Switched

Chapter Three:

The Strange Quidditch Match

"Harry!"

Harry awoke with a start, and was overcome with intense pain from sitting in the same slumped position all night long. Before him stood a frazzled looking Ginny Weasley.

"What are you doing here?" She helped him to his feet as he put his books away.

"I met Hermione here, and then I decided to read before bed. I must've fallen asleep." Harry noticed her eyes were red and watery. "What's wrong?"

"Bad morning. I came here for refuge." Ginny wiped her eyes, placing a letter in Harry's hands.

"Your parents. They know." Harry didn't even need to look at it.

"Yup. And so does everyone else, for that matter. I'm the laughing stock of the school - the girlfriend Harry was too ashamed to tell anyone about while he waited around for Hermione Granger," Ginny said.

"We both know that's not true," Harry said.

"Is it?"

"Ginny, Hermione's like a sister to me. A best friend. It was Draco who kissed her, remember?"

"I know. It's just that I've waited to be with you for so long and now it feels like I've lost you again."

Harry took Ginny in his arms. He hadn't done it for a long time, and it felt somehow strange. Maybe because he was holding her as Draco. "Ginny, don't worry, it'll be okay. I'll help you. I'll write to your parents and explain things. I'll get Draco to pretend to be your boyfriend. I can fix this."

"Ready to save the day?" Ginny pulled out of Harry's arms, turning away from him.

"Let me help."

"I'm not sure you can help me with this."

"We're just going through a rough bit now. It'll get better."

"Harry, how long have we been dating?" Ginny turned back to him, but kept her distance.

"Well, you dumped Dean at the end of October, so almost two months."

"And why did you want to date me in the first place?"

"Do you really have to ask?"

"It was because Dean didn't turn out to be a very good boyfriend. You saved me from him."

"You seemed pretty thankful at the time."

"I was. I still am. But, I dunno, maybe I want to save someone else for a change."

"You could help me get out of this situation, that -"

"That's not what I mean. It just seems like every relationship I've ever been in was started for all the wrong reasons. I agreed to go out with Michael to make you jealous, I said yes to Dean to make Ron mad, and when you finally asked me out, I said yes because it was expected. I mean, I've always been the little girl with a crush, the groupie in the Harry Potter fan club. I was supposed to date you, so I did."

"Don't you feel anything for me?"

"I did."

"And now?"

"I feel like I'm holding you back."

"You're not."

"You won't tell me things. You're always protecting me."

"I would tell you, but I just -"

"I know it's hard for you to share some things. I understand. But sometimes I feel likes I'll always be 'little Ginny' to you, something to protect and save. Sometimes it feels like you'll never tell me your secrets; never let me do the saving."

"Ginny, you're just having a bad morning. This is a weird predicament we're in."

She nodded, but Harry wasn't certain she was convinced.

"Maybe you're right." Ginny moved towards the door. "You know, I'd kiss you if you weren't so damn ugly."

Harry feigned a smile and watched her leave. Ever since that summer, when he'd been forced to watch Ginny pursue a romance with Dean, he'd found his feelings for her changing. She'd always liked him, needed him, and to have that gone was unsettling. He'd known Dean wouldn't be good for her from the beginning, and finally he'd convinced her to dump him. Slowly their friendship grew into a relationship. But was it more than a friendship after all? He certainly didn't dream about her naked in the shower....

Harry shook his head. This switching spell was messing with his head. He liked Ginny. He wanted to be with Ginny. And he would make things right. Realizing he was about to miss breakfast, Harry dashed from the closet to the Great Hall, hoping to catch Draco and get started fixing things.

Harry got there just as breakfast was over. He managed to avoid Crabbe and Goyle - who were holding his book bag and searching for him - and waited for Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Draco to come out.

"Hey." Harry motioned them to the corner he was sitting in.

"What is it? Did you find something?" Hermione whispered.

"Not yet." Harry glanced at Ginny. "Draco, you have to solve the rumour problems you started."

"Harry, it's not necessary," Ginny insisted.

"No, I agree," Ron said. "You started all this, Malfoy, you should fix it."

