A/N: I do not own any of the characters used in this story unless i decide to create my own somewhere along the way. I also do not own Hogwarts, however i did attend there and i am a proud Hufflepuff. This is my first story that i've published, though it is not the first i have written. Reviews are appreciated, as is criticism. Thank you so much for reading, it really means a lot to me. I will stop babbling now so you can read on about all the young, angsty, teenage love between the two most attractive wizards to ever attend Hogwarts. As his hands closed on the doorknob, Harry sighed and felt the room start spinning and his head start pulsing. "Not again," he whined. A hand pressed gently on his shoulder.

"Sh, come on," Draco persisted and his hand was warm on Harry's as he helped him open the door to the Room of Requirement. "Come on, get to the bed." A basin appeared once Harry got to the bed and sat down. He felt like vomiting, so he did.

"Shut up, Draco," he said and dry heaved. "If you tell anyone-"

"I won't. Lay down, I think you're okay now." Harry glanced up as he said it then set the basin on the floor.

"I feel gross, puking in front of you."

"Well, it's bound to happen sometime. The sooner, the better."

"Mhm," Harry sighed and lay back. He closed his eyes and welcomed the darkness of it. "It looks like I'm not doing my homework today." Draco laughed and caused Harry to grin. "Your laugh is beautiful."

"You're beautiful," Draco whispered in his ear.

"Shut up," Harry blushed and rolled onto his side. Draco's arms wrapped around him and lips pressed to his neck and behind his ear. "You should get back to class..."

"I know... I just want a second with you." Draco murmured.

Harry smiled and welcomed it. A few minutes later, Harry rolled over again and kissed Draco. "Go to class, Draco."

"Okay... I'll be back..."

Harry kissed him again and let him get up. "Have fun," he chuckled.

"Yeah, sure." Draco smirked as his hand brushed Harry's cheek. "I love you."

"Bye," Harry murmured and deepened his breathing so he could fall asleep easier. The door closed with a click and the lights flicked off.

Hours later, Harry woke from a dreamless sleep to find Draco asleep next to him. He smiled and curled into Draco's side. He was warm and comforting. "Draco?" He murmured and kissed his jaw. "Baby?"

"Mm, what's wrong, love?" Draco's lips pressed on Harry's gently.

"Nothing... Just checking," Harry whispered and kissed him again.

"Oh, then I'm going back to sleep." His lips brushed Harry's as he spoke and caused him to shiver.

"No, you aren't..." Harry kissed him roughly. He brushed his lips on Draco's neck and gently sucked his collarbone. "You seem tense."

"I am."

"Why?" At that moment, Draco fell asleep again.

"Rude," Harry smirked and kissed his cheek. "Good night, lovely." He lay his head on Draco's chest and fell asleep to his heartbeat.

Two months after the Quidditch incident, Draco held Harry's hand as they walked across the school grounds. The dusting of snow crunched beneath their feet as they watched their feet. It made him happy just to know Harry was better and with him and safe. Safe for the moment, at least. He looked up at Harry and smiled when their eyes met. "I love you," he whispered and kissed him gently.

"I know," Harry murmured and kissed him again before they continued to wander aimlessly. Dark was falling, and Draco smiled at the sky. "Did you bring the cloak so we can get back inside?" He asked softly and looked back at Harry.

"I thought you were bringing it! Damn it," he muttered. "We better be going back then."

"Damn," Draco groaned as they turned around. "I wanted to lay with you under the stars." He let out a little sigh.

"We can some other time, baby," Harry smiled up at him, causing him to smile back.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"Maybe over holiday... It's in two weeks." Draco smiled back up at the sky again. An owl was coming towards them. He furrowed his brow. "Why's that owl-" The brown and tan owl landed on Draco's shoulder, picking at a piece of parchment tied to its leg with twine. Draco untied it and narrowed his eyes at the owl. It seemed to be glaring at Harry, and it disturbed him. "Shoo," he shoved the letter into his pocket. The owl started off. Draco glanced down at Harry and smiled slightly. "Let's get inside, Harry. You look cold."

"I am," Harry smiled and started walking.

Draco examined him. He had a slightly pointed nose, and his eyelashes stuck out, just like his hair. Harry's cheeks were dyed red with a deep blush, his lips pink, and his nose red too.

"Stop staring at me."

