Disclaimer : same with the previous chapters.

Narcissa sat in a lounge near her husband's study. A red velvet covered book was opened and placed on top her crossed legs. Though she pretended to read, one could easily read that she was restless, or rather something was occupying her mind.

To be honest, she was worried. Worried for her son's reaction at the news she was sure was being told right now at him in the study. She kept stealing glances for any sign that allowing her to know what's happening inside. She sighed, she know that Draco would not take the deal very well, and she was afraid that Draco made a decision without thinking first, a decision that's completely driven only by his emotion.

Oh, she really knew her son, and so she knew that Draco merely trust anybody outside the family, thus made him love no one outside his inner family and refused to accept any love from outside either. Simply saying, Draco was afraid for a betrayal. Narcissa was often saddened by this fact, Draco perhaps made a lot of 'friends' but the friendships he had, not one even built from a mere trust, it was all about taking advantage. This side of her son that she regretted fully because it was inherited from her husband.

Harry, on the other hand, was an ordinary boy that's completely opposite of her son. And Narcissa had taken alike to this green eyed boy. Harry might be an orphan and stubborn, furthermore, half-blood, but she sure knew that Harry is a type of person that could warmed into everyone's heart. And that was exactly a type person she could ever wished to stand by Draco's side. Her son really need to be taken care and be introduced to a different kind of love.

The sound from the study broke her daydreaming. She stood and placed the book on the end table before she walked into the direction. Soon came into her sight is a lone figure who laid his forehead against the closed door. His head hung low with black mane covered his face and a silent tremble on his shoulder. But Narcissa knew that those face would likely be flushed with tears, red nose, and swollen lips for being nibbled to choke back any sobs. Then it came to her mind that Draco probably had already given his decision, one decision that she, no doubt, did not like at all.

"Harry…" she called gently.

The figure went completely still before slowly turning around to face Narcissa with a smile, she knew, being forced out. "Hello, Narcissa," he greeted weakly.

There were still traces of tears on his flushed cheek and his lips drew a bit blood and swollen. Narcissa strolled to him and scooped him into a tight hug. For a moment she could felt that the boy in her arms simply basked in her warm presence, then he inhaled her scent softly before pulling away. She managed to give the young man a kiss or two on his cheek before she let go completely.

"Harry…" she murmured.

"Good night, Narcissa," then Harry shyly leaned forward and gave her a peck on her cheek. He smiled once again and retreated to his room.

"Sleep tight, Harry," she whispered to no one as Harry's gone from her sight. "And sweet dreams."

xXx

Draco stared at the ceiling in his room that night, being unable to sleep. He thought over and over again about the deal, more specifically, about the marriage arranged between him and Harry Potter. Now that he knew that Harry was an Earthian, he had no objection about producing heir. Harry was good looking, gorgeous and by any means befitting to be part of Malfoy family. Furthermore, through their bond, Draco would also have the advantage of getting stronger in magical as they would share the same power, their descendants would be strong and beautiful too. And once again the Malfoy's name would be graced and cleared from any taint. Were all these reasons worth enough to be thrown away only because unknown fears which clawed in his heart? A deep uncertainty because he would face new things and, this he was very sure would coming, new feelings and unable to know what to do with them.

He loved his parents and often wished that someday, he would have a wonderful love like the two elder Malfoys. Not romantically love, but love that came from understanding then soon staged to loyalty. But reality taught him not to easily trust any people. So he only knew only one kind of love, his parents love for him.

Between his musings, he vaguely heard something outside his room. A small, soft tapping sound as if someone's trying to walk as light as a feather. He stopped his thinking and sat alerted on his bed. Silently he stood and wore his sleeping robe then he took hold his wand which was laid on his bedside table before. Slowly he walked to the door and opened it slightly. He saw a faint movement in the dark alley before it faded completely.

