--- A/N: Nope, I'm afraid there's no bitchy email for anyone :p I should've added this before, but C & C are always welcome. Now bear this longer, full-of-crap chapter. Like it or not, READ IT! I insist.

Phase 4-B – Love Without Reason

The next hour the four elders in the Headmaster's office discussed the future arrangement for Draco and Harry regarding their inseparable case. Meanwhile the two boys themselves mainly kept silent, only replied a few words whenever someone asked them.

Before she left the office, Narcissa motioned to Harry to come near her. Draco was left with Snape and Lupin across the room. Standing face to face, the woman and the boy appraised each other. Harry hadn't seen her for some times. The last time they met was after the Granger Incident, when Narcissa kept visiting his son in Hogwarts Infirmary. She was beautiful, Harry realized, cold but really beautiful. Like her son.

Narcissa looked inquisitively at Harry and asked, "This is impertinent considering we haven't been introduced properly before, but I must ask you this. How do you feel about my son, Harry?"

Harry slightly blushed, but his simple answer was certain and definite, filled with self-assurance. "I love Draco. I'll do anything to make him happy. And I swear I'll protect him from everything."

It satisfied Narcissa greatly although she didn't show it. She knew sincerity when she saw one. Still, that wasn't enough. "Easier said than done. Draco is the most precious thing in my life. I will never give him up to anyone so easily. Let me tell you a secret, I accept you only because this bond is irrevocable. But soul mates rubbish never convinces me. I know you are a better choice than Pansy. You appreciate him and Draco said himself he likes you better than her. Yet, you and he are like fire and ice, living in two polar worlds. Draco is a little spoiled, it was my fault actually. But he is a sweet boy although quite sensitive. Can you accept him wholly with all his faults?"

"Don't worry, Mrs Malfoy. We are different, but that has nothing to do with my heart's decision to love him. I know him quite well, I treasure him still, and I love him for who he is."

"You and Draco were enemies for some years, and now you love him. How could you be so sure your feeling for him would not change again in the future?"

Harry didn't budge. "Because like you Ma'am, Draco is the most precious thing in my life. I can't say why or how, but I know it will never change. No matter what will happen."

Narcissa fixed him a freezing look. "Surely you know as well, Harry Potter, that I will never let you go if you ever hurt my baby. When it happens, you will wish you were never born."

"If I ever hurt Draco, I'll wish I were never born without anyone needs to harm me first. The truth is, if I or anyone else hurts him, it will be I who hurt the most."

They regarded each other before Narcissa's stern expression relaxed. "I am pleased to hear that, Harry, and I will be more pleased if you can be as good as your words. I hold to your words now, I trust you can take care of my son. But strangely I have a feeling Draco doesn't know about what you feel for him. Have you told him that already?"

"No, Ma'am. I actually have never told him about my feelings. But I will definitely tell him after this. Besides, Draco in fact knows about it."

"With how you look at him, everybody who is not blind will know." A kind smile broke on Narcissa's face and she added, "One more thing, young man. After this, you should start getting used to calling me Mother." Harry felt warm and happy with this woman. So she wasn't a complete snob like what he had thought before. Draco must love her so much. He smiled back with his disarming smile and nodded.

Draco watched his mother's interaction with Harry. Harry's back was facing him, but he saw his mother smiling blissfully. He wondered what Harry had said to her to make her so happy. Narcissa's reaction to this whole matter was contrary to what he had expected before. He was surprised that his mother thought very highly of one Harry Potter. Was it just a figment of his imagination that Harry Potter was Malfoys' foe?

:::::::::::::::::oooooooooooooooooooooooooo:::::::::::::::::

Narcissa eventually left Harry and went towards her son. Draco escorted his mother outside. They walked together down the stairs and along the hallway, towards the school gate where Narcissa could apparate home from there.

"How do you think of Harry, Mother?" Draco asked rather cautiously, but trying to sound casual.

"He is nice, Draco. Not very suave, but he is definitely sincere in his attitude. I like him," Narcissa squeezed his hand. "He really loves you, you know?"

"Anyone can say the same thing."

"No, it's not about the words he said. I saw it from him, from his eyes, his expression, and his posture. I know he means what he said."

"What did he say to you before?"

Narcissa smiled. "Why don't you ask him yourself? Oh, I believe he would tell you very soon, anyway."

They reached the gate a few minutes later. Narcissa kissed Draco's cheek and disapparated. Draco stood unmoving for a moment before he turned back. Harry had been waiting for him already at the double doors to Entrance Hall.

"Your mother is a nice person," Harry commented as Draco approached him.

"She said the same thing about you."

"Really? She likes me than?" Harry's smile couldn't be wider. Draco stopped his step in front of his fiancé.

"Everybody likes you, Potter," he replied simply.

"Do you?"

Draco didn't answer. He was thinking about what he really felt when he noticed Harry wearing his open robe rather askew. Being stylish didn't always mean being neat. Spontaneously Draco reached the crooked front and slid it up to align the robe. He was just about to withdraw his hand when Harry captured it. Draco's eyes widened as his left hand was brought to Harry's lips. This was what would've happened on the train that time if only Hermione hadn't interrupted them.

Harry half-closed his eyes and pressed his lips to Draco's palm. He trailed firm kisses all over the pale skin of Draco's palm down to the wrist. Draco was watching his affectionate gesture with dazed grey eyes and slightly open mouth. He felt a shiver run along his spine. The lips on his hand were moist and very soft, and the other two hands which held his were warm. Harry was now kissing his fingers tenderly. Draco whispered hoarsely, "Somebody might see us."

