Outside Harry heard Hermione let out a scream, and her hurried footsteps down the lawn. He assumed Ron had arrived, which would most likely lead to more questioning over Draco's loyalties and why he was here.

Harry slid into the hall and knocked gently on the bathroom door.

"Yes?" Draco's voice echoed from inside.

"Draco, it's Harry. Ron's just turned up… thought I ought to warn you of er, possible conflict," Harry whispered back through the door.

The door opened suddenly and Draco pulled Harry inside. As he snapped the door shut again, they heard Ron and Hermione enter the house, talking excitedly to each other.

"Harry, Weasley and Granger hate my guts. I've called Granger a Mudblood too many times to be forgiven, and Weasley a blood traitor. I can't expect them to forgive me as easily as you," said Draco nervously, peering into Harry's emerald eyes.

Before he could say anything, Harry noted how much emotion seemed to be swimming in Draco's silver-grey eyes. He longed to know what it meant, but Draco looked away before he could choose his words.

"Well you could start with calling them Ron and Hermione if you're seeking forgiveness, Draco. They're used to you sneering at them with the use of their surnames," Harry replied, still trying to catch Draco's eye once more.

It happened very suddenly. Draco made a sudden movement and had Harry pinned against the bathroom door. But it wasn't in a threatening way… more pleading and longing. Draco moved his face towards Harry's, their lips inches apart-

"Harry! Where are you? Come here, Ron's arrived," Hermione's voice carried down the hall.

As suddenly as it had happened, Harry and Draco pushed away from each other, both trying to comprehend what had just happened. They stood there in silence, staring at one another for a moment, an awkward smile playing across Draco's face.

Harry turned on his heel and fled from the room. Confusion and frustration racing through his mind. He forgot all about Ron, and made for the spare bedroom. His heart leapt when he saw Hermione had conjured up a second bed in the room for Draco to sleep on.

Closing the door as quietly as he could, he sank down in front of it, a slight frown on his handsome face.

Hours later, Harry was jerked awake by the slamming of the bedroom door. Draco entered the room, swearing under his breath. Apparently he'd had an argument with Ron while Hermione had gone to the bathroom.

Harry chose not to alert Draco to the fact that he was awake. After a few moments, he was grateful for this decision.

"You're lucky I feel this way for you Harry," Draco murmured, sitting down on his own bed to stare across at Harry's apparently sleeping figure. "I just wish I knew…" his voice trailed off, and he heaved a heavy sigh.

Harry longed for the end of the sentence, and his hopes weren't met when Draco pulled his covers over himself, and fell asleep almost instantly.

Harry's green eyes snapped open early the next morning. The sun hadn't risen properly yet. He rolled over in bed to face Draco's angelic sleeping figure. He'd kicked the sheets off during the night, and his pale chest was rising and falling gently as he slept.

Harry noticed how Draco had a golden glow about him, which came from the early morning sun. He lay there, admiring the beautiful sight for almost a quarter of an hour, which was when he noticed Draco's silver-grey eyes were fluttering open. Harry tore his own eyes from the beautiful sight and stared determinedly at the ceiling.

After a few moments, Draco lifted himself onto one of his elbows to look across at Harry.
"Morning," he said across the room.
Harry fought hard not to grin, "Morning," he said to the ceiling.

Slowly they got out of bed, looking around for their rucksacks. Harry located his under his bed, and turning away from Draco, dropped his boxers. Harry bent down to retrieve some underwear out of his rucksack, and as he did so, he heard Draco make an odd noise in his throat. Harry chose to ignore it, and pull on his underwear.

Five minutes later Harry left the room, stealing a glance at Draco's naked, slender body. He was facing his bed, choosing which robes he would wear that day.

Down in the kitchen, Harry came across Hermione sitting on the counter, her nose buried in a book. She looked up when she heard Harry enter, and quickly busied herself with making him tea.

"Where did you get to last night? Ron wanted to talk to you when he arrived. It was really rude of you Harry," Hermione said, giving Harry a disapproving look.

Harry started to tell her about the situation in the bathroom when Ron entered the kitchen. Harry shot Hermione a not-now sort of look and rushed towards Ron, holding out a hand which Ron didn't take.

"Malfoy?!" he asked coldly. "What the hell did you bring him along for? He's the most untrustworthy person you could invite, Harry!" Then he turned on his heel and stormed out into the backyard.

Hermione frowned after Ron, and turned back to Harry. "What were you saying about-?" she broke off as Draco walked into the kitchen, wearing robes of pale silver to match his gorgeous eyes.

He smiled kindly at Hermione, and took a seat at the kitchen table. Hermione went about making them all tea and a delicious breakfast of beacon, eggs and toast. When she'd done, she glanced towards the direction Ron had gone, but seemed to decide against going to get him.

The three of them ate and drink in silence. When they'd all finished, Hermione stood up to collect their plates. "No, please Hermione, let me," Draco said, quickly getting to his feet, and gently brushing Hermione's hand aside.

She looked startled at this sudden gesture of kindness, but didn't object. Taking her seat again, she looked sideways at Harry who gave her an encouraging smile.

When he'd cleared all the plates, Draco sat down opposite Hermione. "Look Hermione, I really want to talk to you about how much of a jerk I've been all these years," he said seriously, looking into her bright, brown eyes. "I've been completely out of place ever since I found out you were Muggle-born, but you need to understand that I was raised by Muggle-hating parents, and I've never known any different. I now realize what an arse I've been and I'm seeking your forgiveness. Harry wouldn't have invited me here if he thought I meant harm, would he?" Draco finished, shifting slightly in his seat. Harry felt Draco's leg quiver against his.

Hermione bit her lip, and considered Draco for a minute or two.

"I- I- I guess not," she said, her voice constricted with emotion. "I do understand what you're saying, Draco, and well… I suppose I can forgive you if Harry can. But I wouldn't be so sure about Ron," she said, looking at Harry nervously.

Draco stood up and walked around the table to Hermione, holding out his arms. She looked bewildered, but stood up all the same. Draco pulled her into a tight hug, and Harry felt a surge of jealously jolt through him. What he would give to be in Draco's arms…

"YOU! GET AWAY FROM HER NOW!" Ron had appeared in the doorway, and was in a rage at Draco.

Hermione and Draco broke apart, Draco pulling out his wand. Hermione started telling Ron it had meant nothing, but he ignored her, and advanced towards Draco.

Before he knew what he was doing, Harry was on his feet, facing Ron and pressing himself against Draco, acting as a shield. Draco tried to push Harry away gently, but Harry refused to budge. He wasn't going to stand aside and watch the person he loved be attacked by his best friend. Harry wouldn't do it.

Ron halted, staring at Harry, his wand held limply in his hand. Harry knew Ron wouldn't hurt him, but he couldn't be sure of Draco's safety.

"Well go on then, give me your best shot," Harry spat at Ron. However, Ron just stared at Harry, disbelief on his face.

"You're defending him? After… everything," said Ron weakly, sitting down in a vacant seat.
"That's right," Harry hissed, taking Draco's wrist and leading him from the room.