Gift for thepretender501!
Recipient: thepretender501
Author: k8matty
Title: Solitude and Solace
Pairings: Draco/Albus Severus
Rating: NC-17+
Warning: (Highlight to read.) ->Angst, mental instability, mild self harm and alcoholism. Sappy endings. <-
Word Count: 5,018
Summary: Very loosely based on the plot of Beauty and the Beast - Albus Severus Potter destroys Draco Malfoy’s garden, and is imprisoned in his Manor for the summer.
Notes: I haven’t written this pairing before, but I really hope you enjoy it babe!
Solitude and Solace
~*~
“How did it go?” Ginny asked urgently as Harry and Albus Severus Potter stepped through the floo.
“Charges were dropped, no legal action will be taken, etc etc.” Al informed his mother dully, grudgingly accepting the kiss she planted on his forehead.
“You’re damned lucky you didn’t end up in Azkaban!” Harry thundered, shucking off his coat and throwing it angrily against the couch. “Public drunkenness, damage to public property, assaulting a local reporter…”
“Shh, it’s all over now.” Ginny soothed her husband as Albus stormed out of the room, kicking a table leg as he left.
“Is it though?” Harry asked his wife quietly once Albus was out of earshot. “That’s the third time he’s been arrested in the past two months, Gin. The Prophet is going to have a field day.”
“Always getting into trouble, isn’t he? I always said he was a Weasley at heart.” Ginny tried to make a joke of it, picking up Harry’s coat and hanging it neatly on the rack.
“That’s what worries me.” Harry sighed, accepting the glass of bourbon Ginny proffered. “He’s always getting in trouble, and getting out of it in a snap. Nobody ever makes him take responsibility. But one day, he’s going to upset someone who won’t give a damn who his father is. They’ll press charges and have him locked away all the same.”
Harry drained his glass and exhaled heavily. “I just wish we knew why he was acting this way.”
~*~
Later that evening (and after far too much vodka)…
Albus could feel the frantic beating of his heart against his ribcage as he stared up at the ten-foot hedge right in front of him. Whatever common sense Albus possessed was urgently telling him to walk away from this dangerous adventure, but the alcohol spreading stealthily through his system was telling him to go for it. What did he have to lose?
Nothing. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Albus quickly deactivated the magical wards protecting Malfoy Manor and stepped forwards.
Rather than being scratched by leaves and twigs, Albus felt as though he was stepping through a cool sheet of running water. When he opened his eyes, Albus found himself surrounded by luxurious flowers of all shapes and sizes.
Albus wandered through Draco Malfoy’s garden in a blissful drunken haze. He hadn’t been here since he was fourteen, before Scorpius and his mother had moved out. Albus had always envied Scorpius for growing up here - tucked neatly away in a hidden estate, away from any prying eyes or paparazzi. Not that Scorpius had been hounded by paparazzi. At least, not before he’d become friends with Harry Potter’s son.
Before Scorpius had moved out with his mother, this had been Albus’ escape from the outside world. From the media, always hanging off his every word so they could find a way to twist it into a juicy news story. From the people who pretended to care about him, just so they could get close to the child of a celebrity. Even from his own family, who never really understood Albus, the black sheep of the Potter clan.
As a child, Albus had enjoyed the attention he’d received for being Harry Potter’s son. Adults would coo over him, and all the other children wanted to be his friend. It wasn’t until Albus got older that he realized nobody really liked him at all. They were all using him.
The beautiful pink roses in front of Al went blurry as his eyes welled with angry tears. A familiar wave of fury stole over Albus, and before he knew it, his hands were tearing viciously at the beautiful flowers, yanking off their petals and ripping them up by the roots. Thorns pricked and tore at Albus’ hands but he didn’t even notice, howling his fury as he kicked and stomped all over the battered plants.
Suddenly, Albus felt a strong hand grip his shoulder. The hand pulled him sharply around, and Albus suddenly found himself staring up into the furious face of Draco Malfoy.
~*~
“Malfoy Manor?” Harry bellowed. “Are you insane?”
Albus stared at his knees, saying nothing. He flexed his fingers tentatively, reopening the wounds the roses had torn into his hands. Blood seeped into his palm lines, making sticky red rivers over his pale skin. Albus couldn’t help feeling a twinge of satisfaction.
“Have you any idea what the media will do with this if they get a whiff of it?” Harry yelled. “Christ, this could be splashed all over the Prophet!”
“What else is new?” Albus muttered bitterly. He’d been exposed in the Daily Prophet more times than he could count. Every detail of his life could be found in those pages, sold to reporters by anybody Albus had been stupid enough to let close to him. There wasn’t really much point in being discreet anymore, Albus figured. It was part of the reason he acted out.
“You’ve done it this time, Al.” Harry said quietly, his voice shaking with anger. “Draco Malfoy isn’t going to let you off with a warning. You just had to go and pick the one person who I can’t influence. You do realize that just by getting past his wards, you’re guilty of breaking and entering? That’s a serious offence, Al!”
“Am I getting locked up then?” Albus asked dully, raising a dubious eyebrow.
“In a manner of speaking.” Harry growled. He nodded at Ginny, who disappeared into the next room.
“Draco has agreed not to press charges.” Harry continued. “But he does want to be compensated. You tore up half his garden, and he wants it restored as soon as possible.”
“Great. Write him a cheque for a new gardener and lets go to bed.” Albus muttered. His stomach was rolling, and he had a feeling that bottle of vodka would be making a nasty reappearance before he hit the sack.
Harry shook his head. “Draco does not like strangers on his property. He has been quite reclusive since the war, and he will not settle for having money thrown at him.”
“So then what?” Albus asked, frowning.
Ginny reappeared, Albus’ trunk clutched in his hands.
“You’re going to go and live with Draco.” Harry said firmly. “And you’re going to fix everything you did to that garden. Without magic.”
~*~
Despite his brazen intrusion the night before, Albus hesitated before passing through the wards guarding Malfoy Manor today. He cringed inwardly as he saw the mangled remains of Draco Malfoy’s garden, strewn haphazardly over the carefully manicured lawns. Now that he was sober, he was quite embarrassed at being caught in the throes of what could have only been defined as a tantrum.
Slowly, Albus approached the enormous mansion and knocked tentatively on the grand double-doors. Nobody answered, but after a series of magical clicks, the door swung open by itself. Albus’ footsteps echoed through the dark, empty hall as he stepped nervously into the grand foyer.
“Hello?” Albus called out.
“Potter.”
