The following morning Harry got up earlier than usual. Now that Hermione was staying at the house, he'd have to be extra careful when paying Voldemort his required daily visit, especially since Myrtle was at the house too and could possibly see Harry without him knowing and then say something to Hermione. He very quietly sneaked up to the fourth floor and went into the room, glancing quickly at the portrait, not saying a word to Voldemort and ignoring him when he tried to speak to him. Afterwards, he went downstairs to use the loo, then returned to his bedroom.

He had about an hour until breakfast so he took out his meditation book and tried a couple of exercises from it. It was getting easier for him, he noticed. He thought of Tom, and for a moment he really missed him (even though he was still mad at him), but he resolutely pushed Tom out of his mind. It was not healthy, what was between them; they needed time apart and distance, while Harry focused on moving forward, with Draco.

After meditating, Harry practised his wandless magic for a little bit, trying some harder spells. That was also getting easier for him. His focus was improving. He could see that what Tom had said was true: it wasn't Harry's power but his focus that had been lacking before. And now that he had learned how to focus, his ability to perform wandless magic was getting better and better. It came almost naturally to him, like his ability to fly, and his ability to play Quidditch. He practised for another little while, and though he wasn't successful with every spell he tried, he found he could do many of them.

Later, he and Hermione had breakfast together. As they ate, they talked about Ron.

"He'll just have to see it for himself," Hermione said. "That's the only way his opinion will change. When he sees how you two are, and sees for himself how Draco has changed, he'll get it."

"I hope so," Harry said.

"Why don't we all go out together, the four of us? You and Draco, and Ron and me. We can go out somewhere, maybe to the Leaky Cauldron for a drink? What are you doing tonight?" Hermione asked.

"Draco and I are going out to dinner and then to the cinema to see a film," Harry said. "He's avoiding the wizarding world right now so we've been going out to Muggle places." He looked at her seriously. "I'm willing to give it a try - the four of us going out somewhere - but only if Ron can be civil to Draco. And I have to ask Draco if he's okay with it. He's ... fragile right now. Did you know it was Ernie Macmillan and some of his friends who cursed him outside Gringotts? I can tell he's scared it will happen again. And I'm not saying that Ron would curse him or anything, but I could see him losing his temper and saying things - like that he should be in Azkaban or something."

Hermione grimaced, evidently agreeing. "I'll make sure he won't," she promised. "Maybe we could join you for the film? That way there won't be any talking going on, but then Ron will get a chance to be around him and see how you are together."

"I don't know, I'll have to ask Draco," Harry said.

She nodded. "Okay. And if not tonight, then another night, whenever. Whatever works for you two." She was quiet for a moment. "So ... it was Ernie Macmillan? That's terrible."

"Draco told me he was forced to torture students at Hogwarts when he was there," Harry said. "So I imagine Ernie thought he was giving Draco what he deserved. But he should have known better."

"I think it's going to take time for everyone to heal. Tempers are still high. It's only been three weeks since the war ended," Hermione said quietly.

Harry let out a breath. "I know. I just - I don't want Draco to be hurt any more." He hesitated for a moment, then confided to her, "He was really upset last night. He broke down - he feels so much guilt, and he hates himself for the things he did and for what he was forced to do. And Voldemort really messed him up. He's pretty traumatised." He gave Hermione a look. "I don't want Ron to make it worse."

"We'll talk to him. He and Draco have a lot of history, and Ron can't just let it go that easily. But we'll talk to him. We'll make him understand. He's going to be helping at Hogwarts today. Ginny too," she said.

Harry sighed.

Hermione reached out and squeezed his arm. "Don't let it get to you," she said softly. "I'm going to help with Ron, I promise."

He nodded. "Thanks," he said. "And thanks for being so understanding about everything."

They parted ways to get ready for the day. Harry took a shower and got dressed then went to look for Myrtle. He couldn't find her anywhere. The last place he checked was the third floor bedroom next to his. Tom wasn't in the painting, he was relieved to see, and Myrtle wasn't in the room either. Giving up, he went to join Hermione in the drawing room.

"I can't find Myrtle," he told her. "She's hiding from me."

"Yeah. I saw her yesterday when you were out with Draco," Hermione said. "She talked to me. She doesn't want to go back to Hogwarts. She said she's made a friend here - the person in that portrait you mentioned."

Harry held back a rude snort at that. Yeah, right. Tom was her 'friend' - what a laugh. If only Myrtle knew. He froze suddenly as a thought occurred to him. "Wait. Did you talk to him - er, the guy in the portrait?"

Hermione shook her head. "No. I haven't seen it. I don't even know where it is." To his relief, she changed the subject. "Um ... so, there's something I have for you," she said. "I went out and got it for you yesterday." She reached into her bag and pulled out a book and handed it to him.

He looked at it, and immediately felt his cheeks grow warm. The title of the book was, 'The Gay Wizard: Everything You Need To Know'. He opened it cautiously and the first thing he saw was a moving diagram of two men together, having sex. He made a choking sound. "Hermione! Oh my God."

