This is just to get you in the (cheesy 80's) mood.  If you aren't familiar with the song, well, aren't you lucky?

Look at the way

We gotta hide what we're doing

'Cause what would they say

If they ever knew and so we're

Runnin' just as fast as we can

Holdin' on to one another's hand

Tryin' to get away into the night

And then you put your arms around me

And we tumble to the ground

And then you say

I think we're alone now

There doesn't seem to be anyone around

I think we're alone now

The beating of our hearts

is the only sound

('I Think We're Alone Now' – Tiffany, 1987)

                     Fa la la!  Sorry this is late – headaches, stress, depression, and general life got in my way, damn it!  The chapter's nice and long, though, to try and make up for its tardiness.  I'm really stunned by the nice things you've said about this story!  I read it over, and think, oh my God, I'm a talentless hack! (Seriously, I say that.  I say it so loud my roommate rolls her eyes and says, what's wrong with the story now?  Scary, she knows me so well, that she knows immediately I'm not doing schoolwork!)  Hopefully, I haven't disappointed, but there's a lot of 'stuff' to get through in this chapter.  And, sad as I am to say it, we are nearing the end of the story!  Three or four more chapters, I'm thinking.  I'll try not to get depressed until then.  (*Sniffle*)  Anyway, Enjoy!

                                                               ***

Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley.  No matter how much time had gone by between visits, no matter where they had been or what had happened in the interim, no matter what small changes in appearance had occurred (different clothes or recent haircuts), the moment the three of them set eyes on each other, they started right back up again where they had left off, as though they had never been apart.  Harry might have had a blond in his shower and a terribly guilty expression on his face, but the instant he saw Ron's beaming face, and Hermione's bright smile, all of that seemed to fade in importance.

                     " Harry!  How are you?" Hermione asked happily.  Surprising the both of them, Hermione pulled Harry into a short but fierce hug.

                     " Good to see you mate," Ron said, clapping Harry soundly on the shoulder.  "We brought presents."

                     " Oh, now I really am glad to see you," Harry said, grinning.  " Well, come on in.  I can't wait to hear all about your trip.  I mean it; I want to know about every single last detail."

                     " That sounds suspicious," Hermione said, a smile playing about her lips.

                     " Why whatever are you implying, Hermione dear?" Harry asked.

                     " It means, my darling Harry, that you usually don't give a darn about our travels, and suddenly you're asking questions?  Seems a little fishy to me.  Not to mention that it took you forever to answer the door and you've clearly just gotten out of the shower, and not been on the balcony as you said.  In fact, I can still hear the water running, did you leave it on for a reason?"

                     Harry blinked slowly, and looked over at Ron.  Ron shrugged, communicating that he was not responsible for Hermione's inquisitive nature, or her paranoia.

                     " Umm…" Harry looked around frantically, searching for a way to change the subject.  He saw one; it was glinting brightly on Hermione's finger.  " Oh my God, you're engaged!"

                     " Oh!  I so wanted to be the one to tell you!  I even won a bet with Ron, so that I would get to be the one who spoke first!" Hermione said, looking slightly miffed.  She immediately brightened, " Isn't it wonderful?"

                     Hermione held out her ring with a flourish, and Harry looked properly impressed.

                     " We wanted you to be the first person we told, after our families of course.  Mum nearly fainted when we told her yesterday," Ron chimed in happily.

                     " It's great, it's really great.  Congratulations to both of you," Harry said. 

The three of them sat down in the living room, Hermione perched on the edge of an overstuffed armchair, Ron and Harry flopping onto opposite sides of the couch.  Harry kept looking back and forth between his friends, trying to decide who seemed happiest.  Harry eventually decided it was probably himself.  " I just… wow.  I mean, marriage.  It sounds so… grown-up, or something."

                     Hermione rolled her eyes at Harry and Ron laughed.  " Don't worry, Hermione tells me I haven't matured at all."

                     " Sad but true," Hermione said.  She then leaned over and ruffled Ron's hair affectionately.  Ron caught her hand and gave it a squeeze.

                     " Just think, soon it'll be mortgages and safe, slow cars with enough room for the kids and the groceries," Harry teased.

                     " Kids?  Whoa, slow down," Ron said, sounding slightly panicked.  Hermione took back her hand and smacked him upside the head lightly.  Ron hurried to explain, "Not that I don't want all that.  But… well, we're only engaged.  We won't be getting married for at least a year."

                     Hermione sighed, " Okay, you're off the hook Ron, though I must say that your near panic attack was most unflattering.  Anyway, we thought it best to wait until we both had a little more money and were more settled, before having a wedding."

                     " We're going to be living at the Burrow.  It's just mum and Ginny there now, so there's lots of room, and mum dotes on 'Mione so much it's sickening."

                     " Oh Harry, it was hilarious.  We told Molly we were getting married, and she just kept thanking me, over and over again."
                     " It's to be expected," Harry said sagely.  " It must have been such a relief to find-out there was someone who would willingly marry Ron."

                     Hermione and Harry had to laugh at Ron's outraged expression.  Ron turned smug eyes on Harry, and retorted, " I don't see why you're laughing, Harry.  Who are you spending the rest of your life with, huh?  This couch maybe?"

                     " Excuse me, but I'll have you know I'm in a very serious relationship," Harry replied.

                     " You'd better not be talking about coffee," Ron said warningly.

                     " No, really, there's someone.  A human someone," Harry said blushing.

                     " Could you be more vague?  A human something?  Good grief.  Now, what's her name?"

                     " His name," Hermione interjected.  " Ron you promised me…"

                     " Sorry!  It slipped out okay?  I hear 'serious relationship', I think 'girl'.  I didn't mean anything by it, really Harry.  You know I don't care that you're… that you're… that you're gay."  Ron looked immensely pleased with himself when he finally managed to get the last word out.

                     " Don't worry about it," Harry said. 

                     " So?" Ron prodded.

                     " So what?" Harry asked.

                     " Honestly!" Hermione said.  " We want to know about this boyfriend.  How long have you known him; what's he do for a living; where did you meet; how serious are you, when do we get to meet him; why are you being so deliberately obtuse?"

                     " I think I speak for both of us when I say, what?" Harry asked.

                     " I've got it!"

                     " She's got what?  Ron you have to help me translate; I haven't seen you two for months and I must have forgotten how to speak Hermion-ese."

