"When your hamster has turned an acceptable shade of flamingo pink, your colour transformation is complete. However, should your hamster take on any other colour, you will have to try again..." Professor McGonagall's voice droned on but Harry had begun to tune her out.

He couldn't concentrate on this lesson, he had other things preoccupying his mind but he made sure to look attentive despite the fact that he was practically buzzing with nerves. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the smile widen on Draco's face, he knew he was feeling the same thrill.

It had been four months since the two called a truce as the result of a particularly nasty curse which backfired, landing them both in the Hospital Wing for three whole weeks with nobody for company but each other. Over those weeks, the two boys learned that they actually had a lot in common with one another, just as Harry felt the pressures of the wizarding world to still be their Golden Boy, despite the war having ended, Draco also felt the pressures from his own family to maintain the pureblood line. They both felt they could not be themselves in their daily lives and longed for freedom. They found they could confide in each other, sharing those parts of themselves that rarely got to see the light of day, Harry learned that Draco was actually a very compassionate person and had a great interest in medical magic. Draco, in turn, learned that Harry was just as vulnerable as he was, the death of his parents had left him yearning for a family of his own. Neither wanted the lives that the world had intended for them, all they wanted was to be free to make their own choices and decisions.

By the end of the three weeks in the Hospital Wing the two had formed an unlikely but strong bond, a bond that found a way into every aspect of their lives. They began seeing each other regularly outside of class, they would take trips to the library to study but would end up talking the whole time, leaving their work abandoned on the floor as they joked and laughed. They would meet in the Room of Requirement and spend hours talking about their plans for the future, what they wanted to do when they graduated, which Quidditch team had the best chances to win the World Cup and whatever they felt like talking to the other about. They spent weeks getting to know each other and gradually they decided that it was time that their friendship became public knowledge, people had already been asking questions, wondering why the school's two biggest rivals were suddenly completely fine with each other.

This was the first time they had ever sat next to each other in class. The development of Ron and Hermione's relationship meant that Ron often liked to sit next to Hermione in the classes that they had together, leaving Harry to either sit with some random Gryffindor or by himself. Today, he decided he wanted to sit next to Draco as the two had been friends for over three months now and it seemed that fate favoured him that day as Draco strolled confidently into the classroom and took the empty seat next to Harry, as though he could read his mind.

Harry knew he would be questioned endlessly at the end of the class by his two best friends but he didn't care, he would let them know that he was Draco's friend and if they had a problem with it they would just have to deal with it themselves. Right now, all he could focus on was the intense vibes that were rolling off the Slytherin boy next to him, so distracted he almost jumped a foot in the air when he felt Draco's hand touch his, gently slipping a note between his fingers. Forcing himself to keep attentive, he slowly opened the small piece of paper, making sure not to let anyone see.

Draco's impressive handwriting read:

Harry,

What are your plans for the Hogsmeade trip? - D

Harry hurriedly wrote back:

Not sure yet, was going to go with Ron and Hermione but they're being really coupley right now, might be best to avoid that. You? - H

Draco's reply was swift but delivered with a slightly nervous hand.

Do you want to go with me? - D

Harry's heart thudded excitedly against his ribcage at those words, he couldn't explain that reaction.

Sure, what did you have in mind? - H

There's a really nice spot near the canal, thought we could hang out there, maybe bring some food. - D

Sounds great, meet you in the entrance hall at 12? Then we can walk together. - H

Perfect. Now, we had better pay attention before McGonagall gets angry and gives us both detention. - D

Harry smiled and nodded slightly, before scrunching up the note and slipping it into his pocket.