Draco frowned and stepped out from his room. He saw no one, much to his confusion. A slight light from the back part of the alley once again peaked his curiosity. He approached it and soon found it was the light from one of guest room, a room he was informed where Harry took reside, that seeped through a gap of double doors.

"Ha…Potter!" he slowly called while knocked.

Silence was what answering him. Felt a bit daring, Draco opened the door only to find an empty, neat room with smooth, neat folded duvet on the bed, just as if no one laid on it. Draco approached the bed and put his palm onto it. The bed was cold, no sign of any human heat ever reside on it. Then he took notice of a note on the far bedside table. Draco circled the bed, took the note, then sat on the bed while he read it. It was a letter from Harry.

It read:

To Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. (I believe any house-elf that found this letter will soon approach one of you)

I'm very sorry to say goodbye this way, as I know that this is definitely not an appropriate manner when you asked for a leave, especially to ones that have been host you well. But I'm afraid that this is the only way I know to leave without worrying I would spill any tears in front of you, believe me that I will.

You've both been very good to me, and for that I'm completely grateful. I'm sorry Mr. Malfoy that the deal has to be called off, but what can I say that's how it has to proceed. It's part of the agreement but thanks for all you've done for me in the mean time.

Mrs. Malfoy, thank you for the warm welcoming gesture you've held toward me on my stay. And all those your etiquette lessons will not waste onto nothing, of this I swear. I will put a good use on it, to act and behave properly wherever I will go. And one more thing, thank you Narcissa, for the first time in my life I really feel how it is to have a mother. That is an experience I will always cherish.

I just hoped that you both, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, could comprehend my reasons for leaving. I wish you all the best and safety in these war times. I just hope that one day I could pay back all of the kindness I've ever received from both of you.

Sincerely,

Harry James Potter

Draco's eyes widened in shock, Harry left? He thought in horror. But I haven't given any answer, I just said…. Soon he realized what had driven the beautiful young man away. Holy shit!!! That was Harry, the shadow was Harry!

Another fear gnawed in his heart, but this one he knew very well. It was the same fear he felt when he was six year old when he thought he had lost his favourite dragon stuffed toy. He had been crying over losing something so precious that time, and now he felt just the same.

Draco bolted from his seat, clutching the note, and ran from the room while all the way his lips enchanting spells in whisper. He enchanted so the ward around the Manor to be solid like a glass which could only be taken down only by Malfoys. In doing so he hoped it would prevented Harry from stepping outside the ward. With a pounding heart he silently prayed that he was not too late. On his journey to the ground, he recalled his last conversation with his mother.

#flashback#

"I don't love him, Mother," Draco said dazedly once he was out from His Father's study and saw his Mother standing near him.

"You don't, yet you look very confused," stated Narcissa understandingly.

Draco nodded, "I'm not sure, Mother. I know for sure I don't love him, but to reject him also doesn't feel right. I hate him, Mother, remember? But now it's just….that I don't want to let him go."

"Well, perhaps you hated him, Draco. But who knows for now? You've not meet him until today for a whole year, and I know for sure that someone's heart is never known for its stability," Narcissa said soothingly.

"I don't believe love at the first sight, Mother, if that is what you implied," Draco said annoyed.

"No, of course not. I merely saying that perhaps your obsession with him has turn into something different this year when you're not seeing him," Narcissa smiled gently and while caressing Draco's face in loving manner, she said "Draco, love is one thing someone can be learnt, love is also one thing that someone can be turned to from another deep feeling."

"What do you mean, Mother?" Draco whispered.

"Honey, you have to figure it out yourself, but trust me when I say that love is a bizarre feeling, wonderful but it can be hurt so deeply. And remember this, Dragon, one can never be mature without hurting sometimes, and one also cannot be hurt over something one doesn't know or learn," Narcissa smiled.

"I said I don't love him," once again Draco said weakly.

"Perhaps not now, but one can never know before he tries," Narcissa raised her eyebrow in teasing manner. "Sleep, Dragon, rest. You need to sort out things in your head."