                     " Please, I've never understood her either," Ron said.  Harry and Ron shared a secret smile; Hermione didn't notice as she was too caught up in the fervour of her latest theory.

                     " Harry's in love!  Think about it Ron.  He lies to us when we arrive, though he's clearly happy to see us.  He asks about our trip, and changes the subject whenever we ask for specifics.  He's been nervy and weird since we got here," Hermione barely paused at this point when Harry broke into her tirade, trying to deny that he was acting at all odd.  Neither Ron nor Hermione believed him, so Harry merely sighed and let Hermione continue, " And he seems just itching to tell us something.  His house is clean, and despite how he's acting now, I think he's actually less stressed then normal, and dare I say it, happy.  For goodness sake, his clothes even match!"

                     Ron's face paled, " Bloody hell, you are in love."

                     " Alright, alright!  I'm in love.  I'm goofily, stupidly, absolutely in love.  Are you both satisfied now?"

                     " Not by half.  For starters, when did this happen and why didn't you write to us about it?  Have you at least told Sirius?"

                     " Well, there's a thought," Harry said sheepishly.

                     " Harry!  He's your godfather, he'd want to know."

                     " I didn't do it on purpose!  I just forgot.  We're men – we can go years without speaking and still know where we stand."

                     " That's appalling!" Hermione admonished him.  " And it doesn't explain why you didn't tell us."

                     " Well, umm, see about that…  You both already know him, actually.  And I had to be sure about him and me before I could talk about it to anyone else.  You understand that, don't you?"

                     " We're your friends, Harry.  That's all I'm trying to say," Hermione said, gentling her voice.  " We know that after Voldemort, things between us all were a little strained.  I'd hoped we'd moved past that, but now I find you've been keeping secret something that's obviously very important to you."

                     " We know him?  Please don't tell me it's Mike," Ron said.  Ron's comment broke the silence before it even had a chance to develop, and Harry smiled in relief.

                     " No, it's not Mike.  He's still with Tim."

                     " Really?  That's good news.  I liked them; I thought they made a good couple," Hermione said.  " But if it's not one of them, then it must be someone we know from Hogwart's."

                     Harry nodded slowly and tensely, " Before I say who, can I just ask that you not freak out?"

                     " We're not children anymore, Harry," Hermione said.  " We're hardly going to resort to tantrums and name calling."

                     " But I don't just want you to tolerate him.  I want… you're the most important people in my life, and I want you to be happy that I'm happy.  And I really am.  Happy, that is," Harry burbled.  He was nervous; his words coming out in a mismatched tumble. 

                     " You want our blessing," Ron supplied, his comment surprising for its gentleness, as well as its astuteness.

                     Hermione's hand fluttered up to her throat, " Oh goodness.  He's here, isn't he?  In the shower?  I can't believe I didn't figure it out sooner."

                     " Please don't tell me you were in that shower together?  There are some mental images I'm just not ready for," Ron pleaded.  " I admit it – I'm weak!"

                     " We were not taking a shower together," Harry replied honestly.  He flushed a little as he remembered exactly what he had been doing when they had arrived, but if Ron noticed, he didn't comment.  " But he is here.  We've been living together."

                     " So help me God, I will hex you right now if you don't tell me who he is immediately," Hermione said, getting annoyed with Harry's stalling tactics.  Hermione was using her strictest voice, the one that always made both Harry and Ron want to confess to anything and everything.

                     " Draco Malfoy," Ron said, voice numb with shock.  A completely stunned Hermione looked first at Ron, and then followed his gaze to the pale figure standing in the slight shadow of the doorway.

                     " Good guess," Harry said weakly.  " You got it in one."

                                                               ***

                     While in the shower, Draco had thought up several possible outcomes for this unexpected reunion, each one less plausible then the last.  Draco wasn't so much worried that he'd cause a scene and horribly insult Harry's friends (though that was part of imagined outcome number fifty-seven); no, what scared Draco most was having to share Harry.  Harry's friends carried pieces of Harry's heart; much as Draco did, and if they decided to pull on those pieces, it could very easily tear Harry apart.  Draco was strong enough to deal with Harry's friends and their opinions of him, but he doubted very much that he would have the courage to let Harry go, even if it was for Harry's well being.

                     Draco stood in front of the slightly foggy bathroom mirror, psyching himself up.  He punctuated his every assertion by jabbing his finger at his reflection.

                     " You are going to be charming.  You will call them by their real names.  You will say nothing remotely controversial and if that means being silent for the entire duration of their visit, then that's what you'll do.  You will laugh at their jokes, even when they're not funny - in fact, especially when they're not funny.    There will be no mention of rodent type animals, financial situations, or dental work.  In short, you Draco Malfoy will be perfect." As an afterthought, he added, "Without being arrogant or superior."  Draco watched as his expression in the mirror became even more despairing, " Yeah, I know.  We are so screwed."

                     Knowing he was only delaying the inevitable, Draco brushed his shirt free of imaginary dust one final time and stepped out of the bathroom.  He restrained himself from humming the death-march as he approached the living room.  Though he had prepared himself, the sight that met his eyes still shook him hard.  The three of them, so close together, reminiscent of their exclusive groupings at Hogwart's, made Draco feel distinctly out of place.  They were talking quietly, yet intensely, and Draco hovered on the threshold, wondering how best to make his presence known.  Never in his life had he been so unsure how to act.

                     Ron had been the first to notice Draco, and his subsequent shock made it clear to Draco that Harry hadn't quite gotten around to telling his friends about him.  Inwardly cursing his bad timing, Draco aimed a small, apologetic smile at Harry and slid further into the room.  The stunned silence that had ensnared Ron and Hermione had apparently captured Harry as well.  Draco could hear his footfalls on the soft carpet as he approached.  Draco waited for some words of welcome or encouragement from Harry, or even an insult from Ron - anything to break the oppressive tension of the room.  Draco began to feel guilty for disrupting the easy conversation that had previously existed between the three old friends; every moment that passed made him feel increasingly uncomfortable.

                     There was nowhere to sit, with Harry and Ron taking up the majority of the couch, and Hermione in the chair Draco usually sat in.  Draco might have considered wedging himself next to Harry, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend companionably, had his courage and confidence not been ebbing at an all-time low.  In the end, Draco folded his long legs underneath him, and sat cross-legged on the floor, on the far side of the coffee table.  It was not a good position; not only was he now at a considerable height disadvantage, but now he faced the three of them like a criminal facing a jury.

