The response to the last chapter was hilarious. Some of you are freaking out. So, to thank you for your sweet and enthusiastic response... another update. Stick with me guys. We still have a while to go.


Draco was growing more agitated with every day that passed. He'd endured the flirting of several girls and had to stand by and watch girls make cow eyes at Harry. Luckily, Cho Chang had agreed to go to the ball with Cedric, so she was no longer a concern. But, that still left Ginny Weasley, Astoria, Parvati Patil... Draco wanted to hex them all. The fact that Harry was hesitating in deciding who to ask did little to soothe Draco.

He grumbled and sulked, though he vehemently denied it. Draco remained at Harry's side as much as ever, but it was a torment to watch girls trying to get his attention.

It was Professor Snape that finally intervened. He asked Harry to stay behind after class, dismissing the other students with a pointed glare.

For a moment, Snape remained silent, still debating on the wisdom of taking this step. He had plenty to do without needing to involve himself in the personal lives of his students. However, Harry and Draco were both unhappy, Draco being rather more obvious about it. It was probably for the best to remedy the situation. Couldn't have Draco hexing everyone in a fit of pique.

"Have you selected a... partner for the ball?" Snape asked finally, sneering a bit.

"I- Well, no," Harry replied, surprised. This wasn't a discussion that he'd ever expected to have with the surly potions master.

"And why have you not asked Malfoy?" Snape asked bluntly.

Harry's mouth dropped open in shock. "Sir?" he blurted out, his voice coming out higher than usual.

"I believe my question was perfectly clear," Snape drawled impatiently. "The two of you have been inseparable for years. And now he's pouting," Snape added with a roll of his eyes.

"But his father- I don't want to get him into trouble," Harry said, looking away. "I sort of assumed that it wasn't an option."

"This can be manipulated to your benefit," Snape replied, folding his arms over his chest. "Lucius can appreciate a beneficial alliance. And this isn't a marriage contract. As far as anyone else will know, you are going to the ball with your friend. A lot of people do that. It's perfectly reasonable."

"Even if it's a bloke?" Harry asked quietly, dropping his eyes to the floor.

"Even so." Snape pursed his lips. "You should speak with Minerva and think on what I've said."

Harry nodded, turning to leave. He paused and glanced back at Snape. "Why would you help me with this?"

Snape smirked. "You've seen what Draco's like when he gets in a strop. Nobody wants that."

Somehow the answer didn't seem entirely honest to Harry. But, he accepted it without complaint. He made his way through the castle to Minerva's office, his stomach churning.

Minerva was pleased to see Harry at her office door, but also concerned. She welcomed him inside and promptly served him tea and biscuits. "What's the matter?" she asked him calmly.

Harry sighed. "It's about the ball," he began hesitantly.

"Alright," she nodded.

"I- Well, I just talked to Professor Snape," Harry babbled. "And he said... I mean... It's a little complicated... I-" Harry raked his hands though his hair, feeling ridiculously nervous. "I want to ask Draco to go with me."

Minerva merely looked back at him.

"As my date," Harry clarified.

"And?"

"And-" Harry paused, meeting her gaze. "That's it?"

Minerva smiled. "I'm surprised that you've held out this long," she said. "Just ask him Harry."

"It's alright?" Harry asked hesitantly.

"I spent the summer sharing a home with a werewolf and an ex-convict that couldn't keep their hands to themselves," she retorted dryly.

"Not just that," Harry responded. "I mean the fact that it's Draco. His father... Their family alliances..."

"Of course I worry," Minerva said lightly. "But Draco's loyalty is to you. Right now, that is what matters. And I certainly don't see a benefit in coming between the two of you. I want you to be happy and, honestly, you seem happiest with him." She peered at him over the top of her spectacles. "I expect proper behavior from you both, obviously."

Harry got up and went over to hug her, not even caring that her last comment had made him blush. "Thanks Minnie," he said softly.

"Go ask him," Minerva encouraged, kissing his forehead. "I sense a bit of a tantrum brewing if you don't."

Harry grinned and hurried out.

Minerva returned to grading papers with a little smile on her face. She'd have to speak with Severus later. There was no doubt that he'd blamed his interference on a desire to avoid Malfoy theatrics. But, Severus was adept at ignoring the pouting of students. Maybe Severus just didn't dislike Harry as much as he claimed.

Draco had returned to the dorm room with Blaise, Vince and Greg. He didn't feel like studying and he wasn't sure when Harry would be back. Draco was angry and he knew he was making his friends antsy with all his pacing, but he couldn't help himself.

