Song "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" is sung by Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings. I do not own.

Chapter 13

Draco closed his locker and put the lock on. School would be over a few months and students were pushed to study for the tests that were coming. Right then Draco had three books under his arm for Chemistry, History and Math. Picking up his sack he headed to the History room and almost ran into Blaise walking up to meet him.

"Whoa, Draco, what's wrong?" asked Blaise.

"Nothing," said Draco pulling a lock of his hair out of his eyes and straightening his jacket.

"Like hell, your face is paler than normal, your hair lost its sheen, your skin is clammy and you're more jumping than usual. You've been like this for the last two weeks. What's wrong with you, man?"

"Nothing," said Draco. The bags under his eyes more visible from the lack of sleep he had been getting the last few weeks.

What Blaise had said was true. Since Draco's parting with Harry and Sirius, Draco had felt more depressed than usual. He didn't know the teenage boy but when he wasn't following his father on inspecting the drug drop offs, and giving the location to the agents, he was studying in his room. Blaise had taken him out to the Snake Pit a few times but Draco remained quiet and reclusive. The only time he felt anything was when he was taunting Potter. It was a warm feeling at the pit of his stomach.

"Draco, whatever's wrong you can tell me. You know that."

"Blaise, this is something I have to do all right. It's not that I don't need your help, it just that I can't have it right now."

"This had nothing to do with your dad, does it," asked Blaise with a skeptic look. They reached their History room and Blaise lowered his voice. "I thought you were done with that stuff. Is he still training you to take his place?"

"Yes, I am and yes he is," said Draco sitting down.

"I'm surprised he doesn't have you selling the stuff in the school," said Blaise sitting next to him.

"Father isn't that stupid. He's got Nott for that."

Blaise nodded. Everyone in school knew that Nott was a big time drug dealer and junkie, but only a select few knew where he was getting the stuff. Draco looked up when Pansy walked through the door. She looked at Draco with a furious glare and joined Millicent and Daphne in front of the room.

"She's still furious with you," said Blaise.

"Really? I hadn't noticed," said Draco. "For as long as she's known me she believed I was hers."

"And never found out you were…."

"No, but she did like the fact that I had a fashion sense." He turned to Blaise with a smile. "Still feel like going out with her?"

"I told you, I'm done with her." Draco gave him a curious look. "She slapped me. She seemed to think I encouraged you to break up with her and that we were never friends. She slapped be across the face so hard her nails scrapped my cheek."

"I thought that was a scratch."

"Yeah, it was, from her," said Blaise before frowning again and putting his head in his hand. "I tell you, Draco, a girl like that doesn't cut it for me."

"Then find a nice guy," said Draco.

"Nah. I don't know what to do. Guys are hard to find and girls are too demanding."

"You'll find someone, guy or girl."

"I hope so."

Draco smiled at his friend and looked up when the door opened and Potter walked in. He was accompanied by Granger and Weasley and they were laughing at something Weasley said but Draco heard the force in behind Potter's, and the slight slouch in his shoulders.

'Looks like Potter had a bad few weeks as well,' thought Draco. As if sense that Draco was watching him, Potter looked up and straight at him. Draco felt his chest tighten and his face became warm under Potter's stare. Potter nodded before sitting between Weasley and Granger.

"You all right, Draco," asked Blaise. "Your face looks a bit flushed."

"I am," asked Draco in surprise. "I must be a little warm."

"If you say so," said Blaise still looking suspiciously at Draco before Binns walked in. They immediately began writing down notes and tried to ignore Binns droning voice.

At lunch they picked up their trays and went to their usual table. Draco wadded a napkin, tossed it to Blaise and Blaise threw it at the back of Weasley's head. Both laughed as Weasley glared at them and made a start toward them but Potter grabbed his arm.

"Don't, Ron," he said. "They're just big prats."

"Something wrong, Weasley," asked Draco. "Or did you lose your one room home?"

Weasley yanked his arm from Potter's grip and advanced toward them but both Potter and Granger grabbed his arms.

"Stop it, Ron," said Granger. "You know he's only trying to make himself look important."

"And he's pushing your buttons," said Potter.

"Well, we wouldn't do it if it wasn't so easy," said Blaise.

"What about your girlfriend, Malfoy," asked Weasley with a smirk. "Did she finally get tired of seeing your ugly mug and decided to go with Zabini?"

Draco smiled as well. "I suppose the "ugly mug" bit was supposed to hurt my feelings, right," he asked. "And I broke it off, actually."

"And I'm good, thanks," said Blaise.

"Ron, let it go," said Potter. "You know they like to bully."

