They were both slightly drunk, then, on Christmas Eve. It was Neville who threw the party. Malfoyâs cheeks were flushed, his eyes a bright glint in the dark. They had stood on the balcony, which faced north, and the chilly wind bit their faces numb. Harryâs cheeks burned from the cold and the liquor both. It was at once pleasant and confusing.
âNo, no. Not the new yearâs resolutions.â Malfoy made a face. He was more pliant when he was tipsy, more expressive. âHow old. How boring.â
âWell. Whatâs not old, then?â
âHmmmmmm.â Malfoy swayed slightly, took a long sip of his champagne. Posh git. âAh! Letâs play Truth.â
âIâll start. How was it, the twenty-fourth year the savior hath graced this world?â
âLonely,â Harry said. The word simply tumbled out, and only then did he feel the syllables echo through his empty ribcage, resounding through his body. He shivered. âIt was lonely.â
Malfoy stared at him. Harry took a quick sip of his beer and hid his face in his scarf.
ââs not what I said,â Harry mumbled.
âDo you want to be lonely together?â
Harry lifted his gaze and stared at Malfoy. Malfoy stared back, his eyes huge and serious. They caught the glimpses of light from underneath, a midnight London. They caught Harryâs reflection.
âWhy not,â Harry said.
Harry was trying to get the newt to stay on the Christmas tree when Malfoy came, wrapped his arms around his waist, and kissed him on the mouth. He tasted like mulled wine, like cinnamon and star anise, sweet with the bitter tang of orange.
Malfoy pulled away, his arms still around Harryâs waist. He was smiling.
âHappy first-year anniversary,â he said, teasing, âof being lonely together.â
Harryâs smile faltered. It was a jest, he knew. But he wasnât lonely anymore. He hadnât been lonely in such a long while, in fact, that he barely remembered what it felt like. All that happened when he thought of Malfoy was a flooding warmth in his chest, brimming and overflowing, and an urge to fight the smile. As though he was afloat.
âAre you?â he asked, voice light. âLonely, still?â
Malfoyâs face softened.
âNo,â he said. âIâm happy.â Then, colors creeping into his cheeks, âAnd in love.â
âGood,â Harry said. âGood. Letâs do that, then.â
âAnd in love.â Harryâs cheeks burned. âTogether. Letâs do that together.â
âOh.â Malfoy smiled, oddly shy. He had flushed furiously down his neck. He looked pretty like that. âOkay.â
âYou make me happy, Malfoy.â
Malfoy kissed his chin. âI love you, too.â