You Hold My Heart Forever

YOU HOLD MY HEART FOREVER

Chapter 1: New beginning

It was the beginning of his seventh year at Hogwarts and Harry was making his way through the crowd on the train station, slowly approaching the barrier which would bring him to platform nine and three quarters.

He had changed a lot during this summer. The first summer when he didn't have nightmares, when he didn't have to worry about Voldemort. Voldemort was defeated three months ago in a major battle where a lot of brave witches and wizards were killed, and even more of them injured. Arthur and Percy Weasley had been injured during an attack at the Ministry, but they were recovering. In the end Harry faced Voldemort, together with Dumbledore and members of the Order and killed him. He saved the Wizarding world again.

Harry was glad that the Weasleys and Hermione, together with her parents and all his friends, survived the battle. The Weasleys, except for Hermione and Remus, were his only family left after the death of Sirius. Harry didn't visit Ron and his family this summer, partly because they were still repairing their house which was damaged during an attack, but mainly because they needed time for themselves.

He spent the whole summer with the Dursleys knowing that it was his last summer with them. After this year he wasn't ever going back. He decided to rent or even buy a flat in London after graduation; maybe move in together with Ron and Hermione. The three of them had kept in touch during holidays. Ron and Hermione had gone to Paris with her parents who had wanted to get to know the man their daughter was dating.

**

It was fifteen minutes to eleven when Harry finally arrived at the Platform nine and three quarters and found himself an empty compartment. He decided to wait there for his friends. He was really looking forward to seeing them and wondering if they had changed at all.

Harry knew he had changed. When he looked in the mirror he didn't see the skinny boy he was used to, he saw a tall, well-muscled but still slim man looking back at him. His hair was longer and he no longer wore glasses but contacts. He also bought some new clothes that suited him. He had matured and longed for someone in his life to love.

All summer long he was constantly thinking about a boy. Harry had developed a crush for a gorgeous Slytherin last year. At first, Harry had believed that it would go away, but during his lonely nights in his room and never-ending dreams about him, he knew that he was in love. He was in love with Draco Malfoy, but he didn't know how the other teen would react to that.

He and Draco had come to an understanding last year after Dumbledore explained to the stunned Harry that the Malfoys were really on their side and they had fought with them against Voldemort and helped them to win. Lucius Malfoy was their spy, just like Snape.

Harry and Draco had eventually become friends, sharing secrets from their past and hanging out together. Ron and Hermione were still not OK with it but they supported Harry.

Somewhere during that time Harry fell in love with Draco. They stayed in touch during the summer, writing letters to each other and Draco also remembered his birthday, sending him a beautiful necklace with a silver dragon on it, which had emerald eyes. It was enchanted to protect him. Harry loved it and wore it ever since.

**

Harry was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't even noticed an amused looking blond boy standing in the compartment door.

''Hello Harry,'' said Draco as he came in and sat down opposite of the dark-haired boy.

''Hi, I didn't see you coming in,'' answered Harry, and he felt the blush coming up his cheeks as he took a good look at Draco. 'He looks gorgeous,' Harry thought. Indeed, Draco had grown a few inches and was as tall as Harry, with his blond hair a little longer than Harry's, his body well-formed from playing Quidditch all those years.

''Obviously, your thoughts were somewhere else. What were you thinking before I came in?'' asked Draco.

''About the summer, my friends. I really missed them, you know,'' answered Harry.

''You'll see them soon.''

''Yeah. By the way, Draco, have you cleaned the Manor yet?''

''Yes, it looks just like before, maybe a little brighter. You should come visit me and see it for yourself.'' Draco smiled and Harry's heart melted at the sight. The Malfoy Manor had been damaged during the war because some Death Eaters wanted to take revenge on Lucius for his betrayal.

''I have to go now, have to find Crabbe and Goyle, and your friends will be here soon. And I have a meeting, I'm a new Head Boy.''

''Really? Congratulations Draco.''

''Thanks. Harry can we see each other after dinner, lets say eleven PM in our place? We need to talk about something,'' asked Draco.

''Sure. I'll see you then. Bye.''

''Bye Harry,'' said Draco and left the compartment.

