A/N: This is a 13 part series I will be writing for an LJ group called hd_seasons for a Halloween countdown. Heres hoping its enjoyable!

Stopping by the Woods by HPFangirl71

Harry took another step tentatively forward, almost slipping and only narrowly escaping falling into a pile of leaves. He still wasn't quite sure what had lured him out on a night like tonight. It was dark and shivery out and he'd forgotten to grab a sweater before venturing out. He had walked the grounds for a bit and now found himself nearing the spooky edge of the Forbidden Forest.

He held his wand out before him as a precaution. Personal history had taught him to be extra careful when approaching the forest. Voldemort was no more but his former followers could prove to be vengeful, so Harry still chose to be careful. He jumped as he heard the nearby leaves rustle ever so quietly. He turned around with his wand outstretched and saw that the creator of the noise was none other than his former adversary Draco Malfoy.

The handsome blonde man smiled an amused sort of smile towards Harry as he approached him warily.

"You do know there are things worse than me out tonight, right Potter?" he said in an equally amused tone.

"I didn't know it was you." Harry replied defensively.

"I do have to say that I wasn't expecting you out this late. Don't you Gryffindors usually follow the rules unless it's a matter of saving the world or something?" Draco said in a rather snarky tone of voice.

"Stop it Malfoy! The war is over… Is this really how you want our final year to go?"

"Yeah well… it's easy for you to forget the past and play all forgiving… while I'm practically persona non grata around this school!"

There was an edge to his voice, making Harry realize that perhaps the war's end hadn't fixed quite everything.

"Your actions are what caused your sudden burst of popularity." Harry stated bluntly.

"I had no choice and you know that Potter. In fact, you would know that better than most seeing as how you never really had a choice either." Draco spat out in reply.

Harry watched as Draco walked away from him, realizing with shock that he was entirely right…