Harry spent the rest of the summer at the Burrow and it would have been all very well if he wasn't constantly thinking of Draco. He brought the letters with him and kept them carefully spelled to be undetectable as to what they really were, but he had no private time to read them or use them for wanking. He bunked with Ron and the twins, and there simply wasn't any opportunity.

They were all by the Weasley's small lake and Harry was sitting on a wooden swing, idly swaying back and forth and staring at the sparkle of sunlight on the water while the others were swimming and frolicking along the reeds at the banks. Hermione and Ron were strolling together and the twins were making mischief as usual. It was Ginny who approached him and sat on a bench under the same tree as the swing. He didn't notice here until she spoke.

"You're very quiet this time, Harry. Who is it?"

He stopped swinging and looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"Come on, Harry." Ginny edged closer. She glanced back at Hermione and Ron who were too far away to hear them and at the twins too much involved with tormenting gnomes to pay attention. Quietly she said, "I can tell. So who is he?"

"Well…" His head snapped up and stared at her. Did she say 'who is he?' "What?" he hissed.

She glanced around again before facing him. "No one knows. I figured it out last year. Ron would never in a million years suspect and Hermione is too wrapped up in Ron right now."

His face felt hot. "But Ginny…" This was a disaster. Did she really know?

"It's all right. I noticed because…well. Because I've always had a crush on you, so I've always kept close tabs. You know." She blushed and shrugged. "But last year with Cho, I just put a lot of things together. It doesn't bother me. At least I know no other girl will get you."

Harry slid from the swing and kneeled next her. His heart was pounding loudly. "Ginny. Please. You can't tell anyone."

"I know. But if you ever need a friend, I'm here. Okay, Harry?"

Slowly, his fear receded and a smile lit on his face. "Thanks, Ginny."

"But you have to tell me who it is?"

He frowned. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Come on, Harry. You know I'd never tell."

Boy, did he want to tell her. Tell someone! "Ginny, I mean it. If I tell you, you can't tell a living soul. Or even a dead one. It's really important. Lives depend on it."

"You're kidding."

"No, I'm not."

"Merlin, Harry. It's not a Death Eater, is it?"

Harry said nothing, trying to decide what to say when Ginny's face changed in the ensuing silence. "No way, Harry. It can't be."

"And he's not a Death Eater."

"Not Malfoy!"

"What's not Malfoy?"

Harry snapped up his head and stared into Ron's lazy eyes. He and Hermione had returned from their sojourn around the little lake.

"We were just hoping he wouldn't be a Prefect again," said Ginny quickly. Harry's face had flushed with heat.

Ron sat and secured the hook on his fishing pole before setting it aside. "Why Dumbledore chose him I'll never know."

Harry flicked his gaze at Ginny and gave her a grateful look. She smiled back. At least Harry had someone to confide in.

* * *

The Hogwarts Express jostled them as he, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny settled into their compartment. Another term beginning, Harry thought. He felt a surge of excitement just below his skin. He'd have the whole year to be with Draco. But it wasn't going to be easy. He shot a glance at Ginny. He had been glad she knew but there was always that kernel of doubt that it had been a mistake to tell her.

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny were chatting animatedly about the new term, but Harry wasn't listening. He looked out the window instead, thinking-naturally enough-about Draco, when the door slid open with a bang.

"Well, well. Look at all the little Gryffindors all in a row," said the familiar lazy drawl of Draco Malfoy. Harry smiled at his reflection in the glass but suppressed it when he turned to face the Slytherin. Draco was leaning on the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. For once, Crabbe and Goyle weren't with him.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry said before the others could.

"Don't get shirty with me, Potter." He thumbed the badge on his robes. "I'm a Prefect, you know. I'll have you writing lines."

"But who will you get to read them, since you can't?"

"That's it, Potter! On your feet."

"What? I will not!"

"I want to have a little chat with you."

Hermione bounced to her feet. "He's not going anywhere with you! I'm a Prefect too, you know."

Harry tried not to seem too anxious. He calmly turned to Hermione. "It's all right, Hermione. I'll go along with the git and see what he wants."

"Harry! Don't!"

"Worried about little Potty, Mudblood? I'm sure he'll be fine. You've got your wand, haven't you, Potter? Remember how to use it?"

"Oh, I remember," he said, eyes locked on Draco's. It was the only way he could keep from laughing. Draco played it with a straight face. He was Slytherin through and through.

Draco rolled out of the doorframe and strode purposefully toward the end of the carriage. Harry followed, giving a reassuring smile to Hermione and Ron as he left the compartment. He dared not look at Ginny's smug expression. Draco looked both ways down the corridor before he ducked into the loo. Harry did the same and locked the door behind him.

And then Draco's lips covered his. He lapped hungrily at Harry's mouth and Harry opened wide to take in Draco's tongue. He gripped his robes as if his life depended on it and held the Slytherin as tightly as he could. Draco's hand dropped to Harry's crotch and gave his hardening cock a squeeze. "I think you remember well how to use your wand, eh Harry?" He giggled into Harry's cheek.

Harry smiled, nuzzling the white throat. "So do you."

"Brave enough to give it a go in here?"

"Give it a-what? You mean shag in the loo?"

Draco smiled. He was already undoing his fly. "Yeah. One for the road."

Harry looked around in shock. But he wasn't about to be undone by a Slytherin. "I'm a Gryffindor, dammit. 'Course I'm brave enough." He grabbed his own trousers and flipped open the button, lowered the zip, and pushed down trousers and drawers. He turned around to face the sink, though there was precious little room to do that with the two of them crammed in the tight space.

Harry tried to bend over to give Draco the advantage, but he couldn't. As it was, Draco compensated. He bent his knees and shoved up from below. Harry grunted as his head hit the mirror with Draco's first thrust. "Sorry," gasped Draco, but continued pumping into him. Harry pushed back against him as much as he could, savouring the feeling. They had shagged over and over that one night together in all sorts of positions and he felt fairly experienced now, but he couldn't believe how much he had forgotten how good this felt. "Oh Draco," he moaned.

"Keep it down, Potter. I forgot to use a silencing charm."

Harry was about to close his eyes when he spied himself and Draco in the mirror. Draco noticed it, too. "We look spectacular," said Harry. Draco's hands grasped both Harry's naked hips and his white skin was visible just above the swell of Harry's arse and below his bunched up shirt. His face was red from pumping into Harry, and so was Harry's. His glasses were slightly askew.

