A/n: So I went ahead and decided to do this. I am leaving the first chapter as an epilogue, and here the story starts. [Pierced!Harry/PastelHair!Draco]

Warnings: Depression, please be advised. Please. Depression, flashbacks, drinking.

A/U. Draco Malfoy x Harry Potter. EWE. 8th Year. I don't own Harry Potter the books, the movies, the stories. Nothing. I don't own 'em. I think we all know how that would go by this point if I did.

"Jesus Christ that's a pretty face.. the kind you find on someone that could save." - Jesus Christ, Brand New


Blonde hair and gray eyes, Harry couldn't think of anything else. Blonde hair. Gray eyes. Well that and whisky. Lots of whisky. He was drunk, after all. Always drunk. Harry couldn't remember the last night he wasn't drunk.

Blonde hair. Gray eyes. Whisky.

That's all that mattered anymore, wasn't it? What else mattered? Well maybe the shades of blonde.. It was more white, it glowed. When the light hit it just right, it glowed. That's how Harry remembered it anyway, he had searched all summer for someone with hair to match but hadn't found it. Hadn't found anyone with hair that glowed when the light hit it just right.

The last time Harry saw that hair it hadn't glowed, it was dirty. Blonde and dirty, he almost liked it better because it let him know it belonged to a human. A human that had been covered in cuts, scraps, burns, marks and dirt. A human that wasn't perfect and maybe that is how he had coped with it all. Maybe that was why Harry had saved his life.

"You can't put him in Azkaban, because he was forced. He was protecting his family from death, he was saving his family. He lied for me, his mother lied for me and in the end I was able to defeat Voldemort. Draco Malfoy did the same thing, for his family, he doesn't deserve to die in Azkaban for that."

And Draco didn't go to Azkaban, he was spared. That was all that Harry owed him and his family for what they did for him. A life for a life, and that was it... so why couldn't Harry stop thinking about blonde hair and gray eyes? He reached out grabbing another glass of fire whisky, sipping it as he laid back against the couch. It was his last night for the summer here at Grimmauld Place, tomorrow he would be starting eighth year at Hogwarts. He hadn't heard if Draco Malfoy was going back and he wasn't sure who to ask. The Prophet hadn't reported it, though they had reported practically everything else about the boy over the summer.

He was the most watched person, only because Harry wasn't ever out in the open and Harry had spoken for him so he was sure to be important. The world wanted to know how had Draco Malfoy changed and more importantly how was he going to repay the service to Harry Potter? Harry hated that, Draco didn't owe him anything. He owed Draco things. Well he had, it was a debt repaid now. As of three months ago, it didn't matter anymore.

Draco had donated money to the ministry, had helped rebuild it even, spent time at the school and helped rebuild it as well. He moved out of the Manor and gave it as an orphanage so children had a place to live. But who knew if he was going to Hogwarts tomorrow? Harry would just have to find out on the train. He wanted him to be there, it would make things better - it would be real then.

Everything else had changed, of course. The world was different. People were dead, gone, being forgotten... Hermione and Ron had each other, Ginny moved on from Harry. Who needed him anymore? His task was done - that's how Harry saw it. But how else could he see it through his drunk haze?

Hermione and Ron had been there every morning, every day trying to break through his exterior and walls - to no avail, Ginny hadn't wanted to move on as much as Harry had forced her away and why should she have to sit through torture? Why didn't Harry understand that? The world still needed Harry Potter, the world still wanted him but he didn't want the world anymore. So he drank. Locked away in his house, avoiding everyone - even Kreecher, only eating when he was forced to by the elf and drinking everything in sight.

Drunk was better because the memories didn't play through his head, he didn't have nightmares when he was drunk, he didn't hear their voices when he was drunk. All he saw was blonde hair, gray eyes and whisky. Nothing else mattered, the hangovers weren't even that bad anymore. It was bearable, and the hangovers were better than being sober because he could focus on the way his body ached, the way his head throbbed, the way his body convulsed all his food.

Drunk was better, hungover was nice, sober was worse.


"Are you drinking?" Hermione demanded and jerked the flask from Harry who scowled in response.

Ron watched a bit nervous as the other man jerked the glass flask back and took a swig, "it's just a little something to take the edge off, I'm not sure I'm ready for the fandom yet." Harry spoke smoothly, chewing on his lip. A ring was tucked between his teeth as he rolled the small hoop feeling it sliding through his skin with ease.