Draco averted his eyes. "Sorry." He smiled and drew circles on Harry's hand with his thumb.

Once they reached the school's doors, Draco leaned forward and kissed him lightly. "I'll see you in the morning, correct?"

"Yes," Harry replied and kissed Draco once more. "I don't plan on running away tonight."

"You better not." Draco kissed Harry roughly, letting go of his hand and pressing their hips together. Harry's hands pushed on Draco's chest. "I love you."

"I know you do." Harry smiled and him and kissed him once more, then walked inside.

Draco watched him walk away and sighed softly. He stepped inside and made his way to the Room of Requirement. He already missed Harry, but Harry had slept with him for weeks, they needed time apart or they'd take each other for granted. The large room felt empty without Harry, however, and Draco sat on the bed. He heard the sound of paper crumpling, and remembered the owl. His hand closed around the flattened paper and he smirked as he pulled it out of his pocket. He unfolded it and his smirk dropped as he realized his father's writing.

Draco, it read. Potter will pay soon, do not fret. I will be there on the first night of holiday, so stay at Hogwarts this year. Be ready for the attack, bring Potter for his execution. Remember, do not tell him of our plans. Lucius.

"Oh no. No. No! That's too early!" Draco stood and threw the letter on the bed. He started pacing and taking deep breaths to calm himself down. "Damn it, why can't Harry be here to calm me down?!" He dropped to the floor and his eyes widened and he curled his knees up to his chest. The green and gold swirled rug was under him and he put his head on his knees, one hand bracing himself against the floor so he didn't fall over.

Execution.

His father was calling it an execution.

"It's a murder," he muttered and clenched his jaw. "He's going to murder." Draco then remembered the idea he had thought up. He pulled out parchment and ink and a quill and started frantically writing. He spoke aloud as he wrote. "Father, I have an idea. Why don't I bring Potter into the Forbidden Forest and we do it there. That way, no one can interfere when we take control of the castle." He quickly rolled it up and took off to the owlrey.

He then arrived to Gryffindor Tower.

He had to tell Harry, they had to be ready. "Password?"

"I don't know, but I have to see Harry right now."

"Harry who?"

"Harry Potter, you twit!" He whispered harshly.

"Now, it doesn't do to call a fine woman as myself a twit!"

"Let me in!"

"Only if you apologize."

"No! You are a twit, and I don't regret saying it!"

"Well, it looks as if you are not going to see your precious Potter tonight."

Draco put his hands on his head and spun around as he let out an exasperated breath. He clenched his jaw and closed his eyes. "I am sorry."

"For what?"

"I am sorry for calling you a twit." I should have called her a bitch, he thought and opened his eyes. She was staring at him.

"You're still not getting in, but thank you for apologizing."

"Let me in, or I will rip down your picture and force my way in."

"Impossible."

"Oh, you care to find out?" Draco smiled mischievously and reached out his hands as he started forward.

"No! Come in, come in," the portrait swung open and as he walked in, he chuckled.

"You great twit."

The Gryffindor common room wasn't much different from the Slytherin common room, the only difference was the real windows and the colors. Draco bit his lip. He hadn't really thought of what he was supposed to do after he had gotten inside, except for talk to Harry. He started up the stars he guessed led to the boys' dormitories, and there was only one open door. In the room, there were four beds, and three of them were occupied. The fourth was empty, the person who was supposed to be occupying it sitting and staring out the window. His knees were drawn to his chest, and the messy hair shone in the light of the moon.

"Harry," Draco whispered and the boy's head whipped around. His green eyes were wide. He clambered up silently and made his way over. He closed the door silently behind them.

"What are you doing here, Draco? Do you know how much trouble we could both get in?!" Harry whispered.

"Sorry. That owl earlier was from Father, Harry. He's coming the night holiday starts." Draco wanted to cry, then and there, but tried to hold his composure. "It's too soon, it's too soon," he repeated like a broken record and his voice cracked. "It's too soon."

Harry's arms wrapped around him and Draco cried into his shoulder. "I love you."

"Sh, Draco, calm down..." Harry's hands ran up and down his back gently. Draco sobbed softly. "It's going to be okay-"

"No, it's not. He said- he said... He said he's going to... to execute you." Draco stammered and stared into Harry's eyes now. He let out a shaky deep breath and opened his mouth to say something. He closed it.