"I think next time," said Draco between thrusts, "we'll need a bigger mirror."

"Too right," said Harry, suddenly closing his eyes from the intense sensations fluttering up inside of him. He felt his orgasm rise and he hadn't even touched his cock. It seemed Draco managed to do it to him regardless of his touching Harry or not. Harry pushed harder back at Draco and he could tell that the Slytherin was close, too.

Draco's fingers suddenly clawed into him and he came with a silent hiss, his hips doing the shouting for him. Harry unleashed himself into the pleasure and shot his stream onto the floor. Draco continued some dry thrusts until he finally stilled and leaned on Harry's back.

"God, Draco, I love this!"

"So do I," he gasped in Harry's ear. He pushed himself up and released from Harry. He examined Harry's exposed backside and ran a hand down the rounded flesh. "I always thought of you as an arse, Potter, but I never knew I'd enjoy yours so much."

"Thanks. I think." He rose with a wince. He certainly enjoyed Draco shagging him but it was not without a price. He was sore again, and sticky. "Got your wand handy? How about a Scourgify?"

"My wand's always handy for you, Harry." His reflection smiled at Harry as he raised his wand. Harry felt the stickiness vanish but the burning soreness remained. He liked that. It was a satisfying reminder of what they had done.

"I guess we'd better get back. Don't want Granger to come looking for you for a rescue."

Harry pulled up his pants and trousers. "I know you're playing a scene, but would you mind not calling her a Mudblood anymore?"

"Just because I'm carrying on with you doesn't mean I have to be nice to them. I mean, are you going to start chumming around with Crabbe and Goyle?"

"No. But you could do it for me, couldn't you?"

Draco rolled his eyes and checked his tie once more in the mirror. His gaze flicked toward Harry's reflection. He sighed melodramatically. "Since you put it that way," he said sulkily. "That's a woman's trick, you know."

"Is not."

"Is too." But before Harry could object again, Draco grabbed him and planted a solid kiss to his lips. Harry sighed and leaned into Draco, relishing the contact. Draco pulled back slightly and stroked his cheek.

"When can we get together again?"

"Tomorrow night." Harry had been thinking about this all summer at the Burrow. He had it all planned out. "Meet me near the Whomping Willow at sunset."

"The Whomping Willow? Why?"

"You'll see. Just meet me there. You won't be sorry." And he kissed him softly, trailing his lips along Malfoy's cheek.

Draco hugged him tighter. "I can't believe how much I enjoy this. With you!"

"Likewise." He smiled. He couldn't believe how attractive he found Draco. But when he wasn't being a mean git he was really sexy and really cute. "We've got to go."

"Okay," Malfoy said dejectedly. He gave Harry one more grope on his bum. "Hope you enjoy the rest of the train ride," and he smiled wickedly.

Harry smiled back sheepishly. "It will be on my mind, I assure you."

Draco gave him one last glance before opening the door a tiny bit, spying on the corridor. He opened it and slipped out. Harry waited a few moments to do the same and returned-walking a little funny-back to his compartment.

When he slid open the door, Hermione and Ron met him there. "Harry! You were gone so long! We were just about to go after you."

"I'm all right."

"What did Malfoy do?" asked Ron angrily.

Harry sidled past them and gingerly sat by the window again. What did Malfoy do? What didn't he do? Harry shrugged. "Nothing. Made a lot of noise and threats with nothing behind it. The usual."

"You've got to watch out for Malfoy, Harry," said Hermione in her sincerest tone. "I think he may prove very dangerous this year with his father in Azkaban."

"I'm not going to worry too much over Draco Malfoy any more than I ever have," said Harry.

"I think Hermione's right, mate," said Ron. "He may get a little desperate this year."

But I know what he's desperate for, thought Harry, furiously suppressing a smile. He tried not to look at Ginny who was doing her best not to look at Harry.

* * *

Harry settled into his dorm, readied for bed, and slipped between the bed curtains, when he spied the folded parchment lying on his pillow. Curious, he snatched it up and opened it.

Dear Harry,

Guess who? I couldn't go to sleep tonight without sending you this note. You are so bloody brilliant, so sexy, so amazing! Who would have thought it? Us. I wanted to wish you sweet dreams and to say that I can't wait till tomorrow night. What secrets will you open for me, I wonder?

So, so yours,

D

P.S. Before you go all mental, I charmed this parchment to only be opened by you. You git.

Harry smiled warmly, folded it again, and slipped it under his pillow.

* * *

Draco was already waiting in the shadows by the Whomping Willow when Harry approached. Harry greeted him with a smile. But Draco wasn't smiling. "I almost got myself whomped already, Potter. This better be good."

"Trust me." Harry moved past him into the foliage and rummaged around, looking for a nice long stick. "Ah!" He found a good-sized limb and hoisted it toward the willow which was whirling its branches at Harry's approach.

"Potter! What are you doing!" cried Draco.

Harry ignored him and pushed the limb forward until the tip touched the large knot. At once, the tree froze and its branches sagged. Harry tossed the limb back toward the brush. "Hurry up, Malfoy." He didn't hesitate moving forward and ducking into the hollow at the base of the tree. When he got inside he looked back, but Draco hadn't followed. "Draco!" he hissed. "Get in here!"

He heard the Slytherin grumble and finally saw his shadow approach. He ducked under and when he looked up his face was bright with surprise. Harry led him up the steps and finally into a dusty room, a lounge.

"What's this? Potter, where are we?"

"This way, Malfoy." Harry further led him up a rickety stairwell and into another room. But this room wasn't dusty. There was a nice little fourposter with a settee, a squishy chair, a small table, lit candles, and a cozy fire in the hearth.

Draco was still puzzled as he looked around. "Are we still in Hogwarts?"

"No." Harry came up to him and wrapped his arms around his waist. "We're in the Shrieking Shack."

Fear washed over Draco's face and he tried to wriggle free. "What! Are you mad? This is the most haunted building in Britain!"

Harry clenched him tighter. "No it isn't. It isn't haunted at all. I told you to trust me."

He searched desperately across Harry's face, no doubt looking for signs of insanity. "What do you mean it isn't haunted? What are you playing at?"

"It isn't haunted. It was put here to look like a haunted house to keep people away. But…I can't really tell you why. You'll just have to trust me."

