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Chapter 5….....He was with who?

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Harry left the potions classroom feeling better than he'd felt all day. Draco had caressed his cheek in semi-public and it looked like he could look forward to another blissful weekend. They would have to be careful though, as Harry was certain his Potions Master would figure something out otherwise. Snape had always given Harry an uneasy feeling, in his younger years it had been pure fear of the ominous man, but later it turned into a grudging respect for the spy. Snape still gave him the creeps, but Harry had to admit that he was razor sharp….in a creepy uncle who purposely gives you presents you don't like at Christmas sort of way.

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Later, the Gryffindor trio and Ginny were walking down to dinner together, chatting about the upcoming weekend when Blaise Zabini, Crabbe, Goyle and a few nameless Slytherins passed by them.

Zabini cocked an eyebrow at the youngest and only female Weasley and blew her a mock kiss.

"Keep your filthy lips to yourself, you bloody perv!" The girl was quick to retort, having grown irritated over the years at her brothers always defending her before she could defend herself.

Zabini turned on his heel to face the group. "Me? If its perverts you're looking for Little Weasel, your Golden Boy here should do nicely."

And with lightning speed he had Harry up against the wall by his robes. Both Ron and Hermione were poised to attack, as was Harry but a breath from shoving the bully off of him when a shout came from the end of the hall.

"Blaise!"

All heads turned to the voice of the unofficial leader of Slytherin House, Draco Malfoy.

"Let him go!"

In his shock, Blaise dropped Harry and turned towards, what he considered, his best friend.

"Draco, what…?" Blaise didn't get to finish his query before being cut off by his blonde leader.

"Stop pratting around Zabini and let's go to dinner already!"

The other Slytherins shot their rivals a quick glare and followed obediently into the Great Hall.

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Midweek brought a rare, but treasured encounter for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry's most unlikely couple. With neither young man having quidditch practice and Ginny being conspicuously respectful of Harry's privacy all week.

"Harry…" it was a breathless whisper.

"Mnnn" was the equally breathy reply as the Gryffindor lapped at Draco's neck. His fingertips roamed all over the pale torso and finally came to rest briefly on the Slytherin's hip, still held prisoner by his trousers.

Harry turned his oral attentions to the blonde's collarbone and his hands resumed their exploration before finally reaching their goal. For Harry, it was like electricity shot through his arm and ran all through his body when, for the first time, he touched the arousal between his lover's legs with his hands instead of just having it achingly pressed against his own thigh. If the sudden gasp from Draco was any indication, it would seem he felt the same way.

Lost in thoughts of the beauty of such an exquisite head thrown back in pleasure, Harry started a bit when he felt Draco's hand on his own, moving it back up towards his stomach. Harry lifted his gaze to that of his lover and furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Do you not want me to?"

"I do…It's not that….it's just….this is new…I mean….I like it…too much maybe…" Draco trailed off not sure where he was headed anyways.

"Well if you like it so much…." Harry grinned wolfishly and simultaneously placed his face back into Draco's neck and moved his hand back to its naughty original position. Needless to say, he did not expect the reaction he got.

"I said no!"

Startled, Harry withdrew from Draco completely and gaped at his pseudo boyfriend. After a moment, his expression changed to one of anger.

"If you don't want me to touch you, then what are you even doing here in the first place?"

Realizing he might have been a little harsh, Draco scooted over towards Harry and tentatively placed his hand upon the angry Gryffindor's knee.

"It's not about that, Harry, it's just…this is new…and I'm a bit scared, and I got angry when I told you that and then you did it anyways….when I tell you things like that I feel….vulnerable…." his eyes were cast downward as if to add a visual aid to his explanation of susceptibility.

"I'm sorry Draco…I didn't mean to rush you, I just get….frustrated sometimes…I feel like we're always playing the come here, go away game."

"How about just the come here part?" Draco held his hand out for Harry to take, which he, of course, did.

The two lay down and soon became a tangle of limbs. Harry's head lay upon Draco's chest while Draco ran his fingers lazily through the messy black hair of his lover. They lay in silence for a long while before Draco spoke up.

"Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Tell me about Voldemort?"

This time it was Harry who became noticeably apprehensive.

"Don't you know enough already?"

"What's that supposed to mean? Believe it or not, I wasn't supposed to be a Death Eater, Harry."

Harry sat up with shock. "What? You mean to tell me that *The* Lucius Malfoy would groom his son for anything else?"

