A/N: Another chapter! There are six all together. I'll post a chapter a day since it is complete. There is a bit of smut in this, but not too much. I'm also finding that I overuse the word amazing throughout this story lol. I need to find a synonym for that. Thank you for all the reviews and follows. I love them :)
Harry didn't get another chance to talk to Draco until the next night. Draco had sat as far from him as possible at meal times and made himself scarce at other times of the day, mostly spending time in the Slytherin dungeons. Harry contemplated wrangling the password out of someone or just simply standing outside under his cloak and waiting to hear the password. However, he waited as patiently as he could and finally had his opportunity as he roamed the castle before curfew, admiring the Christmas decorations that were dispersed throughout the castle.
He found Draco standing next to one of the trees that was in the main part of the castle. He happened upon him by chance and wasn't out looking for him, but he was pleased to see him. He watched him for a few moments, noticing the wistful look in his eyes. He walked over to him quietly, not willing to startle him. It didn't happen.
Draco turned, sensing that he was being watched and saw Harry approaching. He jumped slightly in surprise and then scowled. "What do you want, Potter?" he demanded.
"I wanted to apologize and thank you," he replied simply, cutting right to the point as he would probably miss the opportunity since Draco was still quite sore with him.
"Oh?" Draco asked, lifting one eyebrow in question.
Harry nodded. "Look, I'm sorry for what I said about you yesterday, assuming that you were still the same old Draco Malfoy. I can't help, but expect the worst from you as you have often proven me correct. Of course, that doesn't really help me right now because I'm trying to apologize to you and I'm mucking it up by bringing up the past when we should all just start over and-" Harry was cut off when Draco started to laugh and shook his head.
"Don't hurt yourself, Potter," he responded in a teasing tone.
Harry glared at him. "Do you see my dilemma here? You can't seem to not tease me or make a crack at me. I'm sorry that I was a git to you yesterday and that I messed up your pretty face. And thank you for what you said to McGonagall about the fight yesterday. You didn't have to do that. That's all I had to say. Good night, Malfoy," he said as he turned on his heel and headed towards the stairs to return to his tower. He was feeling quite frustrated with how things went, but he honestly couldn't expect them to go any other way.
"Potter, wait!" Draco called out as he rushed over to him and reached out to grip his wrist to stop him. Harry turned around and looked at him, glaring slightly.
"What, Malfoy?" he demanded in exasperation.
"Why did you kiss me yesterday?" he asked quietly.
Harry sighed. Draco hadn't let go of his wrist and was rubbing his thumb against the pulse point of Harry's wrist. He didn't seem to realize what he was doing and Harry couldn't ignore that the touch sent goosebumps erupting all over his arm. "You looked beautiful against the snow. I was overcome with a sudden need to do it, so I did."
Draco's eyes widened in surprise at the honest answer. "Why did you run away?" he asked quietly.
Harry laughed. "I had just kissed my childhood nemesis after fighting with him in the snow. I was a little freaked out," he replied.
Draco grinned slightly then blushed. "Do you really think I'm beautiful?"
Harry snorted and rolled his eyes. "I like how you're trying to be all demure about it. You don't need me to tell you that you're beautiful. You know you are," he replied as he shook his head.
Draco sighed and released Harry's wrist. "It's different that you would think I am," he whispered.
Harry made another rash decision and reached out to cup the back of Draco's head. He leaned forward and brushed his lips against Draco's. He angled his head, parting his lips, moving them against the soft lips that belonged to his one-time enemy. Draco responded this time and kissed Harry back. Harry pulled away after just one more moment. He smiled slightly at Draco whose eyes had glazed over. "You're beautiful," he whispered before he gave him a quick peck and started up the stairs, back to his tower.
Draco watched him for a moment, dazed. His mind cleared and he called up to him. "You're running away again, Potter," he called up to him.
Harry stopped and smirked at him. "Nah. This time I'm simply walking away. Good night, Malfoy," he replied. He continued up the stairs, not looking back.
Draco wanted to glare at Harry for leaving him hanging again after a brilliant kiss, but he couldn't fight the smile that he had curving his lips upward. Harry thought he was beautiful and turned out to be a pretty great kisser. He wondered what more was possible between them, if anything at all. He was definitely finding that he was interested in Harry again, but in an entirely different and more rewarding way. He wondered if Harry felt the same.
XXXX
Draco arrived at breakfast, ready to catch Harry off guard as he had the past two days. He wanted to ask him if he'd hang out with him again. Maybe after last night he'd be more willing to spend time with him. As long as he kept his snark in check, it should go pretty well, right?