Hermione was blushing. "We don't have to talk about it, if you don't want. I mean, we can if you do want to," she said hastily, "but I figured you probably had a lot of questions and this would help answer them."

Harry cleared his throat. "Um ... yeah," he said, his voice a bit squeaky. He cleared his throat again. "Er, thanks." He stood up. "I'll just ... drop it off upstairs ... and then we can get going to Hogwarts." He excused himself and quickly made his way upstairs with it. Back in his room, he opened it again and flipped through it. There were several chapters of text but there were also a lot of diagrams. Very graphic diagrams. A certain part of his anatomy stirred in interest as he watched one diagram illustrate a man giving another man manual stimulation. He snapped the book closed, flushing. Merlin, now was not the time for this. He let out a breath, willing his body to calm down.

When he and Hermione Apparated to Hogsmeade, they found Luna and Neville, who had just arrived themselves; and moments later Ron arrived with Ginny. The walk to Hogwarts was a little tense but the presence of Luna and Neville kept the conversation light.

In the Great Hall, they were pleased to see more of their friends and old members of the DA: Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, the Patil twins, Terry Boot, and Michael Corner. After everyone exchanged greetings and talked for a few minutes, catching up, McGonagall called them all to order and gave out instructions. They would be working in their respective dormitories.

Harry followed his friends up the stairs to the seventh floor, trailing well behind them, lost in thought. He was thinking about Draco and the night before, remembering how Draco cried in his arms.

"Everything all right, Harry?" a voice said softly, beside him. It was Luna.

"Yeah," he murmured absently.

"Wrackspurt got you?"

He shook his head. "No, just thinking," he said.

"Are you and Ron fighting?" she asked softly. "I could tell something was wrong back there."

He sighed. "Not fighting, exactly," he said quietly. "More like a disagreement about something."

She patted his shoulder. "I'm sure you'll work things out," she said.

They made their way up the stairs and caught up with their friends, then the two groups split up to go to their respective dormitories.

Harry and his fellow Gryffindors were put to work in their Common Room. It had been badly damaged during the battle. They spent the next few hours cleaning up the rubble and restoring whatever they could. It was hard work, but after dividing up into teams, they managed to get a lot done.

At noon, they broke for lunch, which was served in the Great Hall. As they ate, Professor McGonagall made some announcements. She talked about the plan for O.W.L. and N.E.W.T students to have the option of either doing an intensive summer session or repeating the full year.

Hermione was excited about the prospect of returning to school. "I'll want to do the full year, of course," she said, and Ron groaned. "Maybe the summer session too."

"Really?" Ron said, giving Harry a horrified look.

Harry smiled. Ron might not be happy about Draco, but at least he wasn't so upset he was freezing Harry out or treating him differently.

After lunch, they got back to work in the dormitories. When they finished with the Common Room, Harry took a break to send a message to Draco:

What time do you want to have dinner?

Draco replied:

Is six o'clock too early?

Harry smiled and answered:

No, not too early. I'll see you at six.

He went back to work, and spent the next few hours helping to clean up the boys dormitory with Ron, Neville, Seamus, and Dean. At five o'clock, they finished for the day.

As Harry and the others walked to Hogsmeade, Harry noticed that Ginny and Neville were walking closely together, engrossed in a conversation no one else could hear. Neville had changed over the past year. He had grown a few inches taller, and he was very fit now. He was no longer a timid boy, but a man; and he carried himself with confidence. The way Ginny was looking at Neville, Harry could tell she really liked him. He knew they had become close over the past year when they were at Hogwarts leading the resurrected DA with Luna. Maybe she had liked Neville for a while, but thought she would be getting back together with Harry so she didn't act on it. But now she was free to do so.

Harry felt no jealousy; he was pleased for her, and for Neville.

Luna, who was walking next to him, saw him looking at them and said quietly, "You don't seem to mind." They were at the back of the group, a little behind everyone, so he said, "No, I'm glad." Luna nodded. "You've moved on too," she said softly.

He looked at her. "Yeah," he admitted quietly.

"Whoever she is, I can tell she makes you happy," Luna said softly.

Harry cast a wandless Muffliato Charm, just in case anyone could hear them. "It's not a she," he said, then waited for her reaction.

"Oh. Well, I can tell he makes you happy," she amended. After a moment she said, "Is that what the disagreement with Ron is about?"

"Well, sort of ... but not because it's a he. It's more about who he is specifically." He gazed at Luna, unsure about whether to elaborate. She was looking at him encouragingly so he decided to tell her. "It's ... Draco," he said. "Draco Malfoy."

She nodded, looking entirely unsurprised.

"That doesn't shock you?" he asked.

"No." She smiled serenely.

"It doesn't shock you that I'm with ... a Death Eater?" Harry said, wanting to see what she'd say.

"But he wasn't a real Death Eater, was he?" she said. "His heart wasn't in it at all. I could see that when I was at Malfoy Manor. Even at school, before that. He was very unhappy. And he never enjoyed having to punish the students, but he was too scared to disobey the Carrows."

