M.E.:  Um – what crawled up your ass and died?  And why did you read so much of the story if you didn't like it?  Fine, okay, I accept your opinion but I have a proposition for you.  I give my plot to you.  Take it.  It's yours.  Now go and write a story with my plot and we'll compare.  I'm 110% positive mine will be better.  Do I sound arrogant?  That's okay.  I am.  PS:  For future reference, if you're making fun of my story, say 'shit' because I can't take you seriously when you're saying words like 'poop'.  My 3-year-old babysitting charge says 'poop'.  What are you?  Ten?  Oh, and if you want a really good Harry/Draco story, try 'Love has no Boundries, House, or Gender'.  Excellent piece of fiction.  From what I've seen, it's really on your level.

Ms. Trunks:  Well thank you.  I take that compliment to heart.  We all just adore Lee, don't we?

Tsuyuno:  Harry loves his Snitch. . .ah, it's all explained in the chapter.  Of course I didn't kill Draco!  I adore him.  I wouldn't hurt him – er – if you exclude the new story I'm writing. . .

Zephyr Angel:  All hell breaking loose when Draco goes to the Dursleys?  Whatever gave you that idea?  *whistles innocently*

Rise Again Phoenix:  Birth a cow really is a great expression.  Now you have to go and call everyone Bess in honor of that cow (thanks to my sister, Staci, who for some reason thought it was a good idea to start using Bess in every sentence.  We even have a song).  And the whole other Boy-Who-Lived. . .yeah. . .er, what was his name again?

Random Slytherin 1 aka Frumpy McFrumpFrump:  Lee really is cute, isn't he?  And can't you just see Draco primping?  His hair is always perfect.  There's got to be something to that.

Everyone else who reads and/or reviews, thanks for the time.  I appreciate it.  Hope you enjoy the next chapter and – er – I don't know.  Just read.  Go!  Mush!

Sorry about my errors, for I hate spellcheck.

I am not JK Rowling nor do I own Harry Potter.  Anything you recognize is hers.  Anything you don't, including plot, is mine.  I am making no money off this trifle of a story.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"So you caught the Snitch," said Harry, walking next to Draco across the school grounds just after dinner, it being the first time they got to talk since the game.

"I didn't really catch it.  It flew right into my face," said Draco.  "You still won the Quidditch Cup."

"Yes but that isn't the point.   You caught the Snitch.  I lost the Snitch to you.  That's my Snitch.  How could you catch my Snitch?"

"Getting a little possessive, are we?"

"You don't even like the Snitch.  How could you possibly catch the Snitch?  That's my Snitch."

"I wasn't looking for it, I swear.  It just flew right into my face.  I didn't even realize that I had caught it until Madam Hooch blew the whistle."

"That's the point.  You weren't looking for it and I was looking so hard for it that my head hurt.  All you did was primp and you still caught it before I did.  I'm feeling very inept."

"Now, Harry, don't get like that.  It just flew right in front of my face.  I mean, I was staying still for so long picking the dirt out from under my nails that it probably thought I was a statue and that right in front of me would be a good place to hide."

Harry grinned, patting the side of Draco's face.  "Oh look at you.  You're so sweet, making shit up for me."

"I'm sure you'll beat me next year.  My position bores me a great deal, you know."

"I know.  It's just not fair.  You caught the Snitch.  I'm going to need to get it extra fast next year to avenge myself.  I feel so inadequate."

"I'm sorry you feel that way.  Cheer up, okay?  I mean, you still got the Cup, right.  Your team was killing mine.  All I did was pick up the Snitch after it practically jumped into my hands.  Maybe it felt sorry for me and wanted to let me catch it just once."

"Maybe."

"You know what?  I finally caught the Snitch against you, the first time I got it before you did in the game that my team was paranoid that I wouldn't get it in because we're dating.  Do you know what they said to me?  They told me that I shouldn't have caught it yet because we were too far behind to even win the match, much less the Cup.  I'd hate to say it, but the Slytherins are a bunch of slimy bastards."

"Sorry."

"It's okay.  It's just, I finally caught it and all I'm getting is shit dumped on me."

"I know.  I'm sorry, Draco.  I just really love that Snitch and. . .I just wanted to catch it."

"I know.  Can we stop having this pathetic excuse for a fight now?"

"Yeah."  Harry wrapped his arms around Draco's waist and pulled him in for a kiss.  They stood in each others arms just inside the main doors to the school, noses pressed together in silence.  "I still can't believe you caught the Snitch."