Potter glared at Draco who smirked back as Potter and Granger led Weasley back to their seats. When Potter sat Weasley down he looked over at Draco with an irritated expression. The look on Potter's face made Draco's stomach squirm unpleasantly and his face became warm.

"There you go all flustered again," said Blaise. "But you do look better than before. Draco, what is wrong with you?"

"Blaise, are you ever going to drop it?" asked Draco. He knew he shouldn't have asked the question but Blaise was really getting on his nerves.

"Nope," said Blaise with a shake of his head. Draco sighed and stood up.

"Not here," he said. Blaise looked at him in surprise.

"But I haven't eaten yet."

Draco glared at him. "Do you want to find out what I've been doing or eat your lunch?"

Blaise though for a moment before grabbing his sandwich on the tray. "I'll do both," he said with a smile.

Draco shook his head and walked out of the cafeteria. Blaise could find a solution to every silly situation. When they were kids he would get them out of trouble before their parents found out and was the reason why Lucius and Narcissa hadn't found out about Draco's sexual preference yet.

Draco led Blaise to a study room and closed the door behind him the rook had a table with chairs and text books for every subject and grade.

"So what's on your mind, Draco," said Blaise. "You've been quiet, closed up and your teasing Potter has become milder then old times. They used to be the highlight of your day."

But Draco didn't answer right away. He pulled out one of the chairs by hooking under it with his foot and pulled it out, and sat on it.

"Damn, I need a smoke," he said scrubbing his face with his hands. Instead he grabbed a pack of gum in his pocket and started chewing it.

"You want a smoke and your chewing gum?" asked Blaise in surprise. Draco looked up at him.

"I'm quitting," he said.

"Since when?"

"A while," said Draco and the tone in his voice told Blaise to leave it as that.

"So what's up?" asked Blaise.

"Blaise, is it wrong to fall in love with someone you shouldn't, yet feel so right at the same time?" asked Draco in a shaking voice, trying not to bite his tongue as he chewed his gum.

"Is that what's wrong with you? You're in love?" Blaise blew out an amazed breathe. "No wonder you didn't want to have a quick screw. Which guy?"

Draco shook his head. "No, I can't tell you. It's wrong, don't you see? It's Romeo and Juliet wrong."

"But with a happy ending," said Blaise sarcastically. Draco shot him a look. "Draco, the way I see it, you're gay. Society will say you're going to fall in love with the wrong person all the time, and it'll be up to you whether it's right or not."

"Now you're going Dr. Lockhart on me," said Draco. "All I need to do now is ignore him and you're going to help me."

"Dude, seriously since you won't tell me who you're in love with I'll back off. It's your business and it's a good idea. If daddy does fide out I'll just tell the truth. I don't know anything."

"Any more questions, Dr. Lockhart?"

Blaise forced a laugh. "Funny. But seriously. Tell or don't tell him. It's up to you, but if you want me to keep any secrets, I suggest you tell him. It'll get the weight off your chest and keep any stress levels down."

Draco laughed at his friend's advice. Talking to Blaise did make him feel better, which was one of the reasons they stayed friends.

XXXXXXXX

Harry walked into the school library and quickly walked past Madam Pince. The woman was obsessed with books and still held a grudge against Harry when she found him writing in one; even through it was a work book a teacher wanted them to finish in a week. She shrieked at him as he ran out of the library and her screams followed him down the hall.

Harry went to the back of the library where Ginny was studying a text book while playing with a pencil. She looked up and smiled when Harry sat next to her and began pulling out his study books.

"Where's Ron and Hermione," asked Ginny as Harry opened his chemistry book.

"Busy," said Harry with a smirk. Ginny huffed.

"Again? They might as well get married."

Harry flicked a piece of paper at her and it hit her forehead. "Don't jinx it," he said and went back to his chemistry book.

"When are you going to find a special friend," asked Ginny after a few minutes.

"Never mostly likely," said Harry without looking. Ginny hit him on the head with her pencil. "Ow! Ginny!"

"Harry, I hope you can't be serious," she said glaring at her friend. "You want everyone else around you happy but none for yourself."

"I just don't want to get a person's hopes up and crush them when I die."

SLAP

Ginny slapped Harry from across the table, the furious look on her case as set as the look in her eyes. The few people in the library looked over the two but a look from Harry made them turn back to their books.

"Don't ever joke about that, Harry," said Ginny blinking tears from her eyes. "'Cause it's not funny."

"It's a universal truth, Ginny," said Harry. "Everything dies."

