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The party was in full swing and all the houses were mixing together having the night of their life. Harry sat in one of the squishy sofas huddled in the corner. He could see everything unfold in front of him without bothering to join them. Ron had actually gotten Hermione to dance with him and now they were the center of attention on the dance floor in the eighth year common room. Ron even pulled off a smooth move, dipping her back for a smooch, and the whole place went wild with cheers. Harry smiled; he was happy for them.
It was their last year at Hogwarts and because of Mcgonagall’s inter-house unity program all the eighth years had their own common room rather than living in their respective dorm houses. There weren’t many of them anyway. Some of the Gryffindors had come including him and only a few hufflepuffs and a handful of Ravenclaws had joined them. Slytherin, though, was a whole other issue. Nobody had bothered to return from the Slytherin side except Draco Malfoy. He kept to himself these days and didn’t really mix with any of the houses.
Harry knew that because he had been keeping an eye on him. His friends thought he was getting obsessive again but he brushed them off. He had admitted to himself that Malfoy was sort of good looking now that he started noticing him, with his nasty personality and constant mockery not coming in the way. Harry would sometimes study his face whenever he was studying, noticing the tiny details about him. The way his hair glimmered in the sun when he sat alone in the courtyard, looking almost like an angel.
It seemed Malfoy probably didn’t have anyone to talk to and he didn’t bother talking to anyone nor anyone bothered with him. That’s why Malfoy was not at the party the eighth years had thrown with McGonagall’s permission.
He was rooming with Harry in the dorms, which put Harry more on guard but after a while it just got tiresome with Malfoy being content with just studying or reading. Their interactions were limited to just curt greetings of ‘Potter’ and ‘Malfoy’ between them. And on top of that, Malfoy was now avoiding him after that ‘incident’.
It was one of those cold days and the air was a bit chilly. Harry had forgotten his scarf in the dorm room and when he went back to retrieve it, he found Malfoy standing beside his study desk with the scarf in his hand, close to his face. His eyes were wide at being caught, face flushed and hair in a mess. He hastily dropped Harry’s scarf and left the room before Harry could even ask what he was doing. From then on, Malfoy avoided him like the plague. It left Harry utterly baffled, and it didn’t help that the whole incident led to some rather peculiar dreams featuring Malfoy. Having to endure icy morning showers was getting quite annoying.
Hermione did seem to notice his change in behavior towards Malfoy and almost looked at Harry as if she knew something that Harry himself couldn’t make sense of. He let out a heavy sigh.
Harry wasn’t fond of parties. Right now, he was feeling suffocated and more miserable by the second. Everyone was getting ready to play some party games before Harry realized he had to get out. Luckily, he carried his invisibility cloak everywhere these days. With a deft motion, he draped it over himself, becoming a phantom in the shadows. He rose cautiously, slipping out of the common room without anyone noticing.
The chilly air of the hallway greeted him as he inhaled deeply. It was quiet in the castle and Harry thought a quiet stroll would be nice. The night was cold and as he made his way to the courtyard, he could see the clouds veiling the night sky. Even though the war was over, Harry did not feel better. He had paid his parents a solitary visit in the morning, but it did not really comfort him in the slightest. Instead, it made him feel restless, leaving him with an unfillable void, a sense of something forever out of reach.
The courtyard lay quiet, save for a brisk, chill breeze and the falling leaves. Harry retraced his steps, but just as he did, a figure caught his eye. Someone sat beneath one of the arched windows, overlooking the courtyard. Drawing closer, Harry couldn’t mistake the shock of blonde hair. It was none other than Draco Malfoy sitting under one of the arches eating–was that a cupcake?
“Malfoy?” He said loud enough to startle Malfoy.
Wide grey eyes stared at him with a mouth full of cupcake and bits of it sticking at the corners of his mouth. As Harry approached him, he noticed a half-eaten tray of cupcakes in front of Malfoy.
“Potter? What are you doing here?” Malfoy asked after swallowing the rest of the cupcake.
“I could ask you the same thing.” Harry noticed some white glowing dots moving on Malfoy’s robes before landing back on Malfoy’s face.
“What does it look like Potter?” He sighed.
“Uh… You eating cupcakes all alone and being– are you supposed to be someone?” Harry asked, staring at Malfoy’s midnight robes.
Malfoy just looked down at his robes and looked back up at Harry with complete disinterest.
“I’m not ‘someone’ Potter. I am the map of the night sky and if you paid any attention in astronomy class, you’d know.” Then with distain he asked, “And what are you supposed to be?”
Harry looked down at his own normal clothes he usually wore.
“I’m me.”
Malfoy rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Privileges of being the Chosen One.”
Harry reciprocated with an eye roll of his own and sat opposite to him. He looked at the tray of cupcakes between them and noticed some of the ghosts decorated on it were moving.
“Wow! They’re charmed. Where did you get the cupcakes?” Harry asked.
Malfoy’s face turned slightly red as he refused to meet his eyes.
“I made them.” He said in such a low voice that Harry almost didn’t catch it.
“You made them?” Harry was dumbfounded.
“Yes, Potter. Me. As much as your tiny brain fails to comprehend it, I also have hobbies.” Malfoy said haughtily.
Harry did think Malfoy didn’t have any hobbies besides studying as he always watched him with his head buried in one of the textbooks. Instead, Harry said, “I know you have your hobbies but I didn’t know it included baking.”
“Thought about it quite often then?” Malfoy retorted.
Heat began to rise in his face as he gave a much too hasty reply.
“You wish Malfoy.”
“Shouldn’t you be at the party?” Malfoy asked after a pause. “I bet everyone would be losing their minds in the absence of their Savior.”
“They’ll manage just fine without me there. Besides, I wanted some fresh air.”
“Hmm.”
“You should be at the party though. You clearly look the part more than I do and you made cupcakes too.” Harry said.
Malfoy just gaped at him before laughing. Harry was surprised to see Malfoy laugh.
“Right, Potter. I bet they’ll give me a warm welcome and maybe we’ll all would sing a song of friendship and braid each other’s hair. And I’m sure they’re literally dying to try cupcakes made by a Death Eater.”