"Are you going to have issues about this until the next game we play against each other?"

"Yes."

"Just checking."

Harry sighed.  "Good luck with the Slytherins.  I have to get back to my house.  We're going to be celebrating our victory even though I feel like I have nothing to celebrate."

Giving a short laugh, Draco said, "Goodnight."  One last kiss was shared between them before Draco headed for the dungeons and Harry went back to Gryffindor tower.

~*~

For the last few weeks, all of Harry's concentration was forced onto studying for the O.W.L.s and Hermione didn't even have to get on his case about it.  Both he and Ron were in last minute panics as the end of the school year slowly began to creep up on them and Hermione couldn't resist the urge to say 'I told you so' every time they complained about it.  Draco was surprisingly relaxed about it and when he offered to tutor Harry in the library every evening, Harry not only began to feel more confident, but discovered that Draco had been studying for the O.W.L.s since the Slytherins had started to shut him out.  It was, apparently, his way of coping and passing the time when feeling so alone.

Gryffindor had, once again, won the House Cup much to Draco's dismay.  Despite his hate for his own House, he still wanted the House Cup and Draco asked Harry if he thought Dumbledore would consider resorting him and putting him in Gryffindor.  Harry had laughed, told Draco that if he were resorted then the nerd part of him would force the Sorting Hat to put him in Ravenclaw, and told Draco to relax.

Both Harry and Ron had gotten enough O.W.L.s to be satisfied with their performance, especially after waiting until the last minute to study.  Draco, like Hermione, had gotten twelve, and Harry suspected that his boyfriend and best friend were bound to be Head Boy and Head Girl in their seventh year.

Now Harry stood looking around his dormitory, the entire room seeming very empty to him as everyone had already packed up and was getting ready to leave.  In a few hours he would be back on the Hogwarts Express, speeding away from Hogwarts, his most beloved place to be, and heading for the Dursleys, a place he never wanted to be as he believed that he'd rather have dinner with Voldemort again than see Dudley.  Every year when the term would end, Harry would get an empty feeling in the pit of his stomach that was almost immediately replaced with nausea.

This year, the mixed emotions were worse than the usual happiness at not having Potions but dreading going back to live with his uncle, Vernon, and aunt, Petunia.  Not only would be have to be spending two very long months on Privet Drive, but he would be taking Draco back with him.  The issue of Draco going back to the Dursleys created enough mixed emotions inside him without the added strain of having to leave the school.

If the Dursleys hated Harry for being a wizard, he couldn't imagine what their feelings would be on Draco.  They usually did not let Harry converse with the neighbors and were very discreet when it came to explaining where Harry spent most of the year.  Since he really had no other choice and quite preferred having a quiet life, Harry was always willing to oblige.  Draco was a whole different subject.  Being a pureblood from a family that hated muggles, Draco knew nothing of the muggle world and Harry could only imagine what it was going to be like having to explain electricity to him.

Draco's reactions were only half the problem.  He didn't even want to think of what his aunt and uncle would do to him once Draco had been retrieved since they plainly could do nothing as long as he was there.  Dumbledore had been kind enough to see to that.  Neither Vernon nor Petunia was going to be pleased when they found out that they would be taking in a second wizard for part of the summer holiday.  They were going to be even less happy when they found out that this particular wizard was Harry's boyfriend.  That loaded the entire homosexual issue on top of it, which Harry knew they wouldn't be pleased about, either.  He really didn't want to leave school.

Clutching the note Professor Dumbledore had given him for the Dursleys, Harry shoved it into his pocket and walked out of the dormitory.  Back down in the common room, Ron and Hermione were standing by the portrait hole.  Their things had already been taken by the house elves and there was nothing left to do but walk outside and get in the carriages that would take them to the train station.

Harry took one last look at the common room before reluctantly leaving it behind for the entire summer holiday.  He was not looking forward to going home in the least and he was feeling serious jealousy for Draco who would only have to spend part of the summer with the Dursleys before returning to Hogwarts.  Not only that but he would be spending every summer holiday after at the school as well.  Some little blond ferrets have all the luck.

"Hey," said Draco as they met him just outside the doors.  "Ready to go home for the summer?"  Groaning, Harry passed Draco and climbed into the carriage, not really caring if they followed.  "Was it something I said?"

"Harry doesn't really enjoy going back to the Dursleys," explained Ron.  "You'll understand when you get there, I presume."

"Are they really that bad?"

"You'll be able to judge that for yourself," said Hermione, climbing into the carriage with Harry.  Ron and Draco followed behind.  "Remember the last time we rode to the train station?"

