Yes, yes, I know that it has been a while since I last updated this fic.... them's the breaks when you have no spare time.... (le sigh) Anyways!! Like I said in the last chappie, there WILL be at least five more chapters, mainly cause I can't leave the story alone.... O-o.... ehehe. So, on with the chapter.
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Draco Malfoy sighed as he shifted his position against Harry's shoulder where they were sitting on the couch, stifling a yawn as he watched Hermione and Weasel-bee play wizards chess on the floor of the Room of Requirement. Even though Draco considered the two Gryffindor's as his friends (he never thought that would have been possible), he could not bring himself to call the tall red head anything but Weasel-bee or Weasel. Then again, the Gryffindor never called Draco anything but Malfoy or ferret, so the blonde Slytherin figured that it was a fair trade. Hermione on the other hand, was a different situation. She had been the one person that helped Draco get together with Harry, and he was grateful to her. He would never call her Mudblood anymore, and would only call her Granger if she was being an insufferable know-it-all.
Suddenly Draco grinned to himself, absently wondering what his mother and father would think if they knew their precious little pureblood son was fraternizing a mudblood, a Weasely, and the Boy-Who-Lived. Not to mention the fact that they were all Gryffindors. In reality he didn't care, but something deep inside told him to be careful about what was going on. His father could be incredibly irrational and cruel.
"Dragon?" Came Harry's voice in his ear, "you okay?"
Draco felt a shiver run up his spine when Harry used his pet-name for him, something he never thought he would do, and tilted his head up to look at the raven haired teen. "Hmm? No, nothings wrong."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Come on Draco, I know there's something on your mind. You've got that distant look on your face, and it looks like it would take a lot of effort just to blink once."
Draco glared, "Get out of my head."
"I'm not in your head, I just happen to be a good observer." Came Harry's retort as he lifted a hand and brushed his thumb over Draco's stubborn jaw.
Draco's eyed Harry, pursed his lips, and answered, "Why do you always do that? Get me to tell you something when I don't want to?"
Harry grinned, "Because I have the power," he paused to lean forwards and give Draco a chaste kiss on the lips, which of course brought the inevitable squeak from Weasel-bee, "and because I care about you enough to prod you until you cave."
Draco rolled his eyes now, playfully smacking Harry in the shoulder, "Shut-up."
"So are you gonna tell me what you thinking about?" the green eyed teen asked, pulling Draco closer, who in turn swung his legs over Harry's and settled himself firmly against the taller boys chest.
"I was just thinking of my father, and what he would say if he knew I was..." Draco paused, "that I was here with you, like this," he gestured to their current position, "I don't think he would take it too well."
Harry wrapped his arms around Draco's waist, "What your father thinks is irrelevant Draco. You're happier now then you've been in a long time, and that's something that he can't take away from you."
Draco felt his heart swell as he listened to Harry's words, and he silently wished that he would never lose this feeling, because what Harry had said was true. He hadn't been this happy since he was a small child. Getting the Hogwarts letter when he was eleven didn't even bring that much joy, for he knew it was coming. His parents had told him over and over again that he would be attending and that he would be in the best House. Slytherin. Both his parents had been in Slytherin when they went to Hogwarts, as had every Malfoy in their heritage.
"Harry's right Draco," Hermione said, interrupting Draco's thoughts, "I've never seen you so relaxed before."
"Even I admit that you're not such a bloody menace like you were," Weasel-bee spoke up, "more like an annoying git now."
"Thanks Weasel-bee, I appreciate that," Draco said rolling his eyes at the red haired teens remark.
"What would your father do if he did find out?" Hermione asked, stopping the tall teen beside her from retorting to Draco's remark by placing a hand over his mouth.
Draco shrugged, "I don't know exactly. Probably dis-inherit and banish me, kill you two," he gestured at his friends on the floor, "and torture Harry until he's near death then give him to Voldemort," there was a stunned silence, and Draco added with another shrug, "just a guess."
Harry spoke first, "Draco, you can't be serious."
Draco fixed his gaze upon Harry, "I am. Harry you don't know my father. If Voldemort wasn't the Dark Lord right now, Lucius Malfoy would be."
