The Nature Of A Man

Disclaimer: The usual. The characters in this story belong to J.K. Rowling and this work represents a poor fumbling attempt at a Harry Potter story. I really wasn't sure where the story was going but it's rated PG-13 just in case. Read and review. You like it or you don't, just drop me a line at jadewing@hotmail.com if you want to rant or praise longer. Maybe I should ask you to just read the previous chapter's disclaimer. Well, all right. Nothing new to mention but if anybody has any suggestions on which couple they'd like to see next, drop me a line, will you? I'm planning to leave Draco and Harry alone for a while since they have … erm, issues, I'd say. Heh, no that's not a spoiler. But, seriously, who would you like to see together? Erm, not Ron and Hermione … I need to do yaoi and shounen-ai right now …  A bit better at it, I'd have to say.

"Why do I always end up lying on you?" Harry asked sleepily.

Draco had built up the fire in his dorm until the whole room was more than warm. It had become so warm that the two of them had removed their robes and were now lounging in their shirts and shorts, courtesy of Draco Malfoy, Harry changing after a quick instruction to Draco to turn around and not to peek. The Slytherin had complied with a lazy grin. Harry was sure he had peeked several times though. The warmth was a welcome contrast to the chill of approaching autumn. Harry yawned and stretched lazily. The heat was making him so drowsy. Draco was already half-asleep, his arms around Harry's waist, moving up and down slowly. At times, those hands would drift down below the waist, earning a startled squawk from Harry and eliciting a low chuckle from Draco.

"Because you like it." Draco yawned again.

"Maybe."

Harry closed his eyes. This felt really good, another strange surprise in his mission as a spy. James Bond never had it this complicated. Harry didn't remember Bond ever having to sleep with the enemy. But, we're not really enemies, are we? And I'm not really sleeping with him, Harry thought to himself. But, you are betraying him in a way, a small part of him whispered. He told that part to shut up. He didn't want to think about it … not now. That part, however, always seem to show up at the worst possible times. Harry opened his eyes, running his fingers across Draco's chest and the blonde moaned softly. Draco was wearing a buttoned shirt and Harry found his fingers busily unfastening each button. One, two, three buttons … and a pale, lightly muscled chest was revealed. And then, Harry's fingers wandered over that expanse of skin, marveling at how warm Draco's skin was. What are you doing?! His mind thundered at him. Why THE HELL are you feeling up Draco Malfoy? His fingers stopped.

"Why did you stop?" Draco moaned. He opened his eyes, a little red in the face and paused to think about it. "Harry, I have to warn you though. If you do continue, I think we might end up doing something else."

Harry gave him a puzzled look. "What's with the warning? I would have thought you'd be delighted if we end up doing more."

The Slytherin nodded. "True." His face moved closer to Harry's and he softly said, "But only if you're willing to go along with it. I don't want you doing something you'd rather not."

Harry felt another pang in his heart and he forced a smile. "Maybe I would like to do something more then."

Draco gave him a long look and shook his head. "Not now. I want it to be special."

There was a sudden thump from upstairs and Harry started. He sat up, looking around. "What was that?"

Draco sighed and annoyance flashed across his face. "It's Ian Borgin." At Harry's puzzled look, he continued. "A seventh-year. His rooms are something like a few floors up but he's still loud enough that I can hear him now. He's really smart. I think he takes every subject except Care of Magical Creatures. Smart but a real pain." He smiled wryly. "Even for a Slytherin."

"You know, I thought it might be risky with me constantly sneaking in here with you," Harry said worriedly. "You might get in trouble."

"With who? Snape's gone and no point complaining to the other teachers. They're all a little –" He cut off abruptly.

Harry hesitated. This might be a good chance but … "Do you know what's happening with the teachers? I mean, how they're losing their powers?"

Instantly, Draco flared up, pushing Harry away from him. "What? So you think it's me, do you? Why am I not surprised?"

"I didn't say anything, Draco. I just –" Harry protested.

"You just think that I did it! Just say it, Potter!" Draco snarled.

Harry was stricken. "Potter? When did we go back to surnames?"

Draco bit his lip. "I'm sorry, Harry. I …" He sighed. "I got carried away. Four years of being a bastard is a bit hard to break." He took a deep breath and continued. "It's just that I don't like the idea of not trusting you. I want the both of us to be able to trust each other implicitly. I'm not saying that we have to tell each other everything – that's pretty much impossible! But I want you to believe in me." He turned contrite eyes to Harry. "Forgive me?"

"Yes." And Harry was back in Draco's arms. "Did I tell you that Ron and Hermione are going out?"

"Really? When did you find out?"

"Today. A few hours ago."

Draco chuckled. "A fine pair. What do they see in each other?"

Harry scowled at him. "They're my friends, Draco. Be nice to them, please."

He shrugged. "Whatever suits my Gryffindor girlfriend."

"Draco, don't make me smack you!"

Draco laughed again, a low, throaty sound and he kissed Harry. And again and again and again. Until Harry forgot about his threat.