For disclaimer and summary, go to chapter one.
A/N: Merry Christmas everyone! Just thought that I'd be quicker in updating this time and giving you a gift . Not in the mood for Christmas for some reason though. Maybe it's the amount of chocolate I ate yesterday... chocolate isn't very good for me I tell you... But I'm sure I'm gonna feel better sooner or later. Anyways, Merry Christmas!
-sniff- Last chapter only got me like... 4 reviews! But still, thanks and Merry Christmas!
Dedication: To all you guys who have reviewed. So if anyone wants to have a story dedicated to themselves, just review! ;)
Warning: Horrible-attempt-at-fluff attack!
Keys:
/.../ - Draco/Harry mind-speech-thingy (coming later on...)
"..."/"...'' – talking.
Enjoy!
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Chapter VI – The Date
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"'Mione!"
Hermione smiled when she heard the yell and stood up. She smiled mysteriously to Ron, who was looking up in confusion and said, "I'm needed. Be right back!" And rushed up to the boys' dorm.
When she got there and opened the door, she thought that there had been an earthquake in there. Clothes and robes tossed everywhere and one frustrated boy sitting in the middle of it all.
She blinked. "Yes, Harry?"
Harry looked up and rushed to the girl and pulled her inside. "'Mione, please help me! I need to find something to wear for the date!"
Yes, Harry had told Hermione everything about the date, the courtship and everything connecting to it. He didn't want Ron to know just yet though. Ever since the announcement that Ginny was the spy to the Dark Lord Voldemort, he had been in a deep depression, just like the rest of the Weasley's. Ginny had been put under the Ministry's guard and was waiting for her trial. But Hermione had been very accepting of the fact that Harry and Draco were to be bond-mates, and she knew that Harry would be happy with Draco, no matter what. Of all the people in the world, Harry was the one that deserved happiness the most.
And now, when she looked into Harry's eyes and saw only nervousness and frustration, he knew that now he would have everything he ever wanted – love, affection, and finally, a family. And she was happy for him and Draco.
She sighed, "Alright then. Lets get a look at your wardrobe." And she started picking out clothes from the pile on the floor, but didn't find anything that wasn't even remotely like a normal cloth.
"... Alright then. Lets move on to Seamus' wardrobe."
"What? Bu-but, I mean, isn't Seamus gonna mind that we're gonna sort through his clothes and at me for wearing them?"
She gave him a look. "Well, your clothes are disgusting, to say, and once this date is over, I'm gonna talk Draco into buying you a new wardrobe, whether you like it or not. Understood?"
Harry lowered his eyes and sighed. "Oh, alright. But when Seamus gets angry at me, you're gonna be explaining it to him okay?"
Hermione nodded absentmindedly as she looked through the Irish boy's closet and pulled out slightly baggy black pants with strips on the side and a clingy forest green t-shirt. (1) With that she also pulled out a black coat to go with the cold weather that had been arriving for the last couple of weeks.
Harry blinked. "I could've sworn you'd pull out leather pants and a net-shirt, 'Mione. Why so simple? Not that I'd mind, mind you."
The girl smiled. "Well, I didn't want to dress you too invitingly. The leather pants and the net-shirt are gonna be there for you for later dates."
Harry smiled shyly and took the clothes, taking them with him to the bathroom. "Don't take too long in there! You only have an hour and I wanna try something with your hair too!" She yelled after him.
Five minutes later, Harry came out slowly, and Hermione looked up. She smiled. Harry looked like himself for once, and not hiding his body with too-large clothes. And she was sure that Draco would appreciate the view of Harry's chest.
"Well?" Harry asked nervously as she looked him over critically.
She smiled. It was obvious to anyone that Harry was smitten with someone. But only Hermione knew who. "You look perfect. I'm sure that Draco will love you."
Harry blushed, embarrassed. "What did you want to do with my hair?"
She beckoned him closer and sat him between her legs and on the ground while she sat on the bed herself. "Now. I wanna try making your hair look more tamed. Not too much because your hair is one of the things that attract people to you. I just wanna try softening it more and make it look not like a birds nest, but sweetly tousled hair you know? Now hold still while I'm working."
Harry nodded and was stiff throughout the process, not opening his eyes until he heard Hermione say it's ready. Then he ran to the nearest mirror, glancing at his clock before laying eyes on his hair, and gasping – his hair looked... cool. Not like the birds nest. Just like Hermione had said. Now, instead of the nest, his hair looked... soft... and all the while it still maintained the tousled look. It didn't fall into his eyes anymore either.
