Harry was glad to board the Hogwarts Express to return to school. He settled himself in a compartment with Ron, impatiently waiting for Draco to arrive. He glanced out the window, his eyes scanning for familiar blond hair.
"He'll be here," Ron said calmly, rolling his eyes. "You've got it bad mate." He chuckled when Harry scowled at him.
"I'm just looking forward to seeing him," Harry said, forcing himself to look away from the window.
Ron looked thoughtful for a moment. "You know Hermione is not going to approve of this," he commented.
"What?" Harry asked innocently, his cheeks heating up.
Hermione arrived in the next moment, smiling at them. She happily accepted a kiss from Ron before hugging Harry warmly. As Hermione settled into her seat, Ron shot Harry a pointed look.
A few moments later, Draco stepped into the compartment and sat down next to Harry with a smile. "Hi," Draco murmured, pressing closer as Harry draped his arm over Draco's shoulders. Ron rolled his eyes at the sight, making Draco smirk. "Nothing wrong with getting a cuddle from my best mate," he said haughtily. He squirmed when Harry poked his side in playful reproach.
"I'm Harry's best friend," Ron retorted with a scowl.
"No, you're his brother," Draco corrected primly. "You don't get to be both. That's just selfish."
Ron snorted. "Fine. Being his brother is better anyway," he said smugly.
"Oh, I disagree," Draco replied with a mischievous grin. He abruptly turned and pressed a kiss to Harry's laughing mouth. "Stop that, you're ruining it," Draco chided, though he started laughing as well.
Hermione dropped the book she was holding. Her eyes were wide with shock. What had she missed while she spent Christmas with her parents? Ron looked a little unsettled, but not surprised.
Harry noticed her gobsmacked expression and grinned sheepishly. "Er- We're doing that now..." he said.
"Traumatizing people with snogging," Ron explained to his confused girlfriend.
"Nothing wrong with getting kisses from my best friend," Draco said with a dismissive wave, though his cheeks were slightly pink.
Harry and Ron snorted with laughter. "He's going to use that excuse for everything," Harry said.
"Naturally," Draco agreed, pressing a quick kiss to Harry's cheek.
Hermione pursed her lips, her eyes darting between Draco and Harry. The pair hadn't claimed to be dating. Draco had called Harry is best friend. So they were friends that snogged? That didn't sound like a good idea. It had a lot of potential for either or both of them to get hurt.
Harry was smiling a bit shyly as he asked Draco about his mother and how he'd enjoyed the holiday. Draco seemed much more relaxed than he had during first term. He leaned casually against Harry and talked, obviously enjoying Harry's intent focus. After a few minutes, Draco politely addressed Hermione and Ron, asking how they'd enjoyed Christmas.
It was a little strange. Draco didn't often speak to the other Gryffindors. Indeed, this was the first time he'd initiated interaction with Ron and Hermione outside of a generic, obligatory greeting.
The train ride was relatively pleasant. Draco didn't kiss Harry for the remainder of the trip, but he contented himself with running his fingers through Harry's hair. Ron appreciated the restraint and showed his thanks by not making a face every time Draco reached up to play with messy locks.
As they neared the end of their journey, the compartment door slid open to reveal Pansy Parkinson. She stared at Draco with wide eyes. He had his back against the window and his legs were stretched comfortably across Harry's lap. Harry had one hand resting on Draco's knee and a pumpkin pasty in the other hand. Draco and Harry's smiles faded abruptly at the sight of Pansy. Ron and Hermione stiffened, as if preparing to fight Pansy off.
"So it's true?" Pansy asked, her voice oddly high pitched. "You're friends with them now?"
Draco's expression of surprise turned bitter. "You're talking to me now?" he asked coldly.
"Just answer the question," Pansy snapped.
"No," Draco retorted. "I don't answer to you and I won't bother dignifying such a stupid question with an answer. You've avoided me since the year started."
"I thought you were just trying to get on Potter's good side so he'd protect you," Pansy noted, her tone confused and angry.
"Protect him from what?" Harry asked, alarmed when Draco winced slightly.
"Regardless," Draco said irritably, "none of this explains why you are here. My friendship with Harry is none of your concern."
Pansy bit her lip and glanced over her shoulder. She looked back at Draco. "Can we speak privately?" she asked, keeping her voice quiet.
