A/N: I apologise for any delays, I'm not feeling 100%. Just a standard cold/bug thing but it is still annoying never the less.

Thank you to all that has stuck with me through my slow updating. Thank you for following my stories and just generally being lovely, lovely people.

Chapter Five

Another week went by without any major rain storm, the air was thick and humid. They needed a good storm to clear the air, to cool the air and to start fresh. It was Sunday evening and Draco had completed all of his homework, and had noting to do.

After dinner he took a walk as he had nothing better to do. A few moments of walking he noticed the surrounding air felt different, he sensed that the atmosphere was changing. Not wanting to get ahead of himself, Draco cast the weather spell, and grinned. It was going to rain, and not just slow spitting rain. Full on heavy pelting rain. It was getting windy out too, and Draco took cover under the oak tree.

He heard a distant rumble of thunder. It was faint but gradually the rumbling became more distinct. He looked towards the sky and couldn't see any hint of rain. White clouds dominating the sky. He cast the weather spell again and was reassured that it was indeed about to rain.
The rumbling grew louder and louder. Very quickly the sky turned black. The speed at which the black clouds appeared astonished him. In a few minutes, He could feel the wind blowing from the blackened sky. In another few minutes, the whole sky had darkened. The wind increased in intensity.

He tried to stay cool and unaffected, he didn't want to get his hopes up. Yes it may rain, but whose to say that Potter would join him, he could be busy. Draco transfigured a leaf into a blanket and sat down, looking out at the school grounds facing the castle.

Draco glanced at the sky, and noted that it looked ominous, it was dark grey/black. The clouds looked threatening racing across heavens, swirling and colliding in vast humid pile-ups. The wind had picked up, and he could hear the distant sound of thunder getting louder.

He wondered if the storm would be too big, and would put Potter off. Either way he would stay, he liked watching storms, and hopefully he would get to see some lightening.

The sky suddenly darkened as though a curtain had been pulled across the sky, and Draco watched with satisfaction as the first huge raindrops started to fall. The loudness of them hitting the oak tree leafs was music to his ears, an orchestra of percussion to accompany the music of his stormy imagination.

Once the first few raindrops fell, it poured, as if a switch had been turned on. Draco cast a warming charm, and smiled as he saw a flash of lightning. He liked the sight and sound of thunder and lightning, he didn't get the chance to watch a thunder storm often and was pleased he was here from the beginning.

He had been sat under the tree for more than half an hour, before Potter arrived. He grinned at Draco.

"I was on my way, then I remembered that you said next time I should bring snacks. I took a detour to the kitchens and got some things." He offered as an explanation to his lateness.

Draco shifted on the blanket and Potter sat down.

"It is quite the storm out there." He commented as he placed the food and drinks between them.

"Yes. But it is further away then it looks." Draco replied casually. Choosing not to question their weird arrangement, of meeting in the rain and talking.

Harry shrugged and picked up a shortbread biscuit. He jumped slightly as a loud crash of thunder sounded, and moments later a fork of lightning lit up the sky.

"Wow." He remarked, stunned.

"Do you think it's safe out here?" Harry asked after a few moments of watching the storm.

Draco didn't know really, "Maybe not. The storm has been going for half an hour, so it should start winding down soon, or moving away." He answered honestly.

Harry nodded and switched his attention to Draco, "What do you want to talk about today?"

Draco laughed, "What no more cliché questions from your girly mags?"

Harry huffed, "Not my girly mags. I have lots of random and weird questions, but wasn't sure if you'd appreciate them."

It was Draco's turn to shrug, "Like you said so many things are off limits between us. We will end up pushing each others buttons and arguing. If answering silly questions keeps the peace, then I guess I can deal with that."

Harry grinned, "Fair enough. You ask the first question."

Draco thought for a moment, "What's the biggest word you know?" He randomly asked.

Harry looked puzzled by the randomness of the question, but he smiled and answered after a moment of thought, "Antidisestablishmentarianism."

Harry laughed at Draco's face expression.

