"All set?"

Harry leapt over the last three steps with a smile and ran over to Ethan.

"Yep."

Ethan grinned and pushed open the heavy Entrance Hall doors. The Saturday afternoon sun streamed through the open doorway and Harry had to hold a hand up to shade his eyes as he stepped outside.

"Nice day, isn't it?" Ethan asked, as they walked down the steps and headed off along the long, school drive.

"Freezing as hell, though," Harry muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Ethan laughed. "This is my favourite kind of weather – really cold, but sunny at the same time."

"Not me," Harry shivered. "I like hot, summer days."

"But winter is the best time of year! You've got snow, Christmas, and no school for three weeks."

"True, although summer gives you no school for two months."

"Hmm...you have a point, there," Ethan said thoughtfully.

"Let's call a tie," Harry suggested. "They're both equally enjoyable."

"Okay."

The two boys walked on in silence for a few minutes, admiring the changing colours of the trees stretching above them and thoroughly enjoying the break from the monotony of their weekly classes.

"Actually, I've changed my mind," Harry said, breaking the silence.

"About what?" Ethan asked, as he watched an owl fly overhead.

"About winter," Harry answered, kicking at the loose dirt along the path to Hogsmeade. "I think I do like it better."

"I knew you'd come around," Ethan smiled. "What made you change your mind?"

"As much as I love the weather, I hate spending summer with my aunt and uncle. I'd much rather be at school."

Ethan glanced at Harry curiously, but didn't push for an explanation.

"So what's your family like?" Harry asked abruptly.

"My family? Oh, well...very dull and ordinary, I'm afraid. My mum stays at home and my dad owns his own restaurant."

"Sounds nice, we should go there some time."

"Sure, if you want," Ethan shrugged. "It's all French cuisine, of course."

"I don't mind, I had some back in fourth year and it was pretty good."

"Mmm....I can almost taste my father's Filet de Vivaneau Sauce D'algues, right now."

"What's that?"

"It has mushrooms, carrots, onion, with red snapper fillets and lobster, cooked in olive oil and skim milk...délicieux!" Ethan described, closing his eyes.

Harry smiled and licked his lips. "You're making me hungry."

Ethan opened his eyes with a chuckle and glanced over. "What do you say, we eat first and then walk around the village?"

"Definitely," Harry agreed.

"Our first date," Ethan mused with a smile.

Harry felt a sudden ache in his heart.

"Are you alright?" Ethan asked, seeing the strange look on Harry's face.

"Yes," Harry answered determinedly. To prove it to Ethan, and himself, he slipped his hand into Ethan's and forced a smile.

"Good," Ethan gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "God, your hand is freezing!"

"I know, I get cold really easily," Harry admitted, watching as Ethan started rubbing his hand to try and get some warmth back into it.

"Here, take these," Ethan said. He reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out a pair of thick, woollen gloves, handing them over to Harry.

"Thanks," Harry accepted gratefully. "Don't you want to wear them, though?"

"No, I'm fine," Ethan waved a hand dismissively. "As long as you promise to share."

"How-"

Harry cut himself off as Ethan took up his now gloved hand and held it tightly. Harry once again felt that little stab in his heart, but pushed it aside in annoyance.

"Don't think of, Draco...don't think of, Draco...don't think of, Draco," Harry repeated over and over again in his head.

"There it is!" Ethan exclaimed, using his free hand to point at the sight of the wizarding village just coming into view around the bend in the forest path.

Harry grinned at Ethan's enthusiasm, and stuck close to the taller boy as they entered the High Street together.

"So where are we going to eat?" Ethan asked, as he looked around.

"Erm, how about Madam Puddifoot's?" Harry suggested.

"Sure, lead on. You know this place better than I do."

"Oh, that's right. I forgot you've only been here once before."

"Harry, over here!"

Harry and Ethan looked to the right and saw Ron and Hermione emerging from Dervish and Banges.

"Hi," Harry smiled in greeting, as they jogged over.

"Did you guys just get here?" Hermione asked, her nose and cheeks pink from the cold air.

"Yeah, we were just heading to Madam Puddifoot's for lunch."

"She has the best hot chocolate," Hermione said enthusiastically. "Have you been there before, Ethan?"