"Yeah," Harry said. "I know. He was in an impossible situation." He let out a breath, then looked at her. "I'm glad you saw it too." He was silent for a moment, then he said, "But ... even so, you're not shocked that it's him in particular that I'm involved with?"

"Oh, I already knew you liked him, underneath it all - or at least, you did during your last year at Hogwarts. You were always staring at him. And he was always staring at you, when you weren't looking."

"Hey, Harry!" Seamus called suddenly, turning around. "We're going to have a drink at the Three Broomsticks," he said, indicating himself, Dean, and the Patil twins. "You in? You and Luna - and you - " he said, turning to the others, "Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny - let's all get a drink!"

Harry cancelled the Muffliato Charm and he and and Luna caught up with everyone. Hermione and Ron and Neville and Ginny were all up for having a drink together. Harry smiled and said, "I would love to join you guys, but I have to be somewhere at six, so I need to get home."

Ron scowled a little but didn't say anything.

"No worries, mate," Seamus said. "We'll do it again, I'm sure. Probably tomorrow," he said with a wink and a grin. He looked at Luna. "You coming, Luna?"

"Yes, okay," she said to Seamus. "That would be nice."

Hermione slowed so she could walk alongside Harry and held him back for a moment. After everyone had moved far enough ahead of them, she cast a Muffliato Charm then asked, "So, you're going out to dinner and then the film?"

Harry nodded affirmatively. "I'll ask Draco if you and Ron can join us for the film," he said quietly. "But I don't know what he'll say."

"I mentioned it to Ron and he said he'd be civil, for your sake. He's never been to a film before so he actually seemed excited about the idea. Not so much about Draco being there too, but he would like to go, and he promised he'd be polite."

"Okay," Harry said. "I'll ask."

"There's another thing," she said. She bit her lip, hesitating. "Can Ron spend the night tonight, at Grimmauld Place?" she asked, blushing suddenly, not looking at him.

"Yes. As long as you don't forget to cast Imperturbable and Muffliato Charms," he said drily.

Her blush deepened. "Harry!"

He chuckled. He had just been joking, but now, seeing her expression, he realised there was something to it. "Oh my God, really?" he whispered. "You're going to - ? Tonight?"

She looked down, embarrassed. "Maybe," she whispered, still not looking at him. She cleared her throat, then said after a beat, "You and Luna looked deep in conversation."

Harry blinked at the abrupt change in subject, but went with it. "Yeah. I told her about Draco. She wasn't even surprised. Was I that obvious?" he asked. "Could everyone tell I liked Draco - like, in sixth year?"

"I don't think so. I could tell, but I don't think anyone else could. Well, maybe Ron ... a little. When I talked to him last night while you were talking to Ginny - I first told him that you're gay, then I told him there was someone you liked, and he guessed immediately that it was Draco."

"I was in such denial about it myself, in sixth year. But I was pretty obsessed with him, I know," he said.

"He was all you talked about," she said softly, her eyes kind. "I mean, you were right about him being a Death Eater ... but your fixation seemed like ... more than you trying to figure out what he was up to." She paused. "But then suddenly you were with Ginny, so I thought maybe you'd got over it. Though you still talked about him all the time."

"I think I got together with Ginny partly because of what I was feeling for him," he said pensively. "I knew he was a Death Eater and that he was up to something ... but I was also attracted to him. I hated myself for it, but I couldn't help it." He was quiet for a moment. "Though I'm only realising all of this now, looking back - I wasn't really conscious of it at the time, I was in denial. But I think it's part of the reason why I got involved with Ginny. I feel bad about it, like I led her on ... but I didn't realise that's what I was doing."

"Don't be too hard on yourself," she said. "You did the best you could. It must have been very confusing, to have such conflicting feelings about someone who not only was awful to us for all those years, but was also a boy - and a Death Eater - and Lucius Malfoy's son."

"Yeah. Exactly," he said. "Anyway, I can see Ginny likes Neville now, so that's good.

Hermione looked relieved. "Yes, I noticed too. They seem to be ... interested in each other."

"I'm glad. They both deserve to be happy. They'll make a great couple. They're perfect for each other, really."

"Yeah. I think so too," she said.

They reached the apparition point. "So anyway," Harry said. "I'll ask Draco about the film and send you a message."

"Okay." She cancelled the Muffliato Charm and Harry called out to everyone, "See you all tomorrow!"

Then he Apparated home.

It was half-past five so he quickly picked out the clothes he wanted to wear - jeans, a black t-shirt, and a stylishly-cut dark leather jacket that Draco had particularly liked on him - then hurried down to the first floor bathroom. After taking a shower, he brushed his teeth, then got dressed. When he returned to his room for a final look at himself in the wardrobe mirror, he noticed the book Hermione got him, still sitting on the bedside table. Merlin. He was planning to bring Draco to his room later; the last thing he wanted was for Draco to see it. He grabbed it and stuffed it into his hiding place in the wardrobe. Then he promptly pulled it back out and had a look through it, unable to resist.

