Episode 9

Reconciliation and Denials

Ginny tossed and moaned in her sleep. The flashes of past and memories not of her own making flashed through her head. One of the more memorable ones came to her. Young Malfoy kneeled next to Severus in a dark room. She could just feel the nervous energy pour off the boy. It wasn't a wonder; Draco had accomplished the mission without too many blunders. However, Severus had dealt the killing blow. She had grown impatient with waiting to hear of Albus Dumbledore's death. Though Severus pleaded Draco be let off with a milder punishment, she ordered Draco to suffer the Cruciatus. Besides, she could've thought of worse punishments.

Ginny woke with a hand clutched at the throat of her night grown. She breathed hard and wondered where that image came from. It could've been imagination knowing that Malfoy had explained to them what happened after 'The Fall of Hogwarts' everyone had come to call it. Dumbledore had spectacularly staged his death, so well that everyone actually thought he was dead. Luckily, with the help of McGonagall, Slughorn, Flitwick, and Vector's research notes, Dumbledore made a very life like clone of himself. It was a puppet that the skilled Dumbledore controlled with a different branch of Legilimency.

"Merlin," breathed Ginny, with wide eyes.

Her imagination had always been a wild one. She did enjoy the image of Malfoy getting tortured by the Cruciatus curse. She remembered it like it was yesterday, the way everyone had sat in the kitchen and listened to his story of what happened after the 'death of Dumbledore'. She had only simply imagined it; it wouldn't be hard to do with the details Malfoy had so willingly given them.

He'll get what's coming to him though, thought Ginny vehemently. Always slithering away unscathed.

Ginny frowned slightly wondering where such rage had come from but then she remembered. Harry. Her Harry. After she glanced at Sunny sleeping beside her, her eyes hardened as she balled her hands into fists. They had had a good thing going until Draco came along. Even after Harry declared her presence around him unsafe. They still could've had something. But then Dumbledore had to interfere as well, trying to 'strengthen their' relationship. Draco and Harry had no real relationship then, only a rocky friendship.

Dumbledore is always at the core of trouble. And that traitor Draco will pay too! Ginny growled as a red haze set in her vision and the bright full moon looked as though it had a thin red layer of dried blood on it.

"Gin?" murmured Sunny sleepily. He turned toward her and automatically put his hands around her waist to try to pull her back down.

"I'm here," said Ginny tonelessly. "Let me go." Sunny groaned in protest, but quieted when Ginny slid under the sheets and reluctantly pressed her side against Sunny. The man promptly brought her closer to him and nuzzled his face into her hair.

"Mmm, love you," mumbled Sunny, as he drifted back into his deep sleep.

"Mmm hmm, I know."

Ginny absently stroked his head as she tried to think of her next action in her plan. Draco and Harry were very emotionally fragile at the moment and it would be perfect to carry out 'Tarnish the Intruder'. Ginny had had Madam W follow Harry and Draco around for a few weeks. The woman had gamely performed. It pleased Ginny very much. The information the woman had collected! Merlin, the photographs! Ginny softly giggled and unconsciously tugged a tangle out of Sunny's hair.

Journalists wanting interviews surely would hunt down Draco. He would be extremely busy, stressed, and best of all, separated from Harry. Then Ginny would let Harry confide in her about Draco's behaviour and she would 'comfort' him. Ginny smiled. Her performance would definitely have to be up to par then. After consoling Harry she would break down herself and tell Harry about the 'baby'. Sunny, of course, had pressured her to get pregnant and was forcing her to have it. Ginny would say that it wasn't Sunny's fault and make Harry swear not to hurt Sunny. Harry would then promise not to tell anyone and support her decision about the 'baby'. Additionally, not to kill Sunny.

She sighed happily and snuggled closer to the warm Sunny. The man did have his perks. He was there for physical release and mildly pleasant company. When he's around, thought Ginny with a frown. Ever since they had moved into the large mansion she hardly ever saw him. Not that it mattered, she convinced herself. She'd have Harry soon enough. For now she'd settle for Sunny.

"Ginny..?" murmured Sunny again, with a blatantly obvious grip on her arse.

Ginny looked down at him with mild irritation, but decided to let out some pent up stress. She moved her head so that she could nibble on Sunny's bottom lip. Sunny sighed and Ginny smelt the German wine they had purchased years ago on his breath. She turned his head toward her and bit lightly at his earlobe. The man moaned and gripped her bottom tighter. Ginny smiled as she could feel his lust stir up and her own lust pulse.

