Twist of Fate

by OakStone730

Draco asks Harry to help him beat the Imperius curse during 4th year. The lessons turn into more than either expected. A story of redemption and forgiveness. SLASH DRARRY Pairings: HP/DM Timeframe: 1994-2002 Goblet to 4 yrs post-DH EWE Rating M for language, angst, content

25. Dance With Me

Many thanks to Kristine Thorne, Harlie Rayne, and Flammae Ignis for their feedback on this chapter. Note on the last chapter: Flammae Ignis and an Anon reviewer both pointed out a huge plot-hole regarding Hermione and her parents. I've gone back and tried to repair it just a little by rewriting the scene of Harry & Hermione talking after the Potter family photos were returned.

This chapter is a huge roller coaster ride. For Merlin's sake DO NOT GET OFF MID-RIDE!

---

The following Saturday Andromeda took Teddy off for the weekend to the Burrow so that Harry, Draco and David could work on the room together. Harry took them up to the room and David looked at what Draco had accomplished already in the room, "Really amazing work, Draco." Looking over at him David added, "I knew you were talented but this really showcases it. You should consider getting a portfolio together."

Draco just shook his head, "I like the Center."

"Not what I mean, the Center and I definitely need you, but you could easily do art projects like this on the side. Explore your talents."

David stepped back to look at the entrance to the alcove, "I think what we came up with will work, Draco. Why don't you show the sketch to Harry?"

They quickly sorted out what needed to be done and Harry and David got to work shaping the chicken wire as Draco mixed up the flour paste. "You are the potions expert." Harry said with a half-smile.

Draco rolled his eyes at him over the cauldron where the unpleasant smelling mixture was simmering. "I don't think a gloppy mix of flour and water can be called a potion."

"Technicality." Harry stepped back to look at the shapes that now surrounded the alcove. 'What do you think?"

Draco looked over with David, "That looks good and I'll be able to paint the mural over to this area and make it look all part of the same thing. So what do we do with the glop?"

"We need to tear the paper into strips and then smear the, er, glop on the paper and then just start sticking it to the form." Harry went and got the stacks of the Prophet that he had gotten from the Weasleys. "I can't think of a better use for the Prophet except perhaps to line an owl cage."

The three of them sat tearing strips, after a few minutes they had a small pile. David said, "Why don't I keep doing this and you two get started."

Harry levitated the cauldron over to the wall. He looked into the cauldron, "All of a sudden I remember why I never liked working with papier mache." He took a strip of paper and dropped it in the paste, scissoring his fingers he sluiced off the extra paste and turning he stuck the wet strip of paper onto the chicken wire. Draco watched him, "Are you sure a sticking spell wouldn't be easier?"

"Nope," David said with a smile, "Won't hold the paint and you wouldn't be able to texture it like you will this."

Draco sighed and pulled off his jumper, rolling up his sleeves of his silver blue shirt he sighed and copied Harry's motions, wrinkling his nose in distaste at the feel of the paste on his fingers.

Soon Harry and he developed a rhythm and were rapidly getting the sections covered. He reached for another strip and realized they were out of them.

"Do you have more strips ready, David?" Harry turned to ask, he stopped as he saw David sitting on the floor reading a Prophet.

David looked up startled at hearing his name. He looked from Harry and Draco to the Prophet and back down again. "This article is about you two."

Harry glanced at Draco, "Not exactly surprising, considering how often we are in the paper."

"It's about your trial, Draco. I knew about that but...I didn't know about this."

Harry looked at Draco in astonishment "You didn't tell him?"

Draco scowled, "No. Didn't see the need, figured someone at the Center would tell him. I guess everyone is taking the no gossiping rule seriously."

David shook his head, "No one said anything to me." Harry took in the other wizard's pale face and wondered which Prophet he could be reading. Heedless of the paste still sticking to his hands he reached over and took it from him. Looking at the cover he swore and handed it to Draco so he could see. Draco looked from the paper to Harry. The paper was from the trial, Harry walking out of the Wizengamot with Ron and Hermione supporting him was splashed on the cover. Draco crumpled it up.

Harry shrugged, "You fill him in and I'll go make some tea." Harry prepared the tea tray slowly wanting to make sure that Draco had time to tell the story the way he wanted it told. He levitated the tray into the room and saw that the two wizards were sitting on the floor, Draco leaning against Teddy's bed and David against the wall. Both stopped talking as he entered.

He handed them the tea and sat cross legged on the floor, looking at David. He looked from Draco to Harry. "I don't quite understand how you two can be like this. You're friends?"

Harry took a sip of tea and shrugged, "We weren't for a long time. And we still have our moments. You are just seeing the end of a year of getting used to what happened."

"This is a lot to take in." David shook his head, "We heard about you, Harry. All the way over in British Columbia it was enough to make the news what you did to that wizard, what was his name? Volde-someone."

"Voldemort."

"Right, but after that the papers stopped covering you, went on to other news." David said, "I can't believe that Draco -"

Harry cut him off, "It was a different time. It was a very bad time. A lot of bad things happened that shouldn't have, Draco probably didn't mention that I almost killed him during sixth year." Draco looked at him in surprise.

"Because of the obliviate?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I didn't find out about that until what? Two years later?" Draco nodded. He had set down his tea and was leaning with his head resting against the bedframe, his eyes closed. His arms were folded in his lap, the Dark Mark clearly visible. "I cast a spell that I didn't know while we were fighting and it ripped his chest open. He only survived because a professor came by who recognized the spell and knew what to do."

"Merlin. What else?"

"Draco saved my life when we were captured and being held in his house, allowed my friends and I to escape." Harry said.

"And Harry returned the favor when we were both trapped in Fiendfyre during the final battle. Came back to save me and a friend from it."

David shook his head, "And you are both still only nineteen."

Harry shrugged, "I don't think our ages matter, we just did what we had to do. Both of us." He looked over at Draco, "Obviously it is more complicated than that and some things are harder to accept than others."

Draco stood up, "And talking about the horrible things we did to each other won't change anything. We need to get this done for Teddy. David, do you still want to help? You wouldn't be the first one to walk away once they learned about me."

David hesitated, "No, I said I would help and I will." he hesitated, "But I might have more questions later."

They soon had the entire surface covered with papier mache and Harry could see that it had really taken on a cavelike appearance. "Teddy is going to love this."

David nodded, "Let me cast a spell to hurry up the drying process so we can get the second layer on after lunch."

Harry went downstairs to fix lunch, a few minutes later Draco walked into the kitchen. Draco watched Harry fixing the sandwiches without comment for a moment and then spoke, "Did you mean what you said up there?"

"About all the shite we did to each other?" Harry asked, Draco nodded.

"Of course, it is the truth. We were horrible to each other." Harry hesitated, staring down at the knife in his hand. "What did you think? After I used Sectumsempra on you. I almost killed you."

"I wished that you had. I screamed at Snape for saving me. He knew I wanted to die but he wouldn't let me." Draco said, "Then he said the only thing he could have that made me glad I hadn't died on the floor of that bathroom."

"What was that?"

"He asked me how you would feel if I died." Draco shuddered, "And I knew I couldn't do that to you. I couldn't let my death be on your conscience."

Harry glanced at Draco who had unrolled his sleeves and was buttoning his cuffs. "Why do you wear Muggle clothes now under your robes?"

"Easier shopping in Muggle stores." Draco said after a pause.

"How can it be easier to convert your galleons and go to Muggle London?"

"Easier because I don't get hexed through the dressing room curtain." Draco said grimacing, "One too many jelly legged hexes caught me half naked in the dressing room, much to the amusement of the clerks and customers.

"They can't do that to you!" Harry exclaimed.

"Who is going to stop them?" Draco laughed derisively, "You?"

"If I have to do it. You proved yourself. You were cleared of all charges."

"Except one."

"You know it isn't right."

"Since when does anything have anything to do with what is right." Draco slammed his hand down on the table, "I accept that I'm hated wherever I go, that is why I stick to the Center or Muggle areas. You are the one that has a problem with this."

"Why am I just hearing about this now?"

"Because it is none of your business, Harry." Draco said, "I can take care of myself. My life, not yours. If you ever choose to be a real part of mine, then we can-"

"I take it this is one of those moments you were talking about?" David's voice caused them both to turn towards the stairs as David walked into the room.

"If Draco and I don't argue about something each time we see each other we feel cheated." Harry said, glaring at Draco. He turned away and grabbing the plates and carried them to the table. "Roast beef sandwiches, I hope that is okay." After a moment Draco followed and sat down at the table next to Harry.

"Roast beef is good. I have to say you two are very matter of fact about what happened to you, very, well, British."

Draco nodded, "Like Harry said, we have our moments. And we are lucky to have come out of the war alive, although don't always quite appreciate that fact."

David look back at Harry, "So what do you do? Other than being on the BMP board? What the devil does BMP stand for anyway?"

Harry laughed, "You don't know?"

"Nope, I've been too busy getting everything set up and every time it occurs to me there is no one around to ask."

Harry shrugged, "It stands for Black Malfoy Potter, when we were coming up with the name we couldn't agree on what to call it, so we ended up using just our initials in alphabetical order."

David looked at the two of them, "You mean that you aren't just on the Board, you are the Board? I figured you were just picked to be youth representatives. Who's Black?"

Harry laughed and pointed up at the ceiling, "This is Black, This was my godfather Sirius Black's house and Draco's mother was a Black, as well."

"Serves me right not researching who my employers are," David shook his head, "I still can't believe that you can sit at a table together let alone work together on a project as big as the Center and even what we are doing upstairs."

"Speaking of the project, we'd better get working on it or we'll never finish." Draco said as he cleared their plates from the table.

Two hours later they were finished with the second layer of papier mache. David had to leave to get a floo call he was expecting from his fiancé. Together Harry and Draco took the brushes and supplies down to the kitchen to clean them up.

"We are going to have to let it dry overnight and then it can start to be painted." Draco said looking it over as he filled the cauldron that he held the paste up with water, "But I like it already. If it is okay I'll come over a couple nights this week after work and finish it up."

"That won't be a problem. I have a few charity events that I'm doing this week, or rather Hank does."

"Black is getting quite a reputation for being out and about. How many public appearances have you done this month?"

"A few, it is easier being Hank."

"Doesn't change the fact that you are really Harry Potter, you are going to have to accept that one of these days."

"Hank has an easier life. Are you going to the Ministry Charity Ball on Wednesday?"

Draco grimaced, "Yes, I've promised my mother. And as McCain says, it is good for the Center to have the BMP represented."

"It shouldn't be that bad." Harry said, "But yeah, I know how you feel."

"Will you be Hank or Harry at the ball?"

"Both, the Cannons are making a big donation and of course, I'll be there for the BMP."

"How are you going to pull that off?"

"Change of robes in Ron's office." Harry shrugged. "I'll be like Clark Kent."

To his surprise Draco laughed, "If you are going to wear Superman's tights under your robes I'm going to be sure not to miss the Ball."

"You know about Superman?"

Draco raised his eyebrow, "You used to be very keen to improve my grade in Muggle Studies."

"Oh." Harry said nodding. "That makes sense."

"Right. I should be going. I'll owl you what nights I'll be here."

"Don't worry about it, I'll set the wards so you can come over whenever you like." Harry said. Draco gave him a funny look but nodded.

That night he went to his bedroom and pulled out the bundle of letters from Cedric Diggory. It had been nearly a year since he had read them. From the pieces of information that he had learned from Draco some of the letters made more sense, but he was still left with more answers than questions. And the letters only covered fourth year. Harry read the last letter again, sent the day before Cedric had died.

He remembered back to the Prophet photo that David had held up. He had never seen it, the Weasleys having hidden it away. He had come a long way since that day in the courtroom. Maybe it was time he finally put it all to rest for good. He had meant what he'd said to David. A lot of people did things they regretted, were forced to make decisions that seemed to be the right ones because there seemed there was no other choice. Hermione and her parents, Ron leaving Hermione and Harry during their quest, Lupin leaving Tonks. What he had done to Draco in the bathroom.

OOOOOO

The Ministry Atrium was lit by hundreds of candelabras floating in the air, already there seemed to be hundreds of people walking through to get to the Ballroom. Harry nervously adjusted his formal robes and glanced over at Simon. "Tell me again why I have to be here?"

"To represent the BMP at the Ministry's main charity fundraiser of the year. Would scarcely do to have the chairman skip an event that brings in thousands of galleons."

"I'm going to make you chairman next meeting."

"Nope, not until April when you vanish again into your leathers." Simon coughed, "Quidditch leathers I mean."

"Sure hope that is what you meant," a voice said from behind them. Harry turned to see Charlie Weasley standing behind them, a grin on his face. He was bronzed with the sun, his blue eyes laughing at Harry and Simon. Harry hadn't seen him since Hogwarts in May, his hair had grown out and just brushed his shoulders.

