Harry felt numb. He went through the motions of classes and going to meals, but hardly ate. Ron and Hermione gave him gentle encouragements, but let him be quiet. Grieve this ending in his own way.

One breakfast, a school owl dropped an envelope off for him. He recognized the handwriting, immediately looking around. Draco rarely showed up for meals anymore. Harry did, just hoping to see him.

He wasn't there.

"Washroom," Harry mumbled to his friends, and rushed out of the hall. He found an empty classroom, shut the door and sat on a desk, his hands shaking. He opened the envelope.

The Room. Tonight. 8pm. -D

Harry felt a surge of relief and excitement. Spending time with Draco again, it's all he had wanted all week. But then he started to wonder, why now? What had changed? And what could he do to make things better?

He went to his classes, feeling even more distracted than ever. Minutes seemed to drag.

After classes, he went back to his bedroom. He had a long shower, and took time to style his hair into some sort of order. He went through his clothes, picking out his newest jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt in a deep red. It felt like preparing for a date. The most important one he'd ever had.

He slipped his invisibility cloak on, wanting to come and go without any questions. The common room was about half full when he left, slipping out when someone else entered.

The castle was quiet as he moved up to the seventh floor. His heart was pounding. What did Draco want? To officially break up? To finally talk to him? To get back together in whatever form?

The doorway was already there. Visible to him. It meant Draco was already there, and created the room with Harry in mind.

He opened the door, heart thumping. The room was dark except for the familiar glow from the fireplace. Draco was silhouetted against it, and he turned to face Harry.

He walked slowly forward, a small smirk on his lips. He was dressed in tight skinny jeans, and a black jumper. He looked good.

"Draco-"

Whatever he was going to say was cut off by Draco kissing him. It was so familiar and wonderful he ached, sinking into it with a moan. He hadn't been sure he would ever have this again.

Draco manoeuvred him backwards, and pushed him down on to the bed. That bed. That perfect bed.

Clothes came off, and Harry was incredibly aroused. He reached out to run a hand over Draco, but had his hand batted gently away.

"No, my turn first," Draco purred, nipping at Harry's throat.

"Fuck," Harry moaned, trying to stay still. But Draco was so intense and passionate, his hands gliding over Harry's skin, followed by his mouth, his tongue. Never before had it been like this, so drawn out. Usually it was intense and fast, horny teenagers getting off. This was something much more.

It was so much more intimate. Draco, truly taking the time to explore Harry fully. Seeing how he responded to being touched, licked and bitten. His eyes were dark with arousal, catching Harry's often, his lips curling up in pleasure.

By the time Draco nestled between Harry's bent legs, he had been aroused a long time. Having Draco kissing his stomach as his hands lightly stroked had Harry moaning. They had never gone this far before, just frotting and hands.

Draco had a naughty grin as he kissed lower, his breath warm against Harry's most sensitive places. His lips glided over him, tasting, licking. It was amazing, and Harry could hardly take it.

Far too soon, it was all over, Harry breathing hard and Draco curled up beside him, looking very pleased with himself.

"I've never done that before. Was it…adequate?" Draco said playfully, nipping at Harry's ear.

Harry turned his head to kiss Draco firmly. "It was the best thing ever, ever…"

Draco was pliant, allowing Harry to push him on to his back and do his best to please him the same way. Draco sped things up, too aroused for Harry to take his time.

It was so intimate, doing this for the guy he cared for so much now. Wanting to see his pleasure. Seeing him a bit desperate, and then boneless and panting with satisfaction.

"Why tonight?" Harry eventually whispered, still spooning Draco tight. "Why after so many days apart?"

Draco rolled over to face Harry. The firelight danced over his pale skin and hair, making him almost glow in the darkness. He had never looked more beautiful to Harry, more dear.

"You offered to help me before. I know that means going to Dumbledore, to the others in the Order. I know it means telling you, them everything," Draco said, his eyes seeming so large.

Harry nodded. "Are you going to let us help you? Your family?"

Draco nodded, but looked troubled and sad.

"Why did you want this, us here tonight, if you decided to get our help?" Harry asked softly. He needed to know. To know why Draco had kept his distance, and then been so open and intimate tonight. So passionate.

Draco's silver grey eyes became shiny with unshed tears, and he blinked hard to keep them from spilling. Took a few deep breaths to regain his composure. "I wanted, needed, the night with you. Need to soak in this time with you. Because it will all change. You will never look at me the same after tonight."

"Draco-" Harry said, his own eyes feeling damp.

But Draco hugged him hard. "Shhhh. Don't say anything. Let's just eat in front of the fire, enjoy the rest of our time. We can talk to Dumbledore tomorrow. Act normal for the rest of the night."

Harry swallowed hard. During his time at Hogwarts he had faced many challenges. But here was one of his hardest. Going with Draco to Dumbledore meant Draco would be taken away somewhere safe, away from Voldemort's reach. Safer for him, but out of contact. Until when? The end of all this? When either Harry or Voldemort were dead? This could be their last time together for years. Or ever.