"If I have to call you Ron surely you should call me Draco. Or at least Harry," Draco muttered.

Ron frowned.

"What could he possibly do?" Hermione wondered.

"I'm going to write to the Weasley's, so that's covered," Harry said, and Ron gave him a thankful look.

"Come on, it's not that bad." Draco looked at Ginny and Hermione. "You girls should be thanking me; I've increased your fuckability by fifty percent at least."

"Fuckability?" Ron cried.

"What you don't think Hermione is fuckable?" Draco asked.

"No, I do, but -" Ron began.

"Ron!" Hermione blushed scarlet.

"I think you're both fuckable," Draco deadpanned.

Harry gave Draco a nasty look. "This isn't helping, and we all need to get to class, so -"

"It would need to be public. A reunion at dinner. Draco apologizes to Ginny for kissing Hermione, they reconcile, Hermione forgives him, as does Ron, and everything will be set straight," Neville suggested.

"And then what, Hermione confesses her undying love for Ron to show she's not wounded?" Draco asked.

"That's not part of the plan, so don't get any ideas," Hermione said.

"Just ignore him." Ginny stepped dangerously close to Draco, eyes narrowed. "Now, Draco, there will be no kissing, and you'd better watch your hands. We'll do this tonight."

Draco did not look pleased. "But I have detention tonight!"

"No, you're detention is now tomorrow because of Quidditch. You can do it before the game," Ron said. "And speaking of Quidditch -"

"We've figured something out, don't worry," Harry said.

Draco scowled. "We'd better get to class."

"It's a plan then," Hermione said. "See you later, Harry."

Everyone moved to leave. Harry expected a thank you from Ginny, but she avoided his eye and walked away. Harry couldn't help but be a little annoyed. Here he was in the middle of a magical crisis and she couldn't give him a break? Scowling, he darted off to class.

Harry's morning was so mundane he was glad to find himself in double Defence Against the Dark Arts class that afternoon. At least Tonks kept things interesting. After apologizing to most of the Slytherins for his weird behaviour, they were all back on his side. They'd been so blown away that he even apologized that they didn't ask for any explanation.

Harry wanted only to get through the rest of the day and Quidditch unscathed. But as soon as Tonks began to speak, he knew he was asking too much.

"Occlumency. Can anyone tell me what this special branch of magic is used for?" Tonks asked.

Hermione glanced Harry's way. He felt a sinking sensation in his stomach.

Draco raised his hand. "To guard the mind against external penetration, especially the Legilimency spell."

"Correct. Five points to Gryffindor. The first step in this complex magic is to wipe the mind of emotion, as we've been practising. Now we will move on to the actual defence. Today we will practise trying to keep an attacker from entering our mind. Professor Dumbledore has decided, given the current wizarding climate, that learning even basic mind-defence is an exceptionally important task. After we've mastered defensive measures, we will touch briefly upon Legilimens, or the attack form of this spell. Helping me teach the class today is Professor Snape, who's agreed to surrender his spare time to assist."

Harry felt his body tense up as Snape emerged from the shadows at the back of the class. The teacher's eyes kept darting in Draco's direction, and Harry did not doubt that Snape was recalling their Occlumency lessons last year.

"First you will each face either Professor Snape or myself as we try to invade your mind. Then everyone will break into pairs and try to defend and attack each other." Tonks swiftly spilt the class in two, going on about emptying the mind and repelling attacks. Unfortunately, Snape took the half of the class that Harry was in, as well as Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Neville.

"Mr. Malfoy, you can go first," Snape said.

Harry could barely hide his apprehension as he walked to face Snape at the front of the class.

He's going to see inside my mind and realize that I'm not Draco!

Harry tried to clear his head, but his thoughts were whirling out of control. He was thinking of last year, of being inside Snape's memory. And of Sirius, and Draco. He was now across from Snape. Their eyes met. This was it.

But then something strange happened. Harry was overcome by images; dark images of shadows and destruction. Yet he was somehow familiar with these mental pictures, even though they remained blurry and jumbled.

Am I in Snape's mind or is he in mine?