"I'm not going anywhere with you," Draco replied, his tone icy. "I have no reason to trust you and I don't see that going with you would be any benefit for me."
Pansy closed the compartment door and sat down next to Hermione, her expression determined. Her eyes were locked on Draco's face. "Damn it Draco," she hissed. "You know what the Slytherins are like. So many of us had families that sided with the Dark Lord. You knew that you'd be ostracized."
"I did," Draco allowed with a nod. "So why are you here?"
"They may be more forgiving if you abandon your current course," Pansy hinted, glancing around at the Gryffindors with obvious distaste. "You know you don't belong with them."
"Yes he does," Harry said firmly, ignoring Pansy's sneer. He turned to Draco with a concerned frown. "That's your choice though."
Draco couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. To hear Harry say that Draco belonged with them, with Harry, was wonderful. If they were alone, Draco would be tempted to bestow a kiss on Harry that would be far less chaste than their previous kisses. The thought made his breath catch in his throat and he swallowed hard.
"My best friend," he reminded Harry quietly. Harry responded with a bright smile. Then Draco turned to Pansy sternly. "I have no intention of abandoning my friends."
Pansy heaved a frustrated sigh before standing up and storming out of the compartment. An uncomfortable silence followed her exit. They were all aware that Draco had said "friends". As in, plural.
"I'm touched Malfoy," Ron said, placing one hand on his chest dramatically.
"Shut up Weasley. I wasn't talking about you," Draco grumbled crossing his arms over his chest.
"You can't fool me," Ron replied in a cheerful tone. His smile faded and he eyed Draco with concern. "Why did I get the impression that we were missing something in that conversation?"
"It was a warning," Draco sighed. "Or a threat, depending on how you look at it. Slytherin house has always been a bit political, but it's even more so now. There are some children of Death Eaters and other supporters. There are several that seem neutral and they're left in peace. Nobody sides against the Dark though."
"Except for you," Ron added helpfully.
"Indeed," Draco agreed grimly.
"Are you safe there?" Hermione asked.
"Safe enough," Draco shrugged. "They tried to 'make an example of me' first term. But Blaise made them stop. Blaise is neutral," he added.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Harry asked, horrified.
"There was no need to make you fret over it," Draco retorted. "The worst of it was before we were friends. As long as I keep my head down, I'm fine. Most of my time in the dungeons is spent as a cat." He shifted forward and pressed a light kiss to Harry's lips before sitting back again. "Don't worry."
But Harry worried anyway. When they eventually found themselves in the Great Hall for dinner, he stared at the Slytherin table anxiously. Draco kept to himself at the end of the table, ignoring the scornful looks that some of his housemates gave. He looked surprised when Blaise Zabini sat down next to him.
Harry watched with narrowed eyes. "What's Zabini playing at?" he muttered.
Neville glanced over his shoulder at the Slytherin table. "He doesn't seem hostile," Neville noted. "Just try to eat, Harry."
"How are things going with you two?" Ginny asked. She smirked when she saw Hermione instantly turn to Harry expectantly.
"It's good," Harry said, squirming a bit under Hermione's gaze. "We're best friends." He blushed when Ginny gave him a pointed look. "He... er-kisses me a lot."
"But you're just friends?" Hermione pressed.
"I'm not going to push him," Harry said firmly. "He's dealing with a lot. He hasn't given any indication that he wants anything more than friendship."
"Except for the snogging," Ron commented with a smirk.
"We'll go at his pace," Harry said. "I'm adjusting as well. My dating experience is two girls. The idea of..." He trailed off, his face flushing with embarrassment.
"Thinking of shagging him already?" Seamus asked, cheerfully butting in and waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Harry made a choking sound.
"Oi! Leave poor Harry alone," Dean chided, giving Seamus a quelling look. Seamus winked at Harry and then returned to his meal without another word.
Harry ate his dinner while his mind churned. He'd been struggling to avoid even the thought of sex. He hadn't really considered the idea of sex with a bloke and the idea made him feel rather anxious. It was a new concept and he found himself wondering if he'd want to sleep with Draco. Like many people, he wanted sexual gratification but he hadn't allowed himself to dwell on what that would entail for himself and Draco.
