Hello! (again)
Some people asked for an epilogue to this story and here it finally is.
Thanks to Maggie who beta'd this for me.

Disclaimer: I own nothing...obviously.

I hope it answers more questions than it brings up. :D



*****



Hermione Granger:

The shock was subsonic. The silence deafening...

Of course neither Harry nor Draco had any idea just how deafening and *strange* the silence was that echoed around the Quidditch Pitch. They had always had the ability to capture everyone's attention. Although this attention was usually trained upon the two of them with their wands drawn ready to use 'Avada Kedavra' if necessary. But there they both were, Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Lived and Draco Malfoy, Son of a Death Eater, kissing like their lives depended on it. Perhaps their lives did depend on it. Although I wouldn't know for sure.

When they finally pulled apart, smiles planted firmly on their flushed faces, the silence continued to ripple throughout the stadium. I tore my eyes away from the two boys standing as closely together as anyone could stand, still clinging to each other and glanced around at my fellow students. I have always been one for observation and this was no better time to put my skills to use.

Every single face was plastered with unadulterated shock. A bemused glint in their eyes and perhaps one question on their minds, that is if their minds had recovered yet, "What the hell?" No one saw this coming, perhaps Dumbledore but I'm highly doubting it. Not even I picked up that *this* was the reason Malfoy had stopped tormenting Harry and even in the past week, tormenting Ron and I. Surely people noticed the change, but it was hardly spoken of.

As people re-gained the function of free thought a slow murmur began to pass over the crowd and the pair on the Quidditch Pitch still seemed to be totally oblivious to the fact that there were hundreds of people watching them with unwavering gazes.

My next thought, of course after my mind ran over the fact that one of my best friends had just kissed his, our, arch rival in front of the whole school and teaching body, was Ron. He had been flying around in midair when this rather unexpected spectacle took place. I was hoping he hadn't fallen off his broom because Harry was definitely too preoccupied to catch him. My eyes raked over the players, most attempting to land, although most pulling it off rather shakily and I found his red hair. He was at the other end of the pitch, which I thought may have been lucky for Harry, but probably luckier for Malfoy. He was frozen to the spot his eyes trained on his best friend; who still had his arms wrapped around a slim waist that definitely was not his own.

The thing that I probably admire most about Hogwarts staff is their ability to act and act quickly. Before a dull roar could even begin to ripple over the crowd Madam Hooch landed beside the pair of boys, their vividly different coloured robes showing just how different the two were, how different they appeared to be. How different they always have been and until about three minutes ago how different I always thought they would be.

A whistle was blown and Madam Pomfrey was out on the field and escorting the pair off the Pitch to the Hospital Wing. I think most students thought this was a tactic to get the two out of the spotlight and, by the looks on their faces (coherent speech seemed to be alluding most) they were not at all happy about this. I'm guessing there were quite a few that either wanted the game of Quidditch finished or wanted to strangle either Harry or Malfoy (depending on which house you were sorted into). There was also the possibility that some simply wanted another floor show. One thing's for certain, most seemed to have forgotten the reason why the two of them ended up with their arms clasped around one and other. Malfoy had been hit by not one, but two bludgers and I'm surprised he was still standing. Although the euphoria of kissing Harry in front of the whole school could probably do a lot to someone's pain tolerance.

Harry Potter:

I hadn't realised he had seen the Snitch. What I did see was a bludger flying toward him and before I even had time to process rational thought I was speeding across the pitch towards him. Then the second bludger hit and I felt my stomach drop. I actually halted in midair and watched his body go slack then begin to fall.

As soon as I caught him I knew it was right. When our feet hit the ground and I steadied him I had never felt so invigorated. When he finally turned to face me, a look of absolute shock and disbelief that the arms wrapped around him were in fact mine, I couldn't help but smile. Then his soft, shaken voice asking me why I had caught him. I really did feel like saying 'Why wouldn't I?' But I knew his question wasn't meant to sound ungrateful. He was simply curious. So I told him. I told him exactly why I caught him. I told him the only truth I knew and it was that I know how much he hates falling. I think if I could possibly give that blessed letter a title it would undoubtedly be 'Falling'.

Then the look of unbridled relief and something else I couldn't put my finger one washed over his features and I did the only thing I felt was right, my automatic response at being thrust into such a situation. Everything else in my entire world disappeared and all I could see was him. Then I leaned forward and kissed him.

