Remember You

Remember You
Chapter Ten
~~~~~

As the weeks faded into mid-December, the weather became bitingly cold, and it snowed nearly every day. The result of this was more than a foot of snow on the ground. The first years took advantage of it as often as they could. Harry liked to gaze out the windows at times, watching the smaller children play. It almost looked like a Christmas card, waiting to be captured with a Muggle camera.

It had already been nearly three weeks since Sirius had fallen ill, and he showed no signs of getting better. In fact, there would be many days in a row that he would not even rise from bed to shower. Remus had been approached by Dumbledore to take over the Defence classes.

Due to Remus's last experience as a Professor, he opted to disguise himself as a French man, named Maurice. For the Gryffindor trio and Draco, who were the only students who knew who Maurice really was, it was very amusing to see Remus act like a completely different person. Remus adopted a French accent, which Harry quite admired, and got in the habit of making large hand gestures while bouncing around the room. There had been a few times in which Remus had had to take out his wand to repair an item after knocking it down. Remus had confided in Harry one night that playing Maurice brought back old and good memories of his time at Hogwarts. Harry never did ask why that was as Remus always seemed so content to be lost in his thoughts of the past.

Presently, as Harry trudged through the snow to Hagrid's cabin for Care of Magical Creatures, he remembered that the full moon would be approaching in just a couple days. He wondered what excuse Remus would be forced to use. Before Harry could ponder this further, however, he was pelted in the side of the head with a large snowball. He whipped his head around and mock-glared at Ron, who was pointing and laughing at him.

"Don't fret, Harry," Draco said, digging into the snow. "I'll get him back for you."

"Oh, honestly, you boys," Hermione admonished, pointing her wand at Draco and making him drop the snowball, "it's time for class. We can have a snowball fight afterwards. Draco, you're Head Boy. Set an example."

Draco sneered after her as she continued ahead of them. Ron ran to catch up with her. Harry distinctly heard him say that Draco made him throw a snowball at Harry. The dark-haired boy shook his head, smiling, and grabbed Draco's gloved hand. "Let's go, Snow Angel. I'm sure Hagrid has a great class for us in store."

Draco scoffed as they reached the clearing. "Highly doubtful, I should think."

At that moment, Hagrid came marching toward them with a large crate in his arms. "'Ello, ever'body. I 'ave a great class planned fer yeh today."

Harry smirked, elbowing Draco in the side. "Told you he would have a good class today."

"Likely story," Draco muttered.

Harry grinned, and wrapped his arm around the blonde's waist, leaning his head on Draco's shoulder. "Hush, you," he admonished affectionately. "Now keep me warm, or pay the consequences."

"Scary," Draco smiled, and wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulders.

Hagrid opened the crate he had carried from his cabin to reveal a nest of brambles and thorns. A small, vulture-like bird popped its head up and stared around at the students. "Can anybody tell me what this is?" Hagrid asked, beaming around.

Hermione's hand shot up in the air. "It's an Augurey," she informed them.

"Five points to Gryffindor," Hagrid beamed.

Draco buried his face in Harry's hair and groaned. "This is almost as boring as the flobberworms. There are Augureys on the grounds at the manor. I used to see those dreadful things all the time. There was a man who worked our gardens, who kept insisting to father that we get rid of them. He was a batty old coot. Every time he heard one of them cry out, he'd run to the lake into the old rowboat and row himself into the middle of the lake. Barmy old codger drowned out there when his boat sprung a leak." Draco laughed, and Harry fought a smile.

"Didn't anybody try to help him? And why didn't he just Apparate back to the ground?"

"Well, nobody was around to hear him screaming. I was in my room, and I couldn't very well hear him. Plus, he was a squib."

"Wh-" Harry began, but was cut off when a low rumble vibrated in the ground.

"What was that?" Pansy Parkinson asked fretfully.

The students and Hagrid began looking around for the source, but saw nothing. The ground began to shake beneath their feet again, just as Ron grabbed Harry's arm. "Look at the forest," he whispered. Harry looked to Ron, and noticed that his freckles were standing out in stark contrast on his suddenly paper-white skin. The dark-haired boy looked to where Ron's eyes were focused and saw the trees shaking and quivering.

"Damn," Draco whispered, following Ron's gaze as well. "What the hell is coming out of there?"

"I don't know," Harry shook his head, backing away. "But I think we should not be close when it comes out." Harry vividly remembered when Hagrid had brought Ron, Hermione, and him into the very bowels of the forest to meet his half-brother, Grawp. Harry had not heard if Hagrid had kept his brother in the forest since then, but he had a sinking feeling that it just might be so.

To everybody's horror, a spider, which was at least four feet tall, came scuttling out of the forest. Ron whimpered beside Harry and pulled at his sleeve. "It's the Acromantula, Harry. Let's get out of here."

"Hagrid's their friend," Harry reminded the redhead. "They won't eat us as long as Hagrid is here."

Ron grimaced and began backing away as more spiders began emerging from the forest. "We used Hagrid as an excuse last time, and they didn't listen. I think we should go now."

