So we meet again, Harry Potter

Back at his flat, Harry ran himself a nice hot bath, and got in with a sigh. It had been a long day, a wonderful evening, and he was thoroughly confused. Had things really changed enough between him and Draco that they could now be happy together? They'd shared a lot of wonderful times, after all.

Harry closed his eyes and drifted back in time. He remembered being woken by terrible nightmares, and Draco gently holding him, whispering soft words. He remembered how Draco would usually wake up before him, and would shower and get dressed before rousing Harry with a kiss. Harry would usually mumble something and try to get Draco to cuddle with him for a while longer, and he sometimes succeeded. He remembered the rare occasions when he would get up before Draco, and just watch him sleeping. Draco looked so angelic when he slept, his soft blond hair falling on his pale face, his lips soft and slightly parted, his face a vision of beauty and bliss. Yet Draco was haunted by nightmares too, and when he did have them, Harry was there with him, holding him tight and assuring him that he would never let go.

Harry sighed. They made quite a couple, with their individual neuroses and emotional baggage. Yet, somehow they had always found strength in each other. Even after they had broken up, Harry felt deep inside that if he ever asked for Draco's help, he would get it. He also knew that he would do anything for Draco, if the need arose. But where did that leave them? Were they friends? Can you call someone a friend if you want to tear his clothes off and ravish him every time you see him? Does friendship include having exceptionally erotic dreams about the person in question? Harry smiled wryly. They could never be 'just friends' - it would never be enough for either of them.

But was he ready for a relationship with Draco? A part of him said "Yes, of course, why not?" But the more logical part of him wondered if he was ready to abandon his secure, predictable life for the inevitable emotional roller coaster.

I'm not sure I will have a choice. One more of those kisses and I will be ripping off his clothes and getting reacquainted with that beautiful body. Oh Draco! You have no idea how much I want you right now.

~~~~~~~

The next day, Harry met Ron for lunch, as he normally did on Thursday afternoons.

"Ron, I've been invited to a party next Friday. It's some kind of a get-together and there are going to be a lot of old friends from school. Would you like to come with me?"

"Where is it?"

"Umm...at Malfoy Manor."

Ron stared at Harry for a few seconds. "I see. So this would be Draco's party?"

"Yeah. I ran into him a couple of weeks ago, and we've met again since then."

"Harry, are you back together with him?"

Harry sighed. "Not exactly. We are...friends, I suppose. We did kiss a couple of times, though."

"Harry, are you sure you know what you're doing? I remember what you went through when you were with him. Have you forgotten the number of times you turned up on my doorstep, crushed and angry because of something Draco said? And do you remember how you felt when the two of you split up?"

Harry ran his fingers through his tangled hair and sighed again. "I remember, alright. It's just...things were different then. There was the war and all that went with it; the constant threat of Death Eaters, Draco's past and mine...but that was then. I'm not saying that we will definitely be happy together, but we could be, couldn't we? I just think it's a possibility worth exploring."

Ron just scowled. "Well, it's your decision, obviously. I'll be here for you whatever you decide. Just think about it before you do something rash, all right? So tell me about this party then. Am I supposed to be your date or something?"

Harry smiled at the mischievous grin that had replaced Ron's scowl. "That would certainly make Draco wonder. In school, he was always suspicious that there was something going on between us, no matter how much I tried to convince him otherwise."

Ron chuckled and agreed to go to the party with Harry. "It will be nice to meet some of our old school friends. I hope Susan Bones will there - she was cute."

~~~~~~~

The following Friday, Harry and Ron left work together and made their way to Harry's flat. Ron changed into his party clothes, which he had brought with him. He looked smart in a khaki-coloured shirt, sleek brown trousers, and a suede jacket. Harry had selected a green silk shirt with black trousers. Draco had always liked him in green; he used to say it made him want to swim in Harry's eyes. Harry smiled at the thought - Draco sometimes said the oddest things, but it was impossible not to be completely entertained when he was around.

They arrived at Malfoy Manor at around eight o'clock, and a lot of the guests had already arrived by then. Draco met them at the door, looking a little surprised to see Ron.

"Hi, Harry. Ron, what a pleasant surprise. Come on in," said Draco, with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Harry felt secretly pleased at Draco's reaction to him arriving with Ron, though he quickly quelled the thought.