The hairs on Albus’ neck stood to attention as a cold, crisp voice resonated through the foyer. Albus span around wildly, trying to find the source of the voice, his breath hitching as he saw the cloaked figure on top of the staircase.
“Come.” Draco said. “I will lead you to your quarters.”
Draco lead Albus through the manor by the light of a single lantern. While the garden may have been tailored to perfection, the manor itself had obviously not been cared for. Cobwebs lined the old hallways, every priceless vase coated in a thick layer of dust.
Draco stopped suddenly and pushed open a door.
“This will be your room.” Draco awkwardly indicated a grand suite, which had obviously been cleaned in anticipation of Albus’ stay. Ornate furniture was placed decoratively across the expansive floor, and in the center, a king-sized bed with enormous fluffy pillows sat, the covers turned down. The only thing missing was chocolate on the pillows, Albus thought wryly.
“During your stay here, you may explore the manor and its grounds.” Draco told Albus. “The only thing I ask is that you do not venture into my private quarters on the top floor.”
“Okay.” Albus agreed, turning back to Draco and jumping when he realized how close they were standing to each other. Draco’s face was every bit as carefully sculpted as Scorpius’ porcelain features, but he didn’t have the same sparkle in his eye as his son. There was something missing in Draco’s face, something cold and sad and angry all at once. Albus had a strange urge to reach out to Draco, to touch someone who looked as sad and alone as he felt.
“You should get your sleep.” Draco told Albus softly. “You have a busy day tomorrow.”
~*~
Replanting the garden was a lot harden than ruining it, Albus came to realize soon enough. After two days at Malfoy Manor, he had barely made a dent in his long list of tasks he had to undertake to restore the garden to its former glory.
Draco Malfoy never left the manor by daylight. The two of them dined together in the evening in awkward silence, and the rest of Draco’s time seemed to be spent in either his quarters or the library. He didn’t even check on Albus’ progress himself, but sent a stocky house elf named Brunt.
“What does Malfoy do all day?” Albus grumbled to Brunt, as the elf nodded approvingly at the newly planted seedlings. “Does he work from home?”
“Master Draco does not work anymore.” Brunt said sadly. “Ever since Mistress Astoria left with Master Scorpius, he has not left the Manor for anything.”
“Wow…” something deep inside Albus twinged uncomfortably. It took him a moment to realize it was sympathy. He had felt sorry for himself for so long, he’d almost forgot what it felt like to pity other people.
“He visits the garden at night, sometimes.” Brunt added. “Mistress Astoria planted each flower herself. Master Draco is… lonely.” Brunt gave Albus a furtive glance.
Albus winced as another unpleasant feeling spread sickeningly through his insides. Guilt. After everything he’d done to disgrace his family, Albus didn’t think he’d feel guilt ever again, but here it was, back in its full glory.
“Brunt will take these to be recycled as compost, Master Albus.” The elf squeaked, bending to take the bag of ruined flowers Albus had finished clipping.
“Wait!” Albus snatched the bag back, rooting through the discarded contents, and smiling to himself when he withdrew what he was looking for.
~*~
Later that night, Albus sneaked to the top floor of the manor while Draco was in the library, the glass bell jar clutched in his hands. Inside, a single pink rose was suspended, a faint magical glow surrounding it. The charm Albus had placed on the bell jar slowed the roses aging process. Draco would be able to hold on to his wife, at least in some small way.
When Albus reached Draco’s quarters, he bent down to leave the bell jar and a note at Draco’s door. The note was short and to the point, apologizing for his behavior and hoping that Draco would forgive him in time. When all was set, Albus turned to leave, but a niggling curiosity stopped him. Albus didn’t know what was possessing him to violate Draco’s privacy, but in that moment he just had to know more about the mysterious man who lived inside these walls. Draco’s quarters were protected by enchantments, but Albus had never encountered a ward he could not break through. He entered Draco’s bedroom with ease.
The master bedroom was similar to the one Albus was using, except much larger and devoid of anything but the bare essentials. There were no framed pictures, no decorative furniture. The curtains were drawn, and the room was only dimly lit by the feeble light of several candles, Albus couldn’t help shivering at the thought of Draco spending his hours here, alone, day after day.
A simple bedside table sat by the enormous bed. He should have left, but he had plenty of time, and just couldn’t resist opening the bedside drawer and peering inside.
The first thing Albus saw was a photograph, so smudged and faded Albus couldn’t quite make out the smiling porcelain features at first. His eyes widened as he recognized all three Malfoys beaming up at him, waving cheerily at the camera as they posed for their family photo. Draco’s smile looked like it might split in two as he wrapped one arm around his wife, and the other around his son. Albus suddenly realized why the picture was blurred in places - it had been smudged with tears.
The sound of approaching footsteps jolted Albus out of his reverie. He hadn’t expected Draco to return to his quarters so soon. There was no way he could slip out the door without being seen, and he couldn’t jump out the window of the top floor. Panicking, Albus did the only thing that made sense and dived behind one of the drawn curtains.
A moment later, Draco pushed open the door to his bedroom, the bell jar in on hand, the hastily written note in the other. The ghost of a smile played around Draco’s features as he carefully set the bell jar on his bedside table, running a pale finger over the glass before turning away and starting to undress.
Albus swallowed nervously as Draco pulled away his clothing without ceremony, revealing an awful lot of creamy skin in a very short space of time. Albus sucked in a breath as Draco pulled away his underwear and finally lay down naked on his bed.
Albus breathed a small sigh of relief. If Draco was going to bed, Albus might be able to sneak out after he’d gone to sleep.
The only problem was, Draco wasn’t going to sleep. He was stretching luxuriously, running his hands over his pale torso and sighing as his body relaxed into the bed.
Suddenly, Albus realized exactly what Draco was planning on doing. His whole body flushed with mortification as Draco’s flaccid cock started to come to life right before Albus’ very eyes. Slowly, the pale organ filled with blood, turning pink and lengthening until it lay flat and heavy against Draco’s milky abdomen.
Albus’ breath sped up as Draco slowly parted his legs, exposing flushed, rounded testicles dusted with blonde curls. One hand remained on Draco’s chest, toying gently with his nipples. Draco’s other hand reached between slim, white thighs to gently caress his balls. Draco took his time teasing his body as his cock grew hard and red with impatience.
A familiar tightening in his groin made Albus blush further; he was becoming aroused. Draco started moaning as he gave his nipple a final tug and started moving his hand down to join the other at his groin. Draco inched his fingers towards his cock at an infuriatingly slow pace.