"How could I forget," mumbled Draco, covering his scar with his palm.  Gently reaching out, Harry took Draco's hand away.

"Don't cover it up.  I think it's beautiful.  Every time I see it, it's as if you just told me you loved me."

Draco forced a smile.  "Thanks, Harry.  Talk about making shit up for me.  Your comment, however, has gone in one ear, registered as insane, and gone out the other.  I still think it looks ugly on me.  It's not as bad, though, since the cut healed and now it's just a scar."

"You see?  Maybe it will get better with time."

"Or maybe I'll just become accustomed to it."

"Maybe."

"Or maybe it will just always be ugly."

"Draco."

"Well it may be.  This is all your fault, you know.  You made me fall for you and now I have a hideous blemish on my forehead.  I told you we'd be the ugly scar twins."

"Are you ever going to get over this?"

"Are you ever going to get over me catching the Snitch?"

"Git."

"Prat."

"Other Boy Who Lived."

Draco's mouth dropped, eyes widening.  "Now that's just foul."

"You two are so funny to watch banter," said Ron, smirking.  "If I had had a problem with your relationship, it would have gone away just because its so enjoyable to watch you quarrel."

"Are we really that entertaining?" asked Harry.  From the corner of his eye, he could see Draco covering his scar with his hand again and Harry reached out to swat his wrist.

"Yes," said both Ron and Hermione, nodding.

"How nice to know that I provide excellent entertainment," said Draco in the familiar drawl that they hadn't heard from him in a very long time.

"They can't help but be entertained," said Harry.  "You should see yourself trying to hide that thing.  I've been trying to get rid of it for years and I assure you that it won't go away.  Before I came to Hogwarts, I actually liked it.  I thought it looked really cool.  The whole Voldemort thing really ruined it for me."

"You actually enjoyed having that thing on your face?  I suppose you wouldn't know any better.  It's been there for as long as you can remember.  I just got mine a few months ago and, quite frankly, I'd be willing to give it back."

"Do you think you whine enough about it?"

"Shut up, Harry."

Draco slumped in his seat and the carriages came to a halt.  Opening the door, Ron climbed out, snickering, with Hermione following behind.  Harry, not feeling the least bit exhilarated about going back to Privet Drive, dragged his body out after Draco did and forced himself to get all his belongings and himself inside the train.  Hermione was up ahead, already having grabbed an empty compartment, and they walked inside to drop down on the seats, Hermione next to Ron, and Draco next to Harry across from them.

"I don't want to go back to the Dursleys," whined Harry, staring out the window at Hogwarts disappearing behind him as the train pulled out of the station.  "Please, Draco, do try and behave yourself.  If you don't, they'll be rotten to me the moment you leave."

"I'll try but no one is going to push me around.  I can't believe I actually have to live with muggles.  I don't know anything about muggles.  Just because Dumbledore says we have permission to use our wands doesn't mean that we really do.  I know.  I checked.  What am I going to do?

"You'll be okay.  I'll help you out.  It isn't like you're being sent to live with muggles all alone.  Just follow my lead and try to be good."

"I'll try but I make no promises, Harry."

"You never do."

"You should come stay with us this summer after Draco leaves," said Ron.  "Mum and Dad would love to have you and I know you'd love to get away from the Dursleys."

"That would be great.  Thanks, Ron.  After a whole month with Draco, I'm sure they'll be pleased to be rid of me."

The door to their compartment slid open and both Fred and George came in, closing the door behind them.

"Hey," said George sitting down next to Ron.  Fred sat beside Draco.

"Have you come to gloat about graduating again?" asked Ron.  "I mean, since you've been doing nothing but that to me for weeks."

"No.  We just came to tell you to be careful of the chocolate frogs," said George.

"Honestly.  The things you two do.  What did you do to the chocolate frogs?" Hermione said, rather severely.

"It's only a charm," replied Fred.  "And since you mentioned it, Ron, aren't you jealous?  You have to return to school in two months and we're rid of that greasy git Snape forever."

"What's wrong with Professor Snape?" asked Draco.

"Never ask that question in a compartment full of Gryffindors," said Harry.

"What?  Professor Snape is nice."

"You're a Slytherin.  We're all in Gryffindor," said Ron.  "Snape hates Gryffindors."

"Me especially," said Harry.

"He does not.  If I had his job and had to deal with fools like Longbottom, I would be unhappy as well."

