A/N: Once again I haven't posted in so long and I am very sorry. To all the followers of this story who still bother to read it I am very grateful for your patience.

Chapter 26

Harry fumbled with his tie as he prepared for the Yule Ball. He needed to look his best if he wanted to deserve a magnificence such as Draco Malfoy. He chewed on his bottom lip as he wondered whether or not to bring a corsage. He wanted to ask the other boy what his preference was but as a matter of principle they made sure not to see each other before they were both prepared.

"Surprise me." Draco had said earlier that day. Harry groaned. He didn't know what to do. His hair was a mess and he felt awkward in his dress robes. He knew that Draco would be looking sharp yet comfortable as he always did in formal clothing. Harry didn't want to look out of place beside his date. Harry sighed and went about attempting to fix his hair. After a few more desperate tries and about 4 Hair-Taming Charms he finally gave up. He was going to ask Hermione for help on this one. He practically jogged towards the Ravenclaw dormitory, hoping not to run by Draco in his disheveled state. He asked a first year Ravenclaw to fetch Hermione and after a few long seconds she arrived, only half done with putting on make up.

"Sorry 'Mione, I just really need your help." Harry said apologetically.

Hermione shook her head and smiled. "Malfoy always flusters you." She stated. "Come on, I'll give you something for your hair."

Half an hour later as Harry was straightening his tie as he sat on the common room, obviously a bit nervous, Pansy tapped his shoulder. He jumped a bit as he looked at her.

"Jeez, Potter, relax" she said. Harry laughed awkwardly.

"Sorry, bit nervous and all." He replied.

"Well Draco says he's ready. He's waiting for you in your dorms." She said with a sympathetic yet amused look. "You guys are serious, huh?"

"Y-yeah, I guess so." Harry muttered, unsure of himself. All he knew was that he was serious about Draco but they never talked about labels or anything. Harry shrugged. Maybe Draco was his boyfriend but it didn't really matter to him as long as Draco was happy.

"Well I should go get him, then" Harry finally said as he let out a shaky breath. He stood and carefully walked up to the dorms. He knocked twice then slowly opened the door to find Draco standing beside the window near his bed. Draco looked at him and Harry caught his breath. Draco was stunning in his, surprisingly Muggle suit. Draco smiled shyly, seemingly unsure of himself. Harry walked in and smiled brightly.

"You look brilliant!" He said to the blond. Draco seemed to relax a bit.

"Well you don't look bad yourself." He replied.

"Uhh, I uhh, have something for you." Harry said unsure as he went towards his trunk. He took out the corsage and looked at Draco sheepishly.

"I didn't know... well.. um... this is for you." He said stumbling on his words. Draco laughed.

"Really Potter?" He said in a taunting tone. Harry felt heat on his cheeks. He really wasn't sure whether or not he should get it and now Draco thought he was an idiot and now the night wad ruined and-

"Oh, Harry" Draco whispered as he gave Harry a soft kiss, promptly stopping Harry's train of paranoia. Harry kissed back in relief and sighed as Draco pulled away.

"Let's leave it here though, it doesn't go well with your suit." Harry said quietly.

"Nonsense!" Draco exclaimed as he pinned it to his breast pocket. "It's wonderful." He said.

They were dancing to the music and Harry felt perfectly content when someone sneered beside them "fag". Harry whipped his head and found Ron Weasley staring icily at them. The boy had always enjoyed making fun of Draco every time he could which wasn't often because most of the time Draco knew just how to respond to make the git shut up. This time though, Harry saw that Draco was fighting back tears. This was obviously a sensitive topic for the blond. Harry felt his blood boil.

"At least we have a date and we're actually dancing." Harry snapped at the ginger. He saw Weasley's face turn as red as his hair.

"You must like getting ordered around by Potter, don't you Malfoy? Fancy having his dick down your throat, don't you?" He retorted, laughing. Draco stiffened in Harry's arms and Harry punched the bastard before he even realized it. Weasley fell onto his back and the whole hall went silent. Harry turned around to look at Draco but he was nowhere to be found. Before any of the professors could go near them Harry was running down the hallway towards the dungeons.

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