But he had to follow Draco's wishes. The most important thing was getting him safe.

They loaded their plates and sat on a thick rug in front of the fire. The Room had provided a pile of pillows to lean against. They pretended this was any other night, chatting and teasing each other. Eating the delicious food, all their favourites. Cuddling together and watching the flames dance.

Eventually they were sleepy, and huddled under the invisibly cloak to go through the castle after hours. Harry kissed Draco goodnight for many long minutes before he slipped away into the Slytherin common room.

Harry hardly remembered getting back to his own bed. He felt scared now. What would Draco tell them tomorrow?

…

After breakfast in the Great Hall, Draco was waiting for him outside it's doors.

"Now?" Harry asked, stopping at his side.

Draco was pale. He gave a quick nod.

Harry whispered to Hermione that they were going to the Headmaster. Her eyes were huge, but she nodded in understanding, and ushered Ron away.

Together, Harry walked with Draco to Dumbledore's office. As they went up the spiral staircase, Harry held his hand tightly.

"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter," the headmaster greeted them, waving them towards the chairs in front of his great desk. "What is the reason for your visit?"

Draco sat up straighter, and looked Dumbledore in the eye. "I requested this meeting. He is here for moral support."

Dumbledore surveyed them over his half-moon glasses, his bright eyes missing nothing. "Please, tell me what is weighing so heavily on you. I'm sure we can unload this burden together."

Harry was sure Draco had rehearsed what to say, as the words tumbled out of his mouth quickly. Much of it Harry already knew from the Prophet and other sources, but many gaps were filled in.

Lucius had basically been Voldemort's second in command, but his status had fallen with the failure to get the prophecy at the Ministry. He had been captured and held in Azkaban since last June.

Voldemort's wrath over this had extended to the remaining Malfoys. Draco had been assigned a near impossible task for anyone.

"To kill me," Dumbledore said calmly, peering at Draco over his steepled fingers. He had been listening attentively, but leaned forward now. "Katie Bell was to give me that cursed necklace, and Slughorn the poisoned mead."

Harry was shocked, looking between the headmaster and Draco. That had been his task? To kill Dumbledore? It was so ridiculous he almost let out a laugh. Voldemort, one of the most powerful wizards ever, couldn't even beat him last year at the Ministry. Dumbledore had beaten Grindelwald in an epic battle that people still talked about. How could a teenage wizard beat one of the most powerful wizards in the world!

"I had a plan, one that could have worked, but I am failing at it. It's almost June. I'm almost out of time," Draco said, his voice shaking with emotions.

"May I ask what your plan is?" Dumbledore asked lightly, as one might about the weather.

Draco glanced at Harry, and dropped his gaze. He shifted in his chair. "There's a vanishing cabinet in the Room of Requirement," he said, focusing back on Dumbledore.

They went through the plan, and Dumbledore was nodding by the end of the explanation. "It is quite brilliant, actually. You have always been with the top of your classes, Draco."

Harry was shocked that the headmaster was taking this so lightly, talking in such an easy way with Draco. He wanted to speak up many times, interject with questions, but Dumbledore seemed to discourage it with an occasional quelling glance.

"So, we will need to coordinate your family. Move your father, mother and yourself at the same time to a secure place. So none of you can be used to pressure the others," Dumbledore mused to himself. "And the cabinet here will be destroyed, of course…" He seemed to drift off, his great mind working through it.

"So, it may be a few days or weeks? Before Draco is moved?" Harry finally burst out.

The headmaster's eyes flicked between the two students, and he nodded slowly. "Yes, likely within the next ten days. You will need to act normal, of course. No saying goodbyes or packing up your things."

Draco nodded. He looked wrung out, but also better somehow. The big secret he'd held all year was now out there. No longer just his to bear the brunt of alone.

They were dismissed, and Harry wrapped an arm around Draco as they left. He pulled him into an empty classroom, locking and putting a silencing spell on the door.

He pulled Draco into a tight hug, and kissed him soundly. "I'm so proud of you."

"For trying to kill Dumbledore?" Draco scoffed.

"You were forced into doing that. I'm just glad you will be out of Voldemort's reach soon."

"I want the same for you," Draco whispered, his eyes holding Harry's.

A lump formed in Harry's throat, and he had to take a moment to collect himself. "Neither of us have much control over our current paths. I'm just glad you will be away from those evil people and safe."

It took many hugs and kisses before Draco pulled away. "I need to get to class. Need to act normal."

"I wish we could act like, um, boyfriends," Harry said.

"The Deatheater in Training and The Chosen One," Draco scoffed. "That would blow my cover for sure."

"But we will continue to meet? In the Room? Every night?"

He may have sounded needy and desperate, but he really didn't fucking care. Who knew how long they had left?

Draco agreed with a final kiss.

…

"Will you do something for me?"

Draco was cuddled against Harry's side, the fire making them warm and lazy. "What do you want?"

"The future is so… up in the air," Harry started, unsure how to go on.