"Nope, Harry's giving me the grand tour today," Ethan smiled, glancing at Harry and giving his hand a squeeze.

Harry smiled and shyly returned the warm pressure of his hand.

"Hey, why don't we all eat together?" Ron suddenly exclaimed. "I'm starving."

"Sure," Harry readily agreed.

"Great, just give me a second to run to the post office," Hermione said happily.

"I have to go, too," Ron said, turning to follow Hermione. "We'll be right back."

Harry watched his friends run up the street a little ways, and into the large owl post building.

"Harry?" Ethan spoke immediately, turning to face him.

"Yes?"

"I thought we came here to be alone, to get away from everyone?"

"But...it's only Ron and Hermione," Harry said slowly.

"Don't you see them every day?"

"Well, yeah-"

"I was looking forward to spending the day with you, just you."

"I know-"

"It's not much of a date if your two friends tag along now, is it?"

"I guess not..."

"But if you'd rather spend the day with your friends, then I think I'll just leave..."

"No, don't go!" Harry said in alarm. "Its fine, I'll just tell them that we want, um...to be alone."

"Thanks, Harry," Ethan flashed him one of his bright smiles.

Harry smiled in relief and grasped Ethan's hand again as he led him up the street to stand outside the post office. They stood underneath the blue awning and peered through the large, front window. They could see a few wizards wandering around and hundreds of owls perched behind the counter. Ron and Hermione were tying letters to a couple of large brown owls as they watched.

"Do you not like them?" Harry asked quietly, still watching his friends through the window.

"Who?"

Harry turned and gave Ethan a look.

"Well, it's not that I don't like them," Ethan shifted uncomfortably, "it's just that I don't quite understand why you're still friends with them."

"Why wouldn't I be?" Harry asked quizzically.

"You know, after what they did to you."

Harry opened his mouth, but at that moment the door to their right banged open and Ron and Hermione walked out.

"All finished," Ron grinned, clapping his hands together. "Let's go eat."

"Um, Ron?" Harry spoke up hesitantly. "I was wondering if it would be okay if we all ate out together another time?"

"Why-"

"It's just that it's kind of supposed to be our day today," Harry hurried to explain, motioning to Ethan and himself. "Sorry."

"That's okay, Harry," Hermione said, her smile faltering.

Ron opened his mouth to speak –

"Goodbye," Ethan smiled. He turned and dragged Harry off in the opposite direction.

"Bye!" Harry called over his shoulder.

Hermione and Ron stared after the two as they walked down the street and into the small tea shop.

"That was strange," Ron muttered, "and don't tell me that you think that that was normal Harry behaviour."

"It wasn't," Hermione agreed, biting her bottom lip. "He seemed so eager for us to join him earlier."

"Do you think it was Ethan's idea?" Ron asked.

"Probably, but we shouldn't jump to conclusions. I guess it's understandable that he would want some alone time with him, I mean Harry is always surrounded by people at school, especially lately, what with the whole Malfoy thing."

"Hmph," Ron huffed. "That's still no excuse to be so rude."

"We'll just talk to him when he gets back later," Hermione soothed. "Come on, let's go."

They finally turned and walked back towards Hogwarts, purposefully changing the subject to Christmas and the presents they were hoping to get.

                        *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

            Harry instantly remembered why he hated Madam Puddifoots, upon entering the sickeningly sweet shop. But it was the only place he knew of where you could eat and carry on a conversation without shouting – unlike the Three Broomsticks.

"Interesting choice," Ethan said, quirking a brow at the frilly seat cushions as they sat down at one of the private corner tables.

"You should see it on Valentine's Day," Harry snorted in disgust.

"So, why come here?"

"Because it was either this or the very busy and noisy Three Broomsticks."

"And this is better?" Ethan asked sceptically.

"Well, you said you wanted someplace quiet and this is quiet, but if you'd rather we leave," Harry said in annoyance.

"No , this is fine," Ethan laughed. "I'm sorry."

Harry removed his heavy cloak and Ethan's gloves, handing them over to the hazel eyed boy across from him.

"No, you keep them," Ethan pushed them back across the circular table. "You'll need them on the way home."

"Thanks," Harry slipped them into his cloak pocket as he slung it over the back of his chair.

