A/N: I've discovered a chat feature on my Yahoo group, so I decided I'd try to be on it to talk to anyone who wanted to from 12 to 1 in the afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 5 to 6 on Mondays and Wednesdays. You can go to my profile page by clicking on my penname to find the address to the Yahoo group.

A/N2: I've also learned that there was a typo for Sarah's page where the picture she made for Growing Pains is being held. I corrected the last chapter, but if you haven't seen the correct version, it's as follows:

http(colon)(double slash)www(dot)myu-myu(dot)de(slash)sites(slash)framesets(slash)gallery(underscore)link(dot)htm.

It's in the "boys" section. It's also at my Yahoo Group.

A/N3: Sorry this has taken so long to get out, but I project the end of the story within about six chapters and I want to get it right. It's the start of the grand finale, I guess you could say.

Chapter Twenty-three

Draco and Harry made their way to the Room of Requirement. They were running a little late so the room was already full. Harry happily noticed that there were no isolated groups made up of only one House. Granted, he didn't see the Gryffindors and Slytherins intermingling, but there were groups of every other combination. It didn't take long for the others to notice his and Draco's appearance and they all fell quiet expectantly.

"Thank you for coming." Draco began. His posture was confident and straight. His voice was not shouting, but it projected clearly across the room. His braid fell down his back and there were no strands escaping its hold. He was the epitome of a pureblood and wealthy wizarding Lord.

The group found themselves reacting unconsciously, straightening and meeting the young blonde's eyes with respect. Harry's last worry that the group would not come together seamlessly under the leadership of fourteen year olds dissipated.

"We're sorry we're late, but we were in a meeting with the Headmaster." Draco continued. "I'm sure you are all eager to hear what he had to say pertaining to the war and Voldemort's attack…"

Many people flinched. Draco, himself, was surprised, though he didn't show it. He had meant to say Dark Lord. Maybe Harry was rubbing off on him. As if sensing the blonde's hesitation, Harry floated forward so that he was standing a bit in front of Draco and drew everyone's attention to him. He may not have the same powerful and confident bearing as Draco, but his casual display of magical strength and his charismatic intensity made him just as strong as a speaker.

"We cannot afford to flinch away from that name." He said seriously, eyes blazing with passion. "War is no longer a certainty of a someday future. It's happening now! And what will we do to protect ourselves, our friends, and our world if we cannot even hear Voldemort's name? What will we do when we come face to face with the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters, because it will happen! Voldemort will come here, to this school, for the final battle. And you have all chosen to fight. You have all chosen to stay. You cannot flinch away from his name. You have to accept that Voldemort is real and he means to kill us all. You have to put aside your fear if you are going to win against him."

Draco, noticing the pale faces of many in the room, decided it was best retake the stage. "The battle is coming, but not right now. Voldemort is still preparing and we have that chance to do the same. That's why we wanted to talk to you. We want to train with you, to make sure we have the best chance of surviving. I know all of you came to Hogsmeade to fight beside us, but that doesn't obligate you to stand in the front lines. Madam Pomfrey is also offering a quick course on first-aid, and providing medical support is just as important as choosing to fight the Death Eaters head on. So if any of you are interested in this course, please don't hesitate or feel ashamed."

"I know I'll be glad someone will be around to patch me up." Harry joked, tossing out a crooked grin. Many people laughed.

Draco smiled at his partner before turning his attention back to the crowd. "Alright, so who among you feel better suited to healing us during and after the fight? Come forward, we have a schedule for you."

Only five students came forward: Gryffindor Dennis Creevey (who laughingly explained that he might as well go the medic route since he didn't think the teachers would let him fight again since he was only a third year), Ravenclaw Luna Lovegood and Padma Patil, Hufflepuff Susan Bones, and surprisingly Slytherin Gregory Goyle. Harry smiled and handed them the schedules that had Madam Pomfrey's free hours on it. They took them and left. The first of the scheduled teaching hours started in five minutes.

"Alright. I'm assuming that means the rest of you are planning to make a stand with the teachers?" Harry asked. A roar of agreement met his ears. "Okay. Those of you who were in the DA, please get into your groups. Those of you who haven't been to a DA meeting, please come forward so we can find the right place for you."

