The Thing With Seekers
Title: The Thing with Seekers
Word Count: 2,500
Rating: NC 17
Warnings: Slash, wee bit of flangst
Summary: Harry Potter has made it his mission to chase Draco down and make him his. Draco doesn’t think so.
Author's notes: Finally! I haz fluff! This was written for angelgirl13 at FFNet who asked for the prompt: Cat and Mouse/ chasing.
When he had made the decision to come back to Hogwarts for his Eighth Year, Draco had expected a lot of different reactions. Pleas for reconsideration from his mother, derision from his classmates and a stray tripping jinx every now and then- so far, spot on.
What Draco hadn't expected at all was having to deal with the relentless pursuit of one Harry James Potter.
Said Potter had grown up quite nicely, much to Draco's chagrin. His scrawny, bespectacled school rival had unexpectedly turned into a devilishly handsome and somewhat assertive young man. Apparently, decimating a Dark Lord had agreed rather splendidly with Potter, and he had decided to take life by the proverbial horns and go after the things he wanted with the single minded determination of a true blue Gryffindor.
Which suited Draco just dandy. Except that Potter had made it amply clear that what he wanted was him.
Draco was long since accustomed to Potter staring at him. His sixth year had been nothing but a series of attempts to thwart said staring. But there was a difference in the way Potter regarded him now. Those green eyes held a certain…heat that Draco hadn't seen before.
It made him uncomfortable and not a little aroused. Nevertheless, he was determined to avoid the Gryffindor. His life was hard enough without Potter's particular brand of chaos. No, he was better off just avoiding the git for the rest of…
"Running from me again, Malfoy?"
The low purr startled him from his wayward thoughts and Draco dropped his Potions book. Potter caught it neatly before it fell and held it out to him, a slow smirk tracing his striking features. Draco raised his chin defiantly, refusing to let the sot intimidate him.
"I have no reason to run from you," he replied shortly.
"Perhaps I'll give you one," Potter drawled, leaning indolently against the wall. "Especially if you insist on looking this edible every time I lay eyes on you."
Draco cursed himself for blushing. Potter just seemed to enjoy it. The smirk turned into a full out grin, and he thrust the book back in Draco's hands. "I'm walking you to Potions class," he announced, in a tone that brooked no argument. Draco sighed, recognizing a futile argument when he saw one. However, he bristled indignantly when Potter's hand slid over to rest on his back.
"Keep your paws to yourself, Potter!" he snapped, pushing the arrogant prat away. Potter smirked, but complied without protest. "As you wish," he replied, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Draco stalked off with his head held high and Potter's amused chuckle ringing in his ears.
****
Draco was deeply immersed in his potion when he felt the touch of cool fingers wrapping around his wrist. He jumped and nearly sliced open his thumb, staring up with wild, scared eyes at his attacker.
"Easy there," Potter grinned. "I'm not going to hurt you."
"What are you doing?" Draco snapped, snatching his hand back.
"I'm your new partner," Potter declared with a lazy shrug. "For Potions, of course," he added with another grin.
Like hell that was happening.
"You are not," Draco gritted. "Theo is my partner." He gestured over to the dark haired Slytherin who was eyeing them warily.
"Really?" Potter demanded, giving Theo a quick once over. There was a clear challenge in his gaze and the Slytherin swallowed. Potter turned to Draco with an all too affable smile. "I'm sure Nott wouldn't mind partnering Hermione for a lesson or two. Will you, Nott?"
Theo practically apparated over to Granger's side.
Traitor.
Draco bit down the urge to throttle Potter. Instead, he took a deep breath, and shoved the knife at him, sharp end pointing at his chest in a clear message. "Start slicing and do not disturb me," he gritted.
Potter took the blade and tossed it, catching it by the handle with the ease of a practiced combatant. "Your servant, my prince," he grinned.
Draco went back to mutinously stirring his Moon Draught, trying to ignore the fact that his cheeks were flushed and his heart was hammering.
****
In the following week, Potter increased the intensity of his not so subtle pursuits. The sheer persistence of his efforts sent Draco running for the safety of the Slytherin common room.
Sadly, there was no peace to be found there either.
