AN: This is my first ever fanfic, so be nice :) and i will continue, this is just chapter one. leave me feedback? (and this is to the song dancing away with my heart by lady antebellum. listen to it. now -_-)

"Ouch!" Harry sprawled backwards as he collided with someone coming the opposite way. He had been rushing to get out of the ministry before Kingsley could catch up with him and ask him to supervise Auror training again. He had had enough of the whiny little trainees when he went through his own training.

"Alright there?"

Harry looked up at the voice and his breath caught. The man he ran into had an elegantly messy mop of fine blonde hair. Harry's thoughts slowly spiraled down a path he rarely allowed himself to go. But as the man extended a hand to help him up, the path became a slide and Harry plunged full force into memories that tore at the center of his very being.

*past*

Harry escaped out into the courtyard beyond the great hall, desperate to breathe some fresh air. It had been a year since he had defeated Voldemort, yet people still felt the need to fawn over him and beg him to retell his version of the final battle. The one year celebration ball was meant to honour all who had fought, but he always seemed to be singled out.

Harry sighed and gazed up at the moon. It shone brightly against the cloudless night sky. He'd always loved the moon. Its light reached down to touch lightly upon the earth, chasing away dark shadows, and a steady reminder that a new day would dawn. It was beautiful.

The sound of footsteps approaching made him spin around.

Draco Malfoy entered the courtyard and, seeing Harry, made his way over.

"Evening, Potter."

Harry was surprised not to hear the usual malice in Malfoy's tone. Then again, he hadnt spoken to the blonde in a year.

"Malfoy," he replied in the same level tone.

"I wanted to-" Draco began.

"To what?"

Draco hesitated and walked over to sit on a bench. Fairies in the tree next to the bench lit up and caused Malfoy's hair to shimmer. Harry vacillated a moment then followed Malfoy to the bench.

"This is hard for me, I'm sorry" Malfoy said.

Harry blinked and smirked slightly.

"What?" Malfoy asked

"Nothing, I just never expected to hear you say sorry...for anything." Harry bit his tongue, expecting Malfoy to storm off or sneer at him in the usual manner. But Malfoy returned the smirk and upon seeing Harry's bewildered expression it turned into a full blown grin.

"I've changed quite a bit in the past year, Potter. Gaining your own free will does that to a person."

"I know what you mean. Its been a great year for me not having to worry about whether or not I'm going to live to my next birthday."

"Unless you get mauled by reporters."

Harry laughed, but then frowned.

"I dont like the attention you know. Id much rather live in peace now that its all over rather than be seen as a hero."

"But you are a hero."

Harry glanced at Malfoy curiously, who in turn blushed and looked away. Harry started to call him out on the pink dusting of his cheeks, but decided against it.

"Why are you being nice to me, Malfoy?"

Draco turned back and steeled himself.

"I wanted to thank you, Potter. For saving my life and sending my wand back-" He paused. "And I know you're the reason the Wizengamot didn't chuck me into Azkaban."

"How did you know that I testified on your behalf?"

Draco smirked again. "I only guessed, but you just confirmed it."

"Well, damn."

They both laughed again, and Harry marveled at how easy it was to get along with him. Music drifted through the windows of the Great Hall. The band was winding down as the party drew to a close.

"Dance with me, Harry."

Harry started at the use of his first name and then chuckled. Surely Malfoy couldn't be serious.

Draco stood and for the first time Harry took the time to admire the changes in Malfoy's appearance in the past year. He'd grown slightly taller, maybe a foot over Harry now. His light locks had grown out as well and Malfoy wore it loose so that the front just dusted his eyelashes. He looked at Harry with piercing grey eyes like liquified mercury. Damn, but the blonde was gorgeous. His eyes travelled over Malfoy's body and appreciated the way the midnight blue dress robes were tailored to hug his arse.

Harry tore his gaze away, lest Malfoy suddenly make the connection between the gaze and Harry's sexual proclivities. He hadn't told anyone yet. Not even Ron and Hermione.

"Are you scared, Potter?"

Harry's eyes snapped back to Malfoy and he seen the challenge etched on his face as he held out a hand towards Harry.

"You wish, Draco."

Draco's face reflected surprise for a split second at the use of his given name, then his lips turned up into another smile.

Harry reached out and took his hand.

"Um, sir?"

Harry's mind snapped back to the present and he looked up at the man still holding his hand out. "Sorry, thanks."

Harry took the man's hand and allowed himself to be hauled up. He dusted off his robes, thanked the man again, and departed from the ministry taking his thoughts of a summer from ten years ago with him.

~TBC~