Hermione had given Harry a summery of what they did in DA and how it was run, since he couldn't remember for himself. They had apparently broken people into groups based on their power levels and knowledge. It had nothing to do with House or age. That seemed like the best way, and so Harry and Draco had decided to continue training everyone in such groups.

They found out that only four students who had fought in Hogsmeade had been called home: Lavender Brown, Dean Thomas, Marietta Edgecombe, and Hannah Abbott. Considering those that went to serve under Madam Pomfrey, Harry and Draco were left with twenty-two of the Hogwart's Soldiers willing and ready to fight. In the end, they were all divided into three groups.

The least advanced was made up of five: Two Gryffindors – fifth year Colin Creevey and sixth year Parvati Patil. One Hufflepuff – sixth year Ernie Macmillan. One Ravenclaw – sixth year Anthony Goldstein. One Slytherin – sixth year Daphne Greengrass.

The middle group was comprised of eight: Four Gryffindors – fifth year Ginny Weasley, sixth years Seamus Finnigan and Neville Longbottom, and seventh year Geoffrey Hooper. One Hufflepuff – sixth year Justin Finch-Fletchley. Two Ravenclaws – sixth years Terry Boot and Michael Corner. One Slytherin – sixth year Vincent Crabbe.

There were seven in the most advanced group: Three Gryffindors – sixth years Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, and seventh year Vicky Frobisher. One Ravenclaw – seventh year Cho Chang. One Hufflepuff – seventh year Zacharias Smith. Two Slytherins – sixth year Pansy Parkinson and seventh year Terence Higgs.

Harry and Draco spent the next two hours going from group to group, teaching them what dueling spells and shields they could master. After two hours, they had the room raise two walls so that it was divided evenly into thirds. Then they had each group take one of the new rooms and have a mock war with each other. The rules were simple: every man for himself. Draco and Harry made rounds, joining in the battle. Usually the group would team up against them, because alone they didn't stand a chance. They had been dueling with Dumbledore for weeks and Harry was too strong. This lasted about an hour and a half.

"You all did very well today." Draco told them once the walls were gone. "I know you're all tired and starving, and the last thing you want to think about is coming back to start all over again, but we can't delay. And I think you all know why. So Harry and I will be back tomorrow morning at ten and we expect you all to be here."

He got tired nods in response and everyone filed out, dragging their feet and fingering bruises. Many would have had to go the Hospital Wing, but the little brunette had managed to heal the gashes and broken bones that had occurred with a wave of pure power. Harry looked over at Draco and smiled widely. The blonde's braid was no longer perfect and his clothes were in disarray, but he never looked more powerful than he did in that moment. His cheeks were flushed with exercise and his eyes were sharp with intelligence. Draco met his stare and a smile lit up his face. Laughing, Harry flew over into his arms.

"What was that for?" The blonde asked, hugging his love tightly against his chest.

"You did really great today." Harry leaned back so he could look into Draco's eyes. He was still floating, he rarely ever stopped nowadays, and was exactly at eye level with the blonde. "I love you, Ray."

Draco's breath caught as honest affection, care, and simple joy flowed into him. He stared into Harry's jewel-bright eyes for a moment before leaning forward and kissing him. Harry gasped softly, his lips hot and pliant. Exhilarated from the day and having Harry in his arms, Draco daringly darted his tongue out and licked at the inside of his love's mouth. Harry melted against him, his own tongue coming up and brushing against his.

Draco's heart skipped a beat before beginning to pound in his chest. His arms wrapped around Harry's waist and curled upward, one hand running over the sensitive skin at the back of Harry's neck and then up into his hair. Harry responded by wrapping his legs around Draco's waist. They stood like that, their mouths heatedly moving against each other, their tongues dancing as Harry's mimicked every move Draco's made. Both felt themselves harden and they broke apart gasping and moaning.

"I think we should stop." Draco panted, staring avidly at Harry's wet and swollen lips. His jet-black hair was already messy and his eyes were burning with excitement and love. He looked ravishing.

