A/N: Wow, I received some truly terrific reviews for the last chapter. I'm so glad we can finally get down to business ;) This Chapter is dedicated to Moondaughter6, lil-lover16, Ada1405, vampire5596 and DokiDoki14 for the lovely reviews that made me actually want to write Thank you so muchly.

Chapter 14

Sleep did not come easy for Draco Malfoy once Harry had left his room. The warmth of the fire and the Gryffindor's embrace had made him drowsy not fifteen minutes ago, yet now he was actually in bed, he was restless and agitated. His ears strained with want, he longed for Harry to be knocking on his door deep within the night again. He needed company. He needed something. Once he was alone he had too much time to think, and the things that had been preying on his mind for days on end would return. He needed to know how Blaise's research had gone. He needed answers and quickly, he needed to act if his fears were true. He groaned in bed, not wanting to be alone, not wanting to think of things that hurt his mind and his heart. He remembered Blaise's light-heartedness as he passed Draco the envelope, but the blond had not opened it. He walked over to his desk and picked it up, relighting the fire so he could read it.

"Dear Master Malfoy,

The Ministry of Magic would like to offer its sincerest of apologies to you, the appropriation of your Manor as of recent was not an official act of ours. We hope that you accept that the Ministry's defences had been tampered with at the time and as a result your property was unfortunately damaged. We would like to regain your trust in us by having the house rebuilt and restored to its original position. Again, you have our sincere apologies,

M. Greenhowl,

Official for Magical Property Development, Protection and Damage,

3rd Floor,

Ministry of Magic."

Blaise had been right, the letter did make Draco happy. The news elated him and he sat in thought for some time, before deciding on the perfect way to celebrate the restoration of his home. He sighed heavily, it was nearly the early hours of the morning; he should definitely try and sleep. Climbing back into bed, he lay still with his eyes closed and tried to remember the feel of Harry's mouth against his, how soft and sweet it was, how warm and inviting it had been. It had made him so vulnerable yet so strong at the same time. It had ignited something in Draco that he had never felt so strongly before: Desire.

Drifting off was uneasy and agitating whilst he so dearly wanted Harry. And once in slumber Draco saw familiar faces that made him wince, hearing shrill laughs and seeing dark places that he rarely let his mind lead him back to. He tossed and turned beneath his silk sheets, seeing Harry in his dream. But this Harry was not the laughing, smiling lover he had seen before. It was Harry with fear and sadness in his eyes, a Harry that could only have been accepting one thing, death.

Harry strode into the Great Hall for breakfast with a huge grin on his face. His eyes scanned the Slytherin table and he saw a small slither of red, which happened to be Hermione waving him over frantically.

"Hey" he said, the smile not leaving his lips until he looked into Hermione's concerned eyes.

"What's wrong?" The girl in front of Harry looked as if she may cry.

She looked puzzled, "Harry, what happened last night?"

Oh, what a wonderful question. Harry blushed deep red. "Draco told you?"

"No! Were you there? I need to know what happened I'm worried about him"

The Gryffindor boy went silent, trying to figure out what Hermione was asking. She read the look on his face and continued.

"Last night Harry. Well, more like really early this morning, I woke up to this horrible scream. It was your name, it came from Draco's room. It was awful, I went and knocked on and he looked terrible. He was shaking, he looked so...I don't know. It was his eyes, they were haunted. That's the only way I can describe it"

Harry and Blaise's jaws dropped simultaneously as Hermione spoke about Draco. Harry was utterly confused, Draco had been fine last night, he stood up to go to Draco's room but Blaise motioned for him to sit down.

"Is he up there alone now?" The Slytherin boy questioned.

"Yes, I think so."

"Good. I need to talk to him about something and I've a feeling this is connected." He stood and walked from the Great Hall.

"He's acting so weird, he went away for hours last night, only came back to say goodnight. And he's limping, he's got a huge cut up his arm too but he won't tell me how he got it. And he asked me how he could get into Hogsmead without being seen." She watched the space where Blaise had left the Hall, and Harry felt her pain, felt how worried she was. He put one arm around her and smiled.

"It will be fine. They're strong. Now please let's get to charms, I'm not quite comfortable sitting at the Slytherin table without Blaise or Draco. "

Hermione cringed; she had forgotten where she was. She did not even moan at her best friend for not eating as they exited for class, getting glares from the red and gold part of the room. Evidently, they were traitors to Gryffindor.