Harry slowly released Draco's hand. Draco felt his hand was a bit damp and warm, but it didn't occur to his mind to wipe or wash, or disinfect it. He forced his weakened legs to move inside the castle. Harry followed him closely.

"How many hours left that we still have to separate?" Draco asked without turning his head.

"Oh, I don't know. More than 50 I think."

"Do you have plan for today?"

"Just Quidditch practice two hours later. Draco, let's go to my room."

Draco halted and turned slightly to Harry. "Why not my room? The new one." They had arranged that Draco would have a new room located just 50 metres from the Head Boy's chamber.

Harry shrugged. "It doesn't matter actually. I just want to spend some time with you right now. I have something to tell you."

"Your room then. I want to set up my new room first before I let anyone else in."

Harry nodded and led both of them to his chamber.

:::::::::::::::::oooooooooooooooooooooooooo:::::::::::::::::

Draco had never been inside Harry's room before. But he knew the location, and he especially liked that Liondragon painting which was the entrance of the room. Harry spoke the password to the painting, "Angeldust", and they both walked inside.

Draco looked at the new surroundings. The room was big and impressive. It was a combination of sitting-room and bedroom. The sitting-room resembled a small common room, contained a leather sofa, two cuddly suede armchairs, and a wine-coloured Victorian chaise longue in front of an imposing fireplace, with cream plushy thick carpet covering the floor. One side of the walls was constructed as bookshelves, forming a private library. The bedroom adjacent to the sitting-room had a large four-poster bed with maroon velvet eiderdown duvet, satin sheet, and eiderdown pillows. A marble study table was located near the windows. There was a door to the bathroom near a large oak wardrobe. Every piece of furniture in this place was lush and carved elegantly, and the whole room had a faint fragrance of patchouli. If there weren't scattered clothes and parchments everywhere, and the duvet was made tidily, this royal chamber would never relate to Harry Potter.

"Potter, you're… sleazy," Draco felt the need to comment.

Harry grinned sheepishly. He watched Draco walk about the room and examine the things there, mostly the books. When the neatness-obsessed Malfoy started to collect the strewn clothes, Harry rushed to his side and took the clothes from him.

"Leave them. I'll tidy up later. Now let's just talk or spend some quality time together."

Draco eventually looked up at Harry. Harry thought his grey eyes were currently like rain-bearer cloud. Without preamble, Draco spoke up in a level voice, but the concern was evident behind it.

"Aren't you afraid about this bonding condition? You heard them before: If I die, you'll die as well."

"I prefer saying it in the other way round. If you don't die, I won't die either."

Draco snorted. "Don't you think one day I'll go bonkers and use this chance to help Voldemort despite being dead myself?"

Harry didn't answer but he smiled at his grumbling fiancé, his eyes reflected a serene faith which made Draco's inside rumble. This was just like his experience with Dumbledore. He wondered why some events recently kept repeating in front of him, and whether Harry was Dumbledore's lost relative. They sometimes resembled each other too much. Draco banished the scary thought and decided to move on with more important point.

"How come you trust me so much? Is that true what Hermione said, that you l…"

"Stop right there! Don't say it, Draco. Forget whatever Hermione or other people might have said to you. Let me the one who'll tell you that."

Draco eyed him strangely. Harry inhaled, and looked up directly to his fiancé's eyes. Suddenly he became so nervous in front of Draco's twin pools of mercury. All the poetic words he had compiled before flew away from his memory. Gaping for a few seconds, unable to utter a word, Harry decided to just express whatever he felt that time by his limited vocabulary. It was not an easy task, considering his feelings were indescribable whenever he was looking at Draco. But despite stumbling for the right words, he managed to spoke out what he always wanted to say to Draco.

"Euhh, I… Draco, this must sound corny or even barmy. But I'm serious about you, eh I… I mean… when I was told that you'd been bound to me for ever, I felt like I was dreaming the most perfect dream and never wanted to wake up. My joy about it was… is… ineffable. This is all I ever want, to be with you, to love you and protect you from anything. You're… I always find it that you're beautiful beyond words. I always want to look at you, to hear your voice, to touch you, to just be close to you, to see you happy, to make you happy. Draco Malfoy, I swear to you. I love you now and for ever. I dare to say that no one else would ever love you more than I do. For you, I'll die and thousand other things."

Draco smiled, feeling light-headed as the earnest emotions behind Harry's words assaulted him. "Potter, you hopeless, romantic fool. But you can't die, silly. Or I'll die with you."

Harry smiled back, he felt relieved that at least Draco thought he was romantic. "Of course."

A brief silence. "Why?"

Harry leaned closer at Draco's sudden whisper. The fair-haired boy had been looking at him with penetrating gaze. "Why what?"

"Why would you die and thousand other things for me? What have I done that makes you feel like this to me?"

"There's no reason for that, Draco. I love you for who you are. For whoever you will become. I can't say what makes me love you, I just do. But I can tell you when I began to realize this and why. Remember the attack in Hogsmeade on January, when I killed a Death Eater? That was the moment when I realized I loved you, more than just a friend, more than everything. I didn't care a bit that I'd just killed a man, only because with that way I had saved your life. You were the only one mattered, the only one important. It scared the hell out of me at the beginning, but I couldn't deny or repress it. This feeling even got stronger from time to time till I know that the only one I ever want is you. I wanted to tell you my feelings, but I was scared that you would reject me and sever our friendship. Also, I was too shy to make a pass at you."

