Title: Hook, Line, and Sinker
Author: GrapeSmshr
Rated: G to PG-13, depending on the chapter
Coupling: HP/DM slashy goodness
Updates: every Friday.
Summary: H/D *slash* Everyone loves the holidays because love blooms. Each chapter is a different holiday in which Harry and Draco find romance. Seventh holiday: April Fools' Day!
A/N: I must admit, I had the hardest time writing this chapter. But then inspiration struck, so here it is! I almost didn't get to post it because my comp has been busted for the past 3 days. Yay for computer genius dads! Hope you enjoy!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Holiday 7: April Fools' Day
Rated: G
.
.
"April Fools'!"
"Ha ha, very funny," Harry Potter grumbled as he glared at his redheaded best friend. He rubbed the bump on his head gingerly, a result from a trap that had caused him to stumble and smack into the wall.
Ron Weasley could barely breathe he was laughing so hard. "I. Totally. Got. You," he guffawed between intakes of air. It really didn't take much to amuse him, and Harry's less than graceful tumble had been hilarious!
"Oh, honestly, Ron," Hermione Granger rolled her eyes at her friend's antics. The day had only just begun, and Ron had already been pulling stupid pranks all morning.
Luckily there were no other people who saw Harry's fall, but that made sense because the three were late to breakfast. Of course, this was due to another one of Ron's jokes that had both Harry and Hermione trying to rinse blue dye out of their hair. It hadn't much affected Hermione but, for some reason, Harry just couldn't get all of the dye out of his hair. His normally midnight black locks were now a dark midnight blue when the light hit it at certain angles.
Of course, the Great Hall was always well lit, so his blue hair was quite evident to the entirety of Hogwarts.
"Hey Harry, love the new look!"
"Is blue hair the fashion now?"
"It goes wonderfully with your robes!"
Blushing furiously at the catcalls thrown at him, Harry shot Ron a dirty look and stomped over to the Gryffindor table, where he threw his bag on the floor and sat down. He was joined shortly by his two best friends, Hermione glaring at anyone who tried to tease Harry and Ron just laughing silently.
He thought it was funny still, did he? Maybe Ron would stop laughing if his toes were hexed off or something, Harry mused sourly. He started piling food on his plate, absently taking bites. He had a feeling he was forgetting something...
"They have a potion to correct that, you know," Hermione was saying to Ron when he finally tuned them back in.
"Oh, no!"
"What?" both Ron and Hermione asked at the same time.
"I didn't finish my Potions essay!" Harry screwed his eyes shut, panicking. Why did he always remember these things the morning *of*? Grabbing a piece of toast and his school bag, Harry told his friends he'd meet them in class and scrambled to the library.
Writing furiously, Harry managed to finish his essay with just enough time to get to class. Dashing through the deserted hallways, he made his way down to the dungeons and into the Potions classroom. Panting slightly from his mad dash, Harry hurried to his seat beside Draco Malfoy, who smirked at him.
Glancing around, Harry noticed that people were staring at him. Some were amused, some irate, some curious. And they all looked away as soon as he met their eyes.
Before he could go and question his friends, Professor Snape burst into the room in a flourish of billowing black robes. "I trust you all did your essays," he said as he walked around and took the scrolls of parchment from each student. When he reached Harry and Draco, he paused momentarily, eyes going from one to the other and back again. Then he collected their essays and moved on.
"Today you will be finishing the shrinking potions you started last class." Snape began to rapidly scrawl out ingredients on the board at the front of the room. "We will test them at the end of class. Get to work!"
Silently, Harry and Draco began working on their potion. Every so often, Harry would pause in his chopping up yellow dwarf-root only to find people eyeing him curiously. It was unnerving, to say the least, especially when Pansy Parkinson winked at him. Distracted, Harry missed tossing a handful of dwarf-root into the cauldron and instead scattered it over the fish scales Draco had just grated.
"Hey!" Draco exclaimed, startling Harry out of his stupor. "Watch what you're doing, Potter!"