"I don't even want to think about the day we graduate," said Harry.  "I would live at Hogwarts forever if Dumbledore would let me.  I'll probably cry when I graduate."

"I'm going to miss you two next year.  The common room is going to be quiet," said Hermione.

"Of course it will be but I'm sure you can take over for us.  Harry strikes me as the type to cause trouble," said Fred, winking at him.  "And who better to cause trouble with than a Slytherin?"

Harry rolled his eyes as the witch with the tea cart came around and they bought themselves rather large lunches, avoiding the chocolate frogs at all costs.  While Harry and Hermione were talking with Fred and George, Ron had engaged Draco into a game of chess and Draco was losing rather badly.  From the corner of his eye, Harry smiled as Draco cursed when Ron's piece smashed his queen to bits.

It was very late in the afternoon when everyone changed out of their school robes.  Harry was both surprised and relieved to see Draco dressed in what could pass for muggle clothing because he didn't even want to think about what Uncle Vernon would say if Draco had come through the barrier wearing wizards robes.  Now that he did think about it, Harry wasn't sure he wanted to know what Uncle Vernon was going to say all together when he read the letter from Professor Dumbledore and realized that he was going to have to take Draco in for a month.

The letter had been very straightforward and commanding.  It clearly delineated that Draco's father had recently been put in the wizard prison, his mother was missing, and he needed somewhere to stay for a month before the headmaster could bring him back to school.  He explained that Draco had been rather close to Harry for the past ten months and so the Dursleys were to take him in.  If there was any trouble with Draco's treatment, the ministry would be reporting directly there and both boys had been given special permission to use their wands for the summer holiday.  It sounded good enough and Harry hoped that it would work.  He didn't want to see what would happen if the Dursleys tried to punish Draco Malfoy, the pureblood Slytherin who hated muggles.  It would not be a pretty sight to see.

The train slowed to a stop and Harry stood up pulling Draco with him as they stepped onto platform nine and three quarters.  They loaded up their trolleys and Harry motioned for Draco to follow him as he, Ron, and Hermione stepped through the barrier to the muggle world.  Harry immediately spotted Uncle Vernon standing very far away but before he could even approach his uncle, Harry was wrapped in an embrace by Mrs. Weasley.

"Harry, dear, how was your year?"

"Er - eventful."

Then, much to his surprise, Ron's mother wrapped her arms around Draco in an embrace that looked tighter that the hold she had had on Harry.  Ron looked at him, cocking an eyebrow and shrugging.  When Mrs. Weasley pulled back from him, her eyes immediately went to the scar on Draco's pale skin and with tears welling in her eyes, she traced over the line.  Draco began to flush almost instantly.

"You poor dear.  You've had quite the year yourself, haven't you?"

Draco was clearly flustered.  "I. . .well. . .yeah."

"As much as I'd love to stay here forever, we have the unfortunate pleasure of going home with the Dursleys," explained Harry.

"Oh of course.  Have a wonderful holiday.  We'll contact you about coming to stay with us."

"Thanks."

Harry gave one last mournful look to Ron before turning his trolley in the direction of his uncle and begrudgingly pushed it over to him, Dumbledore's letter clutched in his hand.  Right beside him was Draco, apparently also growing more anxious as they approached.  From the looks of it, Uncle Vernon did not look happy to see Harry bringing one of 'his kind' over to him.

"What's this all about?" asked Uncle Vernon.  "And what is that on his head?"  Draco slapped his hand over his forehead.

It would figure that Uncle Vernon would want to know why Draco had the same scar that Harry did.  "The same person who tried to kill me tried to kill him in the same way he tried to kill me.  That's why we have the same scar."

"Why is he here?"

Harry, reluctantly, handed over the letter, his stomach feeling very much like it was going to empty anything he had eaten in the past year.  As he read the message Dumbledore had sent to him, Uncle Vernon's face began to go very red.  Catching Draco's eye, most of Harry's apprehension disappeared at seeing his boyfriend look so amused by the shade of Uncle Vernon's face.  At least one of them could find this funny.  "What is this all about?" he repeated, now waving the letter in Harry's face.

"It's all explained in the letter, Uncle Vernon," said Harry, meekly.

"Why couldn't he stay with someone else?"

"The headmaster picked me because we're very close."

"Doesn't he have any other friends?"

"Well this is familiar.  I do love being talked about as if I'm not there," Draco mumbled to himself.  The look Uncle Vernon gave him was murderous.

"What is he babbling about?"