Ginny watched Harry as he frowned pensively at his roasted potatoes. She waited until he seemed uninterested in eating anything else to clear her throat. "Come with me Harry," she said, standing up and giving Neville's hand a squeeze. "Let Draco know that I've got Harry and that he can come by the common room in an hour."
Neville nodded his agreement, and smirked as he watched Ginny practically drag Harry out of the Great Hall.
"Everything alright?" Harry asked uncertainly.
"I want you to talk to me," Ginny replied lightly. "You looked a bit upset during dinner."
Harry blushed and looked away as they continued down the hall. "Just thinking," he muttered.
"I noticed," Ginny responded. She glanced at Harry with concern. "How far have you gone with Draco?" she asked bluntly.
Harry abruptly stumbled. He straightened and shot her a scandalized expression. "That's..."
"We're supposed to gossip about this stuff," Ginny insisted. "Don't be a prude. I want details."
"I- We- There's nothing to tell," Harry sputtered, glancing around to make sure they weren't overheard. "We've kissed a few times."
"With tongue?"
"No," Harry replied in a whisper, looking rather horrified by Ginny's interrogation.
"And do you want more? Physically?" Ginny asked.
Harry scowled at her before growling the password and stomping through the portrait hole leading to the Gryffindor common room. "What's this about?" he asked irritably once he was certain that the common room was empty.
"We're all worried about you," Ginny replied, tugging Harry's sleeve to coax him into sitting down with her.
"I'm fine," Harry said, dropping into the couch gracelessly. "I'm enjoying spending time with him. He kissed me first. I'm just letting him take the lead. I'm not sure if he feels the same as I do, but I think I can convince him." He paused and rubbed at the back of his neck. "The sex thing is..." He trailed off, rolling his eyes when Ginny grinned.
"I think I want to," he admitted sheepishly, grimacing when Ginny squealed. "But, I really don't want to mess this up."
"Keep being yourself," Ginny assured him. "Draco seems pretty fond of you already."
They chatted for a while, even as more students began trickling in. Harry was grateful to voice his concerns and insecurities. Ginny was perhaps a bit too eager to listen to every detail and offer encouragement.
Eventually, Neville stepped into the common room with Draco. Neville greeted Ginny with a shy kiss and Draco sat down next to Harry. "Are you okay?" Draco asked.
Ginny was making kissy faces behind Draco's back, so Harry was struggling not to laugh. "I'm alright," Harry replied. "Ginny was just being nosy."
Draco nodded his acceptance, smiling tentatively at Ginny when she sat back down with Neville. It wasn't easy, but Draco was trying to be kind to Harry's friends. Ginny made him a bit nervous, but she had been the most accepting of him. Sometimes she treated him as if he was an extension of Harry. As if they were a pair in her mind. The thought was pleasant, and Draco was glad for some kindness. Being in Slytherin was a lonely experience for Draco after the war.
Hermione entered the common room, wringing her hands anxiously. "What is it?" Harry asked hastily.
"Ron, Seamus and Dean are outside with Blaise Zabini," Hermione said. "He wants to talk to you and Draco."
Harry and Draco shared a confused look but swiftly followed Hermione with Ginny and Neville close behind. They found the three Gryffindors and Blaise at the edge of the Black Lake, eyeing each other with obvious dislike.
"What do you want?" Harry asked tersely.
Blaise glanced around at all the Gryffindors. "A full entourage... How impressive," he muttered sarcastically.
"We protect our own," Hermione said sternly.
"And that includes Malfoy," Neville added.
Blaise heaved a sigh of resignation. "I am not involved with those that wish to punish Draco for his loyalties... Or lack there of," he added with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Good for you," Ron sneered.
"The balance of power in Slytherin is... delicate," Blaise said, ignoring Ron. "I will not be forced into misguided alliances. I don't take kindly to threats."
Harry stared at Blaise, waiting for further explanation. When Blaise said nothing further, Harry huffed. "And?" he demanded impatiently.
"You have not made any demands," Blaise noted, his eyes focused intently on Harry. "You have this... new alliance with a former enemy." He gestured toward Draco.
"It's called friendship," Harry retorted.
"Whatever," Blaise responded with another lazy wave. "The point is, Slytherin is becoming dangerous for anyone that is neutral and I seek to tip the scales."
Harry groaned, rubbing at his temples. The last thing he wanted was to be involved in a power struggle.
