"Harry! Harry!"

Harry opened his eyes the next morning and glared irritably at Ron who was shaking him.

"What?" he asked groggily, his eyes already drooping shut again.

"You're late for Potions!" Ron shouted.

"What?" Harry exclaimed, sitting bolt upright.

Ron burst out laughing. "It's Saturday you twit! But you are late for breakfast."

Harry groaned and threw his pillow at Ron.

"Long detention last night?" Ron asked sweetly, ducking his head.

"Yeah." Harry threw back the covers and couldn't help smiling to himself as he got dressed. Today was Saturday and the prospect of an entire day alone with Draco looming ahead made him whistle as he ran a brush through his unruly dark hair and adjusted his glasses.

"You're in a good mood," Ron noted as he waited for him.

"It's Saturday," Harry shrugged.

"Hmm..."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry asked, as he exited the dorm room.

"Well, it's just that you disappear every Saturday for the whole day and won't tell anyone, including me, where you go or what you're doing. It just seems a little suspicious."

"Do I have to tell you everything?"

"No," Ron said in surprise. "But I thought we were friends?"

"We are," Harry said as he pushed the portrait open. "It's just...private."

Ron frowned and followed him into the corridor.

         Harry sighed as he glanced sideways at Ron's hurt expression along the way to the Great Hall. "Do you really want to know?"

"Yes," Ron answered emphatically.

"Fine, but you can't tell anyone."

"I won't," he promised.

"Every Saturday I..." Harry stopped, unsure of how to phrase it best. Even in his head it sounded stupid - 'every Saturday I meet Malfoy in the Shrieking Shack and we...we...'

        "You what?" Ron urged.

"I go to the Shrieking Shack and...practice my defence against the dark arts training."

"Why didn't you tell me? I could come too-"

"No!" Harry exclaimed quickly. "I mean, Dumbledore is tutoring me privately."

"You're getting private lessons from Dumbledore? Wow."

"Yeah, it's pretty cool. Don't tell anyone though, even Hermione," Harry added as an afterthought, he knew she might be able figure out that he was lying.

"Why?"

"I just don't want anyone to bother me about it, or be worried."

"Worried?" Ron asked.

"The only reason I'm getting these extra lessons is because Voldemort is getting stronger and affecting me more and more."

Harry was amazed at how easy it was for him to lie to his best friend, maybe he'd been spending too much time with a certain blond-haired master of deceit lately.

"I promise," Ron assured him as they reached the doors to the Great Hall. "Thanks for telling me."

Harry felt a wave of guilt wash over him as he pushed against the heavy doors and followed Ron into the dining hall. However, the feeling vanished instantly as he glanced over to the Slytherin table and shared a private look with Draco. He smiled as he sat down and helped himself to some eggs, sausage, and toast.

"Rough night, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, Snape was being a complete prat as usual."

"Well, maybe this will teach you not to lose your temper again. I know what he said was uncalled for," she said quickly as Harry opened his mouth angrily. "But you still should exercise some control when it comes to the Slytherins. You know they always play dirty, are rude and are major pains in the ass."

"Here, here!" Ron chorused, holding his glass of pumpkin juice up in agreement.

"Maybe not all of them," Harry said quietly.

"What do you mean?" Ron asked in shock. "Of course they're all evil, that's why they're in that house to begin with."

"But what if one of them wanted to change?"

"Would never happen," Ron said firmly, shaking his head. "And if it did, then it'd just be part of some evil plan that they had going."

"You honestly don't think that they can change?"

"Harry, I would've thought that you'd be the last person to ever think there was any good in the Slytherins," Hermione said.

"I think everyone deserves a second chance," Harry replied, not quite meeting her eyes.

"Even Zabini?" Ron asked pointedly.

"Yes..."

"What about Snape?" Ron snickered.

"Well, maybe not Snape," Harry smiled.

"What about Malfoy?" Seamus asked, getting in on the conversation.

Harry stopped smiling and looked at Draco who was busy spreading jam on a piece of toast.

"I guess he doesn't count," Ron smiled, misinterpreting Harry's silence.

"Of course he does," Harry said, his eyes still glued to Draco.

