Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of the characters or story plot lines from any of the books. In general, I do NOT own anything. They belong to J.K. Rowling. The only thing that is mine is the new story line between Draco and Harry, I guess.

Author's Note: Another chapter up! Hope you're as excited as I am to post it. Hope you like it.

A Little Hopeful Epiphany?

Draco looked into a mirror and saw his haunted eyes looking right back at him. He was wearing his white ceremonial bonding robes. He shook his head in a resigned way and walked into the next room where the person conducting the ceremony was standing. To the right of the Bonding Minister stood his future husband. He was talking to his best man and witness so all he could see was the black hair that always stood out to him. He wasn't sure how he had gotten into this situation but he now stood opposite his fiancé. His fiancé turned to face him, having noticed his presence. Draco stared up into the cold icy blue eyes of Blaise Zabini.

His stare changed into as glare and Zabini just laughed. Draco saw lights coming all around him. He starting thinking 'no, no, no!' He did not want this. He had to get away. He did not want to be bonded with Zabini. Where was Potter when you needed him? Draco tried to run away but Zabini caught his arm and Draco could feel the bonding lights encasing their wrists. It was too late now. He was bonded with Zabini.

Draco sat up quickly in bed. He was breathing hard and sweating. He was scared. He checked under his sheets to see that he was still in his silk pajama bottoms. No bonding robes in sight. He breathed a sigh of relief. It had just been a terrible nightmare! (A/N: ha-ha bet I fooled you all! j/k =p).

…

Day 1 – October 5, 1998 Tuesday

Draco got out of bed and into the shower. He let the warm water hit his head and relaxed under it. He leaned his left arm on the wall and heard a small *clink*. He looked at his hand and saw Potter's ring resting on his finger. He had forgotten about Potter's deal because of the nightmare. He moved his hand closer and looked at the, perhaps for now, plain band. He felt his other hand caressing the ring and frowned. Either way he could not get what he wanted.

He had a week to decide whether or not he wanted to take Potter's deal. But still it was Potter he would be bonded to, if he said yes. While that sounded a whole lot better than Zabini, it was not what he would have preferred. Why did Potter have to have been Potter? The deal might have been made if it was someone he got along with. Potter was not bad looking, he had to admit. But to have his children in the future made him sick to his stomach, not because Potter repulsed him, at least not anymore, but because he could not picture himself having the children of someone he did not love. Children were supposed to be a product of a couple's love for one another, a miracle. Hopefully Potter did not want to have children anytime soon, meaning in the next five years.

Draco wanted to have a steady career before he had children. He wanted to work at the ministry in the new department they had opened that he had read about. It was called the Department of Reconstruction. It was created to help clear out the damages done during the war. The department also dealt with death eaters and their families who would try to reignite the flame the dark lord had started. It would hopefully prevent future uprisings and require a lot of intelligence and field work. He wanted to be out there doing something and making good use of his life. His first seventeen years were basically wasted. He wanted to make up for it. Plus all his knowledge of the dark arts and how dark families worked would be a bonus.

Draco turned off the shower and got ready for the day. One thing he noticed as he was walking through the dungeons was that he had double checked to make sure his hair was just right, in the mirror, before he left. He hadn't done that in so long. Thinking about his appearance hadn't been important anymore but for some reason his old habit had come back. He frowned, confused but didn't think too much about it.

"Isn't it a little early to be frowning? The day's just only begun pet."

Draco froze. He hadn't been paying attention to anything in front of him. He didn't want to face Zabini just yet. He finally let his frustration and annoyance flow through his body and glared at Zabini with an icy intensity. Zabini laughed.

"It's been a while since you showed so much passion in one of your looks." Zabini licked his lips. "I had been wondering if all of your fire had died. I'm glad it hasn't. All the more fun I'll have when it burns out by someone's hands."