With experienced ease, she trailed kisses and bites down Sunny's body as she grasped at his throbbing cock. He was now an active participant and laid flat on his back so she could have easier access to his body. She licked back up to the blonde's neck and then bit down with enough suction to feel the muscles roll on her tongue. Sunny arched like high-strung bow with a moaning gasp. The smell of Sunny was clear in Ginny's senses and she found, to her mild horror, that she didn't mind it too much. She ignored that thought and refocused on what she was doing

It was deathly quiet in the room save Sunny and Ginny's laboured breaths, the rustles of silk fabric, and an eerie calm of physical need and understanding. The moon shone just over Ginny's shoulder and highlighted Sunny's strong facial features. Overwhelmed with a strange sense of tenderness, Ginny leaned down and kissed Sunny deeply. She pulled back mildly annoyed with herself but pulled her chemise over her head with a single mindedness she'd not experienced for some time. Sunny's pale blue eyes were intent on her, looking up with adoration, love, and trust. Ginny half-heartedly hoped such things weren't mirrored in her eyes.

Again, she pushed awaythosethoughts, and slid Sunny's nightshirt off his muscular shoulders slowly. She ran her hands over the softly defined torso enjoying the rough skin and the firm, smooth lines of his body. She brushed her thumbs over two hardened nipples as she felt the sparse hairs on his chest rasp against her palms, and made Sunny sigh in pleasure. Ginny gently kissed the centre of the beautifully made chest and help Sunny slide out of his pyjama pants.

She made Sunny lay flat and changed her position over top of him so that she had her back to him. She saw the powerful legs littered with dark golden hairs, and well formed feet highlighted in perfect moonlight. Ginny purposely bent over, with her arse lifted high in the air to take Sunny's stiff organ in her mouth. Sunny grasped her hips painfully and made an unsuccessfully stifled groan as she worshipped him with her tongue. When Sunny smacked her arse hard, she gave one last hard suck, and sat up. She slid up a few inches and lifted herself over the straining erection.

Ginny looked at the moon before she deliberately sank down on Sunny roughly. A feral, almost animalistic urge ensconced her. She rode wildly, not caring of the way she whimpered, or the way she loved how Sunny's hand continually ran up and down the small of her back. Climax came fast and Ginny's eyes had always been on the moon. Shining brightly on her and Sunny, who had sat up and clutched her to his chest when he came.

She wondered dazedly if that was how Lupin felt at the rising of the moon. Wild, untamed, crazed with lust, violence, frustration, and need. Need. Of what? Of anything.

Ginny greatly slumped against the solid warmth of Sunny's chest, glad that she didn't have to move. He slowly pulled her down with him to the bed and cradled her in his arms like he would a child. For now, Ginny was content to let things be. She curled into him, as she felt her energy drain away and sight slowly fade into the welcoming darkness of sleep.

"I love you," whispered Sunny.

"I love you too," answered Ginny drowsily, unsure of whether she had actually meant it. But sleep had snatched away that half finished thought before she could actually figure it out.

-

Draco sat there and touched his left eye gingerly. He and Harry sat in Severus's office, soaking wet, and extremely happy. Draco ran a hand through his wet hair and looked around at the dreary environment with an insane bout of giddiness. Suddenly, a warm, wet hand is interlaced with his. He looked over to see Harry, without his glasses with a goofy grin on face.

"What are you smiling about?" said Draco, without any heat.

"I love you," answered Harry, as if it were obvious.

Draco smiled. "I know that. You'd be blind and stupid not to," he said, not rising to the bait.

Harry shifted to face Draco more and grasped both of Draco's cold hands with his. "You make me happy."

"Of course! Not like you could do better than me, really," scoffed Draco, as he tried not to laugh.

"I care about you a lot," continued Harry, knowing full well what he was doing.

Draco mockingly sighed. He knew what Harry wanted him to say. "Well, if you must hear it… I love you too. Not that I didn't enjoy the arse kissing, mind you. You should do it more often." Draco smirked at him so that he wouldn't smile as stupidly as Harry.

Harry said nothing and slumped against Draco. The blonde man sighed again, this time from content and smiled feeling the sting of the cut on his lip. The realisation of wanting children, damning the past and deceitful friends had been so sudden, it was quite canny Harry and he thought of it at the same time. Draco theorized that their bodies spoke more than their mouths did. He'd been so hurt and furious with everything that he just needed an outlet. He didn't even notice he had been keeping it pent up.

He had a vague memory of Hermione dosing him with her opinion of what kind of emotional person he was. She called him a Bottler. Draco smiled and put an arm around Harry. Ron was a Fuse, Harry was a Brooder, and Ginny was…

"Honestly! Are you two wizards or two stupid poufs dripping water on my floor?" snarled Severus, as he came in with his cloak billowing malevolently. "Anyway, what made you change your minds?"

"Fight," said Harry, as he blinked slowly at Severus.

"A fight?" repeated Severus, disbelievingly.

"Yes. With fists and such," said Draco, as he waved his hand dramatically at Harry's nose.

Severus turned away to his desk with a muttered, "Merlin…" Draco watched the man go through the piles of scrolls on his desk and look at most of them closely. Then he felt Harry nudge him.

"What?"

"My nose hurts," mumbled Harry, into his chest. "This is like the fourth or fifth time you've done it."

Draco slowly calculated in his head. "Hmm, nope this is only the fourth time."

"I knew it!" said the raven-haired man, passionately. "One day I have to break your nose."

