DM POV

Draco knew deep down he was very lucky man.

"Proud ancestors, believing-"

He was handsome, intelligent and a great fortune.

"-How could this possibly-"

But sometimes he wished…

"Draco explain yourself, right now!"

… His parents were less interested in his life.

"Farther, I-"

"I don't want to hear it!" Lucius started pacing again.

Merlin, his farther could be so melodramatic sometimes. His mother still sat beside him, gently stroking his hand as her husband continued to pace the floor to particles. Snape had left moments ago, when he realized his father only wanted him here for moral support. As soon as the potion master expressed his knowledge of the relationship, his father dismissed his long-timed friend.

"Did you ever think of how this would affect us, your family! Our heritage rest completely on your shoulder, depending on your marriage and heir. The Malfoys' have always stood strong even when the dark lord fell, before we were forced into hiding our obvious wealth and pureblood became an almost defiled word." Lucius rambled.

"But this!" He mentioned at the door, obviously indicating that Harry was the reason for his demise.

"This is unacceptable. You will end this… tryst, immediately." What?

"Father, I cant just-"

"THIS IS NOT A DISCUSSION." His father yelled at him in pure outrage. Shocked, Draco simply stared down at the floor, emotions flying through him. Anger at his father, fear for having to marry Pansy, and pure worry for having to hurt-

"I believe this could be to our advantage." His mother finally intervened.

"What?"

"WHAT!" his father still yelled.

"Darling, please," his mother raised a hand, stopping the coming outrage his father was surely to embark. "While Mr. Potter isn't completely of pureblood status, the Potter family is very well respected, not to mention financially secure. And Mr. Potter could certainly be a benefiting member of the family."

'Wow, stop there, mother, never said I intended to marry him.' The lucky feeling he gathered from believing his mother was on his side, disappeared as swiftly as it had come.

"But 'Cissa he's-"

"He is a respected member of the society. Imagine, dear, the connection and allies he could gather in the right circles." Narcissa defended.

His father's anger had settled, but he continued pacing back and forth, as the wheels in his head turned. His mother's hand had never stopped stroking his, but he could feel the sudden tension in her as their discussion had included her. His father was at the point where he felt he had listened to more than enough reasons. Now, he was making a final decision. Even though his mother had seemed on his side, his father was the head of their house and would ultimately make the call. Stopping to stare out the window, his father finally spoke again.

"Fine."

"Really?" Draco couldn't help the surprise in his voice.

"Yes." His father seemed very displeased. Gathering his cane, standing against the wall. He pointed it at Draco.

"I will speak with Mr. Parkinson in private when we come home. 'this' little nonsense will only be tolerated this once, Draco. If 'things' change, you will pick up the marriage arrangement as if nothing have ever happened, do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, father."

Giving a final nod, his father went to the fire pit gathering a handful of powder, waiting for his wife to follow. His mother rose and gave him a single kiss on the cheek before joining Lucius. Together they entered pit and a giant green flame embraced them, sending them back to the manor.

For a while, Draco just watched the empty pit, waiting for his father to jump out, changing his mind. The fire pit remained hollow. He had been so convinced his parents wouldn't approve of the relationship, he hadn't even begun to wonder what would happen if they did. Well, his mother approved. He imagined his father tolerated the change because of his wife. But now, he wouldn't only have to withstand a relationship with Potter, but if he broke it up, he would still have to marry that hissy fit of a woman. What should he do?

For a while the blond boy sat with his head in his hands, wondering what would happen. Wait, he almost jumped up. This didn't really change anything. He only had to go out with Potter as long as his parents thought he wanted too. When he won the bet, Pansy would tell her parents she didn't want to marry him and he could break it off with Potter. He would be free of them both. Or, at least until his parents found another match, which could take a few years, waiting for the right girl to be introduced or turning seventeen.

Yes, things would be okay. All he had to do was stick with the plan.

Leaving the infirmary again, he was checked over by Madam Pomphrey once more before he was allowed to leave. However, he had to leave the bandages on and get them changed tomorrow morning.

Yes, everything would be fine. His parents were off his case at least until spring, Pansy had promised not to tell on him and Potter would fall in love with him within the next few weeks. And hopefully on top of that, Draco would get to pound his ass a couple of times before the end of the year.

Back at the common room, Draco was extremely surprised to see Potter sitting in a chair next to his friends, simply reading in silence. Potter was concentrating on reading, while having a parchment centred in his lap. His glasses were slowly sliding down his nose. Draco couldn't help the tiny smile on his lips, seeing the blackhaired boy so focused. Draco was walking towards them when Blaise saw him. Giving him a short nod in acknowledgement, he returned to his own book.

"Hi, what are you doing down here?"

Looking up, Potter face changed from startled to happy.

"Hi! I… was waiting for you, actually. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay… after, you know." Harry pointed his eyes towards the other students in the room. He had obviously realized that Draco weren't interested in having the other Slytherin know his parents had been here.