"Charlie, I didn't think that you were arriving until tomorrow." Harry shook his hand while pulling him into a hug.

"I caught an earlier portkey. Couldn't miss a chance to the mythical legend Harry Potter making a public appearance."

"Funny. Charlie, this is Simon Ward, Simon, Charlie Weasley."

The two men shook hands, "I've heard much about you from Harry." Simon said.

"You look familiar. Did you play Quidditch at Hogwarts?"

"Yes, I was a beater for Ravenclaw, about four years behind you though."

Charlie nodded, "We probably played a few games together, I was a Gryffindor seeker."

"Of course, you were." Harry heard Draco drawl from behind them.

He turned to look at him. Before he could ask Draco what he'd meant, David Taylor came up to them with a tall blond woman dressed elegantly in blue robes. David introduced her as his fiancée from New York City.

After making introductions all around Simon turned to Charlie, "What led you to be a dragon wrangler? Harry has told me about the camps and it sounds extraordinary." Charlie easily fell into the conversation, with David and Leslie participating.

"What was that seeker crack about?" Harry asked Draco.

"Nothing, just an observation. He has all the needed qualities of a seeker, doesn't he?" Draco said. "Speaking of seekers, when are you going to transform?"

"In a little while. I don't think anyone expects me to stay too long, there are benefits to having a reputation of a recluse. Should probably go into the ball so I can make my escape sooner. Shall we?" Harry nodded towards the entranceway, "Ron and Hermione are already inside."

An hour later Harry was ready to leave, his smile felt plastered on his face. Feigning the need for another drink he walked away from the group of hobnobbers that had surrounded him and walked quickly towards the bar. Scanning the room for Simon he saw him from across the room. Setting down his glass on the nearest table he made his way over to him.

"Thought you had already left," Simon said when he saw Harry, "So to speak."

"Just about to, thought I'd check in with you before I changed." Harry continued to look around, "Have you seen Draco or Charlie anywhere?"

"Haven't seen Draco in a while, not since the first ten minutes or so, I think he is introducing Taylor around. Charlie and I were talking but a friend just bumped into him and took him off."

"You were talking to Charlie this whole time?"

"You sound surprised."

"A little. Charlie isn't always the most chatty of the Weasleys."

"Hmmm." Simon said, "Didn't seem to have any problems."

"Kind of funny to see him in formal dress robes."

"No need for them in the camps, I imagine."

Harry laughed, "Not hardly, tattoos and britches is what he wears in camp. Maybe a shirt."

"That must be a sight."

Harry heard the contemplative sound in Simon's voice, he looked over at him, "Interested?"

"He lives in Romania, Harry." Simon responded, a faint flush rising in his cheek betrayed him.

A half hour later, Harry reentered the party as Hank Black. Ron had given him a hard time when he had thought he had forgotten the amulet that would provide him with Black's Australian accent. Fortunately, he found it in the pocket of the robes. Hermione met them and gave him a bright smile.

"You carry yourself differently as Hank, you know." she said tilting her head to look at him. "More relaxed. As Harry you look you are ready to confront anyone who dares approach you. Hank is friendlier. You look like anyone could walk up to you and you wouldn't mind chatting with them."

"That is because all they want to talk with me is Quidditch. They don't want me to talk to the minister about Death Eaters, or about Voldemort, or righting wrongs. I like talking Quidditch."

"About that, Harry," Hermione glanced nervously at where Ron was standing in the queue a few feet away waiting to order their drinks. "I haven't told Ron about what you told me."

"Good." Harry said shortly.

"You should." Hermione said firmly. "And, you really need to think about not playing, Harry." she hissed at him.

"Hermione, we're not going into this here." Harry said, annoyed, "Especially not-"

"What's wrong?" Ron asked handing Harry his pint.

"Nothing. Hermione was just thinking I should be Harry here more than Hank."

"I'm going to find Ginny." Hermione said with a glare at Harry.

"What got into her?"

"Don't know." Harry turned to look around the room, "Should we find your brothers?"

"Nah, they are probably all trolling for dates to bring to the New Year's party."

"George doesn't have anyone?" Harry looked over surprised at Ron, "He never has a problem finding a date."

"He was going to bring Estrella, from the shop across the street but," Ron grimaced, "Dragon pox."

"Oh, ouch."

Ron looked over at him, "Do you have a date? New Year's?"

Harry shook his head, "That is the least of-" Just then the PR man from the Cannons came up to them.

"Hank, where have you been? We need you to come and talk to the press."

Harry groaned and waved bye to Ron and let the agent lead him through the crowds to where some of his other team members were gathered to talk informally with the reporters. With their winning season the Cannons were enjoying the ride into the off-season. Harry had been pleased with how many charities the owners helped out and he was always glad to help. Finally, his obligation was done and he made his way through the crowd. The first person he saw that he recognized was Charlie and a group of his former classmates from Hogwarts.

"Hank. My old dragon wrangling chum." Charlie said, shaking his hand enthusiastically.

"Putting it on a little thick there, mate." Harry said with a laugh, his Australian accent broader than ever.

Charlie laughed, "Do you know we've had reporters snooping around the camp. All looking to get a big scoop on the mysterious Hank Black?"

"I hope you feed them to Maida."

"Not yet, been thinking about it." Charlie glanced at him, "Simon has been telling me about Grimmauld Place, it sounds pretty amazing."

"It is a lot better than it was." Harry said with a nod, "You should swing by tomorrow and see it."

"I'll do that. Having dinner with Bill and Fleur. I'll come by after."

OOOOoO

Draco slipped carefully in through the front door. Stopping by to work on Teddy's room was trickier because Teddy was home. Andromeda had promised to keep him occupied downstairs until bedtime.

Harry came into the hallway as Draco was still on the steps.

"Hey, just wanted to let you know that Charlie Weasley is stopping by in a little while to see the house. I promised him yesterday to take him through."

Draco nodded, "Sure, I'm going to ward Teddy's bedroom door though, don't want Teddy to surprise me while I'm working on it."

"That's fine, we'll skip his room. Do you think you'll finish tonight?"

"Probably, I'll let you know if I don't."

"No worries, either way."

Draco nodded and headed up the stairs. He walked into the room and revealed the mural. It was almost complete except for adding the people and a few more dragons. The paints and brushes were hidden in the alcove and he pulled them out and contemplated what to paint first.

An hour later he heard voices passing the door. Weasley. Draco gritted his teeth and kept focused on the mural. He was using his finest paint brushes to paint the details of the people into the mural. With a grim smile he turned back to the tiny figure he'd just painted, he took the brush and painted tiny horns sticking out of the top of the person's head. He waited for the paint to dry and then reluctantly painted a hat over the horns. He checked the time, he only had a few minutes until Teddy's bedtime. Quickly he concealed the mural and capped all of the paints. Sliding the box of paints into the alcove and concealing it he gathered the brushes and rags and headed downstairs. He slipped past the sitting room doorway just as he heard Andromeda telling Teddy that it was time for bed.

Going down the hall to the steps that led to the basement kitchen he clipped down the steps. Just as his foot was touching the bottom step of the staircase into the kitchen he looked into the room and stopped short at the sight of Harry and Charlie Weasley kissing at the kitchen table. The red-haired wizard's hand was entwined in Harry's hair and Harry was leaning into the kiss. Draco froze unable to tear his eyes from the pair. There was a breaking of glass and he looked down to see that he had dropped the jar of brushes. Harry pulled away from Charlie and they both looked over at him. Charlie smiled easily and looked back at Harry, "We'll talk on Christmas Eve." Harry flushed and nodded. "I better get back to Mum and Dad's."

Charlie stood up from the table and walked towards the back entrance that led to the alleyway, as he passed Draco he nodded congenially, "Malfoy."

"Weasley." Draco replied. He waited until the door closed behind Weasley before moving. Looking down at the broken glass on the floor he pulled out his wand and vanished it. It was only after he'd done it that he realized that he had just vanished his favorite brushes as well. It didn't matter he thought as he put away his wand, some things were easier to replace than others.

"Do you want some coffee? It is still hot." Harry said after a long pause. He sat at the table, his hands gripping his mug tightly.

Draco shook his head and went over to the sink to wash up. He was glad to see his hands weren't shaking as he turned on the water. He braced his arms on the counter and willed himself to get control of the emotions that were whirling inside his head. The silence in the room grew.

"I'm not going to apologize for kissing someone in my own kitchen." Harry said at last, shifting uncomfortably on the bench.

Draco drew in a shaky breath, "I don't expect you to, I just hadn't realized you were still together."

"We aren't...he was just letting me know that, erm, the option is available. Wait, what do you mean still together?"

"Doesn't take an "O" in Divination to figure out there was something more than a love of dragons to keep you in Romania in the dead of winter last year. He is a fit sort of bloke if you like ginger. Which you obviously do." Draco walked back to the table and sat down opposite of Harry. "I'm not wrong, am I? You were together?"

"We were for a while but decided things were too complicated. We cooled things down before Christmas last year. Didn't want to upset anyone here so we just didn't tell anyone."

"By the look of it you wouldn't object too much to the idea of getting back together."

Harry flushed, "He's a good kisser, not that I have anything to compare, but no, the reasons are still out there why we shouldn't."

"Like what?"

Harry hesitated and then shrugged, "Ginny and Ron."

"I don't think those two are very valid reasons if you really like each other." Draco forced himself to look over at Harry.

Harry quirked an eyebrow at him, "You are taking this well, all things considered."

"I've known all along that it would only be a matter of time until you started seeing someone." Draco admitted, "If not Weasley then someone else."

Harry shook his head, "Truthfully, I need to get things sorted out first."

"What things?"

Harry ignored the question, Draco let him. He was too afraid of what the answer would be.

"What about you? Are you seeing anyone?" Harry stood up and brought over the coffee pot refilling his own and handing one to Draco without asking.

Draco laughed, "Surprisingly, there aren't many people interested in dating gay Death Eaters who obliviate their boyfriends."

"I wish you wouldn't refer to yourself like that, the mark doesn't define who you are and you know it." Harry looked over at him, "Do you mean there hasn't been anyone else? Since sixth year?"

Draco hesitated but then shrugged, "There was somebody else, but that was more...unique circumstances."

"Really? Who?" Harry asked.

Draco laughed and shook his head, "Luna, actually."

Harry choked on his coffee, "You and Luna Lovegood? I thought, I mean, aren't-I didn't realize you were-"

"Not truly, I'm not. Like I said it was unique circumstances. At the Manor. We were both lonely and terrified. Didn't think we would survive and we took comfort in each other and somehow we did live through it all."

Harry stared at him, "That is, well, I don't know what it is." he stood up and went to set his mug in the sink. He leaned against the counter looking over at Draco. "Are you still...?"

Draco laughed, "No, that was definitely just a 'we are going to die tomorrow' kind of one-off. Neither of us regret it, but we would much rather be friends."

"You and Luna, I never thought about you two matched up." Harry said with a curious tone to his voice.

"That does make me wonder who you have thought about matching up with me." Draco looked over at him. Standing up, he walked towards Harry. Carefully he set the mug down on the counter, his arm brushing Harry's as he reached past him. He looked over at Harry and very deliberately reached over and put his hand behind Harry's head. Harry reflexively jerked back but Draco lowered his head and brought his mouth down on Harry's lips in a crushing kiss. He tasted like coffee and sweets. He pressed his body into the kiss, loving the feel of Harry against him again, and the softness of his hair in his hand. He could feel Harry's body stiffen in shock and he stepped back.

"Now you can compare Weasley's kisses to somebody else's," and he turned and walked out of the kitchen.

oOoOoOoOO

"Are you sure you'll be okay here? I could stay-"

"Nonsense, dear! We are going to have a lovely cozy Christmas Eve dinner here. You go enjoy yourselves at the Weasleys. And after Teddy goes to bed, Narcissa, Draco and I will make sure that everything is set for tomorrow." Andromeda spoke firmly, "Enjoy your time with your family."

Harry nodded gratefully, "I will, you too." He felt a little guilty about leaving before Draco got there. He'd been avoiding Draco ever since the other night when he'd kissed him. There was something he had to do before seeing him again, something he should have done a week ago.

He stumbled out of the fireplace and into the Burrow's kitchen. Ginny smiled at him as the flames died down, "You've never quite mastered the landing, have you?"

"'Fraid not," Harry said with a grin. "At least I usually end up in the right fireplace these days and not in some stranger's kitchen or Knockturn Alley."

"Thank goodness for that. Now out of the kitchen, dear. I've almost everything set for supper." Molly said with a smile.

"Maybe you could go rescue Neville? Dad has him out in the shed, showing him his new boover machine."

"Boover? You mean Hoover?"

Ginny rolled her eyes, "Go!"