"Draco, maybe it would be the best thing right now if you and Harry kept your relationship a secret until you graduate. The people in Slytherin are vindictive and would more than likely sell you out to your father. No offense," she added when Draco raised an eyebrow at her comment about his House and the members of it, "I just think that the less your housemates know about you and Harry, the safer you'll be."
Draco thought about this for a moment. It did make sense in the long run. Not telling would ensure that he and Harry could be together without the fear of what Lucius would do to them, but it would also mean meeting in secret and not being able to show affection in public. Draco wasn't sure he could keep his cool if he had to be mean to Harry on purpose just so his so called 'friends' from Slytherin would be pleased. Harry ment to much to him.
"Dragon, she's got a point," came Harry's whisper in his ear, as Draco had turned his face into Harry's chest while the raven haired teen had put his chin on the top of Draco's head. "It's your call, but I think that this would be the safest route."
Draco bit his bottom lip, "I don't want to hurt you Harry," he said, emotion entering his voice.
There was a short silence in the room, then the sounds of Hermione and Weasel-bee getting up and leaving, shutting the door quietly behind them as they did. Draco was grateful that they left Harry and himself alone.
"Dragon?" Harry asked, putting his hand under Draco's chin, lifting his face so he could look into his eyes.
"Hmm?"
"You're not going to hurt me."
"How do you-" Draco started, but was cut off by Harry's lips on his.
"Dragon, I know how much you care about me," Harry said after he pulled back, swiping his thumb across the slender teens bottom lip, "you know how much I care about you. We both know that acting the way we've been action for the past six years in front of others will keep us together."
Draco bit his bottom lip again, then answered sullenly, "Yeah, but I don't have to like it."
Harry brushed Draco's bangs away from his face and smiled gently, "I know. I don't like it either. But just think," he paused to wink at the teen in his arms, "for every time that we're quote on quote 'mean' to each other, the better the make-up makeout session will be."
At that, Draco quirked an eyebrow at Harry playfully, then leaned in and kissed the Gryffindor fully on the lips. The kiss was gentle at first, no tongue, just lips pressing against lips. Harry trailed his hands from Draco's face to his neck, then slowly down his back and towards the blondes hips, Harry's favorite place to hold him. Feeling his heart flutter, Draco moved so that he was straddling Harry, lifting his arms so that they were wrapped around the other boy's neck as the kiss deepened. Tongues battled for dominance as hands caressed and breaths became ragged.
Draco slide his hands down Harry's chest until he found the buttons of the Gryffindor's shirt, deftly undoing them slowly as he arched into Harry's kisses. He got as far was Harry's waist before he found himself suddenly turned and flipped onto his back on the couch, his legs loosely wrapped around Harry's thighs. The raven haired teen turned his attention from Draco's lips to his neck, making his way achingly slow towards the other boy's collarbone as his hands began to unfasten Draco's own shirt. With every button that came undone, Harry kissed the pale exposed skin, pausing to nip lightly at Draco's nipples. That brought an undignified squeak from Draco, who squirmed under him.
"I'll never hurt you Dragon," Harry whispered suddenly as he ceased his attentions.
Draco groaned, "Shut-up Harry."
"You're so demanding, you know that?" Harry asked in an amused voice.
Draco found himself grinning, "Yeah, but that's what you love about me, right?"
Harry thought about that for a moment, before capturing Draco's lips in another soul searing kiss and replying, "Yeah... I do love you. I love everything about you," he paused when he saw Draco's look of utter surprise at his confession, "don't say anything back. Not unless you mean it. I don't want to hear it just cause I said it first."
Draco bit the inside of his lip to keep himself from grinning madly, but soon lost. The smile that played across his face couldn't be contained. "Harry, you always think about yourself, you know that? Just because you said something first, doesn't mean shite, and you know it. You're dealing with a Malfoy here, and we always get what we want," the slender blonde paused long enough to tilt his head up and kiss the tip of Harry's nose, "and what I want right now is to say that I love you back."
The reaction that Draco got from his own confession wasn't verbal, but then again, there wasn't really any need for words.
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"I can't believe that there's only two weeks until Christmas," Harry muttered as he tried to keep his eyes open during yet another one of Professor McGonagaul (I think I spelled that wrong... oops) boring lectures on how the seventh year students were to conduct themselves during their trip to Hogsmeade.
Ron sighed beside him as even Hermione stifled a yawn and absently picked a bit of lint off of Ron's jacket.
