Chapter VIII

Hogsmeade

Harry found Draco dreadfully excited on the day of their Hogsmeade visit. He woke Harry half an hour earlier than he usually woke up by pulling his curtains open. "Come on Potter! You need to get that rat's nest you dare call hair under control. Otherwise, they will soil the clothes that I will put on you."

"I miss you hating me," Harry grumbled as he forced himself out of bed. He looked at the other beds and scowled when he saw they were all closed. "Really Malfoy?" he huffed.

"I am losing my sleep for you, Potter, be grateful," Draco said as he moved to Harry's trunk and opened it without permission.

"Oi!"

"What is this?" Draco asked, pulling out one of Harry's pants. "This is three times too big for you, Potter."

"I would kindly like you not to go through my clothes!" Harry shouted, his cheeks blushing deeply. "Just go to the bathroom Malfoy I will be with you shortly!" Draco rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath and Harry huffed, turning quickly to try and control his blush. He had no idea why he was reacting this way, Malfoy was just being, well, Malfoy. Annoying, egotistic, selfish, arrogant, handsome, loud Malfoy. He huffed and pulled out what he thought he would look acceptable in before going to the bathroom where Malfoy was waiting. "What took so long?" The taller teen demanded.

Harry didn't grace him with a reply. Instead, he just went to the front of the closest sink and started to brush his teeth. He ignored Draco's glares until he was done and turned to the blond with a raised eyebrow. "What?"

"Where is your product?" Malfoy asked.

"I don't use Product," Harry huffed. "I just use water."

"The Lion Prince not use Product!?" Draco yelled as though it was the most ludicrous thing, "What do you not have enough staff and house elves at your palace to get it for you?" he sneered.

Harry immediately turned to him and gave his coldest sneer, "Do not even think about joking like that. You have no idea how I was 'raised' if you would even call the shit I went through that. My hair is fine. If you are going to spend the entire time bitching about me, then go fuck off, Malfoy."

Malfoy stepped back and then did the impossible. He looked sheepish and muttered, "Sorry. Blaise mentioned something about that, but I didn't believe him."

"He told you?" Harry demanded.

"Just that your life isn't as we thought it was, that's all," Draco said, looking up at Harry. "We don't tell secrets, Potter. Slytherins value them. If it's something important, you will tell me when you feel you can. Believe it or not, I can be kind of patient. Just do not wait too long."

Harry gave a low sigh and bit his lower lip. "I don't feel like telling you everything, not yet, I haven't even told the worst parts to Blaise yet, but I can tell you this. I was raised by my muggle Aunt and Uncle. They hate magic and hated me more. I was treated… awfully, and it's a miracle that I'm even here today. Happy?"

Draco stared at Harry for a moment before his usual sneer appeared, "Of course, you were raised by muggles, no wonder your fashion sense is so hideous." Despite it all, Harry laughed. He gave Malfoy a smile and turned to the mirror. "I tried everything but my hair stays the way it is, I like it like this," he said. "Maybe it can be a little longer."

Draco smirked and surprised Harry by taking a step closer to him. He reached for Harry's hair and hummed as he pulled it. "Coarse," he said disappointingly. "We will have to get you shampoo and conditioner to fix this."

"Y-Yeah, thanks," Harry said, glancing away from Malfoy. Don't blush damn it. Malfoy hummed before pulling his hair down as far as it could go. He was still silent before stepping away, clearing his throat.

"Get ready then meet me in the common room," Malfoy said before leaving.

Harry took his time getting dressed, not sure how to think about Malfoy. When he was finally done, he saw Malfoy and Pansy waiting in the common room. "Please tell me he didn't wake you too," Harry groaned.

"No, unlike you boys, I don't need extra time getting ready, I just wake up perfect," The Slytherin girl said. Harry rolled his eyes and glanced at Malfoy.

"Well uh, shall we go eat?" he said hesitantly. "Pansy, uh I don't remember any clothing stores in Hogsmeade to be honest."