Hurry the fuck up, Albus thought wildly, his wide eyes fixed unwaveringly on the thick pole of flesh now leaking onto Draco’s stomach. Albus’ mouth watered as he imagined himself leaning forwards to lick those drops away.
Finally, Draco wrapped his long, elegant fingers around the heated flesh. He cried out in pleasure and visibly tightened his grip. “Fucking hell,” Albus gasped to himself, unconsciously pressing his own hand against his aching erection to relieve some of the pressure.
Draco paused and opened his eyes, looking around the room in confusion. Albus bit his lip, trying to stop himself from breathing as Draco attempted to locate the source of the noise. Seemingly satisfied that he was indeed alone, Draco lay back and started stroking his cock in earnest, rubbing his thumb over the engorged head and coaxing another fat bead of precome from his slit.
Albus couldn’t stand it any longer; he thrust a hand drown the front of his trousers and seized his own straining erection, pressing his lips tightly together to stop himself from moaning in pleasure and relief. Never taking his eyes away from Draco’s gorgeous body, Albus furiously tugged at his cock, his eyes watering with how bloody good it felt.
Draco keened softly to himself, arching his back like a cat. The hand on his cock sped up, and he sucked on the other quickly before sneaking it beneath his balls to rub at his arsehole. Albus’ own hole twitched in sympathy, and he longed to feel Draco’s hands there, breaching him, exploring him, making him cry out for more.
“Oh fuck…” Draco whimpered, his hips starting to buck as his orgasm approached. “Oh fuck!” Draco howled, thrusting his fingers inside himself at the very moment his cock shot ropes of come all over his torso. A moment later, Albus was lost in his own pleasure, unable to contain a soft gasp as his climax seized him out of nowhere.
The sound of the curtain parting cut through Albus’ post-orgasmic haze like a knife, and his eyes flew open. Draco stood before him, come still dripping down his pale body. Albus first instinct was to fall to his knees and lick the fluid from Draco’s body, but the murderous expression on Malfoy’s face stopped him.
“Get. Out.” Draco snarled at the terrified youth.
Albus couldn’t obey fast enough.
~*~
Things had been awkward since that night in Draco’s quarters, but Albus supposed things could have been worse. Draco did not throw him out, nor did he inform Harry of Albus’ actions. In fact, things were more or less the same, except Albus saw less of Draco than ever.
Albus would have been relieved, except Draco had become something of an obsession for Albus. He had not dared to venture into Draco’s quarters again, but he often tried to hunt the master down, so that they could ‘accidentally’ pass each other in the halls. Albus’ nights in the manor were spent naked and thrashing on his enormous bed as he wrung agonizing climaxes from his aching cock, always with Draco’s face at the front of his mind.
His gardening had become better as well - instead of reluctantly completing each task, Albus poured himself into the labor, really trying to restore the beauty that he had destroyed. He hoped that maybe Draco would forgive him, even appreciate his efforts. It was a long shot, but Albus could dream.
There was something relaxing about spending his time outdoors, with no sounds but for the rustling plants and occasional conversation with Brunt. Albus was finidng the gardening quite enjoyable. He was even smiling to himself as he dug a new flowerbed.
“There he is!”
“Albus! Albus Potter!”
Albus looked up from his work, his insides clenching as he recognized the gaggle of paparazzi, flashing their cameras and shouting questions.
“Albus! Is it true you broke into Malfoy’s private estate?”
“Is it true you assaulted him?”
“Are you being held against your will?”
“What do you say to the rumors of your alcohol problem?”
“Albus!”
“Albus!”
Albus shrank back against the shouting voices, willing them to go away. His hands shook with fury around the shovel he was holding. Albus tightened his grip, intent on using the shovel to beat the nearest reporter into the earth, when the sound of a woman screaming pierced the air.
Opening his eyes, Albus saw that the crowd of paparazzi was cowering, nearly wetting themselves with terror as they stared at something behind Albus’ back. Albus turned, and couldn’t help cowering himself.
Draco Malfoy stood in the garden, his teeth bared and his wand pointed at the crowd of frightened reporters. He was radiating an anger so intense, Albus could almost feel it coming off Draco in waves.
“Get the fuck off my property.” Draco snarled.
The crowd hesitated, looking from Albus to Draco as though pondering the possibility of a story over the likelihood of being cursed.
“Now!” Draco roared, firing hexes after the crowd as they ran screaming through the wards and disappeared.
Albus stared at the hedge, shaking. Pale fingers threaded through his own, and he found himself being lead through the garden, back towards the Manor.
Albus expected to be lead towards his own quarters, so he was surprised when Draco kept leading him onwards, up to the top floor. He pulled Albus into his quarters, easing the youth to sit on the large bed.
Albus could hear the gentle clinking of glasses, before a large tumbler of vodka was gently pushed into his hand.
“Your favourite, I believe.” Draco said wryly.
Albus looked between the glass and Draco in confusion. “It will help with the shock.” Draco said gently, draining his own glass.
“I don’t know how they found me.” Albus said quietly, drinking his vodka in baby sips. He hadn’t had anything stronger than wine since coming to the manor, and at the familiar taste, Albus felt a strange mixture of relief and disappointment. He’d kind of hoped he wouldn’t need to comfort himself with this poison, at least not until he left the Manor…
Draco sighed. “I will update the wards as soon as possible, but I doubt they will be back for a while.” Draco smirked smugly to himself as he recalled them running away. “I was surprised by your own restraint.” Draco remarked. “One cannot glance at a newspaper nowadays without hearing about young Albus’ violent outbursts.”
Albus smiled weakly. “I nearly clobbered one of them with the shovel.” He admitted.
Draco raised an eyebrow. “I am immensely thankful you didn’t. It would be a pity if you were shipped off to Azkaban before you completed my garden.”
Albus felt his chest clench unpleasantly. The garden was just a week or two away from being completed. Soon he would have to leave the manor, and he would be thrust back into his home in London, surrounded by people hounding him and clammering to talk to him. Just the thought had Albus’s pulse racing.
“Albus?” Draco asked in alarm as the boy started to hyperventilate.
“I don’t want to go back…” Albus choked, clenching his hands in the bedsheets. “I don’t want to go back there, please don’t make me…”
“Shh, shh…” Draco set down his glass and wrapped a reassuring arm around Albus. “I won’t make you leave. Its okay.”
Albus buried his face into Draco’s shoulder, not caring that he barely knew the man. All he knew was that this man was the only person left who seemed to care about Albus, and who was actually there when he really needed someone.