Draco shifted backwards. "What? My nose looks too good to be broken. Try that and I'll break yours a fifth time," he added seriously.

"It isn't fair!" moaned Harry dramatically, as he mockingly hit Draco against the chest.

"Life isn't fair, spike," responded Draco, as he ran his hand through Harry unruly locks that stood up on end.

Draco and Harry looked up when they heard knocking on the door. Draco glanced back to Severus looking extremely annoyed. The older man calmly put down the scrolls and quickly pulled out his wand when the door swung open. Dumbledore stood there smiling benignly with a twinkle in his eye. He had on bright oranges robes with a matching hat and matching heel shoes. Draco almost snorted at the baby puffskiens that bounced to and fro across the fabric.

"Now, now, Severus. Is there really any need for all that?" said Dumbledore, apparently looking far too happy for Severus's tastes.

"When someone gets past my wards-"

"They really want to see you," finished Dumbledore cheerfully, before he turned to Harry and Draco. "Harry, Draco. There's a young lady out here who very concerned about your welfare who you happened to leave distressed."

Draco raised his eyebrow while Harry just looked confusedly at the door. When Dumbledore moved into the room, Draco was mildly surprised to see Olimpi was standing nervously in the corridor.

"Come in, dear," said Dumbledore, as he beckoned her to come in the room.

Olimpi warily stepped through and looked nervously at Severus, with stood there like a large snarling bat. Draco saw that Severus had slowly put away his wand, and then he directed his Level Six Glare of Dislike at her. It was better than a Level Four Glare of Hatred.

Dumbledore gave her a gentle smile. "See? The two boys are fine." He then walked next to the angry Severus.

Olimpi smiled pleasantly and looked askance at Severus but walked up to them. The smiled vanished the second she ran a critical eye over them. She smiled again, and this time Draco could clearly see it was strained.

"Why don't we leave them to get situated?" Dumbledore then gestured for Severus to move.

Severus gave Dumbledore a very dark look and noting that the older wizard wouldn't move until he did made him turn a Level Three Scowl of Annoyance on Draco, Harry, and Olimpi. He dramatically turned around and stalked out the room with Dumbledore at his side.

"So, Sway, what's crackin'?" said Harry, carefully wrinkling his nose.

Draco's only warning was the twitch in Olimpi's right eyes before she went batshit.

"Crackin'? Crackin'? I'll you what's crackin'," she said, walking up to them slowly and Draco could've sworn he saw an aura around her.

"You two idiots fight, try to kill each other, have an epiphany, and then fly off in the middle of a bleeding storm?" Draco leaned back against Harry as he saw the tempest rising in the woman. It was scarily easy to tell seeing as how her slanted eyes became mere slits. "Merlin, do you know how you both looked? MAD!" she yelled, as Draco and Harry both opened then closed their mouths.

"I don't know what's happened to you and where you've gone, well not just then!" Olimpi was now pacing, looking very red in the face and furious. "There's blood on my freaking floor and I've got your wands-" She took a deep calming breath. "I had to track you pissants by the magical signature from your brooms, which was a very dangerous thing to do, I might add, being that it was a bloody Muggle neighbourhood. Then it was storming and carrying on."

"Sway, we didn't mean-"

"Shut it." Olimpi stopped her pacing to glare at Harry and, quite frankly, Draco thought that one of Olimpi's glares could really compete with Snape's Glares of Disgust. "I've barely had time to grab my freaking coat and then my bleeding broom and chase you out. And MERLIN, the speed at what you two were flying! Are there any brains your bleeding heads? Blimey, I could hardly see, it was so freaking dark out so I had to conjure of a ball of light to follow you two. The trail you left behind was insane! "

Olimpi stopped for a second and took another deep breath. Her blue black eyes snapped on them with a wildness that left Draco scrabbling for Harry's hand. Harry expressed the same sentiment clutching Draco's hand.

"Was there any reason at all for you two dumb arses to fly above the clouds? I mean, I know there were like Muggles in my area but there weren't any Muggles in the area you flew up in. What the bloody hell?"

Draco and Harry shrugged.

"Anyway, you two have got to be the most primitive men I've ever had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting," said Olimpi quietly, looking quite disgusted with the thought of even knowing them. "You act. There is no need for words. Fight, fight. Let's go bloody and stupid into a thundering storm out leaving our friend Olimpi Sway with smeared blood across her floor and our wands. You two are ditzes, you know that, right?"

Harry and Draco both nodded solemnly.

"Good, now come here and give me a reassuring hug, damn you."

They cautiously went over and she gave them a really oxygen depriving hug. She had tears in her eyes when she stepped back and Draco smiled weakly at her. He and Harry shared a look. Girls were weird.

"Promise me you won't become mad like that when you go through the transformation," said Harry, when Olimpi sat where they were just sitting.

Draco nodded serious. "I promise."

Harry nodded too and kissed Draco with a quiet, "Love you."

"Love you, too."

"Good, because I'll totally freak out if you get all weird and Ron'll be no good to me because he's Ron and I'll be surrounded by girls."

