Big thanks to Mochiface for the review I'm so glad you like it – it's always a concern of mine how the writing is going when my main language isn't English.
HP POV
Fall had seemed to go by quickly and before Harry had realized it, Halloween had passed. While outside the weather had gone from cold to almost freezing, Harry had felt incredibly warm inside the castle. He, Jason, Zabini and Malfoy continued to meet in the library even after their assignment was handed over. His friendship with Ron and Hermione were still strained a bit and Harry tried to give them some space.
Speaking of relationships, he and Malfoy had made progress and were most of the time able to keep the conversations free of Voldemort-related topics. Of course, it also meant Harry constantly had to be careful before opening his mouth but for now it wasn't too difficult.
One evening studying in the library, Harry was laughing at a joke Malfoy had just told when Zabini announced he was going to bed. Gathering their things, the four boys headed down. Zabini and Jason was standing in front of them on the moving staircase. The taller Australian was giving vain attempts to hold Zabini's hand, but the proud Slytherin was anything but willing to give such a display of affection in public. Finally, on the sixteen hundred try, Blaise gave up trying to avoid it and they stood in silence both secretly enjoying the intimacy. Harry couldn't help but smile at them. Who could? They were in such contrast, where Zabini's cold and proud demeanor could make a first year pee his pants but with the warm sunshine smiling next to him, it became a perfect match.
They were at the floor where Harry was supposed to turn to head for the Gryffindor common room, when Malfoy grabbed his hand stopping him from leaving.
"Hey guys, I'm going with Potter to make sure he doesn't get lost." He said smirking at the now flustered boy.
"I know-"
"Sure." Blaise said. "We will see you tomorrow." The boy turned and Jason gave a slight wave before they left.
"Don't you have to get back as well?" Harry asked. Malfoy didn't bother to answer but dragged him along towards the fat lady's portrait.
"So, what are your plans this Christmas?" Harry tried again.
Shrugging nonchalant he quickly answered; "Home at the manor."
"Ah."
"You?"
"Staying here." Harry followed with shrugging. "Usually, I head home with the Weasleys but things are still… challenging."
Malfoy huffed. "Are the Gryffindorks still having a hard time understanding 'growing up'?"
Harry gave him a playful elbow in the side. "Hey. They aren't dorks, okay? It's just rather unusual to see the two of us together. Without fighting at least... sooo I'm staying here. It's always a nice Christmas anyway…. Visiting Hagrid, Hogsmeade, the library-"
Almost snorting, Malfoy turned to him. "As if you are going to the library when we aren't here."
"I could!" Harry tried to defend himself as Malfoy started to seriously laugh. "What do you think I did for the past six years?"
"I don't know, I just thought you laid a piece of paper with your name on it and that was that." Malfoy quickly stepped aside to avoid the flying fist heading for his arm. As Harry continued to miss, Malfoy hurried towards the gryffindor commonroom. Laughing the smaller teen chased the annoying pretty boy. As they slowed down, Malfoy grabbed his hand once again.
"Can't believe it is almost Christmas." Harry pondered.
"No. The year goes by so fast."
"And soon we'll be graduating. Do you even know what you want to do?"
Malfoy gave a curling smirk. "Not much to think about. I will work with my dad at a higher position in the Magical law department."
"I see." Harry couldn't help but ask the question at the tip of his tongue. "Malfoy?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you- actually want to work at the Ministry?"
"Sure. The job is rather important, highly sought and the pay is worth the long hours."
"No, Malfoy." Harry stopped them and forced the paler boy to face him. "Do you WANT to work there? At that job? Beside your father?"
For a second it actually looked like Malfoy didn't have the furthest clue as to what Harry meant. Or at least what difference the second question was to the first. Thankfully, the boy was rather intelligent and Harry didn't have to wait for too long before it dawned on him.
"Perhaps." He admitted. "My father… he wants what is best for me."
"I'm sure he does. But maybe he doesn't always know what is truly best for YOU."
