A/N: I know we haven't updated this in a while and for that I apologise profusely, but both of us have been busy (not that that's an excuse but hey.) If you read this please review because we like knowing whether people are still interested. There's loads more to come that's written and we have even more to write so...
Anyways, thank you so much to all our reviewers for their wonderful words of encouragement. I hope this chapter is to your liking. I know I enjoyed exploding things...
Tousled raven hair emerged suddenly from the branches above him, followed by Harry's smiling face, appearing as if from nowhere centimetres in front of Draco's eyes. "Talking about me?" Harry laughed, Draco's unwitting words exactly what he wanted to hear. Hermione grinned, proven right, shaking her head amusedly.
"Aii!" Draco yelled, jumping a good foot into the air with sheer shock. He landed heavily on the ground, a few metres below where he had been lying moments before, flat on his back and breathless with surprise.
At Draco's surprised yell, Harry's had also jumped causing him to fall out of the tree as well. Although he got a softer landing than Draco had. Draco who was trying to get his breath back got it knocked out of him once again as the whole of Harry's weight landed on him. Hermione was no help to the struggling to breath boys. She, herself was fighting to catch her breath, laughing hysterically.
Harry had been lying a couple of branches above Draco listening to his and Hermione's conversation. He had held his breath, puzzled by the fact Draco had gone to Hermione for help. Draco's words had cleared up any doubt he had had about him. The fact that he had been able to admit to Hermione that he cared for Harry had made Harry melt. Not that he would ever admit it of course. Harry knew that Hermione had known he had liked Draco but he had no idea that she knew that Draco liked him back. Like she had told Draco she had kept his secret, which puzzled Harry slightly. Why would Hermione keep Draco's secret when all he had ever done was be nasty to her? That had been cleared up when Hermione had said that Draco was still human but was wondering when Draco had told her they shared the same species, it certainly hadn't been when he or Ron were around.
Harry was brought out of his musings by something poking into his ribs. Harry looked down and was met by a pair of tired sliver-grey eyes staring at him. The two boys' faces were mere centimetres away as they had been much earlier that morning. Hermione was still dying clinging onto the branch for support. With Draco's body pressed so close to his, Harry could feel the beating of the boy's heart. It was beating somewhat erratically. From the close contact Harry could feel his own doing the same. As he listened he could feel them almost beating in time. Silver-grey eyes were still locked on emerald eyes as the poking sensation in Harry's ribs became constant.
Draco had frozen, blushing crimson and instantly tearing his eyes from Harry's. He was really not used to being laughed at, never mind humiliated beyond belief, and he cast the laughing Hermione a look that was nothing short of pure venom, trying to wriggle out from under Harry. His back protested at the treatment, and though his eyes narrowed in response he ignored it stubbornly, the look he cast Harry fierce and cold.
"What?" Harry asked finally finding his voice which was still slightly breathless.
"You are lying on top of me." Draco stated, not breaking the gaze. Harry just shrugged, not making any effort to move nor was he sure he wanted to. Draco rolled his eyes and looked over at Hermione. "Like you didn't know he was there! Granger, could you stop laughing for a second and get Potter off me?"
Hermione made a visible effort to calm down, wiping her streaming eyes and nodding her head. Harry turned his head to look at Hermione causing his hair to brush lightly against Draco's face. Absently Draco breathed in, and hated himself for noticing that Harry's hair smelt like apples. It was always so untidy, yet as it trailed across his face the dark strands felt soft against his cheek. The raven boy laughed at Hermione, his chest vibrating Draco's. The pleasant feeling sent chills up both boys' spines, though it was unlikely either would have admitted it, and Draco stopped trying to push Harry away without even realising he did so. The weight of the other boy's body was warm against him, and even though he could feel dew soaking into his robes, making him shiver slightly, it was oddly comfortable.
Hermione finally got her giggles under control and did as Draco had asked. She caught hold of Harry's right leg and tried dragging him off Draco. Harry was having none of it. He grabbed hold of the older boy's shoulders tightly, not wanting to let go. Harry moved slightly which dragged Draco with him. "Do I look like a sledge?!" Draco exclaimed causing all three of them to burst out laughing. Hermione couldn't drag the two boys any more because she was crippled by laughter once again. Harry had his head buried in Draco's chest and if Draco wasn't so stubborn he wouldn't have minded telling Harry to keep it there all day. Through the laughter though, Draco suddenly froze, going very tense. Forcefully pushing Harry's hands off his shoulders he scrambled hastily up causing Harry to crash into the ground. "Oww! My nose." Harry's words were muffled as they were spoken. He looked up timidly at Draco who was pacing up and down about four feet of grass. "Sorry." He muttered softly but loud enough for Draco to hear.
