DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the other characters mentioned and I'm not making any money out of this. Only the plot is mine.

WARNING: This fan fic contains slash themes, which is male/male relationships. If homosexual themes bother you, don't read this.

Rated: R

Chapter 13

Treacherous calm that seeps in and takes over. Melancholic voices, singing of my doom, are silenced by a single breath escaping your lips. A sickly sweetness oozes into the world; stopping us in our tracks. It removes all bitterness, making us forget. For at this time we are allowed to let go. We are emboldened by the light to grab what we want most; to grasp what we desire and crush it with our eagerness. In earnest we believe what we are told, and blindly fumble towards an impossible happiness. Bliss; a poison in disguise which forces us to relinquish our hold on reality.

Looking at you now, sleeping fitfully, I let the bliss take me because the real world can wait. When you wake we will return to it, but for now I will languish in the feeling of timelessness. I will linger in the world where your body lays next to mine and your arms surround me; protectively holding me.

Do you know how much I need you? Do you know how much I've been forced to change? Should I tell you what I have become? I don't think I can, because I couldn't bear to see disgust in your eyes.

So for now, I will stay in the security of your arms around me, and I will let the calm take me in.

Just let me stay here a little while longer because there isn't much time left before we have to part.

**********

Draco let his finger trail lightly down his lover's back, who shivered uncontrollably and shifted slightly closer to him. Harry had been dozing for a few minutes now, and Draco didn't think he'd ever seen anything more beautiful. He was tracing the outline of Harry's jaw now, and he shivered again. He was in complete control of him; could do anything. This entrancing creature next to him, whose skin seemed to glow and whose capacity for love was boundless.

In his other hand he held the vial that his father had given him. He looked at it closely, confused as to what to do. It distressed him greatly that even now, in this most intimate moment, he was still thinking about his father and Voldemort.

Draco lifted the vial to Harry's arm and placed it against his skin. A pale blue light glowed around it briefly and the vial filled slowly with Harry's blood. Harry shifted again and frowned slightly. Draco looked at the dark red liquid; a piece of his lover which he had taken without permission. He didn't know what he was going to do with it, he was aware of the power held in possessing a person's blood. Ancient, dark magic which gave you complete control.

He sighed and leant over to tuck the bottle away into his robes and then turned his attention back to Harry.

"Harry? Wake up. We don't have much time." he murmured in his ear. Harry grunted, turned over, opened his eyes and smiled. He lifted his hand and gently stroked Draco's cheek.

"Hi" he said. Draco smiled back, unable to help himself.

"We have to go Harry. We have to get ready for the ball, remember?" Harry frowned with the effort of coherent thought.

"Yes. Not much time now." he said slowly. "But I don't want to move. I want to stay here with you." He inched even closer, pressing his body intimately against Draco's. Draco sighed happily and leant in to kiss Harry.

"Mmm, that's nice." he said, pulling away slightly, "But we really have to go. People will notice if we don't turn up." Harry giggled,

"Ha! They'll probably think we've killed each other or something. Couldn't be more wrong really."

"Hmm. So…who're you going to the ball with then?" Draco asked innocently.

"Urm, no-one actually. I didn't get round to asking anybody, I've had other things on my mind you know." He said, looking intensely at Draco, who blushed. "What about you?"

"Well Pansy was hinting like mad but I ignored her. She's very irritating you know?" Harry snorted at this. "And, well, I've been busy." Harry didn't want to think about what Draco had been busy doing.

"Well it seems we're both going stag tonight then!" They both laughed, enjoying the comfortable conversation. With a huge sigh, Draco sat up and started putting his clothes on. He looked mournfully at his ruined shirt, turning to Harry and raising an eyebrow.

"What? I was impatient!" said Harry defensively. Draco leant over to where Harry was slowly putting on his own clothes and whispered,

"I noticed, but it's OK, you more than made up for ruining my shirt." Harry shivered and looked at Draco. As if they were one person, knowing exactly what the other was thinking, they both leant in for a passionate kiss. Clothing forgotten they both lay back down on the ground, clutching desperately at each other. After a few minutes, Draco pushed Harry gently away.

"You distracted me! We really have to go. It's going to take me ages to get ready for tonight now, because I've someone I need to look especially good for."

"Who's that then?" asked Harry coyly.

"Silly boy."

"I can't wait." They finally managed to get dressed, and they walked slowly towards the school, holding hands because neither could stand a loss of contact just yet.

