Chapter Text
The words were on the tip of his tongue, threatening to escape his lips.
Just say it!
No...
It's just one simple curse, you know you can do it!
But he couldn't. This was Draco he was facing. Yes, he was a foul git and a spoiled brat, but he was also just a student like Harry was. Harry lowered his wand. Draco was still audibly panting on the other side of the bathroom stalls. Harry closed his eyes and could still see Draco's wide eyes, full of... fear? Harry couldn't possibly imagine what could have scared something like Draco this bad. Harry thought back to the care of magical creatures class back in year three. Right, Draco was actually a big wuss.
"Draco?" Harry called out. He heard Draco take in a sharp breath.
"I'm sorry. I don't want to fight. I don't want to hurt you!"
"Think you have it in you to actually land a spell? You're pathetic, Potter," Draco replied. That was a bad choice of words, Harry thought to himself. He had to be more careful with what he would say next.
"You're right," Harry started, "I'm actually more worried you might land a spell on me." Harry let out a breathy laugh. He threw away his wand. This would either be a brilliant move, or the worst he'd ever made.
"Look, I'm unarmed. Please, can we just talk?" It went quiet for a moment. Harry anxiously waited for a reply, or any sign that Draco had heard him at all. He silently cursed himself for acting so impulsively, and for actually saying please to Malfoy.
Then, footsteps. Draco turned the corner and was now facing Harry with an unsure look on his face. They stayed like that for a few seconds, each looking into the other's eyes. Greens looking at greys.
"Well, spit it out, then!" Draco said, but he didn't sounds as confident as he would have usually. Harry furrowed his brows. What did he want to say?
"I, er, don't know..." Harry muttered, having found a sudden interest in his shoes.
"Come again?" Draco asked.
"I said, I don't know. I don't know what I want to say to you. I just-" Harry stopped and looked up at Draco. The boy had one eyebrow raised at him and the light coming through the murky windows made his hair glow ever so faintly. Draco didn't say anything, seemingly giving Harry more time to explain himself.
"Were you crying?" Harry blurted out. Draco's expression turned angry. Before he could say anything to Harry, he was interrupted.
"Sorry! Wrong question, my bad, that's none of my business." Draco's face softened slightly.
"You're damn right, that's none of your bloody business. Why are you here?"
"Why are you here?" Harry countered. Draco looked down, his hands fidgeting with his wand.
"Crying," Draco mumbled. Harry almost didn't hear it. Almost.
"What?" Harry asked, even though he was quite sure he'd heard the other boy correctly.
"I'm not repeating myself, Potter, and if you tell anyone I'll have your head!" Draco walked towards Harry, bumping into his shoulder to push Harry aside and get to the door. Harry didn't follow. He touched his shoulder where Draco had brushed past him, his skin feeling warm. Must be the sun, Harry thought, knowing full well he was standing in the shadows.