He still had a few minutes before it was time to go. Staring at a diagram of one man performing oral sex on another man, he felt himself flush. He flipped to a chapter that had several spells listed: spells for lubrication, spells for increasing sexual pleasure, and for increasing stamina, spells for preparing a man for penetrative sex ... He snapped the book shut. He would read the book all the way through, later, and not when he was just about to see Draco. Putting the book back in the hiding place in the wardrobe, he took a few breaths to clear his mind and calm his body down.

At six o'clock he Apparated to Andromeda's. Draco was waiting for him at the entrance to the estate. Harry was very happy to see him. Pulling the Slytherin close, he kissed him softly. "I missed you," he murmured between kisses. "Me too," Draco breathed. He looked just as happy to see Harry.

"Where shall we go for dinner?" Harry asked when they broke apart.

"Wherever you like," Draco said. He looked really handsome. His hair was loose, rather than slicked back, and it really suited him.

Harry took his hand and Apparated them to London, a street over from Grimmauld Place. There was a restaurant he had passed by a few times that he thought they might try. They went inside. It was a posh restaurant, but cosy, with dark wood-panelled walls and low lighting.

"This is nice," Draco said once they were seated, looking around.

Harry couldn't stop staring at him.

"What?" Draco said.

"You look really nice with your hair like that," Harry said.

Draco's cheeks turned pink. "Thank you," he said softly, looking a bit flustered. It was adorable.

The waiter came over, bringing them menus, and they listened as he recited the specials. They both ordered the steak with roast potatoes and a glass of red wine.

When they were alone again, Draco said, "How was it today at Hogwarts?"

"We worked on the dorms," Harry told him. "The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor dorms," he clarified.

They talked about that for a few minutes, then Harry changed the subject. "So I have a question for you," he said after a short pause. "You still want to go to the film, right?" Draco nodded, so he continued. "The thing is, Hermione and Ron were hoping they could maybe join us," he said quietly. "Ron's never been to see a film before, apparently."

Draco stared at him. "You're saying Weasley wants to see the film ... with us?" He looked surprised. "He said that?"

"Well, Hermione mentioned it - I didn't talk to Ron directly about it," Harry said. "Hermione's staying at my house for a little while and we were talking this morning and she asked what you and I were doing tonight, so I told her. She said it might be fun if we could all go together ... and I guess she spoke to Ron about it later today and he agreed."

Draco frowned, looking skeptical. "Weasley's fine with us now?"

"Well ... not 'fine' exactly ... but trying to be open-minded?"

Draco was quiet for a moment. "It's important to you? That they join us?"

"I mean, I would like it if we could all get along, and this would be a step towards that ... but only if you're okay with it. It's all right if you're not, if you want to wait to do something with them. We don't have to rush it."

"No ... it's okay," Draco said quietly after a moment. "They can come." Harry could tell he was reluctant about it but that he wanted to make Harry happy.

"You're sure? It doesn't have to be tonight, honestly."

Draco smiled at Harry's anxious tone. "I'm sure, Potter. Relax. It's fine."

"Okay. Thanks," Harry said softly. He took the Galleon out of his pocket. "I'll just let Hermione know." He sent her a message, telling her it was a go, and she replied:

Great! Which cinema and what time?

He answered:

I don't know. We're having dinner now so I don't have access to a newspaper. Can you check the listings for the Islington cinema, for the film Deep Impact - between 7:30 and 9:00?

She replied:

Okay. I'll let you know as soon as I can.

He put the Galleon away. A moment later, the waiter came with their food. After he left, Harry cast a Notice-Me-Not Spell, then picked up his fork and knife. "She's checking what time it's playing. She'll let us know when she finds out," he said to Draco. They both started eating. The food was delicious. They were both quiet for a bit while they ate.

"I spoke to Mother today," Draco said suddenly, and Harry, who was swallowing, almost choked.

"Really? What did you say? What did she say?" he asked nervously.

"Well ... she doesn't seem to mind that I'm ... gay," he said quietly.

"That's good," Harry said. He gave Draco an encouraging look. "Did you tell her we're together?" he asked when Draco didn't go on.

Draco nodded. "She said she'd figured as much."

"What else did she say?"

"She said ... she's worried that I'm going to get hurt," he said softly after a moment.

Harry wondered if Draco was worried about that himself; setting his fork down, he reached across the table and put his hand over Draco's. "I'm not going to hurt you," he said earnestly. "And I won't let anyone else hurt you either."

"You're such a Gryffindor," Draco scoffed, but his expression was soft and he looked rather pleased by Harry's words.

Harry smiled. "Yep. Can't help it." He was about to ask more about Draco's conversation with Narcissa when he felt the Galleon burning in his pocket. Taking it out, he read Hermione's message out loud:

Deep Impact is playing at the cinema in Islington at 7:30. Is that ok?

He looked at Draco, who nodded. Harry replied:

Do you want to meet there or at Grimmauld Place?

She responded:

We can meet at Grimmauld Place at 7 or at the cinema at 7:15. Whichever works for you.

Harry replied:

We're still eating. I'll let you know.

He put the Galleon back in his pocket. "You're sure it's okay?" he asked Draco. "You can still change your mind."