"Come on." Draco gentle took the book from his lap and threw it on top of the stake next to Blaise. Gathering Potter, he headed for their dorm room staircase. Potter didn't question his decision but merely let Draco guide him.

Opening the dorm room, Draco wandlessly spelt a warm fire to appear in the stone fire pit, before lighting the candles.

"Sit down."

Potter raised his eyebrows, challenging him. Draco just rolled his eyes.

"Please."

Sitting down on his Draco's bed, the shy Gryffindor took his hand. Draco watched him as he kept his eyes firmly attached to the floor.

"Listen-"

"Are we-"

Laughing awkwardly, Draco mentioned for Harry to start.

"I- I wasn't sure if you wanted me to come down here. If not, I'm sorry. But I was worried about you, and I was kind of worried when your parents showed up. I'm really sorry if your parents weren't meant to find out. Just tell me now, if-" The Gryffindor once again looked to the floor, his eyes shining lightly. "Are you going to break up?"

What?

"I understand-" he continued. "If your parents don't accept this. I didn't expect them to, honestly. I would be devastated but I don't want you to fight with your parents over this, over me." Taking a deep breath the smaller male clutched his hand.

Draco couldn't believe this. Potter had actually offered him a way out, if his parents denied him. While he said, he would be fine, his action told Draco otherwise. He looked upset and clearly hung on to Draco's hand, not wanting to show him anymore emotions on the matter. But Draco wasn't a Slytherin for nothing. He was an expert in shielding his emotion from the world and Potter weren't.

While Draco refused to see this as a selfless hero act on Potter's part, a small warm feeling of surprise and gratitude spread across his chest. He snatched his hand away from the Gryffindor's clutches and harry managed to look upset before Draco laid his hand upon his cheek. He would have to convince Potter that everything was all right. If Potter continued to have doubts about their… 'Relationship' it would only take Draco so much longer to make him crumble.

Gently, Draco tilted his chin, so Potter would look him in the eyes.

"We are good, me and my parents. We talked and they have promised not to meddle."

"Really? They accepted us?"

"Well," Draco grimaced. "Not so much accepted, as not outright disown me." He joked as Potter smiled.

"So, we're good?" Potter asked in a tiny voice.

"Very good." Draco confidently leaned in to kiss him. Their lips quickly moulded against one another, capturing the other's unique taste. While Draco minded a lot of things about Potter, kissing wasn't one of them. The smaller male fit perfectly against his as his own lips were rather thin but broad, Potter's were fuller and narrowed. Sneaking a hand to his chest Draco gently pushed him down on top of his silk sheets. Falling down, Draco captured the slightly gasped out air from Potter's mouth.

Potter hands snuck around him, pulling him to lie down on top of him. Their kisses turned from gentle lips to a tongue dance. Draco tried to capture and focus on any little gasp of breath from Potter but he wanted more. He needed to hear the Gryffindor want him. Completely laying down on top of Potter, he felt the hard signs of an erection matching his own. Slightly adjusting, Draco lined their prisoned cocks up together. He waited for Potter to take another deep breath, before grinding his pelvis against the hardened boy. Pushing his pelvis up as though he was already fucking him.

"Argh! Oh…" Potter moaned, clearly surprised by his own voice. Draco wanted, no needed to hear him again. The idea of the golden boy, Dumbledore's little prodigy, lying underneath the Slytherin god, begging Draco to fuck him, was the biggest turn on, Draco had ever fantasized. He continued to grind slowly as he felt Harry pull him down for another kiss.

"Oh, harder…" Potter blushed as he begged.

He wanted it harder? Draco wouldn't stop him.

Potter pulled his hair as his other hand continued to lay on Draco's back, as if worried he would suddenly stop. He had no intension of stopping anytime soon. He heard his own rasping voice, blowing air into Potter's ears, as Potter gasped into his. Their bodies could not possibly get any closer. Draco felt himself getting closer, he just needed Potter to get close as well, hopefully quickly. Pulling away slightly he gasped for Potter.

"Look at me."

Potter couldn't answer him but opened his eyes wide. Seeing the lust crazed eyes, having almost darkened the emerald colour, Draco frenzied. He was so close…

"I'm coming…" Potter gasped.

It was too much. Hearing as well as seeing the expression on Potter's face, ended him. Pushing as hard as he could, Harry legs swung over his ass, keeping him grinded almost painfully against him as they came.

"God, Draco!"

It was almost euphorically. Potter had uttered his name in passion. Not just his name, but his first name.

Gasping together, they held on, riding out the pleasure. Draco's arms finally gave out and he fell down beside the dark-haired boy. He wasn't sure how long the laid there but when they finally caught their breath Potter picked up his wand, sending a cleaning spell over them. The sticky and wet combination in his boxers disappeared and Draco turned over lying on his side.

"You said my name."

"What?"

Draco smirked. "You said my name when you came."

Oh, how delicious was the pink colour spreading across the virgin's face.

"Did not."

"Yeah," Draco Cheshire-smile widened. "You did."

Potter didn't know what to say for a while. He simply refused to look at him and played with a button on his shirt.

