Weeks passed by, and nothing seemed to change incredibly much. Harry was more withdrawn, rarely seen besides in class, Draco was still the Prince of Slytherins, getting no less attention, and neither spoke once. Draco snuck glances at his love occasionally, but Harry's eyes were always watching straight ahead, giving Draco no attention.

Draco felt more and more uncomfortable and upset as they days passed by, wondering when he would speak to Harry once more. A few nights after their last conversation he woke up suddenly in bed; startled and sweating. His hands were shaking violently, as he inhaled sharply, feeling as if he could barely breath. It was overwhelming, yet nothing new – these attacks came to Draco whenever he was in deep stress, yet it did not happen often. He just seemed to feel worse and worse since then, but during school he of course pretended to be his normal self. His close friends though, such as Pansy and Blaise, could tell something was slightly off, but neither dared to approach him just yet. That is, until tonight.

"Draco!" Pansy smiled and flopped down on the forest-green couch next to him. Draco smirked while raising an eyebrow.

"What is it now? You wish for more money? Or, maybe, you want me to set you up with a new someone?" Pansy laughed at his question and playfully hit his shoulder.

"Draco! Don't be mean to me." He raised his eyebrow again, and she quickly added, "It was none of those. I just… just wanted to see how you were doing."

"And why would you wonder such a thing?"

"Well I don't know, I suppose I've been a bit worried about you." Draco snorted at her comment, yet a nervous feeling filled his body.

"HA, worried? About?"

"Just your well-being. You seem a bit… off. And also, you haven't exactly been your normal 'flirt-with-everyone-and-torture-them-because-they-know-I-wont-shag-them' self." Draco chuckled, rolling his eyes. It was true he loved to bat his eyelashes at certain people and make them fall for him, because it was fun having everyone trail after him. Lately though, because of Harry, he didn't exactly feel up to it.

"Well I suppose I haven't been flirting. But did you ever think it maybe be because I have found someone?"

"A lover? Or a girlfriend?" Pansy seemed to get excited at the new information.

"Neither, actually…" Draco's gaze lowered to his lap as he fidgeted with his hands nervously.

"Then what could it be?" Draco shrugged, worried his close friend would treat him they way Ron treated Harry.

"Draco, tell me!"

"Maybe a … boyfriend? I don't know if he… if he could be called my boyfriend just yet, though." Draco timidly looked upwards, meeting her stare.

"Oh, Draco… you know how your father would react to this? Hell, you know how Voldemort would react? You'd be immediately killed! He would never stand to have a gay death eater, you know." Pansy voice was dropped to a whisper now, but Draco (who had flinched when she spoke You-Know-Who's name) could tell she wasn't upset with him – just uncertain and slightly concerned.

"I've been meaning to talk to you about that, actually…"

"Talk to me about what? Death eaters?"

"Yes. I don't know if I exactly wish to receive the dark mark anymore… I – oh I don't know how to really say this. I just do not see the death eaters and You-Know-Who as I used to. I'm not as naïve, you know? You-Know-Who is a failure, I have realized. He fell from his high status of power and fear because of a mere infant, and Harry has hurt him countless times after that. The Light side is growing stronger; we will be defeated soon, Pansy. I don't think this is the life for me anymore."

"Draco – what does Potter have anything to do to with this?" Draco's eyes widened at her question, and he stuttered to respond before she cut him off.

"Draco… don't tell me Harry Potter is the one you are seeing… I know he is gay, but I didn't think you would… stoop low enough for that…" Pansy's voice was dangerously low, and Draco could tell this conversation was not heading anywhere good.

"Technically I'm not seeing him," Draco mumbled, and Pansy squeaked.

"Draco! This is TOO much! Not only are you gay, but with none other than the Golden Boy, who has happened to convert you to the Light side!" She hissed angrily.

"Why does it matter what my sexual preference is? Why does it matter what his is? And most of all, why the fuck does it matter who I see? It does not affect you at all," Draco spat back just as viciously.

"It matters who you see because he has changed you! You idolized your father and other death eaters so much, you wanted to be the damn next Dark Lord – and now… and now you want to defend your little weak boyfriend?" His anger began rising quickly as she finished her sentence.