Draco nodded and managed to walk a few steps before he looked over his shoulder. "What about Harry? Why did he easily accept the deal and the condition?"

"I don't know, why don't you talk with him? But, maybe…maybe it's either that he's willing to learn or he already loves you, my son."

#end flashback#

Don't go yet, Harry, Draco prayed. I need to get some answers from you.

xXx

For the last ten minutes, Harry had been trying to walk through the ward. But whenever he neared the boundary of the ward, he felt something invisible but solid blocking his path, just like a glass barrier. He scowled in annoyance and huffed. He had tried to break down the glass either magically or physically only to have it stood still, unbreakable.

Harry sunk to the ground, feeling desperate. He needed to get out as soon as possible, he had no desire to stay longer in this manor. He watched the sky slowly changed its colour, from dark midnight blue into soft blue with the tint of golden ray, signalling that the dawn would soon approaching. Harry felt like crying, he was meant to be out of this manor before the dawn, so that he could travel in the middle of darkness and no one would recognize him. But now here he was, unable to break free.

"Whatever you are doing down there, Potter?" a soft panting voice drawled in sneering manner.

Harry gasped and turned around to face none other than Draco Malfoy. The ex-Slytherin stood gracefully in his sleeping robes, though his breathing was erratic and his hair was tousled, he still managed to pose as a real manor. But something was a bit off, Harry thought. Then the green eyed boy realized it, the anger that was shown on the blonde's face was mixed with worry and disappointment.

"Want to run away, Potter?" taunt Draco, showing the crumpled note in his hand. Harry's eyes widened. "Why, scared?"

"I think…" Harry's voice trembled. "I think it's already settled, Malfoy. Since your answer is 'no', then I will have no excuse to stay longer in your house. Your Father had agreed so, when the deal is off, then I will be free to go."

Draco stared at him from the top of his mane to his tip of toe. He could recognize the shabby, oversized, greying colour shirt the Earthian wore as one of the old Potter usually wear. He was different from the new Harry Potter he met in his mother's garden this noon, the one who dressed neatly and properly.

"I see you back to your old style, Potter," Draco snapped. He didn't like this Potter in front of him for he had already saw the better of him. It wrenched his heart and he unconsciously wished to redress Harry.

"That is none of your concern," Harry mumbled while looking away. "It's tiring, and it's nearly dawn. If you could kindly help me…" he breathed heavily. "Would you take down the ward? I really think I should go before the dawn fall. You know, to prevent meeting any Death Eater on the way…."

"You want to run away, Potter?" sneered Draco. "And here I thought a Gryffindor always true to his words and loyal to his deal."

"I do!!" Harry snapped at him. He stood up and his eyes, add it on Draco's observation, his wide-doe glassy green eyes held something like pain and annoyance. "I do true to my word, and I follow to what had promised. And seeing you have…"

"I haven't given any answer!" Draco cut in.

"What?! But you did, Malfoy, you did!!" Harry gulped. "And you said…"

"I only said if, you idiot!" Draco seethed his teeth impatiently.

Harry was stunned and unable to say anything. His surprised look then turned into a sour looking acceptance.

"Same different." He scowled. "The deal was agreed to be in condition that you are fully willing to accept it."

Draco stared at Harry, his eyes narrowing. "You don't know that, Potter!!"

"Trust me, I do!!" Harry yelled. He sighed dejectedly, "Just…just help me, Malfoy. For heaven's sake, just bloody help me out of this house!"

A single tear rolled down Harry's flushed cheek and he wiped it angrily. He managed to glare at Draco heatedly and ignored the soaring pain in his heart. How could he do this to me?! He screamed. First he refused the deal, now he acts as if I was the one whose at fault.

Draco continued to stare at him with a menacing look that kept accusing him to run away. Harry rolled his eyes.

"I'm not running away. My business here has come to its end!!" Harry snapped, breaking the tense silence between them. He closed his eyes, numbing his senses.