Draco calmed a bit in Harry's arms, especially when Harry began to nuzzle his cheek and moved on to his ear. The blond offered in a somewhat distracted voice, "I don't know if I can trust you. You're always getting into trouble."

"Oh, and who caused me to get into trouble most of the time? Could it be you, perhaps?"

"Maybe." He turned his head and pressed his mouth to Harry's in a soft kiss. He rubbed Harry's back gently, absently. "Did you fix it up?"

"Yep. Just waiting for you."

"Our little love nest, eh?" And Draco was himself again, one brow raised seductively.

Harry smiled, but it faded as Draco began unbuttoning Harry's shirt and pulled off the tie. Harry let him take his shirt off entirely before he unbuttoned Draco's shirt. "Wait, Draco," he said, holding the boy's hands as he went for Harry's trousers. "I want to take off your trousers first."

"Oh? Whatever do you have in mind, Mr. Potter?"

Harry tangled his fingers at Draco's belt and fly. "I have in mind to suck your cock, Mr. Malfoy."

Draco's eyes widened. "Oh. Carry on, then."

Harry pulled Draco's trousers and shorts down. Draco pushed his feet out of them and Harry helped, and then he stepped back and just looked at his blond lover. His shirt was open and hung loosely around his naked hips. Harry licked his lips. "I didn't get to do this before the last time we were together, so I might be a bit sloppy."

"I'm sure it will be fine."

Harry kept his eyes on Draco's and slowly sunk to his knees. Draco's cock bobbed in front of his face. He could feel the heat from it, feel it close to his lips. Draco was breathing raggedly and froze just as Harry's mouth closed over the head of his prick. Hands grabbed Harry's hair; fingers clutched. Harry sucked Draco deep into his mouth, trying to get in as much as he could down his throat. While Draco held his head firmly in place, Harry's hands slid up his lover's thighs and circled around to his arse. Each hand had a round cheek to clasp. Draco bucked and began shagging Harry's mouth and Harry kept thinking how bloody amazing this whole thing was. How good Draco tasted. How wonderful it made him feel to do this to Draco, to make Draco putty in his hands…or mouth.

Harry dropped one hand to his own cock and fisted his way to a quick orgasm. He wanted nothing to distract him from Draco's orgasm. And when Draco did finally come, that, too, was wonderful, because Draco surrendered so completely to Harry. He came so unabashedly and passionately that Harry felt as if he were the most important person in the world. He could forget Voldemort, forget school, forget Lucius Malfoy. Draco was everything. Draco was his breath and pulse.

I'm so in love with you, he thought helplessly, resting his face against Draco's thigh. But no way could he ever say that out loud.

* * *

They frequented the Shrieking Shack as often as they dared, still trying to fit in homework assignments and Quidditch. It was painful to see couples pairing off and free to hold hands as they walked together to Hogsmeade or around the lake. These others would sit together in study hall and kiss in secluded corners. But there was none of that for Harry. And he so wanted to do the same with Draco. It was very hard seeing him in class and having to insult him instead of snog him like he wanted to do.

Draco never said anything about how he might feel about Harry just as Harry never voiced his love, but Harry got the impression Draco felt pretty strongly for Harry. When their trysts in the Shrieking Shack were over in an exhausted collapse of sweat and panting, they would lie together for an hour or so, stroking the other, touching, kissing, and speaking in soft whispers. But it was silly things, even about Quidditch and school, but not quite about their feelings, because Harry somehow felt that this would almost be more dangerous than their meetings. Admitting to certain things would create too much of a longing, too much disappointment when the real world would finally intrude, and they knew it was certain to do so. He was Draco Malfoy, after all, and Harry had no delusions that Voldemort did not want to recruit him. Draco had said he would not consciously hurt Harry, but Voldemort's influence was strong as was the influence of Lucius Malfoy, even in prison as he was. What sort of future did either of them have together? Even if Harry could dispatch Voldemort, was the world ready for a Potter/Malfoy match?

The constant strain of having to keep it all a secret, of having to lie to his best friends, was wearing at Harry's nerves. He was often short with them when all he wanted to do was confide. He apologized a lot and then felt guilty for having to apologize in the first place.

And so it went almost all the way through the school year. He and Draco were already making plans for owling one another with maybe a few visits to the Leaky Cauldron, when it happened.

Harry was studying in the Gryffindor common room, or pretending to. Mostly he was looking into the leaping flames in the hearth and thinking of Draco. He wondered if Draco was equally distracted all day thinking of Harry and then he threw that thought away. Of course he didn't. The Slytherin always seemed in more control than that. He might be a coward and a sneak, but he could get his priorities straight. He sought the pleasure Harry offered him, enjoyed his company or seemed to do so, and then left it behind just as Harry should be doing but couldn't somehow manage to do, what with being in love with him and all. He sighed.

Ginny burst through the portrait hole with a wild look on her face. "Harry!" she exclaimed.

Harry slowly rose. She and Ginny were the only occupants of the common room but that would soon change with the ending of the last class of the day. "What's wrong, Ginny?"

"Oh, Harry. I'm so sorry."

His insides began to roil. "What do you mean?"

"I didn't mean to do it. Oh Harry." She sat on the sofa and twisted her hands together. Tears glistened on her lashes. "I was in Potions and Snape was teaching us about truth serums."

"He didn't have you brew any, did he?"

"No, no. He said he wasn't allowed to show us, but he had some and took volunteers to try some Veritaserum. I wasn't thinking, Harry, and I…I volunteered."

Harry didn't like at all how this was going. His heart began to pound. "Ginny, what did you do?"

"I was doing fine-I forgot I had this secret-and then they asked me who I fancied and-it slipped out. About you…and Draco."

Harry stared at her unable to speak. "The…the whole class heard?"

She nodded miserably. "Snape tried to stop it as soon as he reckoned what was going on but it was too late. Oh Harry! What are we going to do?"

The only thing that clicked in his mind was Draco. "We've got to warn Draco."

Harry moved toward the door but Ginny jumped up and grabbed his arm. "You can't go looking for him. That will make things worse. I'll go." She gave Harry one more apologetic look before she sprinted for the portrait hole.

Harry watched her leave, unable to move. All his fears were suddenly caving in on him. What in blazes were they going to do?