                     " Uh, well.  Ron, Hermione, you remember Draco?" Harry ventured.  His voice reverberated in the small room.

                     " Kind-of hard to forget," Ron muttered, his response clearly not meant as a compliment.  " Aren't you supposed to be in America?"

                     Draco lifted his gaze from its spot on the wall, his curiosity genuinely aroused, and inquired; " What do you mean?"

                     " It's been in the papers.  Your father says you've spent the last few years studying at a boarding school overseas.  But if you've been here…  I know that's what I read though, because I remember saying to 'Mione that it would be just our luck to run into you while on our vacation," Ron said.

                     Draco probably would have glared at Ron for the slight, if he hadn't been so busy putting the pieces of the puzzle together in his mind.

                     " I suppose congratulations are in order then.  You must be proud of your father," Hermione said, an obvious edge to her voice, though she was valiantly trying to remain cordial. 

                     " I don't understand," Draco said.  He directed his question to Harry, fearing to speak with Ron and Hermione in case he made some mistake.  It was better that they thought he was being cool and aloof, then outright insulting.

                     " That makes two of us," Harry said, wondering at Draco's reticence and reluctance to ask questions.  For a split second, Harry wished Ron and Hermione would disappear so that he could sit by Draco and reassure him.  Harry didn't know if he would ever feel comfortable enough to kiss and hold Draco when there were other people present.  The best Harry could do right now for Draco's uneasiness was to ask the questions Draco couldn't; "What's Lucius done now?"

                     It was Hermione's turn to look uncertain, " Don't you two read the Daily Prophet?  He's running for Minister of Magic, virtually uncontested.  It's been a rather lavish campaign, despite the lack of opposition, or so I gather.  I haven't been keeping up with it much myself, not while we were in the States at any rate."

                     " I should have known," Draco said glumly.  " And of course he would tell them I was away at boarding school.  I thought he'd pick somewhere in Europe, but I suppose he thought 'overseas' had a nice ring to it; not to mention the fact it's vague enough that nobody would bother checking."

                     " He probably started the story the moment you were brought back home from Hogwart's.  Then with the whole Voldemort debacle, I'm sure your absence wasn't questioned," Harry said. 

Hermione was following the conversation between Draco and Harry with rapt interest, unconcerned for the moment that Draco was ignoring her presence.  She could understand Draco not wanting to share all his private thoughts with people he barely knew.

                     " Was anything said about my mother, after she died?" Draco asked quietly.

                     Hermione bit her lip, " The story is that her suicide caused a rift between you and your father, which is why you remained at your school instead of intending her funeral.  That's about it, though.  I'm… I'm sorry," Hermione said sincerely.

                     " So if you weren't away at school, where have you been?  And why are you here?" Ron asked.  The question wasn't asked unkindly.  It was a simple request for information, lacking any undertones of judgement.

                     Draco flitted his gaze over to Harry's.  Harry nodded slightly, obviously prepared to take his cue from Draco, whatever he decided to tell them.

                     " My father… kept me prisoner.  He wasn't too impressed when I refused the death mark.  My mother helped me to escape, and then she killed herself.  I came here, because I didn't know where else to go," Draco said.  Draco told his tale as straightforwardly as was possible, withholding any emotion he might otherwise have expressed.  He could see that Ron and Hermione were having a tough time taking in all the information.  They had all this faulty knowledge about Draco from the newspapers, conflicting with the rather farfetched yet true account he had just told them.  That was on top of finding out that their best friend was in love with their former schoolmate rival.  Draco didn't blame them for needing a few moments to arrange their thoughts.

                     " I think I need a cup of tea," Hermione said eventually.

                     " Tea!" Draco said, slapping his forehead.  How could he have forgotten that most basic of host duties?  Besides, here was something he could do to keep himself busy and still be useful.  After his mini-outburst, he realized that everyone was looking at him strangely.  Ron even looked amused.  Draco flushed, " Sorry."

                     " No problem, I think we're all feeling a little… weird," Hermione said.  She stood up, asking Harry, " Do you actually have tea this time?  Or do I have to go searching through your cupboards like last time, only to come up with several cans of coke?"

                     " We have tea," Harry said.

                     " I'll get it," Draco said, expecting no argument and getting none.  " Harry, I presume you want coffee instead?"

                     " Yes please.  So does Ron," Harry said.  Ron nodded that this was true, unsure he could speak properly.  He was starting to feel like he had walked into some alternate universe.  Draco Malfoy was about to bring him refreshments?  What was the world coming to?  Hermione was faring only slightly better; after managing to regain her seat, the most she could do was smile politely at Draco's offer.

                     " Two teas, and two coffees then," Draco said.  He eagerly escaped to the relative safety of the kitchen where he took two deep, calming breaths, before preparing the drinks. 

Draco put on a fresh pot of coffee for Ron and Harry, and set the kettle on to boil, all with an efficiency that belied his nervous state.  All things considered, things weren't going that badly, Draco told himself.

Once the water was boiling, Draco switched off the stove, and sloshed a little of the water inside the teapot, warming it before he made the tea.  He sliced a fresh, yellow lemon and placed the sections in a small bowl.  He next got out the sugar-bowl, and a jug of cream, putting these items on a tray, along with the lemon.  He put the teapot on the tray as well, with four cups and saucers, filling two of them with aromatic coffee.  Finally, a plate of leftover baked goods, and a few remaining chocolate truffles that Draco kept for Harry's chocolate 'emergencies', and Draco was finished with his preparations.

This time when Draco walked into the living room, the conversation didn't grind to a halt.  By unspoken agreement, the discussion had moved away from the serious subjects, to more pleasant and trivial ones.  Draco put the tray down, and smacked Harry's hand automatically when Harry tried to grab the chocolate before anyone else.

" Manners, Harry," Draco teased.  Harry tried to look innocent and contrite, but grabbed a truffle the moment Draco looked away.  Draco watched as Hermione put a slice of lemon in her teacup before pouring herself some tea.  She didn't put anything else in it, and Draco was quietly amused that they took their tea the exact same way.  Draco was not as amused when Ron proceeded to dump loads of sugar and cream into his coffee.  Given a choice, Draco would rather share traits with Hermione then Ron.

