I walked beside Malfoy in silence, glancing sideways at him every few steps just to double check that this was real, that I really was on a date with Draco Malfoy. Which we'd arranged on an internet dating site. To go bike riding.

"Okay, stop," I said, whirling to face the smirking blond.

"Yes?" Draco answered, looking amused.

"We need to talk. You need to talk," I exploded.

Draco's smile widened and he beckoned me to follow him to a nearby bench.

I dropped my bike to the ground and sat down, facing Draco as the Slytherin looked out over the path in front of us.

"What do you want to know?" he asked.

I thought for a moment. "When did you know who I was?"

Draco smiled slightly. "When you signed your name Harry and I went back to reread your profile. It was obvious after that."

"Why did you still want to meet me?"

"Why not? Hogwarts was a long time ago and… a lot of things have happened since then."

"Such as?" I prompted.

"Such as I left the country before either side could kill me, stayed away for the better part of eight years, then moved back a month ago."

"Are you… here for good?"

"Hopefully," Draco answered ambiguously.

I leaned back against the green polished wood. "And do you honestly want to date me? Or is this some kind of trick? Or… do you just want to be friends?" I sat up suddenly as something dawned on me. "You're gay?"

Draco broke into laughter and finally turned to look at me. "I didn't think you'd need to ask that one, but yes."

I smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I just never thought…"

Draco leaned in close and whispered. "You were too busy with your own demons back then Potter to take any notice of this blond pouf."

I snorted. "You've changed. A lot."

Draco shifted away again and returned to watching the passers-by.

"Was the country you fled to Australia? Is that why you put that in your profile?"

Draco nodded then turned to face me. "What's the longest relationship you've ever had Potter?"

I blinked, taken aback. "Uh…two years," I lied, albeit convincingly. "What about you?"

"Seven."

"Wow," I replied, looking surprised.

Draco smiled at the look on my face. "What? Didn't think I was the committed type?"

I grinned. "Nope."

Draco returned the smile and stood up. "Come on, let's go."

We grabbed our bikes and slowly pedalled along the path side by side.

"This isn't as awkward as I thought it would be," I mused aloud.

"It could've been a lot worse," Draco agreed, glancing up at some birds that had just taken flight overhead.

"What did you think my reaction was going to be?" I asked curiously.

"I honestly had no idea," Draco admitted. "But I was banking on really pissed off."

I laughed. "I would've been pissed off a few years ago, but I've actually managed to mature a little."

"All on your own Potter? I'm flabbergasted."

I laughed and was struck again by the absolute absurdity of the situation. Here I've been moaning about not having a love life – or ever having had a love life – and now I'm with this gorgeous blond man. Does it really matter that it's Malfoy?

Somehow I don't think Ron's going to see it that way.

We entered the foresty bit of the park and started up a dirt path to the left.

"Have you been here before Harry?"

I glanced at him. "Is it strange calling me Harry?"

"Yes," he admitted. "But it'll pass. Or maybe I'll just come up with a cute nickname for you."

"Please don't," I blanched.

Draco laughed.

"And yes, I've been here before, but I have no clue as to where we are or where we are headed," I said, looking around.

We simultaneously stopped and got off our bikes.

I was in the midst of trying to figure out our location when I suddenly noticed Draco walking towards me. He stopped directly in front of me and had this secret little smile on his face.

I knew what he was going to do long before he did it. I just smiled a bit and leaned in.

My second kiss.

It was quick and modest, just a touching of lips.

"You didn't slap me," Draco said quietly.

"Nope."

I leaned in again and this time it was a much more immodest kiss. I wanted it. I closed my eyes and used my tongue just the slightest bit to taste his lips.

"Wow…" Draco breathed as we pulled apart. "I haven't been kissed like that in a long time."

I smiled. "Me neither."

We continued to pedal around the park, talking about all sorts of things but nothing really heavy. We got lost then finally found the park entrance again after two hours of searching, but neither of us seemed to mind.

We returned our rental bikes and I followed Draco to the car park. He was going to give me a ride home. Who knew he could drive? Or would want to drive?

Draco opened up the passenger side door for me then kissed me again before I could get in.

I'm not sure why, but I suddenly felt a bit funny, like he was maybe taking advantage of me. Maybe it was because I'd never had a boyfriend before and wasn't used to the world of dating and making out. I tried to cover it up but Draco noticed that I wasn't kissing back very enthusiastically.

"Something wrong?" he asked.

I smiled and shook my head. "Nothing. I've just never been kissed so many times on a first date." I tried to sound easy and not like this was my first experience with a boyfriend.

Draco smiled. "Sorry, I just really wanted to and couldn't help myself."

I laughed, that nagging feeling disappearing. "Don't worry, I don't mind."

We both clambered into his gleaming black Rav 4 and slowly pulled out into the chaotic streets of London.

I was feeling much better; my heart lighter than it'd been in months, as we chatted along the way.

"I have a boyfriend and he's gorgeous!" was my mantra for the rest of the day.

I might have to rethink that nickname thing though because I'm not so sure I can call him Draco just yet.