"What's this from?" he began the same process that Harry had earlier.
"I was cooking breakfast for my aunt and uncle one morning and the hot oil happened to land on the one part of my skin where my shirt had moved aside. I didn't realize what was going on until I yelped and my aunt and uncle told me to shut up."
"They didn't even ask you why you yelled?" Draco asked, appalled.
"Nope, they didn't care."
Draco's eyes narrowed, but he nodded mutely and moved onto the next scar. "What about this one?"
"I was in Gringotts and some of the fire from the dragon protecting your aunt's vault burned that mark into my skin."
"I remember hearing about that, but I didn't think that you had actually been crazy enough to break into Gringotts. That sounds like fun," he smirked.
"I guess it sort of was, but not at the time."
"I can see that," Draco nodded. Soon Harry was the one practically writhing impatiently as Draco continued his slow, soft caresses, stopping every now and then to ask about a scar or some other mark on his body.
"Is this revenge for earlier?" Harry finally sat up and Draco smirked.
"Now you know how I felt with your wandering hands."
"Touche," he shrugged.
After a moment, Harry scooted up beside Draco and then laid on his back, looking up at the stars, "Soon it will be too cold to come out here like this."
Draco laid down beside him on the grass as well, their shoulders touching comfortably. "Yeah," he said quietly. "What will we do then? I'm not exactly ready to try to the R&R just yet…it's too soon."
Harry groped around a bit until he found Draco's hand and squeezed it for a moment, "I imagine it would be."
Silence reigned after that, neither having any desire to break it. They took comfort in the other's presence, and soon enough, both fell asleep there, underneath the starts, holding hands.
"Hermione, have you seen Harry today?" Ron asked as he walked up to his girlfriend. After the war they had finally gotten together and he couldn't have been happier.
"No, isn't he with you?"
"When I woke up he was gone. His bed looked like he hadn't even slept in it," the ginger explained as he took a seat in the Great Hall beside Hermione.
"That's weird, but then again, he's been weird lately. We almost never see him after like, ten o'clock at night. He has been getting his homework done and then slipping out after hours with his cloak," she finally decided that she'd divulge her observations to her boyfriend, maybe he could help her work out what was going on with Harry.
"Really? I guess I'd hardly noticed," Ron admitted. Truth be told, he'd been far too distracted with Hermione and then his own thoughts of the aftermath of the war and the loss everyone had suffered. Because of all of that he hadn't paid any attention to his best mate, Harry. He could only imagine how the boy felt, but he'd been far too distracted with his own grief to notice anyone else's.
"That's the problem Ron, neither one of us has really paid a lot of attention to Harry lately, and I think he's been really depressed about it…well, until recently."
"What do you mean until recently?"
"Well for the past month he's been sort of strange, and then for the past half week or so he's been almost giddy with excitement and happiness and it's frightening. Maybe he's going mental and finally snapped on the stress and the memories from the war?" she suggested.
"Hermione, it's my job to call people mental, not you. You're supposed to be the one that has smarter accusations and ideas," Ron pointed out.
"But it's the only explanation, unless he found a girl or something, but I don't think he'd really be able to have a relationship after the war only being six months behind us."
"And why not? It would make sense that he would be in love if he disappears at night and seems almost giddy lately. Is that so bad? It's good for him."
"But what if she's just using him? What if she's terrible and manipulative and—"
"Hermione, stop worrying about Harry if he's happy; besides, all we have to do is ask him about it, he's almost always told us the truth."
She looked at her boyfriend in near shock, "And since when did you grow up and know matters of the heart?" she inquired.
"Since six months ago," he replied.
Suddenly Hermione looked up when she saw Harry walking into the Great Hall. It was a Saturday so he was in normal clothes, but he looked…nicer than usual, and a lot of people noticed. He was practically glowing first of all. His hair was its normal bird's nest except that now it seemed more like an organized mess, and his Emerald eyes were particularly bright and full of life today. His green, long-sleeve polo left little to the imagination as far as his physique was involved, and his dark jeans only seemed to accentuate the outfit. Who had helped him with his appearance? As far as Hermione could remember, she had never seen Harry wear these types of clothes.
