Captivation
Author's Note:Sorry this took a while—school's been piling the homework. Like I said earlier, give me 3-5 days. I haven't yet surpassed five days on this story, which is good. And I continue to hold to that.
Pre-warning: Sexual content next chapter
Chapter 23: A Step Forward
Harry was thrilled when the captain let them off on Friday, saying they needed a bit of a break since their next match wasn't for a while. He had been worried that he wouldn't be able to go out and find Hermione a birthday present before the party. So after classes, which got out an hour before dinner, Harry went to find Draco. He figured the other boy was in his room, since there was time before dinner started. Harry knocked lightly and smiled as Draco opened the door, seemingly topless.
"Hey," Harry greeted him as he entered. "What are you doing?"
"I was getting ready to take a shower," Draco stated as he went back to his trunk.
"Er, could you wait a while before you do that?" Harry asked, walking closer.
Draco stood up and gave him a sarcastic look. "Why Potter?"
"Because I thought the two of us could go look for a birthday present for Hermione."
The blond crossed his arms casually. "And why do I have to come with you? You know her better than I do."
"I know that, but I think it would be fun to go together," Harry said as Draco snorted in response. "Besides, I was also thinking about getting a nice outfit for the party. And, you know, since you know where some of the best clothes stores are, I was hoping you could help me."
Knowing how much Draco loved showing off his expensive and stylish clothes, the blond turned around slowly to look at him. A sarcastic eyebrow was raised but his expression was perplexed.
"I suppose you do need some help," the blond's lips quirked upward.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yeah, so will you come?"
Draco shrugged his shoulders. "I guess, but this better not be a three-hour long shopping spree."
"It won't," Harry smiled. "Er, I can buy you an outfit too, if you'd like."
"Potter, I really don't need your charity," Draco drawled, slipping on a tight black shirt. "I do have extra money from the scholarship, since my mother already paid for the first full year."
"That's great! So, can you make your own Gringotts account?" Harry asked curiously.
"No, I don't have that much," Draco snorted. "I have some extra money for spending on clothes and other things, but I obviously don't have enough to really need it protected in a vault."
"I see," Harry nodded. "So, er, where do you want to go first?"
"That depends," the blond said, wringing his fingers through his hair. "What do you want to get her?"
"Er, she loves books. Oh! I'm sure she'd like a nice book on sorcery before she goes to the academy. I know she likes to be prepared. And maybe…maybe a nice skirt or something to match with the necklace I got her for Christmas."
"There's a clothes store in Hogsmeade," Draco mused aloud and Harry just nodded.
Then he approached Draco's side and the two apparated to Hogsmeade. Draco showed him where to go and Harry was amazed just how huge Hogsmeade was. He wondered if it had expanded with new business since the war ended for he had never seen many of the stores they passed.
"This one," Draco gestured with his head as they went inside.
It was definitely a girl's store—that was the first thing that came to his mind. There were sparkly and flowery dresses, skirts, accessories and many were charmed to change colors. Harry browsed the sections while Draco stood off to the side with his arms crossed casually. Glancing at the blond briefly, Harry was about to call him over when he saw a young teenaged girl approach him. She appeared to be asking him directions somewhere but by the almost too timid smile on her face and the pink of her cheeks, Harry knew instantly that she thought he was attractive and decided to approach him.
A slight pang fluttered through his stomach and Harry was surprised by it. It wasn't that he was blatantly jealous, but at the same time he knew that Draco was attractive and being since the blond was still coming to terms with their relationship (though he had definitely improved by far) and they still weren't a hundred percent open to each other, there was a small fear in the back of Harry's mind about Draco finding someone else more compatible. Harry watched as Draco casually gestured with his hands where she should go and with a blush the girl thanked him. He had to admit he felt relieved when Draco didn't do anything else and went back to his original stance. The girl had been slowly leaving the store, eyeing him but since Draco didn't pursue her she finally left.
Harry saw the blond's head turn and he looked away, going back to deciding between the two skirts he was examining. Harry turned toward him and caught his eye and smiled. Then he pointed to the longer, metallic-purple skirt. Draco shrugged to show it was fine but that he didn't care one way or the other. Harry decided that Hermione would appreciate a more full-bodied skirt so he bought that one.
"See, that was fast," Harry grinned as they walked side-by-side toward the next destination. "Where are we headed?"
Draco glanced sideways at him. "Knockturn Alley."
Harry almost stopped in his tracks. "Er…why there?"
