Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Harry's Story
It was just a few short days after Harry had inadvertently cast the Sectumsempra on Draco Malfoy landing him in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts. Harry had visited Malfoy every night since then, he hadn't meant to harm him, he hadn't known at the time what the spell did.
Under the invisibility cloak Harry watched Malfoy sleep. Sometimes he'd watch him shiver in slumber – because of a nightmare, he was sure. Nightmares Harry himself might have caused. Once he'd come so close to Malfoy's face that he'd seen tears streaking down the other boy's cheeks. He cries in his sleep.
What did I do? How can he ever forgive me? How could I ever forgive myself?
Harry stood there staring at Malfoy in the dark that Thursday evening. He had left the Great Hall immediately after dinner. He'd indicated to everyone that he was returning to his room in the Gryffindor Tower to rest but instead he'd put on his cloak and left his room immediately. He needed to be near him, watch him rest, make sure he was okay.
He knew it was Malfoy's last night in the hospital bed and he'd return to the Slytherin dorms the next day. He wouldn't have this much proximity with him again. They were supposed to hate each other; they were not supposed to talk to one another. How could Harry ask for his forgiveness in public even if he tried? He knew Malfoy was up to something, he was still convinced of it but what?
I wish I could wake him up, I wish I could tell him that I just want to talk. I just want to ask him questions. Did he curse that necklace? Did he poison that mead? He'll tell me, and I'll believe him, I just want him to say 'No.'
Harry sighed, accidentally, involuntarily, stridently. Malfoy woke up. Harry stood very still, he was so close to him, could almost could touch him but he remained motionless. He didn't want to make Malfoy aware of his presence.
"Potter?" Malfoy whispered, "What are you doing here?"
Harry was so stupid! He hadn't realised his cloak had slid off and Malfoy could see him!
"Come to finish the job?" Malfoy sneered as he shifted up on the bed and sat up straight.
"What? No!" Harry exclaimed in soft voice. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright."
Malfoy scoffed.
"Listen, Malfoy, I'm sorry! I didn't know what that spell did. If I had, I wouldn't have…I would never…"
"You should have just killed me. It would have been better if I died, if Professor Snape hadn't found me."
"No, I am so thankful he did! Malfoy, I don't know what I would have done if you'd died. If I had killed you," Harry implored, his voice growing weepy. He didn't want to hear Malfoy talk about dying. Harry had shortened the distance between the two of them now; he was so close to Malfoy. He placed his right hand on Malfoy's knee causing him to raise an eyebrow as he gazed at Harry's hand.
"Potter–"
"Malfoy, I have a few questions for you, if you'll allow me," Harry interrupted him.
"I am not going to answer any questions. Not to you, not to anyone. I won't, I…can't. If that's why you're here, you might as well just leave," Malfoy announced.
Harry didn't move his hand away; instead his touch became more evident. He unknowingly began to gently caress Malfoy's leg with his fingers. Malfoy raised his eyebrow again and stared at Harry's hand movements. "Also, if you could stop…touching me…like that."
Harry woke up to realise what he was doing with his hand. He thought about stopping but he didn't pause. His fingers lightly moved up Malfoy's leg. "Why? You don't like it?" he whispered.
Malfoy cleared his throat. He opened his mouth about to retort when Harry attacked his lips with his own. His hand slowly trailed up his leg as he slyly slid his tongue into Malfoy's mouth, hands only stopping when he reached Malfoy's cock, gathering that he was hard. Malfoy sucked on Harry's tongue for a minute until he finally pushed him away. Harry's hand still rested on Malfoy's crotch.
"Potter, what in the bloody hell are you doing?"
"I don't know," Harry answered. "I just know that I had to see you, so…"
"So you came here every night?" Malfoy stated. There was no doubt in his eyes; he had known that Harry visited him every night.
"How–?"
"What game are you playing?" Malfoy demanded, ignoring Harry's question. "Do you want to further embarrass me, after nearly killing me in the bathroom? So you and your insufferable friends can have a laugh!"
"Malfoy, no. I…I don't know what possessed me to kiss you except that I wanted to and I want to again," Harry professed.
"Move your hand, Potter," Malfoy commanded. Harry's hand was still on Malfoy's groin, his fingers gently massaging his cock.
"No."
"What?"
"Yell, Malfoy, call out for help. Scream at the top of your lungs that Harry Potter is in the Hospital Wing and has returned to kill you. That's the only way I will move my hand."
Malfoy gulped. He closed his eyes and smashed his head back against the headboard, turning his face away from Harry. Harry let go of Malfoy's privates and placed his finger on his chin guiding his face back towards Harry. He slowly leaned in again, anticipating a punch or a scream from Malfoy but he didn't counter Harry. He simply licked his bottom lip causing Harry to do the same before their lips met again.
"I didn't mean to harm you," Harry gently whispered as he pulled back gasping for air.
"Still, you should have just killed me."
"If I had killed you, then we couldn't do this." Harry leaned in again, opening his mouth a bit, inviting Malfoy's tongue to meet his. Malfoy placed his left hand on Harry's waist, grabbing onto his jeans as he pulled Harry onto the hospital bed, on top of him.
They stopped abruptly when Malfoy pushed Harry and whispered, "Someone's coming!" Harry quickly jumped off of Malfoy and hid under his invisibility cloak.
"Mr Malfoy, how are you doing this evening?" Madam Pomfrey asked as she waved her wand for the lights to come on in the room. "Why are you sitting in the dark?"
"I was sleeping – then I woke up suddenly and was just thinking. I don't need the lights, I will be going off to sleep again soon," Malfoy responded. Harry noticed the pure–blood tone had retuned in his voice.
"Okay, dear, here's your medicinal potion for the night. I've set charms at the door so no one will be able to come in and out. Professor Dumbledore's orders. You'll be released tomorrow morning and Professor Snape will be here to escort you back to your dorms," Madam Pomfrey replied with a polite tone, ignoring Malfoy's arrogant attitude.