Harry laughed and headed out the door, he stopped short as he saw Charlie sitting on the back steps. "Didn't realize you were out here."

Charlie picked up the beer bottle that was on the step and scooted over for Harry to sit next to him. "Just needed a quiet moment before joining in the lovefest that is our family."

"Ginny sent me out to rescue Neville from your dad."

Charlie chuckled, "I think Neville is enjoying himself and Dad loves a new victim to show off all of his gadgets." He took a sip of his beer and handed the bottle to Harry. Harry took it and took a swallow and handed it back. Charlie glanced over at Harry, "It's been a year."

Harry nodded, "I know."

"What do you think?"

He took a deep breath, "I'm going to see how things might go with Draco. Watch the memories."

Charlie nodded, "Can't say I'm surprised, just wanted to hear you say it." He reached over and wove his hand through Harry's.

"Charlie-"

"Don't worry about it. I'm going back where I belong and I think we both always knew that this," he squeezed Harry's hand, "wasn't going to last forever."

"It was good while it did though."

Charlie laughed, a chuckle emanating from deep in his chest, "Can't argue with that." He let go of Harry's hand, "What did Malfoy say after I left the other day?"

"He'd already figured out that something had happened between us."

"No surprise there, I suppose. So what happened?"

Harry shrugged and decided to get it out in the open, "He kissed me."

Charlie laughed again, "Damn. Well, that is one way to get to the bottom of things." he paused, "Or the top."

"What! No! He just kissed me. It sure as hell caught me off guard. Not sure I'm ready for anything like that. If he is willing I just want to start with the memories."

"Hate to say it, but good for him." Charlie finished the beer, "About time one of you stopped dancing around the issue."

"Is that why you did it? Kissed me when you knew he was there? To snap us out of the merry go round we've been on?"

"Maybe, you weren't the only one on tenterhooks for a year." Charlie stood up, pulling Harry up with him. He leaned against Harry. "But I don't regret a minute of it, even if what happened in Făgăraş stays in Făgăraş." He kissed Harry gently, then turned and walked back into the house.

Harry sighed and sat back down on the steps. Picking up the empty bottle he rolled it in the palm of his hands. It had been a relief to finally say out loud what he'd known for a while was inevitable. Whatever the connection was between Draco and he wasn't going to go away. He had to see things through with Draco, wherever they might lead.

Harry swore to himself as he remembered the kiss that Draco had given him in the kitchen. It had been so unexpected that he hadn't reacted. It wasn't until Draco had walked away that Harry had wanted to call him back, wanted to return the kiss. He knew it was then that he realized he wanted to be more than just friends with Draco.

The sounds of footsteps on the gravel made him look up to see Neville and Arthur walking towards him. Forcing a smile on his face, "Happy Christmas."

oooo

Finally, dinner was over. Harry couldn't help but watch Charlie laughing and joking with his family. He looked so at ease. Harry still felt like he had betrayed him. Charlie had literally picked him up and saved him twice. First, when the Horntail had attacked him in the corral, Charlie had gotten to Harry's side within seconds and apparated him directly to the infirmary, saving his life. The second time was by helping Harry find his way out of the anger and depression that had threatened to destroy him. Charlie caught him looking and gave him a wink before turning back to Percy, kidding him mercilessly about the need for Percy to get a tattoo.

"Are you okay, Harry?" Ginny asked softly, "You seem like you are somewhere else."

"No, not at all. I'm here." Harry smile "Just wondering who pulled my name in the gift exchange."

"Harry," Ginny shook her head, "Like I would even believe that."

Harry looked at her, "Just wondering why things happen the way they do, what makes one person right for you and another person not."

Ginny nodded, "That is an interesting question, what brought it up?" she glanced at Charlie, "He is growing his hair out again."

"Why are you and Hermione so concerned about Charlie's hair length?" Harry said, exasperated.

"Because, a man doesn't cut off hair that he has been growing out for over a decade on a whim." Ginny said, "Is that why you came back? Things didn't work out-"

"Not today, Ginny." Harry said shaking his head, "It's Christmas, I don't want to talk about it." He didn't know how Ginny had guessed, but he couldn't talk about it with her.

They gathered in the living room, every seat was filled and Harry, Ron and Ginny ended up sitting on the floor as the older Weasley siblings told them was appropriate because they were the youngest.

"Let's see, who starts?" Molly said when they were all settled.

"Youngest first," Ginny called out, with a smile on her face.

"Right," Arthur said. "Go find your present."

Ginny jumped up and ran to the tree, with a gleeful laugh she pulled the box that Harry had hidden behind the tree out. It was a long narrow box.

"I can't imagine what that is!" George called out, "Hmmm. 150 centimeters long, narrow. Let us all think, what could possibly be in there."

"Hush up, George. Do you know how long I've been flying Ron's old CleanSweep?" Ginny said, "I spotted this this morning and you aren't going to spoil the moment." Harry watched as she carefully slid the large red ribbon off the box and tore the paper away. Lifting the lid she tore away the packing and put her hand to her chest as she saw the Fireball in the box.

"A Fireball? Who?" Ginny swung around and leaped at Harry, "YOU!" she grabbed him a bear hug. "I can't believe you got me a Fireball!"

Harry grinned at her, "Well, I figured you would need it." as Ginny turned back to the box and was carefully lifting it out.

"Need it? Why?" Ginny murmured, when the bright green and gold envelope underneath the broom caught her eye. With trembling hands she lifted up the envelope, the emblem of the Holyhead Harpies clearly visible.

"What is that?" Molly asked, leaning forward.

Ginny looked at Harry, "Read it," he said. She pulled out the letter and read it three times, shaking her head each time. She looked up at Harry, not believing what she was reading. He nodded, "It isn't a guarantee, just a chance. But I think you can do it."

"Do what!" Ron shouted out impatiently. He leaned forward and grabbed the letter from Ginny's hand. Giving it a quick read he looked at Harry and shook his head, "You are a dirty dog, you know that, mate? Keeping this a secret." Ron looked up, "Ginny has a tryout for the Holyhead Harpies in January." The room exploded with excited chatter.

Ginny walked over to Harry and gave him a hug, "Thank you."

"No, thank you." He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Don't think I don't appreciate how amazing and understanding you have been with everything."

"Harry, if you've cost me another shop worker that I've only just gotten trained, I'm going to start taking it out of your percentage." George called out.

"Well, who's next...? Molly asked after the excitement died down.

Finally all the presents were opened and admired and everyone relaxed and spread throughout the house. Harry kept an eye on Charlie and when he saw him heading up the stairs he followed a few minutes later.

Charlie was laying on his bed, his arms folded under his head on the pillow. He smiled as Harry came in. "Good going with Ginny's present."

Harry leaned against the closed door, "You should have seen her when we played a couple of weeks back, she is really good. I think she has a pretty good chance of making it." He shrugged, "She deserves the opportunity. Your present is under the bed."

"You pillock, when did you put it there?" Charlie said with a grin as he flipped on his stomach and looked under the bed, pulling out a square flat box. "What, no Fireball for me?"

"You and your broom have had such a long and intimate relationship I knew you wouldn't consider another." Harry said dryly.

"Right you are," Charlie said, he set the box on the bed and went to his trunk, he pulled out a big box and set it down with a thunk on the desk. Harry went and sat next to Charlie on the bed.

"Open yours first." Charlie tore off the paper and lifted the lid, on the paper lay a vest in black, with dragons embroidered in intricate detail all over, a swirl of snouts and wings covered the surface. "Sweet. How did you find this?"

"Had it made," Harry said, "Couldn't find anything I liked for you, and I saw something like this with snitches but thought dragons would be better."

"I am going to look pretty smart stepping out in the clubs in this, thanks." Charlie looked at Harry. "Before you open yours. Know that I got it for you before you had made any decision."

Harry looked at him nervously, "I'm really sorry Ch-"

"Hey, nothing for you to feel sorry about. I don't regret a thing. Open your present."

Harry stood up and went to the desk. Whatever was in the box was very heavy. He tore off the paper and opened the box. A shallow stone basin sat in the bottom, runic designs ran around the rim of the smoothed stone. He took a shaky breath and looked over at Charlie. "Is this a-"

"Pensieve." Charlie stood up and walked over to stand behind Harry, wrapping his arms around him. "If you are ever going to move on, you need to accept what happened to you. You need to get the Pensieve memories from Malfoy. It is going to continue to haunt you until you do. And you'll never be able to have any relationship - with Malfoy or anyone else until you do."

Harry leaned back into Charlie, he felt guilt in the comfort he felt there. He hoped Charlie didn't mind. "I know, I'm going to do it. I'll talk to Draco about it after Christmas."

"Good." Charlie opened his hand and Harry looked down to see a small vial with an all too familiar silver liquid inside of it. He turned in Charlie's arms and looked at him. "Will you let me be the first one to show you a memory?"

Harry looked down at the vial, "What memory do you have?"

"From the first task. It isn't much but it tweaked my interest at the time. Let me show you."

Harry took a deep breath and nodded. Charlie laughed, "You don't have to look like that...it will be okay, I promise."

Charlie lifted the basin out of the box and opening a drawer in his dresser pulled out a flask of Pensieve solution. He carefully poured it into the basin and waited for the liquid to stop swirling. Charlie handed the vial to Harry, "You pour it in."

Harry took the vial and unscrewed the cap, "You are going to watch it with me, right?" Charlie nodded. Harry poured it in and then reaching out for Charlie's hand they both bent over the basin and tumbled into the swirl of colors.

When the image stabilized Harry saw himself on his broom flying straight up in a barrel roll, trying to tease the Horntail away from her eggs. He looked around the arena. There was Charlie sitting on the fence, a tense look on his face.

"All I could think about was how Mum was going to react if one of my dragons hurt her Harry." Charlie murmured in his ear. Harry looked over at Charlie, he looked a few years older than the MemoryCharlie but still the same except for the shorter haircut.

Harry winced and involuntarily rubbed the scar on his chest when the dragon, who he now knew was named Maida, caught him with her tail. MemoryCharlie leapt to his feet, shading his eyes trying to see if Harry was hurt. MemoryHarry grabbed the egg and flew off. Immediately, MemoryCharlie was on his feet, grabbing the wing weights and running into the arena with the other wranglers. They captured Maida and began wrestling her back into her cage. The noise from the stands was deafening. Harry watched as Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall rushed towards him and hustled him into the medical tent.

MemoryCharlie looked around as soon as the cage door clang shut on Maida, skillfully darting out of the way of her outraged flame at being captured. "I'm going to check on Harry." he told the other wranglers, one of which was Russ, Harry realized with surprise. The other wrangler had never mentioned seeing the tournament.

Harry and Charlie walked with MemoryCharlie as he headed towards the white tents. "This is where it begins." Charlie told Harry. He pointed with his finger and the blond head of Draco Malfoy was moving through the crowd that was gathered around the tent entrance. With a furtive look around they saw Draco walk along to the back of the tent. Harry could see as MemoryCharlie looked at the crowd and then turned to follow Malfoy. Together Charlie and Harry slipped through the back of the tent with MemoryCharlie to see him standing in the passageway, trying to beat off the dust from his clothes. Looking around, he ducked into an empty cubicle formed by the curtains and took out his wand and started to clean his britches.

Harry looked over at Charlie. Charlie smiled, "I knew Pomfrey would have a fit if I showed up all covered in shite." Harry laughed and nodded. His head swung around as he heard his name being spoken. MemoryCharlie also turned his head curiously towards the curtain. "Did you watch Harry? How did he do?" he heard Cedric Diggory saying.

MemoryCharlie looked curious and then moved closer to the curtain, clearly trying to eavesdrop. "I was a nosy bastard." Charlie said with a wink.

Harry listened to Draco's response. "Bloke is a madman on a broom. Brilliant. Got caught by the tail like an idiot, though, I couldn't tell how bad...Not like I can go check on him." To Harry's ears now it was clear that Draco wanted to know how Harry was doing. He wondered where along in their relationship this was, it had to be fairly early.

They listened to Cedric's response, "Would you want to... Forget I asked, why don't I go down and see?" MemoryCharlie went to the passageway and a second later Cedric walks out from behind the curtain, his hair burned away and orange paste on the side of his face. MemoryCharlie looks over and say hello to Cedric. They talked briefly and then both turned to go down the passageway. Cedric pulls back a curtain to reveal MemoryHarry. Harry winced at the sight of himself, scrawny and bare-chested and a bright pink gash down his chest. Pomfrey was just finishing using the Dittany. She looks up at Cedric and MemoryCharlie. MemoryCharlie talks with Harry for a minute and then pulls Pomfrey aside and starts telling her about Horntail allergic reactions. Harry listens as Cedric and MemoryHarry talk and then Cedric glances at the two adults who are standing off to the side and he leans forward to say something to Harry. There is a sudden flash of pain and everything goes black.