"Git back to the castle!" Hagrid roared to the students. The students who had not yet moved out of horror, moved into action, and scurried back to the castle as fast as they could go. Ron, Hermione, and Draco began to leave, but Harry stayed behind. He wanted to help Hagrid, if he needed help. Harry watched as two large Acromantula came from the forest. They were almost as large as Aragog, and Harry felt his throat tighten at the sight of them.

"Come on, Harry!" Draco pulled at his arm. "We need to get out of here!"

The smaller spiders were coming for them, but even at their size, it would take at least three people to stun them. "We need to get out of here, Harry!" Draco reiterated.

"No! I need to help Hagrid! He's going to try talking to them by himself, and he can't do magic. He needs a wizard."

"Leave it to a professor, Harry," Draco pled, eyeing a spider in apprehension as it closed in on them.

Hagrid looked back at them in a break from yelling at the larger spiders to go back to the forest. "Git back to the castle, 'Arry!" he shouted.

Harry hesitated for one moment longer before turning and running with Draco. Ron and Hermione had been waiting for them, even though Ron was dancing on the spot in agitation. "You little bint, Harry!" Ron shouted as they ran.

"Shut up, Ron," Harry yelled back.

The four students reached the steps to the castle a few moments later, and turned back around to watch what was happening. Acromantula were hurrying from the forest, and down the grounds of Hogwarts towards Hogsmeade. Four of the largest spiders were gathered around Hagrid now, and the half-giant seemed to be pleading with them.

"Somebody needs to tell Dumbledore," Draco said. "Granger, we should probably go."

"No need, Malfoy," Seamus Finnigan said tightly. "A few students already went to get him."

"They better hurry," Harry whispered fearfully. He was feeling on edge, and he was not sure how much longer he could just stand there and do nothing while Hagrid was in obvious distress. As they watched, smaller and seemingly less harmless creatures emerged from the forest, but nobody could really distinguish what they were. The small group of students stood watching as Hagrid waved his arms about, and yelled up to four of the largest Acromantula who had surrounded him.

Suddenly, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall pushed through to the front of the crowd, and they watched in horror for a moment as one of the Acromantula picked up Hagrid and carried him down the lawns of Hogwarts as though he were a rag doll. Harry cried out in horror and started to run after them, but Draco and Professor McGonagall pulled him back.

"Everybody, please go back to your dormitories, immediately," the Headmistress commanded. "This matter will be taken care of in a timely way. Please, move along."

"But, Professor," Harry protested.

"But, nothing, Mr. Potter," she replied sternly. "You will go back to your dormitory. Immediately."

"Harry, we will take care of this," Dumbledore said urgently. "Right now, there is nothing that you can do. Hagrid will be taken care of. There are too many creatures on the loose, and I am sure that you understand what this means."

Harry nodded soberly, feeling guilt wash over him in waves. "Fine, then. I'll go."

The Gryffindor turned then, took Draco's hand and went back into the castle. Most other students had dispersed already, and the foursome went into the school together. "Do you want me to come to Gryffindor with you?" Draco asked, giving Harry's hand a small squeeze.

"Yes," Harry said quietly. "I just... don't really want to think about Hagrid right now. Ron? Hermione? Are you coming?"

"Yes," Hermione said, sniffling. Ron put his arm around her, and led the way up the marble staircase.

"Hagrid will be all right, you know," Draco said softly into Harry's ear as they followed.

"I don't want to think about it, Draco," Harry said firmly. "It's entirely my fault. If I had never let the orb out of my sight... those Acromantula never would have come out of the forest. And even if they had come out, they would have listened to Hagrid. It's my fault."

Ron looked back at Draco and shook his head to stop him from replying, so the small group walked the rest of the way to Gryffindor in silence. When they arrived in the Common room, Harry stopped and looked around for a few moments before silently walking to the boys' staircase. "I'm going to have a lie-down," he announced over his shoulder. "Draco, come with me if you like."

Draco wasted no time in following his boyfriend. As the blond passed Seamus and Dean, who were sitting on the couch, Seamus looked up and winked at Draco. "You know what that means, right, Malfoy? He wants a means to distract himself."

Draco glared at Seamus, but his eye was diverted to the two students who were sitting in the corner next to the fireplace. It was Austin and Sierra. He spoke to Seamus, but kept eye contact with Austin. "I hardly think so, Finnigan. And I don't think you should be concerning yourself with our sex life," Austin looked away, so Draco looked to Seamus, "even if you don't have anything better to do." Seamus pouted as Draco walked away. When Draco caught up with Harry on the bottom step, he found that Harry was blushing, and he quickly turned away before the blond could see his face.

"Just ignore Seamus, Draco. He's harmless, you know."

"Horny, too."

"But, harmless, on the whole."

Draco shrugged and closed the door behind them as they entered the seventh-year boys' dorm. "I don't really know what I want to do," Harry admitted, sitting on the edge of his bed. "Having a lie-down doesn't really appeal to me. I just wanted to get away from everybody."

"Then inviting me was a bit pointless, don't you think?" Draco asked, sitting gingerly next to him.

"Not at all," Harry smiled slightly. "You're here to distract me a little."