"Draco, go back to the Room of Requirement and sleep. I'll come in in the morning, baby. Go sleep."

"No-"

"Go. Sleep."

"I'm not leaving you here with this so close!"

"I'm safe. I have all of this house to help me. Go to bed."

"No. I'm staying with you Harry," he stated every word precisely.

"Go to bed."

"No."

"Now."

"No!"

"Draco-"

"I'm not leaving."

"Now." Harry's eyes narrowed in the darkness.

"No."

"Now."

"Nope."

"Malfoy-"

"I said no, Harry, and I will take all blame if we get in trouble. I'm not leaving, I said no, and I mean it." Draco muttered and glanced over Harry's head at the now opening door.

Ron was standing there, scratching his neck and yawning. "Harry, just let the bloke stay here. I don't care, and I'll explain to everyone that nothing happened."

"How much did you hear?" Harry asked and turned around.

"Enough to know he's worried and should stay here tonight."

"If Weasley is willing to let me stay here, you should be too, Harry."

"Fine," Harry crossed his arms over his chest and stalked into the room. Draco followed and smiled slightly at Ron. Maybe he wasn't so bad.

Draco bit his lip and stood beside Harry's bed. Harry was under the covers and he rolled over and stared expectantly at Draco. His gaze was slightly inviting. Draco smiled and slid into bed with him, conforming to his body like so many times before. His arms slid around his stomach and Harry's hand rested on his own lightly. Draco kissed his neck lightly and lingered there, closing his eyes and falling asleep only because Harry was safe and in his arms.

Harry pushed his way through the small crowd of students and found Draco amid the ruckus. He sighed and grabbed his hand. "Trying to avoid me?"

"No way," Draco turned and Harry caught his eye. He smiled slightly and pulled Harry close. Harry grinned up at him. Then, his smile fell. "One week-"

"Don't remind me." Draco's lips pressed to his forehead.

"Let's do something crazy."

"Like what?"

"Skip."

"You want to skip classes? That's very not Harry Potter."

"You only live once." Harry smiled and raised an eyebrow. "What do you say to that?"

"You idiot," Draco grinned and shook his head. "Do you have an idea of what to do?"

"Kind of."

"Explain," and with that, Harry was pulled behind Draco as they went to the Room of Requirement.

"We can either relax in here, or go to Hogsmeade on our first date." Harry explained once they were inside.

"And what would we do in here?"

"Relax. Lay around, cuddle, talk," Harry smiled and caught Draco's eye again. He stood on his tiptoes and pulled Draco down, kissing him gently.

"I vote here, if that's going to happen a lot," Draco's lips were soft on Harry's as he spoke and kissed him again.

"It might," Harry smiled against his lips and kissed Draco's neck gently.

"Then let's relax." Draco pulled him to the bed and Harry laughed to himself. Harry slid next to Draco, facing him, and kissed him roughly. He pulled away with his eyes closed and a smile on his face, and felt Draco's knuckles graze his cheek. "Harry, you're way too cute."

"Shut up," Harry blushed and hid his face in Draco's shoulder, kissing lightly. "You're cuter than I am," he took a deep breath in and smiled, "and you smell good." One of Draco's fingers set under Harry's chin and he felt his head being tilted up. He allowed it and lips pressed to his. When they pulled away, he opened his eyes.

"Harry," he heard and raised an eyebrow. Draco had a mocking tone. "Your eyes are swimming with the ghosts of your past."

"Shove off!" Harry blushed slightly. "Rita had no right to say that, it wasn't true." He pouted and looked down from Draco's silver eyes, to his chest. Rita was an idiot, he didn't care- but he did. He hated that she'd said that in fourth year. Draco's arms slid around Harry, the tips of his fingers sliding into the back of Harry's pants and pulling him closer. They pressed against each other, and it took Harry's mind off of the past and into the present. He smiled a little and closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. He licked his lips and kissed Draco gently, and one of Harry's legs slid around Draco's waist. He kissed deeper, as did Draco, and just barely tightened his leg's grip.

"I'm sorry, Harry, love," Draco whispered and interrupted their kissing. Harry smiled against his lips.

"It's okay. Bloody hell, anything would be okay again if you kissed me like that." Harry admitted and smiled, opening his eyes.