"Of course, you don't Potter," Pansy sighed, "Knowing you, you've probably only stuck to Honeyduke's, Zonko's, and The Three Broomsticks." Harry looked sheepish as he nodded. "Thought so. Well, there's more to Hogsmeade than just that. We are going to visit them, as well as order a few things that Hogsmeade doesn't have."

"Oh," Harry said. The three turned to go only to be joined by Blaise, who was wearing a rather tight shirt under his robes. "Good morning, it's a beautiful September morning, isn't it? Not even a week back and we can already go to Hogsmeade! I love being a fifth-year."

"Why are you so happy?" Pansy demanded.

Blaise smirked at her and said, "Because I have a date with the cutest and most beautiful Hufflepuff in the world. Now take your morning mood somewhere else because I need to be on my best to impress."

The four of them made their way to the Great Hall to see that the ceiling was a cloudless baby blue. "Perfect day to fix Potter's wardrobe," Pansy said happily. Harry just hummed, thinking it better to stay silent or else he endures more of Draco's wrath over his "lack of fashion sense."

Theo and Daphnis soon joined them along with the others. Harry found himself feeling nervous as he ate, his stomach twisting for some reason as he glanced up at Draco. He didn't know why he was feeling so nervous. It was just clothes. Yet the idea of Draco Malfoy dressing him felt weird. Thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time. Just as breakfast was about to end, Daphnis told them, "When you're done torturing Harry, how about you all come down to the Three Broomsticks? Theo and I are planning on just staying there the entire day. We can talk, and answer some questions any of us have." He looked at Harry pointedly as he said this.

Harry agreed and looked around at the other Slytherins, "Draco isn't going to torture me, is he?" he asked.

"Very nice Potter," Draco sneered without any malice in his voice, "The only torturing I'll do is ripping those fabrics you dare call clothes off."

"I—" Harry's face turned completely red, and he stared down at his breakfast. "Let's just go."

"Someone's excited," Blaise smirked, but the group all got up together to leave. Harry made sure that he was significantly away from Malfoy as he did his best to control his face. He didn't know why he was blushing so much. Sure he and Draco were civil now but that is no reason for him to even get close to blushing! Or having any thought of him—which he wasn't!

It was a beautiful day for their walk to Hogsmeade with a sunny sky and a bit of a chilly wind. Blaise quickly broke off, claiming he found the perfect place to lean on to wait for his Neville. The group wished him good luck as they continued on, splitting again when they reached the Three Broomsticks. Soon, it was just Harry, Draco, and Pansy.

"Right, let's get the basics done first," Pansy said. "Should we include everything, Draco darling?"

"With how he dresses, definitely," Draco drawled. "I'll bring him through the underwear section, no need for you to torture yourself through that. Now Potter, what are your measurements?"

"My measurements?" Harry repeated, looking at Draco confused.

"Yes Potter for your clothes," Draco said, rolling his eyes as if it was the most obvious thing. He sighed and shook his head, "But obviously you do not know it. Fine, we will just have to take them and then I will remember them."

Harry grumbled but made no comments as he followed Draco and Pansy to a clothing store he has never been to before. There were a few students in there milling about, and almost as soon as the three walked in, a wizard wearing what Harry thought was trendy clothes appeared in front of them. "Welcome to Charming Clothes, where we will charm the clothes on you! How can I help today?"

Draco took a step forward, a hand on Harry's shoulder. "He needs a completely new wardrobe and measurements. Paid by the Malfoys, of course. Take his measurements and give them to me and my friend here." He indicated to Pansy, who gave a charming smile.

"Of course, Mr. Malfoy!" the man said, jumping. He turned to Harry and gave a squeak when he noticed who he was. "I—yes, come along Mr. Potter! I have to say I've seen your pictures in the newspapers. Such drabness! The clothes you've worn and the angles they've used! So horrible!"

