Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ It's Just Twelve Inches of Wood ❯ If you give 'em an inch... ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter 2: (Need help with the name)

Author: SnapesSweetheart

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Draco walked down the sidewalk with a wary eye on the sky. He knew he would get there early but hopefully, Ollivander would be there to let him in. As thunder rumbled, he winced. It didn't frighten him but it seemed as if every bad thing that had happened to change his life had occurred during a thunder storm. He hoped it wasn't an omen for his new job. As the thought crossed his mind, the skies opened up and it began to rain. He quickened his steps and reached Ollivander's in just moments.

He opened the door and silently thanked whoever above had been watching out for him.

“Good morning, Mr. Malfoy. Seems like the weather wasn't on your side, huh?” Ollivander greeted and stood to find another stool. Draco was staring at Ollivander's companion. He could hardly see in the dim light but he reminded Draco of.… The other man groaned, banging his head against the tabe once, before looking up to meet Draco's eyes.

“Mr. Potter. Mr. Malfoy.” Ollivander said placing a stool at the end of the table, opposite Harry. “I think you know each other. And now you will become my two assistants.”

It took most of Draco's willpower not to groan and beat his own head against the table. `Harry damned Potter! How the hell, was he supposed to work with Harry.' He thought morosely. He didn't even notice Ollivander leave the room.

“Potter.” He greeted, trying to keep his voice neutral. He wasn't sure what this situation would entail but he didn't want to lose the position. His life was immensely boring and Ollivander had been the only one to offer some relief. Even the Goblins hadn't wanted to hire him and they hired anyone who could break a curse. It seemed not many wanted to deal with the curse that went by the name Malfoy, no matter how different Draco was from his father.

He smirked when Harry said his name. He had tried to keep his tone neutral but Draco could sense the mild anger and annoyance in it. One of the few predictable things in Draco's life was Harry Potter. Harry could always be relied upon to react to each of Draco's taunts the same.

Before things could go further, Ollivander returned with a cup of coffee for Draco. Draco sat on his stool and added the cream and sugar offered. He stirred it and took a sip.

“That's amusing. You drink your coffee the same way as Mr. Potter.” Ollivander observed. Draco was not amused and glanced at Harry to find that Harry was not amused either. To suggest that they were anything alike was preposterous.

“Well, you have both signed up to search for wand making material. Unfortunately, age is creeping up on me and I have been unable to get them myself. My great grand daughter, Elise, helps me make the wands but getting the materials can be quite dangerous. It's too dangerous for a young girl.” Ollivander explained.

“There are many different materials used and some of them are obscure, not as well known as unicorn or centaur hair. It can be quite an adventure finding these.” He went on with a wistful note. Draco had the feeling that Ollivander would have preferred to go on these expeditions himself.

“What are we to look for first?” Harry asked. Ollivander smiled.

“I have decided Demiguise hair will be perfect for beginners such as you. You would be surprised at how many wands have Demiguise hair... and how many of those wands work as Unspeakable. I have already packed what you will need. Here is a portkey. Try not to use it until you locate what you are searching for, unless of course in a case of emergency. The Ministry is regulating all portkey travel now. You will both have to be touching it for it to activate.” Ollivander said as he slid a small disk across the counter. Draco reached out and grabbed it before Harry could.

“Your packs are there. There is a bag in one of them that is spelled to keep the hair in good condition when you find it. To assure that the mission is clear. You do know what a Demiguise is and what it can do, correct?” Ollivander asked, motioning to two dusty packs in one of the corners.

Draco glanced at Harry who was watching him. Inwardly he winced then nodded. He didn't know but he didn't want to admit that lack of knowledge in front of his school rival. He was relieved when Harry nodded as well.

“Good. There is nothing more, other than be very careful and good luck. I hope to see you in a few days.” Ollivander said.

Draco and Harry climbed off their stools and went to the packs. Draco was sure that Harry had grabbed the least dirty one for no other reason than to annoy him, who was known to be somewhat of a clean freak. They strapped the packs on their backs and Draco held the small disk out to Harry. He reached out, touched it and Draco felt a shock that he was sure had nothing to do with the portkey but before he could react, the portkey transported them.

Draco was used to travelling by portkey so his arrival was graceful. Harry fell to the ground heavily.

“Nice landing.” Draco said with a smirk, surprised when Harry grinned at him.

“Thanks. I've worked on it for years.” He said in a cheerful voice. If Harry's intention was to throw Draco off guard (which of course, it was) it worked. Draco stared at him in consternation. Harry was supposed to remain predictable. It was something that Draco relied on, though he rarely admitted it to himself. A smile and a joke aimed at Draco were not predictable.

“Where do you think we are?” Harry asked, looking around. They were on a wooded mountain and when Draco looked around, he had to admit it was beautiful.

“I don't know. Where do you find Demiguises?” Draco asked somewhat shortly. He was not assured by Harry's sudden blank look.

“I thought you knew.” Harry said and Draco could hear the accusation in his voice.

“You said you did.” Draco retorted. He wanted to groan when Harry shook his head.

“I only said I did because you did. I didn't want to look stupid.”

