Chapter 6: Help

Harry and Hermione sat down in the armchairs.

"Of course, we can talk Harry, but it's 5:05 right now, so we can talk for a little bit. But then we need rest and whatever you can't talk about tonight, you can talk about whenever you want!"

Harry looked at Hermione, not knowing where to start.

"Can I tell you about my life before Hogwarts?"

"Of course Harry," Hermione said with concern filling her eyes.

"Well, after my parents died, Dumbledore left me on the doorstep of the Dursleys," he said bitterly while fiddling with his thumbs. "I grew up in a broom closet, barely getting fed and barely being able to come out because my Aunt and Uncle would lock me in when I got in trouble."

Hermione had started looking at him with sad eyes now.

"I started doing chores when I was 4 and started cooking for them when I was 5."

Hermione sat there awkwardly, not knowing how to comfort Harry.

"Dudley and his friends would beat me up and I never got any love, just nothing, just an empty gap."

Awkward silence.

"I was utterly alone until Hagrid came to get me and told me I was a wizard. I didn't know that it existed until then!" Harry and Hermione got up. Hermione went over and gave Harry a hug. Harry awkwardly stood there and then hugged her back, being thankful he had a friend like Hermione.

"We should go to sleep now," Harry said as he checked his watch wanting to change the subject. Why had he been stupid enough to tell anyone! He thought.

Hermione went up to her staircase and waved goodnight to Harry. Harry sat down back in the armchair and looked at the fire. Luckily it was Saturday, so he didn't have to worry about class. He was very tired and didn't feel like walking to the dormitories so he sat there trying to fall asleep. Sleep never came. Slowly, the sun came up and Harry's desperation started growing as well. He checked his watch and saw it was 7:00 AM and he was extremely tired. At that moment, Hermione walked down the staircase yawning as she did.

"Harry! What are you doing up you look awful! did you even get any sleep?!"

Harry just nodded sleepily as he stood up. He went over to a piece of paper and quill and wrote to Malfoy.

Malfoy, I want to get this blasted homework over with so let's finish it today at 7:10 AM. SO soon so I nEvEr hAVe to TaLk to yOu agAIn.

-Potter (KEEP YOUR PROMISE!)

Harry called Hedwig over and attached it to her leg.

"Send this to Malfoy." He said sleepily as Hedwig flew out the window.

Hermione stood watching. "Why are you sending a letter to Malfoy?""Homework" Harry muttered sleepily.

"Harry! You're far too tired to deal with Malfoy!"

Hedwig knocked on the window and held out her leg which had a neatly folded letter. It read:

Dear Pottah,

Your handwriting is dastardly! And Pottah, I'm waiting in the classroom! SO hurry up!

-Malfoy

"I got to go 'Mione. The ferret is already there!" Harry said as he gathered the essay and things he needed.

Hermione called to Harry as he left.

"We'll finish our conversation from last night later!"Harry was half asleep as he ran through the hall to the classroom they were in. Malfoy was sitting cross-legged there, stirring the potion. Harry walked in and sat down on the bench next to him.

"You look terrible, Potter! Did you even sleep?" Malfoy said as he stopped stirring and looked over at Harry.

Harry stayed silent thinking about how that was the second person to mention that.

"You know Pottah, you really are a difficult person to talk to." Malfoy sneered as he turned back to the potion.

Harry looked at Malfoy and said, "I don't know why I'm telling you of all people this, maybe because you already know so much but no I did not."

Malfoy turned around to Harry and said "You did not what?"

"Sleep," Harry said with a tired face.

Malfoy looked at Harry closely to see if he was telling the truth. As Malfoy examined his face he saw bags under Harry's eyes and could tell he wasn't lying. Malfoy thought for a moment that he should tell one of Harry's friends but then the urge passed and Malfoy was wondering why he… he cared for a moment. Malfoy turned away and kept stirring "The potion should be done by 10."Then we just turn it into Snape!" Harry and Malfoy grinned at each other but quickly looked away.

"Potter….. Why did you burst out like that yesterday…?" Malfoy said as he fixated on the cauldron not wanting to look at Harry.

Harry looked down into his lap and didn't answer the question.

Harry redirected the conversation and asked, "DO you think Snape will make us try the potion?"

Malfoy was disappointed Harry didn't answer but all the same, he said, "If so you will be because I brewed the whole potion!!"

"Fine," Harry said reluctantly but knowing fighting would be of no use. Harry didn't want to drink the potion. His emotions were his; he didn't need anybody else worrying themselves with them. Malfoy looked at Harry to see him deep in thought or…maybe asleep? It was hard to tell.

Malfoy Yelled "Potter!"

Harry looked up for a second but quickly fell back asleep. Slouched forward with his head on his lap. Malfoy knew that it probably was not that comfortable. Malfoy looked around awkwardly and then quietly stood up and went over to Harry. "Wingardium Leviosa," Malfoy whispered quietly as Harry got turned sideways and then laid down on the bench comfortably. Harry stirred for a moment but then went to sleep once more. Malfoy looked around again; he didn't need anyone to know he had been nice to Pottah. The only reason he was doing this is because he pitied Potter not that he… cared for him or anything. So Malfoy sat there looking at Harry until he realized he had been staring at him for almost 5 minutes. He quickly looked away and looked at the potion.

1 hour later.

Harry woke up panting, shivering, and thrashing once again. Malfoy looked over at him not knowing what to do. So he awkwardly grabbed his hand and said, "Potter, if you're not careful you'll knock down the potion!"

Harry, who was still breathing heavily but was calming down had only now realized that Malfoy was holding his hand. At this moment Harry got very confused.

"Malfoy?" An awkward silence ensued after Malfoy quickly let go of Harry's hand.

"Yes, Pottah," Malfoy said as his face got tainted ever so slightly pink.

Harry stared off into space and didn't say anything. "Can't believe I'm saying this for a second time but thank you," Harry said as he fiddled with his thumbs anxiously.

Malfoy just stared at the potion. "Har…. Pottah, what do you dream about? Because you keep waking up from dreams as if you're fighting something." Malfoy said as he was watching Harry's reaction.

Harry's face went emotionless as he said "It's none of your business."Malfoy just turned around and looked at the potion again wondering what was happening to him.