Suddenly, Harry felt himself growing strong. It was as if Snape was retreating, losing control over the spell. Harry was seeing new images, this time of Snape. First, he appeared young and frightened, and was hiding in a wardrobe. Then Snape became older. He was with a girl, and she was leaning close to him. Then she moved away and someone else was there. Harry saw himself, but it wasn't him at all, it was his father, with his mother. Then Sirius appeared, still young and happy and Remus was next to him, clasping his hand....

With a grunt of effort, Snape toppled backwards, breaking the spell. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, and he was staring at Harry with a heaving chest.

He knows!

"Very good Mr. Malfoy. You are ready to attack. Miss Granger, you next," Snape barked, eying Harry in a strange new light.

Harry was thankful to back away, and hoped Hermione could handle Snape's wrath. She seemed to hold him off for a moment, but soon enough she was panting on the floor, trying to fight him out of her mind. Finally her turn was over, and she shuffled to the side as Crabbe stepped in. Crabbe managed to hold Snape off the entire time, although he didn't seem to counter-attack at all. Ron went next, looking nervous. He gave a noble effort before Snape won, but was able to curse the Professor quickly, stopping the attack.

Ron shuffled over to Hermione, and Harry edged closer to overhear.

"Did you see inside his mind?" Ron asked her.

"No. But he was inside my head. He saw the fight with my parents, the one over the summer. It was awful. Now he must know the truth about what they think of me," Hermione said.

Ron rubbed her back, and she stepped closer to him. "He got inside my head too. He's good, the slimy git. He saw the whole thing with Percy. The attempted reunion, the fighting. But I fought him off; I wouldn't let him see anymore."

"You did the best you could," Hermione offered, but her eyes were now on Neville, next to be tested. The boy was nearly quivering with fear. Neville's eyes met Snape's, and they remained frozen in a silent staring contest, neither one moving or even seeming to breathe. Finally, Neville grimaced, and pulled his eyes away with much effort. He joined Hermione and Ron on the side. Harry noticed Snape was avoiding calling Draco entirely.

"Neville, are you okay?" Hermione asked.

"I held him off. He nearly got in, but I held him off," Neville managed, apparently exhausted from the effort.

Ron clapped him on the back. "Good work mate. So far, none of us have let him know the truth. That's good."

"I just hope Draco..." Hermione trailed off. Draco's turn was finally up.

Approaching Snape, Draco looked relatively unfazed, all things considered. He stepped up, staring off in the distance for a moment, and then looked sharply at the professor. At first, it was the same as with Neville - silence and staring. And the Draco began to sweat; Harry could see the beads tracing paths over his scar. But in the next moment, Draco seemed to counter back, and it was Snape who was fighting. Finally, they both looked desperately away. To Harry's great relief, the secret still seemed to be safe, for Snape dismissed Draco without a word.

"Now for partner work," Snape barked. "Potter, you will work with Malfoy. Zabini with Weasley. Granger with Goyle. Longbottom with Parkinson." The list went on.

Draco and Harry shuffled aside.

"Don't look so worried, the secret's safe," Draco hissed.

"Did you -" Harry wanted to ask if Draco had gotten inside Snape's mind, but decided against it.

"Let's just do this," Draco said.

Harry tried to focus. There were things that he didn't want anyone to see. Feelings he'd been harbouring since last June. Dark thoughts that no one could ever understand.

As soon as Harry looked at Draco, he was once again overwhelmed by images and shadows. He saw green light, heard high laughter, and then Sirius' face appeared, distorted and in pain. Then there was Mrs. Weasley, crying. And somewhere, someone was screaming. But then Harry fought back, and once again, it was as if his opponent was retreating. Suddenly he was inside Draco's mind. It was dark, like Snape's memories, and Draco was running. Then Lucius was there, looming like a horrible monster... but then Harry felt a sharp pain and he fell, losing the image. Draco had hexed him to break the connection.

"No one's ever got inside my head before. Not for years." Draco looked pale.

"Been practising since you were a kid?" Harry remained on the floor, out of breath.

Draco did not answer, and Harry realized that he was right.

"What were those images? I could barely tell if they were mine or yours. They were -" Draco began.