" Oh it's been ages since I've had a proper cup of tea.  You would not believe some of the stuff they drink in America," Hermione said, clearly grateful for her beverage.  The mood began to lighten, which became noticeable when Hermione said, " Which reminds me, you should open your gift Harry."

Hermione stood up and retrieved a medium sized package from her bags that had been left by the front door.  Harry received the box happily, surprised at the weight of it.  He broke the strings keeping the cardboard lid shut, and opened the box, revealing its contents.  Harry laughed,

" You brought me coffee," Harry said.

" Not just any coffee; coffee from all over.  Mostly Seattle though, they have a thing for the bean.  And we got you a mug too," Ron said.  Harry removed the rather large cactus shaped mug that had 'Everything's Big in Texas' written out in red letters along the side.

" Thanks, it's great;" Harry said.  He dumped his current coffee into the new mug with a grin.

" You know, if Harry had told us he was seeing someone, we would have picked up something for you as well, Draco.  If he had told us, that is," Hermione said, chiding Harry with a look.  " I don't suppose you want a pen from Niagara Falls?  You twist it and it actually looks like the water is falling."

Hermione handed him the cheerful blue pen, and Draco amused himself turning the plastic cylinder over and over again, watching the water tumbling down.

" Draco likes pens, actually," Harry supplied.

" This is true," Draco admitted, putting the pen down at last.  " Thank you."

" Glad you like it," Hermione said.

Silence fell again, but it was nowhere near as tense as it had been.  Harry let himself relax somewhat, no longer fearing a brawl between Ron and Draco, or a screaming match between Draco and Hermione.  Harry could tell that Draco was trying hard to make a good impression, and Harry was touched by the effort.  Harry hoped his friends would not see Draco's strict behaviour as arrogance.  Draco must have felt Harry's gaze because he looked up, and returned Harry's soft smile.

" So what are your plans?" Harry asked.

" Well, we were going to stay with you for a few days, but it might be awkward… We didn't know you had company, you see.  I suppose we'll get a hotel…"

" Of course you'll stay here," Harry said.  " It's not a problem."  Draco nodded, but then a thought occurred to him,

" What about Mike and Tim?  They're coming over later, remember?"

" Oh right," Harry said.  He thought for a moment, before a decidedly mischievous thought came to him.  " They could always come with us."

Draco caught onto Harry's idea almost instantly, " I'm sure if we rang Mike, he could come up with a few more costumes."

" Mike and Tim have met Ron and Hermione before so it shouldn't be too hard for Mike to think of something appropriate," Harry said, rubbing his palms together.

" Okay, stop speaking in code you two.  I know I'm going to regret this, but what are you talking about?"

" We have plans to go out with Tim and Mike to a club tonight.  It's a theme night put on by the university, and if you guys wanted to come along, you'd be welcome," Harry explained.

Ron seemed to like the idea, but Hermione was a little more mistrustful.  " Why do you look so smug, then?  Just what sort-of theme are we talking about?"

" The eighties," Harry said lightly.

" As in the nineteen eighties?  As in teased and hair-sprayed fringes, legwarmers, neon-coloured parachute pants, and ripped, acid-wash jeans?  As in movies starring the Brat Pack in detention, and songs by bands called 'Bananarama'?  That eighties?" Hermione asked.

" That would be the one," Harry said, laughing.  " So you want to?"

Hermione grinned, " Harry, you are speaking my language."

" Do you think that language could be English?  Because I still don't know what you two are blathering about."

Hermione and Harry shared a look and laughed.  " Don't worry, Ron.  It's just a few references to muggle pop-culture."

" If you say so," Ron said, clearly still nervous.

" I'll give Mike a ring right now then," Harry said.  Harry dialled the number he knew by heart, and got a very enthusiastic Mike on the other end.  Mike agreed to bring a few more outfits, and even as Harry was hanging up, Mike was tossing out possible costume suggestions.

" Damn, I should start getting dinner ready," Draco said, catching sight of the time. 

" You're cooking?" Ron asked incredulously, eyes going round.  " Do you even know how?"

" You should know, you ate all the biscuits I made," Draco said defensively. Draco had replied sharper then intended to Ron's inoffensive question, and he cringed slightly, as he saw Ron clench his jaw in anger. 

" Really?  Those were really good," Hermione said quickly, hoping to smooth over the small rough patch.  Hermione affectionately patted Harry's stomach. " No wonder Harry's put on a few pounds."

" Hey, are you saying I'm chubby?"

" No, I'm saying you're not the half-starved scrawn I've grown accustomed to," Hermione said.  Draco snorted with laughter, and tried to cover it up with a cough.

" Well, I blame Draco, who insists that caffeine is not a food group," Harry said.  " Tim and Mike are coming for dinner tonight, so that makes six of us.  Is there going to be enough food, Draco?"

" We're going to need some more wine," Draco said, taking inventory of the kitchen. 

" Okay, anything else?"

" No.  You know I make too much food anyway, two more people will hardly make a difference," Draco replied.  Hermione had trailed after Harry and Draco, curious about just how adept Draco had become in a muggle kitchen.

" It's really nice of you to do this for us," Hermione said.

" Please, Draco's dying for a chance to show-off.  Got a new pastry bag and everything," Harry said, sticking his tongue out when Draco glowered at him.  " Hey Ron, I'm going out to pick up some wine, you want to come?"

" Sure," Ron said loudly from the living room.

" Hermione?"

" No thanks, I'll stay here, see if Draco needs a hand," Hermione said.  All three of them were surprised at the ease with which Hermione had called Draco by name.  Harry positively glowed.

" Fine," Harry agreed.  He put on his shoes and grabbed his wallet.  Just before leaving he stuck his head back into the kitchen.  " It's mostly seafood, so a white wine, right?"

" He can be taught," Draco said, clasping his hands together and pretending to thank some deity.  " Actually, it's one of the few times you can get away with either.  It's kind-of an Italian style meal, so you might as well pick up a red as well."

" Whatever you say," Harry said, leaning over and kissing Draco lightly.  It was Harry's standard goodbye kiss, an action he had gotten so accustomed to that Harry forgot to be self-conscious about it, despite the fact that they had an audience.  Blushing slightly at Hermione's raised eyebrow, Harry bid a hasty retreat, leaving Draco to handle any comments.

Draco found that without Harry to act as a buffer, he didn't know what to say to Hermione.  Asking about her trip or her engagement to Ron sounded too personal, as though they were old friends instead of former enemies, whereas offering an apology for all the times he had called her the derogatory 'mudblood' seemed a tad extreme.

