Unknown. Impossible. Forbidden.

Chapter 5: Closer

"So you tried to kill me." Lanie clarified, sitting upright and processing the information.

Malfoy grimaced, "Um... yes?"

"That's alright. I'd kill me too." There was humour in her voice as she threw up a peace sign. Regardless, she wasn't exactly joking. She wasn't exactly her 'number-one fan.'

"Oh, that's not what I meant. I didn't do it on purpose!" He said, worriedly.

"I know. Just joking. Honestly, take a joke." She kidded, punching his shoulder lightly.

Harry was more worried about Draco, then Lanie. 'He's sweating way too much. He seems too reliant on her. Why?' That's when he cringed at himself. Draco was allowed to have friends. He needed to get a grip on himself.

"Well, I put my life on the line and guess what? I was right. Don't act shocked, I mean, it's not the first time."

"Right? About what?" Draco asked. Harry was curious now, too.

"While I was 'flirting' with one of you, the other put your-or should I say my- life on the line to ensure each other's safety. As well as keeping one another to yourselves. It's creepy, cute, and freaky." Said the Hufflepuff, shaking her head, 'And not exactly straight.'

Before one of the boys had time to protest, she waved her hand, hastily, "Anyways, it's getting late, I almost died, I have homework, and I'm tired. I'd say it's been a productive day, wouldn't you? Also, you two don't exactly need a third wheel. Good evening!"

Draco noticed she didn't add her usual 'love you.' phrase at the end. He guessed it was because she didn't want to almost die again. And he would be right.

"I'm sorry." Draco said, guiltily.

"Sorry again, Lanie. Maybe we can try again tomorrow?"

The girl looked relieved, as though she hadn't been caught with something, and began to leave the Library.

"Wait! I wanted to ask, how did you know so much about the Veela story?" Draco called after.

The girl froze in place, and remained in place, 'Damn it! No! Why'd they have to ask?' She cleared her throat and pushed forward, head high, leaving them both wanting an answer.

"What's she on about?" Harry asked softly.

"Dunno. She's quite dramatic."

Both felt relived, to be alone with just one another. They liked it. Even though neither said it, they felt better and more content with just one another. Both were filled with apprehension, and nerves.

"Let's go home." Harry suggested, closing his electric green eyes and rubbing his temples.

"Home..." Draco echoed, pondering the word and the context it was used in.

**

They walked back to their dorm, and began to undress in separate rooms.

Draco exited the bathroom, and shivered. Harry's protective instincts kicked in as soon as he saw the chill run through the taller boy.

"You could freeze! Here." He pulled his Gryffindor sweatshirt over Draco's head, without thinking.

The Slytherin stood there, helplessly. The fabric was warm and smelled great. It smelled like pine, and bonfire... it smelled like Harry. And for that, Draco couldn't help but inhale the scent of his mate. He tried to make it subtle, but what was subtle about lifting the end of the sleeve up to his nose?

Harry noticed the blonde, breathing in his smell from the shirt, and blushed, attempting to avert his eyes from the downright adorable sight unfolding before him, 'Why in the bloody hell does he have to be so cute?' He mentally scolded himself, and he tried to look away. The key word being 'tried.'