Harry’s brows furrowed at that, “Former Death Eater.”
“Same thing.” Malfoy waved a dismissive hand.
“No it’s not. The war’s over. We all made mistakes and I know you didn’t want it.”
“How would you know that?” Malfoy raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t. But I do know you had changed your mind.” Harry said.
“You don’t know about my mind.” Draco said quietly.
“I've seen enough to believe that people can change. You knew it was me at the Manor but you didn’t tell them.” He could tell that Draco didn’t accept it. “I saw you being forced to torture someone even though you were reluctant.”
Draco visibly stiffened.
“And I… I saw you lower your wand at Dumbledore in the astronomy tower.”
Draco’s head snapped towards Harry, surprise written across his features. But Harry pressed on, determined.
“I think that’s enough proof for me to know you’re not a bad person, Draco.” His name rolling off Harry’s tongue was a foreign feeling but he didn’t want to back out now.
“You were there.” Draco whispered.
Harry gave a nod, his eyes looking at the cupcakes, until both fell into a comfortable silence.
“May I try one?”
Draco just gave a small nod before Harry took one with a small ghost decoration moving on top and bit into it. Immediately, Harry’s eyes closed as the flavors burst in his mouth. The cupcake was moist with a custard filling in the center. He finished eating it in two bites and opened his eyes to see Malfoy watching him intently.
“What?” Harry asked.
Malfoy was seemingly startled by this and looked away.
“Aren’t you afraid I might have poisoned them?”
Harry looked at him incredulously. “Yeah, and you would sit here with poisoned cupcakes waiting for a victim to show up because that’s what you do regularly?”
Malfoy just gave him a snarky glare as they settled into silence.
“They’re really good. How did you learn to make them?” Harry asked.
Malfoy flushed at the compliment. “There was this old book about it in the manor library. I was bored out of my mind and I just read it and I thought, I might as well try making them. Some of the house elves helped me get started.”
Harry just stared him. Draco Malfoy learning from house elves was something he never thought he’d hear.
“That’s... unexpected,” Harry admitted, a small, uncertain smile forming. “I never pictured you experimenting in the kitchen, with house elves none the less.”
Malfoy’s gaze became uncertain, but there was a touch of pride in his eyes. “Well, I suppose everyone has their surprises, don’t they?”
Harry nodded, still trying to process this unexpected twist. It served as a stark reminder that people could change, even those from vastly different backgrounds.
As they sat there, a newfound awkwardness settled between them.
“Why are you sitting here anyway? You should be at the party. Your friends must be missing you.” Malfoy repeated after a while.
“I don’t want to go back. Not really in the mood for partying.” Harry muttered.
Malfoy’s eyes comically went wide as realization seemed to dawn on him.
“Oh, um,” It was interesting for Harry to see Malfoy at a loss for words. “I–”
Harry didn’t want to put up with words of pity and such so he quickly spoke, cutting him off.
“Besides, it’s the longest conversation I’ve had with you since coming back this year.”
“Maybe I wanted to keep it that way.” Malfoy claimed.
“Why?”
Draco sighed, his gaze drifting towards the courtyard. “Because I believe we would eventually say something unpleasant to each other and since we’re roommates, it would be problematic if we’re constantly trying to kill each other.”
“So, you think we can’t be civil with one another?”
“Precisely.”
Harry let out a low whistle. “We are being civil now though.”
“It’s only a matter of time.”
Harry snorted. “Well then, we will think about it when the time comes.”
“Potter, I am a malicious person. I know you pity me but I don’t need it.” Malfoy bristled.
Harry paused. It was true that Harry did pity Draco but that was so long ago that he had actually forgotten what he really felt.
“You’re not and I don’t pity you.”
“You don’t know me and it’s obvious that you do. Anyone can tell.” Malfoy argued.
“I think I have a fair idea. And truly the last thing I feel for you would be pity.” Harry retorted.
“Well, that’s all you have then; just an idea constructed by your mind which exactly proves my point.”
Harry snapped, “Shut up, Malfoy. I still don’t believe it.”
Draco looked irritated at this point.
“Fine then. Keep your delusions. Whatever makes you sleep at night.”
Draco sprang up to his feet and tried to walk away but he paused. Harry was confused why he did that until he turned around, glaring.
“Potter, what did you do.?” Malfoy asked, accusingly.
“What do you mean?” Harry looked up trying to see what he did wrong.
“Why can’t I walk away?”
“Well, I don’t know, Malfoy. Oh, that’s right! It’s because you have to walk in order to do that.” Harry snarked, his patience already wearing thin.
Draco narrowed his eyes. “You utter twat, are you that much egotistical to stoop low as to cast spells to block my path? It’s all your fault!”
Harry got up, frowning. “You know, I thought you’d grown up to be a decent person by now but I was wrong.”
He spun to leave, only to find some sort of invisible barrier blocking his path. Harry quickly turned around to a smirking Draco and he knew what was coming.
“Oh, can’t walk away, Potter? Try walking.” Malfoy jibed.
“Malfoy, what did you do?” Potter asked.
“Me? You’re the one who’s doing this.” Malfoy accused.
“No, I am not.” Harry could feel the rage built up inside him and he wanted to punch that smirk right off of Malfoy’s face. He took a step towards him with his hands fisted at his sides. The smirk instantly fell off of Malfoy’s face as he quickly took a step back but couldn’t, making him stumble and fall backwards. Harry, though quickly caught him by the waist as Malfoy found his balance, placing his hands on Harry’s arms. He quickly looked up at Harry–his eyes comically wide as Harry tried to decipher what was going on. Malfoy looked back down and Harry followed his gaze to where Malfoy’s foot was pushed a little back where the invisible barrier had been. Malfoy stretched out his hand, seemingly grabbing at nothing while Harry looked utterly confused. They were still standing close with Harry’s hands on Malfoy’s waist and Malfoy’s hand gripping his arm.
“What are you doing?” Harry asked.
Finally, Malfoy looked up, completely ignoring Harry. It was annoying but he followed his gaze anyway. This time though he saw a tiny orange pumpkin floating on top of them.
Malfoy scoffed. “Bloody Peeves.”
