Switched

Chapter 7:

A Midnight Party

Harry awoke late the next morning wrapped in Draco's arms. A warm feeling of contentment washed over him. Draco's eyes fluttered open and he smiled.

"Come on, let's go get some breakfast in the Great Hall," Draco said with a yawn.

Harry dressed quickly, eyes always on Draco. They never dined in the Great Hall, hoping to avoid everyone watching them. But Draco was insistent this morning, and Harry hoped - somewhere deep down - that he wished the world to know the truth about them both. Harry knew he should blame the magic, but he couldn't help feeling that he could never love anyone but Draco after this, all spells aside.

They entered the hall to many mutterings and whispers. Harry was tempted to take Draco's hand, but managed to resist. Ron and Hermione were sitting alone at the end of the Gryffindor table, engrossed in conversation, as they approached.

"So what do you think?" Hermione was asking Ron.

"Well, I, er...." Ron stammered.

"If you need to think about it I understand. I don't want to mess anything up between us. What I mean is that I don't want to mess up our friendship," Hermione said.

"I don't want to mess anything up either. But to be more than -" Ron stopped short when he saw Harry and Draco. "I'll tell you later."

"Can we sit here?" Harry asked.

"If you want to," Hermione said coldly.

"Look, we know we fucked up yesterday and we want to make it up to you." Draco sat down.

"We know that apologies won't be enough, but we are sorry." Harry dropped next to Draco.

"It's gonna take a lot to remedy this," Ron hissed, tossing a leaflet across the table. "This was waiting for me this morning. One for Hermione too. Everyone is talking about how we shagged in Snape's cupboard last night."

Harry swallowed a laugh at the cover of the pamphlet. It read: "Safe Sex, The Magic and the Muggle Way" and was complete with large, coloured pictures of a naked male and female.

"McGonagall got wind of things. What if she tells our parents?" Hermione asked.

But before Harry or Draco could answer, McGonagall was behind them.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, if I could have a word? Potter, Malfoy, you'd better come as well" she said.

Exchanging worried looks, they all rose and followed McGonagall. As they passed the staff table, Harry noticed Snape and Tonks were seated next to each other, both staring at the table in silence. Tonks looked on the verge of tears, and Harry felt sorry for her - surely things with Snape had not ended well.

McGonagall led them into the small room attached to the Hall. Sure enough, inside were Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Granger. McGonagall pulled Harry and Draco aside.

"Now, given the terms of your punishment, we've decided that you two will be free by tomorrow night if you can keep up this good behaviour. Now, I hope you both have learned..."

But Harry tuned McGonagall out, eyes on Hermione and Ron. All four parents seemed to be trying to speak at once.

"It's important to remember to always use protection -" Mrs. Granger was saying.

"But, of course, abstinence is by far -" Mr. Granger began.

"There are several easy charms, I don't imagine they teach them in school, but -" Mr. Weasley started.

"Sex is only appropriate between two people who love and respect each other, just remember that." Mrs. Weasley looked on the verge of tears. She pulled Ron and Hermione into a tight hug.

"Understood? Boys?" McGonagall snapped her fingers.

Harry and Draco pulled their eyes back to her and nodded eagerly. She dismissed them both, and they were followed quickly by a blushing Hermione and Ron, now weighed down by condoms, a book on sex charms, and several more educational pamphlets.

"I guess it could've been worse. No one was yelling," Ron said as they walked away.

"It wasn't so bad considering some of the fights I had with my parents last summer. I guess maybe they've gotten over their desire to pull me out of Hogwarts. Maybe they finally understand why I'd never consider going to school anywhere else." Hermione grinned at Ron.

"So it didn't go that badly, did it?" Draco grinned.

"If you think that gets you two off the hook -" Hermione began.

"We don't," Harry said.

"We promise to work hard on the potion all day, so when you guys get to Myrtle's bathroom after class, we can make it up to you," Draco insisted.

Ron eyed him warily, but nodded nonetheless. "Come on, Hermione; let's get to class."

As they walked away, Harry watched Ron take Hermione's hand.

"I'm willing to give it a try if you are," he said.

"Really? You feel the same way?" Hermione asked.