"But no one knows when." Ginny sighed for a moment before her face became soft and serious. "Harry, you haven't been close to anyone since Cedric died. Not even to Ron and Hermione. Just promise me, if you do find love, don't let it go."

"Ginny…."

"Promise me!"

Harry gave a defeated sigh. "I promise."

"You better keep it, Harry," she said. "Or I will be very angry." She smirked. "Besides, I think Malfoy's a pretty good catch."

Harry sudden stiffness made him snap his pencil in two. "Excuse me?"

"I'm saw the way you look at him and it's not because you're his bodyguard."

"Ron told you about that?" asked Harry and Ginny smirked.

"Ron was never able to keep a secret," she said. "Especially from me."

"I don't like Malfoy through," said Harry. Ginny had been the only one he told about his sexual preference. She understood and they faked their relationship so Harry would get the many female admirers that he already had for being one of the popular kids off his back and he was free to explore his preference, but Harry hesitated in exploring his sexuality and Ginny called it off.

"You like him, and he likes you," said Ginny with a smile. Harry looked at her in shock.

"What?!"

Ginny looked surprised. "You mean you didn't know? I would have thought you did, you being one yourself and all…."

"Ginny…."

"Malfoy's gay," said Ginny in a low voice, so low that Harry hardly hear it. Harry's mouth hung open till Ginny reached over and closed it. "Come on, it was obvious, even for you."

"How can you be sure he's gay?" asked Harry in a low. "Where's your proof?"

"Okay, well," said Ginny in a sarcastic tone. "He's obsessed about his hair and looks. He has a killer fashion sense, gets a manicure and a pedicure…."

"How do you know he gets a pedicure?" asked Harry.

"Fleur works in the beauty salon Malfoy goes to Bouxbaton Beautettes. She told me. And I have never seen him kiss Parkinson."

"I have seen him kiss Parkinson," said Harry. Ginny shook her head.

"No, you've seen Parkinson kiss Malfoy. Not the other way around, therefore he either hasn't been interested in the female-dog for the past seven years or he's gay?"

Harry chuckled at Ginny's word phrasing. "Female dog?"

"Mum wants me to cut back on my cussing," said Ginny with a small smile.

"It still doesn't prove anything."

"I've seen the way he looks at you," said Ginny. "Like he want to reach across the room and eat you up."

"More like me beating up, Malfoy and I hated each other since we were kids. Why would he start liking me?"

Ginny shrugged. "Maybe he's closeted."

Harry paused as he thought about what happened since September. Malfoy had come to the federal agents on his own. And he had taken care of Harry when Harry had been shot. And he was concerned when Harry hurt himself in gym. It had been an accident on both parts and Draco had been concerned. How did Sirius put it in November? "There were things that can't be told, only felt."

"Maybe," he said.

Two classes later he was in Chemistry sitting next to Ron as the redhead talked about what he planned to do on his date with Hermione. Neville and Dean listened for a while in front of them, and the class quieted when Snape walked in.

"Settled down," he said through there was no need. The class had quieted the moment he walked in. "You don't need to prattle about your pathetic teenage drama." He turned to the front of the class and held up a stack of papers. "Pop quiz."

The class groaned. The off side of Snape's pop quizzes was that he gave them on a different day for each class, and each were random so they were really "pop quizzes".

"Silence." The classes quieted. "Potter, sit with Malfoy. Zabini with Weasley. Longbottom with Nott."

Harry groaned as he closed his text book and walked over to sit next to Malfoy.

"Long time no see, Potter," said Malfoy as Harry sat next to him.

"Leave me alone, Malfoy," said Harry. Malfoy put on a pout.

"But all I want is to talk, Potter. Is that so wrong?"

"You're talking usually gets me in trouble."

"No talking, Potter," said Snape hitting Harry on the back of the head. Harry gave Malfoy and "I told you so" look.

"Sorry," muttered Malfoy, surprising Harry.

Harry looked down at his test sheet, his face slightly red. When Harry looked back up at Malfoy from the corner of his eye he saw that Malfoy had a quiet look on his face as he wrote his answers. Malfoy looked up slightly and smirked at Harry before returning to the pop quiz.

Later Harry finished the quiz and handed it back to Snape. The chemistry teacher gave Harry a skeptical look, like he didn't believe Harry had answered the questions on his own. Harry just handed the sheet in, walked back to his seat and turned his text book to the chapter Snape wanted them to read after the test.

"Sorry about getting you in trouble," said Malfoy on a low voice when Harry sat back down.

"It's nothing. I'm always in trouble."