"Uh, sorry?" Harry said, already dreading everything. Draco's friendship wasn't worth this. The man, who quickly introduced himself as Warlock, took Harry and the others to a raised platform for Harry to be measured. "You are like a bag of sticks!" Warlock commentated as an enchanted measuring tape did all the work.

"Gee thanks," Harry muttered annoyed as he held out his arms for the measuring tape. An enchanted quill and notepad wrote down his measurements and Draco took it, frowning, "We can work with this." Harry rolled his eyes and Warlock disappeared to help with other customers as Pansy and Draco began to lead Harry around. They walked around the shop, both Draco and Pansy pointing at different types of clothing and robes, pulling them off, and giving them to Harry to hold onto. "Was that leather—I am not wearing leather!"

"It'll highlight your nonexistent ass, now keep up Potter," Malfoy shot back. "Be happy we are picking these first before I bring you to the underwear section." Harry's face blazed and he muttered curses at the two as they walked around. The clothes almost reached over Harry's head by the time they reached the changing room, and Draco told Harry to put them down and follow him to get underwear. "Okay Potter, what kind of underwear do you wear?" Draco asked, sounding clinical.

"I—what?" Harry said, blushing. "Just normal kinds. Look you are not going to get me underwear! I'm fine with my own!"

Draco gave him a sharp look as if he was judging every millimeter of him. "Is that so?" he said. "Fine, but do not complain then. Go to Pansy and try on some of the clothes, I will be back."

"Do not get me underwear!"

"I'm getting something for myself, Potter!"

Harry huffed and rolled his eyes at Draco's dramatics. He returned to where Pansy was waiting and before he could say a word, a shirt and pants were shoved in his arms and he was pushed into the dressing room. "You're going to try on each and every piece of clothing," Pansy said.

"This is really going to be torture," Harry muttered. He took off his own clothes and put on the ones Pansy picked. They fitted perfectly and Harry blushed a little, not used to clothes actually fitting him. He didn't know if he was wearing it correctly, as everything looked just fine but somewhat wrinkled.

"Potter, I'm coming in." That was his only warning before the door opened and Draco walked in. Harry turned around sheepishly, and Draco scowled, "Honestly," he said and stepped towards Harry. "You are like a child, Harry," he said with a strange softness that made Harry blush.

He stood close to Harry, so close they were practically breathing each other's breaths. Draco's hands were on him, and he moved them slowly down his clothes, smoothing out the wrinkles and adjusting where he saw fit. Harry stood as still as a statue, blushing madly as Draco worked. Once the last of the crinkles were gone, Draco took a step back and stared at Harry, giving him a rare smile. "There we go," he said. "Much better, Harry."

"T-Thank you," Harry muttered. He turned and gasped. He looked good! It was just a pair of pants and a sweater, but still, he couldn't believe how good he looked. "Next outfit has a vest to put on," Draco said. "The black pants, dark green button-up, and black vest," Draco pointed out each one. Harry didn't trust his words, so he just nodded.

Draco ruffled his hair and Harry thought he would die on the spot as the blond left. "I'm fucked."

"Neville!"

Blaise smiled widely as he saw his Hufflepuff walk towards him, his cheeks rosy from the wind and walk. "H-hi," he said shyly.

He looked beautiful in Blaise's mind. Very pleasantly plump wearing Hufflepuff colors and a coat to protect himself from the September air.

"Hey beautiful," Blaise purred, stepping up next to him. "Can I hold your hand?"

"Y-Yeah," Neville said. Blaise's grin grew as he felt Neville's soft hands in his own. He held it proudly as the two walked down the street together. "So what do you want to do?" Blaise asked. "Anything in mind?"

"I like to go get chocolates," Neville admitted.

"Perfect! Let's go then," Blaise said. He pulled Neville along towards Honeydukes. Neville moved closer to Blaise as they entered the packed shop. Students were talking happily as they grabbed whatever candies they wanted. Blaise's hand tightened around Neville's and he pulled him to a corner, still smiling widely. "So, what's your favorite? I'm a fan of chocolate frogs myself," Blaise said. "I'm very good with my mouth," he winked, "I can fit like five of them at once!"