Draco was silent for a moment. "Potter, just answer me one question. If you are able to convince me to say otherwise, then I'll let you go." Draco said in his low voice.

"Ask away," Harry mumbled.

"I noticed your behaviour, Potter. I noticed that somehow you're hiding something from me. I saw that flicker of emotion playing in your eyes for a brief seconds when we're in my father's study, right after I said 'no'," at this Harry paled. "Potter, do you love me?"

Harry stood completely rigid. His shoulder tense, pain and horror shown clearly on his face. He gaped for a moment and was enabled to look at Draco's serious look before looking away.

"How could…that's completely random," his voice shaky and weak. "And no…of course not. Loving you? Haha….you're…you're mental!!" Harry nibbled his bottom lip. "I don't love you, Malfoy!! Now let me leave!!"

Draco's face tightened. Without warning, he grabbed Harry's wrist and gripped it tightly. He pulled a surprised Harry closer to his body and said threateningly, "I don't think so, Harry Potter. What you're saying is not convenient enough for me… I just think that you're lying, and no one lied with Malfoy and get away."

Harry struggled from his grip when Draco suddenly turned away and still with the firm grip on Harry's, he dragged the smaller boy to his house's direction. All the way to the house Harry kept chanting the words 'no' and 'let me go', he struggled to break free and used his other and to release Draco's grip on him, but the grip only went tighter. Tears were now flooding along with Harry's pleading.

Draco took Harry to the wing where his parents reside, he ignored all of Harry's pleads and gained more speed to reach his destination. The grip on Harry's hand sure would leave some bruises, but he couldn't care less. Right now, getting onto Lucius was what he had in mind. Then he stood in front of beautifully carved dark ebony double doors, where behind it was the lounge which connected to his parents' bedroom. Without hesitation, he slammed the door open. Then he yelled.

"FATHER!"

xXx

Lucius was alarmed from his light slumber when he felt the ward around his residence gone solid. He slowly sat straight and turned on the bed lamp near his side. A frown formed on his regal face. He waited for another minute, waited for a reaction. Sure, he thought, if something bad shall occur, house elves would at least tell me. And as he knew that the ward around the manor could only be controlled by a Malfoy and found him and his wife had nothing to do with it, he concluded that it was Draco's doing. And for whatever reason it was, Lucius hoped it was not something bad.

A soft humming voice made him turn his attention to the spot another side of him. A beautiful and delicate figure of his wife sent his expression softened. Lucius always loved watching his sleeping beauty on his bed. Her unmasked expression, soft curves, all were clearly shown for the likes of him. Slowly, Lucius ran his fingers on Narcissa's cheek.

It seemed that the shifting oh the manor's ward not only alerted Lucius but also Narcissa, for she fluttered her eyes open at the moment Lucius' extremely gentle caress stopped. Her sky blue orbs looked at Lucius' grey's intelligently. She propped on her elbow and moved to approach Lucius before put her head on Lucius' chest and snuggled slightly. Lucius tangled his fingers on Narcissa's sun kissed locks and ran on it smoothly.

"It's Draco…" Narcissa stated softly.

"Hmm…" Lucius agreed. "Think he's alright?"

"Oh, yes… and I think something good will happen soon…" Lucius raised his eyebrow when Narcissa looked up. She chuckled at the daring look from his husband, "Trust me, just call it a mother hunch, but I know…"

"Something in my favour?" Lucius asked while smirking.

"Well… perhaps dear, I don't really know what fates planning for us. Divination isn't my strong subject back when I'm still at school after all…" Narcissa winked suggestively.

"And a Malfoy never rely on divination…" Lucius whispered huskily.

Just then, when the mood was on a very good pace, on the middle of their snogging which-would-likely-turned-to-be-e-heavy-make-out session, the sound of slamming door interrupted them. They broke apart with Lucius groaned lowly as he heard his son's voice calling for him rather loudly. Narcissa giggled and she gave feathery kisses along Lucius' strong jaw before she pushed him away.

