A/N: hey guys! So.... THIS STORY HAS 1K READS?!??! I never even thought my fanfic trash would get to 50. This is unbelievable, thanks so much! Everyone who votes and comments and tells me their thoughts makes my day, even those little corrections with the frequent mistakes I make are nice. Thanks so much!

So in this chapter we finally experience Drarry! FINALLY IKR!!! Enjoy people!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything from the Harry Potter universe. (Sadly :( )

Students had returned to Hogwarts, all of them bright and chipper after the break. Harry Potter however, was far from 'bright and chipper'.

The vampire was lying haphazardly upside-down on a couch, his glasses practically falling off his face as he debated over pointless things.

Pointless things. Well, most things then. The Yule Ball being one of them.

After Draco's initial discomfort at the mention of the dance, Harry found himself not wanting to attend either. Yet he'd have to, as a champion he'd be required to lead the dance. He'd easily talked a wispy, blond haired Ravenclaw girl he hardly knew into going with him, the vampiric charm did have some pros.

Yet he still found himself frowning in distaste at the thought of the girl.

Hermione and Ron had been trying to catch his attention ever since they'd returned, only to be blatantly ignored or snapped at. They had many questions, questions that Harry didn't like and didn't want to answer.

Why don't you eat at meals anymore?

Where's your new dorm? Can I visit?

What did we do?

Why do you hate us?

Why're you so pale? You look ill.

What's wrong with you?

The list went on. That particular one, about visiting his dorm, had made the vampire take precautions. Just in case, he'd now locked his door with a powerful enchantment only he could open with a silver key that he kept permanently around his neck. He didn't want anyone stumbling upon the coffin in his bedroom by accident, even if the chance was unlikely.

Harry couldn't help but smirk, thinking of the bizarre reactions he'd get.

******

Credence sighed, sitting on the edge of the teacher's desk as Newt sat down at it, the man looking rather worn out after teaching theory classes all day.

"You look exhausted," Credence remarked, studying his 'husband's' face.

"I am," Newt replied, putting his head in his arms on the desk, closing his eyes. Credence smiled, threading his fingers through Newt's brown hair as the man gave a contented sigh.

Over the past week, the two had grown rather close. Well, it was hard not to. Newt woke up to a face full of vanilla-scented midnight hair every morning, and a warm body curled up close to his own. Not that he was complaining.

Credence was a curious character indeed, Newt has learned. He could be as sweet as honey, shy, kind and adorable. But in half a second he could go from being an angel to a demon from hell, grumpy, angry, violent and cold. Yet there were those rare moments where Credence smiled, those moments that made Newt's heart stop. His eyes lit up with curiosity whenever magic was used, trying to figure out the unexplainable.

The boy practically fed off affection. It was all he had ever wanted from anyone in his life, and Newt was more than willing to give him an endless supply of hugs and comfort. Newt had wondered over the past week if it was even possible for someone to become so besotted so quickly, but he'd long given up on figuring out his own feelings.

But that didn't mean it hadn't been awkward to begin with. It was a lot for Credence to take in, coming of age and getting engaged to a man he hardly knew in the span of 48 hours.

"So," Newt finally broke the comfortable silence. "That ball is coming up."

Credence nodded. He'd heard about it a lot, from other teachers and students who chatted about it excitedly during classes.

"Do you want to go with me?" Newt's voice was nervous. Credence turned to look at him, noticing the pink dusting the man's cheeks.

"As part of the act?"

"N-No... Just as... Us, I suppose."

Credence blinked. He cared for the man dearly, that was for sure. Credence trusted him more than anyone he'd ever met, but he wasn't sure he thought about him that way. Yet.

"Let me think about it," Credence replied, offering a smile. Newt grinned back, somewhat shakily, but hope sparking in his eyes nonetheless. Credence rolled his eyes amusedly at Newt and hopped off the desk. "Come on then. We've got more classes to teach today."

******

Draco kept his head down as he walked through a corridor filled with students, bumping into someone else every now and again but not bothering to even murmur an apology. A school book that was too large to fit in his bag was clutched to his chest, the white haired boy biting his lip as he thought.

His feelings for Harry had only grown stronger over the break. Christmas had been wonderful, mainly because the vampire was there and he had his full, undivided attention the majority of the time.

He'd been debating on making a move all week, but he simply didn't know how to. It didn't help that there was a full moon coming up the day after the Yule Ball, so he had to think about that as well.

The Yule Ball was only in a week, and that thought alone made Draco want to curl up on the floor and never move again. He'd have to go, he knew he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he didn't while Harry wanted him there. Yet that would mean he'd have to watch Harry dance with a girl who was probably head over heels in love with the vampire.

Thinking about it made him want to retch.