"We've been going to Hogsmeade for what, four, five years now? You'd think that we'd know the ground rules by now," Hermione muttered, much to the surprise of both Harry and Ron.
"Hermione!" Ron said incredulously, turning to the girl at his side.
Hermione shrugged, "What? Can't I say things like that?"
Harry laughed, "Herm, it isn't that you can't say things like that. It's just that you almost give us a heart attack when you do. We're so used to you telling us what not to say and doing the proper thing."
Snorting, the brunette replied, "I just think that it's a waist of time telling us something that we've had drilled into our heads since we were thirteen, that's all."
"If you say so..." Ron said, and Harry caught the look of adoration on his face when he looked at Hermione when he said it.
"Those two should just get a room and get it over with," came a soft voice from beside Harry.
Without turning, Harry replied, in his best get-lost-ferret-face voice, "Fuck off Malfoy, if you know what's good for you."
Draco laughed and reached behind him to pinch Harry's rear, "I'd love to Potter, you know that. But I'd rather have you to accompany me when I do..."
Harry felt his face flush, and he glanced around to see if anyone was watching the pair of them. Seeing no one looking in their direction, Harry turned his head to the side and looked down at Draco. "Malfoy, I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."
Draco smirked at Harry and folded his arms across his chest, looking utterly adorable with his new red scarf wrapped loosely up to his chin, his cheeks slightly pink from the chill. "Meet me at the Shrieking Shack at three o'clock..." lifting up on his toes, he whispered the last bit into Harry's ear, "and you just might get an early Christmas present..." he finished with a small lick to the side of Harry's neck.
Harry jolted. Had anyone seen that? He looked wildly around, and was surprised to find that Ron had moved so he was standing in front of Draco and himself, his back turned. With his height advantage and larger size, Ron made a very nice wall to hide behind.
"He comes in handy," Draco purred into Harry ear as he kissed the spot he had licked.
Harry now turned and grasped Draco tightly, kissing him quickly and pulling back, "I'll meet you at three Dragon."
Draco gave him a sweet smile, "Don't be late boyfriend mine."
Harry watched as his boyfriend sauntered through the crowds, snapping for Crabbe and Goyle to follow him and catch up while they were at it. Harry almost laughed at the way that Draco commanded them, but thought better of it, knowing full well that he himself would do anything for his Dragon.
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It was near two thirty when Harry, Ron and Hermione emerged from the Three Broomsticks, each of them shivering when they came out into the softly falling snow.
Hermione had her arms full of presents for her parents, as well as a few things for Harry and Ron that they, of course, were forbidden to see. Harry and Ron had done their Christmas shopping as well, as the three friends had split up when they first got to Hogsmeade. The only person that Harry hadn't bought anything for was Draco, as he had no clue what to give to someone who had everything that they wanted.
"Harry, aren't you supposed to be meeting Draco soon?" Hermione asked as they threaded their way towards the road that would lead them back up to the castle.
Nodding, Harry replied, "At three."
"Did you get him anything for Christmas yet?" his friend asked as she peered at his parcels.
Shifting them away from her with one arm, Harry pushed against her forehead with his free hand and said, "No peeking! And no, I haven't gotten him anything yet."
"Why?" was the answer.
Harry sighed, "He's already got everything he could possibly want. What is there left that I could get him?"
Ron thumped him on the back, "I'm gonna regret saying this, but, you Harry. The only thing you could possibly get the ferret is you."
"Ronald, don't call Draco ferret," Hermione scolded, "although he does have a point Harry. And as corny as it may sound, you are probably the only thing that Draco wants this year.'
Harry found himself flushing, and he dropped his head, "Come on you guys!" he complained.
"What?" his two friends said in unison.
"You make it sound like I should tie myself up in a ribbon and wait under the tree for him." Harry said.
Suddenly, both Ron and Hermione's eyes lit up.
"Oh... oh no! I am so not going to do that!" Harry yelled as he backed away from his advancing friends, who looked like they were about to pounce on him.
"I think that that is a marvelous idea Harry," Hermione said with a hint of mischief, "don't you think so Ron?"
To Harry's surprise, Ron nodded with glee, "Totally."
"You two are nutters!" Harry exclaimed, "do you really think that I'd-"
Hermione cut him off, "We could help you with the ribbon."