“You are stupid. Didn't you take Care of Magical Creatures? Didn't you learn what it was?” Draco said, starting to get angry.

“I quit the same year you did, Malfoy. I didn't have time. You told Ollivander you knew!” Harry was getting angry as well.

“Well, I lied!” Draco shouted and the silence after was deafening. Harry was staring at him in shock. Draco wasn't sure if it was the words or the sudden realization of their situation that had stunned Harry. He decided it was both.

“Yes, Potter, we are miles from anywhere and have no idea what we are looking for.” Draco confirmed. Harry shook his head.

“I would have to work with you, wouldn't I? What a lovely way to find some excitement.” Harry muttered. Draco was suddenly astounded by the idea that Harry had the same problem he did, ennui that wouldn't go away, the need for something different. That revelation made him uncomfortable.

“Shouldn't we find a place to set up or something? From the look of the sky, it is getting dark. Where ever the hell we are it's far from London.” Draco said, glancing at the sky. Harry looked upward and nodded. They both started down the hill, looking for a place to camp.

They found a good spot not far from where they had appeared and both set to unpacking.

Draco's pack contained food, cooking utensils, blankets, warm clothing and the magic bag that Ollivander had mentioned. Harry's contained the same except in place of the bag, he had a tent. One Muggle tent that meant they would have to share.

Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter would have to sleep feet from the other. Simultaneously they wondered if they would even wake up in the morning but both dismissed the thought. Ollivander would know if something happened so the other wouldn't be able to get away with murder. That relieved them more than they would care to admit.

“Well, if you will get water from the river, I will set up the tent.” Harry offered, holding out a bottle.

Draco scowled and shook his head. “I don't carry water.” He said, lifting his chin. He was dismayed to see Harry smirk at him.

“Fine, I will get the water, you set up the tent.” Harry countered.

Draco glared at him. The speccy git knew he didn't know how to set up a Muggle tent. He was trying to manipulate him! Draco eyed him thoughtfully. It had been a good try, he had to admit because it meant that he would get the water or look like an idiot when he tried to set up the tent.

“Fine, I'll get the water.” He conceded. He snatched the bottle from Harry's hands and stalked to the river. He filled it with water and stalked back to camp but when he reached it, he stopped dead in his tracks. Harry was bent over, fitting some poles together. `Why hadn't I noticed Potter had such a nice arse?' He thought to himself gaping. He didn't notice the bottle in his hand tilt and water spill on the ground.

Harry stood and turned around to find Draco staring at him. The water he had carried was now a puddle at his feet.

“What's wrong? What happened?” He asked quickly, scanning the trees behind him. Draco snapped out of his trance and flushed.

“I thought I saw something in the trees. It was nothing. Why isn't that up yet?” Draco asked imperiously, causing Harry to roll his eyes.

“Because it takes a bit of work. Why don't you start a fire? It's getting a bit chilly.” Harry said. Draco looked at him suspiciously for a moment wondering if this was Harry's passive aggressive way to use Draco as a house elf but then shrugged. It didn't matter. If the job lasted beyond this one mission and if they weren't tossed out on their arses by Ollivander, that meant they would have to get along.

It wouldn't be easy to do because they disliked each other but Draco wanted the job so he would give it a shot. He also knew that if it did become boring, he could always instigate a fight with Harry. That would be interesting. Draco thought this as he gathered wood. He didn't notice the large figure in the shadows of the trees or the smaller figures gathered around it watching him avidly.

Soon a fire was started and the tent was erect. Draco and Harry sat on opposite sides, trying not to look at the other. The sky was darkening and the air was getting colder by the minute. Both young men had taken the warmer clothing from the packs and put them on. Draco had been relieved to find the clothing was clean and it had just been the outside of the packs that had been dusty.

“Are you tired? I mean, we've only been here for a couple hours, which means it isn't even noon back home.” Harry asked.

Draco shrugged. “I didn't sleep last night, so I am tired for the most part.” He admitted in a soft voice.

Harry nodded knowingly. “I understand. I don't sleep much anymore. Insomnia's a bitch. It seems when I do sleep I get some stupid reporter banging on my window asking whether I sleep naked or not.” Harry said with a laugh. He looked up and noticed the startled look on Draco's face.

Draco was feeling uncomfortable again. While reporters didn't bother him, he did suffer from bouts of insomnia. The feeling of having something in common with Harry Potter was beyond imagining and he was curious to know what else they had in common. He picked up the water bottle, which he had refilled earlier and poured the last of it into the tea pot.

“Guess we need more water.” He commented and stood. Harry stood as well.

“I'll get it. You got it last time.” He said taking the bottle from Draco's hands. He walked towards the river. Draco sat back down but a moment later he heard Harry shout and a splash. He jumped up and ran down the short trail that led to the river, only to find Harry swimming against the current, searching for something.

“Where is it?” Harry shouted when he saw Draco. Draco wasn't sure what he was looking for until he saw a head bob in the water a few feet from where Harry was swimming. It looked like a child but Draco was sure it wasn't.

