Fireworks (A Drarry One-Shot)

Fireworks

Harry POV

Today is December 31, the last day of what has been a hell of a year. After defeating Voldemort, it feels nice to have a break. At the moment, the majority of the school is home from Hogwarts for Christmas break. Hermione and Ron decided to go to Hermione's house. Ron wanted to introduce himself again but as her boyfriend. Everyone else decided to leave as well. I'm the only one that stayed behind.

I look across the dimly lit dining hall and lock eyes with Draco Malfoy. He turns his head, avoiding my eye contact. It's been like this ever since I saved him during the battle. Though, I suppose I've been ignoring him as well. The hatred I've always felt for him feels different if not nonexistent recently. It's probably nothing. None of the other Slytherins stayed behind with an exception to two second years. I'm guessing that Malfoy stayed behind because his whole family is either dead or in Azkaban. I can't help but feel sorry for him. I know what it's like to have no family. To be alone.

Suddenly, Malfoy pushes his food away and gets up from his seat. He makes his way towards me. My heart pounds and my stomach clenches. I'm shocked, of course. What else could cause me to feel this way? Once he reaches my table, he sits across from me, setting his bag on the bench beside him. After an awkward silence I cough and Malfoy speaks up.

"Where are your friends?" He asks.

"Why are you asking?" I ask in return. Since when does Malfoy care so much about my well being?

"I'm just curious. You're usually always with them."

"They went home for break."

"And you didn't go with them?"

"I wanted to stay here. Plus, Hermione and Ron are off doing couple stuff. Wait–why am I even telling you this?"

"Well, the castle is almost completely empty. We're some of the only people here. Why not make conversation. Besides, you saved my life," He mumbles the last part, ducking his head and blushing. Wait. Blushing? His bangs hang low, covering his face. He looks much nicer without all of the hair gel. Wait, did I just say Malfoy was nice looking?

"I couldn't just let you die," I say.

"But we're enemies. And I was working with... v-vol..de..d-d–"

"Draco, you don't have to say it," I say, resting my hand on top of his.

He looks up, blushing. "Did you just call me Draco, Potter?"

"N-No," I reply, blushing as well. What the hell? Why am I all flustered? I can't...like him..can I?

"I don't think I ever properly thanked you for saving me. Thank you."

"You don't have to–"

"I do! You didn't have to save me. I'm a Death Eater, your enemy, a Slytherin, a traitor, a fag–" He stops at the last word, covering his mouth with both hands. I ignore it, taking both of his hands into mine.

"You are not a bad person. First, we aren't enemies. Not any more, Draco. That's in the past now. You weren't a Death Eater by choice. You're innocent. Being a Slytherin isn't a bad thing. I was supposed to be in Slytherin, actually. You are not a traitor. Don't ever say that. You were forced into this life by your family, not you. And, Draco, being gay isn't a bad thing. Sure, it's surprising, but not bad."

Tears brim in his eyes and he takes a hand away from mine, wiping them. He then takes my hand again, interlocking our fingers together. I feel dizzy and my stomach is in knots. But I'm not sick. Could this feeling be love? Could I possibly fancy Draco Malfoy?

"Thank you for that, Harry," Draco says, "But may I ask, why are you being so kind to me?"

"I honestly don't know. Maybe the war has changed me."

"I think it has changed both of us."

I pull my hands away from his, looking at my watch. 6:00.

"I'm sorry, Draco, but it's kinda late. I
have to write a report for DADA. Can we talk tomorrow?"

He nods and I stand, slinging my bag over my shoulder. I begin to walk to the doors when a hand grips my arm. I turn and it's Draco.

"Dra–"

"Meet me in the Astronomy Tower. Ten til midnight. Don't be late." He says. Then, he walks past me, leaving the dining hall.

✨

I jog up the steps to the astronomy tower. 11:57. I'm seven minutes late! I reach the top of the steps and walk towards the open area of the tower, looking for Draco. Soon I spot him. He's leaning against the edge, looking up into the sky. The stars illuminate him, making him seem as if he's sparkling. He's beautiful. I walk towards him and he smiles, turning to me.

"Hello, Harry," He says, looking back off into the distance.

"Hello," I reply, standing next to him. I look up into the sky as well, admiring the stars. 11:58.

"It's almost midnight," I say.

"I know."

I continue looking at the stars. We stand in comfortable silence for a while. I turn to look at Draco and see that he's stopped looking at the stars. He's looking at me. 11:59.

"What are your new years resolutions?" I ask him.

"To fall in love," He says in a quiet voice, a blush tinting his cheeks.

"That's sweet," I reply, laughing after.

"What's so funny?" He asks, pouting.

"I didn't picture you saying something like that."

Draco leans towards me, cupping my face in his hands. My breath stops. My heart pounds and my stomach clenches, just like when I saw Draco walking towards me in the dining hall earlier. I once again find myself thinking. Is this what love feels like? I bring one of my hands to rest on Draco's waist and the other on his chest.

Am I in love? Is that why I feel as if I can't breath? Is that why there are fireworks, everywhere? Erupting in my chest, clouding my vision. Draco leans closer and I do as well. His lips brush against mine and he whispers, "I love you, Harry." I bring my hand to the back of his head, kissing him fully. 12:00. He kisses me back passionately, pushing me against the ledge. Loud cracks sound and we jump apart, looking to the sky.

Beautiful fireworks of green and red litter the sky. I turn to Draco, staring at his beautiful image. His face lights up as he gazes happily up at the fireworks and I smile to myself. Yes. This is love. I cup Draco's face and he turns to me.

"Happy New Year, Draco."

"Happy New Year, Harry."

We both lean in, kissing, a smile etched across both of our faces.

"I love you, Draco."