Draco's Hero - Final Chapter

Final Chapter - The Countdown

Draco felt uneasy being around all these people. There was a massive party, Christmas had just ended and they were all gathered here to watch the New Years fireworks from the best place to do so. He had been forced into it by Harry, who seemed to want Draco to go absolutely everywhere with him as if he were afraid to lose eachother again. Draco didn't mind at all, he had actually began to enjoy being around Harry. They had finally been able to set aside their differences all within the month of December. Not only had their personal relationship changed (whatever it was, neither of them knew exactly), but his relationship changed with Harrys friends as well. The muggle-born, for instance, had become Draco's somewhat of a best friend. Harry had found it amusing, how after one bitter argument they had over Harry at the beginning of this month turned into a fascinating divulgence on how they both fancied books to no end. It switched over, and Draco found himself really pleased to have the company of Granger. They even joked together, the only thing they didn't do was gossip over Harry. She had seemed to bring it up a lot, asking him frequently about the details of their personal matters, but he often just switched the topic after becoming flustered.

On the other hand, Weasel was still a problem for Draco. As much as Harry wanted him to try to befriend Ron, it had become a nearly impossible task. Every time Draco struck up a conversation, Ron would simply sneer and turn the other way. Draco had to bite his tongue and stop himself from reaching for his own wand. Rons sisters reaction to Harry and Draco was a very big shock for all of them, except Hermione who sort of reacted the same way, just not as melodramatic. Draco had backed off as the redhead flung herself into Harrys arm after they broke the news, and squealed like a child exclaiming how 'adorable and amazing it was' for some disgusting reason. He never thought of him and Potter as adorable. They weren't even a couple! As far as they'd like to admit anyway.

It wasn't just Draco becoming accepted among Harrys friends, Draco had forced Harry to come along and visit with his old friends as well. Blaise and Pansy had been a bit shy about it at first, but after a few days they accepted him and treated Harry as if they had been friends a lifetime. It was quite a relief, after Goyle practically refused to believe such a thing could happen. But none of that mattered anyway, Draco was happy with the way things were now.

It was snowing a little bit, and he shivered at the cold winter air nipping at his skin. Though the temperature didn't bother him to much, he kept himself warm holding Harry close. Their intertwined fingers alone kept him from freezing.

"I don't see why people celebrate New Years. It seems like such a complete waste of time. If it were up to me, we'd all be getting ready to dread the next year." Draco slipped passed the crowd towards the edge. They were on a ceiling of a building in London, they were awfully high up and Draco wanted to be able to look downwards at the sparkling streets below.

"Relax Draco," Harry said, Dracos heart speeding up a bit once seeing a smile on Harrys face. "It will be fun, I promise."

Draco sighed, peering over the edge. He felt Harrys hand squeeze a little bit, noticing the black haired boy frown at the sight of how high up they were.

"Please tell me the youngest seeker of Hogwarts isn't scared of heights?" Draco played, glancing over.

"No! I just... Maybe a little bit." Harry grinned, letting go of Dracos hand, then sitting down on the edge facing the crowd. Draco sat next to him, placing his freed hand on Harrys knee and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"You'll survive." Draco sighed annoyingly as he saw Hermione and Ron frolicking their way towards them. "Perfect timing." He mumbled, attempting to move his hand but Harry noticed and quickly placed his ontop of Dracos. He snapped his head towards Harry, and smiled.

"Draco, Harry! Come back and dance with us! The fireworks should be starting soon, it's almost midnight!" Hermione was smiling and laughing all at the same time. She wasn't drunk like most of the people here were, but she was happier than ever twisting her arm around Rons. Ron just stared at where Draco and Harrys hands were.

"Something bothering you, Weasel?" Draco snapped, noticing Rons uncomfortable stare. Hermione took notice as well, and used her elbow to nudge her man in the side.

"Er, no. Just- oh look it's Seamus!" Ron seized the opportunity to run towards his friend and flee the awkward situation. The three of them exchanged glances, finding amusement in it all.

"Thanks Hermione, we'll join you after the countdown alright? It should be starting right away actually." Harry smiled at Hermione who simply took the hint and went over to join Ron in the rooftop crowd. Draco beamed at Harry, impressed.

"I take it you want to spend the countdown with me, then? Here?" Dracos flirtatious smirk was hinting something else.

"Yes Draco, here."

"You sure you don't want to go somewhere else? It's weird being around all these people." He wasn't lying, Draco had almost refused coming up here in the first place but in the end gave into Harrys adorable pleading.

"Trust me, you'll love this." Harry glowed, shuffling his feet a little bit. "I used to watch the fireworks from my bedroom on New Years growing up. I was never allowed outside to really watch them. This is one of my favorite moments of the year."

"I'm sorry." Draco managed to say, he felt a sting of pity hit him.

"No, it's alright. I guess it just makes these times more special. Kind of like.. Ah, nevermind."

Draco flinched, biting his lower lip playfully. "Kind of like.....?"

"Forget it!" Harry snapped, grinning.

"Come on, tell me! What were you about to say?" Draco saw a gleam in Harrys eyes.

"I'll tell you later tonight, alright?" Harry smirked seductively, squeezing Dracos hand just a little harder.

"You better Potter, or else."

"Is that a threat?" Harry whispered, leaning in closer to Draco. Draco took the opportunity to move his face closer to Harrys.

"Everything I say is a threat to you, mister." He teased Harry, brushing their noses together before he pulled back to look over the edge again.

"Look, it's starting!" Draco couldn't help but find Harrys face striking in the way he was watching the crowd. He looked like a little boy on Christmas day staring at his first red bicycle.

Apparently, everyone heard the shouting from down below. The streets of downtown London were stuffed with what looked like every single bloody citizen. He had never seen so many people, let alone so many colorful lights. He had never experienced a true New Years. Most times during the holidays when he'd actually returned home from Hogwarts, his family would have quick conversations about something dreadfully boring or devious, and they'd exchange a gift or two over a large dinner. But it was always quiet, and somehow awfully depressing. The painful reminders of past New Years spread like wild fire through his body, suddenly missing his parents. He had forgotten how long it had been since he'd seen them, but his sadness turned away once he felt the warm hand of Harry squeeze his own harder. Harry had a look of worry, he had obviously noticed Dracos stare run cold.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked, as he heard Seven... Six..... Five..... from below.

"Actually Harry," Four....... Three........ He let his free hand rest on Harrys cheek before pulling him closer. Two....... One....... "I'm more than alright."

"HAPPY NEW YEARS!" The entire city boomed as a beautiful display of fireworks roared in the air above them. Everyone cheered, but Draco caught no notice as he pressed himself into a deep kiss with Harry. Nothing could compare the two different set of fireworks happening at that moment. Indeed, everything was more than alright for the both of them.