"I hope you don't mind - Harry asked me," said Ron smugly, remembering what Harry had told him earlier. He obviously did not want to waste a chance to get under Draco's skin.

"You're Harry's date?" asked Draco, playing along. "That's not really a surprise. Harry, you wouldn't mind if I steal a dance with your date, would you? Save a dance for me, won't you, Ron?" Draco showed them in and disappeared into the crowd.

Ron was still gaping when Draco left. "He didn't really mean that, did he, Harry? Will he actually make me dance with him?"

Harry laughed. "Knowing Draco, he probably will," he teased, seeing Ron looking even more uncomfortable.

Just then a slender blonde woman walked up to them, and enveloped Ron in a warm hug.

"Ronald, how nice to see you. Harry, you too," she said, hugging Harry as well.

"Luna! It's wonderful to see you - how've you been? How are things at The Quibbler?" asked Ron. Luna had taken over as the editor of the Quibbler after her father was killed in one of the Death Eater attacks. She had played a small role in the war, and had got very close to Ron during that time.

"Oh, the same," said Luna, with a distant smile. "We're investigating a story about an alien ship seen landing nearby. There's always something interesting to write about, you know."

They began chatting amiably, and were interrupted a few minutes later by Cho, who asked Harry for a dance. "Since we didn't get to dance together at the Yule ball," she said with a smile.

"But I'm a terrible dancer," Harry whined. "Honestly, I have two left feet. I -"

"Harry Potter, I am not taking no for an answer. Besides, you can't be any worse than my last dance partner," said Cho, looking pointedly at Crabbe, who was refilling his drink.

Harry acknowledged defeat and let Cho lead him to the dance floor, which was already crowded. He began dancing, awkwardly, but to his relief, did not notice anyone staring at his clumsy movements.

"So, you and Draco," Harry started, remembering that Draco had said he and Cho were 'friends with benefits.' Harry found that he didn't like that idea much at all. "Are you together?"

"Not really," said Cho. "We do go out sometimes, but we're just friends. That's mostly because of Draco though. He doesn't really let people in, you know. He's a great bloke, but there's that inner part of him that nobody seems to be able to touch."

Cho paused and looked over to where Draco was gracefully dancing with a beautiful brunette who seemed enamoured with him.

Harry followed her gaze and frowned at the sight. "God! What a tramp. Does she have to cling so tightly to him?" thought Harry ungraciously, before reminding himself that he was being unreasonable. After all, it wasn't as if he and Draco were together.

Cho took her eyes off Draco and smiled back at Harry. "I always got the impression that he had one great love that he never really got over. In fact, I think his name was Harry."

Harry's eyes opened wide, and Cho laughed. "He never really told me about it, but a couple of times, after he had broken up with someone and I asked him why, he just said, 'He's not Harry.'"

Harry felt his heartbeat accelerate as he tightened his hold on Cho. She didn't seem to notice, and continued, "So anyway, we've been friends over the years, with a couple of drunken encounters thrown in. The sex was great though, so I have no regrets about those drunken moments," she added with a wink.

Harry tried to hide a scowl that threatened to surface at the thought of Cho with Draco, but didn't say anything. They danced a while longer, Harry stepping on Cho's toes more than once, before Cho seemed to have had enough, and excused herself.

Harry was only too happy to stop dancing and making a fool of himself. He got ready to walk back to where Ron was sitting and talking to Luna, but found himself being pulled back. He turned around and saw that Draco had grabbed a hold of his arm. Harry wasn't sure when Draco had abandoned his dance partner, but the intense look in his eyes left Harry with no doubt about his intentions.

"Stay and dance with me, Harry," he said, almost in a whisper.

Harry hesitated for a minute, torn between his desire to be close to Draco and the nagging voice in his head that told him that this was a bad, bad idea. He eventually allowed Draco to lead him into the furthest corner of the room, which was dimly lit and occupied by snogging couples. Draco put his hands on Harry's hips, and Harry hesitantly put his arms around Draco's neck, Draco being almost three inches taller than him. Draco was a very elegant dancer, and with him leading, it almost seemed like Harry had some grace. Almost.

Harry closed his eyes and followed Draco's rhythm. The slow beats of the song drummed on, and Harry melted away into it.

Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long lonely time

Harry sighed into Draco's neck, and Draco instinctively brought him closer. With his eyes closed, every other sensation was overwhelming, and Harry could feel his skin heating up wherever his body touched Draco's.