"Good morning mate," Ron cheered, clapping a hand on Harry's back, "sleep well away from the dorms?" he inquired.
Harry blushed only slightly, "Yeah actually."
"Good. So I know that you finished your potions essay yesterday, mind if I take a peek at it?" he asked with a pout.
Harry had been expecting an onslaught of questions from his best friends, but it seemed that Hermione was nearly silent and Ron wasn't going to ask anything. "Sure, I don't mind," he dug out his potions notes from his school bag and handed them to Ron.
"Thanks mate," he grinned.
Hermione still wasn't sure how to approach Harry about her questions, so she thought she'd wait for a better time to ask him. Meanwhile a certain Slytherin's gaze could be seen looking at one particular Gryffindor brunette's face while he ate breakfast and chatted comfortably with other Gryffindors.
"So, you shagged him last night?" he could hear Blaise's voice whisper in his ear.
Draco resisted the urge to roll his eyes, "No, we did not shag."
"Oh, but you will tonight, right?"
"Do you think about anything except sex?" Draco asked in exasperation.
"I'm a teenage boy, of course not. And at least unlike some people, I'm getting some."
"Oh shut up," Draco replied childishly and Blaise laughed at his reaction.
When Blaise laughed, Harry looked over at the Slytherin table and smiled at the blonde boy before turning back to some conversation or other. "At least he has the good sense not to stare at you all morning," Blaise tried to remind.
"What? I can appreciate from a distance," Draco continued eating his breakfast.
Harry really, really did try to not look at Draco, fearing that if he even glanced that way that somehow everyone in school would know about them sort of together but not together. He didn't have a label for it. Were they dating? Well, they weren't lovers since they weren't shagging…maybe he'd ask Draco about it later.
"You look like your thinking too hard," Ginny sat across from him with a smile. "It's been a while since we've talked."
"Yeah. How's Dean?"
"He's great. I think we both really needed to grow up a little bit to make the whole thing work," she admitted. "You look really good today. I don't remember seeing that shirt before," she squinted at the green polo.
"Oh? It's…someone let me borrow it."
"What for?"
"Because he spent the night away from the dorms last night," Ron smirked.
"You what? Was it a girl then?"
"I…" he blushed.
Hermione leaned in eagerly, wanting to hear what he was going to say, "I'm not really ready to talk about it yet. I promise I will…just not right now."
Ginny seemed surprised, but nodded with a smile, "Okay, I'll keep you to that promise."
Hermione wanted to rip her hair out, why was everyone being understanding for once in their lives? Why was she the only one who was dying to know just why he was staying away at night, and why he showed up in strange clothes, and why he didn't want to talk about?!
"Fancy some flying later?" Ron asked.
"I can't, I'm going to be with Dean in the library," Ginny explained.
"You had better be working in that library," Ron narrowed his eyes and she just rolled her eyes.
"I'll do it, it sounds like fun," Harry volunteered.
"Sweet," Ron grinned.
Harry was flying around the Quidditch pitch with Hermione and Ron in the stands doing homework. It was the perfect weather for flying and he wasn't about to pass up an opportunity like this with cold weather on the way.
Suddenly he saw another broom zoom past him and it's rider stop and turn to look at him, "Care for a bit of friendly competition Potter?" Draco smirked.
Harry returned the smirk, "I wouldn't dream of missing an opportunity like this," he watched as Draco held up a snitch in his hand.
"On the count of go," he let go of the snitch and let it fly off, before each boy turned and chased after it.
Blaise was walking in the stands towards where the two Gryffindors were arguing over some homework assignment or other. "Granger, Weasley, mind if I sit here?" he asked.
He wasn't exactly looking for new friends but hey, if Draco and Harry were shagging behind everyone's backs, and he was Draco's best friend, he might as well try to make friendly with the Gryffindors.
Hermione looked at him with curiosity, but nodded. What surprised him more than anything, and even Hermione, was Ron's reaction, "Sure mate, here to watch the friendly competition?" he was obviously talking about the two Seekers on the field.
"Yeah," Blaise grinned and Ron smiled.
So Blaise sat down near the couple and, despite the occasional arguing, actually had a good time (and was quite entertained).