Upon hearing Harry's timid voice Draco stopped pacing and ran a hand wearily through his hair, a slightly distant look on his face. "Are you ok?" Hermione, ever the inquisitive Gryffindor asked gently. Draco's hand had moved from his hair to clutch his back and shoulder gingerly as pain shot through it. His expression was one of disbelief at Hermione's seemingly thoughtless question. "I just fell out of a tree!" Draco answered, his tone slightly exasperated. It softened as his gaze fell on Harry who was still lying in his front looking up at Draco. "I didn't mind...I mean I didn't mean...I wasn't complaining." Draco tried to explain awkwardly looking any where but Harry. After a few moments silence Draco continued. "I guess I just don't like being touched." He shrugged, frowning slightly. "I don't mind so much if its you." When he'd realised what he'd said, Draco clapped his hand quickly over his mouth, blushing while looking mortified. Harry was blushing too, looking away from Draco. Hermione burst into the giggles once again, the two frozen boys being the source of great amusement to her.
Getting over his embarrassment in the face of Hermione's laughter Draco looked at Harry. "She doesn't take a hint does she?" he commented lowly not meaning for Hermione to hear it. Which of course she did. "Na uh! I'm not missing this for the world!" she gasped out shaking her head to emphasise her point. Giving in to the temptation of rolling his eyes at the girl he did so, leaning over to offer his hand to Harry. Harry took it gratefully and allowed Draco to pull him up. Reluctantly Draco released the other boy's hand, looking shyly at him. "So I guess you heard all that?" he asked Harry bashfully trying to ignore the once again smirking girl. Harry nodded blushing once again and looking down to avoid Draco's gaze. "Did you really mean it?" Harry spoke quietly to the floor, still scared that it was all a joke. Hermione got fed up with the two boys being slow and shy around each other and butted in. "Of course he did! Now get on with it!" she exclaimed before whirling round and stalking off in the direction of the castle, presumably to find Ron.
Harry stared slightly dumbstruck after Hermione as the meaning of her words sunk in. Draco just rolled his eyes again and coughed to catch Harry's attention. Harry turned distractedly back to him. "I cant believe I'm doing this." Draco mumbled under his breath, before speaking louder so Harry could hear. "Yes, Yes I meant it. Satisfied?"
"Very!" Harry admitted before grabbing hold of Draco's chin and pulling the blonde boy into him. Before Draco could react Harry's mouth had descended on his and all rational thoughts left his brain. The pressure was gentle at first, the kiss closed mouth, simple, sweet and innocent, but as Draco relaxed it became more intense. Twisting his hands up into blonde, silk-like hair, Harry pushed Draco up against the tree they had been sitting in before, his mouth never breaking contact. Draco's own arms encircled Harry's waist pulling him even closer. Harry teased Draco's lips apart, running his warm tongue soothingly across the other's bottom lip. Moaning slightly Draco gladly accepted it, his own tongue massaging Harry's. Somewhere in amongst all this happening both boys eyes had fallen shut.
Suddenly two sets of eyes shot open. A popping sound had just occurred and the end of the branch that was behind Harry's right shoulder was now on fire. Draco had jumped as much as the tree would allow him and was now tense against Harry's body. "I really, really hope that was you." He stated, eyes wide, focused on the now smouldering branch. Harry turned slightly so he could see it and shrugged. "I don't know, it might have been. Things like this happen sometimes...its connected to my emotions...I think." Harry stared at the branch puzzled. "Its never been that strong before." Draco took hold of Harry's chin lightly and turned the raven haired boy's face back to face him. "Hmm, I'm taking that as a compliment." Draco told him replacing his hands back on Harry's waist. Harry smiled shyly as Draco pressed his lips firmly against his own. "Do it again!" Draco whispered into the kiss. Harry complied, kissing the Slytherin fiercely, causing random branches to come alight.
About ten minutes later Hermione came back to the tree to inform the two boys that they were going to be late if they didn't hurry. "Harry! Malfoy! Potions starts i..." she started to say and then trailed off. "Oh! Never mind." She turned on her heel and scurried away again sniggering to herself happily.
