OceanDreams: Enjoy!

OooooO

Draco and Blaise followed quietly behind the bushy haired girl that was leading them to their quarters, the rest of his men having been lodged in another part of the castle. Gryffindor castle was still bustling with servants, even with the evening sun beginning to set, many which curiously watched the small group making their way down the hall.

"These are your quarters, your Majesty. Lord Blaise's are directly across the hall," the young girl said, indicating to the two doors. "Please make yourselves comfortable. Someone will come to lead you to the Great Hall for the evening meal in about an hour. My name is Hermione, please send for me if you require anything."

"Thank you, Hermione," Blaise answered for them as the girl gave a small curtsy and returned back down the hall. Draco entered his newly appointed quarters and was unsurprised when Blaise followed behind him. The suite of rooms was much smaller then his suite at Slytherin castle but was more than adequate for his needs during his stay in Gryffindor. If negotiations went well, Draco would be back in Slytherin in early fall with Harry by his side.

The room consisted of a large bed draped in brown, a small writing desk, and two chairs situated in front of the large window that dominated the southern wall of the bedroom. Draco lowered himself into one of the chairs with a weary sigh, Blaise seating himself in the other. The window overlooked the well kept gardens and Draco could see where each was divided. Some were clearly vegetable gardens, while others held a variety of plants and flowers.

"I wonder which one is Harry's?" Draco mused, his eyes narrowing at Blaise when the other boy snickered at him. "What?"

"You are utterly besotted," Blaise said with a laugh.

"I am not besotted!"

"So what do you call that bumbling attempt of a first meeting earlier today, and that near panic just now? I remember you telling me you were going to sweep Harry off his feet. Seems to be the other way around to me."

Draco rested his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands. "I know," he confessed. "I didn't expect this."

"Like I said, besotted."

Draco's glare turned into a smirk as he gazed at Blaise, "I don't think I'm the only one who has a little crush, am I?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Blaise said, even as a betraying flush crept down his neck.

"I saw how you were with that boy in the healing wing. Never seen you be that gentle with anyone."

"He was confused that's all. Even I can't be mean to someone who had just been poisoned," Blaise protested. Draco's grin just grew.

OoooooO

Harry woke slowly, the lingering grogginess from healing Neville fading as he became more aware. The light from his windows was the soft deep orange of evening, and Harry figured he been asleep for a few good hours. A soft noise form his sitting area caught his attention, and he found Camron reading a book by the fire.

"Camron," Harry called, his brother looked his way and gave him a relieved smile before setting his book aside and coming to sit on the edge of Harry's bed. "How long was I asleep?"

"About three hours, the evening meal will be starting soon. I was starting to get worried. Its been awhile since you've slept that long after a healing." Camron said, his fingers finding Harry's pulse.

"Camron, I'm fine," Harry said with a laugh, "The poison was something new that's all, it took a little more energy then I thought. Is Neville alright?"

"Neville is perfectly fine. He is resting in the healing wing for the night. He should be able to return to his duties tomorrow."

Camron was quite as Harry pulled himself out of bed and began to dress for the evening meal. "You and Draco seemed quite comfortable together this afternoon," Camron said.

"Yes, he was quite charming, after he managed to get his head together," Harry replied as he finished the last touches to his attire.

"I still don't trust him," Camron stated.

Harry stifled his sigh of annoyance, "A curse on older brothers and their thick skulls!"

Camron gave a sad laugh and turned to Harry placing his hands on his shoulders, "I only want for you to be happy. I know father didn't considered that no matter how much he loves us."

"He is doing what is best for his people."

"But what about what is best for his son?"

Camron's words tore at Harry's heart. Everything he said was true, but Harry knew his duties to his kingdom. He hugged Camron hard, his arms wrapping around his older brother's chest. "We are not afforded that luxury, brother."

Harry pulled away, and ignored the mistiness in Camron's eyes. "With Draco even if I can not be truly happy, I can at least be content, and that is more that I had counted on. He has given us no reason not to trust him, until then I would give my future husband the benefit of the doubt."

"Of course, Harry," Camron said with a nod of his head, and Harry wisely ignored the tightness to his brother's voice. "Are you sure you want to go to the evening meal. I can make excuses for you."

"No, I would like to go. I promise I feel fine. A little food would be wonderful."