**

Harry was left alone to wonder what it was that Draco wanted to talk about, but he was not alone for long before the compartment door burst open and a familiar red head appeared.

''Hey Harry, here you are. We've been looking for you. Hey Herm, here he is!'' Ron shouted and the next moment Hermione came into the compartment as well.

''Harry, I've missed you,'' said the girl. Harry noticed that she had grown a little and was becoming a real beauty. His best friend stood protectively next to her. Harry smiled at that.

''Guess what buddy, Hermione is a new Head Girl,'' said Ron proud of his girlfriend.

''Congratulations 'Mione, I knew you'd make it.'' Hermione just smiled at that and gave Harry a big hug.

''Did you know that Malfoy is a Head Boy?'' Hermione looked at Harry.

''Yes, he was here before and he told me.''

''I still can't believe that the Malfoys were always on our side, the way they acted,'' said Ron.

''They had to act like that, Ron, or they wouldn't have survived that long.''

''Yeah I know Harry, dad explained everything. Did you know he and Lucius are now almost friends? They're always hanging together. This is so weird.'' Harry laughed at the face Ron made.

''Say, Harry. You and Draco are friends right?'' Hermione looked at him.

''Yes. Why?''

''Do we have to be as well? I mean, you know how Ron and I feel about him.''

''Just try to get along with him, OK. I promise he won't insult you any more.''

''Right, we'll try.''

''I have to try Herm, dad ordered me to get along now that he gets along with his father,'' said Ron.

''Harry, Ron and I were thinking that we really should find you a boyfriend.'' Hermione teasingly said. ''Gay or bi, with little experience, rich, good looking, smart...''

''Quit it, Herm. Can we change the subject?'' Harry was really embarrassed.

''Harry, we just want to see you happy and in love! There are some guys in school that are totally crazy about you. Like Justin, he is...''

Ron quickly put a hand on his girlfriend's mouth to shut her up. ''Sorry mate, you know how she gets.''

''I got it! What about Malfoy, Harry? He is gay, and likes you and I'm pretty sure you like him too, right? You'll be great together!'' Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was hoping for this kind of reaction if he and Draco would come together once, but to hear it from Hermione even before anything happened was unbelievable.

''Sure, Ron and I are not his fans, but we know he has changed a lot and if you like him, then go for it. Right, Ron?''

''Yes. We care for you, mate. So do you like him?''

''Yes, but I don't know how he feels. I'm meeting him after dinner. He wanted to talk to me.''

''Good, than tell him how you feel. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you,'' smiled Hermione.

''Why do I have to keep my fingers crossed?''

''Oh, Ron. It's just an expression. It means we're wishing him good luck.'' Hermione rolled her eyes.

''Ok, than we'll do that.

**

After that, Ron and Hermione turned their attention to each other, giving Harry time to absorb what had just happened. He felt happy and all the way to Hogwarts he was thinking about Draco and their meeting later. He couldn't wait. He decided to tell him exactly how he felt.

**************************

Chapter 2: Back to Hogwarts

The train finally stopped at Hogsmeade station and Harry and his friends stepped out. Harry saw Hagrid waiting to escort the first years to Hogwarts and waved at him, then went to one of the carriages together with Ron and Hermione. They were still talking about their holidays, but Harry wasn't listening, he had ust caught sight of Draco and was watching him.

Draco felt someone watching him and turned round only to look directly into Harry's eyes. He smiled at the other boy which resulted in Harry's heart skipping a beat. He wished so much to be near the blonde beauty and hold his hand. He wondered if Draco liked somebody in School, because he hadn't seen him with anyone before. Harry knew Draco was gay, he told him so himself. The whole Slytherin House knew and they respected his decision, but other than that no one else knew except for Harry and his two best friends.

Harry sometimes wondered why Draco trusted him so much to tell him his secret, but was glad about it. He told Ron and Hermione only when Draco gave him permission to do so. Harry wasn't gay but bisexual, after all he did like girls too, like Cho who he dated briefly two years ago.

He smiled back at Draco and climbed into the carriage. Reminding himself that he would see him in the Great Hall and later they would meet in their secret place to talk.

Harry had found a secret room last year and got permission from Dumbledore to use it. He never told anyone about the room, not even Ron and Hermione. He used it when he needed to be alone. He showed it to Draco when they became friends and needed a private place to talk without any interruptions from their friends, especially in the beginning of their friendship when everybody was still suspicious of Draco.