"I'm not asking you for direct involvement," Blaise said, still sounding maddeningly calm. "I'm saying that I can stand between Draco and his potential attackers."
Draco bristled at the notion that he needed to be protected. He scowled when Harry looked interested in Blaise's suggestion.
"In exchange for..." Harry trailed off, raising an expectant eyebrow.
"An open mind," Blaise replied with a shrug. "Whether you like it or not, you are associated with power and influence. If you are open to non-hostile Slytherins, I can gain support. Those of us with no desire to be involved in another war will be able to resist the others. For now, I fear for the safety of the younger Slytherins."
"Is it really that bad?" Hermione asked Draco, he brow furrowed in concern.
"I wasn't completely aware," Draco responded quietly. "I stay away as often as I can manage and stay out of sight when I've got to be in the dungeons. But, it's not surprising. Some of the older Slytherins are violent and aggressive. They're angry about the outcome of the war."
"Why hasn't this been reported to the Headmistress?" Hermione asked.
Blaise rolled his eyes. "Granger, nobody in Slytherin expects to have our concerns attended to," he informed her. "Our head of house is useless and the Headmistress is a known member of the Order of the Phoenix. Slytherins can anticipate being ignored and mistrusted. As an added bonus, it could be... hazardous to one's health to report anything."
"That is horrible," Hermione gasped.
"We can't let that continue," Ginny added.
Harry nodded. "So what do we do?" he asked.
"Just be ready to back me up," Blaise replied grimly. "I'll discreetly keep Draco from harm. I've been keeping an eye on everyone, so I know who to reveal my intentions to. When appropriate, it would be ideal for me to be able to approach you without animosity," he said, glancing meaningfully at the surrounding Gryffindors.
"I don't need a minder," Draco snapped.
"But an ally would be prudent," Blaise insisted.
"Please," Harry said softly before Draco could argue any further. "I'd feel better about you being in the Slytherin dorms if I knew you weren't alone."
Draco heaved an aggravated sigh, but he nodded. His heart was warmed by the relief on Harry's face. He couldn't be angry with Harry for being concerned for his safety, even if it was sort of annoying. And it would be nice to not feel so isolated in the dungeons. He'd considered Blaise to be a friend before.
"Excellent," Blaise said with a slight nod. "I will be in touch." He turned and walked away without a backward glance.
"Would it kill him to offer a bit more detail?" Ron grumbled.
"Slytherins don't work that way," Draco replied tersely. "I'm sure it was difficult enough to request help it all. And he's protecting himself by not telling you too much. Reporting to Harry Potter isn't likely to make the others happy. And Blaise won't want you to take this to the Headmistress, so he purposely avoided offering names or evidence."
"So confusing," Dean groaned, taking Seamus' hand and leading the way back into the castle. The others followed in thoughtful silence.
As the common room emptied, Harry remained sitting on the couch with Draco. The blond was reluctant to leave Harry's side, as usual. Harry tried to remind himself that it was because Draco was so lonely among his housemates. But, Harry's heart sped up a bit as Draco leaned against his chest and made himself more comfortable.
"Can we really trust Blaise?" Harry asked, eager to think about anything aside from the tantalizing warmth of Draco's body. Discussing sex with Ginny had probably not been the best idea for Harry's self-control.
"Because he's in Slytherin?" Draco asked defensively, not meeting Harry's eyes. "You know that I am still a Slytherin myself."
Harry shook his head hastily. "Of course not! Draco, there are very few people I would trust with your safety, regardless of house affiliation. I want to know that you'll be alright," he added.
Draco nodded slowly, turning his head to look at Harry. He was still for a moment and then kissed Harry softly. He paused again before kissing Harry a second time, brushing his tongue lightly over Harry's bottom lip.
Harry felt as if his whole body was trembling as he slowly opened his mouth to Draco. Draco's tongue instantly swept into Harry's mouth, flicking over Harry's tongue briefly before returning for a more firm and lingering caress. Harry's shaking hands came up to cradle Draco's face as he returned the kiss.
Harry could feel warm fingers creeping under his jumper to stroke his lower back. He couldn't help the moan that slipped out. Draco smiled against his lips, breaking the kiss.
