"Hey, 'Mione, um, I kind of need your help."

Harry tugged on the sleeve of his friend who had buried herself in a book once again. The two were sitting side by side on the sofa in front of the fire in the Gryffindor common room.

"You kind of need it, or definitely need it?" Hermione glanced up at Harry through her hair, which had gone back to its usual frizziness after one night of sleeping on it.

"Uhm, definitely, like, uh, right now. Please," Harry said awkwardly.

Hermione closed her book and smiled at him. "What is it then?"

Harry pressed his lips together. Ron wasn't here at the minute; he had a detention with Snape for stirring his potion counter-clockwise one time too many. This was why Harry wanted to speak to Hermione now.

"Well, uh, you know the, um, girl, who, you know..." Harry trailed off. He really wasn't the best person when it came to talking about this stuff.

Hermione's face lit up as she realised what Harry was trying to say.

"Yes," she squealed. She had become very interested in Harry's 'mystery girl' ever since the end of the second task. Considering that the tournament was nearly over, and there was nothing much more Harry could do in terms of preparing himself for the third task, Hermione had taken an interest in more social things.

Like Harry's love life.

"Oh, Merlin," Hermione breathed, continuing. "You're going on a date aren't you?"

"Shh!" Harry scolded her, however couldn't keep his dorky grin off his face. "Not so loud!"

Hermione giggled. "Sorry," she said, glancing round the common room. Only a few third and sixth years were sitting, talking amongst themselves quietly.

"So.. you're asking for my help? To prepare for your date?" She bit her lip, trying to hide her smugness.

"Well... yeah," Harry replied, blushing. "What do I wear? Oh Merlin, what do I say?" Harry was panicking, knowing he looked a complete idiot. It was only Draco.

Exactly.

"Don't worry, Harry, I'll help you. It's really no big deal," Hermione said, smiling encouragingly.

Harry nodded, sighing. He wanted to tell Hermione now, he knew she would help him. "We, er, are kind of um, a thing," he said, biting his lip, unsure of Hermione's reaction.

She gasped. "Harry, why didn't you tell me?" Hermione laughed.

"Dunno.." Harry mumbled, looking down. Of course he knew. He didn't want to tell her his date was Draco Malfoy, obviously.

Hermione smiled fondly at him. "Sooo.. when is it?" She giggled, finding Harry's reactions to the subject internally hilarious.

"Next week," Harry replied. "It's the Hogsmeade weekend."

"Oh. Ron and I were going to ask if you wanted to come to The Three Broomsticks with us for Butterbeer," Hermione said, looking slightly disappointed.

"Oh.." Harry bit the inside of his cheek. Would he really have to choose? Between his best friends and... Draco?"

But, Hermione, being the friend she is, saved his panicky thoughts.

"Harry, don't worry. This is your date, your first one in fact." This just made Harry blush harder. "I want it to be fun. You can go with Ron and me any time, and anyway she asked you out didn't she? So I want you to go." She smiled at him.

"Thanks, 'Mione. I'll let you know when I need your help, I mean, just before, to, uh, get ready and stuff." Harry was already fifty shades darker than two minutes previous.

"Of course," Hermione said, grinning. She picked up her book again and opened it. Harry took this as his cue to leave.

Turning, he spiralled up to the Gryffindor tower. He thought about his date with Draco in the week ahead, and how the blonde would look.

Harry also thought about keeping up the pretence about the mystery girl to Ron and Hermione. They'd find out soon. How was he going to hide it from them?

But what Harry failed to notice was that Hermione had not asked him once who the mystery girl was.
__________________________

Saturday morning found Harry standing in front of the mirror, pulling furiously at his hair, tugging it, hoping it would lie flat. But no such luck.

Harry sighed. "Hermione!"

"Yes?" A voice sounded from the doorway and Harry looked at Hermione through the reflection of the mirror with an 'I'm-going-to-give-up-soon-please-help-me' expression.

Hermione sighed. "Harry, you still have an hour. We can get you ready by then." She offered him a smile, coming to stand next to him.