"Because they've got a couple of the best stores around, that's why," Draco said, sounding proud. "I normally buy most of my clothes from those two stores."
Harry nodded reluctantly. He knew the war was over and most Death Eaters had been put into Azkaban (except the ones that vanished without a trace, probably hiding), but he was still concerned about being attacked. Even Slytherins who hadn't joined Voldemort's ranks could still despise him and think it a great honor to kill him. Moments later they apparated into the Slytherin territory and Harry noticed that it wasn't that crowded. Most of the people around kept their heads either down or they looked away quickly. Harry tried to smooth down his bangs over his forehead, hoping that it would draw less attention to them. Thankfully, no curses came pelting his way and no one seemed to realize who he was (or they were keeping silent).
Draco took him inside the expensive clothes store he had been referring to and Harry had to admit it was very nice. They had a whole bunch of different sections for both males and females and in the back section (where the males went) there were tons of different categories of clothes from leather and silk to cotton and magical materials. Harry followed Draco toward the sections he usually browsed in.
"These sections are the best," Draco said, eyeing a pair of metallic-blue jeans.
"I see why you like this place so much," Harry said, sifting through some clothes floating in that section.
Draco raked his hands through his hair as he picked out some black jeans with a silver serpent-design shimmering as it squirmed on the back pocket. Harry chose a pair of tight leather pants (black of course) that had gold designs around the waist of the pants. The designs weren't charmed to move, but Harry liked them nonetheless. After Harry picked out a nice bronze-colored long-sleeved shirt (that left part of his upper chest bare), he searched for Draco who had several items floating by him.
Harry went up right by him and moved his arms as if he were going to wrap them around the blond and brushed against him. Draco turned but Harry's hands, after brushing against him, moved to the floating clothes. Although Draco finally broke free from his family and his attitude had improved immensely, there was still the fact that Harry continued to initiate most things. Draco didn't seem to mind however, just like a couple days before when Harry had laid against him and had fallen asleep. Still, things weren't perfectly sealed between them and perhaps things would never be completely changed. Draco was still himself in many ways, despite having opened up. And maybe the blond wouldn't ever open himself up a hundred percent.
Harry knew that even being together as a couple wouldn't change everything about their relationship. Draco would probably always have his sarcastic side and would for the most part call him Potter (as he was used to), but even though things wouldn't be completely changed between them, Harry liked it. He liked that the blond still had his mysterious and Slytherin side to him, but at the same time he still showed subtle signs of caring. And since Draco had fallen asleep with him those couple of nights ago, Harry knew that even if Draco never initiated the softer moments between them that he still cared. That was the most important thing anyway. As long as Draco remained with him, Harry would have to accept the blond's character and flaws with everything else.
"You want to go try on some of these?" Harry asked, after he chose another shirt from the clothes.
"All of these are charmed to fit the person's size so it'll grow or shrink, Potter. Trying them on isn't necessary."
"It is just to see how it looks. Come on," Harry urged.
Draco gave him a slightly annoyed look but complied and led Harry to the area where they could try them on. Harry chose the small curtained stall next to Draco's and began slipping the tight leather pants up over his legs. Once he got the bronze shirt on, he stepped outside his stall and approached Draco's.
"Draco, have you tried it on?"
"I'm in the process, Potter," he replied casually.
Harry waited a couple of minutes before speaking. "Can I come in?"
The blond moved the curtain aside and Harry stepped in. His eyes trailed over the black jeans Draco had on with a dark metallic-blue long-sleeved shirt. The other boy's shirt didn't show part of his chest, but it was still just as nice.
"It looks good," Harry observed, approaching his side.
Draco glanced at his attire and Harry felt heat rising in his body as the blond's eyes traveled over him.
"Er…what is it?" Harry asked awkwardly. "Do you think this is too dressy?"
Draco shrugged his shoulders. "Not really. It's fine, although you should really fix the collar."
Harry glanced down at it and Draco just snorted in amusement. Then he approached him and reached his hands up to fold the collar neatly all around. Harry felt the blond's hands brush up against his neck and his eyes flickered to Draco's; they were only standing mere inches apart. Harry's body was feeling hot again and as he gazed into Draco's face as the blond removed his hands from around his neck, their eyes locked together.
"Thanks," Harry said softly.
Draco gazed at him and Harry caught a glimmer of something in his eyes. As their eyes remained locked—emerald into silver-blue—Harry felt his body reacting. He didn't know why he was suddenly becoming aroused with such a simple gesture. Perhaps it was because they were spending more time together or maybe because of the alluring new outfits they were wearing, but either way Harry was feeling hotter than he should. And he wondered if Draco could feel it too.