Zabini smiled cruelly at Draco. Draco was furious. How dare Zabini think he could break Draco! He was not Zabini's toy. He stormed past Zabini but before he could get too far Zabini had grabbed his wrist. Flashbacks from last night's nightmare came back to him and Draco turned back around and swung his free arm at Zabini's face. Zabini was so shocked he released Draco and cradled his face. Draco looked shocked and stared at his arm. Where had that come from? Draco figured he had better get out of the corridor before Zabini came back to reality and realized what had just happened. Draco briskly walked to the great hall and sat in his seat so fast that Pansy and Theo drew back from surprise.

"Draco darling...are you alright?"

"Course I am Pansy. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Maybe because you look like you've seen a ghost…"

Draco said nothing for a few minutes and then shook his head dismissing his entrance. Pansy didn't ask about it anymore. Draco didn't want to worry his friends when they were so obviously happy together. Zabini was his problem and he would deal with it alone. If he didn't, it wouldn't mean much in the end. It would only prove what a disgrace Draco had become.

Draco looked up and found a pair of emerald eyes looking straight at him. They held the same question Pansy had asked except with a lot less affection from the questioner. Draco looked away. He didn't want to deal with Potter at the moment. Just then the doors opened and in walked Zabini. Draco gulped. He was in for it now. He watched Zabini's face to gauge how angry he was but to his surprise Zabini's expression was a mixture between amusement and annoyance. Zabini caught his eye and smirked dangerously in his direction.

Thankfully Potions was their next class and Draco didn't have to deal with Zabini. The only person that left him with was Potter. He could handle Potter a lot easier than Zabini. Draco sat down in the potions classroom and set the cauldron up. Potter arrived just before he finished his preparations. While they waited for Professor Slughorn to finish writing down the instructions on the board Draco saw Potter pass a small note to him. He opened the note and read:

I know the decision you have to make is hard but I thought of something that might make it easier on you to decide. We could get together in the room of requirement and talk. You can ask me anytingl you want so you can see what you're getting yourself into.

Draco pondered the idea and wrote his response.

That might have been one of the smartest things you've ever suggested. I agree but when and what time?

Draco passed the note back to Potter who read it and quickly responded. Potter passed it back to Draco and he opened it once again.

Ha ha ha very funny. Well I can't today because I have quidditch practice and since I'm captain I can't miss. How about tomorrow at 8?

Draco mentally checked his schedule and remembered he also had practice tomorrow.

I can't. I also have practice tomorrow. I'm free Thursday though…

Draco slid the paper back to Harry. He waited for him to reply and shortly found the paper back in front of him.

That works for me. So Thursday at 8 then.

Draco wasn't sure what else to respond with so he put the note in the flames under the bubbling cauldron and watched the paper turn to ashes. He saw a shadow come over him and looked up to see Professor Slughorn handing him a vial. He took it and on closer inspection he found that it was his vial of the Hope Potion they had made last month. Slughorn had said it would take a month of sitting under the moonlight for it to be finished. He had forgotten about the potion. He put it away and set to work on their current potion.

After potions Draco was walking with Pansy and Theo to Transfiguration when he accidently bumped into someone who was standing, talking to someone in the middle of the corridor. Draco turned to see that it was Weasley and he looked livid. He wouldn't even listen to Hermione when she told him it was an accident.

"Watch where you're going ferret!"

"Why don't you watch where you're standing! Who stands in the middle of a corridor and not expect to be bumped into? My bad, I forgot manners weren't taught to everyone in your family because there are so many of you." Draco sneered.

Weasley looked even angrier. He drew his arm back and swung his arm but he never hit his target because he was knocked over by a spell. Draco looked in the direction the spell had come from and saw Potter coming toward the group. Draco was thankful he wasn't the one at the receiving end of any spell Potter cast anymore. Potter had become quite intimidating with just his presence. Weasley looked shocked but got up none the less.

"What was that for Harry?"

"You were about to do something stupid. What part of this grudge is even worth it?"

"That ferret has been a git to us since we met him! He's made our lives harder all through out school."

"Well you're sinking to his level if you continue playing those petty games. Can't you be the better man? Why is it hard to believe he didn't mean any actual harm this time?"

"Because he doesn't have a single good bone in his body. People don't change."

"…Do you really believe that Ron?"

"Of course!" Weasley said heatedly but then what he said sunk in and he looked like he regretted them.

