DISCLAIMER: These characters are not mine, they belong to JK Rowling.
SLASH WARNING: This story is mainly about a relationship between two boys. If you don't like it, go tell someone who cares.
Chapter One ~ Draco's Dilemma
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Draco sat down at the Slytherin table and surreptitiously glanced over at the Gryffindor table. There he was. Sitting with his friends, laughing and joking around, Draco thought resentfully. The Golden Boy, Dumbledore's pet, The Boy Who Lived. Ever since the great Harry Potter had shunned his offer of friendship on that first train to Hogwart's, Draco had become increasingly jealous of the incredibly happy life Harry appeared to lead. Draco pushed his food around on his plate. He had Potions first thing this morning…with him.
Draco glanced back up at the Gryffindor table. Harry's black hair was all over the place as usual and Draco felt an almost irresistible urge to run his hands through it. Draco squashed the feeling and let his silver eyes move down over the lightening bolt scar to Harry's green ones. Draco was so startled to see Harry staring back at him that he didn't think to mask his emotions. Without realising it, his feelings were laid out clearly on his face. Draco watched as Harry's face changed from irritation to confusion. Harry looked away and went back to talking to his friends. Why had Harry looked like that? Draco wondered, then he realised that he hadn't behaved the way he usually did when Harry was near – with contempt. Draco almost groaned out loud. If Harry guessed how he really felt about him then…well he didn't know what he would do. Actually, he didn't know what his father would do.
His father wasn't as bad as everyone made him out to be. Draco had had many conversations with him about Voldemort and the Death Eaters. Surprisingly enough, his father wanted to leave the Dark Side and join Dumbledore. It's just that he was too afraid of the consequences. Voldemort was notorious for his treatment of traitors. Draco knew that if he or either of his parents stepped out of line, his family would cease to exist. Voldemort would make sure of that. It was one of the reasons why he strutted around the school like he owned the place. There were certain expectations when you were the son of a Death Eater. Draco knew that he couldn't show the slightest bit of friendship or respect for anyone not in Slytherin. Especially with Crabbe and Goyle following him wherever he went. They would report any strange behaviour to their fathers and it would get back to Voldemort. Draco lived in constant fear that someday Voldemort would come and kill him. He didn't think he could face him as bravely as Harry did time and again. But then, that was Harry – brave and noble and courageous.
Draco had realised sometime during their fifth year at Hogwart's that he had feelings for Harry. But it wasn't until just recently, in the first few weeks in their seventh year, that he realised he was in love with Harry. Draco didn't know what his father would do if he found out that he was in love with Voldemort's enemy. His father knew he was gay, and he was okay with that. But he wouldn't be okay with the fact that he loved the one person that Voldemort was trying to destroy. The thought depressed him even more. It just had to be a matter of time before Voldemort succeeded. Actually, if Draco was honest with himself, he was surprised that Harry was still alive. After Voldemort had come back at the end of their forth year at Hogwart's, Draco had thought Harry would be dead before long, and he had actually rejoiced in his impending death. Now it filled him with an unbearable grief. He knew that the only reason Voldemort hadn't succeeded thus far was due to the fact that his father had been purposefully sabotaging Voldemort's plans, making it look like other Death Eaters had failed.
Draco stood up automatically when the rest of Slytherin did and followed them to the Potions dungeon, Crabbe and Goyle behind him. Inside the classroom, the class were seated in pairs as usual – Crabbe and Goyle together, Ron and Hermione (who had gotten together sometime during their fifth year), Lavender and Pavarti, Dean and Seamus, Pansy and Neville. There was an empty desk at the back of the room and Draco sauntered up the back and sat down, grateful to not have to work with Neville. Suddenly a black haired tornado tore into the room. It was Harry. Draco was careful this time to keep a scowl on his face as he watched Harry look from table to table until he realised he would have to work with Draco. His face fell as the other Gryffindor's sent him sympathetic glances. Draco felt like screaming at them – What the hell is wrong with you? I'm not going to hurt him! I'm the last person who would want to hurt him! But the sad fact was that he had led them to believe that he could hurt Harry without batting an eyelid. They had no reason to trust him. And unfortunately, neither did Harry.
Snape strode purposefully into the room and glared around at his students. His gaze altered when it fell upon Harry and Draco. Draco stared back at him, daring him to say something about the unusual pairing. Usually Snape had to make them work together, but here they were, sitting next to each other calmly. Snape shook his head, like he was trying to clear his mind. He began the lesson by explaining the intricacies of the potion they were going to brew, repeatedly glaring in Neville's direction. Actually, if Draco hadn't been so caught up in his thoughts, he would have been amused at Pansy's distress at working with Neville who, to Draco's knowledge, hadn't gotten a potion right in all his time at Hogwart's. As Snape droned on about the potion, Draco let his mind wander.