Malfoy didn't seem to like where the conversation was heading and he gently started walking again. Harry knew he had to tread carefully now. Giving Malfoy the time to think things over was probably the best thing for now. Harry could always bring up the topic again another time.
"What about you? I'm guessing an auror?" Malfoy sidestepped.
"You know, I'm not so sure anymore. I always thought it was what was the right thing for me… I guess I never considered other options." Harry shrugged.
"Maybe I'm not the only one who should consider what they actually want." Malfoy teased and smiled down at him.
The sentence almost commenced such an enormous amount of doubt in Harry, that he almost stopped walking again. He had never measured the amount of talking and pushing of the idea that had been forced upon him. The constant mentioning of his father as an auror, the important work the order did, being around Kingsley and Tonks… while Malfoy Sr. had simply placed his own opinion on to his son, Harry had been surrounded by people's constant presence and expectations.
Both walked in deep silence, each contemplated their conversation just now. As they arrived, the Fat lady was leaning on her hand snoring quietly into it.
"I guess I say goodnight now."
"Yeah. You should go before you get caught." Harry tried not to show how much he wished him to do the opposite and stay. It seemed as though Malfoy looked right through him and he leaned in to gently touch his lips. Harry could feel the rough edge of chapped lips molding against his own. It had been too long since the last time they kissed. Harry wasn't sure which one of them moved closer, or if they both closed the distance, but he felt wonderful as Malfoy buried his hands into his back and spread each of them out as though he wished to touch every single of Harry's spinal cords. Moving his own into the blond locks, he deepened the kiss and their tongues met. The taste of spearmint and something clean and sweet as powdered sugar exploded on his taste buds. Regretfully, Harry eventually pulled away but settled for a few last quick pecks.
Letting go, Malfoy took a backward step and whispered goodnight.
"Night." Harry tried to calm his breathing and forced himself to move towards the Fat Lady.
"Brave as lionheart." He repeated the password twice before the older woman finally swung open. Before he had entered the smaller entrance hall, he heard the whispering of voices and the kittling fire.
"Hey." He announced his arrival to his two friends as they realized whom had entered the common room. They looked to be in a rather lively discussion and Harry figured they needed time alone so he hurried towards the dorm.
"Harry, could we talk for a second?"
Damn. Almost escaped. Taking a deep cleansing breath, he turned back with a smile that hopefully didn't seem forced. Going back, he sat down on the red couch next to Ron. Harry was certainly not going with some sort of icebreaker. If they had something to say, they should just get it over with. Finally, after a rather long awkward silence Hermione cleared her throat.
"Listen Harry, I – we're trying to understand that you are gay and somehow started seeing Malfoy-"
Oh great.
"But well…"
"Hermione overheard Malfoy and that annoying girl from Slytherin talking-" Ron interrupted.
"They talked about you I think, and it didn't sound good."
"Why? What were they saying?" Harry challenged.
"Well, I didn't exactly hear what it was about, but Parkinson seemed very interested in Malfoy's 'situation' and I can only assume she meant you."
Trying not to let it bother him that Malfoy was discussing him with the Slytherins he kept a straight face and tried to seem bored.
"So?"
"Don't you think it is weird? and the way they whispered seemed more like a fight than a discussion."
"So maybe they have a hard time accepting our… friendship. Just like you."
"Hey! We accept it, we just think they aren't being honest about this whole… friendship." Ron grimaced.
"Maybe," Hermione tried to console him. "You should try one of the Gryffindors."
"Oh right, like perhaps a girl? Maybe Ginny?" Harry tried to keep the sarcasm out of his voice but he certainly wasn't successful.
Suddenly the common room got rather quiet.
"What?"
"Erhm. About Ginny…" Ron looked back to Hermione for help. Her face was spreading lovely red spots across her cheeks.
"She asked about you and why you guys hadn't picked up where you left it. You know with Voldemort gone she figured…"
Oh god.