" Can I help you with anything?" Hermione asked.

" Would you mind making a salad?" Draco said.  Hermione nodded, and soon a rhythmic chopping noise accompanied the sounds of bubbling liquids and sizzling pans.

" Sounds like a potions lab," Hermione remarked.

Draco smiled, adding spice to his sauce.  " I thought the exact same thing when I started cooking.  It was reassuring having something familiar to occupy me while I was… while I was here."

Hermione suspected there was more to that story, but didn't press.  It was strange standing next to Draco Malfoy, cooking dinner.  Strange, but not entirely unpleasant.  Draco was quiet, but he didn't seem to resent Hermione being around.  Hermione supplied the conversation, and she told him about the universities of magic she had visited while in North America.

" The schools are really much better organized then anything I've seen in Europe.  I suppose it's not that surprising.  The system of apprenticeship here is really first rate, so it makes sense that they wouldn't be too eager to change it, and really why would they?  But because our way is so dependent on tradition, it would be almost impossible to duplicate overseas.  So they saw a need, and adapted the university system for themselves, and I think it has been entirely successful."

" But you still decided to take an apprenticeship here?"

" In the end, I simply didn't want to be away from Ron and my parents, just for an education.  Besides, I'm going to be apprenticed to Professor McGonagall, and I couldn't have hoped for a better appointment, plus a chance to work at the new Hogwarts… well, I think it's too good an opportunity to pass up on."

" And Ron?"

" He's working on his degree by correspondence.  Seeing me be able to practice magic freely I think is what provided the motivation.  We're staying with his mum.  Ron doesn't say it, but I think he worries about her.  When Arthur died – that's Ron's father – she still had Ginny and the twins to look after her, but now Ginny's thinking of attending Hogwarts, and the twins moved out, so Ron's trying to be more available.  Further reason for us to stay in England, I suppose."

Hermione realized she had been monopolizing most of the conversation, talking nearly exclusively about herself and Ron.  She would have never figured Draco as a good listener, but then, the Draco she was conversing with now seemed far more mature and subdued then the Draco of memory.  He didn't look that different: same white-blonde hair, same aristocratic features, same pale skin.  Thinking objectively, she could admit he was rather attractive.  Hermione couldn't help but consider the sort-of couple Harry and Draco would make.  Far from complimentary, and not exactly contrasting, she thought.  Rather Harry and Draco were both so unique, that she imagined that together they would look rather exceptional.  Something rare, exotic, and infinitely special.  She wondered if either of them even knew the reaction they could cause.

" I still hate all the things you did to us," Hermione said, choosing to voice one of her concerns.

" You should," Draco said calmly.

" But if Harry wants to forgive and forget, then I'm prepared to do no less," Hermione said.  Draco looked at her, knowing she meant what she said.  " I think we're more alike then I realized.  When I first met Harry, I was so determined to impress him, to prove that I was just as good as he was, even if my parents were muggles.  I wanted to prove that I wasn't daunted by his celebrity like everyone else, but I went too far, and came off looking like a bossy, know-it-all.  I think that a lot of what you did was for the same goal.  You tried so hard to prove you were just as important as Harry, just as worthy an equal, that you didn't even realize that Harry wasn't trying to compete.  Harry only ever wanted a normal life, and yet we both thought it couldn't be that simple, and overdid it."

" You at least had the sense to learn from your mistakes the first time.  Did you just come up with this theory?" Draco asked.

" I've thought about it a lot in regards to myself.  I've only just noticed how well it can be applied to you," Hermione said.  " I had a whole speech planned for when I met Harry's first real boyfriend, you know."

" Always prepared, aren't you?"

" It's all about how if Harry got hurt, that I would come after whomever was responsible," Hermione said seriously.  Draco didn't reply, though his silence was acceptance enough.  " What are you getting out of this Draco?"

Draco turned to look at her, surprised that she was being so blunt.  " You of all people should know how easy it is to fall in love with Harry, and how hard it is to stop."

" You love him?"

" Yes," Draco said.

" Then I guess I don't need to say the rest of my speech, do I?"

Draco shook his head no.  " But I'm glad we had this conversation."

Hermione nodded, and they went back to preparing the meal.  Hermione still had a few doubts in her mind, but she was willing to give Draco a chance.  So far the only interactions she had observed between Harry and Draco had been positive ones; it was definitely a good sign.

Harry and Ron returned with the wine, talking and laughing between themselves like the best friends they were.  Ron had conveniently pushed the idea of Draco and Harry as a couple to the very back of his mind.  If he thought about it too much he was likely to be hurt that Harry had chosen to date someone whom Ron firmly disliked, or worse, was likely to act on his temper and pummel Draco's smug face into the ground – neither of which would improve the situation.  Denial really did seem to be the best course of action, and so far it was working.  Ron and Harry's friendship was much as it had always been (they never had been very touchy-feely after all), and Ron saw no reason to complicate matters by bringing Draco into the equation. 

Harry stole two more cups of coffee from the kitchen and took them into the living room.  Hermione ended up in the living room as well, where she and Ron showed Harry their travel photos, and talked about their trip, while Draco worked on in the kitchen. 

Draco's nervousness returned, as he was once again unintentionally excluded from the group.  It was with some relief that he heard the intercom start to buzz early in the evening.  Draco was definitely looking forward to the added distraction that Mike and Tim were sure to provide.

                     " We're here!" Mike said loudly, his cheerful voice ricocheting off the hallway walls through the whole flat.  " Where's that luscious redhead?"

                     Mike strolled into the living room, leaving Tim to hang-up their coats and carry the bags of costumes they had brought.

                     " Hello Mike," Ron said nervously, taking a firm grip of Hermione's hand.

                     " There he is.  Still think your straight?"

                     " Yes.  I mean, I am still straight.  And I'm engaged," Ron threw in hastily.

                     " More's the pity.  Still, I can hardly blame you.  What man could resist the lures of the lovely Lady Hermione?" Mike asked rhetorically.  Mike grinned and kissed the back of Hermione's hand, while she giggled.

                     " Good to see you haven't changed Mike," Hermione said.

                     " I figure why mess with perfection?  Now, since sadly you're both off the market that leaves me only… Draco!  Where are you babe?   Or has Harry discovered our illicit affair and locked you in the dungeon?  Not that I'm adverse to bondage."