He stared straight ahead, into the back of Hermione's head. Draco glanced down and noticed that under the desk, she and Ron held hands. Cute, Draco thought absently. He fiddled with his quill, trying to ignore the object of his affections sitting next to him. What would Harry do if I kissed him? he mused. No, I can't think about that. I won't think about that. Although the thought of his parents death if Voldemort ever found out about Draco's disloyalty was terrible, it was even worse to think about Harry's death. If Draco and Harry ever got together (yeah, like that would ever happen, he scoffed) it would bring the Dark Lord running like nothing else. A plan would be put in place, to lure Harry to Malfoy Manor, or Hogsmeade maybe, anywhere out of Hogwart's would probably do. They would both be killed and Draco's family too. It was rather surprising to Draco that he found death preferable when compared to a life without Harry. But that was what he had now, he thought sadly, a life without Harry. But at least Harry is still alive this way there is still hope.
Each year Harry continued to find himself up against Voldemort, just like in the first four years. And each time Draco found himself silently cheering Harry on, knowing that if Harry defeated the Dark Lord once and for all, then his family would be safe and he might (if he ever got up the courage) be able to confess his feelings to Harry. Draco doubted he would ever have enough courage to do that, but it was a comforting thought.
At last Snape shut up and handed out the ingredients for the potion. Draco watched as Harry cut up the various items and added them to the potion. Draco had no idea what they were making or what to do, so he just watched Harry do it. Not a particularly unpleasant task, he thought humorously. Draco looked up at Harry's face. He had a look of intense concentration, but no anger or irritation at having to work with Draco. Draco decided to take a chance as Crabbe and Goyle were at the front of the room, arguing over their own potion.
"What are we making?" Draco asked Harry cautiously, trying to keep his voice as even and friendly as possible.
"What?" asked Harry, sounding a little surprised.
"I wasn't listening earlier, what are we making?"
"It's called an Invisiblia potion, it makes you invisible. Apparently we'll have enough to make us invisible for an hour."
"Wow! How is Snape going to control that? It's not like any of us are going to hang around here while we're invisible."
"We don't have to. We have an hour and a half free after this anyway so we're to take this just before the end of Potions and go to lunch."
"While we're invisible?" Draco asked sceptically.
"That's right."
"Listen, Harry," Draco started to say softly. He wasn't looking at Harry. He was watching the others to see if they were watching them. Luckily the others were too busy trying to get their potions to work, they all wanted to test this one out. If he had have been watching Harry he would have seen his shock at being called by his first name. Draco continued, "After we take this potion, stay with me alright. I really need to talk to you about something important."
Harry was quiet for a few minutes. Draco used this time to berate himself for being so stupid. What did he think talking to Harry would achieve?
"Uh, okay, Draco," Harry replied, sounding a bit nervous. Draco almost hit the roof, he was so stunned at Harry's acceptance.
"Stand right next to me when we take the potions then, so we won't get mixed up and leave with some other invisible person." The only real problem, Draco thought, was that their books wouldn't be invisible...maybe their clothes wouldn't either. This was harder than he thought, looking at Harry, who was gently stirring the bubbling potion.
"Harry, will our clothes be invisible?"
"Anything we touch will be invisible. Books, clothes, everything. That's why we need to be careful not to touch anything else, like walls. There could be problems with other people who aren't invisible walking into them."
After another ten minutes of silent stirring, the potion was finally ready. Snape instructed them to halve the potion and drink it down as soon as possible because as it cools it starts to harden, eventually becoming undrinkable. Draco and Harry stood next to each other and drank it down quickly. They watched as they slowly disappeared before each other's eyes. Draco was surprised to feel Harry reach out and take his hand. Harry squeezed it reassuringly and picked up his books. Draco knew he had picked up his books as they had disappeared off the table. Draco did the same and they made their way out of the classroom, bumping into various students as they left. Neither Draco nor Harry said anything during this time, not wanting to draw attention to themselves.
They walked through the halls in the opposite direction to the Great Hall. Eventually they found an empty classroom far enough away from the rest of the school. They put their books down, out of sight in case someone looked in the room. Draco let go of Harry's hand and walked over to the window. He soon become conscious his mistake when he realised that he had no idea where Harry was, or even if he was still in the same room.
"Harry?" he called out uncertainly.
"I'm here," replied Harry's voice close to his ear. Draco reached out a hand and encountered the hard wall of Harry's chest. Draco heard Harry gasp as he felt Draco's hand connect with his body. Draco withdrew his hand sadly, of course Harry wouldn't want him touching his chest like that. Draco jumped in surprise when he felt Harry's hand searching for his. They held hands again and Draco was glad he knew where Harry was. It would be easier to talk this way.