The rest of the day dragged and lunch seemed painfully slow, neither Hermione nor Harry ate a thing; they constantly watched the doors to the hall in case their Slytherin friends walked in. By the time they went to the hall for dinner after a torturous hour of listening to Professor Binns, they were both very frail and cranky. Harry pushed sausage and mash round his plate, checking every now and then to see if the boys would appear. No such luck. Every now and then one of them would let out a sigh, but neither said a word. Just waited in misery.

Hermione heaved another great sigh, "I'm sick of waiting, I'm going to get my homework done." She had only just stood when the door opened and Draco and Blaise rushed in, both laughing and talking as if it had been a normal day.

"Hermione..." Harry said, sounding a little pained. "I think I'm seeing things"

"If you are then so am I, what on earth have they been doing, and who do they think they are just coming in as if they've been here all day!" Harry was sure she was going to tell them both off and give them detention, but she looked more relieved than she was angry. Blaise waved her over, she rolled her eyes but walked to the green side of the hall.

"She's gone mental, hasn't she?" A voice behind Harry made him jump, he looked up to see Ron's bright red hair and deep blue eyes. He looked upset and Harry motioned for him to sit down.

"I can't believe she's spending so much time with that slimy Slytherin git." Ron seemed as though he might burst into tears any moment, and Harry wondered exactly how he'd react if he knew that his male best friend had spent the previous night kissing Draco Malfoy. Who coincidently was watching Harry with a perpetual smile on his face, not really bothering to eat or listen to Hermione's rant.

"He's not so bad, he never really gave us any trouble. And at least she's not dating Crabbe or Goyle" Harry didn't want to fall out with Ron, but he liked Blaise. He thought the boy was good for Hermione, he lightened her up, he never took anything too seriously. Except Draco, of course. The Gryffindor boy remembered the stern warning he had received from Blaise the previous day. "And he's quite funny" he added, trying to justify his point.

Ron snorted. "Professor Trelawney makes me laugh at times, you don't see me jumping into bed with her. "

"Oh come on Ron, that's really not fair. She's hardly jumped into bed with him" Harry was getting slightly angry and considered going and joining Hermione. When he looked round he saw Draco grinning at him and he gave a small sweet smile in return before looking back at his best friend.

"Oh yeah? I'm supposed to believe that with his reputation am I? I'm not stupid Harry. And what the bloody hell does Malfoy look so happy for, probably finds it funny that she's seeing a snake does he?"

The golden boy blushed, he knew exactly what Draco looked so happy about. He looked down but kept talking "You need to talk to Hermione, she can't help who she likes Ron. And I'm sure you don't want to lose her as a friend."

"I've been feeling pretty lonely, what with neither of you ever being around the common room anymore. There's only so much of Neville I can take you know"

A spot of guilt panged in Harry's stomach. "Sorry Ron, I've been a bit preoccupied as of late.

The red head sighed. "It's not your fault mate, I know you have to show your face with the snakes to be polite. I'll see you back at the common room yeah? I only came here to see if Seamus was around." He clapped Harry on the back and slowly walked out of the hall, staring at Hermione who was excitedly chatting to Blaise. The raven haired boy walked over to the Slytherin table and sat down next to Draco.

"What happened to you two all day then?" He asked casually, yet secretly he was seething that Draco just abandoned him.

The blond and Blaise exchanged furtive glances before answering.

"We...were...making...party plans!" Blaise exclaimed loudly, his face lighting up. For a split second Draco allowed himself to look relieved before he smiled too.

"Yes, we were" He added. Although he seemed unsure, he turned to Harry and gave him a wide smile, he put as much effort as he could into his smile, trying to tell Harry that he had missed him, without actually saying the words. It must have worked, as Harry's hand slid over his on the bench and the boy smiled back.

"I'm throwing a Christmas ball at my manor once the Ministry has restored it. My mother used to do it every year and I thought I'd carry the tradition on. I hope you both come." Draco looked from Harry to Hermione then back again.

Harry really didn't know what to say, he thought about Ron saying he was lonely, but when he looked into the storm coloured eyes, he couldn't say no.

"I'd love to come" Harry looked to his best friend for support, but he she just laughed and blushed.

"I've already said I'll go!"

Now that Harry was going, Draco felt excited and even more nervous about the party. His Mother had always planned things down to the last detail, and he was unsure of how she got everything done in time. He only had a few weeks, but he would do his best to put on a good show for Harry.

