Chapter Eight

Why hadn't Draco tried finding him after he had talked with MacGonagall? It had been brave for Harry to pass him that note in front of Ron and Hermione. He had waited around in the entrance hall for him before finally giving up and heading into the Great Hall for lunch.

Ginny motioned for him to come over to where she was sitting. Harry walked past Ron and Hermione and sat down next to her.

"I'm sorry I ran off," she said. Harry felt dreadful. Now he had Ginny feeling bad for him when she should be hating him.

"Honestly, I thought I was lucky you didn't hex me." Ginny laughed. This confused Harry, "Why aren't you mad?"

Ginny thought for a moment and then said, "Because I love you, whatever happens. I don't know what exactly happened with Malfoy, but I know that if you could go back and change it, you would." Harry appreciated her more than ever just then. "Thanks, Gin. That means a lot to me, but I still think we shouldn't see each other right now," he said truthfully.

"I suppose you're right," Ginny agreed. They smiled and ate their lunch, talking excitedly about this years Quidditch team. Harry felt happy that everything was alright with Ginny, but his thoughts were still on Draco. He had a another free period after lunch, and he would make good use of it.

As Harry walked out of the Great Hall, he tried to reach the sleek blonde head moving along some ways in front of himself. Soon he was right behind Draco. When Harry drew level with him he whispered so low that only Draco could hear him, "Follow me." Then he stepped in front of Draco, and made his way across the entrance hall to the stone steps. Somehow he knew Draco was still close behind. He hoped Draco would follow him all the way up to the seventh floor.

He ascended more and more flights of steps, the reassuring click-clacking of Malfoy's shoes behind. He reached the seventh floor and turned down a corridor. Up ahead he could see the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy. When he reached it, he stopped and walked past the wall opposite three times thinking hard, I need a place where Malfoy and I can be alone and talk. Just like he knew it would, the door appeared. Harry reached for the handle and held it open for Draco.

Inside two large arm chairs sat facing each other in a small room.

Draco turned on Harry as soon as the door closed, "Are you trying to torture me?" He sounded angry, but beneath that Harry thought he might hear pain. Draco went on, "We have this weird connection, then you tell me you just want to forget it, and now you're passing me notes and bringing me to hidden rooms. What exactly are you trying to tell me?"

"I don't want to forget it. I couldn't even if I tried. All I know is that sometimes I hate you, and sometimes, like today when you kissed my cheek, I ... Well, I don't know what it is, but I feel like we are the same person, and I just need you," Harry said it all with out looking at Draco. He walked over and sat in one of the chairs. Malfoy sat down across from him.

"I'm sorry about on the train. I wanted to hold onto your hand forever, but I thought you were messing with me," Draco smiled shyly and reached across and took Harry's hand. Their fingers entwined and Harry thought it must be the greatest moment of his life. He stood up without letting their hands separate and leaned over Draco. He had on the same expression Harry could not define. He sat down next to Draco so that they were squished into the same chair. Without knowing how, Harry realized that they were no longer holding hands but had their arms around each other. He turned his head and their lips met. They kissed softly at first, then Harry felt Draco's tongue on lips and opened his mouth.

He moved his his to Draco's shirt to unbutton it. Draco had made to do the same to Harry at the exact moment, as if their minds were connected. As they further unbuttoned each other's shirts, the two continued to kiss vigorously. It was as if their mouths separated the world would end. Soon their shirts were off. Harry pressed his bare chest against Draco's. They were both sweaty and their bodies slipped against one another. The friction only made Harry more excited. He slipped his had in between Draco's legs and rubbed his inner thigh.

Draco broke the kiss for the first time since they had started. His let his arms loosen but still held on to Harry's waist. He was going to say something when Harry saw again the large scar on Draco's arm. He ran his fingers over it.

"Does it hurt?" He asked truly concerned.

"Not when I'm with you."