"How does blue ribbon sound?"
"Oh! What about if we did silver and red ribbon? That way he'd have both houses colors!"
"We could always wrap him in a box that he could get out of from the inside. You know, like one of those bachelor cakes that the strippers come out of?"
"That sounds brilliant!"
Harry closed his eyes and waved his free hand in the air madly, "Shut-up!! You two are never in a million years going to do that! I'd have to be completely insane to let you even get near me with ribbon!"
"I don't think he likes the idea of us near him with scissors..." Ron said with a grin at Hermione.
Laughing, Hermione nodded and put a finger to her chin, having transferred one bag to her other arm, "Too true Ron. Or maybe Harry's nervous about what Draco would say if he found him under his tree wearing nothing but a ribbon?"
"Who said anything about me being naked!" Harry replied, his voice cracking.
"No one," Hermione replied with a grin, "but that's a lovely idea as well. I'm sure that Draco would jump with joy if you did that. I bet he would give you anything in return..."
Harry almost dropped his things when he saw the look that she gave him. "You can't possibly be serious Hermione!"
"What? I would love it if my boyfriend did that for me," the brunette said thoughtfully, with a glance at Ron, "if I had a boyfriend."
Harry almost laughed when he saw the blush that spread over Ron's face. Draco was right, he thought, they should get a room, or at least admit that they have a thing for each other. He had spent the last three years at Hogwarts watching his two bestfriends pussy-footing it around each other, neither one having the courage to just grab the other, kiss them and say that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with them. For Harry knew that once Hermione and Ron were a couple, they would stay together. He was at the point where he was ready to tell them to stop their acting and just snog, or shag, with ever came first.
"Okay... I'm going to leave you two alone now..." Harry said as he turned towards the path that lead to the Shrieking Shack, "I'll see you later."
"See ya mate." Ron replied.
"Bye Harry, say hi to Draco for me."
Harry nodded and began his walk, listening to the distant voices of his friends the further he walked. It didn't take him long to reach the rickety structure, as it was still light enough to see clearly and the path was well worn. Once he climbed in through one of the windows, Harry went upsatirs and set his bags down on the dusty wooden floor before going over to the well worn couch against the far wall.
Checking his watch, Harry sighed. He still had fifteen minutes to wait for Draco. Leaning back, Harry closed his eyes and thought about his earlier conversation with Ron and Hermione. Maybe it was a good idea to do something along the lines of giving himself as a Christmas present, though definitely not in the way that they were thinking. He couldn't see himself being trussed up in ribbon and waiting all night for Draco to find him in the morning.
Running a hand through his hair, Harry sighed again and settled himself back further into the cushions of the sofa. He didn't realize he had fallen asleep until he felt a sudden warmth over him.
Opening his eyes and rubbing them, Harry found himself looking up into Draco's silver-gray eyes. Draco was currently straddling him and leaning against Harry's chest with his arms crossed and a grin on his face.
"You know, you look so cute when you're sleeping." The blonde said as he reached out a hand to brush Harry's bangs away from his forehead.
"Hmmph..." was Harry's response.
"How was your day of shopping?"
"How did you know I want shopping?" Harry asked.
"I saw the bags on the floor. Did you buy anything for me?" The weight on Harry shifted until Draco was stretched out along him, his head resting just under Harry's chin.
Lifting a hand, Harry ran his fingers through Draco's soft hair, enjoying the feeling, "Mmm... not yet."
"Why not?" Draco's voice suddenly sounded hurt.
Harry turned his head and kissed Draco's forehead, "Cause I have no idea what I could get the boy that has everything," he paused, then grinned, "although I do have an idea if you don't mind your gift being something that has a mind of it's own."
"Sounds interesting," Draco murmured, the hurt leaving his now tired voice, "does this gift come with toys?"
"...Maybe... you'll have to be a good boy to find out." Harry replied, pulling Draco tighter against himself.
"Promise."
"Did you go shopping today?" Harry asked.
"If you mean did I get dragged around for three hours by Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle, answering stupid questions like would this make my mother look fat... then yes. Yes I did go shopping," Draco said sourly, bringing a laugh from his boyfriend, "although I did get most of my own shopping done too. I just have you left. What do you want?"