**

The Great Hall was big and bright and Harry loved it. He looked at the Staff table when he sat down next to Ron and Hermione and several other friends. All the teachers were there, including Remus Lupin, who came back to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts last year. Harry smiled. He was very fond of him, Remus was his only remaining link to his parents after the death of Sirius. Harry still hadn't completely gotten over his godfather's death and he missed him very much, but he had several talks with Remus last year and was getting better.

Harry looked round the Hall. He saw all his friends from other Houses who were in his DA club and he was thankful that they all survived the war. Opposite him his other friends were talking. Seamus Finnigan was discussing something with his boyfriend Dean Thomas. The two had gotten together just a few months ago and looked wery much in love.

Next to Ron sat his sister Ginny who was telling her boyfriend Neville Longbottom about her holidays. Harry was very happy for them all, but he also wanted what they had. Someone to love. And he knew exactly who he wanted it to be.

He diverted his attention to the Sorting Hat lying on a chair. Professor McGonagall had just entered with a bunch of scared looking first years. Harry remembered his own sorting ceremony and how scared he was. This year it was the last time he would see it, so he decided to enjoy it.

Everybody stopped talking and watched the Hat as the rip near the hat's brim opened wide, like a mouth, and the Sorting Hat started singing:

I was made a thousand years ago,

by the Hogwart's mighty four,

they gave me a brain and gave

me a job, to do what they couldn't

do after their time passed.

So my frighten children, put me

on your head, so I can sort you in

the House thet you belong.

Maybe you belong in Gryffindor or

Ravenclaw, maybe you belong to

Slytherin or Hufflepuff.

No matter where you end, you will

all do great and find your friends

and fulfil your destiny. So let the

sorting start.

When the song ended, the Hat became motionless again. Applause broke out.

''Do you realize this is the last time we watch the Ceremony?'' Harry asked his friends.

''Yes. Hard to believe that it's our last year. I'm gonna miss Hogwarts,'' replied Hermione.

''Guys, lets enjoy our last year, OK. And don't forget, we'll come back one day for an anniversary,'' said Seamus and everybody nodded.

Professor McGonagall looked at the piece of paper she was holding and started calling the names of the first years. After the final student was sorted into one of four Houses, Professor McGonagall picked up the Hat and the stool and marched away, as Professor Dumbledore stood up and addressed the crowd.

''Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. I would especially like to welcome our first years. I hope you'll feel at home here. For some of you this is your last year and I hope you'll leave with happy memories. It's also the first year since Lord Voldemort was destroyed and we can start the year without fear. We survived the war and Voldemort was defeated. A lot of wizards and witches were killed, some were your parents, brothers, cousins, relatives and friends. We will remember them because they died as heroes, providing us with our freedom.'' The Headmaster looked round the Hall at all the faces that were pointed at him and smiled. ''And now to more happy things. Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. Let the feast begin.''

There was a big applause as Dumbledore sat down and the next moment the food appeared. Harry suddenly felt very hungry.

''Great speech, don't you think?'' said Dean. He filled his plate with all that was on the table.

''Yeah,'' said Ron, with his mouth full.

The rest of the dinner went by with chatting, laughing and eating. Harry was so full that he felt he would explode.

**

When the dinner finished, he and Ron headed to the Gryffindor Tower, while Hermione had to stay behind and help the first years find their way.

''Harry, what's wrong?'' asked Ron, when he and Harry sat on their beds in their bedroom. The other boys who they shared the room with weren't there yet, so they had time to talk alone.

''Nothing's wrong, Ron,'' Harry replied.

''You were very quiet during dinner.''

''I'm just tired, Ron, that's all. I'm really glad to be back. For me it's like coming home.''

''I know. When's your meeting with Malfoy?''

''I'm meeting him at eleven o'clock.''

''I hope everything goes well. Will you tell him how you feel?''

''Yes I will. If I don't, then I'll never get the chance with him, right?''

''I guess. Well, good luck. You'll tell me tomorrow how it went?''

''Yes.''

At that moment, the door opened and the other boys came in. They were still talking about their summers and the feast.