                     Mike hurried to the kitchen, intent upon his blond prey, when Tim loomed in front of him, and prevented him from pouncing. 

                     " Need I remind you that you also are off the market?" Tim asked.

                     " Aw Tim, you know I only say stuff like that because I like seeing you get all jealous and protective," Mike said, fluttering his eyelids innocently.

                     " You don't think much of my intelligence do you?" Tim asked.  He looked over Mike's head, and nodded at Harry's friends. " Nice to see you again Ron, Hermione.  Congratulations on your engagement."

                     " Thanks Tim.  Congrats to you for surviving with Mike this long," Ron said, shaking Tim's proffered hand, and wincing only slightly at the strong grip.

                     Mike meanwhile had slipped around Tim, and was whispering to Draco that he'd only been kidding when he'd said what he had to Tim - Mike insisted that he really was prepared to run-away with Draco as soon as they found a way of ditching Tim and Harry.

                     " Stop trying to steal my boyfriend," Harry said, chuckling.  Harry wrapped protective arms around Draco's waist, a gesture that pleased Draco an inordinate amount.  Draco hugged Harry more securely against his body, needing the affection even if it meant appearing more clingy then usual.  It was too stressful screening his every word and action for possible insult, and Draco was tired of feeling left out.  With Harry, everything was easy; it was dealing with everyone else that was the hard part.

                     " Fine!  I guess that means I'm stuck with Tim then," Mike said, pretending it was a hardship.  " A gorgeous, smart, supportive, sexy boyfriend.  Oh what a calamity!"

                     Draco snickered, Harry laughed outright, Tim looked decidedly nonplussed, and Ron hid behind Hermione as though fearing that if he looked amused, Mike would think he was interested.

                     " I brought you a present Harry.  Well, actually it's for both you and Draco," Mike said.

                     Draco's eyes lit up at the idea of a present, even as Harry was protesting that Mike didn't have to buy them anything.  Mike produced a bright purple gift bag, with loads of pink and white tissue paper sticking out of the top.

                     " Wrap this yourself, Mike?" Draco asked dryly.

                     " Yes, why?" Mike asked innocently.  Draco just shook his head, as Harry lifted away some of the tissue paper.  Suddenly Harry was stuffing tissue paper back into the bag, a violent flush spreading over his face.

                     " You could have warned me," Harry hissed at Tim.

                     " I wanted to, but Mike said I wasn't to spoil his fun," Tim said with a shrug.

                     " Come on Harry, show everyone!" Mike said.

                     " No.  Thanks for the present, but I think I'll finish opening it later, if you don't mind," Harry said.

                     " What is it Harry?" Hermione asked, the curiosity nearly killing her.

                     " A book," Harry said tersely.

                     " Really?  Maybe I've read it…"

                     Mike burst out laughing, and even Tim had difficulty keeping a straight face.  Harry's face got even redder, if that was possible.

                     " Trust me, you haven't read this book, and if you have, I sincerely don't want to hear about it," Harry said.  Harry took the gift bag, tossed it onto his bed, and then firmly shut his bedroom door.  Draco was curious about the present too, but unlike Hermione, Draco knew he was more likely to get answers if he pretended to be disinterested, and later snuck in to see the contents for himself.  Besides, Mike had said it was for both of them, so he had some right to look, didn't he?

                     " Well if nobody else is going to humiliate Harry, we might as well eat.  Open the wine, would you Harry?" Draco said.

                     In moments the hosts had the dinnerware laid, the wine poured, and the table nearly groaning under the weight of the meal.  The smells of garlic and oregano hung heavy on the air; vibrantly coloured roasted vegetables contrasted tantalizingly with thick creams and golden domes of bread.  The meal smelled delicious, and tasted even better.  Even though Draco had made enough food to feed them all twice over, they still managed to polish of a surprising number of platters.  Afterwards, everyone was pleasantly overstuffed and sipping contentedly on the last of the wine. 

                     They may have been full to the point of bursting, but a mocha-almond cheesecake was too hard to resist, and everyone had to try at least one slice, with Ron and Tim eating three apiece.  Draco decided that if he couldn't win over Ron's approval the hard way, he could always bribe him with food.

                     Harry shooed Draco out of the kitchen after they were finished eating, not letting him do any of the dishes.  Ron 'volunteered' to help with clean up, after Hermione gave him a no-nonsense shove towards the sink. 

                     " Oooh, we can start on costumes then," Mike chirped.  He jumped up and collected the bags he had brought; sorting them according to some system only he could understand.  Mike was beyond excited at the prospect of dressing up his friends.  Deciding he needed some music to really set the tone, Mike set up Harry's CD player, and popped in a David Bowie album.

                     " I so wanted to dress you as David Bowie," Mike confessed to Draco.  " But in the end, I decided Billy Idol would get you to reveal more skin, so it was a simple case of math really."

                     Hermione laughed, " What about me and Ron?  Oh, and I'm sorry for springing this on you so suddenly."

                     " I'm happy to do it.  It was really hard to think of something for Ron though.  You will of course be going as Madonna – the 'like a virgin' version, but Ron… Ron, I've decided will be sporting the only thing Flock of Seagulls ever truly made famous - the hairdo."

                     Ron nearly dropped the plate he'd been drying when he heard Hermione start howling with laughter in the other room.  " I don't like the sound of that, mate."

                     " Me neither, Ron.  If I were you, I'd be afraid.  Very afraid," Harry said.  He handed Ron another plate and they went back to work, both shivering as Hermione's laughter continued to ring in their ears.

                     " Oh my, I have to get a picture of that.  And what about yourselves?"

                     Mike pouted slightly, " Tim vetoed every single one of my ideas.  He's going to be RG of the eighties."

                     " RG?"

                     " Random Guy," Tim explained.  " I'll submit to having my hair fluffed, and my coat collar turned up, but I had to draw the line somewhere.  Mike wanted me to go as one of the members of 'WHAM' – as if that wasn't totally obvious."

                     " So little faith he has in me.  And you've gotta have faith," Mike said jokingly, wondering if anyone would get the reference.  " I am going as Michael Jackson, the red thriller outfit to be precise, and Harry is going as Bruce Springsteen for the sole reason that I want to see him in really tight, torn jeans."