"Harry? Aren't you supposed to go already?" Hermione's voice game from behind him, and he jumped, turning around and hugging her for all his worth, and kissing her on the cheek.
"Thanks so much 'Mione. I owe you!" And ran from the Gryffindor Common Room to the Entrance Hall, where he knew Draco was waiting.
He caught his breath around a corner and re-fixed his hair, looking around the corner and gaped. Draco had dressed himself in white khaki pants, a silver wavy blouse. He had a soft looking white coat donned on his arm as he waited.
Harry took a deep breath and walked out from his little hiding spot, and Draco turned around.
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When Draco turned around and looked up at Harry, who was coming down the Entrance stairs, his breath caught in his throat. He didn't think he would ever see anything more beautiful that Harry was, but now he knew he had been wrong. That had been Harry in overly-too-large-clothes-and-childish-but-way-too-adorable-smile, but now, as he looked up to the young man-to-be, he knew that this... this is the Harry he had fallen in love with. He knew that he would love Harry no matter what his clothes were, but he wanted Harry to always wear such clothes. Always. And now he knew what they would do on their date.
He smiled and held out his hand when Harry was on the last couple of stairs, and Harry blushed, taking his hand and let him lead them out of the castle.
After ten minutes of comfortable silence, Harry finally asked, "...So... erm... what will we do once we get to Hogsmeade?"
Draco smiled mysteriously and said, "You'll see. I'm not quite sure you'll like it though. But I promise, it will be for your own good." He hadn't even thought what the consequences of his plan would be. (2)
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When they reached the village, it had started snowing slightly. It was the very first snow of the year, and it created a romantic atmosphere that made both boys smile at each other.
They still held hands when Draco dragged Harry to a shop called 'Four Lines.' At first, Harry thought it was a restaurant, but was sadly mistaken, and Draco dragged him to the clothes store.
"But Draco! I don't wanna have new clothes! Especially bought with your money. Pleeease lets leave and get something to eat. I don't need new clothes!"
Draco sighed and turned to look at Harry, a smile taking over his lips when he saw the adorable pout on the sweet pink lips. "Harry, I love you, but you have to admit, your clothes are horrible. And whoever dressed you for today should be made into a god. Because you look absolutely delicious in this outfit. I just want you to look good. Not for me, but for your own self. Please. Just a couple of outfits and whatnot, and I promise we're gonna go to some fancy place and get something delicious to eat, hmm?"
Harry blushed when Draco said he loved him, and nodded, sighing resignedly after a few moments.
Draco's smile widened and he kissed Harry on the cheek, taking a hold of his hand again, feeling that Harry was fighting a smile himself, and was trying to be mad at him. His smile turned into a grin. Draco had never felt this happy before with anyone, and knew that he was in love, and that he had made a right decision in asking Harry to start their courtship. Now all he had to do was woo Harry and make him the happiest man alive. Because he knew that with him, Harry would have anything his big heart ever desired, no matter the cost or anything else. He also knew that, as bonding with Harry, he was placing his heart, soul and body into Harry's hands, for example, if Harry ever told him to just out of a window, he would do it without hesitation. He would do everything to please his mate. Everything.
After three hour of trying on clothes and either discarding them or putting them to the cart, Harry was just about ready to collapse from exhaustion. Draco noticed, and started berating himself for over-working Harry. "Alright, I think we may as well stop for today. You've enough clothes, don't you think?"
Harry sighed in relief and nodded, thankful. "You really don't have to buy me all these clothes. Really. I don't want to depend on you."
Draco smiled slightly. "I know you want to depend on yourself. I just can't help myself. Until this passes off, just try and cope with me. Please. It's just in my instincts to provide to you anything you ever wished. And everything I think is good for you. Just... please cope with me okay? It will last only to the time we bond. Then you can depend on yourself if you so wish. But remember, I still want you to depend on me sometimes as well. Because if we ever bond, I want you to know that even then I'm going to want you to depend on me. I hope you understand."
Harry thought about it and finally nodded. "I understand. But once we do bond, I want you to give me some freedom. Is that alright with you?" At Draco's nod he smiled. Maybe they'll even manage to work it out...