After about five rounds of going after the snitch, Harry having caught three and Draco two, they finally decided to call it quits, shower, and head into the castle. Their friends, seeing the end of the match, headed to the castle, Blaise encouraging them the whole way (after all, their two favorite boys were going to the Quidditch showers).
As the others left, both Harry and Draco headed for the showers. Harry was a little bit nervous – he wasn't oblivious to what people did together in showers, and knowing their attraction for one another, he wasn't sure how it would go down.
However, his trepidation was appeased when Draco chose a shower at one end of the line of showers, away from Harry. "You're going that far away?" he asked disbelieving.
"Not that I mind being around you when you're naked and soaped up," Draco smirked when Harry blushed as he said this. He removed his top and started removing his pants as he continued to talk, "But I'm starving and the fastest way to get food is to shower away from you."
Harry nodded and watched with strange fascination and slight arousal as he watched Draco's naked body slip into a shower stall and pull the curtain over the entrance, blocking him from view. He was both grateful and disappointed. Some part of him really wanted to try some action in the shower, but he also knew that they were moving incredibly fast for having been enemies for so long before this whole strange relationship thing had started about a month ago.
Once they were both showered and dressed (they used cleansing charms for their clothes), they headed for the great hall. However, along the way, they got a little distracted with an impromptu makeout session, and ended up being late to dinner anyway.
Hermione and Ron were waiting patiently for Harry to come to dinner but he was about fifteen minutes late in entering the hallway. She was dying to know exactly why he was late, after all, they had left the Quidditch field when he and Draco were entering the locker rooms to take showers. Really, how long did it take Harry to take a shower? Surely not forty-five minutes!
"Hey 'Mione, Ron," he greeted, "I'm starving," Harry began piling his plate with food, though not shoveling it in his mouth as Ron used to do.
Not a minute later, Draco Malfoy entered the hall and made his way calmly over to the Slytherin table. Hermione followed him and his confident stride to the table where she saw Blaise smirking at the blonde knowingly. What the hell did he know?
Hermione was irritated! Harry had a secret that he wasn't sharing, that possibly had something to do with Draco Malfoy, and it was killing her not to know. And Ron was absolutely useless! She would have thought that of anyone he would have been the most curious of them all to know the truth, but he was so…calm about the entire matter. What was wrong with him?!
"Hey Herms, you alright?" Ron asked. He could clearly see the irritation on Hermione's face and wondered what was eating her. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to know, as it was probably something silly like tests and homework, but she was his girlfriend and he had to at least act like he cared about her school grades.
"Don't you find it so weird about Harry? Can't you tell he's acting strange? He's keeping something from us!" she hissed quietly, trying to not let Harry hear, but he was far too distracted with talking to Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom.
"Not really, he's just happy, what's wrong with that? After the war I'd have thought that you would be the first one in line to demand he be happy," he seemed confused.
"Argh! You're…ugh!" she was furious and so confused and Ron was NOT going to help her. Maybe she should ask Luna, the girl was really attentive and often knew about people. She'd make sure to have a talk with the Ravenclaw at a later date. It was kind of funny really, how Luna had just integrated herself into the Gryffindor group after the war.
It happened when she and Harry became good friends, and then she got together with Neville after the war and they were as happy as any couple could possibly be. She was happy for them. Luna took to sitting at the Gryffindor table with Neville, not caring what anyone thought or about protocol, then again, when did she ever care about what anyone thought?
Yes, she would ask Luna about Harry's strange behavior when she got the girl alone sometime.
When Harry reached the garden that night, Draco was calmly reading a book in the moonlight. "You know it's bad for your eyes to read in the dark," Harry grinned, taking a seat.
"As you so well know Potter, seeing as how your eyesight is atrocious," the Slytherin smirked before shutting the book and setting it aside. "What took you so long?"
"Hermione. She wouldn't let me go and I finally had to send her off onto Ron."
"The Weasel knows about us?" Draco seemed surprised.
"Not really, but he does know about my preference in relationship partners. He approached me about it before school started."
Draco nodded, "Well, Blaise knows."
"I figured; he is a Slytherin after all, and a gay one at that. He would know better than anyone."
"How did you know he was gay?"