Harry parted his mouth slightly in order to say something, but instead without warning he began bending his head toward the blond. At the same time Draco's head was bending as well and suddenly their lips were together and they were kissing both passionately and desperately. Harry stumbled forward, not anticipating the force of their kiss, causing Draco's back to hit the wall. Their tongues were sliding together heatedly and Harry ran his fingers beneath Draco's shirt. The blond let out a soft groan and Harry could tell, without even pressing their bodies close, that the other boy was becoming aroused as well.
Forgetting temporarily that they were still in a dressing room, Harry tilted his head for better access as Draco pressed his hand in the back of his head to pull him closer. Both of their hands now were roaming each other's bodies and as Harry released a groan when Draco's hands slid over his rear, Harry reached out and began pulling the blond's shirt up. Their kiss didn't break and their tongues remained in each other's mouths as Harry's fingers began to unbutton the blond's pants. Draco's fingers slid to his hips and the fingers dipped beneath Harry's tight pants, caressing his hips and Harry groaned deeply.
"Oh my!"
The sudden exclamation pulled the two of them apart. Although their mouths detached their hands were still wrapped around one another. Harry looked around in surprise and partial embarrassment, not seeing anyone else in the room. Then unexpectedly the voice spoke again only it seemed to be coming from the direction of the mirror which stood tall and wide in front of them (and it was charmed to expand as well if the person desired).
"You boys shouldn't be doing that here," the mirror spoke up.
Harry's eyebrows rose and he remembered that some mirrors were charmed in order to give people compliments or even advice on their attire. It was strange that the mirror seemed to have a mind of its own; it was definitely a powerful charm. Draco pulled away seconds later and Harry turned back to him.
"Er, yeah…," Harry's lips curled in amusement. "I think we should get these outfits."
"Oh yes, I agree," the mirror chipped in. "You both look very handsome."
Draco snorted in partial amusement, probably being more used to talking mirrors than Harry was.
"I forgot these mirrors could talk," he murmured.
"Yeah," Harry glanced at it. "Er, I'll wait outside for you when you're done."
With that, Harry went back to his own dressing room, thankful that no one seemed to be around the area. He undressed and tried on a couple of the other shirts he wore. He decided just to go with the original outfit he had and he waited for Draco to try on all his clothes before the blond came out with a couple new outfits. The two of them went immediately to pay and while the owner (a strange middle-aged woman with a hat that hissed and beady, slanted eyes) stared at him she said nothing. Harry hoped that his scar wasn't visible.
After that, they headed back to the school in order to catch a late dinner. The shopping spree had taken almost two hours, but it was well worth it. Harry got a new outfit and Draco got a new outfit plus a couple new shirts. Although the blond didn't have much money now, he wasn't going to resort to buying cheap clothes. Per usual after dinner Harry headed back with Draco to his room. After undressing, Harry lay down in bed while Draco stayed up a little later to finish an essay he had started. Harry fell asleep, comforted by the fact that their relationship seemed to be stable.
The next morning Harry got up while Draco was still asleep to go take a shower. He took his time with washing and making sure he was clean before he headed back to the room. Draco was slowly beginning to wake up as he dressed and when the blond's eyes blearily opened Harry couldn't help but smile.
"Morning," Harry said as the blond turned his head to glance at him.
"Mmm," Draco grumbled, rubbing at his eyes as he reluctantly got up.
Grinning in amusement, Harry watched as Draco left to go take a shower and then he finished getting dressed into his new outfit. The party started at one and it was an overnight party in a wizard hotel. Harry wasn't sure who else was invited, but he didn't think much about it. Draco got dressed into his new outfit as well and the two of them headed out (with Hermione's birthday present which Harry wrote was from the both of them). The wizard hotel was a ways away in Wales, but when they got off the train and flew the rest of the way on brooms to the area, Harry was completely amazed.
It was the size of Hogwarts at least with floating letters that flickered above it reading WELCOME. It was a mix between a hotel and a mansion—it looked rather expensive. Not only was the outside a gorgeous marble with intricate designs on the towers and pillars in the front, but the inside was amazing. Harry had never seen so much magic in one place before. There were floating chairs and cushions in the lobby area with a gorgeous fountain in the center; it was of Merlin with an extinct dragon curling around him with its teeth bared (Harry wasn't sure what dragon species it was though, but it looked like a mix between a Hungarian Horntail and a Swedish Short-Snout (which was a silvery-blue dragon with blue flames).
