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Chapter Text

Harry had just received chocolates for a girl, which would be flattering if it wasn't for the fact he already had eyes for Cho Chang. He had only just made up with Ron and gone through the first task of the triwizard tournament, but compared to asking Cho to the Yule ball the latter was more nerve racking.

Harry spotted her in the hallway and tried to work up the nerve to go up and talk to her. He made it halfway there before Cedrick had intercepted. The both of them were smiling and talking to each other, he didn't know how to get between them. He side heavily before leaning on a nearby wall.

He opened up the chocolates before he got his fingers on the smooth chocolate, he had noticed a picture taped to the top of the box. It looked like the girl who had given him the box of chocolates, he tore the paper off of the box, examined it for a second before stuffing the picture into his pocket. Not particularly careful about increasing or bending in. Harry picked up one of the chocolates examined it for a brief moment before popping it right into his mouth. Hoping the chocolate would make him feel better.

"It's a shame really that those dragons didn't get to you. Would have made quite the good show. I bet those dragons weren't half as fierce as they would have been, my guess is the ministry didn't want to dent their perfect little golden boy" Draco drawled,

Harry's snapped up to look at him, he meant to give him one of the nastiest glares, he could muster, and probably say something cutting back about how pompous the other was but when he looked at him everything stopped. His heart felt like it was beating faster. He suddenly felt like the words were getting caught in his throat, and he looked at the other dumbfounded. Since when did Draco look so perfect?

Harry couldn't help but look at his gray eyes. Soft silky blonde hair. His pale pointed nose that he wanted to lay kisses on. He wasn't sure how long he had just stared at the other but Draco frowned at him, was it weird that Draco looked attractive when he frowned? He shook his head quickly "huuh? What?" He stumbled.

Draco looked at him like his brain just broke which honestly he felt like it might have. "Were you even listening? Why are you staring at me like that? did those dragons give you a concussion? If you can't come up with a good retort to my amazing insults, the least you could do is say a good one, Malfoy your amazing" he said in his ridiculously posh accent.

"Good one Malfoy, you're amazing" Harry said without thinking. Draco had literally told him what to say and honestly, half of them felt willing to do anything the pretty Git wanted him.

Darco spluttered as his eyes widen. The posse of slitheronsHe always had trailing behind him, looked at each other in surprise and confusion. Draco taking a moment to compose himself shot harry a hotty glare. "You think you're so clever don't you, well i'd like to see how cocky you are during the next challenges. Potter" he said harry's name like a curse. As he began to spin around and walk away

Harry's eyes widen with panic, he didn't want this interaction to end, He didn't want draco to go away. He wasn't sure what he said to make the other upset. He had only said what he was told to. Before he could think about what to do his body acted before him. "Wait!!!" He yelled catching draco and the other slither in the tension.As they turned back to him. Draco looking like he could skewer him with those perfect silvery eyes.

Harry had gotten the other's attentionBut he hadn't thought of what to do once he had it. Scrambling, to say something to not look like an idiot in front of the love of his life. Was draco the love of his life? He had to be. He had never felt this way about anyone before. " Will you go to the yule with me?" He blurted in front of the entire hallway.

Draco's face flushed. As his eyes widened at the other's words. "Wha, I... what?" He then began fuming. Face heartening in a glare. Face still beat red " you think you're so funny don't you? Clever little Potter, trying to get a wry out of me well, you're not doing anything other than making yourself look bent. Go ahead and make a fool of yourself.Believe me out of it" he spat, before turning and moving just short of a run, making making the other slitherons behind him, pick up the pace to keep up.

Harry watched Draco leave practically heartbroken He didn't known what he did wrong. Was it too soon? Should he have brought flowers? Of course what he did was stupid, he hadn't even prepared at all! Harrry put his head in his hands. His mood practically destroyed.He made his way back to the griffindor at a languished pace, he had barely noticed the many stares he had gotten as he made his way up to griffindor tower.

Once in his room, he threw the chocolate on the floor before jumping on to his bed, laying on his back, he stared at the ceiling as he began thinking of ways he could possibly convince Draco to go with him to the yule ball. Or even maybe just talk to him? He began regretting all of his previous interactions with Malfoy, why couldn't he have just taken his hand to begin with. He didn't even understand why he had been so upset with him to begin with, sure Draco had constantly made fun of him and his friends, but maybe that was just his humor? Sure is dad's a prick but that's hardly his fault. And of course there was that time he called Hermione a mudblood, but Hermione made things right by punching him in the face. So really things should be settled.

Eventually Ron meandered into their room, mumbling something about how annoying it was Hermione had already gotten a date without them and with the enemy no less, but Harry couldn't be bothered to listen, he side loudly thoughts consumed by Draco Malfoy.

"Are you even listening mate?" Ron frowns, he's throwing his arms in the air "Hermione is dating the enemy! How are you okay with this!?"

Harry turned over to look at ron better, " what's wrong with dating the enemy?" Ron looked at him as if he grew an extra head

" Are you even hearing yourself mate? It's the enemy! What if Krum it's just trying to get close to hermione to learn your secrets for the tournament!" Ron accused trying to get harry on his side.

Harry just shruged "maybe the enemy is cute. And funny, and really good with charm's work, that he's able to make cute buttons for me" Harry said through a laugh, now that he thought about it, those buttons must have been a lot of hard work and Draco had done it for him. Sure, it was to make fun of him, but still maybe he had a shot.

Ron who was pacing the room fuming about hermione suddenly stopped to look at harry quizically. "Just what are you going on about?" Tone a bit exasperated and very confused.

Suddenly hermione burst into the room. Eyes focusing on harry. But as she walked in, she stopped to give ron the shoulder. Ron glared at her, " what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your new boyfriend?" He rolled his eyes

Hermione huft, but didn't give him a response instead, turning to Harry. "Harry, what happened? I was on my way to the library when I heard that there's a rumor going on around. That you asked Malfoy to the Yule ball?"