"Merlin, Potter, stop worrying," Draco said. "I can handle going to a film with your friends for a couple of hours."

Harry laughed. "Yeah. Sorry." He took a sip of his wine. "So ... did your mother say anything else?"

Draco shrugged. "She's more concerned about my future in general. The N.E.W.T.s are going to be in September, instead of next month, so she wanted to talk about that."

"Oh. So ...does that mean you're going to do the summer session at Hogwarts?"

"I - no. I don't think so. They won't want me there, for one thing," he said, his face shuttering. "What about you? Do you know what you want to do - the summer session or the full year?"

"I don't know. Hermione said today she wants to do both. I'll pick one or the other, I guess - not both," Harry said quietly. He looked at Draco. "I had thought ... maybe we could go together - you and me."

Draco sighed. "Potter ... I wish it could be like that," he said quietly. "But I was a Death Eater. They're not going to want me there." When Harry opened his mouth to argue, he put up a hand. "And I'm nearly ready to take the exams anyway. I studied hard this year - it was the only way I could cope with everything. I don't think I need the summer session."

Harry was disappointed. While he had worked on the dorms earlier, he had spent some time imagining him and Draco at Hogwarts together.

"Anyway, you should probably do the full year since you missed it entirely," Draco said gently. "There's a lot to cover - the N.E.W.T.s are going to be tough, much harder than the O.W.L.s, and you'll want to be fully prepared."

Harry shrugged, feeling a bit morose suddenly. He didn't want to think about exams or intensive studying or, now that he was thinking about it, being at school surrounded by a large number of people who would only see him as the 'saviour' and the the defeater of Voldemort. His fame had been bad enough before; now it was going to be so much worse. Just the thought of it was exhausting. Besides that, how would he even be able to go to Hogwarts, now that he had the portrait? "Maybe I won't go back at all," he said quietly after a moment. "I don't know yet what I want to do - whether I want to go back to school or just relax for a while until I figure out what it is I'd like to do with my life. I used to want to be an auror, but now ... I don't know." He looked at Draco. "Do you know what you want to do - for a career?"

"I'm interested in Alchemy," Draco said after a moment. "I did an independent study of it this year and found it to be quite fascinating, and I have an aptitude for it. I'd like to study it further. What I'd really like is to be an apprentice to a Master Alchemist. I don't think that's ever going to happen though," he said, looking downcast. "I doubt anyone will want to take me on. Certainly not in Britain, at least. There are only a handful of them here and none of them will want to work with a former Death Eater."

Harry wasn't sure what to say to that. He knew nothing about Alchemy, nor what it entailed to become an apprentice. And what Draco said was probably true; Draco was going to have a hard time getting opportunities because he had been a Death Eater.

They had finished eating, so Harry lifted the Notice-Me-Not Spell and the waiter came to take their plates. After he left, Harry said, "So much has happened and the war only just ended. It's probably too soon to think about these things, really. Maybe we should try to be in the present and not think too much about the past or future."

"Yeah. That's probably a good idea," Draco said.

When the waiter returned with the bill, Draco insisted on paying since he'd got the Muggle money from Gringotts the day before. After the bill was paid, Harry checked the time; it was a quarter to seven. "So ... we can either meet Hermione and Ron at my house in fifteen minutes or at the cinema in half an hour - do you have a preference?"

"Whatever you want," Draco said agreeably.

"Okay." Harry wanted to be alone with Draco for as long as possible so he sent Hermione a message telling her they'd meet them at the cinema at 7:15 and that he'd get all the tickets. "So ... we have half an hour then," he said to Draco. "What would you like to do?"

Draco half-smiled, half-smirked. "What do you think?" he said suggestively. The way he was looking at Harry sent a flutter to Harry's stomach.

They made their way outside, to the alley next to the restaurant, then Harry took his hand and Apparated them straight to his bedroom. As soon as they landed, they started kissing. After a while Harry guided Draco backwards, still kissing him, and pushed him down onto the bed.

The kisses grew more heated. Harry slid his fingers into Draco's hair, loving its silky texture, and kissed him deeply, hungrily. The way their bodies were pressed together felt so good. It was very arousing. Feeling a surge of desire, Harry tightened his grip in Draco's hair, and Draco gasped, apparently liking that.

"Do you like this?" Harry asked, pulling Draco's hair a little more firmly as he kissed his neck then began nibbling on it. God, Draco smelled amazing.

"Yes," Draco gasped, shivering when Harry scraped his teeth against the tender spot below Draco's ear. "Merlin, Potter," he breathed, his hands in Harry's hair, keeping him in place. "Keep doing that."

It made him feel powerful, having Draco at his mercy like this, needy and so keen. He repeated the action, scraping his teeth against the tender spot on Draco's neck, and Draco shivered and made a sound at the back of his throat. Harry did it again, and Draco gasped and shivered. It was really hot, how responsive he was. Inflamed, Harry claimed his mouth again.

