Unmasked Glances

The following week had flown by. Christmas remained unspectacular and Draco kept a very low profile. They had only seen each other during the meals in the great hall sitting at different tables. It was hard for Harry to look away, especially since he didn't have any of his friends around to talk to. His friends had sent him little presents and notes over the holidays, nothing too exciting.

They sat on cushions in the Room of Requirement, the old training room, which seemed much warmer now. It was the 31st of December, and the clock signalled that midnight was not too far off. Neither Harry nor Draco felt like going downstairs and attending the little party. The other students would be returning in a few days and Harry was a bit worried.

He didn't want things to go back to the way they were before. He didn't want to argue with Draco now that he knew the real Draco better. They had decided to treat each other with respect from now on when others were around, but Harry wasn't sure if he wouldn't jump into the breach if a classmate accused Draco. There would still be meetings, which they wanted to use to get to know each other better, improve their grades and continue practising the Patronus.

But despite all his good intentions, that wasn't enough for Harry. He couldn't explain it himself, but all the things he had discovered about Draco so far were so different, that he would have loved to find out more about the blond. Draco had once told Harry that he used to bake a lot with his mum until his father had taken over his upbringing. That was once he had turned eight. With every word that left Draco's lips, Harry hated the man more. And he swore to himself, in Draco's place, that he would punish him for the way he treated his son.

"I'm going to be a spy." Draco's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, and he stared at the blond with wide eyes. "I'm going to be a spy and help you get information!" Draco's voice was firm as he said this to the shelf he was staring at. At least that's how it seemed to Harry. Draco wanted to be a spy? Harry thought of Snape, how often had he been suspected of being one? Harry knew how dangerous that was and how easily Draco could be detected. That was far too dangerous!

"No!" Harry frowned and sat up straight. Draco looked at him, puzzled, and also frowned at Harry's determined expression. "That's far too dangerous, Draco! Do you know what could happen?" The black-haired boy used his hands to emphasise how dangerous it could be for Draco if he was found out.

The blonde smiled slightly. All the preaching about the dangerous aspects of the spy life had turned his cheeks red. Draco's heart lightened. It wasn't often that someone worried about him. And he had grown very fond of Harry over the last few weeks. He could well understand why Harry made friends so easily. He was open and honest and it was easy to laugh with him.

The time they spent here together made Draco painfully aware of what his own school days could have been like, if the Dark Lord had never existed. He and Harry could have been friends, he could have enjoyed life, he could have lived. The hours they spent here gave Draco a picture of what fighting for was actually worth. There was no way Harry would fight alone! He would help him and the Order as best he could and prevent them from falling into traps or ambushes.

With this task, he wanted to prove to everyone that there was more to him. That he, too, deserved to be happy for once. Happy with Harry on his side. He wanted to be with him during school and let the light that Harry radiated warm his heart and soul. It wasn't too late to start again with Harry. Even more, they would start the life they had always been entitled to.

Two hands grabbed his shoulders and shook him. "Draco!" Harry looked at him in shock. "I'm worried here and you're dreaming! We'll go to Dumbledore immediately and tell him that there's no way you're going to be a spy! You we-"

Harry became quieter and quieter until he finally fell silent. Unnoticed, they had come closer than they probably ever had before, and Harry could feel Draco's breath on his skin. Harry's heart raced and his breath hitched. Slowly, Draco came a little closer to Harry.

“Can I kiss you?” Draco breathed out in the most silent whisper and suddenly their lips touched. The black-haired boy's mind started racing as the blondes’ soft lips nestled closer to his. Draco gently stopped the kiss, looking into Harry's eyes to ensure that he wanted all of this. Then his eyes fell shut again and they kissed anew.

Harry's confused emotions were on a rollercoaster. His hands reached into Draco's hair and pulled him a little closer. Harry felt as if he had swallowed a snitch that was now rumbling in his stomach. Draco's hands stroked his back and the tingling sensation that now ran through his body was better than flying, much better. It was like coming home.