Ron eyes widened a fraction. Before he shook his head incisently " what are you going on about? No way Harry whatever go and do a thing like that? That's nuts!" He exclaimed, i'm trying to protect his friend's honor.

Hermione just rolled her eyes. Still not pleased with Ron. " Well I know that, but why would someone say that? It seems preposterous as far as rumors go, obviously harry would nev-"

"Because I did!" He exclaimed as he slumped back onto the bed, feeling more defeated than ever. He wasn't happy that his friends add no faith in him asking out the man of his dreams. But the actual asking out went horribly, Draco had practically ran from him.

Ron and hermione both stared at him in shock. And for the moment they had both forgotten the conflict between with the shattering news. "You what?!" They both yelled in unison

"I asked him out, but he said no" he said defeated. His friend's looking at him like he hadn't made any sense. "I'm not sure what came over me, he was just looking at me with his perfect silver eyes. And he was about to leave, and I didn't want him, so I did the first thing I could think of and ask him out" he groaned into his hands before continuing. "but I think he might have thought it was a joke. Damn, why did we ever start antagonizing each other"

Ron and hermione stared at him bewildered, "blood hell, what are you even talking about mate? You almost sound like you like him" Ron looked like his eyes we're ready to jump out of his sockets if he could hurt any more surprises.

" I don't like him!" And for half a second, both his friends relaxed. "I'm in love with him!" Harry exclaimed. As his friends gave each other worried looks. "I could hardly stop thinking about him! He's bloody gorgeous! And clever and Smart! He looks damn fit in his quidditch outfit." He groaned as he grabbed a pillow and slapped it on his own face.

Hermione gave ron a gentle nod as she tried to approach the conversation more delicately. "Harry, you never used to like Draco before? What's brought out this change All of a sudden?"

Harry turn to look at his friends. "I don't know, i was in the hallway about to ask Cho Chang out, but cedric beat me to it I think. Then Draco came to see me" his voice became softer as he began talking about the slytherin boy " Hermione you should have seen him. He looked perfect, he is perfect! I don't think there's ever been a more perfect person to ever have lived!" He said completely lovesick.

Hermione tried to nod sympathetically. But she couldn't help but be completely weirded out by the entire bizarre situation. "Right.... and you hadn't drinking anything or eaten anything before that? Or gotten any weird feelings? No one hexed you did they?" She asked worriedly

Harry just rolled his eyes "what? Goodness no hermione, I wasn't hexed or cursed, i'm just in love, i'm in love with Draco Malfoy." He declared. Before looking at his friends for help "guys, i don't know what to do? I think he hates me, how do I fix this? How do i get him to notice me? To like me" his voice filling with Anxiety and desperation.

Ron looked like he was about to be sick. Hermione's lips tightened, trying not to say anything that would set the clearly not well Harry off. " Are you sure you didn't eat or drink anything?" She tried again

Harry shot her a glare " i told you i'm not Hexed! I had a bit of chocolate, but it was fine" he said, exasperated, upset that his friends weren't willing to help him with what actually mattered

Ron's head turned to the box of chocolates that laid spilled on the corner. He had noticed them when he first entered, but thought nothing of it since he was still thinking about hermione and Krum. Hermione's eyes followed his gaze a moment later.
Hermione looked at ron. "I'm going to take these chocolates and take a look at them. Then i'm going to go to the library and look up any books that might tell us what's going on here, Ron look after harry." Ron simply nodded his anger towards her forgotten for now. Since they were clearly more important things going on. Harry needed them

Harry groaned at his friends " i told you i'm fine! Is it really so hard to believe that I fell in love? I know you guys don't like him. But maybe if you gave him a chance" he started,

Ron just rolled his eyes. And hermione tried to give a sympathetic smile, hiding her distaste "right Harry, we're sorry, i'm going to go look in the library and see if I find any books to help you out." She paused for a moment "with Malfoy i mean"

Harry smiled happy that his friends were finally on his side "thank you! Hermione you're the best!" Ron still did not seem pleased with the situation. He gave hermione a solid look. It was now his job to keep Harry out of trouble.