After a minute, Harry pulled back to look at him and catch his breath. Draco looked utterly wrecked. His eyes were glazed, his lips were pink and swollen, his skin was flushed, and his hair was deliciously rumpled. He looked so sexy. Harry let out a breath. Merlin, he was really turned on. And so was Draco, Harry could feel it - they were both half-hard, which was very hot ... but not wholly appropriate, considering that they were going to have to meet Hermione and Ron soon; they had to slow down. Harry kissed Draco again, sweetly this time, cupping his face with one hand and gently brushing his fingers through Draco's hair with the other. Draco liked that too, melting into the kiss with a soft sigh.

"We have to go soon," Harry murmured after a few minutes. "But we can come back here after the film. If you want," he said, not wanting to presume.

"Definitely," Draco said, stroking the back of Harry's neck and resting his forehead against Harry's.

They got up a moment later. Harry pulled Draco close and kissed his cheek sweetly then took his hand. "Ready?" he asked.

Draco nodded. He looked a bit dreamy.

Harry Apparated them to the alley next to the cinema. After buying the tickets they went into the lobby to wait for Hermione and Ron, who weren't there yet.

"Thank you for doing this - for letting them join us," Harry said softly.

Draco smiled at him, his face soft.

Harry felt a rush of affection for him. The way he was looking at Harry made Harry's heart swell.

Draco moved closer to him, brushing his fingers against Harry's hand and squeezing it for a moment. Harry could tell that Draco wanted to hold his hand, full stop, but didn't feel comfortable doing it out in the open like this. Being gay wasn't fully accepted in either the wizarding or Muggle world and could result in harassment. They could probably get away with a bit more in London, but it wasn't a sure thing that they wouldn't be bothered if they acted demonstrably like a couple.

Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Hermione and Ron approaching. He turned to look at them; Ron was staring at Draco as if he'd never seen him before, his eyes wide, almost disbelieving. Harry understood; Ron had never seen Draco like this - casual, not sneering, his face open.

Hermione was smiling at the two of them as she and Ron walked up to them. "Hi, Harry. Hi, Draco," she said amiably.

"Hi," Harry said.

Draco nodded at her. "Granger," he greeted. He looked at Ron and inclined his head. "Weasley."

Ron nodded back at him. "Malfoy," he said, a bit stiffly, but he seemed to be trying.

"Did you get the tickets?" Hermione asked Harry.

Harry held them up, giving her and Ron their tickets, but keeping his and Draco's.

Ron looked around, curiously gazing at the concession stand and the other people in the lobby.

Hermione asked Draco, "Have you ever been to a film before? This is Ron's first time."

Draco answered, "Yes, I went a few times when I was younger, and Potter and I were here the other night. We saw the film 'Gattaca'."

"How was it?" she asked them.

"Brilliant," they both said at the same time.

Harry looked at Draco; they both laughed.

"We should probably get our seats, before it gets too full," Hermione suggested. "We don't need to get drinks," she whispered. "I brought some in my bag."

"That's against the rules," Harry said in a mock scandalised tone.

Hermione smacked his arm lightly and Ron and Draco both chuckled, then looked at each other, surprised to be sharing a laugh.

"What did you bring?" Harry whispered.

"Cider and some chocolate liqueur," she whispered.

"You brought alcohol?" Harry said in surprise.

"Merlin, say it louder next time, mate," Ron said.

"Well, we are of age," she said primly, her cheeks growing pink. "I thought it might make it more fun."

They went into the cinema and found seats in the back row, Draco on one end, Harry next to him, Hermione next to Harry, and Ron next to Hermione on the other end.

Once they were seated, Harry cast a Notice-Me-Not Spell.

"Did you just cast a privacy spell?" Hermione whispered, frowning.

"Yeah - a Notice-Me-Not Spell," Harry said softly.

"I heard it but didn't see you take out your wand," she said, still frowning.

"He cast it wandlessly," Draco said.

"Wait, what?" Hermione said.

"You can cast a wandless Notice-Me-Not Spell?" Ron said. He looked shocked.

"Say it louder next time, Ron," Harry said drily.

"Since when can you do wandless magic?" Hermione whispered, her eyes wide.

"Wait. You didn't know he can do wandless magic?" Draco whispered, looking surprised.

"Merlin," Harry said. "Yes, I can do a bit of wandless magic," he said to Hermione and Ron. "I've been practising recently and I can do a few spells, that's all."

Draco laughed. "A few spells," he said, shaking his head. "He can do a wandless Glamour, for Merlin's sake," he said.

"You can?" Hermione said. "That's amazing." She looked impressed, and more than a little envious. "What other spells can you do?"

"I don't know," Harry said, getting a little uncomfortable. Was it really that big a deal?

"I've seen him Summon and Vanish things and Conjure things," Draco said helpfully.

"Really?" Hermione said. "You can do a wandless Conjuring Spell?"

"I can cast a Muffliato Charm too," Harry said, "which maybe I should do, if you all are going to talk so loudly about it."

"Do it," Ron said, looking interested. "Cast it."

Harry cast the spell, and Ron and Hermione goggled at him.

"Wow, mate. That's very impressive," Ron said appreciatively.

Harry wanted to change the subject. "So, you brought drinks?" he said to Hermione.