"Talk to me," Theo demanded, poking his shoulder. "Talk to me talk to me talk to meeeeee…."
"No. We're not friends anymore," Draco replied, keeping his eyes firmly trained on his transfiguration notes. It didn't help. Theo couldn't stand being ignored.
"Dracooooo," he whined, batting at the blond. Draco sniffed and turned the page. He jumped when he felt something drape across his lap.
"Theodore Xavier Nott!" he scolded, glaring down at the idiot who now had his head in Draco's lap. Theo fixed him with a pathetic puppy like expression and Draco gave up. "You're worse than Potter," he declared.
"No one's worse than Potter," Theo declared happily. There was silence for a moment and then he added "Hermione says he's quite taken with you."
"Listening to Granger now, are we?" Draco drawled. "Exactly how many classes are you partnering her in now?"
"She's not so bad," Theo defended at once. Draco didn't miss the flush of his cheeks and fought the urge to roll his eyes. Of course she wasn't. "I'd be careful," he warned. "She throws one hell of a punch."
Theo grinned, recognizing the lack of slurs on her heritage or background as the tacit acceptance it was. Draco didn't see why not. He couldn't grudge Theo his happiness after everything they'd seen. The war had put a lot of things in perspective. With a sigh, Draco went back to his notes.
"You know if you keep running from him he's only going to want you more, right?"
Draco frowned and stared at Theo. "What?"
"Think about it," Theo continued. "Potter's a Seeker. He's used to chasing after things that elude him. You're not going to wear him down by keeping your distance. It's just going to make him try harder."
"So I'm a Snitch now?" Draco sneered. As if this whole thing couldn't get any weirder…
"I'm just saying," Theo shrugged. "What does a seeker do with a snitch once he catches it?"
Draco's brow furrowed again. "He lets it go."
"See?" Theo grinned. Draco nodded slowly. It was a sound notion. All he had to do was let Potter catch him. With any luck, the man would get bored with the lack of challenge soon enough and leave him be.
****
So he stopped running from Potter. He engaged the Gryffindor in conversation, allowed him to accompany him to classes and partnered him without protest. He even offered to help tutor him in Charms. Potter seemed a tad suspicious of his sudden change in temperament, but apparently the delight of finally making some progress outweighed his concerns.
Draco wasn't all that unhappy either. When Potter wasn't being an aggressive git, he was actually quite easy-going and laidback. He had a sharp sense of humour and a rather cynical perspective of the world in general. But he was fiercely loyal and extremely protective towards the people he claimed to care about. Now that he was officially included in said list, Draco reaped the benefits of having Potter hex the arse off anyone who tried to push him around. It was fantastic.
The first time Potter had kissed him had taken him by surprise. They were walking together towards Charms class when Draco suddenly found himself being pushed into a dark alcove. He turned around to question Potter and his words immediately died in his throat as he saw the look in Potter's eyes. Green turned to obsidian as Potter regarded him and before he could react, Draco was in his arms being snogged to an inch of his life. Potter practically feasted on him, tasting every inch of his willing mouth with his tongue and Draco shivered in his arms. When he broke away, they were both breathing heavily. Potter licked his lips and clutched Draco harder. "Want you," he whispered.
Draco was too dazed to do anything other than nod and before he knew it he was in the Gryffindor Tower, standing beside Potter's bed. The inconsiderate prick didn't even give him a second to sneer at the gaudy red and gold décor, and promptly tumbled Draco right on the bed. Draco moaned and wrapped his legs around Potter. Snogging turned to urgent frotting and then Potter was slipping his shirt off. "You're sure?" he asked tentatively.
Draco nodded and arched into him. Potter grinned and descended on him once more, licking and sucking and biting. His fingers trailed down Draco's chest and tweaked a pert nipple. Draco whined and bucked again. Potter groaned into his mouth and batted around his bedside table, emerging with a tube of lubricant. "Have to be inside you," he mumbled, slicking his fingers. Draco hissed as he was breached. Potter was being careful and solicitous, but the sudden intrusion caught him off guard. Potter licked at his bottom lip, soothing and careful as he prepared him. It was Draco who had to push things further. He bit Potter's lip in silent demand and the Gryffindor chuckled and shifted. Draco stiffened as the blunt head of Potter's cock breached him and he forced himself to relax. Potter slipped inside him with a throaty groan. "Fuck," he hissed. "You feel perfect." Draco couldn't bring himself to return the compliment- he was too caught up in the fantastic, full sensation of Harry inside him. Instead, he arched into his hands again.