Draco sat at the table and watched the doors, waiting for Harry to appear. He finally sauntered in and Draco's breath caught in his throat. Now that the animosity glasses were off his eyes, he could appreciate Harry more than he had in the past. He had always thought that Harry was a decent looking bloke, but now, he looked far more amazing than he had before.
Harry's eyes locked on Draco's and neither could look away for a moment. Harry smirked slightly and started towards him. He stopped across from him and Draco looked up at him. "Mind if I sit here?" Harry asked quietly.
"Sure," he replied quietly, trying not to blush as Harry sat down across from him.
Professor McGonagall was at the other end of the table, looking sideways at them. She watched them for a few moments, being sure that they weren't going to cause any problems. She seemed satisfied that they were going to get along just fine and went back to eating her breakfast.
Harry and Draco ate in silence, stealing glances at one another. They seemed to be unsure as to what to say to each other. Harry laughed. "I forgot to tell you. The student you gave my glasses to, said that you're a nice guy. Seems like you might be losing your touch," he teased.
Draco narrowed his gaze slightly which caused Harry to look slightly sheepish. Draco smirked and shook his head. "Losing my touch, eh? Well, I suppose my nice guy days need to be over then. I can't have the younger years getting too comfortable, now can I?"
Harry frowned at him and shook his head. "Merlin forbid you actually be nice for more than just a day," he commented quietly.
Draco lifted his brow. "Potter, I'm joking. I don't really care anymore whether or not people are afraid of me. It got me nowhere before so why go back to it? Besides, you seem to prefer me when I'm nice so…." he trailed off, not wanting to complete his sentence. He blushed slightly and looked down at his food.
Harry blushed as well. "That is true," he whispered.
Draco looked up in surprise, but Harry wouldn't look at him, but he caught a small smile on his lips so he just smiled slightly himself and finished eating his breakfast.
After they had finished eating, Harry looked up at Draco. "What are you planning to do today?" he asked.
Draco shrugged. "Probably some of the homework we were assigned. Maybe walk around the castle for a bit, looking at the different displays. I was interrupted last night after all," he replied with a wink.
Harry grinned slightly. "I might do the same."
Draco felt his face heat as he thought about asking Harry to join him. It might be more enjoyable to do homework and look at decorations with someone, especially if he gets to spend more time with Harry. He was curious if they could mesh well hanging out. He already knew that kissing wise they were perfectly compatible. "Do you, uh, want to join me?" Draco asked nervously.
Harry looked up, his eyebrows shooting up. He hoped that Draco might ask him and now that he had, he was finding it hard to answer. He wanted to, but he was nervous about how that would go. He shook his head which caused Draco to gasp and look away from him. "No, that wasn't my answer," he quickly assured him.
"Then what was the head shake for?" Draco demanded.
"It was at myself for being nervous about agreeing. I would like to hang out with you, yes," Harry replied.
"Oh. Well, we've already connected in….. other ways, so this won't be too difficult, I'm sure," he offered, blushing slightly.
Harry nodded and grinned slightly. "Your dorm or mine?" he asked suggestively.
Draco's mouth dropped open in surprise and he felt his stomach do a flip flop. Is he flirting with me? "Um…. my dorm won't be too busy," he said quietly.
Harry nodded. "I'll head up to get my bag. I'll meet you down there?"
Draco nodded. "Just knock," he replied.
Harry nodded and stood up. He gave Draco a nervous smile, flirtation gone, and left the Great Hall. Draco watched him leave, feeling nervous again. He stood up and headed for the door as well. As he headed down to the Slytherin dorms, he glanced down at his outfit, wondering if he should change his clothes. He picked up the pace and decided that yes, he was going to change his clothes.
He hustled into his dorm and opened his trunk, sifting through his clothes, trying to find something to wear. He didn't want to wear straight black, even if he looked amazing in it. He wanted to look more relaxed. He pulled out a gray sweater that he knew looked pretty decent on him and pulled out some black slacks that were his most comfortable pair. He slipped into them, opting to go down in his socks. He didn't typically wear shoes in his dorm and since there were very few students in Slytherin over the holidays, he would go down to the common room without shoes. He wanted Harry to feel comfortable there.
He walked into the common room and set his bag down next to the couch. He checked on the fire and found that it was burning brightly and was quite warm. Draco glanced around, noticing that the common room wasn't as festive as he'd like. The decorations that were there needed a bit more. He set about sprucing things up some and by the time he was finished it looked much more welcoming. He grinned and sat down on the couch. He drummed his fingers on the arm of the couch. He stood and started pacing, wondering if Harry had changed his mind.