I can't remember anything other than how it felt. I don't remember what I was thinking. I don't remember the crowd. All I can remember is him.

His body held so closely to mine I could feel every inch of him. His hair tickling my forehead. His incredible moan of pleasure when I bit down softly on his bottom lip.

Then it was over and I was sitting on a bed in the Hospital Wing with Malfoy lying on the bed next to me. I had forgotten he had been hit with two bludgers. I had forgotten everything. If someone had asked me after I pulled away from him, my breath coming in soft gasps, what my name was I doubt I could've told them.

But here I am, legs dangling over the side of the bed as I watch Madam Pomfrey fuss over her patient. She seems most concerned, well who could blame her, getting hit by one bludger was bad enough, but two! And yet he doesn't appear to be in too much pain and I think this is what is worrying her the most. It's what's worrying me the most anyway.

After shoving several potions down his throat she finally leaves and it's just us and the sterile smell of the Infirmary. We sit in silence a long while. I can't drag my eyes off him but I don't have any reason to want to take my eyes off him so I leave them be. He is looking straight ahead, a faint smile on his face. This smile makes my stomach do things it probably shouldn't.

"Are you ok?" My question when it finally comes doesn't seem much but even I can hear how much concern is in my voice. He looks touched by it and nods his head before turning slightly to face me.

"Are you sure? Being hit by one bludger is enough, you must be in agony." His smile increases slightly.

"You're the best pain killer I've ever had." This pronouncement is simple enough, but even after being hit by two bludgers then free-falling 40 metres doesn't stop his uncanny ability at saying something that will make my heart race. I don't know what to say, but I think the grin on face pretty much says it all.

For some irksome reason I wasn't panicking yet about what the school was going to do to us. In particular what Ron was going to do. However realising I wasn't panicking yet definitely did increase the panic I am now feeling. I'm actually surprised Ron hasn't hexed Malfoy into next week yet.

The ever-increasing panic must be evident on my face because Malfoy is looking at me strangely. Not that that is unusual in itself, but I can see the worry in his eyes. I pull the glasses from my eyes to let my face drop into my hands, rubbing my eyes with the heels of my hands, trying to will the sinking feeling in my stomach away.

"What's wrong?" His soft voice, laced with concern and fear echoes around the room. I lift my face slowly to meet his stormy gray eyes and for one of the few times in my life I can see every emotion coursing through his orbs, each emotion highlighted with specs of pale blue.

"Ron." My voice is hoarse and I know how scared I must sound. "Ron's going to kill me." I shake my head slightly. "Or you," I add as an after thought. I smile bitterly as the realisation of what I've just done hits me. It's strange how something that feels so right will be seen as so wrong by everyone that I'm close to. If I have any chance at all in making them understand I need Hermione to understand first. She needs to be on my side.

I stand abruptly from my bed and take two short steps to stand beside Malfoy.

"What are we going to do?" He sends me a puzzled look. "I mean, about what just happened, where do we go from there?" I need to know what he wants. Deep down I think I know exactly what he wants, but even after kissing him I'm still not sure if I can give it too him.

"Where do you want to go?" His voice is devoid of emotion.

"I don't know." I say, a hint of desperation in my voice. "I don't know what I'm feeling or what we should do. I just, don't know." He eyes me thoughtfully for a moment, a pensive look on his face before speaking.

"Why did you kiss me?" I feel my heart quicken its pace. I'm not really sure if I know the answer to that. I don't think I'll ever know. I swallow hard and decide I should answer him as truthfully as I can. I owe him that much.

"It just felt right. I didn't even think about it, I didn't have to think about it. Ever since I saw you in the Prefect's Bathroom I've wanted to. Even though I didn't actually realise that until about 10 minutes ago. But I just...I just had to see what it felt like to kiss you."


I know he's relieved to hear this. His shoulders drop slightly, as if he's relaxing again.

"Did you like it?" A small smile flickers over his lips before its quickly replaced by his usual impassive, set look.

"Yes." My voice is barely a whisper but I answer before I have time to think about what my answer should be. Of course I liked it. Who wouldn't like having such a beautiful creature wrapped in their arms?