"What's in it?" Malfoy asked uneasily.
"It's a simple tonic induced from Urtica dioica, red raspberry leaves, one drop of Mandrake Draught, and your last dose of blood–replenishing potion all mixed in one. It'll help your body relax and you can sleep better through the night. It'll relieve the pain you told me you were experiencing because of the cuts, and increase blood circulation. You won't be needing any more potions after you leave tomorrow. So now – come on, drink up!" Madam Pomfrey insisted as she handed Malfoy a small book. "Here I wrote it all down in here so you can research it later. I have to say, Mr Malfoy, I am quite impressed with your interest in tonics and healing potions. Perhaps a career as a Healer is in the future?"
"I have no future," Malfoy uttered as he drank the potion in its entirety.
"Oh hush. It was one fight that went slightly disarray, I am sure Mr Potter feels dreadful. He's asked me about your health twice a day, strictly confidentially of course. Now, I shall return at 7 o'clock in the morning tomorrow. You can choose to have breakfast here or in the Great Hall with your friends after Professor Snape escorts you away. Have a good night Mr Malfoy."
Malfoy nodded in gratitude and, just as Madam Pomfrey opened the door to leave, he flicked his wand and turned the lights down. He sat in silence for a few moments then whispered, "Potter!"
Harry revealed himself from under the invisibility cloak and whispered in return, "I'm here." He saw Malfoy's eyes shine even in the darkness. Malfoy eyes showed a bit of hesitation as if he was worried that Harry might have left. Harry smiled gently upon meeting his eyes. "I think I'm stuck here for the night," he uttered.
"You shouldn't have come," Malfoy retorted.
"Stop, Malfoy. Just stop. Don't push me away, I'm here because I want to be."
"Because you feel sorry –"
"No, because I love you," Harry answered. This time Harry didn't ask for permission, he wasn't gentle; he didn't wait for Malfoy to pull him on the bed. Harry was on top of Malfoy in an instant, his body pressing Malfoy under his, his teeth gently biting Malfoy's lower lip, his hands running through Malfoy's hair, and his cock pushing against his jeans and brushing against Malfoy's under the cotton sheet.
Harry pulled the cotton sheet away from in between them and began massaging Malfoy's inner thighs. Malfoy gasped upon feeling Harry's touch and closed his eyes, leaning back against his pillow. Harry watched him for a few moments, Malfoy's hands grasping onto Harry's shoulders. Harry slowly slid his hands towards the elastic of Malfoy's trousers and gently began to pull his trousers down. Malfoy opened his eyes and turned his head to look at Harry. "Do you want me to stop?" Harry murmured and Malfoy shook his head. He reached over and began loosening Harry's shirt from his jeans and pulled it off.
Harry gradually lowered Malfoy's trousers and pants all the way down his legs before removing them completely. He stared at Malfoy's erect cock, long, thick and full of colour. His eyes widened with bewilderment and hunger. "Have you ever?" Malfoy whispered. Harry nodded a 'yes,' and answered.
"Once."
Harry lowered his mouth to Malfoy's cock and lightly brushed his lips against the head. Malfoy let out a gentle moan before Harry stretched his tongue out further and his mouth grasped onto more of Malfoy's cock. Harry felt Malfoy's hands gently grabbing onto his hair. In no time Harry's mouth was all over Malfoy's cock and sucked him down as greedily as he could. His eyes began to water but Harry didn't care, he just wanted more. Malfoy tugged on Harry's locks and levelled the rhythm of Harry's head bobbing.
Harry moaned around Malfoy's cock, his tongue franticly bestowing his undivided attention. He looked up to see Malfoy, who was simply watching him. His mouth was open with need, his hand still guiding Harry's head up and down his length. Harry returned to his task with fervour, his own cock erect and twitching, begging for attention where it was still restrained in his jeans. He wanted to release himself, touch himself but refrained; he wanted to come in another manner.
Malfoy eventually released a soft moan; Harry was gratified to know that Malfoy was enjoying this as much as he was. Harry released Malfoy's cock and heard a whimper before diving in again. He simply needed to gasp a breath of air. Malfoy moaned again and whispered something that Harry didn't quite hear. He shot a look again towards Malfoy and Malfoy had his eyes closed and his mouth was still open as though he was gasping for breath himself. Malfoy whispered again and Harry could hear him faintly, "I am close, so close."
Harry smiled and returned to concentrating on Malfoy's delectable cock. Shortly after Malfoy's moans became rowdier – Harry could tell that he had been holding back before but now he was finally letting go. He poured himself in Harry's mouth as Harry continued sucking without flinching. Malfoy emptied down Harry's throat and Harry swallowed him whole. Harry released Malfoy's cock only when Malfoy let go of his hair and his hand limply fell next to his body.
Harry straightened up to look at Malfoy, still kneeling in between Malfoy's legs, his hands resting on Malfoy's hips, gently rubbing them with his thumb.
"How did you learn to do that, if you've only done it once?" Malfoy whispered still catching his breath. Harry didn't respond, but simply grinned at the winded blond. Harry's hands fumbled slightly as he unbuttoned and unzipped himself, pulling his jeans down and releasing his throbbing cock. Malfoy stared at Harry's cock in amazement. Harry pushed his jeans all the way down then let go of his clothing and leaned in towards Malfoy, his body pressing against Malfoy's once again and his released cock now gently brushing over Malfoy's stomach. He used the pressure of one leg over the other to get rid of his jeans completely. Harry gently kissed him again, his tongue slid in and out quickly and he sucked on Malfoy's lower lip. His legs were now wrapped around Malfoy as Harry sat on his lap.
"I want to feel what it's like being inside you," Harry murmured as he nuzzled tenderly under Malfoy's left ear. "I have never done that before," he added.