"Even a break up?"

"Excuse me?" Harry furrowed his brow and narrowed his eyes. His smile fell. "Are you implying something, Draco?"

"Oh, Merlin, no. After all the trouble I've gone through?" Draco whispered. "I love you, and I can't change my mind."

The corner of Harry's mouth twitched and he bit his lip. He kept eye contact with Draco, chewing his lip slightly. Draco stared into Harry's eyes and smiled. The green with flakes of gold was flaming with passion, want, and another thing that Draco considered to be love. He hated that Harry wouldn't admit his love. He saw it in his eyes, but he wouldn't just say it. As he lifted his hand and caressed Harry's cheek, Harry's eyes closed. He pressed his forehead to the other boy's and the tips of their noses smashed together lightly. He closed his own eyes and opened his mouth to say something witty, but closed it because he couldn't think of anything. Instead, he settled for the words "I love you."

Harry's lips pressed on his and he kissed lightly, pulling Harry closer. He rolled onto his back and Harry followed, laying on him with his hands running in his hair. They both started to untie each other's ties at the same time and unbutton each other's shirts. Draco slid his arms out of the shirt and let it be thrown across the room, then slid Harry's arms out of the sleeves and threw it on the ground next to the bed. The kisses grew more passionate and rougher as they ran their hands over each other's skin. Draco rolled over again so that Harry was below him and straddled his waist. He slid his hands up Harry's arms, to his hands, and folded his own over them and pinned them on the pillows. "Draco," he heard Harry groan into his mouth and smiled into another kiss. He bit Harry's lip and pulled a little, causing him to kiss it back and groan again.

"Harry," Draco whispered and left a trail of kisses to Harry's neck, where he sucked gently and left a small red spot. He grinned and left a couple more marks, before kissing up to Harry's ear and nibbling it. "I love you, Harry. I love you, I love you, I love you." He was just tempting Harry, and he could tell. He tightened his grip on Harry's hands and kissed his way back to his soft, gentle, waiting lips. They worked against his, sending shivers throughout Draco's whole body. Harry's back arched beneath him and their hips pressed more, only four layers between them.

"Draco-" Harry was cut off by a kiss. "Draco, stop- Stop it- you're going too far- stop-"

"Why, Harry?"

"You're the only one in this relationship to even mention love, Draco! Why don't you see that? Don't you see that I don't want to do that with you?!"

Draco pulled from Harry's chest, tearing his hands from holding Harry's and sliding off of him. He looked down at the floor as he stood with his arms folded. Tears started to threaten, catching in his throat. "What do you mean, don't want to do that with me?" His voice shook.

"Oh, damn, I'm sorry, Draco." A hand pressed to Draco's cheek and Draco turned his head so it fell away. He felt his lip start to quiver. "I didn't mean to say that-"

"Are you disgusted by us?"

"What?"

Draco had been dying to ask that question. He felt like Harry wanted them to be together, but that the thought disgusted him. "Are you disgusted by the thought of us being together? Whether it be sexually or not, are you disgusted by it?"

"Wh- Why would you think I was?" Harry's voice was dripping with shock.

Draco kept his eyes down. His vision blurred as tears started to fall. He raised a hand and wiped at his cheeks. He then shrugged slightly.

"Draco, I'm not disgusted by it, trust me. I just think this is moving awfully fast-"

"We have one week until everything happens, Harry! What if you die? Would you think we moved fast then?!" Draco dropped his arms and made fists at his thighs, looking up now. He tried to keep calm, but couldn't. The tears rushed out of his eyes at an alarming rate. "If you died in a week, would you even have time to regret anything? I doubt it! If I were you, I'd live like I was dying tomorrow! I wouldn't act like a giant git to my boyfriend!"

Harry was frozen in place, his eyes wide. His lips opened like he was going to say something, but then closed as if he'd forgotten. His hand raised to lay on Draco's shoulder. "Draco, baby-"

"Don't touch me." Draco growled, pissed off. Harry's hand fell and Draco stared into his eyes.

"I didn't mean what I said. We don't even know what's going to happen, though, and I don't want you to hurt if something does happen! That's the one reason that I'm not doing this right now. Not before everything happens."