Chapter Text

How long does it take to lose a love struck idiot? One would think it would be easy keeping track of one student. Unfortunately, that student would have to be the most bull headed gryffindor to ever walk the earth, as even his closest friends were becoming well aware of. The first three days were fine, Ron and hermione had been walking harry to classes, coaching him on how to not acting weird or strange. Speaking for him in class if abel, but both of them took turns, making sure that they could escort him to all of his classes then take him back to the dorms. Hermione would leave the boys at the dorm while she port through books. While ron would spend hours trying to entertain Harry with chess. Exploding snaps and yes, listening to the dumb idiot moan about Draco for hours on end. Ron was about sure he deserved a medal after all of this. They had hardly expected harry to sneak off in the middle of the night. Which honestly was on them. Hermione snuck over to the boys dorm hoping to tell them about her findings. Only define ron snoring loudly and Harry outside of his bed. Of course the marauders map and invisibility cloak were missing as well. Well shit. Harry was walking through the hallway, tucked away safely under his invisibility cloak, using the map to avoid Filch and Mrs.Norris, At night he couldn't help himself. He must have stayed up a few hours each night opening the marauders map just to check where draco was. Normally around this time, he would be tucked away in the Slytherin dorms, but this time Draco was at the quidditch pitch. So harry just felt like he had to know why. Just as he felt the cold night air, it wasn't too long until he could see draco on his broom, making turns around the quidditch yard. His hair seemed to shine and glimmer in the moonlight. He couldn't help but sneak in closer, " I'm telling you, Blaise. i just don't think it's fair that they have to cancel quidditch for all of this. You know, potter got to ride his broom when facing the dragons, it's not fair that we have to be grounded. For almost a year" Draco sighed. Turning upside down on his broom. Looking at Blaise a slytherin harry had always seen around Draco but hadn't really bothered to pay much attention to. Blaise rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah, Potter this Potter that, honestly, at this rate, if you gave me a galleon every time you said Potter. My mother would never have to remarry" He smirked crossing his arms, Draco frowned, as he turned his broom right side up, "Your insufferable you know that? If you're not going to take me seriously.You might as well go back to the dorms." He frowned indignantly. Blaise chuckled "right right, Lord Malfoy" he said with a dramatic flare. "But i do think it would be a good idea to go back to the dorm soon. It's bloody cold" Harry watched the two, he hadn't noticed the both of them interacted before. He hadn't thought of the dark skined boy to have been that close to Malfoy. But they both had a very relaxed way of talking to each other. That made it seem like they must have been friends. Harry frowned just a bit, he certainly hoped they were just friends. He ducked behind a pillar before shrugging off the invisibility cloak, and stuffing it into his cloak. He took a deep breath before turning the pillar. "Hey" he said simply to the two slitherins who looked at him in surprise. What the hell was Potter doing here at the quidditch pitch at night? Draco couldn't help but think. Blaise looked bewildered per a second before a relax smirk played on his lips "Harry Potter, what are you doing here?" he said smoothly, giving Draco a look the blonde would really rather just ignore. Draco shot Blaise a side glance in some kind of warning, then looked at Harry with a piercing gaze, harry though he might melt, "well?" He cocked an eyebrow "what are you doing here Potter?" Harry suddenly felt more aware of himself. He knew he was acting impulsive again.He wasn't sure what he was going to say before he came out.But he didn't want them to go back to the dorms before he got a chance to talk to draco. "I uhh wanted to talk to you" he looked up at draco. Who by now was landing softly on the ground, broom tucked to his side. He stood proud and tall like he was trying to prove something. While Harry just stared. All of a sudden becoming too aware of his posture in hands. Blaise smirked "oh? He wanted to talk to you, what did you want to talk to him about? Going to ask him to the yule ball again?" He chuckled. Harry gave him a simmering glare. It hadn't embarrassed him that he had asked the other out in front of a group of students. But it did bother him that the other boy had reminded that Draco said no and that reminder stung. Draco rolled his eyes, and harry found himself hyper aware of the other boy. When you switch weight from one foot to another in mock annoyance, for the way his splendor fingers held the broom. The slight pout that hid behind every frown. There were so many details harry wanted to explore and learn more about. He found himself endlessly curious. "N-no, I just wanted to talk to him, Alone" he added, he then turned a Blaise giving him the up down. As he tried to stand straighter. He definitely wasn't scared or intimidated by the other, but he didn't know where the other stood next to draco. And he didn't want anything to get between the two. Blaise laughed, "you've got to be kidding me? Why would I go when the show is about to get good" Harry just about looked like he was about to pull out his wand. But Draco spoke first "Blaise, your cold remember? I am too, go back to the dorms bring me a warmer cloak will you?" The two slytherins looked at each other for longer than harry would like them too, seemingly having a silent conversation with their eyes. Blaise broke first, "fine fine, Lord Malfoy" he said, shaking his head before turning around. He leaned back with his arms over his head, giving himself a nice stretch before making eye contact with Harry "be back soon, with someone else to hold your stupid cloak" his face hardened slightly Into a glower. Before returning into a relaxed smile as he walked away from the quidditch pitch. Now both alone, Harry and Draco eyed one another. Harry couldn't help but smile at Draco. They were finally alone together and that in itself, made him so happy he felt like his heart could burst. It was like it should be, just the two of them. Draco looked at Harry unsurely. "Well? What did you want to talk about potter?" His voice hard and proper. As he raised a singular eyebrow in superiority, harry couldn't help but interpret that as anything else other than adorable. Harry smiled dumbly at the blonde. "Right! I uh, i just really wanted to talk to you" he said truthfully. Draco stared at him for a moment waiting for the boy who lived to add anything else to the statement. Then couldn't help but feel exasperated.When that was the end of it. "Just what? You stalk me out in the middle of the night, just because you wanted to talk to me?" He said annoyance flooding into his voice. And questions at that, how did the other even know he was here. He stared at him, waiting for some kind of explanation. The vibrant green eyes just stared at him like a dumb dog waiting for praise or and order. "Well?!" He raised his tone glaring at the stupid Grifindor. Harry perked up, "well, umm yeah?" He said suddenly feeling a bit daft. Then realizing