A/N: Sorry for the delay. I am back at Uni now so that takes priority, but I will try and update once a week.
Disclaimer: See chapter one.
Tuesday started off like any other day.
In a rush.
Harry had slept in due to the late night exercise in the Room of Requirement. Ron had also slept in since Harry was usually the one to wake him up. Hermione was worried about missing breakfast and their first class. She was currently pacing in the common room waiting for the two boys. Before she managed to wear the carpet through, Harry and Ron were rushing down the stairs, arguments apparently forgotten for the mean time.
Both boys had hair sticking up all over the place, ties not done properly, and the buttons on their robes were skewed. Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the sight. When they both started to talk and apologise for keeping Hermione waiting, they stopped short and grew quiet, aware that things were still left unspoken between them.
"I wish you boys would just get over this. It's silly. Now come on, before we are any later than we already are." Hermione huffed and started to walk through the portrait door. Harry and Ron followed quickly but still in silence.
They were almost to the Great Hall when Harry spoke up. "Look, mate. I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. Things have been a little crazy for me lately and it sort of caught up to me. I didn't mean to take it out on you. There is something going on, but I can't tell you right now. After classes have finished for the day, I'll let you know. Are we cool?" The look on Harry's face was one of pure intentions and Ron couldn't stay mad at him for long.
"Yea, we're cool. I'm sorry too, for…you know…blowing up like that. You know what I'm like sometimes. Act before I think." Ron looked at Harry and noticed the relief spread across his face. "Right then, I'm starved." Ron led the way into the Great Hall for a quick breakfast before their first class.
Harry thought that they day was starting rather well, and with the promise of seeing Draco again tonight, and now the prospect of telling Ron some of what was going on, things looked better. Harry didn't think it would be a great idea to drop the whole Draco story on him at once, but giving some of the details away now would stop questions for a little while at least.
-x-
Draco's morning started as usual. He awoke with plenty of time to get ready, and head to breakfast in a decent manner. The elation from the day before still lingered near the surface, though not too obvious so as to attract attention. Then again, if anyone did ask, he could say it was because of the success of his plan the other week.
It certainly looked like Harry and his two friends were avoiding Draco and the other Slytherin's due to his little outburst. Slytherin qualities made for a good liar. Something Draco was very good at when it suited him.
Draco's meeting that night with Harry also had him in good spirits. Even if things don't go the way he wants them too, at least he still has Harry as a friend, but Draco had a feeling that things would turn out for the best.
The Gryffindor trio had walked into the Hall a little while ago, quite late but seemingly happy. It seemed as though Harry had forgiven Weasley for whatever it was that he had done. Draco still didn't like Weasley that much, since years of prejudice had to be overcome, but since they were on the same side of this war, he would have to get used to his company. Especially since he was Harry's best friend.
It doesn't make things any easier, though. So much to overcome in such a small period of time. On the other hand, Draco had managed to be civil and friendly toward Granger, so maybe Weasley isn't too bad.
-x-
Tuesday played out to be a relatively quiet day again. The continued cold weather put a dampener on people's moods. Not even the coming Christmas holidays in a few weeks induced excitement. It was more common that the feeling around the castle was one of relief once the holidays came around, so that they could go home to family and their own homes for a while.
Harry was staying behind again, refusing the offer from Mr and Mrs Weasley to spend the holiday at their place. Ron and Ginny were both going home, and the rest of the Weasley family would be there as well this year. Harry thought it best to allow them their own family time. Hermione was staying behind this year as well, saying she had a lot of work she can only get done with the use of Hogwarts library. Harry had a feeling it was so she could keep Harry company.
The prospective meeting that night had Harry nervous but excited. Not even the weather could get him down tonight. Harry also had to plan what and what not to tell Ron about Draco. Personal details were a definite no-no, so it only really left the fact that Draco was on their side now.
That would definitely be an interesting conversation. Still, only time will tell.
-x-
Classes for the remainder of the day went smoothly, even if they were a little dull. At least the Gryffindor's had DADA in the afternoon which is always a good class. The extra practice Harry put in the night before had paid off as well, though no one noticed but himself. It was just subtle things like his aim that, even though he was naturally good, had improved a little in that one training session. The DA the year before had helped tremendously, but after some time with no training, his spell work had gotten sloppy. Perhaps it was time to start something up again.