"Harry, you're a foul git, you know that?" Draco whispered. "You can just make me drop defenses and it's killing me. I've never cried in front of anyone but you, and I'm going to admit this now: I am actually terrified of you dying for selfish reasons. I'm afraid that no one is going to be there to help me through times like this. Father thinks he's going to kill you, and I'm starting to believe him."

"I don't give a damn what your father thinks, Draco, and neither should you." Harry hugged him tightly, and Draco hesitated before sliding his arms around Harry, too. "I'm not going to die- and if I do, I give you permission to slap me and hit me and punch me as much as you want."

Draco smirked slightly and wiped tears away again. "Kicking too?"

"Yeah, I guess. Just try not to break my nose again- that hurt a lot."

Draco laughed slightly at that and dipped down, burying his face in Harry's hair. "Sorry about that."

"It's okay," Harry murmured into his chest. "I feel tired. I shouldn't be so tired already."

Draco smiled and slid his hands up and down Harry's back. "Do you want to sleep?"

"No."

"Do you want to know something about yourself, Harry, love?"

"What is it?"

"You smell like apples." Draco pulled from his dark hair and smiled, seeing him looking up.

"Is that good?"

"Extremely good." Draco kissed him lightly.

"Good." Harry's lips brushed his as he pulled back and spoke.

"Good. Let's lay down."

"No! If we do, I'll fall asleep!"

"Then what do you want to do?"

"Dance." Harry chuckled and pulled away from Draco slightly. His hands were snatched and held in position for the dance they'd learned for the Yule Ball.

"Harry," Draco chuckled and shook his head. "Do you know any other dances other than this one?"

"No-"

"Not even a waltz?" Draco was surprised. He looked down at Harry with an eyebrow raised. Harry just shook his head. "Well, I'm teaching you now, then." He smiled and took one of Harry's hands, setting the other on the shorter boy's shoulder. "Really, all you do is take small steps and turn in a circle with your partner," Draco explained softly. "Start with your left foot. Step, together, step, together. Ready," Draco smiled and they started to turn.

Harry's head was down and he was staring at their moving feet. Lifting a hand off of Harry's shoulder, he tapped the boy's chin. "Keep eye contact, love." He whispered as Harry's head tilted up.

"You aren't horrible for this being your first time," Draco grinned. "When I first started I was tripping all the-" He caught Harry as he tripped and laughed softly. "Maybe I spoke too soon."

Harry laughed slightly. "Just a bit. Can we continue?"

"Sure," Draco smiled and got back into position after kissing Harry's forehead. He whispered, "Go," and they started again.

"Why did you learn the waltz?" Harry asked, eyes flicking down at their feet.

"Father and Mother wanted me to be ready for any social event possible. And, Harry, do I need to hold your head up?" He joked and tapped his chin again.

"This would be easier with music."

"Then let's get some." Music started flowing from a piano in the corner of the room.

"I didn't know that was there."

"It has been since the beginning."

"Oh. Do you play?"

"Only a little."

"Am I worthy to hear it sometime?"

"Yeah, but you have to tell me you love me first."

"So over holiday?"

"Possibly," Draco murmured and bit his lip when Harry stepped on his foot.

"Sorry," Harry murmured.

"S'okay." Draco sighed slightly and continued. He mouthed the words "One, two, three, four." Harry smiled at him. Draco smiled back.

"Draco, I'm really tired."

"Do you want to stop?"

"Kind of."

Draco paused and just held Harry close. "Lay down, love."

"Lay with me." Harry murmured. "Please?"

"Okay," Draco whispered and chuckled as he danced Harry over to the bed. He then dropped back and Harry fell on top of him, laughing. He kissed him gently and slid his hands into the soft, dark hair. As he pulled away, he rolled so he was over Harry and kissed him once more before standing up and walking to the other side of the bed, where he lay next to Harry and smiled softly. "I love you."

Harry's eyes closed as he pressed into Draco's chest. Quickly, his breathing slowed and deepened, indicating he had fallen asleep.

Draco slid away from him. Harry had reminded him that he had the piano, and reminded him of playing and how it had helped him escape his thoughts. As he sat down on the bench, he slid the cover over the keys up. The black and white keys were smooth under his fingertips as he started to play softly.

Harry yawned and rolled over at the sound of a piano being played. He recognized Draco sitting there, and he smiled and closed his eyes, letting the sound fill him.

