H/D fic: An Unexpected Encounter
Title: An Unexpected Encounter
Author: icicle33
Warnings: none that I can think of except for Fluff and H/D friendship
Pairings: Harry/Draco preslash, mentions of Narcissa/Lucius
Word count: ~2500 (one-shot and complete)
Summary: Harry returns Draco's wand and is quite surprised by the different Malfoy he meets.
Author's note: This is a short fic written for hd_seasons. The prompt is being thankful and I put my own spin on it. It's sort of my own version of a mini epilogue to Deathly Hallows. I just felt that J.K. Rowling left too much unresolved tension between Harry and the Malfoys. Obviously, things would change in their relationship after Harry saved Draco's life and Narcissa saved his.
Enjoy.
An Unexpected Encounter
: : :
Harry strolled up to the formidable gate that enclosed Malfoy Manor and absently fingered the now familiar hawthorn wand in his pocket. He was surprised to see that the gate had been left slightly ajar, and that all locking charms and intruder hexes had been removed. After their trial, Harry heard that the Malfoys had been allowed to stay out of Azkaban, but they were all placed under strict observation and had to generously compensate the ministry for all their war damages. He had scoffed at that idea. War damages, he thought, that was one way of putting it.
Still, they were also stripped of all their servants and would be subjected to unannounced visits by ministry officials That was probably why they left their gate unlocked. Harry knew that Malfoys were never careless.
Once Harry reached the end of the meandering path, his stomach started twisting in knots. This wasn’t the first time he had visited Malfoy Manor, and unfortunately for him, none of his memories were pleasant. Yet, he remembered the Manor being more ominous, deadly even. Now, it just appeared desolate and somewhat worn. Probably like the actual Malfoys.
Harry took a deep breath and knocked on the door. He was surprised when moments later Narcissa Malfoy answered the door. Who would have thought that Malfoys answered their own doors? He supposed they didn’t have much choice. Secretly, he was ecstatic.
“Oh, Mr Potter, what a nice surprise,” Narcissa said. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?” Her eyes were steely but her tone was polite.
“Er...Mrs Malfoy, I was hoping I could have a quick word with Mal- I mean, Draco." Harry gulped. For some reason, Narcissa's cool demeanour always unnerved him.
Narcissa looked him over suspiciously. He could tell that she was trying to gauge the purity of his intentions. After all, she was a Slytheirn mother. A few moments later, she seemed satisfied and smiled as she ushered him inside.
“Of course, Mr Potter, all of Draco’s...er...schoolmates are always welcome. Let me go find him and please let me know if I can get you anything,” she replied, this time her voice sweeter and more melodious.
Then she offered him another smile-a stunning, captivating smile that made him wonder how he had ever doubted Narcissa's beauty in the past. Her smile was mesmerising; he could understand why Lucius had wanted her. During her Hogwarts years, every girl must have been jealous of her, and Lucius probably fell in love with her right on the spot.
Harry couldn't take his eyes off her, watching her toss her long, blonde hair gracefully as she disappeared up a long, marble staircase. Even if the Malfoys had fallen from high society-they or at least Narcissa-still exuded class.
: : :
A few moments later, Harry watched Malfoy saunter down the stairs. Unlike Narcissa, his long, blond hair covered his face, messily hanging in all directions. He didn't possess any of Narcissa's grace as he slowly stumbled down the stairs. His head hung low and his expression was hidden, never once glancing up at Harry. But most shocking of all was that Malfoy was wearing plain black robes, and they didn’t appear to be properly pressed It was very unlike Malfoy.
Harry must have caught him at a bad time. He smirked at the thought of catching Malfoy off guard and started fingering the wand in his pocket again.
Once they finally locked eyes, Harry noticed just how frazzled Malfoy’s appearance actually was. Malfoy had always been thin. He had a slight Seeker’s build, much like Harry, but right now, he appeared to be even thinner than he was during the war. His pale colouring had an unhealthy grey tinge, and for once in his life, Harry felt a twinge of regret, pity even, while regarding his former enemy. Malfoy must have noticed that Harry was ogling him, so he broke the uncomfortable silence.
“Is there something I can help you with, Potter?” Malfoy asked, his grey eyes hardening into familiar slits.
“Er...how have you been?” He wasn’t used to exchanging words with Malfoy that didn’t involve insults or fists.
“How do yo think ’ve been, Potter?” Malfoy scoffed. “Please spare me the pleasantries, Potter, we aren’t friends. What is that you want exactly?”
“Umm...I just wanted to return this.” He took Malfoy’s wand out of his pocket.