"Oh," Hermione nodded, "sorry, I guess I am nervous too..." Harry chuckled and tilted the container towards her offering a sip but she quickly shook her head no and sat back, "Malfoy is here, I saw him on the platform."

"Is he?"

"He was with Parkinson and Zambini," she folded her legs under her, leaning into Ron, "wonder if they all changed as much as him."

"Who knows," Harry shrugged, his hand shaking as he gripped the container. He wanted more, he needed more. It was all he could think about, blonde hair, gray eyes and whisky. "If so this year might be boring."

Ron laughed, shaking his head, "I imagine this year will be far from boring, Harry. Maybe we can befriend the three. We'd be a group of six rather than 3."

"If you want more friends," Hermione answered, "we'll hang out with Luna, Neville, Dean and Seamus."

"Don't tell me you're going to go into this new world holding grudges?"

Hermione shrugged, "I just don't think they're the kinds of friends I want, really."

"We don't even know them," Harry whispered, "plus didn't Malfoy like donate his whole house and a sizable fortune to the Ministry?"

Ron nodded, "doesn't sound so bad when you don't have a Dark Wizard breathing down your neck."

"Might even be... human!" Harry gasped playfully, looking up when he heard the compartment door sliding open, Ginny stood there chocolates in hand.

"Hey," she started, stepping into the room. Harry blinked and sat back without a word, Ron and Hermione shifted uncomfortably, "I brought snacks," she started taking a seat next to Hermione and Ron, "last open seats, surprising really. Everyone keeps whispering about you three..."

"Of course they do," Ron shook his head, "dumb gits."

Harry stood up, "I'm gonna go for a walk."


By the time the train pulled up the station Harry was drunk and happy, he was leaning against Neville who was doing his best to support the other, "Harry c'mon, get it together!" He scolded as they traipsed down the stairs.

"I drank too much," Harry spoke and grabbed his wand, sobering himself slightly with a spell he had learned over the summer, then he stood up and patted Neville's back, "sorry mate." Neville stared in confusion as Harry walked ahead of him, the smell of whisky still in the air.

Harry was weaving through the other students ignoring the ones that hollered out hello's and gasped as he walked by, he moved quickly to avoid any type of conversation keeping his head down. He was on the verge of too tipsy and just drunk, he was riding the high with a smile was plastered on his face and with one more touch of his wand to his chest he performed a silent freshening charm that cleaned his mouth making him smell minty fresh as he approached the carriages. Hermione and Ron were standing by one, and climbed on after them, "where'd you go to mate?"

"I ended up running into Neville," Harry shrugged, setting back against the seat, "oi! Luna!" He called suddenly waving at the blonde girl with a wider smile.

"Harry," she answered and climbed up in the carriage, "you seem happy?"

"Ah, relaxed," he shrugged.

Hermione and Ron shared a look, then Hermione smiled with a mouthed, 'I told you so' to her boyfriend. "Good," Luna grinned and slipped her arm around his shoulders, "I heard about you and Ginny, I'm sorry."

"Oh, for the better," Harry shrugged, "she deserves better."

"Not to mention she isn't really your type," Luna spoke up, squeezing his shoulder. That's what Harry loved about Luna she knew things, some how, and never thought twice about spilling the beans.

"True," Harry agreed, drunk Harry agreed. Sober Harry would have just laughed or rubbed his neck or ignored the statement. Drunk Harry was easier to know.

The carriage started forward and Harry tensed as the bumpy ride shook them about, before becoming familiar. "So you excited for the 8th year?"

"I suppose," Harry shrugged, "I heard the dorms were shared for all of us?"

Hermione nodded, "since only what.. 40 of us came back or could come back."

Ron shifted, "all 40 of us crammed in a dorm, it'll be better than being in the Gryffindor Tower."

"Less cramped you mean," Luna smiled, she was still squeezing Harry's shoulders - who had tensed when Hermione mentioned the number of people coming back. "I think it will be fun," she continued, "seeing all the houses mixed together."

"It'll be different," Hermione smiled as well, "and interesting, but I think it is a good message that McGonagall is showing."

"We'll see how long it last, I bet you'll be surprised how easily people fall into their old ways," Ron shrugged, "I'll hope I'm wrong."

Luna shook her head, "you are, I think they're all going to be different. Look at how much Draco has changed..." She smiled, "he's really excited for this year."