“What?”
“It’s a trick.”
“A trick?”
“Yes, that’s what Myrtle was saying.”
“Myrtle? You mean Moaning Myrtle?” Harry asked, puzzled.
“Yes Potter, who else? She told me something was happening this Halloween and it was exciting because she contributed to the idea or something.”
“Well then, what is it?” Harry asked.
Malfoy sighed, “She was never quite clear but apparently it is designed to temporarily bind two people together. The pumpkins become visible when two people get in close proximity and one of them already had a pumpkin attached to them. And from what I can tell, we can only move if we’re touching.”
Harry couldn't help but let out a disbelieving laugh. “You mean to say we’re stuck like this because of Peeves and some enchanted pumpkins?”
Draco shot him a withering look. “Yes, Potter, that’s precisely what I’m saying.”
Harry couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. “Well, that’s just great. Any idea how long this... enchantment lasts?”
Draco shrugged. “Myrtle wasn’t particularly clear on that. But she did mention it wears off eventually.”
“Well, is there something that would speed up the process?” Harry asked.
“I suppose we could ask Myrtle.”
Myrtle was no help.
“You might have to tell one of your darkest secrets to each other.” She squeaked.
Harry wasn’t keen on that and neither was Malfoy.
“Or who knows? You might just have to kiss.” She giggled, floating away into one of the stalls.
Harry stiffened, imagining the thought of kissing Malfoy. He tried catching a glimpse of Malfoy but he was faced away from him.
“We should go to the hospital wing, maybe–” Malfoy suggested.
“No, Madam Pomfrey is not there.” Harry replied. “We can ask Hermione.”
Malfoy stood frozen while Harry waited for him to protest but he remained quiet.
“Come on.” Harry said, taking his hand. It felt cold, making Harry wonder whether it was the chill in the air and he forgot to cast a warming charm or if Malfoy’s hands were always like this.
They were silent the rest of the way. When they reached the common room entrance, Malfoy pulled his hand away abruptly, his gaze fixed nervously on the door. Harry understood his uneasiness. Swiftly, he pulled the invisibility cloak and draped it over both of them. Malfoy’s eyes widened in surprise as the silvery fabric enveloped them, then flicked back to Harry.
“I knew you had it.”
Harry just smirked. “Well, mystery solved.”
Harry took his hand once again and they entered. No one was dancing anymore and many of them were dispersed either snogging or merlin knows what. Harry scanned the room trying to look for Hermione and Ron but they weren’t there.
“Come on, let’s go to our room.” Harry whispered.
As soon as they were in their room, Harry pulled off the invisibility cloak and sat down on his bed, digging the map from his trunk. He quickly found Hermione with Ron in the dorm room Ron shared with Neville.
“What is that?” Malfoy asked, peering over his shoulder.
Harry almost forgot Draco was watching the whole thing, standing over him. It seemed like a foolish thing to hide it now.
“It’s the map of the school. It shows all the students.” He explained.
Malfoy blinked. “Is that how you used to find me back in sixth year?”
Harry just shrugged and grabbed his hand again leading to Ron’s room. He knocked furiously but there wasn’t a sound. He was going to knock again but the door opened by an angry looking Ron in boxers and a Chudley Cannons t-shirt.
“Neville I told you–Harry?” Ron’s expression twisted in confusion, then shifted to surprise as he spotted Malfoy.
“Malfoy?” His gaze then fell on they clasped hands, adding more to his bewilderment.
“For fuck’s sake, Weasley, call Granger.” Malfoy instructed, though it seemed unnecessary as Hermione was already at the door in a white dress and cardigan.
“What’s going on, Harry?” Hermione inquired; her brows furrowed.
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“I think it’s like those enchanted mistletoes we used to have near Christmas.” Granger said.
Weasley was glaring at Draco while Potter stood beside him, still holding hands, even though they didn’t need to move at the moment. Potter tried explaining their situation but after a minute Draco had enough and explained everything precisely while Granger and Weasley gaped at him.
“Wait, you mean they have to ki–” Weasley looked a bit green as he spoke.
Draco had frozen once again, his mouth drying. He didn’t dare look a Potter, afraid of what his face might give away.
“I didn’t say that, Ronald and even if it was, it’s just a trick.” Granger turned toward him and Potter.
“We asked Myrtle and she also said we might have to tell our darkest secrets to each other.” Potter said, quickly.
Weasley took a relieving breath and Granger looked curious.
“Interesting. So, you two can’t really move without touching each other?” They looked at each other and let go of their hands. They tried to move from their spot but failed with Draco almost toppling forward.
She sighed. “I don’t think I can help you with that, boys.”
Potter looked like he couldn’t believe his ears. Draco himself was surprised that miss know-it-all was not so knowing after all? They were truly doomed.
“Don’t look at me like that. Peeves tricks can be real nasty and if I try to cast any sort of spell on–” She gestured at the small floating pumpkin, “–that thing, then it might get worse. The best way is to wait it out. It’ll be over less than 24 hours.”
“what are we supposed to do then? Hold hands for the next 24 hours while roaming around the castle?” Draco scoffed.
“Don’t be so dramatic. It’ll do you both good I believe.” She gave a look at Potter which Draco couldn’t catch. “Maybe finally make you see sense and sort things with each other. Now will you two please get out, I’m having a headache.”
He looked at Potter who looked a tinge darker in the face and was about to say something when Draco cut him off.
“We’ll sure do. Thanks for everything. We’ll let you and Weasley get back to your shagging.” Granger squeaked while Weasley turned redder than his hair. He grabbed Potter’s hand and dragged him back to their room.
Of course, Potter was complaining about him to them. It wasn’t that Draco was not surprised by it but it did sort of hurt. But then he did deserve it.
They made it back and Draco let go of his hand, trying to go to his bed but forgetting he couldn’t really move, making him lunge forward.
“Woah there.” Potter said, grabbing him by the arm to balance him.
Draco knew what was bothering him and he also knew that they were stuck for the foreseeable few hours so he had to get it out of the way.
“What did Granger mean by saying “make you see sense?” No one can make you see sense from the track record you’ve got.” Potter was awfully quiet beside him and he turned to see what had his tongue in a knot. Potter was looking down, slight color in his cheeks.
