A/N: As a reminder:

Disclaimer: As far as I know, my name is not J.K. Rowling. I don't own Harry Potter: books, movies, or otherwise. But if I did... Oh, the possibilities!

Pairings: Draco/Harry

Author Warning: This is the first Harry Potter fic. that I have actually written and posted. Obviously I have decided to continue - and I have some ideas - but I have other fics. that need finishing, too. I'll try to finish this as soon as possible, especially if I get good reviews. hinthint

Story Warning: Hinting at abuse, mild gay thematic ideas, hurt/comfort, a really mean Snape, really expensive cars, OOC and... whatever else I'm forgetting to mention.

Summary: AU Who would have ever thought that finding sanctuary could be so simple, especially when that sanctuary comes from the help of an enemy.

The apology: This chapter is move of a filler than anything. It's not very long, but not to worry! Future chapters will surpass this length!

Chapter III

"Draco Malfoy!" Pansy yelled accusingly, marching from her seat with purpose, "What is going on? What the bloody fucking hell do you think you are doing?"

"Yeah," Ron piped up, "Get your slimy hands off of Harry!"

"Stay out of it, Weasel. This is none of your business," Pansy demanded haughtily, leaning against the desk that Blaise was currently tapping his nails on while he waited for Pansy to finish her interrogation.

"Like hell it's not. We have just as much right as you do, don't we 'Mione?" Ron said smugly, looking at Hermione for expected support –

And only receiving laughter.

"Granger," Pansy exclaimed, "Just what are you laughing at? I fail to see your humor."

"Oh," Hermione breathed, wiping tears from her eyes, "Oh, it's nothing. Really."

"'Mione… Do you know something we don't?" Ron's nose was crinkled in confusion, trying to figure out what ever it was that he had missed.

"Caught on, did you?" Draco intoned monotonously, still holding Harry to him in a tight embrace of comfort.

"Wha- Oh. Oh, no," Harry's face tinted pink and he quickly ducked his head under Draco's chin to hide it. "No, no, no… Please tell me she didn't." He mumbled.

"As interesting as it is to hear you all chat," Snape sneered, "I advise you do it elsewhere. Unless, of course, you would like detention–"

Saved by the bell; how cliché.

Harry was both relieved and disappointed to have to dislodge himself from Draco so he could collect his stuff along with everyone else. Ron ushered him out the door so fast that he wasn't given the chance to say goodbye, either… which was irritating; really irritating.

His face broke into a scowl, lips pursing in distaste.

"What's your problem?" Harry had to visibly force himself not to snap at his best friend.

"Hey, I'm not the one hugging Malfoy."

"Ron, shut up," Hermione intervened, eyes softening when she faced Harry, "You've finally realized, haven't you?"

Harry scuffed his foot on the ground, nodding mutely. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, back stiff. He did not want to be talking about this.

"Oh, Harry. I'm so proud of you."

"What? Why are you proud of him? What's going on?"

"Your naivety knows no bounds, Weasel," Draco answered, quietly coming up behind them, flanked by Blaise and Pansy.

"How dare you-"

"Stop it, Ron," Harry cut him off before he could start. He didn't think he could stomach another fight, "What do you want, Malfoy?" There was slight hesitation before he addressed the blond by his last name.

"Skip with me."

"What?" Each and every one of them - Pansy included - winced at her accidental high-pitched shout, "Skip with Potter?"

"Yes, Pansy. Have you gone deaf?" Draco wore the appropriate mock-concerned expression to match his blunt sarcasm.

"N-no! But why him? I want to know what's going on, Draco."

"Pansy, it's not really that hard to find out." Blaise commented.

"You know? Harry, Zabini knows and I don't? What are you playing at?" Ron's face was beginning to turn red with anger.

Hermione placed her hand on his arm, just in case. Harry said nothing. Pansy was looking incredulous, pointing at Draco.

"You. Will. Tell. Me. NOW!" Each word was punctuated with a jab to his chest.

His eyes slid momentarily to look at Harry before focusing back on her. "No."

"Harry! Tell me!" Ron burst, freckles palling dramatically in contrast to the red tint of his face, "Ow, Hermione! What?"

"Ron," She scolded, "We're going to be late to class if you don't hurry up. Come on."

Hermione smiled brightly at Harry in a moment of indecision before she rolled her eyes at herself and gave him a quick hug. Then, to everyone's surprise, she tugged on Draco's shoulder so that she going fix him with a pointed look.

"One warning, one chance; Watch yourself, Malfoy," Her warning was clear, words uncharacteristically pleasant to be spoken to a former enemy.

"But… What… 'Mione, what about Harry? Stop pulling me! I can walk on my own."

"Oh, stop fussing. Harry is perfectly capable of handling himself, unlike you," Their bickering drifted farther away as they moved down the hall before disappearing all together.

"Draco," Pansy huffed, reminding everyone that she was still present, "What has gotten into you?"

"Pansy, go to class. Take Blaise with you and bother him for a change. I'll see both of you later," He took Harry's hand point-blankly in his – perhaps a subtle hint to the clueless (or, rather, the one in denial), "Zabini, Parkinson."

And they were on their way, Draco walking swiftly towards the back exit of the school. Harry could only comply silently, shuffling along awkwardly behind the clearly agitated Draco. As soon as they were jogging down the rear stair-well, Harry's curiosity got the best of him.

"Um… Where are we going?"

"I don't know yet." Draco replied immediately, glancing over his shoulder.

"You asked me to skip, but you don't know where we're going?"

"Look," Draco stopped, the doors only a few feet away, "If you're going to complain, go ahead and go to class… All I know is that – I guess I wanted to get away and I supposed you would, too."

Though he didn't say it outright, the sentiment was clear. And Harry wanted to spend time together as well; this time, with no interruptions… or, at least, the unpleasant ones. There was one he wouldn't mind so much.

A blush stained Harry's cheeks just thinking about the possibility of kissing. Ducking his head, he smiled and gave Draco's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Let's go."