"It's nice that you're so protective," Draco commented lightly, his cheeks pink with a faint blush. "I'm lucky to have a friend like you."
The word 'friend' sounded so hateful to Harry in that moment. Harry wanted so much more. Draco Malfoy had slipped into Harry's heart and swiftly entangled the Chosen One. He wanted to protect Draco. Love him. He was so in love with Draco. How could it have happened so quickly?
"Are you alright?" Draco asked uncertainly.
"Of course," Harry said, forcing a smile. "Nothing wrong with snogging the hell out of your best friend."
"That's the spirit," Draco laughed before pulling Harry into another deep kiss. He moaned in a way that Harry found almost unbearably arousing.
"The common room is probably not the best place for that."
Draco pulled away at the sound of Ginny's voice. He was blushing more than ever and looking down bashfully. Harry was struggling to regulate his breathing and will away the erection that hadn't flagged in the slightest with Ginny's interruption.
"That looked fun," Ginny noted with a grin, ignoring the glare that Harry directed at her.
Draco huffed an embarrassed little laugh. "Goodnight," he said softly, releasing his hold on Harry and leaving swiftly.
Harry groaned loudly, covering his face with his hands. When he lowered his hands enough to peer at Ginny over his fingertips, she smirked.
"You know you're going to have to deal with that," she commented, gesturing to his tented trousers.
Harry scowled and dropped his hands to cover his crotch. "Thanks for the input," he snapped.
"This is not my fault," she reminded him tersely. She grinned again. "But we know that he feelings for you now."
"He said that he's lucky to have a friend like me," Harry said, looking quite dejected for a bloke that had just been enthusiastically snogged.
"Ouch," Ginny said, looking sympathetic. "But, don't worry about that too much. That did not look like a snog between friends. He's playing coy."
Harry sighed, hoping fervently that she was right.
Draco blinked in surprise when he looked up to see Luna. He had gone to the library to complete some homework, and was sitting alone at a table. Luna gave him a smile and dropped into a seat across from him.
"Good morning Draco," Luna said airily.
"Lovegood," Draco greeted her with a nod.
Luna reached into her bag and pulled out a red carnation. She held it out to Draco. "It's from Harry," she said.
Draco took the flower, a tiny smile appearing on his face. He had been feeling a bit awkward from the way he'd snogged Harry. He almost couldn't believe he'd done it. But Harry had been so worried and caring. Draco had just felt affection overflow and could think of nothing better than snogging Harry senseless. And Harry had responded beautifully.
"Harry's a lovely person," Luna noted, drawing Draco out of his thoughts.
"He is," Draco agreed. "I'm glad that we're friends. Though I'm not sure why he insists on sending me flowers."
Luna cocked her head to one side. "What do you think he's trying to tell you?" she asked.
Draco turned the carnation slowly between his fingers, considering. "We haven't talked about it, but I think that he's courting me," he said quietly. "He's being a bit strange about it, but it's Harry." His eyes darted back to Luna's face, seeking her input.
"Well that's a nice idea," Luna responded placidly.
"Do you think that I'm right? That Harry is courting me?" Draco asked.
"What you think is far more important Draco," Luna replied, reaching out and patting Draco's hand. Then she stood up and moved away, offering Blaise a cheerful greeting as he approached Draco's table.
"You're friends with Lovegood as well?" Blaise asked, sitting down at Draco's table.
"She's nice enough," Draco responded, setting the carnation aside.
"And she's giving you flowers?" Blaise questioned with a smirk.
"No," Draco replied, feeling his cheeks heat up. "It's from Harry."
Blaise stared at Draco, glanced at the flower and then back at Draco. "Harry Potter sent you a red carnation?" Blaise asked, surprised.
"He did," Draco replied, stubbornly keeping his gaze on his book. "He does strange things like that. He sent me a wreath of honeysuckle at Christmas." He hoped that Blaise would be tactful enough to not mention Draco's blush.
"Strange indeed," Blaise responded eyeing the flower. He cleared his throat quietly. "Do not eat any of the sweets in the Slytherin common room. They've been laced with something... unpleasant. It isn't fatal, but you would not be pleased by the effects and neither would Potter."
"Thanks," Draco muttered, shaking his head.