Albus lay his head against Draco’s chest, closing his eyes and listening to Draco’s heart beating softly beneath his ribcage. His heartbeat grew steadily faster as Albus relaxed in his arms, and then he became aware of Draco’s breath becoming more labored.
The vodka in Albus’ system was making him flush. He looked up at Draco, and saw a patch of colour on each pointy cheekbone.
“Albus…” Draco breathed, either as a warning or encouragement Albus didn’t know, because in the next moment, Albus boldly leaned forwards and pressed his lips against Draco’s mouth.
The noise Draco made might have been pleasure or protest, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that after weeks of wanting to touch the man, Albus was finally tasting Draco, exploring the cavern of his mouth with his tongue and slowly coaxing Draco into doing the same.
Draco’s kiss was tentative at first, as though he were trying to figure out whether or not this was a good idea. He seemed to decide it was, because Albus suddenly found himself being pushed back against the bed. Draco’s mouth left Albus’ lips and immediately settled on a patch of throat, nipping and sucking at the pale column of flesh.
“Fucking hell, Albus…” Draco growled, hitching up Albus’ shirt and lowering his head to suck at Albus’ stomach. The taught abdomical muscles twitched under the wet warmth of Draco’s mouth, and Albus stripped off his shirt with urgency.
“Please…” Albus moaned, lifting his hips in an effort to coax Draco to where he really wanted to be touched. Smiling softly at the impatience of youth, Draco obligingly slid a hand up Albus’ leg, up to his groin and pressed firmly on the insistently hard lump straining against Albus’ fly.
“Ahh!” Albus yelped, thrusting impulsively as Draco gave his aching cock a few courtesy squeezes before finally unzipping Albus’ pants and dragging them down long, lithe legs. The underwear was next to go, and Draco moaned in both anguish and appreciation as Albus’ hot, hard cock was finally revealed to him. Draco couldn’t help lowering his glance, to the tight whorl of flesh that lay so very temptingly beneath Albus’ balls.
Albus caught Draco looking, and the mere thought of Draco doing things to his arse had him leaking fat drops of precome all over his stomach. He sat bolt upright, attacking Draco’s fly.
“I want you to fuck me,” Albus breathed against Draco’s clothed cock, before tugging the zip down and withdrawing Draco’s hot, solid length. He yearned to feel Draco’s cock inside him, but he couldn’t resist wrapping his mouth around it for a taste first.
Draco hissed in surprise at the sudden, unexpected sensation of a young, talented mouth around his cock, and the room seemed to spin for a moment as he became lost in Albus’ ministrations. He would have gladly let the youth suck his orgasm right out of him, but Albus clearly had other plans.
“Now.” Albus panted, drawing back and laying down on his elbows, splaying his legs wantonly and fully exposing his hole to Draco. Draco dove down between Albus’ legs and licked greedily at Albus’ hole, making it nice and slick for what he was about to put there.
“Oh God…” Albus whimpered as Draco’s tongue lapped wetly at his hole, teasing his nerve endings and relaxing the tight muscles guarding his passage. Draco hummed in appreciation, and then next thing Albus knew, Draco’s tongue had been replaced with his cock, pushing insistently against Albus’ tight passage, demanding entrance.
“Just do it,” Albus gasped, frustrated with Draco’s tortuously slow entry.
“I don’t want to hurt you…” Draco ground out, scrunching up his face at the hot, tight walls that were gripping him so pleasurably. The effort it took to prevent himself from slamming into the boy was nearly killing him.
“You wont.” Albus assured him. “Just fuck me. Hard.” He emphasized the last word, lifting his hips to meet Draco’s thrusts to prove that he meant business.
Draco thrust a little harder, gauging Albus’ reaction. The boy grunted, but didn’t seem in any pain, so he went harder. And harder. And harder, until he was dangerously close to ending their coupling before Albus had the chance to come.
Albus moaned in frustration as Draco slowed his pace. He canted his hips, trying to get Draco to speed up again. The next moment, his eyes were rolling back in his head as Draco wrapped a hand around his hot, hard cock.
“Tell me when you’re close…” Draco panted, stroking Albus’ length in time with his thrusts which he angled to better stimulate Albus’ prostate. Albus keened obediently and closed his eyes, focusing on the steadily increasing pleasure in his cock, and the incredible feeling of Draco inside him.
“I’m close…” Albus whispered, gratified when Draco started to pick up the pace again. His heart started hammering in earnest as his orgasm approached at lightning speed. “I’m so fucking close Draco, I’m… I’m… Oh fuck!” Albus yelled, clamping down around Draco’s cock as his climax was wrung from him by Draco’s frantically moving hand.
“Gods, yes…” Draco hissed, pounding Albus’ arse furiously as he rode out his own orgasm. Grunting and groaning in pleasure, Draco spilled himself inside Albus’ channel.
Too sated to move, the two men were content to lie sticky and satisfied in each others arms.
~*~
Epilogue
“God, look at them. In public and everything. This is going to be all over the papers!” Harry hissed to Ginny as the new couple greeted the Minister for Magic. “I should give Malfoy a damned good talking to…”
Ginny raised an eyebrow. “Albus has done Draco a world of good, Harry.”
Harry glowered. “I’m not saying I’m not happy Draco’s finally leaving the house… I just think he’s not good for Albus. He’s old enough to be his father, for one thing…”
“Albus!” A small crowd of paparazzi gathered around the new couple. “Is this your new lover? Aren’t you concerned by the age gap? What does your family think of your affair with a renowned Death Eater?”
“Oh shit, here we go…” Harry winced as Albus’ hands shook, his eyes darkening with fury. In just moments, Albus would be an unstoppable tornado of emotion, and this entire fundraiser would be torn to pieces.
Draco gently put a hand on his young love’s shoulder, and smiled genially at the paparazzi. “Gentlemen. This is a private event, and your kind are not welcome here. Kindly excuse yourselves.”
There was a brief pause, and the paparazzi went right back to snapping and shouting at an increasingly distressed Albus. Harry stood, ready to draw the attention off his son and onto himself, when something in the air changed: the room went chilly and the music stopped. Draco Malfoy was furious, and he was staring at the paparazzi like they were the scum of the earth.
“I. Said. Leave.” Draco hissed, his eyes turning dark.
The paparazzi nearly knocked over a table as they fled the room. As soon as they were gone, the music picked up again, and after a round of nervous laughter, the party continued without incident.
Harry sat back down in stunned silence, Ginny eyeing him warily. “Harry? Are you okay?”
“Actually, Gin…” Harry mused as he watched his son’s fury relax into a happy smile. “I think Draco might not be such a bad thing for Albus after all.”