Potter looked at Weasley and walked off. As he passed Draco, Potter brushed his hand to place something in his palm. Draco's hand closed around it and he pocketed it. He and his friends continued to class after that and they sat at their desks. While Theo and Pansy were busy making out Draco pulled out the note.

Hope that helped show you I was serious about protecting you from anything.

-H

Draco smiled a bit and felt himself flushed as well. Potter really was serious.

….

Harry walked towards Charms. Sometimes Ron could be such an idiot. He knew Ron had said it out of anger but it stung a little. Of course people could change, good or bad. His dad had changed to become a better person and ended up with his mother. Even Snape had changed a little before his death. Ron had changed when it came to Hermione. Heck Harry had changed so much in the past couple of years he couldn't keep track. Everyone had changed.

Harry entered the class and sat at the back. He saw Ron and Hermione come in soon after. Ron looked unsure but Harry waved him over. He couldn't blame his friend for being so irrational. They sat next to him and class started. Harry thought back to the fight between Ron and Malfoy. They had been waiting for him because Slughorn had wanted to ask him something. When he was walking towards them he heard yelling and saw Ron getting ready to swing at Malfoy. Harry couldn't explain it but on impulse he had just said the spell. After the spell had left his lips Harry realized that his best friend had almost harmed his maybe future husband whom he had promised to protect. This annoyed him and he felt the tension in the room increase after that. Malfoy had looked at him in shock. Harry internally frowned. He had told him that he would be there to take care of him, even from his own friends. He didn't believe him yet. That's why he left him the note.

After Charms Harry said he would catch up with Ron and Hermione in the great hall for lunch. He went outside for some fresh air and walked around the castle. He heard some noises coming from a corner of the castle. Harry quietly approached the corner to find Zabini talking to someone else he couldn't quite see.

"But why can't you just leave it and forgot about him?"

"Because this will be one of the best things I could do for my future. I'll have control over so much more. Plus I want to be the one who breaks Draco Malfoy into the crumbled mess of a man he once was. He deserves it."

"But babe I wanted us to be together." The other person moved out of the light and revealed himself to be Lucas Harper.

"Ha don't worry love. Once I'm done with him, and it shouldn't take long with what I have planned, I'll get a divorce and we can be together."

"What exactly are you planning?"

"Well I…."

Harry had made a noise and Zabini had heard it. Harry quickly hid behind a tree as Zabini looked around.

"We'll finish this later."

Harry watched Harper walk back to the castle while Zabini headed toward the lake. Harry frowned. Zabini was up to worse than he originally thought. He started walking back toward the castle but he made the mistake of walking in plain sight right by the lake and Zabini saw him.

"Hey Potter where are your lapdogs?"

"What do you want Zabini?"

"Just thought I'd say hello to an old friend."

"We've never been friends and from the looks of it we never will."

"Come now Potter. Even a dunderhead like you can see how important my friendship could be."

"Fuck off Zabini."

"Aww little Potter's got a foul mouth. Maybe he should be punished. Actually, you've committed more than just that. You've been eavesdropping haven't you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb with me. I know it was you who made that noise. Now I advise you to keep out of other people's business. Leave Draco alone. You'll only make things worse for him. He's a big boy. He's knows what's going on and can handle himself. Mostly." Zabini laughed.

Harry glared at the other boy. He didn't want to tell Zabini about his proposal to Malfoy and have it spoiled by him. But how he wished he could take that smug look off his face. Instead he opted for a wordless spell that tripped Zabini. The best part was that they were near the lake so Zabini went head first into the lake while Harry walked off, back to the castle, to have lunch. He couldn't wait until Thursday.

….

On Wednesday McGonagall announced that they would be having an Autumn Ball in November. It would be a masquerade and everyone was excited. Draco wasn't too thrilled about it. It was a bit depressing if anything. He was also a little anxious about his meeting with Potter the next day. Would it go well? Would it help at all?