"Well first, we need to sort out your hair," she said, turning to grab the pot of gel out of Harry's hands.

"I've been trying, nothing's working!" Harry exclaimed.

Hermione didn't reply but grinned as she fixed the parts of Harry's hair that weren't co-operating.

Half an hour later, Harry was ready. Hermione had finally gotten his hair to lie flat, and picked out his clothes carefully.

"Wow, 'Mione, thank you," Harry said, staring at himself in the mirror.

"No problem, Harry," Hermione replied, clasping her hands together. "He-She's going to fall head over heels for you."

She gulped. She hadn't for meant that to slip.

Harry slowly turned his head to face her, his eyebrows knitted together. "What did you say?" he asked.

Hermione pulled her best fake smile. "Nothing, now go, you're going to be late," she said hurriedly, pushing him towards the door.

"Hermione, I still have thirty minutes, what—"

But Harry was cut off by the door slamming in his face.
__________________________

Draco sucked in a heavy breath, letting it out slowly. This would have to do. He had gelled his hair back, but not too much, and he was wearing tight, skinny jeans and a shirt.

He took one last look at himself before heading out to the common room, seeking out Pansy and Blaise.

His eyes travelled to the back of the room where the two were sitting at a table, talking quietly.

Fast-pacing towards the two, Draco sat in an empty chair between them.

He gulped. "How do I look?"

Pansy was staring at him, and Blasie had his eyes wide.

"Are you going somewhere?" he asked, looking at the blonde boy incredulously.

Draco bit his lip. He had forgotten to tell them. Great.

"Uh, yeah, date, um, with Harry," Draco said, his cheeks colouring.

Pansy tried not to laugh, so instead resulted in an intense spluttering and choking session.

Draco folded his arms and looked angry. "What?!" he asked the two who were trying to hide their grins.

"No, nothing." Pansy said, turning to Blaise. The two shared a look and Blaise snorted.

"Do I look bad or something?" Draco whined.

"No," Pansy said, recovering. "You look great, Draco, I promise."

Draco huffed and got up heading outside to the stone circle to meet Harry. He had no idea what his friends were laughing at, it was just a date. He decided he didn't care. Well, he did, but he'll talk to them later.

Once he was there, he leant against one of the rocks, waiting. He soon realised how nervous he was. His palms were sweating and he tried to calm his breathing.

A few minutes passed before he saw the Gryffindor walking towards him. Harry was playing with his lip and fiddling with his fingers. He seemed just as nervous as Draco.

"Hey," Harry greeted when he was close enough for Draco to hear him. He stopped in front of the taller boy and smiled shyly.

"Hi," Draco breathed, his eyes running over Harry's body, and swallowed. He honestly looked really hot. "You look great."

Harry blushed under Draco's gaze. "Thanks," he giggled.

The Slytherin grinned. "Let's go."

The two walked side by side, not speaking, and Draco wasn't sure if it was a comfortable silence or not. The two boys' hands kept knocking into one another, and Harry felt the sparks fly and linger.

Harry wasn't looking at Draco, and the blonde was almost certain he was trying to hide his red face. And the blonde found this incredibly cute.

They walked on for a few more minutes, coming to a stop just outside of Hogsmeade.

A/N: I don't know if you walk or get the train to Hogsmeade tbh so just go with it maybe someone can tell me and i might edit it in later :-/

Draco took a deep breath. He was way too nervous, and he knew he needed to calm down. It was only Harry.

Exactly.

"So, uh, where do you want to go?" he asked Harry, turning to the shorter boy.

Harry grinned. "I don't know. Surprise me."

Draco grinned back. He was about to start walking again when he grabbed Harry's hand before he could turn back on his decision. He felt the fire burn and travel up his arm. A shiver simultaneously ran down his spine, sending a wave of pleasure across the ridge of his wings.

He bit his lip, determined not to look at Harry as he lead the blushing boy past the shops and through the town.

"Draco," Harry hissed. "What if someone sees?"

"Relax Harry, no one's here," Draco replied leading him past shop after shop.

Harry stared at him like he was mad. There were dozens of students all milling around, talking, laughing with one another; one of them was bound to notice.

