H/D fic: You Set Fire to the Rain (NC-17) Parts 9-10
Author: icicle33
Title: You Set Fire to the Rain
Characters/Pairings: Harry/Draco, past Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione, Andromeda and Teddy
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the other works that I refer to in this story. Please don’t sue me.
Warnings: For a full list of warnings refer to part 1. Mentions of background Draco/OC
Word count: ~ 6000 (for this part)
Summary: After the war, Harry cannot handle the overbearing press and needs to get away. He decides to spend the summer with Andromeda and Teddy in France. When Malfoy shows up too, things get complicated. “Slowly, you were becoming my world, my reason for existence; and yet, I wasn’t even a blotch, not even an insignificant speck in the universe of Draco Malfoy.”
A/N: A big thank you to my lovely betas: ashiiblack and erised_dreams. You ladies are awesome. ♥
Go Back to Parts 1-2 Parts 3-4 Parts 5-6 Part 7 Part 8
: : Nine: :
"You can close your eyes to the things you do not want to see, but you cannot close your heart to the things you do not want to feel." ~HJP 9
: : :
That night, I didn't get much sleep.
I couldn't stop visualising your woeful, tear-stained face and latent but profound sobs in my mind. I had always seen you as so withdrawn and detached from the world, from your feelings; you seemed ruthless and unaffected by anything that was thrown at you no matter how cruel or vindictive. It was as if you wore an impenetrable suit of armour that nothing could destroy. I've always hated you for it, envied it really, and wanted to find a way to crack your shield. I thought it would bring me peace, satisfaction, but now that I had finally achieved my goal, it felt all wrong. Instead of celebrating, I felt like a worthless pile of shit. And worst of all, I couldn't take it back. No matter what I said, the damage was done. You would never get those tears back or that sleepless night.
It just didn't seem fair. For the second time in my life, I had broken you and caused you an almost inconsolable amount of pain. Why did I do these things? These were not the actions of the hero I was supposed to be. A real hero would never lash out and keep trying to strangle the only person in the world that I wanted to hold in my arms and call my own. I was more defective than even you were.
Christ, I had only wanted to tame the fierce dragon not slaughter it.
: : :
The next morning, I planned to sleep in. Under no circumstances, was I ready to face Andromeda or your pained, dejected face just yet. Unfortunately, Andromeda had other plans. Andie has always been respectful of my privacy, even before I lived with her and only came for short visits. She was the perfect hostess and never disturbed her guests or made a ruckus in the morning no matter how early she rose. In fact, she would barely even knock on my door in fear of troubling me. Well, that morning she stormed in at barely half past seven and didn't bother to knock. Her pale cheeks were flushed and her bright eyes blazing. She raised all the shades in the room to ensure that as much sunlight as possible was blinding me, and then she tore the comforter from my grasp and vanished it. To say that she was brassed off would be an understatement.
Things went pear-shaped rather quickly, and she lectured me for the good portion of an hour. She raved at me about how immature, petty and cruel my behaviour had been, how she had never expected such callous antics from the likes of me, and how she had never been more disappointed. If that wasn't bad enough, then she had to bring up the fact that she spent half the night attempting to console you, her poor nephew, who thought that not a single person cared for him in the entire world.
Hanging my head in shame, I just listened to everything she threw at me. If anything, she was being kind. I deserved worse, much worse. When she was finally done fuming at me, I slowly met her disillusioned eyes and knew that I had fallen from my final pedestal. There was no turning back. Not for lack of trying, but I couldn't hold back the pools of tears that had been threatening to flood my eyes since the beginning of her speech. I swallowed what was left of my shoddy dignity and told her that I would pack my things and be gone my lunchtime.
Apparently, I had put my foot in my mouth again because Andie's face turned a violent shade of red, and she pursed her lips in such a sour fashion, which was so reminiscent of Aunt Petunia that I was afraid she was going to lash out and strike me. Instead, she took a deep breath and pulled me into an almost suffocating embrace.