Harry watched as Draco's eyes darted around nervously and he scooted away from Harry. "I don't know, Harry. What would I be able to do that would distract you? I... maybe I should just go back to Slytherin for a while, and I'll see you at dinner."

"I know what you're thinking, and no, Seamus wasn't right in thinking that I wanted to do anything more than talk right now. He's just horny, like you said."

"Is he gay?" Draco inquired.

"Not to my knowledge, no," Harry said tentatively. "He's just really open about sex, I think."

Draco nodded. "Well, I didn't get too much sleep last night, and I know that I wouldn't mind a bit of a lie-down. You know that sleep is the best way to forget something if you're distressed, right?"

"Yes," Harry replied slowly. "I suppose we could take a small nap before dinner. Will you hold me then?"

The blond smiled and brushed a lock of hair away from Harry's forehead. "Of course, I will, Harry. What a silly question." Draco pulled both himself and Harry to their feet. "Now, take off as many clothes to make you comfortable while we lie down. It's never comfortable to sleep in this uniform." Draco took off his cloak and carefully laid it over the back of a straight backed, wooden chair, and then began loosening the knot in his tie. Harry hesitated, looking uncertainly at Draco as he undressed.

"I don't know about this, Draco. I-"

"What's the problem, Harry? Are you afraid of showing me what you look like underneath all those clothes? Because, honestly, it's nothing that I haven't seen before, and if you're really worried, I'll reassure you: you're gorgeous, okay?" Draco began unbuttoning his shirt to reveal that he had a plain white t-shirt on underneath.

"That's not why I'm hesitating, Draco." Harry bit his lip. Lately, he had not had much luck in not fantasizing about his boyfriend in the dark hours of the night, and it had been quite some time since they had lain in a bed together, much less nearly naked. Harry did not want to scare Draco away, and thought that he might if he allowed this to happen. "I want you, Draco, and..."

Draco stopped from slipping the shirt off his shoulders and sighed. "If this is too big of a problem for you, then I'll just leave. I don't like sleeping in clothes. I can leave my undershirt and boxers on if I'm making you uncomfortable. If you can handle it, just take your bloody clothes off already. I won't run away if you push an erection against my thigh, Harry. Just take the clothes off."

"Yes, because we all know that sex can't take place with the clothes on, Harry," Seamus stuck his head through the door, grinning impishly. "Hasn't anybody given you the basics of Sex Education?"

"Finnigan... what the hell is your problem? And more importantly, what do you want?" Draco asked testily, pulling his shirt closed around his chest.

"Just a book from my trunk," he grinned, slipping into the room and going to his trunk. "So you two are about to do the dirty deed, are you? It's not the first time, is it? You've been together since sixth year, I hear."

"It's not any of your business how many times Harry and I have had sex. Besides, we've lost count by now, obviously." Harry raised an eyebrow at him, but Draco sneered back at him. Harry sighed and sat heavily onto his bed.

Seamus pulled a book from his trunk and held it loosely at his side. "Really?" he asked interestedly. "I bet Harry is real good in bed, isn't he? What's it like to kiss another boy?"

Draco stared openly at him for a moment. "Finnigan, are you gay?"

"No. Why?"

"I'm just wondering. You just seem sort of... for a lack of a better term, fruity."

Seamus shrugged, seemingly unperturbed about the comment. "So... are you two really going to be having sex now?"

"Seamus," Harry groaned, dropping his head in his hands.

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" Draco snapped irritably.

Seamus let out a soft "yes" and scurried from the room, closing the door behind him. Draco shook his head and turned to Harry. "Now that we've got the resident dingleberry out of here, take off your clothes." Draco pulled off his shirt, leaving him in his undershirt and began taking down his trousers. Harry sighed softly and began doing as he was told. He left himself in his boxers, as he never wore an undershirt, and quickly climbed into bed. Draco soon joined him, and they snuggled together after they had closed the curtains. Harry found it was not quite so difficult to be in bed with his boyfriend when he could not see the blond. But, if Draco kept wiggling like that so as to get comfortable, Harry thought, Draco would not be safe from Harry's reaction. Harry quickly searched his brain for a different thought, and it immediately fell back to Hagrid. He let out a small shudder and burrowed himself closer to Draco, who squeezed him tightly.

"I can't think of it, Draco. Merlin, I hope he's okay." Harry was still trying to get closer to Draco for comfort and he pressed his feet against Draco's, making the blond jump.

"Your feet are freezing!" he exclaimed. "Will I need to put a permanent heating charm on our bed when we move in together after Hogwarts? I will not tolerate cold feet, you realise."

"Sor-" Harry stopped speaking, and looked up at Draco. "Mo... move in together?" he stuttered.

"Oh," Draco said tonelessly. "I am officially an idiot. I can't believe I just said that."

"Why? You don't actually want to move in with me, do you?" Harry asked, dreading the answer. His heart began to beat rapidly, hoping that Draco had meant what he said.

"No, that's not it. I just... I... I suppose that's part of your Christmas present."

"You were going to ask me to move in with you for a present?" Harry fought the smile that was breaking over his face.