Blaise nodded shortly, leaving Draco to his homework. Draco chewed on his lower lip, his eyes darting to the flower resting on the table. A smile tugged his lips upward as his mind considered the idea of being courted by Harry. It was a bit odd to not have an open discussion on the subject, but Draco couldn't bring himself to regret Harry's methods. Draco enjoyed feeling so cared for and appreciated. It would be worth it to be patient and see what Harry would do next.
Weeks went by and Blaise's vague plan was proving to be a good one. He'd been adding wards to Draco's bed curtains at night and diligently monitoring their more hostile peers. One day, he'd been walking to lunch with a small group of Slytherins and had spotted Harry and Draco. After checking that it was safe, Blaise approached the pair. "Potter," he greeted politely.
While surprised, Harry managed to smile. Draco remained slightly behind Harry, offering silent support. "Hey Blaise," Harry replied cheerfully. "How are you?"
"Well enough," Blaise said. "I've been meaning to ask how your shoulder is. I know you were rather sore after your last Quidditch practice."
"I think it'll be fine," Harry responded lightly, waving off the concern.
"That's good," Blaise nodded. "I'm looking forward to the next game." He glanced over his shoulder at the other Slytherins. They were hovering nearby, looking confused. "Have you met my friends?" Blaise asked. He waved them over and introduced each student. "You'll remember Millicent Bulstrode of course," he concluded, motioning to the mentioned girl.
"Yes, I remember her," Harry agreed with a quick nod to Millicent. "It's nice to meet all of you." He smiled as they murmured stilted greetings. "Blaise, we're meeting to work on Defensive spells after dinner if you're interested. McGonagall gave us permission to use one of the classrooms. You're all welcome to come," he added to the others.
A moment later, Blaise led the Slytherins away. Harry relaxed when he felt Draco's hand on his back. "I think that went well," Draco commented, glancing around to see if they were alone. He was still standing behind Harry, his hands lifting to touch Harry's shoulders.
"Good," Harry sighed. "I'm not good at this sort of thing."
"You were fine," Draco assured him. He lowered his head and brushed his lips against the back of Harry's neck, smirking when Harry gasped. Draco moved closer and pressed a warm kiss to the side of Harry's neck. Harry shivered. Pleased, Draco continued to brush kisses against Harry's sensitive skin until Harry made an odd sound.
"Why are you doing this to me?" Harry asked, turning around to face Draco.
Draco smiled. "Maybe I like the way you look when you want me," he murmured boldly. He winked and then sauntered away.
Harry groaned.
"I think he's torturing me," Harry said petulantly as he walked next to Ginny toward Hogsmead a few days later.
"Sounds like you're enjoying it though," Ginny said, looking over to see Draco and Hermione walking together and discussing a book. Ron was trudging along next to them looking put out. "I'm sure you've got quite a collection of fantasies to occupy you at night."
"My cock is eventually going to catch fire from friction," Harry hissed. Then he slapped his hand over his mouth, mortified.
Ginny laughed so hard that she stumbled and fell over. Neville, who had been walking next to Ginny, stared down at his girlfriend and then smirked at Harry. "Classy," he remarked. Just behind them, Dean and Seamus were shaking and snorting with laughter.
"I think that's what lubricant is for," Luna mentioned, eyeing Harry with mild concern.
"Oh my god," Ginny snorted, still lying on the ground.
"What the bloody hell is going on?" Ron demanded, annoyed that he'd missed out on the fun because he'd been subjected to nerd talk.
"Nothing!" Harry choked out, his face red. "Let's go get a drink. I really need one," he added shooting a dark look at a still giggling Ginny.
Draco moved to Harry's side as they continued to the Three Broomsticks. "Everything alright?" Draco asked.
Harry managed a reassuring smile. "Just Ginny having a laugh at my expense," he said.
Draco grinned. "I like her," he declared.
"You would," Harry chuckled, giving Draco a playful shove.
Blaise met them in the pub along with Milicent and another Slytherin named Andre Cassel. Harry's irritation quickly turned into bitter jealousy when Andre proceeded to flirt with Draco.
Draco ignored the attention, conversing politely with everyone at the table. Harry kept his eyes averted, privately wanting to throttle Andre. It was good that Blaise had made some progress and that some of the Slytherins were more accepting of Draco. But Harry hadn't considered potential suitors. The thought made his stomach churn and he couldn't bring himself to drink his butterbeer.
