Disclaimer: Not mine. Never will be. More's the pity.

A/N: This is slightly AU, I suppose.


Summary: If you had told Draco Malfoy when he was fourteen that he would be, at age eighteen, leaving the wizarding world behind completely, so that he could live with his boyfriend, he would have called you crazy. If you'd told him that his boyfriend was Harry Potter, he would have had you committed to Saint Mungo's. As it was, though, it was the middle of August, his boyfriend had turned eighteen just two weeks before, and they were nearly done packing, before they were going to leave.

How had this happened?



Harry! Harry, wait up! It was midway through Draco's fifth year, and he had decided to finally do something about the dreams that plagued him, waking or sleeping.

Harry turned in surprise. What that Malfoy who had just used his first name, who seemed genuinely... nice? Harry couldn't help but let his stomach do a tiny flip-flop of joy. His tone was guarded, but free of malice.

I, um, wanted to talk to you. Privately, I mean. Draco bit his lip. Harry had rejected his friendship nearly five years earlier; why would he talk to him now?

Harry nodded slowly. Okay. I have Defense Against the Dark Arts right now, but then I have some time free until dinner. Meet me near that statue of the one-eyed witch on the fourth floor. Harry mentally kicked himself as he walked away. What was he planning to do, impress his enemy by showing off the secret passage? Dumb, dumb, dumb, he mentally scolded himself, because that was exactly his intention.

Harry? You alright, mate? Ron asked, his tone worried. His tone was worried almost half the time now, Harry figured.

What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just... forgot that I had something to do after class.

Ron waggled his eyebrows. Hmm. It's not Order stuff or you'd tell us. Must be a girl! He grinned triumphantly. Ever since Hermione and Ron had started dating just before Christmas, Ron had been tireless in his attempts to find someone for Harry. In all honesty, Harry had more of a problem with that than the fact that he was occasionally left out at times.

Luckily, Hermione stepped in. Stop teasing Harry, Ron. Professor Fletcher will dock points if we're late. In continuing his tradition for hiring odd DADA professors – one was Voldemort-possessed, one was insane, another a werewolf, and one a Death Eater in disguise – Dumbledore had this year retained one Mundungus Fletcher for the position, a man that Harry remembered seeing at the Quidditch World Cup last year, a man that was decidedly slightly off his rocker. One of his oddities was taking off one House point for every 17 seconds past the beginning of class that a student was late. No one was sure why 17 seconds was the magic number.

Harry smiled gratefully at Hermione. She was the only one who knew even something of his secret, and likely would be the sole keeper of his secret for quite awhile longer. Harry had concluded over the previous summer that he preferred men over women, sexually, and had gone to Hermione first, knowing that she would know, if anyone would, how the wizarding world viewed gays. He knew that it was hit or miss, but still doable, in the Muggle world, but was dismayed to find it much worse in the world of magic. Hermione had explained that society generally functioned like the Muggle Greek and Roman Empires – those that could afford to often had male lovers, but they had to marry and produce heirs as well, and those lovers could never be acknowledged. Harry knew that meant that someday he would have to find someone to marry, but he refused to do that to anyone he genuinely liked, or to do it anytime soon, figuring he'd find some pretty empty-headed thing that wouldn't care what he did as long as she got money to play with, or something to that effect. Hermione had grimaced when he said that but acknowledged that it wouldn't be fair to do with someone that Harry did care about, even if it was only as a friend.

What Hermione didn't know was that if Harry could choose one single person out of all of Hogwarts, based on pure physical attraction alone, it would be Draco Malfoy. The Slytherin had been less hateful so far this year as well, and Harry had to keep a tight rein on his lust at all times. What Malfoy would do with the knowledge, Harry didn't want to know.



Meanwhile, Draco was sitting in Charms, nervously counting down the minutes in his head. Unlike Harry, Draco was perfectly aware of the rules society had for those that were homosexual, and he had made peace with the fact that he would have to keep that side of himself hidden. That didn't mean he was adverse to seeking out a lover right now. Not that that was the primary reason he had sought out Harry, he assured himself. Chances were that Harry was far from gay. No, he needed Harry as an ally. Draco had seen what the Death Eaters truly represented over the past summer and Christmas break, and he wanted – no, needed – Harry to come with him when he went to Dumbledore and threw his lot in with the side of Light.