Harry pulled back before they got too close to the school. There was something he needed to ask Draco.

"Draco? What made you change your mind? I mean, I'm not complaining, obviously, but what changed?" Draco looked away for a moment before facing Harry.

"I did. Something happened to me over the holiday that made me really see what was important. Please don't push me now Harry, I promise I'll tell you, but not now. It doesn't matter what we've done, or said; all that matters, is what we feel now. Everything else we can work around. Right now, all I know is that I want to be with you. I want this." He leant in to kiss Harry who responded eagerly. 'I'll never get enough of the feel of his lips.' thought Harry.

"I want this too." Harry whispered. "I trust you."

Draco had a flashback to when he took some of Harry's blood and he pulled away.

"I'll see you later."

**********

Harry glanced over the letter he'd finished writing, before putting it away in the cupboard by his bed. After that afternoon he'd had to change some things. He sat for a moment, thinking about what he'd just written and whether anyone would ever have to read it. Then his thoughts wondered to why he'd had to change it and he sighed happily, moving to check his reflection for the fifth time. His dark blue dress-robes, a gift from Sirius, brought out his dark hair and pale skin. Surely he looked good enough?

The euphoria of what had happened with Draco hadn't worn off, but there had been enough time for some doubts to creep in. Harry's main concern was his friends. How could he ever get them to accept Draco? It had been such a gradual thing for Harry; seeing more and more each day of the Draco Malfoy nobody else knew. His friends didn't know that person and he wasn't sure they ever would. They hadn't exactly decided to keep their relationship a secret, it would be too difficult to hide, but he couldn't just thrust this on his friends. It needed to be approached delicately.

He'd been so happy that afternoon but it bothered him that he had no idea what had made Draco change his mind. It had to have been something important; he'd been so against them being together. Harry had seen the haunted look in his eyes that hadn't ever quite left them, and it worried him. He knew there were many things that he didn't know about Draco's life, especially about what had happened over the holiday, but he also knew that it was very important that Draco knew that he trusted him. He did, but it was just so hard when he knew that Draco was keeping so many things from him. Harry resolved to press Draco that night, as it was time that some of his faith was repaid. He needed to know where Draco stood. It wasn't a conversation that Harry was looking forward to, but it couldn't be avoided.

Harry looked at his reflection one last time, and went to find Ron and Hermione.

**********

Draco had to admit that he looked good. He stood in front of his full-length mirror, inspecting himself from every angle. His black robes hung on his body in a flattering but not girly way, accentuating his broad shoulders and slender figure. The dark green trim reminded him of Harry. He smiled gently to himself as he thought about Harry for the millionth time. That afternoon had been…amazing. There was no other way to put it. Harry had been gentle and caring, but there was a raw passion to him that seemed to just boil over and infect him.

The vial of blood, which was sat on his dresser, caught his eye and his smile faded. He should tell Harry; should tell him everything. Harry had put so much faith in him, and he felt that in that one small act he had betrayed that. He didn't want to lie to Harry anymore, but how could he tell him what he had done; what he had become? He desperately tried to push the memories from his mind, but they refused to be repressed. The guilt washed over him once more. How could he feel so happy after what he had done? How is it possible that he deserved to have such a loving, caring beautiful creature as Harry in his life now?

He shook his head suddenly and stood up, looking at his reflection with self-loathing. He picked up the vial and slid it into his pocket; it felt unnaturally heavy there, as though his conscience didn't want him to forget it, and he left the room to join his house mates.

**********

Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Gryffindor sixth years pushed through the students milling around outside and entered the Great Hall. As a group, they stopped and stared, gawping openly at the lavish decorations. Over the years Harry had become used to seeing the hall decorated for special occasions such as this, but this time the teachers hadn't held back.

His eye was first drawn to the enchanted ceiling. Instead of reflecting the sky outside as it usually did, it was now showing the stars of the galaxy. Beautiful red and gold nebulas shone with the light of a million suns. Shooting stars darted across the sky intermittently, giving brief light before blinking out suddenly. Constellations, meteor showers and supernovas; the universe lit up their sky that night.

The walls were shimmering softly and, upon closer inspection, Harry saw that the effect was created by thousands of tiny fire-flies. Each insect was encased in a miniature bottle, and was buzzing angrily inside. The house tables had been removed and replaced by a single long table which had been placed at the front of the hall. It was covered, and almost groaning with the weight of dozens of plates piled high with deliciously exotic looking foods. The centre piece of the table was a huge punch bowl, enchanted to refill itself with a new drink each time it was emptied.