Harry and Draco stayed oblivious to the outside world until they were knocked over. A certain large black dog had come bounding over to see them, curious to know what Harry was doing. Paws on Harry's shoulders Snuffles was oblivious to Harry's laughter and Draco's outraged gasp as they tumbled to the ground for the second time that morning. Not paying any attention to Draco, Snuffles proceeded to lick Harry's face clean. Draco jumped to his feet and quickly said, "Wingardium leviosa!" Very soon after Snuffles was levitating about seven foot in the air. If a dog could look puzzled it was Snuffles now. Harry got up so he could see properly and saw Remus haring down the lawn towards them. As he reached them he burst out laughing at his floating lover. Snuffles growled lowly.
Catching his breath Harry spoke to Draco. "Dr...Malfoy, put the dog down." His words were punctuated by sniggers but still decipherable. Draco, who had been watching Snuffles warily, not that he could do anything whilst in the air mind, turned to Harry apologetically. "Sor...I mean, natural reaction." He released the charm and Snuffles dropped roughly to the ground. He got up again glancing at Draco reproachfully. Draco ignored him. "That's what I always do when big, murderous black dogs come and dive on me." He finished sarcastically. He proceeded to wipe him mouth inconspicuously to remove any evidential remains of Harry. This movement caused Harry's laughter to start again, but also helped Remus to calm down. "Harry, Draco, why aren't you two in lessons?" the werewolf asked, eyeing the two boys slightly suspiciously, already starting to put two and two together.
"You can talk!" Harry snorted in reply. "You should be teaching one!"
"I'm a Professor, I'm allowed to skive lessons with my lo...umm, my dog." At this Draco looked curiously at his Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, while Harry's laughter doubled. Remus blushed lightly, realising the two boys had just been doing the same thing he wanted to do to Sirius. "Anyway, I have a free period." He finished smugly, sounding very much like a sixteen year old boy himself. "So there!" Sirius adding changing quickly from a dog to a human. "Oops! I did it again!" he said sheepishly, looking down at his human form and disappearing so the dog took his place again.
All this happened in about four split seconds but Draco became defensive again, drawing out his wand (which had only just been placed back in his pocket) and taking a couple of steps backwards. "I'm now going officially crazy!" he stated, his voice falsely calm. "That guy...dog...thing, looked scarily like Sirius Black."
"What guy, dog, thing? Its only Snuffles and he's a dog." Harry replied coyly, smirking, while Remus looked at the ground, shuffling his feet, his cheeks a light shade of pink. "I may be going insane, I may even be insane, but I am not blind!" Draco replied cynically, glaring at Harry.
"Aren't you?" Harry faked amazement, trying to keep the laughter out of his voice.
"Funny guy." Draco muttered under his breath, resisting the urge to stick his tongue out at Harry as adults were present. At this moment Remus cut in:
"Boys, I happen to know that you are both meant to be in Potions now with Professor Snape and you are now twenty five minutes late." Any colour in Harry's face drained out rapidly at this news. "Oh Merlin!" he exclaimed grabbing Draco's writs and trying to pull him away from Snuffles and Remus, who were sat under the tree, Snuffles comfortable on Remus' lap. Draco pulled away haughtily from Harry's grips frowning at him. Harry just rolled his eyes and carried on running.
When they two boys were about ten feet away from the pair they heard Remus question; "Can I smell burning?" They both burst out laughing, glancing quickly over their shoulder to see one branch still smouldering. Running faster Draco stated:
"My fault!"
"Arrogant!" Harry replied teasingly.
"With good reason!" Draco smirked and Harry laughed, shaking his head as they reached the entrance hall. Hurrying down the corridors to the dungeons they slowed only when they reached the end of the corridor leading to Professor Snape's dungeon. "I really should go and change m..." Draco started, clutching at his dirtied robes, but was interrupted.
"Scourgio." Harry muttered, instantly cleaning the offensive robes. Draco looked at the clean robes amazed. "One of these days you will teach me that?!" Draco half-questioned, half-stated as they stopped in front of the dungeon door.
"Are we going to be on speaking terms for that long?" Harry teased, laughing openly at Draco.
"Shut up Potter." Draco scowled before sweeping past him into the potions classroom.
