Puzzy: So excited about this! Damn, they're so sweet it's making my teeth ache!
Penny: Hehehehe that they are! But, I am excited that we are getting to the 'meat' of the story now! *giggle*
Puzzy: Well, at least it's p0rn WITH a plot, not without one! LOL.. Huge thanks to our readers and reviewers! It means a lot that you want to follow this little mind spin of ours.
Penny: I agree! We would be nothing without y'all, so *mwah* and thank you!
Puzzy: And also, thank you so much to our dream team - beta Corey and prereaders Dani and Bewiched!
Penny: They make our stuff look good! :D As always, we don't own these boys...*sigh* Read, and enjoy!
HPOV
When we finally got back to Hogwarts and the warmth of the Gryffindor common room, I hurried up the stairs to put Draco's gift away. Taking it out of my pocket, I spelled it to normal size and read the poem again. It amazed me how fitting it was. I just hoped he liked it.
Carefully wrapping the framed poster and book in one of my old shirts, I safely tucked it away in my trunk. Honestly, I wanted to give it to Draco right away, but Christmas would be here before long, and it would make an excellent gift for him. Although, I could always get him something for Christmas later. Maybe some sexy barely there pants I saw in a magazine? No, that wouldn't do. That was more of a gift for me.
Flopping back on my bed, I racked my brain trying to think of something else I could get him. What did you get the bloke who has everything? A snakeskin belt? No, that would be too ordinary. I wanted Draco to have something special, only from me. Out in Hogsmeade, I did see some silver necklaces in a shop window. They had silver Merlin medallions on them, but looked rather plain. I wondered if I could buy one then take it to a jeweller and have them put an emerald in it for me. Then, I could have the back engraved and put protection charms on it. Yes, that could work. We had one more trip into Hogsmeade before Christmas, so I could get it then.
Smiling to myself, I went back down to the common room. Hermione and Ron were on the cozy sofa, in front of the fire. Hermione was reading one of the new books she had bought and Ron was eating the sweets he had gotten from Honeydukes. When I sat down, Ron offered me the bag and I rifled through it, settling on a Fizzing Whizbee. I popped it into my mouth and it immediately started fizzing and tingling my whole mouth with a sweet raspberry flavour. Hm, I wondered what it would be like giving Draco a blowjob with one of these in my mouth.
Smiling to myself, I almost choked on the sweet and Ron clapped me on the back. "Alright there, mate?" he asked, and I looked at him through watery eyes.
"Fine," I said, swallowed, then cleared my throat. I could feel the heat of my cheeks flaming because of my dirty thought, but I couldn't help it. My mood had never been better.
"Got lucky today in The Three Broomsticks," Ron commented around a mouthful of Chocolate Frog.
"Yeah, we did," I answered him, then lowered my voice so only he and Hermione could hear. "I just hope we get as lucky when it's time to go to Gringotts."
"And me," Ron said, and Hermione glanced at us from her book.
"Don't worry, I think everything will work out."
Ron and I nodded at her. She was bright, so maybe she had a trick or two up her sleeve. Settling back into the sofa, I stared at the cheery flames of the fire. So far, this term at school had turned out to be amazing, despite the fact that I was planning to get rid of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. In a way, it was strange, being so happy for once, and I can honestly say I can truly thank Draco for that. Yeah, the road to victory was going to be long, but with Draco and my friends by my side, I had faith that we would be victorious.
DPOV
Back in the warmth of the common room after struggling through the near blizzard outside, Blaise and I quickly shed our coats and scarves, hanging them to dry near the fire. Rubbing my hands together to thaw them, I caught Pansy looking at us with a hurt expression. I guess she had a right to be hurt - We'd been a trio for years, and now that I'd confided in Blaise, she was shut out of our confidence. We used to hang out together in the common room or in our dorm room, snickering behind the closed bed hangings and talking about everything and nothing. I missed that. I missed her.
Sharing a look with Blaise, I nodded slightly in Pansy's direction, exchanging silent communication. He looked relieved as he nodded back vigorously. I guess he missed her too! Smiling, I plopped down next to her on the over stuffed sofa.
"What's up, Pans? Got my Christmas present yet?" I smiled, chuckling at her sour expression.
"What makes you think I want to get you anything for Christmas, you bloody wanker?" She shot back, fire in her eyes and ice in her voice.
"Aaaaw, Darling, don't be like that! I bought you something really nice this year," I elbowed her slightly, earning me an exasperated look and a hiss. Oooh, I guess I really pissed her off this year. "Don't you love me anymore?" I asked, fluttering my eyelashes playfully and plastering an angelic smile on my face.
"You can drop your innocent act, Malfoy. I'm not going to bite," her voice was strong and clear; she knew me too well to be affected by my charms. Plus, she knew I didn't swing her way at all, so she was not sexually affected like any other girl would have been.