Harry is aware of shouting and searing pain in his head. He tries to open his eyes but bright lights blind him and he shuts his eyes against it. With relief he falls back into unconsciousness. When he next wakes up he is relieved to hear the noise gone, hesitantly he opens his eyes. He is lying on Charlie's bed in the Burrow, the anxious faces of Hermione, Ron, Arthur, and Molly looking down at him. Charlie is standing at the foot of the bed, his face pale and tense under tan skin.

"What happened?" he asked groggily.

"That's what we would all like to know." Molly said.

"Do you recognize us? Do you know who I am?" Hermione asked tensely.

"Of course, Hermione, why wouldn't I?" Harry looked at her confused. There was a collective sigh of relief from everyone in the room.

"You blacked out while looking in the Pensieve with Charlie. I thought that maybe your memory fabric had ripped, like the healers had said could happen." Hermione said, blinking back the tears. "I was really afraid that we had lost you."

Harry looked at her and everyone else, "Did you tell them?" Hermione nodded, wiping away the tears. "I had to, Harry."

"And you should have told us weeks ago!" Molly said, "To think that -"

"Now is not the time." Arthur said hastily, "How do you feel, Harry."

"I've got a bugger of a headache."

"We almost took you to St. Mungo's but were afraid that moving you would make it worse. I firecalled McCain but she wasn't home. Percy is downstairs trying to reach Watson."

Harry shook his head and then regretted the motion immediately as blue and gold sparkles clouded his vision. "No, I'll be fine. I just need to close my eyes until this headache goes away."

He fell asleep almost as soon as he closed his eyes. The next time he woke up it was to see Healer Watson leaning over him, her wand extended and bright streams of light were filling the room. He winced against the light.

"Just close your eyes, I'm almost done," she said gently.

"Sorry to spoil your Christmas Eve." Harry said as he closed his eyes and a few minutes later she told him to open them. He tentatively opened his eyes and with relief the bright light was gone.

"How do you feel? Any headache? Do you see any bright spots or auras?" the Healer asked. She had taken the seat next to the bed that Charlie had been sitting in earlier. Harry glanced around the room and saw that Charlie was leaning against the closed door. His arms crossed and he was tightly clenching his jaw.

"No, I did before but it is gone."

"Good, very good. Why don't you try sitting up-slowly."

Harry lifted himself up and leaned against the headboard. "Still okay? No headache?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Good." the healer said, putting away her wand. "You gave everyone quite a fright."

"What happened? I remember looking in the Pensieve and seeing the Horntail and after that it is blank."

Charlie spoke tensely, "You passed out, right towards the end of the memory. I pulled you out and you were having some sort of fit. Called for help and then you came around but blacked out right away."

"I think your mind just had a shock when it recognized a part of a memory that had been erased and it couldn't cope and so it shutdown to prevent anything from happening." the Healer explained.

"What do you mean shock?"

"Exactly what happened to you tonight."

"Is this typical? You didn't warn me that this could happen."

"Nothing about your case is typical, Mr. Potter." the healer said shaking her head, "No one has had such a large number of memories erased. The reaction to the Pensieve memory is actually not unexpected. I did tell you the last time we talked that you should do it under controlled circumstances."

"You told him what?" Charlie said incredulously, he looked at Harry, "You knew that you weren't supposed to do it and you let me show you the memory?"

"I thought she was just being all Pomfrey-ish and not wanting me to do anything to help myself." Harry said, a little sullenly. He looked at the healer, "If you had told me that I would blackout I probably would have listened to you."

"You are such an idiot, Harry." Charlie said through gritted teeth, "But how come this hasn't happened before, when people have talked to him about things that happened or when he read letters from Diggory, or when he saw the wand memories." Charlie asked the Healer.

"Words have a different connection to the brain, and a Pensieve memory is actual memories, visual and sound so that his brain immediately tried to make the connection." Watson said, "The wand memories is an interesting point. I would have thought they would have triggered something."

"I barely remember anything after seeing the memories to when Ron and Hermione got me back to Grimmauld Place. Figured it was just shock." Harry muttered.

"And of course you didn't think that it was important enough to mention to anyone?" Charlie asked, "I swear, Harry, if you weren't doing such a good job trying to kill yourself I would do it for you."

"The good news is that there doesn't appear to be any damage done. I would like you to take it easy tomorrow and the day after Christmas you should come to St. Mungo's for a complete examination."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes." said Charlie and the healer together. Harry glanced over at Charlie and the closed door.

"How come you get to be in here? Not that I mind."

"Healer Watson only would let one of us in the room. I played the I've-shagged-him-I-get-to-be-with-him card." Charlie said, the corner of his mouth lifting in a reluctant smile, "That went over really well."

"Oh, Merlin." Harry said, he looked at the healer, "On second thought maybe you could just apparate me straight to St. Mungo's now."

The healer laughed, "I think not, I would like to get back to my family."

"Teddy," Harry said with alarm, "I need to get back to Grimmauld Place. I don't want to miss Teddy opening his presents tomorrow."

"I see no reason why you can't floo or apparate home in an hour or two, so long as the headache doesn't come back. First sign of a headache you'll need to check in at St. Mungo's. And don't overdo anything tomorrow." she added sternly.

"We'll be sure to keep an eye on him." Charlie said.

"Very good. Would you like me to update the rest of the family whilst you rest?"

"Yes, please." Harry said, grateful not to have to do it himself. He felt enough like an idiot as it was without having to hear what the other Weasleys had to say.

"I'll see you out," Charlie said to the healer, "Harry, I'll try to keep Ron and Hermione out for a little while longer but they are biting at the bit to come in here. I tried to explain about us, but..." he shrugged. "You know how Ron is."

Harry sighed and closed his eyes. How did his life always get so mucked up?

The door tentatively opened a little while later and Ron and Hermione stood in the doorway. He turned to look at them and waved in as he sat up.

"Come in." he said.

Hermione sat in the chair, her face was still pale with tension.

"Hey, relax. She said I'm fine. No damage done."

"Oh, Harry. But it could have been so much worse." Hermione said shaking her head, "I can't believe that you-"

"Yes, well, we all know I'm an idiot."

"You can say that again." Ron said grimly. Harry looked over at him, Ron was standing in the middle of the room. His hands were on his hips and he was glaring at Harry. "I don't know what I'm madder at you about, that you didn't tell me about everything going on with your head, or that you didn't tell me about you and Charlie."

"I was tired of everyone fussing over the stupid memory thing so I didn't mention it. And about Charlie? You would have wanted me to tell you?" Harry asked, "You cover your ears with your hands whenever the topic turns to me being bent. Besides, I'm sure Charlie told you that we aren't anymore. We stopped, erm, dating before Christmas last year."

"Last Christmas? When I asked you point blank whether or not you were together." Ron growled, "And you said no."

"Right, because we had already called it quits. I didn't lie to you."

"Ron, enough. Now is not the time." Hermione said, "At least there was no damage done." She looked over at the Pensieve that was still standing on the desk.

"Kind of ironic that I finally decide to look at the memories and this happens." Harry said following her look.

"What changed your mind?" Hermione asked.

Harry hesitated; he didn't want to say anything until he had talked to Draco. "It seemed like it was time."

"That is a good thing, but not until the Healers find out what happened and how to prevent it from happening.

Harry looked at her, "You don't think this is a sign that I shouldn't do it?"

"Who are you, Sybill Trelawney? The only thing it was a sign of is that you don't listen to people when they tell you what to do."

Harry looked over at Ron, "Are we okay?"

Ron shook his head, "You really are the biggest moron." he looked away, "Yeah, we'll be okay. Might need to buy me a pint or two."

Charlie came back into the room, "Mum and Dad are still talking to Watson. You're going to be lucky if Mum ever lets you out of her sight again."

Harry sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, "I've got to get-"

"What the hell do you think you are doing?"

"I need to get back to Grimmauld Place. Watson said I could leave whenever I wanted."

"She said you could leave in an hour or two if your headache doesn't return." Charlie growled.

"I don't have any headache at all, honestly. I feel like I've slept for a week." he looked towards the window, "What time is it anyway?"

"After midnight."

Harry stood up and was glad to realize that he didn't feel any dizziness, "Right, I need to go. I don't want to miss Teddy's first Christmas at Grimmauld Place."

Charlie shook his head, "You need to wait an hour at least. Why don't you just sleep here and I'll wake you in time."

"What if Teddy wakes up earlier?" Harry asked mulishly.

"I'll wake you at dawn, for Merlin's sake. If that is what you want." Charlie stared at him and Harry knew he wasn't going to change his mind. He looked over at Ron who was looking between the two of them with a sour look on his face. Harry had no doubt that Ron was going to have a lot to say to him as soon as Hermione wasn't around.

"Ron already floo called Kreacher and told him that you were staying here." Hermione said, at Harry's look of alarm she added hastily "He didn't say why, just that you were staying." Harry nodded. He didn't want Andromeda or Narcissa to worry about him.

"Okay, but wake me early." Harry said. "I'll go to my room." He started for the door, and Charlie grabbed his arm. "You may as well kip in here, since the proverbial cat is out of the bag."

Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Charlie just looked at him and said, "Please."

Harry looked over at Ron who just shrugged and headed out the door without looking back. It would be better to sleep down here than have to go up to his and Ron's room and deal with Ron's anger.

"Okay." he sank back down. Hermione said good night and shut the door behind her.

Charlie sagged onto Bill's old bed. "You bloody well scared the magic out of me, you know that? I thought I had killed you."

"Sorry," Harry said, "I seem to do that to you a lot."

"Too fucking often. At least this time there wasn't any blood." Charlie sighed. "Go to sleep. I'll wake you in the morning."

Harry nodded and drifted off to sleep again. He tossed and turned all night, the flashes of memories were like a kaleidoscope. A hand reached out to shake him and he batted it away.

"Harry, wake up!"

Harry fought for consciousness and slowly blinked his eyes open, to see Charlie leaning over him. "Yeah, yeah. I'm awake."

"You sure?"

"Sure." he sat up, "Hell, they haven't been that bad in a while." he looked over at Charlie who looked pale and drawn. "Did I...?"

"Yeah. Just like the good old days." Charlie said, sitting on the bed next to him. "Didn't want to use Silencio in case you had another seizure. They were worse? Do you have a headache?"

"Nah, just feel like crap. I hope I don't look as bad as you. Did you sleep at all?"

"A little bit." Charlie stood and stretched. "Why don't I come with you to Grimmauld Place? I could-"

"No, honestly, Charlie. I am fine." Harry swung his legs over. He realized that he was still wearing his clothes from the night before, that saves a step.

"Feel alright?"

"You aren't actually going to be asking that every five minutes the whole day are you?'

Charlie's eyes flared with anger, "You'd better bloody well believe I am going to ask you as often as I often as I damn well think I need to. My bloody Christmas present almost killed you." He strode across the room and picked up the Pensieve that was still sitting on the desk, Harry wrapped his arms around Charlie's chest, pinning his arms to his side before he could throw it.

"Don't. It isn't your fault. I should have remembered what the healers said."

Charlie shuddered in his arms, his anger fading. "You're damn right you should have."

Harry rested his head on Charlie's shoulder, "Are you still okay with everything?"

"You need to do what is right for you. And we both know what that is, but just be careful. Go to St. Mungo's first thing on Boxing Day. Take bloody Malfoy so he knows what the healers say, because we both know that you are going to forget or ignore half of it."

"Okay. I'll tell him about this tonight, after everyone leaves."

Charlie nodded. "I'll let everyone know not to mention it. Can't promise that Mum isn't going to burst into tears every five minutes though."

Harry glanced at the window, the pink streaks of sunrise were covering the sky, "I should go."

"Okay," they eyed each other awkwardly.

Charlie muttered "Bugger it." He leaned forward and kissed Harry, "One last one."

Harry nodded and quickly left the room.

He made his way into the kitchen, intent on reaching the floo and getting home before anyone woke up at Grimmauld Place. He stopped short as he saw Molly, she was bent over a floured board, kneading a ball of dough. She looked up as Harry entered the room.

"Oh, Harry." Molly's eyes were rimmed red.

Harry swiftly went over to her, "I'm fine, really," he said, putting his arms around her.

"You gave us such a scare, I thought... well never mind what I thought. You feel okay? What are you doing up? Are you hungry?"

"I'm going to go back to Grimmauld Place, I want to see Teddy open his presents."

"Are you sure, dear? Why don't you stay and we can just let everyone know that we're having a quiet Christmas here."

Harry shook his head, "No. I want everyone to come to Grimmauld Place. There is no reason why you shouldn't. I'll go to St. Mungo's first thing tomorrow, I already promised Charlie."

Molly nodded, "You and Charlie really should have told us..."