The four left the table after Draco and Blaise had finished eating, Blaise was eating painfully slow as Draco scribbled down notes of what he needed for the ball, with the other Slytherin dictating through mouthfuls. The two Gryffindor companions shook their heads at some of the suggestions.

"What about an ice sculptor?"

"No."

"What about an ice sculptor of me?"

"Definitely no."

"Draco, you're boring."

"Blaise, you're ridiculous. Hurry up I want to get back to my room!" He was more than a little impatient, never taking his eyes from his parchment- wholly afraid they may give him away. He didn't know if Hermione knew what had happened between him and Harry yet, and Blaise certainly did not know about the kissing. He blushed at the mere thought of it.

Once they were out, Blaise offered his arm to Hermione and asked her if he could walk her back to her room. He turned to look at Draco, who had sneaked a quick gaze at Harry.

"Do you want the other arm?" The Italian boy winked. A perfect raised eyebrow was all the reply he could get.

"Well, goodnight Harry. I'll see you tomorrow." Draco smiled and extended his hand for Harry to shake. As the boy did so he caught the folded parchment that the blond was offering to him. The raven haired boy grinned and walked off in the direction of the fat lady portrait, opening the paper once he was out of sight.

"Go and get your cloak then meet me at my room, knock four times so I know it's you.

D.

P.s. God I missed you last night. Xxx "

Harry's heart beat fast in his chest as he re-read the last line and practically ran to his dormitory.

The halls were empty by the time the emerald eyed boy was leaving the common room, luckily nobody was around to see the door open on its own. He crept through the corridors up to the Owlry, popping in and stroking Hedwig's feathers. She nipped at his finger affectionately as he gazed out of the window into the sky above. Stars clumsily covered the deep blue blanket above Hogwarts ground, Harry sighed, enjoying the cool air on his face when strong arms wrapped around him from behind.

"Planning to stay here all night, or did you actually want to see me" Draco leaned his head on Harry's shoulder as he whispered the words in his ear, sweetly kissing it after he was done.

The Gryffindor turned slightly to look at his companion and lost himself in a pool of liquid silver, so warm and inviting that he struggled to breathe. Eyes that shone brighter than any star Harry had just bored into him, turning him to jelly.

"Well...?" Draco asked, one eyebrow arched.

"Well, I like it here." His gaze flew back to the stars for a moment, "And I thought if I'd wish hard enough you'd find me" It sounded stupid once it was out, but Draco stepped close to him and smiled, shaking his head and chuckling.

"I found you" He replied, so softly. He played with a thick lock of hair behind Harry's ear before moving his hand behind the boys head and bringing their lips together. A lightning bolt hit Harry's heart and his knees went weak as Draco kissed him hard. He clung to the blond as the kiss deepened, Draco's tongue pressing against his bottom lip – asking for more. He tasted good, sweet and Harry could barely stifle the slight moan in his throat as Draco's teeth nipped his bottom lip.

He held the slender boy, running his hands up his waist and back, playing with silky strands of his hair. The two boys pulled apart, aware that if they continued somebody was bound to hear the sighs and groans of their desperate longing. Draco was breathing hard as Harry smirked at him; it was his turn to raise an eyebrow.

"I did warn you that I've missed you" The simple words turned the Gryffindor's smirk into a grin which melted Draco's heart, his kissed Harry on the forehead, "I know you like it here, but I think my room is a little less public" Harry smiled and nodded and allowed Draco to take his hand and start leading him out, only to stop him suddenly at the door way and motion for Harry to pull the cloak over them.

A soft laugh alerted them to somebody on the stairs. They strained to hear the voices.

"Let me see you tomorrow night?"

Harry heard Hermione giggle, but it sounded weird to him, unreal.

"Okay, you can see me tomorrow night. Meet me at the entrance hall after dinner?"

"Sure thing Fuzz. I just wish I didn't have to leave" Again, Hermione giggled. Harry could tell that she was nervous.

Draco pulled him slightly, obviously trying not to laugh. They stood at the bottom of the stairs watching Blaise awkwardly stand in front of Hermione, scratching the back of his head and looking at her.

"Well, goodnight I guess"

"Goodnight Blaise" She tucked a stray lock of hair out of her eyes and looked up at the boy, he looked slightly hurt. She laughed a bit "you're still here Blaise"

He laughed, then lowered his voice and stepped in "I know, seems I can't get enough of you."