OooooO

The Great Hall quieted as Harry and Camron entered the room. Many of the occupants called greetings, which both returned eagerly, out to both the crown prince and the younger prince, and Draco felt a twitch of irritation at many of the admiring glances shot Harry's way. Not that Draco could blame them. Harry looked quite handsome in a tailored set of russet brown robes, made from lighter cotton. He was surprised how well Harry looked, especially after he had collapsed in the healing wing. The two approached the head table and a nudge from Blaise beside him made him hiss a warning in the other man's direction as Harry sat beside him. Draco had been seated to the right of the king, in the place of honor, two spaces having been left for Harry and Camron beside him. Draco poured Harry a goblet of wine himself as the boy sat down next to him. A servant brought the prince a plate of food, only briefly looking at the filled goblet, before backing away.

"Thank you, Draco," Harry said gratefully taking a small sip. "I trust you found your quarters to be to your liking?"

"Yes, quite, I have a lovely view of the gardens," Draco answered as he studied Harry. "How is your friend doing?"

"Well, as far as I have been told," Harry said in between bites of food.

"I am surprised to see you up, Harry," Draco admitted, "Are you sure you're alright."

"Yes, I am feeling perfectly fine," Harry said with a mock sigh, "even if no one seems to believe me."

Draco laughed into his goblet as he took a sip. "Then I won't pester you, if you say you're feeling well, then I'll believe you. You know more about your magic than I do."

"Thank you, Draco, I don't think I can take much more of Camron's protective streak and I have a feeling I'll be getting a word from Severus and Regulus later on."

"All this because you passed out?" Draco asked with a laugh.

Harry's smile grew sheepish, "I tend to pass out quite a bit."

"It seems I'll have to keep an eye on you then."

The two quieted as James stood, raising his goblet towards Draco before addressing the crowd of nobles. "I wish to formally welcome, King Draco of Slytherin, to Gryffindor. I am hoping to soon embrace him as my new son."

Draco looked to Harry, whose face began to flush as the crowd of nobles turned their eyes to the youngest prince. Draco gave his arm an encouraging squeeze, before turning to nod at James in acknowledgement.

"To celebrate his arrival, a feast will be held in his honor tomorrow evening."

The crowd raised their goblets in toast and Draco returned the gesture, catching Harry's small smile out of the corner of his eye.

"I'm not going to have to dance or anything am I?" Draco asked in a whisper.

"It is not a set tradition," Harry said slowly, trying to hide his smile, "but it is expected that we dance together tomorrow as a sign of our courtship. If you don't wish to though I can make excuses."

"No, no, that's all right. I'm sure I can learn before tomorrow night. It shouldn't be to difficult," Draco stuttered, refusing to look at Harry who was still valiantly trying to hold in his laughter.

"I'd be happy to teach you, although our dances our a little complicated. Gryffindors are quite rowdy in their festivities, that includes our dances."

"I think that would be best," Draco replied, "I don't want to disappoint anyone."

"Tomorrow then," Harry said with a smile.

OooooO

Blaise strolled through the gardens, admiring the different flowers, most that were in full bloom. The air was full of sweet fragrances, and Blaise took the time to enjoy himself. The gardens themselves were walled in from the rest of the country side, most of them consisting of flower gardens and a few vegetable gardens Blaise assumed were reserved for the kitchens. Blaise had seen the larger crop fields fenced off at another section of the castle. Blaise had never seen so many varieties of flowers. Slytherin was a cold place, with a very short growing season, so most efforts were focused on their crops. The sun wasn't achingly hot this evening, and Draco was with Harry, escorted by the crown prince, hoping to sweep the boy prince off his feet with his non-existent dancing skills. Draco had a whole day to learn Gryffindor dancing. Blaise was thoroughly looking forward to that night's entertainment.

Blaise rounded the corner of the castle, more gardens coming into view. Crouched in one by the far wall was the boy from the other day, Neville, Blaise remembered.

"Are you sure you should be out of bed?"

"OH!" Neville jerked around with a cry, the gardening shovel falling from his hand.

Blaise quickly reached down and handed the tool back to the boy. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"No… no, not at all," Neville said, stumbling over his words, "I was just working in the garden, Lord Zabini."

"Please, just Blaise," Blaise said, brushing some loose dirt from Neville's shoulder, causing the shorter man to blush. "The gardens are wonderfully kept. Do you attend to them all?"

"No, Lord Blaise," Neville said, "Only these medicine gardens here. I'm afraid my skills aren't the best."