"Well... something like that, yes. But, I can see that you don't seem too enthralled at the idea, so just forget that I even said anything, okay? I'll just stay at the manor or... Wait. I can't do that, can I? I'll just er- get my own place if Severus doesn't want me to stay-"

"Draco, be quiet," Harry admonished, placing a finger over Draco's lips. "You didn't even give me a chance to answer."

Draco looked apprehensively into Harry's eyes. "So, your answer isn't no, yet?"

"Stop being such a little idiot," the Gryffindor said affectionately. "You know that I would love to live with you. I don't want to be without you, you know."

The blond let out a relieved laugh and kissed Harry's forehead. "Really? You really want to move in with me? We can live together? We can pick out how to decorate and everything together?"

"Personally, I think that's more your forte, but if you want me to help, then I will," Harry replied, feeling his heart lighten with happiness.

Draco smiled beatifically at Harry and leaned down to kiss him. Harry pulled away before it could continue for too long, and settled for running his fingers through Draco's hair. They fell into silence for a long while, and Harry was just falling into a light sleep when he began to dream of Hagrid being brutally ripped apart by an Acromantula. He gasped and sat up in his bed. Draco sat up and pulled him back down, soothingly running his fingers through the dark hair. "Shh... it's just a dream, Harry."

"But, Hagrid... he was being ripped apart.... He was dead, Draco. There wasn't anything I could do."

"It was just a dream," Draco repeated. "They'll get him back soon enough."

Harry continued to tremble in Draco's arms for a few minutes, but could not get his mind to focus on anything else. "Please, Draco," he whispered, "I need to forget it right now. Just say or do anything. Make me forget it for now."

"I don't think that is particularly healthy -"

"Draco, please!" Harry pled.

Draco stared at Harry, and gently caressed his cheek. "Okay. Let's talk about when we'll move in together then."

"What will our room look like?"

"It will have a Victorian feel to it. Our king-sized bed will be a four-poster with dark blue hangings. The comforter will be a shade lighter, and we'll have so many pillows on the bed that you could get lost in them. The windows will be adorned with a sort of classy floral blue curtains, the same shade as our comforter."

"Okay, enough of our bedroom. What will we do when we're not working and home alone together?" Harry interrupted.

"I think you can guess, Harry," Draco said lowly.

"No, I can't," Harry replied innocently, staring at Draco with wide, questioning eyes.

Draco let out a low laugh, running his hands through Harry's hair. "You're such a little sod," he murmured affectionately.

Harry smiled, and brought Draco's hand to his mouth and kissed his palm. "I love you, you know."

"I love you, too."

Draco gently encased Harry's hand with his own, and stroked Harry's cheek with his free hand. "I think you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Draco murmured suddenly. Harry's cheeks flushed, and he pushed his face into Draco's hand, rubbing his cheek into it in slow circles.

"You're obviously delusional," Harry whispered, eyes closed so that he did not have to look at Draco.

"Maybe, but my vision is perfect."

Harry's eyes flew open and they locked with Draco's. "You do realise that you're being incredibly sweet and sappy right now, right?"

"Yes, but I'm suddenly feeling very sweet and sappy."

"Draco," Harry hummed, eyelids becoming heavy as he looked through his lashes at the blond.

"Harry," Draco returned lowly, leaning down and slowly capturing Harry's lips with his. Harry felt his eyes flutter shut. Harry thread his fingers into Draco's fine, blond hair, and pulled him gently to him. The pressure placed on his lips was too soft. He wanted to feel Draco's lips firmly against his own.

Draco gently wet Harry's lower lip with his own tongue, and Harry felt his mouth fall open under the encouragement. Harry poked his tongue out to touch Draco's almost shyly, and was rewarded by Draco returning the pressure. The blond pulled away to place a soft kiss on Harry's chin. Harry whimpered. "You're such a tease," he whispered.

Draco's eyes were shining with amusement. "You think so? What would you like from me, Harry?"

"I want you to kiss me, and none of that wimpy stuff, Draco. I want you to kiss me." Harry arranged his face to look pleading, and, he thought to himself, maybe a little cute.

"Oh," Draco said quietly, tracing Harry's bottom lip with a fingertip. "Is that all?"

The Gryffindor's breath caught and he swallowed. "Would you give me more if I asked you to?"

"I think it depends on how you define 'more,' and if I am comfortable with that. But... why don't we find out, hmm?"

Harry nodded in anticipation and let Draco kiss him. Draco stretched his body to lie over Harry's, and his long fingers languidly explored Harry's sides. The dark haired boy felt his breathing quicken under his boyfriend's touch. Suddenly, nothing seemed to matter outside his curtained bed. All that mattered was that Draco was touching him, and it felt good. Harry felt strangely relaxed at the thought that Draco's touch was so familiar to him. Harry's skin tingled and burned pleasantly where Draco touched him.

Draco began laying a trail of hot, wet kisses along his cheek and down his neck. He sucked gently on Harry's pulse point making Harry moan loudly, and his hips buck up into Draco's in response. Draco pulled back startled. "Sorry," Harry whispered, while wishing very much that Draco had not stopped. "It just felt so good."