Malfoy’s steely, grey eyes widened, and he backed away from Harry. “I don’t want that, Potter. It’s yours now. You won it from me fair and square.”
Harry took a step towards Malfoy and heaved the hawthorn wand at him. “No, it’s yours, Malfoy. I don’t have any use for it. I mended mine.”
Malfoy threw his arms in the air exasperatedly. Always the drama queen.
“I said...I don’t want it, Potter! Get it through that thick skull of yours--”
Harry sighed. Same old ungrateful prick, he thought. Harry felt his blood start to boil and his fists twitch, much in the same way that he usually felt around Malfoy. Harry wasn't a violent person, not even an angry person, but Malfoy always seemed to bring out the fire in him.
Before doing something he would regret, like punching Malfoy square in the jaw, he decided to walk away. He glared daggers at Malfoy and started heading for the door. As he was about to leave, cold hands grabbed him and shoved him against the stairwell.
“Look, Potter, I know you think you are doing me a favour, but you’re not. That wand represents...I used that wand for-” Malfoy bit down on his lip and looked away from Harry.
Harry was in shock. Ususally, he was never able to get Malfoy to shut up without resorting to hexes or brute force. Could it be that Malfoy was actually sorry for everything he had done? No, it couldn’t be. This was Malfoy. Malfoys didn't feel remorse. Did they?
“Whatever, Malfoy. Look, I don’t want your wand, so I’m going to leave it here and you can decide what you want to do with it.”
Harry awkwardly placed Malfoy’s wand on a nearby table. He had to catch it from falling off the edge since his trembling fingers betrayed him. God, why am I shaking, he thought, what the hell is wrong with me? It's just Malfoy. Get a grip.
Before Malfoy could notice his trembling hands and mock him, Harry started to walk away. He was surprised at how empty his pockets felt without Malfoy’s wand. It's just a wand, he scolded himself. But in the last few months, he had grown rather fond of that hawthorn wand. He felt connected to it. Like it understood him. And as strange as this might sound, he felt as if the wand's energy liked him too. It was as if he could feel his magic and the wand's magic intertwining.
But that was just too strange. It was only a wand. Malfoy's wand. Not his.
Even if Malfoy was a prick, he was doing the right thing by giving it back. But he needed to leave now and then mourn the loss of the hawthorn wand alone. It was a pity he wouldn't be able to thank Narcissa properly. She had been a gracious hostess, unlike her son, and didn't deserve Harry's rudeness.
“Listen Malfoy, I have to leave," he said, without properly meeting the other boy's eyes. "Tell your mother, I said thank you-for everything. She seems really nice, Malfoy. You’re lucky to have her.”
Harry was halfway out the doorway when he felt a cold hand on his shoulder. His entire body was on fire and the coolness of the touch was almost soothing.
“Harry wait, please!” Malfoy's grey eyes were shining with an honesty and earnestness that Harry had never seen. At least, Malfoy had never looked at him that way before.
Harry froze on the spot, completely stunned that Malfoy had just called him Harry and said please. He’s probably never said please his whole life. Slowly, Harry turned around to face his former rival.
Before Harry could respond, Malfoy threw his arms around Harry’s neck, crushing him tightly. “Thank you, Harry, for everything," he whispered into his neck.
Harry felt his cheeks flush as the taller boy released him. He had embraced other boys before, various times even, but somehow this felt different. His neck and shoulders tingled from where Malfoy had touched him. A pleasant coolness spread from his head to his toes. It felt marvellous and bewitching, but oh-so completely wrong. After all, Malfoy was a bloke. And he's Malfoy for Merlin's sake!
“Er-don’t worry about it-Mal-I mean, Dray-co. You would’ve done the same for me," he said, trying his best to conceal his blush and shock at his former enemy's gratitude. "And-you didn’t give me away either.”
Malfoy slowly looked him over, much in the same manner that Narcissa had done earlier. It seemed as if Malfoy was also trying to appraise Harry's motivations. He must have been pleased with what he found because Malfoy then squeezed Harry's shoulder in response. Again, the tingling sensation seemed to take over.
“Perhaps, but seriously, Potter, if you ever need anything. Anything at all-”
“I know.” He was surprised at how easily he was conversing with Malfoy now, and most of all, that he was actually enjoying being in his presence.
“Actually,” Harry added, “there might be something I want...”
“What?” Malfoy asked. His voice was so much softer than the tone he had previously used. In fact, it was probably the softest that Harry had ever heard his voice. It sounded melodious and sultry, just like Narcissa. For some reason, he wanted to hear it again, so he decided to call upon that Gryffindor courage again. Hopefully, he still had a bit left. Here goes nothing, he thought.