“It’s nothing–just her way of saying that we should settle our differences.” Potter finally spoke.
Draco raised an eyebrow. “I believe we have settled that or else we wouldn’t be civil to each other.”
Potter looked up and glared with those piercing green eyes.
“We are civil because we don’t talk about it.” Potter nearly yelled and Draco froze.
After a minute or two Draco replied in a toneless whisper. “That’s because there’s nothing to talk about, Potter.”
Potter just sighed and looked away.
“I think we should sleep in my bed.” Potter suggested.
Draco’s breath caught in his throat; his eyes locked on Potter as if he’d been caught red-handed. He quickly mentally recapped everything that he did or said that might have given him away. Was it the cupcakes? Potter’s gaze remained fixed on him, until his eyes went wide with realization of what he had just suggested and quickly spurted out a response.
“I mean, our beds are too far apart, and we can’t really sleep separately, so, um...”
Draco was equally taken aback, but he masked it with a composed demeanor.
“I’m not daft, Potter. It’s just the spell.” He stated, grabbing Potter’s arm and practically dragged him to the bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, Draco released Potter’s arm, his heart still pounding from the unexpected turn of events. He leaned against the sink, trying to regain his composure.
Potter, on the other hand, stood by the door, looking slightly flustered. “Right, the spell.”
Draco nodded, avoiding eye contact. “Yes, the spell. We’re not really... you know.”
Harry let out a nervous chuckle. “Of course not.”
They stood in awkward silence for a moment, both clearly relieved to have an excuse for their proximity.
Draco cleared his throat, trying to redirect the conversation. “Well, we should get ready for um…bed.”
Draco splashed water on his face, his reflection in the mirror revealing a mixture of bewilderment and a touch of amusement. Beside him, Potter was busy adjusting his glasses, though Draco couldn’t help but notice the faint blush that colored his cheeks.
“Right, bed,” Harry echoed, his voice a tad higher pitched than usual.
Draco turned off the tap and reached for a towel, drying his face briskly. “Yes, bed. It’s... getting late.”
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Harry was brushing his teeth with Malfoy doing the same beside him. They would catch each other’s eyes in the mirror at times until one of them would avert their gaze. It was a very strange sight which Harry had never thought he’d be seeing. But here he was, getting ready for bed. They took turns to use the toilet with their back to each other and a silencing charm. It had been awkward but when they reached the room, it was more awkward changing into their pajamas. Harry was so tense, he twitched with just a brush of their elbows. He could hear the rustling of clothes. Malfoy would usually get dressed for bed in the bathroom but now thinking that Malfoy was undressing right behind him made his head spin.
They decided to sleep in Harry’s bed, well, Harry did give the ‘logical’ explanation that his bed was big enough for both of them and was closer to the window even though both the beds were the same size. Malfoy didn’t protest much as they adjusted to the single bed.
The bed was not big enough for the both of them. They were lying with their backs to each other, having barely any space between them. It was certainly cramped with Harry almost squeezed between the wall and Malfoy but nothing Harry wasn’t used to before he had started Hogwarts except for the fact of sharing the bed with someone. He tried not to move much which wasn’t helping him to sleep quickly.
“I’m sorry.” Draco spoke suddenly, startling Harry.
Harry turned slightly. “What?”
Draco shifted, now on his back. “I’m sorry for everything.”
Harry turned and propped himself on his elbows, peering down at Malfoy who didn’t quite meet his eyes. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of the years of animosity and conflict hanging in the air between them. Harry opened his mouth to speak but Malfoy beat him to it.
“I was horrid to you and your friends and I just felt so angry and jealous that you chose them over me and I couldn’t just let it go be. So, I tormented you for so long and wanted you to feel regret.”
Malfoy’s confession hung heavily in the air as Harry listened in stunned silence, absorbing the raw honesty of Malfoy’s admission. It was a side of him he had never seen before, a vulnerability that exposed the cracks in the façade of arrogance and superiority.
As Malfoy continued, his voice trembled with a mixture of regret and remorse. “I know it doesn't excuse anything I did. I was foolish, blinded by my own insecurities. I pushed you away when all I wanted was to be close. And then, when you did get close to me, I didn’t know how to handle it.”
Harry silently absorbed everything till Malfoy stopped speaking.
“Do you want to be friends?” Harry asked after a beat.
Malfoy stared at him as if he was joking.
“It’s a bit late for that, don’t you think?”
Harry just sighed and shrugged, lying back down. “I don’t think so. Even if you were a pointy git and all, we were just kids caught up in the adult’s world, trying to choose a path we thought was right. It doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.”
“Well, you certainly made the right decisions.” Malfoy scoffed.
“I made mistakes too you know.” Harry turned his head towards him. “Some, I wish I could change.”
Malfoy gave him side glance.
“Like your hair.”
Harry laughed. “You know, it wasn’t all that bad as you made it out to be.”
Malfoy raised an eyebrow. “Oh really?”
“Yeah. I gave it hard as I got too. And I’d admit that I would even look forward to seeing you back at Hogwarts just to get some normalcy.” Draco just looked at him bewildered.
“Potter, are you secretly some sort of masochist?”
Harry snorted, “No, I’m just saying that I had worse than taunts and practical jokes and all. You did say some mean things but there were some that even made me want to laugh but I couldn’t out of spite.”
“Y–you don’t hate me?” Malfoy asked.
“I stopped hating you a long time ago.” Harry said, gently.
Malfoy went quiet and after an eternity he whispered.
“Maybe I said those things just to get your attention.” Harry just looked at him. “Ma–maybe I looked forward to seeing you too.”
Harry wasn’t sure why he felt a bit strange hearing Malfoy say that. It felt so different than how Hermione and Ron would say it. Well, he did know what he had been feeling for Malfoy since the start of the term.
“Do you want to be friends with me?” Malfoy asked.
For some reason Harry wanted to say no. He didn’t want to be friends. He wanted something more though he couldn’t make out what he was feeling. Harry turned his head as Malfoy did the same.