Draco laughed wickedly.

Harry just groaned.

"Are you ready?"

Olimpi had already healed their wounds and claimed she wanted to beat their arses in something, so she challenged Harry to a game of chess. Draco looked up from game of chess that Olimpi and Harry were playing. Severus stood there with a bored expression on his face, but Draco could tell that he was worried. Even if it was just a little bit.

"Yeah," said Draco, and he watched as Harry suddenly stood and then sat next to him.

"Have you eaten or drunk anything today?" asked Severus, holding a milky white pebble.

Draco thought about it. "No."

"Good, wands please," said Severus, holding out his other hand.

Harry started to hand over his, but Olimpi stopped him.

"Hey, wait, that isn't yours," she chirped, looking grimly satisfied.

Draco looked at the wand in Harry's hand. It really wasn't. But it was neither Draco's.

"It's mine," muttered Olimpi, as she patiently grabbed her wand from Harry's hand and replaced it with their own.

Harry stopped just short of handing Severus their wands and Severus let out a frustrated huff.

"What now?" Severus looked very annoyed and Draco couldn't really blame him.

"Why are we giving you our wands?" asked Harry calmly.

A muscle jumped in Severus's face. "Have you done no research on the transformation itself and of its procedures?"

"No," continued Harry straightforwardly, "a split second thing, really."

Severus looked as though he couldn't decided which kind of scowl or glare to give Harry, so he just let out a shaky breath. "Idiots…" he muttered, rubbing his temple.

Olimpi stood up and cast a sympathetic look in Severus's direction, which the man purposely ignored. "I'll tell them."

Harry pulled Draco down into his lap and then said, "We're all ears."

"What's the purpose of having ears if you have no brain to understand anything," mumbled Severus sulkily, crossing his arms in front of him.

Olimpi ignored him. "The first procedure is to remove all articles of clothing and be rubbed down with Moon Oil, which is made from moonstone and other ingredients in order to soften and prepare the body to transform into a female."

Draco looked at Severus in horror. "You-you're- not-"

"Don't even think it," said Severus tightly. "You have a lover at your disposal. He will do the rubbing."

At this, Harry smiled in such a lewd way it even made Draco blush. Mostly because they had an audience.

"Anyway," went on Olimpi, who also had a slight flush to her cheeks. "We then press ritual symbols into your skin around your neck, wrists, ankles, and waist."

"Sounds hot," said Harry, and got cuffed by Draco, who was starting to get annoyed with Harry's inopportune lewd comments.

Olimpi rubbed at her red face. "However, the metal in which the symbols are pressed will be hot and covered with pink lavender scented oil. Just warning you."

Draco closed his eyes for a few seconds telling himself that being subjected to something that was extremely hot that wasn't Harry was for the greater good and that he would not be afraid of it. He would not.

Harry pressed his thumb to the base of Draco's neck and began rubbing firm circles from the top to the bottom. He smiled reassuringly when Draco's own smile trembled a bit. Harry knew that Draco hated hot things and always calmed down with a firm rub to the back of his neck.

"Severus will say the incantation, whereupon Draco will lay spread eagle on the floor, and lie perfectly still with his eyes closed while Severus draws a circle around him." Olimpi now frowned thinking of what to say next.

"By perfectly still and fully stretched out, she means that you don't move at all," said Severus, looming back into view. "That means you even scarcely breathe since it takes a lot longer from you to die from oxygen deprivation instead of being struck by lightening."

"Lightening?" both Harry and Draco chorused, with a wild look at Olimpi.

"Erm…" she said uncomfortably. "Getting to that."

"Get to it then!" Draco couldn't calm the panic in his voice if he wanted to. Bloody bird wants to fry me!

"Well, you see that's what the moonstone is for," chuckled Olimpi nervously, though Draco seriously felt there wasn't anything funny at all. "After Severus is finished saying the incantation and drawing the circle around you, the symbols that were pressed into you earlier will glow. Whereupon, Severus takes grounded up moonstone, jade, and pink pearl and sprinkles it onto the symbols."

Olimpi stopped and looked back at Severus for his nearly imperceptible nod for her to continue.

"At this point, you should start to feel the change. Your skin will tingle and then so will your muscles. It'll feel like your whole body has pin and needles in it. The kind of sensation one feels when one of their limbs falls asleep from lack of circulation. Then after the powdered stones are applied to the symbols completely, he will place a moonstone in your navel. It will be placed there to channel the energy of the lightening, offsetting the symbols, spell, and activating the Moon Oil that thereby starts the transformation. Then…" She winced.

"Then comes the pain," said Draco evenly.

Olimpi nodded reluctantly. "The tingle in your body will then become sharper as you begin to transform. Your skin will stretch to accommodate new body parts and your muscles will shift into the makeup of a female. You will look as you should if you were born female."