The End.
Author: k8matty
Title: Solitude and Solace
Pairings: Draco/Albus Severus
Rating: NC-17+
Warning: (Highlight to read.) ->Angst, mental instability, mild self harm and alcoholism. Sappy endings. <-
Word Count: 5,018
Summary: Very loosely based on the plot of Beauty and the Beast - Albus Severus Potter destroys Draco Malfoy’s garden, and is imprisoned in his Manor for the summer.
Notes: I haven’t written this pairing before, but I really hope you enjoy it babe!
Solitude and Solace
~*~
“How did it go?” Ginny asked urgently as Harry and Albus Severus Potter stepped through the floo.
“Charges were dropped, no legal action will be taken, etc etc.” Al informed his mother dully, grudgingly accepting the kiss she planted on his forehead.
“You’re damned lucky you didn’t end up in Azkaban!” Harry thundered, shucking off his coat and throwing it angrily against the couch. “Public drunkenness, damage to public property, assaulting a local reporter…”
“Shh, it’s all over now.” Ginny soothed her husband as Albus stormed out of the room, kicking a table leg as he left.
“Is it though?” Harry asked his wife quietly once Albus was out of earshot. “That’s the third time he’s been arrested in the past two months, Gin. The Prophet is going to have a field day.”
“Always getting into trouble, isn’t he? I always said he was a Weasley at heart.” Ginny tried to make a joke of it, picking up Harry’s coat and hanging it neatly on the rack.
“That’s what worries me.” Harry sighed, accepting the glass of bourbon Ginny proffered. “He’s always getting in trouble, and getting out of it in a snap. Nobody ever makes him take responsibility. But one day, he’s going to upset someone who won’t give a damn who his father is. They’ll press charges and have him locked away all the same.”
Harry drained his glass and exhaled heavily. “I just wish we knew why he was acting this way.”
~*~
Later that evening (and after far too much vodka)…
Albus could feel the frantic beating of his heart against his ribcage as he stared up at the ten-foot hedge right in front of him. Whatever common sense Albus possessed was urgently telling him to walk away from this dangerous adventure, but the alcohol spreading stealthily through his system was telling him to go for it. What did he have to lose?
Nothing. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Albus quickly deactivated the magical wards protecting Malfoy Manor and stepped forwards.
Rather than being scratched by leaves and twigs, Albus felt as though he was stepping through a cool sheet of running water. When he opened his eyes, Albus found himself surrounded by luxurious flowers of all shapes and sizes.
Albus wandered through Draco Malfoy’s garden in a blissful drunken haze. He hadn’t been here since he was fourteen, before Scorpius and his mother had moved out. Albus had always envied Scorpius for growing up here - tucked neatly away in a hidden estate, away from any prying eyes or paparazzi. Not that Scorpius had been hounded by paparazzi. At least, not before he’d become friends with Harry Potter’s son.
Before Scorpius had moved out with his mother, this had been Albus’ escape from the outside world. From the media, always hanging off his every word so they could find a way to twist it into a juicy news story. From the people who pretended to care about him, just so they could get close to the child of a celebrity. Even from his own family, who never really understood Albus, the black sheep of the Potter clan.
As a child, Albus had enjoyed the attention he’d received for being Harry Potter’s son. Adults would coo over him, and all the other children wanted to be his friend. It wasn’t until Albus got older that he realized nobody really liked him at all. They were all using him.
The beautiful pink roses in front of Al went blurry as his eyes welled with angry tears. A familiar wave of fury stole over Albus, and before he knew it, his hands were tearing viciously at the beautiful flowers, yanking off their petals and ripping them up by the roots. Thorns pricked and tore at Albus’ hands but he didn’t even notice, howling his fury as he kicked and stomped all over the battered plants.
Suddenly, Albus felt a strong hand grip his shoulder. The hand pulled him sharply around, and Albus suddenly found himself staring up into the furious face of Draco Malfoy.
~*~
“Malfoy Manor?” Harry bellowed. “Are you insane?”
Albus stared at his knees, saying nothing. He flexed his fingers tentatively, reopening the wounds the roses had torn into his hands. Blood seeped into his palm lines, making sticky red rivers over his pale skin. Albus couldn’t help feeling a twinge of satisfaction.
“Have you any idea what the media will do with this if they get a whiff of it?” Harry yelled. “Christ, this could be splashed all over the Prophet!”
“What else is new?” Albus muttered bitterly. He’d been exposed in the Daily Prophet more times than he could count. Every detail of his life could be found in those pages, sold to reporters by anybody Albus had been stupid enough to let close to him. There wasn’t really much point in being discreet anymore, Albus figured. It was part of the reason he acted out.
“You’ve done it this time, Al.” Harry said quietly, his voice shaking with anger. “Draco Malfoy isn’t going to let you off with a warning. You just had to go and pick the one person who I can’t influence. You do realize that just by getting past his wards, you’re guilty of breaking and entering? That’s a serious offence, Al!”
“Am I getting locked up then?” Albus asked dully, raising a dubious eyebrow.
“In a manner of speaking.” Harry growled. He nodded at Ginny, who disappeared into the next room.
“Draco has agreed not to press charges.” Harry continued. “But he does want to be compensated. You tore up half his garden, and he wants it restored as soon as possible.”
“Great. Write him a cheque for a new gardener and lets go to bed.” Albus muttered. His stomach was rolling, and he had a feeling that bottle of vodka would be making a nasty reappearance before he hit the sack.
Harry shook his head. “Draco does not like strangers on his property. He has been quite reclusive since the war, and he will not settle for having money thrown at him.”
“So then what?” Albus asked, frowning.
Ginny reappeared, Albus’ trunk clutched in his hands.
“You’re going to go and live with Draco.” Harry said firmly. “And you’re going to fix everything you did to that garden. Without magic.”
~*~
Despite his brazen intrusion the night before, Albus hesitated before passing through the wards guarding Malfoy Manor today. He cringed inwardly as he saw the mangled remains of Draco Malfoy’s garden, strewn haphazardly over the carefully manicured lawns. Now that he was sober, he was quite embarrassed at being caught in the throes of what could have only been defined as a tantrum.
Slowly, Albus approached the enormous mansion and knocked tentatively on the grand double-doors. Nobody answered, but after a series of magical clicks, the door swung open by itself. Albus’ footsteps echoed through the dark, empty hall as he stepped nervously into the grand foyer.
“Hello?” Albus called out.
“Potter.”
