Chapter Three: The Fire is Lit

Harry pulled his hand away and recorked the flask, his skin tingling with pleasure. Malfoy turned away from him, checking the cauldon heat. Harry couldn't believe what had just happened. Malfoy hadn't wanted to let go any more than Harry had wanted him to. Maybe Hermione was right, more than right. What if Malfoy's stomach was twisting like his was? No, it couldn't be. His face was so calm.

"Potter. Hand me the hemlock essence. You clearly can't be trusted to do it yourself," Malfoy taunted. Harry handed Malfoy the flask, making sure not to touch Malfoy. Draco had other plans though. Instead of taking the flask from his hand, Draco wrapped his hand around Harry's, unstoppered the flask, and moved Harry's hand over the cauldron. Harry looked up at Draco in confusion, and Malfoy explained.

"You can't do it alone, so I figure I ought to teach you."

Harry blushed and allowed Malfoy to guide his hand. The liquid splashed into the cauldron and Malfoy finally let go of Harry's hand. He let his hand drift to the desk, mindlessly stoppering the empty flask and setting it down. His stomach was twisting, and he felt an odd sensation in his pelvis. He wasn't aroused, but he wasn't exactly calm either. Fighting to push this sensation away, he picked up the next ingredient. Again, Malfoy guided his hand, his cool hand on Harry's burning skin.

Across the room, Hermione looked up from her steaming potion to see Malfoy whispering to Harry, their hands touching. Her mouth fell open, in awe of what she was seeing. Pansy was completely oblivious to what was happening, as she was chatting with a fellow Slytherin that was sitting behind them. She took a closer look through the steam and noticed that Harry was smiling shyly.

"Well, about time he figured it out," she thought. She'd been watching the two boys dance around each other for years, stolen looks and shy smiles hidden behind a mask of enemies. Ron had fallen for the mask, even Harry believed it was true. But she knew differently. Maybe it took a keen eye, but it was clear to her that the boys cared deeply about each other- maybe as more than simply classmates. It was going to be interesting to watch what ended up happening between them. The dark haired boy and the blond boy- polar opposites, yet not entirely separate, in fact, quite close.

Across the room, Harry was beginning to relax and enjoy himself. Malfoy was still teasing him, but it wasn't rude as much as playful. Draco seemed to be making excuses to touch Harry- his hand, his arm, his back. And Harry absolutely loved it. It was sending shocks up his body and leaving his nerves shot in the best way. He dreaded the end of the class- he didn't want this to stop. If only Draco would roam his hands over his body, lighting up his entire body.

With five minutes left in the hour, Slughorn addressed the class.

"Now, you all should have mixed your potions and heated them sufficiently. If you'll look at the last line of the instructions, you'll notice that they are required to sit undisturbed for 48 hours before they are ready. That lines up with our next class period, so then you will find out if you were successful. Before that class, you and your partner must meet outside of the classroom to discuss and write a paper detailing one of the uses of the Draught of Peace."

Harry and Hermione looked at each other in horror. Meet with Pansy and Malfoy outside of class? With no professor supervising? A recipe for disaster, honestly. Slughorn continued.

"It must be a foot of parchment, and I expect plenty of details. Now, ladle your potion into one of the clean flasks provided at the front," he waved his wand and the flasks appeared on his desk. "And then pack up and return any unused ingredients to the store cupboard. Have a nice evening everyone."

Harry and Malfoy faced each other, a mix of emotions fighting for the top spot. The idea of more homework, especially a long paper, was revolting, but the idea of spending more time with Draco, maybe alone, was incredibly appealing. Harry told Malfoy that he would go get the flask, and set off for the front of the room. He looked back and saw Malfoy scribbling frantically on a piece of paper. After he returned and they had packed up, Malfoy grabbed his hand again. Instead of helping him empty a flask though, he subtly slipped a paper into his fingers.

Instead of letting go of his hand though, Malfoy pulled them together, bodies inches apart, the heat radiating off their skin. Harry felt shivers go up his spine as Malfoy brought his lips to Harry's ear.

"Don't look at it until you're alone. Don't tell anyone," Malfoy whispered in his sultry voice. Then, like nothing had happened, he pulled away, grabbed his bag, and strutted over to Goyle. Harry's legs felt weak, like they were made of Jello. He grabbed the edge of the desk for stability and looked around to see if anyone saw what just happened. Everyone was occupied in their own discussions except Hermione, who was walking over to him with a blazing look in her eyes. He quickly stuffed the note in his pocket and hoped she didn't notice. Knowing that she was about to ask what happened, he subtly shook his head and slung his bag over his shoulder.

"How's Pansy? Do you think you completed the potion?" he asked her, praying she wouldn't mention anything while he was so near to Draco. She smiled knowingly and set off in conversation about how dimwitted Parkinson was. Harry breathed a sigh of relief and they set off for Gryffindor Tower together. Harry didn't have another class for the day, but Hermione did, setting off with a snide comment.

"Wonder what it says. Gonna tell me? Bye!" Harry's face burned red, as they were not alone in the common room. A few people looked over, but seemed unfazed. He snuck up to the dormitory and to his luck, found himself alone there. He pulled the paper out of his pocket and simply held it for a moment. A slight hint of cinnamon and ginger wafted up to his nose, making his muscles tense. Unfurling the note, he read the secret words.

"Room of Requirement. Think, 'I need a place to study with Draco Malfoy.' 8PM tomorrow. Come alone and don't tell anyone about this. -DM"