"Mione, I always have," Ron said.

As Harry watched the giddy pair disappear up the hall, he felt overwhelmingly happy that his two best friends had finally admitted their feelings. Maybe they would now understand how Harry felt when he was with Draco.

"All for the best, in the end. I'm actually happy for the two of them," Draco said as they walked upstairs.

"And what's your master plan?" Harry asked.

"Well, I say there are several new relationships to celebrate, don't you? But first we'd better get to work on the potion." Draco leaned close to Harry. "Ron sure is lucky."

"So is Hermione, I thought for sure they were in trouble -" Harry began.

"That's not what I meant. I mean with his family," Draco said.

Harry glanced Draco's way. "I only wish you could be a part of it with us, Draco, they are the most amazing people. I wish they were my family too."

"That could never be." Draco shoved the door to the bathroom open, causing Myrtle to peer at them from her stall near the back. "They hate my family, and for good reason."

"You don't have to be your family," Harry said quietly.

Draco did not respond, eyes on the ghost eavesdropping on their conversation. "Yes, Myrtle?"

"You boys owe me a thank you," Myrtle cooed, soaring over their heads.

Harry glanced Draco's way. "What do you mean, Myrtle?"

"You know Harry, I used to fancy you, but I'm happy you've found someone so fitting." Myrtle gave Draco a rather moony look. "There have been many other boys I've seen who are that way. They often sneak in here to snog. And I never tell."

"What way?" Harry asked.

"Like who?" Draco insisted.

"I won't say. But let me tell you, none of them seem as happy - or as passionate as you two," Myrtle giggled.

"We're not -" Harry began.

"There's no fooling me, Harry. I know what I saw," Myrtle whispered.

"Sounds like you enjoy watching us a little too much Myrtle," Draco said.

"Well! That's the thanks I get!" Myrtle surged past them and down the nearest drain, her sobs echoing off the walls.

"Look what you've done," Harry said.

"We'd better make it up to her. Give her something to really watch." Draco slipped his arms around Harry and planted a wet kiss on his lips. Harry was just getting into things when the bathroom door creaked open. The boys leapt apart.

"Hello." Luna Lovegood wandered to the nearest sink and began to wash up, as if using Myrtle's bathroom was utterly normal.

"Luna." Harry glanced at Draco. "What are you doing here?"

"I don't see why you two bother with all this secrecy. In case you haven't noticed, the entire school has changed since you two became friends. Why just today a Slytherin boy asked me to Hogsmeade next weekend," Luna remarked, adjusting her hair with damp fingers. "If everyone knew about your sordid little affair, I wouldn't be surprised if house rivalries disappeared all together. If the two most hated enemies in the school can fall in love, then maybe none of us are so different after all."

"Luna, what are you talking about?" Draco asked.

Luna turned on Draco and stared at him for a long moment, a smile on her lips. "I should've seen this coming I guess. Such strong opposites always seem to attract. Look at Neville and Ginny - such an outgoing girl with that meek boy. They'll be good for each other, I imagine, just as you two are. Well, I'm off."

Harry and Draco were too flabbergasted to even reply. Luna sauntered from the bathroom, humming to herself.

Draco shook his head sharply. "We have a potion to work on."

Harry crouched next to Draco, who began stirring the cauldron tucked away in the third stall. "Does everyone bloody well know?"

"Does it matter?" Draco asked sharply.

"Well, I dunno. Some people don't approve of this sort of relationship."

"Who gives two shits about what people approve of? I don't."

"So, what, you want to come out of the closet? Tell the world?"

Draco was silent.

"Didn't think so."

The boys worked on brewing the potion for a long stretch in absolute silence. But it didn't take long before Harry had to voice his thoughts. "Do you think she was right? About opposites attracting?"

"Luna? I dunno."

"What about Ginny and Neville?"

"You don't still like Ginny, do you?" Draco tried to hide the jealousy in his voice and failed.

"I guess not. I'm happy for her. I should just tell her the truth."

"But you can't, remember?"

"Yeah. Even though it seems everyone already knows."

"Not everyone, I'm sure."

"Sometimes I wonder." Harry hastily changed the subject, not wanting to argue. "Anyway, what is planned for tonight?"

