To Gain My Independence:

rated M

Words to use: Broom closet, intrepid, Louvre(assuming since they're in Paris, you mean the museum? Shocking I lived in France the first 10 years of my life and I never been there), fish cakes, Chocolate covered strawberries, television, and piano. As an added challenge especially for Your Bella-Dragon, I will attempt to use motorcycle(Harley Davidson to be exact), Barbie, children, apple pie, broom, and monkey all in one paragraph. Lets see if I can. Ok I have a long authors note at the end, you can ignore it, unless you're the reviewer who commented on Harry's OOC-ness. But Since I am making the authors notes so long, I will try to make this chapter longish.

WHAT WORDS SHOULD I USE NEXT?

"I'm not going anywhere else Draco!" Harry exclaimed. It was their last day in Paris, and all their trip consisted of, was Draco taking him places and rubbing it in Harry's face that he had class while the other did not. Or at least that's what it seemed like.

"Come on Harry," Draco half whined, "You can not go to Paris without visiting the Louvre." Harry did not care to see another museum, he was certain they have been to at least eight already.

"What makes this museum so different from the others 'we just had to see'?" Harry asked grumpily. His feet were sore, they had been walking all day, and to top it off, they awoke at 4 this morning to get an early start. The sun would soon set, and all he wanted to get to the hotel and watch it from the balcony. He really wanted to enjoy the setting sun, which he only glimpsed the day before.

"This one is HUGE!" Draco said excitedly, "It has the Mona Lisa, the Venus De Milo, and-," Harry frowned and tuned Draco out. He didn't see why Draco wanted to go to all these places to see these great beauties, when the sun retiring in Paris promised to be a majestic view. Harry scanned the streets looking for an urban-cab. He didn't need Draco, he could go on his own.

"You are stubborn, rude, unreasonable…," Draco was ticking off all the things Harry was on is finger, but nonetheless he climbed in the cab headed for the hotel. It was only about two miles back to the hotel, and would have been cheaper, and wiser to take a metro-bus, but Harry wanted privacy, not to be crammed in a seat between an old lady who smelled like cats, and a big man who would no doubt be dripping in sweat.

"Obstinate, in compliable, wayward, perverse, erratic…," Draco was still criticizing Harry as he sat on the balcony, facing the Eiffel Tower. The sky was an orange color, quickly turning pink, and at the moment Harry wished he had a camera. Or an oxygen mask. He was finding it hard to breath and his throat was chocking up. His glazed eyes threatened to spill over in tears as he saw the sun sink lower and lower in the sky. He had never seen anything quite this beautiful, and he was feeling rather embarrassed about his reaction. That was until he stole a glance at Draco, who was quiet for the first time in ten minutes. He had unshed tears in his eyes also, and an amazed look. Like he couldn't believe that something free, which you can see almost any day, would be a breathtaking sight. Harry stared at the boys whey-face, forgetting all about the sunset he had demanded to see. Finally the moon was all the light that was left, and Draco composed himself. He was not going to give Harry the satisfaction of admitting that this may have been better then seeing some ancient artwork.

"Are you happy now?" Draco growled, "The Louvre is sure to close in ten minutes! We missed it," Draco did not look thrilled about this, but Harry knew better.

"I'm very happy," Harry said a small smile on his face. This shocked Draco who was sure he was going to get an apology from Harry for being selfish. But Harry merely had an intrepid look on his face as he stood in front of Draco. At that moment Draco feared the deadly Gryffindor bravery. What was the boy going to do to him? Draco thought in panic as Harry edged closer, ever so slowly. Stepping back in order to escape whatever was in store for him Draco hit the rail, and knew Harry was going to push him over. He just knew it, after all, what else could Harry do that would give him that look.

"Ugh," Draco groaned in frustration as he realized his wand was inside the hotel room, at least 15 feet away. One minute he was gripping the rail of the balcony for dear life, and the next he had two warm lips against his. The kiss was sloppily, rushed, hard, and amateurish. It was probably the worst kiss of his life, and Harry was the one directing it. That alone should have made it worse, but it didn't. Instead it gave Draco the tingles, the butterflies, the walking on water, floating in air foot popping feeling he never experienced in a kiss before. All to soon it was over, and with it went Harry's courage. Green eyes stared into his before they filled with horror. It was obvious Harry could not believe what he just did. Draco couldn't believe it himself.