he couldn't end the sentence just like that. "Well, I saw you were out late. Thought it would be an opportunity to talk?" He gives an awkward smile. Draco stared at him like he was speaking elfish. "You saw that I was out at night? Do you followed me... How did I not notice you? I checked the halls when we went out" he narrowed his eyes. Harry pinked a bit, he knew he couldn't just say that he was checking the marauder's map each night tracking where he was, he didn't want to sound like he lost his mind. Or scare the other off. "Well... um. I used an invisibility cloak, that's why you didn't notice me, just... going for a stroll when I saw you" he said a bit of bashedly. Looking at the other for some kind of sign that he had said the right thing. It was a half lie but he definitely didn't want to scare the other off. Draco scoffed "an invisibility cloak? Potter please, as if I would believe any of that rubbish. Invisibility cloaks aren't real" Draco had remembered listening to a few fantastical tails with invisibility cloaks in them, he knew they were nothing more than just a childish tale. Harry couldn't help but feel a bit of panic. He wanted to make a good impression, to do something anything that could make the other boy happy. To give him a bit more of his attention. He yeared for it more than anything. "No no! Really!" Harry rush to pull out his invisibility cloak, trying to show it off and prove himself to draco. The blonde didn't look too impressed with the boring thin Fabric. Which only meet harry feel more panicked. " I'll show you" he said nearly breathless. He put the cloak on. Studying the blonde's expression willing himself to become invisible as if the cloaks, magic wouldn't be enough. He wanted to impress draco. "No way! That's impossible!" Draco gasped, eyes widening he stood there, frozen staring at the fifth inn air that once appeared to have Potter. Harry smiled, proudly taking off the cloak. "See i told yo-u" Harry blushed wildly. He had not expected the blonde to walk right up to him closer than he had ever been this year. Draco looked at the cloak amazed. Looking unsure, if he could reach out in grab it. His hand hovered slightly. His eyes seemed to sparkle as he looked at the cloak. A moment later, he tried to compose himself standing up straighter in perfect pure blood posture. "I see, well. That is interesting isn't it." Draco said trying to compose his behavior, trying to seem less interested. Still tho. His eyes did not leave the cloak, following it with his eyes. "Want to hold it?" Harry offered smile etched on his face. It was clear the other was fascinated by the cloak even if he pretended not to be. Draco frown, he looked up at Harry giving him a short glance before holding out his hand. Harry chuckled as he passed the cloak over without any hesitation. Draco appraised the cloak, holding it gently in his hands, watching how his hand would disappear under it an amazement. "Where did you get it?" He asked eyes never leaving the cloak. Harry watched Draco charmed by how delicately he held the cloak "It was my father's. Head master Dumbledore, gave it to me my second year, said my Father would want me to have it" he explained. Draco stared at the cloak. Multiple thoughts flashing in his eyes, "i see. Classic gryffindore favoritism then. I wonder how your father got it, though. Seems impossible, or at least worth as much as a family fortune" he slid his fingers through the cloak "Well, i'm not sure how he got it. Apparently, my dad was a bit of a troublemaker back in his hogwarts days. And i'm pretty sure this is how we got away with most of it" Harry couldn't help but lean in a bit closer. Draco seem too focused on the cloak to notice, and it felt good to be close. Draco scoffed "and the headmaster thought it would be a good idea to give it you? Even after knowing how much troublemaking it would allow? My father says Dumbledore is mad, i mean you have to be insane to gift a priceless fabled magical artifact, to a twelve year old" he said, with a groan, which sounded more like a wine. "It's ridiculous!" Draco frowned, honestly feeling a little bit envious. Potter was pretty much allowed to break all of the rules at this point. Harry for his part just shrugged. "It was a gift from my father. I didn't really think much about it after that is it really that rare?" Draco looked like he was just about to murder the man and steal his cloak. "Excuse me?! Is it rare? Is it rare?! Potter, are you asking me if a one of a kind magical artifact is rare? Of course it is!" And he looked just about ready to explode. Harry's eyes widen a bit. Smiles still paste right on his stupid dumb ignorant face. "Yes?" He said looking at that draco. Draco may just murder him tonight. "Before today, I didn't think that cloak even existed! It's like the invisibility cloak from the beetle and bard! A legendary cloak that could hide, it's wearer from death itself! It's fabled! One of a kind and it is completely ludicrous that someone like you can even have it!" He huffed, feeling exasperated by just how clueless the other was. "Oh" Potter said dumbly. "Do you wanna maybe wanna use it to sneak out together sometime?" He said with an awkward smile full of hopefulness. Draco just balked at him. As if the griffindor had not heard a single word he just said. "What?" Harry not easily deterred continued, "well, it's a lot easier to sneak around with. And we could go anywhere you want. And it might be a good way we could get to know each other a bit more" he smiled, Draco felt like he had missed something during their conversation. Because this boy did not make any sense. Draco simply stared at him dumbfounde. "Right.... well.." and then he became suddenly aware of just how close griffindor's the golden boy had gotten. Harry was very much in his personal space. Draco gave the cloak practically pushing it into the other's hands as he stepped back. "That, is a nice offer.... but i should get going... I have lots of homework, to do" Harry took the cloak, but seemed to be in more of a panic, "Well it doesn't have to be now! Anytime really! Whenever you want just let me know" Draco just stared at him and gave a slight vague nod. "Right, good night Potter. See you... around." Draco took a small glance at the cloak before walking around being suddenly more aware of the fact that the other boy could turn invisible at any moment. Draco went back to his dorm now pondering just how strange the other's behavior was tonight. But also how strange it was the last time they spoke. Potter seemed surprisingly genuine. And it was very strange to say the least. Harry sighed loudly in the empty quidditch pitch. He had definitely thought that things were going well for a moment there. At least Draco agreed to maybe sneaking out together, which was definitely better than nothing. He couldn't help but try and wonder what his chances were with Draco. The boy was just too perfect. Harry had snuck back up to his dorm.Only to instantly have hermione and Ron at his side yelling his ears off. Apparently, they had both tried to sneak out after him but got caught by Mrs Mcgonagle after arguing with each other, a bit too loudly. Now the both of them had to tension on top of their "keep Harry out of trouble duties" Harry wished his friends wouldn't worry about him so much. After all, he thinks all in all. It wasn't a bad night with Malfoy, maybe he had a chance after all.