After buying for the clothes, Draco led Harry from the shop and they walked across the street to a simple little restaurant. Harry, who had been expecting something much more expensive, looked at Draco in confusion.
Draco noted Harry's look and smiled. "I just thought you might like to be somewhere more quiet and peaceful. Not a place where you'd be gawked at all the time. This has been my favourite place ever since I discovered it... do you like it?"
Harry looked around at the serene scene around him – the soft music playing somewhere, people speaking with each other (mainly they were couples), and it all looked very humble and homey, and decided it was perfect.
"Yeah. It looks beautiful. Thank you for showing this place to me," he finally said, and kissed Draco's cheek, just like the angel had kissed his, and noting the glassy eyes when he pulled back. He smiled shyly and took Draco's hand. "So, where will we sit?"
Draco came back to Earth when he heard the question, and looked around, trying to find the owner, who had reserved them a table.
"Ah. Mr. Malfoy. I thought when I would see you. Your table is waiting."
They turned to an aging man with kind eyes and smiled. "Henry, this is my bond-mate, Harry Potter. Harry, I'd like to introduce you to Henry McDavis. He's become a very good friend to me while I've been here, and always reserves a table for me."
Harry shyly extended his hand, expecting another fan, but Henry just took his hand in his and smiled, "It's nice to meet you Mr. Potter. Mr. Malfoy, will you take him to your table? I'll send someone to take your orders immediately. Have a good day Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter."
Harry blinked. He was pleasantly surprised at the ease that Henry had accepted him, and smiled, taking Draco's hand again, "He's a nice man."
Draco smiled too. "Yeah, he is. I told you you weren't going to be hogged by people in here. Especially not with Henry. He doesn't like attention either. Now. Shall we go to our table?"
Harry nodded, hearing his stomach rumble and blushed, hearing Draco chuckle as he led him to a table in the back of the restaurant.
When they ordered their food, Draco took Harry's hand in his and sighed in happiness, "I'm very glad you decided to come to this date with me. It made me really happy. And I'm glad you accepted the courtship. I'm lucky to have you as my mate Harry."
Harry blushed and mumbled something impossible to understand, but still smiled shyly.
Draco loved that smile. It was one of the things that drew people to him. The innocence that was radiating from him, and yet there was so much evil behind that innocence. Not in him, but around him. Draco wanted that evil to dissipate, and knew that he'd do anything to achieve his new goal – make Harry happy for the rest of his life.
He smiled back and they fell silent, not hearing the talking of the other couples around them, and just holding hands and looking into one another's eyes occasionally, and Harry always lowering his with a sweet blush that made Draco smile. Not that he ever stopped smiling at all. It seemed that his lips had formed a permanent smile on his lips.
When their food finally arrived, Draco's smile widened at the wine that Henry had put in with their food, and thanked him mentally.
As they ate their food, neither the glances nor the silence was disturbed. Both revelled in the sweet feelings they felt for one another, and neither could stop smiling.
When Draco opened the wine, they clinked the glasses together and Draco made a toast, "To long lasting days of happiness, Harry." And Harry blushed, "To long lasting days of happiness," he mumbled.
They ordered the dessert and, once finished, rose from the table, Draco signing the bill and left the little restaurant.
"So, what will we do now Draco?" Harry asked, curious. So far Draco had had everything already planned out for their date, and he was glad he didn't have to decide on going somewhere.
But it seemed that Draco now wanted to go somewhere that Harry wanted to go to, "Well, my plans are over. Why don't you decide on going somewhere?"
Harry thought about it for a moment, then brightened, "Oh, lets go to Honeydukes! I haven't been there the whole year! Please?"
Draco laughed at the childishness of it all, knowing that Harry was allowed to be childish sometimes, considering that he had never even been a child to begin with. And besides, it was cute! "Sure love, we can go to Honeydukes. Lead the way."
Harry giggled and grabbed Draco's hand, pulling him towards the candy shop and entering it, ignoring the other students that were looking at them weirdly, especially when they noticed their interlocked fingers.
Draco didn't care they were watched. He was happy that Harry was so open with him, even though when he finally realised that he was holding hands with the 'Angel-boy', he would regret it and might be very ashamed. But until that happened, Draco was going to enjoy it to the very end.