He'd overheard a group of girls giggling in the hallway. One of them was going to ask Harry to the ball after dinner. He wasn't sure which of the girls it was, but they'd all been reasonably attractive.

Draco couldn't take this. He'd rather skip the ball entirely than see Harry there with someone else.

Harry stepped into the room and frowned at the sight of Draco pacing and their friends watching the blond apprehensively. Biting his lip, Harry closed the door. "Hey Draco-"

"Unless your next words are a request for me to go to the ball with you, you can leave," Draco snarled.

Harry's month fell open in shock. Vince and Greg gasped. Blaise made a strange gurgling sound. "Draco, it's his room too," Blaise managed to say.

"I don't care," Draco snapped. Then he turned to Harry, his expression pained. "I tried. Alright? I know we haven't talked about this, and it's not exactly fair to you. But I can't-" He swallowed around the sudden lump in his throat. "I can't watch you take someone else to the ball. I know it makes me a terrible friend, and I'm sorry." He sat down on his bed, his hands trembling and his eyes burning.

Harry forced himself to move, approaching the bed and sitting down. He reached over and took Draco's hand in his own. "Draco, will you go to the ball with me?" he asked quietly.

For a moment, Draco was very still. Then he jerked his hand away. "I don't want a pity date," he growled.

Blaise snorted, rolling his eyes.

"Are you mental?" Harry cried incredulously. "That's what you think? That I'd ask out of pity?" Draco folded his arms petulantly, lips pulled into a pout that Harry found rather adorable. He leaned closed and pressed a gentle kiss on Draco's cheek. "You're the only person that I wanted to take. I was just afraid of you getting into trouble with your father."

Draco looked away sadly. "So, we can't go together, no matter how badly I want to," he said softly.

Harry smiled, shaking his head fondly. "We can," he argued. "People can go to the dance as friends. We're best friends. And if it comes to it, you can let your father think that you're using me for... power or something."

Draco rolled his eyes and then bit his lip with a shy smile. "I'd love to go to the ball with you," he said sweetly.

"Thank Merlin for that," Blaise blurted out before Harry could respond. Draco shot him a dirty look which was ignored. "So, if people ask directly, we'll say that you two decided to just go together as friends. Easy."

Draco relaxed, smiling happily when Harry reached over to hold his hand again. Outside their dorm, they were best friends. But in the sanctuary of their room, their affection for each other was finally acknowledged. And Draco was determined to never let anything get in the way of it.

As they walked through the common room to head to dinner, Pansy approached. "Draco, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the ball with me," she asked, biting her lip hopefully.

"Sorry," Draco murmured, looking embarrassed. "Harry and I are going together," he said, glancing at Harry. "As friends."

"Oh," Pansy muttered, a bit disappointed. "Well, that makes sense. Less pressure that way."

"Exactly," Harry agreed.

Pansy nodded. "It's fine. I'll find someone. Maybe save me a dance? All of you?" she added, glancing at Blaise, Vince and Greg to include them.

"Sure Pans," Draco said with a smile. The others nodded their agreement.

"In fact, let us escort you to dinner," Harry said, stepping up beside Pansy while Draco moved to the other side. They looped their arms through hers while she giggled and allowed them to lead her away.

It was while they were having dinner that Pansy began to question the arrangement. Harry and Draco were going to the ball as friends... But Draco was looking at the youngest champion as if he'd hung the moon. And Harry catered to Draco in a way that Patsy thought was incredibly sweet. When Harry absently prepared Draco's tea while Draco meticulously buttered a roll, Pansy looked over to see that Blaise was watching them with an expression of fond exasperation.

As people began leaving, Pansy glanced around before leaning toward Draco. "You know, if you want people to believe that you're just friends, you'll have to stop staring at Potter like he's a walking wet dream," she said lightly, as if discussing the weather.

Draco and Harry sputtered while Blaise went into a fit of uncontrollable giggles. "And you're no better," Pansy went on, looking at Harry. "You're both completely ridiculous."

"I- We-" Draco's panicked thoughts weren't helping him in completing sentences at that moment.

"Just be honest," Pansy said, looking expectant. "Is this really a 'just friends' thing?" Neither of the boys spoke, but the glance they shared told her everything. "That's risky Draco," she said quietly.

"That's why we've got to really sell it," Blaise cut in. "They're friends, and it's no big deal."

Pansy nodded slowly. "Alright. I'm in. I hope you know what you're doing."

Draco was a nervous wreck, but he tried to act natural. If they wanted others to think that the relationship was platonic, they'd have to act as if their date to the Yule ball was insignificant. Which was a little difficult because Draco was beyond delighted.

