Truly Madly Deeply

Chapter Twenty - The Catfight Of The Century

~ A Deserted Corridor Somewhere In The Castle ~

"I know he will find out eventually but I want it to be a surprise," Harry replied quietly. He pulled a piece of parchment out of his pocket.

"Here are my measurements and a description of what I think each of us should wear. I'd appreciate it if you could show me when you get them. Oh and this should be enough money to pay for them," Harry said, reaching into his pocket for a bag of galleons which he passed to his future mother in law.

Narcissa looked over the parchment and then back at Harry in surprise. "Why do you need me to get this for you? You can get all this in Hogsmeade."

"I know," Harry replied impatiently, "But when I'm not in class, Draco is always with me. He has so much to think about at the moment, I wanted to do something for him. Anyway, I have to go now, he'll be wondering where I am."

Harry looked to his left and right before darting back down the corridor, leaving behind a very amused Narcissa. She reached into her robes and pulled out another piece of parchment. Draco had also given her his measurements and a description of what he thought they should wear. Narcissa glanced from one list to the other with a smile. Which one should she get?

On the one hand, Draco did have a better eye for colour and style than Harry did, but Harry was so adamant about helping Draco. It was endearing, really, she thought as she walked back down the corridor towards the staircase.

~ Gryffindor Common Room ~

Draco was sitting in an armchair by the fire glaring at any Gryffindor who dared to so much as glance at him. Where the fuck was Harry? He was supposed to meet Draco by the fire half an hour ago. Ron and Hermione were off somewhere (probably doing it in the library, Draco thought with a snigger) and he didn't know any of the other Gryffindors. He really wasn't in the mood for idle chitchat anyway. His mind was too caught up in more important things...

Harry had been acting so secretively lately. This was not the first time this week that Harry had been late. And then there were those owls of unknown origin, which Harry would give his immediate attention to and reply instantly, regardless of how Draco tried to distract him. If Draco didn't know better, he'd almost think Harry was having an affair.

How can you be so sure that he's not? An annoying voice in his head asked slyly.

Draco snorted. Oh, please! Like he's ever going to find someone who can satisfy him like I can, he retorted and then realised he was arguing with himself. At last, a decent conversation, he thought with a derisive glance around at the young, immature Gryffindors.

Just then, Harry stumbled through the portrait hole. A very dishevelled and out of breath Harry.

"Where the fuck have you been?" Draco demanded, standing up to face Harry angrily.

The Gryffindors instantly stopped what they were doing and turned to watch what they undoubtedly thought would be The Catfight Of The Century.

Harry took his time adjusting his robes and dusting himself off. He used this time to surreptitiously study Draco. The blonde man's stormy eyes were flashing angrily. He clearly didn't like to be kept waiting - a fact Harry knew all too well but he hadn't had a choice in the matter this time.

"I was out," Harry replied simply, almost nonchalantly. God, Draco was sexy when he was worked up, he thought as he suppressed a smile, this could be fun.

"Out?" Draco sounded like an outraged housewife. "That's all you have to say for yourself?"

Draco stalked over to Harry and leaned into his neck. He sniffed loudly.

"Just as I suspected! You were with someone, you cheating bastard!" Draco slapped Harry hard across his cheek and felt instant horror at what he had just done which seemed to snap him out of whatever had come over him.

Up until that point Harry had been watching Draco with an amused, indulgent expression. Let him get out his annoyance at being forced to wait for Harry (in the Gryffindor common room, no less) and then they'd go upstairs for some satisfying make up sex. But now Harry was angry. Angrier than he could ever remember being.

"JUST AS YOU SUSPECTED?? I'M A BIT LATE AND YOU IMMEDIATELY ASSUME I'M CHEATING? HOW DARE YOU? YOU JUST DON'T TRUST ME, DO YOU?" he roared.

Draco looked taken aback. Harry looked furious and Draco was now starting to question the wisdom of throwing around wild accusations for which he had no proof. Harry wasn't the cheating type. Harry was the loyal, dependable, faithful type. What the hell had he been thinking? Or better yet, what the hell had he been drinking?

"I'm sorry, Harry, I-"

"No Draco. We are going to get married. Do you understand that?" Harry turned to address everyone in the room. "For those of you who don't know, that means a lifetime commitment. Two people vowing to love and trust each other." Harry turned back to Draco. "Forever and ever."

"I know. I'm so sorry but you've been so secretive lately and-"

"Oh, so it's my fault your imagination ran away with you, is it? You know secrets aren't always bad. It was supposed to be a surprise and now you've ruined it!" With that final theatrical exclamation Harry turned and flounced out of the room towards his dorm room.

Draco stared after him, his eyes stinging. He blinked and focused on the rest of the room.

"What the fuck are you staring at?"

Chapter Twenty - The Catfight Of The Century