Harry's mind was wandering more and more with these thoughts as the day went on, avoiding what he really should have been thinking about. It's not everyday that someone was going to meet up with an ex-enemy, who had kissed him the day before, and was in love with him, only to say that he wanted to make a go of things.
It was going to be an intense night for Harry.
-x-
Draco was optimistic all day. Nothing could bring his spirits down, not even a History of Magic lesson with Bins was enough to bring him down. It continued all day, through classes, dinner, and the early evening before making his way up to the seventh floor.
Draco decided to get there early, for some peace and quiet and wait for Harry. He asked the Room to shape itself in the way as it was a few nights ago, the first time he met Harry in here. It was only six o'clock, and with plenty of time to spare, his mind wandered through all the scenarios that could occur tonight, with most of his attention on the positives.
-x-
It was after dinner, and Ron was dying to know what Harry had been hiding from him for days. Harry, Ron and Hermione were all up in the sixth year boys' dormitory, with the door spelled shut and a silencing charm to keep all information contained within the small room.
Ron was fidgeting from his bed where he was seated. "OK, so what's going on? I've been patient this whole day. So spill."
Harry took a deep breath and looked at Hermione for support, who only nodded in encouragement. "Right, so this is what's happened. You know how Malfoy said he loved me the other week?" Ron nodded with a closed expression on his face. "Well, that was true. He came to me and told me that he loved me, and that he was against the Dark, and what his father represented. He also said that he wanted to fight for the Light, and if we could provide the protection he would need once his father found out."
Harry paused here and looked up at Ron to see his reaction so far. Ron was just quiet and pensive, unsure of what to make of the information he had just heard. But at least he wasn't shouting and going red and blue in the face from the effort.
Harry continued. "When Dumbledore asked me to meet with him on Saturday night, it was initiated completely by him. However, it also provided me the opportunity to tell him of Draco's shift to the Light. He is now on our side, with the blessing from Professor Dumbledore, at my insistence that is really is with us."
That was a lot of information in a short period of time. Harry was amazed that Ron still hadn't said anything, but just sat there, still and thinking. At last, after some lengthy silence, Ron spoke with a calm and mature response.
"That wasn't what I was honestly expecting to hear. I thought that whole thing with Malfoy outside of Potions was a prank, and I thought you believed that as well. But obviously you see something in him that is worth this effort and I trust your judgement.
"That doesn't mean that I trust him, or like him. But I do trust you and Professor Dumbledore. But I'm warning you now, Harry. If he so much as whispers anything confidential in the wrong direction, I will hurt him." Ron looked up to Harry, and saw the acceptance of that statement.
"You don't know how glad I am that you have taken this as well as you have. I was honestly expecting a huge blow out with yelling and screaming for the next hour before one of us gave up and walked away. Thank you, Ron, for believing in this, in me." Hermione was sitting next to Harry and put her hand on his knee and then leaned over and placed her other hand on Ron's and looked at both of them.
"I am so proud of you two" Hermione sniffed, happy that there wasn't another argument to sort out, and smiling widely.
"Just one question though. Who knows about this? Can we talk about this with anyone?" Ron asked.
"This is only known by the three of us, and Professor Dumbledore. No one can know for the sake of Draco's safety for obvious reasons, but I suppose you could tell Ginny, since the rest of the Order will be finding out soon enough. If the Order can see that we have accepted Draco, it might make it easier for him in the long run.
"I know it may take a little bit of time for them to trust him enough to be comfortable around the Order, but hopefully we can make the transition a little easier. Lead by example, if you will", replied Harry.
"I have to be somewhere shortly so I have to run, but Ron, thank you again for giving Draco a chance." Harry excused himself after grabbing his cloak and map, and made his way to the Room of Requirement.
Ron and Hermione stayed behind to talk a little more. "You knew all this before didn't you", said Ron.
"Yes, I did. And I only didn't tell you because it was Harry's place to tell you." Hermione defended herself. "And if you hadn't noticed, Harry calls Draco by his given name, as do I so there is more to this than just Draco using Harry for his own personal gain. They have called a truce, and plan on keeping it that way. But I also want to thank you, Ron, for handling this the way you did." Hermione gave Ron a significant look that said 'please-don't-mess-this-up-for-Harry-or-else'.