"Oh," Neville said, he licked his lips nervously and looked around the room. Blaise did his best to make the boy smile, saying, "How about we get some frogs and I'll show you?"

"Ohh yeah," Neville nodded. The two walked around the store, Blaise grabbing everything he could. As he did, he couldn't help but notice Neville. He took some candy, yes, but there were times when he would start to reach for the candy he wanted before stopping, glancing at himself then at Blaise, and then not get it. It broke Blaise's heart and when Neville wasn't looking, he took them, deciding to ask Neville once they were someplace more suitable for a conversation. He paid for everything and pulled Neville away. It was a nice day, despite the wind, so Blaise brought Neville to a rather picturesque spot in his opinion. It was an outing that looked out into the hills, and in the distance the shrieking shack. "Ready Nev?" Blaise smirked. He held out a small pile of chocolate frogs.

"Oh, yeah," Neville said, sounding distracted. Blaise frowned.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"Nothing—"

"Neville, I'm a Slytherin. If Harry can't lie to me, you're hopeless," Blaise said gently. He rubbed Neville's hand softly, "What's the matter, baby?"

"Why did you ask me on a date?" Neville asked. "Honestly. I'm not… I'm not… you know, handsome."

"What? Of course you are!" Blaise said, "You're the cutest, most handsome boy I've ever met!"

"But I'm not skinny! Look at me! I'm a fucking elephant!" Neville cried out, pointing to his stomach. Blaise gave him a hard look and stood up. Neville looked down at his lap and Blaise heard him cursing to himself.

"Neville, look at me," Blaise demanded. "You are not an elephant! You're overweight, yeah, but I don't care. And even if you are a fucking elephant as you said, I would still feel the same!"

"Why?" Neville asked. "I mean look at you! You're hot! You look like you have muscles! Why settle for someone like me?"

"Damn right I have muscles," Blaise said as he pulled his sleeve up to flex his arm. "But I have them so I can carry you!" Neville didn't look convinced, so Blaise took his hands and pulled him up into a hug. "I love how you feel in my arms Neville," he whispered. "You are perfect just the way you are. Why do you even doubt that?"

Neville sniffled and shook his head. "The Gryffindors," he said. "The older years made fun of me. McLaggen mostly and some of the younger years. They called me names like 'fat cat.' Ron and the others tried to stop it, Dean got a split lip because of it, but it still happened."

"They can't hurt you anymore," Blaise whispered. "Feel my muscles, go on doll." Neville moved his hand up to Blaise's and squeezed his bicep. Blaise smirked as he flexed it. "It's getting bigger every day, and it's all for you baby doll. I hope it's not weird calling you nicknames on the first date."

"No, it's fine," Neville said shyly, and Blaise smiled at that. "Good, then you should think of a pet name for me. But the thing is, if anyone, and I mean anyone, bothers you about your weight or calls you names then I'll handle them the muggle way! You can trust your man on that." Neville laughed softly and squeezed Blaise's arm again.

"Thanks," he whispered.

"Any time," Blaise replied. Neville squeezed his arm and took a step back, looking extremely cute and shy. "So… do you want to show me the chocolate frogs thing?" he asked.

"Get comfortable and be amazed baby doll," Blaise smirked. "Your man's got moves!"

Harry felt utterly exhausted. After what felt like an eternity and buying all of the clothes in Charming Clothes, Draco insisted on bringing them to four more clothes for more specific items of clothing that Harry knew he would never wear a day in his life. He all but collapsed into his seat at the Three Broomsticks, Daphnis chuckling at his antics.

"Had fun shopping?" he snickered, earning a dark look from Harry. Theo and Draco appeared with bottles of butterbeer for the five of them. "Can't find Davis, last I saw Blaise was with his Hufflepuff choking on chocolates, Crabbe and Goyle are… probably causing an earthquake somewhere with Bulstrode so it's just us."

