosing to ignore him, Harry looked back at Draco, who was staring blankly at him. He looked shocked that he was there and several expressions passed through his face. He dropped the spoon back into his food and reached for his pocket, likely to grab his wand, but Harry quickly whipped out the parchment, holding it out to him.

"I know you don't want to see me or anything," Harry said in a rush, glancing at Zabini who was reaching for his wand, "But please. Please. Listen to what I have to say. My silence these last two months has said a lot of words but you never got to hear them, now's your chance."

Draco blinked twice and didn't respond, his body tense. He looked at the parchment as if it were a snake ready to strike before looking back at Harry, who was trying to give him the best puppy eyes he could muster. With much hesitation and to Harry's delight, he took the wrinkled paper from him.

Harry let out the breath he was holding and smiled. Harry turned when he saw Zabini from his peripheral vision and gripped his wand tightly but McGonagall called out to him at that moment.

"Mr. Zabini, may I ask why you only have one shoe on?" She asked, her eyebrows raised as she peered down at his feet.

"The other is stuck to the floor Professor." He answered through clenched teeth, his eyebrows furrowing.

"How did something like that happen?"

"Ask Potter," he snarled, glaring at him. "He'll be able to answer that."

"Don't know what he's talking about Professor," Harry said smoothly as he shrugged, "I was just giving Dra-Malfoy back the notes he left behind in charms."

Professor McGonagall stared at him long and hard, his glasses lowering as she looked at him. Harry did his best to look innocent under her intense gaze and keep a neutral face. She looked at him for another moment before clearing her throat.

"I see, well then," She turned her attention back to Zabini, "I suggest you un-stick your shoe from wherever it may be Mr. Zabini. It may be close to the holidays but I still expect you to follow the uniform rules."

Not wanting to test his luck, Harry slunk away without another word while McGonagall continued to grill Zabini. He sat in his seat, setting his bag next to him. More students began arriving and Harry tried to act as casual as possible, yanking out a random book from his bag to make it look as if he was studying in case his friends came along. He poured himself some juice and brought the cup to his dry lips, drinking the sweet liquid.

It wasn't long before Ron and Hermione approached the table, chattering away. Before they could block his view, Harry looked over at Slytherin table again. Zabini looked cross but what peaked Harry's interest the most was the way Draco was smiling as if he had just heard a funny joke. Harry sighed in content, the weight upon his shoulders disappearing. His plan had worked and from the glare Zabini was giving him, he knew it too.

"I win this one Zabini," Harry thought as he set his cup down, opening his book to a random page with a smile. "Now it's up to Draco."

The weekend passed quickly for everyone, with all the studying students were scrambling to get done and last-minute Christmas shopping, time flew by. Finals were officially over, and everyone going home for the holidays would be spending the last day before Christmas eve packing for winter break. The trio was in Harry and Ron's dorm, Hermione having insisted she help him pack because of how messy he was. Ron had denied her claim of course but Harry only saw him proving her point when he carelessly dumped all his clothes into his luggage and tried, unsuccessfully, to close the lid.

"Honestly, Ronald you can't expect to fit all your clothes if you don't do it NEATLY." Hermione grimaced when she saw the mountain of clothes Ron was trying to squish into his bag. She wrinkled her nose. "And are you positive those are all clean?"

"Yes," Ron grunted, trying to jam the lid down enough to clip it, "And it will fit. I've stuffed this old thing with more things before and it's worked out just fine."

Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head in disapproval but she didn't press any further. Harry knew she was only remaining quiet because she wanted him to learn his lesson, which, looking at the strained bag, would come soon enough. She turned her attention to Harry, who was sitting on the window sill, lost in thought, and approached him. Harry already knew what she was going to say so he spoke up before she did.

"Yes, Hermione I'm sure I don't want to come down for the holidays. Yes, I will be fine being here by myself and yes, I will owl if anything. And no, neither of you need to stay with me." Harry recited for the umpteenth time.