He closed his eyes for a few seconds, drawing in a deep breath before he opened them again.

I have to do something. Just something, anything. Right, after the Yule Ball I'll just pull him aside and... Ugh, I don't know. I'll do something.

His next class started in ten minutes, so huffing angrily at his own mind he continued on his way.

Surprisingly, he found himself on time to class. Care of magical creatures was one he never usually cared about, as he usually arrived late or not at all.

A group of students, his classmates, stood around a small paddock set up near Hagrid's hut. Draco frowned, expecting to see the miniature giant beginning to teach, but instead seeing two figures he recognised.

"Now, I'll be teaching you for this class, as Professor Hagrid is too busy with other classes to do so," Newt Scamander's rhythmic and cheerful voice rung out. "My name is Professor Redmayne, and this is my assistant, Ezra."

A shy looking, dark haired boy lifted his head from kneeling down beside a creature, giving the class a nod.

Draco frowned. Didn't they have different names? Deciding not to think about it right now, he shifted through the small crowd to get a better look at what they'd be learning about today.

"So today, as it's the first class I have with you, I thought we might start with something... Easy."

Everyone jumped backwards, some of the girls shrieking in fear as a jet of flames shot up.

"Dragons!" Newt announced triumphantly.

Credence stood up, preoccupied greatly with the two small reptilian forms climbing all over his body. One of the dragons looked akin to the Hungarian Horntail Harry had fought, the only difference being that this dragon had four wings on its back. It was progressively climbing up Credence's shoulder. A smaller one was sitting on his head, pure black in colour, the texture of hair covering its scales. It moved down to its left shoulder, quickly blending in with the dark blue colour of Credence's shirt, in a chameleon effect.

"But Sir, we aren't meant to ever study dragons," Hermione's concerned voice cut through the air.

"Well pointed out, miss...?"

"Granger, sir."

"Yes. Well, dragons are a rather important part of today's creatures, and I happened to have some with me," Newt grinned. Credence rolled his eyes, barely catching the chameleon dragon before it rolled lazily off his shoulder.

"Now, gather close. This first dragon here," Newt began, clicking his fingers. The chameleon dragon blinked, and flew towards him, landing on his outstretched arm and attempting to blend in with his skin, failing miserably as the shape of the dragon was still apparent, sitting on his arm.

"Is a very special one. Chameleon dragons, so named because of their lizard lookalike. This fella is relatively harmless, as he'll rarely grow larger than a big dog. To protect itself from predators, he'll camouflage with everything he sits on-" Newt was cut off as the dragon swung to be upside down on his arm and got ready to fall off and into the grass below. "Which is why it is important," Newt caught the dragon, narrowing his eyes as he tapped its nose. "That we don't lose him."

The dragon snapped at Newt's finger, people looking on with amused smiles.

******

The rest of the lesson went relatively well, if not for the fact that Credence felt like he was about to keel over and die on the floor.

"Are you okay?" Newt asked once the class had been dismissed, surveying Credence's pale face. "You don't look so good."

"I don't feel great," Credence admitted.

"Well then you may as well head back to the office. I've only got one class left today, so I'll meet you back there in an hour," Newt said, smiling. Credence nodded, turning and beginning to make his way back up to the castle.

He managed a weak smile at the teachers he passed, but collapsed to the floor as soon as he entered his and Newt's chambers. Credence whimpered weakly, now aware of the horrible, nauseating need to vomit.

After having made a mad dash up the stairs to the bathroom he walked into the bedroom and lay down, breathing heavily with the disgusting acidic taste still filling his mouth. He groaned in pain as heat flooded him, forcing him to take off his shirt and shift uncomfortably. It felt like lava was running through his veins.

Now crying weakly, Credence buried his face in Newt's pillow and held it close, waiting for the man to get back.

Credence didn't dare open his eyes, knowing that everything around him would be black and white. Yet it was so quiet, so terrifyingly quiet that he had to hear something, or see something, anything, just to prove to himself that he was okay. Cracking open an eye, he saw what he'd expected. Black and white.

Trembling awfully, he tried to focus on slowing down his breathing. Remember what Newt said. Close your eyes, count to five, and open them again.

Yet he didn't have to calm himself down for long, as the door creaked open, Newt poking his head in. "Hey, how're you feeling?" Newt asked, concern in his features as he sat beside Credence.

"H-Horrible," the boy admitted, still shaking like a leaf as his head pounded relentlessly. His vision was flickering in a seizure like way, bright with colour and then black and white. Agony ripped through every muscle he owned, all his bones aching terribly.

Newt looked at him pitifully. "Do you want a hug?"

Credence nodded wordlessly, burying his face in Newt's shoulder, calming almost instantly from the affection. He felt content to stay there forever.