"That is a disgusting image," Pansy said, turning up her nose. Harry was confused but didn't want to comment on it. He nodded his thanks to Draco as he sat down next to him and handed Harry his drink. "But anyway, I am happy to say that Harry Potter now has a proper wardrobe!"

Harry grumbled under his breath as he turned to glare at Pansy. "It was torture," he said.

"Well, now we can just relax," Theo said, shrugging, "unless you're ready for your promised revelations of half-truths, full truths, and outright lies the Ministry's been feeding us?"

"What?" Harry said.

Theo shrugged, "Well it's no secret that you're oblivious, Harry."

"What my boyfriend is failing to say, is that there are a lot of things that you don't know, Harry," Daphnis said, rolling his eyes. "Not because you're stupid, far from that, but because the Ministry and certain people do not want you to know. For example, even though our parents mostly work for the Ministry, all of them, even Draco's, hate it."

"What? Really?" Harry gasped, looking at Draco.

"Yes," Draco nodded. "Father hated the Ministry since he was our age, and he made sure that I never fell for their idiocy. Everything about it is flawed."

Harry hummed and continued to stare at Draco. "I never knew you were angry at the Ministry too."

"We are, and uh, Potter," Draco said, clearing his throat. He glanced at Daphnis, who nodded, "I never apologized to you, didn't I?"

"Apologize? For what?" Harry asked.

"That night… when I called you a moron and talked about Weasley—" Draco sounded awkward, and Harry brushed it off.

"It's fine, you were right, and I kicked your ass in Quidditch, we're even," Harry said.

"You did not kick my ass!" Draco huffed, "I let you win—"

"Draco, Harry, if we can focus?" Theo interrupted. He turned to Harry and took a sip from his drink. "Point is, and you need to keep this secret, for now, that's what our parents were fighting for all these years, and our grandparents. They all want to tear the Ministry down and rebuild it into something better, something more open."

"More open?" Harry questioned, "What do you mean? All I heard about is that your parents—sorry I mean, fuck…"

"Just say it, Potter," Pansy drawled.

"Your parents are supporting a genocidal nutcase who wants to kill all the muggles and muggleborns!" Harry hissed frantically.

"No, you're wrong on all those counts," Theo said.

"Look, I have an idea," Draco said, leaning back apparently finding his voice again. "Come with me to my home for Yule. My family is hosting a party and my parents are going to do something historical."

"And what's that?" Harry asked.

Draco smirked. "We are going to free all of our house elves and hire them as private workers." Harry gasped and Draco continued, "We're going to do this to prove how strong we Malfoys are, but also to prove that it can be done. And watch, all ninety-nine of our house elves will accept."

"I don't believe you," Harry said, his mind going to Dobby and the horrible way the Malfoys treated him. Mr. Malfoy was almost venomous when Harry freed him. Draco, however, accepted it with his usual Malfoy arrogance.

"Then come to my party as my personal guest, Harry, and I will love proving you wrong," Draco said.

"Oh you're on," Harry said, however, he was secretly hoping that he was proven wrong. For the rest of the visit, they avoided heavy topics, and instead Harry and Draco went on about their Quidditch practice. Harry was surprised that the House was still able to keep his membership a secret but that only got knowing chuckles from the others. The afternoon wore on and the group decided that it was time to start back. Harry and Draco were in the back of the group of five, both of them holding Harry's bags. "Draco?"

"Hmm?"

"I want to say thank you," Harry said. "It may not be obvious but… I never had the best childhood. It honestly wasn't until I was eleven I had clothes that were really my own, and now that I have clothes that actually fit me."

"I knew you were a disaster at clothing, Potter," Draco said coolly. "But you are welcome. A Malfoy would never lower themselves to be friends with someone who does not know how to dress properly."

"Then I guess I better learn, eh Draco?" Harry said, chancing a smile.

"If you say so, Harry."