And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?

It was Draco who sighed this time, as he whispered against Harry's ear, "I've missed you so much."

Harry felt himself shivering at the feel of Draco's breath, his mind lost in fond memories. Something warm and comfortable seemed to flow through his every vein. Images from the past flashed before him, images of happier times with Draco despite everything else that had been going on. He saw himself and Draco at the beach; at Auror school; strategising during the war; cuddling in bed; arguing; making up...but always with a passion so fiery it engulfed both of them entirely.

I need your love, I need your love
God speed your love to me

Harry hardly noticed that they were barely moving by now, just swaying to the beat and holding on. When the song ended, Harry felt more alive and emotionally charged than he had felt in a long time. He drew away, took a deep breath and looked into Draco's eyes.

Draco was gazing at him with an unimaginable tenderness, his face reflecting nothing but absolute adoration. Harry didn't know how much time passed before Draco seemed to become aware of the world around them, and looked away.

"Thank you for the dance, Harry," he said, softly, raising his eyes to look at Harry once more, and smiling. "And thank you for wearing green tonight - it still makes me want to swim in your eyes."

Harry smiled too, not knowing what to say to that, and tried to walk away. Draco, whose hands were still around Harry's hips, had other plans, however. He gave Harry a little pull and gestured towards a little door a few feet away.

"Come on, Harry, I want to show you something," he said.

"If it's your bedroom, then I don't think we should be going there yet -" Harry started.

"Yet?" asked Draco, his smile growing wider. "Does this mean that you want to go to my bedroom later?"

"No...I mean...I just meant...Oh, you know what I meant."

Draco chuckled. "Okay, not to my bedroom - yet - then. Come on, trust me. I promise I won't jump you the moment we leave this room. And Merlin knows I want to, Harry."

Harry blushed, and followed Draco out through the little door. They walked through the corridor and down a flight of steps, Harry taking in the familiar surroundings. Draco finally led him into a little room with a cosy fireplace, a couch, a couple of chairs, and two wine cabinets filled with rare wines.

"Can I interest you with some wine, Harry?"

Harry chuckled. "I still prefer beer, Dray. Or have you forgotten?"

Draco smiled at Harry's use of his pet name. Harry could tell he was pleased about it.

"I've forgotten nothing about you, Harry," he replied with a little smile. He took out his wand and pointed it at the wine cabinet, which swivelled, and pushed the wine bottles out of sight. An assortment of bottled beers was now visible.

"For you, Harry," Draco said, still smiling. "Take your pick."

Harry picked up a Newcastle Brown, and Draco joined him. They had a few drinks together, talked a little, and finally Draco stood up.

"I suppose we should be getting back to the party," he said, looking like he didn't really want to.

Harry was quite giggly by now. His tolerance for alcohol wasn't very high, and after three beers, he was feeling quite silly and uninhibited. He reached out, grabbed Draco's hand and pulled him into his lap so that Draco's back rested against his chest.

"Leaving me so soon, Dray?"

Draco, looked a little dizzy himself, but seemed to be still in control - just about. "You're drunk, Harry," he said, softly.

"Only intoxicated by you, sweetheart," Harry whispered, snaking his arms around Draco's chest and slowly unbuttoning his shirt. He nudged Draco's hair back with his nose, and placed a wet, sloppy kiss on the back of Draco's neck.

Draco sighed deeply, then struggled half-heartedly out of Harry's grasp. He stood up, buttoning his shirt.

"Not like this, Harry," he said, turning around and placing a gentle kiss on Harry's lips. Harry deepened the kiss and Draco was lost in it for a moment. He withdrew from it soon, though, much to Harry's disappointment. "I don't want you to regret this in the morning, Harry. We will get together when you know you want to, not when you're too drunk to know the difference."

Draco muttered a partial sobriety spell on Harry, and Harry immediately felt his head clear. He still felt a bit tipsy, but much more in control of himself.

They returned to the party, and Draco left Harry to mingle with the other guests. Harry was soon surrounded by old friends, and spent the rest of the evening talking and dancing. His eyes kept drifting over to Draco though, watching him play the perfect host, looking as elegant and desirable as he ever had.