The Gryffindors still hadn't moved, and they all turned around when a familiar voice drawled,

"Are you actually going to move, or are you going to stand around all night gawping like the bunch of morons you are?"

Draco Malfoy and the other sixth year Slytherins had arrived. Harry gazed at the blond, desperately trying to look indifferent to the beauty before him. Draco didn't seem to having as much trouble as Harry, as he looked disdainfully at the Gryffindors.

"Ah" he said, "I see you all tried so hard to dress up and look nice again. It's such a shame we can't all brush up as well as you Gryffindors." Harry's house-mates bristled at Draco's condescending tone. It was at this point that Draco finally looked at Harry, and Harry saw his resolve dissolve completely. Draco's eyes softened, and filled with such desire that Harry blushed and ducked his head, smiling.

The Slytherins pushed past, and Draco let the back of his hand brush against Harry's as he walked by. A subtle act that nobody noticed, but one that sent a jolt of electricity down Harry's spine. His body remembered all too well the pleasure of Draco's hands on him.

"Harry? What are you doing? Come on!" Harry looked around at Ron's words, and flushed when he realised that he'd remained standing stock still whilst his friends had ventured further into the hall.

***********

Draco walked quickly to the front of the hall and poured himself a drink of punch with shaking hands. He needed to calm down. He'd avoided looking at Harry for as long as possible, but when he'd finally given in he'd been struck almost speechless by how good he looked. He'd had to physically fight the urge not to take him in his arms and snog him senseless right there. He sighed and leant against the table. He felt the small bottle in his pocket pushing uncomfortably into his thigh and shifted slightly, but he could still feel it.

He let his focus drift back to the other Slytherins who hadn't noticed him being distracted. Blaise Zabini was currently cosying up to Pansy, who was completely oblivious to his blatant advances because she was complaining loudly to Millicent, Crabbe and Goyle about 'bloody Gryffindors'. Millicent was nodding furiously in agreement, whilst Crabbe and Goyle were looking slightly confused. 'Probably because Pansy's using words with more than two syllables.' Draco thought, and then had to fight the impulse to giggle. He really had nothing in common with these people; with their closed little minds full of mundane boring problems, totally unaware of the bigger picture. They really had no idea about what was going on around them, and it irritated Draco no end. Sometimes he really felt like just giving one of them a shake and screaming in their face 'look around you!' Draco scowled and turned away from them, preferring his own company to theirs. He'd long ago given up lording over and controlling them when he realised that it just wasn't a challenge anymore. They bored him.

He briefly noted the effort that the teachers had gone to to decorate the hall, before his eyes settled on Harry again, who was looking distinctly uncomfortable talking to the Weasley girl and her photographer boyfriend. Harry glanced his way, giving him a desperate look, before turning his concentration back to them. Draco grinned before deciding he really should try and socialise, and returning his attention to Pansy and the others, who had moved on to ridiculing the Hufflepuffs.

**********

Harry was desperately trying to follow the flow of the conversation, which was difficult because Ginny and Colin kept interrupting each other in their excitement. They were talking about some new charm Colin had discovered in the holidays which would enable them to turn all of the Slytherins' hair bright purple in one go. Harry's concentration wasn't helped by the fact that Draco kept flashing him intense looks from across the room, and standing in an extremely sexy pose. He looked calm, composed and relaxed. Harry almost couldn't recognise him from the desperate and hungry being he had made love to that afternoon. The mental images this brought back made Harry flush slightly.

Harry gave up trying to understand whatever Colin and Ginny were talking about, and just stood and nodded. He looked around, trying to find someone to rescue him, but the only person even glancing in his direction was Draco. Ron and Hermione were dancing together on the dance floor, as were the majority of his other friends.

In a moment of inspiration, he managed to extract himself from the conversation by telling them that he was going to the bathroom, and hurried off to find a dark corner of the hall to hide in. he'd never been comfortable in situations like this; he was always convinced that everyone was gawping at his scar.

He'd just started to relax in his dark and deserted corner, when a sultry voice whispered in his ear,

"Not enjoying the festivities?" An arm wrapped itself around Harry's waist, squeezing slightly.

"Draco." Harry sighed. "I am now." He turned and captured the Slytherin's lips in a brief but meaningful kiss.