"What does that even mean?" He blurted.

"Opposition to the disestablishment of the Church of England." He answered.

Draco frowned, "Church of England, that's a muggle thing isn't it?"

"Yeah it is. It's a long word, twenty-eight letters. Top that, biggest word you know?" Harry challenged.

Draco smirked, "Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis." he smugly said.

Harry gaped at him, and Draco reached out, placed his fingers under his chin and pushed it to close his mouth.

"No way. I can't even pronounce that. What does it even mean?" He demanded.

"According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it is a word invented in imitation of polysyllabic medical terms, alleged to mean 'a lung disease' caused by the inhalation of very fine sand and ash dust." he recited.

"What you read the dictionary!" Harry sounded flabbergasted.

Draco stiffened, "Yes so what, not all of it. I like to know the English language. I also studied the thesaurus, how do you think I became good with words." he snapped.

"Don't get pissy. It's actually really cool, I was just surprised you read it. I only ever used it to check spelling and definitions etc, but never bothered looking at the dictionary really." he was impressed.

Harry decided to break the tension he said, "Actually I know a longer word, but it's a name of a place. I think it is the longest word to be found in Britain. It is the Welsh place name Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. I learnt how to pronounce it when I heard it, when I was younger I thought it would be impressive to learn it. It's the only Welsh I know."

Draco stared, "Wow what a mouthful. You're making that up." He protested.

Harry raised his eyebrows, "I am not. It is a large village and community on the island of Anglesey in Wales," He defended.

"Oh okay I believe you." Draco made a mental note to visit there one day, and get a photo of himself next to the town sign.

Harry voiced Draco's very thoughts, "It would be fun to go there one day, get a photo with the sign."

"Yes it would." Draco agreed, having a weird thought of him and Harry going together and having fun. Going as a couple – Well that was a delightful fantasy, that will never happen, he told himself.

"Okay so my turn to ask a question." He thought for a moment, watching the sky as flashes of lightning lit it up, followed by cracks of thunder as though in reply.

"What do you think your animagus form will be, and why?" Harry finally asked.

Draco had managed to eat two biscuits and have a drink by the time Potter thought of something.

"Um not to be obvious in my choice but I'd say a fox. Because they are menat to be cunning, clever and have the ability to adapt quickly and think quickly." He replied.

Harry nodded, "Yeah I can see that. But not a common red fox. Maybe an artic fox because of your hair." Harry joked.

"Har har. Artic foxes are very nice looking animals, I can live with that. It's better than being a worm or something. What about you?" He asked in return.

"Um dunno really. Maybe some species of bird so I could still fly. I know cheesy right." Harry laughed at his lame answer.

Draco grinned, "I'd say a dog."

"Dog!" Harry took offense, "Great, that's boring."

Draco explained his reasoning, "Becasue you are a very loyal, compassionate person who is always there for close friends and family members who are in a tough time. You are someone who can be counted on time and time again and never let small grudges get in the way of a good friendship. But unfortunately, you are very dependent, and every now and then someone will take advantage of your loyalty, and it is most often not until you end up hurt that you realised your foolishness."

Harry huffed, that did sound acrute really. "I guess. Boring though." He complained again.

Then Harry remembered that Sirius was a dog, and well that wasn't so bad. If his animagus was a dog he could blend in better. Whereas if Draco was an Artic Fox, he'd stand out.

"I like learning more about you." Harry confessed, "It's strange yet addictive. Of course it's all trivial but still."

Draco arched an eyebrow, "Nothing about me is trivial. Are you saying what I have shared with you is of little importance?" He teased.

"Yeah. It's not like me knowing you think you'd be a fox and can pernounce a really big word for lung disease is helpful in anyway. But it's good to know all the same." Harry could

see that the thunder and lightening had calmed somewhat, but it was still raining hard.

"Fair point. But I might test you one day, see how much you were listening." He joked.

Harry screwed up his nose, "Test," He whined, adding, "Do I get anything if I answer them correctly?" He didn't mind tests if he benefited from it.