As the party wound down and the guests began to leave, Harry decided he had better get going as well. He looked for Ron, and found him dancing happily with Luna. He caught his attention, and gestured that he was leaving. Ron smiled and waved, clearly not interested in leaving just then. Harry chuckled, and searched for Draco, who was now chatting with Cho and a few other friends.

As he caught Draco's eye to tell him he was ready to leave, Draco said something to his friends, and walked towards Harry.

"Harry, why don't you stay here tonight? Er...you could help me clean up. This place will be a mess by the time everybody's gone. It's only going to be supervising the house-elves, but it would be more fun if I had company. Please."

Harry had certainly not been expecting this. "But...I...um...I don't have a change of clothes, Draco. I can't -"

Draco smiled mischievously. "If you absolutely insist on wearing clothes tonight, I can lend you some of mine," he purred. "Come on, stay with me - we can talk. We've got so much to catch up on anyway. What do you say?" He gave Harry his most innocent, pleading look, and Harry knew he could not refuse.

"All right, but I'll sleep in the guest bedroom."

"Of course, where else?" asked Draco, still smiling mischievously.

~~~~~~

Ron had not been particularly pleased when Harry told him that he would be spending the night, and when Harry tried to convince him that he would be okay, Ron rolled his eyes and left. When the last of the guests had departed, Draco surveyed the damage and shrugged. He knew the house-elves would have the rooms spick-and-span by the next morning.

He took Harry by the hand and led him to the couch near the fireplace.

"Draco, where's your mother?" asked Harry, suddenly realising that Draco had not mentioned Narcissa at all. "Is she in the Manor?"

"Mother's in France right now," said Draco, looking away. "It's part of her treatment for depression. She's doing a lot better now."

"I'm glad," said Harry, knowing how worried Draco had always been about his mother's health. "How about you? I never thought you would end up living at the Manor. I know it doesn't hold the fondest memories for you."

"Well, Mother's been so frail, and..." Draco sighed. "I did want to move out, but kept postponing it. Besides, it's not so bad anymore. I've enjoyed redecorating, and you would not recognise some of the rooms from when you were here before. Do you want the grand tour of the new and improved Malfoy Manor?" Draco stood up and offered his hand to Harry with a flourish, and Harry chuckled.

"Sounds good," said Harry, accepting Draco's hand and trying to tell himself that it was just static that caused his fingers to tingle at the touch.

Harry followed Draco into each room, marvelling at how much Draco had transformed the Manor. When Harry had seen it last, it had been a cold, depressing place, but it was vibrant and alive now, artistically decorated and full of beautiful colours. Harry was impressed.

"You should help me redecorate my flat, Draco. It could really do with a makeover."

Draco finally led Harry into his bedroom, which had changed beyond Harry's imagination. It was warm and cosy, with a huge four-poster bed in the center. A collection of attractive furniture made it look very welcoming and comfortable. There was also a little fireplace in which a cheerful little fire was now flickering.

Harry looked around the room, and was overwhelmed by memories. He remembered the countless times he had lain on the bed with Draco, cuddled in his arms, their bodies pressed together, the heat too much for either of them to resist. He remembered their skirmishes on the floor, remembered wrestling in the bath, remembered late night discussions which usually ended very pleasantly. Suddenly, it hit him - no matter how much he tried to deny it, he needed Draco, wanted him, and quite possibly was still in love with him. He turned to face Draco.

"Dray, do you think we could ever be just friends?" he asked.

Draco looked at him for a long moment before replying. "Well, I don't really have many friends whom I want to throw on my bed and ravish," he said with a smile. "I don't know Harry - I can't explain it. I didn't think it would be like this if we ever met again. I didn't realise how much I want you; how much I love you."

He stared deeply into Harry's eyes and continued, "I do still love you, Harry. I don't want to forget all that we had. I think that if we give it a shot, we can be happy again. I love you so much Harry...I've missed you so much."

He stepped closer and cupped Harry's face in his hands. He leaned in for a tender kiss, and Harry was lost in the softness of his lips.

"Dray - I know I've been running away from this, but it's only because I'm scared of losing you again if we do get together. The last time, I was broken. I know we decided to separate for the right reasons, but it hurt so badly. I missed you so much I was dying inside. I never want to go through that again."