He had decided months ago he would be staying at Hogwarts instead of going to the Burrow for different reasons. First, he felt awkward being around Ron and the atmosphere was still somewhat tense between them, so he figured it was best for both of them to have some space for a while. Second, he needed some time alone with just himself. Taking a break from school and his social life sounded like heaven after everything this year had put him through. And lastly, the main reason he was staying, was for Draco.

Hermione huffed out in annoyance and crossed her arms, "I'm only making sure Harry. But honestly-" Harry groaned, knowing what she was going to say, "I can't believe you're still taking a chance on Malfoy. He's the reason you were in this mess in the first place."

"It's also my fault that I'm in this mess too Hermione, and I've told you already, I'm feeling better. Plus, I swore that this was the last chance that I would give him, if he doesn't respond to my letter after everything I said, then it'll save me the trouble of wondering about the 'what if's' for the rest of my life," Harry replied, glancing out the window, "It's all up to him now."

It had been three days since he had given Draco his letter, three of the longest days of Harry's life. And tomorrow would be the moment of truth Harry had been waiting for. Tomorrow he would find out if Draco felt the same way about him and if had been hiding his feelings like Harry believed he was. It was also the last chance he was giving him. It pained him to have to let go but he had realized over the past two months that he couldn't force Draco to love him. But he at least deserved to have closure, Draco owed him that after everything.

"So," Hermione sat down on the windowsill next to him, "Are you planning on getting him something for Christmas?"

"Draco?"

"Cedric."

"No, I didn't even think to get him anything," Harry answered, confused as to why she was asking him this. "Why?"

"No reason, just wondering. You've just become good friends is all so I figured-" she cleared her throat and quickly turned her attention to what lay outside the window.

"Anyway, are you still having those nightmares?"

"I am," He said slowly, looking at her funny, "I had the one I told you about a few nights ago. Still no luck in the library?"

"None." she said in a disappointed tone, looking back at him, "I've looked through the library a dozen times and I even asked Pince if she'd heard of anything of the sort but there isn't anything special about a repetition of dreams. She said it's not uncommon to forget dreams when you have them or to experience dreams over and over again." Hermione explained, "I went through-Ron don't try sitting on the luggage you'll break it for sure-I went through different divination books but there wasn't anything very useful. Most of the books said similar things, that recurring dreams are usually an event the dreamer has experienced."

"But I don't remember chasing someone down the halls or anything of the sort." Harry said, frustrated. He had high hopes Hermione would have known or found something he hadn't and was disappointed they had come up with the same results.

"I know, it has me stumped too, but the books also said that they're caused by-"

"Unresolved problems or stressful situations in the dreamer's life." Harry finished for her with a sigh, "I know, I read that line a hundred times. It just doesn't make any sense or explain why they started happening when I kissed Draco."

"That's not something I want to hear you know," Ron grumbled loud enough for them to hear, he was still trying to shove the lid closed. After one more good heave, he managed to lock the clips. He grinned triumphantly at Hermione, "See? I told you it would hold everything. And Malfoy has had you stressed since the beginning of the year Harry, it could just finally be catching up to you. Maybe the dream means that even though you tried hard to get what you wanted, but in the end, you didn't."

"Thanks, Ron, that makes me feel loads better." Harry said in a bitter tone.

"Since when did you interpret dreams?" Hermione asked suspiciously.

"I sometimes pay attention to what bug-eyed-Trelawney has to say. I even read books I'll have you know." Ron said with a shrug while Hermione snorted in disbelief, "And I didn't mean it like that Harry, I meant it could be from this past few months. It wasn't a prediction for what would happen tomorrow. What was it you wrote to him again?"

"Told him how much I missed shagging him in the-"

"Nevermind!" Ron hollered, throwing his hands up in the air while Harry laughed. In all honesty, he couldn't remember exactly what he had written but so long as he knew the time and place where he asked Draco to meet him, he didn't care.

"I really wish you hadn't gone after him and ignored our warnings." Hermione muttered before sighing, "But.. I know you really love him so, I hope the idiot comes to his senses by tomorrow. You'll send an owl to let us know, right?"