"First of all it's kind of obvious in some mannerisms of his. But what really gave it away was when he tried to hit on me in the hallway one time in Fourth year, as if I didn't have enough to worry about."
"Blaise Zabini cornered you Fourth year?!" Draco practically shouted.
"Yeah."
"Oh I am going to have a good long talk with him when I get back," Draco was seething. Harry was his and his alone; he'd have to be more careful around the dark-skinned boy.
"Please, it was three years ago," Harry pulled Draco closer to him until their faces were quite close, "You're the only Slytherin I have ever wanted and will ever want."
"You know Harry, that's terribly romantic," Draco smirked.
"I know, very rare of me, isn't it?" Harry chuckled.
Draco leaned over and captured his lover's lips. Despite the night before and this afternoon it seemed like he could never get enough of his favorite brunette. As their kiss deepened, Draco pushed Harry down onto the soft ground, laying over him, he broke the kiss and put his elbows down so his head was resting on Harry's chest and he was looking up at the Gryffindor boy.
"Harry, I want us to go shopping tomorrow."
The brunette groaned, "Seriously? Don't you have enough clothes?"
"Not for me, for you."
"What?"
"I liked what you were wearing today…from my wardrobe," he smirked, "but I would like it if you had your own clothes like that; it makes you look so much more sexy. Not that you don't have a sort of natural sex appeal, but you should have seen the stares when you walked in the Great Hall today."
"Hmmm, you think?" Harry wondered.
"I am certain. Let's go to Hogsmeade tomorrow and I know just the place for what I have in mind," the blonde grinned.
"Alright. I suppose it would be nice to have new clothes," Harry mused. He'd not really ever bothered with his wardrobe before, but he realized the truth in Draco's words; if he didn't care about his wardrobe, it certainly said something about him.
"Yes, yes it would. And this is all for you; I think it would be an excellent confidence boost."
"You think I need more confidence?" he questioned.
"Not really, but I think it will help maintain it," Draco chuckled, "but you really don't need it…it's just icing on the cake."
"Hmmm," despite everything, Harry was actually quite tired and worn out from the day.
"Tired?"
"I suppose."
"Go to sleep, I'll protect you," he smirked.
"Yeah, whatever Draco," Harry smiled in return, but he did in fact settle down and begin drifting off to sleep.
Draco couldn't help but find Harry quite adorable, similar to a child, when he slept. He was peaceful and his features were exactly like a five-year-old's sleeping features…so innocent. Once he noticed the even breathing of his lover, Draco scooted up the brunette's body and kissed his forehead, before conjuring a blanket with a wave of his hand and snuggling more closely into Harry's body.
Luna looked at her Gryffindor friend and thought that she seemed quite upset. Perhaps the flying gnargles had upset the air around her, riling her up; she would need to have a good talking with them once Hermione left.
"Luna, you're my only friend here, I really, really need your help."
"What with Hermione?" she asked in her usual light and slightly breathy voice, like she wasn't quite there. Of course she was there naturally, but she couldn't help but notice the shine on the nearby flower bush and had to wonder about the pixies.
"Harry. I just know that he is keeping a secret from me and it's irritating me to no end! I can't figure it."
"Have you asked Ron? Maybe he could talk to Harry?" Luna suggested like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Of course and he's totally useless! He's not curious at all!"
"Well, have you asked Harry himself?"
"Yes, but he just finds ways to avoid me!"
"Hmmm, well, what's got you upset then?" she tried to focus all of her attention on Hermione, but she could see the girl's hair being slightly pulled in a few different directions and wondered about gnargles.
"It's just…he's happy, and I'm happy for him, but I wish he would just tell me!"
"Maybe he doesn't think you'd approve, after all, he could have a boyfriend," she shrugged in nonchalance. "You know Hermione, you might not want to use so many hair taming spells, it's attracting the enchanted—"
"What? Boyfriend? Are you serious?!" Hermione interrupted Luna's observation.
"Didn't you know? I thought all of us that were close to him knew," Luna insisted.
"Of course I didn't know," Hermione was sputtering, how the hell had she missed such an important clue? "How could I when he wouldn't tell me? Is that why he's not telling me? Is he dating a guy?" she asked mostly out loud.