Harry closed his eyes, he didn't know what to tell her. "We, it was complicated, Molly. I had just-"

"It always is complicated, Harry. That is what family is for, to help you get through it."

"I know. We didn't mean to keep it from you," which was a lie, Harry knew. "Things ended before Christmas last year so it seemed no point to upset everyone."

"We wouldn't have been upset." Molly shook her head, "And when you start seeing Draco, I won't be upset either."

"How did you-"

"I'm a mother, Harry. We know these things. Just like I knew about you and Charlie. I was just waiting for you two to tell us. Now, you get on home and say Happy Christmas to Teddy. I'll be popping over just as soon as the bread is baked to start fixing dinner. And you are not to help me. I'll have Andromeda in the kitchen with me. I want you to rest."

Harry nodded, "I love you, Molly."

"I love you, too. You are a Weasley in everything but name." She kissed him on the cheek, "Off with you or I'll never get this bread baked."

OOOO

He stepped out of the fireplace and looked around the kitchen. Everything was still dark. He made his way upstairs and saw the lights were all off except for the hallway sconces. The fairy lights on the Christmas tree fluttered and danced in the darkness. Checking under the tree he saw that the Father Christmas presents had already been set out for Teddy and his stocking that was pinned to the fireplace was stuffed full. Going over to the cupboard Harry pulled out his own presents for Teddy and added them to the stack.

Quietly he made his way up to his room. Stopping in front of Teddy's door he cast a ward to warn him when Teddy had woken up. He looked down at his clothes as he stood in his bedroom. It wouldn't do to come down wearing the same clothes that he had on the day before. Wearily he stripped them off and not bothering to get into pajamas fell into the bed, sound asleep.

It seemed like it was only five minutes later that the ward went off. Groggily he stood up, pressing his hands against his temples he was relieved that there was no sign of yesterday's headache. Getting dressed quickly he went downstairs to find the others. Walking into the sitting room Harry saw that Andromeda, Narcissa and Draco were already there

"Harry! You're here! Father Christmas came!" Teddy called out excitedly.

Harry said. "Happy Christmas, Teddy." he looked over at the adults, "What time is it exactly?"

"Best not to know that until you've had some tea." Narcissa said with a smile.

Harry dared to glance at Draco who was looking down at his cup. He wore a blue silk dressing gown covering silver silk pajamas. He looked elegant despite the dark circles under his eyes, Harry wondered if he had as bad a night sleep as Harry had.

"Happy Christmas, Draco." He said.

Draco looked at him, his face devoid of emotion, "We didn't think that you were home."

Harry looked confused, "Oh, right. Yeah. Something came up last night, but I didn't want to miss Teddy opening his presents."

"Can I open them? Can I?"

"Yes, Teddy, you can open your presents."

What followed was a whirlwind of paper like Harry had never seen before. The boy gleefully went from one present to the next, his hair a technicolor wonder. Harry wished he could share his amusement with Draco but he refused to look Harry's way, his hands tightly clenched.

Teddy ran over and gave Harry a hug for the toy broom. "Can you teach me after breakfast, Harry?"

"We can certainly give it a go, now this is just for in the house when me, Nanna or Draco are here. Understood?"

Teddy nodded and ran over to Draco and showed him the toy broom. "Look, Look!"

"That is great, Teddy. You are going to be flying as well as Harry in no time." Draco said, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Now, Teddy. Draco has one more present for you. It is up in your room, shall we go and see?' Andromeda said, smiling broadly. Teddy raced for the door and was up the stairs before anyone else was out of their chairs.

Harry looked worriedly at Draco, "What's wrong?" he asked as they headed up the stairs.

"Nothing's wrong." Draco said coolly.

"I don't see it!" Teddy shouted from his room.

When they walked into the room Teddy was crawling under his bed looking for a present.

"Teddy, stand right here." Andromeda said kneeling on the floor and patting a spot next to her, "I'm excited as you are to see this," She had yet to see any part of the mural, Draco had wanted to keep it a surprise for her.

"Okay, Teddy." Draco said, pulling out his wand. "Close your eyes."

The little boy closed his eyes, covering them with his hands for good measure. "Count to five and then say the spell with me, say "Revelio" Teddy counted quickly to five and then Draco and he both said the spell. With a flick of his wand the walls transformed. Teddy was so surprised he plopped right down on the ground, his mouth gaped open.

"This is amazing, Draco." his mother said, "I had no idea you were so talented."

Harry hadn't seen the mural since the day they had worked on the papier mache together. He looked at in astonishment. Dragons of all different sizes covered the painted mountainside. The dragon camp had been painted in, with small figures of men and women interacting with the dragons.

"It's Wrangler Charlie and the Baby Swedish Short Snouts!" Teddy jumped up and down with excitement. Harry walked over to see that indeed Teddy was right. In the painted corral was the figure of Charlie holding a rope pulling down on a juvenile Short Snout.

Looking around he realized that other stories he had told Teddy were pictured on the wall. He turned to Draco, "How did you do this? It is incredible."

"I asked Teddy to tell me the stories that you tell him. I got the gist of enough of them to include parts in the mural." Draco said, with a shrug. Harry looked at him closely, he was practically trembling, his eyes were shaded. He wasn't sharing in any of their excitement over the mural.

With a curse he realized that Draco was upset that he hadn't come home.

"About last night. I didn't mean to stay all night-"

"You don't owe me any explanation." Draco glanced over at him, "And I don't want to know."

"I have to talk to you about what happened. It is important."

"Not today, Harry." for a brief moment Draco's masked dropped and he looked ravaged. "Let's get Christmas over and then you can tell me."

"But Draco-"

"Do you have any idea how hard it was to paint him into the mural. Knowing what he is to you?" Draco snarled, "Don't make it worse." he stalked out of the room. Harry moved to follow him but he was stopped by Teddy who was bubbling with glee wanting to show Harry the dragon cave. With a last look towards the door Harry turned and went with Teddy. He would find Draco later and make him understand.

By the time he came downstairs though, Draco had left with Narcissa. Andromeda looked at him worriedly as she told him, "I'm sorry, dear. He was, well, upset last night when you didn't come home. Not that he didn't try to hide it."

"It wasn't what he thinks," Harry said exasperatedly, "I need to talk to him and explain."

"I'm not sure where they went," Andromeda said, "Don't worry too much. I'm sure he will be back at the Center by tomorrow and you can talk to him then. He has been through a lot, as have you. If you try and talk to him today he probably wouldn't even hear what you are saying."

When Luna arrived, Harry pulled her aside to see if she knew where he was.

"I can't say that I do." Luna said. She was wearing tiny fairies in her hair, their fluttering wings making her hair fly about her head. "He'll come back when he is ready, Harry. He always does."

Harry nodded, but couldn't help but wonder if this time he wouldn't.

The Weasleys arrived a short while later. Harry had to tamp down the frustration and anger he was feeling. Charlie raised his eyebrow at him when he realized that Draco was missing and why.

"You both really are two idiots." he said shaking his head. "If you would just actually talk to one another instead of-"

"Yes, I get it." Harry ground out. "And I can't go talk to him tomorrow because I have to go to bloody St Mungo's."

"And you aren't skipping that," Charlie looked at him, "Do you want me to go with you?"

"No, I can handle it myself. I'll pay attention to what they say this time."

"Maybe Hermione can go." Charlie said, "You really aren't that bright when it comes to following directions."

"No, I don't want Hermione to go with me. I don't need you two trying to hold my hand. I can handle it"

"As soon as you prove yourself able to we'll stop trying to hold your hand." Charlie hesitated, "About another thing, I know I said I would stay here this week. But under the circumstances I think I'm going to go to George's..."

Harry nodded slowly, he'd been afraid to say anything but after Draco's reaction this morning he didn't want to make things worse. "That probably would be better... it is going to hard enough to explain what happened last night to Draco. Trust me to start this thing with a complete jackass start."

"You do have a certain bumbleheaded way of going in and out of relationships." Charlie laughed. "But don't worry, it will get sorted out."

"You'll still come for the New Year's Eve celebration?" Harry asked.

"Wouldn't miss it," Charlie looked around the room, "Don't know how much of your house will be left standing by the time George is done with it."

"That is the least of my worries right now."

After dinner Teddy dragged Luna, who he decided was his new best friend, to see the mural. Harry was pretty sure that the fairies in Luna's hair was the reason for his new affection but he wasn't going to argue since it kept Teddy from noticing Draco's absence. Luna studied the mural with a concentration that Harry hadn't expected. Teddy insisted that Harry tell the story of the Swedish Short Snout babies to him and Luna. Embarrassed, Harry told the story and was amused to see that Luna got as caught up in the dragons stories as Teddy did.

"Once you and Draco are together I want to talk to you about your stories." she said seriously, no hint of the usual flightiness.

"What do you mean we are together...we aren't, I mean he doesn't know. I mean, I need to talk to him." Harry cursed his stammer.

Luna patted his arm, "Of course, you will get back together, it is as certain as a fact as the Erumpents mating during the Perseid meteor showers."

After everyone had left, Harry gave a sigh of relief. Too much had happened in the last 24 hours and he just wanted to go to bed. Unfortunately, it was that moment that Teddy noticed Draco's absence. Overtired and cranky he kept insisting that Draco put him to bed like he had the night before. Harry wearily tried to explain that he wasn't there but Teddy couldn't understand why Harry couldn't just go and get him. Finally, Andromeda had taken him firmly by the hand and led him into his room. Harry made his way up to the top floor, relieved that he could let a more patient adult handle Teddy in his current mood.

The first thing he saw when he walked into his room was a wrapped package on the bed. He knew without a doubt that it was from Draco. His present for Draco was still waiting downstairs. "Dammit, Draco. Why didn't you let me explain." Harry said. He couldn't believe that once he finally had decided he had to take a chance and find out how he felt for Draco the bloody git takes off. He moved the present over to the table. He would open it after he'd talked to Draco. Not bothering to change into his pajamas he fell asleep staring at the present, wondering what was inside.

He woke the next morning feeling slightly better despite the restless night of sleep. With a sigh, he stood up and got dressed in his running clothes. A good run would clear his head and make the day he was going to have to endure at St. Mungo's more bearable. He apparated to his favorite Muggle park.

This time of the morning, especially in winter the tourists were not a problem. He quickly hit his stride, moving along the familiar paths along the Serpentine. The cold winter wind struck his face but he pressed on. Focusing just on the pounding of his feet against the frozen ground he felt the tension ease. He didn't know what to expect today. What the healers would tell him. The incident at the Burrow had scared him more than he cared to think about. When they had told him a month ago that he could lose his memory he had thought he could live his life and not worry about it. After what had happened over Christmas though, he realized just how much he had to lose.

The sharp blast of a lorry horn startled him and he realized he had passed his usual stopping point. Pivoting and heading back he slowed his pace, cooling down as he made his way back to the apparation point. Hidden behind a line of call boxes the spot was near the centuries old tree stump that the Muggles had locked up and protected behind fences. He wonder what the Muggles reactions would be if they found out that the tree stump was really the home to the elves that helped maintain the wards in place to protect the Muggle Royal family.

He apparated behind the house and made his way down the stairs and into the kitchen. Where he found Ron enjoying a full fry up breakfast, no doubt prepared by Kreacher since Ron's cooking skills ended at making tea.

"What are you doing here, not working today?"

"Here to go with you to St. Mungo's." Ron mumbled through the rasher of bacon he'd stuffed in his mouth.

"I told Charlie I didn't need anyone to go with me." Harry said irritated.

"Nope, you told him not to come and not Hermione." Ron said with a shrug, "That left me or Mum."

"I don't need-"

Ron laughed, "Yeah, and you also just came in from what, a seven or eight kilometer run? Is that what one would call 'taking it easy' until you talk to the healers?"

"They didn't say don't go running." Harry muttered defensively as he walked over for a glass of water.

"And that kind of thinking is exactly why we decided that someone had to go with you." Ron said, washing down the bacon with a gulp of tea. "So, it's me or I'll go home and tell Mum to meet you at St. Mungo's."

"Great Godric, but you are annoying." Harry grumbled, as he reached over and snagged a piece of bacon from Ron's plate. "Have Kreacher make me up a plate, I'm going to take a shower."

When he came back down and sat at the table he looked over at Ron. "So are we okay?"

Ron had two patches of red in his cheeks. "I suppose. Already had a go-around with Charlie."

"Maybe I should be asking if you two are going to be okay. We never meant-"

"Just get off that. I don't care that you two went at it. What pulls the stuffing out of me is that you hid it." Ron glared at him. "Not one word from either of you."

"Ron, I had just broken up with Ginny. What would it have looked like to her and even to you to know that Charlie and I-"

"We're family, Harry. You don't keep things like that from me."

"In this particular conversation it might be best not to call me family." Harry muttered.

