Amortentia

chapter 12: Caught in the Act

The flickering torches cast long shadows along the corridors of Hogwarts as Harry and Draco, lost in the throes of their newfound passion, found themselves unable to part ways after another intense tutoring session. Their bodies pressed close together, they moved with a shared urgency, seeking out a secluded spot in the labyrinthine hallways.

Finally, unable to resist any longer, Draco pushed Harry gently against the cool stone wall, their lips crashing together in a fervent kiss. Harry's hands roamed Draco's back, pulling him closer as their mouths moved in sync, each kiss more desperate than the last.

Neither of them heard the approaching footsteps, nor the hushed voices of their friends as Hermione and Ron rounded the corner, deep in conversation.

"Honestly, Ron, you need to take your studies more seriously—" Hermione's voice trailed off abruptly as her eyes widened in shock at the sight before them.

Ron, walking beside her, froze in place, his jaw dropping as he took in the scene. "Bloody hell," he muttered, his voice thick with disbelief. "Is that...?"

Harry and Draco, too caught up in their passionate embrace, didn't notice their audience until Hermione cleared her throat loudly, her expression a mixture of surprise and disapproval.

Startled, Harry and Draco broke apart, their faces flushed and their breathing heavy as they turned to face their friends. Harry's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through him as he met Hermione's stern gaze and Ron's incredulous stare.

"Harry," Hermione began, her tone measured but firm. "What exactly is going on here?"

Harry's mind raced as he searched for the right words, his emotions swirling in a chaotic jumble. "Hermione, Ron, I—it's not what it looks like," he stammered, though he knew the lie was flimsy at best.

Ron, still reeling from the shock, managed to find his voice. "Mate, it looks like you and Malfoy were... snogging," he said, his tone filled with bewilderment.

Draco, feeling a surge of possessiveness, wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, pulling him closer. He pressed a gentle kiss to the back of Harry's neck, causing Harry to shiver slightly. "That's exactly what we were doing, Weasley," Draco replied, his voice steady and filled with a calm defiance. "And it's not something we're ashamed of."

Harry leaned back into Draco's embrace, drawing strength from the Slytherin's unwavering presence. He could feel Draco's heart beating against his back, steady and reassuring.

Ron blinked, his eyes darting between Harry and Draco, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. "But why, Harry? I mean, it's Malfoy," he said, his voice laced with confusion and a hint of betrayal.

Harry took a deep breath, his hand finding Draco's and squeezing it gently. "I know it's a lot to take in, Ron," he said, his voice calm but earnest. "But things have changed between us. We've both grown, and we've realized there's more to each other than just being rivals."

Hermione, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, her expression softening as she saw the sincerity in Harry's eyes. "Harry, if this is truly how you feel, then we trust you," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "But you both need to be prepared for the reactions of others. This won't be easy."

Draco nodded, his grip on Harry tightening slightly as he spoke. "We know, Granger. But we're ready for it. We won't let anyone come between us," he said, his tone filled with determination. "Harry means everything to me."

Harry turned his head slightly, catching Draco's eyes with a tender smile. "And you mean everything to me," he echoed softly.

Ron ran a hand through his hair, still looking bewildered but less resistant. "Alright, mate. If this is what you want, then... we'll figure it out," he said, his voice tentative but sincere. "But don't expect me to start liking Malfoy anytime soon."

Draco smirked, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "That's fair enough, Weasley. Just as long as you respect our relationship."

Hermione placed a hand on Ron's arm, giving him a supportive squeeze. "We'll support you, Harry. No matter what," she said firmly.

Harry's heart swelled with gratitude for his friends' acceptance, no matter how tentative it might be. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "That means a lot."