Draco's first thought was, Yes a kiss for every right answer, "My friendship Potter. You'll be lucky if you even get that much. Now my turn to ask an unimportant and random question."

"Who out of our year would you Snog, Marry and Avoid?" He remembered reading something stupid like that in Pansy's magazine once.

Harry frowned in concentration, "Avoid – Millicant Bulstrode, Snog – um..." He wanted to say Draco, or another male, but he didn't want to give away his sexuality.

Draco chuckled, "It isn't that difficult of a question Potter. I would Avoid – Weasley; the male Weasley, Snog – Justin Finch-Fletchley, just to see his outraged and shocked expression, would be so worth kissing him for, proper homophobe, and Marry – You I guess. I'd benefit from marrying you, worth the hassle of being stuck with you."

Harry stared at him, "You'd marry me?"

"It is only a silly game Potter, don't worry I wasn't about to purpose or anything." He retaliated, stung by Harry's face expression.

"No I don't mind, I just didn't expect that. All your answers were male." He pointed out. He was aware that Draco dated both sexes, just being with whoever caught his attention.

"Yes very observant of you. That is because I'm gay Potter. I used to date women too, but recently have decided that I'd rather not." He grimaced.

"I have experimented enough with women, to realise that they aren't for me." He clarified.

"Oh. Justin's homophobic?" Was all Harry could think to say.

Draco snorted, "Yes. He's not abusive. Some homophobes are bullies, that spew spiteful nasty words, but Justin doesn't do that. He's polite, but he still says the odd cutting and scathing remark and his face says it all. Utter disgust. He is opinionated and makes it clear what he thinks of homosexuality."

"Oh." Harry had no idea, but he wasn't really friends with him.

"How do you know?" Harry asked.

Draco laughed as he shook his head, "I was shagging one of his dorm mates, and he made it clear what he thought of us." He answered.

"I never really liked him much anyway, but now...what a Caffler." Harry said, using Seamus Irish profanity.

"Indeed." Said Draco.

Harry had found a bigish stick on the ground in front of him, and was currently poking it into the muddy ground, with force.

Draco arched an eyebrow, "I think you should lay off destroying the ground, it hasn't done anything to you."

Harry stopped his stabbing, "Why do people have to judge other people so much. Just leave them be, if they are happy then surely that's enough. If they don't like it then just stay away." Harry was irritated at small minded people like Justin. It made him reluctant to come out properly, he feared the reaction he would get.

Draco shrugged, "There will always be haters, bullies and closed minded people. Whether its about blood purity, race, religion, sexuality – haters will always find something to hate. Just ignore them, hold your head up high, be proud to be who you are."

Harry thought that was a good bit of advice, but seeing as Draco was hiding from people because they hated him for being a Malfoy, he was being a hypocrite.

"Why did you stop holding your head high, if that's your opinion?" Harry asked annoyed at the world in general and taking it out on the only person around.

Draco glared at him, "What is that suppose to mean?" He snapped.

"That you used to walk around head held high, not caring what people thought of you. Ignoring the haters, now – since the war ended you've been keeping your head down and acting less of yourself." Harry explained, voice hard.

Draco's glare intensified, "That's different." he bit out, using all of his control to stop himself hexing Potter into next week.

Harry stood and glared down at him, "No it's not!" He yelled, unsure as to why he had started yelling, but he was angry about Justin and all the other problems he would encounter if he came out, and he needed to distracted himself, fighting with Draco was as good as a distraction as any.

Draco stood slowly and carefully, face set in anger and eyes intense.

"Yes it is. You should hold your head up high if you have done no wrong. Being gay isn't something to be ashamed about, it isn't wrong. Being a Malfoy, being me, and what I did is something to be ashamed about. I was wrong and I don't want to hold my head up high, I haven't earned that right." He seethed, hand clenched tightly around his wand, which he had drawn.

Harry was momentarily stunned, "Is that what you really think?" He asked in a low voice, all anger gone, replaced by disbelief.