But when Harry did realise that he was being stared, and that he was holding hands with Draco, he didn't pull away, just tugged Draco further along, making the angel give a surprised noise that didn't befit a Malfoy at all. But Draco again didn't care. Harry wasn't ashamed of him! He could dance on the bleeding bar in the Three Broomsticks and not care about it. Harry was accepting him more and more every day! And that was worth every little stupid thing he would ever do in his long life.
When they left the candy shop, both had their pockets full of candy and Harry was still holding his hand. And Draco couldn't be any more happier that then. He didn't think that anything in the world could dampen his mood. Not even Voldemort. But he was wrong.
"Harry! Wait up!"
Harry blinked and turned around, searching for the voice that had called him, blinking in surprise to find Blaise Zabini waving at him to stop. He didn't notice the growl that emitted from Draco.
"Hey Blaise," Harry said and looked down at the boy panting before him, hands on his knees.
"Oh. Hey...Harry...I just...saw you and...decided to come and talk to you. You look good."
Harry blushed. "Erm...thanks." He didn't know why, he felt really uncomfortable near Blaise. And he didn't like it. He felt reassured when he felt Draco squeeze his fingers.
"What do you want, Blaise?" Draco growled. Oh, he hated this boy. He will not get my Harry. I won't let him.
Blaise only then seemed to notice the angel next to Harry. And then he noticed their interlocked fingers and frowned. He didn't like the fact that the angel would get his Harry for himself. He would make sure that Harry would love him. Only him. And no one else. He'd make sure of that.
While Draco and Blaise were glaring at each other, Harry was looking between them in confusion. He really didn't have a clue as to why Draco hated Blaise so much. Blaise seemed, to him, a pretty ordinary guy, if a little bit over-possessive and a bit of a push-over. But other than that he seemed to be pretty okay.
Draco finally sighed. "Blaise, I really don't want to start arguing right now. Maybe we'll have this conversation some other day, hmm? Harry, shall we go?"
Harry nodded, giving Blaise a concerned look when he heard him growl, and let Draco lead him away.
"What was that all about?"
Draco blinked, looking down at Harry. "It's nothing. We've just some unfinished business. It'll be okay." He couldn't help but smile at the look in Harry's eyes. He was so naïve sometimes. And he loved it.
Harry frowned. "But why do you hate him so much? Is it because of that 'unfinished business'?"
Draco sighed and shook his head, turning to look at Harry. "Harry... what I'm about to tell you might change the course of the courtship, and may even make you leave my side and decide not to bond with me. But you have to know. It wouldn't be fair on you if you didn't know. Just, please try and think it over before you decide to run to Blaise alright?"
Harry's frown deepened. Suddenly, he didn't think that he wanted to know it as much as before. But, as said, he had to know, if only to just please his mind. He nodded.
Draco took a deep breath, praying like never before for Harry not to leave him.
"Well, it's like this – Blaise wants you. Not just as a friend or anything like that, but as a lover. He hates the fact that you're my mate, and is trying everything in his power to stop you from mating with me. All I can say to stop you is this – if he ever gets you, he'll want to take you to his bed. And when he finally gets it, you're history to him. He wants to take your innocence. And if you won't give to him what he wants soon enough, he's going to either take it by force, or just start beating you until you will give it to him willingly. Trust me, I know guys like him..." he winced at the last part, memories of old coming up unwanted.
Harry's eyes were impossibly wide and full of fright by the end of Draco's words and confession that Draco thought he might faint. "Harry?"
The boy blinked, then frowned, "How do you know all this?"
Draco managed a tiny smile, "I told you, I have lived through this myself. And I can tell which persons are genuine in their feelings and who are not. And Blaise isn't. if I didn't know for sure, I'd say he was a demon. He sure does have the characteristics of a demon..."
Harry blinked again. What did Draco mean by living...? He gasped and looked at Draco, "Oh Draco..."
Draco smiled wryly, "Yup, Draco Malfoy, the crown prince of Heaven, was molested and raped by a gang of the Demon Lord's closest minions, and has ever since been tainted," he knew he was being sarcastic, but couldn't help it. If he was anything else, he thought he might break down and start crying, right on the street.
But Harry understood, somehow. And he pulled Draco to the closest alley and took him into his arms, comforting him as much as he knew, hearing the, probably long with-held, tears and sobs start, and murmured things of no importance into one of the pointed years, feeling Draco's arms wrap themselves around his waist and clinging to him like a lifeline. Which he probably was.