Ron and Hermione met them outside the Great Hall. Hermione noticed the odd tension immediately. "What's going on?" she asked, when she was sure they wouldn't be overheard.

Harry blushed. "I asked Draco to go to the ball with me," he said with a tiny grin.

"And I accepted," Draco added, eyes bright with happiness.

"Wait- You two?" Ron asked. "Really?"

"You're surprised?" Blaise asked incredulously.

Ron thought about that for a moment, looking between Harry and Draco. Then he shook his head. "Really should have expected this," he muttered to Blaise.

"That's wonderful," Hermione said sincerely. "I was hoping you'd go together. You'll have a lovely time."

"What about you?" Blaise asked her. "We need to get you a date."

"I- I've got a date," Hermione admitted, her cheeks flushing.

"What?" Ron asked, surprised. "With who?"

"I'm not telling," she said stubbornly. "You'll find out at the ball.

"My, my," Blaise teased her. "This should be interesting. How about you Ron? You've got to ask someone soon."

It was Ron's turn to blush. "I have a date as well," he murmured. "I'm not telling you who it is. You'll just have to wait."

Blaise ignored a sudden flare of jealousy and hitched on a smile. "Just me, Vince and Greg left then," he said.

Vince and Greg looked uncomfortable. "Well we thought..." Vince glanced at Greg uncertainly. "If Harry and Draco are going as friends, maybe we could to."

Hermione offered an encouraging smile. "That's a lovely idea," she assured them. "It's going to be fun. And Blaise, you'll have an easy time finding a date if you'll just ask. You're very handsome, you know."

"Oh, don't worry about me," Blaise said with a dismissive wave. "I'll have a date by tomorrow." He felt certain that Pansy would agree to go with him. He had no intention of chatting up someone that he had no interest in.


Christmas morning dawned bright and clear. Harry woke from his slumber when he was jostled on the bed. His eyes snapped open when his duvet was lifted, letting cool air under the warm blankets.

Draco crawled into Harry's bed and tucked himself in at Harry's side. He hummed in pleasure at the warmth Harry provided. Then he yelped when Blaise climbed under the covers as well.

"So cold," Blaise grumbled with a shiver. He wiggled further in, squashing Draco against Harry.

"Why are you in my bed?" Harry asked, looking down at Draco's sleep tousled hair.

"You're so warm," Draco responded, happily nuzzling into Harry's shoulder. He giggled when Blaise squashed him even closer and Harry whined in protest.

"Wait for us!"

Draco squealed and then burst into a fit of laughter as Vince and Greg flopped down on top of them. Harry wiggled a bit, but then gave up in favor of laughing as Blaise wriggled and struggled to free himself. Vince and Greg cackled in delight, making themselves comfortable across the three other boys.

"I guess we'll open presents later," Harry said with a grin.

That got Vince and Greg to roll back off the bed clumsily. They all got up and quickly dressed warmly before sitting on their beds to open their presents.

After breakfast, they spent a few hours with their other friends. The Weasley twins coaxed them outside and they all spent some time having a snowball fight. Before long, a few Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs had joined in. In the end, Viktor also jumped in, bringing another boy from Durmstrang with him. It was the first time that most of the Hogwarts students had heard Viktor laugh.

Eventually, they all went back inside to warm back up. They all needed to prepare for the ball anyway.

Harry nervously dressed in his new dress robes and struggled to make his hair look less ridiculous. Blaise took pity on him and pulled him aside to carefully coax Harry's hair into looking artfully tousled. Draco may have found it endearing usually, but he likely wouldn't appreciate the "savaged by a badger" look for the ball. Blaise had used a number of spells and products, but the end result looked rather good. Harry just hoped that Draco would like it.

Draco was on the other side of the room getting himself ready. He was carefully avoiding looking directly at Harry. He preferred to see Harry when they were both ready.

Blaise just sighed in exasperation at the pair. They were both obviously very excited to see one another all dressed up. It was actually rather endearing to see Harry's somewhat loopy grin.

They had just finished when Pansy knocked on the door and poked her head in. "Any naked boys in here?" she asked.

"No," Blaise laughed. Vince and Greg chuckled.

Pansy stepped into the room with a grin. She was wearing a lovely dark green dress made of chiffon. Her hair was pulled back in an elegant chignon. She'd lined her dark, expressive eyes with silver and her lips were pouty and pink.

"You look amazing," Blaise said.

"As do you," Pansy replied with a smile. "All of you look so handsome," she praised, eyeing the four Slytherin boys approvingly.

"Alright, I'm ready," Draco said, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. He turned around slowly to face Harry. Draco's dress robes were very high quality and they fit him perfectly. He felt gorgeous in them. But, he wanted Harry's approval more than anything.

