分卷阅读5（1 / 2）

“You could at least use a Hover Charm—”

“I’m aware of that, and I will use a charm if and only if I need one. Which I don’t.”

Harry trails along after him, empty-handed, as Draco makes a perilous trip, swaying, down two flights of steps into the dungeons. He chooses an empty classroom near the one where they take Potions, kicks it open, and finally sets the books down.

He’s out of breath and trying, very poorly, to hide it.

“You’re…still here…Potter?” Draco says, feigning surprise while trying visibly not to gasp for air. He’s flushed, and there’s a light sheen of sweat on his forehead; his too-large collar is askew, sliding almost all the way off one shoulder, and Harry can make out the tip of the Sectumsempra scar peeking out over the top of his shirt. He hates the sight of it, but it reminds him not to lose his temper when Draco adds, panting, “I see…nothing’s changed. Still…desperate for my attention…are you?”

He’s so pathetic I can’t even be angry, Harry thinks.

“Hermione told me you’re researching Hanahaki,” says Harry, “that you’re looking for a cure.”

“There is no cure,” Draco says. “I’m not looking for one. I’m going to make one.”

“How?” Harry asks.

“I’m working on that.”

“Ah.” Harry scuffs the toe of his shoe against the stone floor. “Bet it would go faster if you had someone to help you go through those books.”

“Are you offering?” Draco says, like he fully expects the answer to be no, but Harry nods. “Why would you do that?” He appears genuinely baffled, bordering on suspicious.

“Erm, well,” says Harry, “I’m worried about your mum.”

He hadn’t planned on saying that. It’s barely true.

“Excuse me?” says Draco, flatly.

“You heard what I said at her trial,” says Harry, deciding to stick with his story. “I would’ve died if not for her. She defied Voldemort for you. It would be beyond unfair for her to lose you now, like this.”

Draco’s expression is blank, his lips pressed thin, his eyes even and unblinking as they look at Harry. It’s the way he looks when he’s calculating or deep in thought, and doesn’t want to betray his emotions.

“If you’re going to stay,” Draco says at last, “you’ll need to follow my instructions carefully, so we don’t miss anything important.”

“You’ve been waiting all your life to boss me around, haven’t you?” Harry says cheerfully, and Draco almost smiles.

Researching with Draco is not at all like studying with his friends. Draco has Hermione’s stamina and unassailable focus when it comes to long hours of reading, but he likes to talk. In fact, he can’t help himself. That first afternoon together, Draco manages to maintain a chilly silence for all of ten minutes before he starts chattering.