How to Save a Life

The next week passed in a blur to Harry, filled with whispered conversations and stolen moments. Draco had stayed true to his word and had not pushed Harry into anything he was not ready for, and the blonde himself was rather enjoying the slow build up in their relationship.

Not that either of the boys had qualified what they shared as a relationship yet. Each of them was too fearful of rejection by the other to bring the topic up.

Harry had been spending less and less time in Gryffindor, something that hadn’t gone unnoticed by his housemates. Although the fact that Neville was usually with him at these times kept the majority of peoples suspicions at bay.

The two Gryffindor’s could usually be found in the Slytherin common room. Harry felt most at home here, like he could relax and just be himself. The Slytherin’s didn’t raise even an eyebrow at the sight of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter holding hands, and they were even less concerned at the sight of Blaise and Neville.

Harry still couldn’t quite believe the pleasure he derived from simple actions such as holding Draco’s hand or feeling the blondes fingers run through his hair. Having been raised in an emotionally abusive home, tactile behaviour such as this was completely alien to him.

Harry felt happier and more relaxed than he had in years. He noticed that his nightmares were becoming less frequent, he was sleeping better and in the last week he had not once felt the compulsion to hurt himself.

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Saturday morning found Harry and Neville waiting patiently by the door in the Great Hall. The Slytherin’s were late and this was doing nothing to lessen Harry’s nervousness. His palms were clammy and his stomach was threatening to repel his breakfast at any minute.

Although this wasn’t technically a date, Harry knew that this was as close to one as he and Draco would come, given current circumstances. He wished he could just grab hold of that famed Gryffindor courage and walk hand in hand through the streets of Hogsmeade with Draco. But Harry knew that neither of them was ready to deal with the ramifications of that just yet.

Harry’s pockets weighed heavily with the large number of Galleons he had brought in readiness for his shopping trip. Harry had sounded Pansy out about his planned makeover and she had leapt at the chance to help him spend his money. She had stated that if there was one thing she loved more than spending her own money, it was spending someone else’s.

Just as the Gryffindor’s were about to give up hope that their friends were coming, the sound of bickering voices floated their way.

“For Merlin’s sake, Pansy, would you hurry up? We’re going to be late.”

“We’re already late, Draco, thanks to the fact that you spent the best part of an hour trying on every set of robes that you own, some of them more than once.”

Harry smiled at the outraged look on Draco’s face as the group of friends approached. He stood next to the blonde and leant to whisper in his ear.

“Don’t listen to her, I think you look great.”

“I heard that, Harry Potter. Don’t you start encouraging him; he’s vain enough as it is.” Harry chucked at Pansy’s words and linked his arm through the girls, leading the small group of friends out of the main door.

They turned left out of the school gates onto the village road. Draco walked close to Harry’s side, allowing their hands to brush together, sending tingles through each of their bodies. Pansy, whose arm was still linked with Harry’s, was practically dragging the two boys in the direction of Hogsmeade.

“Show some restraint, Pansy. You’re acting like some peasant who’s never seen shops before.”

Although Pansy flushed at this rebuke, she turned a steady gaze on her friend, a determined set to her jaw.

“Yes, well, spending 4 months cooped up in St bloody Mungo’s will do that to you.”

It was Draco’s turn to look shame faced at his friends words, he opened his mouth to apologise but Pansy dismissed it with a quick wave of her hand.

“It’s ok; I know you didn’t mean any harm by it. I suppose I am acting a little Hufflepuffish, but it’s not every day a girl gets to go on a spending spree with someone else’s money.”

Draco fixed her with a glare at this, “Pansy, dear, you’re like a sister to me but if you think I’m going to let you loose in Hogsmeade with my money, then I suggest you seriously reconsider.

“Don’t be so silly, Draco, it’s not your money I’m planning to spend, its Harry’s.”

The blonde looked ready to explode, much to the other two’s amusement. “You will not be spending Harry’s money,” Draco said in a very controlled voice. “You’re not taking advantage of his good nature.”

Both Harry and Pansy were smiling at him, which caused his temper to fray further. “What?” he huffed.

“Isn’t he adorable when he pouts?” Pansy stage whispered to Harry, who simply nodded and grinned back at the outraged looking blonde.

“Yes, yes, Draco, I know. We’ve already covered the whole ‘Malfoy’s are not adorable’ speech several times. Now stop sulking for a minute and listen.” Pansy smirked.