                     Draco silently agreed with that particular desire, and began looking forward to their night out with something less then complete abhorrence.  Mike handed Draco and Hermione their costumes; Hermione slipped into the bathroom to change, some part of her brain idly wondering why Mike had a skirt, blouse, black leggings, and pantyhose on hand.  Draco shut himself inside the bedroom, hurriedly pulling on the black leather pants, the tight white tank top, and even tighter black leather vest with its multitude of shiny zippers and tags.  Casting a quick glance at the bedroom door to see if it was still closed, Draco then turned his attention to the present that beckoned to him, still wrapped in all its gaudy glory and lying innocently on the bedspread.

                     It turned out it really was a book.  Somewhat disappointed, Draco flipped it right side up to read the title.  ' The Every Gay Man's Guide to Sex.  New edition!  Full colour illustrations!  More Advanced Positions!'  No wonder Harry hadn't wanted to share this with everyone, Draco thought, a pink tinge to his cheeks.

                     " Draco?  You decent?  I have to change," Harry said from the other side of the bedroom door.  In a moment of panic, Draco shoved the bag and the book under the bed.

                     " Yeah, you can open the door," Draco replied.  Draco stood up as Harry came in, preparing to go back to the living room.

                     " Is that what you're wearing?" Harry squeaked.

                     " Don't you dare laugh!  You know I didn't pick this out myself…" Draco trailed off as he realized Harry was on the verge of either a heart attack or drool.  Both were rather encouraging reactions.  " Why, you like it Harry?" Draco asked seductively.  Harry nodded dumbly, eyes unblinking.  " You don't think the pants are too tight, do you?"

                     Harry shook his head so vehemently that his glasses threatened to come off.  Draco sauntered over to him, wary in case all the stimulation made Harry faint.

" Harry?" Draco asked, voice soft and lilting, his hot breath ghosting over Harry's ear.  " When are we leaving to go out?"

Harry's brain was having trouble processing anything beyond 'leather is good', so it took him a moment to realize a response was expected of him.

" Soon," Harry managed.

" Too bad," Draco purred, drawing away from Harry.  Harry instinctively leaned forwards, trying to get closer again to Draco, and nearly stumbled.  " Yes, it's such a shame we don't have time to fool around."

                     With that, Draco strutted out of the room, smirking when he heard a dull thumping noise emanating from inside the bedroom.  Draco correctly deduced that Harry was taking his frustrations out against the wall with his head. 

Mike screamed like a teenage girl when Draco's leather clad form emerged, but managed to hold himself together long enough to put the finishing touches on Draco's costume.  A little black eyeliner, some silver and leather necklaces and bracelets, and the last touch, some gel to make Draco's hair a little bit spiky.

                     " Hello hair gel, my old friend," Draco said, dipping his fingers in the slimy substance while Mike laboured over getting the blond spikes just right.

                     " What?"

                     " Never mind," Draco said.

                     Draco later wished he hadn't teased Harry so much in the bedroom, for when Harry stepped out in skin-tight blue jeans, which had strategically placed rips allowing glimpses of smooth gold flesh, and a tight white T-shirt, Draco felt his leather pants becoming uncomfortably warm.  Mike added a red bandana around Harry's head, and Harry put his contact lenses in, completing the transformation.  Draco began thinking of ways to kidnap Harry and have his wicked way with him.  What everyone else looked like was irrelevant, in Draco's opinion.

                     That is, until they all got a good look at Ron's hair.  Most of it was brushed forward, and hanging in a point over his face, and he had two little red 'horns' on the side of his head.  Hermione stopped laughing just long enough to tell Ron to stop whining because he was going precisely as is.  Hermione was wearing a puffy, multicoloured skirt overtop of black leggings and ankle boots, black lace gloves, a loose dress shirt under a vest, and her bushy hair was encouraged to go wild, held back only slightly by a headband.  Mike was literally hopping in place, his red leather outfit, and fingerless gloves making him even more hyper then customary (to the chagrin of those within striking distance).  Tim seemed the most comfortable of them all, in his black rayon trench coat with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and the coat's collar turned up.  Underneath he was wearing a blue shirt with wide red lapels, and jeans that were rolled at the bottom.  Mike shook his head at his boyfriend's lack of creativity.

                      They left the flat in high spirits, enjoying the comments and stares from their fellow passengers on the train they took to the club.  When they arrived, the club was already bustling with business, and they had to wait in line before they finally got inside.  Through it all, Draco remained close to Harry, not wanting to get lost in the crowd.  The club was jammed, and it was nearly impossible to make out individual faces in the sea of people.  The costumes ranged from elaborate to non-existent, with their group falling somewhere in between the two extremes.  Despite the fact that Draco had never heard much muggle music before coming to live with Harry, he found most of the songs were familiar.  Draco mentioned this to Mike.

                     " Oh no.  Don't tell me you've been subjected to Harry's taste in music too?"

                     Draco narrowed his eyes at Harry.  Harry suddenly seemed to find his shoelaces interesting, and stared at them, refusing to answer Draco's unspoken question.  " Should I take it then that Harry is not to be trusted when it comes to music?"

                     " Well, it's possible you've escaped unscathed," Mike said, though he clearly thought it was unlikely.  " Just promise me that if he ever puts on 'Tiffany' that you put a stop to the insanity immediately."

                     " Too late," Draco said, jabbing Harry in the shoulder.  Harry at least had the good grace to blush.

                     " Oh, Harry.  Please not Tiffany," Hermione said pleadingly. 

                     " Well, would you look at that.  I've finished my drink," Harry said quickly.  Actually there was about half a bottle left, but he guzzled this faster then should have been possible, and stood up.  " I'd love to stay and answer these accusations, but first I have to get a drink.  Anyone else need anything?  No?  Okay then."

                     Harry dashed off into the crowd before any of them could say a single word.  Mike and Hermione commiserated, before reassuring Draco that the damage was unlikely to be permanent.  Harry did eventually return, and he was laden down with drinks for everyone (having decided he would get everyone drunk, rather then explain himself).  Eventually the combination of alcohol, cheesy yet addicting music, and costumes, persuaded the group onto the dance floor.  Most of them rationalized that they were already humiliated by their costumes, so they might as well go crazy.