"Well, maybe you could use my first name too next time." Potter realized quickly what he had insinuated and hurried to try saving it.

"Not next time like now, but you know, always. In addition, I could use your name too. Your first name."

While it was fun seeing Potter make an ass of himself, Draco didn't want to ruin the big step forward their relationship had taken. Leaning in to kiss him, he silenced the dumbass.

"I think I will, Harry."

Lighting up as a sun, the smaller boy kissed him back.

"Good. Draco."

…

Middle of November was one of the coldest times around Hogwarts. It was the time between Halloween and Christmas. The festive holiday decorations had yet to be hung up and the castle seemed empty and hollow. None of the professor had entered their 'giving' spirit and their homework was an equally amount as the week before.

Harry was strolling around the courtyard in his winter clothes. After his first class had ended with divination, he had felt the need for some fresh air. The rest of the class had headed for the great hall and probably the warm halls for recess. Harry didn't really feel like staying inside. While most of the school had calmed down about the idea of him and Draco, the gatherings in the great hall was harder to ignore, considering the whispering voices travelled far.

The cold breeze had hit him the second he stepped outside. The snow covered ground crunched under his boots as he slowly walked through the yard. Other students had gathered around the benches and the one snow covered tree. Beside the tree stood a bunch of Slytherins and if Harry stretched a bit, he was able to see Jason standing there, chatting with his friends. Probably sensing being watched, Jason looked around and saw him. Smiling, he said something to his friends before strolling casually towards him.

Harry smiled back and continued to walk as the older boy caught up.

"Hey, where are you going?"

Harry shrugged. "Nowhere, I was simply getting some air before next class."

"Which one?"

"Charms. I didn't read the entire chapter we were supposed to, so I'm kinda' hopping I can sit in the back." Harry laughed. Jason joined in and for a while they walked in comfortable silence. They walked through the smaller doorless gate, heading towards the great lake.

"So listen, we haven't really had a chance to talk about what happened with you and Draco." Harry tried not to sound demanding. A darkened look crossed the veela's face. He bent over and gently moved the snow aside looking for the ground.

"I know." He mumbled. "I realize you must have been mad at me, and I actually didn't want to face you. I'm sorry. It was cowardly done."

Harry shook his head even though Jason was still digging through the snow and couldn't see it.

"I'm not mad; I just wanted to know what happened."

"Malfoy didn't tell you?"

"No, he refuses to talk about it." Harry shrugged again.

Finally getting up, Harry could see he held a bunch of smaller rocks in his glove covered hand. Reaching out the hand, he offered one before picking up one himself.

"There isn't much to tell. We talked and I lost control. No matter what, I am simply glad I wasn't expelled." He sighed.

"Jason, I haven't known you for too long, but it's very hard to imagine you losing control over 'nothing'. Now, what I do know is Draco and while I… care for him, I know how snobbish and an outright prat he can be when he wants to."

Jason smiled sadly.

"He can be quit-"

"He's an ass." Harry interrupted, while Jason laughed loudly, in fact so much that Harry could see a whole line of perfectly whitened teeth. Throwing the rock at the lake, the stone simply slide across the frozen ice, stopping when it landed in the middle.

"So? What did he say?" Harry queried.

For long time Jason continued to throw smaller rocks. He didn't look at Harry, but seemed to be thinking about something. Harry hoped Jason didn't feel like he couldn't be trusted, and if Jason truly didn't wish to bring it up, then he would stop the interfering. He just felt like something important must have crossed their path, for Jason to actually attack another student, even if that student was Draco. He still held the one cold stone in his hand that Jason had offered him and he too, threw it at the lake. At some point, Jason sighed loudly and threw the last one.

"I think we better let it go. Malfoy said something to get me riled up on purpose and it worked. I made a mistake and I should be happy he didn't prosecute me."

"But he did start-" Harry tried weakly to defend the boy whom had become a good friend to him. He really didn't wish to say Draco deserved the cuts he got for it, but Jason was the kind of person who would beat himself in the head with it for a long time.

Jason simply held up a hand, stopping him from finishing his sentence.

"It doesn't matter what he said or did. I lost control amongst my peers and I could truly have injured Malfoy or even another student. And while I wouldn't trust him further than I could throw him, it is no excuse. I hurt Blaise by hurting his friend. It's unforgiveable and if it happens again, I will leave Hogwarts permanently. My- Professor Snape has informed me of my punishment and Blaise is barely speaking to me right now."

Jason looked like a kicked puppy. His eyes rested on the lake where the giant squid was trying to break up flakes of ice. While his demeanor seemed strong, Harry could see how this experience had affected him and his vision of himself. Laying – of what was hopefully comforting- a hand on Jason shoulder, Harry gave him a short squeeze.

"It will be okay. Zabini won't be able to stay mad for too long. He cares for you too much."

Smiling, Jason simply gave Harry a pat on the back and so they decided to talk about something else.

"How is it going otherwise, you and Malfoy?"

"Good, really good actually." Harry nodded. "We are taking things slowly."