Draco swallowed and let out a breath. "No, I'm sorry. I... you deserve this.... Just let me... let me get accustomed." Draco's breathing was harsh. Whether it was from arousal or nervousness, Harry could not tell. "I want to make you feel good," Draco continued before leaning down and flicking his tongue over Harry's nipple. Harry wrapped his legs around Draco's waist to get some friction, but Draco lifted his hips, and held Harry down. Harry panted loudly, feeling desperate and wanton, but there was also the guilt lying underneath from letting Draco do this to him, when Draco was not ready. Draco was suddenly tracing a trail down Harry's stomach with a wet tongue, and Harry felt as if he were falling into a deep abyss. His thoughts left him, and his brain felt foggy. His toes curled above Draco and he rolled his head back.

Suddenly, Draco was moving away from him again, and Harry felt bereft. The warmth of the Slytherin's body was gone, and the wet trail of saliva was suddenly too cold. Harry lazily opened his eyes to see Draco sitting at the end of the bed, stiff and wary. "Draco?" he questioned. "Did I do something wrong?"

The blonde's eyes snapped to Harry, and he placed his finger over his mouth. Confused, Harry sat up and listened to the sounds of the dorm as Draco gestured towards the hangings. There was muted whispering and some giggling on the other side. Harry frowned, grabbed his wand, and stuck out just his head. To his surprise, Seamus and Dean were whispering together, and Seamus was handing Dean something that looked suspiciously like an Extendable Ear.

"What the bloody hell are you doing?" Harry asked testily. "You weren't about to spy on Draco and me, were you?"

Both boys jumped, looking distinctly guilty. Harry frowned at them sternly and summoned the ear to him. "Now go back to the Common Room unless you have something else to do. Draco and I are discussing something important."

Seamus giggled. "Yeah, we heard. Did you two develop a secret panting language?"

"Get out!" Draco yelled. Harry looked over to him and found him sitting stiffly. Harry turned back to his dorm mates, and glared until they had left, shutting the door behind them. Harry closed the curtains and then gathered his boyfriend into his arms.

"It's all right, Draco," he soothed. Harry was concerned to feel Draco shaking.

"They sometimes eavesdropped, or watched while I was taken," Draco whispered suddenly. "It was humiliating."

"Oh... Draco, we don't have to do anything. Let's just lie here." Harry kissed his head, and soothingly rubbed his back, all too aware of his erection that was pressing into Draco's side. Harry tried moving away, but Draco pressed himself more into it. Harry stifled a groan. "Draco, what are you doing? We don't have to do anything just because I'm aroused."

The blond looked up and stared defiantly into Harry's eyes. "Harry, I'm in love with you."

"I know you are. I never said otherwise."

"No, that's not what I'm saying. I am in love with you. I already confessed, albeit accidentally, that I want to move in with you after Hogwarts. I can't... I can't keep acting scared. I have to get over this someday. True, it'll always be there in the back of my mind, but I need to forget it enough so that I can have a healthy relationship with you. Harry, I'll be blunt: I want to have sex with you. I can't tell you how many times I've... well, how many times I've wanked in the shower or in my bed thinking about you." Harry blushed. Draco smiled, and caressed his cheek. "I know you have, too, if I have."

Harry nodded dumbly, feeling his face heat up even more. "I have, as well, too many times to count, Draco," he whispered embarrassed.

"Don't be embarrassed. I bet you're beautiful when you touch yourself."

"I doubt it," Harry laughed nervously.

Draco kissed Harry softly. "Well, don't. Will you help me get over this, Harry? I do want you. Never doubt that."

"I will only if you're completely sure, Draco. I know I'm ready. I have been for a long time. I've only been waiting for you."

"Well, I'm ready, Harry. I'm a little scared, but... I trust you not to hurt me."

Harry's heart suddenly started thumping madly in his chest with the prospect with finally being allowed to touch Draco how he wanted. He stared at Draco, suddenly completely unsure of what to do. He had imagined this moment for months now. He had planned out every move by consulting his gay sex book that he received from Sirius for his birthday, but now that the moment of truth had come, he was not sure where to start. Harry stared as Draco looked at him expectantly. The Gryffindor felt a small sweat break out. He quietly berated himself for suddenly feeling like this. They had just been getting intimate not ten minutes ago, and he had not felt so nervous. Harry took a deep breath, wondering why talking about having sex made it so much worse to do.

"I... I don't know what to do first," he admitted quietly. "I'm nervous."

"So am I, Harry." Draco smiled softly and kissed Harry's nose. "But, you can never go wrong with kissing. Why don't we try kissing each other first?" Harry nodded, feeling a bit dense, and leaned forward to kiss the blond. Harry was shaking so badly that their teeth clacked together, and he had to pull back to apologise before they continued. Draco shook his head and pulled Harry in, impatient for it to all start. His nerves were frayed as well, but he felt like if he waited much longer to have sex with Harry, it would not happen.

As soon as they fell into the familiarity of kissing, Harry regained his confidence, and suddenly, he was pulling Draco's shirt over his head, and turning them around so that Draco was lying on his back. Harry pressed his body against Draco's, and buried his face in the blonde's neck.