Harry looked striking in dress robes. His robes lacked some of the fancy silver stitching that Draco's had. But the simpler style suited Harry. Draco thought he looked strong and regal.

"You look beautiful," Harry murmured. He blushed in mortification when he realized that he's said it out loud.

Draco's smile was brilliant. He strode across the room and straight into Harry's arms. The embrace was rather brief but it was enough. "You're so handsome Harry," Draco said softly.

"That's adorable," Pansy cooed. "Now, pull it together so we can go," she added impatiently.

Draco let out a shaky little laugh, shifting to looping his arm through Harry's, his hand curling lightly against Harry bicep. Harry flashed a happy grin before leading the way out.

When they got to the Great Hall, they were met by McGonagall. She gave Draco a tiny nod of approval, making him smile and blush. "Harry, you and Draco are to go over there," she instructed, indicating another door. "You are opening the ball with the other champions."

Harry waved to his friends and let Draco toward the door. "I was hoping to see Ron and Hermione, but that'll have to wait," he said.

They stepped into the room and looked around. The other champions were already there. And then Harry's eyes widened.

"Ron, what are you doing here?" Harry asked, bewildered.

Draco smothered a giggle against Harry's shoulder.

Ron was wearing black dress robes and standing next to Viktor Krum, who was resplendent in fur-lined red robes. He looked at Viktor and then back at Harry and Draco, his face flushing. He hurried to his friends looking quite embarrassed.

"Care to explain?" Draco asked, thoroughly amused.

"I bumped into him a few times over the last few weeks," Ron explained. "He ended up asking me to the ball... And I panicked," Ron admitted sheepishly.

"Oh my god," Draco chortled. "You accidentally accepted a date with a famous male Quidditch player. Who does that?"

Ron scowled at him. "But... He's really nice and... Maybe I don't mind it," he said quietly. "I'm honestly really confused right now."

Draco took a calming breath and patted Ron on the shoulder. "Just enjoy the night," he advised. "No pressure. This doesn't have to mean anything."

Ron nodded, wringing his hands. "Alright," he agreed.

Harry looked Ron over. "You look really nice," he said. "What happened to your other robes?"

"Those are still at the bottom of my trunk," Ron replied, wrinkling his nose. "I'm not sure where these came from. They were delivered yesterday." He paused when he saw Draco blush slightly and glance away. "Did- Did you do this?" Ron asked hesitantly.

"I've no idea what you mean," Draco responded with an impatient huff. "Just enjoy the ball and shut up."

Ron looked away briefly before facing Draco again. "Thank you," he said quietly.

Draco's smile returned. "Enjoy your date." He snickered when Ron blushed again and moved back to Viktor. He hadn't intended for Ron to find out. Harry had told him about the ghastly set of robes that Ron had been given and that Ron had been horrified at the thought of wearing them. It seemed like such an obvious solution. The ball would be better for all of them if Ron wasn't miserable. That and... well, Draco didn't Ron to be unhappy.

Harry turned Draco to face him, his fingers coming up to brush lightly against Draco's jaw. "You're amazing," Harry whispered. "And if we weren't keeping a low profile, I'd kiss you."

Draco grinned. "There's always later," he suggested. "For now, we've got to get ready to dance."

A few moments later, they were ushered into the Great Hall. Fleur was being escorted by Roger Davies, a Ravenclaw. Cedric was escorting Cho.

There was a bit of a commotion when Ron stepped through the door on Viktor's arm. Students everywhere were gawking and whispering. Viktor's usual brooding expression had melted away for a satisfied smile to take its place.

"We're the best looking couple here," Draco murmured cheerfully, stepping through the doorway with his head held high. They might be keeping a low profile, but he belonged on Harry's arm and he intended to enjoy it. They did cause a bit of a stir, but it wasn't terrible.

Pansy had gleefully spread rumors about Harry being accosted in hallways by overzealous admirers, driving him to pair up with Draco for the ball. Hermione had confirmed the rumors with a roll of her eyes whenever the subject was brought up.

The Great Hall didn't even look like the Great Hall anymore. It looked like a glittering winter wonderland. Light snow fell from the enchanted ceiling, disappearing before it could melt on anything.

Draco turned to face Harry on the dance floor. "Are you ready?" he asked quietly, ignoring the huge crowd of students. When Harry nodded, Draco smiled. "Hand on my waist," he instructed, lightly resting his left hand on Harry's shoulder.