"I understand why you and Charlie hid it. I just don't agree with how you handled everything." Ron said, "Come on. Let's get you to St. Mungo's."

An hour later they were being ushered into Watson's office. She smiled at them both and motioned for them to sit down.

"Now, I'd like to start with-"

Ron coughed and interrupted her, "When Harry talked to you in November, did he tell you he is playing on a professional Quidditch team as a Seeker, using a glamour?"

Harry turned in his seat to stare at Ron. He couldn't believe that Ron had just told Watson, but Ron just lifted his chin defiantly.

Watson looked over at Harry, "Is this true?"

Harry wanted to deny it, but just shrugged and nodded.

"What team do you-" Watson narrowed her eyes at him. "You're Hank Black, aren't you?" she said unexpectedly.

"How did you know?"

"Too big a coincidence, Hank Black appearing out of nowhere." Watson said, "I may have left Hogwarts and the Ravenclaw Quidditch team two decades ago but I still follow the Quidditch news." She took a deep breath, "You realize that you can't possibly play again. Not after what I told you in November."

"I, erm, I haven't made a decision." Harry flushed deeply, "I was going to, but after what happened on Christmas Eve I'm not so sure."

"At least that is one good thing." Ron said, glaring at Harry. Harry still couldn't believe that Ron had told the healer, but he suddenly realized that that was why Charlie had made sure that Ron came.

"Why don't we start with a complete scan of your current status? I'll compare it to the one that we took last month and we will take it from there."

Four hours later they were back in the healer's office. Harry sat uneasily down in the chair. Watson set down the parchment with the scan results.

"The good news is that I don't see any significant difference between the scan in November and today. So the incident on Christmas Eve did not do any harm. However, just like in November, I have grave concerns about the overall stability of the memory fabric."

"In November you said that there might be ways of treating it."

"Obviously there is no one whom has experienced your exact kind of loss. So our ability to come up with a treatment plan is restricted to historical efforts. The treatment that was used with some success is memory grafting."

"What is that?"

"The memories of another person are summoned using a memory bond line and this allows the memory to be seen by Harry, and retained. While the memory is being viewed we will monitor you carefully to make sure that at the first sign of shock then we can act quickly to prevent any damage."

"But it hasn't been used with someone like me?"

"The closest equivalent is a case of where the wizard's memory fabric had completely torn because of an obliviate spell backfiring from a broken wand."

Ron and Harry looked at each other, "Lockhart." they said together.

Watson raised her eyebrow at them. "I certainly can't confirm the patient's identity, but you know Lockhart?"

"It was my broken wand that he used." Ron muttered.

"Indeed. I was not aware...regardless memory grafting did not work because Lockh- erm, that patient's fabric had already completely torn. And there was also a surprising lack of anyone who could provide memories. To assure the best chance for success we need to attempt the grafting before your fabric rips. Which means no Quidditch, Mr. Potter." she gave him a strict look.

"Ever?" Harry asked faintly, he couldn't imagine his life without Quidditch whether it was professional or just mucking about with friends.

The healer hesitated, "I don't want to not give you any false hope. It all depends on how completely the fabric can be grafted. Which will depend on how complete the memories are from those who are providing them."

"Which means it all comes down to Draco Malfoy." Ron stated grimly.

"Yes. That is my understanding. Is he willing to cooperate?" the healer looked at Harry.

"I think he will be. I haven't had a chance to talk to him about it." Harry muttered. "He has wanted to share them before, I don't think he will have changed his mind."

"It has to be done willingly. This is not a case where memories can be gathered by leglimancy."

"How long does it take? How do you prevent what happened when Charlie and Harry looked in the Pensieve?"

"The process, in Mr. Potter's case, will probably take several months. This technique has never been used to cover two years of memories. In order to prevent the type of shock that you experienced two days ago you will be given a potion that will put you in a trance to allow your subconscious become receptive to the memories. We will start with the earliest memories and graft just a few at a time, using a bond circle between the two of you. There are more details and precautions of course, but I will wait until Mr. Malfoy is present to go into the details."

"And you think this will work?" Harry asked.

Watson looked at him, "I believe so. I think there is a very good chance."

"I'll find Draco and ask him. If he says yes, when can we start?"

"Well, I would like to meet with you both and then consult with my team, but I see no reason why we can not start next week."

"In the meantime, what shouldn't he do?" Ron asked, with a glaring look at Harry when he protested, "He went running today."

"Who are you, Percy?" Harry said looking at Ron in disbelief.

"Since you have been running the entire time, I don't think that will be an issue. It may be wise to go running with a partner, just to be on the safe side." the healer gave Harry a list of dos and don'ts that Ron carefully wrote down. Afterwards, they headed to the nearest Muggle pub for a pint and late lunch.

"That's okay then." Ron said, taking a sip of his ale. "It sounds like she thinks it might work."

"If Draco cooperates." Harry said.

"Why wouldn't he? He's been after you for the last year to watch the memories." Ron looked at Harry curiously.

"He might have misunderstood why I didn't come home on Christmas Eve." Harry admitted reluctantly.

"You mean he thinks that you and Charlie... Ron looked at him incredulously.

Harry nodded, "I'll go to the Center after lunch and talk to him. Explain."

When he got to the Center he found the art room empty except for David. David shook his head when he heard that Harry was looking for Draco.

"He isn't here. We don't have any sessions between Christmas and New Year's. He left a note saying he was going on holiday with his mother."

"If you hear from him, can you tell him that I need to talk to him. That what he thinks happened, didn't." Harry said, slightly embarrassed by the look that David gave him.

"Okay, I'll let him know."

The next day he owled Simon to see if he had heard from Draco, Simon responded with a request to meet him after work for a drink. Harry invited him to come over to Grimmauld Place, he definitely wasn't in the mood to go to a bar and have to deal with the adoring fans of Harry or Hank.

"So have you heard from Draco?"

Simon hesitated, "I have, but he isn't in the mood to talk to you quite yet."

"I really need to talk to him. He's got the wrong idea in his head."

Simon nodded, "I'll try to convince him to contact you." he looked over at Harry embarrassed, "I actually wanted to see you about something else."

"What?"

"Charlie Weasley came to see Bill at the bank yesterday and we all ended up going out for lunch. Well the long and the short of it is, he asked me out for dinner. And I wanted to make sure it was okay with you."

"You and Charlie? I think that is great." Harry said with a smile.

"You do?"

"Charlie is a really great guy. You should go out with him."

"But you only just broke-" Harry shook his head.

"No, we stopped seeing each other over a year ago, besides Charlie and I," he shrugged, "we both knew that it wasn't permanent."

Simon looked at him doubtfully, "Honest, I mean he was my first boyfriend." Harry winced and corrected himself, "Okay, he is the first boyfriend that I remember and I wouldn't change the time we had together for anything. He and I are still good friends, there are just reasons why things didn't work out for us. I would be really happy if you two started seeing each other."

"He lives in Romania." Simon said, taking a sip of his beer.

"That is why Merlin invented portkeys." Harry said with a smile. "He deserves someone like you."

"Like me?"

"Someone who is sure of himself. Knows what he wants." Harry said with a shrug.

"I'd like to think we all deserve someone like that."

"Maybe."

OoOOoOO

By 11 p.m. Harry had given up hope that Draco would actually come to the New Year's Eve party, despite Luna and Simon's assurances that Draco had said he would be there. It had been foolish to have hoped they could start the year off with a clean start.

Harry was talking with Dean and Oliver when he caught sight of Draco's blond head walking through the crowded room. Before he could head over to him he saw Draco at the record player. The music stopped abruptly as Draco took off the album that was playing to the protests of those dancing. Draco slipped an album out of the sleeve that he was carrying and placed it on the turntable. He turned and walked straight towards Harry. Standing in front of him, jaw clenched he looked at Harry and said "Dance with me."

"Draco, where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all week." Draco ignored his question, just held out his hand and repeated, "Dance with me." Swearing under his breath Harry nodded and reached out and clasped his hand and walked to the center of the room with him. Draco put his arms around Harry's waist and pulled him close to him. Harry automatically put his arms around Draco's shoulders as they started to dance to the music. "What are you up to, Draco? You are gone all week and now you just walk in and want to dance?"

He wasn't prepared for Draco putting his head against his and whispering in his ear. "We danced to this song for the first time on my sixteenth birthday. You gave me a Hot Cauldrons album as a present. It was fifth year and you hadn't been able to go into Hogsmeade to buy anything so you got the album by trading it for an autographed Harry Potter chocolate frog card. I loved that you were willing to do that for me."

"What are you doing?" Harry tried to pull away but Draco tightened his grip on his hips all the while not losing the beat of the music. He pulled back to look Harry in the eye, his gray eyes dark.

"I made a realization last week, seeing you with Weasley. I can't give you up without a fight. I'm not going to let you just walk into someone else's arms without knowing what you mean to me. What we meant to each other."

Harry stared at him wide-eyed unsure what to say when the song ended and as he went to move away the next song started, Draco didn't let him go, tightening his hold on his hips. Harry heard the opening chord strike and stilled as the Beatles' I'm Happy Just to Dance With You started to play. Draco shifted his grip moving them easily into a traditional dancing position. He again leaned his head to Harry's, murmuring in his ear, "We danced to this the first time on Christmas Eve morning. Our first Christmas. I'd given you the albums and I wanted nothing more than spend the whole day with you in my arms. But of course we couldn't, you had to go back to Gryffindor and me to Slytherin."

"Draco…do we have to do this here? Let's go and talk, I need to tell you what happened last weekend." Harry pleaded, conscious that they were now the focus of everyone in the room. He could see Ron and Hermione staring at them, Hermione holding Ron's arm is if to pull him back. He scanned the room and spotted Charlie leaning against the doorway, Harry watched as Charlie turned and walked out of the room. He turned back to look at Draco, his hands were shaking in Draco's as he moved them around the dance floor. Draco's eyes held him and he couldn't look away, lost in the look in his eyes.

"We are doing it here, we're doing it now. For two years we hid away from everyone, afraid to let people know about us. Maybe if we hadn't hid, things would have worked out differently. I can't go back and change what happened. I'm not willing to hide what I feel for you. I'm not willing to give you up to Charlie Weasley without a fight."

"Charlie and I aren't-" Harry started to say but Draco cut him off, his hands tightening around him.

"Just let me say what I have to say...I don't know how it happened fourth year. All I know is that through some magical twist of fate we found each other. We were able to look past everything that dictated we should be enemies and not lovers. You might not remember our dances but I know your body does and I think that subconsciously that your mind does too. I think this feels as right to you as it does to me." Draco said the words softly but firmly and Harry didn't know what to say.

The song changed again and it was Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones. "We were almost caught in the library by Granger by this one when we were studying near each other. You were humming it and I was tapping along, we snuck into the bookstacks to meet and you hid us under your cloak we only were able to kiss for a few minutes before Granger and Weasley came looking for you."

The next song came up and Draco started moving them around the floor as the Weird Sisters began to play, gliding easily as Harry followed his steps. "This was the song you danced with Cedric when we were trying to teach you how to dance for the Yule Ball. The whole locker room was filled with the sound of you and Cedric laughing as you tried to follow his steps." Harry nodded, no longer fighting him as they swayed to the music, listening to the sound of Draco's voice in his ear.

Wild Horses came on and Harry looked over at Draco who said nothing, slowing their steps until they were just swaying in place to the music, "You always teased me about this one, I loved nothing more than just moving in place dancing to this song, feeling you against me. I had once told you that purebloods would never dance shuffling their feet. And I believed it until I heard this song. I just wanted to feel you against me. Like this, but now we are closer in height now which is so nice, it is easier to feel you." Draco's roaming hands drifted down Harry's back bringing their hips together. Harry groaned involuntarily as their hips met and pushed against one another. He was vaguely aware that everyone in the room was staring at them. Knew they were wondering what Draco was whispering in his ear and thankful that they didn't know.

The song faded and Harry looked over at Draco wondering if at last the album was over when he became aware of the rhythmic beating coming from the speakers, softly at first and gradually becoming louder.

"This is the sound our heartbeats made the first time we made love. Two fumbling, ignorant boys who didn't know what the hell they were doing. Just knowing that we loved each other and had to find a way to express it." The discordant beats took on a new harmonic and started beating in rhythm and then the two beats became one and then the sound gradually faded away leaving nothing but silence.

Harry stood still. Draco's eyes were boring into his own and he knew that the next move had to be his. Draco's hands that were spanning his back started to tremble, his shoulders shake, and as Draco started to pull away and Harry realized that there was really no decision to be made. He couldn't fight against what he had been wanting, needing for what seemed like forever. He tightened his arms around Draco and hesitantly leaned forward.