Harry sighed and brought his head down to kiss the blonde deeply before unwrapping himself and floating to the ground. Now he had to look up at his boyfriend and pouted.

Draco laughed and shoved him playfully, "Come on. Severus is going to wonder where we've been." He then smiled wryly, shifting his pants. "And I could use a nice long shower."

"Hey!" Harry laughed. "You're the one who wanted to stop!"

He wasn't completely ignorant. He knew what masturbating was. He'd never done it himself, always too stressed with everything in his life, but he'd walked in on the boys in Gryffindor's community shower doing it a few times. Maybe he would give it a try later since Draco seemed to be hesitant to do much with him.

"See if I ever say that again." Draco threatened playfully. Luckily he was ignorant of Harry's thoughts as they walked side by side back toward the dungeons, or else he would have taught his little love exactly what he'd been missing.

Down the hall in the Slytherin common room, Pansy was sitting in a secluded corner with Vince and Greg. The blonde girl had her knees drawn to her chest in an uncharacteristic gesture of vulnerability. The two boys shared a look and knew what was coming. Pansy looked up at them and her face was tight with stress.

"Did you see the way they were together?" She asked softly. "It goes way beyond just close siblings or even best-friends. I think the spell is enchanting them. That has to be it. Nothing else makes sense."

"Pans, he looks happier than he has in a long time." Greg said carefully.

"Yes, but the spell would do that, wouldn't it?" She snapped. "Who ever heard of an enchantment spell that made someone unhappy. Us three know Dray better than anyone else here, and he'd want what's real, not a cheep imitation. If this spell is binding him to Potter, we have to do something."

"His mother's been with him this whole time." Greg protested. "She and Professor Snape would have intervened if the spell was messing with Draco's freewill."

"Maybe." Pansy frowned. "But what if not? What would it hurt to try and remind him of us and where he belongs?"

"With you, you mean?" Greg whispered. Pansy gasped, shocked he'd say something like that to her. Even Vince's eyes went wide with surprise. "Look, Pans, I don't mean to hurt you, but I've noticed for a while that you still like Draco as a boyfriend, even after he broke up with you. Are you sure you're not just jealous?"

Pansy leapt to her feet, "Draco Malfoy is my best-friend! I think I'd know if he cared for the opposite sex! He loved me! If it weren't for that stupid betrothal, we'd be together! Now that his father is away, I'm sure he was planning on admitting his feelings, but all this stuff happened before he could!"

"Draco doesn't let anything come between him and what he wants. He would have continued the relationship in secret had he really felt that way." Greg argued brutally. "Pans, think smart. You've been overemotional ever since the spell backfired and made Draco young again. You need to see what's in front of you and deal with the situation accordingly."

"I am more Slytherin than you could ever hope to be, Gregory Goyle!" Pansy screeched. "Unlike you, I won't be deceived by this spell! I know the facts, and I will act on them and bring Draco back to us!"

Pansy stood as she stormed off to the girl's dorm and Vince watched with very troubled eyes. He was upset. First Draco was gone and now Pansy. He turned a betrayed look to Greg and his friend only shook his head. "Did you have to do that?" He asked him with a glare.

"I was trying to protect her." Greg glared right back.

"You accused her of acting out of jealousy." Vince snarled. "Are you sure you aren't doing the same thing? I didn't know Pansy still had a thing for Draco, but I do know that you've had a thing for Pansy for almost two years now."

Greg stared at his friend. Vince felt a hundred times worse when all he did was turn and walk away without a word. Collapsing back into his chair, Vince looked around and realized he was alone. He hated being alone. With a deep sigh, he wished Draco were there. He'd know what to do.

The boys woke up around seven the next morning. They had a quick breakfast and Draco went to attend to the Malfoy businesses while Harry went to get a check-up from Madam Pomfrey. He returned with good news. He had gained another four pounds. Remus suggested chocolate cake to celebrate and Draco eagerly agreed with that idea. Severus sneered at them all, but in the end had a piece as well. Because of the cake, however, they were again running late for the DA training.