"What can I get for you m'dears?" Madam Puddifoot asked, stopping by their table.

Harry was suddenly reminded of his disastrous first date here with Cho less than a year ago. He shuddered at the memory and desperately hoped that Madam Puddifoot didn't remember his last visit, which ended with his date storming out in tears.

"I'll have a hot chocolate and a tuna sandwich," Ethan said, snapping Harry out of his reverie.

"That's an odd combination," Harry smirked.

Ethan just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"I'll have the same," Harry decided.

Ethan laughed and handed Madam Puddifoot the shiny pink menus. She instantly bustled off behind the counter and set to work fixing their orders.

The shop was only half full, and Harry didn't recognize any Hogwarts students at the occupied tables. He started thinking back on what Ethan had said earlier, and wondered how to bring it up again without sounding angry.

Ethan sat back and crossed his arms over his chest as he watched Harry distractedly shred his napkin into pieces.

"I think it's dead, Harry."

Harry snapped his head up and dropped the napkin in embarrassment.

"What are you thinking about with such focused concentration?"

"I was just wondering what you meant earlier...about my friends," Harry explained.

"Oh, well...I was just surprised that you forgave them so easily."

"For what?" Harry asked, bewildered.

"Are you sure you want to talk about this now?"

"Yes," Harry nodded. "Forgive them for what?"

"For ruining your relationship with Draco Malfoy."

"What?" Harry blinked in surprise.

"I overheard Blaise and Pansy talking about how much they hated Ron and Hermione for dragging them off to see you and Draco together that day."

"What?" Harry gasped quietly.

"I thought you knew," Ethan said in concern.

"No...I..." Harry stammered. "Why would they do that? It can't be true."

"Maybe, it's not," Ethan reasoned. "I mean they were glad that you were so happy with Draco, right?"

"They didn't know."

"Then how did they know where to find you that day?"

"I'm not sure...I didn't really want to talk about it after it happened."

"You've never asked?" Ethan said in surprise. "Well, they didn't have a problem with Draco, did they?"

"Actually, they hate him," Harry said tonelessly.

"Oh," Ethan let a meaningful silence fall over the table.

"What else did Pansy and Blaise say?" Harry asked in a tight voice.

"All I heard was that Ron and Hermione came to them and said that they had something to show them, and gave them a piece of parchment with the time and place."

"No," Harry shook his head. "They might hate Draco, but they wouldn't intentionally hurt me like that."

"I'm just telling you what I heard," Ethan said.

"I know, it's not your fault."

"But why would Blaise and Pansy say that to each other in the Slytherin common room when they thought they were alone? It was empty and they didn't know that I was listening."

"I don't know..." Harry sighed. "There has to be some other explanation, I just can't believe that of my two best friends."

"Just like you couldn't believe that Draco would ever dump you?" Ethan ventured.

Harry looked up sharply. "That's not the same thing."

"Fine," Ethan held up his hands defensively, "I just think you should talk to them, is all."

"Maybe. Look, can we talk about something else now?"

"You're the one who brought it up," Ethan snapped.

"I know, and I'm sorry I did," Harry replied heatedly.

Luckily at that moment, Madam Puddifoot strode over with their food and drinks. She placed it in front of them with a smile and gave Harry a wink.

"You have quite a way with people, young man."

Harry felt his cheeks redden. Apparently she did remember.

"What was that about?" Ethan asked, once she had gone.

"Let's just say that I brought a date here last Valentine's Day and she left in tears," Harry said, beginning to smile.

"She?" Ethan raised a brow.

"That was last year, before..."

"Ah, so you're a new team member," Ethan smiled.

"Team?" Harry smiled, glad for the lighter choice in topics.

"Yeah, you know – the gay team."

"The 'gay team'?" Harry snorted in laughter. "Are we forming our own quidditch league?"

Ethan choked on his hot chocolate and cried out as he burnt his tongue. Harry laughed harder at the chocolate now dribbling down his chin.

Ethan threw his used napkin at Harry in mock anger.

"Ouch, this is really hot," Ethan complained. "I wonder if they have any cream?"

"I'll go see," Harry offered with an amused smile, pushing his chair back.