Chapter Text

Ron had tried to push harry into asking someone out for the yule ball literally anyone other than draco. It wasn't until Hermione said. It might be easier to keep an eye on him if he went alone, and perhaps less people would realize his strange behavior that ron had finally relented.

Ron manage to find a girl to ask out, Padma Patil. Ron and hermione agreed that they would both take turns watching over Harry during the ball.

Ron had thought that hermione would be the one taking the longest to get ready that evening being a girl all. Only hermione not only was one of the first to be ready she also looked immaculate in her blue dress. Ron stuned to speak. Her delicate thick curls, and beautiful layered skirt. Ron couldn't help but be reminded that she was going with Krum of all people.

It was actually harry who had taken the longest time to get ready. He had put on his suit and spent so long, messing with his hair in the mirror.
Ron was pretty much ready to pull him out of the scruff of this caller. "I just... Draco we'll be there...." Ron rolled his eyes and tried not to gag. "The whole school is going to bloody be there. Also Draco is gonna be there with a date, anyway. No offense, mate, but I'm pretty sure.
The man's not into blokes"

Harry frowned. He kept trying to brush his unruly hair, something he had never done to his own hair before. His hair always had a will of its own, and he had hardly ever tried to stop it from doing what it wanted to. But he couldn't help but be filled with a certain amount of anxiety. He was always fine with letting his hair do whatever it wanted but what would draco find attractive? The man used to wear his hair slit back? Does he find that attractive? If harry tried to copy him, would that be weird?

Ron side loudly, " for god's sakes, Harry you look fi- uhh great! Actually i hear that style really in right. Come on before you ruin it" he grabbed Harry's arm and began pulling him out of the dorms, he was pretty sure they were running behind. Harry wasn't exactly convinced of the other sincerity, but followed along anyway.

When they finally made it to Ball, Harry was suprised to find it so full. He had never been to a party this big before. He looked around the crowd but could not find the boy he was looking for. He got excited when he saw a tough of blonde hair, but it was only Luna. Harry frowned not that he hated seeing her. " Don't even think about it" Ron rolled his eyes.

Harry glared at Ron. He was starting to get sick of both of his friends pushing him around. They kept shuttling him from class to class. As if he needed to be taken care of. Ron shook his head "listen mate. Draco came with a girl. He isn't gonna swoon if you walk up to him. Pretty sure he'll think you're a loon." Ron try to explain really trying to be nice about it. Especially with how temperamental Harry has been after the potion. Draco was more then just a sore spot. He was his stars and moon and look all he could ever want as Ron had heard too many times already.

Harry snaped at Ron "I know that! But i can at least know where he is. It's not like you haven't been following hermione this entire time." Ron and Harry were indeed just an expanse away from Victor and Hermione. There was a clear line of vision where Ron and Harry stood. Not that Ron would ever admit it. "Of course we're nearby! She promised to watch you for half of the evening! Were spliting our time!"

Harry rolled his eyes "yeah, because I need a babysitter. Honestly you both have been treating me like a child.Ever since I told you about my feeling for Draco. It's driving me nuts!"

Ron bit back "You are Nuts! It's draco malfoy of all people. Your lucky hermione and me are taking care of you and not letting you do something you'll regret later." He fumed.

Harry scoffed "Right" he looked back at Hermione who is dancing and smiling with Krum. Ron looked like he was ready to continue but followed Harry's eyes only to grit his teeth.

"Unbelievable. That's the enemy! The enemy Harry!" Ron whisper shouted. Harry only nodded and rolled his eyes. It wasn't lost on him. How Ron was obsessed with this enemy Nonsense. He also called Draco the enemy. Harry was really starting to get annoyed with Ron not being able to let any of his friends date.

"Why doesn't she understand that he's probably using her to get information on you? I mean he's not trustworthy" Ron continued fueled by his jealousy, an overall anger at this entire situation. He couldn't even get a date because she was constantly worrying about someone looking after Harry. And while he loved his friend, he couldn't help but feel irritated by the whole situation.

"Yeah, why don't you go over and tell her" Harry said sarcastically. "Sure that would go well"

Ron only continued though. "And Why do they have to dance so close? I mean, it's insane being so close to the enemy." Ron glared at the pair.

Hermione turned to the group and smiled brightly. She smiled at victor. Holding up her pointer finger asking for a moment before walking the expanse over to her friends. "How are things going? Victor has been lovely. He seems to be very interested in magical theory" she beamed

Ron scoffed "oh sure! I'm sure he's very interested in magical theory" he rolled his eyes "geez hermione, why can't you see that he's trying to use you! No one's interested in magical theory except you" he snaped

Hermione smile dropped. Harry sucked in air through his teeth. "How would you know Ron? You've barely talked the man! Also i never heard you say anything negative about Victor when he was playing for the world cup" she bristled.

Ron gritted his teeth. "Oh yeah, probably because he wasn't competing against Harry in a deadly tournament. Also you said you would watch harry, but all you've been doing is flirting with the competition. It's like you don't even care about harry" he snapped

Hermies gasped, "excuse me? I've been doing research this entire time! You know that."

"Yeah sure. But i've been watching him this entire time. You said we would split the type, but all you've done is flirt! And you're the one who insisted he come to the ball"

Hermione knotted her brows "I told you, we couldn't leave him alone.Because he would sneak out again, at least like this.We can watch him."

Ron sneered "yeah, i'm pretty sure you've done a really good job watching Harry with Krum in the way. It's like you don't care about Harry!"

Harry tried to interject, but was immediately spoken over by hermione "Of course! I care about Harry! And this isn't even about him, this is about you being jealous. That a nice boy asked me out and you came alone"

Ron fumed " jealous? I am not jealous of Krum? Merlin Hermione you sound crazy! I came alone because Harry needed me. You just can't see that he's using you! Honestly why else would a boy go on and ask you out!"

Hermione froze. "You think no boy would ask me out?" Her voice broke. Ron tensed. Hermione gave him a ruthful look. "Your terrable" her eyes watered

"No wait, hermione. I didn't mean-!" He started, but hermione had already began speeding away. Ron cursed. "Wait! Shit. Hermione! Harry wait here" he followed a few steps after looking back and forth like he didn't know what to do.