"I think he's displeased with the fact you're talking about him as if he's not standing right next to us," was Harry's weak reply.

"Damn right I'm displeased," said Draco in a drawl.  "First my father and mother, now your family."

"What'd your father do to go to prison?" asked Uncle Vernon, eyeing Draco.

"He killed muggles like you."

Harry had to try not to laugh.  Uncle Vernon's face was very red.

"Isn't there anywhere else you can stay?"

"No.  I don't have any other friends.  Most people are afraid of me."

"And why is that?"

"Because I'm rude, sarcastic, and mean.  I try to get teachers I don't like fired, I fake injuries to get what I want, and I don't hesitate to hurt people I don't like.  In short, I'm a spoiled git.  Honestly, do you think I actually want to live with you for a month?  I much prefer my own world, thank you very much."

"Draco's a pureblood," explained Harry.

"A what?" asked Uncle Vernon.

"It means that he was born to a witch and wizard."

Harry had hit a nerve.  He used the forbidden words and now Uncle Vernon was redder than ever.

"IF YOU ACTUALLY THINK I'M GOING TO TAKE THIS BOY IN--"

"Honestly, would you relax," drawled Draco, wincing.  "I have no where else to go and unless you want the Minister of Magic on your doorstep then I suggest you just take me along.  Refusing me is only going to cause you more problems.  I did promise Harry that I would try and behave myself."

Uncle Vernon grunted out a word that sounded something like 'fine' and walked toward the station exit with Draco and Harry following behind, pushing their trolleys.

"Do you reckon we should tell him about why we're so close?" said Draco once they were out of earshot.

"I suppose we're going to have to but I really don't fancy doing it."

"Your uncle is a very unhappy man."

"Only when it comes to me."

They crossed the parking lot to the car and they began loading their things inside.  Once everything was packed, Uncle Vernon was about to walk past them to the driver's side of the car when Draco made an over exaggerated gesture of grabbing Harry's hand.  Uncle Vernon's eyes looked like they were bugging from his head.

"Oh," drawled Draco, "didn't we tell you?  Harry and I are a couple.  I hope that won't cause any problems."

With a smirk, he led Harry to the door and they climbed into the back seat leaving a very red Uncle Vernon still outside the car.  Once he did come in, he started the car without a word and Harry sighed, leaning back against the seat and slightly jumping when he felt Draco lean into him.  Their fingers were still laced together and now sitting on Harry's lap.

"So this is a muggle automobile?" asked Draco.  Harry laughed.

"Yes.  You've seen one.  We were in the taxi on the way to the Hogwarts Express."

"But this is different.  This is a private vehicle.  How does it work?"

"Erm - I'm not really sure.  You put petrol in it and it just runs.  There's an engine and a battery and they make the car run though I couldn't tell you how.  I think the radiator keeps the car from overheating.  Brakes make the car stop.  I don't really know too much about cars."

"Are all muggles like that?  Don't they know how anything works?"

"Some know.  As long as it does work, though, most don't really care."

"Fascinating."

"Harry," said Uncle Vernon, "why doesn't your boyfriend know anything?"

"He knows plenty, Uncle Vernon.  He just hasn't ever been outside of my world."

"Ever," repeated Uncle Vernon.

"Ever."

"How does electricity work, Harry?" asked Draco, interrupting the exchange.

"Are you going to ask me how everything works over the next month?"

"Most likely.  Am I going to annoy you?"

"Most definitely."      

"You listen here, boy," Uncle Vernon called from the front seat, "this goes for the both of you.  No talking to the neighbors about anything.  That includes both that wretched school of yours and this disgusting queer relationship.  I want you to both know that Piers Polkiss is at the house with Dudley so when we get back the story is that you both go to Saint Brutus's.  Piers is not to know about your school or your relationship.  There is to be no speaking about that school of yours or what you are while you're in my house.  Understand?"

"Yes Uncle Vernon," said Harry.

"Why?" said Draco in a drawl.  "I will most certainly not deny who I am, much less my love for Harry."

"Love?  Ha!  Who could possibly love Harry?"

Harry felt himself turning very red.  Draco rolled his eyes.

"Me.  His friends.  His godfather.  Speaking of which, does Sirius know about us?"

"Told him way back in December," said Harry.  "He loved that article about you in The Daily Prophet."

"So that would mean your convicted murderer and escaped from prison godfather would be very upset if we were treated wrongly."

Harry smirked, seeing where Draco was going with this.  "He would."

"I see."

The car was very quiet for the rest of the ride to number four, Privet Drive.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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