"I have your wands because Harry or you might interrupt the process," continued Severus smoothly. "There can only be a minimum of magic inside the room, and if you fools had your wands within reach Draco's life could be endangered. Therefore, I will be putting up a barrier around Draco once I have finished applying the powder. I will then bind Harry, so you cannot commit any foolishness, and conjure the lightening."

"Isn't there already some risk?" asked Harry, after a short silence.

Severus gave him a grim look. "Yes."

Draco snuggled closer to Harry. "What will happen if, the process is interrupted?"

"Well, before anything you have to take the potion," said Olimpi. "If your body responds badly to that, you'll be poisoned, but we have a better chance of saving you in case of that."

"And the process?" persisted Harry.

Severus's expression went carefully blank before he responded, "Most likely, your body will melt. Or the pain will become so intense you die from shock. But because of how hot your body will become, the most probable outcome is if it doesn't go accordingly to plan, your body will melt."

Draco's mind whirled and he thought whether he really wanted to do this. They could always adopt, couldn't they? But then again it isn't the same as having someone of your own make up. However, the thought of dying from intense pain or melting wasn't exactly something that Draco looked forward to. He would be burning and transforming and hoping that he doesn't die, though he just might be poisoned as well.

However, he knew the mystery child Harry and he had planned to bring into the world in the future would be brilliant. Would have everything, money, education, and looks. His child would be so beautiful it would hurt for a lesser being to look upon their splendour. Draco would die for his child. But dying before the child was something Draco didn't know whether his psyche could handle.

"Draco, Draco, calm down," coaxed Harry, with firm comforting rubbing down his arms.

Draco hadn't even noticed he was shaking because he was so caught up in his thoughts. Merlin, I thought I could do this and I can. He was terrified, but once he saw Harry's concern about his well being, he knew the risk would be worth if it all worked out in the end.

"Draco, you don't have to do this," slowly filtered through Draco's frenzied thoughts.

He recognised the voice as Olimpi's and stood suddenly, ready to prove himself. "No, that's all right, thanks," he said quickly. He forced himself to calm down by taking a few breaths and said calmer, "We're doing this. The risk isn't that large and I would love to have a family. Honestly, and if it works out, it'll be more than worth it. Especially with Harry at my side. Definitely with Harry at my side." He grinned widely at Harry, who mirrored his expression and had tears in his green eyes.

"All right," Draco heard Severus say, because he was still looking at Harry. "Being that Hogwarts is practically wrapped in magic, we will have to relocate to a Muggle area. They have the lowest magic levels and so there won't be any stray magic except the magic needed for the transformation. Are you sure about this, Draco?"

"Yes," said Draco automatically, his eyes locked with green.

Harry slowly stood up and walked over to him. They kissed.

"They're big on PDA, aren't they?"

"Bloody hell, they're just like horny teenagers."

"No, they're just in love." Wistful sigh.

"Humph."

Harry watched as Draco mechanically signed the final documents and made his will years earlier than he really should have had to. He sent an encouraging smile in Draco's direction that really bellied how Harry really felt. He was jittery and nervous and nauseous all at the same time. However, he knew him panicking wouldn't help Draco in any kind of way, and that he had to be the strong one for now.

He remembered stepping into the isolated clinic and being led through the white, white halls. Poppy was there along with that Dr. Walton woman, and a small staff of nurses. He remembered feeling the noticeable absence of magical presence. But the thing he would probably most notably remember was when Snape told them tonelessly about the will Draco had to make in case of his demise and the way that Draco immediately stiffened. He even remained wooden when Harry put his closest arm around Draco and used his other to rub Draco's neck.

And now, they were down to the wire and Draco was putting on a shaky, but brave front. Harry wanted nothing more to go to Draco and kiss all his fears away. However, he knew that Draco was a very proud creature, even more so than Harry himself, and would reject Harry's constant coddling. Though it was very understandable since Harry himself had been handled with infant gloves for a large part of his life. But now he understood when Mrs. Weasley had said to him so long ago about wanting to keep those she loved from being in painful situations. It was her explanation for always going the extra mile in worrying and fussing over them.

Now Harry really understood as Draco said, "Let's do this."

He and Draco were in a plain white, white sterile room. Harry was rubbing the Moon Oil into Draco's skin with some kind of special gloves so the oil wouldn't seep through and they were very much alone.

"Are you scared?" Harry worked on a knot in Draco's lower back.

A snort of disbelief. "I'm terrified."

Harry fumbled somewhat in his ministrations. It took a lot for Draco to admit something of that nature so plainly. Harry knew Draco said it was always like baring his soul to the world when he admitted his vulnerability.

But damn, Harry really didn't want to lose him and before he knew it, his hands were all over Draco. He was frantic and vaguely, in the logical part of his brain, he knew he was panicking, but he was so far outside his logical self it was like a whisper from the other side of the world.

Draco turned over, his expression serene and tilted Harry's chin towards him. "Are you scared?"

Harry was trembling and his reply was shaky whisper. "T-ter-ri-ri-fied."