"I don't know what those were." Harry looked away.

"It was like they invaded my mind. I had to retreat, just to get rid of them," Draco whispered.

Harry did not respond. He did not want to consider that his mind was full of such darkness that he repelled his opponents away, but what other explanation was there?

Draco shook his head, and then suddenly extended his hand and helped Harry up. They stood in awkward silence, wishing that class were over. Harry began to muse on what he'd seen in Draco's mind. He'd always thought Lucius cruel, but abusive? Somehow, Harry wouldn't put it past him. But what about Snape? The first images were the same as Draco's, the abusive father and troubled child, but then Snape had been with Lily. Then she had been with James. And then Remus with Sirius. What did it all mean?

Harry had broken down over the summer and finally started asking questions to fill in the gaps in his past. He'd always preferred to form his own opinions, to keep his parents up on a pedestal, but after being inside Snape's memory, he needed the truth. He'd managed to enrage the Dursely's with his questions, but thankfully, he had wizards looking out for him. Moody had cursed Vernon for trying to hit Harry, effectively ensuring Harry got to go to the Burrow for the rest of the year. Thankfully, they didn't go back to Grimmauld Place, which was under Remus' care now.

Harry had found out a fair bit by asking around. He knew his grandparents on Lily's side had been killed months before he'd been born as a warning to Lily and James, which led to Petunia's further estrangement from her sister. James' mother had died in a magical accident shortly after James and Lily wed. And James' father died a few weeks before the final attack, caught by Death Eaters. Harry had tried to ask Remus about his life at Hogwarts, but Remus was too busy mourning and drinking to pay any attention to Harry. All he got were rumours about Snape as a Hogwarts bully in his own right - and something of a 'stud' according to Tonks - and hints that although Lily and James fought, they'd always had a crush on each other, even from year one. Harry had wanted to find out more, but then Hermione arrived at the Burrow, distracting Ron, and Ginny had announced her relationship with Dean, distracting Harry. And then Percy had arrived, begging forgiveness, and soon enough, summer was over.

For the first time, Harry wished he could dive into Snape's pensive once more. He still had so many questions, and even Dumbledore had stopped giving answers.

Finally, class ended, Hermione and Ron feeling better that they'd defended themselves properly against their second opponents. Harry was tempted to think that they finally now understood what he'd gone through last year, but he wasn't sure that was entirely true. He was distracted by Snape staring at him as he left the class, and didn't get a chance to talk to them at all.

Troubled by thoughts of his parents, Harry ditched his next class and went to the Owlery. He needed to write Lupin. He needed answers.

* * * *

As the day wore on, Draco began to feel nervous about the upcoming match. He hadn't discussed any details with Harry. What if no one believed the 'accident'? They'd be in deep trouble for cheating during Quidditch. And on top of all these worries, he had to make an ass of himself in front of the school at dinner. Well, technically it was Harry he was making an ass of. Draco kept forgetting he wasn't himself anymore. It was as if he felt normal. As Harry!

Recalling the images from class, Draco wondered what he'd seen inside Harry's mind. He remembered Dumbledore's words. What was Harry hiding?

"You ready?" Ron asked as they entered the hall for dinner.

"I guess so," Draco growled. He wanted to ask Ron and Hermione about last summer, about what had happened. He'd only heard rumours, a few things around school and from his father. Whatever had happened, it had been a big deal, for Fudge had lost his job over it in the end - only to be replaced by that Abbott woman, who'd immediately promoted Arthur Weasley and other unworthy people - and Umbridge was now a permanent resident of St. Mungo's. But what really had happened? However, Draco didn't have any time to ask.

Ginny was seated with Neville and Hermione at the end of the table, and she gave Draco a scathing look as he joined them.

"You'd better do this right," she muttered.

Let's get this charade over with.

"Ginny. Can I talk to you?" Draco said, louder than normal. Just as he'd imagined, all eyes were swiftly on him and Ginny.

"I have nothing to say to you," Ginny replied.

"Ginny, you need to understand, I never meant to hurt you," Draco went on.

"Well, you did," Ginny said.