"My Father isn't the person you think he is. He's probably pretty damn close…but he does love me, I think. Even if he doesn't love *me*, he loves his name, and his heritage. Personally, I didn't agree with Voldemort's whole genocide idea, what I heard of it anyways. But I don't think there's anything wrong with being proud of where and who you come from."

Harry found himself wishing the conversation hadn't taken such a serious turn. He was, however, also intrigued as to what Draco's destiny had been…or, he had to force himself to realize, probably still was.

"I was wondering how your father managed to escape Azkaban after the Dark Lord's fall anyways. I know he's your father, I just can't see how anyone could respect such a man. I'm sorry if that hurts you…it's just…he did try to kill me and all."

"I do respect my Father and, at times, I understand him. He was trapped in a situation beyond his control due to some silly decisions he made as a teenager."

Harry, of course, heard Draco's words translated into something like 'I understand my father because he ruined his life as a teenager just like me.' Funny how those brain translators work. This translation did not make him happy.

"Is that what you think this is?" He waved his hand in the space between the two of them. "Silly teenage decisions that'll ruin your life?"

"That's not what I said…OR what I meant, stop jumping to conclusions already!" Draco looked exasperated.

"I just meant that my Father joined Voldemort when he was young, and later, when he realized everything that it entailed, it was too late. He's not the faithful minion of the Dark Lord you think he is. He might be an arrogant bastard, but I wouldn't call him evil."

Harry 'hmphed'

"I know my word, as far as my Father is concerned, may not mean much to you, but everything he did for the last several years he did to keep me safe…from Voldemort I mean…to keep our family in his favor so he wouldn't target me whilst I was young. I *am* the only heir after all."

"How could I forget?"

"I think the Ministry knew a lot of that. He paid some pretty immense fines though. Even with his position as a Death Eater, he wasn't going to let his heir join a side that was destined to lose. My Father was never big on delusions."

Draco had been running one hand up and down Harry's arm during their conversation. Harry placed his hand atop Draco's effectively stilling its movement and proceeded to intertwine the pale fingers with his own.

"Can I ask you something Draco?"

"What is it?"

"If you weren't supposed to be a Death Eater, what *were* you supposed to do?" Harry hoped he wouldn't regret asking this question.

"No need to use past tense Harry…I still have a destiny, you know."

"And that would be?" Harry tried to keep the anxiety out of his voice.

"I'm supposed to redeem the title of Slytherin and the name of Malfoy. It might not sound like much to you, but it's important to me. You know, my name did stand for something other than 'Evil Supporter of the Dark Lord' once. With all things that I do in life, I *will* not only redeem my name, but make it greater than it was before."

Harry thought it best not to ask exactly how he fit into Draco's plan for his life and instead replied with a simple "Oh".

Draco seemed much more at ease than his raven haired companion; having wiggled his hand free from Harry's and resumed stroking the darker skinned boy's arm. When he next spoke, it was with a much lighter voice.

"You never answered me about Voldemort…if it's okay to talk about I mean."

"There's not much to tell, I got tired of waiting for him to try to kill me and everyone I love…so I found him first."

"Is *that* how it happened?"

"That's the condensed version, yes."

"And Dumbledore knew about this?"

"Not exactly, he didn't approve, and of course I didn't tell him when I was going, but I think he knew he couldn't stop me."

"And you just showed up like 'Knock knock…who's there….Avada…Avada who?...'"

Harry let out a laugh at Draco's small attempt at a joke. He wondered briefly about wizard knock knock jokes, as Draco certainly wouldn't know the muggle ones.

 "Yes, I used the killing curse, but only when I had to…actually, I tried to pick a fist fight with him first."

Draco let out a howl of laughter. "Oh I can see it now! You clocking him in his horrid face!"

"I said I *tried* to pick a fist fight with him…I had a lot of anger to vent…and one curse wasn't going to get it all out. He wouldn't go for it though, I got in one hit before he tried to kill me and then I just…did it…instinct more than anything else."

"Seems kind of uneventful doesn't it? After all those years." Draco mused.

"I guess….but I'd rather it be uneventful than have actually turned into a war."

"I suppose you're right."

The two lapsed back into silence for several long minutes before Harry spoke up.

"If you don't have anymore questions, I suggest we get in some quality snogging. We *do* have class in the morning after all, and you'll have to get back to the dungeons soon."

Draco returned Harry's grin with earnest.

"Less talk…more snog…"

And there was less talking….more snogging…..