"Sorry," Harry mumbled, helping Draco pick up the dwarf-root and throw it into the cauldron. He wanted to know what was going on. Everyone was acting to strangely. Maybe Draco knew what was going on. It wouldn't hurt to ask, right? "Hey," he murmured, "do you notice anything peculiar about the others today?"
Draco only stared at him, disbelief on his face before it was masked once again by his general cockiness. "You really are a ponce, you know that?" he sneered, resuming his work on their potion.
Confused, Harry followed suit and let the matter rest. For now.
.
.
After Potions, Harry stayed behind to clean up a spill he had made. He wanted to talk to Ron and Hermione about everyone's odd behavior, but he received an evil glare from Snape, so he told them to go on without him.
Once finished, he flew from the dungeons and continued on toward the Charms classroom. Rounding a corner, he smacked into someone, sending the other person flying backwards. But he was up on his feet in a second, and Harry could see that it was a first-year Hufflepuff. He was grinning and jumping from one foot to the other excitedly, much like Colin Creevey used to, Harry observed in amusement.
"I'm sorry!" the kid apologized. "Wasn't watching where I was going. Too busy thinking about what I just heard." As Harry looked at him questioningly, he asked eagerly, "I guess you haven't heard? It's a great piece of gossip right now!"
"Really?" Harry wondered why he hadn't heard anything. Well, he was always in the mood for a bit of gossip. "Care to share?"
The boy's eyes lit up. "Sure!" He gestured for Harry, who was considerably taller, to bend down. Hand near his mouth, the boy whispered to Harry, "I heard from a Ravenclaw that Harry Potter is the object of affection of Draco Malfoy!"
As soon as Harry heard his name, he started to smile. If he was receiving gossip about himself, then the kid obviously had no idea that he was speaking to Harry Potter. But when the boy had finished his sentence, Harry wasn't quite so amused. In fact, he was downright floored.
"Isn't that wild?" the boy continued, oblivious to Harry's stupor.
Harry's mind reeled furiously. Well, that explained why everyone was staring at him in class. But why didn't Draco say anything? Surely he had heard the rumors?
And then it hit him. Of course he'd have heard them, because he started them! It was April Fools' Day, after all. He more than likely wanted to see Harry get all flustered and make an idiot of himself. Well, two could play that game...
Grinning wickedly, Harry told the boy, "I actually have another piece of gossip that you may be interested in."
"Really? Tell me!" the boy pleaded.
Leaning in closer, Harry said in a quiet voice, "I heard that Harry Potter has a crush on Draco Malfoy, too."
The boy's eyes lit up in excitement. "I have to tell everyone!" He scampered off down the hallway.
Harry straightened up, watching the boy disappear around a corner. In a matter of mere hours, another rumor would be floating around the halls of Hogwarts, and Harry couldn't wait to see Draco's reaction!
.
.
The rest of the morning passed quickly, and Harry hadn't really had to deal with any rumors, neither his nor Draco's. But he knew he wouldn't be so lucky at lunch. Squaring his shoulders, Harry confidently threw open the doors and walked in.
All eyes were on him, he could feel it. Ignoring the looks and the loud buzz of whispering, he sat down next to Ron and reached for the platter of red potatoes. "I just heard the most interesting piece of gossip," he said casually as he began to eat.
Hermione looked at Harry incredulously before demanding, "Just what is going on?"
"I'm eating," Harry replied innocently.
"Harry..." her tone held a warning, and Harry knew not to push her temper. While she was docile most of the time, he learned quickly that Hermione could hex him faster than he could blink.
Sighing, he gave in. "Fine, I'll tell you." He motioned for Hermione to lean in closer so the entire Gryffindor populace wouldn't overhear, and they were straining to. "I think Malfoy started a rumor about having a crushing on me."
"Why would he do that?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"To make me look like a chump; I don't know," Harry said irritably, annoyed at having been interrupted. "So when I heard this, I started a rumor that I liked him back."
"What? Why?" Ron screeched loudly, gaining the attention of half the Great Hall. He threw out glares in any general direction until people finally began turning away. "What's the point of starting another rumor?" he asked in a more subdued tone.
"To get him back at his own game, of course." Wasn't that much obvious?
Exchanging a glance with Ron, Hermione laid her hand on top of Harry's. "Are you sure that's the only reason?"