Draco ran down the hall, his robes open and flaring behind him, revealing slacks and a white, button-down shirt he wore underneath. Harry flew after him, grinning broadly. He had always loved the feeling of flying. At the moment, however, he was particularly interested in watching Draco's waist length braid lash like a cat's tail as the blonde ran. He had a sudden vision lying on a bed with that hair unbound and spilling around him like a waterfall of light as Draco slowly leaned down with glinting eyes to kiss him passionately. He felt his face go red and Draco looked over his shoulder, smirking as he felt Harry's sudden wave of attraction and embarrassment.

"See something you like?" He drawled as Harry came up to pace him.

Harry blushed even redder, but was smiling. "Just thinking."

"I gathered that much." Draco smirked. "I know I'm gorgeous, but can you focus? We're here."

"Okay." Harry shrugged, his eyes slitted mischievously. "Guess I'll just have to show you what I was thinking since I don't have time to tell you." And with that, he pushed a vision of himself, sprawled fully dressed on a bed, hands tangled in Draco's hair as the blonde leaned forward to lick at his neck.

"Harry!" Draco cried out, lust immediately drenching him as his body reacted to the picture Harry had crafted in his mind. Harry laughed and flew ahead into the room. Draco shook his head, grinning. He was glad Harry was so comfortable with him and felt such passion. Anything else just wouldn't be Harry.

They worked hard for three hours before they called a break. Both Draco and Harry took training very seriously and didn't allow any goofing off or slacking. Thankfully, everyone understood the importance of focusing and they didn't cause much of a problem. That is, there was no problem until they called a brief half-hour break and house-elves came to serve drinks and snacks.

Harry and Draco were sitting to the side with Ron, Hermione, Vince, and Pansy. They were taking turns telling funny stories when Pansy began describing an embarrassing moment when she was dating Draco. The others found the very humorous, but Harry was growing angrier by the second. Draco hastily tried to intervene, feeling deeply embarrassed and almost ashamed of his actions, though he knew he shouldn't. He hadn't even been with Harry at the time.

"I don't think this is appropriate." He said with a glare.

Pansy laughed him off and even had the audacity to hit him with a silencing spell. "Lighten up, Dray! It's a good story! So there we were, on his bed, kissing like there was no tomorrow when Theo comes in. He throws a livid fit, saying we were contaminating the room. Draco merely stared at him and said, 'Don't be jealous, Nott, puberty just comes later for some of us. I'm sure it will come for you, too.' Theo went so red, I thought he'd explode!"

She laughed with the others and it took a while before she could catch her breath enough to continue. "But that was nothing to what he looked like when Draco turned right back around and continued to kiss me. He ran out of the room and the next day he voted Draco out of the dorm room and into mine since we were going to snog anyway. So that's how Draco came to spend a week living in the girl's dorm. It was halfway through that week when we broke up and he switched to kissing Daphne. But he broke up with her as well before two days were up to move on to the next conquest!"

"So is that why they called you the Slytherin Prince, Malfoy? You had a harem?" Ron grinned.

"I hardly think my love life is any of your business. Either of you." Draco fumed, finally managing to tear down the spell.

"Seriously," Ron pressed. "Have you had every girl in Slytherin? Didn't Snape try and prevent that sort of thing?"

"Stop it, Ron." Hermione hissed, seeing tears in Harry's eyes.

"Daphne was the last girl I kissed! And I was just thirteen!" Draco yelled, face flushed. He turned to Harry, unable to avoid the jealousy and hurt any longer beating in his breast. "Baby, you know I didn't love them. And I didn't really know you then."

It was Ron's turn to go red, "What's that suppose to mean? And don't call him baby like that! It's not like he would care!"

"Ron!" Hermione tried valiantly to shut him up.

"No. It's okay." Harry shook his head hard. His jealousy was still simmering, but nervous fear had become predominant. "I wanted to tell you two anyway and now's as good a time as any." He took a deep breath and looked over to Draco to make sure this was alright. The blonde stared back at him, face expressionless, telling him that it was his decision. Harry bit his lip and faced his friends. "Ray and I… We're together… I… I love him."

Dead silence descended for half a minute before Pansy and Ron yelled together at the two boys, "You're gay?"