"Me neither," Malfoy responded.
"Do you want to?" Harry asked.
"Are you playing with me?" Malfoy asked. His voice had reservations but his hands had reached Potter's arse and they were stroking him gently.
"No. I have a deep desire to do this right now. This is not why I came here and I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to," Harry answered. Malfoy nodded as though he believed Harry and Harry slid his hands under Malfoy's shirt. He slowly pulled the shirt over Malfoy's head when he saw them, the scars his spell had left. They looked sealed yet fresh at the same time. Harry pulled back a little bit, in shock as though the scars would come to life and attack him. His horror clearly showed in his eyes as he looked up at Malfoy in alarm. Harry turned to look at Malfoy's arm. It was there. The thing he had suspected he was now staring at it. The Dark Mark on Malfoy's arm.
Harry turned to look at Malfoy; he looked directly into his eyes. Malfoy stared back at Harry with no response. His eyes were a bit moistened as though he was inaudibly begging for Harry to ignore the Mark.
Harry didn't know what to do; he gently touched one of the scars on Malfoy's chest. "Does it hurt?"
Malfoy shook his head. "Not anymore."
Harry leaned in to kiss another scar. "I am so sorry, Malfoy."
"It's okay, Potter," Malfoy responded quietly.
"I just sucked your cock, you can call me Harry."
"Well as you're about to fuck me in the arse, I suppose you can call me Draco."
Harry chuckled slightly causing Draco to snicker immediately. Harry realised he'd never heard Draco do that before, his laughs in the past had always been cruel but this was different, this was innocent. Harry kissed Draco again. "Do you know how to conjure up some…?"
"Lubricant or oil?" Draco asked and Harry nodded. Draco reached for his wand on the left and took Harry's hand. He murmured something resulting in a greasy substance that coated Harry's right hand.
Before Harry could say anything Draco's mouth was on his again. Harry moved his legs one at a time, edging Draco to spread his own with his knees. His left hand slowly travelled down Draco's stomach brushing past his cock down his arse to his entrance. When Harry finally located Draco's hole his right hand met his left. Harry rubbed his hands together a bit; the index finger of his right hand leisurely entered Draco as his left hand, with a small bit of grease on it, began stroking his own cock. Draco gasped when Harry's finger entered Draco completely but he didn't protest, Harry gradually entered a second finger as he resisted stroking his cock any further – he was afraid he'd come too soon.
Draco moaned with intensity, and Harry hoped it was pleasure as Harry's third finger was making its way inside him. Harry had spent several minutes massaging Draco with two fingers before he'd allowed the third one to enter. He wanted to be very careful with Draco; he wanted to make sure that he would have enough time to change his mind before Harry entered him. When Harry eventually removed his fingers from Draco's entrance he heard Draco whimper in complaint; Harry quickly replaced the fingers by placing the tip of his cock at the rim of Draco's hole.
He grabbed onto Draco's legs and pushed them slightly further apart. Harry thrust into Draco's arse immersing himself inside him in one quick motion. Draco moaned louder than he had all night, Harry saw a glimpse of pain on his face and stopped. He didn't pull out but remained still. "No, no, don't stop. Please, don't stop," Draco begged.
Harry pushed in deeper and released a gratifying moan himself. "Gods, Draco, you're so tight. You feel amazing," Harry declared. He felt Draco's nails digging into his own arse as he pulled Harry inside him. His moans, his painful moans were encouraging Harry to stop but his hands wouldn't let go, and they pushed him in, deeper.
Harry pushed into him deeper, harder with every thrust. "You said you loved me," Draco said.
"What?" Harry asked in surprise as he continued thrusting.
"You said you loved me," Draco repeated himself.
"Yeah, I did, I do," Harry panted. "I love you, Draco."
Draco moaned as Harry felt his body finally loosen up. He had let go of Harry's arse and simply relaxed on his back spreading his legs more for Harry. "I love you too, Harry," Draco breathed the words in stages in between his moans.
Harry lifted Draco's legs more as his last thrusts finally caused him to come undone. He moaned the words, "Fuck, Draco, you're so hot," as he filled Draco with his orgasm. Harry let go of Draco's legs and collapsed on Draco's body. He heard Draco mutter something in pain and he quickly rolled over.
"Oh sorry, did I hurt your scar?" Harry's voice was frantic.
Draco laughed slightly. "No, your head's heavy, Potter."
"Oh, sorry." Harry shifted his body and cuddled up next to Draco, resting his head on Draco's left shoulder.
They rested quietly next to each other with Harry's arm spread across Draco's chest. Harry finally began to feel the awkwardness settling in between them. He straightened up slightly to reach down towards the floor, grabbing the cotton sheet he'd discarded earlier. He covered himself and Draco under the sheet and returned to his previous position by Draco's side.
"I thought you hated me," Draco finally broke the silence.
"I could say the same about you," Harry retorted. Draco didn't respond. "I came after you in the bathroom to see if you were okay, but you were crying, and I didn't know what to do." Harry paused; he pulled onto Draco's body a bit more, trying to get closer. "I wanted to run up to you, hold you, do something but you–"
"Threw a hex at you, yes I am aware," Draco answered.
"So, I thought you hated me. I have been…for lack of a better word, obsessed with you for a good part of this past year. I thought, I mean, I know you're up to something and no one else will believe me. Now I see this." Harry touched Draco's arm gently, touching the skin around the Dark Mark. "But I also know something else now, this obsession is more than just that belief, I can't deny my attraction towards you. I want, I needed, to be with you."
"You hated me simply because you were in love with me?"
"Something like that," Harry answered. "What about you?"
"About the same I reckon. I knew the moment I realised I fancied blokes, I knew I fancied you the most. I've spent years trying to suppress my feelings for you and when you saw me that day, I was so crushed. I never wanted you to see me like that so I did the first thing I thought of. Destroy you before you could destroy me."