"What other reason would there be?"
Hermione sighed, burying her face in her hands. She didn't even know why she bothered. "Nothing, never mind."
Leaving the conversation at that, Harry turned his gaze across the Hall. He scanned over everyone until he spotted a certain silver-haired Slytherin, who happened to be staring right back at him. Harry's lips slowly spread into a grin at Draco's expression. No sneer, no smirk, just a thoughtful gaze. How very... un-Malfoy-like. Harry didn't quite know what to think.
Did Draco believe the rumors Harry had started, or was he staring at Harry about something completely different? Unbeknownst to Hermione, Harry was not as oblivious as he pretended to be. He just didn't much feel like admitting his feelings to her before he did so to the blonde himself. And judging from his expression, there might be something there on Draco's side, too. But the ball was in the blonde's court, so Harry would await the next move patiently.
"Hey, guys, I'm going to take off. I'll see you in Care of Magical Creatures later, all right?" Harry stood up, grabbing a muffin to take with him.
"Sure, Harry."
"Later, mate."
Leaving the Great Hall, Harry was still aware of a pair of stormy eyes trailing after him. As he left the school building, he sent a mental thank-you to Dumbledore for allowing the seventh years a more flexible schedule. Harry had an hour and a half break right after lunch, and he intended to make good use of his time.
Approaching the lake, he took a seat under the shade of an old oak tree. Practically every day would find him here, out by the lake. It was a good spot to just be alone and to think, and right now Harry had a lot to think about. He closed his eyes, leaning back against the smooth three trunk.
He sat there for a while in the silence, wondering about the Slytherin might be thinking right now. There really was never telling with him. Then again, Harry could name a number of occasions when someone incorrectly interpreted just what he was thinking.
Harry didn't consider himself a mysterious person. Complex, sure, but that was common knowledge. Who wouldn't be complex after defying death more times than he could count on both hands?
But that chapter of his life was closed, and he was moving on. Rather successfully, in fact. He had two best friends whom he loved dearly, a myriad of other friends, and he was alive. Couldn't beat that, could he?
Well, that really depended on the blonde now. It wouldn't be the first time Draco tried and succeeded in humiliating Harry in front of the entire Hogwarts populace. So if this ended up being a trick, Harry was gladly going to return the favor. He smiled, thinking about the expression that would be on the blonde's face if the entire school were laughing at his expense.
"Thinking of me?"
Harry's eyes flew open, startled at finding a smirking Draco standing right in front of him. Why didn't he hear the Slytherin approach? Usually no one could sneak up on him! Pushing down the butterflies in his stomach, Harry replied coyly, "Maybe." He patted the grass beside him, offering the blonde a seat.
Draco blinked, surprised at the friendly gesture. Was Harry Potter joking with him? Well, who was he to decline an invitation from his rival of seven years?
He sat down next to Harry, close enough to be close but still a respectable distance away. After all, he had appearances to keep up.
Watching Draco settle comfortably on the grass beside him, Harry couldn't help but let a smile grace his lips. He imagined what a passerby would think if he saw the two biggest rivals at school sitting pleasantly next to each other. It would be shocking, to say the least.
But that's what made it so appealing.
As Draco turned his way, Harry cocked his head and said conversationally, "I heard the most interesting bit of information this morning."
"Really? It couldn't be as interesting as what *I* heard," Draco countered, smirk still in place.
"You'd be surprised. Of all things, I heard that you have a crush on me."
Draco raised an eyebrow elegantly. "Funny. I heard that *you* have a crush on *me*."
Harry smiled. "Yeah, I heard that, too."
They just sat there staring at each other, Harry smiling and Draco almost smiling. His smirk was gone, the corners of his mouth turned slightly upward.
Suddenly the silence was broken as Draco demanded, "So is it true?"
"Was your true?"
Draco glanced away, not wanting to look at Harry. Finally he answered, "Yes." Then he turned back, indifference on his face. "Well? What about you?"
"Draco, I know."
"Know what?"
"Today. April Fools' Day? I know."
