Secrets

Secrets

Chapter Five

An hour after Harry and Draco went their separate ways, Harry lay in his bed, staring up at the ceiling. He had his head resting upon his hands as he replayed the events of that night in his head. He lay there, completely engrossed in his thoughts.

How could anybody do that to their own child? Was Malfoy's whole life like this, or did this just start when he refused to follow in his fathers footsteps?

Harry kept asking these questions, searching for answers, but he would find none. However, one question was constantly repeated in his mind.

But why did Malfoy come to me?

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The next morning Harry couldn't help but notice the small black box that was dropped onto the table in front of Draco by one of the school owls. The boy looked around before slowly pulling the box closer to him. He turned the box on its side, finding the opening. Pulling the piece of cardboard out of the box, he peered inside.

Harry noticed the boy's face pale drastically before he jumped up from the table. He tucked the now closed box under his arm and hurried out of the Great Hall.

Harry contemplated going after Draco, but then thought better of it. He knew going after him would raise a few eyebrows and he didn't need rumors flying around.

I'll just talk to him later.

What was in that box that caused him to react so strangely?

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Please tell me he got my note, Harry thought as he paced back and forth in the center of the astronomy tower. He had asked Draco to meet him up there at twelve, but 12 o'clock had come and gone and now it was a quarter after.

Maybe twelve was too late? Maybe he fell asleep waiting for the time to come? Or what if the owl couldn't find him when he didn't show up for the rest of the meals? I'm probably just wasting my time up here waiting for someone who isn't even gonna--

"Well, Potter, I can honestly say I never thought Id get a letter from you telling me to meet you up here. Of all places. Fancy me, now do you?" Draco drawled, walking up behind him.

Harry jumped at the sound of his voice.

"I didn't think you were gonna show up. And we both know that the day I fancy you, hell will freeze over."

"You know, in some places where the weather is cold, they believe that hell is an extremely freezing place."

"Are you trying to tell me something?"

"Merely that you want me and are just in denial."

"You figured me out, Malfoy."

"I knew it. I can't say I don't blame you."

Harry gave Draco a quizzical look at his upbeat mood.

"What?"

"I thought something happened. I guess I was wrong. You seemed upset this morning"

Dracos face darkened.

"Maybe I should just go? Sorry to drag you up here for nothing," he turned and began to walk away, but Draco's voice stopped him.

"Wait..."

Harry turned and looked at the boy whose face had now grown solemn.

"I remember when I was about nine years old, I wanted a pet. I begged my father to let me get a horse. Why I wanted a horse, I'm not sure. My dad tried to persuade me to get something else. He even offered to buy me a dragon. But I wouldn't give in. I wanted that horse with every fiber of my being. And then on my 10th birthday, I got it. A beautiful black mare. I loved that horse. After I got her, I rode her everyday until I started at Hogwarts and still during our breaks, I ride her often. When I ride her I feel likeI'm flying. Well, not quite. Flying," Draco smirked as he crossed to the window and stared out at the starry night sky, "is slightly smoother."

Harry watched Draco, wondering how his story related to the situation at hand.

"Father hated how attached I became to that animal. But he never did anything. I guess that's changed. This morning I received a package from father. Containing my horse's tongue," Draco said, looking as if he was going to be sick.

Harry let out a small gasp.

"I'm not even sure if she's alive of not. Poor Nephthys. I don't know why he's doing this. I'm not going to tell anybody," he glanced at Harry, "else. Fuck. If he's gonna kill me, he should just do it now. Stop fucking with me you goddamn bastard!"

Harry looked around nervously, as the last part echoed off the walls.

You have to be quiet," he whispered, "or else Filch will find us."

"Like I give a damn about that," he muttered, falling to the floor and leaning his head back against the cool, brick wall. He closed his eyes.

Harry crossed over and sat down next to the pale boy.

"Do you think he would really kill you?"

"No, I don't think so. But I wouldn't put it past him."

"Would you consider turning him in for this? Even if you don't tell about...other stuff. There are still animal rights laws. You know, animal cruelty?"

Draco sighed. "No. I don't need to piss him off anymore than he already is."

The two boys sat in a comfortable silence for about five minutes before either one spoke. Draco was the first to break the silence.

"What am I going to do?"

"I'm not sure. You don't seem to like any of the ideas I'm suggesting."

"What? Am I supposed to be overjoyed at the thought of turning my father over? You're not too bright Potter."

"Look, I'm trying to help you. You don't need to insult me. I realize you're going through a lot, but don't take it out on me."

"You're right. But at least try to see it from my point of view. You think I want to turn my family in and have everybody pity me? To just lose everything? I'll have no family, no money, and no home. Have you thought about that?"

"Of course I have, but is it all worth it?"

"I can't let the Malfoy name become a disgrace. I can't. I won't be ridiculed like that."

Harry didn't respond. He heard Draco speak, his voice just barely above a whisper.

"I just wish I knew what was coming next."

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"Merlin," Harry whispered from under his invisibility cloak.

"Who's there? What are you doing out so late? You should be asleep," the portrait of the Fat Lady said as it opened up the common room entrance.

Harry ignored the questions and quickly walked through the common room, heading towards the boys' dormitory.

He stifled a yawn, realizing just how tired he really was.

He entered the room and crossed over to his bed. He threw off the cloak and temporarily shoved it under the bed, promising himself that he would put it away first thing in the morning.

He pulled back the covers and began climbing into bed when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He spun around to find an angry Ron staring at him with his arms crossed over his chest.

"I think you have some explaining to do. You better start now."