"I love you," he murmured, and kissed Draco's neck.

Harry lifted himself up on his hands, but stopped when he felt the smooth wood of his wand pressing against his palm. He picked it up and cast an imperturbable charm, before throwing it aside and leaning down to kiss Draco's chest. The curtains on the bed fell stiff, and the silence hung around them like a heavy blanket. The Gryffindor sat back on his knees and admired Draco from above. He idly rubbed his thumbs over Draco's nipples, and wondered if it was possible to touch and get to know every part of his body all at once. Suddenly, Harry's mind was in a fog, and he hardly realised that he was running his hands all along Draco's body, just barely touching. Draco was trying to arch up into Harry's barely-there touch, and whimpered each time Harry pulled slightly away.

"Harry, stop teasing me," he whispered.

Harry's nerves came back to him without warning, and he pulled his hands away. Draco saw the nervousness come back, so he sat up, and gently pushed Harry so that Harry was the one lying on his back. "Stop teasing, and stop thinking so damn much. Just let it happen, Harry," he whispered against his neck.

Harry shivered. "Yeah, you're right."

After Draco pulled off Harry's boxers, it was hard to tell what happened next. Draco's lips, tongue, and hands were everywhere and nowhere all at once. Harry wanted Draco to be able to touch him everywhere. He wanted Draco to stop making him gasp and cry out so much, but he also did not want it to stop. He never wanted Draco to stop touching him, if it meant that it would feel like this. When Draco finally stopped licking and kissing his chest and navel, he moved down and tentatively licked the tip of Harry's erection. Harry's hips bucked, and he was suddenly afraid that he would come if Draco licked him there again. He was already so close.

"Draco," he rasped, and pulled the blond up and kissed him desperately. It was only when Draco's erection brushed against him that Harry realised that Draco was still in his boxers. He suddenly had a desperate need to see Draco with absolutely nothing on. Without warning, Harry flipped them over, immediately attacking Draco's nipples. Draco gasped loudly and tensed, his breathing becoming erratic. Harry spared a moment to look up, and saw to his horror that Draco seemed to be having a panic attack.

Harry moved up his body and kissed his forehead. "I'm sorry, Draco. I shouldn't have been so abrupt. It's just me, love. I would never hurt you. You know this."

Draco's eyes fluttered open and he blinked up at Harry. "Harry?" he asked, dazed.

"Yes, it's me, Draco," Harry said soothingly, stroking Draco's hair. "Do you want to continue?"

Draco blinked a few more times before swallowing thickly. "Of course, I do. Just... don't surprise me like that. I thought that you-"

"Yes, I'm sorry, Draco. I won't do that again. I promise."

Draco nodded quickly and took Harry in a kiss. "I trust you. Do what you want."

Harry shivered for the second time, and set about relieving Draco of the rest of his clothes. Once again, he sat back and stared at his boyfriend. Draco was breathing erratically under the scrutiny, and Harry nervously reached out and touched Draco's erection. "You're beautiful," Harry whispered shakily, gripping it firmly and sliding his hand up and down. Draco whimpered and threw his head back, lost in the sensation. When Harry drew his hand back, Draco's hands flew forward and began feeling the curves and hard lines of Harry's body. Harry did the same for Draco, and he thought that he might just drown in the sensations.

Their movements became blurred once more as they explored one another. Minutes later, much by accident, Harry felt his own erection rub against Draco's, and it sent sparks of pure pleasure through his body. "Oh," he moaned, and did it again. Draco's legs wrapped around his waist, and they began moving together with increasing need. Harry was fairly certain that he would not last much longer at this rate, but he was too far gone to care anymore. He needed release, and he did not care if this was not how they were supposed to do it.

"Draco... oh, God, I love you. I need.... I'm going to..."

Draco pulled Harry's head down and kissed him hard. Harry's body tensed and he came with a keening cry. His body shuddered over and over, before collapsing on top of Draco. "Oh," Harry moaned incoherently. It took a few minutes for Harry to regain his breath and senses, but when he did, he became highly aware of Draco's erection sticking into his stomach.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I should have waited," he mumbled.

Draco chuckled. "It's okay, Harry. I forgive you," he joked and kissed Harry slowly and lovingly. Harry rolled to the side and with all shyness gone, used his hand on Draco. Draco turned on his side to face Harry and jerked and moved into his hand. He began mumbling and crying out incoherently, and Harry really could not be sure what was being said. He was certain he heard his own name and maybe 'love' but all he cared about was staring at Draco as he squeezed his silver eyes shut, and let his mouth fall open, small pants coming from him.

Harry was mesmerized.

He experimented, and went faster. Draco made delightful sounds and bit into Harry's neck. Harry wanted to see what would happen if he squeezed tighter, and Draco sucked in a breath, and yelled out as he came over Harry's hand.

When the aftershocks of his orgasm subsided, Draco pulled Harry flush to his body and kissed him passionately. "I love you, Harry. You... thank you." Draco sighed as he collected what coherent thoughts he still had. "You're magnificent. I am never ever going to let you go now."

Harry kissed Draco's cheek. "I love you, too. And that is quite nice to hear. I wouldn't let you if you tried. That was a very nice distraction, by the way. It wasn't what I had in mind, but it was effective and fun."