Draco turned so he was facing away from Potter and his stupid face, "Yes. It's what I really think." He answered.

Harry stepped closer and placed a hand on one of Draco's shoulders, "You did what you did for your family. That is nothing to be ashamed of. I'm not saying what you did was right, but the reasons for doing them were right."

Draco closed his eyes briefly and lowered his head. Harry didn't like seeing Draco like this, he pulled on Draco's shoulder to try and get him to turn around. He didn't budge. Harry stepped around him, and stood in front of him.

"The war has ruined so many people's life's, don't let it ruin yours. Otherwise defeating Voldermort would have been for nothing. You need to live your life, be thankful that you're alive. It's still raw for a lot of people, but give it some time." Harry reasoned.

"I am thankful that I am alive, I just need to come to terms with a few things. Can we not talk about this, not now. Maybe...maybe later, another time." Draco asked, in a slight pleading tone.

"Another time, sure. So anything else I need to know about you for this friendship test I'll be taking?" Harry asked light-heartedly, trying to break the tension.

Draco smiled in thanks for the obvious change, "A have a few weird quirks. I always gravitate to toast that is cut in triangles, and not rectangles. I have to let the toast cool before I butter it. I dislike it when people crack their knuckles, makes me feel weird and makes me shiver. I set a timer when brushing my teeth so I brush for the recommended amount of time." He listed off his strange oddities about himself.

Harry was smiling, a wide genuine happy smile.

"What?" Draco asked, embarrassed that he just confessed some of his quirks.

"Nothing. You're just strange but in a good way." He answered.

"I'm sure even you have weird habits, quirks or mannerisms." He defended, everyone had something that they did.

"I do. When I climb the stairs I count them in my head. I daydream so often, that when I shower I turn my shampoo bottle upside down. Otherwise I daydream, then when I come out of my daydream I can't remember if I washed my hair, and would wash it more than once. But if I see that the bottle is upside-down I know I have washed it. I make sure I turn it the right way before I get out." Harry blushed.

"I've never admitted that to anyone before." he was surprised he told Draco.

Draco laughed, and Harry joined him. He knew Draco wasn't taking the piss, he just found it funny.

"When should I expect my test? I'd like to be friends, and you said I need to take the test first." Harry asked, only half joking.

"The next time we meet. Maybe we can meet before a storm, when it is calm." He suggested.

Harry grinned and nodded, he didn't want to wait until it rained again, he couldn't.

"Does that mean you're going back inside?" Draco asked.

"Oh no not yet. I was just wondering."

They spent another hour talking, and when they headed inside they walked back to eighth year dorms together.

The next day at breakfast Harry smiled when he looked up and saw that Draco was eating toast that was cut into triangles. Then when Harry was walking to class, Draco walked passed him and randomly said.

"1, 8, 6, 13, 9, 11..." to try and put Harry off, as he knew he'd be counting the steps in his head.

Harry laughed and cracked his knuckles. Draco shivered and glared at him.

"Stop that. It's gross." He drawled.

Harry looked guilty for a second and positioned his hands ready to crack his knuckles again. It was an empty threat he wasn't going to go through with it.

"You dare!" Draco warned.

"Or what?" Harry challenged. They were being playful and cocky, none of their usual malice behind the interaction.

"Or I will jinx you so you can't stop hitting yourself." He answered lamely.

Harry snorted, "That jinx doesn't even exist." He said confidently, as they stopped outside of the classroom.

Draco smirked, "How sure of that are you? Crack your knuckles one more time and you'll see." He threatened.

Harry raised his chin, he was sure Draco was making it up, to insure he wouldn't crack his knuckles. Harry cracked them, and shot Draco a smug look.

Draco shook his head, "I warned you Potter." He lifted his wand cast a spell and before Harry could even register what had happened his left hand swung up and slapped himself across his cheek.

"Ow. Take it off!" He demanded.

Draco was bent over laughing, "No."

Harry hit himself again, "Ow."