''Hey, can you believe this is our last year? I feel like we just started our first year and it's suddenly our last. Crazy. Where did the years go?'' Seamus grinned at them.

''We all feel like that, Seam,'' said Harry.

''Yes, and the exams we have at the end of this year. Just imagine how much work they will give us. I'm already feeling sick,'' Neville grimaced.

''Don't worry, Nev, we'll get through this. But really, do you know anybody who will enjoy this? It's gonna be like torture!'' yelled Seamus.

''Knowing Hermione, she'll enjoy the studying.'' Harry laughed.

''Yeah, she'll be the only one.'' Seamus grinned and looked at Harry. ''Harry, did I tell you how great you look this year? I'm telling you, the guy that gets you will win the grand prize.''

''Thanks, Seam.'' Harry was very embarrassed and couldn't help turning as red as a tomato. ''I don't think Dean likes you saying that, though.''

Dean just smiled. ''Don't worry, Harry. He's always like this.'' He shot a look at Seamus to shut him up, as he was about to open his mouth again. ''I'm used to it by now. And he's right, you do look good.''

''Let's just drop it, OK?'' said Harry.

''Sure. Sorry Harry. So, any plans for the future, guys? I mean, what will you do after we graduate?'' asked Seamus.

''Well, I thought of applying for an Auror,'' Ron proudly said. ''Or I'll try to get a job in the Ministry of Sports, you know, to be involved with Quidditch.''

''What about you Harry?'' asked Neville.

Harry was glad they dropped the subject of him being good looking, it was embarrassing. He was glad to talk about future, now that he had one.

''Are you going to play professional Quidditch?'' asked Dean.

''No, I'll also try for a job as an Auror, and if that doesn't work then perhaps I'll just stay here and teach,'' Harry replied.

''You'd be good as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, you know all about it,'' said Dean.

''Why won't you play Quidditch?'' asked Ron, confused. ''I thought you loved the game.''

''I do, Ron. I just don't want to spend my life doing that and never staying in one place for long. I don't want to be even more known than I already am.''

''I will also teach here,'' Neville spoke up, he was very enthusiastic. ''I already had a talk with Professor McGonagall. She said Professor Sprout is thinking about retirement and that they'll need a replacement. I'll work with her for a couple of years, then take over her classes.''

''That's great, Neville. You'll be great at teaching Herbology. And it's your favourite subject.'' Harry smiled.

''I'll try to get a job at the Daily Prophet as a reporter. What do you think?'' asked Seamus.

''Great. You'll be good with your big mouth. And they need someone to tell the truth, for a change.'' Dean laughed. ''I'll apply for a job at Gringotts or some desk job at the Ministry. We'll see.''

Seamus suddenly grabbed Dean and pulled him to his bed and they started to kiss. They were getting very passionate and started to unbutton their robes.

''Guys, don't do it in front of us.'' Harry was clearly embarrassed.

''Jealous, Harry?'' Seamus stopped what he was doing to Dean, much to his disappointment.

''No, it's just disturbing. I don't want to see you having sex in front of me.''

''Sorry, we forgot you don't have a boyfriend.'' Seamus laughed. Harry's face fell and Seamus noticed, feeling guilty for what he had said.

''Sorry, Harry. I didn't mean it like that.''

''It's OK, it's not your fault nobody likes me.'' Harry sighed.

''What? Are you serious? Before you came out of the closet and announced that you were gay, all the girls were trying to get your attention. Then, after you broke their hearts by telling them you go for men, the boys started giving you friendly looks, but it seemed you never noticed them. And now, just look at you. With how you look this year, I'm sure you'll find someone.''

'I hope so. I don't want to be alone, while all my friends have somebody. But I only want one person,' Harry thought to himself.

**

They talked for awhile, then one by one the boys went to bed. Harry waited till they were all asleep, then picked his Invisibility Cloak and his Map up, just in case. He didn't want to get caught by Filch on the first day back.

He looked at his watch, it was ten forty-five. It was time for him to go and meet Draco. Harry wrapped the Cloak tightly round him and quietly exited the room.

The Common Room was deserted and he was glad for that. He went through the portrait that guarded the entrance and moved carefully down the corridor towards the secret room.

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