Disclaimer: JKR owns it all, I am merely a fangirl.

A/N: Thanks once again to Dawn for beta'ing and general ego boosting. This part was originally written as NC17, but edited to fit guidelines. If you'd like to view the NC17 version, it can be found on my site.

IV. Try Not To Hide

Harry sat patiently in the silence.

"So let me get this straight," Ron started. "The problem IS Malfoy. But you don't fancy him?"

"Errr."

Ron stood up and started pacing the common room. "But Hermione insists that your problem is that you DO fancy someone. Hermione is rarely wrong..."

Hermione blushed. "Is there something you're not telling us Harry?"

"Uh, well..." Harry squirmed, he hated lying to his friends, and so he relented. "Okay, but you have to promise not to freak out." But he already knew it was too late. While Hermione was as calm as ever, Ron was starting to twitch.

"Of course we won't. Right, Ron?" Hermione jabbed him hard in the ribs.

"OW! Merlin!" Ron glared. "Right. We won't freak out."

"Well. Malfoy and I, we've, uh, we've snogged. Once. Or twice." Harry flushed. He didn't need to mention the other day. He could still remember the heat between their bodies; he was just a little taller than Malfoy...

"You've WHAT?!" Ron stood up so quickly he knocked Hermione over. "You've...with, with MALFOY?!" There was a sputtering of sounds. "You should see Dumbledore, he probably has you under some kind of dark spell or something."

Hermione shot Ron an evil look and went to sit in a different chair.

"I snogged him first."

Ron fell over.

"Ron stop being so melodramatic!" Hermione said, though she had a difficult time hiding the shocked expression on her face.

"Malfoy. MALFOY?!" Ron sat up. "After everything he's done? Everything he's said? To us. About me - and my FAMILY! To Hermione!" Ron's shock turned to anger. "Are you INSANE?! You remember who his father is, don't you? You can't possibly fancy him!"

Of course I don't, Harry thought, but he couldn't find his voice.

"Okay. Okay." Ron got up. "I have to, I have to go."

"Ron!" Hermione was appalled. "Now is not the time to-" But Ron had already disappeared through the portrait entrance.

Hermione sighed and sat next to Harry, who looked miserable.

"He just needs some time to think about things," She said, "but, Harry, do you?"

"Do I what?" He sounded tired.

"Harry. It's obvious, at least it is to me and it must be to Ron since he's so upset. It's written all over your face."

"I already told you, I don't know what I think. It was all much easier when we just hated each other. Hell, I think I still do hate him, but," Harry paused, "it's different. You're the smart one, Mione. Do you fancy someone? How do you work around it?"

Hermione flushed red. "This isn't about me Harry. You need to talk to him about this, even if it's just so you can clear your head."

Harry sighed. "Just promise me that you'll keep all this between the three of us, tell Ron. Okay?"

Harry bounced his foot against the stone wall. He was hoping Malfoy's habit of being the last one out of the locker rooms would continue to hold true. Harry stopped stalling, shoved off the wall and quietly opened the door.

Harry's eyes swept the room, sure enough, no one was around. Except Draco who was just about to shut his locker door. He looked different and Harry realized it was because his blonde hair was still wet and hanging loosely. The locker door closed with a click.

"Malfoy, we have to talk."

Draco jumped slightly. "You need a new line, Potter," he said without turning around.

"And what do you need, Malfoy?"

Draco frowned; he faced his rival. "Are you implying something?"

"Only if you're avoiding something."

Draco surprised Harry by smiling genuinely. It was like looking at a completely different person. Harry swallowed, suddenly nervous.

"That little exchange was almost Slytherin." Draco's expression turned serious again. "I told you Potter-"

"I'm not interested in what you have to say," Harry said, mimicking Draco's drawling tone. "But what if I'm interested?"

Draco was quiet for so long that Harry began to wonder what the hell he was thinking.

