Chapter 5

The next morning Harry found himself sitting in chemistry class once again. He avoided Draco's gaze as much as possible. Harry Potter was never one to show weakness; especially not to someone he just met. Harry knew that had the situation been different he could have allowed himself to explore his options with the blonde-haired beauty he'd run into only twenty-four hours ago. He sighed to himself; the main reason he missed his parents so much was because of their loving acceptance, as he knew not everyone was so nice to people like him. Harry had been the focal point for several crude jokes since he had decided to come out. His parents, of course, had said that they loved him no matter what and that they would always be there for him. Harry laughed bitterly as he thought of just how untrue that was.

Professor Snape continued to talk in a monotone as Harry instinctively wrote down the notes on the lesson he was paying so little attention to. His brain seemed to subconsciously tell his hand what to write down, even though Harry was absorbing none of it; his mind was elsewhere. At the sound of the bell ringing, Harry was startled into finally bringing his mind back to school. He drifted through the day in somewhat of a trance. Harry spent his lunch period drawing underneath a tree, neglecting his body's need for nourishment. When it finally came time to go home Harry realized that he had not spoken to Draco once and couldn't remember seeing him since chemistry. Harry simply shrugged his shoulders and continued his journey home.

"Remus? Are you here?"

Harry heard shuffling coming from upstairs, "yes, Harry, upstairs."

"I figured as much," Harry mumbled to himself as he made his way up the stairs. He looked for Remus first in his room and was shocked to find the room empty. "Where are you?"

Harry heard Remus chuckle, "down the hall." Harry followed the sound of Remus' voice to a room at the end of the hallway. "Hello Harry. Have a good day at school?"

"I suppose. I don't really remember it. I was in one of my moods. I got the notes and everything, but the rest is all a blur. I don't even remember what the lessons were on. What are you doing in here anyway?"

"Oh, I was just looking around. Now that we have a bigger house I wanted to move your artwork out of storage and I was looking for the right room. I wanted to give you enough space to store your paintings and also have a studio. Think this room will do? It's one of the biggest."

Harry glanced about the room, "this should work. It looks good and it has great lighting, and an awesome view. Since it's Friday, can I start working on my room?"

"What do you mean?" Remus looked puzzled.

"It's too boring. The walls are bare. It needs something to, at the very least, lighten the mood up a bit. I feel very uninspired in that room as of now."

Remus laughed, "sure, Harry. It's your room after all."

"Thanks. Do you know which box all of my paints and stuff was in?"

"Uh, no I don't. Why don't you just buy the new supplies you've been wanting for a while?"

"I don't know. I suppose I could, but most of it is really expensive."

"Harry, don't worry about that. If you want it then go get it."

Harry looked hopeful, "really? You wouldn't mind?"

"No. You've had that stuff for ages and you take care of it. Now go. Dinner's at six. Do not be late."

Harry hugged Remus and left. He couldn't wait to check out the art supplies in the store he'd spotted the day they had moved in. He'd refrained from even allowing himself to think about it, but Remus had insisted. It was true, he took care of his things, even though they were out dated. Harry pulled into a parking space outside the small store ten minutes later and wasted no time in getting inside. He browsed the aisles for a while, getting a feel for what merchandise they had in stock. He immediately fell in love with the quaint little shop, it was cozy. Not paying attention to his surroundings, Harry bumped into the store clerk.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Harry. No harm done. At least you didn't knock me over this time."

Harry blushed, "I didn't know you worked here, Draco."

Draco shrugged, "my mother asked a friend of hers if she needed any help at the store, so here I am, working at Estelle's Art Supplies. The hours are good and the pay's not bad. Plus, if you're as into art as you say you are, I'll see you often. Not many cute guys come in. It's mostly ugly chicks."

Harry's blush deepened at Draco's off-hand compliment, "right. So, um, what would you recommend?"

"We only carry a few brands and they're all basically owned by the same one or two companies so the quality is pretty much the same. Some people prefer one brand to another. It's all about what you want to create."

"Well I'm going to start on my room this weekend. My stuff was packed and we don't know which box it's in, so I need all new stuff."

"Ah, you make this too easy. I'll gather what you need for that project while you look around for other supplies not related to that."

"Okay, thanks."

"No problem. If you need any help this weekend let me know."

Harry smiled, "actually that sounds like a great idea. Although I have to warn you I like to start early and accomplish a lot in my day."

Draco returned Harry's smile, "okay then. I'll be there tomorrow morning at seven."

Draco was true to his word and rang the door bell promptly at seven. Harry, who had had a fitful night's sleep, had overslept, and, therefore, answered the door with his hair disheveled and in only his flannel pajama bottoms. "Morning, Draco," Harry said with a yawn.

Draco chuckled, "not a morning person?"

"Overslept. Sorry 'bout that. I'm usually up at five daily. I was just about to make coffee, would you like some?"

Draco pulled a face, "no thanks. I'm not one for coffee."

"How about some tea then? I'm sure we have some, Remus is addicted to it."

"Sure, tea would be great."

Harry ambled into the kitchen with Draco in tow. Draco sat in a chair while Harry bumbled around making their coffee and tea. Draco smiled appreciatively at Harry's toned, tan back. He loved the way the muscles rippled as Harry moved about. Draco could have sworn he was drooling, Harry looked like he had just been thoroughly fucked. Draco blushed as he thought of Harry writhing in pleasure underneath him while calling out his name. He jumped slightly when Harry placed a mug filled with hot tea in front of him with a quiet thunk.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. Are you alright? Your eyes are all glazed over."

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking."

"Hm. What about?"

"How you look completely fuckable right now."