"You kiss like a 12 year old," Draco said trying to sound pissed off. He dramatically wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and left the balcony. Harry just stood there wondering why he did what he did, and trying not to let Draco's obvious repulsion effect him. Kissing Draco felt like somebody set his body on fire, covered him with alcohol, and started a flame. No small sparks, it was white hot passion, and Harry was unsure he would be able to end it. And when he finally forced his lips way, and started to cool down, Draco burned him. Harry waited until Draco went into the restroom, before he entered the hotel again. Deciding to skip room service he went downstairs for dinner, and did not return back till late at night. He wanted to be sure Draco was asleep.

"You look down," Harry heard as he paced the hallway near his and Draco's room. The voice had sound just after the door to the room opened and closed. He stopped abruptly when he saw who it was. Melanie. What was she doing visiting Draco this late at night? Was she performing more services for him, this time going further than giving him head? Quickly Harry pretended not to hear her, and continued his pacing.

"It's late you know," she tried again to start a conversation. Harry stopped and glared at her, before nodding.

"I could say the same to you," he said icily. Melanie's eyes widened in realization.

"I wasn't fucking your boyfriend," she said quietly. A wad of money in her hand told Harry otherwise.

"He's not my boyfriend, you can do whatever you want with him," but his eyes gave away his lie, more then the euros in her hand gave away hers.

"All the same, we didn't do anything," Draco seemed nice, she didn't want to ruin his relationship over nothing.

"Okay," Harry said in an unbelieving voice. Melanie sighed. She was not a home-wrecker, whether Draco wanted her to be or not.

"He invited me over for a kiss is all," Harry nearly snorted. That was a lie if he ever heard one.

"Yes, he paid you all that for a kiss," he tried to keep his voice even, like it didn't bother him at all. He had no claim on Draco, he didn't even like him. Well, maybe as a friend he supposed. They had been through too much now to be enemies still. If Draco thought of him as a friend, was a whole other story.

"Its true," she said, and Harry detected no lie in her voice.

"Why would he want just a kiss?" Harry asked her confused. Melanie rubbed her bare arms, and Harry wondered if she always wore tank tops and mini skirts in the winter.

"Listen, I get a lot of customers, and I have to do a lot of strange things. I don't ask why," but her eyes showed pity for Harry. "He asked me to lay in bed with him until you got home, I figured maybe he was just lonely," she rubbed her arms again, "Most guys don't try to get caught in compromising situations with me, what with jealous partners and all" Her story wasn't adding up.

"Then why aren't you in bed with him now?" he was through hiding his curiosity. Melanie gave a small encouraging smile.

"He fell asleep, and I figured I could visit my boss, and see if he had any work for me tonight," she seemed uncomfortable, and Harry wondered how old she was. She looked about his age. "Listen, I have to go now, take care," she smiled and left, not waiting for his goodbye. Harry watched her leave, wondering if what she said was true, why did Draco just want a kiss? And why was he trying to get caught in bed with her?

Slowly Harry unlocked the hotel door, and slipped in as quietly as he could manage. He wouldn't make Draco uncomfortable sharing a bed, so he grabbed an extra pillow and laid it on the uncomfortable, itchy carpet. After tossing and turning for almost an hour, he managed to get in four hours of sleep, before he awoke and packed his and Draco's bags, showered and dressed. When he came out of the bathroom, Draco was already awake, and eating a piece of toast with sliced tomatoes on top. It didn't look very appetizing.

"Morning," Draco spoke, shocking Harry who figured he was in for hours of awkward silence and uncomfortable glares. "Sleep well?"

"Morning," Harry chose to ignore the question. He slept horrible and had a slight crick in his neck.

"I already checked us out, so when your ready, Father sent a port key for us," Draco pointed to a book which a nervous house elf held tightly to. It was small, and ancient looking. No doubt filld with dark spells. Downing some orange juice Harry forced a smile.

"I'm ready when you are," but Draco frowned.

"Are you not going to eat?" he asked. Harry shook his head no. Draco's frown grew.