Draco went to the library for his free period to work on his Arithmancy homework, but these thoughts kept coming back to him. He sighed and took out his book when something rolled out of his bag. The small vial sparkled in the light. Eureka! He had forgotten about the Hope Potion. Maybe this could help make things easier for him. With this he wasn't dreading the meeting so much anymore. He uncorked the vial and swallowed the contents. It tasted like sweet nectar. It made sense since it was made for hope.

Draco waited but nothing happened. Not even a brightened light bulb. He grew annoyed and stuffed the vial back in his bag. He knew it. There was no hope for him. He just hoped, ironically, that tomorrow's meeting would help.

….

Day 3 – October 7, 1998 Thursday

Draco could not really pay attention to any of his classes. He was anticipating his meeting with Potter and that was still seven hours away. He went back to his room and Draco killed time by finishing all his homework, including the ones that were due in a month. After that he tried to read but couldn't concentrate so ended up pacing. There was still an hour and a half left. This was going to drive him insane. Finally, after almost digging a hole in his room and a final check of his appearance he walked out of the Slytherin Dorms and to the Room of Requirement.

….

Harry was waiting in the Room of Requirement for five minutes when Malfoy showed up. He looked unsure and Harry waved him over to the couches in front of the fire where he was sitting. He watched Malfoy sit and make himself comfortable. They sat in silence until Harry couldn't take it anymore.

"So…uh Malfoy is there anything you would like to know?" Malfoy stared at him.

"Well Potter, as far as everyone, including myself, was concerned you were supposed to be with that weaslette creature. When did you find out that the ladies just wouldn't do it for you?" Harry laughed.

"Um…what can I say? I broke up with Ginny sixth year. All last year I know I was busy with the war but I still had time to think about her. I had said that we might pick things back up but as time passed I realized that I didn't want to be with her anymore. I had never really enjoyed kissing her and we never did more than that. She did try but I wasn't into it. At the time I thought it was because I had other things on my mind but I just could never feel like doing it with her. Anyway, after the war I was really depressed and messed up. I ended up walking through muggle London and accidently walked into a gay club. This guy came up to me and we started talking. While we were talking I kept noticing how hot he was and couldn't stop staring. He noticed and pointed it out in good humor. I know I blushed and he said he could tell I was new to the game. I tried to deny it and he interrupted me by saying that I had to test it out first. I wasn't sure about it but I took him up on it. He said all I had to do was make out with him and then see how I felt, so I did. It was amazing and he was an awesome kisser. I kept seeing him after that but it didn't last long. We had separate lives to live. I think he's in Japan now, but that's how I figured things out. I barely told Rom and Hermione about myself at the beginning of this year and they were pretty accepting of it. It's just Ginny who refuses to believe it's over between us."

Harry rolled his eyes. He looked at Malfoy and he seemed to be processing it.

"So are you still attracted to girls?"

"No. They're gross and annoying and a big pain. I just like men." Draco nodded.

"So you're a dominant. Did you know before?"

"Well I guess I always kind of knew. I have a habit of protecting my loved ones and I know I'm pretty strong. I'm not implying you're not. I know being submissive doesn't mean you're like a girl."

"Thank you Potter. It seems you're smarter than you look."

"I'm going to ignore that comment. Anyway, how did you end up a submissive?"

"…I…I don't know. The war changed me I guess. I felt helpless during the whole war. There wasn't much I did but be a coward. I've become meek, just ask Zabini. He sure has taken advantage of the situation. "

"That's bullshit. I know the real Malfoy is still in there somewhere. I've seen it."

"Well you're the only one. I haven't seen that side of myself in months."

Harry studied him. He knew that Malfoy was still Malfoy. Malfoy just had to realize it, no matter what happened in the past.

"Anymore questions Malfoy?" Malfoy regarded him for a moment before he answered.

"…If I accept this proposal, what would it entail? What is expected?"

"Well other than getting married, we would have to make it legitimate. That means we have to sleep with each other that night. We don't have to do it again after that. This would mostly be a bonding for convenience."

"We still have to have a child. Are you expecting it anytime soon?"

"No! I still have start my career as an auror and I'm sure you don't want a child so soon right?"