The portrait hole opened again and students began coming through. They looked up at Harry and he could tell. They knew. They all knew and none of them were the least bit happy about it.

They clustered in little groups and whispered, looking back at Harry. This was much worse than the other times last year when they thought he lied about Voldemort returning. This was much worse than when they shunned him when they thought he'd opened the Chamber of Secrets. This was Draco's life in danger this time and there was nothing amusing about it at all.

The portrait hole burst open again but this time it was Ron, Hermione, and Neville. They looked stricken and Harry felt the blood drain from his face. "We need to talk," said Hermione, and grabbed Harry's arm and dragged him to the boy's dorm. When they closed the door she aimed her wand at it and said, "Colloportus!" They sat Harry down on his bed and gathered around it.

"Harry," Hermione began. "Did you hear what happened in Potions?"

Harry nodded.

"I don't understand it at all," she said, looking from Ron's white face to Neville's. "But of course it will be denied. What in the world made Ginny believe that I'll never know."

"I'll kill her," said Ron. "She's had a crush on you forever, mate. I can't believe she'd do something like this out of some mixed-up jealousy."

"It's not her fault," Harry heard himself say.

"It bloody well is!" he shot back. "Why would she do this?"

The last thing Harry wanted to do right now was out himself but he couldn't let his friends think that Ginny was out for some sort of vendetta. "Er…it isn't her fault. It was an accident. She told me so. It just…came out."

"But how could it?" asked Neville, looking whey-faced. "She was supposed to be under veritaserum."

"That's right," said Hermione, thinking. "I wonder how she was able to overcome it's effects."

"She didn't," Harry said wearily.

"What do you mean she didn't?" said Ron. "She'd have to have in order to say those things."

"Not…not if it's the truth," said Harry meekly.

The others fell silent. He didn't want to look up at them, but he forced himself to. Their mouths all hung open, and Ron had gotten even paler.

"No," said Ron in a hoarse voice. "You couldn't be. I mean, I'd a known it, wouldn't I. Right, Neville? We both would."

Neville looked at Ron and then slowly turned toward Harry. "A-actually," replied Neville, "I always sort of suspected."

"What? Have you all gone mental!" Ron's face wasn't pale anymore. It had flushed an uncomfortable shade of red. "Harry's not a poufter! It's just some sort of game, right Harry?"

Harry bit his lip and gazed up at Hermione, whose face he had a hard time reading. "Well…actually. Um…I guess I am. I prefer 'gay', though."

That silenced Ron, but Hermione, quiet until this moment, drew herself up. "It doesn't matter what Harry is. We still love and respect him, don't we? I just wished you would have told us sooner. But I'm glad you admitted it now."

"I'm sorry," he said, not looking at Ron. "I just couldn't seem to tell you. I thought that maybe you'd be all right with it, but I didn't know about-" He flicked his gaze toward Ron.

Neville placed a hand on his shoulder. "Like I said, Harry. I sort of guessed before. But I'm sure anyone who's a real friend won't have a problem with it," and they all looked at Ron meaningfully.

"Why are you all looking at me?" But he was studiously avoiding Harry's gaze. "I guess it's not the sort of thing a bloke can easily tell another bloke, even if that bloke is his best friend." And he looked a little hurt. Harry rose.

"I would have told you, but I was afraid how you'd react. But I guess it's okay." He felt a little relief, but not much.

"But hang on!" said Ron. "Ginny talked about you and…Malfoy? That can't be true!"

"Yes, Harry," said Hermione moving forward. "That's the really strange part."

He shrugged. "Veritaserum, remember?"

Hermione gasped and covered her mouth. "Then it is true!"

"Oh, I can take you're being a pouft-er…gay, but with Malfoy! Harry! Are you mad?"

"No, we just…It's hard to explain. We both joined that quill pal thing and got to know each other anonymously before we accidentally found out who we were. But we'd already developed this relationship and we…well, didn't want it to stop."

"Harry," said Hermione, voice soft, "You aren't having a…a physical relationship with him, are you?"

Harry clenched his fists. "So what if I were? We're of age. It's consensual. He's really nice when we're alone. We just pretend all that bad stuff in public. You might have noticed that he doesn't call you names anymore, Hermione, or make fun of your family, Ron. He did that to please me. So I guess you'll just have to get over it."

"Take it easy, Harry," said Hermione. "This has all been a bit of a shock."

"I know. But it's worse than that. Draco could really be in trouble. This is sure to get to Voldemort and Draco might be in real danger now."

Hermione looked from one to the other. "Where is Draco now?"

"I don't know. But Ginny's gone to warn him."

They looked silently at one another. Harry couldn't even imagine what was going through their heads.

Hermione spoke first. "I suppose he'll deny it."

Harry nodded. "Probably. It's the safest route."

"And so you will, too."

"Except now all anyone has to do is a little Legilimency or pop us all some veritaserum and it's all out."

"Then what should we do?" asked Neville.

Harry sat again and pulled his hand through his already messy hair. "Haven't got a clue."

Someone knocked furiously on the door. Everyone froze.

"It's me! Ginny!"

"Alohomora!" said Hermione, waving her wand.

Ginny tumbled in a looked around before finally looking at Harry inquiringly.

"Yeah," he said wearily. "They all know now."

"Why did you tell Ginny?" Ron accused.

"She sort of guessed it. Like Neville. And I really did need someone else to talk to about it. And I know she would never have told."

"I never would have, Harry. I swear."

"Did you find Draco?"

"Yes. He was quite shocked. Slytherin hadn't heard yet but it hasn't taken long. Harry, I think it's all over the school by now."

"Of course it is. We were just trying to figure out what to do."

"Well Malfoy is denying it. He was even denying it to me."

"Typical," he said, nodding.

"But maybe it's better making a clean breast of it."

"I can't. I don't care about myself. Draco's the one in danger."

"Oh yeah."

It was decided that they would proceed as normal, admitting nothing unless confronted. Harry even thought of talking to Dumbledore but dismissed the idea as too embarrassing. They broke up, but before Harry could leave his dorm, Ginny pulled him aside. "Draco told me that you were to meet him tonight at 'the place'. That's what he said. You know what he means?"

"Yes, I know what he means."

She looked at him sorrowfully again. "I'm really sorry, Harry."

"That's okay. I think it was bound to come out eventually."