"And you want them to go faster?" Jason teased him.

"No, I'm fine! It's going- good. Oh, shut up." Harry pushed the tall boy away from him as he laughed at his expense. The laughter slowly stopped as they stood in comfortable silence, simply enjoying the beautiful view of the sun sparkling in the snow and the lake. The squid had finally gotten enough ice broken up for it to lay there, content.

"You know, it's such a beautiful day, we should do something."

"Like what?" Harry asked curiously.

"I don't know." Jason mumbled, looking from side to side as if a great idea would pop up somewhere.

"The Quidditch pitch is closed off now, isn't it?"

"Yeah we don't play for another few weeks, why?"

"Because," Jason excitingly burst out. "We should sneak in there and have a snowball fight. An epic one, just muggle style!" Harry couldn't help but smile at is enthusiasm.

"I don't know, Jason."

"Come on, it will be fun." Jason begged. "Please Harry, we could invite some of Blaise's and my friends, and you invite the Gryffindors. It will be a fun way to spend this cold afternoon, pleaaaase?" The hurt puppy look was back and Harry finally caved.

"Alright, alright! Let's meet in front of the gates at… four, I think."

"Great! It will be fun, I promise." Jason looked back as the giant clock as the tower dinged loudly. They turned around and headed for their own classes, waving goodbye as they split up.

Harry headed for the staircase, wondering how he was going to get the other Gryffindors to join a game. The snowball fight was a great idea, and they would certainly want to join, but against the Slytherins? Probably less excited.

Entering the Charms classroom, he slid behind a few Ravenclaws, hoping to find a seat where he could have a better chance of staying clear of Flitwick. Settling for the back of the second row bench, he sat down quietly as the rest of the students found their seats. Bringing out is things he would have barely noticed the person next to him, If it weren't for the light blonde hair swinging in the corner of his eyesight.

"Luna." He smiled as the younger witch sat down next to him. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, Professor Flitwick has allowed me to follow the seventh year curriculum with the rest of the Ravenclaws, since I have already gathered more than enough points for my own."

"Damn." Harry muttered astonished. "So you found it too easy?"

"Yes, I suppose I did." Luna agreed lightly as she unpacked her own school stuff. "But I don't have a lot of friends in my own year, so I have plenty of time for studying."

How did Harry always forget how direct this girl was? He truly cared deeply about Luna, but it was already hard enough for him to speak to a woman. How was her completely cheery way of saying she had no friends, going to be answered? He truly sucked at understanding women. Perhaps it was actually for the best that he had turned out gay.

"How is your friend doing?"

"Erhm, what friend?" Harry wondered.

"The boy with the mixed eyes. They are really wonderful to look into. Almost like watching an ocean and the golden sand on the beach at the same time."

While Harry had a hard time seeing how Jason's brown eye resembled to sand, he let it go in favor of answering the gentle girl.

"He's doing better. He's just still a bit down because of the whole mess with Draco."

Luna nodded understandingly. "Yes, I can only imagine how hard it must be to keep your temper while thunderflies are laying eggs on your shoulder." She said completely serious. "Tell him to scrub with pomegranate seeds next time he takes a shower. It will really help his balance."

Harry smiled and thanked her for the advice. Flitwick continued through his lesson, but Harry couldn't focus. Was it because he and Luna kept talking or perhaps because he forgot his homework? Probably both.

"Harry?" the bell-like voice whispered again.

"Yes?"

"Do you want to go and prepare for the next charm lesson after school? I can help you with the ones you forgot."

"How did y-" Harry shook his head in wonderment. When would he learn to simply trust the blonde girl. She might be a bit off her rocks but for most of the times, she was a truly astounding witch. Deciding to ignore how she knew him so well, he shook his head.

"I would love to, but I can't."

"Oh, why not?"

"Well I kind of promised to have a snowball fight with the Slytherins. Jason talked me into it. I don't think it's a very good idea but-"

"Oh Harry it's a wonderful idea. Can I come as well? I never tried to have a snowball fight except with dad."

"Sure, Luna, if you really want to." Harry perplexed answered the bubbling blonde girl. "That reminds me…" Making sure Professor Flitwick was looking in the other direction; he quickly ripped off a tiny corner of his parchment and wrote a note.

Snowball fight today at four.

We meet outside the Quidditch pitch.

Ask Seamus and Neville.

Folding the small airplane, he charmed it to fly across the room behind Flitwick's back. The plane flew without any trouble and Dean, who soon noticed the note, grabbed and hid it. Reading it surreptitiously, Dean gave him a smile and thumbs up before handing the note to Seamus beside him. As the note finally reached Neville, the round boy smiled as well.

The rest of the class was rather uneventful. Harry just took a few extra notes on Delusion spells. As the Professor sent them on for lunch, Harry waited for the other boys to join. Luna was waiting with him and had decided to join the Gryffindor table for lunch.