The Gryffindor gripped lightly at his hips and then thrust, sending sparks down Draco's spine. He gasped and threw his head back and Harry growled. "If you're going to writhe and moan like that, this won't last very long," he warned, thrusting again. Draco gasped as his lover found his prostate. "Yeah," Harry purred above him. "That's the spot." He angled his hips and thrust again and again, quickening his pace to the rhythm of Draco's urgent moans. The blond felt the intense rush of pleasure building inside him and when Potter thrust again, he jerked up and came with a splendid arch. Harry hissed as Draco spasmed around him and resumed his urgent thrusting. In seconds, he was coming as well- arching and shuddering as his climax hit.
Draco groaned as Potter slipped out and collapsed against him, nuzzling affectionately at his throat. His gut twisted uncomfortably. The afterglow of sex was wearing off and the reality of the situation was seeping in. This was what Potter had wanted, wasn't it? And he'd given it to him. Potter had no reason to pursue him anymore. Theo's words came back to haunt him. Something inside his chest felt painful and heavy and he didn't want Potter touching him anymore.
"Get off," Draco demanded shakily, pushing against him. Harry blinked and stared down at him, looking sleepy and confused and rather endearing. The sight only made him angrier. "What's wrong?" he asked, tracing Draco's cheek.
The blond sneered and hedged away from the touch, pushing at Potter again. This time, the Gryffindor obliged and released him, giving Draco just enough time to get off the bed and retrieve his clothing. Harry watched him, looking somewhat blindsided. "What are you doing?" he demanded, grabbing hold of Draco's arm.
"Leaving," the blond sneered. He tried to twist out of the firm grip, but Potter held fast. "You got what you wanted, didn't you? Now let me go."
Potter's jaw tightened. "I was under the impression that you wanted it too," he said coldly. "I certainly didn't hear you complaining."
"Yes well, everybody wins," Draco snapped. "Let me go, Potter. You win, okay? The game's over."
"What the hell are you…Draco!" Potter snapped, grabbing hold of him by the shoulders. Angry, green eyes bore into him, but Draco didn't miss the touch of concern he saw there. His eyes were prickling and he turned his face away. Potter blinked and his glare dissipated, giving way to a worried frown.
"We're talking about this," he said firmly. "You're going to tell me exactly what's going through that pretty, blond head of yours and we're going to work it out. Together."
He sounded so worried and determined to set this right. Draco felt his shoulders sag. He didn't even realize that he was leaning into Harry until a strong hand sifted through his hair. Draco sniffed and buried his face into Harry's chest drawing another concerned hiss from the man. Draco cursed himself. How could he have gone and fallen for him? Potter didn't want him. He just wanted a chase. Sure, he was being all nice and concerned now but…
"Why are you crying?" Potter asked softly. He sounded anguished, and that soothing, low murmur of his voice only upset Draco more.
"I'm n-not," he sniffled, hiding in his shoulder.
Potter seemed at an utter loss for words. Finally he wrapped his arms around the blond, planting soft, soothing kisses in his hair and shushing him gently. "Just tell me why you're so upset," he pleaded. "I'll take care of it, I promise. But you have to tell me what's wrong."
Draco couldn't take it anymore. "You're a s-seeker!" he burst out.
Potter was silent for a few seconds, apparently trying to make sense of that. Draco could almost sense the look of utter mystification on his face. "Help me out here, Draco. I'm completely lost," he admitted.
Draco sniffed and launched into his story. "Theo s-said…"
****
By the time he was finished, Harry had shifted him into his lap and was stroking his hair gently. Draco sat there, stock still and terrified of what was coming next. Would Harry want him to leave? Perhaps forget it had ever happened? Would he even want to be friends anymore?
"You're completely mad," the Gryffindor declared.
Despite himself, Draco bristled indignantly. "I am not!"