He desisted before adding that he knew about Draco's feelings for Hermione. Harry took a breath and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. "It's been a sweet torture for me. Looking at you from distance at every chance I had, trying to make you notice me, finding any excuse to approach you and remain close to you. You always look so beautiful, so angelic. I really had a hard time not to jump you every time you were blushing, smiling, or pouting. You're so irresistible that way, you know. But basically I always want to jump you anytime I see you."

Stepping closer, Harry brought his hand up and traced Draco's jaw line lovingly. Draco was silent, he had averted his eyes from Harry and blushed that pretty pink blush. Harry continued speaking in lower voice, his breath drifted over Draco's face. "I wonder what kind of means I should have so you'll let me jump you now."

Draco took one step back, trying not to run away. "Any means will do, Potter. We're engaged now. But I hope you appreciate enduring this sweet torture till another time."

"Please, call me Harry. You don't call your fiancé with his surname."

"Fine."

Silence. Harry stared at him, obviously expecting something. Draco raised an eyebrow.

"Say it," Harry urged. Draco sighed but relented.

"Harry. Happy now?"

Harry smiled widely. Draco practically spat his name, but it sounded surprisingly sexy. Everything came from Draco was sexy, Harry decided.

"Okay, Harry," Draco emphasized on Harry's name, trying to sound sarcastic but instead he just made the black-haired boy's smile broader. "I've looked up this Amora Aevus in some books. They all say we're supposed to be soul mates. It's been proven anyway with your undying love declaration."

"I mean every word."

Draco waved his hand dismissively. "Yes, Pot… Harry darling, I know. You love me. The point is now what I'm supposed to feel about you."

"You don't love me."

Draco looked at Harry and spoke quietly, "I didn't say that."

"What are you going to say then?"

"That I can learn to love you. Hermione said you are easy to be loved."

"What if I'm not?"

"She didn't say so. Besides she has asked me to try…"

Harry interrupted him, "Why are you always listening to Hermione?"

Draco stared and replied speculatively, "You know why."

"Because she is the Head Girl?"

"…"

"Because she knows everything and she's never wrong?"

"…"

"Because she is very pretty?"

"…"

"Because you love her."

Draco maintained the eye contact. "Yes, I do." Harry's expression didn't change after the quiet confession, and Draco was quite bothered because he thought Harry didn't care, or worse: was too angry. However, Harry suddenly caught both his hands and drew him closer. Draco felt Harry squeeze his hands and the black-haired boy smiled a sad but determined smile, one which promised a million things for him.

"I'll learn to love you. You're going to help me forget her," Draco spoke quietly. Harry nodded.

"I know about your feeling for Hermione. If you have ever wondered why I appeared to be always blocking your attempt to get closer to her, now you know why."

Draco pulled his hands from Harry's grasp. He muttered, "There are still lots of other things I ever wondered about you that I still don't know. You and Hermione are so different."

"Of course we're different. For one example, I'm in love with you, she's not. Don't compare me with her."

Draco wrinkled his brows with sad expression. Harry was probably right. Even if he weren't, he would still have no hope with Hermione after the bond. "I didn't try to compare anyone. It just I know a lot of things about her. But I hardly know you. I don't know what things you like or don't like, your habits, your way of thinking, anything like that."

"It can be dealt with a simple heart-to-heart conversation. Between you and me. We ask each other what we want to know, and we answer the question as truthful as possible."

"Yes, that would do nicely I think. We didn't usually have much conversation before this, did we Harry?" Draco smiled. Harry refrained from grabbing the face and kissing the hell out of Draco's luscious lips.

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So their tell-the-truth game began. They sat facing each other on the armchairs in front of the fireplace, then took turns in asking and answering various things about their personal lives. Draco had memorized Harry's favourite foods, books, hobbies (besides Quidditch), animals (dogs... how common), songs, daily routines, and now was the time for…

"What's your favourite colour?" 'Please not red and gold…'

"Red and gold." Seeing Draco's pained expression, Harry grinned and amended, "Just kidding. I like red, but my favourite colours are silver and black."

"Silver?"

"The colour of your eyes."

Draco snorted. "And black is for your hair?"

Harry smiled wistfully. "Not really. Sirius Black was my godfather."

Draco lowered his head and said guiltily, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It had nothing to do with you. Well, he was your first cousin once removed, I should be sorry for you too. Besides, I like black just because it's a cool colour."

"Okay then."

Since Harry didn't say anything, Draco looked up to him and prompted, "Now is your turn."

"What is your greatest fear, Draco?"

"You mean like phobia? I'm claustrophobic."

"I've suspected that. But I actually wanted to know the thing that scares you until you'd rather die than let it happen." Harry watched Draco closely, and the blond boy returned his gaze while he answered.

"I'm scared of my father. I'm scared that something awful would befall my mother after she protected me. I'm scared that I would lose people I love. I'm scared about the war against Voldemort." His voice turned into whispers. "I'm scared of dying. I'm scared of being hurt, mentally and physically."

"That's what every human's scared of," Harry said quietly. Draco nodded and asked, "What about you? What is your greatest fear?"

"That I won't be able to make you happy."

After waiting for Harry to continue, Draco asked, "That's all?"

"That's what I'm afraid of the most. But like you, I'm scared of a lot of things. Before our engagement, my greatest fear was that I was going to lose you."

Draco didn't reply. So Harry threw the next question, "Whom do you think you don't want to lose the most?"

That was another method of asking whom he loved the most. Draco looked at the fireplace and closed his eyes. "I don't want to answer it."