"Not even if I let you in the know of what's been going on with me?" I said in a low voice, suddenly serious and gave her a direct look.
She gasped and looked a bit shocked, but nodded, "That doesn't mean you're forgiven, just so you know. But I do want an explanation for your idiotic behaviour as of late. I can tell something is up - something huge. And don't you deny it!"
Grabbing her hand, I hauled her off of the sofa and to my dorm room, Blaise trailing behind with a huge grin, showing off all of his pearly white teeth. "No, Pans, I'm not denying anything. But brace yourself for the shock of a lifetime now."
I couldn't help the shit eating grin that spread across my face by the thought of her reaction to this. She would be spitting sparks when she heard who I was shagging. And not just shagging - fell in love with. My grin changed from mirthful to gentle by the thought of last night and our declarations.
~oOo~
"You're WHAT?" Pansy's ear splitting screech made me happy that I'd cast a silencing spell on the bed hangings around us. "You are in love with POTTER? And he's in love with you? You are a couple? Have you gone absolutely mental, Dra?" Whipping her head around so fast that her hair slapped me in the face, she turned to Blaise, "And you? You condone this? You're in on it? What is wrong with you two?" She threw her hands in the air and rolled her eyes, like looking for help from above.
"What is happening to the world? Salazar! What am I gonna do with you?"
Bursting into laughter, I was relieved of her reaction. Whiny, screeching Pansy was the norm. If she'd turned quiet and thoughtful, I would have been alarmed, but her ripping Blaise and me a new one was reassuring. She'd always done that. She'd been pissed at my revelations of the Dark Lord's blackmail and subsequently my missions, thrown a hissy fit over my father's involvement in His inner circle and comforted me when I'd cried over my mother's possible fate. But now, when the Gryffindors were involved, she was back to her usual self. What a relief.
Hugging her shoulder, I chuckled, "Sorry Pans, but I can't help it. I'll take you to our strategy meeting tonight and let you meet them, so you can see for yourself. But be nice! They are helping me, so no insults, please. I know that will be a hardship, but that's the way it is."
With a surrendering sigh, she leaned into my hug, twisting around to wrap her arms around my neck. "Okay, Dra. I'll observe and be on my best behaviour, as long as they are. I have to see this with my own eyes to believe it!" She mumbled into my shoulder, defeated.
Smiling smugly, I released her and pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Thanks, Pans. I really missed you, you bint. Let's go get some dinner and then - the Room of Requirement!"
HPOV
All throughout dinner, I watched Draco, Blaise, and Pansy talking and laughing. He was friends with Pansy again? Did he tell her about us, and she was okay with it? I really wished I had a quill so I could write him on the scroll in my pocket. It was bugging me terribly, not knowing.
As if she was reading my thoughts, Hermione said, "Looks like Draco and Pansy made up, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, it does," I replied. "Wonder what's going on."
"Dunno," Ron said. "But, it would be only fair for Draco to tell her, since you told us two."
I shrugged and Hermione looked at Ron with huge eyes. "I can't believe you said that, Ronald Weasley! Pansy is a right vile bitch."
My eyes widened at Hermione's declaration, but I kept my mouth closed. I agreed with Ron. Ron just shrugged at Hermione, effectively pissing her off more, and continued to eat. Hermione pushed her plate away, crossed her arms over her chest, and looked sour. Ah, she would get over it.
When dinner was over, I hurried up to the common room to get my gift for Draco. Ron and Hermione headed straight for the Room of Requirement. Cursing myself for not having anything to wrap the poster and book in, I reckoned using my scarf would be alright. Once I had it wrapped sufficiently, I headed to the Room.
Pacing in front of the blank wall, the door appeared and I went in the room. Sure enough, Pansy was there, seated with Blaise in the big chair. She looked surprised and disbelieving. Hermione and Ron were seated on the love seat, Ron looking relaxed and Hermione looking like she just ate a Licorice Snap. Then my eyes landed on Draco, and my heart fluttered in my chest. He was sat on the couch, his foot pulled underneath him, looking delicious as always in dark grey trousers and a black jumper.
Setting my gift for him to the side, I smiled at him and he met me halfway to the sofa, wrapping me tenderly in his arms. He took a deep breath with his face in my neck and murmured, "Missed you, prat."
"Hmm, missed you too, twit," I answered, and he raised his head to kiss me gently. Of course, i wanted more, but his eyed held promises for later, when we were alone, so I nodded and kissed him once more before settling on the sofa.
Draco settled beside me, entwined our fingers, then brought my hand to his mouth, kissing each of my knuckles. Everyone in the room now expected our greetings to each other, and they ignored our kissing and hugging, but as I looked round the room, I couldn't stop the laugh from escaping when I saw Pansy's face.