The school bell struck midnight above them and the students and staff downstairs celebrated the start of the new year, wishing each other all the best for the new phase of their lives and shooting coloured lights into the sky.

Harry Potter didn't know what to wish for at this moment. Maybe that Draco would kiss him like that again, maybe that everything would end well. The first came naturally and he would fight for the second, he was a Gryffindor after all.

If you asked Draco Malfoy what he wished for, he would hex the idiot who interrupted him to kiss Harry Potter to the moon and say that he didn't believe in wishes.

*

The next morning, Harry woke up on a sofa in the Room of Requirement. He was covered with a blanket that he couldn't remember. When he opened his eyes, he looked straight into the blue-grey eyes of Draco Malfoy. He was lying on the couch opposite him and gazing at him closely. Draco's cheeks turned slightly pink once he noticed Harry was awake and watching him.

"Morning," Draco mumbled. Harry ruffled his hair, "How long have you been awake?" Draco looked down at the floor a little ashamed, "A while."

Suddenly the memories of last night flashed through Harry's mind. The kiss, the kiss, the kiss. He felt sick to his stomach. Draco seemed to be thinking the same thing, something unsaid hanging in the air. The longer they kept silent, the more awkward it became.

"Should we go for breakfast?" Harry finally asked uncertainly. Harry wasn't sure if he spotted some disappointment in Draco's face as he nodded. They walked silently through the castle together, keeping a certain distance from each other, until they reached the Great Hall, where they sat down at the separate tables. Harry had the feeling he had to say something the whole time, but what?

What do you say in such a situation? Harry reached for two slices of toast, some butter, strawberry jam and honey. He poured himself a cup of tea and only looked up again once he was already nibbling on his toast. Draco seemed to be watching him. The Hufflepuffs' table between them was practically empty so he had a clear view.

When Harry caught him, Draco quickly looked away and spoke to his seatmate, a fifth year Harry didn't know.

What did Draco think about last night? Had he enjoyed it? Did Draco like him that way? Could that really be true? Was he just pretending? Would he want to kiss him again? Maybe he hated him again? Maybe he was just as unsure?

Harry quickly packed up his things and disappeared back to his dormitory in the tower.

If there was one thing he had learnt from Hermione, it was to write a list when you were unsure. He sat down in his chair and reached for his quill.

1. Draco Malfoy kissed me.
2. I kissed him back.
3. Draco seemed shy.
4. he looks cute when he's shy.

Harry crossed out point four.

4. his blue-grey eyes were watching me for who knows how long this morning.
5. his hair was super soft last night.

He also crossed out 5. and added:

5. I want to see him again.
6. I need to talk to him.
7. I want to kiss him again.

Harry ruffled his hair and exhaled sharply. What had become of him in such a short time? Why are feelings so complicated? Why Draco, of all people in this damn castle.

Harry took a hot shower and changed into fresh clothes. His favourite pair of jeans, the grey hoodie and his Chucks. He reached for his wand and opened the map. The castle was still quite empty, allowing him to find him quickly. Draco sat in the great clock tower, overlooking the courtyard. Harry put his wand back in his back pocket and set off.

He hadn't really thought of any words, maybe he hoped they would just fall out of his mouth, or maybe he hoped Draco would find 'em. He was only a spiral staircase away from the Slytherin, his heart almost in his trousers as he forced himself up step by step.

His hands were trembling slightly. Pull yourself together, Harry. He whispered to himself. He reached the top of the stairs. Draco was leaning against one of the wooden beams looking out at the snow.

Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery.

Draco suddenly turned around. He must have heard a noise. The shocked face softened as soon as it recognised Harry and then changed to uncertainty.

“Hi” Draco whispered. “Hi” Harry responded. Harry scrutinised Draco. He was wearing a white shirt with his black trousers, his hair hanging slightly in his face, he looked surprisingly normal. As if nothing had happened between them.