A rather hard slap on his back startled him. The boys had caught up and the group walked together towards the great hall. Lunch was mostly the same each day. Sorted warm- and cold dishes, salads, breads and fruit. Harry had just grabbed a big piece of chicken breast when a smaller shadow covered him. Turning his head towards the intruder, Ginny Weasley stood beside him.

"Hi, Harry."

"Hi."

The two had not spoken once since Ginny had revealed his secret to the school. She may not have been the one who ratted him out to the papers or to every single student in school, but it was ultimately her gibber-gabber that had caused so much trouble for him and Draco. Harry wasn't sure what she wanted but he still felt the green eyed monster in him rear its head when she stood there in front of him.

"I just wanted to apologies. For, you know, telling people about… your preference." She practically grimaced. Harry could feel the resentment in him grow. She couldn't even talk about it without looking like she eat something sour.

"I was just really sad and disappointed when I found out, so yeah." She continued, shrugging.

"That's it?" Harry huffed. "You think everything is just okay now that you've given me a half-assed apology?"

The girl's cheeks and ear started shading the same color as her hair.

"I said I was sorry. If you hadn't lead me on-"

"I did no such thing!" Harry had to clench his fist under the table, digging his nails into his palms to keep from yelling at the younger girl. "I never once said we would be together."

"Merlin sake, Harry! You were sending me signals constantly when you were staying at our house. But fine, keep your silly fling with the ferret! Just don't come crying back when you're alone again." She snarled before storming off.

Turning back to his half empty plate, he distracted himself from looking at the others by pilling on peas and gravy. Unfortunately, he couldn't stop from looking across the table, wondering what Ron's reaction to his sister was. The boy was looking as red as his sister had been, but he only gave Harry a rather nasty look before turning back to his own lunch. None of his friends mentioned the little outbreak and Seamus quickly ended the awkward silence by asking about the upcoming snowball fight.

"So, Harry why did you suddenly feel for a snowball fight?" He lifted his hand in a surrendering motion. "Don't get me wrong, it sounds fun, I just didn't realize you were such a fan of violence." He laughed while Dean elbowed him in the side.

"Well, actually I was talking to Jason, and he was the one whom suggested it. So, it will be us against a group of his friends." Harry answered him while chewing his chicken.

"Excellent! I can certainly look forward to kick some Slytherin ass." He mockingly rubbed his hands together gleefully.

"Seamus, no, if we are doing this then you have to promise not to get competitive." Dean did not seem very frilled with the idea of letting his boyfriend off with the Slytherins. He turned to talk to Harry.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"I was a little worried, but Jason is cool, so I'm thinking he knows his friends well enough. I'm sure it will be fine." He shrugged. "As long as everyone remember it's just for fun."

Seamus who had just finished his plate looked up to realize all his friends were looking at him.

"What?"

…

At the end of last class, the gang waited for Luna to join at the entrance. The four boys had grabbed all their warm clothing, gloves and hats, making sure they could stay outside without freezing to death. Between all the students wandering around, Harry could finally see a platinum blonde head poking up. He waved a hand waiting for her to get close enough to notice.

Approaching the group, Harry worried slightly as he noticed Ron and Hermione was following the blonde girl.

"Hey Harry, I'm ready to play." Luna smiled and waved hello to the others.

"Great, Luna."

"Harry, would it be okay if Ron and I joined the game?" Hermione asked carefully. While her voice remained strong, it was rather clear to Harry, that her demeanor revealed the fear of being rejected. Harry still didn't really want to be around the pair for now, but he couldn't hold the grudge against his other friends. It wasn't supposed to become their problem as well. Besides, Draco and he were doing fine now. While the Malfoys had become a sensitive subject to converse about, the two teens had stayed strong. Deciding quickly, Harry merely nodded in consent and the group left the castle.

When they reached the Quidditch pitch gates, they were not only very early but the Slytherin had been having DADA with the Hufflepuffs and wouldn't arrive for at least another five minutes. The Gryffindor group just sat down on the cold stone benches and chatted. Hermione had brought a book she enlarged after grabbing it from her inner robe pocket. While Luna asked many wonderous questions on Herbology – which usually only had something to do with plants no one had ever heard of - , the boys discussed the safe topic of Quidditch, compared to the muggle sport football.

It didn't last long before the group heard the approaching sounds of footsteps in the crisp snow. Green and Black- dressed in cloaks, the Slytherins joined them. Harry only recognized a few, such as Draco, Zabini and Knott. The rest seemed to be friendly enough, just a little withholding. The minute Draco was close enough he quickly but gently swooped in for a kiss. Even the smallest contact from Draco still sent a tingling feeling down his spine. Letting go of his lips, Draco leaned back with a smirk. His eyes quickly turned cold though, looking at something behind Harry. Harry also looked and realized Hermione was watching them with narrowed eyes.

"You want a picture, Granger? It will last longer if like to watch us make out." He jested. Hermione simply narrowed her eyes even further and turned her back on them.

"Be nice, please." Harry squeezed the blond boy's hand. Draco just sighed dramatically and nodded.