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
They kept laying there in silence, trying to understand where they would go from here. Harry then quickly got up on his elbows and offered his hand to Malfoy. Malfoy, just a bit startled, now just stared at him.
“We should seal this friendship then.” Harry added and Malfoy just rolled his eyes a bit but took Harry’s hand. It was soft with a hint of callouses. Moonlight shined through the window right onto Malfoy and Harry held his breath. He was close enough to make out his features. The moonlight illuminated his hair like a halo. His skin was smooth like marble and he could make out the specks of blue in his silver eyes.
“You’re beautiful.” Harry whispered.
Draco’s eyes widened a tinge of red spread across his face. He quickly schooled his features back to normal and raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.
“Do you say that to all of your friends?”
Harry tried to think of an appropriate response but decided to press on. “No. Only you.”
He watched Malfoy swallow, the graceful movement of his throat catching Harry’s attention.
“I thought you said I was a pointy git.” Malfoy commented.
“I did. Didn’t fancy further inflating your, already, massive ego.”
“Oh please.” Draco rolled his eyes. “We both know who has the ego the size of the Quidditch pitch here.”
Harry snorted. “Yeah, right. Whatever makes you sleep at night, Malfoy.”
The room seemed to close in around them, the air heavy with a mixture of tension and shared discomfort. Harry shifted and closed his eyes. The confined space of the shared bed seemed to amplify every sound and sensation. Draco shifted, their legs brushing together, causing a shiver to run down Harry’s spine.
As the minutes passed, Harry couldn’t help but notice the subtle shifts in Malfoy demeanor. There was a vulnerability beneath the facade of confidence, a crack in the armor that Harry hadn’t expected to see.
Malfoy cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Potter, this situation is beyond absurd.”
“Gee, wonder what made you come to that conclusion.” Harry deadpanned.
Malfoy just clicked his tongue. “I swear, Potter, you’re one eye roll away from me hexing your eyeballs off.” Harry just kept quiet before Malfoy continued. “Let’s set some ground rules, shall we?”
Harry raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Ground rules?”
His lips twitched into something resembling a reluctant smile. “If you try to cuddle me, Potter, I will hex you next week into Sunday, understand?”
“Why Sunday?”
“Because I’m trying to turn over a new leaf, I am being considered that you would have the weekend to recuperate.”
Harry just scoffed “Oh how kind of you, wonder what I’d do without your compassion.”
Malfoy hummed and turned to sleep. Harry stayed quiet still, listening to Malfoy breathing until he drifted off to sleep.
Harry was woken up with a noise. It was still night and as he shifted, he realized there was a heavy weight on his chest. He quickly opened his eyes to see Malfoy wrapped around him, cuddling him. Harry just breathed out a laugh.
Talk about a hypocrite.
He was about to untangled himself from him when he heard a moan escape Malfoy’s lips. Harry froze; trying to think of some way that he had misheard it. He closely watched Draco’s face and he heard it again. Harry gulped, trying to think about this situation but his mind was running a mile a minute. Draco shifted slightly, something hard brushing against Harry’s hip, making him halt.
Draco was hard, his erection digging into Harry’s hip. A gasp escaped Harry’s lips, his mind short circuiting at the realization. He shifted slightly causing Draco to moan again. Harry’s own cock twitched in arousal at the voice.
“Ngh.” Draco shifted, rubbing his erection against Harry’s hip. He squeezed his eyes shut, heart pounding, its rhythm almost thunderous in his chest. He never thought in a million years that he’d be sharing a bed with Malfoy, let alone hearing him have a wet dream. He resisted the urge to wake Malfoy, knowing it would only embarrass them both. Instead, he chose to lie still.
“Mmm, Harry.” Draco mumbled. Harry’s eyes snapped wide open. Draco was still asleep, their legs in a tangle with an occasional jerk of Draco’s hips. It was all too much.
“Malfoy,” he whispered urgently. But Malfoy didn’t stir.
“Psss, Malfoy. Wake up,” Harry tried to shake him gently, but Malfoy only let out a low groan.
“Draco!” Harry said a bit louder.
Draco’s eyes fluttered open slowly, squinting at Harry. “Wha?”
“Um, you’re cuddling me,” Harry pointed out, shifting slightly and accidentally brushing against his erection.
Draco’s eyes widened, and he almost scrambled to free himself from Harry, nearly toppling off the bed in the process. Harry acted quickly, grabbing him by the waist and pulling him back into place.
“Potter, what are you doing? Let me go.” Draco didn’t meet his eyes, his face flaming red and Harry couldn’t help but stare.
“Why did you say my name in your sleep?” He asked.
Draco’s head jerked up, his eyes wide and cheeks flushed. “W–what? I did no such thing.”
Harry decided to be bold, his hand sliding down Draco’s waist to his back, making him shudder.
“But you did. You called me by my first name.”
Draco averted Harry’s gaze nervously.
“T..this is ridiculous. Why would I do that?”
“I don’t know. You tell me.” Harry whispered, his voice slightly hoarse.
A surge of heat washed over Harry, his heart pounding in his chest. The room seemed to close in around them, the air growing charged with an unexpected tension. He could feel the warmth radiating from Malfoy’s body, their closeness suddenly more palpable than ever before.
“I–” Draco’s eyes shifted to his face, licking his lips in a nervous gesture, making Harry shift his gaze to his lips.
“You were dreaming about me?” Harry finished for him. Draco swallowed, trying to think of something but his face seemed to say it all.
“You wish, Potter.” He said, with a hint of uncertainty.
“Harry.”
“What?” Draco questioned.
“Call me Harry.”
“Why would I do that?” Draco asked.
Harry couldn’t think of another response then, “Because friends don’t call each other by their last name.”
Draco stilled in his arms, his gaze on Harry. His arms slowly moved to Harry’s shoulders. Harry’s mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. Friends also don’t really embrace each other in bed and get aroused by them, do they? But now, with Draco pressed against him, desire coursing through him, it felt like something else entirely.
“I don’t think we can be friends, Potter.” Draco whispered.
He met Draco’s gaze, his pupils blown wide with a ring of silver surrounding them. There was a mix of uncertainty and raw need mirrored in the grey eyes that bore into his. The unspoken question hung in the air, leaving Harry with a choice to make.