"Last night, you," Harry began, but Draco interrupted him in a rush. "I'm sorry, I don't know what that was about Potter. Please forgive me. I know you're not that kind of lad. Don't worry, I'll stay away from you. It won't happen again, I promise. Don’t tell anyone." The words came in a rush. Malfoy stared at the floor.

Harry's head began to spin. Did Draco regret the kiss because he thought he didn't like it or had Draco not liked it after all. He didn’t even call him Harry. Had he changed his mind? Harry tussled his black curls.

"But Draco," Harry faltered. "I liked it," he whispered. Immediately, Harry's face flushed. He hated himself for it. Draco's gaze shot up to him. "You what?" Draco asked, surprised. Harry nodded vaguely. "I never fully thought you fancied blokes" Draco mumbled. "Well, I'm a bit surprised too, to be honest, what about you?" Draco took a few steps towards him.

“I well I always kinda, um well you know” Draco stumbled. Harry’s heart was racing. Draco cut the distance between them, hid his shaking hands as he tangled his fingers in Harry’s hair, and kissed him so intently it drives Harry insane. Harry seemed a little taken aback at first but quickly joined in the kiss and put his hand around Draco's waist. His other hand went up to cup Draco's cheek.

Once they needed to catch their breath, they stared at each other with the fondest looks. Draco was the first to lean in again, softer than before, pulling him a bit closer. Harry felt Draco grin into the kiss. “you like this Potter?” he mumbled against his lips.

Like? Harry absolutely loved the heck out of it. Has he ever had such a thrilling experience? Never had a kiss felt like this before.

The big gong from the bell next to them interrupted not only Harry’s thoughts, but the kissing as well. Harry opened his eyes and looked into Draco’s. The right one was shining like a clear blue sky, but the other was a deep grey, like a rough sea after a storm. “I do” answered Harry in a whisper. The bells still ringing around them.

It was noon. Exactly twelve hours after their last kiss. A small grin formed around Draco’s lips, and he slowly nodded to himself. Harry tried hard to stand still with his wobbly knees. None of them wanted to end this moment. But none of them seemed to know what to do either. Too many things shooting through his brain. Someone must have kidnapped his self-confidence.

Harrys hand still around Draco’s hip slowly fell “umm should we get lunch?” he asked shyly. Draco escaped a giggle. What was so funny about that, Harry wondered, but Draco softened his grip and suddenly his hands left his body. The warmth, that had spread through him left.

During lunch, Malfoy sat the opposite than usual. Harry was only able to stare a hole into the back of the blonde’s head. Harry didn’t feel much like eating anything anyway. Halfway through his meal, Draco got up and left the hall. To Harrys disappointment that was the last time he saw him that day.

*

The next day, his classmates arrived back at Hogwarts. There was a lot of activity in the castle. His friends told him about the holidays, and he had no chance to see Malfoy. The following morning, the class was once again intimidated by Professor Snape in Defence Against the Dark Arts. Snape was firmly convinced that the students had forgotten everything over the holidays. So he called them up one by one to see if the Patronus spell was still manageable from everyone.

"Mr. Malfoy." Snape's voice rasped through the crowded room, cutting through the awed silence. The blond wizard strode forwards and looked at Harry who offered him a slight smile of encouragement, clutching his wand. Snape nodded and Draco raised his voice: "Expecto Patronum!" A large light blue stag burst from the tip of his wand and strutted elegantly through the classroom.

The class was completely silent; after all, Malfoy had never produced a Patronus before. Snape looked shocked and didn't know what to say. Only Harry Potter, hero of the wizarding nation, was grinning and looked as if he wanted to pat himself on the back. Luckily Harry sat at the back of the class, so no one should have been able to notice his expression. Draco sat back down in his seat; he also had a big grin on his face. Snape tried in vain to make light of what had just happened and carried on with his lesson.