"Go on ahead. I'll stay here. I won't get into any trouble I swear. You go in apologize" Ron looked at Harry almost pained. Before he gave a short nod and began racing after hermione. Leaving Harry the first time alone all week.

To Harry's credit he did stay put, for all of 5 minutes as he surveiled the ball room. He began making his way around the edges of the room. It took him a while before he was able to spot Draco. He was danceing with Pansy Parkinson, wearing a clean Press, ruffles dress shirt with a matching pristine bow tie. She on the other hand wore a dark satin in green dress. With a white ross in in her hair matching Draco's lapel. Harry narrowed his eyes at it.

He watched them for a moment as they danced. Both of them perfectly it sync. Like they have done this a million times, graceful and purple. Harry felt like he was burning inside. By the time the dance was over and the pair had walked over to the drinks, each of them, taking one and chatting. Harry had not even noticed himself striding over.

He stopped right in front of Draco practically cutting in front of Pansy. "Excuse me. Can we talk" Harry's body practically ready for a flight. Draco turn to him confused, blinking at him in surprise. "Excuse me? I'm busy Sod off Potter"

Draco had attempted to step around him, but Harry matched his footwork. Pansy looked at the two with a raised eyebrow. "Not Happening, I want to talk to you" he said challengingly, chest raised. Draco glared at him.

Pansy attempted to step between them. "Excuse me. Potter but that's my date you're trying to steal. An, unless you plan on dancing with him shove off" she said with her dark painted lips. She was pretty and Harry hated that. Was she Draco's type. He eyed her up and down.

"Fine." He snapped and held out his hand. "Will you dance with me, Malfoy" and he said it as easily, and with the same intensity as if he was asking for a duel. Both Draco and Pansy's eyes widened. Draco's pale features flush slightly as he pused his hand down "absolutely not!" He yelled in a whispered tone looking around almost frantically.

Pansy eyed potter with suspicion. "Are you serious" Harry glared at her. "Very." Before turning his gaze back to Draco who looked across between angry and terrified.

Draco sneered and wispered "Just what do you think you're doing Potter? Are you trying to cause a scene?" Draco built intensely aware of any eyes on them. Most people were distracted now, but he knew many slytherins on this side of the ballroom would be very interested in seeing them both fight. But dance or whatever Potter was insinuating, Would definitely not bode well.

Harry did not, in fact lower his voice at all. "Asking you to dance" he said, as if it was the most normal thing. As if they hadn't spend
their first year hating each other. Draco almost flinched. He looked around frantically up one more time, making sure there wasn't any eavesdroppers. He moved his hand from harry's wrist to fist the fabric on Harry's arm.

Draco shot pansy a look and there was a silent conversation between. Pansy shook her head. Draco gave her his glass. "Tell me everything" she whispered as she passed draco. The blonde gave a non committal shirk of the shoulder. Before pulling Harry out of the ballroom.

The hallway was significantly more quiet, though.There were a few other students around. Draco pushed Harry to the wall and Harry could not find himself resisting. "Now what did you want to tell me" Draco hissed.

The both of them were so close and Harry could feel all of his anger vanishing. It was finally just the two of them. And he couldn't help but feel the need to be completely honest with other, "Draco, I'm In love with y-" and before harry could finish the sentence, draco immediately slapped a hand on his face with so much force Harry felt his head his the back wall. Harry winced.

Draco was beat red, and stood as if there were thorns coming out of his sides. Shoulders up and tense. His head sweeped around the hallway there was a small group of hufflepuffs who began looking over at the pair curiously.

Draco quickly grabbed the scruff of the others suit and shook him violently. "yes, well I also think your also amazingly insufferable! You idiotic gryffindor! I accept your dual!" Draco projected his voice to be heard by the other students. Harry looked at the blonde confused.

Draco let go of Harry pushing him back against the wall before stepping away. He turn to the hufflepuffs glaring at them. "What do you idots want?" Draco jeered. The group began to look away and to their fellow group members. Draco then turned the hallway and began walking. Harry stood there confuse before draco turned to him and sent him a glare. Motioning his head for the other to follow. Harry immediately followed on the other's tail

"Where are we-"

"Shut up!" Draco roared. "Do not speak, until asked to do so" the blonde glared at him as if planning his murder. Harry shut his mouth.

Draco look for the closest empty room which happened to be a storage room with old cauldrons in it shelved up on both sides. He shoved Harry inside none too kindly thinking that the boy deserved the rough treatment after stunt the boy was causing. Not the Harry minded the rough treatment. But Draco did not need to know that. Draco took out his wand and cast a muffliato and locked the door.

"What in the deathly hollow's do you think that you're doing potter?!" He roared "Are you trying to embarrass me? Is that it?! Is that the funny little joke you and your stupid gryffindors are trying to pull now? I don't know what you think you know about me but i will not stand for any slander on my name." His shoulders were squared but his eyes were full of worry and a bit of fear.

Harry had not known what he had done to make draco, look at him like that. But he had set things right "no! Draco! It's not a prank I promise! I am not trying to trick you.Or make fun of you or anything like that!" Harry's mouth raced out the words " i would never do anything like that to you i promise! It's just that.I can't stop thinking about you! Ever since that day in the hallway, you've been on my mind ever since and I can't help but notice how smart and handsome you are. God Draco you're all I dream about. Your eyes, your face, your hands. The way you scrunch up your nose when your fussing with your tie." Harry breathed. "Draco. I'm in love you" Harry looked at the taller boy, almost desperately. It was like the feeling of loving him was just too much for him. He knew it was too much to ask the other to feel the same but he wanted the other to know his ture feelings.

Draco stared at him. He didn't say anything. So many thoughts flashed inside of his gray eyes. For a moment it looked like he was about to go back to yelling. But then he stopped himself eyes raking over Harry analytically. "Your.... in love with me..." he repeated.