Harry nuzzled his head under Draco's chin as he kissed his neck gently. Draco turned to his side to face Harry, his legs intertwined with Harry's.
"So what do we do now?" Harry asked, feeling severely insecure.
"I don't know. I still can't talk about my… conundrum. And when the time comes, you'll hate me. I know it. But until then, I want to do this again, and again," Draco answered.
"You could talk to Dumbledore, I'm sure he could help you," Harry replied. Draco didn't answer, he simply closed his eyes. Harry leaned in to kiss Draco one last time before he drifted off.
0–0–0–0–0
Harry was standing at the edge of a cliff where there were two bodies hanging in mid–air. One was Dumbledore and the other was Draco. He heard the hissing laughter of Voldemort but when he turned to look for him he couldn't see anyone. His scar burned and Voldemort's hissing was becoming louder. He wanted Harry to choose between Draco and Dumbledore. One had to die – they both had betrayed Voldemort of their own accord and Harry had to pick one to live over the other.
Harry woke up sweating and shuddering from his nightmare. It took him a few moments until he realised where he was. He was in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts, in bed with Draco. Draco looked so peaceful as he slept. It was darker in the room now and the only light within was the moonlight that came through the window. Harry watched Draco's hair shine in the moonlight and even as he smiled at the calm moment, he somehow knew that things would not be this serene any longer. He wanted to enjoy this moment while he could.
Harry gently brushed his hand on Draco's face, taking in his soft skin against his fingertips. Draco sleepily opened his eyes and smiled when he registered Harry. "What time is it?" Draco asked.
"I'm not sure, I can cast a Tempus Charm to find out if you want," Harry offered before he realised that his wand along with all of his clothes were on the other side of the bed. "Actually–"
"I really don't know how you get anything accomplished, Harry," Draco responded as he leaned towards Harry to grab his wand and discovered it was nearly five in the morning. He turned to hold Harry again and whispered, "Can't sleep?"
"Just a terrifying dream," Harry answered, "no big deal."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really."
"Good." Draco grabbed the back of Harry's neck and pulled him in for a kiss. "Since you woke me up and all," he seductively whispered.
Harry inched himself closer to Draco's body, having gone hard as soon as he heard Draco's seductive suggestion and realised that Draco was too as his hand brushed against Draco's cock. He grinned in the midst of their kisses and began to pull on Draco's erect state. His left hand was still a bit greasy from a few hours ago and it helped with the friction.
Draco began stroking Harry as he brushed his thumb over the head of Harry's prick. Harry squeezed Draco's cock and pushed their bodies together, kissing Draco he whispered, "Don't be gentle."
Draco was moaning and thrusting himself into Harry's fist, as Harry did the same. Soon Harry lined their cocks together and Draco groaned, their hands moving in unison, sliding up and down both their shafts. The feeling of Draco's cock touching his own made Harry moan in satisfaction.
When Draco finally moaned into Harry's mouth, he nearly came undone. He sucked on Draco's tongue as his legs tried to bring them closer together, eventually their hands stroked each other in unison, their tongues tussled in unison and they moaned as one. Draco's breathing fastened, and Harry knew he was close. Draco's hips jerked, and Harry mimicked him. Harry came a few seconds before Draco spilling all over each other's cock.
Harry continued kissing Draco regardless of how sticky he felt. They hadn't cleaned up after their first endeavour and Harry's realisation of his dry spunk still inside Draco made him think that he might soon get hard again.
"What time did Madam Pomfrey say she was due to return?" Harry asked.
"Seven," Draco answered. "But, she usually comes in earlier than that."
"Oh, so we better get cleaned up and I'd best hide then," Harry answered. Draco nodded in acknowledgement but didn't let go of Harry.
"I might ask to stay in one more night," Draco spoke, breaking their kiss after a few moments. "I can say that I'm still feeling weak and want to rest here."
"Do you want me to visit tomorrow night?" Harry asked, unable to hide his grin.
"Obviously," Draco responded. "You've been coming here every night; you might as well start doing something constructive."
"You never did answer me before," Harry stated as Draco raised an eyebrow in question. "How did you know that I came by every night?"
"Your shoes, you're too tall now for your cloak. You should really hunch when you walk," Draco answered. He finally released Harry and stood up to grab his clothes. Harry found his wand on the floor and charmed the sheets clean. He turned towards Draco who simply looked at him with scepticism. "Point that thing away from me, Potter."
Harry flustered, he felt himself turning red. He placed his wand on the bed and grabbed his jeans. He removed his pants and put them on before sitting on the bed to put his jeans on. He looked up to find Draco watching him getting dressed.
"Are you going to apply a cleaning charm on yourself?" Harry asked innocently.
"No, I think I'm just going to shower. I'm awake anyway and Madam Pomfrey is due soon so she'll scold me for wasting my day if I am not ready for breakfast by seven am." Draco grabbed the towel that was next to his bed and stood awkwardly in front of Harry.
"Do you mind if I watch?" Harry asked.
"You want to watch me shower?" Draco asked, his eyes widening.
"Well I can't really do anything else. I have to wait for her to get here and disarm the doors, and if I sit here under the invisibility cloak, I might fall asleep and there's a higher risk of getting caught. So at least this way, I'll be awake and if she arrives when you're in the shower, I can easily slip out." Harry smirked as he answered, causing Draco to raise an eyebrow.
"Haven't had enough yet, Potter?"
"I don't think I could ever have enough of you," Harry replied.
When Harry returned to the Gryffindor tower in the morning he was verbally battered by Hermione and Ron.
"Where have you been?" Hermione demanded. Harry immediately glared at Ron who simply shrugged.
"You didn't tell me where you were going, I couldn't even lie for you even if I wanted to," Ron said.
"I went to the Hospital Wing to check on Malfoy, and Madam Pomfrey locked the door so I couldn't get out. I ended up spending the night there, and I snuck out this morning under the cloak," Harry answered, it was partially the truth.