Draco kissed him softly and the dam broke. Harry was sobbing and he could see Draco's bittersweet expression through the blur of tears in his eyes. Draco stood and led Harry over the strangely comfy bed making Harry lie down. He then removed all Harry's clothing, staring silver-ly at him the whole time. Harry felt safe in the liquid steel gaze, letting it wrap itself around him in the comfort of its security. He raised his shaking hands as Draco gracefully climbed atop him.

Draco had made love to him slowly, kissing him everywhere. Harry clung to Draco like his life depended on it and was glad Draco didn't stop when Harry began sobbing in earnest, grabbing at everything that made up Draco as if the man would disappear if he didn't hold on. Draco merely licked each one of his tears and placed one hand over Harry's heart and whispered reassuring things like, 'Love you', 'Even if I go, I'll always live inside you', 'You're the greatest and most perfect person who could ever put up with me', and 'You're worth everything. If I had to do it all over again… I would. For you'.

Afterwards, Harry had calmed down enough to stop crying, but was still clingy as ever. Draco just held him tight, and kept mapping Harry's body with his fingers. Harry did the same to Draco, ingraining every little detail in his mind from wicked scar on Draco's hip to the small mole on the back of Draco's thigh. He also tried to memorise everything little detail about Draco from the way his fingers would twitch for a wand when he was pissed to how he would shudder exactly five times when he orgasmed. Shudder, shudder, shudder…Shudder…Shudder. Harry smiled into Draco's shoulder, a lone tear gracing his cheek.

"We have to finish up here," said Draco quietly. "It's getting late and the potion expires soon."

Harry's face went slack. "I know."

"Okay."

"Okay."

The potion in the goblet in Draco's hands was anything but ominous looking. It was a light, clear pink colour and smelled like cotton candy. Draco raised an eyebrow at Severus.

"Why is everything that has to do with this ritual pink?"

Severus stared back hard. "You're becoming a woman."

Olimpi looked offended. "Is that synonymous with being a woman?"

Severus glared at her. "I didn't create the bloody ritual, so don't give me that scorned woman look."

Olimpi glared back. "Scorned woman? I show you scorn, you big ol' bat."

"What you-"

"Do I have to drink this all in one go?" interrupted Draco, before Severus and Olimpi got into it.

Severus turned from Olimpi and blinked vacantly at Draco. "Of course."

Draco nodded and suddenly felt Harry's presence nearby. It was soothing, even though everyone, including Poppy, Dr. Walton, and the very plain nurse, Frances Sedro were in the room.

Draco lifted the goblet to his lips and drank. He gagged, but kept drinking it. Draco couldn't exactly name what it tasted like, but it reminded him mostly of burned cement glue. The smell and the appearance were most deceiving. Actually, in Draco's opinion, it was horribly misleading and probably meant as a way of ill humour.

Draco placed the goblet down with shaky hands and was pissed that he couldn't for one second stop his damnable trembling. However, Harry seemed to already know what Draco was thinking and casually put his hands over Draco's shaking ones. Severus came over with Poppy and peered closely at him.

"How are you feeling?" asked Severus, eyes darting all over Draco's face for any sign the potion was taking.

Draco stopped any half formed thoughts and just concentrated on how he felt. Heady, was the first thought that formed in his mind, and then he felt, well, as though he had a fever. His body had become looser and well, to any sane person, they would think they were drunk.

"Intoxicated," announced Draco finally.

Everyone's except Harry's, face went slack with relief.

"Is he supposed to feel like that?" commented Harry worriedly.

Severus sent Harry a wry look. "Yes, though sex seems to have similar effect," he said, with a pointed look at him and Draco.

Draco felt himself blush, but soon everyone would see him in the nude anyway. Draco repeatedly rubbed over his collarbone, obsessed with the smoothness the Moon Oil seemed to cause. He was slippery all over actually and it was kind of hot. With a glance in Harry's direction he could plainly see Harry was blushing as he came over to Draco.

"Look, Harry," said Draco, taking Harry's hand and letting Harry's fingers rub over the spot he'd just been rubbing at. Draco leaned in close. "I'm so slippery and smooth, and it is kind of hot, you know. Isn't it?"

Harry looked as though he wasn't sure whether to just nod or throw Draco down and ravish him until Severus fainted in the background. Draco was pretty much hoping for the former as he felt himself harden.

"Erm…" mumbled Harry.

"Pay him no mind, Potter. All of what he's feeling and doing is normal. Undress him." Severus turned away, plainly feeling no need to be exposed to Draco's nude body more than needed.

Draco giggled slightly at the thought that Severus was a little unnerved by his being nude. "Harry, I think Sevvy is uncomfortable with my sexy body."

Harry stared at him like he was mad. Draco didn't see any kind of problem. A glance at Sevvy and Draco saw that the man was blushing. Draco giggled again.

"Sevvy, you're blushing," stated Draco, and pointed at the man in question. Draco gasped as Harry started undoing the clasps that held the long white robe Draco had garbed in. It was made with a special material that wouldn't soak the oil from Draco's body and Draco thought it felt like silk.