Finally, Flitwick ceased his ramblings and let the class go. Draco made an excuse about extra work, and hastened towards the statue Harry had told him to meet at. Why there? he wondered. Must have some significance for Harry to think of it so quickly. He just hoped Harry didn't intend to stand there the whole time. If word got out that he was speaking to Harry Potter... well, Draco didn't even want to think about the consequences.

There he was.

Harry raised an eyebrow. Might as well, he figured. In for a penny, in for a pound. He took a deep breath and tapped his wand on the statue. The statue moved aside. Hurry, get in. Draco climbed in and slid downward, and he heard Harry right behind him.

What is this place? Draco asked, his voice slightly awed.

It's a secret passageway, to Hogsmeade. Harry shrugged. Lumos. I had to use it during our third year.

Where's it come out? And you realise that Hogsmeade is not my idea of private.

The cellar of Honeydukes. Harry gave Draco an amused look. Ever heard of illusion charms? Besides, Ron and Hermione, and the twins, are the only ones that know about the passageway. Hidden places at Hogwarts would be harder to come by.

How'd you guess it needed to be so secret?

Please. Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy speaking even halfway civilly to one another would cause hell to freeze over. The school wouldn't know how to function.

Draco laughed in spite of himself. That's true. There was silence for awhile. How far do we have to go?

Not too much farther. They had reached the bottom of the flight of the stairs. Just up these stairs.

The pair was silent as they crept out of the cellar and into the street. Harry had paused in the cellar to cast an illusion on each of them – not very complex, but good enough for an hour or two. They each got a butterbeer and sat down in the Three Broomsticks.

Draco was suddenly at a loss for words. I... I don't want to become my father.

A Death Eater, you mean?

Yes, that, and more. I don't want to be like him. I want to help defeat You-Know-Who.

Harry sipped at his butterbeer. I have to ask the obvious question. How do I – do we – know that this isn't some elaborate plot on Voldemort's part? Or your father, independent of Voldemort, for that matter?

Draco shuddered. I don't know how you can say his name so calmly. Anyway, I know you don't have a reason to trust me. I'll take Veritaserum, whatever necessary. I just... I was invited' to watch some of the Death Eater festivities' over summer hols and again at Christmas and... I can't be that. Draco was pale, and shivering violently now.

Without thinking, Harry put his arm around him. Hey, it's okay. They aren't the nicest people, I admit, but they can't hurt you here. He smiled halfway. For what it's worth, I believe you.

Draco's eyes widened.

Mm-hmm. You can't fake a reaction to the Death Eaters. At least... not around someone else who's been there.

Draco was confused. What did Harry mean?

I've been around them. Last year. And then... well. Let's just say I probably saw some of the same things you did. Over Christmas? The two Muggle women? And the family next door?

Draco nodded, horrified and confused. How did Harry know that?

Voldemort and I are... connected somehow. Let's just leave it at that.

Draco nodded. He only then became aware that Harry's arm was around him, and he had snuggled deeper into the embrace. Maybe Harry wasn't a lost hope after all. He decided to take a chance and scooched even closer towards Harry, placing his hand on Harry's leg. He heard Harry's breath catch slightly, and inwardly Draco smiled.

Harry's mind was racing and he felt his face turn red. So, um... he began awkwardly, do you, ah, want to talk to Dumbledore?

I'd like you to come with me, if you would, Draco said softly. I thought it might would help. And... you and I are the strongest wizards in our class. We really should work together.

Harry had to agree. He paid the bill and slowly removed his arm from Draco, slightly embarassed. It was a good thing they weren't recognizable, he decided. Ready to head back? We have about an hour before dinner; Dumbledore might could see us now, and we wouldn't have to make up another excuse.

The blond Slytherin raised an eyebrow. Excuses? I didn't think there was a need for subterfuge in other Houses. Or a desire for it.

Harry grinned wickedly. I was a toss-up between Gryffindor and Slytherin. And Ron and Hermione are always so bloody *worried* about me. They seem to think I'm going to do something crazy if I go off alone without a good reason.

Draco's face betrayed his shock. Harry Potter, nearly a Slytherin? That would end some House prejudice if it ever got out. He cleared his throat. You're right. We should go. See if Dumbledore's free.

The unlikely pair went back through the passageway to Hogwarts, then wandered through the hallways, illusion charm still on, to the entrance to Dumbledore's office.

Cadbury Creme Egg, Harry said absentmindedly to the gargoyle, leaving Draco gaping at him.