"You did what?" Ron asked.
"What if you had gotten caught, Harry; you already have detention for the rest of the school year. You would certainly have gotten expelled if anyone had seen you!" Hermione exclaimed.
"I know, don't worry I was careful. No one saw me," Harry answered. "Now if you don't mind, I'm starving and I'd like to take a shower before breakfast."
Harry and his friends headed to the Great Hall shortly after and went about their day. Harry overheard Pansy and Blaise talking in Slughorn's Potions class. Draco apparently had told Pansy, who had visited him earlier that he was still feeling weak and wished to stay in the hospital room for another night. Both Pansy and Blaise turned to glare at Harry when they realised he had been listening. Harry turned around quickly, pretending to talk to Ron. He couldn't help but smile at the news. He longed for it to be nightfall when he could be with Draco again.
After dinner Harry rushed to his room in Gryffindor Tower to start his homework. He wanted to finish it all before he headed to meet Draco. The night before Madam Pomfrey had stopped by at ten o'clock to check up on Draco before she locked the doors to his room. Harry thought he should probably arrive in the Hospital Wing by 9 o'clock just to be safe – which meant that Harry wouldn't have much time to do his homework.
At half past eight, Ron walked into their room eyeing Harry who was grossly captivated by his homework. "Got plans again tonight, mate?" Ron asked.
Harry looked up and spoke, "Ron, can you keep a secret?" At Ron's nod Harry continued, "Promise – even from Hermione?" Ron raised an eyebrow and nodded again, this time more suspiciously.
"I've sort of got a date, and I need to meet this person tonight so I won't be back until the morning. Can you keep that information to yourself?"
"A date? With whom?" Ron asked. "Is that where you went last night? Is that where you go every night? Did you lie about going to see Malfoy?"
"Okay, Ron, I can't tell you everything. Yes, I have been going somewhere every night to see this person and that's all I can tell you right now. You promise you won't tell anyone?" Harry asked.
"Alright, I promise, but you have to tell me who it is!" Ron insisted.
"I promise, I will soon, when I can," Harry replied.
Shortly before nine o'clock Harry put on his invisibility cloak and ran out of the room, past the common room, narrowly avoiding bumping into Dean who he saw was trying to apologise to Ginny. Surely to win her back, he thought.
When Harry arrived at the Hospital Wing, he slowed down. He walked forward carefully and pushed the door gently to check if it was locked. It wasn't. Harry let out a sigh of relief and entered the room quietly. He saw Madam Pomfrey talking to Draco, watching as she handed Draco a potion which he drank quickly. Soon she walked past his invisible form and closed the doors behind her.
Harry, still under the invisibility cloak, turned to look at Draco. He looked a bit woeful, Harry thought, probably not having realised that Harry had in fact made it on time. Harry swiftly walked up to Draco's bed and gently caressed his shoulder.
"Potter?"
"I'm here," Harry answered, revealing himself from under the cloak before speaking again. "I thought we agreed to use our first names?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, it seems I got a bit too comfortable using your first name. Pansy caught me calling you Harry and questioned my hatred towards you," Draco answered, his tone light.
Harry leaned in to kiss Draco, his hands running through the other boy's hair. He pulled back shortly after and spoke, "I hope you convinced her of your loathing."
"Very much so," Draco responded, pulling Harry back in for a kiss.
"I enjoyed watching you in the shower this morning," Harry commented, eventually pulling apart long enough to remove his shirt and crawling on top of Draco and leaning over him.
"I wasn't sure how long you stayed for, I was so nervous," Draco confessed.
"Long enough to have a wank in the shower later myself," Harry acknowledged. Draco gasped at Harry's statement and pulled Harry towards himself again, moving until they both under the covers, lying next to each other with their hands in each other's hair, legs intertwined.
"I am sure something can be arranged to make up for that yearning," Draco said. Soon their clothes were on the floor and they lay in each other's arms for the rest of the night, falling asleep somewhere close to one o'clock.
The next morning Harry awoke at six o'clock but Draco was fast asleep. Harry watched Draco sleep for a few moments eventually tearing himself away from Draco's perfect body. He gathered his belongings and his invisibility cloak and snuck into the bathroom. It was pure luck that he didn't get caught by Madam Pomfrey who walked into the room soon after and screamed at Draco for sleeping naked. Harry watched from under his cloak as Madam Pomfrey scolded Draco consistently about now she knew why he'd asked to stay alone in the Hospital Wing for one more night.
"This isn't the kind of place for you to cater to your personal satisfaction, Mr Malfoy!"
Harry wished he could reveal himself and take the blame for Draco, but he knew that wouldn't help their case. If anything, they'd both get in more trouble. Shortly after she stormed out of the room and Harry snuck up to Draco, kissed him on the forehead and ran out. Draco didn't see him leave.
0–0–0–0–0
On the way back to the Gryffindor Tower, Harry walked past Luna. He was still under the invisibility cloak but he slowed his pace and became more cautious.
"I know you're there, just wanted to wish you a good morning," Luna said, and continued walking, looking lost in her thoughts.
"Luna?" Harry called after her, removing his cloak.
Luna turned to look at him and smiled at his appearance, in all of his post–shagged glory. "I hope he treats you well," she said.
"Who?"
"The one you spent the night with of course."
"How do you know it's a he?"
"I speculated," Luna replied; Harry continued to look confused. "Would you believe me if I told you how?" He smiled and shook his head.
"Can I ask you for a favour?" Harry whispered.
"Sure, Harry," she replied, as she came closer to him, realising that he was about to tell her a secret. She seemed overjoyed.
"If anyone asks, can I say I spent the night with you?"
She looked as though she was gravely thinking it over. "But, where did we sleep?" she asked.
"We didn't," replied Harry.