"You must be hungry." Again Harry shook his head no. "Fine," Draco sighed and grabbed Harry's hand. His touch seemed to light the flames in Harry's body. And he almost wished Draco would never let go. That they would have to hold hands forever. "Are you ready?" Draco asked when the house elf set the book down on the bed and kneeled. Harry wasn't ready. The sooner they left, the sooner their hands would have to separate.

"Yes," he said taking a deep breath and squeezing his eyes shut.

"Merry Christmas!" Narcissa exclaimed the minute her son and his 'boyfriend' arrived back home. "How was the trip?" Draco fell right into routine. His hand held onto Harry's for a moment longer before he released it. Harry's hand now felt empty. The warmth gone.

"Merry Christmas Mum," Draco said giving her a light and brief hug, "It was very romantic, thank you," Harry just stared at his feet wishing he was anywhere but there. Wishing he didn't like the way his hands felt in Draco's. wishing he wasn't still yearning to reach out and grab Draco's hand, to lace their fingers together….

"Enough chit-chat, it's time to open presents," Narcissa led them to a room, where Lucius Malfoy sat staring transfixed at a snowy owl. His eyes were full of bewilderment and wonder.

"She's a genious," he said, when the boys entered the room. "She has been bringing gifts in all morning, no doubt from Hogwarts, or your home," It was obvious he was talking to Harry about Hedwig, even though he didn't so much as glance at the boy-who-lived.

"Yes, well, start unwrapping," Narcissa said interrupting what was now empty silence. Harry started with his gift from the Weasley's, his usual sweater, and a still warm apple pie. Next he opened his gift from Dobby because it was closest, and found a Barbie riding a Harley Davidson Motorcycle. It looked strangley like a doll he would see on television ads, and wondered what was going through the elf's head when he bought it. His gift from Hermione was not a shocker, a book, but what did shock him was that on the cover was an ape like monkey riding a broom. ' The Evolution of Flying, And Where It All Began.' Harry figured that would make for good reading, and hoped Hermione liked her gift he sent her. Harry refused to watch Draco open his gifts as he unwrapped what Fred and George sent him. It was a basket ful of sample products, which read 'For adults and children of all ages' and in a finer print had a long disclaimour warning of possible effects, and denying any and all responsibility. He opened the rest of his presents and stacked them in as small as a pile as possible. Harry finished long before Draco, but still refused to watch him open his no doubt, expensive, and overly done gifts. Instead he cooed over Hedwig, and stared at her intently as he petted her feathers.

"Harry?" Narcissa asked quietly, avoiding her husbands gaze. Harry lifted his head to look at her, he could see she held a small emerald box in her hand, on top of it, a large silver bow. "This is for you, from Lucius and I." she had a nervous smile on her lips. Draco froze from opening his presents, curiosity all over his face. He stood and began to walk towards them. Harry gulped, he wasn't expecting this, and he couldn't accept a gift under false pretenses.

"You didn't have to get me anything," he told her, Lucius Malfoy nodded his head in agreement.

"If you don't want it, we can take it back," Lucius was not happy that his wife bought Potter a gift, and even less thrilled, that she said he had a part in it. Oh how he dreaded that wizards oath he had taken. It almost didn't seem worth it.

"No, open it Harry," Draco said now sitting by his mother. "We would be greatly offended if you refused." truth was, he wanted to see what his mum gave Harry. With an annoyed look, Harry opened the box to reveal a ring, yellow gold and embellished with many colorful gems he never even seen before. He looked at Draco, his face filled with worry. He could not accept this gift. "There is writing on the inside," Draco supplied, and Harry wondered if Draco was in on this gift too, and why he didn't give him warning. He looked over the no doubt Goblin made ring and began to read the inside, but it was latin.

"This is too expensive," Harry closed the box and attempted to hand it back. Nobody reached for it. Narcissa did not see this coming. Most people accepted her gifts graciously, and with no qualms.

"We paid nothing for it," she assured, "it's an heirloom, I want you to have it. I will not accept no has an answer," Sighing, Harry opened the box and slipped it on his left ring finger. The only finger it seemed to fit. He would give it to Draco before he left, or at Hogwarts.