Hermione stuck her head out of the classroom to see where Harry had gotten to, and frowned at him and Draco. Draco was laughing openly and Harry was hitting himself repeatedly.

"Harry?" She wasn't sure she wanted to know.

"Why are you hitting yourself?" She asked.

Draco laughed again, "Yeah Potter why are you hitting yourself?"

Harry glared at him, "Draco jinxed me."

"Oh run and tell on me. What are you twelve?." Draco taunted.

Hermione tried to remove it but nothing worked.

"Malfoy what ends it?" She asked, unimpressed.

"No counter spell. Just wears off after a few minutes." He admitted.

Potter huffed, "It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't the same cheek I keep hitting."

That was it Draco was laughing again, "Idiot."

Hermione tutted, "You're both idiots." She spun on her heel and strode back into the classroom.

Draco sobered up, "Sorry. I forgot how annoying it can be, haven't cast it for a long time. In fact Pansy was the one to discover it. Should end soon." He genuinely looked apologetic.

Harry stopped, "Oh thank fuck for that. My bloody cheek hurts." He whined.

Draco stepped forwards and stroked Harry's red cheek, "Looks sore."

Harry no longer felt the pain, his cheek was tingling where Draco had caressed it and his heart-rate had sped up, at Draco's closeness.

"Sorry." Draco said again, unsure what else to say.

Harry locked eyes with him, "It's okay. I'm sure I can find a way for you to make it up to me." He uttered.

Harry felt the change in the atmosphere between them, every part of his being was on edge. Anticipating Draco's next move, his body was craving more. For Draco to be closer. Pressed firmly against him, for his lips to brush over his.

Draco's eyes flicked to Harry's lips and back up to his eyes, he stepped closer.

"Potter, Malfoy." The defence against the dark arts teacher called.

The moment was lost and they jumped apart.

"Class began a while ago, I suggest you take your seats and start taking notes."

Harry ducked his head, avoiding Draco's gaze and hurried into the class to sit next to Hermione. Draco sauntered it and sat next to Blaise.

Harry spent the whole lesson thinking over their almost kiss. He concluded that he was agitated because they were interrupted, not because Draco was going to kiss him.

Draco left pretty sharpish after class and Harry didn't mange to catch up to him. He spent the remainder of the day ignoring the teachers and thinking of Draco's lips and how they would feel, taste and how he would kiss.

Dinner was boring and Harry didn't see Draco. When they were leaving Harry noticed that it was once again raining. He smiled, stopped Ron.

"Mate I'm going out in the rain. Take my bag with you please." He handed Ron his bag without waiting for an answer.

He slipped out the front doors and jogged to the oak tree. He could see Draco sat down against the trunk and he was looking at his hands.

Harry stopped before the tree, he was soaked but he didn't care. He called Draco, and he looked up.

"Draco, come here." He asked.

Draco looked puzzled but stood and walked towards Harry, the rain almost soaking him instantly. He stopped a few paces away from Harry.

Harry wasn't sure what he was going to say, he hadn't planned anything. He saw the rain and headed out here on a whim. Harry looked at Draco, their eyes met and Harry watched him in silence for a long time. His hair was plastered to his forehead, his glasses had wet spots on and he was cold. None of that mattered, he only cared about one thing. He wanted to kiss Draco

Harry's school uniform was sticking to him, and he was stood in a muddy puddle. He took a couple of steps forwards, just as Draco moved also. Harry was so close to him now, he reached out and cupped Draco's chin in his hand. Guiding him forwards, where their lips met in a soft and sweet, passionate and romantic kiss.

His other hand went to the lower of Draco's back, and he pushed him forwards gently. Aligning their bodies together, wet fabric against wet fabric. Draco returned the kiss, stepping closer still, trying to feel the warmth of their bodies, to protect them against the cold rain.

Their first kiss was long, slow and sensual. When they pulled apart, Harry was still feeling light headed and stunned he didn't move far, their mouths mere centimetres apart. Harry could feel Draco's warm breath over him and he lingered there for a moment longer, before leaning in for another kiss.