Draco stared at Harry blankly. Then realization swept over him as he blushed deeply. "I didn't realize," he muttered. "Now I know where the fool part originates from." His eyes turned downward.
Harry was shocked. He could tell by the look on the blonde's face that he was telling the truth. In that case, he could be honest, too.
Grabbing Draco's chin, Harry turned the blonde's face back toward him. He leaned in and ever so gently brushed his lips across Draco's, pulling away to search the eyes of the now shocked Slytherin.
Smiling gently, Harry said, "Don't worry. You're not the only fool."
This time Draco fully returned the smile. "Love your hair, by the way," he murmured before leaning in for another kiss.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
There's a loooooooong explanation behind this chapter, but I won't bore anyone with the details. But there it is, a new chapter cranked out! Like I said before, I was freaking out because I thought I wouldn't get to post it. And then tonight I'm going to a Nickelback concert, and in the morning (like 7ish) we're leaving for San Antonio to pick up my sister and niece at the airport, so I would have tried to post this chapter at my grandmother's house tomorrow evening. But it all worked out, so yay! Please review! I really enjoy and appreciate your thoughts!
.
.
.
Anyway, I got so many lovely reviews for the last chapter that I just had to do some responses!
.
.
.
BURN THE R.U.M.: I think you've pretty much reviewed from the beginning, haven't you? I appreciate the loyalty, and I'm glad you're still enjoying the fic!
cheesejunkiejane: A trip to America is a good idea.. I dunno about stranding them there over several holidays, though. I'd like to think the guys are capable enough to find a way back. Glad this gives you something to look forward to!
Maiden of Mystery: Hehe, yeah, I actually came up with that line when I first started that chapter, so I had to tie something in so I could use it. Worked out nicely, ne?
Lunadeath: I love your fics! Sorry, had to throw that in there. Well, my rating system is more bizarre than the usual. I rated it G because it was just a couple of kisses. I usually up it to PG if I throw in a swear word or something of the like. I dunno. I figure if people are reading slash, they're not really going to make a fuss over a G/PG rating. And yep yep, I'm gonna do some online research and see if I can find any more good holidays.
soccer-chick250: Yeah, the formatting was off for a few hours, and then it fixed itself. Go figure. Bet it was fun filling in the blanks though! ^*^
Jedi Suzuran: Formatting is all fixed now! And thanks!
Micro-Chick: Wow! You mean there are more fics with chapters independent of one another? If you know of any, please send em my way! Thanks for the compliment! I do what I can...
Andy: Glad you're enjoying this fic, as well as some of my others. I've always been iffy about writing sex scenes. I dunno, I just like to keep things light and fluffy. I won't rule it out as a future endeavor, though.
GoddessMoonLady: You know, that's actually a pretty good idea! I'll definitely keep that in mind...
flowerfunleah: Hmm, I've actually never heard of that movie. Is it something you could rent somewhere? And actually, I'm a straight arrow, but I'm extremely open-minded.
Fushigi Himitsu: Birthdays! ::hits self over head repeatedly:: Of course, those would be the perfect holidays! One question, though. When is Draco's birthday? Anyone know?
Wonapalei: What is the fifth of November? Wow, Guy Fawkes Day sounds wild! I'll add it into my list of ever-growing suggested holidays.
Izzy: Bonfire Night? I don't remember that one. I'll think about it, though.
Rebuky: Hmm, Mother's/Father's Day might not be such a good idea... I don't want anything to be too depressing. But I'll keep it in mind.
MedNar: Thanks for the line! I'll keep writing!
VirginSuicide: Bonfire Night was mentioned in the first book? Wow, I see I have some rereading to do! Graduation is also one I forgot. Thanks for the ideas!
chelsea: Birthdays would be pretty fun, I think, so I'll most likely be doing those. But when is Draco's birthday?
Layce74: Thanks! I try!
Brenna8: Hehe, I really liked the Easter one, too.
Tara: Wow, that's a lengthy list. Thanks for the suggestions!
Thanks to everyone who read and/or reviewed! Double thanks to everyone who gave me holiday suggestions! I guess this means you all want me to continue writing... Well, as long as I keep coming up with the ideas, I'll keep cranking out the chapters!