"Hermione," Harry slowly felt the anger soothing inside him. "What did you tell her?"
Neither of his two friends looked at him anymore.
"What. Did. You. Tell. Her?"
"We told her the truth!" Ron exploded.
Harry could no longer sit still and jumped out of his seat.
"You told her I was gay?!"
"Harry please, we just felt it wasn't fair to her and lie." Hermione tried to explain.
"And you couldn't just say I wasn't interested? That I had moved on?" trying to keep the yelling down, he started pacing.
"It wasn't-"
"You had no right to tell others!"
Ron now got up aswell.
"What are we supposed to say?! Everyone sees you walking around with Slytherins lately. People are talking!"
"Then let them talk! I can't believe this!" Having had enough he stormed up the stairs.
"Harry please-" He heard Hermione calling him. Ignoring them he hurried up and tried not to slam the dorm door shut. Around him his friends were sleeping. The light snoring from Neville's bed was unmistakable, considering it had accompanied the dorm for six years. Harry tried not to disturb the others as he got ready for bed and threw his shoes on the floor. Closing the curtain around the bed, he laid down and closed his eyes. Even though he was exhausted, thoughts and dreaded scenarios continued to roam around inside of him. Of course, he wasn't for sure that Ginny had told anyone. She wasn't a chatterbox nor a tattle tell, but that wasn't the problem. Ginny had a tendency to hang around Parvati and Lavender. And those two girls spent more time with their mouths open than closed. Trying to force the almost nauseating feeling in his stomach to settle down, he kept breathing deeply.
In and out.
In. And. Out.
In and out…
…
There was probably nothing that could have prepared him for the lovely reception in the great hall the next morning. At first nothing had seemed changed. Neville waking up first of the five boys. Dean going to wake up Seamus with a kiss. Ron trying to stay in bed as long as possible. Everything was as it used to be. Except the awkward second, he and Ron's eyes met. Harry quickly looked away. He wasn't ready to be talking to either of them right now. Gathering his shoulder bag, he and the guys headed out for breakfast.
But hoping everything was just as always was clearly too much to ask for. Harry had barely stepped away from the staircase before the common room became deadly silent. A few gryffindor-girls gave him encouraging smiles, while most gave him looks of an odd combination between pity and curiosity. Although a rare few only could be described as… disgust.
A strong hand on his shoulder started pushing him towards the entrance. Staring straight ahead, Harry tried to ignore the horrible feeling of throwback from firth year.
Finally walking, Seamus dropped his hand to his and pulled him back. Four boys now stood in front of him. Two who looked rather concerned, one who looked unsure and a fourth who seemed ashamed.
"Harry, what is going on? Why is everybody staring at you?" Dean questioned.
Before answering, Harry turned to Neville. "You already heard didn't you?" he knew how much Neville hated being placed in the spotlight but right now he had to know what he was dealing with. Carefully nodding, Neville just gave him a small smile. And in fact, that was all Harry really needed from him to know where he stood.
Turning back to the concerned couple, he decided just to tell the truth. Keeping his head high he quickly told them what they wanted.
"Well as you know, I'm gay. I was recently asked out by Draco Malfoy and I decided to say yes. Which is why I have spent so much time around the Slytherins lately."
"Okay then." Seamus continued.
"Guys I know it is a lot but I could really use your support-"
"Hey, hey! We support you Harry," Dean hurried to explain. "It's just… why didn't you say something sooner? Or at least give us a heads up before telling the whole school?"
Anger once again flared inside his chest.
"It wasn't exactly my idea to tell everyone." He couldn't help but look to Ron, who still stood quietly behind the rest. Figuring whom he was looking at Seamus and Dean almost comically turned to him at the same time.
"Ron? You told them?" Dean asked perplexed.
"No. Well not them, but Ginny asked about Harry…" Without Hermione to back him up, even Ron didn't seem convinced anymore. Served him right. It only took a second before Dean and Seamus practically attacked him.