Draco looked horrified as he watched his friend bend down to Hermione. She blushed as he kissed her on the cheek, but turned her head slightly, inviting him to kiss her goodnight properly.

He did so and her eyes closed, she put her arms around his neck and he played with her hair, pulling back slightly to give her a peck on the nose. He smiled, his wolfish teeth showing and Harry saw then and there – his best friend starting to fall in love with the Italian Slytherin. "I'll see you tomorrow Fuzz" he started down the stairs and only turned back to blow her a kiss before turning a corner and heading to his dorm.

"Bloody hell" She breathed before closing her door.

"That was horrible!" Draco exclaimed once he had Harry in the safety of his room.

Harry laughed, "It could have been worse"

"Well, yes" The blond replied. "But it could have been better! Blaise is usually more charming than that!"

Harry's brow furrowed, "Usually? Draco, please answer this truthfully. Does he have a bit of a...reputation?" He said the last word slowly, carefully.

Draco looked uneasy, he looked around before answering. "Well, Harry. He's had girls throwing themselves at him all his life. And yes he's taken advantage of that...I guess he's had a few..partners."

"I don't think Hermione would like that"

"I know. Please don't mention it to her, he really really likes her. I can tell he's serious about her and it will tear him to pieces if she rejected him for something he kind of regrets" Draco stepped forward and cupped Harry's chin in his hands. "Promise me"

How could the Gryffindor deny him anything? "I promise"

"Good." Draco bent and kissed Harry again, more gently than before. His lips moved open slowly and his tongue flicked softly against Harry's which left the smaller boy aching for more, he wanted to kiss Draco everywhere. All over the smooth white skin. He kissed down Draco's neck – making him make the most desirable sound. It made the raven haired boy more determined as he undid Draco's top button and kissed lightly along his collarbone.

"Harry" the other boy gasped.

He looked up and smiled at Draco's dreamy expression "I'm sorry, you're going to have to stop" his pale cheeks carried a slight rosy tint.

Harry chuckled and placed a gentle kiss on the hollow of Draco's throat. "Okay, if you insist." Draco nodded and Harry went to button his shirt back up, his eyes trailed to a gleam of silver, a chain that hung loosely around Draco's neck. He touched the cool metal, but continued to button up the shirt – not wanting to pry about the necklace as it was so obvious the boy wanted it hidden.

The Gryffindor was growing tired; lay in Draco's arms by the fire. He rested his head on the blond's chest and sighed. "I like it here"

"You prefer it to the Owlry?" Draco asked.

Harry laughed. "This is much better than the Owlry"

"Good." Draco paused for a moment in thought. "Harry...?"

"Mmm" was the sleepy reply.

"I have no idea what to get you for Christmas. What do you want?"

Harry opened his eyes in shock, "I don't expect any gift Draco." He grinned "Why, what do you want for Christmas?"

Draco pretended to think "Hmm, well. I think a little more of this will satisfy me good." He nuzzled Harry's ear and kissed his cheek.

The raven haired boy blushed.

"I'll surprise you" Draco said. "I feel like I don't really know you...is...is that bad?"

Harry's fingers were tangled in Draco's hair, playing with the platinum locks. "Not really, you have plenty of time to get to know me."

"That's true. Tell me something then."

Harry laughed, "like what?"

"Tell me what you want to do after this, after Hogwarts" He looked deep into Harry's eyes, hoping the answer had something to do with him.

"Well, I think a little more of this"

It was Draco's turn to laugh. "Be serious"

"I'm perfectly serious!" Harry argued, playfully flicking Draco on the nose and making him furrow his brows in an adorable fashion. "I'd like to be a professional Quidditch player." Harry blushed. "I can't think of anything I'd enjoy more"

Draco looked sceptical and pouted. "What about this?" he kissed Harry again.

"Okay...maybe this" came the muffled reply.

Their kiss melted into a laugh and they lay in silence for a while, Draco wrapping himself around his Gryffindor hero. He sub consciously stroked down the boys chest and back up again, he smiled as he realised Harry's breathing had gone heavy and his eyes had closed tightly.

He kissed Harry's scar gently and settled down once more.

A/N: I know, tonnes of filler. But I did shoot in a bit of fluff at the end! Come on guys, keep the reviews coming, they make me want to write lots :D Much love again to everybody who reviewed chapter 13