"Are you and Malfoy friends?" Harry asked peering over at Luna.

She smiled while nodding, "oh yes, we're very good friends."

Harry hummed lifting his eyebrows, "interesting."

"He's a good guy, I'll introduce you two tonight," she grinned at Harry, "I mean I know you two know each other but..."

"I get what you're saying," Harry chuckled, "sounds good Luna. We were talking about befriending them, this will be easier with you already being his friend."

"Are you two like... dating?" Ron spoke up now, looking at her in question.

"Draco and I?" Luna laughed shaking her head, "he's gay, so I'm not quite his type."

"I'd say so," Ron flushed, embarrassed by the intimate information, and sat back taking Hermione's hand.

The four were carted up to the school, Harry still riding his high and his smile never fell. They all hurried off the carriage and up to the doors, Harry doing his best to ignore the acknowledgement that was being screamed at them on the sides and headed towards the Great Hall. The castle looked the same, despite everything, it was all the same. It was home.

How could Harry have dreaded coming back to this? This was his home. And as he thought that he came to a halt in the middle of the corridor, before them was a memorial. He froze his smile falling, his high dissipating immediately, and he stared straight ahead seeing it all.

It was almost like a flashback echoing in his mind. The screams, the yells, the pain, the spells, the rubble, the blood, the death... Give me Harry Potter and no one will die. But they all died, all of them, because of his stupid pride. Because of his stupid, idiotic act of heroism that destroyed so much and took so many lives. How dare he risk their lives for the off chance of him living.

"Harry?" Hermione's voice broke through, she was growing nervous as she looked around trying to ignore the way everyone was stopping and looking at them. He blinked and stepped back, bumping into the people behind him, he jerked around and headed right back the way he had come. Losing himself in the crowed of the students, heading down the hallway to his right and running as soon as he was out of sight.


Harry was leaning over the railing of the Astronomy tower, his eyes closed as he thought back to that night almost two years ago. It was a dull ache in his chest right now as the wind whipped across his drunkenly hot face. It was flushed dark red and hot, the wind cold. He slugged back another drink, and wiped a tear away furiously.

He heard the door to the tower swing open and looked back towards it, waiting. He had a feeling it was Hermione. She never could stand him being alone, she always had to be apart of it - or maybe it was Ron just being worried about him. Or an elf looking for him by demand of McGonagall. He was sure he was missed at dinner, no question about that. He had a feeling there was a speech prepared, why wouldn't there be? He had read hundreds of them over the past two months in his mail, in the paper, heard them on the street when he did happen to go out. Heard five or six on the train.

Maybe it's a young couple... Harry thought to himself, turning back to the wind ignoring whoever or whatever was coming up the stairs. He could hear the footsteps on the stairs.

"Potter?" The voice on the other end made him freeze, he stayed still his back to the other and his hands growing numb, "Potter?"

He felt the hand on his shoulder and jerked around, ducking away from the grip, "what do you want?"

Draco shrugged, running a hand through is hair, blonde ha- that's not blonde. Harry's eyes widened, staring at the young Malfoy who was talking but Harry wasn't listening. He was just staring. Pastel hair, gray eyes, whisky.

"Potter!"

Harry blinked, "h-hmm?"

"Are you drunk?"

Harry held his arm out towards the other, "want some?"

"No," Draco grimaced and stepped back, "everyone is looking for you."

"Lucky you found me," Harry answered, raising his eyebrows. He was happy - he'd blame it on the whisky.

"Is your lip pierced?" Draco asked, leaning forward slightly and peering at him.

"Is your hair pink?" Harry retorted, not so smartly, before leaning back against the railing and tilting his head back so the wind would blow against his hair.

Draco lifted his brow, "you do your thing then, Potter, I'll let them know you're alive."

Harry looked towards him, dropping his head and stepping away from the edge, "you can stay."

"What?"

"You can stay." Harry spoke up, his finger was tugging on his lip ring.

Draco stared uncertainly at Harry, pushing his fingers through his hair, "why are you up here?"

"It's quiet," Harry answered, "not many like the hike."

The Slytherin didn't know what to say, he looked around the area and then back at Harry, "did you eat anything?"

"No," Harry was staring at Draco and it was making the other uncomfortable which was going unnoticed by the raven haired boy, who was doing his best to memorize the blonde hair that was turned pastel pink with streaks of blue, purple and green in it. It looked odd, but it was sexy. It was probably the most sexy thing Harry had ever looked at. Draco Malfoy with rainbow pastel hair. "I have to say Malfoy, I love your hair."