"That's true. Thank goodness you think so as well. I want to get a job in the new department at the ministry."

"You sure you'll be ok there?"

"Of course I will. Why wouldn't I?"

"I'm just saying. It can bring back a lot of memories. The death eater families will surely go after you. Are you emotionally and mentally prepared to handle it? I know you're more than capable magically and physically."

Malfoy looked shocked. He hadn't expected Potter to sound concerned and he especially didn't expect him to add a compliment.

"…Thank you for the concern Potter, but I will be ready then, even if I currently am not ready."

"You better be or I don't think I'll be willing to agree to it. It wouldn't do to send my husband out to the wolves unprepared."

"Funny Potter…..Where were you planning on living?" At first Harry was confused but then he understood what Malfoy had meant.

"Where would you like to live?"

"Well I still want to be connected to the magical world but not completely. Maybe in the countryside of the magical world."

"Good. That's exactly what I was thinking. Now I have a question for you." Draco nodded for him to continue. "You know what my plans are but what do expect out of this relationship?"

"….I…well…I'm not entirely sure what I expect. I know that I would like to be in a relationship where we could get along at least. I want one that has good communication, trust and understanding. I love the sweet things and my public display of affection stops at pecking. Its gross watching other people stick their tongues down each other's throats or worse; seriously, get a room. I'm not sure how this would turn out. I don't want a huge family but I do want a couple of children. I do celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. I think they are special. I love the holidays so I would like to do something then too. Family is really important. I only have my mother left and I'd like to visit her. I love her and she taught me a great deal about love and how far it can go. Anyway, you said that maybe we could become friends. Do you honestly think that's possible? Look at our history. We still fight now, even on a truce, although it's not like it used to be."

Harry stayed quiet for a while. He observed Malfoy who looked slightly anxious.

"I think it is possible if we both put effort into it." Malfoy nodded.

"Wouldn't it be better for you to find someone you know you could love? Why me? You could have any guy you wanted with your hero status."

"That's exactly it. I want someone to love me for being me. Not some hero. You don't fawn over me and you never try to impress me. You're just you. We both know who the other is without the gilded image. Oh I just thought of something. Do you have a type of guy you like?"

"Not exactly. But I do appreciate a strong man with built not buff arms. You?" Harry laughed.

"Well I like someone who will keep me honest and challenge me. Guess you fit in there perfectly. I'm not entirely sure seeing as I haven't done this for long or had the time."

"I see. So you said you would protect me. You do know that things with the Slytherins could get worse."

"I promised I would and I mean to keep it. Don't worry about them. We can handle them together. A team effort. You think like a Slytherin and I act like a warrior. That's a good combination. Zabini's at the top of my list."

"That guy has become a real heartless bastard."

Harry nodded and they stayed quiet once again. Malfoy cast a tempus spell and it was five minutes until curfew.

"That went by faster than I expected. Will you be alright going down to the dungeons alone?"

"Yes. Everyone should be inside by now. Zabini has these weird meetings with them and today just happened to be one of them."

"Alright then. See you tomorrow Malfoy."

"See you then Potter."

They both walked in opposite directions.

…

Draco walked down into the dungeons. He had just past a statue when he thought he heard a noise. He turned and found nothing. When he faced forward again he found a tall figure in front of him. Draco gasped. Zabini was smirking.

"Surprised to see me pet?"

"What is it Zabini?"

"I was just wondering why my pet wasn't back yet."

"None of your business Zabini."

He tried to pass by him but Zabini blocked his way.

"Let me pass."

"Oh but you didn't say please."

Draco seethed. He was tired of Zabini's taunts. He felt something rising within him and he felt the ring on his finger warm a little. He pulled out his wand and cast an expelliarmus on Zabini but this time Zabini was more ready than the time Draco had punched him. Zabini tried to body bind Draco but Draco blocked it and immediately shot a backfiring jinx at Blaise which hit him. When Blaise tried to aim another spell at Draco he fell to the floor in pain and Draco took the opportunity to run back to his room, but not before he shouted

"You don't own me so I have no obligation to stay and listen to you!"