"Harry is not weak. He will defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He will. And all of you will die; all of you filthy, horrible, naïve followers. Why can you not see it? The one you worship and follow is no one great, he has done nothing but cause us pureblood witches and wizards, pain! He has killed our families for the stupidest reasons. My mother died at his hands… I may agree with his views on mudbloods, I may agree the wizarding race should be kept pure, but I do not agree with his tactics and methods of getting there." Draco's face was flushed as he finished speaking, and Pansy just glared at him. Without a word she stood up and walked out of the common room.

Hours later Draco lay in his bed, running his finger lightly across his bottom lip, thinking about the kiss he shared with Harry. He knew Harry Potter was known for being promiscuous, but he felt as if that kiss meant as much to Harry as it did to him. His mind in some other world, Draco dragged his fingers lightly over his chest, up and down slowly, giving his stomach and arms goosebumps. Slowly he moved his hand down slightly lower, feeling rather aroused by the thought of Harry pressing against him like that night. He could almost feel Harry's hands on the back of his neck, pulling him closer and tighter. Draco bit his lip as he moved his hand under the cover to his erection; still imagining the way Harry pressed their groins together. He gasped slightly, stroking himself faster, feeling more passion inside at the image of Harry with his eyes closed and moaning quietly.

"Draco, you in 'ere, mate?" Blaise called out as he opened the door to their dormitory. 'Shit!' Draco though to himself as he stopped quickly and sat up, feeling thankful it was dark enough for Blaise to not see his bright pink cheeks. The blonde pulled back the curtains from his bed, and gave a quick smile to his friend.

"Hi, Blaise."

"Draco, are you doing all right? Pansy told me about earlier…" At those words Draco's mood darkened.

"I take it you're upset with my decision as well?"

"I … I just don't think it's smart. I have this sick feeling your father might do something about it," Blaise looked to the ground, hoping his words would help persuade Draco.

"Like killing me?"

"Well I didn't want to be so blunt about it, but yeah," Blaise offered a weak smile.

"I can take him, he is not much stronger or bigger than I," Draco let himself fall back on his bed, not looking at the brunette.

"You're serious about this joining forces with the Light side stuff?"

"Honestly? Yes, Blaise, I am quite serious." Blaise muttered something under his breath about the 'bothersome Gryffindor boy', and Draco growled in dismay.

"It is not because of him… leave Harry out of this." He sat up in his bed, and faced Blaise. His once close friend stood there eyeing him, but did not speak. He nearly studied Draco's face, taking note of the anger and protectiveness in his eyes. Draco had changed in the past few weeks; something silently overcame him, faster than a sickness could have. It was more than a little crush… Blaise knew the stupid Gryffindor meant more to Draco than he let on. Why else would he be willing to turn his back on his friends and family, not to mention his life?

"You're in love with him." Blaise stated, his tone emotionless and voice quiet. Draco gave a him a long, hard stare before answering.

"No, I am not."

"Draco, I know you too well.. and I know you're in love."

"Blaise, you do not know what you are talking about. I could never fall in love with a Gryffindor so opposite of me." Draco wasn't sure if his words were entirely true, but he knew for a fact it wasn't completely a lie.

"You always watch him, and don't deny it – I've seen you. You look at him when you think no one will notice. The way you look at him… it's like you just want him to comfort you or something. I know that look, trust me, I do. I just never really thought much of it, until Pansy told me about your relationship with him, and then it made much more sense. Draco… please… why does it have to be him? This is your last chance, dear friend, this is your last chance to change your mind and have us forget about this mess. Tell me now that you will end it with him, and tell me you will stay with us all and become a death eater. If not… then I am not accountable for what may happen in the future." Blaise looked at him sympathetically, and Draco's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Did you just threaten me?"

"Did I?"

"Leave. Me. Alone." Draco said carefully and slowly as he proceeded to stand up and leave Blaise alone in the dormitory. He felt so enraged, he needed someone to vent to, and the two most perfect people for that just happened to be playing chess in the common room, absorbed in their game. 'Crabbe and Goyle are too dense to form their own opinions, they won't let me,' Draco smirked to himself as he approached them.

"'Ello Crabbe, Goyle." Draco managed to sound pleasant as he nodded in their direction. Goyle looked upwards at him and scowled as Crabbe frowned deeply. Neither said a word, and began to play again, leaving Draco speechless. For a moment he stood there, mouth gaping, but he soon left in a hurry. Was it just his imagination, or did he seem to be heading towards the social status Harry now had?