With a slow, deliberate motion, Harry shifted, closing the already minimal gap between them. He felt Draco’s sharp intake of breath against his skin, their bodies now closely aligned. It was a silent confirmation, a mutual agreement that went beyond words.
Harry captured his lips in a tentative kiss. As he felt Draco’s lips linger frozen beneath his, he decided to pull away until he felt nimble fingers at the nape of his neck, sliding into his curls, pulling him into another kiss. As their lips met in a hesitant, electric touch, a rush of sensation shot through Harry. Draco’s lips were softer than Harry imagined, tasting of mint and cupcakes.
Harry slowly opened his mouth and licked Draco’s bottom lip earning a moan from him. Draco opened his mouth and Harry took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside. It was a bit sloppy at first but none of them paid any mind to it. His mouth was hot and slippery and Harry couldn’t get enough of it. His hands climbed up from Draco’s waist and stroked his back, making Draco shiver and moan as Harry drank in the sound.
He slowly pulled away to take a breath and started trailing faint kisses down Draco’s cheek to his jaw and stopping at his ear.
“Do you dream about me often?” Harry whispered in his ear.
“I––” Draco was panting, his breath hot on Harry’s cheek. He nodded and Harry smiled.
I dream about you too.
Harry wanted to say those words but for some reason he couldn’t bring himself to say them. He slowly pulled away to see a perfectly disheveled Draco in front of him. His eyes were glazed and there was a permanent blush on his cheeks. It was something Harry wanted burned into his memory. He kissed him again and traced them down to his neck. He could feel Draco’s racing pulse beneath his lips. His hands slowly slipped under his silk pajamas, meeting soft smooth skin. Draco shivered as Harry stroked his bare back and slowly stopped at the waistband of his pants. Draco quickly grabbed Harry’s face, dragging him back into a fierce kiss. Pulling away slowly, Draco stared at Harry, a blush blooming on his face.
“I––I’ve never––”
Harry just raised an eyebrow and then gave a playful smirk.
“And I have?”
Draco met his gaze.
“But what about Weasley?”
Harry paused before replying, “It wasn’t like that. We broke up before the war and I guess I never found a reason to get back together.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah.” Harry breathed. “Now would you tell me what happened in your dream?”
Draco face flushed and he quickly turned away from Harry. A silence settled between them before Draco spoke again.
“Y––you walked in on me.”
Harry’s interest was genuinely piqued and he got closer, his chest pressed flush against Draco’s back as his arm encircled his waist.
“Walked in on you doing what?” He breathed as he licked a stripe behind Draco’s ear.
Draco gave a soft sigh before closing his eyes. “Touching myself. You just stood there and watched.”
“Is that what you were doing when you were holding my scarf?” He said in between licking his neck.
Draco turned sharply. “N–no. I just–”
Harry gazed at him whispering, “You just what?”
“It just smelled like you.” He mumbled.
Harry blinked a few times before he felt a rush of emotions. He put his hand under Draco’s chin and tilted his head, planting a soft kiss on his lips. Everything felt like so much and nothing at all. In the quiet of the night, their hearts beat in sync, and for the first time, Harry allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, this unexpected turn of events could lead to something neither of them had ever imagined.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Harry Potter was kissing him. It was completely mad and Draco was sure it was just some sort of elaborate set up and Potter would pull away and laugh at his face any minute. It was as if Draco’s own mind was conspiring against him, weaving a fanciful illusion. He had quickly lost sense of control and even blurted out his dream but he couldn’t care less about it; No matter the cause, he never wanted this to end.
Hiding his feelings for so long took its toll on Draco but now it felt both terrifying and relieving just to let it be.
Draco’s feelings for Harry were a whirlwind of contradictions, a storm that raged within him, threatening to consume every rational thought. At times, they felt like an electric shock, jolting him with a surge of unexpected intensity. Other moments, they settled like a quiet warmth, a steady presence in the background of his consciousness.
He marveled at how effortlessly Potter could unravel him, laying bare the layers of defense Draco had carefully constructed over the years. With Potter, he couldn’t hide behind his family name or his carefully crafted mask. It was as though Potter held the key to a hidden chamber of Draco’s soul, a place he hadn’t dared venture into himself, afraid of what he might or might not find. In Potter’s presence, Draco discovered emotions he hadn’t known he was capable of feeling that was built over the course of the years at Hogwarts. It was a startling revelation, one that left Draco feeling both vulnerable and resolute.
There were moments when Potter’s laughter would light up a room, and Draco would find himself utterly captivated. He admired the strength and courage that seemed to radiate from him, a quality that Draco had longed to possess. Yet, beneath all of these sentiments, there was a profound sense of fear. The idea of confessing his feelings, of exposing the depth of his emotions, was a terrifying prospect. It felt like standing on the edge of an abyss, uncertain of what lay beyond.
Draco couldn’t help but wonder if Harry could ever reciprocate these feelings. It seemed like an impossible dream, a fantasy that he had no right to entertain. And yet, he couldn’t help but hold onto a glimmer of hope, a small ember that refused to be extinguished. And in the quietest corners of his soul, Draco allowed himself to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance for something more.
And now here he was, in Potter’s arms, being touched by him, possibly with a glimmer of love if he dared hope. Draco’s whole being was conscious of Potter. Every small touch was like fire on Draco’s skin that burned and soothed him in every way possible.
Their tongues mingled together. They kissed for such a long time Draco felt like he would pass out just from the lack of oxygen. He felt Potter’s hand slowly slipping beneath shirt, inching its way towards his chest. Potter’s hand covered one of Draco’s raised scars as he Potter’s pulse beating through his fingertips. He froze for a moment and Draco squeezed his eyes shut for what was about to come.
“I didn’t know what the spell would do.” Potter whispered in his ear.
“I deserved it.” Draco said.
“No! You didn’t. I––” Potter spoke but Draco cut him off.
“It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past.” Draco leaned in and kissed Potter tentatively. Potter kissed him back.