"Yes." Draco answered his friend simply.

Harry merely nodded at Ron, reaching over and clasping Draco's hand in his in answer

"Okay." Ron said desperately. "Alright. I think I can handle that… Eventually. But Malfoy? You've got to be kidding, Harry! You have to remember what he's like! I don't know what he's up to, but it's not anything good!"

"You have no idea who I am or what my intentions are!" Draco snapped, eyes flashing dangerously. "I love Harry. I'm aware I was a mindless follower of my father, but that changed and I've grown up. Harry knows that and knows me better than you ever could!"

"But Dray!" Pansy was pale. "You can't be… You're Lord Malfoy… You have to provide an heir!"

"I can pick from many cousins to train and raise as my heir." He answered her coldly.

"Is this why you broke up with me and Daphne? Why you didn't date anyone else after?" She shook her head. "You said it was because your father had betrothed you to someone and you'd be dishonoring that contract by having other relationships."

"Ha! You see!" Ron cried triumphant. "He's using you, Harry!"

"I wouldn't!" Draco roared.

"You're not denying the betrothal, though, are you?" Ron yelled.

"I'm not betrothed! I lied to her so she didn't think I hated her or something! She was still my friend and I didn't want to ruin that!"

"But… but you kissed me… At the end of fifth year… I thought… maybe you still… that you loved me even though you shouldn't." Pansy whispered, tears in her eyes. "I've never stopped loving you, Dray."

"I was… distraught and you were… upset, if you recall." Draco reminded her. "I'm sorry if I led you on."

"But Dray…" She leaned forward and grabbed his hands pleadingly.

"Pans, you're my best-friend. Like a sister to me." Draco said and pulled his hands away from her. "Please don't do this. You're a Slytherin and in public. Now's not the time."

She jerked back as if slapped. The group watched silently as she stood and walked from the room, head held high. Draco looked over at Harry and found the teen looking at the floor. He reached for one of his hands, but Ron shoved him away. Draco had been unprepared and fell backward, only to be caught by air and set right. Harry was on his feet, hands clenched furiously at his sides, standing between Draco and his friends.

"Harry!" Hermione gasped, frightened of that angry look.

"Don't ever touch Draco again, Ron." He growled. "I understand you're shocked, but you haven't been there these last two months. You have no idea what it's been like for me or Draco. To us, it feels like we've been with each other for years. People change. I've changed. I still want to be your friend, but Draco's not going anywhere. I love him and we're together. Please accept that. Or leave."

Ron and Hermione gaped at him. Had their best friend really just told them that he'd chose Draco Malfoy, of all people, over them if they pushed? Hermione had been willing to understand the situation, but that just didn't seem possible. Her Harry would never, ever say anything like that to her or Ron. Enraged, Ron went so red he was almost purple. With an inarticulate roar, he stood, sending the chair flying, and stormed from the room. Hermione followed him after shooting a hurt and accusing glare Harry's way.

"Baby…" Draco reached up and pulled Harry into his lap.

The small brunette curled into his chest. He wasn't crying, but the emotional equivalent was flooding from the smaller teen. Draco held him and said nothing. He knew nothing he said would make it right. The sorrow weakened, but didn't go away as the minutes passed. Eventually, Harry sat up right.

"We need to get back to training." He said lowly.

Draco nodded. Harry rose and strode over to the students, calling them back into their groups. Draco followed with a sigh; the day had started so nice too. Damn Pansy. Vice grasped his shoulder supportively and Draco gave him a brief smile of gratitude. Harry was right. They had things to do. Straightening his back, he went back to work.

The worked themselves to exhaustion, and Draco had to carry Harry home. Severus wasn't pleased and promised either he or Remus would supervise them from now on. Draco hadn't argued. He put Harry in bed and climbed into the next one over. His last thought was on whether they'd talk about what had happened with Pansy when they woke up.

They didn't.

Harry woke late and ate hurriedly before they left with Remus to continue training. Ron, Hermione, and Pansy were all back, but none of them said anything to anyone outside of spell casting. Draco tried to get Harry's attention when they stopped for lunch, but the brunette was eagerly engaged in conversation with Remus. Draco knew from the emotions Harry felt that his love was purposefully avoiding him. That really upset him, but what could he do if Harry wasn't ready to talk?