Draco seized on the movement and their lips clashed together, Draco's hands were in Harry's hair forcing them closer, their tongues sought each other and everything else stopped as he became lost in the sensation. Harry groaned as he felt his body respond and pushed against Draco. Draco bit at his lower lip and Harry ran his hands down Draco's back reveling in the feel of him.

Harry jumped as he heard George call out, "Oi, five minutes to midnight, let's all head up stairs to the roof to see the show. And where it is nice and cold out. Which is good, because I think the temperature in here just jumped about fifty degrees." There was some good natured laughing as everyone headed for the door and up the stairs. Harry and Draco stayed where they were, no longer kissing but their foreheads pressed together, eyes closed. Harry's chest was pounding and he could feel Draco's pulse racing under his hand.

Harry broke away first, he looked over at Draco who was studying him with cautious eyes. "It is a damn good thing that George could get everyone to move, because it isn't as though I can move the shape I am in." he said at last.

Draco tightened his arms around Harry, "Did you want to walk away?"

"Merlin, you disappear for a week and come back like this?" Harry asked, "It was like being stripped naked with a hundred people watching."

"You once joked that you thought we should come out by walking into the Great Hall and just kiss in front of everyone. It was the next best thing I could come up with. I can't believe it actually worked." Draco murmured quietly, "I was so sure I had lost you to Weasley. When you spent the night with him I knew that I would have to leave. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing you two together. But I wasn't going to go without at least telling you that I still love you."

"That's what I've been trying to tell you. I didn't spend the night with him, not like that. We haven't slept together in over a year. Charlie and I are just friends. I told him on Christmas Eve that I had to see where things were going with you."

"You spent the night with him. You didn't come home until dawn." Draco pulled away, his eyes glittering.

"I had to spend the night at the Burrow. Something happened that I couldn't come home right away." Draco shook his head doubtfully. Harry said hastily, "I don't want to go into it now. But just know that I had already decided that I wanted to see if we could make this work."

"I know how much you want to be a part of the Weasleys and with him you get it all and him too. I spent the whole night knowing that you were with him. I was sure that you wanted him and not me."

"And you still did this?" Harry waved towards the turntable.

Draco nodded, "I couldn't let him just have you. I hoped that maybe - music had been such a big part of our time together. Even if you wouldn't listen to me I thought if I could get you to listen to the music you would understand that we really had something, it wasn't just some stupid school crush. I hid from you all week. Spent the whole time trying to think of a way to convince you to give me a chance, that is when I came up with this whole thing."

Harry sighed and rested his forehead against Draco's. "I want you to share your memories of what we were. I want to know. Then we'll see where this leads us."

He felt Draco's shoulders shake, "Salazar, just give me a minute." Harry pulled back to look at Draco, his skin was so pale it was transparent. Tears had filled his eyes, threatening to spillover. "Do you have any idea how long I've waited to hear you say that? Never really hoping that you ever would."

Harry hesitated and then reached up and kissed him gently, "I'll take it one step farther. I want to go to Hogwarts with you. Show me where we were together. Tell me everything."

"You're sure?" Draco asked.

"I'm sure, I want to do this. I've run from it for long enough, it is time I faced it and I want to do that with you."

"Harry! Stop snogging and get up here. One minute to midnight." George's voice called out down the stairs.

Draco draped his arm around Harry's shoulder and they walked out the door and up the stairs. They walked onto the roof just as midnight struck and the sky was suddenly ablaze in colors as the Muggle fireworks lit up the night sky.

OooOOo

Draco leaned against the house away from the rest of the crowd that was on the roof celebrating. He watched as Harry laughed with his fellow Gryffindors. He was content in knowing that there would be plenty of time to talk the next day when the house was quiet and it was just him and Harry.

Someone walked up and he glanced over to see Charlie Weasley standing in front of him. Cursing to himself he straightened up, tightening his shoulders as he returned Charlie's stare.

"Malfoy." Weasley nodded.

"Weasley." Draco glanced at Harry and was glad to see he was still engrossed with the conversation with Hermione and Ron.

"Has Harry told you why he and I stopped seeing each other?"

"He gave me some BS story about not wanting to hurt Ginny and Ron's feelings." Draco said, looking back at Charlie. "What was it really?"

"He talks in his sleep." Charlie said.

Draco laughed, "Tell me something I don't know."

"I'm a pretty easy-going bloke but there is a limit to how many times you can hear your lover calling out someone else's name in his sleep." Draco looked sharply at him, "I knew it wasn't his fault, he couldn't control what was happening in that head of his that you screwed up. But he felt guilty and didn't know what to do. We decided he should take a year to get sorted out. Figure out what he really wanted." Charlie took a sip of his beer and set the glass on the railing.

Draco swallowed hard, "When was the year up?"

"Last week." Charlie glanced over his shoulder at where Harry was still talking. "I think it is pretty obvious who he wants."

"It is his choi-" Draco began defensively but was cut off by Charlie's fingers that were suddenly wrapped around his throat, he fought to free himself but the fingers tightened, choking him.

"I just want to make it perfectly clear," Charlie whispered in his ear, "If you give Harry the slightest reason to doubt his decision. If you hurt him, I will come after you and no one will ever find your body when I'm done with you. Then I will pick up the shattered pieces and put Harry back together again like I did last year. I will make love to him night and day until the only name he remembers is mine. Understand?"

Draco nodded. There was nothing else he could do. Charlie let go of his neck and patted him on the shoulder. Picking up his pint glass he smiled, a broad Weasley smile, "Glad we had this little chat." He walked away from Draco and disappeared down into the house.

Harry came up to Draco a little while later, he held out his hand and smiled, "Come here," and led him down the spiral staircase to his bedroom. Relieved to be away from the crowd noise and music Draco looked at Harry. His face was tense and Draco wondered what could be next. Harry sat cross legged on the bed, after a moment Draco joined him. Harry held out his hand and they tightly clasped hands. "I need to tell you what happened on Christmas Eve."

Draco pulled back, "No, don't let's just start-"

"I have to... Charlie gave me a Pensieve for Christmas. It was his not so subtle way to tell me to get my head out of my arse and look at your memories."

"He gave you a Pensieve." Draco said disbelievingly.

Harry laughed, "Yeah. And a memory. From the Triwizard tournament, the day of the dragons."

Draco looked at him confused, "What did he have that you would have lost?"

"I can't say because while we were watching it together I had a seizure of some sort. Blacked out. He had to pull me out."

Draco felt the blood drain out of his head, "What the hell kind of seizure?"

"The memory triggered something that had been deleted. The Weasleys got a healer to the Burrow and she made sure there wasn't any damage. But it seemed best to rest at the Burrow rather than come back in the middle of the night. If I'd known what you would think I never would have."

"Circe," Draco looked at him bleakly, "So you won't be able to see my memories?" he took a deep breath, "That is okay, we can just -"

"Wait, there is more. The next day I went to St. Mungo's …" Draco listened as Harry explained what the healer had told him about the memory grafting. "So we need to go see the healers together. Find out what they can do." Harry concluded.

"If there is any risk though, we aren't doing it." Draco said determinedly.

"From what Watson told me, there is more risk by not doing it." Harry flushed slightly. "So long as you are willing, the grafting is the best chance from preventing a, erm, fabric tear."

Draco shut his eyes, rubbing the palm of his hands against them. "What, in the name of Salazar Slytherin, is a fabric tear?"

"It's something bad. I would end up like Lockhart."

Draco immediately envisioned the former Hogwart's professor in the art room at the Center childishly trying to paint a picture of himself on the paper, smears of yellow paint on the paper that could only vaguely be called a face.

"Why didn't Snape never tell me all this?" Draco said, "How could he teach me the spell and let me use it."

"I'm sure he thought the ends justified the means. Just like he had to let Voldemort kill Burbage." Draco shuddered at Harry's words. He could still see the professor screaming for her life. "Maybe he didn't know about what it actually did, but more likely he just accepted the risk." Harry said. Draco, knowing his godfather's loathing of Harry thought that more likely he just didn't care.

Harry got up and walked over to the closet. He pulled it open and took out the large wrapped present. "I didn't want to open it until you were back."

Draco smiled, "You didn't have to wait."

"I did. Because I want this to be a new start for both of us." Harry handed Draco a small present. "Open mine first."

Draco carefully unwrapped the present and lifted the lid off the box. Resting on black felt was a gold practice snitch. He looked up curiously at Harry.

"I re-read Cedric's letters. He wrote about us sneaking out to play Seeker games at night before we were really even friends. I thought it might be a good place to start again."

Draco smiled as he picked up the snitch and felt the wings flutter against his hand. "I won the first match we played." He was glad to be able to tell Harry something that had happened and not be worried about how he would react.

Harry laughed, "Well, as soon as I'm cleared to fly again. I'll see if I can redeem myself."

"Hardly fair since I've haven't played since fifth year."

"Good. That means we'll just have to play a lot to catch you up to speed." Draco laughed, and then slid Harry's present towards him.

Harry tore off the paper; from the feel of the package he'd known it was going to be a drawing or something in a frame. He held his breath as he saw the painting. Draco had painted him sitting in the rocking chair in a bedroom in the Burrow, Teddy curled in his lap. Teddy's eyes were dancing with excitement. Harry was smiling just a little as he was making the dragons fly out of Teddy's hands. Unlike the drawing that Harry had seen of them dancing with simple ink lines, this was done with acrylic paints, the rich color and texture made the painting come alive. Draco shifted uncomfortably as Harry studied it. Harry looked at him, "This is extraordinary."

Draco felt himself flushing, "I started it before you got all the pictures back from the Ministry. I wanted you to have something to put up on the walls here to make it more yours."

"Thank you. I love it." Harry glanced over at him, "I'm really sorry for what I put you through this week. As soon as I-"

Draco shook his head, "Doesn't matter. It was nothing compared to last year or even the year before." he had to control the shudder that ran through his body. Harry looked at him. "Honestly, Harry. The fact that there is a chance that we can start again, that makes a few sleepless nights worth it." He looked over at Harry. "Just so I'm clear, are you and I, together like, erm, dating? Or are you just wanting to see if...maybe you'll-"

"Merlin, you are stammering as bad as me." Harry said with a laugh, "What do you want?"

"I want it all, but I'm willing to go as slowly as you need to feel comfortable with us," Draco said without hesitating.

Harry took the snitch from Draco's hand, he fit their fingers together and squeezed. "I think we have been heading for this for a long time. Ever since I came back in November. I told Hermione then that if we had just met, if we didn't have all this history behind us I would have wanted to ask you out. I like you." Draco watched as a deep flush crept up Harry's cheeks. "I want to date, but I also know that I have to figure out all the strange things that are in my head."

Draco looked at him, Harry explained, "I have a lot of dreams. About us together. I need to straighten out in my head what is real and what is just dreams."

"I can help with that." Draco said.

Harry nodded, "You'd better because half the time I look at you I get flashbacks and it drives me crazy that I don't know what it all means."

"Why did you wait so long?" Draco asked, "I would have answered any question, told you anything you needed to know."

Harry chewed on his lip and Draco reached out a trembling hand and rubbed his thumb against Harry's lips, his hand cupping his jaw. "Because I am a stupid, stubborn git?" Harry said breathlessly. Draco was shaking with the effort not to push Harry back on the bed and make love to him. When Harry turned his head and kissed the palm of his hand Draco groaned.

"I, oh gods, Harry. I just have to..." Draco reached forward and kissed him. To his relief Harry sank backwards on the bed, pulling Draco with him. Draco groaned with effort to not just rut against him, last thing he wanted to do was scare Harry off. He ran kisses down Harry's neck, his tongue flicking against the rapid beat of Harry's pulse.

"This was definitely part of the dreams." Harry said breathlessly as Draco came up for air. He forced himself away from Harry.

"We should wait. I want you to be sure..."

Harry laughed, "Call me an easy first date, I'm sure I want this-" He tried to wrap his legs around Draco, to keep him close but Draco pushed away from him. Harry looked over at him, his hair had fallen forward and he impatiently pushed it out of the way.

Draco shook his head, his breath was ragged as he said, "I want you to come with me to Hogwarts first, I want you to know about us. It is important to me. I don't want this to be a first date. I want it to be our thousandth date."

Harry sat up and Draco looked at him, his resolve shaking as he saw Harry's shirt had somehow gotten unbuttoned, he didn't remember doing it. "What if the grafting doesn't work, what if I can't get back the memories?"

"I'll still be able to tell you everything. I can show you the drawings, we can read the journals together, I can show you downstairs." At Harry's puzzled look, "We used to call where we met as 'downstairs', it was below the WestTower in the old Quidditch Locker Rooms."

Harry nodded, "That makes sense, I see lockers in my dreams. Always confused me because they didn't match the ones I remember from Quidditch." He looked over at Draco, his fingers straying towards the buttons on Draco's shirt. Draco put his hand over Harry's.