"Did you both really think that I would react that way? Well I suppose I would almost expect it as well. But after that comment you said yesterday about six years of friendship with Harry teaching me nothing, I listened first before making judgement. I know Harry has a huge heart but it takes a lot to get a spot in the first place. If Malfoy has managed to do it, then there must be more to it." Ron looked quite proud of himself for his mature response and the fact that he listened to something Hermione had told him.
Hermione had tears shining in her eyes. "Oh, Ron. I'm so glad you made the right decision. Let's go down to the common room and let the others back in here. They're probably grinding their teeth in annoyance by now."
Hermione took the locking charm and silencing spells down that had been reapplied when Harry left, and the two of them went down to sit in their usual spots in front of the fire.
-x-
It had just gone eight o'clock when Harry reached the seventh floor, and noticed that there was already a door in the wall. Harry knocked quietly before entering, and saw that Draco was on the couch in the room, decorated the same as every other meeting they had had. Draco looked up at the knock, knowing it could only be one person. As he created the room, he ensured that only Harry would be able to see the door from outside.
"Hey, Harry. I'm glad you asked to see me again so soon. How have you been?" Draco started, nervous and shaking slightly but doing his best to hide it.
"Hey, Draco. I'm fine, just a bit tired is all. Thanks for coming tonight." Harry couldn't quite meet Draco's eyes, afraid it would break something inside of him. Harry sat down on the couch opposite Draco and clasped his hands together to hide the fact that he was shaking as well.
"Well, um, I'm not sure where to start. I've had this on my mind all day, but still words seem to be failing me." Harry looked up and saw a slight smirk on Draco's face, though not mean in anyway, just amused.
Draco spoke up then, to try and take some of the nerves away. "I stand by what I said yesterday, about not taking this further if you're not comfortable with the idea. Just know that I will always support you in life and in this war. Nothing will change that." Draco's eyes had once again turned that mercury grey that is usually hidden away in place of the stone grey that is his mask in his house and family.
"I know, and that's what makes this easier for me to do", Harry took a deep breath before continuing, "and to know that I am doing what's right. I like you Draco, a lot. And not just as a potential friend, or classmate. I like you, and I would like it if we could become something more than two people with a truce."
Harry was out of breath by the time he had finished, but the nerves were still there.
"Wow, Harry. I didn't expect to hear you say that. Of course I would like us to be something more. But it has to remain a secret, or I'm dead." Draco couldn't stop the grin from spreading across his face and light returned to his eyes.
Harry loved Draco's smile; so light and happy. A look he had never seen before on his face. Harry couldn't help himself and moved forward and kissed the handsome man in front of him. This kiss was just as perfect as the one the day before; so gentle and soft and perfect.
It wasn't long before either of them needed air, and pulled away looking happily mussed and relaxed, even if momentarily.
"I-I have never been in a relationship with someone before, so I was wondering if we could take this slow. I don't want to ruin anything, and I want every moment together to be perfect", confessed Harry, avoiding eye contact.
"I completely understand and I wouldn't want it to be any other way. If you're happy, I'm happy, and you are all that matters to me. I love you Harry, and I will always love you." Draco kissed Harry again, just quickly. It almost felt familiar in the way he kissed Harry; like he was meant to be with him.
"It's getting late, and I had a late night last night so I should be heading back. We will have to find a way to meet up and not alert others to our actions and whereabouts. Night, Draco." Harry pressed a goodnight kiss to Draco's cheek, blushing and wrapped his cloak about him and moved to leave, silently promising to meet up with Draco again soon.
"Night, Harry. Sleep well." Draco's walk back to the dungeons was long and cold, but luckily it wasn't quite curfew yet, so he was able to walk back without the fear of getting caught out of hours and stuck with difficult questions to answer.
-x-
That night, both boys slept soundly, happy in the knowledge that there is a new and promising relationship building between the two. It would be a slow and adventure filled relationship, but for both Harry and Draco, it was going to be worth every minute.
-x-
It had been a couple of weeks since the start of Harry and Draco's relationship, and so far no one had found out and things were going smoothly. Hermione had figured it out the morning after since Harry was never very good at keeping his emotions off his face, and Ron put it down to the fact that he had taken the news of Draco very well. Hermione had sworn to keep mum about it, and she stayed true to her word.