Harry nodded, "Yes, Draco i don't think i've ever felt this way about anyone before" and he took a step closer to draco. Wanting desperately to close the distance between them. Draco jumped and placed a hand on his chest, keeping him at an arm's distance.

"Right... And did these feelings come suddenly and unexpectedly?" Draco looked at harry almost cautiously.

Harry nodded "I think I just realized it on day. I was going to ask Cho Chang out but then i didn't and when I saw you, I just... you were everything" Harry said completely lovesick. Before he perked up suddenly "of course I don't feel anything for Cho anymore!" He said for some imaginary jealousy, as Draco stared at him cautiously. "You're the only one I can think about now" Harry pushed himself forward a bit. But Draco returned the force.

"Right.. Yes... I think... i'm beginning to understand that." Draco looked harry up and down. He was looking back at their interactions. How Potter trusted him with his fathers cloak and secret. How he seemed to follow him and try to weasel into his life.

Suddenly the storage door flew open. Harry's eyes never left draco. Draco himself instantly became rigid, as he turned his head to look at his second and third least favorite gryffindors.

Hermione rushed over grabbing on to harry as if checking to see if he was all right. Ron glared draco almost accusingly. "Shut the Door" Draco hissed " or you'll let the whole school now" Ron closed the door, with victorial.

" Hermione i'm fine," Harry smiled but pushed her away. Ron and hermione looked at each other as if they were trying to figure out how much draco knew. And what they would have to do to cover Harry. Hermione was beginning to feel very glad she took the Marauder's map away from Harry. Otherwise she wasn't sure how she would have found the two.

Draco raised an eyebrow at the two, giving them an unimpressed stare. "So.... Amortentia i'm guessing" and hermione blinked at him impressed.

"That is what we've been thinking." Hermione confirmed. " Hermione!" Ron exclaimed glaring at her, but she ignored him and pressed on. "But we're not sure how he ingested it. we're hoping to try and make the cure, but all the books on it are in the restricted section."

Harry rolled his eyes "I told you it's not a love potion. I would know if it was Fake, i really do Love Dra-" "Shut up. Potter the adults are talking." Draco rolled his eyes.

"Oi! Don't talk to him like that!" Ron yelled standing to get into Draco's face. Draco looked at him impassively. Before looking at Harry.

"Potter. Can I tell you to shut up?" He said, poising it as if it was a average question. Harry blinked at him "uhh, well.. i'd prefer it if-" Draco smiled at at Harry for the first time that evening. Harry felt his cheeks flush "yeah, sure!" Agreed instantly. Draco turned to Ron looking down at him. "There. He doesn't have a problem with it."

Ron gritted his teeth. " He doesn't know what he's agreeing too!" Ron yelled. Starting to round on Draco but before he could get too close, harry stood between them, pushing Ron back. "I said it was fine!" Harry glared at Ron.

Draco rubbed his temple " i think i'm going to have a migraine. Please tell me you guys have made progress on the antidote." He said speaking to Hermione mostly. Who didn't look any more pleased with him than anyone else in the room. Excluding potter of course.

"We have been, but it took us a bit to find out what was even the matter. Then there's the restricted area and we still need to figure out what the next challenge is going to be for the try wizard tournament, he's only has a week before the next challenge" hermione tried to explain.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Oh please. Just send him out like you did last time. I am sure he'll figure something out. I bet that annoying headmaster will find someway to make sure potter wins." He scoffed.

Hermione frowned. "Headmaster dumbledore is not cheating for Harry! Sides, Harry almost died facing those dragons! What did you think all of those close calls were just an act?! You don't know a thing about Harry" Draco rolled his eyes.
"I know that Dumbledore favors him. His precious little golden boy. I know the ministry is practically eating out of his hand trying to get good press. even if the challenges are dangerous it's not like they're going to let a student die" Draco argued.

Ron jumped in "oh yeah? Then why did they stop hosting the tri-wizard tournament all those years ago?"

Draco brisled "those are rumors! Or well. It only happened once. Sides Potter will be fine. It's not like he's going to die. Potter maybe a moron but he's gotten out of several close calls he's like a cockroch" he turned to look at Harry who was staring at him with a stupid love struck smile on his face. " Of course... that was when he had his wits about him. as few as they were..." draco could feel himself beginning to cringe as he stared at the love sick fool "and the antidote would take a few days of preparation to make... "Potter have you even been looking into what the next challenge is?" He asked feeling like he was biting into a rotten sandwich.

Harry smiled "not really, i mean it's just a stupid challenge. And well. You've kind of been on my mind a lot lately" he chuckled sheepishly scratching the back of his head. Draco felt mortified.

"Oh. He's gonna die." Draco's brain supplied helpfully. He snapped over to hermione "And you both seriously don't know what the next challenge is going to be? And he's going to be competing like that?" He motioned to Harry. Draco did not want to help them. He absolutely did not want to help Harry potter. But they had a week to not just make an antidote but also figure out the next challenge. Draco was top of his class in potions. He was relatively sure if he had a guid, he would be able to make the antidote himself. The challenge was another story, significantly more difficult but if he did nothing, would that mean that potter's death would be on his hands? Draco shutterd, why had he ever felt jealous over Potter being drafted for this tournament.

If they made the potion first. Potter would be completely unprepared for the tournament and most likely die, but if they solved the tournament challenge. Maybe they could make the antidote in time. "Fuck. I'll look into what the next challenge could possibly be" he felt himself curling away from the words.

Ron gaped at him before glaring at him accusingly. "And why would you help us"

And despite asking himself the same exact question, he answered haughtily turning up his nose at the Weasley. "Because I will not have Potter dying in front of three different schools, while claiming he loves me"

Chapter Text

For Ron and Hermonie, If there was one good thing about having Draco on their temporary alliance for the semester. It was that it was easy here to keep track of Harry. Bad news for Draco was that Harry never wanted to leave him alone.