"So did I. You don't know how long I've wanted to do that, well actually, you probably do. But to have you kiss me, instead of the other way round..." He trails off as if he's not quite sure words would suffice what he wants to say. It's strange having someone feel that for you. To know how much they care, how much they want to be with you. I've never had anyone feel this way about me before. And for that person to be Draco Malfoy makes me pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

"You should go see Weasley and Granger before the whole school riots and breaks their way in here." He looks pained to be telling me to leave and his words make my heart lift. It just shows how much he does care. Instead of keeping me here with him, he's sending me off to my friends to make sure things are alright. I smile down at him, realising his words may just be the reality of what's going on in the rest of the school.

"I have no idea what I'm going to say to them."

"Just tell them the truth. If they care about you, they'll understand. And I've never doubted for one day since I've been at this school that those two don't care about you." He doesn't smile, his face remains impassive, like the sincerity of his words doesn't really exist. "Can you pass me that quill and parchment?"


I reach for the quill and parchment from the bedside dresser and hand them to him without batting an eyelid. I stand beside him, looking down at him as he hurriedly scratches the quill across the parchment. I try to start planning what I'm going to say. What can I say? It's all so hard to explain. How can I explain the look in Malfoy's eyes almost two weeks ago in the Potions room? How can I explain what I've observed of him over the past few weeks without sounding like a raving lunatic? Then it dawns upon me just how I can explain this too them. The same way I learned to understand.

"Can I ask you a favour?" I ask hopefully, watching as he folds up the parchment. He looks up, eyeing me curiously.


"I suppose so."

"Would you mind if Ron and Hermione read your letter?" He stares at me, wide eyed, as if he is absolutely horrified by the idea. Of course, I don't blame him in the least.

His gaze doesn't waver as he continues to stare at me, although it feels as if he's looking straight through me. I know it's a lot to ask of him, but it's really the only way I know I can make them listen and understand.

"It's ok, they don't have to. I just thought if they read it they might be more inclined to listen to what I have to say. But I understand if you don't want them to."


"What do you want from me Harry?" His abrupt question startles me, but not half as much as the use of my name does.

"What...what do you mean?" I stutter over my words, still feeling rather startled.

"What do you want from this relationship? Do you want to walk away from this room and forget anything ever happened or do you want something more?" I freeze on the spot, horrified that he might even think I could walk away from this. That I might be able to forget what's happened between us.

"Of course I want something more. I doubt I could forget what we've been through, ever." He nods solemnly.

"That's all I needed to know. Whether you want a friendship or something more is irrelevant right now. You shouldn't have to make your mind up now, although I'm willing to take whatever is on offer." The seriousness of his voice is strangely comforting. "Of course they can read it. But give them this first, before you tell them anything, make them read this." He puts the parchment in my hand, squeezing softly before reluctantly pulling his hand away.

"I'll come and see you later." I assure him before turning to leave, walking swiftly from the room

***

I feel the tension sweep over me in as soon as I step through the portrait hole. I freeze on the spot and stare around at my fellow house mates. My eyes filter over blank expression after blank expression, not caring what any of them are thinking, what any of them will say except for two people my eyes fall upon in the middle of the room.

"Ron. Hermione. I need to talk to you both."

And I walked straight through the sea of red and gold and up the stairs to my room without a backward glance, knowing deep down that Ron and Hermione would follow.

I don't turn around until I'm standing next to my bed. I see the two of them standing in the doorway and my heart feels as though it's trying to leap into my mouth. I clamp down roughly on my nervousness and usher them inside, directing them to the bed.

I stand and watch the two of them, my best friends, my first ever friends and I know a lot rests on what I'm about to say, how I say it.

"Malfoy wanted you both to read this." I reach into my pocket and hand them the parchment. They both look a little startled, who could blame them? Their long term rival, our long term rival, writing them a note, that I presume has nothing insulting or hurtful in it.

Hermione's eyebrows furrow, her eyes skimming over the parchment. It's hard to gage her reaction, she's looking incredibly impassive. Ron, on the other hand, is somewhat easier to read. He looks flustered, his cheeks flushed pink, his face screwed up in confusion, disbelief and I wonder what Malfoy has written to them.

Hermione looks up at me first, watching me thoughtfully and I can almost see her brain ticking over through her eyes. This could be a good sign but I don't want to get my hopes up. Finally Ron shifts his eyes from the note, staring me straight in the eye, his eyes wide, his eyebrows arched so high they are almost at this hairline. I smile slightly at them, before turning to open my trunk, rifling through my books until I come to a worn piece of folded parchment. I move back to the bed and sit down opposite them.

"Could I see what he wrote?" I ask softly, holding my hand out.