"I'll never leave you again, Harry. I wouldn't be able to."

This time it was Harry who pulled Draco towards him, and captured his mouth in a hungry, inviting kiss. Draco parted his lips as Harry's tongue glided over his bottom lip. Draco met Harry's tongue with his own, and there was a frantic duel between the two, which ended with Draco kissing a path across Harry's cheek to that sensitive spot on his neck. Harry closed his eyes, and made a small, contented sound. Draco smiled, but couldn't suppress a moan of pleasure when Harry nibbled and sucked on his earlobe. Draco gently moved Harry towards the bed, and they fell on it, their bodies desperately trying to maintain contact all the way.

"You're quite the seducer," Harry whispered to Draco, who was now lying on top of him, their legs still dangling over the edge of the bed.

"And you're irresistible. Oh God, Harry, I want you so much. I've wanted you for so long," said Draco, kissing Harry again with a fierce desperation, as his hands moved downwards, unbuttoning Harry's shirt. His mouth followed his hands, nipping and sucking along Harry's neck and collarbone then down Harry's chest, then his stomach. Harry whimpered as Draco placed hot, wet kisses on his sensitive skin.

"Dray..." Harry moaned. "Yes..."

Harry's reactions were fuelling Draco's own need, and he doubled his efforts, covering every inch of Harry's chest and stomach with his mouth and tongue. Just as Draco was about to unbuckle Harry's belt, Harry pulled him back up and covered his face with hot, hungry kisses. Draco groaned loudly in Harry's mouth as his hands reached up to touch Harry's face and hair. Harry quickly took off Draco's shirt and both of them felt the heat as they pressed against each other, skin on skin. They ran their hands over each other's bodies, savouring the feeling that they had denied themselves for so long.

"Mmmmm..." Harry mumbled, rubbing his face on Draco's soft golden chest hair. "You're so beautiful, Dray. I've dreamed about this for so long."

He continued kissing Draco, slowly unbuttoning his trousers and sliding them off, while Draco returned the favour. Within a matter of seconds their boxers were off as well, and they were grinding against each other with a furious intensity, their hands and mouths roaming freely on each other's bodies

"Oh God, Draco...faster..."

"Harry...mmm...Yes! Feels...so...good..."

Harry arched his body upwards into Draco, as they thrust and rubbed against each other, screaming and panting. They were both much too aroused to prolong the encounter, and before long they climaxed in each other's arms, each crying out the other's name as they held on tight.

When their frantic breathing had returned to its normal level, Draco slowly moved off Harry, and they cuddled, kissing each other gently and tenderly.

"You know I love you, don't you?" Harry mumbled, placing a kiss on Draco's forehead. "I just can't believe we waited this long."

"I know - but it was well worth the wait, darling. Whatever happens, we'll face the future together. Deal?"

"Deal," said Harry, snuggling closer to Draco as he pulled the covers over both of them. "I suppose I shall not insist on wearing clothes tonight, then."

Draco chuckled and began gently tracing the scars on Harry's chest. "So many new scars, Harry. Where did you get this one?" he asked, running his fingers down a deep scar across Harry's stomach.

Harry took a hold of his hand and gently kissed each finger. "Not now, Dray. I don't want to talk about that now."

Draco smiled as Harry began taking each of his fingers into his mouth and gently sucking on them. "What do you want to talk about then, Harry?"

Harry rose with a feral grown and quickly straddled Draco's hips. He leaned down to kiss Draco's temple.

"I...

Kissed his eyelids.

"...don't want..."

Kissed his lips.

"...to talk..."

Kissed his collarbone.

"...about anything..."

Licked his left nipple.

"...tonight."

As Harry dove his tongue into his belly button, Draco arched up to him with a whimper.

"Ah! You win, Harry, no more talking tonight..."

He found himself incapable of coherent speech as Harry moved lower. He closed his eyes and twirled his fingers around Harry's unruly locks as he was overtaken by waves of pleasure.

"Mmm...God! Harry!"

~~~~~~~

They spent the night getting reacquainted with each other's bodies, and discovering the changes that the years apart had brought. It was beautiful and loving, much like the last night they had spent together in its intensity, but yet so different. While the other had been grasping at the last chance for happiness, this night spoke of a future together; it spoke of forever.

When they finally curled up against each other and drifted off to sleep, Harry dreamed of new beginnings, of an eternity with Draco, and a smile played on his lips, even as he slept.

One thought flitted through his mind, "Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day."

**The End**