Malfoy smiled and returned to the chapter. Harry watched Malfoy's face for a moment longer before reading the chapter. Everyone sighed in relief when the bell rang to single the end of the school day.

"Essays on my deck by next week on the chapter you just read and why the chemical contents are important," said Snape. "I would also need and essay on the history of medical products along with the first essay, including the process of making the medicine."

The class groaned as they packed up their bags. Harry waited a moment for Ron before they headed out.

"Potter, hold up," called Malfoy. "I want to talk to you."

"Shove off, Malfoy," said Ron steering Harry away. "Who want to talk to you?"

"I just want to talk, Weasley, but not here. Can we go your house, Potter?"

"No, you can," said Ron.

"Sirius is there, Rom," said Harry. "I'll be fine. I want to hear what he has to say."

"But Harry…"

"Ron, I can take care of myself."

Ron closed his mouth and glared at Malfoy. The blonde smirked at the redhead as he followed Harry to the parking lot. Harry climbed onto his motorcycle and Malfoy sat behind a little nervous.

"No helmet," said Malfoy as Harry kicked the stand up.

"Obscures my vision," said Harry turning the key in the ignition. Malfoy moved away after wrapping his arms around Harry's waist. "What is it?"

"Something digging into my stomach," said Malfoy and moved Harry's jacket aside. He stared in shock at the Walter PPK in Harry's waist band. "A gun?! You brought a gun to school?!"

Harry moved the gun from his lower back to his front and adjusted his shirt to cover it.

"Better?" he asked.

"Why the hell do you have a gun at school?!" asked Malfoy.

"Well, I wouldn't be a very good bodyguard if I didn't have some kind of protection," said Harry smirking over at Malfoy. The blonde blushed and turned his head away.

"Damn crazy if you ask me," he muttered under his breathe.

"Hold on," said Harry with a chuckle and rode out of the parking lot. Malfoy held tight as Harry drove down the street.

Draco had never ridden a motorcycle before. Lucius found them to be uncivilized and repulsive but Draco now found them to be enjoyable. The speed sent adrenaline pumping through him and the near flight experience made him feel free. He was sorry the ride ended when Harry parked next to his wrecked car, still getting fixed.

When Malfoy got off the bike he rested against the side of the covered car to catch his breathe.

"First bike ride?" asked Harry and Malfoy nodded.

"Yeah, it's a rush," he said and Harry laughed.

"Yeah. It is. Come on. Sirius is inside and he'll listen to anything you have to say."

"Actually, I just wanted to talk to you, alone. It's kind of personal."

Harry looked at Malfoy in surprise. "Okay. We can talk in my room. Do you want a soda? Juice?"

Draco shook his head. "No. I just want to talk to you."

Harry nodded and led Draco inside. Country music sounded through the radio in the kitchen and Sirius was singing along off key as he washed a plate.

"Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys. Don't let'em fix guitars and ride in old trucks. Let'em be doctors and lawyers and such. Mama's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys, 'cause they'll never stay home and they're always alone, even with someone they love…"

"Sirius," said Harry in confusion and the federal agent turned to look at him in surprise.

"Harry, you're home. How was school?"

"All right. What are you doing? It sounded like a cat was dying."

Sirius flicked soap and Harry. "It's called singing. You should try it sometime."

"I don't think so if that's that singing sounds like."

"It's one of your father's favorite songs." Sirius looked up to see Malfoy standing behind Harry nervously. "Draco, you're not supposed to be here."

"He, uh, wants to talk to me," said Harry scratching the back of his neck. "Alone."

"About what?" Harry shrugged. "Well, be quick about it. I don't want Riddle's men getting wind that Lucius' son is hanging out with the school punk."

"That's great," said Harry with a tight smile. "Thanks, Sirius. A lot of confidence there." Harry turned to Malfoy and gently took the blonde's arm. "Come on, we'll have privacy in my room."

Harry gave Sirius a look and the federal agent turned his head innocently. Harry led Malfoy up to his room and closed the door. Going to the bed he sat down and looked at Malfoy, standing nervously in front of the door.

"Okay, Malfoy, you wanted to talk, so talk."

Malfoy shifted his feet, wringing his hands behind his back. He was so nervous he was afraid to even say anything, but he came this far.

"Please, don't rush me," he said hitting against his leg now, concentrating on the rhythm to help him think. "I'm nervous enough as it is."

Harry looked at him in surprise. Malfoy was nervous about a simple conversation. It must be important for him to act like this.

"Calm down, Malfoy," said Harry. "You don't have to tell me right away. Take your time."