"Alright, let's go inside!" Jason smiled and pushed the cold gates open. It was almost weird to see the quidditch pitch so empty. Not a single footstep had been set on the field. The white snow had gathered in a perfect single white layer around the six giant goalpoles.

"So," Knott began. "How do we win this thing?"

"First of all, Knott-" Dean intervened teasingly. "You won't. Secondly, we are divided into teams of two, Slytherin against Gryffindor-"

"Wait a second, Thomas." Jason smiled interrupting. "I think it will be best if we simply choose to divide the two houses into equal teams."

Before a mutter of unhappy voices could reach its peak, Harry spoke up loudly.

"I agree. This game is simply for fun. It doesn't matter who is on who's teams." Harry coughed, trying to keep the blush down as everyone looked at him. It seemed as though the second both Harry and a Slytherin had agreed no one had the guts to say differently.

"All right then!" Jason gave a blinding teething smile. He took out his wand before flicking it quickly right through the group. Between them, in the snow, was an enormously long line almost crossing half the pitch in the middle.

"Okay then, the teams are alienated, now each team has exactly ten minutes to make snowballs and walls to hide behind, NO MAGIC! When the game begins, you can only be hit once. When that happens, you will step to the outside of the line, cheering for your team to win." Jason explained while crossing the line towards his own team. Setting a tempus charm in the middle he set the timer.

"Okay, GO!" He yelled and everyone ran.

Harry almost threw himself to the ground, hurrying to collect snowballs. His gloves were thankfully five-fingered and he was therefor able to make allot and almost perfectly round balls.

"Looks good, Potter." A Slytherin girl quietly spoke up. Looking at her, Harry smiled back.

"Thanks, how is the walls coming?" Not being able to see behind him, the girl overlooked his shoulder.

"Good, I think. I don't really have any idea how to win a snowball fight. I never tried it." She said bashfully.

Laughing, Harry told her how the closest thing to a snowball fight he had ever tried was when his cousin and his friends were chasing him and throwing muddy snow at his face.

Sandra Wells, as her name turned out to be, was a rather kind girl when you got to know her. She didn't actually seem to be of Slytherin status and when Harry confined her in on his thoughts, she chuckled.

"No, I hear that often. I never really cared where I ended up, I just wanted to be near my twin brother. When he quickly went to the Slytherin house at the ceremony, I begged the hat to place me with him. I would probably had ended up in Hufflepuff but thankfully the hat listened to me." she told him.

"Really?" Harry was rather surprised. This was the first time he had ever heard a story similar to his own. The general idea of the sorting hat was how you were divided by whatever qualities and abilities he saw in you. But Harry, and apparently also Sandra, had asked him for something specific, for Harry to be placed anywhere but Slytherin and Sandra to follow her brother.

"So where is your brother now?" Harry continued the conversation as he collected the snowballs in smaller piles around him.

"The other team."

Looking back, he noticed her brother right away. The two siblings had the same chestnut colored curls and their small statures was remarkably similar.

"One-minute left!" Jason's voice boomed across the field.

Getting up and shaking his legs, Harry turned to get ready for the fight. He picked up a snowball for each hand, making sure he wasn't too far away from one of the piles. His teammates, including Sandra, Knott, Hermione and Dean got ready to fight. As the few second left ran out, the other team charged forward running towards them. Harry dodges the first flying pairs easily, thanking himself for his practiced reflections. Throwing on the other hand, weren't exactly his strong side.

"Duck!" Knott yelled at him.

Harry only managed to duck by throwing himself into the snow, watching as Draco threw another after him with a smirk.

The fight continued but it didn't really last as long as they had hoped. Getting closer to each other became too easy, since it was impossible to avoid the snowballs at the same time. After two games ending after just six minutes they took a small break, wondering how to make the game last longer.

"Perhaps we can curse some of the snowballs to go after anyone whom moves?" Neville suggested uncertainly.

"The warm-sensing charm won't work when we are already colder than normal." Draco disregarded his idea calmly. Once again, Harry mentally sent Draco a thank you kiss as he had kept from making fun of Neville in any way.

As the large group were contemplating ideas, a light chuckle was released from behind Harry. Seeing the faces on the other teens he turned in the same second, Dean exclaimed excitingly; "It's Professor Lupin!"

It was as if time slowed down while Harry turned around. His heart began pounding, as he was barely able to continue breathing. He was desperately wishing for Dean's outburst to be truthful but deep down he feared the mistake, that Dean had seen wrong. Finally, he had turned around completely and everything turned quiet. As if the other students had any idea how important, their old defense professor had become to him. But it was true. There he stood. A few feet away from the teen, a man, wrinkled from ages of worry and transformations were holding on to his loose-fitting coat and outdated suitcase. He looked incredibly tired but the genuine smile on his face told Harry all he needed to know for now. He had safely returned from his mission.

Harry didn't even think about it before he hurried forward. Trying to keep from looking vulnerable in front of so many of his fellow students and friends, he forced himself not to run. The scared older man still smiled at him as he stumbled towards him. When only a few meters were left between them, Harry stopped.