When Draco was safely in his room he fell back on his bed trying to catch his breath. What had gotten into him? He never pictured he would ever duel Zabini. He could now find traces of his former self. Why was this happening? He remembered the ring growing warmer ad he was puzzled what could that have meant? He wasn't so sure.

Then it hit him. He had been acting strange ever since Potter had given him the bonding proposal. Potter had given him back a little hope. Not only that, but Potter believed in Draco, in all of Draco's past and present self. Then something else dawned on Draco. The Hope Potion HAD worked. It had given him this epiphany. He still felt warmth coming from the ring. He faintly remembered feeling the warmth and it had been Potter's support. He was awed. When Potter had said he would protect him, he meant it. He was also protecting him mentally and emotionally. Draco had found the courage because Potter was there. How messed up was this whole situation?

…

Day 5 - October 9, 1998 Saturday

Draco woke up feeling very enlightened. Potter wasn't so bad of match to be bonded with after all. Potter was still a stubborn git with a hero complex and impulsive behavior but he did have his good side as well. I guess you could say Draco had a little new found respect for him. Well you have to take baby steps and this was just one of them. He still wasn't sure if he would accept the proposal but he was leaning towards one answer.

Draco decided to go outside. It was a lovely cloudy day. He sat by an oak by the lake. It was a little secluded and that's what he needed right now. He was nodding off when he felt a shadow come over him. Presuming Potter had found him again, he opened his eyes. Instead of finding Potter, he found Zabini. Draco became cautious and was on his guard. He hadn't seen Zabini since he jinxed him and he was sure Zabini was out to get revenge.

"Good morning pet. Taking a little nap I see."

"What business is it of yours?"

"Well it is my business. As your future husband I have a right to know what you're up to."

"You're not my future husband so leave."

"Aww pet don't say that. Only a future husband could forgive you for being such a bad boy the other day." Draco gulped but kept a mask of indifference."

"I don't need your forgiveness."

"Oh pet and I was going to let you off and not punish you. Guess you lost your chance."

"What do you me…?"

Draco didn't finish his sentence as Zabini tackled him. Draco struggled and managed to roll them over but before he could get up and run, Zabini flipped them again. Draco kicked and pushed.

"Screw you Zabini! Get off of me!"

"Now now pet. Be nice. It'll all be over soon."

Draco felt Zabini going for his hand with something that glinted in the sunlight. Then Zabini was off of him and on the grass twenty feet away. Draco had felt a blast and a shield go up. Zabini looked as confused as Draco, but then recognition dawned on his face. He got up and stated marching towards Draco who was getting off the floor. Before Zabini was within ten feet of Draco he was stopped by the shield. Zabini looked furious.

"Whose bond are you being protected by?"

Draco gaped but then looked down at Potter's ring. It was glowing a dark green. He remembered what Potter had said about being protected from Zabini's bonding attempts. He glanced at Zabini's hand which held a ring, only it wasn't plain like Potter's. Odd. Draco decided to take advantage of this protection. He started to walk away but Zabini followed and kept yelling at him. Draco muttered a full body bind spell at Zabini who hadn't noticed Draco take out his wand. He fell to the ground and he ran back inside. He didn't notice the group of Slytherins waiting by the door inside. They had confused looks on their faces and quickly went outside.

….

Blaise was livid. How did this happen? He didn't know anyone was after Draco other than himself. When he found out who it was, boy were they going to pay! There wasn't much he could do now. He had to wait for the other Slytherins to come and find him. They must have seen Draco pass by without him…This had not gone according to plan.

He heard footsteps and soon saw the faces of his fellow snakes. They took him out of the body bind and Blaise slowly got up. No one said anything. They weren't sure how to gauge Blaise's reaction. Blaise clenched his jaw and Bulstrode got the courage to say something.

"What happened?"

"…More than we had planned. Someone else is offering a bond to Draco." They were some gasps. "That's why I didn't react fast enough to stop Draco's spell…I want to know whose ring Draco is wearing and I want to know by tonight!"

The Slytherins started running toward the castle. They had to find out who it was or else Blaise would not be happy. If Blaise was not happy, then they were scared of what would happen to them.