"Perhaps. Maybe you can ask him about it now that you have some more clarity of mind. Though really Hermione, those gnargles are going to quickly devour your hair if you use any more hair spells," she looked at the girl with worry.
"Um…thanks…I'll be more careful about…enchanted hair," she replied with uncertainty.
Luna smiled, glad that she had been able to save her friend's hair, "Glad to help Hermione. Now I must go find Neville, he is supposed to show me some very fascinating plants in the Green House," she walked off with a light bounce in her step.
Hermione sat in the library until she had to leave, the entire time thinking about Harry liking blokes. Well, it wasn't that she was opposed to it, per say. Wait, if everyone knew, did that mean that Ron knew? Surely he would have told her?! But then again, she was usually intelligent enough to figure these things out on her own and he probably assumed that she had figured it out a while ago. She practically banged her head on the table at her stupidity. Next opportunity she got, she would ask Harry.
Draco was woken to slow, rhythmic circles caressing his back. It was a very nice and relaxing way to wake up after a night on the hard ground and he snuggled closer into his lover.
"Good morning," Harry greeted with a smile in his voice.
"Morning," Draco muttered.
Harry's hands drifted softly across Draco's bangs and swept them to the side, then leaned down and kissed the blonde's forehead, "It's time to get up. We need to go change, eat breakfast and then head into Hogsmeade for my shopping trip," there seemed to be a twinkle in his eye, not unlike Dumbledore used to have, and Draco wondered just how much the old wizard had passed down in Harry.
"Alright," he grumbled and sat up, stretching and yawning.
Harry caught him in a quick chaste kiss before pulling away and conjuring away the blanket before they headed back into the castle to change and go eat breakfast. With a farewell kiss, the boys separated at the stairwell; one boy headed to the tower, the other to the dungeons.
Hermione was ready this morning to pounce on Harry. She knew he was almost always late to breakfast and today was the day she was going to find out why he had stayed out.
The portrait door swung open and Harry walked in as calm as day, having been out all night…again. "Harry," she called, standing up.
Harry was not expecting Hermione to be ready to pounce, and was not terribly happy about it. "Look, I know I've been a bit nosey lately, but I really wish you'd tell me what's going on. Ron and I are your best friends, why can't you tell us?"
"You mean you?"
"So what? I'm sure Ron would like to know too," she huffed.
"Listen Herms, I promise I'll tell you, but I'm not ready right now."
"You mean about you liking blokes Harry? I don't mind, really! If you're seeing a guy, that's great, you're happy, but I wish you'd tell me who!"
Harry was surprised that she had worked it out so soon. First Ron and now Hermione, was he that obvious in his preference? "I already said, I'll tell you when I'm ready. Please Hermione, I need to shower and change. Oh, and I'll be out today, so don't look for me."
"Are you going to be with your boyfriend?" she practically accused.
"As a matter of fact, yes, I will be," he walked past her.
She huffed, why was he being so secretive?! She turned and stomped out of the Gryffindor tower and down to the breakfast table, she was going to her answer one way or another, even if she had to follow Harry to the ends of the Earth!
After breakfast Harry met Draco at the entrance hall and they walked out together, not holding hands because neither were as of yet comfortable with a lot of public displays of affection, but it was obvious that they were close. Hermione, with the invisibility cloak she had taken from Harry's trunk hiding her body from sight, followed the two boys.
Was he dating Draco Malfoy?! Well it was no wonder that he didn't want to tell anyone yet. Imagine everyone's shocked expressions if they saw the savior of the wizarding world with the once heir of Voldemort?
Personally, Hermione was a bit upset about it, but only because she was offended that Harry couldn't trust her with something like this. But other than that, she thought that as long as Harry was happy, it didn't matter who it was. Besides, it wasn't like Draco was a terrible person; even Blaise had tried to make an effort to be friendly with them.
Well, now that her curiosity was mostly satisfied…she continued to follow them. Where were they going? Were they going to go on a date in public after he had refused to tell anyone? Surely not!