"Are you crazy?!" Harry exclaimed as Draco pulled to a stop outside Honeydukes. "We can't go in there!"

"Why not?" Draco smirked, his hand still clasped in Harry's. "This is our date and I'm taking you out because we are now together, okay?"

Harry scowled. Draco was enjoying this all too much.

"Aw," Draco cooed. "You're so cute when you're angry." He smirked, knowing he was irritating Harry.

"Shut up," Harry grit out, but trying not to smile.

"Then let's go," Draco said, pulling on his hand as they went through the door.

The shop was filled to the brim with students and the sweet scent of chocolate and candy hit the two as they entered.

Harry glanced around and pulled Draco to a sudden stop as his eyes fell on a boy and a girl standing together in the back, a few feet away.

Shit, Harry thought.

"Draco," Harry whispered. "We need to get out of here."

"What? Why?" Draco followed Harry's line of sight and let out a slow smirk as he realised what Harry was talking about.

"Too late," Draco whispered, grinning.

"Harry!" Ron shouted to his friend as he came over to the pair. "Mate, what are you doing here? 'Mione said you were staying up at the castle to—"

Ron stopped mid-sentence as his eyes fell on Draco, who was still holding Harry's hand tightly and smirking.

"What are you—" But again, the red-head stopped as his eyes grew wide, seeing Harry and Draco's hands entwined tightly together.

"It's not what it looks like," Harry said hastily, his face a deep shade of red, before Draco could butt in.

Ron opened his mouth to speak but Draco cut across him.

"Yes it is," he grinned, watching as Harry turned to him, giving him a death glare.

"No it isn't," Harry said through gritted teeth."

Draco just watched Harry in amusement as he tied to desperately make up some cover story about why he and Draco were in Honeydukes together, holding hands.

Draco coughed. "Look, Weasel, I'm afraid to tell you that me and Harry are together now," he said, pointing to their clasped hands, which Harry had try to force apart many times during the conversation.

Harry just covered his eyes with his free hand as he watched his best friend splutter in front of him.

But suddenly a grin lit up Ron's face and he looked between the two, laughing.

Draco blinked at him whilst Harry stared.

Ron was practically on the floor dying of laughter as he looked at Harry and Draco, who stared right back at him in utter bewilderment.

Draco finally spoke up. "Weasel, what the hell is wrong with you?"

Ron stood up fully and wiped his eyes, still chuckling. "Good one, Harry. You almost got me there," he laughed again. "Imagine! You and Malfoy, together! You can let go of him now, Malfoy, you've had your fun." Ron's face contorted into a scowl.

Draco was staring at Ron in complete astonishment and Harry was nervously giggling, finally realising what was happening.

Draco gulped and let go of Harry's hand quickly, his mind half unsure of what was happening, and made his way to the door. An empty feeling passed over both boys like a rush of cold air.

Harry watched as Draco raised his eyebrows at him through the window as he stood there waiting for him.

Hysterical laughing brought Harry to turn around to face Ron once again, who was back to laughing at the prospect of Harry and Malfoy together.

"Mate, that was too good! But you should seriously wash your hands, you've probably got Malfoy germs all over them," Ron shuddered as he called to Hermione who was up by the counter, not having witnessed a single thing that just happened.

"See you up at the castle, Harry," Ron said, still chuckling as he passed with Hermione who said a quick hello, a knowing smile on her face.

Harry watched his friends leave, still in shock at what had just happened. He turned to the window to find Draco had gone. Harry swallowed. He hadn't left him, had he?

Harry waited a few minutes so that his friends would be far ahead, before leaving the shop and looking around.

The place was deserted except for a few girls standing in a group by the window of another shop. There was no sign of Draco.

All of a sudden Harry's vision left him and all he could see was black as he felt a scarf wrap around the back of his head, blindfolding him.

He squeaked, not knowing what was happening. He heard a voice in his ear and instantly calmed.

"That was close." Draco sounded annoyed, but Harry knew he was trying not to smile.

"What was that all about?!" Harry exclaimed, turning blindly to face what he hoped was Draco. "Why did you tell him?"