Draco hated showing this weakness in front of Harry, but he held onto him no matter the uncomfortable feeling of being protected. He was supposed to protect Harry, not the other way around. But he appreciated it all the same. But then he heard the words being murmured into his ear, "Shh, Draco. It's okay... they're gone. They won't get you. I promise. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving you..." and so forth, and he collected himself enough to ask, "You really won't leave me? Not even for Blaise?" and heard the shake of Harry's head against his cheek, and the words, "No, never for Blaise. Never for anyone..." And he couldn't help but start laughing as well as crying, feeling all the years' weight lifting from his shoulders while in his beloved's arms, feeling that the pains from the past drifting away with his tears.
Harry smiled when he heard Draco start laughing in happiness through his tears, knowing that he had made the right choice, and that they'd get through the Demon Lord, their fears and, if they finally got that far, have their happiness. He wished it to be so. He wondered if he was in love. And knew that if he wasn't, he was falling hard.
When Draco felt he could look at the world without bursting into tears, he hugged Harry tightly against him for a moment and smelled his apple scented hair once more before pulling away and brushing away his tears, "Thanks Harry. I needed it. Though I promise I won't show anymore weaknesses in front of you. I need to stay strong for you—" but he was silenced by Harry's finger on his lips and the look in his eyes.
"Now you listen here mister! If you ever think that you don't need protection, I really need to have something stomped into your head. Every person in this world needs protection. Even the strongest ones. And I'm going to give you protection whether you like it or not when you need it. Got it?"
Draco blinked, a little surprised by Harry's words and the meaning behind them, and at Harry's dominant streak, but then chuckled lightly, shaking his head, "You just love to have people to save and protect now don't you my love?"
Harry blushed, but didn't deny it.
After Draco had collected himself, they made it out of the alley and started towards the school, holding hands and ignoring the other people passing them and whispering. Homosexuality was very much accepted in the Wizarding World, as males could give birth to children with the help of potions and spells as well. Only male magical creatures and their bond-mates, like Harry, could give birth to children naturally.
When they reached the castle, however, they saw McGonagall rushing towards them with an exasperated look on her face, and stopped before Draco, giving Harry a slight nod.
"Mr. Malfoy, your father is here. He says it's important, and that you wouldn't bring Mr. Potter with you. Please come immediately. You know the password I presume?" at Draco's nod she turned back around, clearly giving the boys some privacy.
Draco looked at Harry sheepishly. "I'm sorry we can't walk to the Common Room together, but I promise I'll tell you whatever my father thought 'private and terrible' news. I'm sure it's just another thievery in Heaven and I must go there and decide what would happen. I'll hopefully come back by midnight or by tomorrow noon. I'll miss you though," he finished with a small voice.
He squeezed Harry's hand for a moment before turning to leave. He was pulled back though, by Harry and pulled into a tight hug with Harry's face snuggling his chest, and neither couldn't help but think how perfectly they fit together.
When they pulled back, both had a smile on their faces. And Draco couldn't help himself when he noticed he was leaning down towards Harry's face, but didn't worry too much when he saw Harry leaning towards his face as well.
Their lips met in the middle, and for the first time, they felt complete. Draco couldn't be any happier. He was finally kissing Harry. And it felt amazing... it was just lips against lips, but Draco still couldn't think of anything better than this. And Harry felt the same.
When they did pull back though, both realised they were practically molded into one person. Somewhere in the kiss Draco had gently pushed Harry against the wall and wrapped one arm around his waist and it was on the lower back right now, and the other hand was leaned on the wall just a tad bit above Harry's head, making the position very much more intimate than it really was. One of Harry's hands had wrapped itself in Draco's soft hair and was playing with it lightly, while his other hand had placed itself on Draco's arm.
Harry blushed at their position and at the kiss, both him and Draco dazed from the sweet feelings for each other.
Draco reluctantly pulled away from the perfect feeling of holding his love. "I guess I have to go to Dumbledore's office now. I'll see you later then?"
Harry nodded and they went their separate ways.
AN: I know, I know. I can't even do a kiss without holding off every little detail. Bah. I suck... do I suck? I think I suck...
Anyways, Merry Christmas again, and hopefully this thing won't suck as much as it seems it does. I still have to write a darn Christmas poem too!
(1) – I don't really have a sense of fashion...;
(2) – I think you know what the consequences of it will be. And if you don't then next chappy you will.
Bye all! And I hope you'll have a little less hectic of a Christmas than I had!