Blaise took a deep breath of the crisp night air, shivering against the cold as he stared at a distant bonfire. He'd been invited, he knew. He still didn't feel like he'd be particularly welcome though. Harry had invited him to a gathering of eighth year students—those who wanted to spend Halloween separate from the sickly-sweet gaiety of the younger students of Hogwarts.
He'd agreed to go, because it was Harry. Blaise could hardly say no to Harry, not when he turned those big green eyes on him, full of innocent hope and open acceptance. Now, though, Blaise was questioning his own sanity. The Gryffindors who would likely be the majority at this gathering likely would not want him there.
"Don't tell me you're thinking about ditching me?" Warm arms wrapped around his waist, accompanied by a smokey aroma that suggested that the owner of those arms had just come from the very fire he'd been contemplating.
Blaise took a deep breath of the woody musk that accompanied Harry.
"I'm just not sure… are you sure you thought this through? We've been keeping things… private… for a reason."
Warm breath caressed his cheek as Harry leaned forward to place a chaste kiss on the corner of his mouth, his arms tightening around Blaise.
"It'll be okay, Blaise," Harry murmured. "You're important to me, so they'll be fine with you. I'll make sure everyone knows we're a package deal now."
Blaise felt warmth rush through him at Harry's declaration, and let that warmth carry him toward the matching heat of the bonfire. He kept his hand in Harry's and let him lead him toward the light.