Harry was thinking of letting Ron know in a few weeks time, but since the holidays were only a week away, he thought best to leave it for after the New Year.
Harry had continued to return to the Room of Requirement and use the time to work on his wand work with the same dummies and mirrors. It accuracy and speed with defensive spells were increasing rapidly and the attacking combinations he had come up with were working well too.
It also provided a good work out and along with Quidditch practice, he was starting to get very toned and fit. It was becoming more obvious recently, and Harry had noticed that a few girls were checking him out. Harry was never one for attention, and the increase of it lately was a little annoying. Draco had noticed as well since he knew about the sessions, but he thought it was quite funny knowing that he wasn't in any danger of loosing Harry to any of those girls. Draco just told Harry to relax and enjoy it, since he certainly was.
Draco had also decided to stay behind for these holidays, giving the same excuse that Hermione gave to her parents. Draco really just wanted to use this time to get to spend some time with Harry. Almost all of the students were going home this Christmas, and apart from some off the staff, there were only going to be seven students remaining. Only Draco was staying from Slytherin, Harry and Hermione from Gryffindor, and two each from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.
The students were due to go home in two days time, and the castle was starting to become a bit livelier. The snow and sleet hadn't stopped, and the wind still whipped around the castle, but even that couldn't stop the holiday cheer from taking hold. The castle was being decorated with garlands, mistletoe, fairy lights and tinsel. The twelve large trees were erected in the Great Hall, and magical snow was falling from the ceiling, dissipating before it reached the house tables.
Professors had given up almost any hope of teaching the students anything now that they were so close to the holidays. Only Snape and Professor McGonagall were successful in getting the students to pay attention. No one dared to take on Snape, and McGonagall got everyone to transfigure matches into decorations. The higher years had to put as much detail in as possible, to make it more difficult for them.
Ron had created antlers to wear on top of his head, and with a little persuasion, he convinced Hermione to add a few charms to it so they would flash and sing Christmas carols whenever someone sneezed. It was fair to say that they drove everyone crazy within a few hours since a lot of people had colds, and Ron was made to take them off.
Before long, it was time for the students to leave, leaving only the seven students who elected to stay behind. Harry and Hermione said goodbye to Ron and Ginny, sending wishes of a good holiday to the rest of the family, and a promise that they would see them during the summer.
It was late in the afternoon, three days out from Christmas, and Harry and Hermione were in the common room, in front of the roaring fire and enjoying some quiet time. Harry was thinking that he should meet up with Draco soon and since the school was so quiet, he could afford to send Hedwig with a note.
Just as he contemplated getting up, an owl tapped on the window outside. Harry got up to let it in, noticing that it wasn't a school owl.
The note attached to its leg was from Draco, saying he wanted to meet up straight away, and to meet him at the Room of Requirement as soon as possible.
Harry told Hermione what was happening and that he would be back later. Harry left the common room and traveled the short distance to the seventh floor, knowing he would get there before Draco would.
He didn't have to wait long though. Draco was walking quickly with a letter clutched in his hand, looking worried and scared. Harry hurried to open the Room into its usual style that the both of them preferred and entered, closely followed by Draco.
Draco caught his breath before starting. "Sorry it was such a hasty note, but I just received a letter from my father. Here, read it."
Draco handed the letter over and Harry read it through twice before looking back at Draco. "Are you serious? He wants you to take the Mark on your birthday during summer?" Harry didn't know what to think, except that there had to be a way to ensure that Draco didn't have to do it.
"Yes. Father thinks that I still support his and his Lord's beliefs. There has to be a way to stop this, isn't there?" Draco looked at Harry expectantly.
"Of course you won't have to do this. We just have to show Professor Dumbledore this letter, and he will think of something. Don't worry about it. Come here." Harry opened his arms and hugged Draco, offering silent protection and a promise that nothing bad will happen to him.
Draco relaxed in Harry's arms, still getting used to the feel of those strong arms wrapped around him, holding him, being with him. It was still slightly surreal.
"We have a few months to think of a plan. Professor Dumbledore wouldn't let you go through with this. You have my word. If worst comes to worst, you will have to leave here for the summer and spend it at Order headquarters. With me." Harry smiled, knowing that Draco would like that idea very much.
Draco returned the smile. "Thank you, Harry. Do you think that we should tell Professor Dumbledore about us though? Maybe so he knows how much is on the line for both of us. I mean, he already knows how I feel about you, but does he know that we are together?" Draco had been musing over this for the better part of the week and it was always on his mind.
