Harry was in the library with Hermione and Neville when Viktor appeared and from the look on his face he had something to tell Harry right away. Hermione ducked out of the library with them to be their official company as well as a look out.

Harry laughed as Viktor pulled him into an alcove. "You know I have never been in one of these with someone before."

Viktor smiled. "Well as exciting as they are I've come to tell you that it isn't needed any more. Durmstang knows."

Harry wasn't sure how to gauge the expression and how his schoolmates had taken it. "Are we cool or do I have to worry about them hexing me?"

Viktor smirked a bit. "No hexes. They think it's cool I'm dating the only person as famous as me here. And Karkaroff says as long as you don't distract me from training or sabotage me, he's fine."

Harry sighed a breath of relief and explained how his own talks went. "So basically other then my own house and some others here and there, I'm fine too."

Viktor hated making Harry choose. "Are you sure? I mean I know how important houses are here. I don't want to come between you and your house."

Harry nodded. "Hermione and the Gryffindors who matter like my quidditch buddies and Neville, support me. It doesn't matter if the others won't."

Viktor gently kissed him. "Then does that mean we are going to come out in the open and I can properly start dating you?"

Harry nodded. "Yes. I vote for soon as this weekend is Hogsmeade and I for one would like to have our proper first date there."

Viktor liked the sounds of that. "I had been hoping to ask you but you beat me to it. But I'm just glad we're doing this."

Harry was too. "I think tomorrow we make out entrance as a couple into the Great Hall. Get it over for everyone. Might be safer that way as well."

Viktor thought it made sense. "Less chance anyone would try to hex me for corrupting you, in front of teachers and those who promised to back us."

Harry nodded. "I have found another upside of living with Professor Snape this year. I don't have to worry about being hexed while I sleep."

Viktor decided to test the waters with another suggestion. "What would you say if I asked you to be my date for the Yule Ball?"

Harry gaped at him. "You mean it?"

"Yes. But remember I am a champion and my partner and I have to dance the opening dance of the ball with the other champions. Are you up to it?"

Harry was a bit self conscious except in quidditch but he nodded. "If it means I get to be your date for the ball, I can deal with the eyes on us for our first dance."

Viktor's face lit up brighter then Harry had ever seen. "I'm so glad. And after tomorrow I will be spared all the girls throwing themselves at me."

Harry had noticed ever since the ball was announced every girl wanted to get Viktor to ask them. "An up side indeed. I want no girls' hands on you."

Viktor took the chance to gently jibe Harry and test the waters. "Good. I really only thought of men anyways. There's a few I might try snogging."

Harry felt a huge bubble of jealousy but it popped when he saw Viktor's eyes shimmering. "Keep that up and you might be stood up for the ball."

Viktor put on an apologetic pout that made his hard features soften a lot. "Oh don't say that. You wouldn't be so cruel as to make me dance all alone."

Harry pretended to think for a moment before he smiled. "No. I wouldn't. But if I don't get downstairs soon, this weekend might be off before it begins."

Viktor noticed the time and kissed him. "I wouldn't want you to get into trouble. Tomorrow at lunch then?"

Harry agreed and with Hermione in tow as an escort he made his way down to the dungeons and arrived with three minutes to spare. He had finished his homework before Viktor had stolen him away so he knew Severus would have no grounds to be angry. He said goodbye to Hermione and went in.

Harry found Severus in his lab and put an apron on. As he was cutting slugs he explained what had occurred, without looking up. "Is that okay?"

Severus chuckled a bit. "You're asking me permission to go on a date? Well as novel as that seems to me, I agree to both Hogsmeade and the ball."

Harry looked up and beamed. "Really?"

Severus nodded. "Of course with town the same rules go about no secluded spots alone. And the ball also depends on your behaviour between now and then."

Harry beamed. "Thank you."

Severus added. "And I think you're making the right choice coming out tomorrow. It can't remain hidden forever and I'd be happy for it would make you safer."

Harry wasn't sure why he found himself talking to Severus about it as they made a potion that night but he had to admit it was nice to have a parental figure to ask advice about things like dating. He knew he didn't really have to ask Sev's permission for the ball or town as he had a permission form, but he felt it right.

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After charms class Harry met Viktor in the hall. Harry had warned his friends that knew and Viktor the Slytherins and his schoolmates, to make sure they didn't walk in unprepared. Harry smiled and took Viktor's hand and after a deep breath they walked into the Great Hall.

Ron was some how the first to spot them and saw their hands. "See I told you. I wasn't lying. The golden boy is snogging the Durmstang champion."

Harry walked over to his friend. "You're right, I am snogging him." And in demonstration for everyone he kissed Viktor. A short peck but enough of one.



Most of the school cheered to his surprise, including the entire Ravenclaw table, most of Gryffindor and some of the girls at the other two. There were even some cat calls but there were also some who came to stand behind Ron and Harry was grateful he knew this would come.

Seamus jabbed him in the chest. "You're a little traitor to your school. You're snogging the enemy and probably passing on information."

Dean nodded and looked at the Huffelpuffs. "You know he is probably sabotaging your champion behind your backs. You can't trust him now."

Cedric stood up. "Harry has actually helped me prepare and has been a good friend. I for one have no problem with him seeing Viktor. His loyalty is with us."

Hufflepuff followed suit and any who had not supported Harry before clapped for Harry now. "Yeah sit down and shut up Weasel." Many shouted.

Ron rounded on Harry. "We know you are a sick little queer and traitor and we'll prove it and get you back for this. You better watch your back."

Draco and a few Slytherins had come in. "I don't think I heard you right Weasel? Threatening another student. You try anything and we'll make you regret it."

Seamus smirked. "So that is why the pictures weren't printed and why Harry is brave suddenly. He has the little snakes behind him does he?"

Ron laughed. "Should have known when you went to live with Snape that he would convert you. Go join the snakes; you're not wanted among us."

Fred stood and slapped his brother on the back. "Speak for yourself little brother. Harry is a lion through and through and welcome in our house, his house."

All but a handful of people echoed Fred's sentiments. Ron sneered. "The damned lions, you have them brainwashed. Just remember, watch your back Harry."

Harry watched as he stormed out with Seamus and Dean. Viktor was worried. "You'll have to be more careful then ever."

Harry shook his head. "Ron is too much of a coward to try anything. Besides he threatened me in front of the school. Anyone would know it was him."

Draco clapped him on the back. "The Slytherins have your back, you know it."

Not to be outdone Katie stood. "And the lions of course." And the table echoed it again.

Even some badgers and eagles showed their vocal support and Harry felt relieved. Part of him had been a bit worried. He knew though that Ron after threatening him so publically would have to be an idiot to try anything but his former friend was one a lot. He was reassured though he had most of the school behind him.

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On Friday night Harry was returning from the library where he had been studying with Viktor and Hermione. Hermione was going to be late for curfew and Viktor had to get back to the boat so he insisted he was fine at the top of the dungeon stairs and to go on.

Viktor kissed him. "Are you sure? I don't want you alone and for Snape to get mad."

Harry shook his head. "It is about 20 feet from the bottom of the stairs to home. No one is going to try something so close to Slytherin anyways.'

Viktor reluctantly left him with one last kiss. "Hurry straight to your painting please. I want you safe and sound for our date tomorrow."

Harry sent him a reassuring smile as he headed towards the stairs. "Don't worry. I have no intention of missing our first real date."

Harry was just passing the potions classroom when within six feet of the painting he felt a set of hands yank him into the classroom and before he could react he felt something hard slam into the back of his head and the world went black.