Author: GrapeSmshr
Rated: G to PG-13, depending on the chapter
Coupling: HP/DM slashy goodness
Updates: every Friday.
Summary: H/D *slash* Everyone loves the holidays because love blooms. Each chapter is a different holiday in which Harry and Draco find romance. Seventh holiday: April Fools' Day!
A/N: I must admit, I had the hardest time writing this chapter. But then inspiration struck, so here it is! I almost didn't get to post it because my comp has been busted for the past 3 days. Yay for computer genius dads! Hope you enjoy!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Holiday 7: April Fools' Day
Rated: G
.
.
"April Fools'!"
"Ha ha, very funny," Harry Potter grumbled as he glared at his redheaded best friend. He rubbed the bump on his head gingerly, a result from a trap that had caused him to stumble and smack into the wall.
Ron Weasley could barely breathe he was laughing so hard. "I. Totally. Got. You," he guffawed between intakes of air. It really didn't take much to amuse him, and Harry's less than graceful tumble had been hilarious!
"Oh, honestly, Ron," Hermione Granger rolled her eyes at her friend's antics. The day had only just begun, and Ron had already been pulling stupid pranks all morning.
Luckily there were no other people who saw Harry's fall, but that made sense because the three were late to breakfast. Of course, this was due to another one of Ron's jokes that had both Harry and Hermione trying to rinse blue dye out of their hair. It hadn't much affected Hermione but, for some reason, Harry just couldn't get all of the dye out of his hair. His normally midnight black locks were now a dark midnight blue when the light hit it at certain angles.
Of course, the Great Hall was always well lit, so his blue hair was quite evident to the entirety of Hogwarts.
"Hey Harry, love the new look!"
"Is blue hair the fashion now?"
"It goes wonderfully with your robes!"
Blushing furiously at the catcalls thrown at him, Harry shot Ron a dirty look and stomped over to the Gryffindor table, where he threw his bag on the floor and sat down. He was joined shortly by his two best friends, Hermione glaring at anyone who tried to tease Harry and Ron just laughing silently.
He thought it was funny still, did he? Maybe Ron would stop laughing if his toes were hexed off or something, Harry mused sourly. He started piling food on his plate, absently taking bites. He had a feeling he was forgetting something...
"They have a potion to correct that, you know," Hermione was saying to Ron when he finally tuned them back in.
"Oh, no!"
"What?" both Ron and Hermione asked at the same time.
"I didn't finish my Potions essay!" Harry screwed his eyes shut, panicking. Why did he always remember these things the morning *of*? Grabbing a piece of toast and his school bag, Harry told his friends he'd meet them in class and scrambled to the library.
Writing furiously, Harry managed to finish his essay with just enough time to get to class. Dashing through the deserted hallways, he made his way down to the dungeons and into the Potions classroom. Panting slightly from his mad dash, Harry hurried to his seat beside Draco Malfoy, who smirked at him.
Glancing around, Harry noticed that people were staring at him. Some were amused, some irate, some curious. And they all looked away as soon as he met their eyes.
Before he could go and question his friends, Professor Snape burst into the room in a flourish of billowing black robes. "I trust you all did your essays," he said as he walked around and took the scrolls of parchment from each student. When he reached Harry and Draco, he paused momentarily, eyes going from one to the other and back again. Then he collected their essays and moved on.
"Today you will be finishing the shrinking potions you started last class." Snape began to rapidly scrawl out ingredients on the board at the front of the room. "We will test them at the end of class. Get to work!"
Silently, Harry and Draco began working on their potion. Every so often, Harry would pause in his chopping up yellow dwarf-root only to find people eyeing him curiously. It was unnerving, to say the least, especially when Pansy Parkinson winked at him. Distracted, Harry missed tossing a handful of dwarf-root into the cauldron and instead scattered it over the fish scales Draco had just grated.
"Hey!" Draco exclaimed, startling Harry out of his stupor. "Watch what you're doing, Potter!"
"Sorry," Harry mumbled, helping Draco pick up the dwarf-root and throw it into the cauldron. He wanted to know what was going on. Everyone was acting to strangely. Maybe Draco knew what was going on. It wouldn't hurt to ask, right? "Hey," he murmured, "do you notice anything peculiar about the others today?"