"Just Blaise, no Lord," Blaise said as he studied the three gardens Neville had pointed out and compared to the rest of the gardens were by far the best looking, both in health and looks. "They looked well cared for indeed," he complimented. Neville blushed, smoothing out invisible wrinkles in his dirty pants. Blaise watched the blush spread across Neville's cheeks and found the boy looked quite fetching that shade of pink. He still had most of his baby fat, but Blaise found Neville to be handsome in his own quieter way. His hair was a lighter shade of brown, and when the sun hit it just right Blaise could detect a hint of auburn in the undertones. The boys eyes were several shades lighter than his own dark brown, almost a honey brown, and Blaise found them much more appealing than the harsh eye colors found in Slytherin. His arms, hands and face were tan from work in the sun, but the small pieces of the boy's neck that Blaise could see were lily white, tempting Blaise to steal the boy away to a deserted room to take a closer peak. Neville was starting to fidget, obviously nervous in Blaise's presence.

"Would you give me a tour of the gardens, Neville?" Blaise asked, hoping to relieve the boy's nervousness with something more familiar. "We have very few gardens in Slytherin due to the colder climate."

"Of course, Lord…" Neville started to respond, his words stumbling at the look Blaise gave him, "Of course, Blaise. I would be happy to."

OooooO

"Now turn to the left… you're other left Draco. Good, now three steps back. Join hands with your partner and skip down the center of the lines."

Draco vainly tried to remember all the steps Harry had taught him so far as he imitated the directions the young man told him, often falling over his own feet. There was no way he was going to be able to remember all this by the feast. He and Harry were in his quarters, young prince attempting to teach him the highlighted dance for the feast that night. They apparently had to be escorted when alone, and Camron was taking no care to hide his amusement from Draco.

"Kings do not skip, Harry," Draco snarled as Camron laughed openly at him. Harry threw his brother a glare and rose from his seat to take Draco's hands and position them on his own body. Harry's hands were warm against his own, soft from work in the healing wing. Harry took one of Draco's larger hands in his own, placing one of his on Draco's shoulder, and placing Draco's other hand on Harry's left hip. The dip of Harry's hip fit perfectly into Draco's hand, and he unconsciously pulled Harry closer.

"They do in traditional Gryffindor dances. Now try it with me again. I think you almost had it that time."

Harry began to move them slowly, giving Draco the lead gradually, and the blonde king managed to only step on Harry's feet twice during the length of the dance. They made it through the whole dance without having to stop or Draco forgetting any of the steps, and the beaming smile Harry gave him as they finished made Draco feel an unexpected pride in himself for learning a dance. Camron had a small grimace on his face, and Draco smirked leaving his hands on Harry longer then necessary after they finished.

"That was almost perfect, Draco," Harry praised, "more than acceptable for tonight."

A rap on the door stopped anything else Harry was going to say, and Camron called for the knocker to enter. Blaise stepped in, bowing to Camron and Harry.

"Majesty, if I may? I need to speak to you before the feast tonight."

"Of course, Blaise, just give me a few minutes," Draco responded turning to Harry. "If you think we need to..." he began, but Harry held up a hand to wave the words away.

"That's quite alright, you're more than prepared for tonight and I need to check the healing wing before getting ready."

Draco gave a stiff bow to Camron, the crown prince still snickering at him, and then gave a bow to Harry, taking the prince's hand in his and placing a chaste kiss to the palm. "Until tonight then, Harry," Draco said, allowing a slight husk to enter his voice.

"Until tonight, Draco."

OooooO

Harry quickly checked the healing wing and attended to the few who were there, before rushing back to his room to prepare for the feast. His robe that night was one of his more decorative robes, but was also comfortable enough for him to be able to move in. It was a bright crimson, the color of the Gryffindor quest, and underneath he wore trousers of a beige gold to offset the red. On his feet he wore a soft pair of slipper like shoes, much more delicate then his usual leather boots, but also much easier to dance in. Hopefully Draco wouldn't step on his feet to many times.

The great hall was resplendent in its decorations, wreaths of summer vines and flowers running the length of the table, and colorful banners hanging from the ceiling in both Gryffindor red and Slytherin green. All the tables were overflowing with food, every guest, both noble and peasant eating their fill. Everyone from the castle and the surrounding village had been invited to the feast and many of them were already dancing to the lively music that the castle bards were playing. Ron had Hermione by the hands, trying desperately to not step on her feet, his eyes trained to the ground instead of her face; but Hermione's happy face belied any annoyance in her dance partner. Sirius and Remus were one of the more graceful couples, moving in perfect time to the music, and Camron twirled his mother around the dance area, her bright laughter infectious. Harry smiled in the direction of the head table where his father, Severus, Regulus, and Draco sat. Draco and Regulus leaned together speaking quietly, and Severus watching the dancers with a slight frown on his face, but one of his feet keeping time to the music. The couple that surprised Harry the most was Neville and Lord Blaise. His gardener had a permanent blush on his face as Blaise led him around the floor and through the dances. Harry saw him lean over to whisper into Neville's ear and saw his friend stumble in response, Blaise catching and supporting him with a smile on his face.