******

Now was one of the many times Harry wished he had a mirror, sitting on the end of his coffin and playing with his bow tie.

The Yule Ball was beginning in an hour, and Harry had long finished putting on the midnight black dress robes he was wearing, but he hadn't left his room yet.

"Harry," Draco's voice sounded from the other side of the door. "Can I come in?'

"Sure," Harry replied tiredly, watching as Draco opened the door and stepped in, unable to stop his mouth from going agape.

The werewolf looked stunning. He was wearing a white tuxedo like set of dress robes that matched his hair and pale skin. A small smile played across his lips, nervousness dancing in his storm coloured eyes. Never had he looked so handsome.

Draco, however, was reeling from Harry's appearance.

His hair was tamed somewhat, the midnight black locks had clearly been as neatly styled as Harry could manage without a mirror. His glasses were slightly crooked on his face.

"I don't like it," Harry murmured, gesturing to himself.

"Why not?" Draco asked, frowning. Harry looked stunning.

"I don't know. I feel like it's... Missing something, but I have no idea what."

Draco clicked his fingers, an idea popping into his head as he ran back to his room. After sorting through his wardrobe, he pulled out a cloak.

It was black, with a green and silver trim. Primarily it was a Slytherin cloak.

He walked back to Harry's room, and held it out to the vampire. "Put this on."

Harry raised an eyebrow, but took the cloak, admiring it slightly. It was clearly an expensive item of clothing, and embroidered into the area at the back of the neck was Draco's name.

He pulled it around his shoulders, Draco's comforting scent immediately overwhelming him. The werewolf had walked back downstairs, and had two of the red roses that they usually kept in the dorm in his hands. Waving his wand, they both turned a dark black.

Harry took one of the roses being offered to him, and tilted his head, studying the now midnight coloured flower.

He'd heard about this tradition before, but had never seen it in action, probably because he'd never been to a dance before. It was an old way of identifying people, mostly your significant other at Masquerade Balls and at Balls in general. It was mostly used these days to signify friendship, companionship or marriage. For two people to wear the same flower, it was known that they were connected in some way.

******

The main dance had begun, the four champions dancing to a classical ballroom track.

Hermione was with Viktor, Cho with Cedric, and Fleur was dancing with some princess-y looking Hufflepuff Harry didn't recognise. Harry however, was dancing with Luna Lovegood.

She was probably one of the people who hadn't stared at him with her mouth agape like he'd suddenly grown three heads.

People had their eyes trained on the Slytherin-esque cloak he wore, and the black rose he had. Ron had his eyes filled with spite and betrayal, and Hermione shot a glance at him out of the corner of her eye every chance she got.

Luna had inspected it a few times while they were dancing, and shed searched the crowd, trying to find the person wearing the other rose. She'd found no sight of such a person.

******

"Care to dance?" Newt's question was hopeful. Credence shifted, unsure.

He was already uncomfortable in his current attire, which was much more posh and proper than he was used to.

He'd spent an hour this afternoon scrutinising his reflection in the mirror after agreeing to go to the ball with Newt. Somehow, his appearance just seemed much more important than usual for this event.

He was wearing a black suit jacket and waistcoat, with black pants and a midnight coloured cloak. He'd tried numerous new hairstyles, before finally finding one he liked. Credence remembered the look on Newt's face when he caught sight of him, and the dark haired boy had happily taken the snow-white lily flower offered to him.

Newt was wearing the same attire, but mostly in deep shades of royal blue.

Catching sight of the pleading look in Newt's eyes, Credence sighed in defeat and nodded, allowing Newt to triumphantly take his hand and lead him onto the dance floor.

******

Draco sat outside, his expression melancholy as rain fell gently onto the stone floor. The bubbling noise from the fountain he was sitting on was calming, but didn't cure the churning in his stomach completely.

The sky was dark, a nearly full moon peering out at him from behind a few murky grey clouds. Draco narrowed his eyes at the silvery orb in the sky, a pained expression crossing his face.

"Why me?" He asked, his voice quiet and trembling. "What did I do? Wasn't my life already bad enough? Did I deserve this? I want to know why, I'm so confused..."

Yet with all the tearful and heartbroken questions he asked, he received no reply. Not that he'd expected one anyways.

******

"Why's he wearing Slytherin colours?" Ron's question was filled with betrayal and bitterness.

"I don't know," Hermione shrugged. "I'll go talk to him."

After the wavy haired girl managed to shake off Viktor for a few minutes, she made her way over to the vampire who was standing against a wall and simply observing everyone.

"Hey," she greeted him in the most cheerful tone she could muster. Harry shot a glance in her direction before giving her a small smile in return.

"Hello."

"How're you doing? Enjoying the ball?"

"Sure," Harry replied, nonchalant. "It's sort of fun, I suppose."

