CHAPTER 5

Since that night both boys started what could be called a friendship, although it was difficult to change their attitude towards each other.
They went from being arch-enemies to good friends, and very slowly, they became best friends. People were very surprised at first because they didn't expect the two boys talking friendly the day after "The Talk".

Ron nearly had a heart attack when he saw the surreal scene that was taking place that morning. But obviously, Hermione had figured it all out, and she acted surprised for her boyfriend's sake.

But the worst reactions were the Slytherin's. They felt betrayed by their leader and they couldn't look him in the eye without seeing him as a traitor. A big part of Draco's housemates isolated and insulted him when they were near him. Pansy Parkinson was an exception. She had taken Draco's side and risked a lot while doing it, because she was treated as a traitor too. But she didn't mind. She became closer to her blond friend and she even began talking to Harry too.

Fifth and sixth year come and went very quickly and with it, Harry and Draco's friendship became stronger. Ron had finally admitted that he had judged the Slytherin before letting him show his change of behaviour and, although they didn't become best friends, they had a good time together.
Hermione on the other side had found a twin in Draco. She could talk about studies and have very interesting conversations with the boy. They connected immediately and Draco found a confessor in her. That's why one day, he let out all his bottled feelings.

FLASHBACK

He had been in a study session with Hermione since they finished lunch and he was very tired.

"Herm, can we stop for today? I think I've had enough advanced Arithmathy." pleaded Draco while pouting a little.

"Oh Please! Stop making that face!" Hermione was laughing hysterically now because Draco had begun to whine too.

"Ok, but I was serious about the 'let's have a break' part. I'm very tired lately and I also need time to be alone. I think I'll go and have a walk near the lake." he sighed and looked deeply into Hermione's eyes. There he saw honesty and sympathy.

"You know you can tell me anything, don't you Draco?" asked Hermione. "I'm sure that something's bothering you, but I don't know what it is..."she continued saying.

"Well, I... I've been hiding something for a long time but I think it'll be better if I ignore it and act like it's never existed." he answered sadly.

His love for Harry had deepened now that they were close but he had tried to hide everything. He didn't want to risk their friendship because it was the most precious thing he had, and he treasured all the moments shared with Harry like the finest of the jewells. This sparkling diamond of trust and chemistry they'd created was his favourite possession.
But then, he looked at Hermione again and found the strenght he needed to confess everything. His eyes were watering but he fought the tears that wanted to leak from its silvery pools. He smiled sadly and signaled Hermione to follow him.
They left the school and walked to the lake. There Draco found his favourite spot, a green patch of grass under a big grey willow. Its leaves were dancing at the wind's rhythm. The lake could be seen glittering under the afternoon sun.
He sat there and invited Hermione to do the same. Then after looking at his friend one last time, he began to talk.

"I love this place. I come here when I have to think." he said while gazing absently at the horizon. "I've been having a hard time lately, but it's been so long since I've spoken to someone about this." Pansy's image was instantly formed in his mind. She had been the first and since then, the only one that knew his secret.

"But you know you can tell me Draco. I won't say anything. I swear." while saying that, she put a hand on her copy of "Hogwarts: a history". Draco chuckled softly at this and continued.

"Well it's... I'm in love with someone and it'll be my downfall. I've loved him since two years ago and sometimes I can't stop myself from doing things to him...you know Herm..."he blushed. His eyes were clouded with pure bliss.

"He's amazing. Everything about him is perfect. And I have this strong need of holding him and protecting him no matter what are my loyalties." he added dreamily.

"And who's that "special someone"?" asked Hermione with curiosity dripping from her voice.

"It's a boy. I don't know if you'll accept this, but I haven't felt this for anyone before, and I don't mind it's a boy. I've already come to terms with that, and it isn't a problem anymore. But if... if you..." he was talking nervously but was interrupted by Hermione.

"I don't mind either, Draco. I respect you.." she said very calmed.

"Thanks Herm. This means so much to me. But the problem is that I don't know if he'll feel the same. I know he's dated a few girls before and I'm almost sure he won't... that he wouldn't even let me explain..."

"It's Harry, isn't it Draco? It must be him. I've seen it... I..."whispered Hermione.

"What!!! Am I that obvious?? Pansy also knew who he was at the first guess!..." he was very surprised and pissed. In love or not, he was still Draco, and he had his pride to protect.

"No, but now that I know what your problem is, those glances and curious expressions won't be misunderstood anymore."

"Well, now you know my weakness, my soft spot, my Achilles' heel." he sighed dramatically and burst out laughing. Herm watched him with mirth showing in her eyes and listened to him.

"sn't this funny? Draco Malfoy, heir of the evil Malfoy's is best friends with Harry 'Golden boy' Potter, and not only that, but he's  idiotically in love with him!!." he laughed even more. Hermione did the same and they starred one of the funniest moments Hogwarts has ever seen: A Gryffindor and a Slytherin rolling on the floor laughing together.

After a while, they became silent again.

"I'm going to help you." said Hermione very convinced.

"How? I don't think you're going to go and fetch Harry, bring him here and then explain him everything, aren't you?" joked Draco.

Hermione was deep in thought for a moment and then her eyes lit up with determination. She rose very fast and, while running she said:
"Don't dare to move or I'll hex you! Stay here until I return!."

And then her voice disappeared.

END OF FLASHBACK

And now, there he was. Sunset has taken place few minutes after Hermione's escapade, and he was glancing at the stars while remembering the last years.