Ethan watched Harry turn his back and weave through the tables towards the counter. He kept one eye on Harry as he reached into his trouser pocket and quickly pulled out a small vial of red liquid. He pulled out the silver stopper, shaped like a small dragon, and dumped the entire contents into Harry's hot chocolate. He shoved the empty vial back into his pocket and stirred the hot chocolate with the other hand, eyes still glued to Harry.

Harry took the white pitcher of cream from Madam Puddifoot and headed back to his table.

"Thanks," Ethan smiled, as Harry poured some of the thick cream into his mug.

Harry returned the smile and set the pitcher down on the table as he sat back in his chair.

"How's the sandwich?" Harry asked.

"Quite good, actually," Ethan said around a mouthful of tuna. "The hot chocolate is excellent, too."

"I'm glad you like it," Harry smiled.

He picked up his pale, blue mug and drank down the hot liquid eagerly, savouring the warmth spreading through his chilled body. Ethan smiled at him as he finished it off and started on his sandwich.

They ate in companionable silence, finishing off every last crumb.

"Can I interest you in some dessert?" Madam Puddifoot asked, as she came to collect their used dishes.

"What do you have?" Ethan asked cheerfully.

"Well, I just took out a fresh batch of scones from the oven, and I have some lovely strawberry jam and jersey cream to go with them."

            ~ * * * ~

"Look at what they gave us today!" Draco said, taking Harry's hand and pulling him towards a small dining table for two.

The table was completely covered with food, including fresh scones with jersey cream and strawberry jam...

"No, not jam!" Harry cried, his smile fading in panic.

Draco grinned and dipped his hand into the sticky substance. He smeared it into Harry's thick hair and down his face to his chin. He then pulled the collar of Harry's robe out and tipped the rest of the pot down his shirt.

"Ahhh....." Harry screamed, struggling desperately...

Harry looked over at Draco and laughed at the clumps of pink salmon in his hair.

"You should see yourself" Draco smirked, looking at the red goo covering most of the skin on Harry's face.

He leaned forward and kissed the corner of Harry's mouth, flicking his tongue out to gently lick off some of the jam.

"You're a mess" he murmured, continuing to kiss his way around Harry's lips and cheek...

            ~ * * * ~

Harry?"

Harry blinked and looked up at Ethan's concerned face.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Harry said shakily, absently pushing his glasses up on his nose.

"Did you want some dessert?" Ethan asked.

"No!" Harry said sharply. "I mean, no thanks."

"Okay."

Ethan stood and grabbed his cloak from the back of his chair. He watched Harry do the same, if somewhat robotically, and hand Madam Puddifoot some money.

They re-emerged into the cold street, the sun now hidden behind a thick cover of grey clouds.

Harry pulled Ethan's gloves back onto his hands as his mind suddenly turned back to their earlier conversation about Ron and Hermione. He had been so happy with Draco, had they really found out about them and then set out to destroy their relationship on purpose? For some reason, the idea didn't seem as ludicrous as it had before.

"Where to now?" Ethan asked, watching Harry closely.

"Huh? Oh, how about Zonko's?" Harry suggested, still deep in thought.

"What's that?"

"A joke shop," Harry explained, too distracted to realize that Ethan should've known that already.

"Great," Ethan chirped, grabbing Harry's hand and leading him away.

Harry stumbled forward a few steps before pulling back and stopping.

"Actually, I don't feel very good. Would you mind if we went back to Hogwarts?"

"Of course not, Harry," Ethan said, his eyes gleaming secretly. "Your health comes first."

"Thanks," Harry mumbled, leaning heavily on Ethan's arm as they slowly made their way out of Hogsmeade.

Harry's head was filled with suspicious thoughts about his 'supposed' best friends as they walked along. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that they never did care about his feelings. They both hated Draco and always put him down, even though they didn't really know him. It was Ron's fault after all, that he hadn't accepted Draco's friendship in the first place.

Harry felt his blood boil as he thought about his scheming housemates, planning this whole sabotage mission behind his back. Maybe everyone in Gryffindor was in on it...

His mind slowly clouded with paranoia and he became angrier than he'd ever felt in his entire life.

He quickened his pace, his nausea giving way to blinding rage, as he rushed to get back and have a 'chat' with his so-called friends.

Ethan saw the fire in those emerald eyes and smirked in satisfaction.