“Harry,” Draco almost whined. “You’re not to spend money on her, she’s evil and she picks on me.”

Harry grinned at this, and reached over a hand to ruffle the blonde’s hair affectionately. “Relax, Dray, Pansy’s not spending my money on herself, she’s going help me pick some new clothes out.”

Draco stopped at this and looked at the other two, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

“I don’t think so,” he stated firmly.

Harry walked the few steps back to where the Slytherin stood, confused by his reaction.

“It won’t take long, Draco, I promise. I’m not exactly keen on shopping.”

“We’ll be as quick as we can, Drakie, Slytherin’s honour!”

Draco’s lips quirked in a smile at this, “I think that’s what they call a contradiction in terms, Pans. Besides,” he added stubbornly, “that’s not the problem.”

“Well, what is then?” Pansy was pouting now, sensing the loss of a long awaited shopping trip.

Calm grey eyes bored into her. “If anyone’s going to take my boyfriend shopping for new clothes it will be me, Pansy. Besides, I’ve seen some of the clothes you encouraged Blaise to buy and I don’t think that the ‘rent boy’ look is really Harry!”

Pansy glared at Draco in mock outrage, “Fine, I’ll go and offer help to people who appreciate my talents.” She turned away from them, giving a quick grin to Harry, and headed off after Blaise and Neville.

Draco turned to look at Harry and found that the dark haired boy was staring at him, his mouth gaping open slightly.

“What’s wrong, Harry?”

In reply, Harry simply took hold of Draco’s arm and pulled him down the alley at the side of the Three Broomsticks.

“What are you doing?” Draco questioned, slightly disturbed by the Gryffindor’s behaviour. Again, Harry didn’t answer his question; he was too busy rummaging in his bag. Just as Draco was about to snap at him, Harry pulled his invisibility cloak from his bag and draped it over both their heads.

Draco felt the liquid softness of the cloak surround him and he looked at Harry with amusement dancing in his eyes. Before he could open his mouth to ask what was going on, Harry’s hands were on his shoulders pressing lightly and Draco found his back pressed up against a wall.

Harry’s hands slid up to cup Draco’s face and he leaned in to kiss him. His tongue slid easily between the blonde’s shocked lips, probing the depths of Draco’s mouth. As Harry felt Draco’s tongue flick against his own, he let out a soft moan. He slid one hand to the back of Draco’s neck, his fingers playing with the wisps of blonde hair.

Harry was vaguely aware of Draco’s hands slipping inside his cloak and running up and down his sides. Harry ended the kiss, his breath heavy, and smiled up at Draco through dark lashes.

“Not that I’m complaining, but what did I do to deserve that?” the blonde gasped.

Harry squirmed for a moment, looking down at his feet. Draco’s hands cupped his face and tilted his head till he was looking into almost silver eyes. “Tell me, Harry,” he whispered, before lightly kissing the tip of the Gryffindor’s nose.

Harry couldn’t help but scrunch his nose up at that and Draco smiled down at him. There was such affection in the blonde’s eyes and Harry felt at that moment that he could tell him anything.

“You called me your boyfriend,” he answered in a tone that dared the other boy to laugh at him.

Draco laced their fingers together and brought one hand to his lips, kissing it gently. “I only wish I could tell everyone.

Harry melted at this; he dropped his forehead to lean against Draco’s and wrapped his arms around the blonde boy’s neck.

“Can we just stay like this?” he pleaded.

Draco placed one last soft kiss on Harry’s lips before pulling back regretfully.

“We’d better go, Harry. Pansy will start to have a fit if we don’t show up soon. As it is, we will have to endure an interrogation that would make an Auror blush.”

Harry smiled at this and reluctantly stepped out of the embrace. He pulled the cloak off them and safely stowed it back in his bag. For a brief moment he was tempted to push Draco back up against the wall, and everyone else be damned. But not even his Gryffindor side was ready for a move so bold, just yet.

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Several hours later and Harry thought he would be eternally happy if he never heard the word shopping again.

In the end, Draco had relented and agreed to allow Pansy to accompany them, though he did reserve the right to have final say on any outfit. Harry merely stood by patiently while the two Slytherin’s rifled through rack after rack of clothing, thrusting items into his outstretched hands.

He was marched in and out of changing rooms, made to twirl round while he was examined critically and had his dignity reduced on several occasions when one, or both of his companions insisted on helping him dress.