"You don't know what he wrote?" Hermione asked curiously. I shake my head.

"He folded it after he finished writing it, I assumed he wanted you two to read it first." Hermione nods, whether in understanding, consent or something more I don't know she and hands me the note.

You're probably not interested in anything I have to say, you never have been, but I need you to read this before you throw it away. Actually, Harry probably needs it more than me. And that's why I'm writing it, for him. There are things, as his best friends, that you need to know and understand.

You're probably wondering what happened today and why it happened. It's not my place to explain it, but I will say this. None of it is Harry's fault. If you are seeking someone to blame, feel free to blame me, curse me, hex me, whatever you like, but don't send a bad thought in Harry's direction. He doesn't deserve it.

You both have something I've always wanted, Harry's unconditional friendship and love and as much as I hate to admit it I am somewhat envious. But none of what has happened was an attempt on my behalf to take Harry away from you. I could never do that. I see the happiness radiate from him when he is with you and I could never take that away. In fact, I am willing to give up whatever Harry and I have to make sure that you all stay friends. I know he could live without me, but he could never live without the both of you. I couldn't stand to watch him suffer without the two of you.

I only want what is best for Harry, so depending on what he is about to tell you, what he wants, you can either accept that me and Harry may be friends or you can deny him the opportunity to be friend's with me, forcing him to choose. I know who he'll choose. He's done it once before. Whatever makes Harry happy I am willing to submit to because as much as you may find it hard to believe, I care about him more than life itself.

Don't be hasty in your decision.

Draco Malfoy.

It was all too much for me too comprehend in the short few seconds I had before I had to explain. His letters always seem to touch something deep inside of me, he was so sincere that it tugged on my heart strings...I care about him more than life itself.

I force my eyes up to meet those of my friends. Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but I cut in first.

"I don't want either of you to say a thing. You are my best friends and deserve an explanation but I want you to sit tight and wait until you hear me out before you start screeching or booking me into St. Mungo's or whatever you want to do. I need you both to understand what has been going on the past few weeks." I take a deep breath, and open the letter in my hands, the letter that changed my life.

"I didn't know how I was going to explain all this to you. I didn't know how I was going to make you understand what happened and why it happened, then I thought back to the thing that made me understand the things about Malfoy that nobody knows, that nobody has been bothered to find out.

"About two weeks ago and owl delivered me this letter. In it contains the secrets of Malfoy's heart and he entrusted it to me. I thought it may have been a joke and I could have used all of it to blackmail him to humiliate him, which of course I thought of doing, but after reading it again and again and again I realised just how real it seemed. How everything about him seemed to be so much clearer, he appeared to me more than just a two-dimensional figure with no feelings. He finally seemed real.

"I asked him today if I could show you this, to help you understand, because it's what helped me understand and he looked absolutely sickened by the idea. But he thought about it and after asking me if I wanted to walk away from him like nothing happened or if I wanted something more and me telling him that I could never walk away he didn't hesitate in agreeing to letting you read it. After reading the note I understand why he was so willing to reveal his secrets to you, he doesn't want me to loose you as friends as much as I don't want to loose you both."


My hands are shaking and I don't think there are anymore words I can say, so I hand them both the letter and wait.

Ron's eyebrows furrow soon after he starts reading, his nose scrunching up slightly and I'm not sure if this is a good or bad sign. Hermione on the other hand, from what I can see, has a neutral expression until she lifts her eyes slowly to mine, the tears welling in her brown orbs sparkling in the sunlight streaming through the window. Her eyes lock with mine for what seem like an eternity while Ron continues to read and I can feel my hands shaking at my sides. This is without a doubt the inevitable crunch time.

When Ron finally lifts his eyes to mine Hermione dares to speak, but all that comes out is a soft "Harry" as she leaps off the bed and into my arms.

"We had no idea." She says in a whisper, her arms clasped around my neck, her bushy hair rubbing against my skin. This is a good sign, I think, as I tighten my arms around her waist, my eyes chancing a glance at Ron who is still sitting motionless on the bed. "We never knew. No one ever knew. Such a poor, tormented soul." I can feel the tears sliding down her cheeks as they slip down onto my neck. She pulls slowly away from me, fixing me with one of the warmest looks I've ever seen her give and she reaches up, brushing her tears away from her cheeks. "I trust your judgment Harry, I always have, in any situation we've been in, life threatening or not, you've always made the right one...which is why I trust whatever you chose to do now." She smiles up at me, her eyes still full of tears and I don't think I've ever felt closer to her before in my life. I reach up a hand to her face and brush away the rest of her tears.