"Mmm." Draco sighed, licking his lips and tasting Harry there. "Harry, you look gorgeous tonight, just thought I'd tell you. Come on, let's get out of here for a bit."

**********

"May I have this dance?" Draco held his hand out to Harry. They were outside, having escaped the ball through a side door in the hall that Harry had never seen before. They were standing in an enclosed courtyard, surrounded by tall trees which were rustling in the gentle breeze. The music from the hall could still be heard, and a slow, mournful ballad had begun.

"Of course." said Harry, taking Draco's hand. He wrapped his arms around Draco's neck, as Draco draped his arms around Harry's waist. Harry buried his face in the crook of Draco's neck, and didn't think that anything could feel more right.

They swayed gently to the music, their chests meeting as they both breathed simultaneously. Draco's hand lightly caressed the small of Harry's back, who felt the reverberations of it through his entire body. They moved, breathed and felt as one.

Harry exhaled lightly into Draco's neck,

"Draco?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you too Harry." The music reached its crescendo as their lips met in a sweet, innocent kiss.

"I know something happened to you during the holiday Draco. Something bad." Harry felt Draco's hands stiffen around his waist.

"Yes. It was awful." Harry instantly regretted bringing it up when he saw the pain and fear in Draco's eyes.

"It's OK." he whispered. "You don't have to tell me."

"Yes I do. You have a right to know, but can I tell you later? I don't want to spoil this moment." Harry smiled and kissed Draco again.

"That's fine. Later."

**********

When they re-entered the hall, the ball was in full swing. Only Dumbledore had noticed their absence, and he smiled gently to himself when he saw the tenderness in their parting glances. Maybe this would be a good thing after all. He was surprised he hadn't considered it before; all that hatred for each other had to stem from somewhere. People don't just hate each other at first sight.

Snape stiffened visibly in the seat beside him, and Dumbledore turned to see a look of abject horror cross his face as he clutched at his fore-arm. He slowly turned his gaze to Dumbledore and whispered,

"He's coming. He's coming now."

"What?" asked Dumbledore, confused. "Now? He can't Severus, the wards-"

"I don't care about the fucking wards Albus. I can feel it!" Snape's voice cracked. Dumbledore could hear screams from outside of the hall; the screams of his terrified students. 'God help us.'

As if in slow motion, he looked towards Harry, who was surrounded by his friends as he bent double, clutching at his forehead. He saw Hermione Granger look towards him, fear in her eyes. There was no time to do anything.

The closed doors of the hall began to glow, light was seeping through the cracks and he could hear an eerie chanting coming from the other side. The doors groaned, rattling in their hinges, before they exploded inwards showering the students with splinters. Bright, white light flooded into the room, half blinding him.

Through the screaming and shouting and crying of his students, Dumbledore heard a high voice shout,

"Accio vial." Dumbledore's heart sank as he looked over to Draco Malfoy who had gone white and was clutching at the pocket of his robe whilst staring at the entrance.

The vial of Harry Potter's blood had flown into the outstretched palm of Lord Voldemort.

**********

If I close my eyes,

The pain will go away and be replaced

By memory and fantasy.

I take a breath,

And the fragrant scent of summer fills my heart.

I can't feel the cold anymore,

In my mind the hot sun bathes me.

It burns away all my pain

And evaporates my anger.

The chill of winter disappears,

And is replaced by the glorious warmth of summer.

I don't feel the cold anymore.

A/N: Questions? Comments? Reviews are always welcome. This took me longer than normal because of my ridiculous work load. Trust me, I'd much rather be writing this!!

Draconian: *sigh* I know it wasn't right. I suppose I could re-write it, but I can't really be bothered! I really appreciate your honesty, and don't worry, I really don't have a big ego about this! I get a shock every time someone tells me they actually like this!

Xirleb70: slash is scarily addictive! Thanks for the review

Kimmy, Marzipan: Thanks for the reviews

Remba: ah well it's going to get very complicated now, so you never know what Harry will find out…

Crystal: ooo tell me which ones I should read!!

Severus snape: what kind of cookie? Thanks for the review.

Quasy: I KNOW!!! There was something wrong with it.

Max kitten: I can't help but feel you were a bit frustrated with them? Well they got it together eventually, you knew they were, it just had to be a matter of when!

Mak: Thanks for the review! It took me ages to write that last scene so I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Shadow: thanks, you're too kind!

THomASS: Are you sure? There are a lot of good stories out there! Thanks tho!

Reviews, reviews, reviews….