"Ah!" She seemed even more delighted now. "That's quite brilliant, actually." Luna turned around and continued walking towards the direction she was headed. Harry hoped to God that he wouldn't live to regret that decision.
When Harry returned to the Gryffindor common room he was harassed by Hermione. Eventually Ron joined them but he didn't ask as many questions as their joint friend did. Harry did his best to divert from any direct answers before finally divulging the fact that he'd apparently spent the night with Luna, insisting that they hadn't done anything other than talking. Hermione looked hurt when Harry confessed that he felt close to her and felt that he could tell her things about his feelings and she wouldn't bombard him with questions. He then spent the next twenty minutes attempting to console Hermione.
After his shower Harry and his friends went to the Great Hall for breakfast and the room went quiet when Harry entered. Harry didn't notice it at first but when Hermione elbowed him gently he looked up to the students that watched him in silence, some were looking at him, while a few glanced over at the Slytherin table. Draco had returned for breakfast with his friends, their eyes locked for a few short moments then Hermione pulled him away – breaking his concentration.
"Why were you staring like that at him?" Ron asked.
"Staring like what?" Harry asked in return.
"Like you were ready to finish the job," replied Ron.
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" Harry uttered. "There's no job I want to finish." That wasn't necessarily true, there was one sort of job Harry's mind immediately diverted to, and he wondered when he'd be able to perform it on Draco again. Harry smiled at the thought while he sat at the table across from Ginny.
"Thinking about Luna?" Ginny asked; the contempt in her voice was difficult to miss.
"What?" Harry looked up; his concentration having been broken again.
"We know all about your late night rendezvous with Luna," Dean added as he placed his arm around Ginny who immediately shrugged it away.
"It's sort of new," Harry mumbled as he stuffed his mouth with toast in order to avoid speaking.
"We are going to miss you at the game tomorrow," Ginny said. It took Harry a few seconds but he realised that the next day was Saturday; he was going to miss the Quidditch match because he was scheduled to have detention with Snape every Saturday until the end of term.
Ron had to practically bark at everyone on the table to leave Harry alone. Harry nodded in gratitude towards him and they ate the rest of their breakfast in silence, Harry doing his best to ignore the Slytherin table. Harry wanted to know what they were saying but he stopped himself from asking.
The rest of his day went along in a haze until dinner time when Luna approached Harry and the entire Great Hall murmured in the background. "What is it?" Harry asked, pulling her to the side.
"I received a note. I suspect he, whoever he is, has heard the rumours and contacted me. He sent me a letter for you." Luna handed Harry a small envelope that had his name on it. He smiled at her when he realised that the envelope was still sealed, she hadn't looked inside. Luna leaned in, kissed his cheek and walked away. There was more oohing from the students after that.
Harry casually glanced over at the Slytherin table and saw Draco looking in his direction; he immediately looked away and sat down next to Ron.
"More secret rendezvous with Luna?" Hermione whispered in disapproval.
"Something like that," Harry responded without making any eye contact. He touched the envelope gently as it rested in the pockets of his trousers. His heart was beating twice as fast with anticipation and the desire to read the message tore at him.
On the way to the North Tower, just before Trelawney's chambers there's a door on the right. Tap with your wand twice in the centre, and whisper 'praenuntio.' I will wait for you there at ten o'clock. Perhaps a new place to cater for the personal satisfaction.
Harry read the note the moment he found himself alone in the Gryffindor common room, smiling as he poured over the words. As soon as he heard mumbling of students approaching he threw the note in the fire. The note wasn't signed, but he knew without a doubt that it was from Draco, he'd even used the same words Madame Pomfrey had uttered earlier.
Harry ran out of the common room and out of the Gryffindor Tower, and headed towards the Ravenclaw Tower – he needed to talk with Luna.
As soon as Harry arrived he encountered Padma and he begged her to fetch Luna for him. She grudgingly obliged and asked him to wait outside the door. She returned a few minutes later with Luna in tow. Harry had to glare at Padma to walk away from them before talking to Luna.
"What are you going to be doing at ten o'clock today?" Harry asked.
"Do you want me to disappear for a few hours?" Luna asked her own question, to which Harry nodded. "Alright, for a few hours I suppose," she said. He smiled at her and as a few Ravenclaw fifth years walked by Luna leaned in to kiss Harry's cheek again. "Appearances are important to keep up with a good fabricated story," she innocently spoke and began to walk away but Harry stopped her.
"Why are you helping me?"
"Because you're a cool friend, Harry, and you deserve a bit of fun and love," she answered. Harry watched her walk away thinking over what she'd said. Love, did it show?
Harry returned back to his dorm soon after – he had a few hours left before he needed to make another excuse to leave the dormitory at night again. Harry checked the Marauder's Map for the secret location Draco had talked about in his note but didn't see an entrance.
Harry left the Gryffindor Tower five minutes before he was scheduled to meet Draco. He had checked the map again and he saw a small dot marked "Draco Malfoy" going up towards Professor Trelawney's chambers. Under his invisibility cloak he crawled out of the portrait hole and headed towards the Divination staircase. Halfway up the staircase, Harry noticed a wooden door. The door was hidden into the wall and if the pursuer didn't look at it with precisely the correct angle, he or she could miss the door entirely. It was no wonder that Harry had not known about this door at all. Harry checked the map one last time and it showed that Draco was, in fact, inside the wall. Harry closed the map and whispered "mischief managed." Then he removed his cloak and, with his wand, tapped the centre of the door and whispered "praenuntio." The door slowly swung open and Harry entered.
Harry had only taken five steps into the narrow hallway when the door closed behind him and he was pushed against the wall, attacked with a set of lips upon his. Harry knew who these lips belonged to; he had tasted that tongue two nights in a row now. He kissed back with as much force as was exerted on him. When they pulled apart, they were still in the dark and Harry whispered, "I've missed you."