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After Draco had gone, Harry began to think. And think. And think. He silently wished he could just turn his brain off and get some sleep, but no…the same thoughts kept swirling about.

He thought about Draco and how he looked flushed and timid; he often seemed on the verge of weeping and Harry thought the sight so beautiful he might go blind. He thought about Draco and how wonderful their time together had been. He thought about Draco and how difficult it must be for him to have to live up to everyone's expectations. Harry knew how it felt to have everyone always wanting something from you. He thought about Draco and how eager he seemed to get into the world and redeem his name. And then, inevitably, he thought about Draco and wondered just what he thought about their relationship…if you could call it that. It wasn't lust, there certainly was a lot of lust involved, but they both seemed to revel in each other and their time together. There were caresses and meaningful glances and heartfelt sighs. But what Harry couldn't wrap his mind around was how casually Draco addressed his fate…a fate that seemingly held no place for him.

"What am I to you?" He whispered into the darkness. He knew he wouldn't get much sleep that night.

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Harry was, until that very moment, unaware that one could wear their breakfast. That is, until he came very close to nose-diving into his eggs. Faintly aware of his name being called, Harry willed his eyes open to pay attention.

"Harry?"

"……"

"Harrrry?"

"……."

"HARRY?!"

"Wha?"

"Jeez mate, I've been calling you! Why're you so tired? And where were you last night? We waited for you!" Ron was inspecting his friend's sleepy form.

"Huh?"

"Mione and I" Ron cocked his head at Harry slightly. "We were supposed to study together….remember?"

"Oh….yes….that….well….I…."

"I know you didn't have Quidditch, and I looked for you everywhere. Snape was looking for Malfoy and couldn't find him either…I was worried he might have you cornered somewhere."

Harry glanced over at Hermione who only squirmed under his gaze. She couldn't be his alibi because she'd been with Ron.

'Damn…damn….damn…..damn….'

"I…well…I was….I mean….I.."

"He was with me."

All heads snapped over towards the voice.

"Harry!" Ron pat him on the back and threw an arm around his shoulders. "Bout time, I was thinking you guys were never gonna get together! But remember…she's still my little sister! You hurt her and I'll have to beat you!" Harry wasn't sure he'd ever seen Ron's grin so big.

Hermione looked like she'd been hit by a truck, and Harry just gaped stupidly; he was definitely awake now; while Ginny looked perfectly calm.

"Yeah…thanks….I think."

Harry stole a glance at the Slytherin table hoping Draco hadn't heard any of the banter now circulating the Gryffindor table and noticed the blonde's absence. 'He must've slept late…I hope he's not late for class.' Harry thought. Not wanting to be surrounded by the gossip or Ron's constant repeating of "Mum will be so happy" he decided to skip the rest of breakfast.

"I've got to run back to the room before class…I'll catch up with you guys later…okay?" Not giving anyone time to answer him, Harry quickly strode out of the Great Hall.

Walking down a corridor his mind was working overtime. 'What was that? I need to find Draco and see if we can figure out what is going on.'

He was snapped, or yanked rather, out of his musings by a hand pulling him into a room.

"Jeez Draco, you could have asked…." Harry stopped abruptly with a 'meep' when he realized it was in fact Ginny Weasley and not his lover staring at him.

"Gin! It's not…I mean…it's not what it looks like…I was…."

Harry was again cut off, but this time it was by a fierce slap to his face. Harry rubbed his cheek and prepared for the worst.

"Why didn't you tell me Harry? Why would you let me make such an ass out of myself? And don't say you don't know what I'm talking about! I saw you and Malfoy in the Potions classroom!" The girl was flustered and her hands were balled into fists at her sides.

"Frankly because it's none of your business. But you're right…I should have told you when I found out you were…I'm sorry Gin, you won't say anything, will you?"

"No Harry…I won't, but I need some time, okay? Until recently I was convinced I was going to marry you." Ginny poked him in the ribs playfully, although her countenance still held sadness and worry.

"Is this what was bothering you the other night Harry?"

"Sort of….we were in the forests and I got dragged into Dumbledore's office by Hagrid."

"The forest!? Harry, that's not smart at all! You could get…I mean….you could have been…"

 "What? Queer bashed by squirrels? Look, Ginny, I need to know you won't breathe a word of this to anyone…We don't want anyone to know, if anyone finds out…"

This time Ginny cut him off. "Your secret is safe with me, but you really should be more careful…I could have been anyone watching you…people aren't stupid."

