No, I have not died. I am horrendously sorry that yall have been kept waiting so long. There is an epilogue, and I PROMISE it will be posted within a few days of this last chapter. Thanks for helping me with finishing my first multi-chapter story/fic :) I really appreciate it. And I love everyone who's betaed for me and who's read me and who's replied to me. MAHALO.

Chapter 10

Draco lay elegantly spread across the paisley chaise lounge chair, his eyes closed in ecstasy as the music played on. Tonight's selection was "Time," a rather silly but profound little tune. The walls were covered in various and sundry glam rock posters from the 70's. Most of them were of the Sex God himself, others were of his glitter-cohorts (Iggy and Lou.) Instead of listening in his room, he had decided that he needed privacy that could not be invaded with a simple 'alohomora.'

He had also chosen to hole up in the Room of Requirement until the talk died down that night.

Unfortunately, his peace was interrupted as a certain unkempt Gryffindor limped slowly through the door, clutching his sides.

"What are you doing here?" Draco demanded, putting the music on pause.

Harry paused, stood straight up, wincing slightly. His face took on a sarcastic look.

"Oh, you know, having a bit of a stroll 'til the bleedin' stops….." Harry coughed. "I was looking for you, you git."

"You're bleeding?" Draco's voice had a hint of concern. He had jumped up from the chair. Realizing this made him look concerned, he sat down and cleared his throat, hoping he wasn't too conspicuous. To be doubly sure, he turned the music back on, but at a much lower volume.

"No, you arse. But I was. Your bloody cronies saw that I got the beating of my life," he hobbled over to the couch opposite Draco's chair and slowly lowered himself onto it.

"They did, did they?" Draco sighed.

"Yeah. Followed me out to the quidditch pitch, they did. Decided I was disgracing you, and I should have to pay."

There was an awkward silence in which all that could be heard was the lazy piano of "Time" and Harry's labored breathing.

"You know, this is where the DA used to practice last year," Harry started, conversationally.

"Of course! Who didn't know?" Draco exclaimed rather loudly. He composed himself, then muttered, "well, except Umbridge. Stupid bint. Really had no idea about jack shit that was going on around this place. That's why she took us on as her 'Inquisitorial Squad'," that last bit spoken with an air of mock authority.

Harry breathed harder for a moment, which Draco soon realized was supposed to be laughter.

"You shouldn't be laughing," he pointed out. Then in a softer voice, Draco said, "Look, about earlier…"

"It's alright mate. You don't need to apologize," Harry said. He slowly sat himself up straighter, his eyes trying to catch the gaze of the boy in front of him.

"I wasn't going to apologize. You were a right git to run away like that. What's with you and running away, these days? What happened to confronting the problem head on, like you did before?"

"Maybe I'm tired of doing that! Besides, the only thing that counted for is done in my life. Voldemort is gone. I can live my life perfectly fine now, without having to deal with confrontation," Harry ranted, not realizing how stupid he sounded.

"You are even more dense than I thought," Draco huffed, walking over to a window. It wasn't a real window because the Room of Requirement was in the center of the castle, but it was enchanted to look out over the lake. "This doesn't count? This isn't worth your time?" he said finally, gesturing between the two of them.

Harry's heart sank as the meaning took hold.

"If you haven't already figured out, I have become quite fond of you," Draco stated. "But you can forget about everything unless you're willing to work with me on this."

Harry grinned.

"Didn't you hear what I just said? You need to work with me, work being the key word here," Draco continued.

"You're fond of me," Harry grinned again.

"Oh shove off, that's not the important thing," Draco sighed, exasperated. "First of all, I'd like you to instigate public displays of affection every now and then. I do not want people thinking that we are monks. Second of all, a compliment here and there wouldn't hurt. And last of all, you simply must stop running from things. If we have problems, we need to talk them out."

Harry laughed.

"Since when have you been the poster-boy for communication?" He laughed so hard his ribs began aching again. It took him a minute or two for the pain to subside. When it did, he looked back up at Draco. "And actually, the fondness is important. Now, will you help a gimp up please?" Harry begged.

Draco sighed wistfully. It seemed that everything would eventually work itself out, as it was obvious that all would not be fixed now. He held out his hands to the petulant Gryffindor. Harry grabbed them and with a pull, he was to his feet. His head suddenly became dizzy though, and he found himself resting it on Draco's shoulder.

"Oi.. Stood up too fast, I guess."

"S'ok," Draco whispered, wrapping his arms around Harry, careful not to squeeze any bruises. They held each other for a moment until Harry was fine. Both boys pulled apart and looked at one another. An understanding passed between them that warmed them both. Their faces began leaning forward just as the door opened.

"And this is the Room of Requirement, ladies and gentleman," came a familiar, squirrelly voice. "This room is extra special because….. OH MY GOODNESS!" The moment of the pause was when Colin Creevey's head made it through the door. It swung wide open and the tender scene was shown to all. At least 20 people, mainly females, stood wide-eyed and mouths gaping open.

Draco's eyes darted to Harry's face, worried there would be panic in it. Instead of panic, there was a mischievous glint in the boy's eyes.

"Let's give the papers something to write about," he whispered excitedly, and then proceeded to lip-lock the stunned blonde in what could rank among the top five most passionate kisses ever. Well, in the 20th century, that is.

The tourists broke into applause and then they and Colin finally left after several more flashes of the camera. Draco pulled away, gasping for breath. The green eyes before him glittered with fire.

The fire began to infect Draco too. He began to feel a bit feverish, but not in the flu-way. With a wicked grin on his face, Draco leaned in once more and hissed, "Hot tramp, I love you so."

Once again, I repeat, there is an Epilogue. It has been written, it is in beta right now, but it will be out in a day or two. My poor beta is in college too, so she needs a bit longer than normal.