"I knew he wouldn't believe me, Harry, it's him, for Merlin's sake." he laughed, causing Harry's heart to jump about wildly. "Plus, it was funny to see your reaction."

Harry huffed, crossing his arms. "Why am I blindfolded exactly?"

"Ah," Draco said, smugness laced in his voice. "I'm taking you somewhere."

"And I have to be blindfolded because...?" Harry asked.

"Because, it's a surprise," Draco explained, and even thought Harry couldn't see it, he knew Draco was smiling.

Harry sighed in defeat. "Fine, but I need you to lead me." He put his hands out to Draco, hoping to catch him, but ended up grabbing thin air.

"Oi, I need some help here," Harry said, still reaching blindly in front of him. "Draco?" Silence.

But before Harry could comprehend what was happening, he felt two strong arms lift him from behind, holding him tightly.

Harry squealed, struggling to escape Draco's death grip. The Slytherin laughed, pressing Harry to his chest as he started to walk.

"Draco!" Harry's exclaimed, but it came out muffled as he was pressed to the other boy's shirt.

"It's going to take forever if you walk, you prat, you can't see," Draco grinned as he looked at the wriggling boy in his arms, who eventually gave up and slumped, huffing.

"You smell nice," Harry mumbled into Draco's chest, breathing in his scent deeply.

"Hm, do I?" Draco asked, amused.

"Where are we even going?" Harry sighed, defeated.

"A special place. You'll see," Draco stopped and leaned down to kiss Harry who gasped in surprise. He pulled back, but Harry followed, wanting more.

Draco grinned. "Nuh uh. No more. Stop grumbling or you won't get any for whole month."

Harry spluttered and opened his mouth in protest. "That's not fair!"

"Shut it, Potter," Draco said, but he was grinning from ear to ear.
__________________________

"Okay, Harry, you can take your blindfold off now."

Draco had been carrying Harry for what seemed like an eternity; not that either minded of course.

Harry jumped down from Draco's arms and Draco wrapped his own arms round Harry to reach the knot at the back of his head.

The scarf fell and Harry blinked and rubbed his eyes. Looking around he saw that Draco had taken him inside the forbidden forest. Harry assumed they were quite deep as it was dark as he couldn't see much.

"Here? This is what you wanted to show me?" Harry asked skeptically as he raised an eyebrow at Draco.

Draco laughed. "No, I don't think I would be much of a boyfriend if I took you here on our date, would I?"

Harry's heart fluttered at the word 'boyfriend' and he blushed whilst grinning.

"Come on, it's just over here," Draco said, grabbing his hand and pulling him over to two trees which stood side by side facing them. The branches had lowered and the leaves formed an archway onto the other side. There was nothing else there.

Draco pulled Harry to the tree standing on the left side and drew his wand. Harry raised his eyebrows at Draco. The boy was crazy.

Without speaking, Draco took his wand and placed it on the trunk of the tree, and, with Harry's hand still tightly clasped in his, he circled the tree, ducking under the branches when he reached them.

He then did the same with the right-hand tree, and stood back to where they were originally, so he and Harry had made a figure of eight motion.

By this point Harry was beyond confused and decided to just let Draco do his thing and not ask questions.

But then to Harry's amazement, about a dozen vines fell from the branches above, forming a curtain, blocking the way to the other side of the trees.

Draco led Harry to the vines, and Harry tied to see through, but they were laid so thick that he couldn't make out the other side.

"Close your eyes," Draco whispered into his ear.

Harry did so, and felt himself being led through the curtain of vines, and through to the other side.

"Open."

Harry opened his eyes, expecting to see the dark trees of the forest that had been there a minute ago.

However his breath caught in his throat as he took in the scene before him. He and Draco were standing in an archway made of stone, steps leading down to a bank where a river flowed beautifully. A bridge crossed to the other side where a set of stones sat, trees hanging low and enveloping the spot.

To the right of them, a tower-like sculpture sat high on a rock, water pouring down it, spilling softly into the river. To the left, more trees formed a tall wall, isolating the two, and at the end of the river sat a bank of rocks. Behind that still more trees draped over and closed the circle.