"Ginny Weasley, I love you, and I've always loved you. I only kissed Hermione to prove to Ron that he has feelings for her! Ginny, you must forgive me!"

At this point, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were all on their feet.

"I'm sorry, Hermione, but we both know you're real feelings," Draco said.

"Harry, that's hardly -" Ron began.

"Ginny, can you ever forgive me?" Draco asked.

"Well -" but before Ginny could finish, Draco swept her into a dramatic kiss. When they broke apart, he sat down. Ginny was fuming, as was everyone else. Even Neville was red-faced, ready to fight.

"Let's just all be friends," Hermione managed, sitting down. She motioned to everyone else to join her.

"What was that?" Ron mouthed.

"You'll thank me later," Draco insisted.

"You... you...." Neville sputtered.

"That was utterly -" Hermione added.

"I said no kissing," Ginny hissed.

Draco grinned. "Like you didn't enjoy it. All of you. Well, perhaps not you, Neville. Well. Time for Quidditch." Draco stood and exited the room, searching for Harry's face in the crowd. Sure enough, Harry looked ready to charge at Draco from his seat with the Slytherins.

Satisfied, Draco headed back to the tower.

"Gentlemen, shake hands. And remember, no funny business," Madam Hooch commanded over the pitch. Winter was still on hold, and the night was surprisingly warm and muggy.

Draco met Harry's eyes and they shook hands. As their eyes met, Draco's heart skipped a beat. Cursing his nerves, he kicked off the ground, soaring on the Firebolt. Draco had never ridden such a broom. It was amazing. He recalled how many times he'd jealousy watched Harry glide on it with such grace and ease. The boy rode like a master, and even in his vanity, Draco knew he could never be that good. But on Harry's broom, he felt close.

Draco feigned looking for the Snitch, but watched Harry instead. What was the plan? How was this going to work? Ginny, a fast Chaser, had already scored a goal with Neville's help. Ron, who had finally overcome his problems of last year, skilfully blocked all of Slytherin's attempts to score. Not for the first time, Draco wished he could be on the Gryffindor team instead. But then again, here he was on their team, about to throw a game.

Olson, a brutish Slytherin beater, swung at Ginny.

"Watch it," Draco called, and she ducked right away.

Why am I helping the other team?

He spotted Harry diving in the center of the pitch and followed him. But there was no Snitch in sight. Instead, Harry simply swerved past the stands, pretending to look. Draco sped past him, not interested in his games. All they had to do was crash - close to the ground, if possible - but Draco wanted to wait until Slytherin was winning.

Neville accidentally sent a Bludger flying in Harry's direction, nearly knocking him off his broom. The boy furrowed his brows and set off after Neville, chasing his broom until he nearly ran into the stands. Impressed with this sneaky manoeuvre, Draco swooped after Harry, soon falling beside him.

"Showing us your dark side? Maybe you could be in Slytherin after all," he called for only Harry to hear.

This was exactly what Harry didn't want to hear. He tried to speed away, but the Firebolt was faster. Draco began to chase him around the pitch. Somewhere below them, Slytherin scored a goal, followed by another goal for Gryffindor.

"What are you waiting for? Slytherin can't win," Harry said.

"I won't let Gryffindor win, that's for damn sure," Draco flew away, wanting to get a better look at the game. Gryffindor was keeping Slytherin busy in their end, trying hard to score. He thought he saw a flicker of the snitch darting about Ginny Weasley's head, but in an instant, it was gone. He didn't want to catch it yet anyway.

Harry dove a few more times, as did Draco, but it was beginning to look like a lost cause. Gryffindor scored three more times, but Slytherin kept failing to get past Ron. The sun was almost set, and the sky was threatening rain. But Draco wasn't about to give up quite yet.

In an attempt to get Slytherin some points, Draco began to fly lower in the game, pretending to be looking for the Snitch, but really just getting in the way.

"Watch it Potter," Olson snarled, and as Draco dove past him once more, he found himself face to face with a Quaffle. Harry's glasses shattered and Draco saw stars.

Draco shook the glass out of his face in a rage and flew blindly at Olson. He slipped out of the way, and Draco realized too late that someone else was coming right at him. Harry.