"Yes you are," Harry scoffed. "Absolutely barking. I can't believe you listened to Nott of all people." He ignored Draco's huff of protest and tipped his head back, cupping his face in his hands. "Listen to me carefully, you little twit. This…you are not a game to me. You're a brilliant, passionate, intelligent person and I truly care about you. So much. Would I work so hard at chasing you down if you were just another shag? In case you haven't noticed, I've been running in circles just to get you to talk to me."
"You're just saying that," Draco sniffed sullenly. "That's not how it works. You're a seeker and…"
"Again with the seeker thing," Potter groaned in exasperation. He shook his head hopelessly. "Alright, fine. Wait here. I'm going to show you something." He reached over and fished about under his bed, finally pulling out a box. "Open it," he ordered, handing it to Draco.
Draco frowned but obeyed. The objects nestled inside the box made his eyes widen. "It's…they're…"
"Remember this? My first snitch. I caught it way back in First Year," Potter declared, picking one out. The snitch buzzed sleepily in his fingers before subsiding. "And this is my second," Potter went on, pulling out another one. "And my third and my fourth and…"
"Okay okay," Draco snapped, shutting the box hurriedly. His heart was fluttering and he was uncomfortably aware that his cheeks were flaring. He stared up at Harry with questioning, shy eyes. "Why…why did you keep them?" he asked.
"It's what I do," Harry shrugged. He smiled and trailed his hand down Draco's cheek. "I keep the things that matter."
Draco felt his eyes prickle again and he shook himself. There was no way he was crying for the second time in five minutes. Instead, he leaned against Harry's hand, sighing as a calloused thumb traced his cheek. "Are you going to keep me?" he asked softly.
Harry laughed and hauled him up into his lap again. "Try and stop me," he said, right before putting a firm hand on Draco's nape and pulling him into a kiss. Draco moaned and wrapped his legs around Harry, drawing him closer. Harry hissed and pushed him back on the bed, looming over him with a dark, hungry look in his eyes.
"Catch and release is not my style," he growled, raking the blond's lithe frame with his eyes. "I keep my prizes."
And then he descended on Draco and showed him just how.
Word Count: 2,500
Rating: NC 17
Warnings: Slash, wee bit of flangst
Summary: Harry Potter has made it his mission to chase Draco down and make him his. Draco doesn’t think so.
Author's notes: Finally! I haz fluff! This was written for angelgirl13 at FFNet who asked for the prompt: Cat and Mouse/ chasing.
When he had made the decision to come back to Hogwarts for his Eighth Year, Draco had expected a lot of different reactions. Pleas for reconsideration from his mother, derision from his classmates and a stray tripping jinx every now and then- so far, spot on.
What Draco hadn't expected at all was having to deal with the relentless pursuit of one Harry James Potter.
Said Potter had grown up quite nicely, much to Draco's chagrin. His scrawny, bespectacled school rival had unexpectedly turned into a devilishly handsome and somewhat assertive young man. Apparently, decimating a Dark Lord had agreed rather splendidly with Potter, and he had decided to take life by the proverbial horns and go after the things he wanted with the single minded determination of a true blue Gryffindor.
Which suited Draco just dandy. Except that Potter had made it amply clear that what he wanted was him.
Draco was long since accustomed to Potter staring at him. His sixth year had been nothing but a series of attempts to thwart said staring. But there was a difference in the way Potter regarded him now. Those green eyes held a certain…heat that Draco hadn't seen before.
It made him uncomfortable and not a little aroused. Nevertheless, he was determined to avoid the Gryffindor. His life was hard enough without Potter's particular brand of chaos. No, he was better off just avoiding the git for the rest of…
"Running from me again, Malfoy?"
The low purr startled him from his wayward thoughts and Draco dropped his Potions book. Potter caught it neatly before it fell and held it out to him, a slow smirk tracing his striking features. Draco raised his chin defiantly, refusing to let the sot intimidate him.
"I have no reason to run from you," he replied shortly.
"Perhaps I'll give you one," Potter drawled, leaning indolently against the wall. "Especially if you insist on looking this edible every time I lay eyes on you."