Blaise clenched his ring in his hand. He would destroy whoever thought that they could take his possessions away! After he did that, he would bond with Draco with his wonderful plan. The plan that no one could mess with because he had thought out the details. All the details that is, except someone else wanting Draco as well. Blaise walked towards the castle. He would wait in his room and see if anyone was competent enough to find out who this person was, but before that his Draco had to be punished when he wasn't expecting it.

…

Draco had just left dinner. He hadn't been that hungry, not after today's events. Why had Zabini's ring looked that way? Maybe he should ask Potter. No. If he told Potter he'd have to tell him about today's incident and he didn't feel like it. He was still in a small turmoil as to what to do even though he had made his choice. *crunch*

This time he heard them before they attacked. He took out his wand out but he was knocked against the wall, wand flying out of his hand. He looked up to see several Slytherins surrounding him.

"What do you want now?"

"We're here as you're punishment. Blaise isn't too happy with you."

"I couldn't give a rat's ass about his happiness with me."

"Ah ah ah Draco. You don't want your punishment to get worse now do you?"

Draco had picked himself off the ground and put his body in a defensive stance.

"What will you now? Beat me to a pulp?"

"Oh much worse…"

Draco frowned.

"Blaise told us specifically what to do. In fact, he might even show up to witness it."

Draco was not sure what was happening but he knew he had to get out of there. He tried looking for an opening but it seemed they had that covered. He heard the bone crushing spell and he ducked just in time. He tried to find his wand but he couldn't see it anywhere.

"Looking for this pet?"

Shit. Zabini really had come. It was during this distraction that another bone crushing spell hit his right arm and he fell to the floor holding his right arm in agony. Damn this wasn't good at all. He saw Brian Higgs head towards him and Draco decided he wasn't going to go down so easily. He ran and tried to tackle him. He managed to through him to the ground but before he could use his left had to punch Higgs, Bulstrode had sent a slashing curse at him. He felt four slash go across his back and he could feel his blood dripping down and onto the ground. Draco fell to the side. Argh this wasn't happening. He heard Zabini chuckle.

"See pet. All bad pets that misbehave get punished and you are not the exception. Now why don't you spill who that ring belongs to?"

"Fuck….you Zabini." Draco gasped. He was starting to feel woozy. He felt someone kick his ribs and knew that at least two were broken.

"Care to reconsider that pet?"

"Why don't….you go ju…jump off a c-cliff!"

"Now that's not very wise thing to say pet."

Draco started seeing black and knew he would pass out soon. Now all he could do was hear.

"Maybe I should let you be punished some more? Let's see Higgs use a….What the hell are you doing here?"

Draco didn't hear anything else because he had completely passed out by then.

…

Later that night all the Slytherins were gathered in Blaise's room.

"Well?"

"We couldn't find anything. No one seems to know who would be interested in Draco."

"How can that be? Someone must know!"

"We asked everyone who could have known. The only choice we have left, which we already tried, is to get it out of Malfoy. As we saw earlier he wasn't willing to give that bit of information out."

"I want his every move watched when he gets out of that infirmary!"

Everyone nodded. Blaise clenched his hands and then flinched. He rubbed the tender spot on the left side of his face where you could see a black eye forming. Now he had two people that were going to pay.

….

Harry waited by the hospital bed Malfoy was in. Malfoy was in pretty bad shape. Madame Pomfrey had been frantic when he had gotten there. Malfoy had been unconscious since yesterday afternoon. How could he have let this happened? He should have been there. Maybe he could have prevented everything.

Harry stared at the cold, unmoving hand that was Malfoy's. His ring was still there. He saw a slight movement in his hands and Harry became more alert.

…

Draco could feel himself coming back to consciousness. He slowly opened his eyes and they fluttered as he became conscious. He closed them when he saw the bright light and groaned. He felt someone else's presence and he stiffened.

"Malfoy?"

Potter? What was he doing here? He could guess he was in the hospital wing because of the injuries he had obtained. He opened his eyes again and looked into emerald green.