Then there were luggage floating as guests were led to their rooms. The woman behind the front desk had a magical quill that wrote the names of all guests and their room numbers. Harry remembered which room number Hermione had told them and after he told her it was scribbled in the book and then their small luggage bags were charmed to float and led them up to the room. Upon entering the room, Harry's mouth literally fell open. It was gorgeous! They walked into the main sitting area which had floating couches and cushioned chairs, plus beautifully crafted wooden tables that had teapots and snacks set out. There was a fireplace that glimmered nearby sending warmth into the room, but also emitting images inside of it such as stars or flame-people dancing. As they walked further inside Harry noticed there was a small kitchen with cupboards that opened by themselves depending on what the person wanted.
"This is incredible!" Harry exclaimed, entering the expansive bathroom and seeing that there were several different kinds of floating soaps, along with bubble bath and charmed water that could change colors.
"I can tell you've never been in a hotel," Draco drawled with amusement as he crossed his arms casually.
Harry gazed over his shoulder at him. "Not in the wizard world, no. Have you?"
"Almost every holiday my parents would find a nice vacation spot nearby an exotic resort and hotel or something of this sort," Draco said, glancing around. "It's middle-class."
"Middle-class?" Harry gapped. "But this is…it's huge!"
"Perhaps, but there are much larger ones with beds that make themselves and just by saying aloud what you want it appears. Of course they're ridiculously expensive," Draco commented.
Harry nodded. "So, where do you think everyone is?"
Draco shrugged. "Maybe she's late for her own party."
Harry shook his head in amusement and then decided to try out one of the floating chairs. He hopped into it and grinned widely as he floated up and then back down slowly.
"This is great!"
"Really Potter, you sound like a child getting over-excited," Draco said as he calmly sat down on another chair. "It's not that big of a deal."
Hopping down off of his chair, Harry approached the blond and when the chair was close enough Harry jumped onto the same one.
"Potter, what are you doing?" Draco drawled as Harry squeezed next to him.
"Sitting next to you," Harry answered, smiling. "Oh come on, don't start with the attitude just because we're going to be in front of people."
"Just because we're together doesn't mean I can't sit in a chair by myself," Draco said, eyeing him with glimmering eyes.
Harry smiled and suddenly switched positions and sat on Draco's legs, facing him. The blond stared at him and raised an eyebrow, but Harry just leaned down and captured their lips in a kiss. Draco responded instantly and Harry inwardly smiled, knowing that most of the time the blond liked using sarcasm even though he didn't mind.
"Blimey!" a voice exclaimed.
Harry broke away and glanced over his shoulder in surprise. Seamus was standing there gaping while holding what looked like sizzling cupcakes.
"Er, hi," Harry smiled awkwardly.
"I can't believe me eyes," he said in his thick Irish accent. "I mean, I saw the article and all, but I still didn't believe it."
"Seamus, just put the cupcakes on the…," Hermione trailed off as she came into view. Blinking, she suddenly blushed when she saw the position the two of them were in. "H-Harry, Draco. Um…sorry, but I just had to step out to get some supplies and food and Seamus, Luna and Lucas were helping me."
"That's okay," Harry said, getting off of Draco's lap. "This is a nice place, Hermione. Are your parents paying for it?"
"Yeah, they are, but I get a discount since it's my birthday," she smiled.
"Nice to see you again Harry," Seamus patted his back. "Malfoy," he nodded.
Draco got down off the chair and crossed his arms coolly. "It's Merlin, Finnigan."
Seamus' eyebrows rose up. "You changed your name? So that's why I was confused when I saw that picture of you two and then the recent article. How long have you two been together?"
"Er, a little over a month," Harry answered, glancing at Draco who gazed back at him. "Where's your boyfriend?"
"Oy, Dean and I broke up a couple months ago. We're still pals, but I'm now single. He's going to be here too," Seamus said.
Harry nodded, smiling and glanced at Draco who seemed reluctant to start conversing with the other boy. Thankfully more people arrived in no time consisting of: Luna, Neville, Lavender, Dean, Lucas and several girls and boys who had been in Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff that Harry didn't know very well. Hermione was friends with one of them through Luna but met the others in her seventh year class: The Progress of Magic From 700 A.D. to the 19th Century. Harry could tell Draco was rather nervous about being around a crowd of people he didn't really know (and some of which he had been rude to at Hogwarts), but he hid it very well. Hermione set up the sizzling cupcakes on the table in the sitting area. Then she got out some snacks.