"Quickly, Potter," Draco heard Sevvy mutter.

"Merlin, this robe feels like sex," babbled Draco, as he ran the robe under his nose and across his face lovingly. "Harry, you must buy bedding like this. We could really have lots of fun and kinky sex on sheets like these. I want something pale green too or a pale canary yellow…"

Harry gently took the sheet from him and at that moment Harry Potter was the hottest person in the room and hell, possibly the hottest person on the planet and Draco was hard and ready and rearing to go. Draco leaned into him and looked into those vivid green eyes he was so fond of and cooed.

"Remember that song my friend Reise wrote for us?" asked Draco, and starting humming the song in question. "Why do you look at me, with eyes that dance so free…" he murmured.

"Yes, I do," answered Harry, humming a bit with Draco very off key. "Come on, lay down." He led Draco to the centre of the room and Draco pouted.

"The floor is very hard, I don't wanna lay down on it," he whined. Then grinned mischievously at Harry. "Unless, you lay down on me."

"Erm…"

"Draco, get on the floor," hissed Sevvy, in his freakishly threatening voice. "Now."

Draco rolled his eyes and did as he was told wincing at the coolness of the floor.

"Spread 'em," demanded Harry playfully.

Draco did and watched with grin how his cock rose up at the centre of his body. Harry was staring at it, Olimpi was looking decidedly past it, and Poppy, Frances, and the Pell woman were looking at him overall in a clinical way. Sevvy was just not looking at him at all.

"Aww, Sev, don't wanna look?" taunted Draco, fingers itching to wrap around his cock and bring his self off.

"Draco, really, please be quiet," pleaded Harry, who looked like he would solve the problem for Draco.

"Harry, think you help a bloke out?" Draco lewdly thrust his hips upwards.

"Erm…"

"No!" Sevvy whirled around looking flushed. "Harry, you get over there. Poppy are those metals symbols heated enough? Yes? Good, bring me the chalk."

After barking out his directions, he confined Draco first and then Harry. Sevvy checked the various metals over making sure they were the right symbols and told Olimpi were to put which ones since was wanted to participate. But Draco wasn't really paying attention to that, he felt the blood rushing through his veins and he really was just eager to move. Well, he also wanted to masturbate, but that seemed just out of his reach at the moment.

When he saw Olimpi blushing to the point of virginal, come to his feet with the hot metal in her glove protected hands, he felt mild panic. However, when she pressed the metal around his ankles, it felt surprisingly warm. Draco himself felt as though he were sweating on the inside and his layer of skin, which at this point Draco felt was wholly unnecessary, was completely scorching hot.

The rest passed mostly in a blur. Even Sevvy's soothing deep voice when he recited the incantation, hadn't woke Draco from his frenzied half formed, jumble of thoughts. However, when the moonstone was placed on his navel, Draco gasped. It was searing and suddenly, his whole body tingled. He was brutally thrown into sobriety. He then knew it was beginning, the tingling became more intense and his teeth begin rattling.

"Love you," whispered Draco, teeth chattering and his eyes tightly closed.

Harry watched with horror, as Draco's teeth chattered violently. He vaguely heard Draco say he loved him and Harry took a breath.

He really couldn't move, even if he wanted to, so he shouted out to Snape, "Is he all right?"

Snape glanced at him but then focused on applying the last of the grounded stones to Draco's neck. Snape then looked upward and spelled away the ceiling. Harry wondered which part of the ritual this was, but said nothing as he noted the storm clouds. He then looked at the ominous rain clouds, wincing when lightening struck somewhere outside, but close enough to light up the whole room.

Olimpi was standing next to Snape, who was near Harry in the circular room. Directly across from Harry was Poppy and Dr. Walton, who both looked eerie when the lightening had highlighted them. Frances, the nurse, who stood directly above Draco's head was pressed against the wall. Harry himself, was also pressed against the wall, unable to move and he felt the slow drip of anxiety down his spine. The churning of his stomach wasn't unlike an angry sea, swishing to and fro.

Then Snape stepped forward, right up to the line that circled the visibly trembling Draco. Snape looked worriedly at the moonstone in Draco's navel that was moving so slightly and Harry willed it to stay still. Satisfied that the moonstone wouldn't suddenly roll off Draco's quivering stomach, Snape raised his arms and said something in a language Harry didn't recognise. Snape raised his wand and lightening struck the moonstone.

That's when Draco began screaming.

Ginny woke; refreshed and feeling basically all was right with the world. She vaguely recognised the pleasant twinge of post-sex in her muscles and smiled. Then she frowned, thinking that she really would rather wake up to Harry. But then again, she hadn't waked up to Sunny, because the man in question wasn't there.

Ginny told herself she didn't really give damn where he was because this was so habitual she really should be used to it. However, she couldn't squash just the little concern that bloomed in her chest and got up. She threw on her robe and made her way downstairs.