The final straw had come for Harry when, stripped down to his underwear, Pansy had burst into the changing room and left the door open long enough for a blushing Hannah Abbot to catch sight of him.

The two Slytherin’s had found it extremely amusing when the Hufflepuff girl had let out a small squeak and hurried out of Gladrags as if a herd of angry centaurs were after her.

Finally Draco was satisfied that Harry was equipped with everything the modern Wizard could possibly need and the Gryffindor gratefully made his escape,

They headed next to Honeydukes where Harry saw for himself the true extent of Draco’s sweet tooth. He stood by amazed as the blonde scooped up box after box of various chocolates.

Draco noticed the look on his boyfriends face and glared at him defensively.


“What?”

Whatever reply Harry was going to make was unheard as the door to the shop opened and Ron and Hermione entered. Harry looked at his old friends nervously, unsure of what reaction he was going to get.

The last thing he wanted was for Ron and Draco to get into another fight. He needn’t have worried however, as the redhead walked straight past him as if he wasn’t there. A mixture of relief and hurt swept through Harry at this, and he noticed that Draco was watching Ron with narrowed eyes, just waiting for him to say something.

Hermione smiled at Harry and offered a tentative hello. For the life of him, Draco could not prevent the sneer that crossed his face as he looked at the bushy haired girl. In some ways he blamed Hermione far more than Ron for their current behaviour towards Harry.

The way Draco saw it, the Weasel was an idiot, so his behaviour was to be expected. Hermione, on the other hand, was anything but stupid. Draco could tell by her expression that she was uncomfortable with the tension, yet she did nothing to stop her boyfriend’s behaviour.

Draco stepped closer to Harry, sensing his hurt, and placed a soothing hand on the small of his back. The touch ended almost as soon as it started, but Harry found took comfort in it. Draco grabbed several more boxes of chocolates before heading to the till to pay.

As they walked out of the shop, Draco saw Harry grinning at him and looked questioningly at the dark haired boy.

Harry smiled, “I never realised my boyfriend was such a greedy pig” he whispered.

Draco arched an eyebrow, “I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that Harry.”

Harry leant against Pansy and chuckled as Draco stalked off ahead of them.

When they finally caught up to the blonde, he was standing outside the Three Broomsticks, looking at the door apprehensively. Harry placed a hand on his elbow, “It’ll be ok, you know?” he said, understanding Draco’s discomfort.

Pansy came to stand at Draco’s other side, “Madam Rosemerta isn’t even here anymore Draco. You have as much right to go in there as anyone.”

Draco shrugged, noncommittally. “I suppose so, it’s just that I haven’t been in here since then and it just brought it all back.”

Harry pushed the door open firmly and took hold of Draco’s arm, “C’mon, I think you could use a drink.”

Once inside, the three friends were waved over by Neville who was sat in a corner booth with Blaise. Harry sent the other two over to the table with all his shopping, while he made his way to the bar.

As he was waiting to be served, he felt a tap on the shoulder. As he turned round to see who it was, he was greeted by the sight of George Weasley’s grinning face. Harry felt himself tense slightly under the brief hug he received, uncomfortable memories of the last time they had met coming back to him unbidden.

George simply grinned at him some more. “Harry, how are you doing? Glad you decided to go back to school?”

Harry nodded, “Yes, I am,” he admitted slowly. “Not that I wouldn’t have enjoyed helping you out in the shop though!”

“It’s ok, Harry, you don’t have to protect my feelings, I can take it”

Harry smiled at the redhead and found that he was once again relaxed in George’s company. He realised that it would be stupid to let that one night come in the way of their friendship.

“Talking of the shop, George, shouldn’t you be there now? Who’s running it for you, and for that matter, why are you here?”

“Blimey Harry, slow down. In answer to your questions; no, I shouldn’t be there. I have a very helpful young lady working for me, who takes great care of the shop when I’m not there. As to the reason why I am here, I have decided that it is time to do the one thing that Fred and I always dreamed of doing. Sort of as a tribute to him.”

Harry thought for a moment and then turned wide eyes to his friend, “You’re buying Zonko’s?” It was more of a statement than a question.

George only grinned widely at him and nodded. Harry, all of his earlier awkwardness forgotten, wrapped his arms round his friend in a warm hug. “Congratulations, I’m really happy for you. Does that mean we’ll be seeing a lot more of you around here from now on?”