"That son of yours really know how to spoil the mood…" Lucius grumbled while standing up and reached for his night robes.

"Now… now… dear, our 'activities'" Narcissa smirked teasingly. "Can be held until later, but our son, however…"

"Yes..yes…I know. A Malfoy never patient enough to wait…" Lucius pouted. "Damn, at time like this I really curse my family genes…."

Good naturedly, Narcissa led her husband by the hand out of their room to the lounge while Lucius grumbled all the way.

xXx

Lucius sent an annoyed glare at two teenagers before him, though deep inside him, Lucius was a bit intrigued as he observed the scene before him. He didn't miss the tear-streaked face of Harry including his old style of clothing, the forced compose form of Draco, and of course the heavy tension between them. Lastly, he took notice the heavy grip of his son to the beautiful creature beside him.

"And what do I honour the early visit from the both of you for?" he drawled sarcastically.

Draco nodded. He walked a step a head, still not releasing his grip on Harry, making the shorter boy stumbled slightly and bumped into Draco's back. "Father I need to tell you something…"

Lucius raised his eyebrow, "And this cannot wait until after breakfast which if I correctly counting would be for another five hours later…?"

"Four and a half, dear…" piped in Narcissa, helpfully. Her innocent comment--with-not-so-innocent-intention-- soon rewarded with mocking scowl from her dearly husband.

"No father, I'm afraid it would be late if I wait longer," Draco ignored the childish gesture his parents throwing at each other. "As you see…even with this hour –I'm sorry if I interrupt anything you did at time, father—I nearly late myself. So no, I cannot wait 'till breakfast." Draco glanced over his shoulder, looking at Harry who's bowing his head down and sniffled lightly.

And of course, Lucius also noticed this. He narrowed his eyes with the assumption which popped in his mind. "Am I right to assume that the shifting ward around our manor was on your command, Draco?"

"Yes, Father. I did that to stop a certain someone," at this Harry went stiff. "Who had decided to take drastic decision without any intention to inform any of us beforehand."

Silence reigned in the room. Narcissa approached them silently and she pried Harry's hand from Draco's grip gently. The young heir was hesitant at first but he soon obliged and released Harry's wrist at the glare of his mother. With her long slender finger, Narcissa raised the young boy chin which before hung lowly. Next moment, her blue eyes met a pair of greens.

"I take it that you plan to leave, Harry," Narcissa said and Harry nodded in confirmation. "I am displeased, Harry. If you should know. Whatever had driven you to do that?"

Once again, Harry looked down ashamedly. "I just…"

"Look at me," Narcissa scolded gently. "Always look at someone's eyes when you talk to them, Harry. Bowing head only reserved to the ones of slaves, and you are no slave, Harry Potter."

Harry squared his shoulder after took a deep breath. In shaky voice he said, "I did plan on leaving, Mrs. Malfoy. You see, seeing the agreement was off, I thought I better be leaving before dawn. I don't want to incidentally bump on the roaming Death Eaters, it bases on two reasons. For my safety and your family. I don't want to be captured yet, nor I want to give them any hint about your… hospitality towards me."

Narcissa and Lucius exchanged their looks. "You thought that the agreement was off?" Lucius asked.

"It was, wasn't it?" Harry frowned.

Draco snorted while Lucius sighed. Narcissa softened her expression and thought, poor boy… no wonder he looked broken last night. I bet he had already planned his leaving.

"Am I right assuming that, with the way you're dressing right now, you're also leaving all the presents behind?" Narcissa asked with motherly tone.

Harry nodded while nibbling his bottom lip, a gesture in Draco's observation found both adorable and arousing. "Yes…they…they are all the pre-marriage presents, right? Mr. Malfoy said so." Narcissa glared at Lucius while the man smirked. "So, because I'm no longer the….fiancee, I should leave it all behind."

"Silly boy," Narcissa scolded him affectionately. "Who else will wear that dress beside you, Harry? They are yours."