She was right, they weren't going out on an official date, especially when she saw them going into Madame Malkins clothes store. They were…clothes shopping? Maybe Draco needed a new outfit. But much to her surprise she found that it was Draco handing Harry a bunch of different things to try on. She had to admit, Draco had excellent taste, and almost everything that Harry tried on was really sexy and form-fitting. If she wasn't dating Ron, she might have hit on him too.
After a while she got tired, and satisfied that they were in fact, dating (after all, they shared a kiss every once in a while and she couldn't help but sigh at the sight), she made her way back to the castle fully satisfied that she had received her answer.
Harry couldn't believe that Draco was honestly intending on making him buy all of these clothes, but his boyfriend insisted on it and shoved them all at the teller in the shop. With clothes paid for and in shopping bags which had been shrunk and sent to his Gryffindor dorm room, they decided to get something to eat.
Sitting in a newly opened sandwich shop, they took a booth seat in the back of the café and enjoyed a nice relaxing meal with pleasant conversation. Because the place was so new there weren't a lot of people there which was nice because they could hold hands across the table.
The owner of course, was just ecstatic that the Boy-That-Lived and his boyfriend were in her café, and she was quite a pleasant woman to be around.
Draco of course, snorted when she addressed Harry directly and asked the blonde for his name.
"Draco Malfoy," he informed her.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but then she just seemed to nod in acceptance, "It's such a wonderful thing you're doing Mr. Potter, dating Mr. Malfoy after the war. You're such an inspiration to us all in the wizarding world. Of course, your drinks are totally free today," she smiled before bustling away.
"Sheesh, is that how everyone is going to react? Oh look, it's the great Potter taking pity on the poor little ex Death Eater heir of Voldemort's reign! How wonderful," he was rather upset about it.
"You know it's not true," Harry caressed his boyfriend's cheek softly, drawing the silver pools to his own emerald green ones, "I really hope you realize that."
Draco sighed, "I know…but it's frustrating," he growled.
"I'm sorry, but it'll get better once the memories from the war settle down a bit more."
"I'm sure," his voice was dripping sarcasm. "Harry, you'll never be anything but front page news, and once Skeeter gets a hold of this story, she'll exaggerate it just like the owner of this café," he pouted.
"Then we'll make sure to set everyone straight; you're not a charity case, I genuinely care for you."
Draco couldn't help but feel himself warm at the honesty and love in Harry's voice, and it comforted him like nothing else could, "Thanks Harry," he smiled at his lover.
Harry hadn't really realized how Draco felt about the whole situation with their relationship, but he understood a little bit better. Draco was afraid of being some sort of front page charity case for the Death Eater cause, and that's not what he wanted. Harry could not help it, but Draco's words rang truth. If they went public everyone would once again think him the savior for taking such a great leap after the war.
He needed to assuage his lover's fears but he was uncertain of just how to do that. He would need to think about it a little bit more before he made a move of any sort. For right now all he could do was to reassure his Slytherin with words and soft caresses of affection and love. It would have to do.
After their lunch the boys headed back to the castle grounds and walked around for a bit while talking some more. They were sharing stories about themselves, learning more about one another, causing the bond that was already there to strengthen even more.
Though they weren't shagging, Harry didn't really mind, that was something that would eventually come with their strengthening bond. But in the meantime, he really loved the intimate moments they had. As Hufflepuff as it was, he loved snuggling with Draco, or just sleeping side by side. Sometimes they would sit and talk and divulge personal memories and stories about themselves, offering their hearts and souls to each other. With all of their scars, it was certainly enough blackmail to satisfy anyone.
It was those moments that he treasured and wouldn't give up anything in the world for them.
After their afternoon they went back to the castle and separated at the stairwell once again, going to their separate common rooms on opposite sides of the castle.
Harry wasn't looking forward to Hermione's violent questions and accusations directed at him when he entered the common room and he even had to stand outside of the portrait hole for a minute or so to collect himself before going in.
"Welcome back Harry," Ron greeted, but he didn't look up from a game of chess he was having with Neville, who had actually turned out to be an excellent chess player. Luna of course, was sitting beside them and watching the game avidly.
As for Hermione, she looked up at him and smiled, "Have fun Harry? I noticed some rather large shopping bags headed to your room, did you go shopping?" she asked with a merry twinkle in her eyes.