"Thank you," Harry said showing as much gratitude as he could muster. Lucius stalked out of the room, anger evident on his face and in his eyes. Family heirlooms did not belong outside of the family. His arm was burning, and he knew he had to get to the Dark Lord fast, or be punished. For the rest of the morning Draco opened his gifts, and Narcissa attempted to make conversastion with Harry, who was polite as ever. The Malfoy house wasn't very haimish, but with Lucius gone, it was a tad more comfortable. By lunch time Draco was starving, he felt like he hadn't ate in weeks.

"When will lunch be ready?" Draco asked his mother as his stomach growled relentlessly. Narcissa frowned, she had all her house elves at their winter cottage freshening it up, and she couldn't decide which one to summon. But then again, she really didn't need one just yet.

"How about we make fish cakes," It wasn't a question, merley a suggestion, but Draco smiled. They did this every Christmas, and his mother always acted like it wasn't planned. It was a tradition she tried to sneak in, something she did with her mother when she was young.

"Where are the breadcrumbs?" Narcissa had looked through four cabinents and was growing impatient. Draco laughed. Hard. "Well?" Narcissa asked when he calmed down. Draco pointed to the container of breadcrumbs that sat on the counter just feet away from his mother. She did not see why her son was so amused. Harry was busy frying eggs and slicing lemon, while Draco got back to frying potatoes with onion. Once It was finished, she ushered the boys out of the kitchen, tossing breadcrumbs in Draco's hair. Annoyed he shook it out in her direction before escorting Harry to the dinning room.

"Why is your kitchen all the way downstairs, but your dinning room up here?" that was very inconvenient.

"Because Harry, we don't usually ever use our kitchen, and the house elves bring us our food," Draco wondered why Harry asked such an obvious question. Narcissa was busy muttering to a summoned house elf to set the table, and prepare a sweet snack for after wards.

"And call my husband for lunch," she added on her way out of the kitchen. The house elve eyes widened.

"Master is not home," the elf said nervously wringing her hands together around an oven mit. "Sirs had a meeting," frantical the elf began to slap herself.

"Why didn't any of you inform me sooner!" she seethed. The elf began gave out a tiny yelp.

"Masters says to us, he says to not disturbs yous."

"Fine," Narcissa went upstairs to join the boys for lunch. As soon as she sat, the table filled with the food they spent the last hour making.

"How is it?" she asked Harry when he finished swallowing his first bite.

"Delicious," Harry said, aware that Draco was watching him from the corner of his eyes. To be honest, Harry had never tried fish cakes with salmon before, and he preferred it much more to cod fish.

"How does the ring fit?" Draco asked Harry. Harry smiled politely.

"Perfectly," Harry was good at one word answers. Draco frowned.

"Are you sure?" he asked staring at Harry's laft hand, where the ring rested nicely.

"Positive," Harry agreed. He was anxious for lunch to be over, he would then get to floo to the Burrow and spend the rest of his vacation there, even if it was only one more day.

"Have you shown Harry your ring yet?" Narcissa asked her son. Draco only then remembered the ring he wore on his finger.

"Would you like to see it Harry?" he asked leaning his hand over, and placing it on Harry's. Harry's skin tingled beneath the blondes.

"They're the same?" he said unsure, looking at the nearly identical rings in confusion. The only differnce being, Dracos was gold, and Harry's was yellow gold. Hardley a difference at all really.

"Mine is newer," Draco said, Harry was sure his voice was filled with envy, but he did not understand why. "My mother, and many others, wore that ring," Draco explained, pointing to the ring on Harry's finger, "my great great grandfather, and father have been the only two to wear this one."

"They have a few protection spells in them," Narcissa explained grabbing Draco and Harrys hands and bringing them together. "Besides that they don't really do anything, but for some reason, the Malfoy side of the family have made a huge deal about those rings," Harry knew for sure he would give Draco the ring back as soon as he could. The rest of lunch was silent, and Harry found it very uncomfortable. The whole time Draco was watching him intently, as if he were trying to figure him out.

"I have to visit my sister," Narcissa said after lunch was through. "A dessert has been prepared, and I hope you two enjoy it." She looked at Harry for a moment who was trying desperately to rein in his emotions. He forgot that Draco was related to Bellatrix. She had only left the room moments before, when Harry and Draco heard a large crash, followed by cursing, and then inane laughter. Rushing out to see what the commotion was, they found Draco's mother lying on the floor laughing.

