Disclaimer: I own nothing from Harry Potter. I only own the plot line.
A/N: So sorry that this took so long! Enjoy!
Chapter Three: Guilt Ridden
"There's a Hogsmeade trip next weekend," Draco mentioned casually as he and Harry walked behind their friends on the way to Potions a few weeks later.
"Really? Well, I'm sure we'll all be going together," Harry replied. They walked a few more steps before Draco spoke again.
"Actually…I was wondering…if maybe…you'd go with me. Just the two of us." Harry stared at him.
"Like a date?" he asked incredulously.
"Yeah." Draco blushed.
"I haven't been on a date since-" Harry cut off abruptly, a haunted look crossing his features. He sighed. "Look, Dray, I appreciate the offer but I'm not sure that I'll be a good date." Draco placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Just one date. I don't know what happened, but I'm sure she'd want you to continue to live your life," he said.
"You're right. Okay, then. You have yourself a date," Harry said with a slight smile. Draco grinned in return.
"Great. Then I'll meet you in the Entrance Hall at say eleven? We could get lunch in the village."
"Sure. Now come on. You just got volunteered as my Potions partner." They quickly entered the classroom.
xXx
"Only Longbottom could be so destructively idiotic," Draco snarled as they made their way to lunch. Pansy snickered.
"It wasn't that bad, Dray," Blaise said laughingly.
"He blew up my cauldron! The potion was perfect until he set up a chain reaction and destroyed half the Potions lab!" Draco ranted. Harry smiled and shook his head.
"He did apologize," Harry responded. The blond sighed.
"Yes, well, it was a perfect potion," he muttered.
"Of course it was," Hermione said consolingly. The six entered the Great Hall and headed towards the Slytherin table. They traded house tables every day. At first, the rest of their respective tables were wary of them but after a few well placed hexes and threats, everyone accepted the changes. They settled down with Draco, Harry, and Ron on one side and Blaise, Hermione, and Pansy on the other side. They filled their plates and after a few minutes of eating conversation resumed.
"So what do you guys want to do on the Hogsmeade trip next weekend?" Hermione asked.
"I want to go to Honeydukes," Ron said.
"I need to get some new robes," Pansy answered.
"Well actually guys, Harry and I are going on a date," Draco said while Harry blushed. Everyone stared at the two in shock.
"Really? Didn't see that one coming," Blaise muttered.
"Harry? Mate, when did you become gay?" Ron asked incredulously. Harry's blush deepened.
"I never really…I mean I…I'm just moving on. I know there's no replacing her and well…I like Draco," he replied. Draco grinned at this.
"But Harry, are you sure that you're ready? I mean it wasn't that long ago and…" Hermione started.
"I know 'Mione, but she'd want this and well…It still hurts but I need to…get out and live life." Harry gave her a pleading look. She nodded slowly and turned back to her lunch.
"Well I'm okay with it. But Malfoy you hurt him, and I'll rearrange your face. Understand?" Ron said slinging an arm around Harry's shoulders.
"Yeah Weasley, I got it. Don't worry."
"That's great guys. Draco's liked you for a long time," Pansy said with a grin.
"PANSY!" Draco shouted.
"What? It's true. All you could talk about was that Potter kid. I'm not stupid."
"So who's this she you guys keep talking about?" Blaise asked. The three Gryffindors went silent. Hermione and Ron turned to look at Harry who merely stared down at his food.
"Okay. Never mind then. So have you guys finished the Transfiguration essay yet?" Blaise said. Hermione immediately launched into a discussion on her essay. Pansy and Ron soon joined in. Sensing Harry's uneasiness, Draco rested a hand on his knee. Harry stiffened before relaxing and giving Draco a thankful smile. Conversation flowed around them as they returned to their food. Soon it was time for classes again. They went their separate ways, Ron and Harry to Divination, Hermione and Draco to Ancient Runes, and Blaise and Pansy had a free period. Once in the Slytherin common room, Pansy took the couch while Blaise sat in an armchair across from her.
"So what do you think all that was about at lunch?" Pansy asked.
"I have no idea," Blaise responded, "Want to find out?"
"But of course, my dear Slytherin," she smirked.
"So we investigate any girls who might have been close to Harry. We'll try to get more clues and see what we can do."
"Brilliant plan."
xXx
Soon the time came for the Hogsmeade weekend. Pansy went to Draco's room to check on him.
"Hey Dray, you ready?" she called as she opened the door. The sight that greeted her was one that evoked humor and pity within her. Draco stood in the center of his room pulling at his hair with his clothes strewn about the room. He looked up when she entered.