He looked at her suspiciously…surely she didn't know…who was he kidding? This was Hermione he was talking about. Once she figured out his sexual preference it wouldn't have been hard to figure out who he was with. "As a matter of fact, I did. Hermione, would you mind accompanying me upstairs to my dorm? I require someone to help me throw out some of my old clothes, and obviously the others are busy," he indicated with a wave of his hand.
"Of course Harry, I'd be happy to help you throw out that atrocious wardrobe you call clothes," she was quite happy in fact, to do so, and it was not a lie. She'd wanted him to upgrade his wardrobe for a very long time. Thank goodness that Draco had finally convinced him to do it.
Following Harry up, she shut the door behind her and walked up to his wardrobe, "Now I can finally do this," she spelled all of his clothes out of the closet and onto the floor.
Each article of clothing she thought was too old or too ratty or rather atrocious, she burned with a flick of her wand, and the ones that she thought could be salvaged went in a not very large pile on the bed. Harry groaned, "Hermione, do you really have to burn them?"
"Yes. I am cleansing your closet, you are never going to wear those clothes again. Especially not with someone like Draco Malfoy as your boyfriend," she added as she continued to burn his wardrobe.
Harry froze for a moment, but he didn't hear screaming or protests or anything just…acceptance. "When did you figure it out?" he asked.
"Well, I talked to Luna and she told me about you liking blokes. Then of course I had been suspicious about you and Draco, you seemed to have some sort of secret, and when Blaise tried to push us away from the Quidditch pitch that day, I later figured out just why. And of course, the looks he was throwing Draco; as if he knew everything, well, it gave it away," she slightly lied. She didn't want him yelling at her for following him into Hogsmeade. Besides, she had given a very valid and foolproof explanation.
"Oh. I suppose it shouldn't surprise me anymore how quickly you can figure things out."
"Yes indeed," she gleefully burned one of the old holey, baggy jeans.
"You know, I love you Hermione, but sometimes you really scare me," he was watching her face of glee. "So you don't…mind that it's Draco?" he finally asked.
"I really don't Harry, you should know that. I mean, it's not like he's really done anything terrible since the end of the war, and really, after everything, could you blame him for changing? No, I think he's as good a choice as any. I think it's good for both of you in the healing process."
"Thanks Herms."
"Of course. Finally!" she exclaimed as the last offending garment was burned to a crisp. With a quick wave of his hand, Harry got rid of the smell of burnt clothing from the room and resized his shopping bags to normal size before spelling his clothes in to the wardrobe to hang up.
"Hmmm, so much better. I am glad that Draco has such good taste in clothes. Oh yes, I am certain that he is very good for you; especially if he could get you to go shopping for new clothes Harry."
Harry slightly blushed as Hermione inspected his new wardrobe, "You'll look wonderful and sexy yet."
"Hermione!" he was rather embarrassed with her words.
"Alright, alright, I'll let you go on this one, but I expect to see good results. Do you…do you want me to tell Ron?" she inquired.
"Um…maybe once I've gotten a little bit farther in our relationship."
"Have you…um…" she blushed, her mind providing rather erotic images of Draco and Harry together.
"No," he could read where her mind was.
"Oh…just checking," she said. "Well, I'd better head down and see how the others are doing. You're welcome to join us whenever you know," she hugged him tightly before walking down to the common room.
Harry couldn't help but sigh with relief, Hermione had accepted them; that was one less obstacle he would have to face. Now for Ron and then Neville and Luna, and then Hagrid and the Weasley clan and…yeah, who was he kidding? He wasn't ready for that yet. He wouldn't be surprised if the Weasley family disowned him for his choice, though it would hurt. He hoped one day they could forgive him.
And then of course, there was Draco's family. His father wasn't exactly a Harry Potter fan club member or anything, and he wasn't sure about the blonde's mother…she could go either way. She had, after all, saved his life that night in the forest, and he had never properly thanked her for doing that. If they didn't approve, would Draco break up with him? He hoped not, but then again, Draco had always sought acceptance and pride from parents on matters in his life.
Sighing once again (he sounded like a lovesick schoolgirl with all this preposterous sighing), he flopped on his bed, "We have a long way to go."