It had been so long since either men spoke. Unsent letters and painful memories arose as Harry worried how to act.

"Harry." Remus coaxed and gently let go of his suitcase. It fell to the snow-covered ground and Harry didn't need any more encouragement. He leapt forward and ran the last few steps and was enfolded in a warm hug. Feeling Remus so close again, made Harry feel at home again for the first time in months. He buried his head into the werewolf's shoulder, trying his best to keep the tears back. He threw his arms around him and fisted the cold fabric of his robe. A large warm hand settled on the back of his neck, simply holding him.

"Oh Harry, my brave prongs." Remus consoled him, as the tears finally escaped him. Long wet drops ran over his cheeks and landed on the man's shoulder, soaking into the dark fabric.

Remembering the big group behind him, Harry gently pulled back, hurrying to remove any tearstains of his face. He shallowed visibly and took a deep breath, smiling. As if realizing their private moment was over, the students behind them approached.

"Professor Lupin!"

"Good to see you, sir." Seamus smiled.

"What are you doing here?" Zabini questioned.

Remus raised his hands in a surrendering motion, stopping them from continuing their questioning.

"Everything will be explained soon enough. For now, I think you could use some help with this game." Smiling teasingly, the older man pulled out his bent wand, flicking it in a complicated pattern. The second he began, the students could only watch with their jaws dropped as the snow around them began folding like clay. Tall walls, triangle buildings, staircases, tunnels underground and icy patches formed itself, creating a giant battlefield. Two giant piles of perfect snowballs were laid out on each side of the field.

"Damn!" Dean hued and their team ran to the other side. Only Draco remained with Remus and Harry for a minute longer.

"It's good to have you back, sir." Draco stretched out his hand, welcoming Remus. This was a very big step forward for him and Harry reminded himself to give his boyfriend something very nice for Christmas. He held his breath, as Remus looked hesitating towards him, as is waiting for Harry's opinion. Harry sent him whatever look he could; hoping Remus would catch his meaning. In the end, the man saw whatever he needed to see in Harry's eyes and he firmly grabbed the blond boy's hand.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. It's good to be here." Releasing the younger teen's hand, the professor went back a bit further, waiting to see the two teams fighting. Lifting his wand, he waited until he had their full attention before sending a red spark flying. At the 'boom' of the smaller explosion, the teens started running. Harry's team ran across each section of the battlefield. Sandra quickly took the ladder towards the roof and Knott went underground to the tunnel. Harry ran and hid behind a tiny wall just able to put him out of sight.

The sounds of steps were all around him. Carefully looking above, he saw Dean and Ron getting hit from behind. The snowballs hit them both square in the back and chest, and they dropped their own snowballs. Sulking, they left the field. Running past, Jason was carrying multiple snowballs. It was quite obvious how athletic the boy was from the human part of his family. Considering Veela's were strong but rather graceful, this had nothing to do with it.

Harry ran away before the boy could see him. Almost running straight into Hermione around the corner he quickly hit her and she huffed in mock anger before leaving the field.

The sound of running feet came towards him and Harry looked around for a place to hide. Thankfully, he could reach the tunnel from here and he stepped inside to avoid the confrontation. Practically holding his breath, he heard the blundering sound of feet above his head. The patchy ice above him reflected the light and he could actually see the person standing right above him. For a minute, he was convinced he had been found but then the person moved on and stepped out of sight.

Carefully sliding through the narrow tunnel, Harry saw the light at the opening at the other end. He looked to both sides before stepping out; making certain no one was coming. This game was almost scarily realistic. One game was more than enough for him. The sun was still shining but then at the ground right beside him, a shadow appeared. Harry didn't even have the time to comprehend how it was possible before he was tackled to the floor.

Feeling another body land on top of him, knocked the air out of his lungs. The other person turned him over and Harry spat out the mouthful of snow he had gathered. Above him stood a very self-pleased Malfoy, pinning his arms down on each side of his face.

"Hello." He smirked.

"Bastard." Harry sneered in fake anger, truly trying to escape the stronger teens grip.

"Harry! Take him out!" the sound of Sandra's voice rung through their field. As the wrestling pair of boys looked towards the sound they noticed every one of their friends standing on the side. Meaning…

"We're the only ones left." Harry whispered.

"Guess so." Draco confirmed. "What should we do?"

Harry could for some reason only think of the most Slytherin way to end the game. He finally wrestled his arm free and quickly pulled Draco down, kissing him soundly on the lips. Draco was so surprised he almost knocked their teeth together. Harry gently continued to kiss the boy above him, grabbing his hair. The second he felt Draco lean into him, releasing an almost silent moan, Harry went for it.

'SPLASH'

The wet squelching sound of dripping snow hit Draco right in the back of his head, while Harry's hand were cradling his head. The surprised look on Draco's face was worth the wrath he would probably face soon. Harry leaned back and roared with laughter as Draco 's face could only resemble to a hamster with too many sunflower seeds in his mouth. His cheeks red from running around in the cold widened and his hair was dripping with cold water.