"Okay, we're going to start with some games!" she announced. "So everyone sit in a circle!"
Harry joined the circle making sure to sit next to Draco and he glanced over his shoulder in time to see Lucas bending down toward Hermione. Their lips pressed together and Lucas raised a hand to gently hold the back of her neck. When they pulled away, Hermione's cheeks were pink but she was smiling brightly. Then Lucas smoothed her hair out away from her face and Harry smiled at the sight. Hermione and Lucas held hands then as they approached the circle and Hermione brought out a glimmering board. Apparently, from what Harry learned, it was a wizard game that consisted of different characters (such as Merlin and other famous deceased people) and there were places that the piece could move or fly to. There were bad places and good places. The cursed places could take away points or do something to them. The point of the game was to get to the other side of the board with the most points. Not only could a person lose points, but they could lose clothing, be dared to do something or owe favors to other players.
The pieces were charmed to move by themselves and everyone tapped their wands on the floating dice in the center to see what they rolled.
"Hermione gets to go first," Lucas smiled, touching her hand gently.
Gazing up at the blue-eyed boy, Hermione blushed and then tapped her wand on the floating cube. Her piece flew forward several spaces and then a card appeared out of thin air. Hermione read the card aloud:
" 'Answer this riddle and earn ten points: My coat is my protection, my eyes are a cloudy-gray, the eggs I lay are cold and strong and my breath could freeze rain.' "
Hermione thought for a minute and then grinned. "Of course, it's an Ice Dragon!"
The card vanished with a pop and immediately under her name on the score board appeared her ten points. Lucas congratulated her and Harry smiled at them. They went around in a circle and after an hour Draco had accumulated the most points (343) while Harry had 224, Hermione had 312, Lucas had 220, Luna had 333 and some of the others had even less than Harry did (such as Dean who only had 97). Finally, Dean rolled a five and his piece flew to a square with a star.
"Alright!" Dean exclaimed when he read his card. "I get to ask any two players to do something! Let's see…," his eyes scanned the group and finally he rested on Harry. "Harry, I want you to strip down to your underwear and then sit on Draco's lap for the rest of the game."
Harry's eyebrows shot up in amusement (and partial embarrassment) but grinning widely he did as he was told. He waved his wand until he was clad in only his boxers and then he approached Draco, who glanced up at him. Draco had his legs stretched out in front of him with both hands in back of him, propping him up. Harry sat down easily on the blond's lap and leaned back against his warm chest. Dean whistled and Seamus nudged him playfully. Hermione's cheeks were pink and Lucas was smiling. Everyone else was either laughing or smiling.
When it came to be Draco's turn, he sneered over at Dean when he got a similar card. "Thomas, I think Hermione would like a lap dance, since she's the birthday girl."
"What?" Hermione squeaked out, glancing in embarrassment at Dean then at Lucas, who just smiled in amusement.
Seamus began laughing hysterically as Dean got up and began dancing ungracefully in front of Hermione, making it very humorous when he threw off his shirt. Hermione was partially closing her eyes, but thankfully Dean didn't strip any further and proceeded to give her a crazy lap dance, which consisted of him shaking his butt non-stop causing Hermione to burst into a fit of laughter. As he was watching the show, Harry leaned back even further against Draco. Harry tilted his head back and side-glanced up at the blond, who turned his head in response. Draco's eyes locked with his own and for a minute they just stared. Harry leaned up and caught Draco's lips with his own. The blond responded slowly and as they kissed for only a minute more whistling sounded.
The two broke away and saw that everyone was staring at them. Seamus was pretending to fan himself while Hermione smiled at him. Feeling his face heat up a bit, Harry just smiled at everyone. Draco was calmly staring at the board as the game continued.
After the game, Hermione opened presents as everyone cheered her on. Lucas gave her a beautiful magical pearl ring, which symbolized their relationship. It was equivalent, Harry guessed, to the 'promise ring' in the muggle world. It was charmed to show their names every few minutes inside the pearl and Hermione's eyes had begun to get teary. She loved the present from him and Draco as well and showed it by giving them both a hug. Draco had a surprised look on his face as she embraced him but he patted her back a couple times. Then once it started getting close to dinner, she brought out real food, such as pasta, some slices of roast beef, pumpkin juice and such. And after dinner they placed other games, which consisted of winning the sizzling cupcakes, which Harry was told were charmed with many different flavors to make a person's taste-buds melt. Then Hermione brought out some alcoholic butterbeers as well, which Seamus cheered loudly at, to everyone's amusement.