Draco smiled lazily. "Shut up, Potter. I'm tired, and I don't want to listen to you ramble on."

Harry hummed softly in contentment and amusement, but did not say anything more. Within minutes, both boys had fallen fast asleep in each other's arms.

****

Harry only woke twice during the night, and the first time, he only spared time to use his wand to clean up their mess. The second time, he sat up to pull the blankets over their bodies. Draco was sleeping peacefully with his arms above his head. Harry studied him for a few moments before lying back down with his head on Draco's chest and falling back to sleep.

When morning came and Harry began to stir, he guessed it could not have been any later than six in the morning. The couple had already been asleep for ten hours, so Harry was feeling distinctly rested, and not to mention aroused. Draco's hand was around his erection again and moving languidly up and down. Harry groaned. "This is a pleasant way to wake up."

"You were poking me," Draco murmured, leaning over to kiss Harry's neck. "I can't say I was all too comfortable with that. I was trying to sleep, you little idiot."

"Sorry," Harry gasped, as Draco ran a thumb over the tip.

"Were you dreaming of me?"

"It's entirely possible, yes. You're... you're talking way too much, Draco."

"I can take a hint, as subtle as it was," Draco smiled.

Then, right before Harry's eyes, Draco moved down the bed, and took Harry fully into his mouth. Harry gasped. He wanted to close his eyes, but he could not get himself to look away. He had never seen or felt anything so arousing in his entire life. Much too soon, he felt himself releasing into Draco's mouth.

Draco looked up triumphantly, licking his lips, and wiping his chin clean. "I've never done that before. Did I... well, did I do it right?"

Harry still felt his mouth hanging open, but he managed to close it before answering. "If that was wrong, I don't want to know the right way."

Draco grinned foolishly. "Somehow, you're even cuter after you've had an orgasm."

"Yes, well, remind me how cute you are after you have an orgasm," Harry whispered seductively, and moved down the bed.

They woke from a sluggish sleep an hour later to the sounds of Harry's dorm mates waking for the day. Harry groaned. "The charms must be wearing off," he muttered, burrowing himself further against Draco's body.

"Probably," Draco said groggily, throwing an arm over his eyes. "I'm starving. Why didn't we go to dinner again last night?"

"We were having sex," Harry informed him helpfully.

"Oh, yes. We should probably -"

"Oi! Harry!" Ron's voice broke through the curtains and he flung them open. The boys both groaned as light from the window streamed into their sanctuary. "Oh, God!" Ron moaned piteously, as he looked down at Harry and Draco. "Put something over yourselves!" He spun around on his heel as his face turned an alarming shade of red.

Harry looked down to himself, but found the sheet was helpfully covering anything Ron might not want to see, but Draco was lying on top of the sheets, baring all.

"Wow," Seamus whispered, staring at them with wide eyes from behind Ron.

"Seamus!" Ron admonished. "Turn the bloody hell around."

Harry hurriedly covered Draco. "It's okay. I covered him."

Ron stayed resolutely where he was. "I didn't know you two were actually having sex," he said embarrassed.

"What do you expect, Weasley? We've been together for a year this coming Christmas. Of course, we've had sex. More times than we can count. We shag like rabbits. In fact, close the curtains so that I can have another go."

"Ugh," Ron groaned, and dropped his head in his hands. "You can't. Well, I suppose you can, but breakfast will be starting in ten minutes if you want to go. You weren't at dinner last night, and Hermione will yell at me if I don't tell you the news on Hagrid."

Harry sat up in a flash, pulling the sheets off of Draco again. He squawked indignantly and burrowed lower in the bed. "Sorry," Harry apologised quickly. "What news on Hagrid?"

"The Order found him about five kilometres from here, near some Muggle town. He's in the infirmary right now, but we're not allowed to see him quite yet. McGonagall came to the Common Room this morning to see if anybody was up and Hermione's nearly always up around six, and she told her. They suspect that Hagrid will be fine."

Harry sighed in relief and lay back down. "That's good news. Did McGonagall say what kind of injuries he had?"

Ron shook his head. "No. She only said that he's safe and in the infirmary. Look, I'm going to go down to the Common Room, and leave you two to what you two... do." Ron scurried from the room, leaving Seamus staring at them. Draco looked up from his burrow of blankets, and glared. Harry grinned foolishly at the blonde's messy bed head.

"Finnigan, if you tell anybody about this, I'll personally hex your balls off. I don't fancy losing my Head Boy position."

Seamus held his hands up, and finally turned away. "I wouldn't dream of it. I'll just... leave now."

The pair watched Seamus leave, before closing the curtains again. They lay in bed for a few minutes before deciding to get up and take a shower. They took one separately so that it would go faster, and made it to the Great Hall just as the morning post was being delivered to the students. Draco decided to sit at the Slytherin table that morning, so he kissed Harry and they separated ways. Hermione was just unrolling the Prophet when Harry sat next to her.

"Anything interesting?" he asked, scooping porridge into a bowl.