"Thanks, Potter," Draco answered his eyes narrowed as he looked at him.

"It's... cute, like really cute." Harry was walking towards him now, and Draco was backing up. That was until his back hit the railings that encased the large telescope behind him, Harry stopped a breath away from him and reached out. One tan arm stretched to run his fingers through Draco's hair. Draco stood still and quiet, and when Harry touched him he gasped quietly, "Malfoy, I want to kiss you."

"Wh-what?"

"Or you can kiss me. I don't care," Harry shrugged, tan fingers combing through the soft delicate hair, "I just want to taste you."

"I think you're drunk Potter, and we should go."

"I am drunk, but I also know what I want." Harry's voice was soft, quiet, and he leaned forward towards the Slytherin who was looking positively scared, "is that okay?"

Draco's eyes moved from Harry's to his lips and back again, before shutting his own and leaning in. Pale hands against tan face, he cupped his cheeks and held him still while his lips moved against the others. Harry practically melted, his hands came out gripping the railing that Draco was backed against and his legs shook before giving away with a moan. Sinking down and right out of Draco's hands.

Draco blinked, pulling back, he was scared as to what happened and looked down at Harry who was on his knees on the ground, red faced and eyes closed while his fingers slid over his lips, "Potter?"

Harry flashed his eyes open and looked up at Draco with a wide smile, "I've never been kissed like that before Malfoy," Draco almost laughed, but remained stoic as he stared down at Harry. "Can I have another?"

"Are you going to keep your feet this time?"

"No promises," Harry spoke honestly, climbing to his feet again. Draco reached out and took him by the hips, turning the two around so Harry was pressed to the railing, "this'll help," Harry mused his eyes wide and wild as he watched him.

Draco smirked, and without warning he took Harry's lips again. Hips pressed to hips he pushed Harry against the railing, and his hands ran over his face. He dragged his pale thumb over Harry's cheek and his long slender fingers pushed through the dark hair pulling him closer, his tongue sliding against Harry's bottom lip before sliding in to taste him.

He tasted of whisky and nothing else and Draco almost pulled back with a grimace but stopped the moment he heard Harry moan. The moan shook through his whole body, he felt rough hands on his arms gripping him tighter and hips rubbing against his own. Draco's whole body was being vibrated by Harry and he couldn't ask for a better feeling in the world.

When he finally pulled back Harry was letting out pants, slumping against the railing his eyes still closed and his tongue sliding across his lip. Draco watched him carefully, never adverting his eyes as he watched him, now he wanted more. He reached out and tilted Harry's head up by the chin, their eyes meeting, "is this what all that anger has been hiding?" Draco asked while sliding his thumb along Harry's lips.

He could feel him swallow, and nod, "I could do that forever," their eyes stayed lock and serious as they held onto each other when finally Harry stood up straight his breathing better under control, "could we?"

Draco chuckled, his smile hidden in the shadows that were falling from the moon, "seems we might have other obligations Potter."

"Fuck 'em," Harry shrugged, leaning towards his new found companion, "or me."

Draco blinked, a bit taken aback by Harry's statements and found himself pulling back, "Potter, we should head back."

"Oh, just one more, please, and I'll do anything you want Malfoy."

One perfectly arched brow leaned right back in, lips on lips for another kiss. Harry gaining some confidence pushed his hands through Draco's hair giving the locks a tug while Draco wrapped his tongue around the other's. Their mouths moved in sync, just as Harry's hips ground against his own once again. The Gryffindor was more than obvious with his intentions and Draco found he didn't mind all that much, he rather liked the feeling which was quiet obvious with him going back in for a third time.

Harry groaned and gripped him tighter, pulling him against his own hips, "mmpeas," He moaned into his mouth, trying to talk without pulling back, he didn't want it to end.

Draco pulled back anyway, "what?"

"More," Harry shook his head, latching on to him, pressing his lips anywhere he could touch.

Draco felt his heart swell a moment, running his fingers through the dark hair, "come now, Potter, you need to eat and sleep."

"But Malfoy..."

"No buts, you said, 'one more and I'll do anything you want'." Draco's voice was softer, softer than Harry had ever heard it before, "and I want you to join me downstairs, back at our commons for some rest."