"I seemed…to…have tripped over the blasted piano, "she said between laughter. After Draco helped her stand she smiled and pointed to the black and white keyboard. "Why don't you play us a song Son," draco felt like he was being tricked into doing this.

"I would rather just go and eat dessert now," he headed back to the dining room.

"Afraid?" Harry asked the boys retreating form. Draco stopped and turned.

"Never," he walked back to the piano, and began to play, His start was a little rough, and he missed a few notes as his hands adjust to playing again, it had been over a year. After the first few chords though, he could play without looking at the keys. For him it was like riding a broom. You never truly forget how to do it. Harry stood transfixed watching Draco play the piano. His fingers flew across the keyboard, no key seemed to be unplayed. After a while though, Draco seemed to be showing off, and Harry went from enjoying the blondes obvious passion, to being annoyed at his showiness. Finally Narcissa stopped his playing with a hand on his shoulder.

"That was good," after kissing his forhead, she left. Harry walked back to the dinning room, leaving Draco still sitting.

"Upon seeing the chocolate covered strawberries, Harry smiled. He had tried chocolate, and strwaberries, but never together, and he always wanted to.

"Mmmm," he moaned while sucking the still warm chocolate off his strawberry. His eyes closed as he ate the strawberry slowly, savoring it. Draco watched Harry suck on another strawberry from the doors, and his pants began to get tight.

"Hurry up Harry!" he snapped, confused at his reaction. He had watched many people eat strawberries and chocolate, and never before had he been turned on by it. "Stop molesting your strawberries, do you want to go to the Weasley's or not," Harrry stood, dipping a new strawberry in chocolate.

"Of course I do," he said annoyed. He followed Draco to a large fire place where his trunk sat waiting.

"See you," Harry said awkwardly, before licking the chocolate of his strawberry. Draco gasped. It was probably the hottest thing he had ever seen.

"Yes, well… ok now," Draco handed Harry some floo. "Dumbledore, Weasley, Severus in a bikini," he mumbled to himself trying to diminish his growing erection.

"Here is your ring," Harry said slipping it off his finger, and handing it to Draco. Draco frowned.

"Is it not good enough for you?" he asked, his voice teeming with fake offense.

"It..no.. its not that, its just…," Harry didn't know what to say. He sighed. "I can't accept it, it belongs in the family." Draco looked at Harry and rolled his eyes.

"Well I can't take it back, my mother would get suspicious, and so would my father." he looked around to make sure no one was near. "Listen, we'll 'break' up sometime before summer, and you can give it to me then, ok?" and Draco left the room, leaving Harry with no choice, but to put the ring on, and floo away.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed when his friend stepped out of the fireplace. He was over an hour late!

"Hey Ron! Where is everyone?" he asked setting his trunk aside.

"Mum and Dad are outside with Ginny, and the twins are upstairs, they have been up there all day." Ron scanned Harry over, his hair looked like he made an effort to come it down, and his shirt was tucked in. "Looking nice for Malfoy," he wagged his eyebrows suggestively, but only kidding. Harry blushed and looked anywhere, but at Ron. "Oh gross!Malfoy!" Ron asked looking green. Harry blushed harder. "You fancey Malfoy!" When in the world did Ron get so perceptive.

"Sh," Harry hissed. "I do not!" he tried to defend, but even he heard the lie in his voice. Now he had to deal with Ron, would he kick him out because he was gay? Would they still be friends now?

"Ugh Harry! Why couldn't you like Seamus or Dean, why Malfoy!" Harry was sure Ron was going to pass out, his face was turning many different colors. Green to red, red to purple, purple to white.

"I don't like Malfoy, I don't even fancey boys!" Harry said angrily. But he knew it was a lie. When did he start liking guys, and why Draco?

"I don't care that you like blokes, but Malfoy!" Ron asked angrily.

"I don't like guys!" Harry said, and stormed outside.

"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley said pulling him into a hug, Ginny ran up from behind a huge bush were her and her dad were lighting red and green bulbs.

"Hey," she said throwing him into a passionate hug. "So, you like guys now?" she asked, effectively making Harry release her and blush.