"Hmm," Hermione scanned the front page. "Yes. There's an article on the strange behaviour of magical creatures. There have been sightings of creatures that aren't native to England, and... oh my goodness. Just last night, there have been two deaths and one disappearance. Two wizards died from a Lethifold attack. By the time their family found them, they had already suffocated, but they managed to cast a Patronus, to scare the Lethifolds away from the bodies. Well," Hermione sighed, "at least they still have the bodies to bury. They never would have found out what happened if they hadn't found them in time."

Harry set his spoon into his bowl, suddenly losing his appetite. "This is entirely my fault," he muttered unhappily. "I never should have let the orb out of my possession."

Hermione, who did not know the entire story, sighed unhappily and turned the page of the Prophet. "We'll get through this, Harry. We always do."

"Maybe so, but those wizards who died didn't make it through because of me."

"Don't think on it, mate," Ron piped up from across the table. "There's not much you can do about it now, is there? Besides, you should just concentrate on going to see Hagrid today. McGonagall told us just before you showed up that we're allowed to see him after breakfast, since we don't have class right now."

Harry brightened, but only a little. "So, he's well enough for us to see?"

"Yeah," Ron said around a mouthful of eggs. Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "I don't think he was hurt too badly. I think he was more upset that his precious spiders turned on him. Anyway, you know how he is about monsters."

Harry nodded as he grabbed for a piece of toast, and put porridge on top and ate it. Ron made a face at him, but only continued eating. When Harry finished his toast, he stood, brushing the crumbs from the front of his robes. "I'm heading to the infirmary if you two want to come along. If not, I'll see you there."

Ron informed them that he wanted to finish eating before he went, but Hermione folded up her paper and followed Harry out. Draco caught up with them as soon as they began ascending the stairs. "Want to skive off from wherever you're going and do something with me, Harry? I don't really feel like going to History of Magic today."

"Draco!" Hermione admonished. "Honestly, you're Head Boy. Set an example!"

"I would love to," Harry hurriedly cut in, "but we're going to see Hagrid right now. I'll see you at lunch. Will you sit with me?"

Draco kissed Harry thoroughly. "Mais, naturellement, Mon amour, » he whispered seductively, and walked away.

"Oh, how romantic," Hermione gushed. "I sometimes wish Ron could speak French to me."

"I didn't know Draco spoke French," Harry said dumbly, as Draco turned a corner and disappeared. "Do you know what he said, Hermione?"

"Well, his last name is French, Harry," Hermione informed him, continuing her way to the infirmary again. "I would suspect his parents had him learn it as a child. Plus, that's what most, if not all, aristocratic families do for their children, you realise. I wouldn't be surprised if he knew more than just French."

"Thanks for the lesson, Hermione," Harry sighed, smiling just a little. "But, what did he say to me?"

"Oh, he said, 'but, naturally, my love.'"

Harry grinned slightly, and picked up his pace, feeling decidedly good about the day ahead of him. Hermione laughed as she sped to catch up. When they reached the infirmary, they found that Hagrid was not the only patient. Sirius was sitting on a bed, looking freshly washed, and slightly pink in the cheeks.

"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed, rushing forward. "How are you feeling? I haven't seen you out of your room for a while. There's nothing wrong, is there?"

Sirius chuckled and pulled Harry to sit next to him. "No, there's nothing wrong with me. I just heard about Hagrid and thought I'd come see how he is. He's just stepped into the bathroom at the moment. How's school going, Harry?"

"It's all right. Are you coming back soon?"

"Whenever the Headmaster seems to think I'm ready, I suppose. Have you seen your father, lately?"

"No, he hasn't come by since that last time."

Sirius nodded sadly. "I've been hoping to see him. Well... perhaps I'll just owl him, then."

Harry noticed vaguely that Hermione was shifting from foot to foot anxiously. He looked to her with an eyebrow raised in question. She swallowed before speaking. "Have you really seen your father lately, Harry?"

"Yes," Harry said slowly. "He's been around. Why?"

"Oh, I... there's no reason." She looked to her watch with exaggerated motions. "Oh, no! I was supposed to meet the Headmaster after breakfast and it ended a few minutes ago. I er- need to go before I'm late. Tell Hagrid I'll be by later, Harry."

Harry watched her rush by Ron, who was just coming into the infirmary. Ron called after her, but she did not answer. "What's up with her?" Ron asked curiously, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb.

"I have no idea," Harry admitted. "She never said to me that she had a meeting with the Headmaster."

"Me either," Ron said, furrowing his brow. "Hey, Sirius," he greeted cheerfully. "All right, there?"

Sirius nodded, smiling, just as Hagrid came from the bathroom in horrid looking brown pyjamas. As usual, he looked too large to be indoors, and his voice was just a touch too loud when he spoke. "'Ello, 'Arry, Ron! 'Ope you two didn't worry too much abou' me," he chuckled. "Those Acromantula lost interest in me long before any o' the Order found me."

While Harry was relieved that Hagrid was okay, he still could not shake the feeling that it was entirely his fault. The Gryffindor just hoped that this would the last incident that he felt like that had his very own dark mark branded into it. Harry shivered, and continued visiting good-naturedly with Hagrid.