Harry put his hand on Draco's knee, seeking his attention. When Draco looked back at him, Harry fastened his gaze on the grey eyes in front of him. "I understand. I think I know who it is. Tell me if I'm wrong, but this person you don't want to lose the most – I will change it."

Draco chewed his lips and then he nodded lightly. He had said he would learn to love Harry, and this was the time to let go. He noticed that Harry had never asked him trivial questions about his basic likings, as if he had known them already. "Do you know what my favourite foods are?"

"Salmon steak, turkey sandwich, strawberry cheese cake, and black chocolate. Am I right?"

"Euh, yeah. Add tuna salad as well. Were you stalking me?"

"Not really. I just always paid attention to you and your life-style. Shouldn't it be my turn to ask?"

"No. You've asked 'Am I right' before. And now you've just lost another turn. Did you try to -gulp- kiss me yesterday?

"Yes, I did. I'm sorry, I was too ecstatic after Dumbledore told me about our engagement. It relieved me you didn't decide to curse me at once."

"I forgot."

"Hmm. I'm glad you forgot then. Did I scare you, Draco?"

"Not really." A blatant lie. But Harry shouldn't ask him if he had already known the true answer. Draco turned his next question over in his mind.

"Have you ever found another boy attractive?"

"Only you." Draco raised an eyebrow, but he realized Harry was telling the truth. Harry never seemed attracted to any other boys according to his observation. But since when Draco observed Harry? 'He was a rival till last night, remember?'

Harry smiled. Draco thought that he looked very beautiful when he smiled. Perhaps because of the displayed warmth and affection behind his smile.

"So this is my turn then."

Draco waited and leaned closer because Harry didn't say anything. But when he eventually spoke, Draco plonked back to his seat.

"Are you a virgin?"

Draco answered in a hiss, "Yes."

He saw Harry smirking, and before he could stop himself he blurted, "Are you?"

"A virgin? Unfortunately no, I'm not."

Draco wanted to punch Harry's face for that disappointing answer. He had hoped that Harry would say yes, but this was the Hogwarts Sex God we were talking about. Little chance he hadn't had a few trysts to earn him such a prestigious title. Then Draco saw something akin to remorse and shame in Harry's eyes and the boy wasn't smiling any more. Harry didn't seem too happy himself with his situation.

'Well, at least not all of us will be clueless on our first night,' Draco tried to see it from the positive side. Then he blushed at the thought of their first night.

"Do you want to know about it?" Harry asked hesitantly.

Draco mulled over it for while. Did he want to know? He didn't know if he could handle it if he met the person Harry had slept with in the future, but he was curious, as well as jealous. Harry was his fiancé after all. He decided he should know, if this person was someone he didn't like, he would hex her… or him, whatever. "Tell me."

Harry took a deep breath. "My first time was with Cho. She was my girlfriend that time, and we were a bit… needy."

Completely forgetting his crush on Cho, Draco vowed to curse the girl next time he met her for corrupting Harry. Needy my arse!

"And then there was Luna…"

"Lovegood? You bedded her? Have you no taste?"

"I was drunk. We both were drunk; it was after a wild party. Besides, she's not that bad. I like her, platonically."

"But still… Lovegood… she…"

Harry watched Draco holding back a tear. He realized that Draco wasn't actually protesting his taste in bed partners, but he was disturbed because Harry appeared to really like Luna and they were quite close in the present.

"I'm sorry, Draco. Let me tell you the truth. Luna thought I was Ron at that time, and I… I didn't really remember that night. There was no actual emotion attached to our… incident."

Draco was silent. His head had been lowered. He was torn between throwing a fit to fret Harry as punishment, and accepting this past time fact like a man. But a loony girl had beaten him to sleeping with Harry, a fiancé he didn't choose by himself... he wanted to laugh at his own fate.

Harry continued, "However, after I realized my feeling for you, I've never slept with anyone. I only thought about you." He heard a noise resembling a mix of snort and sniff as the reply. He felt tortured as he realized he had made Draco upset, yet this jealousy Draco displayed was a good sign showing that he cared for Harry. "Draco…"

"Whose turn is it now?"

"Uh, I think it's yours. But let me ask something first, Draco. Are you angry with me?"

"No, I'm not. It wasn't your fault you've lost your virtue before you reached 17. At least you didn't sleep with Ginny Weasley," Draco grumbled at the last phrase. "I'm a jealous person, don't mind me."

"I can't do that. Your feelings are important for me, I consider you above anything else. Please, Draco. Tell me, what am I supposed to do to make you feel better? I'll do anything, I swear."

Draco sat quietly for a moment, while Harry watched him intently. Draco could feel Harry's apprehension and felt sorry for the black haired boy. If only he weren't such a possessive brat…

"Give me a private singing performance like you did in my birthday party. But I demand more than one song, and different from that last one." Harry's face brightened perceptibly. Draco couldn't help smiling. His Gryffindor fiancé was never able to mask his current emotional state. "I promise," Harry said. He reached for Draco's hand and Draco let him.

"What do you think is the best part of my body?" Draco asked. He was curious at what Harry might see in another boy like him after he slept with a girl as pretty as Cho. But he immediately wanted to withdraw it, what kind of vain question was that? And he sounded like lacking in self-esteem. However, Harry didn't seem to think it as vain or anything. He entwined his fingers to Draco's and squeezed with fondness.

"Oh, Draco. I told you I see you as beautiful beyond words. I think every part of your body is the best part."

"Thanks. You're really good in boosting other people's confidence, you know. If it weren't against my principle, I would grant you house points."

