"Mate, don't stand too close to the tree." Ron leaned towards Harry. "Had to use an anchor charm or two. Those things she hung on the tree are heavy," he whispered, cocking his head at Luna, who was talking with Draco.
"I guess the practice will come in handy during Auror training." Harry snorted, his eyes fixed on Draco's slim form.
The Slytherin sauntered towards them, nodding at Ron. "Weasel, in case I forget, please convey my heartfelt greetings to the Weaselette."
Ron scowled at that while Harry fished around in his pocket for his wand. Apparently, that famed truce Ron had been prattling about was ready to break; he had to be prepared to separate the two stubborn gits.
"Only if you do the same with the Ferretette!" snarled Ron.
"The what?" Draco said wonderingly, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Your mother," mumbled Ron, his cheeks blushing in embarrassment.
"Oh, I see." Draco's lips curled up in a tight smirk. "Don't let Mother hear you say that, her hexes are brutal." He rubbed a spot near his elbow. "I should know."
"Talking about hexes," said Ron slowly. "I'm worried about Fred and George."
"What's up with them?" said Harry, leaning on the wall and propping up his boot on the peeling wainscot.
"After Draco and I got our revenge? The twins vowed reprisal." Ron smiled briefly at Harry. "Couldn't shake off the effects of that potion for days, mate; they were stuck together like glue. Couldn't even pass through the doors, the scowling gits had to apparate to go from one room to another!"
Harry shot them a flashing smile, and Draco's eyes widened.
The Gryffindor should do it more often, he concluded, especially if the gaze of those twinkling green eyes was directed at him.
"So Snape's classes paid off, Malfoy?" Harry arched his eyebrow at Draco.
"I usually paid attention, Potter," Draco drawled.
"Unless the Ferret was trying to sabotage our potions." Ron elbowed Harry, and the two barked in laughter.
Hearing their banter, Draco essayed a weak smile. Harry's words had caused the tight knot of worry to settle once more on his mind. His foray into Diagon Alley had been fruitless, and he needed answers to the puzzling questions that haunted him.
"I'm finally done here," Luna said with a faint smile as she walked towards them. She stood next to Harry and craned her neck to gaze at the tinsel star atop the leaning tree, cradled by a huge melon. "The Glimpies won't be able to swallow that."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say, Luna."
She fingered the beads of her necklace. "I need to go home, Harry. I still haven't finished homework. I've got the runes stuff figured out, but I need help with Arithmancy."
"You've consulted Hermione?" Harry said, nudging up the rim of his glasses with his finger.
"No I haven't."
"She's at home. Called me on the telly last night."
Harry snorted at that. "The telephone, you mean."
"Whatever, mate."
"I'll visit with her, then," Luna said airily.
Draco seized the chance to get another opinion on his problem. Despite his past differences with Granger, he had to admit she performed superbly at potions; surely Granger would love to help her friend.
"Lovegood, do you mind if I tag along?" said Draco in a diffident tone that made Harry arch his eyebrows. "There's one Arithmantic problem I haven't quite got the hang of."
"Sure, Draco. You can come." She skipped towards the entrance, calling out to Harry, "It was a pleasure helping you fend off the Bobbing Glimpies."
"Bye, Luna. Was a pleasure having you both," said Harry softly.
oOoOo
Harry leaned his cheek on the cold windowpane, his gaze following the silhouette of Draco nearing the corner. He sighed as his fingertips idly traced the intricate lattice of the frosted glass. The pattern of the ice reminded him of the images he glanced in the kaleidoscope he made for Dudley so long ago, when all the dangers he faced were circumscribed to his menacing uncle.
He took a deep breath and muttered goodbye to the disappearing figure clad in black. Then he stuck his hands in the pockets of his jacket and made his way to the parlor, cracking a smile at the oddly decorated tree.
He noticed several parchments upon the table, and with a fond smile he recalled Luna mentioning her homework. Shaking his head at the forgetfulness of his Ravenclaw friend, Harry leaned down to pick up Luna's parchments, but then he noticed something odd: the glossy edge of a picture peeked out from between the parchments.
He fished out the photograph and when he glanced at it, he felt as if a troll had punched him in the stomach with his club. It depicted Draco, his blond mane swirling around his head and framing his chiseled features. Luna must have taken the picture during the time Draco helped fix her home, Harry decided.
His gaze slid towards the toned chest of the blond, down to his sculpted abs which made his mouth water. Shuddering, Harry fingered the glossy picture, wondering if Draco's skin would feel just as soft.
With a soft moan, he closed his eyes and imagined Draco above him, those silky locks caressing his face as he kissed him, chest touching chest, abs to abs. Harry's fingers would trail the ridges of those smooth muscles as they made love.
Harry's girth throbbed, uncomfortably trapped against his too-tight trousers. He clutched the photograph as he dashed towards the stairs, intent on making his way to his room to relieve his burgeoning problem.
This settles it, Harry thought. Draco's got to be mine, he can be nobody else's.
tbc