"Besides a new family to live with, a miracle to let me see without glasses, a way to make my hair behave and a perfect score on my NEWTS? Nothing really." Harry replied with a thoughtful grin.
Draco snorted, "Well I don't think that I could do anything about those people you live with, or your marks in school, I might be able to help you with your hair and glasses."
"Seriously?"
Harry felt Draco nod against him, "Seriously. Though the glasses thing might take a while."
"I don't want you to go through any trouble Dragon," Harry answered, not really expecting Draco's reply, "I would be happy with just having you to spend Christmas with."
"Nonsense Harry, I want to do those things for you," The slender teen said, "now what's this about spending Christmas with me?"
Harry flushed. He had been thinking about asking Draco to stay with him over the holidays, even though he wasn't sure if Draco was going home or had other offers.
"Umm... I was wondering if you... wanted to stay with me?" Harry started, "that is, if you don't have any other plans."
There was a pause, then the feeling of Draco's lips on Harry's neck, followed by his answer, "I'd love to stay with you Harry."
"Even if we spend it in the Gryffidor tower?"
"Even if we spend it there. Actually, it would better if we did. The dungeons get too cold." Draco said, nuzzling Harry's shoulder, "It's be nice to have Christmas with people I care about, and seeing how I'm the only Slytherin staying this year, all the better for me."
"None of your friends are staying?" Harry asked.
"Nope. Just me."
"What about your parents?"
Shrugging, Draco replied, "Well, I'm currently not speaking to my father, and mother won't talk to me unless father is... So I'm sure as hell not going to go where I'm not wanted."
"...Oh..." was all Harry could say.
Draco sighed, "Don't feel sorry for me Harry."
"...I-"
"No more talk about this. It's depressing me," the blonde cut him off, "I'd rather just lay here with you and try and pry what my present is going to be out of you. Even if it involves torture"
Harry laughed, "Torture? With what?"
"You'll just have to be a good boy and wait to see." Draco said as he raised himself up on his elbow and peered down at the raven haired teen, leaning forwards after a moment to kiss him.
"Oh really?" Harry said breathlessly once Draco had pulled back. He wrapped his arms around Draco's slender waist and held him closer, kissing him again. "Sometimes I think you just like to see me squirm."
"Indeed I do. And I plan to make you squirm, scream and beg..." Draco said in a husky voice as he whispered into Harry's ear before nibbling on it.
"No doubt." was Harry's replied.
Draco kissed his way along Harry's jaw, then captured the green-eyed teens lips once more, brushing his tongue along Harry's lower lip, seeking entrance. It was freely given, and Harry moaned slightly as their tongues entwined with each other. He could feel Draco's hips grinding against his thigh as the shorter boy maneuvered himself so that one of his legs was in-between Harry's, his hands slowly trailing their way down Harry's sides. Raising his own hands, Harry held his boyfriend by his hips, his fingers slipping under Draco's jacket and under his sweater.
"Mmm... your fingers are cold..." Draco muttered against his mouth, and he suddenly bit down lightly on Harry's bottom lip when Harry made to move his hands, "I didn't say they couldn't be there."
Harry grinned and slide his hands up further, running them over Draco's back, "As you wish."
They kissed lazily for a while longer until Draco pulled away, his eyes shining with mischief.
"I think I'll save the rest for Christmas," he said as he abruptly stood, "I feel like playing in the snow."
Harry frowned at the lost of contact, but grinned when Draco mentioned playing in the snow, "I can just see you making a giant snake snowman, looking so cute with your-"
Draco cut him off, "Don't you dare say another word Harry, not if you want more make-out sessions."
Harry raised his hands in surrender, "Okay! Okay! No more cute references."
"Excellent. Now come on, I want to play before I come to my senses about how it's too cold out."
Harry laughed and stood, catching Draco around the waist as he was about to walk away, "I love that you're so excited Dragon..." he all but purred into his ear.
Draco instinctively leaned back against Harry's warmth, "I know," he twisted his neck, gave Harry a kiss and bolted for the door, "catch me!"
Shaking his head, Harry picked up his bag and followed Draco outside.
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Authors Note:
AWWW!! Couldn't you just see Draco in his over sized scarf flinging snow balls at Harry and building a crazy snake snow sculpture? In my mind he's in chibi form... (ehehe) Anyways.... REVIEW!!! I live for them!! Ta Ta.