"Well, I think it's about time we had a little party. A celebration of sorts."

"Really?"

"I figure I've stolen your innocence in so many ways already, why not get you and your friends really drunk too?"

"I've been drunk before."

"Not with me you haven't. I have my party specialities."

"I can't wait." Harry pecked Draco lightly on the cheek, and the continued to work on the potion, talking excitedly of their plans for that night.

* * * *

Draco always enjoyed potion making, and working alongside Harry made it all the better. Draco revelled in Harry's stares, knowing that the other boy appreciated his potion making skills as much as Snape himself. And Draco was satisfied to remain silent, and listen to Harry's relaxed chatter. Harry was for once utterly at ease with himself, divulging secrets Draco knew he normally guarded closely. He told Draco of his encounters with Luna Lovegood, and made Draco swear to never call her Loony again. He mused on Neville Longbottom's blossoming relationship with Ginny, and Ron and Hermione's newfound love as well. Draco was beginning to feel like he actually knew Harry, and understood him at that, having heard his tales all the way from first year onwards. Draco had never just listened to anyone before.

"Well, that's as much as we can do for today," Draco said. It was already late afternoon. "Now, about tonight."

Harry leaned closer to Draco, eyes full of trouble. "Yes?"

"I normally send Crabbe and Goyle to raid Dumbledore's kitchens for Butterbooze and Firewhiskey -" Draco began.

"I've got something even better." Harry removed the Marauders Map. "What do you say to a trip to Hogsmeade?"

Moving quickly through the empty halls, the boys were soon inside the dark tunnel and on their way towards Hogsmeade. The trip was somewhat slow-going, for neither boy could resist the possibilities of being alone in a small space together, so they spent a lot of time snogging.

Finally they crept into the Honeydukes storage room, and were able to slip past the owner while he checked for boxes of Sugar Quills.

The bizarre warm spell was finally drawing to a close, and a cool wind rushed through the streets of Hogsmeade. Although there wasn't any snow yet, dark clouds threatened the small village from above. Despite the turn in the weather, Christmas cheer brightened every street. Twinkling lights hung from trees and buildings, and everywhere they looked bright bows and shiny presents decorated store windows. Harry had nearly forgotten Christmas with all the events of the past week, and was eager to shop for gifts.

After a quick trip to The Hogs Head where the barkeep barely batted an eye selling them Butterbooze and Firewhiskey, Harry and Draco hid the booze and hit the streets to look for presents.

Draco insisted on buying expensive blue dress robes for Ron, an impressive set of quills for Hermione, sleek Quidditch gloves for Ginny and an advanced potion book for Neville. Harry chipped in for every gift, adding to it an extra large tea set for Hagrid.

"Are you getting anything for your parents?" Harry asked as Draco bought leather wand cases for Crabbe and Goyle.

"No, why bother? They never appreciate anything I get them. Besides, who knows if I'll even see my father anytime soon," Draco said.

"You don't think he's going to call on you to join the Death Eaters over break?" Harry asked. "Sounds like that's the big plan for everyone."

"Who knows," Draco said, looking off into the distance.

"Draco -" but before Harry could finish, Draco grabbed him and kissed him passionately, pushing him against the wall of the shop they were in.

Harry soon understood why. The shop's bell jingled and a man in black robes who smelled faintly of dungeons pushed past the boys. As he walked towards the jewellery section of the store, Harry glanced his way. It was Snape.

The potions master barely gave them a second glance. He was too busy purchasing an emerald necklace to even notice as Harry and Draco slipped outside.

"That was close," Harry said.

"Do you think he's buying that for Tonks?" Draco wondered. "I wonder if they -"

"I don't even want to think about Snape shagging Tonks," Harry moaned.

They continued down the street. "He's not half bad. I bet if he knew about us he'd understand," Draco said.

"But he used to be a Death Eater," Harry said.

"You of all people should know that things can change, Harry." Draco slipped his arm around Harry's shoulders. "Sometimes I wish we could just tell everyone about us, just to see their reaction."

"Draco." Harry bit his lip, looking away. "Do you want to tell Ron and Hermione? And Ginny and Neville? I feel bad lying to them."