Remus made Harry take several breaks and house-elves were constantly bringing him food. Draco was pleased to see Harry didn't fight against it and meekly submitted to the fussing. They got a lot done and called it quits early. Everyone was too tired to continue. Draco decided to make Saturday a half-day of training. They would meet after lunch so that everyone could sleep in and relax. It would be no good if they ran everyone into the ground and couldn't fight when Voldemort came.

Severus would have come and helped, but was busy with meetings with the Headmaster, Minister, and three Auror Generals. There had been no sign that Voldemort was moving. He was still holed up in the old Ministry. The list of magical items left behind was growing daily as the Ministry officials discovered just what was saved and what was left behind. It was long enough that they had no way to know what would be used against them.

"Baby, we need to talk." Draco said seriously as Harry entered the bedroom after his shower.

"I'm tired." He muttered, climbing into his bed and facing away from Draco's.

"Harry…" Draco said angrily. "This isn't fair."

"Please, Ray. Not now." Harry whispered, a wave of resignation and fatigue washing down their bond. "I really am tired."

"Tomorrow." Draco said firmly. He didn't get a response.

"It's not that I don't trust him!" Ron screamed.

"Well, it seems to me that's exactly what it sounds like!" Ginny screamed back.

"Silenco!" Neville spelled the two and they turned to look at him with deadly glares. He ignored that. "Look, this isn't solving anything. I'd like to point out that you guys were all working well with Draco during the training, and when you went to sit together you were all laughing and getting along until Parkinson opened her mouth. Harry told you he was in love and you reacted badly, insulting the person he feels he loves. Whether it's because of the spell or not, that wasn't the best move. Of course he'd get defensive. Just like you would if someone insulted Hermione, whether they were your friend or not. I think you should apologize to him and then ask him whether he's considered if it's the spell or not. If he hasn't, then he will, and if he has, then maybe you'll learn something."

"Neville's right, Ron." Hermione said. "I was shocked and hurt when Harry said he'd stop being our friend, but now that I think of it you had just shoved Malfoy and insulted him, and you know how protective Harry is over people he cares about. And he did still say that if we could accept Malfoy, he'd still be friends with us."

"And Malfoy's been good to us so far." Neville added pointedly. "He endangered himself to help Harry, and that's why he's in the situation he's in, so it is possible he's changed. We know what Harry's been through, but Draco's had to experience it and was there every step of the way, putting Harry back together again. That can really build a bond between people. We have to be prepared for that."

"Finite." Hermione cast as the two redheads backed down and looked able to think clearly.

"I still think it's sick." Ron said petulantly.

"But?" Ginny tapped her foot warningly.

"But I'll talk to him and try not to blow up." He gritted. Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek.

Ginny rolled her eyes and took Neville's hand. "Come on, Nev. I don't want to catch my brother's ignorance."

"Brat!" He yelled after her, but Hermione distracted him with a question about Quidditch.

"Where's Harry?" Draco asked, coming into the kitchen for breakfaster and finding only Severus and Remus at the table.

"He wanted to eat in the Gryffindor Common room." Severus answered. Draco growled.

"Where are you going?" Remus asked, concerned.

"To find him." Draco said over his shoulder and slammed the portrait door behind him.

Severus raised his eyebrow questioningly at Remus.

"They're fighting, I think." The werewolf answered with a frown.

"What about?" Severus demanded, berating himself for not noticing. Harry seemed so much stronger, and he was, but any fracture with Draco could crumble him psychologically.

"I'm not sure." Remus shook his head. "But I think we should wait until tonight to intervene."

Severus eyed him. "Alright. We'll wait."

"Thank you, Severus," the Wolf smiled.

Chapter end.

A/N: The chapter ended up being so long that I cut it in half, but have posted them together. Feel free to continue on, but if you're running short of time, I recommend you wait until later. There's a passionate make-up scene in it that you'll hopefully want to read slowly and enjoy. (grins widely)