"Join you? Like y'know... with you?" Harry was leaning against Draco while the other walked, his arms thrown around the taller, slender frame.

Draco grunted doing his best to hold Harry up, "Merlin you're built."

"I am," Harry agreed, speaking openly, "anyway, with you?"

"A bit odd, isn't it?" He asked doing his best to keep his footing as he all but carried Harry down the stairs.

"Maybe," Harry leaned against him, "I mean, fuck 'em though."

"This is a different side of you, Potter."

"What?"

"You being this guy, it's different."

Harry hummed, seeming to think it over, "I guess it is, no one sees me much anymore."

"What do you mean? You're on the front page of every paper and magazine in the wizarding world - practically."

Harry rolled his eyes and grabbed the railing slowing the two down, "they know what I'm doing but they don't see me."

"Oh," Draco was quiet after that, he knew that feeling. More than anything did he know that feeling, from Harry Potter even - but it was painfully obvious the two of them were both at fault there. They were finally on the ground floor and Draco righted Harry before pulling the door open, Harry kept hold of Draco still. Hands gripping the fabric of his button up and Draco slipped his arm around Harry's waist still supporting him.

"Can we get there without going by the memorial?"

"Yes," Draco answered without questioning it, and walked them the long way around leading the way to the middle of the castle on the third floor where a wide, empty-looking painting hung. "Calamander," Draco spoke at it, and a path appeared. Cobble stone before the painting swirled and opened in a hole.

Harry was quietly humming as he kept his grip on Draco Malfoy. He had no intention of letting the blonde go, and he may regret it in the morning but he didn't care because right now it was nice. It was a warm embrace from a person he had been staring at for years. Pastel hair, gray eyes and whisky.

One thing a Malfoy was good at, at least, was faking confidence. Granted he didn't have to do that much, Draco was always confident and even now as he carted the drunk, fumbling, Harry Potter through the portrait he was seeping real confidence. He was nervous, he was terrified he was going to get hexed the moment he came in but he could fake that it didn't bother him what everyone was going to say. He could fake he didn't care, he could fake he wasn't nervous. Harry was keeping true to his sentiment, 'fuck 'em' and Draco couldn't figure out if that was just who this new Harry was or if this was because he was drunk and he didn't have the restrain anymore.

Draco kept his composure as both Hermione and Ron came running to him, one with a worried look and the other with a glare, "Harry?!"

"What," Harry asked while rolling his eyes, he was annoyed he had to look away from Draco who was leading the two of them in.

"A-are you okay?" Hermione started and reached towards him, cupping his face.

"We are eating," He wore a smile as he said it, and his hands grasped Draco tighter.

"What?" Ron quirked a brow in question, looking over at Draco who was still leading them in towards the fireplace.

"Not you and I," Harry groaned, "Malfoy and I." The way he spoke it was like an insult, but not directed at Draco. It was directed at Ron. Like he should feel bad he wasn't invited to eat with Draco and himself and the way he said it made it clear no one else was invited either. It was a Draco and Harry thing. Period.

"Is he drunk?"

"I found him this way," Draco answered the question, setting Harry down with a sigh, "you bruised me Potter, get off."

Harry released his hands immediately, his eyes still trained to Draco, "where was he?" Luna spoke up this time, leaning over the back of the couch.

Draco looked down at Harry then over to Harry's friends, "out by the lake." He had a feeling Harry wanted to keep the Tower a secret so the lake was a better option, he could lie. He then snapped his fingers and took his seat next to Harry, a house elf appearing almost simultaneously, "he didn't eat dinner, can you bring us some?"

Harry was leaning into the couch, staring at Draco and unscrewing his decanter about to take a sip when Hermione reached out for it, "I think you've had enough Harry."

"I think you're not my mother, Hermione," he answered and jerked it back from her before taking a sip.

Ron frowned and gave Hermione a sad look, "you okay, mate?"

"There is a difference in being drunk and not okay, Ron."

Draco glanced over, smirking, until he saw both Hermione's and Ron's face while Harry took a long drink effectively ignoring them, "what if that's enough, Potter?" He asked and held his hand out, "not a suggestion." He added when Harry started to grumble.

Harry handed it over, and slid off the couch to the coffee table, "next time you do what I say." He spoke to the blonde, sitting on his butt and looking at the food before him with disgust.