He brushed passed a nipple and Draco moaned in his mouth. Potter’s hand glided down, skimming over his stomach and reaching his pajama bottoms. Draco bit Potter’s bottom lip and Potter in turn, palmed him through his pajamas. Draco bucked his hips forward to the touch.
Draco’s mind was racing as Potter’s hand slipped beneath his pajama bottoms and grasped his hardening length. His breath hitched as he felt Potter’s calloused fingers wrap around him, stroking him with just the right amount of pressure. Draco moaned loudly, breaking their kiss as he threw his head back in pleasure. Potter’s other hand snaked around Draco’s waist, pulling him closer as he continued to stroke him. Draco could feel Potter’s erection pressing against his arse, grinding against him.
The sensation was overwhelming, and Draco’s body began to tremble. Potter breathed raggedly in his ear, kissing his neck. He could feel himself getting closer and closer to the edge.
“Potter,” he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper.
Potter leaned in and whispered in his ear, “Say my name.”
Draco bit his lip as Potter’s other hand started rubbing circles on his nipple.
“Harry, I’m…” Draco breathed out, but he was cut off by Harry’s tongue.
Draco responded by sucking on Harry’s tongue. Lost in a sea of emotions, Draco was barely aware that his own hand had left Harry’s side. The hand was now tangled in Harry’s soft hair. He stroked the Gryffindor’s head. Draco was tasting Harry—tasting his lips, his tongue.
Harry pulled away and whispered in his ear, “Let go, Draco.”
With those words, Draco couldn’t hold back any longer. He arched his back and spilled himself into Potter’s hand with a loud cry. Potter continued to stroke him through his orgasm, only stopping when Draco collapsed.
“Harry,” he breathed. “I… I can’t.”
Harry’s mouth travelled to Draco’s neck and he started sucking and biting at the skin. Draco moaned and tried to wriggle away from him. It felt too good. He pulled back and studied Draco’s face. Gently, he started dabbing the semen off Draco’s groin with his fingers.
“So sensitive.” Harry murmured.
Draco groaned. “I’m not usually this sensitive.”
Potter just raised an eyebrow. “Usually, huh.”
Draco turned back and looked into Harry’s eyes. They were dark with desire. He pulled Harry’s shirt over his head, and the Gryffindor didn’t resist. He was both nervous and exhilarated. He looked at Potter, and then slowly reached out and traced the contours of Harry’s chest and stomach.
Harry’s eyes were dark, and his lips were slightly parted. His chest was heaving. Draco continued to stroke Potter’s torso. He was hard, and he wanted Harry to touch him again. He moved his hand down to Harry’s groin and touched his cock through the thin material of the boxers.
Harry’s eyes rolled back and he let out a low moan. Draco slipped his hand inside Harry’s boxers and pulled out his cock. He stroked him from root to tip, making Harry’s hip jerk forward, a moan escaping his lips. He wondered what it would feel like inside him. Just the thought made Draco harder.
Draco watched Harry, seeing his eyes were closed and a look of pure focus was etched on his face as Draco kept stroking him. He remembered how Harry had looked before, almost desperate. He wanted to see that look on his face again and again, and he wanted to hear his moans.
Harry’s cock was hardening in his hand. Draco came close and nuzzled into his neck, breathing Harry’s scent. He licked a small stripe of his neck, biting a soft spot.
“Fuck.” Potter moaned.
Draco could feel his body tightening. He felt Harry’s cock spasm in his hand as he came. Draco slackened his grip on Harry’s cock, quickly pulling away. That was it. Draco couldn’t take it any longer. He bit his lower lip, making a decision, he straddled Harry’s hips and stroked himself a few times before he came on Harry’s stomach. He fell on top of him, trying to catch his breath. The only thing he could hear was their labored breathing. Draco took a deep breath, slowly rolled off of Harry. Harry watched him with hooded eyes and waved a hand, wandlessly cleaning them up.
They stayed quiet looking at each other in the moonlight. Their hands were inches away. He reached for Harry’s hand intertwining their hands. Draco’s fingers were trembling but he didn’t care anymore. Somehow this felt more intimate than what they had just done. Draco looked at the Gryffindor. He was looking at Draco, his eyes searching his. And then, he came close and brushed his mouth against Draco’s in a soft kiss.
“Goodnight, Draco.” Harry said, softly, his eyes already closed.
“Goodnight, Harry.” Draco mumbled and before long he could hear Harry’s evened out breathing.
“I love you.” Draco whispered before drifting off to sleep.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Harry noticed two things when he woke up. He was all alone and there was a cupcake right by his bedside.
And of course, the pumpkin was gone explaining why he woke up alone. It wasn’t like Draco was obligated to stay even after the situation got fixed but somehow Harry felt heaviness over his heart. He recalled last night and it did feel like they made a strong connection but maybe it was just him.
Harry sat up, the sheets rustling around him, and reached out to pick up the cupcake. It looked perfectly baked, with swirls of orange frosting on top. There was a charmed snitch on it that floated slightly with its flickering frosting wings and he couldn’t help but smile, a touch of warmth filling the space left by the absence. Maybe all was not lost. As he savored the first bite, he couldn’t shake the lingering feeling of disappointment. He had hoped to find Draco still there, maybe in the common room or the library, but it felt like he was out of his reach.
With a sigh, Harry pushed himself out of bed and got dressed. He needed to clear his head, maybe a walk by the lake would help. As he descended the stairs to the common room, he couldn’t help but wonder if he had misread the entire situation. Maybe Draco saw it as nothing more than a chance encounter in a moment of crisis.
The common room was quiet, the usual morning bustle not yet in full swing. Harry stepped out into the cool air of the castle, the stone floors giving way to the lush greenery of the Hogwarts grounds. He followed the path down to the lake, the water glistening in the morning light. The tranquility of the scene offered a small comfort, and Harry let his thoughts drift. He sat down beside the lake, watching the water. By some point, Harry had drifted off to sleep again and when he woke up, the sun was high up and there were dark clouds in the sky. The cold was seeping into skin as he scrambled up to turn back to the castle.
With each step back towards the castle, the air grew colder, carrying a promise of impending rain. Harry quickened his pace, the crunch of leaves beneath his feet echoing through the quiet grounds.
