A/N: This is a transitional chapter. That's all bout I can say. If you haven't realized by now, this is slash. It gets...more interesting. Read on!

Disclaimer: I am so sorry J.K. Rowling for doing this to your precious, madawesome characters.

Takes place November, the year after.

Draco dried his hair, a small drop of water falling off his nose. He gazed into the mirror, flexing his muscles. He hoped that he would approve. He stopped, biting his lip, mulling if he looked all right. He said aloud to no one,

"I'm pretty, right?"

He waited for his reflection to answer, but he only received an anxious, worried stare. Draco tried to shirk it off as he put on his outfit- a scarlet turtleneck with an old pair of jeans. He wore it for his Gryffindor. He smiled, his hands shaking as he threw on his robe. It was a Saturday afternoon and a Hogsmeade trip had been planned.

But Draco wasn't going; rather, he had another thing designed for the day. He had been waiting for this ever since he had asked. Draco had accepted immediately. It would be their third date of the school year, and Draco couldn't be more elated that things were going well.

He finally finished preparing with some last sprits of cologne. Draco sauntered down the common room stairs; only a couple first and second years remained. He went up to one of the end tables, looking around to see if anyone was watching. He pulled out something from the drawer, slipping it in his robe pocket. He then walked coolly out of the common room.

.....

Draco excitedly arrived in front of the fat lady's portrait.

"Who are you?" she asked cynically, observing the green and silver patch on his robe.

"Sanctae Amae," he said, ignoring her remark as he crawled through the passageway.

He wasn't ready for the immediate drop as he landed hard on the common room floor.

"You alright there?" softly asked a Gryffindor boy. Draco looked up and took the helping hand.

"Thanks," the blonde responded, slightly out of breath. His green eyes sparkled with compassion and...was that love? Draco wasn't sure, but greeted him more properly with a kiss. Harry tensed, happy with the small surprise.

"Are you sure no one will see?" Draco asked, nervous. He didn't want anyone to know; no one would understand. He would be ostracized among his house and disowned from his family if they got wind of what he was doing.

Harry smiled, his voice filled with comfort,

"Of course not."

He pulled Draco into a deep kiss, and it was like he had read his mind, "No one will know,"

He let out a breath of relief and was able to relax as he grinned lightly.

"Let's go, before they get back," Harry spoke, thrilled at the risk.

Draco confidently took his hand and they were off, together in the calm air of the castle. The blonde held onto him tightly, gently stroking his hand with his own. The talked idly about the latest gossip, the newest couples, who's wearing what, and...each other. The lion confided complete trust and reassurance in the serpent.

The Slytherin was weary that it wouldn't-that they wouldn't work out, but he didn't' dare speak of it. But Harry could tell that he was uneasy. He rested his head on the taller boy's shoulder, whispering quietly,

"I love you,"

Draco nearly tripped over his own two feet, his heart racing. Harry peered up at him, hoping he hadn't been to forward.

But his face showed surprise, not believing that someone could love him, but he was thankful for it. He felt...powerful, whole, and, daresay, loved. His father never cared. His mother rarely spoke. Draco had no idea how to return this overwhelming emotion.

He turned and embraced him, his tongue meeting with his lover's, eternally grateful. Harry had instilled his love, his heart, himself, in him.

....

It was dark when they reached the roof of the castle. It was a crystal clear night, the stars twinkling above them; there was no one else in sight. They sat close to the edge, his raven black hair resting on the blonde. He traced his hand down the pale boy's chest lazily, watching it rise and fall steadily. Draco's breath was heavy, even though he tried to hide it, among other things. He rubbed his hand along Harry's side, cautiously.

Harry smiled, knowing that the proud Slytherin was afraid. He slowly maneuvered his hand under Draco's shirt, feeling his soft skin.

He shuddered from his touch, and before he realized, he was left in just his jeans. Harry's robe slid on to the floor; as he lay back, egging Draco on to do whatever he desired.

"We're not doing anything wrong. We're just...being together," Harry explained with a grin, his voice so trusting and comforting. Draco leaned over him, apprehensive, his wary hand tracing over his small body. Harry pulled him closer, his arms around Draco's waist. He unbuttoned his shirt, and softly caressed his hands on Harry's chest. Harry's lips whispered lovingly,

"Go on,"

Harry adored Draco's innocent touch, his naïve essence. He wanted Draco to trust him, to believe in him. He kissed him longingly, breaking away much too soon. Draco eagerly responded, placing his lips on Harry's, his soft neck, and his pale chest. His touch got rougher as Harry continued to lead him on. Draco was more confident, his kisses turning into nibbles, and then light biting. Harry began to pant, his grin widening as he traced circles on his back. Draco lapped his tongue down his abdomen as Harry ran his hand through Draco's tangled blonde hair, grasping onto it, begging him to go further.

Draco shakily pulled off Harry's pants, most of his skin exposed to the night air. Draco sat up, his cheeks flushed.

"What's wrong?" Harry questioned, catching his breath.

"I was, I was wondering if..." Draco trailed off nervously.

Harry sat up as well, his arm resting on one of his bent knees.

"Yes?" he asked.

"I was wondering if we could...try something," Draco admitted, his eyes not quite meeting his.

"Sure, there's nothing to be ashamed about," he said, curious as to what he was thinking.

"Really?" he replied, his voice slightly shocked, but appreciative.

"Of course," Harry replied, leaning over and giving him a comforting kissed.

Draco sheepishly grinned as he pulled out a pair of metal handcuffs from the pocket of his robes.

A/N: Heh. More to come. Please r&r!