The one good thing was that it was the end of the day so there were no classes, but the rest of the Gryffindors made a study of avoiding Harry. Seamus and Dean wouldn't even approach, though they whispered together until Ron purposely came up to them with a scowl on his face and they stopped. Harry pretended to read in his favorite chair by the fire, and Hermione, Ron, Neville, and Ginny positioned themselves all around him like a barrier. He appreciated it and wondered what he had been so worried about. It was sort of a relief finally telling the truth, though he wished it all wasn't so dire.

It was getting later and most of the Gryffindor's were drifting to their dorms. Harry pulled his invisibility cloak from under his jumper and stood up.

"Where are you going?" asked Ron with a squeak to his voice.

"I'm going to meet Draco. We've got to talk."

Ron approached, hands firmly stuffed in his trouser pockets. "So. You and Malfoy, eh? And he's really nice to you?"

"Yeah. He's…he's my boyfriend, I guess."

"Wow." Ron toed the worn edge of the carpet. "I mean…Malfoy!"

"I wish you'd quit saying it like that."

"Sorry, Harry. But you have to admit-"

"I think he'll be a really good ally," said Hermione practically. "He's quite an accomplished wizard and he knows a lot about the opposition."

"Yeah. Well his spying days are over. Not that he spied for us or anything. But he did say he would have warned me of anything."

"That was nice of him."

"Well. You know. We're together. What else was he to do? Let Voldemort kill me?"

"He could have. He could easily have just gotten from you…well…what he wanted and cut you loose."

"Yeah, I have thought of that. You don't know him, though. He'd never do that. Though, I suspect he'll be doing something of the kind tonight."

She clutched his arm. "You don't think he'd break up with you over something like this?"

"He might," said Harry miserably.

"But he can't! You tell him, Harry. It would be far too dangerous. He's much better off with you."

"I'll try to convince him of that in any case," he said softly.

* * *

When Harry arrived at the Whomping Willow, it was already immobile so he knew Draco must be waiting for him in the Shrieking Shack.

Harry emerged into their room and whisked off the cloak. Draco was there, sitting in front of the fire. He didn't turn around. The first words out of his mouth were, "You told Ginny Weasley."

Harry set his cloak aside and slowly approached the sofa. "Yes. Actually, she guessed about me."

"You promised you wouldn't tell anybody."

"I know. But she guessed. Well, truthfully, she only guessed about me, not about us."

"Truthfully?" he threw back at him.

"I did tell you the truth. I know I promised- Is this really the point anymore? The real problem is what are we to do about it?"

Draco finally turned and Harry was hit with the full force of his sneer. "What are we going to do about it? I think that's plain. We won't be seeing each other any more. That's the safest route."

"Hermione thought you would say that."

"Oh, so now they all know?"

"Draco, everyone knows."

"Have you ever heard of a little thing called 'denial', Potter?"

"Is there really a point in that?"

"Yes, dammit!" He shot to his feet. "My effing life is on the line! When my father hears about this-"

"What can he do in Azkaban?"

"He has ways, Potter. And there is Crabbe and Goyle. Their fathers aren't in Azkaban and you know who they follow, right?"

"D-do you think they'd hurt you?"

He squared off with Harry. "Haven't you been listening to me? Danger, Potter. Me."

"I know. And we'll work this out together."

"No. You've already proven you can't be trusted."

"Come on, Draco. Why are you being like this? We can work together."

"I don't want to work with you. I thought you cared about me. I thought you cared what happens to me."

"I do!" He grabbed his arms and forced him to face him. "Draco. Please! Let's just sit as calmly as we can and work something out, okay?"

Draco scowled and stared at Harry's feet before he brought up his eyes. The Slytherin stared at Harry's face a long time before his expression softened. Almost self-consciously, he leaned forward and kissed Harry softly. "Okay," he whispered.

Harry dragged him down to the sofa and they sat, holding each other's hand. "First," said Harry, "how bad is it?"

"I don't know yet. By the time Ginny got the message to me, it had started in Slytherin."

"I'm sure the whole school knows at this point."

"Okay. That's granted. What of the teachers?"

Harry sighed. "She said Snape tried to stop it when she started talking, so I'm sure the whole staff knows, too."

"I have a feeling we shouldn't be here very long as our heads will probably want a little 'talk' with us."

"No doubt."

"Well, this is a right proper mess thanks to your girlfriend."

Harry laughed and Draco stared at him. "Yeah, that's the funny part. Had I had her as my girlfriend, none of this would have happened."

"Going straight on me now, are you?"

"Not a chance." He squeezed Draco's hand.

Draco stared at Harry's tanned hand in his white one. "You…aren't regretting this, are you?"

"Are you kidding? I've never been happier in my life!" Harry suddenly reddened at that admission, especially when Draco looked up at him incredulously.

"Are you serious?"

Harry nodded.

"Well…I suppose you make me happy, too."

Smiling, Harry said, "I do?"

"Yes." He kissed Harry's mouth and stroked his cheek. "I know we have to get back, but do you think we have time-"

"Draco!"

"Why waste this opportunity? We may not get another."

"True." And as Harry said it, Draco was already unbuttoning his shirt.

* * *

Later than he planned, Harry returned to Gryffindor tower. But Professor McGonagall was already waiting for him and looked as if she'd been there a long time. He whipped off his cloak and stood before her.

"Looking for me, Professor?"

"Out of your dorm after curfew, Potter. Ten points from Gryffindor." Then she stood and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Are you doing all right, Potter?"

He shrugged. He didn't quite know what to say. It was strange talking to his head of house after he had just been shagged. His arse itched, in fact, but he bravely endured it.

"I think we need to have a little chat. Come with me."

Harry sighed and followed her out to her study and sat in the chair before her desk as she instructed. She folded her hands and merely looked at him until he squirmed with discomfort.

"Now Potter. Of course you've heard the rumours-"

"They aren't rumours." He had decided at once to tell the truth. It was the only way to keep Draco safe. "It's true. I am gay and I am with Draco Malfoy." Glad that was over.

McGonagall's face whitened. "I see," she said after a pause. "I take it you have just returned from being with him?"

"Yes. We needed to…talk."