"You do realize that we hate each other," Draco said slowly. He could feel the charm, barely, against his chest. "This won't change anything. We're still rivals."

Harry shrugged. "Merlin knows you're an unbearable prat. Besides, you can't honestly think I believe you're not even just a little interested yourself."

"You're the one stalking me in the locker room, Potter," Draco said indignantly.

Harry was now leaning against Draco's locker; he dug his hand into his pocket. "And you're the one leaving behind trinkets." He dangled the charm between his fingers.

Draco's expression was unreadable for a moment, then his eyes glittered in mock annoyance. "Trinkets? Malfoy's don't buy trinkets! I'll have you know that-"

"That this little TRINKET," Harry emphasized, "is worth more than what I'll ever make in a lifetime." He shoved the charm back in his pocket, rolled his eyes, and grinned.

Draco noticed that up close Harry's eyes brightened when he smiled. He had an urge to toss away his glasses, hear the sound of glass breaking and... Harry's face had always been extremely expressive and at that moment Draco wanted to see that face wearing a specific type of expression. Harry had the charm, it would be fine; he was in control. Before he could think about it any more he leaned in and kissed Harry, crushing him against the locker.

Harry, startled, struggled for a moment until he felt warmth and sweetness take over his mouth. After that Harry didn't have to think twice, he kissed Draco back with an intensity that startled them both. Draco reached behind Harry and stroking his neck, pulled him closer. Their kisses were hesitant at first, exploring, but they quickly became heated as they each fought for dominance. Harry couldn't get enough of Draco's mouth. Draco tasted sweet and expensive, like something forbidden.

After they had caught their breath, Draco slid slowly down, taking Harry with him. They sat there, tangled together in silence.

"I Mmmph you mmph 'nother mmphr," Harry mumbled against Draco's sweat soaked neck.

"What was that?"

"I said, I think you need another shower," Harry said louder.

Draco snorted and shoved Harry aside, but his silver eyes were bright.

"Potter, you are so unsophisticated."

"So. You're seeing him now aren't you?"

Harry looked up from his parchment, this was the first time Ron had spoken to him in a week and he wanted to tread carefully. "I don't know what I'd call it. Yes. But only you and Hermione know."

Ron sat down. "You've decided to see him even after everything he's done?"

Harry sighed. "Yes."

Ron frowned. "So you're choosing him over us?"

"Ron, don't be daft. You two are my best friends. I'm not choosing anything." He paused. "I don't think I really had a choice, it just happened. I'd like you to try to choose between your best friends and someone you care about."

"You CARE about him?"

Harry flushed. "Did I say that?" He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

Ron shook his head and he was quiet for a very long time. "Okay," he said finally. "This thing obviously means something to you. So. Okay. I'll deal with it."

Harry gave Ron a look that made him flush. They sat in companionable silence.

"How do you know about this place?" Harry asked.

"That question is hilarious coming from you." Draco closed the door behind them. They appeared to be in an old abandoned classroom. "You probably know of more secret rooms and passages than I do. If rumors are accurate."

"Like I'd tell you." Harry grinned. Draco raised a perfect blonde eyebrow and Harry thought he would lose it right there. Instead, he rushed towards him and covered his mouth with his. Their tongues fought, each trying to claim more than the other. Even their kisses were some kind of subtle power struggle.

They stumbled backwards until Draco felt his back press against the wall. He snaked his arm behind Harry and stroked the nape of his neck. Harry shivered. Draco shifted so it was Harry who was pressed against the wall. Harry wrapped his arms around Draco's waist and shifted his robes so he could un-tuck Draco's shirt underneath his jumper. It was Draco's turn to shiver when Harry's warm hands ran across his the skin of his back. Harry knew something was different. He was starting to dream about Malfoy. It was like he could smell that familiar exotic sweetness everywhere.

"I have to tell you something," Harry mumbled.

"Hmmm?" Draco was biting his way up Harry's neck to his ear.