                     The dance floor was crowded and boisterous, with everyone bumping into everyone else, and there was no real sense of whom was dancing with whom.  Thus it was that Draco somehow found himself next to Hermione, who was flushed, red from the exertion.  Her words were only partly slurred as she said loudly in Draco's ear,

                     " You know what I said about you hurting Harry?"  Draco nodded; it was easier then trying to speak over the music.  " The same thing goes for you.  If that idiot does something to you, then I'll kill him, okay?"

                     Draco grinned his first real smile at Hermione ever.  "  Playing both sides?  How positively Slytherin of you!"

                     Draco gripped Hermione's hands and led her into a spin.  If either of them thought this was odd, they blamed it on too many Jell-O-shooters.

                     " You're sure he's gay, right?" Ron yelled at Harry.  Harry turned somewhat glassy eyes towards his best friend.

                     " What?"

                     Ron indicated with his hand, or at least tried to.  Harry got the general direction, and soon caught sight of Draco and Hermione actually laughing with each other.

                     " I just know he loves me," Harry said.  Ron pretended to stick his fingers down his throat, and continued to watch his fiancée. 

It wasn't long before Mike approached the duo and asked to cut in.  Draco agreed, of course, but was clearly surprised when Mike grabbed him, instead of Hermione.  Hermione was spun around and ended up with Tim.  Tim laughed, picked her up easily, and deposited her with Ron, just as a slow song started.  Ron grabbed hold of Hermione tightly, and decided he was not going to let her go for the rest of the evening.

                     Tim wandered off, never being one to enjoy the slower dances, and Mike abandoned Draco in favour of a drink with his boyfriend.  Tim was secretly pleased to have Mike come running after him, and made a surprising gesture of public affection by kissing Mike quite passionately on the edge of the dance floor.

                     " Your boyfriend needs you," Hermione said to Harry.  Harry glanced over, and saw that Draco was searching the crowd for him.

                     " You know I don't slow dance," Harry said, feeling a flush stealing over his skin.

                     Hermione saw that Draco was getting a little panicked, not being able to see anyone he knew nearby because of the gloom.  She narrowed her eyes at Harry; " You wouldn't be avoiding a dance with your boyfriend, just because of Ron and I, would you?"

                     " No," Harry replied, swallowing nervously.  " Don't be silly."

                     " Good.  Because not only would it be a mean way of treating Draco, but it would be insulting to both Ron and I to assume that we couldn't handle it," Hermione said.  " Do you catch my drift?"

                     " That's really not the…"

                     " Dance with the git, already," Ron snapped at him.  Harry shut his protesting mouth, and began making his way through the crowd.

                     " There you are," Draco said, relief evident in his voice.  " Do you want to go back to the table with Mike and Tim?"

                     " No," Harry said.  Harry placed his hands on Draco's hips and pulled their bodies close together. 

                     Draco's eyes lit up, " I'd ask how drunk you are, but I really don't care."

                     " Are you taking advantage of me then?" Harry asked.  His tone implied that it didn't matter if that was the case.

                     " Only if you ask nice," Draco said, stepping further into Harry's arms.  As close as they were, Draco could detect a recognizable bulge.  " Wow, you really are happy to see me.  Do you have a thing for this Billy Idol character?"

                     " Uh uh," Harry mumbled, burying his head against Draco's shoulder.  " Though I like the eye-liner more then I thought I would."

                     " Well, don't expect to see it again.  It itches like crazy," Draco said, running fingers through Harry's hair.  " I only did it because Mike looked so heartbroken when I said no the first time."

                     Harry laughed, and the feeling of Harry's warm breath against Draco's neck made him shiver.  Even though the next song to start up was a fast one, Harry and Draco kept right on as they were, slowly swaying, held closely together.

                     " You know Ron, if you're thinking that Harry's relationship with Draco is just a temporary lapse in sanity on Harry's part, then I think you're going to be sorely disappointed," Hermione said.

                     Ron inwardly cursed that his girlfriend was so perceptive.  Trust her to figure out Ron's whole denial-based plan.

                     " But it's Malfoy," Ron said, as if that explained everything.  " Having sex with someone as anal-retentive as Draco Malfoy could be dangerous.  Do you think Harry has thought about that?"

                     " Ron, that is not remotely funny," Hermione said, clapping a hand over her mouth to keep the inappropriate laughter from showing.  " Okay, maybe it is a little. 'The hidden dangers of having a type A, anal-retentive personality'.  Do I even want to know where you come up with this stuff?"

Ron shrugged, " Fred and George, mostly."

" I should have guessed.  Anyway, that's all beside the point, as we are not trying to dissuade Harry from his choice."

                     " We aren't?"

                     " No, we're not," Hermione said strongly." Just look at the two of them over there.  How happy Harry is."

                     Ron reluctantly looked up and across the dance area, and saw Harry and Draco curled into one another.  The couple turned slightly, and Ron had to close his eyes.  " Good Lord, I did NOT need to see that."

                     " Nonsense.  I think they look sweet," Hermione said.

                     " But Hermione, Malfoy's hands are on Harry's arse!  Why, oh why, did I have to see that?  I'm sorry eyes," Ron snivelled.

                     Hermione had not seen that aspect, but quickly realized Ron was speaking the truth.  She then started to giggle, " Oh, don't worry so much.  I don't think it's even sexual.  Draco looks more like he's trying to shield Harry's butt from anyone who might be looking.  If you'd look at him, you'd see Draco's being rather protective of Harry."

                     " One look was enough, thank you," Ron said, keeping his eyes firmly shut.

                     Hermione gave a weary sigh, " Ron?  Why don't you go back into denial again?  I think it was easier on me."

                     " Yes!  I was right!  Score one for denial!" Ron said gleefully.  Hermione started running a mantra in her head, the one she had developed early on in her relationship with Ron: his heart's in the right place, so you can't kill him.

                     " I wonder what Hermione's muttering?" Draco asked idly.

                     " Probably about how it wouldn't be right to kill Ron.  She says it fairly often," Harry said.  Harry didn't even need to look at Ron and Hermione to form this answer.  " Just so I know, your hands on my butt aren't an attempt to gross Ron out, are they?"

                     " Harry!  I would never do something so fiendish," Draco said, pretending to be shocked.  " I'll have you know I'm covering a rather indecently placed rip in your jeans – damn that Mike.  Freaking out Ron is just a bonus."

End of Chapter Eleven – Review if you can, as I have no life outside writing!  Next chapter: a little bit of Dudley, a little more of Ron and Hermione, and why did I have Mike bring that present?