Five minutes later, his pacing was interrupted by a knock on the common room door. Draco took a deep breath, ran his hand through his hair, and walked over to the door and opened it. For the second time that day, his breath caught in his throat as he looked at Harry. He had changed as well and looked more amazing than usual. He was wearing a burgundy jumper and dark wash jeans that looked well-worn, but fit him perfectly. His hair was disheveled as usual, but that wasn't what caught Draco's attention. It was how amazingly green his eyes were behind his trademark glasses.
Harry looked Draco up and down appreciatively. He looked to be completely comfortable and casual, but so put together and his silver-blue eyes seemed to stand out more so than usual. His hair fell just so over his eyebrow. Harry gulped. He didn't think they were going to get much homework done that morning. He looked down again and noticed that Draco wasn't wearing shoes. For some reason, that made Harry smile. It seemed so normal.
"No shoes?" he asked.
Draco glanced down and blushed slightly. "Yes, I was going for relaxed and comfortable," he replied quietly.
Harry grinned further. Draco was still looking down so Harry reached out and brushed his fingers against his hand. Draco looked up in surprise. "I think it's great," he assured him.
Draco smiled and stepped to the side. "Come in," he said as he gestured towards the common room. Harry walked in and stopped, looking around in surprise.
"Wow, much more welcoming this time," he commented as he looked around. There were fairy lights strung about the room with sprigs of holly and garland intertwined. There was a beautiful green tree in one corner with white lights and silver bulbs. Despite the colors being similar, it still looked amazing. There was other Christmas décor around the common room and it all fit together so nicely.
Draco watched him as he looked around in awe. Something about the look on his face made Draco feel warm. Harry appeared to still be amazed by Christmas even at his age. He remembered what he said when he walked in and frowned slightly. "More welcoming this time?" he asked in confusion.
Harry laughed as he walked over to the couch and sat. He set his bag down and kicked off his shoes. He brought one knee up onto the couch and watched Draco come around the couch and sit down. "Yeah, I came in here in second year," he replied.
Draco stared at him. "I would most definitely remember that. You're having me on," he said.
Harry shook his head. "No, I talked to you and everything. Ron was with me," he countered.
Draco frowned deeply as he thought back to second year. He did not remember ever seeing Harry or Ron in the Slytherin common room and he definitely would remember something like that. "Potter, you are lying through your teeth," he responded, his tone a bit heated. He didn't like being made a fool.
Harry laughed. "Don't get so worked up. We used polyjuice potion and came in as Crabbe and Goyle. We thought you might know something about the chamber," he replied with a shrug.
Draco narrowed his gaze, remembering that day now. They had been acting so strange. That explained that. He still wasn't pleased that he fooled him like that, but that was six years ago and didn't matter anymore. The new Draco would not make a big deal about this. The new Draco, who had kissed his childhood nemesis and liked it very much, would not make a big deal out of this. "Well, that explains that mystery from six years ago," he replied with a forced laugh.
Harry frowned deciding to change the subject. "It looks great in here. I'm glad that this time I'm me and that I'm here with you and I'm in here on much better terms," he said, smiling slightly.
Draco smiled, a genuine smile. "Me too," he replied quietly.
"So, um, should we do homework then?" Harry asked reaching for his bag.
Draco looked away from Harry and down at his bag. "Right, yeah, homework," he replied as he grabbed his bag as well.
They opened their bags and pulled out some homework. They both stared blankly at their textbooks, attempting to read, but neither one could focus very well on it. Harry sighed and closed it. "I can't do it," he said with a laugh.
Draco grinned and nodded, slamming his book closed. "Me either. What do you want to do?" he asked.
Harry looked thoughtful. "We could just talk?" he suggested.
"Yeah, sure, okay. What do you want to talk about?" Draco replied.
"What did you do over the summer?" he asked.
"Honestly?" he asked nervously. Harry nodded uncertainly. Draco sighed and looked away. "After my trial, I helped my parents remodel the Manor and then I helped out at Hogwarts for a bit before school started again," he explained.
Harry frowned. "I never saw you," he replied.
Draco blushed deeply. "That's because I was under a glamour and only McGonagall knew it was me," he replied quietly.
"Seriously?" Harry frowned as he thought back to the times that he had worked. He remembered seeing a light brown haired man that he had never seen before, but he looked like someone he should know. He remembered thinking that he was a good looking bloke though. Even then he was checking out Draco and he didn't even realize it was him. He laughed and Draco frowned at him. "I remember you now. I thought you were pretty good looking."
Draco lifted his brow. "Really? That's interesting," he responded thoughtfully.