"Yes." She opened her bag. "We can have a shot of the chocolate liqueur first," she said, rummaging through the bag and pulling out a small bottle. "Hold this," she said to Harry, handing it to him. She rummaged some more through the bag and pulled out four glasses.

Harry helped her pour out the shots then handed them out. Then they all raised their glasses and said, "Cheers," downing the shots in one go.

It tasted really good. "Nice," Harry said.

"Good choice, Granger," Draco said approvingly.

Ron murmured his agreement.

Hermione smiled, looking pleased. "Maybe another then?" she asked. She pulled the bottle back out, then took off the cap. Everyone brought their glasses in and she refilled them.

"To the war being over!" Hermione said, and they all raised their glasses, then drank.

"You're brilliant, Hermione," Ron said, a bit besottedly. Harry remembered suddenly that Ron would be spending the night at Grimmauld Place, and then had the sudden thought that maybe that's why Hermione had brought alcohol. She did seem a bit frenetic - not nervous exactly, but a bit ... keyed up.

Ron turned to look at some people coming into their row, who were taking the seats next to him; Harry gave Hermione a look, eyebrows raised. She seemed to understand immediately because she blushed. Harry smiled at her and winked, and her blush deepened.

He turned to Draco and smiled, feeling very happy that Draco was there with him, and took his hand, resting their joined hands on Draco's thigh. Draco smiled back at him and intertwined their fingers. Harry heard Ron make a choked sound, then another sound when Hermione elbowed him.

The lights went out and the trailers started. Ron asked a lot of questions about the trailers, whispering them to Hermione, who finally got a bit annoyed and shushed him. She dug in her bag and pulled out four bottles of cider, handing them out without a word.

Finally, the film started. They all got engrossed in the film. It was a good story, and Harry quickly got caught up in it. The ending was unexpectedly emotional. Harry found himself getting very choked up at the President's speech, when he said, "Cities fall, but they are rebuilt. And heroes die, but they are remembered. We honor them with every brick we lay, with every field we sow, with every child we comfort and then teach to rejoice in what we have been re-given. Our planet. Our home. So, now, let us begin."

As the credits began rolling and the lights came up, Harry noticed they all were similarly affected. Draco was squeezing his hand tightly, and Ron was swallowing a lot; both looked like they were trying not to cry. Hermione was openly crying, wiping tears from her eyes and sniffling. Draco took out a handkerchief and silently gave it to her; she took it from him with a grateful nod and used it to wipe her tears away.

They waited for the cinema to empty, all of them quiet, lost in thought. That final speech had really hit home, and they were all thinking about the war, about what had been lost, and what needed to be rebuilt. The mood was intense. Ron was obviously thinking about Fred and looked to be on the verge of tears. Draco was feeling guilty; Harry could feel it radiating from him.

But Draco wasn't the only one wracked with guilt - Harry was also feeling guilty. If he had only found the Horcruxes sooner, so many people would still be alive. Fred was dead because of him. Ron's family was torn apart because of him. As if she knew what Harry was thinking, Hermione put her hand on his arm and squeezed it. He looked at her; she gave him a meaningful look and shook her head as if to say, Stop what you're thinking. After a minute, they all got up from their seats and made their way down the stairs and out of the cinema.

"I know we're all feeling a bit raw," Hermione said when they got outside. "I think maybe we should go for a drink, to decompress."

Harry agreed. Draco and Ron were both quiet but they didn't say no, so Harry said, "We can go to the pub by my house. The one by that restaurant we went to a couple of times," he said to Hermione.

She nodded. "We'll meet you there in a few minutes," she said.

"Okay." He turned to Draco and took his hand. Instead of Apparating them to the pub, he Apparated them to his bedroom first so they could have some privacy and talk for a few minutes. When they landed and Draco saw where they were, he went and sat down heavily on the bed. Harry sat down next to him.

"I know what you're thinking," he said softly to the Slytherin. "I know you're feeling guilty."

Draco looked down at the floor. "Of course I am!" he whispered emotionally. "You three are all heroes, and what am I? Death Eater filth," he said in a choked voice.

"You're not filth, stop saying that," Harry said, taking his hand. "And you were a Death Eater because you didn't have a choice."

"But I did. I chose it, Potter. At least in the beginning."

"You didn't though - listen," Harry said, when Draco looked at him sharply, opening his mouth to disagree. "The choice was made for you because of who your father was and the world you were raised in. You were born into it. You did what was expected of you, what you were taught and trained to do. But then you came to see what it was really like and you regretted it. That's what really matters."

Draco shook his head. "You're giving me too much credit. Maybe I was born into that world and raised to follow the Dark Lord; and maybe you're right, and I had no choice - but I still could have been a nicer person. I wasn't though - I was a petty, jealous, vindictive prick. You're a genuinely nice person, Potter - you're an amazing person, who is genuinely kind, and forgiving, and honourable, and fucking brave. I don't know what you're doing with me. You deserve so much better than me."

