Now that the war was over and they were invited to return to Hogwarts for an eighth year, they could enjoy the leisure of regular life without worrying about an impending doom and instead upcoming exams. A few months into the school year, exhaustion from the battles wore away from Potter and left him detached from the world as all of his main goals were now cleared. He explored himself, wondering if there was anything more to him than just a brave Gryffindor and The Boy That Lived.

Malfoy had been absorbed into his study and for the most part left Potter alone aside from a polite nod of recognition in the hall. Harry noticed this and graciously accepted the break from the relentless teasing. After a while, though, this had started to bother the boy, because it was almost as if all of Draco's persistent attention towards him disappeared completely and the boy was ignoring him.

It irked him until he realized that most of his time was consumed by Malfoy, whether it be contemplation or just plain out observing the boy. Eventually, he realized those moments had evolved into something more.

One day, he walked up to Malfoy, trying to find a peace in the confusion dwelling within his mind. Draco told him that he had not intentionally caused the circumstances; he was simply too busy. This had left Harry dissatisfied. Draco told Harry that he'd try to be a little more conscience of his actions, making Harry as an acquaintance.

Two weeks later he had noticed the change, appreciating the polite, if not small, conversations. He thought that would quell his mind's irritation. He was wrong. He still eyed Draco, often becoming more accustomed to the Slytherin's presence with each encounter.

A week afterwards, he confronted Draco, swallowing his nervousness; he wanted to advance his relationship to gain proximity with his charmer. He was rather shocked when Draco listened with interested eyes, nonchalantly agreeing to Harry's proposition.

Even though they had been dating a few months, Malfoy never really took initiative, giving him anything or taking the Gryffindor places. This disappointed Harry, but knew Draco wasn't ignoring him or avoiding him because the other never denied any of his boyfriend's requests and still engaged in conversation the same as before, with slightly more input. Although, there had been a few times where Draco had invited him to parties and events rather than forcing Harry to say something about it before anything happened.

Harry had just returned from the Muggle world for the holidays, spending the break with Hermione. Plenty of times he had lived with Ron but was always curious about Hermione's home life, though he had been disappointed when Draco didn't seem to react, letting his boyfriend go. He was expecting at least some shred of jealousy, maybe even care or concern. Instead he received the same apathetic glare.

He sat across from Draco at the table, studying. Even though his boyfriend was there, it seemed like he wasn't. "Malfoy," he broke the silence. His response was murmur of a noise, which he interpreted to mean to wait a moment. Every second drain his mood further.

"What's up," Draco said, putting his pencil down over his paper to show that Potter had his complete attention. He always did this, focusing all of his effort into one thing. He didn't do anything half-heartedly. Harry knew that, just one of Draco's perks that he loved.

Harry's words evaded him. He knew Draco wouldn't laugh at him or accuse him of anything. He didn't know why he was so worried to speak his mind. Maybe because his doubts would be true? Maybe he would leave him or belittle his troubles. He shook his head. "Nevermind," he bent his head down to read.

"No," Malfoy said sternly, lifting his head off the table. "No, there's something you want to say, say it. I stopped studying for you and you have all of my attention. I'm listening." Potter stared at him, his eyes glistening confusion, appreciation, doubt, and hope.

"I'm worried," Harry started, anxious to continue. Draco's forehead wrinkled in intense thought. He should clarify. "About us." Silence perused.

When he was about to return to his book, Draco opened his mouth as if to say something, recapturing they Gryffindor's attention, although no noise escaped; he changed his mind. "Do you want me," Harry whispered. "Did I force this onto you?" It was the first time he had really seen an emotion in his companion's face. Shock swirled in Draco's eyes while anxiety painted his face.

Malfoy reached to hold Harry's hands in his own, squeezing them gently. "No. Trust me. You couldn't have even if you wanted to. I would have left if that were the case. I'm here, because I want to be, Potter." He pulled a hand close to his face, staring at it a moment, before cautiously kissing it. "What makes you think I don't want you?"

Harry blushed, confused. He had never seen Draco like this before. It was as if the other had stepped out from behind a curtain. That was the first time he kissed Harry in any way. There had been times where Harry had stood close and hinted for one, but it always seemed like Malfoy never noticed, or he just didn't want to. "You never seemed interested. You never acted like you care." Even in their conversations, even though the number had increased, there was only ever a few rare smiles; most consisted of attentive eyes, nods, and brief statements that didn't add much to the conversation, only advanced it.