She smelled food cooking but she knew it couldn't be the house elves since they would've left breakfast on her nightstand for when she woke. Ginny silently summoned her wand and made her way stealthily to the kitchen. On the way there, there was nothing amiss or out of place at all. But that only made her more suspicious.

So when she threw the kitchen doors open and saw Sunny with an apron around his naked waist, she gasped in surprise and almost vomited from how much adrenaline that had been rushing through her veins. He was immediately at her side.

"Are you okay? Do you need to sit? Want me to get some water? Do you-"

"I'm okay, Sunny," interrupted Ginny, with her hand over her heart. "I just wasn't expecting you to be down here…" She looked slowly him over.

He had jam on his nose and his dirty blonde hair was messily tied back, but a few tendrils escaped framing his flushed face. Before she could stop herself she licked the tip of his nose making him cutely go cross-eyed for a moment.

She then giggled and clamped a hand over her mouth appalled with herself. She belonged with Harry, not Sunny! She loved Harry more than Sunny, definitely. So how come when he smiled crookedly at and she smiled back, melting in every sense of the word.

Sunny then kissed her and lifted her as if she weighed nothing carrying her to the large counter near the food he had cooked. He tasted like buttermilk pancakes, jam, and eggs.

"Been eating without me?" murmured Ginny huskily, unable to stop herself now that she was shamelessly all over her husband.

Sunny just smirked then pushed her nightgown up and Ginny let him.

They made love quick and hard on the counter, making Ginny let out a mewl of a cry in ecstasy when she climaxed. Sunny came with a loud groan and had gripped her hips so hard, Ginny was sure there would be bruising, but couldn't find in her heart to care. Not even when multiple denials of loving Sunny screamed at her in her head.

"Heh, heh," breathed Sunny. "You've been in a good mood lately. I've missed this."

"Me too," responded Ginny immediately.

Suddenly, their bell rung indicating someone had Flooed into their house. Their fireplace was, of course, on a private Floo network, so it could only be someone they knew. Ginny hurriedly jumped down from counter, giddy from almost being caught and shooed Sunny off to put some clothes on. Sunny grinned wickedly, smacked Ginny loudly on her ass, which made her jump and giggle, and then ran off up the stairs.

Ginny tried to put herself in order, but then still couldn't bring herself to care. Whoever it was, would just have to know Ginny had been well shagged not a moment ago. She smiled even brighter when she walked into the living room to find out Ron and Hermione were her visitors. They looked harried.

"Made up, have we?" said Ginny lightly, as she sat down on the loveseat directly across from them.

"Umm, er, yes," stammered Hermione, blushing furiously.

"Good."

Ron looked was about to say something, but then he peered closer at Ginny and instead said, "What's happened to you?"

"I've just been properly shagged," replied Ginny deadpanned, as Sunny sheepishly walked into the room. "Now, what's the matter with you two?"

"Gin, I really didn't want to hear that," moaned Ron, looking ill.

"Don't call me Gin, that's not my name. Stop referring to me like I'm some drink," snapped Ginny.

"Merlin. Fine."

"Ron, shut up," hissed Hermione annoyed, rolling her eyes. "Ginny have you seen these papers yet."

"No," said Ginny coolly, waving her hand at Sunny. "I've been busy this morning."

Hermione's face went even redder, but she ploughed on. "All these different papers say these horrible things about Harry and Draco."

"This is new, how?" said Sunny, reminding Ginny why exactly she loved him.

No, not loved, just really liked. Really.

"No, you don't understand," said Hermione frustrated. Suddenly, she stood, walked over, and thrust the papers she had in her lap at them.

Ginny saw various headlines that made her eyes light up with glee. Potter Really a Homosexual? Potter Has Row with Captain Mangus the Boyfriend Stealer! Girls Weep the Loss of Boy Wonder. Several Companies Renege their Grants to Harry Potter's Orphan Foundation. Delinda Hassey Performing Sexual Favours in Exchange for Harry's Money? But Ginny's favourite, which she had picked out of all the papers was, Trouble in Paradise? Potter and Malfoy Have a Row at a Muggle Mart.

She stood up and read the article delighted. Her plan really was coming together and then she looked behind her at Sunny. No, she really didn't love him at all. She was sure of it. She really was. Ginny didn't feel any kind of real sadness at all in the fact she wished she could love him like she loved Harry. No, she didn't.

Her whole plan was working out and in her favour. She smiled.

Little did she know, that that morning she had sealed her fate.

Harry could finally see through the haze and dust when the moonstone had exploded. He saw Draco's pale body and demanded at once to be let out of his body bind. Snape complied shakily and let him down. Harry ran over to Draco's side and lifted up his head.

"Holy shit," whispered Harry, looking at a very feminine Draco Malfoy.

Draco's fingers touched Harry's cheek and Harry noticed that the fingers were more delicate and the hand was smaller. He even had very nice breasts, Harry noted looking down Draco's new body. It was all so…Different.

"I hate you, Potter," breathed Draco, eyes open and still silver, piercing Harry's heart.

Harry grinned widely.

No, not so different after all.