"Harry James Potter," she said, her voice stern and eyes locked in that 'don't you dare argue with me' look that only an irate mother could perfect. "You are absolutely forbidden to leave this house! What in Salazar's name is wrong with you?" She pulled me closer to her chest and held me tighter if that was even possible. It was getting hard to breathe. "You and that obtuse nephew of mine are both ridiculous. You're both cut from the same cloth, I tell you. Both of you thinking that I want you to leave...I've never heard such rubbish in my life." She released one hand from our embrace and started running it through my matted hair.
"Oh, Harry," she sighed and continued playing with my hair. "Don't you know how much I love you? How much I love having you here?"
My voice was caught in my throat, so I only nodded my head in response. Andie released me and then lifted my chin to meet her eyes.
"Listen to me," she said, her voice serious and dark, "because I'm only going to say this once." She took a breath but never broke contact with my anxious gaze. "You, Teddy, and Draco are my only family. I've already talked to Draco, and now I'm telling you the same thing."
I had never pictured Andromeda as a particularly threatening woman before, but at that moment, I was terrified.
"Draco has agreed to stay for the summer," she continued. "The four of us are going to have a perfectly lovely summer together. And with Salazar as my witness you and that berk of a nephew of mine will get along or there will be hell to pay!" She paused for a second and regarded me, her eyes fierce and penetrating, in order to prove that she was completely serious.
All I could do was gulp in response.
"Do you understand?"
I nodded my head and stared at the floor.
"Splendid, dear." She released my face and then smiled at me kindly as if nothing was wrong at all. "Let's go have breakfast."
: : :
When I joined the others at the breakfast table, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was afraid that I would see you again in your adorable flannel pyjamas with your hair all ruffled and your eyes blotchy and panic-stricken. Imagine my surprise, when the man that greeted me was as far removed from the broken child I had glimpsed last night in your room as possible.
It was only a quarter after nine when I entered the dining room and my hair was sticking up in all directions since I hadn't bothered to run a comb through it yet. I was clothed in an old Gryffindor tee shirt and some old sweats that had probably belonged to my cousin Dudley at some point, but I still found them absurdly comfortable and wore them often around the house. As I made my way to the table, I was greeted warmly by Teddy who was also still in his pyjamas, which just happened to be blue flannel as well. A small smile crossed my lips at seeing the little boy look so endearing, and it didn't leave my face until after I greeted Andie who was uncharacteristically clothed in only her dressing gown and a pair of silk pyjama bottoms. I assumed that I had disrupted her morning routine, which was why she was at the table in such an unusual state of disarray.
But when I finally spotted you, sitting at the head of the long table, I couldn't help but gawk.
You were dressed impeccably in fitted black trousers and a perfectly pressed blue oxford shirt; your long hair had been brushed and was loosely tied back hanging neatly at the nape of your neck (most likely to keep it from falling into your runny eggs). God, you are so fastidious sometimes. You looked positively edible in that smart outfit, and it almost hurt to look at you. Still, what was most striking about your appearance was your eyes. Yes, they had slight bags under them, which you had tried to cover up with a poorly placed glamour-the vain git that you are-but it was their utter lack of emotion that threw me. Your eyes appeared an almost midnight shade of blue rather than the clear grey I had witnessed the night before, and they were no longer bright and panicked with unshed tears. Your gaze was hard and detached again, impenetrable like two jaded stones staring through me.
Watching you sit there so calmly was unnerving. You sat there regarding me coolly as if you didn't have a care in the world and hadn't spent the last night on the verge of an emotional breakdown. I was flabbergasted and couldn't do anything but gape at you with my mouth hanging open and what had to be a stupefied expression on my face.
"Good morning, Potter," you said, greeting me as casually and naturally as if we had been friends for years.
"Erm-" I stuttered sounding even more idiotic than I felt.
"What's the matter, Potter? You look like someone just drowned your pet crup."