Ron gaped at him in shock. "You can't be serious? He doesn't deserve a second chance! He's been a right bastard to all of us since our first day here, especially to you, Harry. Personally, I would never forgive him."

Harry covered up how hurt he was by looking down at his plate while the others all nodded their agreement with Ron.

"Why the sudden change of heart, Harry?" Hermione asked.

Harry shrugged and looked up at Draco again.

"What was he like over the summer? You must have spent a lot of time together," Hermione asked.

"Actually-"

"Oh, I know why," Ron suddenly burst out.

"What?" Harry asked in alarm, tearing his eyes from Draco.

"Harry's got quite the crush on a certain Slytherin."

"Who?" they all asked breathlessly, leaning towards Ron.

Harry closed his eyes, bracing himself.

"Ethan."

"What?!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes flying open again.

"Don't try to hide it, Harry. It's pretty obvious," Ron smirked.

Everyone turned to look at Harry, then over to Ethan at the Slytherin table. Harry's cheeks flushed in mortification as Ethan looked up and gave him a cheerful wave.

"Ah, now it all falls into place," Seamus winked.

"I don't like him!" Harry cried.

"So its love then is it, Harry?" Dean teased.

Harry buried his face in his hands and desperately hoped that the floor would open up and swallow him. They all burst out laughing and Hermione patted his shoulder comfortingly, even as she giggled along with the rest of them.

Draco watched Harry being teased mercilessly by his so-called friends in anger. He was tempted to take out his wand and curse them all for being so insensitive. He didn't know what they were saying, but Harry was so obviously uncomfortable that it made his blood boil.

Harry finally had had enough and stood abruptly to leave.

"Don't go, Harry," Ron said, wiping away a tear of laughter. "We were just kidding."

"Yes, and it was hilarious," Harry said through gritted teeth. "Ha, ha."

Harry turned and stalked away to the doors, and suddenly Ethan was right beside him. "Oh, great!" he thought. "Just what I need."

"Hi, Harry," Ethan greeted warmly.

"Er, hi," Harry said, wanting to escape.

Draco watched tensely as Ethan tried to strike up a conversation with his boyfriend.

"How are you feeling?" Ethan asked in genuine concern.

"Much better," Harry smiled, suddenly feeling bad for trying to brush him off when he had so kindly helped him out before. "Thanks again for helping me."

"No problem," Ethan grinned. "Anytime."

"Well..."

"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade with me?" Ethan asked.

"T...Today?" Harry stammered.

"Yeah, I've never been."

"Um, I sort of already have plans..." Harry said hesitantly.

"That's okay," Ethan smiled. "Another time perhaps."

"Yeah, sure."

"See you around, Harry," Ethan said with a wave.

Harry walked out the doors as Ethan returned to his seat.

"Give up, Ethan," Vincent Balkwill said to him as he sat down.

"I think I might have to," Ethan sighed unhappily.

Draco grinned into his pumpkin juice.

"He's already seeing someone."

Draco put down his mug and listened closely.

"Who?" Pansy demanded.

"Don't know, he didn't say," Ethan shrugged.

"Is it a boy?" she persisted.

Again Ethan shrugged.

"Well, who would've thought that the Golden-boy dating some one could be kept such a secret," Blaise said.

"I wonder who it is?" Pansy pondered aloud. "It's probably a Gryffindork."

"Definitely," Blaise agreed with a nod.

"What about Granger?" Pansy asked, looking over at the Gryffindor table.

"And if it's a boy?" Ethan asked with a smile.

"Longbottom," Blaise grinned.

They all burst out laughing as Draco seethed in silent anger, as if his Harry would ever stoop so low as to date that fat idiot.

        Unnoticed, Ethan watched him carefully out of the corner of his eye.

Draco finished his breakfast as fast as he could without arising suspicion, then left the Hall to make a quick stop in the kitchens before heading out to meet Harry.

                        *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *                     

        Harry, securely covered with his invisibility cloak, was waiting for Draco near the Whomping Willow, idly drawing pictures in the ground with the end of a long stick. If anyone came outside at that moment they would have seen a stick in mid-air tracing 'Harry & Draco' in the dirt all by itself.

Harry glanced up and saw Draco himself emerge from the school into the bright sunshine, a large knapsack slung over one shoulder. Draco smiled when he noticed the stick moving of its own accord. Harry quickly wiped out the writing with his foot and dropped the stick.