"Thanks Gin! And thank you for covering for me in there…Ron would kill Draco if he knew."

"I didn't do it for Malfoy, Harry…I did it because I saw your face when you were with him. I don't know what's going on between you two, and frankly right now, I don't want to know…but if he hurts you…" She let her sentence trail off certain Harry could assume the rest.

"He won't….I….I think I love him…."

When Harry hugged the girl who'd been his biggest fan for years he missed the grief on her face.

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After potions had finished, Harry purposefully lingered in hopes that he could talk to Draco. After everyone had finally filed out of the classroom, he approached the Slytherin, somewhat giddy after not having spoken to him all day.

"Where were you this morning? You weren't at breakfast."

"Oh…I just had some things to take care of."

"Okay. Well…hopefully you won't have 'things to take care of' on Saturday…I've got a great bottle of wine and I've got something I need to tell you"

Harry wanted to tell Draco he loved him. As sappy as it was…he felt he needed to. Ever since he'd told Ginny, he almost couldn't wait to tell Draco. The thought made him so happy it almost erased all doubt about the blonde's reaction might be to what he wanted to say. Almost.

"Actually…I can't Saturday….I'm busy."

"Busy?"

"Yeah."

"What could be so important as to spoil our weekend?" Harry didn't like this at all. If something was bothering Draco, he wanted to know about it. Earlier in the week he seemed fine, but now…he just seemed…edgy.

"I'll have to talk to you about it later…I've got to go." Draco swept by him and out of the classroom leaving Harry to wonder just what all that had been about.

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The last two days of the week went by with aching stillness, as Harry had almost no contact with Draco. The weekdays were usually as such, but now he didn't have the weekend to look forward to. What could Draco be doing that he'd waste the only time they got to spend together?

Finally Saturday came to pass and mid-day Harry realized he hadn't seen Draco anywhere. He decided to give the castle another good once over and came up with the same results. Once back in his room Harry slumped onto his bed feeling quite dejected. 'Where could he be?'

After much useless thought he rose and crossed the room to his trunk. Rooting around in it, his hands finally came in contact with the object he'd been looking for. Pulling out the bottle of wine, Harry examined the label. It had taken quite a talking to get Hermione to get it for him. Having no way to get a hold of any, he'd asked her to get it during the last summer holidays. She'd only agreed after he swore he wouldn't use it on any 'pervy bathroom people' and that he wouldn't become an alcoholic and neglect his studies. Feeling not his best he figured a glass couldn't hurt and might improve his mood.

After fighting with the bottle for nearly ten minutes and realizing there was no way he was going to get his hands on a corkscrew he reached for his wand and muttered a spell to open it. The spell worked but disintegrated the cork.

'Bugger…now I can't close it…maybe Draco will show up soon and we can finish it together.'  Harry got his hopes up.

Three hours and a bottle of wine later, a very inebriated Harry Potter came to the conclusion that if Draco wasn't going to show, then damn it all, he was going to find him and see just what sort of important things he had to do. Clumsily grabbing up his invisibility cloak and the marauder's map, he made his way to the door. Once outside, he muttered Draco's name to the map and watched as two fuzzy dots appeared. Harry looked surprised.

'There are two Dracos?' he asked himself before realizing that no…there were not two Dracos nor were there two of every painting or two of anything (except Weasley twins…but Harry thanked Merlin they had graduated because he didn't think he could deal with four of anything), and that he must be seeing double. Shaking his head to clear it a bit, his vision refocused and he noticed that Draco's dot appeared to be near the lake.

Stepping back inside to splash his face with cold water, he decided to leave the map in case he might lose it in his state. Feeling a bit better, but still decidedly drunk, Harry headed towards the lake.

It was quite an adventure, getting there. Stumbling a few times and giggling about it even more, Harry finally approached the lake. He was about to take off his cloak when he heard a voice that most definitely belonged to one Draco Malfoy.

"…me too. No, its okay…you go on, I missed you too,  I think I'm going to stay out here for a bit though. I'll see you later."

'I missed you too?' Who the hell was Draco talking to?

Harry took a few cautious steps forward, arriving on the scene just in time to see Draco kissing Pansy Parkinson.

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TBC

*Ducks sharp objects* DON'T KILL ME! Give me time….the next chapter is halfway done and will be here soon. I *promise*. THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you who reviewed my author's note. I needed that. I will now get on with it, and post these chapters in a timely fashion. Thank you again ^.^

Love and Kisses,

Reika