"I can't believe this!"
"What were you thinking-"
"He wasn't thinking!"
"I didn't want everyone to-"
Harry couldn't help but take sadistic pleasure in seeing Ron squirm under the heated battle from a rather fierce boy and his rather strong boyfriend. But no matter how satisfying, they still had to get down to breakfast.
"Let's just go."
Everyone, especially Ron seemed surprised by the notion.
"But Harry-" Lifting a hand he silenced the ginger boy.
"For now." He only said before turning to continue down the hall. Slowly he heard the sound of footsteps catching up. Unfortunately, if Harry thought the common room was bad, it was certainly nothing like the great hall. The small group had barely entered the delicious smelling hall before the talking quieted down to hushed tone. Trying to ignore it, Harry focused on not falling over his own legs on the way to their seats. Sitting down he just reached for an apple and looked down on it as he cut it in slices. Around them the voices began to get louder again and though not everyone was talking about him, it was quite clear most had nothing better to discuss.
"They say he loved him for years…"
"Never imagined!"
"But he's so cute…"
"… Really? Malfoy?"
Oh god, Malfoy. Harry hadn't even considered how he must be feeling. Crab. He sat on the wrong side of the table. He wouldn't be able to look to the Slytherin table without being completely obvious.
"Don't let it bother you." Dean tried.
"Yeah, so what? Now they know and in a few days it is over." Seamus bumped against his shoulder.
"Yeah, I guess."
His friends continued trying to distract him as he eat the few apple slices he could. In the end, he gently pushed his plate away from him and just sipped his pumpkinjuice.
"Oh great, the mail is here." Neville announced excited. "My granny promised to send a box of dove quills. I can't remember where I left my last one." Laughing, the others looked up to see if they had any mail coming. Around them smaller packages and letters dropped into the awaiting hands of the students. Harry wasn't expecting anything so he was rather surprised when a brown barn owl landed beside his cup. Untying the letter tied to its leg, he gave it a piece of Neville's bacon before it took off.
Harry
I would like to see you for a cup of tea this afternoon
Hugs
Hagrid
Hugs? Harry couldn't help the small smile from spreading across his face. Looking up from his letter he found himself being the center of attention once again, he stuffed the letter into his pocket before getting up to leave.
"Was the letter anything… saucy?" Lavender asked as the girls around her giggled.
"Suck it." Harry sneered and he hurried to leave while the gasps of the shocked girls followed him.
Harry knew he should be getting to class, but knowing everybody would be staring at him, he simply couldn't take it. Turning away from the corridor to which the charms classroom was, he left for the dungeon. Should he go to the Slytherin common room? No. No one except Malfoy or Jason would probably let him in. Perhaps Professor Snape was available. Searching for the right passage for a second, he headed for the Potion master's classroom.
Listening at the door, it didn't sound as though the class was in progress. He doubted for another second if he should be intruding. But then he knocked and it was too late for regrets.
"Enter." The deep voice from inside sounded.
Carefully opening the door, he hurried in but kept by the door in case Snape asked him to leave again. Sitting by his desk writing, the older man looked up. The long black hair tucked back behind his eyes in a small ponytail.
"Mr. Potter. Why are not heading for your first class of the day?"
Stepping into the room, Harry tried to come up with an excuse. Should he ask for help with homework or perhaps something more sudden?
"I'm gay."
Or that.
Even though the Professor had been a master spy and had practiced his poker face for years, Harry was still able to see the slight change in his demeanor.
"Yes, I was already aware." The professor laid down his quill and gave Harry his full attention. "And what in fact, am I supposed to do with this information?"
"Nothing, it…" Harry tried again. "I guess I needed to say it to someone else. Someone who I know won't believe in all the other rumors."
"Ah, yes." Snape got up and waved his wand, conjuring a rather comfortable black chair, which he gestured for Harry to take. "Those 'rumors' have positively travelled far in just a few morning hours. Are there any truth to them?"