Draco put the glass flask in the pocket of his jacket unable to stop the thought that popped into his mind, next time?, "what's he mean, Malfoy?" Hermione asked hurriedly, "you did something to him? Cursed him? Hexed him? Slipped him something?" Her voice was growing as she accused the other with a pointed finger.

"Hardly," Draco shifted, "not my style, Granger." Harry was picking at the food in front of him, still ignoring the others around him, "I found him drunk, okay? I asked if he had anything to eat today - big shock he hasn't, so I told him we were coming inside to get him some food."

"Since when do you care about anyone else?" Hermione continued, still pointing at him with a glare.

"I guess when we all almost died, now go away I'm getting a headache."

"Once a prat, always a prat," Ron sneered and the two moved away, not far, but at least they weren't talking anymore.

Draco and Luna shared a look, she was still leaning over the back of the couch, "you okay Drake?"

"I'm fine, he isn't though." His voice was quiet as he glanced at the other who was still pushing the food around with his fork, "I think something is really wrong with him."

"He'll be fine," she answered, "he has great friends - a little worrisome and coddling, but they are still great friends and he has you now right?"

"Has me?" Draco shook his head, "he's drunk, tomorrow he'll hate me again."

"I doubt that," Luna answered with a chuckle, "I seriously doubt that."

Harry turned around, "okay done."

"You didn't eat anything."

"It's making me sick," Harry pouted, his eyes wide and his lip pushed out.

Draco leaned towards him, "are you always a baby, Potter?" He asked while looking at the other, "it's your fault anyway, you shouldn't have drank that much so you could eat."

"I didn't plan on eating to be fair."

"I can tell..." Draco's eyes were trailing from his face down his body and Harry looked down as well.

"What do you mean?"

"I can tell you haven't been eating, is all," Draco shrugged, "you need to take care of yourself, Potter."

Harry stared at Draco quietly, tilting his head to the side and he then he turned around and started eating. Luna cleared her throat gathering Draco's attention again, "so, he has you."

"Why me?"

"Who knows? Luna shrugged, "something sweet about you, Draco Malfoy, taking care of the broken savior."

Draco frowned, wrinkling his nose, "I think he just needs someone that doesn't treat him like Harry Potter."

"Me too," Luna leaned forward and kissed the blonde on the forehead, "good luck with him tonight, I'm going to bed."

"Oh thanks," Draco muttered, "I get Tweedledee and Tweedledum too." Luna's eyes rolled before she flounced off, Draco watched her go with a smirk - she was odd but Merlin was she honest and insightful? He jumped when he felt a pressure on his knee and looked down to see Harry's cheek pressed to it eyes closed wearing a smile.

Hermione and Ron shared a look then their eyes turned to Draco who was doing his best to avoid their looks, "you found him like this, Malfoy?" Hermione spoke up, edging forward slightly.

"I highly doubt tonight is the first time he's been this drunk, Granger."

"Me too," she answered softly, frowning deeply, "why you?"

"I've been asking myself that question since I stumbled upon him..."


Harry woke with a quiet groan, his whole body ached and his head throbbed. He laid back on his back unmoving and stretched his arms up, oh how he loved this feeling. This feeling meant there wouldn't be any unwelcome memories floating into his mind all morning - at least until noonish, which by one he would be drinking. It would be alright.

He could hear people moving around him and pushed up off the bed, he welcomed the nausea that coursed through his body burping quietly, ehh. He scanned the area, happy to find he was practically unnoticed by everyone else. The beds were in a half moon, ten beds facing a mirror it seemed then Harry realized the mirror was another half moon of ten beds. Each bed was color coded by houses he noticed. 4 red, 4 green, 4 yellow, 4 purple, every four started the cycle over again so everyone was sleeping next to someone from a different house. In the open middle was a heater, and a few chairs.

Harry looked around the room, he saw the stairs that lead down to the commons and saw there were 6 doors off the circular room which from the sight of Ron coming out of one with a towel around his waist told him they were bathrooms.

"'Arry," Ron spoke up suddenly and hurried towards him, "you okay mate?"

"Yeah, fine, why?" Harry was sitting up now, and digging through his trunk for clothing.

"I mean you feel okay? I got a hangover cure if you want."

"No," Harry shook his head, "I'm fine, barely even have one." He lied, this might have been the worst he had ever had but he liked it this way. "I'm gonna take a quick shower, I'll meet you guys at breakfast."

"Sure," Ron nodded, "oh hey, do you remember last night?"