“Well...perhaps you can meet me for a drink some time...”
Malfoy arched an eyebrow at Harry and smirked. For the first time, Malfoy's usual smirk had no malicious intent behind it. Perhaps it was even a bit playful.
“On me, of course.” Harry smirked back, desperately hoping that Malfoy wouldn’t hex him. Oh, Fuck. Did he just ask Malfoy out on a date?
“Obviously, Potter. Okay then, a drink on you. I look forward to it,” Malfoy responded coyly and flashed Harry a brilliant smile. It was that same dazzling smile that Narcissa had greeted him with earlier. Perhaps it was even more radiant.
It's breathtaking. No, he's breathtaking. How have I never noticed that Malfoy was beautiful before? Maybe because he's never smiled at me. Ever. Thank Merlin for that or I'd probably be a blabbering idiot. You're not supposed to drool over your worst enemy.
Then, Malfoy did something even more shocking than the quick embrace and mesmerising smile combined. Warily, he stuck a pale hand out in front of Harry and held his breath. His grey eyes met Harry's in uncertainty. Harry could see that Malfoy feared being rejected again. Not in this lifetime.
Harry silently chuckled at the irony of the situation, at how much it differed from their first encounter so many years ago. This time, however, he shook Malfoy’s hand and even held it a little longer than necessary. He wanted to feel that tingling sensation again. No, he needed it. Besides, he knew that this moment was important to Malfoy, to both of them, even if it was seven years too late.
“I look forward to it too, Malfoy. And I’ll see you around. ”
Harry gave Malfoy a slight nod and walked away. He hoped that he could find his way out of Malfoy Manor without having to disturb anyone. He didn't want to see anyone right now, not even house-elves or Narcissa. He had survived his second journey to Malfoy Manor. In fact, it had been rather pleasant. He had known that his encounter with Malfoy would be intense; his encounters with Malfoy were always intense. But never in his wildest dreams had Harry expected this kind of intensity.
As he strolled down the Manor's meandering path again, he felt his stomach twist into familiar knots. This time, it was in anticipation of his future meeting with a certain blond. He couldn’t believe how much he was looking forward to seeing Malfoy-no, not Malfoy, Draco again.
~Fin
Author's note: Yeah, so that was a long thank you ficlet...more like a one-shot, but at least Harry got a date with Malfoy out of it.I would love to hear what you think. = D
~Icicle
Author: icicle33
Warnings: none that I can think of except for Fluff and H/D friendship
Pairings: Harry/Draco preslash, mentions of Narcissa/Lucius
Word count: ~2500 (one-shot and complete)
Summary: Harry returns Draco's wand and is quite surprised by the different Malfoy he meets.
Author's note: This is a short fic written for hd_seasons. The prompt is being thankful and I put my own spin on it. It's sort of my own version of a mini epilogue to Deathly Hallows. I just felt that J.K. Rowling left too much unresolved tension between Harry and the Malfoys. Obviously, things would change in their relationship after Harry saved Draco's life and Narcissa saved his.
Enjoy.
An Unexpected Encounter
: : :
Harry strolled up to the formidable gate that enclosed Malfoy Manor and absently fingered the now familiar hawthorn wand in his pocket. He was surprised to see that the gate had been left slightly ajar, and that all locking charms and intruder hexes had been removed. After their trial, Harry heard that the Malfoys had been allowed to stay out of Azkaban, but they were all placed under strict observation and had to generously compensate the ministry for all their war damages. He had scoffed at that idea. War damages, he thought, that was one way of putting it.
Still, they were also stripped of all their servants and would be subjected to unannounced visits by ministry officials That was probably why they left their gate unlocked. Harry knew that Malfoys were never careless.
Once Harry reached the end of the meandering path, his stomach started twisting in knots. This wasn’t the first time he had visited Malfoy Manor, and unfortunately for him, none of his memories were pleasant. Yet, he remembered the Manor being more ominous, deadly even. Now, it just appeared desolate and somewhat worn. Probably like the actual Malfoys.
Harry took a deep breath and knocked on the door. He was surprised when moments later Narcissa Malfoy answered the door. Who would have thought that Malfoys answered their own doors? He supposed they didn’t have much choice. Secretly, he was ecstatic.
“Oh, Mr Potter, what a nice surprise,” Narcissa said. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?” Her eyes were steely but her tone was polite.
“Er...Mrs Malfoy, I was hoping I could have a quick word with Mal- I mean, Draco." Harry gulped. For some reason, Narcissa's cool demeanour always unnerved him.
Narcissa looked him over suspiciously. He could tell that she was trying to gauge the purity of his intentions. After all, she was a Slytheirn mother. A few moments later, she seemed satisfied and smiled as she ushered him inside.