Draco stopped for a moment to consider the thought, eyes on the grey sky. "I don't know, Harry."

"We can trust them not to tell," Harry said.

"But what about afterwards?" Draco asked.

"Well, I thought we could work something out. I mean it won't be easy, it will take getting used to, but -"

"You think that would work?"

"Don't you?"

"But we're in different houses. And from different worlds. I mean, I may not get along with my family all the time, but I would be shunned by them if this got out. I'd have no where to stay over the summer, no money, nothing."

"We could work something out. I have money; we could get a flat."

"And wait for Voldemort to come annihilate us both? Unless my father gets to us first."

"The Order could protect us."

"Not everyone is going to accept me as quickly as you, Harry. I know what they'll think - that I'm a spy."

"I could convince them!"

Draco walked ahead, eyes on the ground. "It won't be that easy. I don't think we should tell anyone."

The remainder of the trip was spent in silence.

* * * *

By the time they returned to Myrtle's bathroom, there was just enough time to prepare a small picnic for everyone before Hermione and Ron arrived. Hermione was pleased to see that the potion was coming along, and Ron was exceptionally thankful for the food, but things nonetheless remained tense. The bathroom was quiet until Ginny and Neville finally arrived.

They all sat down on the floor to eat, with Draco off in a corner. Harry handed out the Christmas gifts, insisting that they be opened early.

"We know we cannot buy your forgiveness, but we figured it wouldn't hurt to try," Harry said. "They are from Draco and I."

Everyone loved their presents, and seemed impressed that Draco had contributed at all. After the food was finished and the gifts thoroughly examined, Neville discovered the alcohol hidden with Hagrid's tea set.

"Hey, you brought drinks!" Neville pulled out a bottle of Butterbooze.

"Excellent idea! A party!" Ginny cracked one open right away, forcing it into Neville's hands, and then proceeding to open one for herself. Ron followed suit.

"We know it's against the rules, we just figured -" Harry began.

Hermione picked a drink and tossed it to Harry. "We could all use a break, you're right there."

As Hermione and Harry opened up their Butterbooze, Draco helped himself to one, slowing joining the edges of their circle. The Firewhiskey remained hidden.

"I still can't believe mum and dad let you guys off so easy. She usually freaks at the very idea that any of us are even dating! She doesn't want us to repeat her mistakes - not that any of us would end up pregnant at Hogwarts - but she refuses to understand." Ginny finished her drink.

"She sees that it's inevitable," Neville remarked.

"What is?" Ron asked.

"Uh, just that you have to grow up at some point, right? When I got caught snogging Luna last year, my Gran freaked when she found out. But soon enough she came to grips with it. She had to," Neville said.

"You snogged Luna?" Ginny asked.

"Well, a long time ago." Neville blushed.

"You sly dog, you," Ron exclaimed.

"Same with all of us, I guess. You reach a point where parents become less important. When it's about making yourself happy, not pleasing them," Hermione said.

"Sometimes it doesn't go very smoothly, however," Draco muttered.

"You're telling me. Try having muggle parents who just don't get it," Hermione sighed.

"That's nothing! I have, like, six brothers trying to tell me what to do and who to see!" Ginny threw her hands in the air, spilling Butterbooze everywhere.

"Hey, I've let up on you, haven't I? Mum's extra protective of me, cuz I'm the youngest boy," Ron said.

"That's nothing, try being the only girl," Ginny cried.

"I don't even have siblings at all. And my Gran is extra protective, considering what happened to my parents and all," Neville murmured.

Ginny clutched his hand in hers as he finished off his drink.

"As least she doesn't hate you, right?" Harry grinned, attempting to lighten the mood. "I mean, if this were a competition, I think we all know who'd win."

"No way." Draco downed the remainder of his Butterbooze. "They may hate you, but you get to escape them most of the year when you come here."

"When I come here, I'm still the famous Boy Who Lived and all that shit," Harry said.

"Better than being an infamous Malfoy," Draco said.

"So you both have shit home lives. Looks like have a tie," Hermione said. "But now that the Butterbooze is gone -"

"You finished all the Butterbooze already?" Harry asked.

