"I think I've waited long enough. When will you start telling people I'm your girlfriend?" She demanded, hands on hips. Harry sighed, running his hands through his shaggy dark hair, a gesture which did little to tidy it up. He was so tired of this question.

"Ginny, I told you, okay? I need some time. I'm not ready for us to be together yet. You said you understood."

She pouted, pressing her breasts forwards at him and trying to look innocent at the same time. "I just want us to be together, Harry. You promised."

He sighed again. "Ginny, I've got to go, okay? I have to feed Pyxis, and then I should get some sleep. I have a lot to do tomorrow."

Ginny shot him a look. "You know, Harry, you could take me home with you. You're not ready to date, sure, but I wouldn't deny you a shag. I'm sure you need one after such a stressful day. What do you say?" Her voice deepened into a purr, one that made him cringe on the inside.

"I'm sorry, Gin. Not today, okay?" He pleaded, hands raised in denial.

She saw his seriousness, frowned at him, and flounced off in frustration. Harry sighed, said his goodbyes, walked from Ron and Hermione's cottage, and disapparated.

When the world stopped spinning, he was standing on his own doorstep. He sighed, stretched, and placed his hand in the center of the door. With a tremor, the door recognized his magical signature and melted away. He stepped through the newly created opening, which hardened and resealed behind him, and walked into the sun room.

He walked to Pyxis' tank, dropping a live mouse in from the cage next to it. As the snakes jaws unhinged and she swallowed the creature alive, arms wrapped around Harry. A tongue traced his earlobe, and a whisper sounded against his neck. "This is my favorite part- this, right here-where the poor thing is still alive, inescapably trapped, but still hopeful." A warm chuckle sounded, and the voice continued. "This part, yes- doomed, and yet it continues to struggle. Will you struggle, I wonder?"

A grin split Harry's face- the first real smile all day, if he was honest with himself- and he leaned back into the warmth of the body wrapped around him.

"I may struggle, but you know your victory is assured. Besides which, the chase can be quite as fun as the conquest, given the proper dedication." He replied, gasping as lips caressed his neck.

"Did you miss me?" Breath ghosted across his cheek.

"Always," Harry murmured, and he spun in his lovers arms, turning to face him. Grey eyes met his, a knee slid between his thighs, and he leaned closer. "Draco…" He sighed, and their lips finally touched, tongues blending, bodies melting together, souls joined in an absolute embrace.

After a few moments of impassioned snogging, Harry pulled away. "How was your day, love? Do anything while I was gone?" He queried, still holding his love close to him.

Draco sighed, stepping back. "I spent some time in the lab. I visited the library upstairs. I took a nap in the big, lonely bed. I missed you."

Harry gave him a broken look, then pulled him into his arms. "I'm trying," he whispered, "I promise, I'm trying as hard as I can."

"I know," said the warmth in his arms, muffled from the way his lovers face pressed into his chest. "I just wish things could be different. It's just a stupid mark."

"We'll find a way to get it off," Harry promised, "and then I'll take you out for a nice, public dinner and show everyone we're together."

"And shopping!" Draco added, cheering a bit, "When I can leave this bloody house without fearing for my life, there will be lots and lots of shopping. New robes, new boots…" He trailed off, probably designing a new wardrobe in his head.

Harry grinned. "Or you could just stay here, love. You won't need any clothes…" He leered at his boyfriend suggestively.

Draco took his hand and pulled him towards the bedroom. "Come on, then, you great insatiable brute. But if you wake me up at 5 am again for a pre-work quickie… Well, I shall make you do all the work."

Harry laughed, and said teasingly, "So, this would be different how?"

"Bugger off." Draco pushed him away, pretending to be offended. Harry stopped laughing and looked at him earnestly. "I love you."

Draco pouted for a moment, then relented. "I know. I wouldn't stay if you didn't."

"And?"

"And I love you too, you wanker. Now come on- let's go to bed!"

Happy, the two tumbled into bed.