"Thanks Hermione. That means more to me than you will probably ever know."


"I've gotta go." Ron's gruff voice pulls my thoughts away from Hermione and I watch him walk across the room, pulling the door open and disappearing. I slump down onto my bed, my head falling helplessly in my hands. Instantly I feel Hermione's weight on the bed, her hands pulling my face up.

"He'll come round Harry. It'll just take time. It's all a bit of a shock, I don't know how you coped all this time, keeping it all too yourself, it was very brave. Give him a while to think, but go talk to him later. You know, have a blokey chat, or whatever it is you two do. He doesn't want to lose your friendship, he cherishes it more than anything else in his life and I doubt he'll let this stand in the way."

I took Hermione's advice, as it's usually good advice, and I let Ron simmer for a few hours before I took out my trusty old map and discovered he was in the Prefect's Bathroom.

I wondered if he had been there since he left Gryffindor Tower, it wouldn't surprise me, trying to soak away the anger or confusion or whatever it is he's feeling. That's what makes me feel slightly nervous, I don't know what he's feeling so I don't know how to approach the subject. It's easier with Hermione, just give her the facts and she can figure everything else out, but Ron's different and this is what is causing my hands to shake as I unlock the door to the Prefect's Bathroom.

He's laying back in the bath, half his chest and his head the only part of him not submerged under the water and bubbles and he raises his eyes slowly to me, not looking at all surprised to see me. I feel my heart jump into my mouth and I know I never, ever want this person out of my life.

I roll up my pants, and sit down on the edge of the bath, letting my legs hang in the water. The hot liquid swilling around my feet is an instant relaxant and I know I probably should have had a shower before I came here, just to calm my nerves.

We sit in relative silence, the only sounds the occasional splashing of my feet and the swish of the mermaid's tail. It's not an uncomfortable silence but I know if I don't say something soon I probably never will.

"You never told me what you think about the letter... about everything." My voice shakes slightly but I don't care, this is my best friend, it doesn't matter how scared I appear to him.

"I don't know what I think." He says shortly, his voice sounding almost pained. I can tell this is going to take some explanations on my behalf.

"You're my best friend, my first ever friend." My voice cracks slightly and his eyes find mine, his face softening as he sees my pleading face. "I'd die for you Ron." I say with every piece of truth that I have inside me.

"I know mate, I'd do the same for you." He says it without hesitation, like he's never been so sure of anything in his life and I know it's true. He would die for me.

"Well if you'd risk your life, like you have on so many occasions, can you just trust me on this?" Ron's a lot more easier to read than Malfoy and Hermione and I can see the conflicting emotions flicker over his face, his eyebrows furrowing.

"What about everything he's done to us? Are you just going to forget about that? Have you forgotten?" Ron asks determinedly, his voice rising above the light splashing of water as his temper rises along with it.

"No, I haven't Ron. He's done some horrible things to you, to Hermione, to me, hell even to Hagrid. I don't expect those things to be forgotten. I'm not forgetting any of it. What he's done to us in the past is in no way excusable and I doubt it will ever be forgotten... or forgiven and I think he knows that. But I just need you, as my best friend, to accept this." I finish sounding desperate, because that's exactly what I am, I'm desperate for my best friend to understand everything and accept it at the same time.

Ron watches me for an inexplicable amount of time after I finish talking and for once I don't know how he's going to react, or what he's going to say. His voice, when it finally comes, is calm and composed and I'm not sure what to make of it.

"You didn't tell me you're gay." He says, sounding almost putout. I feel a small smile pull at the corners of my mouth as I remember what Malfoy said to me in this very room.

"I dunno if I am." I say simply, just as he had said. Ron looks at me as if I've gone insane. "I'd never thought about it before, not until I read his letter. It had never crossed my mind. But the only guy I've ever been even remotely attracted to is Malfoy." Ron looks almost sickened by this idea but I can see the slight amusement in his features.

"Now that must have been a bit of a shock." I laugh, not because what he said was overly funny but because Ron's back, the Ron I've been accustomed to for the past 7 years. He smiles cheekily before his face his is smothered into a serious expression. "I spose that's what freaked me out the most, was that you didn't tell me you're gay, I don't care that you are, but the most unsettling part was that it's Malfoy, that's the past I couldn't quite grasp, until I read that letter..." He trails off, lifting a hand to run it through his wet hair.

