Christian tentatively takes my hand as we stroll by the displays at Dragon Caves. "We're not in Walford now, Sy," he murmurs reassuringly into my ear, and upon hearing this, I realise that he's right and happily lace my fingers through his. I have anonymity here, and am free to be myself without worrying about my parents, my family – about anyone. It's just me and Christian, and I am determined that we are going to enjoy ourselves.
"What's that?" I ask suddenly, feeling an overhead figure momentarily cast a shadow over us.
"What's what, babe?" Christian asks, ever oblivious.
"That shadow that just passed over us..."
Christian is distracted, ignoring me as he catches sight of a Side-Striped Red enclosure. "I used to have one of these in my dorm," Christian says excitedly, crouching down by the creature, "Dolly, she was called, after Dolly Parton. They're really timid-natured, and incredibly affectionate."
I scratch the Dragon's huge, scaly chin and I see her eyes light up at my gentle touch. "Her eyes are exactly like yours," Christian notes, "Big, brown, beautiful."
I smile shyly at the praise. As we sit, Christian resting his arms around my shoulder, a voice interrupts our peaceful haven.
"Don't tell me..." a harsh voice cuts through the air, and we glance over our shoulders to see Draco Malfoy striding in our direction, "...the queers are invading Hogwarts."
"Let me handle this," Christian mumbles against my ear as I instinctively make to bolt. He stands up, confident and tall, chest puffed, looking Draco straight in the eye. "Excuse me?" he says simply, putting up a false appearance of being unfazed by Draco's homophobic remarks.
"You heard me, mud-queer [A/N: this is a combination of the slurs 'mud-blood' and 'queer'] – I saw you two canoodling earlier. Don't even try to deny it."
"Oh, I'm not denying it," Christian laughs mirthlessly, grasping at my arm and pulling me to stand beside him, "Not one bit. This is the man I love, forever. And of that, we are not one bit ashamed; how we spend our life is our own private business, and none of yours. Two consenting adults should be entitled to do whatever they please. Furthermore, Civil Partnership has been available in this country since 2004, with gay adoption being possible also. We plan to do both, and happen to be extremely happy together. And, today, we are going to revel in this happiness, here at Hogwarts, and not have to put up with any rotten little homophobes such as you. Is that clear?" Christian finishes, breathless and clenching his fist warningly.
After Draco has hurried away, I smother Christian with kisses, despite the fact we are in public and that anybody could see - which is most unlike me. Pride overwhelms me; he has stood up for us again, in the noblest way possible. "Thank you," I whisper into his neck, "So brave..."
"Hey, hey," Hermonie jumps in, waving her arms in the air desperately, alarmed, "I don't know if this kind of... amorous behaviour... is appropriate for school grounds!"
"Sorry," I pull away reluctantly, blood rushing to my cheeks. I don't usually act this way, but sometimes the moment just takes me.
"Anyway," she stutters, her voice shrill and high-pitched, and I wonder why it is that she seems so embarrassed. "We're going now... t-to the Quidditch pitch! Harry has a meeting, and-"
"And you are welcome to come with us," Harry swoops in with his usual friendly ease, saving his friend from potential embarrassment.
"Whaddya' think, Sy?" Christian asks, his arm still holding my waist securely, "I wouldn't mind taking a look at the old field again, relive a few past glories. Show off to you." He smirks a smirk that I would recognise from a mile away at this stage – suggestive, slightly naughty, 100 per cent Christian.
"Whatever you want," I say easily, staring adoringly at him, still smitten with him after his big speech.
We head off together, following behind Harry and Hermonie. I am too wrapped up in Christian - laughing and joking with him, shyly ducking his tickling attempts - to notice the ominous shadow that passes overhead once more...
I know it's a bit boring so far, but I swear it picks up soon. I'm just subtly introducing the central plot... please R&R! x