Draco only stared at him, disbelief on his face before it was masked once again by his general cockiness. "You really are a ponce, you know that?" he sneered, resuming his work on their potion.
Confused, Harry followed suit and let the matter rest. For now.
.
.
After Potions, Harry stayed behind to clean up a spill he had made. He wanted to talk to Ron and Hermione about everyone's odd behavior, but he received an evil glare from Snape, so he told them to go on without him.
Once finished, he flew from the dungeons and continued on toward the Charms classroom. Rounding a corner, he smacked into someone, sending the other person flying backwards. But he was up on his feet in a second, and Harry could see that it was a first-year Hufflepuff. He was grinning and jumping from one foot to the other excitedly, much like Colin Creevey used to, Harry observed in amusement.
"I'm sorry!" the kid apologized. "Wasn't watching where I was going. Too busy thinking about what I just heard." As Harry looked at him questioningly, he asked eagerly, "I guess you haven't heard? It's a great piece of gossip right now!"
"Really?" Harry wondered why he hadn't heard anything. Well, he was always in the mood for a bit of gossip. "Care to share?"
The boy's eyes lit up. "Sure!" He gestured for Harry, who was considerably taller, to bend down. Hand near his mouth, the boy whispered to Harry, "I heard from a Ravenclaw that Harry Potter is the object of affection of Draco Malfoy!"
As soon as Harry heard his name, he started to smile. If he was receiving gossip about himself, then the kid obviously had no idea that he was speaking to Harry Potter. But when the boy had finished his sentence, Harry wasn't quite so amused. In fact, he was downright floored.
"Isn't that wild?" the boy continued, oblivious to Harry's stupor.
Harry's mind reeled furiously. Well, that explained why everyone was staring at him in class. But why didn't Draco say anything? Surely he had heard the rumors?
And then it hit him. Of course he'd have heard them, because he started them! It was April Fools' Day, after all. He more than likely wanted to see Harry get all flustered and make an idiot of himself. Well, two could play that game...
Grinning wickedly, Harry told the boy, "I actually have another piece of gossip that you may be interested in."
"Really? Tell me!" the boy pleaded.
Leaning in closer, Harry said in a quiet voice, "I heard that Harry Potter has a crush on Draco Malfoy, too."
The boy's eyes lit up in excitement. "I have to tell everyone!" He scampered off down the hallway.
Harry straightened up, watching the boy disappear around a corner. In a matter of mere hours, another rumor would be floating around the halls of Hogwarts, and Harry couldn't wait to see Draco's reaction!
.
.
The rest of the morning passed quickly, and Harry hadn't really had to deal with any rumors, neither his nor Draco's. But he knew he wouldn't be so lucky at lunch. Squaring his shoulders, Harry confidently threw open the doors and walked in.
All eyes were on him, he could feel it. Ignoring the looks and the loud buzz of whispering, he sat down next to Ron and reached for the platter of red potatoes. "I just heard the most interesting piece of gossip," he said casually as he began to eat.
Hermione looked at Harry incredulously before demanding, "Just what is going on?"
"I'm eating," Harry replied innocently.
"Harry..." her tone held a warning, and Harry knew not to push her temper. While she was docile most of the time, he learned quickly that Hermione could hex him faster than he could blink.
Sighing, he gave in. "Fine, I'll tell you." He motioned for Hermione to lean in closer so the entire Gryffindor populace wouldn't overhear, and they were straining to. "I think Malfoy started a rumor about having a crushing on me."
"Why would he do that?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"To make me look like a chump; I don't know," Harry said irritably, annoyed at having been interrupted. "So when I heard this, I started a rumor that I liked him back."
"What? Why?" Ron screeched loudly, gaining the attention of half the Great Hall. He threw out glares in any general direction until people finally began turning away. "What's the point of starting another rumor?" he asked in a more subdued tone.
"To get him back at his own game, of course." Wasn't that much obvious?
Exchanging a glance with Ron, Hermione laid her hand on top of Harry's. "Are you sure that's the only reason?"