The other Gryffindors were growing uncomfortable with Andre's flirting. They knew that it was bothering Harry. Luna was watching Draco intently and when she caught his eye, she glanced at Harry.
Draco turned to speak to Harry but paused when he felt a hand on his arm. He looked at Andre and frowned.
"Would you like to go for a walk?" Andre asked hopefully.
In other circumstances, Draco might have been tempted. Andre was clever and attractive. He'd flirted a great deal, but he'd kept his hands to himself and had been polite. But, Draco had no regrets about declining.
"Andre, I'm flattered, but I can't," Draco said calmly. "I'm already being courted." He nodded when Andre's eyes darted briefly to Harry. The rest of the table fell silent.
"Understood," Andre nodded. As he was about to turn away, he saw Harry's head jerk up.
"What?" Harry yelped, his eyes wide as he stared at Draco. "You're being courted?"
Draco blinked and then huffed a short, disbelieving laugh. His smile fell at Harry's wounded look. "Please tell me you're joking," Draco said warily.
"Who?" Harry demanded. "Who is it? Why would you not mention that?"
Draco stared at Harry as if he'd gone mad. "I was talking about you, you lunatic," Draco retorted. Ron dropped his head to the table, giving in to the urge to giggle childishly.
"You were... Oh..." Harry's face reddened and he groaned in embarrassment. His mind pulled forth Narcissa's words from over the holidays. "Unorthodox courting" is what she had said. Courting. Harry was a bit of an idiot.
"I just thought with the flowers and... everything," Draco murmured, blushing as well. "But if that's not what you want-"
"No!" Harry blurted out, catching hold of Draco's hand. "I want this. I just... I'm an idiot."
"Definitely," Ginny agreed cheerfully.
"I didn't quite think of it that way," Harry admitted, ignoring Ginny. "Courting is a strange concept for me. So, I don't think I understood exactly how it would be interpreted."
Draco looked down, disappointed. "So why did you send all those flowers?" he asked quietly.
"I wanted to see you smile," Harry responded. "Because I wanted to be the one to make you happy and to show how I feel about you. The fact that I was ignorant of the appropriate term for my behavior doesn't change my intentions."
For a moment, Draco said nothing. Then he met Harry's anxious gaze with a smile. "You're completely ridiculous," he stated fondly.
"Sorry," Harry murmured, eagerly pressing a chaste kiss to Draco's lips.
Millicent snorted. "Only Potter could court a bloke for a few months accidentally," she commented shaking her head. She smirked when Seamus and Dean burst into raucous laughter.
Spring weather arrived and made it much easier for Harry to obtain flowers. He had a surprise planned for Draco and Neville had enthusiastically agreed to assist. Draco was aware that Harry was up to something, but he didn't question it. He didn't have the heart to spoil it when Harry looked so very pleased with himself whenever he returned from whatever secret thing he was doing.
Not wanting to make any mistakes, Harry immediately began researching courtship. It wouldn't do to be caught by surprise again. He'd hated to see the disappointment that had flashed across Draco's features in Hogsmead. Harry would learn and be prepared so he could continue to make Draco happy.
Draco had become even more affectionate since the visit to Hogsmead. He seemed to very much enjoy holding Harry's hand, which they'd never done before. Word spread around school rapidly and Draco didn't care who knew about his relationship.
It helped that he now had multiple allies in Slytherin. Despite Draco's rejection, Andre was quietly supportive and seemed very happy for Harry and Draco. Millicent had been quick to snap at a group of students that chose to make nasty comments about Draco's "disgraceful choice of partner". Pansy was especially unpleasant when she found out. But, Draco clearly no longer cared about what Pansy thought.
"I'm glad things are going well," Harry said, stroking lightly down Draco's back. It was just after breakfast and they gone back up to Harry's room for some time alone. Harry was on his back and Draco was resting over top of him, his nose nuzzling into Harry's warm neck.
"It's all thanks to you," Draco said softly.
"It was Blaise's idea to form an alliance with the more neutral Slytherins," Harry pointed out.
"Well yes," Draco admitted. "But you just make everything better."
Harry smiled. "It's amazing how sweet and cuddly you are," he commented.