You sounded much too pleased with yourself, and I finally had the familiar urge of wanting to hex that smug smirk off your face. You were so infuriating. One minute your Adonis beauty dumbfounded me, and the next I wanted to rearrange your haughty face.
"Don't tell me even the saviour of the wizarding world gets lovesick?" Your eyes were utterly amused and your smirk grew wider.
"Shut it, Malfoy," I snapped, finally regaining my voice.
Andromeda cleared her throat and at least you had the decency to look abashed.
"I was just kidding, Potter. Just a little joke between two old school chums. No harm done."
You turned to your Aunt and rewarded her with your most charming and innocent smile. It was breathtaking and once again, I felt a sharp pang in my chest, my anger completely forgotten. Andie seemed satisfied and then excused herself to fetch some raspberry jam for Teddy.
I looked down at my plate of runny eggs and burnt toast, pretending that it was the most interesting thing in the world. God, I hated toast and eggs. I didn't understand why we couldn't have bacon or those delectable French pastries again for breakfast. I really needed comfort food if I had to sit across from you and your smug face at every meal. I would much rather spend the time stabbing you repeatedly with my fork.
But I had promised Andromeda that I would play nice with you, and I was intending on keeping that promise even if we had to spend the rest of the summer drenched in silence.
"So, Potter," you said, interrupting the uncomfortable silence that continued to grow between us.
"Yes, Malfoy?" If you were going to pretend to be polite in Andie's presence, then I could play that game too.
"Teddy and I are taking a walk over to my vineyard later. It's almost harvesting season, and I want him to help me sample the different grape varieties in order to choose the best varietals for the blends this season," you said, your voice calm and nonchalant, as you carefully cut up your eggs in bite-sized pieces.
What was wrong with you? Who the hell eats their eggs like that? Not even Teddy needed to cut his eggs into such small pieces. And who owns a vineyard for Merlin's sake?
"That's nice," I replied, trying my best to keep my tone polite rather than sardonic.
"Oh yes," Teddy finally piped in. "Cousin Draco is so smart, Uncle Harry. He knows everything!"
"Does he now?"
My godson was bouncing in his seat and waving around his toast as he looked up at you with a besotted grin plastered upon his face. I had almost forgotten that Teddy was in the room and couldn't help but feel resentful that my godson was regarding you with such awe. He obviously thought the sun shone out of your much-too-gorgeous-for-your-own-good arse, and I didn't like it one bit. He was only supposed to smile at me that way. I was supposed to be his hero, not you. What kind of role model would you be for a small child anyway?
I watched you chuckle at Teddy's enthusiasm and then return his smile. "Well, I don't think I know everything, Teddybear, but close."
Bugger, now you were using pet names for my godson as well. I vomited in my mouth and had to transfix my gaze on the eggs again to stop myself from showing the revulsion in my eyes. Ugh. Without thinking, I had smashed my eggs into what appeared to be an unappetising plate of yellow goo.
"Have you ever been to a vineyard before?" you asked, your voice still cool but neutral. I was impressed that you had actually managed to keep your usual condescending tone to a minimum.
"Can't say that I have." I still didn't look up from my mushy eggs, which there was no way I was actually going to eat now. Fuck. I was going to be starving until lunch.
"Why don't you join us then?"
My head quickly jerked up from the plate and I gaped at you. "No."
Of course, Andromeda had chosen that exact moment to come back from the kitchen and did not look pleased at all.
"Harry," she warned.
"I mean...no thank you. I have a previous engagement."
Andromeda looked appeased and you continued to regard me closely, but didn't appear to be fazed by my sharp answer.
"Perhaps another time then."
"Right."
: : :
The next day that followed was complete hell.
Apparently, you didn't take the hint and continued to invite me to do asinine things with you like go for a walk or read Teddy a bedtime story. Okay, the truth was that I very much wanted to accept your invitation, but deep down I understood that the only reason you were inviting me was because of Andromeda. It was all a lie, and you probably would have rather spent a day defanging Blast-Ended Skrewts than spend an afternoon in my company.