Ginny, Ron, and Neville exchanged sheepish looks.

"We should all probably go to bed," Hermione continued.

"Wait, wait. There's more." Draco pulled out the Firewhiskey.

"No way." Hermione crossed her arms. "Butterbooze is one thing, but -"

"Hermione, maybe it's a good idea. We can all relax, have a little fun," Ron said.

"We'll get in trouble," Hermione said. "And Ron, we are Prefects."

"Hannah was caught drinking last month and she's still a Prefect," Ron said.

"That's not the -" Hermione began.

Draco waved his wand, locking the bathroom door. "We won't get caught. We can watch the map to make sure no one is coming."

"Because we all know how good you two are at keeping watch," Hermione snapped.

"I'll keep watch, I'm not a big drinker -" Neville began.

"No, everyone has to drink. We're gonna play a drinking game," Draco said.

"No way. It's against the rules!" Hermione moved to snatch the bottle away.

"What game?" Ginny asked.

"Never Have I Ever," Draco said.

"What's that?" Neville sounded worried.

"We go around the circle saying things we haven't done. Anyone who has done it drinks," Draco said.

"We are not playing some stupid game and getting drunk," Hermione interjected.

"Come on, Hermione, we don't have to get drunk. We'll just have a few drinks, no big deal. Besides, alcohol can be a good thing sometimes, it gets people talking honestly." Ginny gave Hermione a meaningful look.

"It's Christmas. Let's have a little fun," Ron added.

"It has been a stressful week," Neville said.

"We could all use a break, especially you Hermione," Harry said.

"But if you don't want to, we don't have to play," Draco spoke at last.

Hermione gave Draco a long look, then Harry, and finally Ginny. "Fine. But we can't get too drunk."

"Of course not." Draco grinned, waving his wand over the bottle. It popped open and slid into the centre of the circle.

"Me first!" Ginny insisted. "Never have I ever been drunk. Fred and George used to catch me every time I tried."

"Don't think tonight you'll be getting drunk either," Ron said, but Ginny only grinned. Ron, Draco, and Harry - who had all been drunk at Quidditch parties - took a shot.

Neville was next, and he thought for a long while. "Never have I ever masturbated."

Ron, Draco, and Harry were aghast as they drank, but Neville muttered that he was never tempted to try.

Hermione was next. "Never have I ever met someone in the Astronomy Tower to snog."

Everyone else took a drink, sputtering a coughing at the strong whiskey.

"Okay," Ron's ears were turning pink. "Never have I ever, uh, made it to second place."

"Second base, moron," Harry laughed.

"What's second base?" Neville asked.

"Neville, muggles use a sport analogy to refer to stages in, uh, sex. First base is kissing, second is, er, touching, third..." Hermione trailed off.

"Sucking," Draco added, causing Harry to choke back a laugh.

"And fourth is all the way," Hermione said.

Draco took a drink, followed by Harry. Ron nearly attacked Ginny when she drank, but Hermione held him back.

Harry was next. "Never have I ever, um...."

"Can't think of anything?" Draco teased.

The potion at their feet began to form small green smoke clouds, causing Hermione to cheer.

"That's it! Never have I ever smoked wizards weed. Just the muggle pot that Dean gave me," Harry said.

Hermione was shocked that Harry and Ron had smoked muggle pot, despite their insistence that wizards weed was ten times stronger, so she should be pleased that they hadn't tried it.

Draco took a swig, having smoked with his cousins more than once. Now it was his turn. There was a long pause while he thought. "Never have I ever been rejected by a potential fuck."

"No one you've gone for has ever said no to you?" Hermione asked.

"One kiss from Draco Malfoy and there's no turning back," Draco said, winking at Harry.

Everyone else took a drink, having been rejected by someone at least once.

It was back to Ginny. "Hmmm. Never have I ever made it to third base."

With all eyes now on him, Harry drank. Draco wasn't paying attention, but the bottle slid across the floor to him regardless. He took a quick drink.

"Draco, did you enchant the bottle?" Hermione asked.

"A simple truth spell. Keeps everyone honest," Draco said.

"We should probably stop playing," Hermione said with a hiccup.

"Once more around the circle," Draco insisted.