"Pansy, thank God. I have no idea what to wear, and it's our first date, so I have to make a good impression, but he's seen me in everything, so I don't know what to do and-"
"Draco! Calm down! It's not that bad. Potter is pretty oblivious to clothes so he won't notice if you've worn it before. Here wear your black slacks that cling to your ass rather nicely and the blue sweater that brings out the hints of blue in your eyes. Throw on your black shoes, do your hair and you'll look great! There, problem solved." Draco took a deep breath and slowly nodded.
"Thanks, Pansy." He quickly changed and rushed to the bathroom to fix his hair. He threw her one last smile before flinging on his black cloak and rushing out the door. He ran quickly through the halls before stopping at the corner before the Entrance Hall. He smoothed down his hair and calmly walked into the Hall. Harry stood there waiting dressed in tight dark blue jeans, an emerald green sweater, and black converses. He smiled when he saw Draco approaching.
"Hello," he said once Draco had reached him.
"Hi. You look great," Draco said.
"You too. So we ready?"
"Yes. Let's go. I figured we'd stop by the Three Broomsticks for a bite and then shop some. Is that okay with you?"
"Sounds like a plan to me," Harry replied as they made their way out the doors. They made their way to the Three Broomsticks where Draco got them a table while Harry went to get drinks.
"So what looks good?" Harry asked as he set the drinks down, sitting himself down across from the blonde. Draco looked up from the menu and smiled.
"Pretty much everything, actually," he replied. After placing the orders, they sat in comfortable silence.
"Thanks for agreeing to this," Draco said finally breaking the easy quiet.
"You're welcome. I wasn't sure at first but…if I did start dating again, then I figured it should be with someone I could trust. It doesn't hurt that you're the prettiest boy I've ever seen," Harry said with a small smile. Draco beamed back at him. The food arrived, and they dug in.
xXx
Meanwhile, Pansy, Ron, Hermione, and Blaise were strolling down the street. Pansy and Blaise had decided to do some digging about the mystery girl.
"So what was that about the other day?" Pansy asked. She saw Hermione and Ron exchange a quick glance before looking at her.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Hermione said.
"Oh come off it. Harry was clearly torn up about going out on the date. So who's he getting over?" Blaise said bluntly.
"That's Harry's story. If he wants you to know then he'll tell you. We can't say anything else. Sorry," Ron answered cutting off Hermione's next denial.
"It was that bad then? What happened? She betrayed him or something?" Pansy whispered.
"Or something," Hermione said quietly. "So where do you guys want to go first?" she asked quickening her pace. The others rushed to catch up as she swept up the road.
xXx
By this time, Harry and Draco had moved on to Honeydukes where Harry was buying enough chocolate for an army.
"So the Savior has a sweet tooth I take it?" Draco drawled. Harry blushed slightly.
"Well, it's amazing okay. Leave me alone."
"It's okay. I rather like sweets myself. I, however, don't over indulge like some I could mention." Harry stuck his tongue out at him and went to pay for the chocolates. After leaving, they shopped for a while longer before grabbing a late dinner. Once done, they headed for the castle. They walked in silence until they reached where they would have to part for their separate dorms.
"I had a great time, Dray. I really appreciate this," Harry said. Draco stared into the viridian eyes and blushed at the emotion he saw swirling in them.
"It was fun," he whispered, "Harry, can I kiss you?" Those green eyes widened in shock. Thoughts passed quickly through them before Harry's expression became determined. He took a deep breath before answering.
"Yes." Draco swore his heart stopped in that instant but he didn't think much of it as he was quickly leaning closer to Harry until their lips met in a tender kiss. Harry sighed and his lips parted gently. Draco took advantage and slipped his tongue into Harry's mouth. They kissed gently for what felt like an eternity before Harry pulled back. Draco's eyes fluttered open, unsure of when they had closed.
"Good night, Draco," Harry whispered before disappearing into the dark. Draco stared after him for a while before a silly grin spread across his face. He floated back to his dorm and got ready for bed. He slipped between his silk sheets and drifted off to sleep still smiling.
xXx
His date, however, was not so content. Harry sat on his bed, tears streaming down his face as silent sobs wracked his body. His arms wrapped around his knees, he tried to muffle his cries. He wasn't quiet enough as soon his curtains were pulled back. Ron stood there, an understanding expression on his face. He sat next to Harry and pulled him into his arms. Harry rested his head on Ron's shoulder as tears continued to pour down his face. How long they sat like that was unnoticed by either boy. Harry soon cried himself to sleep. Ron gently laid him down and covered him with blankets before going to bed himself. Ron lay awake a little longer before deciding to discuss it with Hermione in the morning and went to sleep.
A/N: Well there you have it! Sorry to keep you waiting! Hope you enjoyed it! Review! Thanks!
