As the Ice Thaws

Christmas

Draco had been watching Harry and looking out for him. His Father has made him join the stupid Inquisitorial Squad and who was he to say no? He couldn't refuse his Father.He would have beaten him if he knew that he didn't want to be on the Squad because he liked Harry. His father thought it was unnatural.

Draco watched as Harry flirted with Cho and kissed her. He felt as if his heart was ripped out of his chest. I'm right here Potter. Why don't you see me?

Draco stayed at Hogwarts that Christmas, under the guise of staying for the Inquisitorial Squad. Draco had long since told Pansy that he was gay and liked Potter.

"Please, Draco. You were so gay from the beginning! We were all taking bets on when you would come out. Not to brag or anything, but I made 50 gallions." Pansy said proudly and Draco rolled his eyes.

"I hate you..." He muttered.

"Please. You love me. Just not as much as Potter." Pansy said, making a goofy face.

"For Merlin's sake Pansy, shut up!" Pansy laughed loudly then sat down on the sofa.

"Oh come on! Everyone in Slytherin knows you're gay." Draco sat up straighter, curiosity winning over annoyance.

"How?" He asked in disbelief. Pansy pretended to be deep in thought and tapped her chin.

Let's see...you spent all Summer owling me about him and what I thought he was up to. Then last year you kept talking about him and it was so obvious you were worried about him in those tasks." Draco looked at her for a moment then smiled shyly and Pansy looked at him happily.

"Promise you won't tell my Father?" Draco asked, worry now in his tone.

"Of course not! We all know how he feels. Trust me, we'll look out for you. After all, we protect each other, right?" Draco smiled at her then wrapped her in a hug.

Pansy stiffened and asked, "Er..what are you doing Draco?" Draco pulled away, a small smile still on his lips.

"I think it's supposed to show affection or thanks." "Let's not do that again." Pansy said, confusion written all across her face. "Agreed." Draco said, nodding.

****

When Draco walked into the Great Hall on Christmas, he tried to act like he wasn't blown away by the decorations.

There was snow falling from the enchanted ceiling, streamers of holly on the benches of the tables, and the usual 12 Christmas trees. There were candles floating, as always, but they were silver and their flames shot snow into the air where it rained down on the tables, seeming to vanish as soon as it landed.

"Over here Draco!" Pansy called from the Slytherin table. She had agreed to stay with Draco so he wouldn't be alone.

Draco walked over to the Slytherin Table and saw that it was decorated with silver candles and party favors.

"I want to tell him." Draco said as he buttered a piece of toast and watched his crush walk into the Hall. Pansy's mouth dropped open.

"Y-You can't tell him Draco! Your father would find out for sure! And what if he says no?"

"I dunno. I'll obliviate him or something. I just want to tell him." "Isn't it a little redundant to tell him then obliviate him?"

"I want to know what he would say." Draco said, his voice slightly helpless.

"You've lost it! You can't tell him! He's always surrounded by his idiot friends. You'll never get him alone."

"You don't know that. I want to Pansy. And I'm not asking permission."