Draco cursed himself for blushing. Potter just seemed to enjoy it. The smirk turned into a full out grin, and he thrust the book back in Draco's hands. "I'm walking you to Potions class," he announced, in a tone that brooked no argument. Draco sighed, recognizing a futile argument when he saw one. However, he bristled indignantly when Potter's hand slid over to rest on his back.
"Keep your paws to yourself, Potter!" he snapped, pushing the arrogant prat away. Potter smirked, but complied without protest. "As you wish," he replied, shoving his hands into his pockets.
Draco stalked off with his head held high and Potter's amused chuckle ringing in his ears.
****
Draco was deeply immersed in his potion when he felt the touch of cool fingers wrapping around his wrist. He jumped and nearly sliced open his thumb, staring up with wild, scared eyes at his attacker.
"Easy there," Potter grinned. "I'm not going to hurt you."
"What are you doing?" Draco snapped, snatching his hand back.
"I'm your new partner," Potter declared with a lazy shrug. "For Potions, of course," he added with another grin.
Like hell that was happening.
"You are not," Draco gritted. "Theo is my partner." He gestured over to the dark haired Slytherin who was eyeing them warily.
"Really?" Potter demanded, giving Theo a quick once over. There was a clear challenge in his gaze and the Slytherin swallowed. Potter turned to Draco with an all too affable smile. "I'm sure Nott wouldn't mind partnering Hermione for a lesson or two. Will you, Nott?"
Theo practically apparated over to Granger's side.
Traitor.
Draco bit down the urge to throttle Potter. Instead, he took a deep breath, and shoved the knife at him, sharp end pointing at his chest in a clear message. "Start slicing and do not disturb me," he gritted.
Potter took the blade and tossed it, catching it by the handle with the ease of a practiced combatant. "Your servant, my prince," he grinned.
Draco went back to mutinously stirring his Moon Draught, trying to ignore the fact that his cheeks were flushed and his heart was hammering.
****
In the following week, Potter increased the intensity of his not so subtle pursuits. The sheer persistence of his efforts sent Draco running for the safety of the Slytherin common room.
Sadly, there was no peace to be found there either.
"Talk to me," Theo demanded, poking his shoulder. "Talk to me talk to me talk to meeeeee…."
"No. We're not friends anymore," Draco replied, keeping his eyes firmly trained on his transfiguration notes. It didn't help. Theo couldn't stand being ignored.
"Dracooooo," he whined, batting at the blond. Draco sniffed and turned the page. He jumped when he felt something drape across his lap.
"Theodore Xavier Nott!" he scolded, glaring down at the idiot who now had his head in Draco's lap. Theo fixed him with a pathetic puppy like expression and Draco gave up. "You're worse than Potter," he declared.
"No one's worse than Potter," Theo declared happily. There was silence for a moment and then he added "Hermione says he's quite taken with you."
"Listening to Granger now, are we?" Draco drawled. "Exactly how many classes are you partnering her in now?"
"She's not so bad," Theo defended at once. Draco didn't miss the flush of his cheeks and fought the urge to roll his eyes. Of course she wasn't. "I'd be careful," he warned. "She throws one hell of a punch."
Theo grinned, recognizing the lack of slurs on her heritage or background as the tacit acceptance it was. Draco didn't see why not. He couldn't grudge Theo his happiness after everything they'd seen. The war had put a lot of things in perspective. With a sigh, Draco went back to his notes.
"You know if you keep running from him he's only going to want you more, right?"
Draco frowned and stared at Theo. "What?"
"Think about it," Theo continued. "Potter's a Seeker. He's used to chasing after things that elude him. You're not going to wear him down by keeping your distance. It's just going to make him try harder."
"So I'm a Snitch now?" Draco sneered. As if this whole thing couldn't get any weirder…
"I'm just saying," Theo shrugged. "What does a seeker do with a snitch once he catches it?"
Draco's brow furrowed again. "He lets it go."
"See?" Theo grinned. Draco nodded slowly. It was a sound notion. All he had to do was let Potter catch him. With any luck, the man would get bored with the lack of challenge soon enough and leave him be.
****
So he stopped running from Potter. He engaged the Gryffindor in conversation, allowed him to accompany him to classes and partnered him without protest. He even offered to help tutor him in Charms. Potter seemed a tad suspicious of his sudden change in temperament, but apparently the delight of finally making some progress outweighed his concerns.