"Understandable. Well then. I trust you understand a few points." And she proceeded-through a high blush in her cheeks-to explain to him about the birds and the bees, about sexually transmitted diseases, about possible medical repercussions of anal sex-until Harry was as red as his Gryffindor scarf. Never in a million years did he dream of having this kind of discussion with any teacher let alone the prim Professor McGonagall. Harry slumped further and further into his seat, just wishing she'd be done soon. When at last she was, she asked, "Do you have any questions?"

"No!" And he hid his eyes under his hand.

"Good." She seemed as relieved by that as he did. "I think, Potter, you may experience some ramifications amongst the students."

"No kidding."

"I just hope you are prepared. Since this is an unusual case, I can, if necessary, excuse you from classes."

"What? No! I won't need to-"

"Tomorrow, Potter, you may be singing a different tune. It's going to be difficult."

"I know. But Ron and Hermione are on my side. As well as Ginny and Neville. I won't feel alone."

"That's excellent. That makes me very proud to call myself a Gryffindor. In fact, twenty points to Gryffindor for courage."

She looked at Harry and Harry looked at her.

"I…would have hoped you might have chosen someone more suitable."

"You can't help who you like," said Harry defensively.

"No, indeed. And what's done is done."

Again, there was silence.

"May I go now?"

"Unless you have anything else you wish to tell me."

"No. I think I'd just like to get to bed."

"Very well, then, Potter. Off with you."

"Good night, Professor." And when he reached the door, he thought it prudent to add, "And…ah…thank you."

* * *

But the next morning, he could see how right McGonagall was. Scarcely any of the Gryffindors would talk to him and those in the other houses whispered in hissing noises as he passed. He also noticed Draco at the Slytherin table, and there was space on either side of him.

Harry didn't much feel like eating breakfast, and when the owls started arriving, Harry heard giggling behind him. He twisted around to look, and caught Draco dashing from the hall with a smoldering red envelope in his hand. A Howler. Probably from his mother. He could just imagine what it said: "HOW COULD YOU ASSOCIATE WITH A HALF-BLOOD LIKE THAT! IT DISGUSTS ME, AND WITH HARRY POTTER, THE BOY RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING YOUR FATHER IN PRISON? NOT ONLY IS THAT UNGRATEFUL, IT IS VERY UNMALFOY!"

As it was, he heard the vague screaming down the corridor. He was glad Draco made it outside. No one could actually hear the words.

But it was much later when things got more dire. In Potions, the other Slytherins tried to sabotage Draco's potion, and not just for him to lose points, but in dangerous ways that could have done him real harm had Snape not caught it in time. But Snape didn't say anything to the Slytherins and instead told Draco to stay after.

Harry tried to concentrate on his potion, but even in the best of times he couldn't do well. Yet even so, his potion didn't turn out half-bad, so it didn't really seem like a decent excuse to hold him after either, until it occurred to Harry that maybe Snape wanted to talk to the two of them.

As everyone filed out of class, Snape motioned for Harry and Draco to enter his study. He pointed to two chairs and they both sat, scarcely looking at one another.

Snape paced before the fire, his hands stiff behind his back. Finally he stopped, glared down at them, and sighed heavily. "Well, well, well," he said, voice dark as smoke. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. Two young men who don't have enough on their plates and thought to add a pinch more controversy."

"It's not as if we planned it, sir," said Draco. Harry was unaccountably relieved that he didn't deny it.

"No, Mr. Malfoy. It seems you plan very little. You seldom consider the consequences of your actions. So in this case, it would seem you are a perfect match for Mr. Potter."

Draco's shoulders drooped.

"What do you two plan to do about it?"

"Do?" said Harry. Snape whipped his head toward him, his black hair flailing. It was as if he didn't expect Harry to address him. "What can we do?"

"Have you considered denying it all?" was the cold rejoinder.

"It's a bit too late for that."

Snape sneered. "I see. All that Gryffindor courage bubbling to the surface. Made a speech to your whole house, did you Potter?"

"No… Sir. I'm just tired of lying."

He turned to Draco. "Are you tired of lying, Mr. Malfoy?"

"No. Of course not. It's just that Harry…well. It's no good. They all believe it." Petulantly, he added, "Perhaps not the wisest of choices to offer truth serum in class. Sir."

"It is not for you to make judgments about my teaching methods, Mr. Malfoy." But before he turned his back on them and concentrated on the fire, Harry was certain he saw two red spots flush Snape's cheeks. "We've only got a week left of term. I don't think it entirely safe for you any more, Mr. Malfoy. Even as head of your house I do not know that I can protect you from…outside forces. The both of you are to report to Headmaster Dumbledore's office. Now."

He and Harry hesitated before they rose. Had they been dismissed?

Snape twisted toward them. "Well? Do you need an engraved invitation?"

"No, sir!" they said in unison, and scrambled out of his office.

They walked briskly down the corridor. Harry felt it a good idea after what Snape said to keep his wand in his hand.

"Aren't you being a bit paranoid, Potter?"

"You can't be too careful. And you're the one in danger for a change, Malfoy. I'd appreciate it if you'd take a precaution or two."

"Gone woman on me, Potter?"

"And what's with all the 'Potters'? You call me 'Harry' enough when you want a shag."

"This is hardly the same circumstances."

"Yeah, but you're supposed to be my boyfriend."

"Where'd you get that impression?"

Harry grabbed his arm and stopped. "No you don't! You are not pulling this on me. Did you or did you not declare your devotion to me?"

He shook Harry's hand free of him. "Don't get all squishy on me. I didn't say I was in love with you or anything."

Harry's spirits fell. "I know," he said sulkily.

"Oh no. Do you mean to tell me you're in love with me?"

"I didn't say that."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Get a grip, Potter. Harry. We don't have time for this. Let's just get to Dumbledore's office and see what crackpot scheme he's got planned this time."

Harry fell silent. He didn't much feel like talking to Draco right now. He thought he could be positively hateful sometimes. And this was definitely one of those times.

They reached the gargoyle statue and Harry said, "Peppermint Toad!" The gargoyle slid aside revealing the griffin stair. They both took a step and allowed the stairwell to carry them to the top. It was Harry who knocked on the door, and they heard the voice of Dumbledore bid them enter.

They walked across the strange tower room with his high book shelves and odd knick-knacks. Dumbledore was looking out his window and finally turned when the two were at his desk. "Do sit down, gentlemen," he said, and two squishy armchairs appeared. Draco and Harry looked once at one another before easing into the chairs. Dumbledore slowly approached with a thoughtful air. He did not sit at his desk as Harry thought he might but walked around it to their side of it and leaned on the edge. He smiled congenially at each in turn. "Harry. Draco. You certainly got into it this time, didn't you?"