Draco sighed. "I know." I know. "I'm sorry…I'll admit I have never before been in a relationship with a guy. I accepted your confession because I didn't find myself pulling away, I guess. I didn't see anything wrong with it. And, you were nice enough. Plus, you'd be a good ally to have," he looked down shamefully at the table, afraid to look at heart broken eyes. "At first, it was all small talk. Anything to keep you on my side."

Berating himself, he looked up and the sight almost made him lose his words. Harry's eyes were consumed with hurt, his lip definitely a frown. "Look, that changed. I changed. I see you differently, please trust me when I say that." Harry pulled away his hand in disbelief and started to gather his books.

"No," Draco shouted desperately, shooting up from his seat as Harry did. "Please, don't go! Potter, please!" Pleading was futile, as the Boy That Lived walked, faster with each step, away from him. He cried alone in his study room in an isolated tower of the castle until his body could shake no more.

Harry walked back to his common room. Hermione and Ron spotted him and ran up to him noticing Harry was more upset than usual. "Harry, are you alright," she chirped. He just passed them, ignoring their care. He wanted to be alone. His best friends followed him into the bedroom. He always responded to him; something was definitely wrong.

"Harry, can you please tell me what happened? I'm worried," Hermione said, patting his back.

"Just Draco," he mumbled. He grabbed his pillow. He would have to see that stupid blonde later. He was so stupid to put his trust in that Slytherin! In that... that ex-death eater! He winced. He never thought he would have to feel that way. Maybe it wasn't too late to get Ron to switch rooms with Malfoy. His heart hurt.

"What did he do," Ron cracked his knuckles. He might not have been brave enough to be his ass a few years ago, but he earned his Gryffindor title last year. Screw that pathetic excuse of a brat!

Harry explained and soon the sun had set as his friends stayed and comforted him until they heard everyne starting to return to their common room. "Take care, Harry," they wished him.

"Yeah. I'm feeling a bit tired," Harry mumbled, watching as Hermione and Ron left his room; all he could hear was yelling before he fell asleep.

"You've hurt him enough!"

"He doesn't deserve scum like you!"

When Harry awoke, he was startled. Why was Draco holding him? He never did this. Was this pity? Or did he really care? He stroked the other's jawbone. This was the first time he touched him, really, aside from hand-holding and hugs. Was it wrong because the other was asleep? He noticed Draco was in the same clothes as yesterday, wondering when the Slytherin had joined him in bed.

The blonde stirred, pulling Harry closer as his face contorted in frustration. "Don't push me away. I really do care. I really do want you."

Harry stared a moment, still doubtful. "Really?"

"Really." His eyes slowly opened; stormy eyes studied emerald one's, searching in desperation. "Can I do anything to prove it?" Harry opened his mouth to say something before Draco interrupted him. "I'll talk more. I'll call you Harry. I'll try out new things, like this, like last night. I'll-I'll kiss you! Anything."

"Kiss me?" His voice squeaked. Harry's heart beat faster. He believed him. He heard the desperation in his voice. Draco was willing to devote more of himself for Harry. Around the edge of the other's eyes, he saw the scars of last night's sobs.

"Do you want me to?"

He sounded nervous. A bit too nervous for Potter's liking. His trust wavered. "I don't think you're ready to," the Gryffindor admitted. He should take baby steps with Draco anyway. After all going from kissing Harry's hands to kissing Harry's lip would probably be an awkward step for the Slytherin.

"I am! I am," Draco pleaded eagerly, answered only with a raised eyebrow. He placed his hand underneath of Potter's chin. "May I?" He stared wide-eyed, imploring.

"If you're sure," Harry murmured, his breathe stolen by the other. The lips touched softly at first, gently, tenderly, to be careful of each other. Harry's excitement edged his mouth ajar, tongue pushing on Malfoy's. There was a brief pause where Potter almost pulled away. Instead, the Slytherin opened, letting Harry have his fill, playing along with other until they were both gasping for air.

"I didn't know if you were ready. I didn't want to force you. That's why I never made any moves," Draco spoke softly, brushing the obsidian locks. "I really do want you." Harry's heart was filled with warmth, a small smile spreading across his face. "Stay with me?"

"Of course."