Harry did, he remembered everything. Every detail. Especially every Draco detail. "Oh, yeah why wouldn't I?"

"You were pretty pissed y'know."

Harry chuckled, shrugging, "blessed with a clear mind, I guess."

"Hey, you okay though? You know if you need anything we can talk anytime, right?" Ron asked, "I'm sorry I haven't expressed that more, I just figured you knew, I'm here anytime mate."

"Thanks," Harry stepped around him and hurried towards an open bathroom. When he finished getting cleaned up he grabbed his jacket off his bed - the 8th years didn't have to wear robes, McGonagall wanted them to feel like guest rather than students. They were equals in her eyes, her letter had said over the summer to each of them. Adults, adults who had risked their lives for the world, they were welcomed as equals to get the degree they had been denied.

Harry was a-okay with that, he slipped the leather jacket into place, grabbed his book bag and wand and hurried down the stairs. He was one of the last to leave the new dorms and found Hermione and Ron waiting for him in the commons, "oh, I kept you two waiting?"

"It's okay," Hermione shrugged, "that's a nice jacket, Harry, look's good."

"Thanks," Harry chuckled, "anyway, ready?"

The three headed out to the Great Hall and as they headed down the stairs Harry suddenly remembered the memorial and stopped on the bottom stair he felt the panic set in, "I'll be right after you guys," he called to the two, "I forgot my wand." His lie was easy and he turned and headed back up the stairs before they could say anything, glancing over his shoulder when he got to the top seeing they had disappeared into the Great Hall.

"Figured you'd find a way to avoid it," Draco said as he approached the other, "c'mon, the door on the left doesn't go by it."

Harry swallowed nervously as he looked at Draco, even with sober eyes his hair was sexy, "thanks, Malfoy."

"Don't mention it," Draco shrugged and walked down the stairs glancing back to make sure Harry was following him, they went on the left and Draco held the door open for Harry, "I'll see ya around Potter."

Harry stepped towards him, watching Draco raise a brow, "what if I join you for breakfast?"

"Where? At the Slytherin table?" Harry bit his lip, dragging the ring into his mouth with a suckle as he nodded. "Going to eat?" Harry nodded again, his teeth tugging on the ring. Something Draco was learning the man played with his lips when he was nervous. "Sure," Draco lifted a shoulder and turned towards his table, leading the way to the Slytherin table. "Move over," he said as soon as he got up to Blaise and Pansy. Pansy scooted over and Draco sat next to her, Blaise did the same and Harry eased into the seat.

He wasn't sure how they were going to react, Draco was nervous himself mentally preparing to defend Potter should one of the two say something or anyone else around the table for that matter. Blaise picked up his coffee and took a big drink, clearing his throat as the silence grew, "how'd you sleep, Potter?"

"I don't know, dreamlessly." Harry shrugged, glancing over, "Zambini, right?"

"That's me," the Slytherin smiled, all his teeth showing, "most people call me Blaise, you're welcome to."

"Harry, then," the Gryffindor responded and reached out his hand.

Draco looked between them as the handshake stopped and over to Pansy when she whined, "Drakey, introduce meeeee."

"I doubt you need an introduction," Blaise rolled his eyes, "she's slept with practically everyone."

Pansy scoffed, "I'm a girl with a healthy sexual appetite!"

Harry chuckled, "Parkinson?"

Pansy pushed Draco out of the way, "since Draco is so rude," she started and thrust her hand forward, "Pansy Parkinson."

Harry took her hand, and grinned, "are you seeing anyone?"

"That's a little forward..." Pansy wiggled her brows, " and, I don't mind."

"Not me," Harry shook his head, "I'm gay..." He paused and cleared his throat, "that's the first time I've said it aloud." Blaise chuckled, Pansy pouted and Draco stared, "uh I got a friend... Neville Longbottom, he's a great guy. Attractive, real sweet and smart too, you might give him a talk was all I was going to suggest."

"Might I?" Pansy quirked a brow, "you're welcome anytime, Potter."

"Harry," he urged, "honestly, just Harry."

"Okay..." Pansy nodded, "Harry, we'll talk boys at lunch. I have to run up and grab my books." She blew a kiss to the three of them before jumping up and running off. Harry chuckled, and picked up his fork getting some food on his plate. Draco was sitting quietly, a little uncertain about what just happened and barely listening as Blaise and Harry discussed their classes.

Did Potter just become friends with... Blaise and Pansy? Did...? What the fuck?