Chapter 2

Harry Potter stared at the ceiling of his room. The crack that had resembled a bunny rabbit had grown and now resembled a turtle with bunny ears. His gaze shifted over to the barred window. It was just as well. He couldn't go anywhere anyway. He did wish he could keep Hedwig, though, but his Uncle wouldn't allow it. He had sent her off early in the summer to stay with Ron.

He had received weekly owls from Draco, slipped through the bars. He missed his Slytherin Boyfriend deeply. After being disowned by his parents, he was staying in France with his Mother's Aunts and cousin. Yards of parchment were spent expressing love and missing yous and Harry had them all hidden away underneath the loose floorboard where no prying eyes could get to them. Along with the letters were his birthday presents. Most people had given him food. (I get the picture, I'm too skinny.) There were only a few more days until the Weasleys could come to get him and take him shopping. (They were supposed to be taking Draco as well. Huzzah!)

There was a fluttering of wings and an owl, blacker than midnight, appeared at the window. Harry sat up and smiled, groping for his glasses. That was Draco's owl, Morgulith. The owl stuck his leg out and Harry stuck one of his too thin hands through the bars and grabbed the parchment. His other hand held out some food he had snatched from the Dursleys earlier. Dudley was still on his diet, so the portions were as small as ever. However, the diet must have begun to work, for instead of gaining weight, he seemed to have leveled off. However, Harry's portions were so tiny he had become quite adept at snatching this piece of toast or that pepper slice. Hidden in his enormous clothes, they were none the wiser.

The owl flew away to alight in a nearby tree as Harry unfolded the parchment. Hands trembling with excitement he began to read.

Dearest Harry,

Doesn't that sound like some cheesy Muggle romance novel? The Aunt's house is littered with them. They're dreadfully boring for the most part, except a few, which are quite steamy. They make me think of you.

I miss you so much! I wish the Aunts would let me come and visit, or you come visit me, or something or anything! These letters help, but it's not the same, it's not enough. Expect a big "hello" when I see you next.

Harry grinned. He couldn't wait. He continued to read.

.I hope those horrible muggles aren't treating you too badly. I need you alive and healthy. Maybe I could kidnap you and make sure you're well fed and rested and happy.

So how does it feel to be 16?.

'The same as it felt being 15 here. It stinks!' though Harry, and read on.

.Personally, I know I didn't feel any different when I turned 16, (It was in January, as you know.) but everybody at the mansion began treating me differently, and I was no longer welcome at home.

Draco had received a letter from home informing him that he was no longer a Malfoy, and not to return home at the end of term. Lucius had heard of Draco's involvement with Harry, Hermione and Ron, and Narcissa, being the loving mother that nobody thought she was indeed capable of, had convinced him to simply disown him, and not have him executed or forcibly turned. She knew Draco would die if anything ever happened to Harry. She knew the power of soul-mates. She was the one to get her Aunts to take him in, and they cared for him like their own.

I cannot wait for August, when we go to Diagon Alley. I'll dream of you often. I love you, Harry Potter.

Draco ~`~@

Harry smiled to himself as he carefully folded up the letter. Reaching under his bed he pulled out a piece of parchment (his last one) and a regular muggle pen. His ink and quills were safely locked away in his trunk. He began to write.

Loveliest Draco,

You're right, it does sound like a cheep Romance novel, and you're anything but cheep. You're my own suave aristocrat, no matter how you deny it, and that means you'll never be cheap, but anyway,

I LOVE YOU TOO!!!

I miss you so much it hurts, but then again, that may be hunger pains. Dudley's still on that sodding diet and I don't get much food. I wouldn't mind you kidnapping me, but Dumbledore, not the Aunts who have final say. Voldemort is too much of a threat still.

Other than the lack of food and too-many chores, life here hasn't been that bad. I still have a room and haven't been put back in the cupboard. Dudley can't catch me to hurt me and I mostly stay out of Vernon's way. I can't wait to see you again and to be at Hogwarts! Only a few more days and I don't have to deal with them for a year! Huzzah!

I wish I could write more, but this is my last piece of parchment and I'm almost out of ink. I can't wait to see you again. I love you so much!

Harry

Harry quickly folded the parchment and sent if off with Morgulith. He watched the owl disappear into the night and stayed at the window until morning.

***

Harry sat atop his packed trunk, glad that the Dursleys were as eager to be rid of him as he was of them. Ron would be arriving soon and he wanted to be ready.

The doorbell rang.

Harry jumped up and raced down the stairs to the door. The Dursleys were in the parlor, watching TV, and didn't move when the bell rang. Harry ripped open the door.

"Ron! DRACO!"

Ron smirked and stepped aside, saying a wry "Hello Harry," as Harry shot past his best friend to embrace and snog his boyfriend. Ron coughed and looked away, his ears tinged pink. A sudden thundering sounded within accompanied by a voice.

"Dad! Dad! Come quick! Harry's kissing a boy!"

"What!"

"Oh oh." Ron muttered. He frantically turned to the oblivious couple. "Harry! Harry! Draco! Stop! Please stop!" But it was too late.

"What is the meaning of this? Boy!" he grabbed the back of Harry's oversized shirt and pulled, tearing the two apart. He threw Harry to the ground and towered over him. "Answer me, Boy! Are you not enough of a freak? Do you have to add this perversity? Well?"

Harry refused to answer, glaring up at his Uncle from the ground. Vernon snarled and pulled back his feet to kick him, when he heard from behind.

"Petrificus Totallus!" Vernon froze and Bill Weasley levitated the now White-faced Vernon into the house. He looked over his shoulder. "I'll take care of the Muggles. You get Harry and his things for the car." Ron and Draco were at Harry's side in an instant.

"You alright there, mate?" asked Ron while Draco pulled Harry into his lap for a hug. Harry nodded.

'Yeah.That's the most violent he's been this summer. That was pretty mild, considering some of the things he's done. Just get me out of here now, please." Ron nodded.

"Right, then. Draco, you get Harry to the car, I'll get his trunk. Same room?" Harry nodded. "Right." And Ron was off. Draco helped Harry up and to the Weasley's new car, a purple minibus. Harry shook his head. Wizards really didn't muggle-ize well for the most part. A few moments later Ron and Bill left 4 Privet Drive, carrying Harry's trunk between them. They locked it in the boot and drove away.

It would be the last time that any of them saw number 4 Privet Drive or the Dursleys.

TBC