Draco sighed and decided to cut in, "This is keeping off track. I only need to say one thing, if you allow me." He said in annoyed tone.

"Why sure, son," Narcissa smiled amusedly. "Go tell your father what you're planning to say. Don't let me bother you."

Draco rolled his eyes. You already did, he thought sarcastically. "Now, since you all know the urgency which almost happen to send him away," Draco looked straight at Lucius' eyes and drew his wand. "I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, the son and sole heir of Lucius Alexander Malfoy and Narcissa Katharina Black-Malfoy vow to thee, Harry James Potter, son and sole heir of the Potter hierarchs, that I willingly bind myself to thee in respect of the contract the two respective Houses, Potter and Malfoy, made. As such stated in the form of agreement, I do hereby take thee, Harry James potter, as my soon-to-be husband, to respect, protect, and care. May we learn each other well in the mean time and love fill our life-binding contract. So this vow witnessed by my parents with their bless."

A soft glow emanated from Draco's wand. In response to his recital words, Lucius drew out his hand and placed it on top of his son's mane. In his deep voice he declared, "So this vow witnessed and blessed."

"So witnessed and blessed," Narcissa said wistfully.

The glow slowly wrapped around Draco and Harry, who at a time gaped in shock and widened his eyes in fright. Draco pocketed his wand and clasped both Harry's hands in his. "The bless was given and with this the vow is completed, and not to be replaced until the life-binding vow take place." With that command, the glow dimmed slowly until it completely disappeared into both boys body.

"Wha… what was that?" Harry whispered in fear, he didn't take any notice about his hands still in Draco's palms. Draco shook his head and mouthed 'later'. The young heir turned around and gazed at his father's eyes steadily.

"That, Father, is my final answer for your deal with Harry," he stated the oblivious. "If you now may excuse us… I believe I still have some… 'explanation' to do."

"You may go, son," Narcissa conceded while smiling gently.

Draco nodded. He turned his heels and once again dragged Harry along with him. Once he was gone, Narcissa looked at her husband with an 'I told you so' look. Lucius decide to look smug as a reply.

"Now, Lucius…" Narcissa approached Lucius in a teasing manner. She swayed her hips slightly, drawing Lucius' attention completely to her. "I believe we still have another unresolved problem?" she whispered huskily.

Lucius growled at her when she gave away her deep chuckle. He proceeded to take her off her feet and carried her bridal style in fast steps towards their bed. He thrown his dear wife onto the bed and spelled the strongest spell of privacy he could muster around his room.

"So, where were we?" he replied while licking his lips.

xXx

Draco took his betrothed to his room. Somehow along the way, Harry had given up his struggles. He silently followed Draco while getting nervous all the way. Once they were arrived at the young heir's room, Draco purposely drag Harry over his bed and seated him there. He took out his wand and pointed it at the door. He spelled the strongest locking charm he could utter to make sure that Harry could not running away.

Then he looked down at Harry as he was towering him who sat on the edge of Draco's bed. Harry refused to look at him and looked down instead, his fingers slowly caressed his bruised wrist. Draco kneeled before him and looked at the pair of emerald without making them looked up. He put his hands at each Harry's side, simply trapped him.

Harry sighed exasperatedly and looked away. He just couldn't find himself looked at those clear grey orbs without feeling pained.

"Harry, look at me," Draco commanded gently and Harry obeyed him slowly. Carefully Draco cradled the bruised wrist and caressed it softly, "I'm really sorry for this. Does it hurt you so much?"

"Not really," Harry whispered. "What did you do back there, Draco?"

Draco stood and retrieved a small bottle of salve from his bedside table. He sat beside Harry and gently applied the said salve onto Harry's bruises.

"There, you will as good as new in a matter of hours," Draco said and shoved the bottle into Harry's palm. "Remember to reapply it after you take a bath this morning, Harry."