Harry grinned at Draco's sarcastic praise. "Is there anything you like from me?"

"We're not talking about your personality, right? Because frankly I dislike all your Gryffindor virtues. But I like your eyes. It's so… Slytherin."

"Yeah, actually I referred to my personality. But thanks for your compliments – about my virtues and my eyes. By the way, I'm not as holy as you might think."

"Oh, I know it. Still, you're a self-righteous, brave-but-stupid, incorruptible prat. Who cares about a few sinful qualities you possess, they have already been overridden by your noble merit."

"I take it as another compliment. Your turn now." This time it was Draco who kept silent for a long time. Then in a rather timid voice he blurted it out.

"Do you still love me now?"

Harry's eyes widened. "Of course I do! What… why did you ask that?"

"I can't believe that, Harry. I don't understand what you've seen in me. This… this won't work! We have nothing in common, except maybe Quidditch."

"I've told you I need no reason to fall in love with you. I…"

Draco interrupted him, "Maybe you were just taken by my illusory image after I saved one of your best friends."

Harry shook his head. "No. I know what I feel, Draco. It's not a delusion or anything. It's real. It's greater than anything I've ever felt before."

"Would you still love me even if I suddenly turned ugly and detestable?"

"Yes, I would. No matter how ugly and detestable you turned into, for me you would always be beautiful. Besides, if you became ugly, you must be the one who would hate it the most. So I'd try everything to turn you back to normal. And I would never stop struggling until you are satisfied."

He was overwhelmed by Harry's sincerity, but refused to give in. "Liar."

"Draco, I hate to say this. But, if it were Hermione who turned ugly and detestable, would you still love her?"

"Yes. Does this mean I love her as much as you love me?"

"I don't know. I wish I could say no, but this is your feeling we're talking about. But believe me, Draco. I love you without any reason, therefore even if you changed into the most despicable person, even if you suddenly decided to become the new Dark Lord, I can't and I won't stop loving you. No matter what, I want only the best for you. I will do anything; I will give up everything, to make you happy."

Draco couldn't say a thing for a few moments. This was just too good to be true, to have someone who loved him as much as Harry. Then he whispered, "Love like that exists only in fairy-tales."

"You don't know that. Give me a chance, and I'll prove my words to you."

Draco bit his bottom lip. His next words were still spoken softly, "Do you think I can do it too? Fall in love with you without reason?"

Harry's emerald eyes were fixed on Draco's silver ones. He answered after a moment, "Yes, you can. I'll make sure of it. I'll make you fall in love with me, reason or no reason." It wasn't self-confidence or boastfulness that Draco detected from Harry's statements. It was desperation, devotion, and – as he had let himself to admit it – unconditional love. It disturbed Draco very much that now he could empathize with Harry's feelings. Before this, he was hardly a sympathetic person, proven by his unawareness to Harry's long repressed love.

Harry stood up and offered his hand to Draco. Puzzled, Draco automatically put his hand on Harry's. The taller boy pulled him into standing position, and they faced each other. Draco waited for whatever Harry planned to do next. He was alarmed when Harry stepped so close to him, but he steeled himself to stay unmoving. It was enough already that he always backed off from Harry. Harry twiddled the loose strands of Draco's hair. Then he leaned forwards and softly he sang that love song near Draco's right ear.

Silver little dragon,
Come and paint my heart
With the colour of rain, wind, and light
And I'll give you anything you ever wanted

Without the music to accompany him singing, Harry's voice sounded even more enthralling. Draco thought that Harry's singing voice should be categorized as dangerous hypnotic device and must be banned from Hogwarts. It was too mesmeric. Deep, like the bottom of the sea, or the bottom of human's heart. Sensual, like the dance of Veela. Magnetic, like the lodestar Stella Polaris for mariners. It put his mind and body into fire. Pleasurable fire, but still it was hot and devastating. He doubted that he could stand more than one song when Harry gave him private performance as he had requested before.

I can't breathe, oh I feel weak
You put this spell on me

Harry was intoxicated by the proximity of their bodies. The heat that he felt radiating from Draco invaded him and fuelled his already flaming body. He shivered with desire. Draco was really irresistible with his deep pink-shaded cheeks, his lips parted, and his eyes lowered, pointing out his long eyelashes. Such a temptation he was. Harry grasped Draco's chin gently and lifted the blushing face to look at him.

Save me my angel
I've been flying so high I can't return
I'm trapped within the lonely winter storm
But I just want to look for you

Feeling his cheeks and his entire body blazing, Draco could only look back helplessly at Harry. At Harry's green eyes which reminded him to verdant summer, fresh pickled toad, Common Welsh Green dragon, Avada Kedavra curse, and Slytherin. At Harry's sensuous lips which were moving sensually as he continued singing the song, the same lips which almost kissed him yesterday, and a short time ago uttered endless love to him.

Because what I need, what I desire, what makes me shine
Is everything silver

"May I kiss you?"

Harry's voice was still in the sensual-magnetic mode, and it made the simple asking for permission too much for poor virgin Draco who had never been kissed before. Draco didn't nod, but didn't pull back either. Harry took it as affirmative reply, and moved closer. Draco felt Harry's breath on his own lips and closed his eyes.

On the last second he turned his head to the right so Harry ended up pressing his lips on his cheek. On his hot flushing cheek. Draco absently wondered if Harry's lips would be burnt. His chest constricted painfully as Harry's lips stayed touching his skin. Harry was quite surprised at Draco's sudden move but didn't complain for the result. He kissed Draco anyway. It felt so good. He let his lips linger on that smooth cheek for a minute before he pulled back.