Malfoy chuckled. Harry saying that did made him feel better. "Ever the hero, aren't you Potter?" he said in a lighter tone then usual when taunting Harry. Harry shrugged with a smile.

"Whatever makes you feel better, Malfoy."

"Draco." Harry looked slightly surprised. "We've been hanging out for months. Call me Draco."

"Okay, if you call me Harry."

Draco smiled before clearing his throat. "Harry, I don't know how to tell you this. I've been going it over in the back of my head over a hundred times. I know your more open minded with Agent Black and all…."

"Draco, what are you saying?" Draco shifted his feet again and looked away. Harry quickly read the signs and smiled. "So theory is a fact. You are gay."

Draco looked at him in surprise. "Who told you? I only told Blaise."

Harry stood up and walked to him. "A friend who can keep a secret. And it wasn't Blaise. So you are gay."

"Yes," said Draco almost shamefully.

"Are you in love with me?"

"Yes," he said in the same tone and looked up at Harry with guilt. "For I don't know how long. A long, long time." He shrugged. "I just looked at you one day and saw you as beautiful."

Harry gulped down a lump that had formed in his throat. He admits that Draco was beautiful; both facially and personally once a person got to know him. He had never failed to see Draco's looks.

"And I suppose you want me to say I like you back," he said crossing his arms. Draco was still looking away nervously.

"I don't mind if you don't," he said. "If you're straight then it's okay. The Weasley girl is okay as far as girls go. I just wanted you to know."

He was bumbling and Draco knew it. Lucius would hit Draco if he saw his son right then. Harry stood and walked over to Draco.

"Draco, I didn't say I didn't like you that way," said Harry putting a hand on Draco's shoulder to stop his babbling.

"Oh," said Draco looking embarrassed. "Do you?"

Harry sighed. "I don't know. I like you, a lot, but I'm not sure if I'm in love with you yet."

"So, you're gay, too," said Draco in surprise. "But I thought…with Ginny and Cho…."

"Some could say the same with Pansy," said Harry with a shrug. "Ginny already knew about me, and agreed to be my official girlfriend to keep the ladies away. Unofficially, I was still single. And Cho was just a rumor I spread so people wouldn't get suspicious."

Harry chuckled.

"She didn't mind. She even thought we were dating for about two weeks." Putting his arm around Draco Harry led him to the bed. Draco drew his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. "How did you find out you were gay?"

"I stumbled into it," said Draco with a shrug. "Blaise was openly bi, so I knew I was safe with him, but he swung more for girls then guys. I never had a boyfriend through. I was too afraid to come out, till you."

"A full on closet case, huh?" said Harry and Draco nodded. "Same as me, only I didn't know I was, till Cedric. He was my first boyfriend. He saw the signs and showed me the ropes."

Draco looked at Harry in surprise. "Cedric? Cedric Diggory was your boyfriend?" Harry nodded with a small smile. "But he dated Cho for like two years…"

"It was a cover. Cedric was gay and wanted to date me, and we did, but posing as friends, but he couldn't be openly gay, not till he was eighteen. His father was religious to a fault and highly homophobic. If he found out Cedric was gay, Amos Diggory would have bought the farm. Cedric truly feared his father would kill him. I half thought he did when Cedric was ran over."

"No wonder you were out of it when he died," said Draco. "You were in love with him, and you kept it secret."

"I had to," said Harry sadly. "To protect him. But he died anyway, because of me."

"No," said Draco putting a hand under Harry's chin and making him look at Draco. "Cedric died because Riddle was a maniac. He died saving the boy he loved to become the man he is now."

Draco reached up and caressed Harry's cheek.

"And I know better. I can take care of myself. I promise. I won't leave you behind."

"I'll hold you to that," said Harry with a smile. Draco smiled back and sighed.

"So, how do we go about this dating thing," he asked.

"Well," said Harry standing up. "We can do it like any couple. Dinner and a movie?"

"Can we do that? We're both guys?"

Harry shrugged. "And that changes anything?" he asked and held out his hand to Draco. "Want to go to with me, Draco Malfoy?"

Draco smiled, taking Harry's hand and stood. "I'd be happy to, Harry Potter," he said. Both quickly changed, Draco borrowing clothes from Harry and headed downstairs.

"Sirius, we're heading out," said Harry enthusiastically. He held Draco's hand as they headed toward the door.

"Out?" asked Sirius from the kitchen. "Out where?"

"On a date!" said Draco as enthusiastic as Harry. Sirius could hear both laughing as Harry started his motorcycle and they rode out of the driveway.

"Well, I'll be," said Sirius with a chuckle.

TBC