As the two teams on the side realized how Harry 'sneakily' had taking Draco out, they also laughed. Draco was clearly not very comfortable being the subject for laughter and for a minute, Harry actually worried Draco was going to be mad. Finally, the blond boy leaned into him and sent his warm breath across his cheek, into his ear.

"You better watch out from now on, Scarface."

Smiling, Harry removed the few drops of ice left in the blond locks.

"Bring it, Ferret."

Laughing now as well, Draco got up and pulled Harry with him.

"We win!" One of the girls on Harry's team yelled.

"No fair! Malfoy tackled Harry to the floor first, that got to count right?" Seamus, the absolute most competitive teen from Gryffindor, hectically sought Jason out for a ruling.

"Sorry man," Jason smiled overbearingly. "The rules stated you had to be hit with a snowball, or in Harry's case, a handful of snow. Getting pushed over into the snow, doesn't count."

"Damn Medusa and the holy grail." Seamus grumbled as his amused boyfriend took his hand, consoling him.

"Well, it was really fun. Thank you for the enchanted field, Professor." One of Jason's friends politely said.

"Yes, thank you indeed." A grumbling dark voice coldly stated from behind them. "-For disrupting school property CLOSED OFF, when it is not being used for official games."

It was almost comically how the entire group turned around at the same time, seeing a rather angry potion Professor standing behind them. His arms crossed, Snape looked far from amused at the sight of the giant battlefield occupying the pitch. Harry could practically point out the popping vein on his forehead growing. Harry discreetly looked to his left where Jason was, and he could clearly see the discomforting look across his face.

Remus thankfully came to their rescue.

"Professor Snape, if you please, I was the one who created the arena, not the students-"

"And while I find it very noble of you to tell me of which I already know, I don't believe you being a guest at the grounds gives you permission to allow the students to break rules." Snape's voice could cut glass as he glared at Remus. "Now all students who does not feel like having detention for an entire week with Mr. Filch, get going. 10 points from each of you for breaking in."

The students quietly hurried off the pitch and Jason looked down at his shoes while Zabini guided him by hand. Harry too felt quite ashamed. It had been really fun to have a make-believe battle, but it was true that the Quidditch field was off limits. Draco subtly grabbed his hand, and the gang was completely silent for the rest of walk towards the castle.

SSPOV

Pulling his wand out from his sleeve pocket, he wordlessly sent 'Bombarda Maxima' , hitting the gathered walls and buildings. The snow blew up into fresh crisp snow and spread as if nothing had ever stood there and Severus couldn't help but feel pleased as he watched something Lupin had created, blow up. He was perfectly aware of the fact that Lupin was still standing beside him and he continued to ignore the werewolf, hoping he would soon leave the premise.

Although he wasn't afraid of anything Lupin could do - he was after all much more powerful – he had learned to trust his gut, and right now, a nagging feeling wore on his stomach, telling him he should be prepared for something big.

"Severus." Lupin tried carefully as Severus put away his wand. "How have you been?" Snape decided to ignore him and simply stood; proclaiming he was only making sure that everything around the field was back to normal.

"Severus, please, I have wished to speak to you for months."

"Amusing way of showing interest in speaking by ignoring the subject all together." Snape couldn't help the smidgen of anger in his voice. He tried to calm himself by breathing in deeply. He refused to humiliate himself in front of the wolf.

"You know why I left. Why… why I had too." Lupin whispered in a regretting voice. "But I never wanted to-"

"Why are you here?" Severus desperately whished for this mock of a conversation to be over so he could return to his quarters.

"Albus has asked me to take over the Defense against Dark Arts position. Professor Bjorkfire has decided to retire, he simply doesn't have the energy anymore."

A painful surge rushed through him at the thought of Lupin working here again. The idea of once again, sharing his only known home with the wolf felt as tormenting now as it had done years ago.

"I see." Was the only response he could give.

"Severus," Lupin laid his way-too-hot hand on his forearm. "Is there a possibility of us catching up? Perhaps a cup of tea." The familiarity of Lupin touching him, suddenly angered him beyond words and he threw it off as if burned.

"No, Lupin. There is not. What happened was a long time ago, it simply doesn't matter now. Besides I have bigger things to worry about than you getting a job for a few months." At these final words he boldly stormed off, feeling the heated glance from Lupin following him all the way to the gate. Trying to remain angry instead of letting other, very unwanted feelings take over, he focused on what he had told Lupin. Severus wasn't lying when he had said, he had more important things to do. Such as educating his son and for once trying to keep him from getting into trouble.

'Merlin Lauris, how I wish you were here with me now.' How long had it been since he had truly missed the beautiful man? He missed his company every so often, but it had been years since he truly felt the impact Lauris had had on his life. The aching in his heart had increased since he had learned of his son's existence.

Damn the last part was actually quite hard to write, I feel so sad for Severus. But now, Remus has joined the gang and this will probably lead to more secrets being relieved….

Have a good day/night

Kiss,

TheMillionaireBitch