She had two spots of color high on her cheeks, eyes wide as dinner plates, and her mouth was hanging open, almost touching her chin. Blaise elbowed her and her mouth closed audibly.
"Dra...you weren't kidding!" She exclaimed, and Draco burst into laughter.
"No, Pans, I wasn't. Meet Harry Potter, my boyfriend. Harry, this is my good friend, Pansy Parkinson."
"Nice to meet you, Pansy," I smiled and she nodded her head. Blaise elbowed her again and she cleared her throat.
"Er...nice to meet you too, Pot-"
Blaise elbowed her again, and she turned on him. "I swear to Salazar, Blaise Zabini, if you elbow me again, I will hex your fucking bits off!" She looked back and me and struggled to smile.
"Nice to meet you too...Harry."
Well, that went alright, as far as introductions with Pansy could go. Hermione snorted from the other side of the room and I looked over at her. Ron was whispering in her ear and she looked like she was ignoring him, then shot him a look that made him immediately shut up. I really had no idea that she disliked Pansy so much.
Clearing his throat, Draco spoke up. "Let's get to business, shall we? I assume everyone got their hair today in Hogsmeade, right?"
Everyone answered to the affirmative and pulled their vials out. We all passed round a quill to put our names on them, then lined them up on the coffee table. The firelight flickered on the glass of the vials, making them look rather ominous. Seeing them there made the reality of what we were planning sink in a bit more, and I briefly squeezed Draco's hand.
"Those look bloody scary," Ron said, effectively saying what we all were thinking. With a wave of his wand, Draco sent the vials to a shelf near the corner.
"Right. So now all we have to do is wait for the potion to be finished, gather the Basilisk fangs, and think of a way to get into Gringotts unnoticed."
Hermione spoke up, then. "I was thinking we could use the London Underground. In the blueprints, I saw a place where it intersects with the rails underneath Gringotts. All we have to do is Imperius the driver to stop at the intersection, and we're in. Gringotts has empty carts at every intersection, in case one needed to use that rail."
I smiled widely at Hermione and Blaise shouted, "You are fucking brilliant, Hermione!"
Pansy was goggling again, but I ignored her and looked at Draco for his opinion. He looked thoughtful for a moment, then smiled. "I believe that could work, Gra...er, Hermione."
Hermione looked shocked at Draco's use of her name, then blushed slightly. Absolutely thrilled that Draco was warming up to my friends, I couldn't help myself and kissed him on the neck in thanks.
DPOV
Granger's suggestion was pure genius! It would ease our access so much, us bypassing the goblins in security. That had been boggling my mind for some time now. But how to gain access to the vault itself?
"But this still leaves us with how to access the vault. Any suggestions on that front, anyone?" I asked to the room in general.
"I might have an idea," Pansy said timidly from her seat. Eager for her input, I nodded and waved at her to continue.
"Are you going home for Christmas, Draco? With this new development and all, I mean...," she trailed off, looking at Harry and me, sitting there with hands entwined.
With a sinking feeling, I nodded. "I have to. I have to report on my 'progress'," I said with a wince. Harry squeezed my hand in comfort, transferring his warmth to me in doing so.
"Okay, then this should be simpler to achieve. Your aunt lives at your house now, right? And I would guess that she has the key to her vault with her. During the holidays, you could steal it and replace it with some other key to avoid discovery," she explained, eyes bright with excitement and a happy smile from being a part of this.
"Merlin! You have a point, Pansy!" Hermione said, with surprise in her voice and eyebrows disappearing into her hairline.
"And with a protean charm, you could copy the original exactly, so Bellatrix wouldn't know before she tries to use it! You are genius at protean charms, Draco," Harry said with a tender smile, making me smile back.
Feeling slightly happier now that my home visit had a purpose for good as well, I relaxed back into Harry's arms. I was still disappointed that I didn't get to spend the holidays with my boyfriend, but we'd have our own private celebration right in here before I left. I had that all planned out in my head. I'd even thought of the perfect gift for him, after long and exasperating consideration.
"Now, we just need to bring the DA into this and we're good. By the way, Draco, do you know occlumency? When Voldemort interrogates you, you cannot reveal our plans no matter what. And he will try to read your mind, I'm sure," Harry asked me with a serious expression.
"I know a little, but I'm not exactly adept," I answered, once again filling with concern about this whole scheme. So many small things to consider. It would be disastrous, if I inadvertently gave this away.
"That's alright, I'll practice with you. A rudimentary knowledge is a good starting point," Harry answered, looking relieved and kissing me softly. A kiss that grew heated in a few seconds, causing groans and moans to echo through the room as usual.
"Aw, blimey - here they go again. Can't we get a break?" Weasley moaned, sounding slightly sick.
Blaise broke out in laughter at his antics, and I could hear Pansy's moans, sounding almost identical to Weasley's. "Are they always like this?" She whimpered.
