Night-time meeting

It was cold down in the dungeons. Harry shivered slightly, cursing himself for not bringing a cloak. It was night time, and everything was dark and deserted. Except for a random teacher, but they hardly ever came down here. Well, Snape was here a lot, but he was who knows where, and had been there for a while now. Right now, it was only him and Malfoy.

The other boy was staring into his eyes, sneering slightly. Weeks of tension between them, had resulted in this meeting. All alone, with no one to protect them. No one knew what was going to happen. Harry's ears barely noticed the water that was constantly dripping from the ceiling. He didn't care that there was hardly any light coming from the torches, and he almost forgot how damn cold it was. He answered Malfoy's look, preparing for what it was the other boy was going to say. It was bound to be something he'd never expect, something he would be unable to think of a comeback to. Harry started to think like crazy for something to say. If he spoke first, maybe Malfoy would be the one standing there like some idiot.

As he thought, Harry studied Draco carefully. Maybe he could read his face, see what it was he would say. His hair wasn't as neat as it usually was, and some strands were hanging in front of his eyes. Malfoy's lips, still sneering, were red, as if he wore lipstick, but Harry could see that was not it. Some sort of magic perhaps. His grey eyes were still staring into Harry's green, but something was wrong with them. He seemed almost uncertain. No, not Malfoy, he was never uncertain. No! Not Malfoy. He was never uncertain. Then what was it? Was he preparing for Harry to do something? He could be wondering who'd speak first. Harry certainly did.

A slight wind was ruffling both boys' hair, they shivered, but neither let go of the other's gaze. Neither wanted to seem weaker, but none of them really wished to be down there at that moment. There had to be a better time and a better place. But they had to do what they were supposed to be doing, only problem was, none of them was really sure what that was. One torch went out, and both knew it had to be now. If not, it would never happen.

Harry opened his mouth, but closed it again, as he had nothing to say. Malfoy didn't move, but his eyes were definitely uncertain now. What was wrong? Harry didn't know, but he would probably find out soon. Malfoy glanced down for a second and then looked up again. He seemed determined, and Harry knew that now was it, he prepared for whatever it was, certain that it was something good. Or bad, depending on how you saw it. It was sure to make Harry feel terrible in one way or another. And afterwards they would probably fight. There, Malfoy was opening his mouth, showing off several white teeth. His sneer was gone, and his face was completely blank. Harry tried desperately to think of something to say. And Malfoy spoke.

"I love you."