"Draco. I-"

Draco started at the sound of his name. His first name. He felt a tug in the pit of his stomach. He had a distinct feeling about what Harry was trying to say. I can't deal with this, thought Draco. He inhaled involuntarily and all he could smell was Harry.

"Draco," Harry repeated.

This was too much; he fought against the emotions swirling deep within him. He lay his forehead on Harry's shoulder and reached under his robes. He wrapped his fist around the charm; it burned white hot against his fingers.

"I think I-"

Draco pulled hard and the chain snapped. He felt Harry's arms drop to his sides. Draco stepped back, his robes falling back into place. Harry, inches from his nose, blinked once, twice.

Then punched him in the face.

Draco staggered backwards. Harry looked bewildered. Draco thought quickly.

"Nice one Potter," He said, affecting his familiar sneer. "Catching me off guard by resorting to fists when I was expecting a duel. Sometimes I wonder if you were sorted into the right house."

Harry glared at him.

"Unfortunately, Filch is just around the corner." Draco lied. "I was supposed to leave before you got here. Pity you had to be early for once. I suggest you scurry off, unless you want a weeks worth of detention spit-shining trophies."

"I don't know what you're up to Malfoy, or why you're even telling me this. But this isn't over." Harry turned and opened the door. He looked both ways before he disappeared to the right.

"Oh. But it is," Draco said. He took a wand to his swelling eye and left.

"What is it Ron?" Hermione's nose did not leave her book, but there was concern in her voice.

Ron was sitting stonily across from her, the book he was supposed to be studying lay on his lap unopened. "How long have Harry and...and that git been at it now?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "If you're still having issues, why do you keep bringing it up?"

"Just answer the question, Mione."

"Hmm. A little over three weeks I think."

"Ha! I give them a month."

"Ron, you really should start getting used to the idea. Harry seems to be really into Malfoy."

Ron snorted. "The only reason I told Harry I'd tolerate this, this thing, was because I just know it won't last. Think about it. Malfoy doesn't think about anyone but himself."

Hermione thought about this. It was true that she didn't completely trust Draco and despite her understanding, she wasn't sure Harry knew what he was doing.

The portrait swung open and Harry stalked into the common room, cursing to high heaven.

"Damn that Malfoy. Can you BELIEVE he tried to pull a stunt that was the same as the one he pulled during first year?" Harry scowled. "He must be running out of tricks. Insufferable git."

Hermione and Ron blinked.

"Uh, Harry?" Hermione hesitated. "Did you and Malfoy just break up?"

Harry favored her with a horrified look. "Break up? As in Malfoy and I were together and now we've broken up? Is that some kind of sick joke? Are you INSANE?!"

Hermione and Ron continued to stare at Harry.

"You two are seriously freaking me out. I'm going to head upstairs to brainstorm a new way to put Malfoy in his place. I'll see you guys at dinner."

They watched Harry disappear.

"Oh Merlin's beard, now what are you doing? Now is not the time to be playing around, can't you tell something strange is going on?!"

Ron had his eyes tightly shut and he seemed to be chanting to himself. "I'm wishing for a million galleons. Who knows how long I'll be able to think things to life."

Hermione threw her book at him. "And to think I actually fancy you!"

Ron blinked. "What did you just say?"

As Draco swept through the common room, he gave everyone a look that translated to instant death. He locked the door to his dorm and collapsed gracefully onto his bed. It was done. Everything was back to normal. Back to the way it should be.

He could still taste him.

He reached up reflexively and grasped at nothing. Of course, he thought. He glanced at the small square of cherry wood sitting on his desk. He went and picked it up, undid the ornate silver clasp and opened it. On the left, lying in perfect contrast against the black velvet was the owner charm of silver snakes. The charm he had unconsciously reached for that was no longer around his neck.

The right side was empty...

It had been a week and it was as if nothing had ever happened. Draco and Harry were back to constantly infuriating each other.