The hairs on Albus’ neck stood to attention as a cold, crisp voice resonated through the foyer. Albus span around wildly, trying to find the source of the voice, his breath hitching as he saw the cloaked figure on top of the staircase.
“Come.” Draco said. “I will lead you to your quarters.”
Draco lead Albus through the manor by the light of a single lantern. While the garden may have been tailored to perfection, the manor itself had obviously not been cared for. Cobwebs lined the old hallways, every priceless vase coated in a thick layer of dust.
Draco stopped suddenly and pushed open a door.
“This will be your room.” Draco awkwardly indicated a grand suite, which had obviously been cleaned in anticipation of Albus’ stay. Ornate furniture was placed decoratively across the expansive floor, and in the center, a king-sized bed with enormous fluffy pillows sat, the covers turned down. The only thing missing was chocolate on the pillows, Albus thought wryly.
“During your stay here, you may explore the manor and its grounds.” Draco told Albus. “The only thing I ask is that you do not venture into my private quarters on the top floor.”
“Okay.” Albus agreed, turning back to Draco and jumping when he realized how close they were standing to each other. Draco’s face was every bit as carefully sculpted as Scorpius’ porcelain features, but he didn’t have the same sparkle in his eye as his son. There was something missing in Draco’s face, something cold and sad and angry all at once. Albus had a strange urge to reach out to Draco, to touch someone who looked as sad and alone as he felt.
“You should get your sleep.” Draco told Albus softly. “You have a busy day tomorrow.”
~*~
Replanting the garden was a lot harden than ruining it, Albus came to realize soon enough. After two days at Malfoy Manor, he had barely made a dent in his long list of tasks he had to undertake to restore the garden to its former glory.
Draco Malfoy never left the manor by daylight. The two of them dined together in the evening in awkward silence, and the rest of Draco’s time seemed to be spent in either his quarters or the library. He didn’t even check on Albus’ progress himself, but sent a stocky house elf named Brunt.
“What does Malfoy do all day?” Albus grumbled to Brunt, as the elf nodded approvingly at the newly planted seedlings. “Does he work from home?”
“Master Draco does not work anymore.” Brunt said sadly. “Ever since Mistress Astoria left with Master Scorpius, he has not left the Manor for anything.”
“Wow…” something deep inside Albus twinged uncomfortably. It took him a moment to realize it was sympathy. He had felt sorry for himself for so long, he’d almost forgot what it felt like to pity other people.
“He visits the garden at night, sometimes.” Brunt added. “Mistress Astoria planted each flower herself. Master Draco is… lonely.” Brunt gave Albus a furtive glance.
Albus winced as another unpleasant feeling spread sickeningly through his insides. Guilt. After everything he’d done to disgrace his family, Albus didn’t think he’d feel guilt ever again, but here it was, back in its full glory.
“Brunt will take these to be recycled as compost, Master Albus.” The elf squeaked, bending to take the bag of ruined flowers Albus had finished clipping.
“Wait!” Albus snatched the bag back, rooting through the discarded contents, and smiling to himself when he withdrew what he was looking for.
~*~
Later that night, Albus sneaked to the top floor of the manor while Draco was in the library, the glass bell jar clutched in his hands. Inside, a single pink rose was suspended, a faint magical glow surrounding it. The charm Albus had placed on the bell jar slowed the roses aging process. Draco would be able to hold on to his wife, at least in some small way.
When Albus reached Draco’s quarters, he bent down to leave the bell jar and a note at Draco’s door. The note was short and to the point, apologizing for his behavior and hoping that Draco would forgive him in time. When all was set, Albus turned to leave, but a niggling curiosity stopped him. Albus didn’t know what was possessing him to violate Draco’s privacy, but in that moment he just had to know more about the mysterious man who lived inside these walls. Draco’s quarters were protected by enchantments, but Albus had never encountered a ward he could not break through. He entered Draco’s bedroom with ease.
The master bedroom was similar to the one Albus was using, except much larger and devoid of anything but the bare essentials. There were no framed pictures, no decorative furniture. The curtains were drawn, and the room was only dimly lit by the feeble light of several candles, Albus couldn’t help shivering at the thought of Draco spending his hours here, alone, day after day.
A simple bedside table sat by the enormous bed. He should have left, but he had plenty of time, and just couldn’t resist opening the bedside drawer and peering inside.
The first thing Albus saw was a photograph, so smudged and faded Albus couldn’t quite make out the smiling porcelain features at first. His eyes widened as he recognized all three Malfoys beaming up at him, waving cheerily at the camera as they posed for their family photo. Draco’s smile looked like it might split in two as he wrapped one arm around his wife, and the other around his son. Albus suddenly realized why the picture was blurred in places - it had been smudged with tears.
The sound of approaching footsteps jolted Albus out of his reverie. He hadn’t expected Draco to return to his quarters so soon. There was no way he could slip out the door without being seen, and he couldn’t jump out the window of the top floor. Panicking, Albus did the only thing that made sense and dived behind one of the drawn curtains.
A moment later, Draco pushed open the door to his bedroom, the bell jar in on hand, the hastily written note in the other. The ghost of a smile played around Draco’s features as he carefully set the bell jar on his bedside table, running a pale finger over the glass before turning away and starting to undress.
Albus swallowed nervously as Draco pulled away his clothing without ceremony, revealing an awful lot of creamy skin in a very short space of time. Albus sucked in a breath as Draco pulled away his underwear and finally lay down naked on his bed.
Albus breathed a small sigh of relief. If Draco was going to bed, Albus might be able to sneak out after he’d gone to sleep.
The only problem was, Draco wasn’t going to sleep. He was stretching luxuriously, running his hands over his pale torso and sighing as his body relaxed into the bed.
Suddenly, Albus realized exactly what Draco was planning on doing. His whole body flushed with mortification as Draco’s flaccid cock started to come to life right before Albus’ very eyes. Slowly, the pale organ filled with blood, turning pink and lengthening until it lay flat and heavy against Draco’s milky abdomen.
Albus’ breath sped up as Draco slowly parted his legs, exposing flushed, rounded testicles dusted with blonde curls. One hand remained on Draco’s chest, toying gently with his nipples. Draco’s other hand reached between slim, white thighs to gently caress his balls. Draco took his time teasing his body as his cock grew hard and red with impatience.
A familiar tightening in his groin made Albus blush further; he was becoming aroused. Draco started moaning as he gave his nipple a final tug and started moving his hand down to join the other at his groin. Draco inched his fingers towards his cock at an infuriatingly slow pace.