Neville was next, and he spoke without hesitation. "Never have I ever slept with someone."

Once again, Harry had to drink, then Draco. Ron was staring at Harry in shock.

"Not..." he motioned to his sister, and Harry and Ginny both shook their heads. "Then who?"

But Harry couldn't answer thanks to his secrecy pact with Draco, so he merely shook his head.

Hermione looked at Harry for a long moment before finally glancing at Ginny. "Never have I ever kept a big, important secret from my friends."

Neville took the bottle first. Ginny gave him a questioning look.

"It's not like I exactly told anyone about my parents," he said.

Then it was Ginny. No one had to ask, her first year at Hogwarts was old news.

Harry knew the bottle would move to him regardless, so he took it and drank. "The prophecy."

It had taken Harry all summer to come to grips with the knowledge of his fate, and most of September to decide if he wanted to tell Hermione and Ron. He finally had told them, and Ginny too, but never spoke of it again to anyone - except Draco.

Draco took a gulp, but no one bothered to ask.

"Now me." Ron's voice grew soft. "Never have I ever kissed - with tongue - someone of the same sex."

Harry knew the bottle was headed his way, but couldn't bear to pick it up. Instead, it flew into Hermione's lap.

Everyone spoke at once.

"What?"

"You?"

"Who?"

"When?"

"Wow!"

Hermione went crimson. "Look. This one night Pavarti was wondering what it would be like, so we, er, we kissed. It's not a crime to be curious!"

Draco grinned, and picked up the bottle. "No, it's not." He drank, and then handed it to Harry.

Harry was as shocked as everyone else. Did this mean Draco wanted them to know, or was he just too drunk to care?

"Drink, Potter, you did kiss me," Draco said. Since he was speaking to Harry, he sidestepped the secrecy spell entirely.

"I, uh...." Harry chugged the remainder of the bottle, at a loss.

"So maybe I kissed you. Whatever," Draco laughed.

"Um, what?" Neville wondered.

"So I'm a little bisexual. No big deal," Draco shrugged. "And I wanted to know what it would be like to kiss, well, myself. So we kissed."

"Harry, are you a queer?" Neville whispered.

Draco leaned across the circle and kissed Neville firmly on the lips. "Does that make you anything other than straight? One little kiss?"

Neville went pink, muttering that it didn't. Ginny seemed to recover from her shock, and burst out giggling, giving Neville a playful hug. Hermione was laughing next, and soon Ron, Harry and Draco joined in.

"I think that's enough of that game," Ron sniggered.

"Shit. We're all drunk," Hermione stated. She burst out laughing and fell into Ron's lap.

"Good idea, Draco." Harry attempted to hug the blonde boy, but their arms collided, and they flopped over in a heap.

Neville was hysterically laughing on the floor, rolling dangerously close to the simmering cauldron.

"I'd better take the poor boy home, I think he's had too much," Ginny giggled. She pulled Neville to his feet, and they stumbled out of the room, Neville talking about showing her his new bed sheets. Ron didn't even notice his sister's hands all over his friend.

"What was it like? Kissing a girl?" Ron asked Hermione after they left.

"Not bad. Not quite as nice as kissing a boy, but kinda different. Why?" Hermione teased.

"No reason." Ron grinned. "And you, Harry? What is it like, kissing another guy?"

Unable to resist, Harry leaned in and kissed Ron. The red-head hastily pulled away, but soon was manically laughing.

Finally, he sat up, wiping the tears away. "And on that note, Hermione, do you wanna -"

"Absolutely," Hermione said. They helped each other up and left hand in hand, barely saying goodbye.

"Holy shit, you told them we kissed," Harry said once they were alone.

"No big deal, they won't remember much of tonight anyway. Besides, it's not like I told them what else we do." Draco tackled Harry, and they fell to the floor, kissing like mad.

"Should we go back to the room?" Harry asked.

"Who will watch the potion?" Draco wondered.

"I doubt we'll be doing lots of watching," Harry remarked.

"Who needs a bed anyway?" Draco insisted.

Harry smiled, and pulled the boy into the closest bathroom stall. Then they were lost in each other, in a tangle of limbs and kissing - drunk and completely blissful.