It seemed unnecessary to reply. The both of them reddened.

"I just had a most interesting discussion with your mother, Draco."

Draco snapped his head up. "Yeah? Well, I got an interesting letter from her, too."

Dumbledore chuckled. "No doubt. But that was in the heat of the moment; a mother lashing out at the impossibility of protecting her son, a son who is growing to manhood. No, the discussion I had with her was of a far different nature than your Howler." He turned to Harry and suddenly asked, "Harry, you of course understand why you must return to the Dursley's every summer?"

He looked at Draco and licked his suddenly dry lips. "Yes. You explained it to me."

"Why don't you explain it to Draco."

"Um…all right." He looked at Draco who seemed curious about this little secret. "Well…when Voldemort killed my mother, he didn't realize that it created this special protection for me. My mother's love, because she was willing to sacrifice herself for me, created a magical protection that lingers today. And because I live with my aunt-my mother's sister-that protection stays as long as I can call that place home. Voldemort can't touch me there. So it's safe." He turned back to Dumbledore and stared into his smiling blue eyes. "Is that right, sir?"

"Well said, Harry. Now. Your mother made it plain to me, Draco, that your life is in danger now that this interesting news is out. That Voldemort wished to use you against Harry, but now that he can't he isn't pleased. Harry, has your scar been hurting?"

"Yes, sir. Sort of a constant buzz. I just thought it was because he's out and about doing mischief."

"Mischief, yes."

Draco stared at Harry. "Wait a moment. Your scar tells you how Voldemort is feeling?"

"Yeah. It always has done."

"Why didn't you tell me that?"

Harry looked sheepishly at the floor. "It was one of those secrets I couldn't tell you."

"Oh, but it was all right to tell Ginny Weasley that the two of us are shag buddies!"

"I told you-!"

"Gentlemen! Please. It is useless to assign blame. Please, let me explain what Narcissa Malfoy shared with me."

Harry snorted. Draco was being a right git about it all. But Harry was curious as to what Narcissa had to say.

Dumbledore settled. He drew a bowl forward filled with multi-colored candies. "Confect-charms?"

Harry shook his head. His stomach was too busy roiling about for sweets. Draco also declined. Dumbledore looked as if he would take one, but he decided against it and set the bowl aside. "Well then. Narcissa told me more about the Death Eaters that…well. I don't think I can share all of it with you, but essentially, she asked me to keep Draco safe and I have vowed to do that. You and Harry now share a special bond, do you not? It may even be akin to that which Harry shares with his family. It is therefore prudent to keep you away from Malfoy Manor for the summer-"

"What! I'm not going home?"

"Your mother insists it is not safe. She worries that you will be abducted and subjected to great horrors."

Draco sat back. He looked sick. Harry longed to take him in his arms but he didn't want to do that in front of the Headmaster.

Draco was silent for a moment. "So…so I have to stay at Hogwarts?"

"No. Actually, I had a better idea. I think this summer, you should go home with Harry."

There was a deep silence following this pronouncement. Draco edged forward. "Sir? Did you say I'd being going home with…Harry?"

Harry couldn't breathe, couldn't swallow. Was his ardent fantasy coming true? This had to be a dream.

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy. I think it the safest place for you. Since you share this bond with Harry and Harry shares a similar bond with his family, the protection blankets you as well. I do not believe Voldemort will be able to touch you if you stay at the Dursleys. And, of course, we do have guards around the house at Privet Drive, as Harry will attest to."

Harry sent a warm look at Draco. "He'll be staying with me?"

"Yes, I know this is highly unusual, but the circumstances themselves are highly unusual. And so. What do you think, Draco?"

Draco was speechless. He kept looking at his lap. But before he could answer, Harry got a sinking feeling. "Professor, the Dursleys will never take in another wizard. They hate our kind."

"Don't worry about the Dursleys, Harry. I have already taken care of that." Harry remembered the Howler Dumbledore had sent Aunt Petunia last year and wondered if he'd sent another. Or something worse.

Draco lifted his face. "I guess it's all right. If my mother wants me to."

"It's for the best, Draco. Now. I think you should both get your things together. You will be leaving tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?" said Harry. "What about our classes?"

"The assignments will be sent home with you. I think it best you go right away while the news is still fresh and before the Death Eaters can make a move."

"Sir," asked Harry tentatively. "Will…will you say anything to the school?"

Dumbledore leaned forward. "What is it you would have me say, Harry?"

"I don't know. That it's okay for two blokes to-" He sighed. "That even two people who appear to be opposites can-" He finally shrugged. "I don't know, sir."

The headmaster smiled. "Oh, I believe I can think of something to put everyone in their places. Now. It's late. The two of you need to go off to your dorms, pack, and say good-bye to your friends. Be ready to go at eight o'clock sharp. We'll be flooing to the Leaky Cauldron and from there obtain a taxicab to Little Whinging. The Durselys will be expecting you."

"Are you going with us, sir?" asked Harry.

"Yes. I want to make certain you get to Privet Drive safely. But I won't be staying. Good night, you two."

They rose. Once they were back in the dim corridor they looked at one another. "This isn't how I wanted it," said Harry, unsure of his feelings. He was overjoyed Draco would be with him for the summer, but it didn't look as if Draco was very pleased. After all, he was being exiled from his home. He must feel pretty bad about now. Harry leaned over and kissed his cheek, thinking that was probably all the blond would take from him at the moment. But Draco turned his face, and instead took Harry's lips. He kissed him for a long interval before pulling back. His eyes searched Harry's face.

"I'm scared."

Harry nodded. "I know. So am I. It will be all right, though. Dumbledore's handling it. You can trust him, Draco." Harry thought Draco might shoot back "like I could trust you!" But he didn't. He didn't say anything. He merely turned away and headed down toward the dungeons.

* * *

Harry had said his good-byes last night, but he got hugs from Hermione and Ginny again in the morning. Ron and Neville shook his hand while Dean and Seamus stood off a little ways. Sullenly, they moved forward. "We're sorry for acting like gits," said Seamus. "This Malfoy business was a bit of a shock on two counts. You being a pouf and all and your being with Malfoy. Not a nice bit of news. But. We reckon you know what you're doing. And love is love, isn't it? Me mam is always saying rubbish like that."