"He's not an idiot, he's just scared," Harry said defensively, "And I will, the second I have an answer."

"Dunno about him not being an idiot Harry, remember that time when he-"

Ron didn't get to finish his sentence because his luggage, too strained by the clothes, snapped open and sent his clothes flying all over his bed. Harry could only laugh when he started cursing while Hermione, already prepared for the outcome, started lecturing him and telling him he needed to fold his clothes next time. Harry forgot all about tomorrow for the moment, and just enjoyed the time he had left with his two best friends.

In a blink of an eye, it was already the next day. Everyone was ready to head home for the holidays and the entire day students were busy packing last-minute items. The train would be leaving soon, the loud engine was slowly getting louder and the white puffs of smoke were only growing larger by the minute.

Ron and Hermione would be joining the rest of the students soon but were sticking around for Harry to say their last few farewells to each other. Most of the students were boarded on the train but a few were scattered here and there, talking to their teachers to try to get them to spill about their scores on their final exams. Hermione, of course, had been one of them but her disappointed look only showed they would have to wait until next week to receive their grades.

"Are you sure you don't want to go with us mate?"

"I'm sure Ron. I'll be alright here." Harry smiled at Ron's words, knowing it was pointless to ask him something like that, especially at such a late time but he was happy that his friend showed he cared. He could always depend on them to make him feel less left out. "Besides," He gestured to a few other students that would be staying behind as well, "It's not like I'll be by myself this year and you can always owl me whenever you get the chance and you know I'll do the same."

Ron frowned slightly at his friend's words but nodded in understanding, and he smiled in an attempt to make the mood less upsetting, "Well, alright Harry. Have a Happy Christmas. I'll be sure to send everyone's gifts and those awful sweaters mum will most likely make for the lot of us. I don't know how you can handle those itchy things."

Harry bit back a laugh when Hermione glared at him for making such a rude statement. The redhead jumped slightly at her intense gaze, definitely not wanting to anger her any further so he gave Harry a quick hug and wished him a happy holiday once more before dragging his heavy bag to the train. Hermione watched him as he went before turning back to Harry, yanking him forward. She hugged him tightly, crushing him and wild curly hair blinding him.

"Happy Christmas Harry, we'll be back before you know it." She whispered quietly, and Harry could hear the strain in her voice. He rubbed her back to comfort her before returning her hug.

"Happy Christmas. Please, Hermione, don't worry so much, I'll be fine. I promise." Harry murmured softly when they broke apart. Hermione smiled weakly, rubbing her eyes as she gave him one last, bone-crushing hug.

"I'm holding you to that, I hope you know."

"I know, I won't disappoint you."

Waving a last good-bye to his friends before they disappeared onto the train, Harry decided not to wait around to watch it descend, it would just make it sadder. Besides, he had to go to the waiting spot he had requested and see if Draco was there. Glancing once more at the train, Harry walked quickly to the place where he wanted to meet him, impatience making his body tingle.

The spot he had asked for was just around the end of the platform, where he wouldn't be seen because of how the brick walls surrounding the platform was designed. It was an arched tunnel that led down to a pathway that would take you to Hogsmeade and also where people would sometimes snog at. Harry thought it would be the perfect place since people hardly came here anyway. He silently hoped there would be a snog session happening sometime soon with him and a certain Slytherin.

Harry was disappointed when no one there, but looking at his watch it told him he was ten minutes early. Since he didn't know if Draco would stay behind with him or not, he had given him a half an hour time window from the time he asked to meet and the time the train would leave at.

"Plenty of time," Harry thought trying to contain himself, "He has plenty of time."

Leaning against the wall, Harry blew warm air into his hands to warm them before shoving them into his pockets. It was starting to snow again and the wind was much worse in the small space but Harry stayed put, ignoring the cold through willpower. He kept looking at each end of the tunnel, waiting for someone to walk this way before looking at his watch. He did this every thirty seconds it seemed, but he couldn't help himself. This was finally it, the moment he had been waiting for two months.