Hurry the fuck up, Albus thought wildly, his wide eyes fixed unwaveringly on the thick pole of flesh now leaking onto Draco’s stomach. Albus’ mouth watered as he imagined himself leaning forwards to lick those drops away.
Finally, Draco wrapped his long, elegant fingers around the heated flesh. He cried out in pleasure and visibly tightened his grip. “Fucking hell,” Albus gasped to himself, unconsciously pressing his own hand against his aching erection to relieve some of the pressure.
Draco paused and opened his eyes, looking around the room in confusion. Albus bit his lip, trying to stop himself from breathing as Draco attempted to locate the source of the noise. Seemingly satisfied that he was indeed alone, Draco lay back and started stroking his cock in earnest, rubbing his thumb over the engorged head and coaxing another fat bead of precome from his slit.
Albus couldn’t stand it any longer; he thrust a hand drown the front of his trousers and seized his own straining erection, pressing his lips tightly together to stop himself from moaning in pleasure and relief. Never taking his eyes away from Draco’s gorgeous body, Albus furiously tugged at his cock, his eyes watering with how bloody good it felt.
Draco keened softly to himself, arching his back like a cat. The hand on his cock sped up, and he sucked on the other quickly before sneaking it beneath his balls to rub at his arsehole. Albus’ own hole twitched in sympathy, and he longed to feel Draco’s hands there, breaching him, exploring him, making him cry out for more.
“Oh fuck…” Draco whimpered, his hips starting to buck as his orgasm approached. “Oh fuck!” Draco howled, thrusting his fingers inside himself at the very moment his cock shot ropes of come all over his torso. A moment later, Albus was lost in his own pleasure, unable to contain a soft gasp as his climax seized him out of nowhere.
The sound of the curtain parting cut through Albus’ post-orgasmic haze like a knife, and his eyes flew open. Draco stood before him, come still dripping down his pale body. Albus first instinct was to fall to his knees and lick the fluid from Draco’s body, but the murderous expression on Malfoy’s face stopped him.
“Get. Out.” Draco snarled at the terrified youth.
Albus couldn’t obey fast enough.
~*~
Things had been awkward since that night in Draco’s quarters, but Albus supposed things could have been worse. Draco did not throw him out, nor did he inform Harry of Albus’ actions. In fact, things were more or less the same, except Albus saw less of Draco than ever.
Albus would have been relieved, except Draco had become something of an obsession for Albus. He had not dared to venture into Draco’s quarters again, but he often tried to hunt the master down, so that they could ‘accidentally’ pass each other in the halls. Albus’ nights in the manor were spent naked and thrashing on his enormous bed as he wrung agonizing climaxes from his aching cock, always with Draco’s face at the front of his mind.
His gardening had become better as well - instead of reluctantly completing each task, Albus poured himself into the labor, really trying to restore the beauty that he had destroyed. He hoped that maybe Draco would forgive him, even appreciate his efforts. It was a long shot, but Albus could dream.
There was something relaxing about spending his time outdoors, with no sounds but for the rustling plants and occasional conversation with Brunt. Albus was finidng the gardening quite enjoyable. He was even smiling to himself as he dug a new flowerbed.
“There he is!”
“Albus! Albus Potter!”
Albus looked up from his work, his insides clenching as he recognized the gaggle of paparazzi, flashing their cameras and shouting questions.
“Albus! Is it true you broke into Malfoy’s private estate?”
“Is it true you assaulted him?”
“Are you being held against your will?”
“What do you say to the rumors of your alcohol problem?”
“Albus!”
“Albus!”
Albus shrank back against the shouting voices, willing them to go away. His hands shook with fury around the shovel he was holding. Albus tightened his grip, intent on using the shovel to beat the nearest reporter into the earth, when the sound of a woman screaming pierced the air.
Opening his eyes, Albus saw that the crowd of paparazzi was cowering, nearly wetting themselves with terror as they stared at something behind Albus’ back. Albus turned, and couldn’t help cowering himself.
Draco Malfoy stood in the garden, his teeth bared and his wand pointed at the crowd of frightened reporters. He was radiating an anger so intense, Albus could almost feel it coming off Draco in waves.
“Get the fuck off my property.” Draco snarled.
The crowd hesitated, looking from Albus to Draco as though pondering the possibility of a story over the likelihood of being cursed.
“Now!” Draco roared, firing hexes after the crowd as they ran screaming through the wards and disappeared.
Albus stared at the hedge, shaking. Pale fingers threaded through his own, and he found himself being lead through the garden, back towards the Manor.
Albus expected to be lead towards his own quarters, so he was surprised when Draco kept leading him onwards, up to the top floor. He pulled Albus into his quarters, easing the youth to sit on the large bed.
Albus could hear the gentle clinking of glasses, before a large tumbler of vodka was gently pushed into his hand.
“Your favourite, I believe.” Draco said wryly.
Albus looked between the glass and Draco in confusion. “It will help with the shock.” Draco said gently, draining his own glass.
“I don’t know how they found me.” Albus said quietly, drinking his vodka in baby sips. He hadn’t had anything stronger than wine since coming to the manor, and at the familiar taste, Albus felt a strange mixture of relief and disappointment. He’d kind of hoped he wouldn’t need to comfort himself with this poison, at least not until he left the Manor…
Draco sighed. “I will update the wards as soon as possible, but I doubt they will be back for a while.” Draco smirked smugly to himself as he recalled them running away. “I was surprised by your own restraint.” Draco remarked. “One cannot glance at a newspaper nowadays without hearing about young Albus’ violent outbursts.”
Albus smiled weakly. “I nearly clobbered one of them with the shovel.” He admitted.
Draco raised an eyebrow. “I am immensely thankful you didn’t. It would be a pity if you were shipped off to Azkaban before you completed my garden.”
Albus felt his chest clench unpleasantly. The garden was just a week or two away from being completed. Soon he would have to leave the manor, and he would be thrust back into his home in London, surrounded by people hounding him and clammering to talk to him. Just the thought had Albus’s pulse racing.
“Albus?” Draco asked in alarm as the boy started to hyperventilate.
“I don’t want to go back…” Albus choked, clenching his hands in the bedsheets. “I don’t want to go back there, please don’t make me…”
“Shh, shh…” Draco set down his glass and wrapped a reassuring arm around Albus. “I won’t make you leave. Its okay.”
Albus buried his face into Draco’s shoulder, not caring that he barely knew the man. All he knew was that this man was the only person left who seemed to care about Albus, and who was actually there when he really needed someone.