"I'm sorry," Draco muttered. His whole body was still in the same position since Harry had kissed his cheek. Harry cupped his cheek and turned his head so he was again facing the smiling black haired boy. He opened his eyes and saw Harry shake his head. "It's okay, Draco. I'm sorry if I've been too pushy. I hope I don't scare you for good." Harry was caressing Draco's hair now.

Draco shook his head back. "I'm… I've never kissed anyone before," he admitted quietly. Harry chuckled. "So what everybody told me is true. You've never been kissed."

The blond scowled. "Who is this omniscient, blabbing everybody?"

"Only Hermione, Ron, Remus, and myself. We all suggested that no one ever touched Draco Malfoy before."

Draco replied haughtily, "Only because I'm not easy."

"You're not going to make it easy for me either?"

"No. Sorry, Potter, but I only appreciate hard work."

Harry smiled adoringly at his fiancé, then suddenly checked his watch. "It's time for Gryffindor's Quidditch practice. Would you like to come? Ron said he wanted to say something to you, about our engagement probably. He went to your room this morning, but you weren't there."

Draco contemplated it for a while, and he nodded. "We have to save those bloody hours left for better use."

Harry grinned and took Draco's hand, dragging him to the exit. Behind him, Draco raised his other hand to his left cheek where Harry's lips had touched earlier. The particular spot was still burning till now.

:::::::::::::::::oooooooooooooooooooooooooo:::::::::::::::::

They were still holding hands until they were outside the room. Draco was ready to pull back his hand – they couldn't risk anyone seeing them like this – when Harry released his hold. They continued their walk to the Quidditch pitch, coming across a few students and teachers. Students who were girls would giggle at the sight of Draco and Harry together, and it made Draco uneasy. He was used to having girls ogling him, and he knew he and Harry made quite a spectacle, but this time the giggles were rather… depraved. Was that his own feeling, or had those people known already about their engagement?

Professor McGonagall smiled kindly at them when they met in the hallway, and so did Professor Sprout. So probably all the teachers knew about this. "The teachers know," both Harry and Draco said simultaneously. They stared at each other and grinned.

"Can it be some students know about this too? You see, about those girls we passed before. I think the way they giggled when they saw us was pervy," Draco asked quietly.

Harry shook his head. "Can't be. This is a private business and strictly a secret; it won't come out like that. Maybe those girls were amazed since we don't often walk together side by side."

Continuing their walk, they met some other students and this time none of them looked in unusual way at Harry and Draco. They eventually reached Quidditch field. Draco accompanied Harry to the changing room before they went to the pitch, where all other Gryffindor's Quidditch team members had gathered. Draco sent a deadly glare at Ginny, who sent back equally venomous glare. Some players whispered at each other, confused since it was the first time Draco, or any Slytherin, came to their practice. Moreover, it was Harry who brought him there. Draco approached Ron and said, "You wish to speak with me, Captain Weasel?"

Ron grinned. "Later, Ferret Seeker. We have an important practice in order to beat Slytherin in the next game. In the mean time, would you kindly accompany Miss Granger on the bench right there?" Oops.

Hermione waved at him cheerfully from a bench in the middle row of spectators' stands. Draco walked over the pitch towards her, aware that Harry was watching him. He smiled calmly at her despite his palpitating heart. 'Please stop. I can't love her. Not any more.'

"Hi," he greeted stiffly. "Hi," she smiled widely. Draco sat down deliberately leaving space between them, but Hermione shifted closer to him. It was a cool September afternoon, yet a certain Slytherin boy felt hot and bothered.

"When will you have Quidditch practice, Draco?"

"Maybe we'll start next week. Nott hasn't announced it." Theodore Nott was the current Quidditch captain for Slytherin. He wasn't into the team until sixth year, when not only he was suddenly recruited, but he was also made captain at once. Draco knew it had something to do with a scandal within the Death Eaters circle. However, Draco must admit that despite his weak looks, Nott was a gifted leader and a fairly good player. He must thank the Captain, because if it hadn't been for Nott's firm decision to 'keep an exceptional Seeker like Malfoy', he would've not remained in the team.

"How was the meeting with Dumbledore? Your mother came? What did she say about your bond with Harry?"

"Yes, she came. She likes Harry, so she doesn't mind. There was nothing extra-ordinary in the meeting. Just discussing our future marriage and new living arrangement here since I cannot separate more than 72 metres from Harry for too long. Dumbledore also showed us the bond."

"Really? You saw the bond? How was it?"

"They said it's quite powerful."

"Where did you go afterwards? You were with Harry?"

"I went to Harry's room. We talked. About personal stuff and all."

"Wonderful. You have started to know each other. You two must have a lot in common without you realized it, Draco. And you call him Harry now. You've started liking him, haven't you?"

"Hmm."

After more chit-chat – where Hermione asked things and commented lengthily while Draco replied tersely under his perturbed state of mind – they were silent for a while, watching the practice. Draco surreptitiously glanced at Hermione, and saw her staring intently at a certain Keeper. He willed himself to dispose of any possessive feeling and jealousy from his heart. He had his own fiancé – flying with ease over there, didn't he? Just think about Harry, he decided.

Draco knew Harry was a remarkable natural flyer, and he looked his best during moments like this – on his broom, flying with grace, the wind playing with his black hair to make it even more sexily tousled. High in the air, the handsome boy looked mysteriously tempting yet frustratingly untouchable, and Draco believed it now that people would kill to be in his place. 'I'm such a lucky guy, aren't I? Blaise and Tonkster were right. But why don't I… no! Don't continue! I mustn't go on like this. Hmm, there are not more than 72 metres between me and Harry right now. He intentionally never flies too far away, that considerate prat. I wonder if he'll be still this thoughtful during real match.'