Harry shrugged. "It was one of the many things I realized over the summer and since we've been back at school," he replied.
"That I'm quite handsome?" Draco teased.
Harry laughed. "Yes, exactly," he replied. Draco grinned. "No, I just realized over the summer that I might lean towards blokes instead of girls. Of course, you're the only one that I've kissed or anything like that."
"Well, I can't blame you if you never want to kiss another bloke. I am most desirable after all," he replied, preening.
Harry lifted his brow and then laughed loudly. Draco scowled at him. Harry shook his head and wiped at his eyes. "Your confidence knows no bounds."
Draco smirked and sat up on his knees and moved towards Harry. Harry dropped his knee and watched him apprehensively. Draco hovered over him, still smirking. "You're right, Potter, my confidence is through the roof and right now, I am confident that when I kiss you, you'll never want to kiss another person again because it will never compare to me," he whispered against Harry's lips.
Harry gulped and nodded dumbly. Draco smirked even more and leaned forward, capturing Harry's lips in a bruising kiss. Harry gasped and reached up to grip Draco's sweater, pulling him closer. He slid down slowly without Draco really noticing until he was completely settled on top of Harry. Draco broke the kiss as he looked down at him breathing heavily, realizing that they were now lying down, Draco on top of Harry. He grinned and kissed Harry again deeply, brushing his tongue along his lips, asking for entrance. Harry granted it and they explored each other's mouths eagerly. Harry felt himself becoming hard and based on the hardness growing against him, Draco was as well.
Soon he was moving against Draco, trying to relieve some of the pressure. He definitely couldn't imagine doing this with anyone else at this point so maybe Draco was right. Draco broke the kiss, but didn't go far as he kissed a path along Harry's jaw and to his ear and down to his neck. He moved the collar of his jumper to the side and kissed along his collar bone, sucking gently on the muscle right above his collar bone. Harry gasped and arched slightly at the kiss.
Draco returned to his lips and ground into him, bringing some much needed pressure to his hard length. They moved together slowly for a bit and then just as they were starting to move more quickly, the common room door opened and a few students were coming in. Draco leapt off of Harry and returned to his side of the couch. He grabbed a book and put it up in front of him, breathing deeply, trying to calm his racing heart and mind. He was hard as a rock and really wanted to finish what they were doing.
The group that had walked in made a beeline for the dorms and Draco was pleased to see that they were a group of girls. He glanced over his book at them and waited until they were out of sight. Once they were, Draco put his book down and looked across the couch at Harry. Harry's eyes were glazed over and he was biting his lip. Draco's mouth went dry. "Come on. Let's go to my dorm," he whispered, not trusting himself to raise his voice too much. Harry nodded and stood. He grabbed his things and waited for Draco to do the same and lead them out of the common room to the dorm.
Draco moved quickly to his dorm, pleased that all his dorm mates had gone home for the holidays. He opened the door and Harry followed him in. Once Harry was inside, Draco shut the door and locked and silenced it. He turned back to look at Harry and was caught by surprise when Harry shoved him against the door and planted his lips on him again. Harry slipped his hands underneath Draco's sweater, running his fingers along his bare back. Draco gasped and pushed into him, wrapping his arms around Harry's shoulders to bring him as close as he could.
He took one of his hands and slid his fingers into Harry's hair, reveling in the silkiness that surprised him. He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against Harry's. They were both breathing heavily, their breath mixing together. "I really want to take you over to my bed," Draco whispered.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Harry whispered back.
Draco laughed. "I don't know," he said quietly.
Harry leaned back and looked up at him. "Maybe we should stop, for now anyway. Let's just, talk or we can walk around the castle and look at the decorations or we can stay here and go to your bed. It doesn't matter really what we do as long as I can be with you," he suggested.
Draco groaned. "You're right, we should cool off, but my bed really, really looks good to me right now," he replied.
Harry laughed and stepped back some. "Let's cool off. This kind of chemistry is obviously not a problem for us," he pointed out.
Draco sighed and nodded. He knew that would be best. He didn't want to focus solely on the physical part of a possible relationship with Harry. They had to mesh in other ways if they were going to even remotely do any more kissing or taking it further. "You're right. Let's walk around the castle and look at the Christmas decorations," he agreed.
Harry nodded and picked up his bag which he had dropped immediately after Draco shut his dorm room door. He shrunk it down and put it in his pocket. Draco stared at him, looking regretful, but nodded again and turned, unlocking the door and opening it. They walked out after making sure they looked presentable and started out of the Slytherin dungeons. Draco reached over and took Harry's hand into his own, linking their fingers together. Harry blushed deeply and grinned over at him.