It doesn't make sense, Hermione thought.

She would have left well enough alone, Merlin knows she owed Malfoy nothing. They would probably all be better off. But she began to notice that Harry would sometimes appear to be distracted, a haunted look on his face. A look so fleeting that even Harry didn't appear to notice it. No, something was definitely wrong. She waited until it was just Draco at the potions cupboard before getting up to grab her own ingredients.

"What did you do?" she hissed out of the corner of her mouth.

"Granger?" Draco asked, then regained his composure. "I don't have to answer your questions. What's wrong? Miss All Knowing suddenly doesn't have all the answers? That's a shame, life can't be worth living if that's the case."

Hermione gritted her teeth and ignored him, thinking about Harry. "I know."

Draco stiffened.

"Ron and I both do."

Draco snarled. Granger he could handle, barely, but the Weasel too? "The bastard, we never talked about it but I thought we had an understanding."

"Come off it. We sort of prodded it out of him, before, before you two..." Hermione didn't quite know what to call it. "Honestly, I don't know how your house works but we tell our friends about things that are important to us."

Important to us? Draco thought. "You Gryffindors are unbearable. Frankly I didn't think he'd go all Hufflepuff about it. If you say one word-"

"Of course not, and not because it has anything to do with you. Only because Harry asked us not to." Hermione puffed indignantly. "Stop running around the question, what did you do?"

"The right thing!" He whispered angrily. "He doesn't remember any of it, do you understand?"

Hermione was horrified. "Did you obliviate him?! Oh my God!"

"No." Draco sighed. "It's a long story. Look, he doesn't remember anything at all about us. That's it. Everything else is intact; it's how it should be. We go back to hating each other and everyone is happy. He can't get hurt or feel hurt because nothing ever happened. Are you satisfied? Now leave it be."

There was a melancholy tone that was not lost on Hermione. "Do you hate him?"

"What? What kind of question is that, of course I do. We're rivals, we're at each other's throats constantly."

"You've really messed things up this time, Malfoy."

Draco was getting irritated. "Just get lost already. What do you know about anything?!"

"I know what it feels like to want things to stay the same. To not be the first one to lose control." Hermione thought about her earlier outburst with Ron; she had been avoiding him all day.

Draco did not look at Hermione. "What's done is done. It's over."

"If you'd just tell me what you did, I'm sure-"

Draco had had enough. "Look Granger, learn to mind your own damn business for once. It's OVER."

"Malfoy, leave Hermione alone."

"Harry? Don't worry about it, it's nothing, I was just-"

"I was just telling Granger to take her hideously large brain and shove it up her-"

Harry lunged at Draco.

"Hermione, are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Ron. Draco didn't do anything, we were just talking. I was asking him-" Hermione, forgetting that she was avoiding him, took Ron aside and began whispering intently.

The rest of the class forgot about their cauldrons, distracted.

Harry punched Draco in the face and Draco punched him in the jaw.

Harry knew better, really. Malfoy was all about pushing buttons, getting reactions. But something in him came to life every time they fought at each other. He was sure part of it was the adrenaline rush, but there was something else. They challenged each other, complimented each other in their hate. The pushed each other's limits by pushing each other's buttons.

"Our hate keeps us sane!" echoed familiarly in the back of Harry's mind. He paused, fist in the air. He looked at Draco, confused.

Draco sat up and wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, his silver eyes narrow and glittering. Harry could not take his eyes off Draco's swollen lip, there was an odd tug at the pit of his stomach.

Harry felt Snape pull him roughly off Draco.

"Detention!" Snape could barely contain his anger. "Both of you! Tomorrow night! Fifty points from each of your houses!"

Draco blanched.

"Yes Mr. Malfoy, from Slytherin as well!" Snape's voice was thick with rage. "You two are free to beat each other senseless on your own time, but NEVER in my class!"

Harry glanced at Ron and Hermione; they were looking at him strangely.