The (Hogwarts) Voice!

Nobody gave the two tousled boys any trouble when they woke and clambered out of bed. Ron gave Harry a knowing look and Harry frowned, shaking his head. He decided to put everyone at rest and spoke.



"No. We didn\'t do anything nefarious. Unless you count talking, cuddling and snogging nefarious?" He asked and shot the room a grin. Relieved chuckles broke the tension and they all filed down the stairs for breakfast.



"So, who blacked your face, Malfoy?" Seamus asked, not one for tact.



"Nott and Parkinson." Draco replied coldly. Harry slipped his arm around the blonde\'s waist, directing him to the Gryffindor table.



"They won\'t do it again, will they?" Harry asked, voice tight.



"I suspect not." Draco returned, pleased.



"Your attention, students! We have the results from last night\'s performances, but before we hear those, let us rewatch." McGonagall called, casting the film against the wall once more.



Harry and Draco stared when their turn came up, captivated by their own performances. Hands sought each other under the table, clasping tightly.



"We look amazing..." Draco whispered.



"Did you expect anything less?" Harry chuckled.



"Now, the results stand as thus: the second Slytherin to depart the competition is-Blaise Zabini. Your performance was inspired, and we thank you." Polite applause scattered through the hall. "And that leaves Miss Ginny Weasley as the Gryffindor elimination. Than you for your performance as well. Tomorrow night is the finale. We will have two songs, one from each of the remaining contestants. We encourage you to sing together on both songs, but it is not required. The finale takes place tomorrow, an hour after dinner. You will have a crowned winner by the end of the performances." She concluded, sitting back down.



*~*~*



Harry and Draco slipped out of the hall and hurried to their secluded spot by the greenhouses.



"Do you know what you\'re going to sing, Harry?" Draco asked, and smiled at the silent nod.



"I\'ll need you to help me with mine. I can\'t pull off this song solo...magical backups won\'t show the effect I plan..." Draco said, sitting down to rest against the tree trunk, wondering why Harry was so silent. Harry looked down at the blonde, a fond smile playing with his lips.



"What?" Draco asked, flushing faintly.



"I think I just realized something.." Harry mumbled, a little dazed.



"Yes?" Draco replied.



"I think I\'ve fallen for a blonde haired, former Death Eater, spawn of Slytherin." Harry whispered, sinking down to his knees and sitting on his heels.



Draco blinked, confused.



"You didn\'t realize I was shagging you? I wasn\'t THAT bad, Harry."



"No you great ponce. I think I love you." Harry sputtered. Draco stared mutely. He leaned forward, crawling on his knees until he was face to face with the brunette. He looked angrily into scared green eyes, Harry shrinking slightly in the wake of Draco\'s sudden change in demeanor.



"You only THINK you\'re in love with me?" Draco growled quietly. It took a moment for the inflection to sink in then Harry shook his head slowly.



"No, I know I am." He replied. Draco launched himself onto the Gryffindor, his mouth seeking what was rightfully his. They fell backwards into the grass and Harry clutched at the blonde, holding him tightly against his body. They broke apart reluctantly at the sound of a polite cough. They both looked up to see the Headmistress\'s stern gaze, only slightly eased by the small quirk of a smile.



"Mr Malfoy, I was made aware of an altercation that took place last evening, resulting in some physical damage you sustained to your person." She declared, all business. Draco frowned, scrambling up.



"Yes...but who told you this." Draco stated.



"A variety of students, including but not limited to Miss Granger, Mr Weasley, Mr Zabini and Miss Weasley. Are you going to require alternate quarters?"



Draco nodded silently.



"May I see the results of the skirmish?"



Draco nodded again, looking at Harry as he stood, slipping his hand into Draco\'s. With a wave of his wand, the glamour dropped. McGonagall narrowed her eyes.



"I had hoped with this competition, the houses would stop this barbarism. You\'ll be given a private room on the first floor, next to the suit of armor that carries the shield of the muggle Inquisition. Your password is \'unity\'" she stated then swept away. Harry and Draco looked at each other then started back towards the castle. They were met at the doors by the four McGonagall had mentioned. Draco lifted his chin, not bothering to hide his pride for being at Harry\'s side, or the bruises he suffered as a consequence.



"You guys...you told?" Harry accused softly. Four nods were given to him.



"Three of you don\'t even LIKE Draco. Why did you tell?"



"Harry... Three of us may not like Draco, and one of us may not like you, but that doesn\'t mean any of us want to see either of you hurt. And if Draco was hurt, it\'d hurt you. The same if it was reversed." Hermione said sternly, looking at Harry with concerned eyes.



"Yeah mate, we don\'t like the poncy git, but he\'s important to you and you\'re important to us. So just say thanks and let\'s go to class." Ron said with a huff.



"Thank you..." everyone turned towards Draco, unprepared to hear the aloof Slytherin giving thanks.



"Y-you\'re welcome..." Ron said unevenly, then turned and walked stiffly away. Harry smiled to himself, then led his lover inside.