“There!” he said pointing at the bobbing head, just as it disappeared. Draco stared in alarm as it appeared again. It hadn't gone under water. It had just disappeared. Harry caught sight of it as it reappeared and grabbed onto it. Or rather, it grabbed onto him. Harry swam to shore with the small creature wrapped about his neck. Draco stood back as he climbed out of the water and pried the creature from his neck.

“It looks like an ape.” Harry commented softly. “But much prettier.”

The creature let go of Harry and pushed past Draco to get to something behind him. A tall creature, obviously an adult of whatever Harry had rescued, stood there staring at the two young men with wide dark eyes. It picked up the smaller creature and cradled it in its arms like a baby. Draco and Harry had the feeling it was the baby's mother.

They stared at each other for a few moments and then the creature disappeared right before their eyes. Draco cursed softly but Harry stared in awe. He had never seen anything like that before. It was similar to an ape but so different.

“Do you have a savior complex?” Draco asked caustically as they made their way back to camp. Harry shrugged.

“If something is in danger and I can help, then I do. I guess I must then.”

Harry was freezing when they got back to camp. His teeth were chattering and his lips were turning blue. Since there was no other clothing, Harry had to make due with the fire and the blankets. Sitting in silence wasn't very exciting but Draco wasn't bored. He couldn't take his eyes off of Harry chest. He didn't know what was happening to him but he was suddenly attracted to the Boy Savior and he didn't like it.

They sat in silence for about an hour before Harry sighed. “I think I am going to bed. We can figure out what to do tomorrow.” He stood and climbed into the tent. Draco sat still for a moment and then followed. He should try to rest as well. In the tent, Harry had pulled the blankets off and was making a bedroll. Draco tried to keep his eyes away but they strayed to Harry, taking in his lithe, muscular form. Harry seemed oblivious to Draco's stares.

They both settled down into their beds as far away as they could get from one another. Just as Draco was drifting off, Harry sat up.

“Hermione!” he exclaimed. Draco sat up.

“Where? What?”

“Hermione would know what they are. I could ask her. She made me bring this in case of danger.” Harry explained pulling a little mirror from a pocket in his pack.

“Hermione!” He called several times before she answered.

“Harry? This had better be good. This had better be life threatening.” She said sternly. Her face was flushed and hair in disarray.

“It is.” Harry said cheerfully. “What is a demiguise?” he asked. She glared at him and he hurried on to explain. “My partner and I are looking for them but we don't know what they are. That makes it just a little difficult.”

Draco rolled his eyes at Harry's explanation. It seemed that Hermione was annoyed with it as well.

“It means you can't do your job. You have a partner? Who is it? Is it someone we know?” she asked.

“Tell me what a demiguise is first.” Harry said.

She frowned. “They resemble apes a little; they have long hair and can turn invisible. So who is your partner?”

Harry glanced at Draco, who was watching the exchange avidly. “It's Malfoy. Well, have to go, see you when I get back.” He said in a hurry and put the mirror away. He didn't hear her call his name again or a warning about occamy or their eggs.

Harry lay down again. “So I must have saved a demiguise. That would have been awful if we would have had to return only to find we were that close.” He commented but Draco didn't answer. He was already asleep.

 

In the morning, Draco awoke slowly wondering where he was. The bed was uncomfortable and he wasn't alone due to the fact that that someone's arm was draped over him. He wiggled closer, still half asleep and the arm tightened around him. They were warm and Draco liked how they smelled. The other person ran their hand over his chest and murmured sleepily in Draco's ear. Drowsily he wondered who he had brought home last night but when he opened his eyes and saw the tent, he remembered.

With a shout he jumped out of the bed and glared at Harry, who was looking at him bleary eyed. Harry grabbed his glasses and looked up at Draco with surprise.

“What do you mean sneaking into my bed in the middle of the night, Potter?” Draco hissed angrily. Harry looked around.

“I didn't-”

“Oh yes you did, how do you explain this?” Draco said interrupting and pointing at the pile of blankets.

“I would say you snuck into my bed, since I am still on my side of the tent.” Harry said reasonably and lay his head back down. He didn't want to get up and show Draco the erection he had gotten from just running his hands over the blonde's chest, however unknowingly it had been. Draco looked around the tent and saw, to his horror that Harry was right. Draco's pile of blankets was still in its place. His face burning, he fled the tent.

A while later, Draco hadn't returned so Harry got up and dressed. His clothes were mostly dry due to a slow drying spell Draco had placed on them. It seems Ollivander had spelled his clothing to resist different kinds of magic. Unfortunately for Harry, one of the spells resisted was a quick drying spell.

He left the tent and came face to face with Draco, who had been about to enter. They stopped and stared at each other for a moment, each remembering different things about the same event. Finally Harry moved aside and let Draco in the tent. He started packing up the camp. Even if they didn't find the demiguise today, they probably wouldn't be camping here again.

Draco came out and helped. Soon it looked as though they had never been there. Tightening the straps on his pack, Draco looked over at Harry. It had been mortifying for him this morning, not only to find himself in Harry's bed, but admitting to himself that he had been comfortable. He sighed and wondered what the day would hold for them.