He's trying to end the game!

Draco swooped away, but that wasn't enough to stop Harry. With effortless skill, Harry turned his broom slightly, and they collided. If Draco had been worried about authenticity, he certainly wasn't now. They were close to the ground, but Harry hit him with such force he was flung from his broom. In a tangle of arms and legs they fell, entwined. Though his vision remained blurry, Draco thought Harry looked sorry. They plummeted to the ground, and Draco's head hit with a crack. Everything went black.

* * * *

"You can tell me if there is anything bothering you. I thought you looked distracted during the game. Has Potter done something, or said something to you? Does this have to do with Occlumency today? I want you to know you can tell me anything. Or if you want to talk about your father, I am here. Draco?"

Draco awoke to the sound of Snape saying his name.

"No, Professor, I'm fine. Really. I just had a bad game," Harry said.

"Not at all Draco, I thought you flew very well. Up until the very end, that is."

"I'm tired Professor, I should get my rest."

"Of course. Just remember my offer." Snape's footsteps fell away.

Next to him, Harry groaned. Draco sat up slightly. They were in the darkened hospital wing, all alone.

"You okay?" Harry asked, peering at him through the darkness.

"I'll live. Didn't want it to look planned, huh, Harry?" Draco asked.

"Have you noticed we've been using first names?"

"Of course I noticed. And it shouldn't be that big a deal, should it? What did Snape want?"

"He's annoyed he couldn't get inside your head in class. He wants me to divulge secrets."

"Always meddling, that one."

"It's strange how he treats you. Much better than he treats me."

"It's a family thing."

"You must be really good at Occlumency, to hold off Snape."

"I've been practising for awhile. But I couldn't hold off you."

"I think that this magic is doing something to us. Like bringing us together or something."

"It's doing something. I dunno, everything is so different as you. Everyone notices you. They're always saying how you look like you father, but with your mother's eyes and all that shit." Draco shifted in bed, turning towards Harry.

"Everyone notices you too, but for different reasons. I've gotten a few 'you're just like you're father' comments, however."

"I'm not my father."

"Are you sure?"

"He would've ran to Snape and told everything right away. He would've done every underhanded thing to get you expelled or something."

"I've never heard you say anything bad about him before."

"We don't agree on everything. For a long time I've been manipulated by him."

"You don't have to be."

Draco scoffed. "You don't understand. Besides, he's done a lot for me. And even if I do sometimes disagree with him, he's still my father. Family."

"I know what you mean."

"Really?"

"My parents may not be around, but I'm still expected to be like them."

"What a tough life, right?"

"That's not what I'm saying. Besides, you and your Slytherin friends whine all the time and you've got it good."

"It doesn't always seem that way. Everyone's on your side, not mine."

"Ever think that's because you're on the wrong side?"

"You would think it was that easy. Right and wrong." Draco pulled himself out of bed, restless. "I don't know why I bother with you anyway. Bet you can't wait to be back with your groupies, laughing about me."

"Draco, I wouldn't do that. Despite my better judgement, I wouldn't." Harry got up as well.

"Are you actually being nice to me?"

"For a moment there you were being nice back."

"This can't be good. We are spending too much time together." Draco crossed the room to a small medicine cabinet by the door, opening it with his wand.

"What are you doing?" Harry was soon by his side.

"Do you ever do anything bad, Harry?"

"Sure I do, I'm just not reckless -"

"There could be helpful potion ingredients in here. Seeing as I'm in charge of brewing trial potions to get us out of this mess, I thought I'd take a look." Draco began to rummage through the cupboard. He knocked a beaker and it nearly tumbled, but Harry lunged forward and caught it. He was suddenly pressed up against Draco. Their eyes met.

"I've decided - since the other agreement is void - you should do something else for me," Draco whispered.

"Really." Harry's heart was pounding.

"Yeah. I mean, I guess you don't have to do it. But you should, you know, it's the right thing to do. And you're in to that 'do the right thing' bullshit, so I hope you do it. Not that I care that much, I just thought it might be fun. You see, I, uh -"

Harry had never, ever, heard Draco ramble like this. "What is it?"