"Harry, the reason I wanted to talk to you, well…" Draco started to say.
"Wait," Harry muttered a few words and Draco and Harry were encircled in a ball of light.
"It's a sound proof bubble," Harry explained, "Go ahead."
Draco swallowed, this was going to be hard.
"Well, I…I…Ineedyourhelp," he said quickly.
"What did you say?" Harry asked, squeezing his hand gently, encouraging him to speak.
"I need your help," Draco finally found the courage to say, "my father…he isn't as bad as you think."
Harry scoffed at him, "He's a Death Eater, Draco."
"But he doesn't want to be!" Draco said desperately, his voice getting louder. "You of all people should know what Voldemort's like. If he leaves the Death Eaters, he, my mother and I will be killed. Do you think I enjoy insulting you and your friends? Well, I don't. But I have to. Don't you see? If I show anyone other than Slytherin the slightest bit of compassion, Crabbe and Goyle will tell their Death Eater fathers and I and my family will be dead. And that goes double for you. I can't be nice to you Harry, even though I want to be. I have to protect my family. Surely you understand that?" Draco wished he could see Harry's face, to see his reaction. Taking advantage of this Invisiblia potion was beginning to look like a mistake.
"I understand all that, but I don't understand how I can help you," Harry finally replied.
"Actually I don't know that either. I just couldn't take knowing you hate me any longer. When you explained about the Invisiblia potion, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. No one can see us talk, and thanks to your bubble, no one can hear us either. I wanted to explain my behaviour to you, and…tell you I'm sorry." Draco's voice broke with his apology and he could feel, even if he couldn't see, the tears running down his face. He was grateful Harry couldn't see them. Suddenly he felt himself being pulled into invisible arms. Oh my god, he thought, Harry Potter is hugging me. Draco wrapped his arms around Harry's waist and hugged him back.
"We have to go see Dumbledore," said Harry.
"Why?"
"He will be able to help us, and I promise you, nothing is going to happen to your family. We'll find a way to keep you safe." Draco felt Harry's lips pressed onto his forehead. Oh my god, he thought for a second time, Harry Potter kissed me. Draco decided after all that had happened (and considering they were still invisible) he would take a chance. He ran his hands up Harry's back to find his head. His hands cupped Harry's cheeks and Draco's lips found Harry's. Draco was amazed that Harry didn't pull away from the kiss, so he deepened it, allowing his tongue to explore Harry's mouth. Still Harry didn't pull away, and, in fact, he started to respond. They held each other closer, tighter. Then Harry reluctantly pulled away.
"We need to go see Dumbledore now, while no one can see you going into his office with me," Harry said softly. He kissed Draco again gently, and then took his hand. They gathered up their books and headed out into the corridor.
After walking through the corridors, they came upon the stone gargoyle. Harry muttered the password and it sprang aside. Still holding hands, Draco and Harry proceeded up the spiral staircase to the oak door. Harry knocked. When they heard Dumbledore calling for them to enter, they pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Ah, Harry and Draco, lovely to see you," Dumbledore said smiling from where he sat behind his desk. "Don't look so surprised Draco, I can see you even if you are still invisible. I'm not headmaster for nothing you know."
Draco smiled at him. He could see why Harry liked Dumbledore so much. Draco had been under the impression that Dumbledore would have treated him with contempt (like everyone else) because of who his father is, but Dumbledore didn't seem to care about that and treated him in the same jovial manner he treated Harry.
"Sit down, sit down," Dumbledore said, waving them into the small sofa in front of his desk.
"Dumbledore, we're here because Draco's father, well his whole family really, are in a bit of trouble. His father doesn't want to be a Death Eater, but he can't get out of it, because Voldemort will kill him and his family," Harry explained. Dumbledore's eyes flickered from Harry to Draco and back again, finally resting on their still joined hands. Draco was softly stroking Harry's hand with his thumb without either of them being aware of it but both taking comfort from the gesture.
"Crabbe and Goyle have been reporting back to their fathers about my behaviour," Draco said quickly, "I have to behave like the obedient little Death Eater's son or it will get back to Voldemort and if he knew…" Draco stopped, knowing he'd gone to far.
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, "If he knew what, Draco?" he asked gently.
Draco stared down at the floor. He screwed up his courage, thought about the kiss he and Harry had just shared and blurted it out, "If he knew that I love Harry."
Harry gasped and Draco looked up at Dumbledore, expecting him to look shocked, or angry or something, anything other than the gentle amusement he saw in Dumbledore's eyes as he looked from one to the other. Draco wished he could see Harry's face, to be able to see what he was feeling in those expressive green eyes of his. Dumbledore smiled at them both, apparently pleased by what he saw before him.