"Not being very careful are you, Potter?" Draco smirked, picking it up.

"I got bored," Harry answered. "What took you so long?"

"I got us some refreshments for the day," Draco smiled. "Those house- elves are so helpful and eager to please. We have enough food to last us for two days."

Harry grinned even though Draco couldn't see it.

Draco walked as close as possible to the Whomping Willow and used the stick to push the secret knot, Harry keeping watch for any wandering students or Professors. The tree stopped its wild thrashing and obediently opened up. Draco and Harry quickly clambered through before it could close again. Harry removed his invisibility cloak as Draco used his wand to light the dim passageway. They smiled at each other, feeling giddy with euphoria at their freedom. They joined hands and walked up the passageway together towards their private room in the Shrieking Shack.

        Draco dumped the over-stuffed knapsack onto the bed and turned around to watch Harry fold his invisibility cloak over the back of one of the chairs. Harry looked up and locked eyes with Draco, both of them smiling softly. Then, as if pulled by an invisible string, they walked forward and embraced each other.

Harry laid his head on Draco's shoulder as the Slytherin held him tightly. Draco turned his head to rub his cheek reverently in Harry's raven hair, inhaling the intoxicating smell of tangerines from his shampoo and closing his eyes with a sigh of content.

The peaceful stillness was broken by a loud rumble from Harry's stomach.

         The two burst out laughing, as Harry sheepishly apologized, "sorry, I kind of didn't get a chance to eat breakfast this morning."

"So let's eat now," Draco smiled, placing a quick kiss on Harry's lips and turning towards the bed.

Harry pulled Draco back and kissed him deeply. Draco moaned at the sudden fierceness of Harry's lips and opened his mouth to him, allowing Harry to take control as he used his tongue to explore Draco's mouth, the taste as familiar as his own.

Draco pulled back breathlessly and arched a brow in amusement.

"Do you want to eat now or later?" he asked suggestively.

Harry's stomach let out another growl before he could reply, effectively answering Draco's question for him.

Draco laughed. "Well, that answers that I guess."

Harry pretended to pout as Draco walked over to the bed and opened up the knapsack.

"Come on, Harry," he smirked. "You're going to need your strength for today."

This was accompanied by such a cartoonish display of eyebrow wiggling that Harry had to break his pouty expression with a snort that quickly turned into unbridled laughter. Draco smiled as he began to unpack the food and lay it out on the bed. He loved listening to Harry's infectious laughter.

"Okay," Draco announced. "We have ham and turkey sandwiches, cold chicken, boiled potatoes, chips, and Yorkshire pudding. For dessert there's jelly, trifle, and your favourite - treacle tarts."

"Excellent," Harry beamed, licking his lips in anticipation.

Draco sat cross-legged on the bed while Harry began to attack the chicken.

"Aren't you having any?" Harry asked between bites.

"I just had breakfast so I'm not hungry yet, but don't worry I'm sure I'll work up an appetite later."

Harry rolled his eyes and continued eating, sampling a little bit of everything, while Draco leaned back and looked on with an affectionate smile.

                        *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *


         Ethan watched in amazement as the tree opened up to reveal a hidden entrance and Draco Malfoy, accompanied by an invisible Harry Potter, climbed inside. He waited until it had closed up again before heading back to the school.

"Hey, Balkwill!" Ethan called to his fellow seventh year Slytherin in the common room.

"What?"

Ethan sat down in the armchair facing the couch where Vincent Balkwill was eating a chocolate éclair and reading a thick, black book.

"Are there any secret passageways in this school?"

Vincent put down his book and thought for a second. "I think there's a few, but I'm not sure where they are."

"What about outside?"

"Outside?"

"Yeah, around the grounds anywhere?" Ethan asked casually.

"Not that I know of," Vincent frowned. "Why the sudden interest?"

"Oh, just curious. My last school had lots of them all over the place and I was just wondering if Hogwarts had them too."

"Too bad the Weasley twins weren't still here," Vincent smirked. "They knew every inch of this place."

"Weasley twins? Were they Slytherin?" Ethan asked interestedly.