From less than 72 metres, Harry kept glancing towards Draco. He was itching to pull Draco away from Hermione. 'I should have known she would be here too. This is the first practice for this year. Must they sit so close like that?' From other side, Ron sighed exasperatedly at Harry's obvious wandering concentration. Ginny noticed him too. She chased a quaffle near Harry, and halted her broom in front of him, obstructing his view to the bench. She spoke out loudly, "The Snitch isn't sitting on that bench, Harry." Harry gazed at her, and a few seconds later flashed past her straight towards the said bench.

Draco and Hermione both straightened in puzzled anticipation at what might come with Harry suddenly dashing to their direction. In alarm they unconsciously gripped each other's hand. Harry's eyes didn't miss it, and an unbearable rush of anger flooded his mind.

Harry swooped down directly to the spot where Hermione was sitting. In shock and within such little time, she couldn't move from her position. She shrieked and shut her eyes, bracing up as it seemed that Harry inescapably would collide with her. Draco instinctively encircled his arms round Hermione and pulled her into a protective embrace. 'Is he crazy??' he thought frantically. Draco held the girl even tighter and didn't dare to shut his eyes. Harry still darted onwards without changing his direction. As Draco had Hermione in his arms, it seemed that Harry would crash to both of them. The next second, the broomstick turned almost 90 degrees, and the sharp tail of the broom lunged down ready to strike Hermione on the head.

Everything was moving so fast. In a blink of an eye Harry had changed again the angle of his broom in precise point and at the exact time, only one inch before the broom's tail touched Hermione's head, and he manoeuvred round behind Draco and Hermione. On that moment Draco realized with a sudden terror that Harry specifically charged to Hermione. The entire move was very smooth, accurate, and calculated that it scared Draco. Harry's flying skill was absolutely infallible. There was no need to reckon with that his current broom – Firebolt Dreamlightning – was the best racing broom at the present time, combining speed and flexibility with perfect motion control. Harry decelerated, and in a very neat and elegant way he halted his movement as if he hadn't just tried to tear Hermione's head from her neck.

Only Ginny among the other players in the pitch who saw the whole incident. Ron called her asking what was going on, but she ignored her brother. She was too concerned with Harry's display of enraged jealousy. His manoeuvre was extremely dangerous although admittedly superb. Her heart almost stopped when she thought for a second that Harry would kill Hermione.

Hermione wasn't injured except for the sharp pain on the back of her head as an effect of the intense airstream from Harry's broom flashing so close behind her. She felt dizzy and her heart was hammering uncontrollably in horror at what had just happened on her. She perceived Draco's heart throbbing wildly as she had her face buried on his chest and the boy was holding her tightly. She lifted her head to look at Harry and demand an explanation. However she couldn't sound a thing because she was still very much in shock.

Harry was hovering beside Draco. The Slytherin glowered in fury at his fiancé. "Damn it, Harry! What the hell was that – Potter Feint? You almost mu... hurt Hermione, idiot! Stop being such a bloody show-off or…" Draco stopped when he saw Harry's grim expression. Not grim. Murderous.

But Harry wasn't looking at him. Harry was looking – with livid, smouldering green eyes – at the girl sitting on the other side of him. The girl in his embrace. Draco was speechless. He automatically removed his hands from Hermione. The boy on the broom lifted his hand. A fluttering winged golden ball was clutched securely there.

"This was behind your head, Hermione." Harry glanced briefly at Draco, then steered his broom to fly back to the pitch. Ginny stared apprehensively at Harry, before throwing an apologetic smile to Hermione.

Stunned and absorbed with their own thoughts, the girl and the boy on the bench remained motionless before Hermione suddenly spoke up.

"Is it just my imagination, or has Harry just tried to kill me?"

"Just your imagination," Draco answered in a tight voice.

"No, I don't think so. He looked positively outraged with me. What's wrong with him, suddenly feeling unreasonable jealousy? … Or is it reasonable?"

Draco slowly turned to face Hermione. She had been scrutinizing him through narrowed brown eyes. Draco opened his mouth to speak, but shut it again before his voice came out.

A loud whistle was heard. They looked back to the pitch. The Gryffindor practice had just been over. Ron and Harry waited until all other players had left the pitch before they went to the bench where Draco and Hermione were sitting. Ron approached them with wide grin on his face, Harry following him not so far behind. Straight away Ron embraced Draco tightly and patted his back forcefully.

"Welcome to the family, F… Draco. Harry's so lucky; you know he's been crazy about you since long, don't you? I'm happy for both of you. I hope you two can make each other happy too. Remember this, Draco. If Harry ever hurts you, tell me about it. I'll pound him and hex him to the moon till he never comes back."

"Thanks, Ron. Of course I will pound him and hex him to the moon by myself first, but you'll be welcome to continue the work." He smirked mischievously and asked, "What did Harry say when you threatened to hex me in front of him?"

"When I threatened you?"

"Didn't you ask Harry too to report to you if I ever hurt him?"

"What? Must I?"

Draco raised an eyebrow. "There's something wrong here. You're supposed to throw a death threat to me if I dare to hurt Harry, considering he is your best friend. Not the other way around."

Ron smirked. "I can't do that. There's no way I threaten a person smaller than myself. Not a very gentlemanly thing to do, don't you agree?"