Draco wasn't all that unhappy either. When Potter wasn't being an aggressive git, he was actually quite easy-going and laidback. He had a sharp sense of humour and a rather cynical perspective of the world in general. But he was fiercely loyal and extremely protective towards the people he claimed to care about. Now that he was officially included in said list, Draco reaped the benefits of having Potter hex the arse off anyone who tried to push him around. It was fantastic.
The first time Potter had kissed him had taken him by surprise. They were walking together towards Charms class when Draco suddenly found himself being pushed into a dark alcove. He turned around to question Potter and his words immediately died in his throat as he saw the look in Potter's eyes. Green turned to obsidian as Potter regarded him and before he could react, Draco was in his arms being snogged to an inch of his life. Potter practically feasted on him, tasting every inch of his willing mouth with his tongue and Draco shivered in his arms. When he broke away, they were both breathing heavily. Potter licked his lips and clutched Draco harder. "Want you," he whispered.
Draco was too dazed to do anything other than nod and before he knew it he was in the Gryffindor Tower, standing beside Potter's bed. The inconsiderate prick didn't even give him a second to sneer at the gaudy red and gold décor, and promptly tumbled Draco right on the bed. Draco moaned and wrapped his legs around Potter. Snogging turned to urgent frotting and then Potter was slipping his shirt off. "You're sure?" he asked tentatively.
Draco nodded and arched into him. Potter grinned and descended on him once more, licking and sucking and biting. His fingers trailed down Draco's chest and tweaked a pert nipple. Draco whined and bucked again. Potter groaned into his mouth and batted around his bedside table, emerging with a tube of lubricant. "Have to be inside you," he mumbled, slicking his fingers. Draco hissed as he was breached. Potter was being careful and solicitous, but the sudden intrusion caught him off guard. Potter licked at his bottom lip, soothing and careful as he prepared him. It was Draco who had to push things further. He bit Potter's lip in silent demand and the Gryffindor chuckled and shifted. Draco stiffened as the blunt head of Potter's cock breached him and he forced himself to relax. Potter slipped inside him with a throaty groan. "Fuck," he hissed. "You feel perfect." Draco couldn't bring himself to return the compliment- he was too caught up in the fantastic, full sensation of Harry inside him. Instead, he arched into his hands again.
The Gryffindor gripped lightly at his hips and then thrust, sending sparks down Draco's spine. He gasped and threw his head back and Harry growled. "If you're going to writhe and moan like that, this won't last very long," he warned, thrusting again. Draco gasped as his lover found his prostate. "Yeah," Harry purred above him. "That's the spot." He angled his hips and thrust again and again, quickening his pace to the rhythm of Draco's urgent moans. The blond felt the intense rush of pleasure building inside him and when Potter thrust again, he jerked up and came with a splendid arch. Harry hissed as Draco spasmed around him and resumed his urgent thrusting. In seconds, he was coming as well- arching and shuddering as his climax hit.
Draco groaned as Potter slipped out and collapsed against him, nuzzling affectionately at his throat. His gut twisted uncomfortably. The afterglow of sex was wearing off and the reality of the situation was seeping in. This was what Potter had wanted, wasn't it? And he'd given it to him. Potter had no reason to pursue him anymore. Theo's words came back to haunt him. Something inside his chest felt painful and heavy and he didn't want Potter touching him anymore.
"Get off," Draco demanded shakily, pushing against him. Harry blinked and stared down at him, looking sleepy and confused and rather endearing. The sight only made him angrier. "What's wrong?" he asked, tracing Draco's cheek.
The blond sneered and hedged away from the touch, pushing at Potter again. This time, the Gryffindor obliged and released him, giving Draco just enough time to get off the bed and retrieve his clothing. Harry watched him, looking somewhat blindsided. "What are you doing?" he demanded, grabbing hold of Draco's arm.
"Leaving," the blond sneered. He tried to twist out of the firm grip, but Potter held fast. "You got what you wanted, didn't you? Now let me go."