After a second, he slipped out of bed and wandered over to the piano, standing behind Draco. His hand laid on Draco's shoulder and Draco jumped and stopped the beautiful music with a loud bang on all of the keys his fingers had been on. "I thought you said you only played a little," Harry sighed and slid onto the bench next to Draco.

"I do only play a little," Draco whispered and Harry watched as he tapped a single key repeatedly. The high pitch filled the room as Harry hesitated. He opened his mouth to start speaking but was cut off. "Father plays much better."

"He does? I never pinned him as someone who played piano, though I never did for you, either." Harry rested a few fingers on the keys and closed his eyes. "You're a really good player, too, Draco."

"Thanks," Draco's whisper made Harry shiver and he played one of the keys by accident.

Draco laughed softly. "Do you want to play a song together?"

"I don't know how to play." Harry looked up into Draco's eyes.

"It's really easy, at least, this song is. All you have to play is two keys," Draco murmured and grabbed his hand. "These two." He had positioned Harry's pointer finger and middle finger on two keys that were adjacent. "Just alternate between the two, starting with your pointer."

Harry smiled. "It sounds easy enough," he acknowledged and looked back down at his fingers.

"Wait until I say start, okay?"

"Okay." Draco played a few notes with his eyes closed, and kept his eyes closed before saying, "Start."

Harry played the two keys alternatively until one of Draco's hands lifted his other and rested it on another key closer to him. "Play that one with your pointer finger, love."

Harry smiled and nodded once, tapping the extra key every time he played the one his pointer finger was resting on. He glanced up at Draco and watched him as he played softly. Draco's eyes were closed and his lips moved as he tapped each key, as if he were lost in the music he was creating. Harry smiled and just suddenly leaned in and kissed him gently.

One of Draco's hands ran into Harry's hair and Harry slid a hand onto Draco's knee, where it was snatched up by Draco's other hand. "I love you," Draco whispered against his lips and smiled. Harry kissed him again.

"I know you do."

"Why won't you tell me you love me, Harry?" Draco's forehead pressed on Harry's lightly.

"I don't want to until we know what happens."

Two days later, Harry walked silently down the corridor to Gryffindor tower, when he heard a soft crying. He continued on, thinking it was Myrtle again, but it grew louder as he neared the portrait. As he grew even closer, he realized Ginny was standing just outside of the large portrait. She looked up at him and he paused, then she advanced toward him.

"Harry, Harry," she cried and fell into him. He hesitated and hugged her back as she cried into his chest. "I'm such an idiot!"

"Gin, don't say that," Harry murmured into her red hair. He instinctively kissed her forehead with either hand on the side of her face, and wiped tears from her eyes with his thumbs.

"It's the truth!" She whined. "I'm an idiot! I never should have left you! Dean's just a giant brute who doesn't care about me!"

"What's happened now?"

"Dean and I were fighting again. I said something stupid and he broke up with me!"

Harry knew how hot-headed Ginny could be in fights. "What were you fighting about?"

"Well, um, he wanted to... He wanted to- um- to have sex."

Harry bit his lip. "And what stupid thing did you say?"

"I told him that you'd never pressure me like he did."

"So he broke up with you?" Harry wasn't surprised.

She nodded and started crying again. "Oh, Harry, come back to me please!" She begged. "Please, please!"

Harry opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. He had Draco. Draco was wonderful to him, he was... perfect. He did really like Ginny still, though. Draco, however, when he was with him he felt loved. He was happy. He was happy with Ginny, but it wasn't in the way he was happy with Draco. Draco made him feel like he was at home. "I'm sorry, Gin, I can't be with you. I have Draco."

"Draco Malfoy?" Ginny said with disgust. "Just leave him! He's a twat!"

"Ginny, don't say that about him. I can't leave him because I love him!" Harry said and gasped. He hadn't meant to say that.

"Love?" Ginny's voice was incredulous. "You love him?"

"I- I- I-" Harry stammered. "I have to go!" He made his way past her and into the common room. He started to pass Hermione, then paused. "Hermione, I need to talk to you."

"Can it wait? I'm working on-" She looked up and stopped, then stood up.

He led her to his dorm- which was thankfully empty- and closed the door behind them.

"What's wrong?"

"I just- I told- I just- I can't-" Harry struggled to find the right words. "I don't know." He dropped onto his bed and wiped at his eyes with the heel of his hand. "I told Ginny something stupid."