"Potter stalking is not considered a form of flattery." Potter frowned a little.

"How are you feeling?"

"How'd you find out? Is it already around the whole school?"

"No. I'm the one who saved you're sorry ass."

Draco stayed quiet. So that's who Zabini had yelled at before he passed out. Great. Now Potter had witnessed his ass being kicked again.

"Malfoy! You haven't answered my question."

"Does it look like I'm fine to you? I just got my ass kicked. Do you expect me to say I'm feeling better just because you saved me and that you're here?"

Potter stayed quiet and then half-smiled/half-smirked.

"Told you the old Malfoy was still in there somewhere. I heard you even fought back from the Slytherins."

Draco stayed quiet and flushed. Potter was right but he wasn't about to tell him it all started because of him.

"Why are you here?" Draco asked tiredly.

"To see how you were doing. You've been out for a day."

"…So what happened afterwards?"

…

Harry knew what Malfoy meant. He sighed.

"Well I'm not sure how but I was sort of led to where you were. When I came upon the scene I couldn't believe it. I disarmed a bunch of the Slytherins and that's when Zabini saw me. I think that's when you passed out. I dueled with Zabini for a bit. Then he got frustrated and decided he'd take care of me physically. We fought for a bit. He's good at ducking. I managed to punch him in the face and he fell into the wall and I think I knocked him out for a bit; I can't be sure. All I know is that I rushed towards you and carried you here. Madame Pomfrey was frantic and even today she was still the same because you hadn't shown any signs of improvement. But now you're awake so she'll be glad of that."

"Please don't tell that woman I'm awake yet then."

Harry laughed. He knew how fussy she could be. He saw Malfoy's face turn serious.

"What's wrong? Something hurt?"

"No I'm fine…I just…Zabini tried to bond with me yesterday. The funny thing was that his ring didn't look anything like yours. It had some design on it. Aren't they all the same?"

"Yes, they should be. Maybe he tampered with it or has friends at the ministry to make it different? I mean he loves his new title. He probably didn't want it to look the same as everyone else."

"Maybe."

"Don't worry. He couldn't bond with you right?"

"Yes that's true. I guess he was just being his annoying self with the ring."

"See? Nothing to worry about."

Harry smiled a little. It was the least he could do. He still felt guilty about not being there sooner. Malfoy cleared his throat. He looked at him and he seemed anxious. Harry frowned.

"You sure you're ok?"

"Yes…It's just…about your proposal…"

"Don't worry about that now. Get better."

"No I have my decision. I have for about a day now I think."

Harry straightened up and nodded for him to continue.

"I really appreciate your offer. I know it must have been hard, somewhat. Deep in my heart I know the answer has to be true. I have been thinking about it a lot and the whole Zabini mess has made it worse."

Harry snorted.

"Anyway I'm sorry…" Malfoy paused.

Harry's shoulders sagged. He knew this would happen. He was kind of expecting and hoping that maybe this could have worked.

"But I guess you're stuck with me now…"

Harry looked up surprised and just started at Malfoy in awe. Malfoy was a little flushed and not looking at him. He seemed embarrassed to have said that he would agree aloud.

"…Really?"

"Yes Potter. Get over it. It's not like you won the lottery."

"Sorry it's just….I can't believe it."

"Well…neither can I."

Harry nodded. He saw Malfoy hold his hand out as if asking for something. He reached for the water.

"Not that you idiot! Your hand!"

Harry stretched out his hand.

"Not that one, the other one."

Harry switched hands. Malfoy was really red. What was going on? What could make him this embarrassed? Then he felt a ring being slipped on his finger. He looked down to see Malfoy's finger adjusting his ring on Harry's ring finger. It glowed a soft purple. Now Malfoy's embarrassment made sense and Harry could feel his own on his cheeks. He wasn't sure if he should say anything. He thought better of it and figured words would either ruin and or make the situation more awkward. He opted for just reaching his left out toward Malfoy's left hand and just holding it.

Author's Note: That's it guys. Hope you liked it. Review Please! I love reviews! I'm having trouble picking a sexy villain costume for Blaise. Any ideas?