"Ginny!" her mother chastised. Ginny looked down before looking at her mum.

"Sorry," she said quietly. Then looked at Harry. "You and Ron were yelling pretty loudly." shrugging her shoulders like it was no big deal.

"Charlie likes boys too," she said as if she was defeated. "Maybe you two could hook up or something." her voice was calm, but her eyes showed her pain.

"I don't like guys," Harry attempted, but he knew it was pointless. Molly pulled him into another big hug.

"I know muggles make a big deal of being gay Harry, but its not like that here," she said, Harry felt comfortable in her arms. He wondered if what she said was true.

"Well I don't like Malfoy, that's for sure." he said, and this time his voice was strong, this lie was easier to tell when no one could see his face. Molly just held on to him.

"Charlie is single," she said after releasing the hug, causing Harry's blush to flare back up. "Why don't you put your new sweater on?" she asked Harry.

"Sure," he said going inside, and walking to where he left his trunk. It was not there though.

"It's upstairs already," Ron said from behind him. Harry avoided his eyes.

"I don't care that your gay," Ron said acceptingly.

"Well I don't like Draco," Harry defended still not looking at Ron.

"Draco is it?" Ron asked. Harry ignored him and headed upstairs. "No hitting on me though," Ron called after Harry.

"Don't worry," Harry yelled back, "Annoying is not my type," Ron scowled. When was it that He was annoying, And Malfoy wasn't? Harry better of not liked Malfoy. Ron sat on a couch thinking. Was he jealous? Of Harry liking Malfoy? No way.

Halfway to Rons room, a door opened, and four arms pulled Harry into what seemed to be a dark broom closet. "I hear your into guys," One of the twins said, his voice seductively low. The other was busy trailing his hand up Harry's arm ever so slowly, giving Harry the chills.

THIS AUTHOR NOTE IS FOR THE ANONYMUS REVIEW WHO THINKS HARRY IS OOC. And anyone else who does for that matter. I would have replied to her/his review privately, and not taken up all this space, but it was anonymous so I cant

To the reviewer who finds Harry OOC, I'm sorry about that, but I don't see your point. Here, try to see mine and maybe you can explain your opinion a little better. How is Harry socially inept? That's my main concern, because I wasn't going for that at all. If you are referring to the dinner scene, which is the only area I can think of, well do you really think the Dursley's took him to fancy restaurants, let him eat caviar and all that? Would you expect Harry to know he had to eat his caviar with a wooden spoon(I know I didn't even know that, I put bronze lolz I got corrected by another reviewer, who I would like to thank so very much)

If that wasn't what you meant when you said he was socially inept, can you let me know what you did mean, so I can change/fix it. Next, he is not a masturbator-hater. Lmao I know it comes out like that, and I didn't make it clear, he doesn't hate it, he just never did it, but come on, he sleeps in a room with four other people, he doesn't strike me as the type who would feel comfortable getting off like that…now Ron, strikes me as that type. No worries, in a later chapter, he will indulge himself to thoughts of our favorite Slytherin.

Last, the drinking. I never said that was his first drink, DRACO said it probably was. Draco also said he was probably Harry's first kiss, but we all know Cho was. But like he knows, hes just musing. After all, to him, Gryffindors are goody too shoos, and red wine is strong. Butterbeer is not really considered drinking(if you noticed they had some for dinner the night before) I believe it was the 6th(?) book when Dobby told Harry that butterbeer was not strong enough to get a wizard drunk, but plenty strong for house elves(those are no where near his exact words, and he was referring to Winky when he was talking to Harry)

AND TO EASE YOUR MIND: Harry is not going to be a celibate, chastity belt wearing, prude. He is HOOOOTTT for Draco. Right now Draco's mostly justa teenage guy who has natural…needs. He doesnt think he likes Harry romantically..well thats the case for ch 1-4, idk how this ch(5) is going to turn out until i finish writing it

If you still find him out of character, well…he is. No one is exactly alike all the time. That would be stereotyping, and JKR surely did not write him as being gay, in fact she would cringe seeing Harry and Draco together. I'm not JKR, and never will be, that being said I would like to say that we have different writing styles, so naturally my Harry would not be exactly like her Harry. For this story, I hold the pen-er- laptop.