"Don't say that," Harry said sharply. "I don't 'deserve' anything - I don't think like that. I'm with you because I want to be with you. Because I like you." He moved closer and put his arm around him. "I really like you," he said softly. "I like being with you. You're a much better person than you think you are, Draco." Harry hated the haunted look in Draco's eyes. "The past is over. And everything is going to be different now."

Draco looked at him. "I want it to be. I want to be a different person. A better person."

"I know. And you are - you already are that person, that's what I'm saying." He pulled Draco close and pressed their foreheads together. After a moment, Draco relaxed; he let out a breath then put his arms around Harry, hugging him. Harry ran his fingers through the Slytherin's hair, gently.

"C'mon, let's go meet your friends," Draco said after a minute.

"Okay. But just for one drink," Harry said. They stood up and Harry took his hand then Apparated them to the alley next to the pub. When they went inside, they found Hermione and Ron already at a table.

"We just got here," Hermione said as Harry and Draco sat down. Ron nodded at them. "All right?" he asked Harry.

"Yeah. You?" Harry asked him quietly.

"Yeah," Ron said. He was holding Hermione's hand under the table, and seemed to have shaken off his sombre mood.

A waiter came over. "Ready to order?" he asked.

Harry and Draco ordered brandies, and after a quick deliberation Hermione and Ron decided they'd have brandies too.

"You're all over eighteen?" the waiter asked.

"Yep," Harry said, as the others nodded.

"All right, back in a minute," the waiter said.

A band was setting up on the stage. Harry looked at Draco, who smiled at him.

"Draco and I were here Saturday night," Harry told Hermione and Ron. "They had a band that night too - we really enjoyed it, didn't we, Draco?"

"Yes, they were quite good," Draco said.

The waiter came with their drinks. When he left, Harry cast a Notice-Me-Not Spell. Hermione looked at him. "Did you just cast a privacy spell?"

Harry nodded, then picked up his glass; the others did the same. "You're meant to sip it," Harry warned Ron and Hermione, in case they didn't know. They all took a sip of their drinks. Ron seemed to like it; Hermione made a slight face at the taste but gamely took another sip. The brandy filled Harry with that warm, glowing feeling he remembered from the other night; it was quite pleasant.

The band announced that they were starting, so Harry and Draco moved their chairs, getting into a better position to see the stage.

When music started, Harry took Draco's hand, feeling good, feeling happy to be with him, and with Hermione and Ron, all of them together. The band was good; they played a similar style of music as the band from the other night. Draco looked at Harry and smiled, his mood happier now too. He took a sip of his brandy, and began caressing Harry's hand with his fingers. Harry leaned over and said into Hermione's ear, "This is great but we're only staying for the one drink, okay?"

Hermione gave him a knowing smile and said in his ear, "You two really are cute together. He's like an entirely different person with you. Ron is a bit in shock."

Harry smiled and took a sip of his brandy. After the third song, Draco finished his drink then excused himself to go to the loo. When he came back, he whispered in Harry's ear, "I paid for the drinks - not just ours, all of them." Harry squeezed his arm and said, "Do you want to go then?"

Draco nodded. Harry knocked back the rest of his brandy then turned to Ron and Hermione and said, "Draco paid for the drinks. We're off to Grimmauld Place now. See you tomorrow." He and Draco stood up. Draco politely bid Hermione and Ron goodbye, then they took their leave.

"Can you stay for a while?" Harry asked him when they were back in Harry's bedroom.

Draco smiled. "Yes."

Harry pushed him onto the bed. "Good." Not taking his eyes off Draco, he took off his jacket and threw it over the chair by his bed; Draco watched him, his expression heated, and took his own jacket off, throwing it onto the chair over Harry's.

They both kicked off their shoes, then Harry got down onto the bed, pushing Draco onto his back and crawling over him and straddling him. They snogged passionately for a few minutes. Then the mood changed, and the kisses turned sweeter, softer.

Harry slid his fingers into Draco's hair and Draco sighed, melting against him. It was brilliant being together like this. They kissed for a while longer, then Harry changed position so he was fully laying down. He pulled Draco into his arms for a cuddle.

"This feels so nice," Harry murmured, holding him close. Draco hummed in agreement, his face buried in Harry's neck. They ended up dozing off for a little while, waking up just before midnight.

"You're working at Hogwarts tomorrow?" Draco asked after Harry Apparated them to the entrance to Andromeda's house.

"Yeah," Harry said.

"Can I see you after?"

"Definitely."

They made plans to meet at six o'clock. Harry pulled him close for a final kiss, then Apparated home.

After using the loo, he got ready for bed. He was knackered; it had been a long day. He got into bed, wishing Draco were still with him, wishing he could have spent the night. Would he want to spend the night soon?

Sighing, Harry hugged his pillow; it smelled of Draco's cologne. He sighed again, holding it close and inhaling deeply. It wasn't long before he drifted off to sleep.

- x -

Author's Note: I just want to say how much I appreciate all of you for the support you've given me and for sticking with this story for so long. When I started it I was very, very ill and I wasn't sure whether I was going to make it through or not, which is part of the reason the story has taken so long to write up to this point. Thanks so much for the follows, faves, and reviews. It means so much to me.