Chapter 11

After a few days, the swelling in Draco's face began to dwindle, and he was able to return to class. By now, nearly everyone had heard Pansy talking about how Crabbe and Goyle weren't friends with Draco anymore and had beat him up. They had also heard from Crabbe and Goyle that Draco was spending a suspicious amount of time looking at or talking to Harry Potter. The Slytherins were not happy about it, and rather than confronting Draco about it to set the rumor straight, they chose to ignore him.

Draco felt like an outcast. He didn't walk the halls of Hogwarts with the same invincible strut and swagger he once had. He was no longer bothered by female admirers, or studied by every other boy in the school, in awe of the power Draco Malfoy possessed, how perfectly he was able to control the school- students and professors alike. Now when he walked the halls, no one gave him a second look. Most wouldn't even give him a first look. He sat by himself at meals, and every day after classes, he either went straight to his room or to the Gryffindor tower. He didn't feel welcome in the Slytherin common room anymore.

"I don't understand why they're treating me like this," Draco confessed one day to Harry. "I mean, I know they don't like us spending time together, but they shouldn't totally ostracize me for it. It's not like they know we're dating."

"Really?" Harry asked, surprised. "I figured Crabbe and Goyle would have told everyone that we were."

"If they did, the news would have gotten around to your Gryffindors, and you'd be in the same position I am," Draco said. He had a good point. No one was treating Harry any differently. If anything, people seemed happier to be around him, probably because of the major change in mood Harry had had over the past few weeks since he started dating Draco.

"You're right," Harry admitted. "I'd almost rather them know than not, though. I'd rather be hated for being 100% honest about who I am than be well-liked, but not be completely open about who I am."

"Well, that's what I said at first, too. And here I am, being completely honest, and I'm still hated by everyone."

"Draco, you're not being honest."

"I've had like five people ask me this week if there's something going on between us, and I have never once denied it."

"Yes, that's true. But you never said 'Yes, there is something going on between me and Harry. We're dating.'. Not telling the whole truth is the same thing as telling a lie."

"Maybe that's what you think," Draco retorted. He was tired of talking about this, tired of arguing with Harry. "It's not like you've been honest, either."

"I told Ron and Hermione."

"You and I both know that doesn't count."

"Well then, let's walk into dinner tonight, together, holding hands. Would that be honest enough for you?"

Draco's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't been expected Harry to suggest this. Blinking rapidly, he opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words. Harry's voice lowered, and he said softly, "I'm sorry, I'm not mad at you, Draco. I'm just tired of pretending." Draco nodded in agreement. "I just know that if we do that, word will get out to my father. I'm sure he's got a Howler on the way for me now, just for a rumor going around that we're hanging out."

"You're probably right, Draco," Harry admitted. "But there comes a time when you have to forget about the plans that everyone else has for you, and do what you want, what makes you happy."

"Are you saying that you don't have a problem announcing to everyone tonight at dinner that we're a couple?" Draco asked, surprised.

"I did offer, didn't I? I don't say things like that just to say them," Harry said, placing his hand on Draco's knee. "I don't want to sneak around in secret anymore. I would rather not have to hide and be disliked than keep doing this." He motioned with his free hand around the Gryffindor tower. "I mean, this is romantic and all, but I want to actually talk to you in class and walk with you around the school and be seen with you in public."

Draco smiled and stood up. "Well, then, let's not wait. Let's go right now. I won't make you go down and clear everyone out of the common room first like I normally do. We'll just walk down the tower, together, and walk through the common room, together." Harry smiled. "Sounds good to me." Draco bit his lip and squeezed Harry's hand, clearly nervous. Harry squeezed back, whispering, "Don't be nervous. If this thing goes bad, at least we'll still have each other." Draco's pale cheeks turned to a rosy pink, and he looked down, a huge smile spreading across his face. "I know, I know, I know. Let's just go okay?" Harry nodded and pushed the door open, leading Draco down the steps and into the Gryffindor common room, never letting go of his hand.