Harry got into position, and began leading Draco across the floor when the music started. He could barely focus on counting the steps as he looked at Draco's face. Draco was lovely and sweet and so happy to be Harry's date. At that moment, nothing else mattered.

Before long, other couples stepped onto the dance floor. Harry kept his focus on Draco, deciding that they'd look for their friends once the song had finished.

The waltz was followed by a band, the Weird Sisters, being introduced. As they started to play, Draco kept his fingers entangled with Harry's as they moved toward one of the few tables. Harry happily had Draco sit down before hurrying away to get punch.

Draco relaxed in his chair, grinning as Ron approached with Viktor. He gestured to the table in invitation and they sat down together. Draco smirked at Viktor. "So, Weasley, huh?"

"He's adorable," Viktor declared solemnly. Ron bit his lip, unable to suppress his pleased smile.

"There you are," Hermione said, approaching their table. She was followed closely by-

"Fred?" Harry asked, returning with two classes of punch.

"How can you tell them apart?" Ron blurted out incredulously.

"That's your question?" Draco snorted. "Nothing about the fact that he's Hermione's date?"

"That too," Ron nodded with a little frown.

"Why not?" Fred laughed, draping one arm across Hermione's shoulders.

He was dressed in simple black dress robes while Hermione wore a long dress made of floaty periwinkle fabric. Her normally bushy hair was tamed and arranged into an array of cascading curls.

"She's clever and pretty and I'd be an idiot not to ask her," Fred said, giving one of her curls an affectionate tug. Hermione blushed prettily, ducking her head.

"As long as you're good to her," Draco said, a warning in his tone, "we won't complain. She has a lot of brothers," he added with a little wink at Hermione. She beamed at him.

"I'll be the perfect gentleman," Fred agreed.

"Good," Harry said, handing Draco his punch. "Where's George?"

"Dancing with Angelina," Fred responded cheerfully. "They're a little... enthusiastic. I was afraid they'd injured us, so we stopped to grab punch."

Blaise and Pansy came over, followed by Vince and Greg. Blaise's smile seemed a little strained and he seemed unwilling to look directly at Ron and Viktor.

Aside from Blaise's discomfort, everyone seemed to be having a great time. Draco eagerly pulled Harry back to the dance floor. Harry felt like a clumsy idiot next to Draco, but he didn't complain. Draco certainly didn't seem to mind.

As the evening grew later, people began to disperse. Some headed to bed while others chose to rendezvous in the bushes... An odd choice in Harry's opinion.

Draco and Harry returned to their dorm, tired from all the dancing. The others hadn't returned yet so they were alone. Harry toed off his shoes with a sigh of relief and then turned to Draco.

"One more dance?" Harry asked hopefully.

Draco grinned at Harry's socked feet and hastily removed his own shoes. He stepped into Harry's arms, sliding his hand to the back of Harry's neck instead of his shoulder. Harry's hand reached around to press slightly against Draco's lower back. Draco started humming a tune, resting his temple against Harry's while Harry guided them in slow circles, enjoying the closeness.

Harry eventually stopped them, pulling back to look at Draco's face. Slowly he leaned forward and pressed their lips together. Draco hummed in approval, returning the gentle pressure of Harry's mouth.

They parted only to draw one another back in eagerly. Their kisses remained slow, sweet and chaste, but each struggled to keep the stirrings of arousal at bay. It really wasn't the time for that.

"I really like you Harry," Draco whispered against Harry's lips. "To me, you've always been more than my friend."

"Me too," Harry murmured.

"There's no rush. We're only in fourth year and with my father... It's complicated," Draco said with a heavy sigh. "We don't need a label right now. I just- I needed you to know how I feel about you." He looked away, his cheeks rosy.

Harry kissed Draco's fingers, reassuring his friend. "I feel the same," Harry admitted.

Draco could hardly contain his delight. Harry fancied him! Draco had suspected, of course, but now it was confirmed. He found himself longing to tell Harry how deeply he felt, but he restrained himself. He didn't fully understand it himself yet. Was this what falling in love felt like? Draco wasn't sure, and he wouldn't burden Harry with those three words until he knew for certain.

They shared one more kiss before parting to change for bed. The others returned a short time later.

Blaise had enjoyed himself somewhat, but he still felt an ache that rippled through his core. Ron had gone to the ball with Viktor. They'd danced, talked, laughed... Viktor had gently gripped Ron's hand or placed one hand against Ron's lower back. Ron had accepted it all despite obvious apprehension. And Blaise had seen it all, keeping silent, unwilling to spoil the evening for Ron.

Blaise looked between Harry and Draco, smiling slightly. He'd give them the night to have their privacy. But in the morning, he wanted details.