Chapter Title: A Not Goodbye
All Roads Lead Home, CH 25
Author:
digthewriterWord Count: 895
Rating: PG-13
Prompt: 1.
slythindor100:
Owl Post image. 2.
adventdrabbles:
candy caneDisclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Notes: Unbetaed.
(AO3 LINK) Draco wasn't one to lose composure, not anymore. Sure, he was hurt, and he also felt foolish for acting like an idiot, but that didn't mean he was going to lose it.
He was early to the Portkey, by an hour, even, so he didn't need to rush. When he arrived at the department of magical transportation, he found Teddy and Andromeda waiting there.
Teddy rushed to him and Draco immediately picked him up. Soon, he was going to be too big for this, he knew, but Draco wished Teddy could remain an innocent child forever.
"Are you here to tell Uncle Harry to stay?" Teddy whispered in his ear, his voice as melodic and sweet as an American candy cane.
Draco chuckled and shook his head. "I don't know. I think I'm mostly here to tell him I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"We had a fight and I was mean to him. I want him to know I like him so he's not sad. And I'm not sad," Draco said, that was the most honest he'd been with anyone in a long time. "Do you understand?"
"Nana said I can't ask him to stay," Teddy said with a serious face as they sat down on one of the chairs.
"That's probably a good idea. You want him to miss you, right? So when he comes back he won't leave again."
Teddy's eyes rose up. "That's a good idea," he said.
"Teddy?"
Potter's voice echoed in the hall and Draco immediately stiffened up. Teddy, seated in Draco's lap turned around and peered up at Potter.
"Uncle Harry! Draco wants you to stay."
Thanks, kid.
"Why don't you go and see your nana for a moment, Teddy," said Draco and Teddy rushed away.
Draco stood up straight and didn't like the way Potter had looked so exhausted. "Didn't sleep much?"
Potter shook his head. "Mostly drinking with friends. Couldn't tell them..." Potter trailed off.
"I don't want you to stay," Draco said, clearing his throat. "Just so we're clear. It would be nice if you did but this is your career and you've made a commitment. If I made promises to improve The Home and jumped up at a better opportunity, I would be a right wanker. And even though I think you are one - still-"
"Can I kiss you?" Potter asked.
"Fuck yes," replied Draco. "Please."
Potter pulled Draco by the elbow and somehow found an empty office to lock them in. Then, he pressed Draco against the door and kissed the living breath out of him. Draco was panting and gasping by the time they were done and he almost asked Draco to stay.
"So now that's over," Potter said pulling away from Draco, looking winded himself, he smiled. "Why did you come again?"
"I came to apologise," Draco said with a smirk. "For the things I said. This means something to me too. I mean, I hope that's what you'd meant. And I wish you hadn't lied to me or your family you were going away for over a year. I mean, Teddy-"
"Right, Teddy," said Potter, looking angry.
"You always need to argue with me, don't you?" Draco scowled.
"I can't ask you to wait for me."
"You couldn't if you tried," said Draco shaking his head. "I'm willing to pick this up when you return. Given you haven't moved on..."
"I can wait for you. I can wait forever."
Draco pulled Potter close to him again and gave him a tender kiss. "Don't be an idiot, Potter."
"I'll be visiting, you know. In the summer for Teddy's birthday, and next year for Christmas-"
"Right," Draco said, unconvinced. Maybe he should have thought this through. Could he do this to himself? A long-distance with a man he barely knew out of the bedroom?
In his softest tone possible, Draco continued, "I didn't come here to ask for a long-distance relationship, Potter. I came to apologise. And maybe... someday in a different life..."
"You came to tell me you want me too but you don't want me to stay."
"It's only eighteen months, and if we can survive the war and Hogwarts, and everything else - I'm sure there won't be much stopping us-"
"Can I kiss you again?"
"I do hope by now you don't have to ask anymore."
With another passionate kiss, and a soft moan from Draco they realised they couldn't hide in the office forever. And with his hugs and goodbyes from his family, Potter was gone.
Draco felt an emptiness he'd not known before. Even before he'd started with his arrangement with Potter, he'd known Potter would always be there. Now, that concept was gone. There was no more Potter in his life. All there was- nothing but Teddy's insistence to go to the OWL POST and send Potter a letter. Because obviously, Draco would never do it himself.
It was only eighteen months, at the most, and that was really okay. Truly, it was. Draco had dealt worse.
The fear of the Dark Lord and the dominance of it on his family had lasted many many years. At least the next year and a half gave Draco good memories to focus on. Potter's touch, and his sweet words, and his brilliant smile - were all things Draco could live with. Memories that would never dare fade away.
It was fine.
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