Harry's POV.

It's the noon hour and we've got a free period before lunch. As I'm walking with Ron and Hermione, Draco strolls over.

"Hey, Draco," I greet casually.

He nods with a smile and begins walking alongside me.

"Harry?" Hermione asks from my other side, sounding confused, "When did you and Malfoy become all buddy, buddy?"

"Only recently, Granger. Don't worry. Harry's hardly left you out of anything important," Malfoy answers for me.

"You're friends now?! With that slimy git?" Ron asks, sounding outraged.

"It's nothing of your concern, Weaselbee," Draco drawls, though, not rudely.

"Also, he's not a slimy git, Ron!" I put in, forgetting that I used to feel the same way not so long ago.

"It's fine, Harry," he appeases me, "I feel the same way about him, after all."

I roll my eyes and nudge Draco in the side with my elbow. He only chuckles before saying,

"Later, Harry." And nodding at my friends.

I watch him walk off, then turn to Hermione who is seemingly scrutinizing me.

"What?" I question, laughing.

She just looks at my face once more, then looks to where Draco walked off, her eyes widening when she turns back to me.

"Hermione?" I ask, slightly concerned.

"I almost can't believe it, then again it makes perfect sense," she says, shaking her head.

"What does," Ron asks, oblivious as always.

Hermione turns to look at me.

"You like Malfoy!" She exclaims.

"Well I mean yeah he's actually not that bad once you get to know him," I reply, thinking that it's weird that she hasn't figured out we're friends yet seeing as we just said so.

"You are so frustrating to talk to! I mean that you fancy him!" Hermione yells, drawing some curious glances from onlookers.

My breath catches in my throat, but I know that if I don't reply I'll look even more guilty.

"I do not fancy him," I say in a harsh whisper since people are still staring.

"Oh Merlin, you do," Ron gasps.

"You two are bloody insane!" I tell them, still whispering.

"Hey guys," Ginny cajoles out of nowhere, startling the three of us.

"Whoa, you all are seriously on edge," she teases.

Oh my. Bloody hell. Now is really not the time for Ginny to join the conversation.

"I can't believe this," Ron mumbles, loud enough for all of us to hear, "I cannot believe you did this to my sister!"

"What are you on about now Ron? I thought you knew we broke up," Ginny objects at his weirdness.

"Not That!" Ron wails, "he- he's into blokes, Ginny! And not just any, one in particular, MALFOY!"

Ginny only looks at me and asks, sympathetically,
"You told them?"

I shake my head, knowing what's coming.

"HE TOLD YOU?" Ron shrieks.

"Ronald!" Hermione lectures, clearly angry at his outburst and trying to calm him.

"You have no reason to be so angry. Ginny knows and she obviously isn't that effected," Hermione reminds him.

Ron looks conflicted for a second.

"Sorry, it's just, it's just that.. I thought we were best mates, Harry? Why didn't you tell me the second you knew?" Ron croaks.

Hermione and Ginny both make a little 'oh' sound.

"Ron.. I don't like keeping things from you, obviously. But I was worried you'd react badly. The second you started yelling I figured I was right," I confide.

"Harry!" Hermione scolds, "We would never hate you for anything. Even dating Malfoy."

I crack at smile at her, but decide it's best to tell them how it is now.

"We aren't together. I mean, yes, I.. um fancy him, but that's it. We aren't dating or anything."

"Oh, sorry mate," Ron says, his expression somber, yet relieved.

"Now that that's cleared, are you coming to our house for winter break?" Ginny inquires.

"Sorry, Gin. Maybe another time," I answer.

We keep chatting as we head to the Gryffindor common rooms, my worries eased, at least for the moment.