The other body in the room didn't respond, but simply moaned into Harry's mouth as he shoved his hands inside Harry's trousers. Harry knew it was Draco, he'd tasted him, heard him, felt him but the darkness precluded his efforts of confirmation and that only made everything more intense. Soon Harry was on his knees pleasuring Draco with his tongue and shortly after, Draco had turned around and Harry was inside him. Harry came inside Draco, struggling to control his moans and in the end found himself simply hoping that Draco had placed silencing charms in the space before Harry had arrived.
"Lumos." Harry finally heard Draco speak. The bright light from the wand illumined the tiny space where they sat on the floor half naked and embracing each other.
"How did you find this place?" Harry asked.
"I stumbled upon it," Draco answered. Harry knew he wasn't going to say more, and he wasn't going to urge Draco.
"It's a great find," replied Harry. He held Draco tightly and kissed the top of his head. Draco snuggled his head more into Harry's neck which caused Harry to smile and close his eyes. They rested quietly for several minutes until Harry knew that it was imperative for him to leave. They couldn't spend the night in the literal hole in the wall they had escaped to.
Harry hesitated for a moment but Draco spoke first. "You have to go?"
"We should go," Harry responded.
"Yeah, you're right. Pansy's probably throwing a fit."
Harry swallowed a lump. He suddenly remembered the conversation he'd heard over breakfast earlier that day, something about Draco and Pansy. "What's going on between the two of you?"
"Same thing that's happening between Luna and you only Pansy thinks it's real," Draco answered.
"Why does she think it's real?" Harry asked; though he knew already why she thought it was real. He remembered the beginning of the school year on the Hogwarts Express and Draco's head resting in her lap the entire train ride. "You've probably led her on," he finally answered for himself.
"I didn't lead her on; she's basically just followed me. I let her before because I denied … these feelings towards – "
"Blokes," Harry said.
"Yeah, but when it was becoming too much, I told her to back off and she hasn't."
"Have you –" Harry hesitated.
"Shagged her?" Draco asked and Harry nodded. "No, what about you?"
"I haven't shagged Pansy," Harry answered, doing his best to supress a grin. Draco immediately punched Harry in the stomach for his astute retort. "Ow, Draco!" His smile grew wide and before the other boy could punch him again, he spoke. "No, I haven't shagged a girl, or a bloke. I've only done that one thing, one time, with one bloke," Harry uttered.
"Who?"
"We should really leave," Harry said, attempting to change the topic.
Draco pulled him back towards him with force, almost tearing Harry's shirt. "WHO?"
Harry sighed and answered, "Cedric." He looked at Draco, whose face showed his confusion. His eyes asked the question Harry knew would have been next. "Right after the Yule Ball, I saw him and Cho snogging and I lost it. After she'd left I confronted him. I thought … I don't know what I thought, I knew I was jealous because I fancied Cho and he'd succeeded in getting her before me. So I marched up to him, ready to fight for her and we sort of got into a brawl and one thing led to another and I was on my knees and he was telling me what to do."
"Wow," Draco whispered.
"Then he was murdered by Voldemort, and I've never been with anyone since." Harry felt Draco shiver at Voldemort's name.
"I thought you and Cho –" Draco said.
"It was a failed attempt to revive something we both were missing, it was a disaster," Harry answered.
"Do you miss him?" Draco asked, his voice so innocent that Harry couldn't help but lean in for a kiss.
"I do wish he hadn't died, but no, I don't miss him like that," he said. Harry held Draco tightly again and leaned in to catch Draco's mouth with his. Draco parted his lips welcoming Harry's tongue. This was their third night together and they continued to kiss as though they'd never kiss again. Harry didn't know whether or not they would ever kiss again.
"We should really stop before we start something," Draco whispered when they parted gasping for air.
"Yeah, I've got detention with Snape at ten in the morning," Harry responded, more reminding himself than informing Draco. He stared at Draco wide eyed, apologetic for what he'd just blurted out. "I am sorry, I didn't mean – It's not your fault… I…"
Draco shut Harry up the best way he knew how, with his tongue shoved in Harry's mouth as he tried to continue talking. "Just meet me here tomorrow after your detention," Draco said.
"But Quidditch –"
"Do I look like I care about Quidditch right now?"
"What about the same time tomorrow night?" Harry asked.
"Fine, I'll be here at ten," Draco replied. Harry could tell that Draco wasn't happy about having to wait an extra five hours than he'd planned to see him. He leaned in to softly kiss the tip of Draco's nose and smiled.
He stood up and began to dress and Draco did the same. "Okay, nine o'clock, so we'll have more time together," Harry finally said, his words causing Draco to grin like Harry had never seen before.
0–0–0–0–0
Detention with Snape the next day was more torturous than Harry could ever have imagined, his memories of Draco's soft skin, his touch, was what kept him going through the entire day. He wondered what Snape would do if he found out that the reason Harry was currently in detention was the reason he was now with Draco.
Am I with Draco? Are we a couple?
The thought of being romantically involved with Draco, whether or not were they exclusive occupied his mind for the second half of the day. He'd completely forgotten about the Quidditch match that was taking place outside and only remembered when Snape made a passing comment about Harry's misery being due to the fact that he couldn't be out there with his teammates. He didn't know that Harry's misery had to nothing to do with Quidditch but the fact that he wasn't in Draco's arms.
When Harry returned to the Gryffindor Tower he was amazed by the celebration of Gryffindor winning the Quidditch Cup. He hugged his teammates and other classmates and was startled when Ginny tried to kiss him.
"What are you doing?" he asked, astonished. His shock and tone of disapproval caused Ginny to look at him in disbelief before she turned, running out of the room crying. Dean chased after her. Harry returned to his room and collapsed on his bed. His only salvage would be that night when he'd be reunited with Draco.