"What other reason would there be?"
Hermione sighed, burying her face in her hands. She didn't even know why she bothered. "Nothing, never mind."
Leaving the conversation at that, Harry turned his gaze across the Hall. He scanned over everyone until he spotted a certain silver-haired Slytherin, who happened to be staring right back at him. Harry's lips slowly spread into a grin at Draco's expression. No sneer, no smirk, just a thoughtful gaze. How very... un-Malfoy-like. Harry didn't quite know what to think.
Did Draco believe the rumors Harry had started, or was he staring at Harry about something completely different? Unbeknownst to Hermione, Harry was not as oblivious as he pretended to be. He just didn't much feel like admitting his feelings to her before he did so to the blonde himself. And judging from his expression, there might be something there on Draco's side, too. But the ball was in the blonde's court, so Harry would await the next move patiently.
"Hey, guys, I'm going to take off. I'll see you in Care of Magical Creatures later, all right?" Harry stood up, grabbing a muffin to take with him.
"Sure, Harry."
"Later, mate."
Leaving the Great Hall, Harry was still aware of a pair of stormy eyes trailing after him. As he left the school building, he sent a mental thank-you to Dumbledore for allowing the seventh years a more flexible schedule. Harry had an hour and a half break right after lunch, and he intended to make good use of his time.
Approaching the lake, he took a seat under the shade of an old oak tree. Practically every day would find him here, out by the lake. It was a good spot to just be alone and to think, and right now Harry had a lot to think about. He closed his eyes, leaning back against the smooth three trunk.
He sat there for a while in the silence, wondering about the Slytherin might be thinking right now. There really was never telling with him. Then again, Harry could name a number of occasions when someone incorrectly interpreted just what he was thinking.
Harry didn't consider himself a mysterious person. Complex, sure, but that was common knowledge. Who wouldn't be complex after defying death more times than he could count on both hands?
But that chapter of his life was closed, and he was moving on. Rather successfully, in fact. He had two best friends whom he loved dearly, a myriad of other friends, and he was alive. Couldn't beat that, could he?
Well, that really depended on the blonde now. It wouldn't be the first time Draco tried and succeeded in humiliating Harry in front of the entire Hogwarts populace. So if this ended up being a trick, Harry was gladly going to return the favor. He smiled, thinking about the expression that would be on the blonde's face if the entire school were laughing at his expense.
"Thinking of me?"
Harry's eyes flew open, startled at finding a smirking Draco standing right in front of him. Why didn't he hear the Slytherin approach? Usually no one could sneak up on him! Pushing down the butterflies in his stomach, Harry replied coyly, "Maybe." He patted the grass beside him, offering the blonde a seat.
Draco blinked, surprised at the friendly gesture. Was Harry Potter joking with him? Well, who was he to decline an invitation from his rival of seven years?
He sat down next to Harry, close enough to be close but still a respectable distance away. After all, he had appearances to keep up.
Watching Draco settle comfortably on the grass beside him, Harry couldn't help but let a smile grace his lips. He imagined what a passerby would think if he saw the two biggest rivals at school sitting pleasantly next to each other. It would be shocking, to say the least.
But that's what made it so appealing.
As Draco turned his way, Harry cocked his head and said conversationally, "I heard the most interesting bit of information this morning."
"Really? It couldn't be as interesting as what *I* heard," Draco countered, smirk still in place.
"You'd be surprised. Of all things, I heard that you have a crush on me."
Draco raised an eyebrow elegantly. "Funny. I heard that *you* have a crush on *me*."
Harry smiled. "Yeah, I heard that, too."
They just sat there staring at each other, Harry smiling and Draco almost smiling. His smirk was gone, the corners of his mouth turned slightly upward.
Suddenly the silence was broken as Draco demanded, "So is it true?"
"Was your true?"
Draco glanced away, not wanting to look at Harry. Finally he answered, "Yes." Then he turned back, indifference on his face. "Well? What about you?"
"Draco, I know."
"Know what?"
"Today. April Fools' Day? I know."