"No, Gryffindor unfortunately. They would've made good Slytherins though. Their younger brother and sister still go here, fifth and sixth years. In fact one of them is best friends with your little boyfriend."

Ethan smiled at this new piece of information. "Really? So his brothers probably passed down all that information to him, right?"

"Probably," Vincent shrugged, losing interest in the conversation.

"Hmm...well, I'll see you later." Ethan got up and walked back into the corridor, thinking hard as he slowly meandered through the school.

As he reached the Entrance Hall, two girls he recognized as Gryffindors came through the doors from outside. They looked at each other and giggled when they saw him. Ethan flashed them a smile and walked over.

"Bonnes dames de matin," he greeted them charmingly. "I was wondering if you could help me with something?"

"Of course," Emma Collins said in awe.

"Did you know the Weasley twins?"

"Not really, but their sister is in our year."

"They dropped out of school last year to start a joke shop," Kate volunteered, eager to say something.

"Perfect!" Ethan smiled. "I was looking to buy some products from their joke shop. Do you know who I could talk to about ordering something?"

"Well, you could talk to Ron Weasley, but he hates Slytherins so maybe that's not such a good idea. Why don't you try Ginny Weasley?"

"Hates Slytherins, hm?" Ethan murmured, processing that little piece of information. "Thanks for the warning."

"We don't though," Emma was quick to add.

"I'm glad," Ethan winked. "I'll go look for Ginny now. Thanks for all your help ladies."

The two girls giggled and walked upstairs.

Ethan smirked at their retreating backs then went off in search of Ginny Weasley.


                        *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

        Draco gazed hungrily at Harry's naked chest as Harry slowly removed his shirt. He loved how Harry could look shy and yet so sexual at the same time - it drove him crazy.

Harry lifted his jumper over his head and dropped it to the dusty floor, before stepping forward to unbutton Draco's dark green shirt. He opened it wide and ran his hands up Draco's stomach and chest, over his shoulders and down his arms, forcing the shirt to slip off and flutter to the ground.

Draco made an appreciative humming sound in the back of his throat as Harry's warm hands glided over his skin.

Harry slipped his arms around Draco's waist and pulled them together, their bare skin connecting and creating a delicious warmth between the two heated bodies. Draco wrapped an arm around Harry's back and the other around his shoulders, one hand softly caressing the back of Harry's neck.

Harry closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against Draco's as they simply held each other.

Time stood still in their secret room in the Shrieking Shack, there was no Voldemort here, no death and destruction, no war, no hate, no Slytherins and Gryffindors. The world faded away except for this time and place, in the simplicity of holding some one and being held in return. Feeling safe and utterly complete. Although love is a feeling, anyone who could've seen Draco and Harry in that moment would've said that they had seen real love - true, raw, and beautiful.

"I love you."

Harry's eyes flew open and looked into Draco's grey depths. "What did you say?" he whispered.

Draco smiled and leaned in so that his lips were right next to Harry's ear. "I love you," he breathed.

Two tears leaked out from Harry's emerald eyes and trailed down his cheek. "I love you too, Draco."

Draco pulled back and touched his finger to Harry's cheek, catching the tear before it could fall. "Why are you crying, Harry?" he asked softly.

"No one's ever said that to me," he mumbled. "No one's ever loved me before."

Draco looked into Harry's beautiful eyes sadly, no one deserved to be loved more than Harry did. Draco smiled and kissed away the other tear on Harry's cheek, capturing the saltiness on his lips. He then touched his lips to Harry's and the tear was absorbed into the tender kiss.

Harry kissed back slowly, the gentle caress of Draco's lips against his own as they reassured each other of their love.

Draco walked Harry backwards towards the bed and gently lowered him to the mattress. He then lay down next to him and they wrapped each other in a tangle of arms and legs, hands wonderingly caressing faces and hair as their lips continued to taste and kiss each other sweetly.

Draco moved on top of Harry, and Harry's legs automatically came up to lock around his hips. Harry looked up into Draco's face and pushed a stray lock of silver-blond hair off of his forehead.

"I love you," Harry smiled.

"I love you," Draco whispered. "So much."

He leaned down and captured Harry's lips in another kiss. As Harry let his eyes fall shut he finally felt a sense of home wash over him. This was right, this was where he belonged, and he wanted it to last forever.