"Look, I don't expect you too like him, I don't expect you to get along with him and I know even being civil to him is a bit to ask..." I grin at him, remembering all the times Ron had nearly throttled Malfoy, "But all I ask is that you try." He nods slowly, watching the desperation in my face and I don't think he could deny me this, not now.

"I think I was in shock after I read that letter." He says matter-of-factly. "Everything that he wrote about, no one ever knew, we didn't know, we didn't have the slightest inkling and yet there it was, written down for us all to read. But what I don't understand is why he lived a life he didn't want, lived a life he hated and pretended to be this horrible person when it wasn't really him. It just seems like an utter waste of time and energy if you ask me." I nod in understanding, these were the thoughts I had immediately after I read the letter.

"I think only Malfoy can answer your questions, and in time, I'm sure you could ask him." I smile at him and he smiles back, that typical Weasley grin and I knew in that moment that I, we, could get passed this all.

***

I crept back to the Infirmary before dinner, not wanting to face the whole school on my own and I found Malfoy in exactly the same way as I left him; laying on his back staring at nothing, a look of utmost content plastered on his face. It was a very endearing sight.

I swept passed the beds lined up along the wall and stopped just short of his bed and he shifts slowly, stormy gray eyes falling upon me.

"What happened?" He asks, sounding almost desperate for the answer. I can't help the smile that creeps onto my lips and he visibly relaxes.

"It was ok. Hermione actually cried after she read your letter." His eyebrows raise slightly at this and I continue. "She understood straight away, but it took a bit more to convince Ron. He's ok now though." He looks as if the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders.

I content myself with watching him, it's new to me, seeing this side of him and I don't think I'll tire of watching him, of basking in his beauty. I still can't believe everything that's happened over the past few weeks, but I push if from my mind, not wanting to dwell on the 'whys' and just settle for the fact that this simply is.

He shifts uncomfortably, an inquiring look on his face. It's strange how he lets me see this part of him, that he is comfortable and that he has shown this vulnerable side that no one has ever seen.

"What?" He asks softly, twisting to lay on his side to look directly at me, the sheets slipping down around him to reveal a milky white chest. "What are you looking at?"


"You." I reply simply and move to sit on his bed.

***



Draco Malfoy:

Me. He's looking at me and I know he actually likes watching me. Likes the fact that he's here with me and it's almost too much to comprehend.

It's taken me a few hours get over the fact that he kissed me. He kissed me. He kissed me. He kissed me. Perhaps I haven't quite got over it yet. I doubt I ever will.

He settles comfortably next too me, his whole body relaxing against the bed and turns his eyes on me once more, a small smile constantly pulling at his lips and for the first time I reach out and touch him, slipping my hand into his, his soft skin molding instantly with mine. He looks down at our hands clasped together and stares for a long moment, before I squeeze his hand gently, just to let him know it's real and as if encouraged by my action he leans back, turning on his side to lay next to me, arms wound tightly around me, face nuzzled into my neck.

We lay in each other's embrace for a long time, the hours creeping on, the shadows growing long and swallowing up the infirmary, steeping the room in darkness and Harry would always pull me closer, his lips always finding mine in the dark.

***

Harry Potter looks beautiful with the sun creeping in from the window basking him in thick, yellow light, illuminating his olive skin, his mussed ink-black hair hanging fetchingly across his forehead and his long, thick eyelashes casting tiny shadows under his eyes. His chest rising and falling ever so gently in a kind of rhythmic beat that could put you in a trance.

I know all this because I woke with him in my arms, bathed in sunlight and I guess I was in a trance. I think I had been since the previous day.

His long lashes fluttering gently, green eyes squinting in the light and that sweet smile instantly gracing his features when he realised exactly where he was made my heart lift like never before. Arms pulling me closer, the soft, sleepy murmur of "good morning" spoken so close to me that I could feel his lips moving against my neck and I know I'll never get tired of this. Tired of this feeling that has consumed me, such an unfamiliar feeling and yet it's not daunting in any way. It makes me feel powerful, content... loved.

The Great Hall of a morning generally has a low, rippling murmur circling over head. Talk of last nights activities, of the activities of the previous day that wasn't exhausted the night before and talk of what today will bring. But today there was an unusual buzz to the large Hall, an excited, or anxious kind of feeling that I could feel as soon as I stepped through the doors. The fact that I happened to step over the threshold with one Harry Potter caused the entire student body to turn and look, that buzzing feeling intensifying tenfold.

