Lions Vs Snakes

Chapter Six

The days at Hogwarts continued. Most of the fifth years that were still at Hogwarts were stressing over their O.W.L. exams. Most of the seventh years, more so the ones who were re-attending seventh year, didn't care as much. 

A war just ended, and you are stressing over stupid exams!? Harry thought as he and Draco passed the library. It was swarmed with busy fifth years and a few seventh years. The pair had made a habit of walking the castle grounds in the evenings during sunset while most remaining students were studying, and the professors had returned to their rooms for the evening. 

"I'm surprised Hermione didn't stay to study for our N.E.W.T.S. " Draco commented pulling Harry from his daydreams. 

The back of his hand lightly tapping Harrys. Harry paused, looked around, and slowly intertwined his pointer finger with Malfoy's. 

"Yeah. I suppose the Weasley's are her family now, so she wanted to be with them." Harry responded and subject was forgotten. 

Though it was never really discussed between the two boys, they both knew they were becoming more than friends. They spent most dinners staring at each other instead of eating. They kicked each other under the table to get the other's attention and they desperately wanted each other's attention.

Of course, the two boys were oblivious to how incredibly obvious they were being. They never noticed the other students watching in the library when Draco would graze his hand over Harry's as the bent over the same book. They never saw when the other students laughed at the two engaging in a 1 on 1 snowball fight because they were too busy laughing with each other. They were so obvious even the professors had begun to notice. McGonagall had taken to smirking at the two whenever she saw them. Snape on the other hand completely ignored both of them. Each time they turned down the hall he would leave or else ignore them.

"What's his problem?" Harry asked one day when Snape had once again abruptly left an empty hall.

Draco just looked down at his feet. "I was wondering that too, I don't know. Maybe he thinks it's all my fault." 

Harry stopped walking and turned to face the blonde, "What do you mean? What's your fault?" 

"My father escaping of course. Why we have to stay in the castle. Why once again I find myself begging him to help me and protect me." Draco's eyes began to redden. 

Harry smoothed down Draco's hair and let his hand trail down his face to catch the first teardrop. "None of it is your fault." 

"Harry," Draco leaned his head into the other boy's hand, "I'm... I don't look at girls. I never do and I don't think I ever have. Believe me I've tried. I just I can't, and I don't know why, and I wish I could. I don't want to be like this Harry. I can't want to be, but I do, nonetheless. I've looked at you since the moment I first met you. I've watched you since we were kids and I've tried to fight it I really have. I'm so sorry." 

"I lo-" Harry began, "I like you too."  Harry took the chance. He slowly leaned in; he could smell Draco's breath as the other boy parted his lips. Harry's nose brushed Draco's cheek; he closed his eyes then; he felt the warmth of Draco leave. 

"I can't" Draco whispered as he backed away from the Boy-who-lived. He was still crying as he turned away are ran down the hall. He disappeared at the corner. Harry decided not to follow. 

The following days the two spent less time together. They still ate their meals together but focused on their food, acting as if they hardly knew each other. Students and professors alike were beginning to whisper. Harry could swear that sometimes he could see an almost pained look on Snape's face when he looked in the direction of the pair. Finally, one night after hours, Draco came tapping on the entrance to the Gryffindor tower. 

Some fourth year who should have been asleep answered and upon seeing Draco shut the door promptly in his face. Draco waited a beat but as he turned to leave, he heard footsteps behind him. 

"I've missed you too" Was all Harry had to say for Draco to come crashing into Harry's arms. The boys stumbled back into the way and smiled at each other. 

"THEY THINK WE'RE SHAGGING!?!" Harry exclaimed his face turning bright red. The pair was walking down the bridge that had once been the frontline during the Battle of Hogwarts. They had been trying to keep their distance and watch their behaviour ever since that night. Things were starting to feel normal again and even Harry seemed to be unwilling to take the risk again.  

"No dunderhead!" Draco turned bright red as well. "They think we're a couple."

Harry smiled and ruffled Draco's slick blonde hair. Or tried to ruffle it at least. That boy really liked to use a lot of hair gel. "What's the difference?"

"Shut up!" Draco joked lightly hitting Harry on the arm

"So are we?" Harry got serious suddenly.

"Are we gonna shag?" Draco teased trying to avoid the conversation again.

Harry glared at him but that proved useless. He just wasn't intimating. "I'm serious Draco. I feel like we've been avoiding-" 

"I don't want to do this right now," Draco cut him off. "I could never go back if I love you, Harry. And I do. I love you fully and deeply Harry." 

And there it was. Draco Malfoy admitting his love for Harry Potter. A wide grin spread across Harry's face. His smile quickly grew into a laugh and soon Draco was laughing with him. Harry began to run down the Bridge away from the castle and Draco followed. The two twirled and jumped and ran gleefully like children. Until finally Harry stopped at towards the end of the bridge. 

"I...I am in love with you Draco Malfoy!" Harry announced shouting over the edge of the bridge. Harry stood on the ledge and shouted again, "I AM IN LOVE WITH THE ONE AND ONLY DRACO MALFOY!" 

Draco who was now very red in the face, buried his face in his hands trying to become as small as possible. Even though no one was around he was embarrassed by their boyish behaviour and Harry's total lack of shame. He tugged on Harry's pants trying to pull him off the edge. 

"Shut up Potter!" Draco looked up at the other boy. He was red as a Weasley's hair, but he was smiling. 

This was it they were really going out! Draco couldn't believe it. He had been crushing on Harry since he was a young boy. He remembered kids telling stories of the-boy-who-lived.

I'm going to marry him! Draco would think to himself. He recalled the story every night before bed as a child. His mother and father never told him bedtime stories so he would tell them to himself.

Now this dream was a reality. Now that his parents were not here to beat him for liking, No loving, Harry he could openly express his feelings. And it felt tremendous! He was finally free.

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This felt like a good place to end. I promise to keep updating frequently! However another story is currently in the works so I'm working on both atm.
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