Draco stared at Harry blankly. Then realization swept over him as he blushed deeply. "I didn't realize," he muttered. "Now I know where the fool part originates from." His eyes turned downward.
Harry was shocked. He could tell by the look on the blonde's face that he was telling the truth. In that case, he could be honest, too.
Grabbing Draco's chin, Harry turned the blonde's face back toward him. He leaned in and ever so gently brushed his lips across Draco's, pulling away to search the eyes of the now shocked Slytherin.
Smiling gently, Harry said, "Don't worry. You're not the only fool."
This time Draco fully returned the smile. "Love your hair, by the way," he murmured before leaning in for another kiss.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
There's a loooooooong explanation behind this chapter, but I won't bore anyone with the details. But there it is, a new chapter cranked out! Like I said before, I was freaking out because I thought I wouldn't get to post it. And then tonight I'm going to a Nickelback concert, and in the morning (like 7ish) we're leaving for San Antonio to pick up my sister and niece at the airport, so I would have tried to post this chapter at my grandmother's house tomorrow evening. But it all worked out, so yay! Please review! I really enjoy and appreciate your thoughts!
.
.
.
Anyway, I got so many lovely reviews for the last chapter that I just had to do some responses!
.
.
.
BURN THE R.U.M.: I think you've pretty much reviewed from the beginning, haven't you? I appreciate the loyalty, and I'm glad you're still enjoying the fic!
cheesejunkiejane: A trip to America is a good idea.. I dunno about stranding them there over several holidays, though. I'd like to think the guys are capable enough to find a way back. Glad this gives you something to look forward to!
Maiden of Mystery: Hehe, yeah, I actually came up with that line when I first started that chapter, so I had to tie something in so I could use it. Worked out nicely, ne?
Lunadeath: I love your fics! Sorry, had to throw that in there. Well, my rating system is more bizarre than the usual. I rated it G because it was just a couple of kisses. I usually up it to PG if I throw in a swear word or something of the like. I dunno. I figure if people are reading slash, they're not really going to make a fuss over a G/PG rating. And yep yep, I'm gonna do some online research and see if I can find any more good holidays.
soccer-chick250: Yeah, the formatting was off for a few hours, and then it fixed itself. Go figure. Bet it was fun filling in the blanks though! ^*^
Jedi Suzuran: Formatting is all fixed now! And thanks!
Micro-Chick: Wow! You mean there are more fics with chapters independent of one another? If you know of any, please send em my way! Thanks for the compliment! I do what I can...
Andy: Glad you're enjoying this fic, as well as some of my others. I've always been iffy about writing sex scenes. I dunno, I just like to keep things light and fluffy. I won't rule it out as a future endeavor, though.
GoddessMoonLady: You know, that's actually a pretty good idea! I'll definitely keep that in mind...
flowerfunleah: Hmm, I've actually never heard of that movie. Is it something you could rent somewhere? And actually, I'm a straight arrow, but I'm extremely open-minded.
Fushigi Himitsu: Birthdays! ::hits self over head repeatedly:: Of course, those would be the perfect holidays! One question, though. When is Draco's birthday? Anyone know?
Wonapalei: What is the fifth of November? Wow, Guy Fawkes Day sounds wild! I'll add it into my list of ever-growing suggested holidays.
Izzy: Bonfire Night? I don't remember that one. I'll think about it, though.
Rebuky: Hmm, Mother's/Father's Day might not be such a good idea... I don't want anything to be too depressing. But I'll keep it in mind.
MedNar: Thanks for the line! I'll keep writing!
VirginSuicide: Bonfire Night was mentioned in the first book? Wow, I see I have some rereading to do! Graduation is also one I forgot. Thanks for the ideas!
chelsea: Birthdays would be pretty fun, I think, so I'll most likely be doing those. But when is Draco's birthday?
Layce74: Thanks! I try!
Brenna8: Hehe, I really liked the Easter one, too.
Tara: Wow, that's a lengthy list. Thanks for the suggestions!
Thanks to everyone who read and/or reviewed! Double thanks to everyone who gave me holiday suggestions! I guess this means you all want me to continue writing... Well, as long as I keep coming up with the ideas, I'll keep cranking out the chapters!