The group was gathered at the library in the very back. Draco did not want to be see with the group. Harry of course insisted on sitting next to Draco. "Potter, stop scooting closer. You are not sly" he frowns.

The Potter froze and have Draco a 'inoccent' smile. Draco scoffed and rolled his eyes. The table had had several old Yearbooks, trying to look at past tournaments. Looking for some sort of pattern that might help them figure out the next challange. Ron was bored out of his mind they had been spending most days in the library and still felt no closer to any answers. "This is impossible!" He exclamed droping his head on the table.

Hermoine frowned "please Ron focus! We can't give up yet, we still have a few days" Ron just sighed fed up. "The funny thing is, I'm looking at the ratio of Champions and most are able to figure of the tasks and I doubt other champion had this much help. We know the Egg has the answer maybe we are thinking about it too compliatedly?" Draco adds, writing a list of basic spells to unlock keys. "Maybe we just need to start with detecting what kind of magic was used on the egg?"

Hermione agrees. "Maybe we can use ostendere or vult scire. Those would be the best ways to figure out what kind of magic is has" then she frowned because they were a seventh year spells, she had only heard of it by reading ahead.

Harry who was watching both of the academics talked back-and-forth At each other decided, it was a good idea to start moving his chair a bit while they were both distract.

"Yes, those would be great but i'm not sure what the wand movements would be for that. We'd have to learn it from someone. Perhaps why could I professer Snape" Draco adds. Only to have three gryffindors, look at him appalled at the idea. " Well I would have asked not you." he frowned, and moved his foot out onto one of harry's chair legs stoping it from getting any closer. Harry frowned.

Ron sighed " why don't we ask around some of the other champions and see if they figured it out Maybe we might be able to get some hints from them?" Making hermione and draco, look over at Ron

" That could work, but we'd have to make sure that the information will be reliable. And they're not trying to make things harder for harry" hermione says in thought.

Draco frown, "perhaps I could talk to Cedric? I'm not competing, so I maybe he'll open more to me"

Harry frowned. He was pretty sure draco wasn't interested in boys, but he still didn't like the idea of draco, going out of his way to one. Ron scoffed " why would he tell you anything? It's not like you two, are friends"

Draco brushed the redhead off "we may not be friends, but it isn't as though we're strangers. The Diggory family are semi prominet pure bloods after all and the Malfoy Mannor hosts a myriad of pure blood events. I've seen him at least five times a year ever since I was three." He expains

Harry frowned. He supposed it made sense. The Draco's family hosted big fancy pure blood parties. But he had no idea, and he really wanted to know all there was about draco. "Since you were three?! Wait. What were you even like when you were three?" He couldn't help but try and imagine Draco. Any younger then he was. Did he frown the same way? Was he a boisterous boy or did he try and emulate his parents even back then.

Draco promptly ignored harry, has he been developing the habit of doing " since i'm not associated with you, lot. That should help my chances. I doubt that you guys have really spoken to him since he's a year above us"

Harry frown. He hated being ignored by Draco. He tried to think of something to say that wouldn't be ignored. "I spoke to him after the challenge, he thanked me for telling him about the dragons and told me to take a bath in the girls bathroom"

Harry smiled when draco's head whipped around to look at him. His lips tensing into a thin line. "Excuse me? Why did he tell you that" Draco hid his irritation with poshness. Ron lean forward as well "mate, why didn't you tell us this before? What did he say?"

Harry looked at his friends and shrugged. " After the challenged, he just thanked me for letting him know about the dragon.So he could be prepared. He looked at the egg I had and smiled at me. He told me that the girls bathroom would be a nice place to take a bath and then winked at me. It was all pretty strange. I told him thank you, but I wasn't interested, and walked away" he recanted blandly, before smiling at draco, who was finally done, ignoring him. An instead, his beautiful grey eyes laid locked on him. He looked really pretty and also mad. Pretty and Mad.

Draco looked as if he was about to snap. "Great. Absolutely brilliant." He rolled his eyes.
And held the bridge of his nose. "Well, that would have been great to days ago. Diggory goes ahead and gives you a big hint on the next task. Meanwhile the rest of have been wasting our bloody time" he frowned. Harry winced a bit.

" Well I didn't think it was important" harry set trying to defend himself only for ron, to put a hand on his shoulder and speak up as well "wait, what makes you think he was giving a hint what if he was trying to trick harry or something"

Draco rolled his eyes "Potter helped him out first and he's a hufflepuff. They are known for their sportsmanship. Sides that doesn't sound like him at all. " Draco glare to add harry once again "next time, anything half way relevant about the competition come up you better tell me or hermione"

Ron frowned and raised an eyebrow "wait, why not me"

Draco looked ron up and down "because hermione holds your group's brain cell. An out of the lot of you, surprisingly she's the one I can stand the most." Harry looked pained at the statement and Ron just glared and rolled his eyes. He had half a mind to hex Malfoy for being such a git, and everyone having to put up with his constant insults, but he knew of even tried he's have to go throught Harry.

"I'm not that bad am I?" Harry said looking for some hope. Looking at him almost pleadingly. Draco snarled and looked at harry. "You absolutely Ar-" he paused, it felt unnatural to have Harry. Look at him with such a pleading expression. Like a kicked dog. His expression tightened. "Arent... completely insufferable. But having someone suddenly fall in love with me, is not ideal" he frowned and looked away. Harry brightened just a tad.

" All right, so the plan is later tonight, when the halls are empty Harry will go take a bath with the egg" hermione said, trying to get everyone on task again. Everyone nodded.

Later that night Harry gratefully does what he's told.