Draco knew where he wanted the sentence to go, he'd known in the back of his mind for the whole day. But he wasn't sure if he could say it after all. "You need to understand, I'm not that way."

"What way?" Harry asked.

"Like Black and Lupin, you know?"

Harry stiffened, but did not move. "What?"

"Well, my father used to tell me, maybe I'm wrong, I dunno."

"What?"

"That they were that way. Gay. Together. I thought you knew."

"What did your father say?"

"Just that, well, they used to live together, and my father heard from a friend that one time they were drunk and they kissed in The Leaky Cauldron or something."

Harry seemed to be lost in thought.

"Maybe it's wrong," Draco said.

"Why are you even telling me this?"

"Well, I'm not like them. Gay, I mean."

"Okay, me neither, what's your point?"

"Well, I've always wondered, what it was like to, uh, kiss me. Like, if I'm a good kisser. I know it wouldn't quite be kissing me 'cuz I'm still me, but, I was wondering if you'd kiss me."

Harry said nothing, but licked his lips nonetheless.

"I mean, it would be just between us. Secret, right? Just an experiment." Draco's stomach was heavy with nerves.

Without responding, Harry leaned in and kissed Draco lightly on the lips, pulling away swiftly.

Draco knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't resist. "I wasn't ready."

He grabbed Harry and pulled him back, kissing him harder. Forgetting who it was, and where they were, Draco's hand was suddenly entwined in his own hair and he was pulling Harry towards him, kissing deeper and harder. Their tongues met and he nearly gasped, before responding passionately. They kissed for what felt like an eternity, bodies slowly pressing together, hands gently roaming more freely, when suddenly the sound of keys at the door tore them apart.

Slamming the cupboard shut, they each dove into bed, but there was no hiding their heavy breathing and tousled hair.

Madam Pomfrey stopped dead right away. "Boys! Fighting again? I'm so disappointed. I'm getting Dumbledore." She stalked away, giving Draco a chance to try to look a little less snogged. What had come over him?

"What happened there?" Harry was asking.

"I don't know. The switch, it is making us go mad."

"Mad, yeah."

"We should just tell them we were fighting over the game."

"Fighting, snogging, not too far off."

"They'd never believe otherwise anyway. From enemies to, what, lovers?" Draco immediately regretted his words. Harry blushed crimson and looked away, causing Draco to do the same.

Think unsexy thoughts... think unsexy thoughts....

Dumbledore soon came in, followed by Madam Pomfrey.

"Explain yourselves," Dumbledore said, stopping at the end of their beds.

"He crashed into me on purpose -" Draco and Harry said simultaneously.

"I did not, it was you," Harry said.

"It wasn't me, you're jealous of me so you -" Draco began.

"Boys! Please. This kind of immature behaviour is no longer acceptable. I thought one day you two would get over your differences, or at least come to an understanding, but it now appears you two are incapable of doing so on your own. Especially at times like this, a resolution is needed between you. So if you cannot find one, I will force one upon you. Starting tomorrow, you both will be excused from classes and expected to work independently. You will also be moving out of your dorms into an empty classroom. I am going to magically bind you two together. You will sleep in the same room, eat at the same table, work together, and will always be together. This will be so until you can prove to me that you two are able to get along without always fighting. Is this clear?" Before either could respond, Dumbledore motioned his wand and a metal bracelet of sorts appeared on Draco's wrist. Harry had a similar one.

"You will be connected by invisible magic, and unable to separate more than five metres. Now, try to get some rest. Tomorrow I will let you know where you're new accommodation will be." Dumbledore hastily exited, followed by a questioning Madam Pomfrey.

"What kind of punishment is this?" Draco asked once they were alone.

"He can't force us to get along," Harry added.

They glanced at each other but immediately looked away.

"This punishment is going to be -" Harry started.

"Awkward," Draco finished.

"Yeah."

"Well. We should go to bed."

"Yeah." Harry slumped back and rolled over.

Draco tried not to stare at him, or even think about him. He still had so many questions. Things had just gotten far too complicated.