The next game was an even stranger one, in Harry's opinion. And because they had begun drinking a little it was harder to do yet more amusing. A spell was placed over the floor dividing it into colored cubes as if they were all the individual "pieces" playing. Then there was a magical round ball that spun around and whatever color it glowed was the color square someone landed on. Then the person was asked a trivia question about a famous Quidditch play, a person, creature, anything in the wizard world and if they got it wrong the ball would choose their outcome. Draco came to a yellow square and was asked a question about when the magical quill was invented.
"How the hell am I supposed to know this?" Draco grumbled.
"Draco," Seamus hissed in a whisper. "The answer is 1742."
The blond glanced at him and then shrugged. "1742."
The ball beeped to signal that was incorrect and suddenly a charm shot from the magical ball to Draco and turned his hair pink. Seamus burst into hysterical laughter.
"That was brilliant!"
"FINNIGAN!" Draco roared, glaring at him heatedly while trying to salvage his now pink hair. "You did that on purpose!"
"And boy am I glad I did!" Seamus laughed loudly.
Scowling, Draco turned away and Harry tried to stifle his laugh and failed. Draco's head wheeled around to face him.
"Is something amusing Potter?"
Bursting into laughter, Harry nodded unable to say anything. Draco with hot-pink hair was just too hilarious that he couldn't even put it into words. However, when Harry's turn came up he stepped on a purple square and the question was: how old was Merlin when he died? Harry, not being fond of history class, had no clue. Draco smirked widely and Harry thought hard.
"Er, 215."
"Oh Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "That was so easy! How could you get that wrong?"
He opened his mouth to defend himself and found that a spell was heading his way. And as it hit him, Harry was horrified to see that everyone around him seemed to swell. Seamus was laughing again as well as everyone else, except for Hermione whose mouth had dropped open. It was then Harry realized the spell had shrunk him to a fist-sized human being.
"That's a nice look Potter," Draco drawled with a smirk.
"Shut-up!" Harry squeaked almost inaudibly.
Even Luna's lips curled at the sound of his squeaky voice and everyone burst into hysterical laughter. Throughout the rest of the night they all had fun playing Wizard Snaps and other various games. Hermione drank three bottles of butterbeer, which apparently was more than she had ever drank before because she was giggling quite frequently and her cheeks were tainted bright pink. Draco had only three bottles of the butterbeer and Harry only had two, because he was having a good enough time without being drunk.
Hermione and Lucas drifted off to the couch later on and began kissing one another passionately. Later on they played some more games in order to win some prizes. Draco got set up against Lucas in a match and smiled smugly when he won a box full of chocolate frogs and an Australian Broom-Cleaning Kit.
By three in the morning, Harry was exhausted but content. Hermione had summoned comfy sleeping bags for those that wanted to sleep on the floor. Seamus managed to snag the floating couch and Dean teased him about falling off in the middle of the night and breaking an arm. Luna slept by the fireplace and Hermione and Lucas set up their sleeping bags next to one another (probably so they could kiss and converse easily). Dean and the others set up theirs around the room and Harry snagged a small corner by the kitchen where he set his up, which was nearby Draco's as well.
Things soon settled down and although there were whispering as Hermione and Lucas conversed there was also snoring coming from Seamus. And Harry and Draco were enough of a distance away to talk quietly without being overheard so Harry scooted closer to the blond.
"Hey," Harry said quietly as the blond turned his head. "Did you have fun?"
Draco shifted in his sleeping bag and shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, it was alright. Although I'm about ready to kill Finnigan. He wouldn't stop teasing me about my hair even after it turned back to normal."
Harry chuckled softly. "It was funny, you have to admit."
Draco sent him a glare. "Not as funny as your shrinking trick," he drawled.
Harry just smiled in response. Then he scooted his sleeping bag even closer to they were side-by-side. Draco gazed at him, looking a bit sleepy, and Harry reached out a hand to brush back some of the blond's bangs.
"I'm glad you had fun," Harry said sincerely as he pulled his hand away.
Draco didn't respond and instead stared up at the ceiling. Harry took that as a sign that he was tired and was about to close his eyes when the blond spoke up.
"Potter," he murmured quietly.
"Yeah?" Harry asked, shifting his body so he was lying on his side which allowed him to stare at Draco directly.
"How did we get here?"