Another glance at his watch told him it had been ten minutes already but Draco was nowhere to be seen. Harry felt his hopes lower a little since he was usually right on time but he shook off the uneasy feeling in his stomach and remained optimistic.

"He'll show." Harry thought hopefully as he looked around. "He'll show, I know he will."

It wasn't long before the train blew a loud whistle. It was one of the warnings meaning it was going to be leaving soon.

"Fifteen minutes."

Harry bit his tongue and kept looking down at the end of the tunnels hopefully. Time, which had been going slow at first, was now speeding up and there was another whistle, the second warning. Harry sullenly looked at his watch. There were only five minutes left but still no blonde. The knot in his stomach had grown to the side of a

large tumor at this point as Harry kept trying to keep his hope alive.

"Five minutes left, there's still some hope." Harry kept telling himself as the time dwindled down. He slid off his watch and kept it in his pocket, not wanting to look at it anymore, it would only make him more anxious.

Harry felt his eyes beginning to water when the last whistle blew, meaning the train was leaving in the next minute or so. He looked one last time at the empty tunnel, and when there was no one rounding the corner, he let out a loud sigh. Screwing his eyes shut, Harry leaned his head back against the wall, feeling stupid. He had thought the odds were in his favor with the evidence he had gathered that there was a chance Draco had felt the same way about him, but apparently, he had been wrong this entire time. With a shaky sigh, Harry turned to walk back to the platform while he rubbed his eyes furiously. He wondered briefly if the carts would be there to take him back to Hogwarts when he heard a scuffle behind him.

Harry whirled around, his hopes jumping back up, but he was surprised when it wasn't Draco, but Cedric who was at the end of the tunnel. He was doubled over, breathing hard with a luggage bag in his hand. He looked up at Harry, his face pink. He smiled at him crookedly.

"Cedric?" Harry said in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

"Hey Harry," He gasped out, "I've been looking everywhere for you. I-I have to tell you something."

"Um-What-" Harry cleared his throat trying to hide his sadness, "Erm, what for?"

Cedric stood up straight and briskly walked up to Harry.

"Harry," he said in a raspy voice, "I like you."

"Wait-what?" Harry said, shaking his head, "Well, I like you too Cedric, I mean we're good friends after-"

"Not that kind of like Harry," Cedric said with an exasperated smile, dropping his bag,

"This kind."

He pulled Harry close to him, holding one of his hands as he laced their fingers together. His other hand ran up the dip in his back, making him flush red.

"Wha-wait-!" Harry stuttered again, alarmed by his actions, "What are you-"

Harry was cut off when Cedric dipped his head down and kissed him hard. Harry's eyes widened and he tried to squirm away but he only pressed his lips harder against him. He instantly tasted treacle tarts on his lips, making his head burst with a strange euphoric feeling. It made the rest of his body feel weak under Cedric's touch. Before Harry knew it, he was kissing him back, his fingers fisting his robes tightly as he desperately tried to get more of that sweet taste.

As quickly as the feeling came it vanished and Harry was quick to put space between the two of them, jerking away from Cedric's grip. Even though every fiber of his body was telling him to go to the brunette, he stayed put. What the hell was wrong with him?

"I'm sorry-I-I don't know what came over me," Harry spluttered, his face feeling warmer than before. He shook his head, trying to think clearly, "When did-I mean how-"

"Last year." Cedric answered the question before he could ask, "I've liked you for so long and these past few months we've grown so close, and after what happened with-" he paused, "-I know you still have feelings for him but I want to be with you, Harry. I want to be more than friends."

"But, I-"

"I have to go," He cut him off, "Please, think about it."

Cedric gave him a kiss on the cheek before grabbing his bag and hurrying to catch the train that was about to leave. Harry watched him leave, still in shock. Touching his cheek, he remained where he was trying to process everything that had just happened. Absentmindedly, he looked over his shoulder at the tunnel again. There was still no one there except for him and an empty platform. Sighing, Harry had to accept that Draco wasn't going to come. He slowly began walking back to where the carts were, his hand still on his cheek and only one thought on his mind.

"What the fuck?"