"Well yes. Some of them." Harry felt himself blush at the mentioning. "I have decided to go out with Malfoy. He asked and I said yes." He stumbled.
"And now you are… uncertain about your emotional state?"
"No, I do want to go out with him. I just wasn't expecting everyone to know so quickly."
Sitting back down the Professor took a minute to answer.
"Could it be you are more upset for Mr. Malfoy than yourself?"
"Maybe…" Harry said thoughtfully. "I'm used to people talking, I hate it, but I am. But I know about his family. I can't imagine it will go well. I just want to know everything will go back to normal soon." He started ranting.
"And how would I know this?"
"Well you're also-" Oh no.
"I am what?"
Shit. "Nothing, sorry I was thinking of something else." Harry hurried to move on but it was obvious Snape had caught the end of something big as his eyes narrowed. Getting up slowly from his own chair, he went around the desk.
"I am also what, Mr. Potter?"
"You are also… a man?" Harry tried pathetically.
"Mr. Potter, last chance unless I am going to pour veritaserum down your throat. NOW. What. Am. I?"
"Gay! I know, okay!" Harry could barely stand to see the already very tight lips turn even narrower as well as the rather feisty look in the obsidian eyes.
"Please Sir, before you give me detention, please let me explain."
"You better."
Harry waited for the man to let go of the arms of his chair but Snape didn't move. He continued to stare down at him from his rather pointed nose. And Harry proceeded to tell the Professor everything. How Jason and he were friends and Jason had confessed that he was a veela. Well, almost everything. He didn't tell him he knew Snape was his father because as far as he knew, Jason hadn't told him either.
After he had finished Snape finally let go of his chair and slowly went back to his own. Harry was almost afraid to breathe too loudly as Snape collected himself. It took a VERY long minute of silence before Snape spoke again.
"This still doesn't explain why he told you about my… preference."
"Sir, I swear I want to tell you, but I cannot." Harry hurried to continue as Snape looked ready to yell at him again. "I really want to, sir! But Jason has his own reason and if I tell you why I know… I fear he will hate me. I know he will tell you at some point. Could you please just let it go for now?" He begged.
Snape did not look convinced but thankfully he had a soft, or at least a less rough spot for Jason and Harry would have liked to think Snape had changed his opinion of him as well.
"Fine."
"Seriously?" He was.
"Yes. For now, I shall leave it be." Snape picked up his quill again and pointed it directly at him. "But I swear Mr. Potter, if anyone get even the slightest idea of this discussion I will not hesitate to get you expelled for every single rule you have broken since your arrival to Hogwarts. Am I understood?"
"Yes sir, of course."
"Good."
Harry knew it was his que to leave but he stayed in the chair. Upon realizing the bane of his existence didn't depart, Snape looked up from his notes.
"Sir," Harry once more begged for understanding. "Could I stay here, just for this class?"
Snape sighed rather loudly and rubbed his temple for a second.
"You may, IF you will sit in complete silence and do your homework. I will not have you dallying off."
"No sir, thanks."
Harry got his things and settled on the small corner of Snape's desk. For a second it looked like the professor was about to object, before he continued to write. Harry was careful to be as quiet as possible, as he started his own notes on Herbology. Besides the scratching of the quills against parchment the two men sat in comfortable silence. Harry had worried Snape at some point would have had enough of him dipping his pen in the ink too much or commented on the way he licked his finger every time he turned a page, but nothing. Snape kept quiet the entire time and when it was time for Harry's next class, he simply thanked the professor again. However, right before he closed the door, Snap called after him. Turing around the man looked conflicted.
"Are you certain about Mr. Malfoy?"
"For once Professor, I'm certain about something." He smiled before leaving.
