New Beginnings

Chapter 48

The next time Draco sees Harry, his hair is no longer black. His roots are black, fading into dark green. 

Draco trips. Thankfully, Harry (and also Pansy, but he's not focused on her) isn't close to them yet. But he is coming over and Draco simply isn't ready for that. He might die.

"That was pathetic," Blaise remarks helpfully. He's always been so annoyingly unhelpful when it comes to Draco's crushes (or crush really, because it's just Harry.)

"Fuck off."

It's no secret that Harry's desirable (except maybe to Harry who's oblivious about stuff like that). Even with the scandals, Harry's still attractive, still the Boy-Who-Lived. And everyone seems convinced that fame is desirable and a good thing. Whether they're attracted to Harry or to the fame, he's still desirable. Romilda's attempt at drugging him is proof of that, although most people wouldn't go that far.

Draco knows he can't not do anything. Something's going to happen, though he's sure that whatever will happen will be due to Dumbledore and not someone wanting to date Harry.

If he doesn't ask Harry out then he could lose the only shot he has. Draco wants Harry to be happy, but he'd prefer if that meant with him. 

"Hey!" Harry and Pansy finally catch up with them, the latter grinning evilly. 

"Hi, nice hair." Theo smiles, nudging Draco, who's gone back to staring dumbly. 

What is he meant to say?

"Thanks." Harry grins back, pushing hair out of his face.

Pansy stares at him, waiting for him do anything. Except Draco doesn't want to make a fool out of himself. Especially not in the middle of a corridor.

She elbows him in the ribs, "say something moron."

Draco glares at her. When they head to class, he pulls back from the group, gently grabbing Harry's arm. The other's don't notice, caught up in a mini argument.

"I like your hair." He leans in, voice low and Harry flushes.

"I hoped you would."

---

 Harry is caught up with all his classes. Done his homework in advance. Doing great in his education really. 

Which obviously means that something is about to go wrong.

He and Draco are on Draco's bed. Draco leaning against the headboard, with Harry leaning against his chest, sitting quite comfortably between his legs. The blond's arms are around his waist, head hooked on his shoulder.

Harry could die happy.

Instead, they're watching Moody pace the same corridor on the third floor. 

"He keeps stopping here." Draco points to where a room is. Just another empty classroom. "he's done it again. What the fuck?"

Harry tries to think of what's there. It's on the tip of his tongue, a hazy memory of why that place is important and yet he can't remember properly.