"Weasel, you bastard," Draco grinned.

From a few feet away, Harry and Hermione had their own talk. Of course, while they were exchanging words, Harry's eyes were at Draco, and Hermione kept watching Ron.

"Sorry about before, Herm."

"What? That unsuccessful murder attempt? Well, you didn't give me a scratch, and I'm in a good mood, so I accept your apology."

"Thanks. Won't happen again, I promise."

"Good. I don't fancy getting smacked by a broomstick, even if it is a Firebolt Dreamlightning."

"Yeah, me neither."

"By the way, Draco told me you two had had a talk. Do you think everything's going well between you and him now?"

"Mm. I've told him about my feelings for him. He seemed receptive."

"Have you tried to kiss him again?"

"Done that."

"What? You kissed him for real? What happened with be patient? And he didn't run again?"

"No. It was on the cheek."

She turned her head to look reproachfully at Harry, who was still smiling and gazing at his fiancé steadily. "Honestly, this bond must have affected you too much. I think it made you and Draco become one person. You already sound like him just now, with those short and dispassionate replies."

"Oh. Sorry."

Hermione sighed.

:::::::::::::::::oooooooooooooooooooooooooo:::::::::::::::::

Ron and Harry went to take quick shower in the changing room, while Draco accompanied Hermione waiting for them outside.

"You all right, Hermione?" Draco asked quietly. Hermione nodded, comprehending what he was referring to.

"Harry has apologized to me for acting out his Potter Feint on me. I think he was jealous because we were sitting too close, but maybe he was just showing off. Or maybe everything was purely unintentional. He said he wouldn't do that again," she said, smiling at Draco. The boy frowned and nodded back. "I'm sure he won't repeat that stupid action." 'I hope that also means he won't try another way. Obnoxious jealous git.'

Cold wind blew over them, and Hermione shivered. Draco took off his scarf and wrapped the soft thick material round her neck. She smiled gratefully at him, and he smiled back.

Harry and Ron came out the changing room a few minutes later. Harry's expression didn't change when he saw Draco's scarf worn by Hermione. Then Ron and Hermione walked back first to the castle. Draco was about to follow but Harry pulled his hand. Turning around, he raised an eyebrow. Harry just smiled and took off his Gryffindor scarf. Tenderly he wound the scarf round Draco's neck.

"Red and gold are not my colours, Harry," Draco murmured, fingered the scarf on his neck. Harry replied, "They go just well with you during the night."

They walked together to the castle, catching up Ron and Hermione at the Entrance Hall. She smiled at Draco who was wearing Harry's scarf, deciding that she didn't need to return Draco's scarf right now. Draco and Harry went to other direction than the other two. They didn't speak much along the empty corridor, just light discussion about the previous Quidditch practice.

Draco on purpose avoided bringing forward that Potter Feint incident. He could understand if Harry was jealous since he knew about Draco's feeling for Hermione. Draco did blame Harry, he considered Harry was over-reacting. What was the point of jealousy when they had been bound like now? Well, he was jealous of Loony Lovegood but it was another case. However, Draco felt guilty because he hadn't forgotten Hermione. 'Of course I haven't. It's been just one night. I don't know how long I'll need to get over this feeling. If I ever can…'

On the other hand, Harry was at ease since Draco seemingly had overlooked his previous action. He realized he had endangered his own best friend only because of extreme but irrational jealousy. Harry couldn't help feeling insecure. Although he had been convinced of their unbreakable bond, he knew Draco still harboured love for her. Harry wondered in pain if Draco's true love was Hermione. He could just promise to himself to stop behaving imprudently because otherwise, in the end he would hurt Draco. Furthermore, he must try to trust his own fiancé.

Soon the two boys arrived in front of Draco's new room. "Here's your room from now on," Harry stated.

The entrance to Draco's new room was guarded by stone statue of a Chimera. Draco admired the statue, before turning to face Harry who stood behind him. He removed the Gryffindor scarf from him and put it round Harry's neck. "Good night, Harry."

Harry leaned closer. Draco flinched and impulsively shut his eyes. He felt a soft kiss administered to his cheek, the other cheek than the one Harry had kissed before. Harry pulled back after a few seconds, muttering the password for Draco, "Coldfire." The Chimera growled, swished its serpent's tail, and moved aside. Draco reached for the door and stepped inside. Before he closed the door, Harry said to him, "Good night, love." Draco smiled and hastily closed the door. His cheeks had been burning again. Recently he blushed much too often for his cold Ice Prince standard.

After he closed the door, his knees gave up and he sank to the floor. Resting his back against the door, Draco shut his eyes and took a deep breath. Physical closeness to Harry exhausted him. He kept blushing, his heart hammering, his spine shivering, and his knees weakening. Draco knew they were typical symptoms when someone was in love, but he couldn't admit that he was in love with Harry. He was never familiar in intimate contact with another person; this was mostly a self-conscious reaction for that sudden experience. Moreover, deep inside he knew he still hoped for someone else.

'To love without reason,' he thought. 'Is that possible?' But what was his reason to love Hermione? 'Lots. But no, those are not why I have this feeling for her. I can say I love her without reason too.' This feeling would bring him nowhere. Whatever things he had planned to do since the first day of school were useless now. With his life thrown into another dimension like this, he needed new plans. First, he must forget that she had so many appeals which attracted him. Then, he must start considering her as just a good friend. After that, he must learn to love Harry instead. Yes, those were things he would do starting from tomorrow. Tonight, he would just sleep on his new bed. Tonight, he would dream for the last time about her…

TBC