George nodded, “Yes, I want to be here for a while to get set up properly. Plus, it gives me a chance to keep my eye on Ron and Ginny.” He looked meaningfully at Harry as he spoke.

Harry hung his head slightly; waiting for the rebuke he thought was coming. “You’ve heard then?” he murmured.

“That my brother is acting like a complete arse? Yes I have heard it mentioned once or twice. Pay no attention to him Harry; none of us do when he gets like this.”

Harry shrugged uncomfortably, “I suppose,” he muttered.

“Suppose nothing,” George retorted, “You know I’m right.” He paused here as he looked across the room and caught the heated gaze of his youngest sibling. George turned back to Harry and spoke thoughtfully

“Ron’s an idiot, its Ginny you want to watch out for.”

Harry looked up, puzzled by this comment.

“You have to understand how she is Harry. Ginny grew up the only girl with seven older brothers; she was spoilt and indulged by all of us. She’s used to getting her own way.”

Harry’s gaze drifted over to the corner and fell onto Draco. “Sounds like someone else I know.”

George followed Harry’s gaze and grinned madly at the dark haired boy. “Yes, but unlike someone else, Ginny isn’t currently getting what she wants!”

Harry laughed at this for a split second, before the implication of George’s words and smug grin hit him.

“What...how...”he stammered

“Please, Harry. I lost an ear not an eye. And I would have to be blind to miss the looks that keep shooting in my direction.”

Harry looked over his shoulder and saw that Draco was indeed staring at them with narrowed eyes. He smiled weakly at his boyfriend before turning back to face the redhead. “You won’t tell anyone will you, George? I’m not...we’re not ready for anyone to know yet.”

George looked slightly offended that Harry even had to ask the question, “Of course I won’t, Harry.”

He paused here and looked speculatively from the suspicious looking blonde, to the nervous looking boy in front of him. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Harry? This is Malfoy we’re talking about.”

Harry raised his head and met George’s gaze determinedly. “Yes, I know what I’m doing. And it’s not Malfoy, its Draco.”

Harry stopped at this point to give his order to the barmaid. When he turned back, it was to find George smiling warmly at him.

“I’m pleased for you, Harry. I must admit I was a bit concerned that you were in denial after our... well, you know. But it seems I was wrong.”

Harry’s drinks arrived at this point; he handed to money over to pay for them.

“I’d better get these over to them,”

“Yes, I suppose so. I imagine he’s not one to be kept waiting!”

Harry chuckled at this and, after a quick farewell, headed over to where his friends were waiting.

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He sat down in the seat next to Draco and felt the other boy move closer to him, until their legs were flush together from hip to knee. Harry felt a hand slip on to his thigh and fingers begin lightly stroking circles. He looked at Draco, but the Slytherin refused to meet his gaze, continuing to chat with his friends as if nothing was happening.

Harry tried to join in the conversation, but was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate as Draco’s hand inched higher up his thigh. Harry was all too aware of just how tight his trousers were becoming and he had to shift in his seat several times to ease the pressure.

Eventually, unable to take it any longer, Harry made his excuses and headed off for the toilets. He stayed in there for several minutes, willing his erection to go down. In the end, only the image of Hagrid in women’s underwear was able to undo the damage that Draco’s fingers had caused.

When Harry returned to the table, he found Draco smirking at him wildly.

“Are you ok, Harry, you seemed a little distracted earlier?”

Harry mumbled something that barely passed for a reply and sat back down, a little further away from Draco this time. It didn’t help that Pansy was sitting across the table, grinning knowingly at Harry, as if she had every idea of what had just taken place. And worse still, it occurred to Harry that she probably though he had just disappeared for a wank in the toilets.

Despite the increased distance between him and Draco, the blonde boy seemed to find every available opportunity to touch Harry, and it was driving the dark haired boy crazy. It was all Harry could do not to throw Draco down on the table and straddle him right there in front of a pub full of people.

Harry had never been more grateful than when Pansy suggested that they return back to the castle. Gathering up his shopping, Harry offered up silent thanks that his robes draped loosely over him, hiding his obvious erection.

As they got up to go, Harry stood close to Draco, allowing his bulge to press lightly against the other boy’s leg.

“I’ll make you pay for that later,” he whispered.

Harry felt Draco press against him, teasing him further.

“I’m counting on it,” the blonde smirked.

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