"You're killing me, you know that?"

Draco shook his head, he couldn't believe that he was stopping Harry, "The other reason we should wait is there are probably a hundred people still in your house. And they probably are all placing bets about what we are up to right now."

"Let them," Harry said with a laugh, "They are going to do it anyway."

"Yes, well, I would just as soon as not be responsible for a gaggle of Gryffindors making money on my sex life." He reluctantly stood up and after a moment Harry followed him. Draco reached over and started to button Harry's shirt. He paused and unbuttoned the shirt again.

Harry laughed, "Change your mind?" He reached for Draco, but Draco shook his head, as the shirt fell open he reached forward and touched the large scar that curved from Harry's back to his front. "This is the Horntail?" Harry nodded. "And this one?" Draco touched Harry's shoulder and at the web of scar tissue that stood starkly against his tan skin.

Harry glanced at it, "Fiendfyre."

"From..." Draco hesitated. He still had nightmares of being caught in those flames. Harry nodded.

"This one?" Draco touched the jagged scar in the center of his chest.

"Curse scar." Harry said quietly, he closed his hand over Draco's hand. "I have a lot of scars, Draco. We could be here all night."

"Curse scar. You mean an Avada Kedavra scar?" Draco said, he glanced from Harry's forehead to his chest. "This one is a lot bigger and jaggier."

"Jaggier? That isn't a word." Harry muttered, he reached and stroked his hand through Draco's hair.

"Answer the question."

"Yes, it's from Voldemort and yes it is bigger. I guess the scar grows with the person, I was only one when I got the first scar." Draco brushed his fingertips along the scar and Harry sucked in his breath.

"It doesn't still hurt, does it?" Draco asked, alarmed.

"No, but you aren't helping your cause for wanting to wait." Harry murmured. He put his arms around Draco's waist, grinding their hips together. "I could show you all my scars."

Draco stepped neatly away. "If we start that we definitely aren't going to be leaving here for days."

Harry nodded, "True." he started buttoning up his shirt, "I suppose I should show some interest in what is happening to the house."

"Pretty trusting of you to let George Weasley have full reign of your house and the party."

"I made a deal with him to promote the New Yous." Harry said with a grin, "He has sold out of his entire stock and has a six month waiting list for them. I think he is already scheming what other products he can get me to sell for him."

Draco looked up as the sounds of a loud cheer came down from the roof, "So you want to go back up there?"

Harry grimaced, "No, let's go downstairs, I want to listen to that album again." As they headed out the door Harry looked at him curiously, "How did you put all those songs on one album anyway?"

"It's called magic, Potter." Draco said with a smile. "I was really glad when I learned that you already had a record player."

"Andromeda told you?"

Draco nodded, "When did you get it?"

"The day I went shopping with Fleur for the furniture. Saw it in a shop window and knew I had to have it. Maybe that is when I started to realize that coming back to you was as inevitable as breathing."

"Thank Merlin for that." Draco whispered against his mouth as he drew Harry to him for another kiss.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Harry woke up in the morning and stretched. The sunlight coming through the windows told him he had slept much later than he had in a long time. He probably was still up before most people that had slept over. He'd wished that Draco had been willing to, but he had insisted on going back to his place. They were meeting later for lunch.

Harry got dressed and went downstairs. The sitting room was filled with sleeping bodies. They covered every surface and he knew the guest rooms upstairs were filled as well. Harry laughed quietly when he saw a table that was placed in the center of the room with a slowly rotating sign that said "Hangover Potion." George really had thought of everything. Harry made his way to the kitchen. Kreacher glanced over his shoulder from where he was frying up several pans of sausages. Harry poured himself a cup of coffee.

"Is Harry Potter wanting breakfast now?"

"No, Kreacher, I'll wait for some of the others to wake up." He turned and was heading back up the stairs just to see Hermione coming down. She glanced at him with a smile.

"Ready for some tea or coffee?"

"Tea, please." Hermione said, "So, your head isn't hurting this morning? You and I may be the only ones not taking advantage of George's hangover potion." Kreacher had a cup of tea on the table for Hermione before Harry could reach it. They both sat down at the table next to each other.

Harry smiled, "Nah, didn't drink much. Wanted to be sober enough to talk to Draco if he showed up and after he did...well, didn't drink much."

"So, you and Draco," Hermione gave him a big smile.

Harry nodded, "You can't be surprised."

"No, you two are good for each other. You just needed to be ready and I think you are now. Now the dance thing last night? That was a surprise."

"Tell me about it." Harry knew he was blushing.

"It was probably the hottest thing I've ever seen," Hermione said as a pink flush crept up her face. "And I'm willing to bet that you aren't going to tell me what he was whispering in your ear."

"Not if you tie me up with Devil's Snare and lock me in a room with a Blast Ended Skrewt."

"And the songs he picked?"

"Next question?"

"Where is Draco now?" Hermione lifted her eyes upwards, "Upstairs? To be honest I didn't think either of you would be surfacing anytime soon."

"He went back to his rooms at the Center around 3 or so." Harry said, "We are meeting later."

"Hmmm." Hermione took a sip of tea and studied him over the brim. "Really? You two seemed quite caught up with each other." she smiled beatifically at him.

"You are just trying to make me feel as uncomfortable as possible, aren't you?"

"Serves you right for the scare you gave us last weekend." Hermione looked at him, "You are going to tell him, aren't you?"

Harry nodded, "Already did. Most of it. We'll go see Watson together, come up with a plan."

"If you need any help, just ask." Hermione said, "I probably have a few memories to add once Draco has shared his with you."

"You do?"

"Just a few moments that the Ad Credo had hidden from my consciousness. You hiding under the cloak in the library with him. I could see his feet."

Harry stared at her, "He mentioned that last night, said you'd almost caught us."

Hermione leaned forward and sang softly to him, "I can't get no satisfaction-"

"Hermione!" Harry leaned backwards. "How did you know about that?"

"I knew it! As soon as that song started playing last night I remembered you humming it in the library!"

"Yes, well. The songs were from different things that happened."

Hermione reached out and hugged him unexpectedly, "I'm so happy for you, Harry. And I will be so relieved when you start the grafting. The sooner that is stabilized the better."

"If it can be." Harry said, he didn't want to think about what could happen if the grafting didn't work or made things worse.

"It will work." Hermione said determinedly.

OOoOoOoOoO

Harry waited in the lobby of the Center waiting for Draco to get out of his final group session of the day. Finally, he saw Draco coming towards him wearing Muggle clothes. Draco stopped next to him, his face set.

"Everything okay?"

"Just nervous, more than nervous to be honest. Terrified. But there isn't a choice." Draco said, he looked at Harry, "No disguise?"

Harry shook his head, "Only if you want me to wear one. We are going straight from McCain's floo to Watson's so we won't really be seen. And the secret is out anyway." Harry didn't know who but someone in the crowd at the party had managed to sneak photographs of Harry and Draco dancing and kissing at the party. The tabloid had been publishing stories all week about the party and what happened between Harry and Draco. George had apologized profusely. No one had been supposed to bring cameras but it didn't surprise Harry that one or more than one had made it through the door.

Draco nodded, "Okay, let's go."

Ten minutes later they were waiting in Watson's office. She greeted them with a warm smile. "It is nice to meet you, Mr. Malfoy."

Draco nodded, but didn't say anything. They looked at the healer expectantly. "How much has Harry told you?"

"He told me about what happened when he looked in the Pensieve. And about the memory fabric. And you think you can try memory grafting."

"Very true. And you understand that you need to willingly share the memories?"

"That won't be a problem." Draco said quickly. "How is it done exactly?"

"The process is different than just viewing in a Pensieve. And it will take weeks, months possibly depending on how much time you are able to devote to it and how receptive Mr. Potter's mind is to the new, well, old memories.

"We start by giving Mr. Pott-"

"Call me Harry, please." Harry said, shifting uncomfortably. "I prefer it, especially if we are going to be doing this for months."

Draco hesitated and then shrugged, "Draco."

Watson looked at Harry, "Very well, Harry, in order to prevent the type of shock that you had before we will prepare a potion that you will take before each session. It will put you in a trancelike sleep."

"What are the active ingredients in the potion?" Draco asked sharply.

"Valerian, lavender, and asphodel." Watson said.

"Asphodel?" Draco raised his eyebrow at the healer. Harry was reminded that Draco had usually been the top student in Snape's potion classes.

"Yes, a dangerous ingredient but a necessary one. I assure you the potion will be brewed with utmost care."

"How long does the potion take to brew?"

"Three days, and it has a shelf stability of a month." Watson said. "Let me explain the rest of the process and if you would like to see the brewing instructions and full list of ingredients I will be glad to share them with you.

"Harry will take the potion. Once it has begun to work and he is relaxed you will sit next to each other with hands clasped or at least touching. I will cast temporary bond lines between the two of you. This will provide the stability that we need to prevent any shock. Then, Draco, you will draw out the memory as you would to use in a Pensieve but then you will cast a Insitionis Memoria bond line that will allow you both to be able to see and hear the memory. Once it has been observed then Draco can end the Memoria bond and we will be monitoring the memory fabric to make sure that everything is working as we expect. Any sign of trouble of course we will stop the session and re-evaluate."

Draco paled a little, "Will you be watching the memories with us?"

"No, heavens no." Watson smiled at him, "It will just be you and Harry. If there is any trouble you can pull him out and we will be there waiting."

"Okay. That doesn't sound too bad. Harry?"

Harry just nodded, "We don't have a choice so I'm more than willing to try it."

"Very good, I will start brewing the potion tomorrow. So we will be able to start next Monday."

Harry looked at Draco, "Will you be able to get off of work again?"

Draco nodded, "McCain and David told me to take any time off that I needed to do this." He looked over at the healer, "What about taking Harry to see Hogwarts, to show him the place we used to meet? Should we wait or -"

"No, that would actually be a very wise way to spend the next few days. I believe it would make Harry more receptive to the grafting." the healer glanced at Harry, "I haven't seen any announcement about Hank Black not playing this upcoming season."

Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "No, I haven't told the Cannons yet."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm hoping this will work and I'll still be able to fly."

"Even if we are successful, it will be months until the fabric is stable again. You owe it to your team to warn them that you won't be able to play at the start of the season."

Draco and Harry walked out of the healer's office. Harry looked around and pointed to a small sitting room nearby. "What do you think?"

"Not sure." Draco dragged his hand through his hair. Harry watched the movement. His memory of Draco Malfoy in school always included perfect slicked back hair. Now Draco wore his hair short and it fell naturally around his face. A lock fell forward over his forehead. Hesitantly Harry reached forward and brushed it back. Draco looked at him and reached for his hand. Looking down he rubbed his thumb over Harry's knuckles. "I've been wanting to share the memories for so long but I didn't know it would be so complicated."

"How many hours of memories do you think there are?" Harry asked. He'd been wondering how much time they actually had spent together. He still couldn't imagine how they had been able to get away from their friends to meet.

Draco shook his head, "I don't know, hundreds?"

"That much?" Harry looked at him startle, "How on earth did we meet so often?"

"First year was easier, because you just told your lot that you were studying with Cedric. Or training for the Triwizard. Fifth year was harder. We easily had to go a week without meeting. A lot of times we snuck downstairs through the tunnels afterhours."

"Tunnels?"

"I'll show you. When should we go to Hogwarts?" Draco asked.

"Tomorrow?" Harry asked, "Or, should we just go right now?"

Draco laughed, "It is almost 3:00., the sun will be setting in an hour or so."

"What does that matter? Students are going to be back the day after tomorrow. I'd rather be done and gone before the Hogwarts Express pulls into Hogsmeade."

Draco nodded slowly, "I guess there is no reason not to go now." he looked at Harry, "You aren't worried this is going too fast?"

"Fast? I have been obsessing about this for a year, more than a year. Now that there is a chance to get the answers I want to do it."

"Okay," Draco nodded at him, "Let's go to Hogsmeade."

They moved swiftly through St. Mungo's to the apparation point, heedless of the curious and blatant stares they were getting from those they passed. Harry looked over at Draco, "Meet behind the Hog's Head?"

Draco shook his head, "Take me with you." Harry gave a slight nod and wrapped his arms around Draco. The last thing he saw was the astonished looks of those around them as they disappeared.

---

Right. So either you loved it or hated it. Let me know.

To save some anticipated questions: I didn't give the hp/cw warning at the beginning for obvious reasons, but yes it was part of the plan from the start. Charlie's birthdate on HP Wiki is listed Dec 12, 1972. Making him 25 to Harry's 18 during their relationship. I'm planning on writing a parallel story about Harry's time in Romania. I am anticipating three more chapters to Twist. I am so excited to be writing the next one set back in Hogwarts, it is like coming home to be back in the locker room (for Draco and myself).