Harry stood and took in the scene in awe. He had never seen any place so pretty in his life. He turned and looked behind him. The arch stood and the vines draped down to create the curtain.

Meanwhile, Draco was having trouble breathing. He hadn't looked around him like Harry had, but he had been looking at the boy instead. The look of awe that was plastered on the boy's face was adorable and Draco wanted to melt at the sight of his mate. He felt his wings flutter a little, closed up inside his shirt material.

Harry turned to him, his mouth hanging open. "It's beautiful," he whispered, looking down at the river below them.

"You're beautiful," Draco breathed, and Harry turned back to him, watching as the Slytherin's eyes slid from the metallic grey to a gorgeous deep blue.

Harry bit his lip and opened his mouth to speak but Draco cut him off by pressing his lips sweetly to Harry's own. He wrapped his arms around Harry's back and held him close, kissing the boy lightly whilst Harry responded.

The two broke away grinning and blushing. They had a lot to get used to.

Harry opened his mouth to speak. "How- what- how can you..?" he trailed off, and Draco understood what he meant.

"Magic," he shrugged. "I found this place a while back. It's kind of become where I go if I ever feel..." He bit his lip, but Harry seemed to understand what he was saying.

"What happens if you don't do the tree-wand-twisty thing right?" Harry asked, changing the subject and Draco had to swallow to keep himself from kissing Harry hard for being so damn adorable.

"It doesn't work. You just end up on the other side of those trees. In the forest," Draco explained.

Harry nodded and looked back around him. It was truly amazing.

"Come on, let's go and sit," Draco said, and the two walked down the steps and crossed the bank, coming to the bridge.

Harry stopped in the middle of it, staring up at the blue water as it ran off the tower. It was mesmerising.

Harry looked at it for a few minutes, before he felt two strong arms wrap around him from behind and a voice growled in his ear.

"I said, let's go and sit," Draco said, his voice low and husky. Harry had to bite his tongue to stop himself making a noise in the back of his throat.

"Is someone getting a little frustrated?" Harry teased as he tuned to grin at Draco, who had the expression of thunder.

"No, Potter, I just don't want you making heart eyes at the water. You're mine and I intend for it to stay that way," Draco said, edging closer to Harry who backed up until he was stuck against the side of the bridge.

Harry pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh. Draco raised his eyebrows and made a growling noise before lifting Harry off of his feet and throwing him over his shoulder.

Harry squeaked in surprise. "Draco! Put me down!"

"Nope," Draco laughed and Harry thumped on his back, but it didn't seem to do anything. Instead his back felt... different. Like he was wearing another two shirts under the one he already had. What was that?

But Draco had already put him down, oblivious to Harry's confused thoughts. It was probably nothing, I imagined it, Harry told himself.

Draco sat down on one of the rocks and pulled Harry down with him. The two sat together as the trees enclosed around the two, forming a concealed spot, just for them.

"Who else knows about this place?" Harry asked.

"No one, as far as I know," Draco replied, running his hands through Harry's silky hair. "It's ours now."

Harry smiled up at him and suddenly yawned.

"I'm tired, Draco, can we sleep?" Harry asked, laying his head on Draco's chest, as the latter wrapped his arms around the smaller boy protectively.

"Of course, Harry, go to sleep, I'll be here when you wake up."

"Thank you, Draco, for everything. Today was amazing," Harry whispered sleepily as he rubbed his eyes and yawned again.

Draco wanted to die of adorableness. Harry was so cute when he was tired. Why did Harry have to be so fucking cute?! It was driving Draco insane, and his wings rippled under his shirt.

Ow. That hurt. His wings were strangely more tender than usual. Draco frowned and watched as Harry dropped off.

They'll be fine tomorrow, Draco thought. Maybe it's time to shed them soon? But Draco knew his time of the month, and it wasn't now.

Draco stopped his thoughts. All that mattered was that he was here with Harry.

He held his mate close to him, he didn't want to let him go. Harry was his. And that was how it would be. Forever.