"I think we've had enough of this potion," he said brightly as he picked up his wand from the desk in front of him. He pointed it at Harry first and said, "Finite Potionolla," then pointed it at Draco and repeated the spell.
Draco and Harry turned towards each other. Draco saw Harry had tears running down his face. "I didn't mean to make you cry," he said as he gently brushed the tears from Harry's cheeks. He felt Harry squeeze his hand.
"No one's ever said that to me before," said Harry softly, smiling at Draco, "I love you too Draco." Draco's face lit up. He reached over to pull Harry closer to him. They kissed fervently, oblivious to Dumbledore's presence. Dumbledore coughed loudly, causing the two boys to break apart. They turned back towards their headmaster looking guilty.
"Draco," Dumbledore said gravely, "I want you to write to your father complaining about me playing favourites among the students and ask him to come and see me about this. That way if the owl is intercepted, it looks innocent enough. Also, tell him to bring your mother, as you want to see her for a few days. That way they can stay here for a few days without raising suspicions and we can talk about where to go from here. I'm glad you came to see me instead of trying to deal with this yourselves." Dumbledore paused, "I'm sorry to have to say this after you have just discovered your mutual feelings for each other, but until Draco's parents get here, you will have to act as if you hate each other still. Only after we have talked and your parent's have agreed to the plan I'm developing, can you be open about your relationship. Should you choose to, that is. I'm afraid there will be a lot of opposition to the two of you being together."
Harry and Draco glanced at each other. Harry moved over, closer to Draco and put his arm around him, pulling him closer. Draco leaned back against Harry, grateful for his strength at this time. He still couldn't quite believe that his dream had come true. He had managed to convince himself that Harry hated him and would be horrified to hear that he loved him. But Harry loved him back!
Dumbledore looked thoughtful, "Harry, do you remember where the room is that you found the Mirror of Erised in?" Harry nodded, his hand rubbing Draco's arm supportively. "The mirror is no longer there, a fact of which I'm sure you are aware. I'm going to put a spell on that room so that only you and Draco can enter the room and no one can see or hear what is going on in the room. If things get too much for you, you can go there to be alone, or to be with each other," Dumbledore smiled, "but I don't ever want to know what goes on in there, okay?" The boys nodded. "Good, now go and get some lunch, or you'll be late for your next class." Draco and Harry stood up and quietly left the room. Before they had gotten more than halfway down the spiral staircase Harry grabbed hold of Draco's hand and pulled him down to sit on the stairs.
"Do you know the room where the Mirror of Erised was in our first year here?" he asked Draco. Draco shook his head, he had no idea where it could be but he desperately wanted to meet Harry there soon, so he listened carefully as Harry explained how to get there.
"Do you have an invisibility cloak?" Harry asked, "then we can meet without anyone knowing we are going anywhere, and you can leave Crabbe and Goyle behind."
"Yes, my father gave me one for my fifteenth birthday," Draco replied. Harry smiled at him and Draco felt his heart contract, he had a stunning smile. Draco leaned in and kissed Harry. It quickly got out of hand and both were tearing at each other's clothes when suddenly a voice came out of the darkness, "I think you'd better be going boys". It was Dumbledore. The boys jumped up, startled and a little embarrassed.
They walked slowly to the Great Hall, stealing a kiss whenever no one was around. When they reached the door leading into the Great Hall, they stopped. Harry quickly kissed him on the lips, gave him a smile and walked into the hall. Draco waited for about five minutes and sauntered into the room, a spiteful expression on his face.
He sat down at the Slytherin table and helped himself to the food in the centre of the table. Suddenly he was very hungry.
"Where have you been Draco? Pansy cooed, sidling up to him.
Draco groaned internally but he couldn't tell her to get lost, he had to endure her presence. Draco had sat with his back to the wall, so he could see the other tables. He quickly glanced over at the Gryffindor table. Harry was sitting with his friends and their eyes met for a second. It looked like Harry was being grilled by his friends.
"Uh, Pansy, hi. Well, you know we were invisible and I, uh, I followed those idiots" he jerked his head in the direction of the Gryffindor table, "to see what I could find out."
Pansy smiled admiringly at him, then looked confused, "but they were invisible too, so how did you follow them?"
Draco looked around wildly, he caught a quick, encouraging smile flashed his way by Harry. It gave him the confidence he needed.
"They were talking and I followed their voices. By the way, they said they thought you should cut your hair," he added cruelly, Pansy was extremely vain and he knew it.
Pansy's hand shot up to her hair. She smoothed it down over her head looking furiously over at the Gryffindor's.
"Who said it?" she demanded.
Draco shook his head, "I don't know, I didn't see them and I can't remember whose voice it was." Draco stood up, feeling pleased with himself, "let's go, we don't want to be late for Herbology, do we."
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~to be continued~