It had been the last lesson of the day. When the bell rang, everyone poured out of the dungeons, almost everyone, as Snape called out, "Malfoy, Potter, to me!" The two boys looked at each other and strode forward to the teacher's desk. "I see Potter has done a good job, Mr. Malfoy!" Malfoy nodded. Snape's gaze wandered back and forth between the two, finally stopping on Harry and looking him straight in the eye.

"Good, very well, you may go," Snape said seriously. The two students looked at each other, packed up their things and left the room together. As soon as they had closed the door, Draco muttered, "Do you think they know about us now? After all, I've got your Patronus." It was an unspoken rule of the two, to not tell anyone, about whatever was going on between them. It was simply too dangerous for everyone involved. "I don't know, I'd say we just pretend nothing happened, but your Patronus was gorgeous, just like you." the Gryffindor mumbled shyly. Draco blushed instantly and kissed him softly.

They parted ways, Draco heading down to the dungeons while Harry climbed the steps to his tower past numerous portraits. Harry sat down at dinner so that he had a full view of the Slytherin table from his seat, but he couldn't spot Draco yet.

Hermione sat down next to him, Ron was nowhere to be seen, he was probably with Lavender. Mione and Ron still weren't saying a word to each other. "So how were your holidays Mione?" Harry asked, trying to start as superficial a chat as possible. "Quite good, it was nice to spend time with my parents again. And you? Did anything happen?" Harry hesitated but then shook his head.

"Wicked, Malfoy's Patronus earlier, wasn't it?" she continued to ask. "Yeah, he hasn't managed it before." said Harry absently. Suddenly Draco entered the hall, he took a quick look around and his gaze lingered on Harry, he smiled barely noticeably and made his way to the Slytherin table. Harry had to smile. Hermione didn't miss this exchange of glances, of course. She saw Harry still staring at the blond. "You like him, don't you?" She bloated out. Harry's gaze lowered; he was now scrutinising his food. He was afraid he was turning red.

"Harry?" Hermione asked cautiously. But Harry didn't answer, he didn't know why. Ginny joined them and broke the silence, "Hey, how are you? Why so quiet?" she asked happily. "Did someone die or why are you guys being so weird?" Harry immediately thought of Sirius again and his mood sank more and more. The girls noticed this immediately.

"Oh Harry, I didn't mean it like that, I'm sorry, really." came out of Ginny. "It's all right. I'm not hungry anymore, I'll go ahead, okay?" Harry stood up and left the two girls behind him, somewhat puzzled. He searched for Draco's gaze and found it, Draco smiled gently at him and nodded subtly. The Gryffindor left the hall and made his way to the seventh floor.

It was warm in the Room of Requirement, the fire crackled in the fireplace, long curtains hung in front of the windows so that it was almost dark. Soft beige carpets adorned the floor and there was a large brown sofa in the centre of the small room. Harry entered and sat down in the corner of the room. He watched as the flames danced in the fire. There was just too much to think about. So much was running through his head. He thought about Sirius, about Draco and his Patronus, about Hermione and Ron's fight, about lessons, about Voldemort and his foot lickers, about the problem with Draco's father. It all became a little too much for him. His eyes grew heavy and he fell asleep, half lying there in the corner.

"Hey, wake up," Harry was shaken awake. He sleepily reached for his glasses and looked directly into Malfoy's eyes, which were twinkling like stars. "Hey," he mumbled sleepily. Draco gave Harry a light kiss on the forehead, making them both smile. "What are you doing here at this time?" the blond wanted to know. "We have to hurry, Defence Against the Dark Arts is about to start and if you're not there, well, you know Snape." "Defence against the Dark Arts? We've only got that in the second period," said Harry in horror.

"Exactly. You've already slept through Charms, I haven't seen you anywhere, then I asked Weasley, very politely of course, where you were, and he didn't know either. Then I remembered that you left at dinner last night and I knew where to find you." They smiled wanly at each other.