"YES!" Was the answering choir of our friend's voices, mixed with laughter.
"Bloody hell, that is going to take some getting used to!" She said, making the others roar. She just said almost the exact same thing as Weasley did in the beginning. Chuckling, I broke our kiss and said, "Well, we're done here for now anyway, aren't we? You're all welcome to stay and watch the show, but I wouldn't recommend it. Too risqué for your innocent little eyes, I'd say."
"We're going, we're going!" They answered in unison and we only heard the door slam after them, before we once again starting snogging each other with vigor.
After a while, we broke for air and rested our foreheads together. Caressing his lips with my thumb, I said, "I love you so much, Harry. Thank you for being you."
His shining emerald eyes, so filled with love, looked deeply into mine; wordlessly returning the sentiment.
"I have something for you. Hold on while I get it," he told me and got up with a soft kiss on my lips. Taking his bundled up Gryffindor scarf from his outstretched hand, I raised a sarcastic eyebrow and answered, "As much as I love you, prat, I'm not going to wear Gryffindor colours in public, you know."
Chuckling, he answered, "the gift is inside, Draco - I need the scarf back or I'll freeze to death and you wouldn't want that, would you?"
Now eager to see what he got me, I quickly removed the scarf from the hard flat item inside, bursting with curiosity.
It was a picture frame. A simple, black, picture frame. But inside, was not a picture. It was a poem.
Embossed in a swirly, elegant script, it read:
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow-
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
My eyes were brimming with unshed tears as I looked up at him as he stood before me, nervously wringing his hands.
"Oh Merlin, Harry... Thank you. This is... I don't have words for this. Thank you so much!"
Carefully laying aside the frame, I stood up and hugged him to me in a vice grip. The thought behind this was so Harry. So indescribably generous and caring, so amazingly giving of his love and compassion. He had found this somewhere and thought of me. He had seen through all of my veils and knew me well enough to see exactly what I needed to carry on the fight. And, despite the risk of me laughing or thinking him sappy, he'd given it to me anyway. So very Gryffindor, but in the best possible way.
"Harry, I can't even express how much this means to me. How much I love you. Just... Thank you." Releasing my death grip, I grabbed his face between my hands and kissed him with all the emotion that filled me, hopefully conveying it all in that simple gesture. It wasn't enough though. It would never be enough.
HPOV
Draco liked my gift, and it made me extremely happy. "I love you too, Draco, and you're welcome," I murmured against his lips. We sat there for long minutes, resting our foreheads together. Neither one of us had the urge to speak, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence.
After a while, I smiled at Draco and settled next to him on the sofa, cuddling into his side. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and lazily stroked my upper arm. It felt so nice, just cuddling together, alone, in front of the fire.
I enjoyed the fact that Draco and I could sit and not have to fill the silence with chatter. We were so comfortable with each other. It really was amazing, having someone love me even with all of my faults. It was more amazing having someone to love back. Thinking back, I wondered what it would have been like if Draco and I could have been together years ago. Chuckling to myself, I tried to imagine what his response would have been if I had asked him to the Yule Ball in fourth year.
"Something funny, prat?" Draco asked lazily.
"Oh, I was thinking of what the look on your face would have been if we had been together in fourth year and I asked you to the Yule Ball."
Draco leaned up, giving me a surprised look before laughing loudly. "Could you imagine everyone's faces?"
"Yeah," I grinned. "They would have been classic."
Draco settled back down and held our joined hands in front of us, looking at them. "You know," he mused, "it doesn't matter now. This is the present, my dear prat, and we have each other now." He raised our hands to his lips and kissed my knuckles softly.
"Too right," I agreed with a sigh. "And I don't think I have ever been happier."
"I must admit, I am nervous about the Gringotts visit."
"I know you are, Draco, but please try not to worry too much. I have faith that everything will work out fine."
Draco moved quickly from beside me to straddling my lap. His eyes were molten pewter, boring into mine. "D'you think you could make me forget for a while?" he smirked. Merlin, how did I get blessed with such a sexy boyfriend?
Reaching up to take his face in my hands, I raised my head and kissed him softly, then smiled a lazy smile. "Hmm, I think I may be able to oblige you, my sexy twit."
Draco leaned down and took my still smiling mouth in a long, slow kiss.
Puzzy: Aaaaawwww.. Blossoming love here.. *sigh*
Penny: LOL! Got a bit fluffy there at the end, yeah? But that's okay, H and D deserve it *wink*
Corey: Of course they do! Gosh, I love these boys!
Puzzy: On top of all that angst, hell yeah! :D And soon there's gonna be a whole lot of action too, so...
Corey: Ooh! Action!
Penny: Please, let us know how you feel about what they're getting up to :) The button is just there, below the AN. We adore each and every comment we get bout these boys :D See y'all next time!