Harry blinked a bit confused. "Er, do you mean how did we become friends or how did we come to have sex?"
Draco snorted, moving his arms above his head. "Both."
"I stand by my first theory," Harry said softly.
The other boy's head tilted so that he was facing him. "Which is?"
"That we didn't really know each other at Hogwarts," Harry said quietly. "Although we saw a lot of each other, you and I always had our own fronts up. You were being controlled by your parents and I was being somewhat controlled by Dumbledore. Both of us kept our feelings hidden. And when the war ended, it gave both of us a chance to break free from where we were. Then when we met at the Quidditch school it was a different environment," Harry shrugged as Draco stared at him silently.
"It allowed us to release our emotions and act like ourselves, you know, without the burden of being told what to do or anything. We were in a place that we enjoyed and I think the alcohol might have helped just a little," his lips curled slightly. "When our guards were let down, we were able to just…I don't know, let go I guess. Honestly, I didn't realize I was attracted to boys, or you, for a while."
Draco was still silent and he turned back up at the ceiling, looking pensive. Harry scooted close enough so that he was up against the other boy. Then he leaned his head by Draco's. The blond didn't protest and even glanced at him. Up close, Harry could see the emotion radiating in Draco's eyes. In the past the blond's eyes were cold and distant, not holding anything but mockery. Now his eyes were bright and expressive.
"Potter, if you want to sleep that close you might as well just combine them," Draco said suddenly.
Harry blinked in surprise. "Combine them?"
Draco rolled his eyes a bit and then took out his wand and waved it over them. The two sleeping bags combined together into a large one. Feeling his stomach flutter, Harry realized this was the kind of initiation he had been waiting for. It made him relieved to think that Draco really did want to be with him and that perhaps some day he would completely open up all the way and forget completely about the past. Harry raised a hand to Draco's cheek as he scooted closer and when the blond turned Harry leaned in. Draco was prepared for the kiss and responded back. It was a simple kiss that Harry held for over thirty seconds and wordlessly Harry smiled and brought his body up against the blond's, feeling the warmth radiating off the other boy.
Leaning forward again, Harry pressed his lips to Draco's ear and slowly began kissing down his neck.
"Potter, if you remember there are other people around," Draco murmured quietly.
Harry smiled. "Yes, but that doesn't mean we can't make-out."
He pressed his lips to Draco's and their kissing began heating up. Their tongues caressed and soon Harry rolled on top of him. He almost released a groan but thankfully held it in. Harry raked his hands through Draco's hair as they continued to kiss passionately. They made-out for a while until finally the two of them were too tired to continue. Harry remained up against the blond's side with his arms wrapped around him as he went to sleep.
Some hours later Harry was woken up by a sound. He didn't want to open his eyes because he was warm and content. Shifting, he felt that his limbs were entangled around another body and he smiled to himself. A noise, like footsteps, came again and Harry wondered who had gotten up so early. He was still exhausted but slowly he opened his eyes. A figure was standing in the room, looking down at everyone who was sound asleep and from the back Harry could tell who it was.
"Ron?" he blurted out quietly.
The red-head turned around suddenly and gazed down at him. When Ron's eyes caught sight of Draco curled up next to him he saw the other boy's eyes widen in shock. Slowly, he stepped forward and Harry noticed a wrapped gift in his hand.
"I…erm…came to give Hermione her present. We got back early this morning and I thought I'd drop by."
Harry nodded, sitting up carefully so he wouldn't disturb Draco. "You can leave it on the table, if you need to go I mean."
Ron nodded slowly and gazed down at the floor. An awkward silence fell over them and Draco shifted in his sleep, turning his head. Ron glanced up at him looking a bit frightened that he might wake up. When he didn't, the red-head cleared his throat softly.
"Er, I just…you know, since you're awake and all…I…," Ron struggled with words. "I'm sorry about…you know, about what Ginny and I did."
"Well, I can't say it's easy to forgive you, but I'm not a fan of holding grudges," Harry shrugged. "Things were okay with me and Draco but our relationship had been pushed to the edge."
Ron nodded, his cheeks heating up in embarrassment as Harry's mention of them being a couple.
"Er, sorry, Harry, I just…you know, I can't imagine…," Ron gestured to Draco.
Harry understood what he was trying to say. "Ron, I told you that he's a nice person. You should trust my judgment."
"It just seemed impossible," Ron argued, staring down at the blond who had a content expression on his face as he slept. "I mean seeing him here with you…it's shocking because he doesn't look like the Malfoy we knew—"
"He's not a Malfoy anymore," Harry corrected.