"You're late, Potter. that's fifteen points from Gryffindor for missing half of my lesson, and another five for the abysmal state of your robes. We'll call that a round thirty, shall we? Be seated." Snape drawled, gesturing to a desk in the front row of the class and rolling his eyes wearily. Draco swaggered straight past him, and the hook-nosed Professor ignored him entirely, allowing him to take the last remaining seat without batting an eyelid. As it happened, the only seat not taken was beside Harry, in the front row. Draco scowled, rather theatrically, as he sat down, and in their usual seat at the back Rosier smirked. Beside Draco, Harry gaped at the obvious favouritism, spluttering in wordless incredulity to Ron and Hermione and receiving only sympathetic smiles as the pair bent over an already bubbling cauldron.
"Nice impression of a goldfish, Potter!" Draco murmured, catching Harry's eye absently as he unpacked his bag and smirking. "And don't squeak...it's so unbecoming..." he added in an undertone, basking in the Gryffindor's exasperated look. Harry just stuck his tongue out at the smirking blonde and shook his head, fighting back a smile.
It wasn't until a few minutes later, having collected all of the ingredients and fully briefed Ron on the technique, that Hermione had a moment in which to arch a brow at Harry, checking her watch and sniggering.
"Thirty minutes...did you get any further?" she remarked, ignoring the fact that Draco cast her a rather alarmed look. Harry just looked shocked, giving her a wide-eyed glance and leaning over rather conspiratorially.
"What?" he queried, frowning in evident confusion at the gleeful look on her face. Hermione rolled her eyes, exasperated, and leaned closer: "You know..."
"You saw!?" Harry hissed back, eyes widening. Beside him, Draco groaned inwardly and shifted uncomfortably, his exhilarated mood gradually draining to cold uncomfortable silence.
"I came back to remind you not to be late for potions, but you...were busy, so I left you there." Hermione giggled, the horror on Harry's face only making her smile more. Ron was leaning over her shoulder, bemused, and listening in to their hushed conversation. Draco stood up, so suddenly that he knocked his chair back, avoiding Hermione's eyes as she gave him a teasing smile. He was blushing, for what seemed to be the millionth time, and turned on his heel as Harry turned to face him.
"Ingredients." He muttered, retreating. "Right, going, yes..." He walked off without another word, striding away to the back of the classroom in the manner of one making good his escape.
"Harry, what were you doing?" Ron asked, casting his friend a curious look and leaning back on his chair. It swung back dizzily, and he nearly toppled over, clutching at the desk. Harry ignored him, watching Draco as he collected ingredients and spoke to his friends at the back, and then turned to Hermione accusingly.
"You upset Draco." He added, half-smiling but a little concerned, giving her a disapproving look. He leaned over and poked her lightly in the shoulder.
"Aww, you care for him, how sweet!" She squealed, laughing almost manically. In response to that Harry slapped her across the arm where he had just poked her.
"What the hell is going on?!" Ron exclaimed, extremely confused and getting slightly angry at not being answered. Neither Harry nor Hermione answered him this time either which only served to infuriate him even more. "Draco?" he questioned realising what Harry had just told Hermione. Harry looked at him condescendingly. "His name is Malfoy." Ron glared and turned huffily back to his and Hermione's cauldron.
At that moment Draco returned to hear the end of Harry's comment. "Aww, how sweet, the terrible two are talking about me even when I'm not here." Harry looked at Draco weirdly, realising how much like Hermione the boy had just sounded. Ron looked up again and glowered at Draco. "Hermione's not talking." He pointed out growling.
"Hence the two." Draco looked at Ron as though he was thick. "One is you. The other is Potter. You see, one...two." Draco spoke as though to a two year old. Ron scowled and growled returning again to his work as Professor Snape glowered over at the four of them.
Working quietly on their own cauldron Harry spoke out of the corner of his mouth at Draco. "Spiteful."
"You know your friends take an unhealthy interest in your life." Draco told him, ignoring the fact he had just spoken.
"No, they just worry too much." Harry explained, rather patronisingly.
"Well, someone needs to look after you, rather them than me." Draco replied scathingly.
"Do you mean that?" Harry asked disbelievingly, sounding faintly injured.
"No." Draco admitted truthfully, avoiding Harry's reproachful stare. Harry smiled happily, gently brushing his hand across Draco's almost shyly as he reached for the beetle eyes. Draco tensed slightly and looked up, smiling awkwardly at the gentle touch.
And if I've screwed the formatting of this up I'm really sorry, I hope it's readable.