Oh. It's always a sweet. That's Muggle chocolate, Cadbury is. I was just here two days ago and it's the same.

Draco merely nodded. Harry made it seem like no big deal that he knew the password to the Headmaster's office. Draco had wanted it many times over the past four and a half years. Sweets! He never would have guessed.

They had reached the door to Dumbledore's office. Come in, my boys, come in. I think you can safely remove the illusion now.

Harry blushed, and cast the reversing charm. Sorry, sir.

Not at all, not at all. Now. What brings such an unlikely pair as yourselves to my door?

It's... me, sir. Draco's voice was quiet. I just asked Harry to come with me. Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise. I don't want to become a Death Eater, Draco said firmly. I can't do it and I won't. I know you'll want to use Veritaserum before you'll trust me to work with you, sir, but I don't want to be a Death Eater. And, frankly, sir, Harry and I are the strongest wizards in our year. We should be working together to train.

Dumbledore nodded. Yes, yes. One moment. He crossed to the fireplace and threw in some powder. Severus! If you would join me in my office please. Bring Veritaserum.

At once, sir, Harry and Draco heard the oily Potions Master reply.

Sir? Professor Snape is a Death Eater. My father said so, this summer. Draco was visibly shaking again.

Ah. Thank you, young Draco. Why don't I meet him outside to retrieve the Veritaserum, that way he won't see you. Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling, and he winked at Harry. Harry stifled a laugh. Snape was Dumbledore's top spy within the Death Eaters, and Draco had just confirmed that he wasn't yet suspected – undoubtedly good news.

A moment later, the door opened again, and Dumbledore came back in, dose already measured. Draco took it almost eagerly. I'm ready, sir. His voice was clear and absent of malice, unusual to Harry.

Very well. Draco Malfoy, are you sincere in your desire to work against Voldemort?

Yes, sir.

Are you here as the result of some plot or plan, to gain inside information to be used against me, Harry, or those working against Voldemort and the Death Eaters?

No, sir.

Are you working for yourself, hoping to replace Voldemort?

No, sir! Draco's voice was shocked, and Harry was surprised. His Slytherin traits must be the cunning and slyness, not ambition, Harry thought absently.

What do you desire?

Bad way to phrase that, Draco immediately thought. Boys. Ugh, no. To defeat Voldemort. To live through the war that's coming.

Very well. The Veritaserum should wear off shortly, but right now we will induct you into the Order of the Phoenix.

The Order of the Phoenix?

It's a group working against Voldemort, Draco, Harry explained. Especially since the Ministry refuses to believe that he's returned. I'm a member; so're Ron, Hermione, Remus, Si– Harry closed his mouth sharply, aware he had almost revealed too much. Well. You'll see at the next meeting. He turned to Dumbledore then. Don't we need three members though, sir?

Dumbledore smiled. Indeed. I took the liberty of having Severus wait outside the door.

Professor Snape? But I just told you, he's a Death Eater! Draco was slightly panicky.

Draco, calm down. Harry was trying to reassure him. Snape's our spy. Was before, and has been since the summer. That's why we were able to foil some of their plans.

Oh. I remember Lucius ranting about some failed raids.

Harry nodded encouragingly.

Severus Snape entered the room at that moment. Now, Albus, really, I'm in the middle of marking papers. What is this about?

We have a new member of the Order of the Phoenix, Severus, the older wizard said gently, pointing behind Snape.

Snape whirled around, and his eyes widened in surprise.

Hello, Professor. Don't worry, I was shocked to find out it was okay to have you in here.

Snape's lips curled into a sneer. While he was more civil outside of class, he still didn't care for Harry, for the simple reason that he was James Potter's son. What are you doing here?

I asked him to be here, Draco cut in. Now, what do we have to do?

It was ten minutes later when Harry and Draco separated outside the headmaster's office. I'll see you next Tuesday, then, for the meeting. If you like, we can meet early, and I can introduce you to a few people.

Draco smiled. Harry was volunteering to be nice to him? Sure, that sounds great. And, uh, don't mention me to Granger or Weasley yet?

Harry smirked. Don't worry, I wouldn't want to miss the looks on their faces for the world. By the way... um... did you mean what you said? About boys?

Draco flushed. Um... yeah... but...

It's okay, Harry said hurriedly. It's just nice to know there's someone else out there. With that, he turned and strode away, leaving Draco staring at his back in disbelief.