"Er, right," Ron shrugged. "But anyway…I know what I did was very wrong. I've been thinking about it over vacation. And even though Draco admitted to…to loving you, I just…it was unsettling at first, but then I felt guilty because I know I might've lost you as a friend. And even though I don't trust Draco still, I do trust you, Harry, which is why…well, I don't care that you two are…you know, dating or whatever. Just as long as you tell him not to be rude to me," he added.
Harry snorted. "That might be hard. Just because we're getting along doesn't mean Draco's going to change completely. But just know that I'm happy with him and if he says anything really offensive of course I'll tell him off, but you might just have to deal with his sarcasm and teasing."
Ron gave him a look but nodded. "I guess. Well, I just was wondering if…if you still wanted to be friends."
"I never said I wouldn't ever be your friend again," Harry said quietly. "And I didn't mean that I'd never forgive you. Well, at the time I meant it, but now that things are alright I can forgive you."
"So, we're friends again?" Ron asked tentatively, glancing up nervously.
Harry nodded. "Yeah."
Smiling, Ron gave him a nod and Draco shifted in his sleep again, turning toward Harry as he moved his arms, one of which was wrapped around Harry's back. Ron stiffened but Harry just brushed his fingers against the blond's cheek. Draco released a soft sound, but otherwise didn't stir. Ron watched the exchange wordlessly and finally he shrugged his shoulders.
"I guess maybe I'll stay and wait for Hermione to wake up, since I missed the party and all."
Harry nodded as Ron went to set the present on the table.
"There should be an extra sleeping bag in the room. Just use your wand to summon it."
Ron nodded as he summoned one and lay down a bit reluctantly. Harry then lay back down next to Draco, putting his arm around the blond. Things were finally looking up and Harry hoped that they stayed that way.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's Note:I was going to put something sexual in this chapter at first, but it didn't seem to fit, so next chapter!
To Reviewers:
DirtyFace:Thanks so much! I'm very glad you think both Harry and Draco are in-character. That's a relief! I shall update asap!
QuincePaste:Yeah, it is cute when Draco stops being sarcastic, lol! Well, I suppose he can't completely change, but he's getting there! I will update asap!
The Earth Mystic:Yep, there was a party! But unfortunately, our beloved boys didn't get to have sex. Next chapter though!
Branwen 777:Hehehe! Not much suspense in this chapter but still developing the relationship. I'm glad you liked the confrontation with Lucius. There is still more to come!
:Yes, darn Lucius for being…himself! Lol! I shall update asap!
Narcoleptic86:Yep, you're right! The mock finals will be important, well to Harry and Draco anyway. I'm not going to go into too much detail with that since the relationship is more important. But I'm glad you liked the ending!
Shoozie:Lol! Yeah, I love ear-piercings! Tehehehe!
Kari-Sama:Yeppers, finally Draco stood up to his parents. Now time for more bonding!
Gbheart:I know, I know, more fluffiness, lol! There is more drama/intimacy to come too of course, but I just can't help the fluffy moments.
Trendyfishie89:Aw, thank you! I'm very happy you like this!
Smurff:Lol! Well, you don't really see Hermione getting drunk, but her and Lucas seem pretty attached now. It was a way to give an insight into their progressing relationship and of course more bonding between Draco and Harry.
Skittlelove:Lol! Don't worry, I'll keep your name a secret! I'm glad you liked the fluffiness! I just had to put some in this story, of course. There will be more to come!
Tiger Eye2:Lol! I'm glad you liked it! I'm sorry to say, but there won't be pregnancy in this story. But there is still lots of romance/drama!
GreenEyedCatDragon:I'm glad you liked the cuddling! There will be more as well as drama and intimacy. This isn't over yet! Hehe!
LadyDragonWolfKnight:I'm glad you liked the ending! Ah yes, that was my plan was to get you to the edge of your seat thinking Harry might be in trouble, lol! But anywhoo, more to come! I shall update asap!
Hkph:ah, I see! How cool! Hehe! And yes, more fluffiness! Hehe! But yes, I shall update asap!
Dragenphly:Thank you very much! I'm glad you think Draco's progressing at a believable rate. He's almost there, but not quite!
Shakespeares Whore:I'm so glad you really like this:-) Lol! Yes, screw Ron and Ginny. Even though Ron's seemed to apologize it hasn't really changed that much. It'll take some time for the trust to come back, but in the meantime Draco and Harry are doing well, hehe!