"You haven't answered my question, Draco. What did you do?" Harry asked once again.

Draco looked straight to Harry's eyes, "It's an oath, magical oath that binds me and you according to the agreement you've made with my father. It's not a lifetime bindings, sort of like engagement. By doing so, I have promised myself and my parents to treat you right and full of respect. Shall I ever treat you badly and find myself unfaithful, the oath will take the charge onto my body. I'll feel twice the pain you feel.

This sort of oath often used in old times to the couple who merely know only each other names and pictures, in short like arranged marriages. We will share a bond that let each of us know the mood of each other, it helps because you cannot lie as to what you feel or how you react on things."

Harry thought for a moment, "Is that mean…that I can feel you too?"

Draco nodded, "With it, I'll know your likes and dislikes, your personality, and your preferences."

Harry searched for something in Draco's eyes. His disappointment clearly shown in his eyes when he found none of what he's looking for. That flicker of sadness also not went unnoticed by Draco.

"What is it, Harry?"

"Why? Why the sudden change, Draco?" Harry asked slowly. "I thought you hate me. If you accept the agreement because of what your father will do to you because of your disobedient, you don't have to worry, he'll do nothing. He loves you."

Draco sneered, "Why, is stating the obvious also one of the gryffindork's traits? Don't you think your statement is a bit stupid, Potter?!" Draco winced suddenly at the hurt he felt in his chest. He rolled his eyes and sighed. "I never question my parents' love for me, Harry. Of course I know that my father will do me nothing if I refuse this." He went silent for a moment.

"I've been thinking last night, about the offer, the advantages and disadvantages, and else. Then suddenly my thoughts flied to the school years. I remembered the first time I met you, Harry. It's not in the Hogwarts Express, right? It's in Diagon Alley, at Madam Malkin's. Then to when you turned down my offer to be your friend, you choosed Weasley over me, to say the truth my pride was scarred. Then to our rivalry years, mostly to that in our fifth year when my father was arrested and I thought it was because of you. You have no idea, Harry, what I've been through after they sent my father away. And suddenly I was pointed to become a murderer, all of because the feud between you and Dark Lord. For that, I thought I hated you, and I really did take the blame on you."

Harry nibbled his lower lip but said nothing.

"I do everything in my power to come back to school and I did. I planned to torture you the whole year, to make you feel guilty for everything that has happened to my family. But you never showed up, you disappeared from my sight completely for one full year. At first I was angry and convinced myself that you are a coward, a coward that's running away, away from me.

The dialogues between your best friends about you one day in unused classroom was what made me start thinking. I sorted my feelings, my anger towards you only to find the source of my insane blaming on you was just a childhood grudges. I was obsessed with you, Harry. Seeing you, tormenting you were routines for me, habits that developed within years, and at a time, I felt the need to see you if only to simply blame you. It was just one reason to keep the bickering, to keep something constant among the upside-downs conditions I felt.

No, I don't love or like you, Harry. But I know that I don't hate you. One year of your absences cooled me down. And now, I see you in your different appearance. It was like starting over new with you, though I can still see the 'old' you in it. That's why I accepted it, Harry. Part of me long for something that has become a constant between us, another part wish for something different. Either way, I just don't want to lose anything I had or will have with you, be it rivalry, friendship, or more. I want to start all over with you, Harry Potter. Do you granted my wish?" Draco asked gently, grey eyes never left greens.

A tear slipped down Harry's cheek as he nodded.

"Now, I ask you again, Harry, and please answer it honestly. Do you love me?" Draco carefully palmed Harry's small hands in his bigger ones.

Harry nodded and whispered, "Yes."

Draco gathered Harry in his arm and hugged him tightly, "Then learn to love you I shall do. Just promise you'll let me and never lost from my sight again. Do you agree, Harry?"

Harry hugged Draco back and laid his weight to the warm, stronger body that hold him, "Yes, Draco. I love you."

"I know."

xXx

A/N : Sequel? (vote!!)