Albus lay his head against Draco’s chest, closing his eyes and listening to Draco’s heart beating softly beneath his ribcage. His heartbeat grew steadily faster as Albus relaxed in his arms, and then he became aware of Draco’s breath becoming more labored.
The vodka in Albus’ system was making him flush. He looked up at Draco, and saw a patch of colour on each pointy cheekbone.
“Albus…” Draco breathed, either as a warning or encouragement Albus didn’t know, because in the next moment, Albus boldly leaned forwards and pressed his lips against Draco’s mouth.
The noise Draco made might have been pleasure or protest, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that after weeks of wanting to touch the man, Albus was finally tasting Draco, exploring the cavern of his mouth with his tongue and slowly coaxing Draco into doing the same.
Draco’s kiss was tentative at first, as though he were trying to figure out whether or not this was a good idea. He seemed to decide it was, because Albus suddenly found himself being pushed back against the bed. Draco’s mouth left Albus’ lips and immediately settled on a patch of throat, nipping and sucking at the pale column of flesh.
“Fucking hell, Albus…” Draco growled, hitching up Albus’ shirt and lowering his head to suck at Albus’ stomach. The taught abdomical muscles twitched under the wet warmth of Draco’s mouth, and Albus stripped off his shirt with urgency.
“Please…” Albus moaned, lifting his hips in an effort to coax Draco to where he really wanted to be touched. Smiling softly at the impatience of youth, Draco obligingly slid a hand up Albus’ leg, up to his groin and pressed firmly on the insistently hard lump straining against Albus’ fly.
“Ahh!” Albus yelped, thrusting impulsively as Draco gave his aching cock a few courtesy squeezes before finally unzipping Albus’ pants and dragging them down long, lithe legs. The underwear was next to go, and Draco moaned in both anguish and appreciation as Albus’ hot, hard cock was finally revealed to him. Draco couldn’t help lowering his glance, to the tight whorl of flesh that lay so very temptingly beneath Albus’ balls.
Albus caught Draco looking, and the mere thought of Draco doing things to his arse had him leaking fat drops of precome all over his stomach. He sat bolt upright, attacking Draco’s fly.
“I want you to fuck me,” Albus breathed against Draco’s clothed cock, before tugging the zip down and withdrawing Draco’s hot, solid length. He yearned to feel Draco’s cock inside him, but he couldn’t resist wrapping his mouth around it for a taste first.
Draco hissed in surprise at the sudden, unexpected sensation of a young, talented mouth around his cock, and the room seemed to spin for a moment as he became lost in Albus’ ministrations. He would have gladly let the youth suck his orgasm right out of him, but Albus clearly had other plans.
“Now.” Albus panted, drawing back and laying down on his elbows, splaying his legs wantonly and fully exposing his hole to Draco. Draco dove down between Albus’ legs and licked greedily at Albus’ hole, making it nice and slick for what he was about to put there.
“Oh God…” Albus whimpered as Draco’s tongue lapped wetly at his hole, teasing his nerve endings and relaxing the tight muscles guarding his passage. Draco hummed in appreciation, and then next thing Albus knew, Draco’s tongue had been replaced with his cock, pushing insistently against Albus’ tight passage, demanding entrance.
“Just do it,” Albus gasped, frustrated with Draco’s tortuously slow entry.
“I don’t want to hurt you…” Draco ground out, scrunching up his face at the hot, tight walls that were gripping him so pleasurably. The effort it took to prevent himself from slamming into the boy was nearly killing him.
“You wont.” Albus assured him. “Just fuck me. Hard.” He emphasized the last word, lifting his hips to meet Draco’s thrusts to prove that he meant business.
Draco thrust a little harder, gauging Albus’ reaction. The boy grunted, but didn’t seem in any pain, so he went harder. And harder. And harder, until he was dangerously close to ending their coupling before Albus had the chance to come.
Albus moaned in frustration as Draco slowed his pace. He canted his hips, trying to get Draco to speed up again. The next moment, his eyes were rolling back in his head as Draco wrapped a hand around his hot, hard cock.
“Tell me when you’re close…” Draco panted, stroking Albus’ length in time with his thrusts which he angled to better stimulate Albus’ prostate. Albus keened obediently and closed his eyes, focusing on the steadily increasing pleasure in his cock, and the incredible feeling of Draco inside him.
“I’m close…” Albus whispered, gratified when Draco started to pick up the pace again. His heart started hammering in earnest as his orgasm approached at lightning speed. “I’m so fucking close Draco, I’m… I’m… Oh fuck!” Albus yelled, clamping down around Draco’s cock as his climax was wrung from him by Draco’s frantically moving hand.
“Gods, yes…” Draco hissed, pounding Albus’ arse furiously as he rode out his own orgasm. Grunting and groaning in pleasure, Draco spilled himself inside Albus’ channel.
Too sated to move, the two men were content to lie sticky and satisfied in each others arms.
~*~
Epilogue
“God, look at them. In public and everything. This is going to be all over the papers!” Harry hissed to Ginny as the new couple greeted the Minister for Magic. “I should give Malfoy a damned good talking to…”
Ginny raised an eyebrow. “Albus has done Draco a world of good, Harry.”
Harry glowered. “I’m not saying I’m not happy Draco’s finally leaving the house… I just think he’s not good for Albus. He’s old enough to be his father, for one thing…”
“Albus!” A small crowd of paparazzi gathered around the new couple. “Is this your new lover? Aren’t you concerned by the age gap? What does your family think of your affair with a renowned Death Eater?”
“Oh shit, here we go…” Harry winced as Albus’ hands shook, his eyes darkening with fury. In just moments, Albus would be an unstoppable tornado of emotion, and this entire fundraiser would be torn to pieces.
Draco gently put a hand on his young love’s shoulder, and smiled genially at the paparazzi. “Gentlemen. This is a private event, and your kind are not welcome here. Kindly excuse yourselves.”
There was a brief pause, and the paparazzi went right back to snapping and shouting at an increasingly distressed Albus. Harry stood, ready to draw the attention off his son and onto himself, when something in the air changed: the room went chilly and the music stopped. Draco Malfoy was furious, and he was staring at the paparazzi like they were the scum of the earth.
“I. Said. Leave.” Draco hissed, his eyes turning dark.
The paparazzi nearly knocked over a table as they fled the room. As soon as they were gone, the music picked up again, and after a round of nervous laughter, the party continued without incident.
Harry sat back down in stunned silence, Ginny eyeing him warily. “Harry? Are you okay?”
“Actually, Gin…” Harry mused as he watched his son’s fury relax into a happy smile. “I think Draco might not be such a bad thing for Albus after all.”
The End.