That's not what I wanted. Not at all. I wanted so much more than that, and if I couldn't have it, then it was better not to have anything at all. Yes, it was enough that you were being polite to me. That was much more than I ever had before.
Besides, I could tell that you were up to something; you had to be, because if there was one thing I had learnt from watching you for so many years, it was that you were never nice to anyone without having ulterior motives. This time was no different. I just hadn't found your true motives yet.
I had to find a way to avoid you as much as possible and spy on you at the same time. Bloody hell, living under the same roof with you was like being back at Hogwarts all over again. On the bright side, there was no psychotic Dark Lord trying to murder me this time.
: : Ten : :
"People find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than for being right." ~JKR10
: : :
Either you got more cunning since leaving Hogwarts, or it was because you no longer had an impending murder hanging over your head, but avoiding you was starting to get impossible. I had to feign illness and hide out in my room all day just to stop you from cornering me and inviting me on some other inane activity.
After spending the day locked in my room, I thought I had finally outsmarted you and survived one more day Malfoy-free. Unfortunately, since I had missed dinner, my traitor of a stomach decided it needed a midnight snack. Why I didn't just ask Binky or that other elf to bring me something, I'll never know. But when I snuck back into my room, a pale, slender figure was sitting crossed-legged on my bed.
Oh, fuck.
"Malfoy, what the hell are you doing in my room?"
The door slammed shut and you wandlessly lit a small candle that sat on my nightstand. There was more than enough light with the fierce moonlight piercing through the windows; you were just showing off as usual. You cleared your throat and dismissed my harsh tone.
"Listen Potter, you've been avoiding me for days now. I just want to talk to you. That's it."
"I have not. I've just been busy," I lied, thankful that it was still somewhat dark in the room because my cheeks always redden and give me away when I lie.
"Well, you're not now."
"I am actually...I'm going to eat this sandwich." I pointed to the sandwich and crisps I had in my hand and sat down on the bed as far away from you as possible. "So if you don't mind, I had rather you leave."
"No."
"What do you mean no? This is MY room!" I put the sandwich down on the bed and reached for my wand, but you were quicker and disarmed me. Fuck.
"You're reflexes are slow. Must be all those greasy crisps you eat," you quipped. "No wonder they kicked you out of Auror training." You had that smug look plastered on your face again that I just despised, and with your face glowing in the candlelight, it was uncanny.
"I don't have time for this. Just get out," I demanded, but naturally, you ignored me and helped yourself to one of my crisps.
"Not bad. Anyway, you eat and I'll talk. I'll make it quick...I promise."
I eyed you warily, trying to discern any evil ulterior motives that you might have had. Certainly, you couldn't be trusted. "No. Just get out, Malfoy. I don't want you here." I gulped as you narrowed your eyes, glaring at me darkly.
"You made that perfectly clear the other night," you drawled, your voice no longer kind. "I know you don't like me, but I'm not leaving."
My cheeks flushed, burning even hotter than before, so I started playing with the crisps on my plate. "Malfoy, about that-"
"Save it, Potter," you replied, your voice harsh now, cold. "You showed bollocks talking to me like that. Don't ruin it now with a useless apology we both know you don't mean."
"Erm-"
"Just let me say my piece and I'll be out of your hair, okay?"
I let out a loud sigh and finally gave in. Whenever I stare into those gorgeous eyes of yours for too long, I always give in.
"Fine, you have five minutes."
You crossed your legs and started twirling my wand in your long, pale fingers; they glowed white in the faint candlelight.
" Silencio," you muttered, and my voice disappeared from the back of my throat. I wanted to shout at you and curse you into oblivion, but there wasn't much I could do without a voice or a wand. I guess that was the point. You are such a bastard.
"I can't have you interrupting me, Potter. I'm only going to say this once, so listen closely." You turned around and faced me; your white blond hair glittered in the candlelight and appeared golden. Your full lips were swollen and just begging to be kissed.
