"How was your day, then?" Harry asks Draco as he scans Hermione's notes for the next lesson. It's the day after the first, and Draco insisted they get right to it; Hermione planned for the classes to conclude after the next party, and Draco wants to be ready for that one.
"Fine," says Draco. "Had to liaise with the Creatures department regarding this out of control brood of Kelpies in the lochs of the Highlands. You?"
"They're called broods? That's funny. I'm always interested in what groupings of animals are called. And it was fine. Desk job kind of day."
"Odd thing to be interested in," Draco comments.
Harry shrugs. "I'm sure there are odder. So, she says we need to listen to—oh, shit, this one's going to be in my head for weeks. And we're doing the Viennese waltz, I guess." Harry picks up Hermione's small white music player and searches its catalog for a song he thinks he hates. He puts a hand on Draco's shoulder and takes the other. Draco moves his free hand to Harry's side and they fall into step together.
I don't like you, but I love you.
Seems that I'm always thinking of you.
Oh, oh, oh, you treat me badly.
I love you madly.
You really got a hold on me.
"It's not so much a box turn as it is a kind of sliding step-touch, step-touch, is it?" Draco shakes his head and grips Harry's hand a bit harder as though he's becoming more focused. "She really thought we'd be able to handle this after the first lesson?"
"I don't know, we seem to be doing pretty well, song aside," says Harry. "Could you loosen up a bit on my hand? I think you're stronger than you realize."
Draco smirks. "First you think I'm graceful, then you think I'm strong. Just can't make up your mind about what I'm best at, can you?"
"You're great at having a monstrously overgrown ego," says Harry.
"And what's wrong with the song?" Draco asks. "I quite like the idea of loving someone while simultaneously not being able to stand them."
"Do you really think that's what they're getting at? I always thought the singer was lying to himself, that he really did both like and love whoever he's singing to."
"Have you had relationships like that?"
"That's a fairly personal question."
"You're usually a bit of an open book."
"Fair point," says Harry. "And, in a romantic sense, no, I don't think so. I liked Ginny just fine, and if Cho Chang even counts, then it's the same sort of thing."
"You know you can't just skate over later relationships when everyone is fully aware of them, right? When we were reviewing the Unforgivables and determining if anything should be added, the Curse Breakers were called in to consult. And he never shut up about you."
Harry wonders if Draco purposely avoids saying Anthony's name. He doesn't like hearing it, so intentional or no, it's welcome. "I really liked ... him. We were better as friends. Not that he left that open. Now, fine, let's move to you. Do you do love/hate relationships?"
Draco shrugs. Harry realizes they haven't stomped on each other's feet or missed a step in several minutes. "Well, when Pansy and I were faux dating, there was some of that, but she's always been a good friend. Theo, never didn't like him. We've been able to do the impossible and stay friends. And there hasn't really been anyone else of note."
"How sad to belong to the 'not of note' category," says Harry.
"Well, you know, you date around when you feel the need for companionship, and even if it doesn't mean anything at all, there's still someone there."
"Did I just hear Draco Malfoy admit he doesn't want to be alone?"
Draco rolls his eyes. "I'm going to blame the confessional quality of the song. You're meant to think of me as a cold-hearted borderline emotionless bastard till the end of time."
"I quit thinking you were a bastard a long time ago and you know that." Harry feels his face flush and decides it doesn't matter enough to fight it off.
"What'd it take, then?" Draco asks. The song ends, and then it's on again.
"Adulthood," says Harry. "Mine and yours."
They haven't stopped dancing. Harry notices the way Draco's grey eyes slightly darken when he's talking about something that isn't on surface level.
"I suppose that sounds about right," Draco says. There's a long pause as they continue across the floor and some Beatle or another sings a sad song that Harry might hate a little less having actually thought about it.
"Oh," says Draco. "I have an extra ticket for Saturday's Quidditch match. It's the Catapults and the Harpies. Theo and I were going to go, but he can't make it. Would you be interested?"
"I don't know, that sounds an awful lot like something friends would do," Harry says, teasing a bit. "But I suppose if that's the direction you'd like to head in..."
"Worse things have happened, Potter." Draco smirks.
"Ah, yes, like your blunt refusal to consistently call me by my first name." Harry isn't trying to, but he smiles anyway. "Then sure. What time should I meet you?"