Harry shook his hand and then Dean's. He felt better that his friends were all on his side. He took Hedwig's cage with him to Dumbledore's office where he met Draco with his owl Fergus in a cage. They said nothing as Dumbledore sidled into the cramped fireplace with them and yelled, "The Leaky Cauldron!" They spun and Harry closed his eyes as he always did when traveling by floo.

Hardly anyone was in the tavern that early in the morning. Tom the barkeep just nodded to Dumbledore and the two of them found their trunks waiting. They dragged them outside and soon a cab arrived. The trunks were stuffed into the boot and the three of them took what Harry felt was one of the more surreal excursions so far of his life as a wizard.

Finally Harry recognized the outskirts of Little Whinging and his heart began to flutter. How he hated the Dursleys, but it wouldn't be so bad this year with Draco. If only Draco would be sweet to him again as he had been all year.

The cab pulled up in front of the kerb and they disembarked, dragging their trunks to the front step. Dumbledore pressed the doorbell. He seemed anxious to do so, like a little kid. The door swung open and they were greeted by the red face of his uncle. His walrus mustache twitched. "Oh. It's you lot," he said rudely. "Get in, get in before the neighbors see you."

"Thank you, Mr. Dursley," said Dumbledore with the utmost politeness, lifting the hem of his robe as he entered over the threshold. Aunt Petunia was there in the lounge as was Dudley, looking as fat as always and a little frightened.

"Well now. Introductions are in order. This is Vernon Dursley, his delightful wife Petunia, and their son Dudley. This is Draco Malfoy."

"Draco Malfoy?" said Uncle Vernon, appalled. "What sort of mad name is that?"

Draco scowled. There was one thing people learned quickly not to do, and that was insult Draco's name. "It's a very old family name," he snapped. "Better than some ponce name like Vernon!" He whipped his head toward Harry's cousin. "Or Dudley."

"Now, gentlemen. May I remind you, Draco, that you are a guest in this house."

"That's right!" said Uncle Vernon, his nose in the air.

"And may I remind you, sir," said Dumbledore to him, "that since he is a guest in your house he must be given the utmost courtesy. I will check in from time to time to make certain this is so."

Uncle Vernon paled. Everyone was afraid of Dumbledore. Harry was glad the old wizard was on his side.

"Well, I think it time I take my leave. Harry, Draco. Be good. The summer will be over before you know it. Get some studying done and you will be ready for your last year at Hogwarts. I will see you both soon." He nodded to the Durselys, strode toward the door, and closed it behind him.

Harry and Draco were now alone with Harry's family and they all looked each other up and down. "Your headmaster," and Uncle Vernon said this title rather dubiously, "didn't tell us any details. Just that we had to take in another effing wizard. So I don't want any trouble from you two. And just because that Dumbledore forced you down our throats," he said, pointing a stubby finger at Draco, "doesn't mean you get special privileges. There's no room for you here so you will just have to sleep in Potter's room."

To Draco's credit, his face did not alter one iota. "Fine!" he said, sensing the lay of the land. "If that's the way you treat guests! Where the hell is it?"

"I'll beg you to keep your damned language to a civilized tone. There is a lady present."

Draco slid his heavy-lidded gaze toward Dudley. "Oh. Sorry."

Dudley fumed.

"Come on, Malfoy. I'll show you where I sleep." They both dragged their trunks up the stairs. Draco made certain to hit every baluster as he went. Dudley huffed up the stairs after them and stood at Harry's doorway.

"This one looks as scrawny as you, Potter. I can't wait to make his life just as miserable as I make yours."

Draco turned to Dudley and leaned in making Dudley draw back. "I've heard of you, Dursley. And unlike Harry here, I'm not afraid to use magic on you. So just stay out of our way." And he brandished his wand to make the point.

Dudley's face whitened and he began to run down the corridor before he seemed to think better of turning his back on a wizard. He crept backwards, keeping his hands on his bum.

Draco rolled his eyes and pulled his trunk and owl the rest of the way into Harry's cramped room.

Harry stood in the centre as Draco closed the door. "This is it, I'm afraid. The bathroom's down the hall. Nothing like Malfoy Manor, probably."

But Draco was looking at Harry, not the room. And Harry's throat suddenly went dry. Slowly, Draco crossed the space and slid his arms around Harry's waist pulling Harry's pelvis against his own. Draco had an erection. "So I'm stuck in this tiny little room with you all summer?"

Harry's face was close to Draco's and he lost his breath. "Yeah. And they won't be bothering us because they hate us."

Draco looked at the small bed. "That's a tiny bed, Potter."

"There's always the floor."

Draco smiled at Harry and leaned in for a kiss, when Harry pushed him back. "Yeah. Well. You haven't treated me very well about all this. It seems my feelings aren't very important in the scheme of things."

Draco's fists rested on his hips. "Where'd you get that idea, you git?"

"You. You said, 'Don't get all squishy on me. I didn't say I was in love with you or anything.' When I said I thought you were my boyfriend you dismissed it. I'm just a shag partner to you. So isn't this perfect?"

Draco rolled his eyes again. "You're not just a shag partner."

"But you act like that."

"You've never said you love me."

Harry kicked a sock aside. "I was afraid you'd make fun of me."

Draco smiled and took Harry in his arms again. "Dear Harry; I hope this letter finds you well. How glad I am that I've moved in with you. True, the events of the last two days haven't made things easy but who knew we'd get a reward for our stupidity. I do hope you will write to me soon as I have truly enjoyed all of your letters and fully intend to keep them till the day I die. Love, Draco."

Harry looked at him curiously, until he realized what Draco was doing. And then his last words reached his foggy brain. "'Love'?"

Draco nodded and kissed the side of Harry's mouth very gently. "Love. So I'm a bit of a git, too." He kissed the other side of his mouth. "I love you, Harry. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"Yes," he said and kissed Draco back, lips gliding over lips. He licked Draco's lower lip and sucked it into his mouth. "And I love you, too," he murmured.

"Then we're all right…boyfriend?"

Harry couldn't suppress a wide smile. "You're only saying that so I'll let you shag me."

"I'm only saying this because it's true. And because I want to shag you."

"Well," said Harry, looking at the bed, "we do have all summer."

The End


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