"I don't normally do this." You sighed again and rubbed your face with your hands. "Okay, I never do this. But it has to be done. I heard...no I know...that you were the one that saved me from the manor...you and that stupid elf who refused to leave the manor no matter how many times I banished it." You bowed your head and ran your hands through your long hair, mussing it up. "Fuck, why is this so hard?
"Malfoys don't do apologies. Don't expect that from me. But I need to thank you for saving my life. Again."
You paused for a second and bit down on your bottom lip, making it swell even further. I wondered if you knew just how sexy that made you look, if you did it on purpose. I moved closer to you and nodded; it was the only thing I could do since you had stripped me of my voice.
There was a static electricity in the air; the small candle that you had lit was flickering uncontrollably, and I could have sworn that I saw flecks of green and gold fluttering behind your eyes. Your eyes were silver again and clear, so much like that night I had seen you talking with Andromeda and so different from how you usually look at me.
"Look, that first time you saved me I didn't thank you because..." You averted your eyes from my unwavering gaze and stared down at your hands, pretending they were suddenly interesting. "Because...I thought you owed me.” You chucked, a dark but endearing chuckle that I couldn't help but love. "I mean you tried to kill me, right? Almost succeeded...but since you saved my life we were even."
You bit down on your bottom lip again and starting furrowing your brow. "And Mother," you said, only faltering slightly on what was still a painful subject. "She told me how she saved you. I-I told myself that made us even. That you had done it out of guilt...or something." You placed my wand back on the bed and whispered, " Finite Incantatem."
My voice returned to the back of my throat, but somehow I was still speechless. All I could do was gape at you. Who were you and what had you done with Draco Malfoy? I should have tested you for Polyjuice.
"But-I should have at least thanked you for testifying for my family." Your voice was steadier now. "You didn't have to do that...and now for taking care of my aunt and cousin."
"Ma-Malfoy," I finally stammered out. "You don't have to-"
"Yes, I do. But don't get used to it. I don't do this whole soppy feelings tripe. That's Hufflepuff and Gryffindor bullshit. Not me."
"Oh, of course," I said, smiling, "I would never expect it."
When you returned my grin, albeit sheepishly, my heart swelled and fluttered unreasonably.
"Well, I'll let you get back to your sandwich." You got up from the bed and extinguished the candle.
"And Potter," you said, while pausing in the doorway, "you don't have to avoid me like I have dragon pox. I won't bite."
: : :
After you left, I sprawled out on my bed and just stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours; my sandwich lay forgotten. What the hell had just happened?
You are an enigma to me, Draco Malfoy.
I used to think I had you figured out-that I knew everything about you. Clearly, I don't know anything.
First, I thought you were just a spoiled, arrogant brat that had the world at his feet, but felt the need to bully everyone else around him when he didn't get his way. Then, I thought you were an evil Death Eater who wanted nothing more than to follow in daddy's footsteps and become a part of Voldemort's inner circle. Luckily, I was wrong on both accounts, for the most part. But then again, I wasn't sure what you were really like. You were always so guarded and closed off, collected but aloof. I just assumed that was the real you. Yet, there are moments like that night, when you were earnest and thoughtful-or moments like the other night, when you were scared and broken.
How could you be so many contradictions all at once? It just wasn't possible. Who the hell was the real Draco Malfoy? I was desperate to find out.
A slight breeze blew through the room, and the small, silver candle that you had previously lit caught my attention. I dipped my index finger into the hot wax and rubbed it between my fingers, taking in its smoothness and warmth. It smelt like summer rain and musky grapes, which was odd considering it wasn't supposed to be scented. The candle emitted gentle wisps of smoke, which was normal for an extinguished candle, but the odd thing was that rather than being black or grey, the faint wisps were silver and streaked with flecks of green, gold, and even red. It was very peculiar; I had never seen a candle behave like that. Oh well, it was probably just a special type of candle that Andromeda had purchased, something magical and expensive.