"Yes?" Draco urged him. They had become even closer the last few days, spending many stolen hours in the Room together. Savouring these last moments.

Harry reddened, looking away. "Um, I-"

"Oh my, you can still blush? After all we have done together?" Draco gently teased, and kissed Harry lightly.

Harry gathered his nerves. "Yes, we done many things, but not one thing."

Draco's eyes widened. "Yes, not that. I've never done that with anyone."

"Me neither," Harry added hastily. "Um, but I… who knows what might happen in the next year or two… and…and…," he struggled to get the words out, "I don't want to die a virgin."

Those words seemed to hang in the air. Die. Virgin.

It took a long awkward silence before Draco let out an uncomfortable laugh. "After everything we've done? Are you really a still a virgin?"

"Well, there's that one thing," Harry reminded him, and gave a crooked smile. "I'd like it to be with you, Draco."

They had held back talking about feelings, or the future. Some things were just too painful.

"You are just saying that because your dating opportunities may be limited for a while. Fighting Voldemort will take up all your time."

"And you'll be in hiding with your parents. Not lots of single young men around to flirt with in your near future either."

Draco chuckled, but it sounded a bit forced. "So, you are my best option, unless I want to wait a few years?"

"You are my best option. My preferred option," Harry said. He was nervous, but this felt right. "You'll be 17 soon, and me by the end of July. I think we are ready for this."

"You've thought about this a lot," Draco said. "OK. When?"

A thrill went through Harry. "Now? We are more relaxed now then we were earlier."

Every time they entered the room, they were both so eager and excited, things didn't last that long. It was passionate and fun, but Harry wanted things more calm for this.

Draco nodded, his eyes taking on some heat. They kissed, and Harry was glad they had only slipped on their underwear and hadn't eaten much.

They knew each other's bodies well by now, and the prep was just a bit more than things they had done previously. The Room provided lots of towels and lube, and before long, Draco was hovering over Harry.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his expression a mixture of excitement and nerves.

"So, so sure," Harry said, trying to relax.

They shifted and fumbled together, pausing often. It was awkward, intimate, but still somehow right. It was amazing sharing this, discovering the intense connection. It didn't last long, but that was OK.

They held each other tight afterwards, so many words unsaid.

…

The next few days they experimented more, finding what worked best. Stolen moments, borrowed time.

…

And then one morning, Draco was gone. He wasn't at breakfast, he wasn't in classes. It really became a hot gossip topic by dinner time.

Within days, news spread that Lucius was gone from Azkaban, and Narcissa from the Manor. It was a huge story. Had they been killed or gone into hiding?

Harry had heard very little. Just knew that they were together and safe.

…

The school year ended horribly. Dumbledore took Harry to hunt for a horcrux and came back terribly weak. He insisted Harry call Snape to him, in the astronomy tower, and had him hide below.

"You know of Draco Malfoy's assignment from the Dark Lord," Snape had said, while examining Dumbledore's weakened state.

"To kill me, yes," the headmaster replied, slipping down the wall slightly, unable to bear his own weight.

"But did you also know his mother and aunt visited me last summer about it? And that I made an Unbreakable Vow?"

Dumbledore slid down a bit more. "Severus, please-"

Snape raised his wand, and pointed it directly at him. He said the worst unforgivable curse, the green light flashing brightly. And then Dumbledore was falling, falling out of sight from the tower.

Harry stood in shock, as Snape strode past him. But a second later he followed in his wake.

Despite Draco being gone, it had happened. Dumbledore was dead. Even without the vanishing cabinet fixed, there was already a Deatheater in the school to complete the task Draco couldn't.

How could this have happened?

Snape had an immense head start. Harry ran out the front doors, and saw his billowing black robes rustling in the wind. He was heading fast towards the school gates, beyond which he could apparate.

"Stupify!" Harry burst out, aiming his wand at the retreating figure.

But Snape blocked it easily. And every other spell Harry sent his way. Berated him when he tried to use Sectum Septra, and claimed he was the Half Blood Prince. Inventor of that spell and many others.

He left Harry stunned and befuddled on the grass, chuckling as he strode off the Hogwarts grounds, and vanished.

…

The school was in a state of shock. Dumbledore dead, killed by Snape. McGonagall took over as Headmaster, and the Order of the Phoenix were informed.

Harry felt numb, from seeing Dumbledore die, and being unable to stop it from happening or Snape from escaping afterwards. He also missed Draco horribly. If only he could meet him in their special room, hug and comfort each other. Lose themselves in sex.

It was awful that Dumbledore still died despite Draco revealing his secret. Didn't Dumbledore tell the Order about it? Did he just think the risk was over since Draco wasn't trying to carry out Voldemort's task anymore?

He had told Hermione and Ron everything. Well, not about being intimate with Draco, but about convincing him to get Dumbledore's help. About Snape. Ron had explained what the unbreakable vow was.

…

-A/N: I've left the sex scenes a little bit vague on purpose. They are officially underage by a few months, so I didn't feel comfortable getting too much into the details