Together we gaze around at our fellow students with unwavering glances before walking toward our respectful tables. The Slytherin's collective response is not hard to gage as I sit down; shocked, stunned, affronted and some even mournful. I smirk, honestly not caring what any of them think.

I begin piling food onto my plate, wondering when some brave person will crack and either start hurling insults or hexes at me or screaming the big question; "WHY?" Pansy's withering glances are what cause me to speak, my calm, cold voice washing over the table like a shock of water.

"Pansy if you continue with those looks I highly doubt you'll pick up for the rest of your time at Hogwarts." A deadly stare is what greets me after this statement, and a few stifled laughs from further down the table.

"You're the one, Draco, who won't pick up, not after what you did yesterday."

"And what makes you think I'll be wanting anyone when I have a sexy, green-eyed Gryffindor just across the room?" Gasps, stunned, aghast expressions filtered down the table and I can't bite back my bitter laugh at their idiocy. "Yes, Harry Potter is my boyfriend and you can either accept it and get over it or not accept it and put up with it. It's your choice, and honestly, I couldn't care which one any of you pick."

My rather abrupt speech was met with the sound of rushing wind and hundreds of owls pouring into the Great Hall, swooping down over the tables, sending letters crashing to the tables. A large black owl circled above me before swooping gracefully and perching itself next too my plate, attached to it's leg a letter emblazoned with the Malfoy coat of arms. I'd been waiting for this, I just hadn't expected it so soon.

The envelope is divested of quickly, revealing it's contents.

Dearest Draco,

I hope this letter finds you well. I heard about your accident with the bludgers on the Quidditch Pitch yesterday, but you're a Malfoy and Malfoy's are strong and I just know you'll be fine. I also heard about your public show of affection and I don't think I need to remind you that such things are not becoming of a Malfoy and will most certainly never happen again. We cannot show weakness Draco.

I have enclosed a few of your favourite sweets.

Your Loving Mother.

After re-reading the letter several times I still can't believe my eyes. No mention of who this "public show of affection" was shared with. It's as if she doesn't care that it was Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Sent-Her-Husband-To-Azkaban. It wasn't surprising though, that the main thing she was concerned with was that the show of affection had indeed been public...very public.

The slow smile that spread over my lips attracted the eyes of many people around the Hall who were obviously waiting for my outburst, my Mother's voice to erupt around the hall in the form of a howler, but the only eyes I notice are a vivid green colour and full of an emotion I was still getting used to seeing.

I stand from the table, my eyes never leaving his and walk silently to his side, dropping the letter in front of him.

"Good morning Ron, Hermione." I say, the look on Harry's face yesterday before he had to speak to them, the look on his face at the thought of loosing them, instantly flashing before my eyes that makes me be anything but civil to them.

Weasley definitely looks shocked, but nods a hello. Granger's reaction is much more promising.

"Good morning Draco, I trust you slept well." And a cheeky grin that I've never seen before pulls at her lips for a moment before her eyes moved from me to Harry, watching him intently.

Harry looks up at me, twisting around in his seat so his back is too the table, confusion playing in his eyes.


"So, she's ok with it?" He asks hesitantly.

"I think so." I shrug dismissively. "It's so typical of her to be more concerned with "public shows of affection" than anything else. She's very old-fashioned, as you may have noticed." Harry nods, blinking a few times, as if trying to digest the new information. I glance at his two friends who are still watching him protectively. "I guess I'll see you in Potions then?"

"No," he says, standing up and stepping closer to me, so close I can almost feel him. I look at him, confusion written in my features as I don't recall him mentioning the fact he was skipping Potions, then my eyes flicker around the suddenly silent room and I can see hundreds of eyes focused on me. I avert my eyes back to the person who has managed to hold my attention for the past seven years.

"Everyone's looking at us." I say distractedly, loving the feeling I get from gazing into his eyes. He looks slowly around the room before his eyes meet mine again, a grin lighting up his whole face.

"We better show them we're serious then."


"Serious about wh-" He dips his head his lips crushing mine in a possessive kiss as if he's telling the whole world exactly who I belong to and I have no objections as my arms circle his waist, his body aligning instantly with mine, molding together as one. And for the first time in my life I feel grounded, as if I've suddenly stopped falling.

End.