"Thank you," They both looked at each other for a moment until the blond broke the silence "You still need your things, but you won't have time. Here, take my books, if Snape notices that you haven't got any with you, you're finished, it's no big deal with me." Harry hugged Draco gratefully and shortly afterwards they found themselves in the corridors of the castle. They both arrived in the classroom just in time for the lesson.

After Defence of the Dark Arts, they had Potions straight away. Luckily Draco lent him his book here too. After Slughorn said they would brew the Living Death Potion and whoever did it best would get a Viole Felix Felicis, Harry opened Draco's book and read "This book belongs to the Half-Blood Prince". He flicked through the pages and discovered numerous small notes adorning the yellowed pages. At first glance, they looked very promising. So Harry followed the half-blood prince's instructions while Hermione tried desperately to brew her potion next to him.

Draco regretted having lent Harry his book today of all days. The prince's notes would have been particularly useful to him today, now that there was liquid luck to win. He couldn't stop thinking about his task with Dumbledore.

To everyone's amazement, Harry brewed his potion the best and won the golden liquid. After the lesson, the students parted ways and Harry ran up to the Tower of the Lions. He was alone in the boys' dormitory. He grabbed his own copy of Potions and placed it next to Draco's. Harry conjured a simple spell and copied all of the half-blood prince's notes into his book. He had already used the spell once or twice to copy homework. Now the additions could help them both, Harry thought. In the common room, he came across a cluster of sixth formers who had gathered at the notice board.

He pushed his way to the front and skimmed the board. There was an Apparition course for all interested Year 6 students on the coming Saturday. Harry signed the list and made his way to lunch with Dean and Seamus. All the sixth formers seemed excited and were talking about the upcoming course. When Ron told his classmates about Harry's experience with apparating, he had to tell all the Gryffindors in his class what it was like. So he didn't have a chance to watch Malfoy eat.

Afterwards, and thus the last session of the day, transfiguration with the Ravenclaws was on his schedule. However, Harry had resolved to bring Draco his books back first and to be fair, just to see him. He was wandering alone through the poorly lit corridors of the castle when he heard a voice behind him mockingly call out "Pottah". Harry stopped abruptly and turned round. Draco and he were alone. Harry immediately began to grin and Draco laughed heartily at him too. How Harry loved that laugh. He came running towards him. "Hey," Harry greeted him and received a gentle kiss on the forehead, "Hey," Draco whispered.

Draco's words gave Harry goose bumps and his face turned slightly red. To cover up the situation, he quickly took Draco's books out of his bag and handed them to him. "The half-blood prince must have helped you today," Malfoy said with a grin and Harry nodded amusedly. "Who's the half-blood prince?" "I don't know, I got the book as it is" they just looked at each other until the blond started "You, don't be mad at me but I have to get going, shall we meet tonight?" he looked at him hopefully, but Harry was meeting with Dumbledore again this evening.

Draco nodded understandingly and he leant down slightly towards Harry, their lips meeting gently. They were the softest lips Harry had ever known. All too soon they broke away from each other and each went their separate ways. Dumbledore had already told and shown him much of Voldemort's past and childhood, which was why Harry was expecting the same today. But this time they were looking at a memory of Professor Slughorn, at the time Voldemort attended Hogwarts.

He asked his professor something about Horcruxes but then fog formed, and nothing could be seen or heard. Slughorn had worked on the memory and Harry's task was to get the originals from his potions teacher. Harry had no idea how to do this. He first told Ron, who said he should just ask Slughorn after class and then he told Hermione, as they still weren't on speaking terms. She thought it would be a bad idea to ask him after the lesson and when she learnt that the idea had come from Ron, she simply left him there. This wasn't how Harry had imagined it.

The next day, Harry tried his luck after class, waited until all his classmates had left the room and then went to his teacher. However, he immediately realised what was going on and that Dumbledore had set him up to ask him about the memory. He flatly refused to say anything and sent him out of the room.