A/N: I hope you enioyed the last chapter and it also turned out to be the longest. I didn't expect them to come out publicly but it just seemed right at the time and Harry and Draco just led the way. I just followed them. Anyway, please review your thoughts and enjoy this next chapter.

Chapter 16 - Life Goes On

Draco had gone to the bathroom before bed and Harry pulled Ron aside to the corner of the common room kitchen.

"Hey Ron, are you alright with Draco sleeping back in the dormitory? And if we shared beds?"

"I dunno, suppose it can't hurt, but under one condition."

Harry smiled and replied, "I've already cast a silencing charm from the Christmas holidays. And everyone knows not to disturb us."

Ron just smirked and nodded to agree. Just then, Draco walks out of the bathroom and Harry strolls over to him.

His face next to his ear, he whispers, "He agreed, I can't wait."

Draco turns to face his lover and puts his hands on his shoulders. "Look, I feel a bit uncomfortable knowing their are people around us. Even if they can't hear and won't interrupt us."

Harry just smiled and pulled him into a hug. "If you don't want to, then we won't. But you can still share my bed if you want?"

"Definitely, thank you."

Despite not doing anything Draco didn't want, they spent hours awake whilst sharing plenty of kisses. Many of which were lengthy ones with lips pressed together, slightly split to allow each other to explore their lover's mouths. And some explored further, the curves of Draco's slim cheekbones, the sensitive bit on Harry's ears (Moaning, Harry jumped back and Draco teased him, swearing to never forget that spot.).

Afterwards, they spooned, Draco being the big one, and nuzzled into Harry's unruly hair. But what the brunette loved the most, was the blonde's arm holding him. He would pull it closer to his face so that he could smell the scent of Malfoy. He could recognise it anywhere and gave him great comfort. He was tempted to steal his pyjamas just to wear something with that familiar smell of his deodorant and him in general. Harry didn't know if it was his soap, or his hair products or what, but he noticed Draco always had his scent, no matter what he wore or where he was.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Potions class came around again and Harry and Draco were glad to be sitting together after their previous feud. Professor Slughorn began to notice the two getting along. Well, more than getting along, they were very...friendly. "Boys, what happened to you two? You're able to sit with each other without throwing insults around."

"Yes sir, we've...put aside our differences, let's say."

"So you have, well today we're recapping more complicated potion ingredients."

Slughorn went on, showing each ingredient and explaining properties, how to obtain them and common potions they are used in. Harry scribbled it down, struggling to remember some of them. As Draco knew it all already, he was more than happy to lean over to Harry and help him along, squeezing his thigh or holding his hand to write for him. Although the professor shot some funny looks, unaware of their relationship.

"Right then, recap your notes with your partner for five minutes please, and then you can all go."

Professor Slughorn made his way to the boys' table and crouched down to them. "Are you two OK?"

Harry replied with a confused tone, "Yes sir, why do you ask?"

"Well I've noticed your very touchy." Slughorn whispered, trying not to cause attention.

Draco was very unpleased with the observation, as he wanted to be left alone with Harry. "If you must know, we're together. Is there a problem with that?"

"Oh no, I'm sorry, I was just a bit confused, that's all. Well, congratulations.", Sir made his way to the front of the class.

"Right then, you may leave. See you tomorrow."

Packing away, Draco leant down to Harry.

"Are you OK that I told Sir?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, I didn't know if you were ready for more people to know that you're with me."

"Of course I'm ready. I'm not ashamed of you, I want people to know we're together, that I love you. You're not ashamed of me, are you?"

"You? You're joking aren't you? I love you more than I've loved anyone, I don't think I'd survive this year if you weren't on my mind twenty four / seven."

Harry pulled the blonde down to him by his collar and pressed his lips against his lover's. It was only a quick kiss, but it made Draco feel better about telling the professor about them. He realised it was the right thing.

"Get a room!" It was Pansy. Blaise was next to her and elbowed her in the ribs.

"Oh, shut it, Pansy. "

"Sorry. Anyway I need to talk Draco."

"About?"

"You two, privately."

"No, if it's about Harry, then I want him to her it aswell."

"I knew you'd say that. OK then. I'm sorry for reacting how I did, but you can't blame me." That earned her another jab.

"Ow, sorry ok! Well, you see, it was because... erm, I still like you. Even though I knew you were gay, I couldn't get you out of my head. And I exploded when my suspicions were confirmed."

"Oh Pansy, I didn't realise you still had them. I thought you lost them after I abandoned you at the yule ball. I had no idea."

"It's OK, because Blaise has made me realise I should be happy for you. Somehow. But he said if Potter makes you happy, then I should accept it. Are you listening Potter, so much as break his heart and I'll break you skull."

Harry chuckled, knowing he could never do that."Never in a million years. I love him. "

"I don't take lightly to someone insulting my boyfriend you know."

"Well, I don't want to see you hurt."

"Very well, thank you Pansy."

They hugged and Blaise moved over to Potter.

"Thank you, for making him happy."

Harry looked shocked, he didn't realise all of the Slytherins became so soft.

"O-ok."

They had made it to the common room for the evening and today they were sitting at the Gryffindor table.

"I've got an idea. Pansy! Blaise!"

They turned around to face Potter.

"Yeah?"

"Sit with us, don't sit alone, join us, we've got plenty of space, many lower years have moved to other tables."

They shared an intrigued look and walked over to follow them.

Draco smiled, "I'm glad you've joined us."

"Heu guys, we've got a few more joining us today. Well, from now on if they want. I'd rather not have them sitting alone and they're happy to join us."

Hermione seemed pleased to have more company. This probably meant she was going to drone on about school work more often than before, if that was even possible.