“Of course, Mr Potter, all of Draco’s...er...schoolmates are always welcome. Let me go find him and please let me know if I can get you anything,” she replied, this time her voice sweeter and more melodious.
Then she offered him another smile-a stunning, captivating smile that made him wonder how he had ever doubted Narcissa's beauty in the past. Her smile was mesmerising; he could understand why Lucius had wanted her. During her Hogwarts years, every girl must have been jealous of her, and Lucius probably fell in love with her right on the spot.
Harry couldn't take his eyes off her, watching her toss her long, blonde hair gracefully as she disappeared up a long, marble staircase. Even if the Malfoys had fallen from high society-they or at least Narcissa-still exuded class.
: : :
A few moments later, Harry watched Malfoy saunter down the stairs. Unlike Narcissa, his long, blond hair covered his face, messily hanging in all directions. He didn't possess any of Narcissa's grace as he slowly stumbled down the stairs. His head hung low and his expression was hidden, never once glancing up at Harry. But most shocking of all was that Malfoy was wearing plain black robes, and they didn’t appear to be properly pressed It was very unlike Malfoy.
Harry must have caught him at a bad time. He smirked at the thought of catching Malfoy off guard and started fingering the wand in his pocket again.
Once they finally locked eyes, Harry noticed just how frazzled Malfoy’s appearance actually was. Malfoy had always been thin. He had a slight Seeker’s build, much like Harry, but right now, he appeared to be even thinner than he was during the war. His pale colouring had an unhealthy grey tinge, and for once in his life, Harry felt a twinge of regret, pity even, while regarding his former enemy. Malfoy must have noticed that Harry was ogling him, so he broke the uncomfortable silence.
“Is there something I can help you with, Potter?” Malfoy asked, his grey eyes hardening into familiar slits.
“Er...how have you been?” He wasn’t used to exchanging words with Malfoy that didn’t involve insults or fists.
“How do yo think ’ve been, Potter?” Malfoy scoffed. “Please spare me the pleasantries, Potter, we aren’t friends. What is that you want exactly?”
“Umm...I just wanted to return this.” He took Malfoy’s wand out of his pocket.
Malfoy’s steely, grey eyes widened, and he backed away from Harry. “I don’t want that, Potter. It’s yours now. You won it from me fair and square.”
Harry took a step towards Malfoy and heaved the hawthorn wand at him. “No, it’s yours, Malfoy. I don’t have any use for it. I mended mine.”
Malfoy threw his arms in the air exasperatedly. Always the drama queen.
“I said...I don’t want it, Potter! Get it through that thick skull of yours--”
Harry sighed. Same old ungrateful prick, he thought. Harry felt his blood start to boil and his fists twitch, much in the same way that he usually felt around Malfoy. Harry wasn't a violent person, not even an angry person, but Malfoy always seemed to bring out the fire in him.
Before doing something he would regret, like punching Malfoy square in the jaw, he decided to walk away. He glared daggers at Malfoy and started heading for the door. As he was about to leave, cold hands grabbed him and shoved him against the stairwell.
“Look, Potter, I know you think you are doing me a favour, but you’re not. That wand represents...I used that wand for-” Malfoy bit down on his lip and looked away from Harry.
Harry was in shock. Ususally, he was never able to get Malfoy to shut up without resorting to hexes or brute force. Could it be that Malfoy was actually sorry for everything he had done? No, it couldn’t be. This was Malfoy. Malfoys didn't feel remorse. Did they?
“Whatever, Malfoy. Look, I don’t want your wand, so I’m going to leave it here and you can decide what you want to do with it.”
Harry awkwardly placed Malfoy’s wand on a nearby table. He had to catch it from falling off the edge since his trembling fingers betrayed him. God, why am I shaking, he thought, what the hell is wrong with me? It's just Malfoy. Get a grip.
Before Malfoy could notice his trembling hands and mock him, Harry started to walk away. He was surprised at how empty his pockets felt without Malfoy’s wand. It's just a wand, he scolded himself. But in the last few months, he had grown rather fond of that hawthorn wand. He felt connected to it. Like it understood him. And as strange as this might sound, he felt as if the wand's energy liked him too. It was as if he could feel his magic and the wand's magic intertwining.
But that was just too strange. It was only a wand. Malfoy's wand. Not his.
Even if Malfoy was a prick, he was doing the right thing by giving it back. But he needed to leave now and then mourn the loss of the hawthorn wand alone. It was a pity he wouldn't be able to thank Narcissa properly. She had been a gracious hostess, unlike her son, and didn't deserve Harry's rudeness.