"The Headmaster has a knack at knowing what is going on in his school, even if no one else does. But he will try and make us say it first before he will give his game away. We should tell him, only if it gives him the satisfaction of knowing he was right again." Draco could hear the smile through Harry's voice and couldn't help but feel safe.
Harry kissed Draco gently, but it quickly turned into something more heated. Tongues started to explore mouths and hands roamed across bodies. Even through Harry's robes, Draco could feel the new definition to Harry's body, the bigger muscles through his shoulders and chest and the strength in his arms. Even his stomach was more toned, and his abs were starting to show more definition.
It made Draco realise that he was quite defenseless if he were to be attacked. Sure, he could put up a shield a fire a few spells back, but his endurance and strength was seriously lacking.
Draco pulled away of Harry, his lips full and pink from the passionate kiss but Harry could tell that Draco was thinking of something.
"What are you thinking about? And don't tell me nothing because I know you more now, and you're really useless at trying to hide your emotions from me."
Draco blushed, knowing that he couldn't maintain his neutral mask around Harry anymore, no matter how hard he tried. "Oh, uh, it just that I was thinking that maybe I could join you in your training sessions you have in here sometimes. I know you ran that defense group last year, and that you work out every now and again in here.
"I just feel I would be useless in a fight, and I am unfit and wouldn't be able to hold my own very long. What do you think? And it would provide the opportunity for more time together." Draco looked at Harry with hope and admiration for what Harry has done, despite all odds.
"Yea, sure Draco. It would be great to have you train with me. And you're right; it does provide a great advantage over those that don't work out. It has taken me a while to get to where I am now, but with dedication I reckon it wouldn't take you long. You are a natural at magic. It's how we use that magic that makes all the difference." Harry sounded very much like he was in teacher mode, and it made Draco feel proud to know that he had such a dedicated and talented boyfriend.
Draco got a smirk across his face and asked Harry, "Would I have to call you sir, or would that incriminate the teacher/student boundaries."
Harry put on a serious face and then replied, "Oh, I don't know about that. I think to stay on the safe side you should just call me Mr. Potter." Harry couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth, attempting to hold in his mirth.
"As you wish, Mr. Potter. But don't blame me for wandering into forbidden territory. It's not my fault the teacher is damn too hot for his own good." Draco continued.
Harry couldn't hold back any longer and grabbed Draco for a hungry kiss, full of need and desire and even through their robes, it was obvious that they both wanted more. But before it got to that stage, Harry pulled away, knowing he was heading towards dangerous ground if it continued.
"Mmmmm. That was a great kiss Harry, but why did you stop?" Draco asked.
"I'm not ready to go any further yet, and if that continued, I know it would have", said Harry, in a quiet and shy voice.
"Oh. I understand completely. No need to explain." Draco gave a reassuring smile. "Anyway, now that the letter from my father has been sorted out, I really do have to get back to my dorm. I want to get most of the set homework done before Christmas."
Harry and Draco both headed for the door, knowing that they won't bump into anyone in the corridors.
"I will try and arrange a meeting with Dumbledore as soon as I can. I'll let you know when we can meet him. Do you want to go together?" Harry asked.
"Yes, please. And we can tell him about us then too. Though I am sure he already knows. Well, I'll see you later; hopefully tomorrow." Draco gave a light kiss and then turned right, and headed towards the dungeons, many floors below.
Harry headed back to the tower, and noticed that Hermione was where she was when he left, with a book in hand. She looked up when Harry entered, and he managed to fill her in on the details, agreeing that talking to Dumbledore would be the best idea.
They spent a quiet night in front of the fire, talking small talk, or working on some homework before retiring for the night.
Draco's night went in much the same way, and went to bed relatively early. He still worried about what his father would do once he found out he had changed sides, but it was for later. Right now he was enjoying the time alone, and spending more time with Harry.
Christmas was only a few days away and the castle was quiet and peaceful. Draco couldn't wait to give Harry his gift, sure that he would love it. A small smile played across Draco's face and even once sleep had taken a strong hold, the smile remained.
A/N: Thanks for reading. This is my longest chapter yet, at 5000 words. Please leave a review and let me know what you think! Ta xx