Draco had been enjoying catching up with Regulus when Harry entered the great hall and his conversation with Regulus was forgotten. Harry looked beautiful in his crimson robes and gold trousers. His eyes highlighted by the warm colors. Draco lost all concentration when he looked down and saw Harry's slippered feet. By the gods, Harry's feet were tiny, smaller than many of the women's at his court. Thoughts of him caressing the arch of that small foot as he and Harry lounged in bed overtook him, and Draco had force himself to concentrate as Harry approached and took his seat next to Draco. Harry filled his plate and smiled brightly at Draco, his hand brushing his as he reached over for the wine pitcher.

"You look very handsome tonight, Draco," Harry complimented, as he began to eat. "But I think together we look more like a Yule tree."

Draco snorted into his wine, but couldn't help but agree. He was dressed in one of his more formal attires, but it was still cool enough for the hot, summer air of Gryffindor. His tunic was the traditional green of Slytherin, and over that he wore a silver doublet that was his own distinct color. His trousers were one of his cooler pair, a soft black, with black formal boots. Together he and Harry made a striking picture.

He and Harry talked the majority of the night, learning about each other, and feeling out their future lives. Harry was quite fond of tournaments, which greatly surprised Draco, but hated the way many nobles treated their people. Harry loved to swim, and Draco ashamedly admitted that he had never learned. Harry promised to teach him before the weather turned to cold. Draco cursed himself as thoughts of Harry dripping wet on the bank of the lake caused him to almost spill his wine. Draco revealed that he enjoyed reading, and Harry said he would take them to see their library soon, as well. Draco saw James watching them from his chair a few seats down, as well the satisfied smile that he gave the two.

The music from the bards changed and two lines quickly began to form in the dancing area. Harry's eyes beamed and he pulled Draco from his chair to join the dancers.

"Harry, are you sure about this?"

Harry didn't even answer, only smiled at Draco as he pushed him into place on the opposite side on the line. Blaise was beside him, the gardener boy his partner across the way. Blaise only grinned and shrugged, turning his eyes back to the boy as the dancing began. Draco and Harry came together, Draco's hands instinctively finding one of Harry's and the other going to his hip. Harry let him lead and he carefully led them through he dance, Harry's face red with excitement and laughing joyfully in Draco's ear. They whirled around the floor, both laughing as Draco stumbled, but never once stepped on Harry's feet. Harry drew closer as they danced, and Draco could feel his chest against his own, heaving with exertion from the dance. Harry stayed close as the dance ended, his green eyes locking with Draco's. Draco could feel his warm, sweet breath on his lips and breathed in as Harry breathed out, glimpsing a taste of the beautiful man in front of him.

"Another?" Harry asked in a whisper, a smile on his face. Draco could only nod his assent, even though he had no hope of surviving the next dance. The music started up again, and Harry moved his arms to the correct position. The door to the great hall banged open, rebounding off the stone wall causing the music to stop abruptly and Harry to jerk away from Draco. Silence filled the hall as a fat, beady, rat like man entered the hall and Draco saw Harry tense. James rose from his seat and rushed down to the man embracing him like an old friend.

"Peter!" the king boomed, "I was not expecting you for another month at least!"

"We made good time, sire. The weather was excellent for traveling, but I have brought guests that I feel you will be most happy to greet."

The man quickly bowed away as another man, this one tall and handsome, entered the great hall.

"May I present, Lord Thomas Riddle."

OooooO

OceanDreams: Holds up a white flag from behind Harry and Draco.

So, so sorry about the terrible update time. I had a terrible case of writer's block and could not get this chapter to come out right. I've redone it at least nine times, and I finally got it the way I like it and hopefully everyone else will too. I didn't want you all to have to read something that was only half way decent. Next chapter lots of major stuff happens, so be prepared. Love everyone who sent me reviews. They really keep me going when things aren't going well with the story, because I know you all actually want to know what happens.