"What did you say now, Harry?" Hermione was leaning against the wall opposite him.

"I told Ginny that I couldn't be with her because I love Draco."

Hermione's look was shocked. "Really? I mean, that's wonderful, but... Why is it bad?"

"I haven't even told Draco I love him."

"Oh, I see the problem there."

"Yeah, I hope so."

"Do you plan to?"

"After..." Harry couldn't tell her that he may die again, she could want to go with him.

"Sex?" She suggested.

"Yeah, let's go with that." Harry muttered.

"Well, do you want to tell him soon?"

"Isn't that a given?"

"Do you... Okay, I know this sounds dumb, but, do you have a date set?"

"The day break starts," Harry admitted.

"Okay, maybe it wasn't a dumb question. Tell him then. Whether it's before or after, it'll still mean something." Harry jumped up. It was something he already planned to do, but getting it as advice from Hermione made it better.

"Thank you," he said and hugged her tightly.

She hugged him back. "You're welcome. Now, can I get back to my homework? I think you should too, Harry." He smiled and rolled his eyes.

"I agreed to meet Draco."

"You should be spending more time on homework. If you still want to be an Auror, that is," she chastised as they walked back to the common room.

"I know, I'll start more after holiday. Right now, I'm slightly distracted."

Hermione laughed with him. "Just go, moron."

Draco rolled his eyes as Harry led him into the forbidden forest. "Harry, where are you taking me? Tomorrow is the last day we have-"

"Stop, I don't want you to think about that at all today. Today is ours." Harry's grip on his hand tightened as he whistled loudly.

"What are you- Oh, oh, bloody hell no, Harry." Draco ripped his hand from Harry's as a familiar Hippogriff came into view.

"Draco, calm down, it's okay. I won't let Buckbeak hurt you."

"Buckbeak?!" Draco was hiding behind a tree. He didn't care how idiotic he looked, he was terrified. "I thought the bloody chicken had been slaughtered!"

Harry laughed. "No, I saved him."

"Merlin, Harry, you're an idiot." Draco whimpered.

"Come here, I won't let Buckbeak hurt you." Harry repeated, but Draco stayed. "Draco, you coward. All you have to do is not insult him."

"That's going to be quite hard-"

"Yeah, yeah, Draco, just come here."

Draco bit his lip as he started out from behind the tree. The large bird reared up and Draco jumped back again. "I- I think I'll hang back here."

Harry grabbed his hand and dragged him forward. "Do you remember what to do?"

"No!"

"Sh," Harry whispered and Draco chewed his lip nervously. "C'mere." Draco dipped his head down. "You bow. I'll tell you when to stand back up, then I'll tell you what to do next, Draco."

"Can I have a good luck kiss?"

"Sure." Harry smiled and kissed him lightly.

Draco pulled away confidently, and took two steps forward. He then bowed and kept his eyes on the ground.

"Okay. Stand back up. Slowly approach him and stretch out your hand." Draco did as Harry said, and kept silent. He took a deep breath before the tips of his fingers hit the bird's soft feathers. His hand was right in between the bird's eyes, and they were focused on him. "Good job, Draco."

"Thanks-" he said and the Hippogriff backed away from him and reared up. Draco backed away quickly. "Harry, Harry, help," he whimpered again.

Harry was really close to the creature. "Whoa!" The animal's cries stopped and Harry's hand was stroking it's feathers when Draco looked up. "Come over here again, Draco."

He walked slowly over to Harry's side. "You're gonna go for a ride."

"What?" Draco squeaked. "No, I'm not!"

"Yes, you are. That is, unless you want to skip our first date," Harry grinned.

"Is your idea of a first date is trying to frighten me as much as possible? If so, you've succeeded."

"Maybe it is. I'll be on there with you, it'll be okay, Draco. You're getting on first, however."

"Fine." Draco groaned and Harry helped him up onto the back of his worst nightmare.

"Don't pull out any feathers." Harry said and climbed behind him. "Okay, are you ready?"

"No."

"Good."

The bird took off and Draco let out a yelp, then felt Harry's hand on his waist. The view of Hogwarts from above was beautiful, but Draco couldn't fully appreciate it. It was frightening, being up so high. He took in shaky breaths. "H-Harry, where are we going?"