Potter's jaw tightened. "I was under the impression that you wanted it too," he said coldly. "I certainly didn't hear you complaining."
"Yes well, everybody wins," Draco snapped. "Let me go, Potter. You win, okay? The game's over."
"What the hell are you…Draco!" Potter snapped, grabbing hold of him by the shoulders. Angry, green eyes bore into him, but Draco didn't miss the touch of concern he saw there. His eyes were prickling and he turned his face away. Potter blinked and his glare dissipated, giving way to a worried frown.
"We're talking about this," he said firmly. "You're going to tell me exactly what's going through that pretty, blond head of yours and we're going to work it out. Together."
He sounded so worried and determined to set this right. Draco felt his shoulders sag. He didn't even realize that he was leaning into Harry until a strong hand sifted through his hair. Draco sniffed and buried his face into Harry's chest drawing another concerned hiss from the man. Draco cursed himself. How could he have gone and fallen for him? Potter didn't want him. He just wanted a chase. Sure, he was being all nice and concerned now but…
"Why are you crying?" Potter asked softly. He sounded anguished, and that soothing, low murmur of his voice only upset Draco more.
"I'm n-not," he sniffled, hiding in his shoulder.
Potter seemed at an utter loss for words. Finally he wrapped his arms around the blond, planting soft, soothing kisses in his hair and shushing him gently. "Just tell me why you're so upset," he pleaded. "I'll take care of it, I promise. But you have to tell me what's wrong."
Draco couldn't take it anymore. "You're a s-seeker!" he burst out.
Potter was silent for a few seconds, apparently trying to make sense of that. Draco could almost sense the look of utter mystification on his face. "Help me out here, Draco. I'm completely lost," he admitted.
Draco sniffed and launched into his story. "Theo s-said…"
****
By the time he was finished, Harry had shifted him into his lap and was stroking his hair gently. Draco sat there, stock still and terrified of what was coming next. Would Harry want him to leave? Perhaps forget it had ever happened? Would he even want to be friends anymore?
"You're completely mad," the Gryffindor declared.
Despite himself, Draco bristled indignantly. "I am not!"
"Yes you are," Harry scoffed. "Absolutely barking. I can't believe you listened to Nott of all people." He ignored Draco's huff of protest and tipped his head back, cupping his face in his hands. "Listen to me carefully, you little twit. This…you are not a game to me. You're a brilliant, passionate, intelligent person and I truly care about you. So much. Would I work so hard at chasing you down if you were just another shag? In case you haven't noticed, I've been running in circles just to get you to talk to me."
"You're just saying that," Draco sniffed sullenly. "That's not how it works. You're a seeker and…"
"Again with the seeker thing," Potter groaned in exasperation. He shook his head hopelessly. "Alright, fine. Wait here. I'm going to show you something." He reached over and fished about under his bed, finally pulling out a box. "Open it," he ordered, handing it to Draco.
Draco frowned but obeyed. The objects nestled inside the box made his eyes widen. "It's…they're…"
"Remember this? My first snitch. I caught it way back in First Year," Potter declared, picking one out. The snitch buzzed sleepily in his fingers before subsiding. "And this is my second," Potter went on, pulling out another one. "And my third and my fourth and…"
"Okay okay," Draco snapped, shutting the box hurriedly. His heart was fluttering and he was uncomfortably aware that his cheeks were flaring. He stared up at Harry with questioning, shy eyes. "Why…why did you keep them?" he asked.
"It's what I do," Harry shrugged. He smiled and trailed his hand down Draco's cheek. "I keep the things that matter."
Draco felt his eyes prickle again and he shook himself. There was no way he was crying for the second time in five minutes. Instead, he leaned against Harry's hand, sighing as a calloused thumb traced his cheek. "Are you going to keep me?" he asked softly.
Harry laughed and hauled him up into his lap again. "Try and stop me," he said, right before putting a firm hand on Draco's nape and pulling him into a kiss. Draco moaned and wrapped his legs around Harry, drawing him closer. Harry hissed and pushed him back on the bed, looming over him with a dark, hungry look in his eyes.
"Catch and release is not my style," he growled, raking the blond's lithe frame with his eyes. "I keep my prizes."
And then he descended on Draco and showed him just how.