As he approached the towering stone walls, a few raindrops began to patter against the cobbles. Harry pulled his robes tighter around him and picked up his pace, determined to reach the shelter of the castle before the downpour.
Finally, he reached the common room, now bustling with commotion. He looked around but couldn’t find that familiar blond head. Harry sat down by the fireplace trying to think of what he would say to Draco when faced him.
“Oh!” Harry heard the familiar voice and turned to see Hermione rushing towards him.
“Harry! I found the reason, now you don’t–oh. It’s gone.” Hermione said.
“What?” Harry asked.
“The pumpkin is gone.” Hermione pointed out.
“Oh, yeah, I, uh, woke up like that.” He stammered.
Hermione gave him a funny look.
“Well, I did some digging.”
Harry looked at her as if waiting for her to continue.
“So, the pumpkin attaches itself to the person who has very strong feelings about something or specially someone.”
“And?” Harry pressed.
“And if that said person who they felt very strong about comes close in proximity to them, then they would get stuck and the only way to break it is to share your feelings but it seems you already did that with Malfoy.”
Harry’s face grew hot at the thought of how they shared more than just feelings.
“Wait, did you say if they would have to feel very strongly about the person they’d get stuck with? So, it could be any emotion?”
Hermione raised an eyebrow but gave a nod. Harry quickly got up.
“I have to go.”
“Wait! Harry!”
Harry turned back.
“It wasn’t Peeves who did this. It was––it was Ginny.”
“What?” Harry said, with a tone of surprise.
“It’s just––Peeves did initiate it but he was caught by McGonagall. So, a few students thought it’d be fun to tamper with the remaining pumpkins. One of her classmates told me when I was trying to find out about the spell. Some of her friends suggested to cast a spell on you so she could know who you felt strongly for.”
Harry couldn’t speak for a moment, trying to process all this information.
“The spell was on me? The spell was on me.” He murmured to himself. He quickly ran out of the common room to find the one person he was looking for.
It didn’t take long to find Draco. He knew he had spent majority of his time in the library. Draco, on the other hand, didn’t look like he wanted to be found as soon as he saw Harry, he quickly got up and started to pack up his things but Harry didn’t let him and pushed him towards one of the bookshelves, trapping him.
“We need to talk.”
“What is there to talk now, Potter? You’re free now, aren’t you? It was just the spell.” Draco spat.
“No it wasn’t. I know it was more.” Harry argued.
Draco just glared at him but there was a glint of something in his eyes.
“It was a spell which made the pumpkin attached itself to the person who has very strong feelings about something or specially someone.” Harry explained.
Draco’s eyes went wide but he soon schooled his features into nonchalance.
“What are you trying to imply?”
“The spell. It––” Harry looked at him intensely. “––you said it was just the spell. But it didn’t change anything. It just revealed what was already there.”
Draco was quiet.
“The spell was casted on me.” He said quietly. Draco’s eyes locked on to his.
“Well, that just shows how much you hate me, doesn’t it?” Draco’s voice was filled with bitterness.
Harry growled in frustration, cupping Draco’s face with both hands.
“No, you utter prat, it means I love you.”
Draco blinked, his expression shifting from defiance to a mix of astonishment and disbelief. The weight of Harry’s words seemed to hang in the air, and for a moment, the world around them fell silent.
“You... love me?” Draco repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
Harry nodded, his gaze locked with Draco’s. “Yes, I do. It’s not just because of some spell or enchantment. It’s real.”
A number of emotions flickered across Draco’s face. Surprise, uncertainty, and something that looked dangerously close to hope. He took a hesitant step closer to Harry, as if testing the waters.
“But... why didn’t you say anything sooner?” Draco asked, his voice tinged with vulnerability.
Harry sighed, his fingers still gently cradling Draco’s face. “I realized it myself this morning when you were gone. I––I think I’ve felt like this for a long time but never really acknowledging it.”
Draco’s gaze softened, and he reached up to touch Harry’s hand. “You idiot,” he murmured, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Do you––do you feel the same way?” Harry queried, hesitantly.
Draco laughed and it was like music to Harry’s ears. “You should have known that I... I feel the same; for so long.”
Relief washed over Harry, and he couldn’t help but smile in return. The weight that had been pressing on his chest lifted, replaced by a warmth that spread through him.
“How long?”
“Longer than you think.”
Without another word, they closed the remaining distance between them, their lips meeting in a tender, unspoken promise. Harry slowly backed him towards the shelves. He coaxed Draco’s mouth open, their tongues twisting together. When the kiss became too heated, Draco quickly pulled away, making Harry confused.
“What?” Harry asked.
“What if someone sees us?” Draco said.
“So?”
“So, I don’t think Madam Pince would be delighted to find you snogging me senseless into her bookshelves.” Draco pointed out.
Harry smirked. “I thought you’d like the risk.”
“I’m not taking the risk of getting banned from the library just because you couldn’t control your urges.” Draco replied, pushing past him.
Harry blocked his path, chuckling. “My urges? Why don’t we talk about you controlling your urges last night, hmm?”
Draco’s cheeks flared with color, mumbling, “Whatever.”
“You haven’t even asked me on a proper date.” Draco complained, turning away to leave.
Harry watched Draco’s retreating figure, a playful glint in his eyes. He quickly caught up to him, falling into step beside him.
“Well, if you insist on a ‘proper’ invitation, then here it is:” He took Draco’s hand, “Draco Malfoy, would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner?” Harry asked, his tone teasing yet sincere.
Draco glanced at him, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Well, Potter, when you put it that way... I suppose I could be persuaded.”
Harry’s heart skipped a beat at his response. He couldn’t help but feel a rush of elation. It was a small victory, but it felt significant. He placed a kiss on Draco’s hand.
“Excellent,” Harry replied, unable to hide his excitement. “How about tomorrow night, at the Three Broomsticks? Seven o’clock?”
Draco nodded, his eyes sparkling. “Sounds perfect.”
As they continued down the corridor, their fingers brushed, sending a pleasant shiver up Harry’s spine. He couldn’t wait for their dinner together, eager to see where this might lead.