“Listen Malfoy, I have to leave," he said, without properly meeting the other boy's eyes. "Tell your mother, I said thank you-for everything. She seems really nice, Malfoy. You’re lucky to have her.”
Harry was halfway out the doorway when he felt a cold hand on his shoulder. His entire body was on fire and the coolness of the touch was almost soothing.
“Harry wait, please!” Malfoy's grey eyes were shining with an honesty and earnestness that Harry had never seen. At least, Malfoy had never looked at him that way before.
Harry froze on the spot, completely stunned that Malfoy had just called him Harry and said please. He’s probably never said please his whole life. Slowly, Harry turned around to face his former rival.
Before Harry could respond, Malfoy threw his arms around Harry’s neck, crushing him tightly. “Thank you, Harry, for everything," he whispered into his neck.
Harry felt his cheeks flush as the taller boy released him. He had embraced other boys before, various times even, but somehow this felt different. His neck and shoulders tingled from where Malfoy had touched him. A pleasant coolness spread from his head to his toes. It felt marvellous and bewitching, but oh-so completely wrong. After all, Malfoy was a bloke. And he's Malfoy for Merlin's sake!
“Er-don’t worry about it-Mal-I mean, Dray-co. You would’ve done the same for me," he said, trying his best to conceal his blush and shock at his former enemy's gratitude. "And-you didn’t give me away either.”
Malfoy slowly looked him over, much in the same manner that Narcissa had done earlier. It seemed as if Malfoy was also trying to appraise Harry's motivations. He must have been pleased with what he found because Malfoy then squeezed Harry's shoulder in response. Again, the tingling sensation seemed to take over.
“Perhaps, but seriously, Potter, if you ever need anything. Anything at all-”
“I know.” He was surprised at how easily he was conversing with Malfoy now, and most of all, that he was actually enjoying being in his presence.
“Actually,” Harry added, “there might be something I want...”
“What?” Malfoy asked. His voice was so much softer than the tone he had previously used. In fact, it was probably the softest that Harry had ever heard his voice. It sounded melodious and sultry, just like Narcissa. For some reason, he wanted to hear it again, so he decided to call upon that Gryffindor courage again. Hopefully, he still had a bit left. Here goes nothing, he thought.
“Well...perhaps you can meet me for a drink some time...”
Malfoy arched an eyebrow at Harry and smirked. For the first time, Malfoy's usual smirk had no malicious intent behind it. Perhaps it was even a bit playful.
“On me, of course.” Harry smirked back, desperately hoping that Malfoy wouldn’t hex him. Oh, Fuck. Did he just ask Malfoy out on a date?
“Obviously, Potter. Okay then, a drink on you. I look forward to it,” Malfoy responded coyly and flashed Harry a brilliant smile. It was that same dazzling smile that Narcissa had greeted him with earlier. Perhaps it was even more radiant.
It's breathtaking. No, he's breathtaking. How have I never noticed that Malfoy was beautiful before? Maybe because he's never smiled at me. Ever. Thank Merlin for that or I'd probably be a blabbering idiot. You're not supposed to drool over your worst enemy.
Then, Malfoy did something even more shocking than the quick embrace and mesmerising smile combined. Warily, he stuck a pale hand out in front of Harry and held his breath. His grey eyes met Harry's in uncertainty. Harry could see that Malfoy feared being rejected again. Not in this lifetime.
Harry silently chuckled at the irony of the situation, at how much it differed from their first encounter so many years ago. This time, however, he shook Malfoy’s hand and even held it a little longer than necessary. He wanted to feel that tingling sensation again. No, he needed it. Besides, he knew that this moment was important to Malfoy, to both of them, even if it was seven years too late.
“I look forward to it too, Malfoy. And I’ll see you around. ”
Harry gave Malfoy a slight nod and walked away. He hoped that he could find his way out of Malfoy Manor without having to disturb anyone. He didn't want to see anyone right now, not even house-elves or Narcissa. He had survived his second journey to Malfoy Manor. In fact, it had been rather pleasant. He had known that his encounter with Malfoy would be intense; his encounters with Malfoy were always intense. But never in his wildest dreams had Harry expected this kind of intensity.
As he strolled down the Manor's meandering path again, he felt his stomach twist into familiar knots. This time, it was in anticipation of his future meeting with a certain blond. He couldn’t believe how much he was looking forward to seeing Malfoy-no, not Malfoy, Draco again.
~Fin
Author's note: Yeah, so that was a long thank you ficlet...more like a one-shot, but at least Harry got a date with Malfoy out of it.I would love to hear what you think. = D
~Icicle