Yes, that had to be it.
I put the peculiar candle and images of those hauntingly beautiful silver eyes far from my mind and slept better than I had in a long time.
: : :
The next morning, I awoke refreshed and ready to make some changes in my life.
My dreams had been plagued with images of a strong but caring Draco Malfoy, and I needed to know if that could be a reality. We would never be lovers, but if I could at least have you as a friend, a real friend, then I would settle for that. So far, I had been silly, but I was no longer going to waste this precious opportunity.
I strolled into the dining room with a huge grin upon my face; I was finally going to accept one of your invitations-hopefully it would be for one of your excursions with Teddy that would be fun rather than educational. Unfortunately, you were nowhere to be found. Andromeda told me that you had stepped out to spend the day with friends and wouldn't return until later.
She explained that you had spent many summers in this house, so you knew the area well and made friends with the surrounding children of other wizarding families.
"Oh," I said, trying hard to conceal my disappointment.
"Harry," she said, "don't tell me that now that Draco's gone you actually miss him? You've been avoiding him for days."
"Um-well, I thought maybe we could do something. You know...try to be friends." I knew that my face was as red as a tomato and wished that I could drown myself in Teddy's porridge.
"Well, I think that sounds like a lovely idea, Harry. I'm very proud of you." Andie leaned over and rewarded me with a kiss, causing me to blush ever harder.
"Just ask Draco to visit with you when he gets back."
: : :
But you didn't come back.
I waited for you all day, and you didn't show up until the next day around teatime. I was furious that Andromeda was so nonchalant about your absence. She was thrilled that you were off having fun with your friends. How could she not be concerned? What if something had happened to you?
Nothing had.
Finally, you sauntered in sporting your outfit from the previous night. Your silk shirt was untucked and not buttoned properly; your hair looked as if you had met the wrong end of an electrical socket, and worst of all, you were sporting a big, goofy grin that only made the situation worst.
You reeked of old scotch, smoke, and sex; I couldn't decide if I was disgustingly turned on or if I wanted to vomit. "Where have you been?" I demanded, not even bothering to keep the agitation out of my voice.
"Huh?" You threw your blazer on the closest chair and looked at me. It was as if you hadn't even noticed that I was in the room staring at you this entire time.
"Good morning to you too, Potter."
"It's past four in the afternoon." I was gripping the table furiously in order to keep my cool.
"Is it?" Your voice was so casual that I wanted to hit you again. "I hadn't noticed."
Andie noticed the tension in the room and tried her best to break it up. "So, dear...it looks like you had a good night."
You pulled out a chair and slumped into it resting your elbows and head on the table. "It was fabulous, Auntie. Just fabulous." You smiled a stunning, captivating smile that warmed my heart and helped soothe the green-eyed monster that was threatening to claw its way out of my chest.
"That's wonderful, darling. I'm so glad you had fun." Andie bent over and kissed you on the forehead as she ruffled your messy hair.
"Stop-" you whinged.
She shrugged off your protests and only further mussed your hair. "Love, it was already a disaster. If anything, I'm making it better." She was laughing now, a beautiful earnest chuckle that was infectious, and you joined in with her as well, tilting your long neck back and cackling wildly. It was so obvious that the two of you were family, both with the same dazzling grin that could light up an entire room and those unfazed yet radiant eyes. I felt as if I were a watching a touching scene out of a Muggle film, and I was most definitely an intruder. I didn't fit in with these chic, aristocratic people.
I was just about to excuse myself from the table when Andromeda had to ask the one question I didn't want to know the details about.
"So...tell us about the girl?"
You arched one of your perfectly groomed eyebrows at your aunt and frowned. "What makes you think there was a girl?"
"Oh child, that grin on your face says it all. I know a happily shagged look when I see it." She sighed wistfully. "I was young too, once upon a time."
"So what-" you interrupted, "that doesn't mean I have to tell you about my personal relations. That's private, Auntie."