To be honest, Harry just felt hungry. Very, very, hungry.

People had begun to dance to the now thrashing pop and rock music that a band was playing, and it sent Harry's senses completely into overload.

Hundreds of people, all dancing, blood pumping quickly from their hearts through their veins. The thunder of heartbeats was close to unbearable, and everything inside of him screamed to make them stop beating. To kill them all.

"Who's the lucky girl then?" Hermione's question snapped him out of his trance.

"Huh?"

Hermione eyed up the black flower he wore.

"Oh, no one," Harry replied shiftily. He looked around, anxious. Where was Draco? He hadn't seen the werewolf all evening. If it came down to it, he'd just track his heartbeat. He had to be around here somewhere.

******

Time had passed quickly, as it was now nearing midnight and students were beginning to leave. A small group remained, all slow dancing.

Credence had his arms around Newt's neck, leaning his head against his chest with his eyes closed, now tired. So much social interaction and dancing had worn him out.

Newt took a hand off Credence's waist to lift the dark haired man's chin up, leaning their foreheads together as Credence opened his brown eyes sleepily.

Newt searched his eyes, staring into them deeply. He found no sign of hesitation, of fear, of unsureness there, which was what he usually saw. There was just sleepiness, and trust.

Credence stared back, his eyes widening slightly. All he managed to read from Newt's shimmering, blue eyes was the pure look of 'I love you.' Credence swallowed, knowing that he looked to sincere for this to be some part of a stupid act that he'd conjured up.

He was aware of the feeling of Newt's hand still on his chin, and the man's breath ghosting across his lips. His blue eyes flickered down to his lips before back to his eyes, his gaze unwavering.

"Can I kiss you?"

Newt's question sent shivers up Credence's spine as he blinked, assessing the question as fast as he could. He knew that Newt would never willingly or intentionally hurt him, but was he ready for this?

He'd known the man for not much longer than two weeks, yet it felt like he'd known him his whole life. He was so understanding, so caring, everything that Credence had never had and had always wanted.

This couldn't be part of the act anymore. No one would go this far in an act to fake a relationship. But then again, most of the things they did weren't fake anyways.

Credence enjoyed holding his hand, comforted by the sense of security it gave him. He liked waking up to Newt's sleepy, crooked grin every morning. It gave him a reason to wake up, for keep fighting for the life he'd managed to retain for this long.

He couldn't answer verbally. The words got caught in his throat, so all he could do was draw in a deep breath and give a shaky nod.

He let his eyes flutter closed, feeling a pair of lips upon his own.

For now, nothing else in the world mattered. Not the impending death he was facing. Not this creature of darkness bound within him. Not what anyone else thought of him.

It was just him, and Newt, stuck in a world of their own. And that was the way they liked it.

******

"Have you been out here this whole time?" Harry's sharp voice cut through the air, making Draco jump. He nodded shakily.

"Yes," he replied, running a hand through his wet hair. The rain hadn't come down hard all evening, simply a drizzle, but after sitting outside for an hour he found himself nearly completely drenched.

"You look cold," Harry murmured, sitting beside Draco on the edge of the fountain. "What're you doing out here, anyways?"

"Thinking," Draco replied, his voice quiet.

"That's dangerous," Harry replied, grinning. Draco rolled his eyes. Harry caught sight of the nearly full moon, and frowned at it. "That's tomorrow, isn't it?"

Draco nodded.

"Okay, what's wrong?" Harry asked, finally concerned. Draco sighed and stood up, folding his arms over his chest to stop himself from shivering.

"I-I don't know," Draco replied, lying to himself now. He knew what was wrong. He knew what he had to do, whether it fix the problem... Or ruin everything completely.

"You're lying to me," Harry's voice was quiet, slight hints of betrayal in it. "I know you're lying to me."

"I-I'm not."

"Yes, you are. Can't you tell me?" Harry stood up, looking hurt. "I thought we were best friends, and you can't trust me?"

A sharp pain shot through Draco's heart. Yes, best friends we may be, but most people don't want to kiss their best friend.

"I do trust you."

"Then tell me."

"I can't-" Draco paused to draw in a deep breath. "But I can show you."

"What do you mean?" Harry's question was curious as Draco turned around, studying the pained look in the werewolf's eyes.

"J-Just close your eyes."

Draco gulped. This was it. There was no turning back now. He just had to hope for the best.

Harry frowned, but did as he was told, closing his eyes. He saw only darkness, waiting for what, he didn't know.

"Forgive me."

Draco's words were a mere shaky, trembled whisper, his breath ghosting across Harry's mouth. The vampire was about to ask why, before a pair of warm lips captured his own and cut him off.

A/N: how should Harry react? Tell me with a comment, because I want to know how the next chapter should play out! Thanks guys!