Harry was thankful that it was winter. Not because it was freezing, or that Harry couldn't see ten feet in front of him due to the snow that was falling, but because it made it possible for Harry to walk unusually close to Draco, the cold making it appear that Harry was only doing so for the warmth. Also, with their heavy cloaks, they could hide the fact to passersby that their fingers were still laced together.
They walked through Hogsmeade without speaking to each other, exchanging only occasional smiles and blushes. It wasn't until they reached the Three Broomsticks that Draco turned to Harry, his eyes filled with a sudden realization.
"We can't go in there," he said quietly. "Madam Rosemerta knows that this isn't Hogwarts' Hogsmeade weekend."
"Yeah, I thought about that," Harry said, nodding.
"You did?" Draco said, raising his eyebrows. "My, Potter, you do continue to surprise me."
Harry rolled his eyes, but, despite the cold, he could feel his checks warming. Draco's reference to one of his letters was not lost on Harry.
"Come on," he said, sighing. He tugged gently on the hand that he was holding, pulling it forward. Draco looked at him, obviously confused.
"Wait," he said, though he followed Harry, "where are we going then?"
Harry shrugged, smiling slyly.
"You'll just have to see won't you?"
"Obviously I'll have to, Harry," he said in his usual bored drawl. "Since you're refusing to tell me."
Harry spun around, so quickly that Draco had to lean toward him so that he wouldn't lose his balance. Their faces only inches apart, Harry leaned forward the short distance to whisper in Draco's ear.
"I could tell you," he said, smiling as he felt a shiver run through Draco. "But what would be the fun in that?"
Harry turned back around and resumed leading Draco towards their destination, but not before he saw Draco blush.
--
Harry,
Okay, next time I ask you out, I am picking the place. I refuse to eat in a rundown building again. Where did you even find that thing?
--
Draco,
I found it with Ron and Hermione one Hogsmeade weekend.
Of course it's rundown. I don't think anyone's used that shop for years.
But, you didn't seem that upset about it while we were there.
--
Harry,
Well of course I wasn't upset about it then. It was warmer in there, and I was freezing. Plus, you had brought food. And I was hungry. I wasn't about to complain.
--
Draco,
I didn't hear you complaining after you ate either.
Why can't you just admit that you had a good time?
--
Harry,
Because I'm a Slytherin. We are naturally more difficult.
Anyway, I was--um, well, distracted after we finished eating. Which was your doing, if you don't remember correctly.
--
Draco,
So, does it only take a kiss to distract the great Draco Malfoy? I guess I now know how to break your focus in Potions. Maybe now I'll get a higher mark then you.
--
Harry,
As much as I would love for you to be better then someone at potions, I would prefer if it wasn't me.
Anyway, I doubt that Snape would appreciate you kissing me in class.
--
Draco,
I guess your right about Snape. But even if I can't get you in Potions, I can still distract you while you're doing your homework.
Don't think you're free from my desperate attempts to be better then someone in Potions. Though, I guess there's always Ron.
And Crabbe and Goyle. But I'd rather beat you.
--
Harry,
So, you're already planning a study date? How are you going to manage to escape Weasley and Granger? Don't they live to be around you? What will they do if you're not there?
Actually, I take that back. I don't want to know what they'd do.
And I would say that I am flattered that you think so highly of my potions skills, if I wasn't too busy being insulted that you think you could challenge them so easily.
--
Draco,
Well, we'll have to see, won't we?
And Ron and Hermione wouldn't do anything you wouldn't want to hear about. They are– as far as I know– both still in denial that they like each other. And it isn't like they don't have anything to do without me.
I'll just make something up. Although, it would be easier if I just told them the truth. It's not like they would tell anyone.
--
Harry,
I guess we will.
But I'm not going to agree to telling Weasley and Granger– not yet. If you don't remember, you were whining after I kicked you in the shin. I hate to think how much I would be whining after you told Weasley.
--
Draco,
Oh really? Personally, I think that you could take him.
But it's fine if you don't want to tell anyone. I don't think I'm sure if I want to either. I guess that I'm not even sure what I would tell them. What exactly would you call our relationship, Draco?
--
Harry,
You are right, I could take Weasley, if I wanted to. But I think that I would feel too guilty beating up your best friend. Look at what you're doing to me, Harry.
As far as our relationship status– why don't we discuss that in the back of the library tomorrow night? Bring your Potions book.
We'll see who's easily distracted.
--
A/N: Well, here's another chapter! I'm beginning to think that you guys are getting too spoiled. I have, after all, given you guys 4 chapters in 4 days. Maybe I'll wait a little bit before giving you another chapter.
But if you don't think you're too spoiled, feel free to tell me in a review. Maybe if enough people tell me that, I won't wait as long before putting out another chapter!
cackles madly… like how I did that? Now, you must review!
Okay… I guess you don't have to review. But I would really appreciate it!
Anyway, thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it!