"We're going somewhere private."

"Thank you for being descriptive." Draco joked and clenched his jaw.

"Almost there already."

"Finally." Even though it had only been minutes, it had felt like hours to Draco.

The animal then started its decent and Draco let out another yelp. The air rushed into his hair, blowing it back. He tightened his grip with his legs as they landed in a grassy hilltop. Harry slid off before Draco, his hand sliding from his hip to his back. Draco followed in the same manner, stumbling slightly. "No one, and I mean no one, will ever hear of this, Harry."

"Okay."

"And what did I say?"

"Everyone will hear of this," Harry said with a straight face and then broke down laughing at Draco's expression of shock.

Draco rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "You're an arse."

"But you love it!" Harry laughed beautifully.

"You're right," Draco smiled and quickly grabbed Harry's hips, kissing him roughly. "I love you."

"I know you do," Harry kissed him again.

"So, how is this a first date? A grassy hill?" Draco took in their surroundings. There wasn't even snow on the ground, which struck him as weird.

Harry laughed. "Take another look."

Draco raised an eyebrow and looked around again. His eyes rested on a picnic in the tall grass. "Oh, maybe this will be really good."

"Maybe? It will be," Harry smiled and pulled him over to the picnic.

They sat down next to each other in the grass, and the first thing Harry did was pick up a slice of apple and tell Draco to open his mouth. Draco rolled his eyes and opened his mouth. Harry placed the apple on Draco's tongue and smiled as Draco chewed slowly.

Draco leaned over and grabbed a blueberry. "Open." Harry opened his mouth and Draco leaned back, aiming the blueberry at Harry's tongue. He missed and hit Harry's nose, then laughed a little when Harry caught it and popped it in his mouth. "Hey, at least I tried."

"You tried. I'll give you that," Harry smiled and popped another blueberry in his mouth. Draco did the same with an apple slice.

"Okay, open," Draco murmured and Harry did. He placed the blueberry on Harry's tongue and smiled. He played with a strand of Harry's hair until he was done chewing, then leaned forward and kissed him gently. "I love you, Harry Potter."

Harry just kissed him again in response and pulled away with a little sigh. He did love Draco. He did, so much, but he couldn't tell him until after they knew what would happen. After they were both full from the food, they both lay in the grass cuddling each other. Harry kissed Draco's chest lightly. "Draco... I know I said not to think about it, but... no matter what happens, you'll love me, right?"

"Of course." Draco whispered and Harry felt his cheeks flush. "I will always love you, no matter what happens or what I say."

"Okay. I just wanted to be sure."

"Why? Do you think something will happen to you now?"

"No," Harry murmured and closed his eyes. "I just wanted to know."

"Oh... Okay," Draco's voice filled Harry's ears and he smiled as he breathed in Draco's apple scent. "This is perfect."

"For a first date, it's the absolute best." Harry whispered and sighed. He cuddled into Draco's chest.

He was actually slightly afraid to face Lucius in one day. He didn't want Draco to suffer at all, from anything ever again. He tightened his grip on Draco. Harry would have to kill Lucius. He'd be like Voldemort, killing an innocent boy's parent just for going against him. It was either that or die, which he thought better than killing Draco's father. The only thing keeping him from choosing that option was Draco. He needed to be here. He could help Draco get through his father's death, but who would be there to help Draco through his death? No one would be there. That was why he couldn't die, why he wouldn't. Harry took a shaky breath in.

"What's wrong?" Draco's voice slid into his thoughts. Draco pulled from him and Harry felt his lip quiver. "Harry, love, tell me. What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Harry whispered.

One of Draco's hands rested on either side of his face. "Harry, I can tell when something is going on." Draco's lips pressed to his. "Tell me."

Harry bit his lip to steady it and shook his head. "Really, Draco, it's nothing. Don't worry about it." He smiled slightly and pulled one of Draco's hand from his cheek, kissing the boy's palm.

"I love you, Harry."

"I know you do." Harry smiled and kissed Draco again. "Is there anything you want to do on this date?"

"I just want to get back to my room with you so we can make out."

Harry rolled his eyes. "That doesn't sound horrible. You're in front again." He stood and helped Draco up.

"What about the picnic?"

"I'll get it later." Harry smiled and whistled for Buckbeak.