"Come on, love. When I was your age, your mother and I used to-"
You opened your eyes wide and leered at Andromeda. "Okay, okay...I'll tell you. Just please-don't tell me about you and Mother prowling for blokes." You pretended to shudder. "It'll give me nightmares."
Andromeda bit her lip in a manner so reminiscent of you that I briefly wondered if perhaps you had inherited the trait from her. "You wound me, Draco. Your mother and I were quite fanciable back in our day. Everyone talked about the beautiful Black sisters."
"You're still beautiful, Andie," I chimed in, desperately trying to change the awful topic of conversation.
Andie patted my hand and sent me a warm, genuine smile. "That's very kind of you, Harry, but I'm an old woman now."
"No, he's right, Auntie. You are still a Black, and like you said, Black blood is beautiful. All the Blacks are blessed with beauty. Woe is our curse."
You dramatically flicked your head back and your hair over your shoulder as if you were a famous actress or perhaps a hair model. Andromeda was lost in a fit of giggles and as jealous as I still was, I was able to send you a smirk as well. You always find a way to make me laugh, even when I'm livid with you or utterly miserable. Your impressions really are quite funny now that I'm no longer the target.
"The girl..."
"Ah yes. Well, she wasn't a girl." You raised your eyebrows again and smiled salaciously. "Not at all. She was a woman; a drop-dead gorgeous woman, who was hopelessly fit."
"Sounds lovely," Andromeda replied, her eyes soft and amused.
"She is. She's Russian, Svetlana something or other and could be a model, Auntie. She's like 6 feet tall with golden blonde hair and green eyes." You sighed and were lost in thoughts, which were probably filthy memories. "She's the perfect woman, really."
Andie put a hand on your bony shoulder and smiled knowingly at you. "It sounds like you are quite taken with this girl."
"Well, I am," you said, still grinning, "especially since she barely speaks any English."
"I didn't know you spoke Russian, Malfoy," I said, again trying to change the subject before my head exploded.
You turned and sent me a lewd smirk. "I don't, Potter...other than a few curse words. That's the beauty of it."
You were laughing that absurd, charming laugh of yours and I couldn't help but join in.
"Sounds like the perfect woman for you, Malfoy," I teased. "She can't complain that you talk about yourself too much."
"Touché, Potter. Touché."
"Oh, boys," Andromeda sighed. "This is so nice having us all get along. I'm glad you had fun with your friends, Draco. But-you know, Harry doesn't know anyone here. Perhaps next time you go out you can bring him with you. I'm sure your friends wouldn't mind if you brought along another handsome, charming bloke like yourself."
My eyes widened and I stared down at the table. "Oh, that's not necessary, Malfoy. I wouldn't want to impose."
You turned to me and smirked; it was that same familiar smirk that I had grown accustomed to after seeing it glued on your face so often, but this time there was no malice behind it.
"Not at all, Potter. That's a brilliant idea. Let's go out. It is Friday after all."
"Um-aren't you tired?"
"What? Oh, well a little." Your face was confused as if you hadn't considered the idea that you would be tired after spending all night partying and doing god knows what else.
"That's okay, though," you insisted. "I'm going to get some sleep. But Potter, be dressed and ready to go at ten."
You kissed Andie on the cheek and left the sitting room where we had all been gathered.
"And Potter," you called from the other room. "Wear something decent."
Bloody hell, what had I just agreed to do?
To be continued...
continue to Part 11
Author's note: Thanks so much for reading, and I would love to hear your thoughts or questions. I apologize it took me so long to update, but I promise I'll be updating regularly now.
[9] The quote at the beginning of the chapter is by an unidentified author, so whomever it belongs to I'm sorry that I can't credit you for it. Instead, I gave the credit to Harry. He was feeling poetic during this chapter.
[10] This quote which most of you probably guessed correctly is by J.K. Rowling. It doesn't belong to me.
Until next time,
~Icicle