…
He had tried to stay far away from Ron and Hermione and they had certainly not seemed interested in having any sort of contact. At lunch, he ignored the other houses and focused on eating enough for both lunch and the breakfast he had missed. He listened intently on Seamus and Neville's discussion concerning the house cup. Gryffindor was so far in third place behind Hufflepuff and Slytherin, which most definitely was not okay. As Seamus pointed out, they couldn't expect the golden trio to win it with extra point this year as there were no more adventures in the castle.
A few months ago, this point would have bothered Harry. Never again having to discover something rare or secret at nighttime in forbidden corridors. But now? He couldn't wait to keep the focus on his homework and hopefully Malfoy. Speaking of which, he hadn't seen him so far. He hadn't been at lunch even though Harry strategically placed himself on the right side of the table this time.
Hopefully, he would see him at dinner.
Now he was heading towards the small hut where his tall friend was awaiting him. He hadn't sent a correspond but he imagined Hagrid would know he was planning on coming. Taking the southern entrance as he usually did, he went through the now empty pumpkinpatch. Roots and dried leaves were still lying around in the dirt. Kicking up a few he watched as the wind played with them along the trail.
Suddenly a sorrowful melody called to him and Harry turned towards the forbidden forest. Along the edge of the woods a few thestrals had gathered. Carefully he moved away from the trail to approach them. He carefully stepped forward, making sure not to step on branches or stones. Watching them – there were three – he could see they were eating a smaller animal lying on the ground. The creatures were truly beautiful in a rather morbid way. So many people feared them for their leathery looks and the reputation for death, but if you were ever lucky – or unlucky- enough to see them, you would realize how gentle the creatures were.
"They are gorgeous aren't they?"
Almost jumping up half a mile, Harry turned to see Hagrid standing right behind him. Who knew the giant could walk so soundlessly? Hagrid must have seen the startled look on his face because he laughed and patted him on the shoulder.
"Sorry there'." He apologized. "I saw you from me' window and noticed you were heading another direction. So, I got curious."
"It's all right. I just noticed them and thought I would take a closer look."
"It's fine, but shall we go inside? I put the kettle on."
Inside, Harry felt the wave of burning heat hitting his face. Taking of his outer robe he sat down next to the fire. Oh right! Seeing the black cauldron he remembered the egg. Hurrying to look inside he noticed that the egg had gotten a few darker spots.
"How is it going?"
"Great, just great." Hagrid said as he poured them two big mugs. "Try turning him over, there is a smaller crack."
Trying to keep himself from being too hasty, he borrowed the big oven mite and reached into the cauldron. Turning it, he discovered it had gotten much heavier since last time. Carefully turning it, he felt the dragon turning with it, almost as if the dragon had developed more body mass. When he moved the mitten away, he could actually see a tiny crack along the top. Placing the mitten against it, he hoped to feel it move as it once did. It took almost a full three minutes but then he felt a kick against the shell. Smiling at Hagrid, he patted the egg before taking off the mitten.
"'Arry, I was wondering… is there anything going on between you and Malfoy.?"
"Oh. Erm, not so much but I did agree to go out with him. Is that okay?" Harry asked uncertain.
Hagrid was the first man whom had ever shown him he was normal and had ever spoken to him as though he was worth more than dirt. If it wasn't for him, Harry would never have gotten to the magical world. He valued his tall friend and truthfully, was rather concerned he wouldn't approve. Considering how Malfoy had tried- and in another time succeeded- killing Buckbeak.
Hagrid looked troubled for a few seconds as his bushy eyebrows frowned. In the end he shrugged his big shoulders and shook his head.
"While I do not see how or why you would agree, I must say it is very mature of you to accept it."
"Thanks, Hagrid." Harry gave him a blazing smile.
After that, they didn't bring up Malfoy again, but continued to discuss the egg's progress and how Hagrid's other 'pets' were doing. When they finally finished their tea, the sun had set and Hagrid believed it was best for him to be escorted back to the castle.
So now, people at Hogwarts know of the date. How is Malfoy taking the news?
Kisses and hugs - TMB