"Shut up," Draco laughed. "I take it back. You're awful." He lifted his face to look down at Harry. He kissed Harry softly, and then more firmly. When Harry hummed happily, Draco deepened the kiss, one of his hands making its way under Harry's shirt to stroke smooth, warm skin. With a devilish grin, he shifted and settled himself between Harry's thighs.
"Well that's promising," Harry remarked, reaching down to grip Draco's hips.
"I thought you deserved a reward," Draco murmured, rolling his hips and coaxing a moan from Harry. "Like that?" Draco asked, panting against Harry's lips.
"Oh Merlin," Harry breathed, pleasure surging through him. "You evil bastard."
Draco chuckled, lowering his head to press sensual kisses against Harry's neck. "And I thought I was being nice to you," he said against warm skin.
"So nice," Harry panted. "You're my favorite. So good Draco." He lifted his hips to meet Draco, shuddering with another moan. His erection throbbed and Harry mentally cursed the fabric that separated his body from Draco. He could feel Draco hot and hard against his groin.
Draco's hand slid down to grip Harry's hip, his mouth swallowing the delightful sounds that Harry made. They rocked against each other for a few minutes, consumed by pleasure. Draco was thrilled when Harry's body went rigid briefly as he whimpered and clutched Draco tightly. Draco's climax followed swiftly, taking his breath away for a moment.
They relaxed against one another, their kisses slowing. "Pretty sure that isn't appropriate behavior for courting," Harry grinned, casting a quick charm to clean them up. "What would your mother say?"
"I have no intention of telling my mother about this aspect of our relationship," Draco retorted, running his fingers through Harry's hair.
"Then next time, we could try this without the clothes," Harry suggested with a cheeky grin.
"Don't push it Potter," Draco responded with an eye roll. He silenced Harry's chuckle with another kiss.
A short time later, they went out to join their friends by the lake. They were gathered near a tree and enjoying warmer weather. Blaise was sitting next to Luna and looking remarkably relaxed. The others seemed perfectly content to have Blaise there with them.
Harry sat down in the grass next to Ginny and Draco relaxed with his head on Harry's thigh. He grabbed Harry's hand and gave it a little squeeze before releasing it. Harry grinned and began stroking Draco's hair. Draco sighed in happy approval.
"I see you two are doing well," Ginny commented, smiling mischievously.
Harry smiled down at Draco's peaceful face. "We're brilliant," Harry said, earning a smile and a wink from Draco.
Ginny nodded, trying to display only polite interest. "I'm so glad," she said lightly. "And the love bite looks fantastic against your complexion Harry."
Harry brought up a hand to cover the side of his neck with a look of horrified embarrassment. His mouth fell open in shock when Draco said "I thought so too. It's a lovely color on him." His eyes remained blissfully closed so he didn't see Harry's scowl.
"Did you mark my neck on purpose?" Harry hissed, his face flushing.
"Not on purpose," Draco denied, his eyes still closed. "It wasn't intentional but I can certainly appreciate good work when I see it. Call it a happy accident."
"You could have warned me," Harry grumbled.
Draco cracked one eye open to look up at Harry. "You're not angry are you?" he asked innocently. "I certainly like the look of it." He lifted his hand to run one finger down the length of Harry's neck. "Think of it as a reminder to everyone else that you're mine." He chuckled when Harry sighed.
"So, does this mean that you're shagging now?" Seamus asked, making Ron protest loudly.
Draco sat up quickly, his cheeks growing pink. He began sputtering words like "inappropriate", "vulgar" and "randy Gryffindors". Harry was flustered as well, but he found Draco's reaction to be hilarious. "You've brought this on yourself," Harry chuckled at Draco. When Draco shot him an incredulous look, Harry gestured to the little love bite. Draco blushed even more, making Harry burst into loud, uninhibited laughter.
The others looked on with widening smiles. It was such a contrast to what Harry was like at the beginning of first term. Hermione felt tears filling her eyes at the sight of Harry finally looking happy and unburdened. Ron gave her hand a squeeze, his thoughts similarly engaged.
Harry calmed his laughter a bit, pulling Draco up into a hug and allowing the blond to hide his red face against Harry's chest. "You're heartless," Draco muttered against the fabric of Harry's shirt.
Harry grinned and kissed the top of Draco's head. "I'll make it up to you," Harry murmured softly. He didn't have to look to know that Draco was smiling.