Harry and Draco's secret affair continued for two weeks. Every other night they'd meet at ten o'clock in the secret hidden room near the Divination Staircase and during the day, Harry would continue to watch Draco through the Marauder's Map wondering what he was up to. He knew Draco was planning something but during their time together, he could never gather the courage to ask him about it. They never spoke to each other during the day, they barely acknowledged the other's presence, and they only communicated through Luna. Until one day when Luna delivered Draco's last message.
It's over. Don't contact me anymore.
Harry noted blotches on the parchment, as though someone had been crying when they wrote the message. He didn't understand, why had Draco suddenly asked to stop?
He wrote back a quick response but he no reply ever came.
A week passed by and Harry was absolutely miserable. No one knew what was wrong with him, everyone assumed that there was trouble in paradise with Luna but Harry was always with Luna, if not then he was with Ron and Hermione. They asked him constantly about his unhappiness, and he shrugged it off as unable to help Dumbledore in the search for the Horcruxes.
Finally Harry came across Professor Trelawney who told him that she had been thrown out of the Room of Requirement. She confessed to him that Snape had overheard her prophecy about the Chosen One. Harry convinced himself that the reason Draco has been so distant was because he was going to carry out the task Voldemort had bestowed upon him and he became convinced that Snape was helping him.
"I've been so foolish," Harry confessed to Ron and Hermione. "This entire time, I thought we had become close, I thought I could have stopped him. But, he was just using me and now –"
"Now what, Harry?" Hermione asked. She had no idea what Harry was talking about and Harry finally admitted everything to his friends. He told them about his affair with Draco, that it was in fact Draco he was seeing and not Luna. They were stunned.
"You can't be serious, Malfoy?" Ron asked, his tone full of disgust.
"Did you love him?" Hermione asked, causing Ron to gasp aloud in disbelief.
"I did, I do, still," responded Harry. He paused for a few moments then spoke again, "I have to do something – I have to tell Dumbledore!" He stood up and ran out of the room towards Dumbledore's office. Before he left, Harry gave his friends the remainder of the Felix Felicis. He was worried for them, just as he was worried for Draco.
This was Cedric all over again.
When Harry arrived at Dumbledore's office, he wouldn't hear a word of anything Harry had to say. Instead, they were suddenly on their way to find a Horcrux – Salazar Slytherin's locket.
Dumbledore and Harry travelled to a dark cave from Tom Riddle's youth facing some of the darkest magic Harry had ever encountered. They were eventually successful in discovering the locket and escaping but when they finally arrived back at Hogwarts, Harry knew it was too late. Draco has done the deed he was ordained to do. They arrived at the Astronomy Tower where Dumbledore paralyzed Harry under his invisibility cloak.
Draco arrived to face Dumbledore and Harry couldn't believe it but, at the same time, he could. The love of his life had just disarmed the greatest wizard Harry had ever known. Harry wanted to scream, he wanted to stop Draco but he couldn't move. Tears trickled down Harry's face; he was incapacitated physically and soon emotionally as well.
"I can protect you, Draco, I can protect you both," Dumbledore said.
Both? Harry wondered.
"Both? What do you mean both?" Draco snapped.
"I know about you, and about your love. You will be protected from him, Draco, it is the only protection that can possibly work against the lure of his power," Dumbledore replied. "You, your love for Harry, and the new life."
"You … you know about that? How do you know?" Draco asked.
Harry wondered how did Dumbledore know about him and Draco? Did Draco tell anyone, did he tell Snape?
"I can help you, Draco, Harry and I, we can protect you! What you do from now on will only affect you. You're already seventeen, Draco. You're no longer under anyone's control."
"He'll kill my parents," Draco replied.
"I am sure they will come to your side once they know about their future legacy," Dumbledore answered. Harry didn't know what was going on, he had no clue what Dumbledore and Draco were talking about. What legacy?
It was too late; the Death Eaters had already entered the castle and accompanied Draco. They hadn't heard what Draco and Dumbledore had talked about, and shortly after, Snape joined them.
Snape killed Dumbledore.
The other Death Eaters rejoiced as Snape wrapped an arm around a crying Draco and pulled him away. Harry watched them walk away for a few short moments; he couldn't believe what had just happened. He had been so close, he could have saved Dumbledore – he could have saved Draco!
He had failed.
Harry pursued Snape to exact his revenge but was unsuccessful. Snape escaped with Draco. Harry, despite everything, couldn't understand how Draco could let Snape hold him like that. He was jealous, he was hurt, and he was betrayed by people Dumbledore had trusted. When Harry returned to Dumbledore's body in the Hospital Wing his heart was broken in a thousand pieces. Everyone around him was coming together, Fleur refused to leave Bill, Tonks confessed to Remus and even Ron and Hermione were comforting each other. Harry was alone – his one and only had left him. He went into the arms of another to cater to his worst enemy. Luna wrapped her arm around Harry to console him and he cried in her embrace for hours.
After Dumbledore's funeral was over Luna came over to Ron, Hermione and Harry to tell them that McGonagall left the funeral right away because Draco had returned and he was with Madam Pomfrey. Harry ran towards the castle, towards the Hospital Wing but McGonagall stopped him before he could reach.
"You're protecting him? He's the reason Dumbledore is dead! Let me see him!" Harry screamed through the hallway as he was pushed away from the wing. His friends were by his side when McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey cast a protective spell to keep everyone out.
"Dumbledore wanted this. He had asked for me to protect Draco," McGonagall answered.
"But why? I want to see him!" Harry yelled again.
"He isn't well and he'll not be seeing anyone." McGonagall didn't even flinch as she replied. "I've got orders from Dumbledore and you've got orders from Dumbledore, I suggest you carry out what has been requested of you, Potter. And let us do what we are meant to."
Harry's friends pulled him back away from the castle and returned to the lake where they had been previously. The further they moved the stronger the spell became and they weren't allowed back in. The only option that remained was to go to the station and board the Hogwarts Express.
~TBC~
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