MERDEKA!!!
Jadi, apa yg loe org lakuin hari ini? Panjat pinang kah? Makan kerupuk ka? Tarik tambang ka? XDDD
Whatever is that, it's must be fun. Yg penting, di hari kemerdekaan ini, kita harus punya semangat 17an. Ya ga, guys? :D
Anyway, just wanna say... MERDEKA!!! (meski pun g sbnr nya hari ini ga ikut lomba and tidur ampe siang sih... :P tp g ikut jd supporter kok.). I hope you guys having fun wherever you are.
Title: See Me as I See You
Author: nekochan23.
Rating: PG-13 (for safe).
Warnings: Kissing.
Disclaimer: Like all should be.
Beta:
cygnus13
A/N: written for HLD challenge # 2. A bit long fic with some typo and grammar mistake (blame on me because i push my beta-er on very2 limited amount of time). LJ mess my .doc & .rtf so forgive me if there's some mistake in the paragraph line and italic words. I hope you guys enjoy it. ^__^
When Harry found his apartment empty, he just sighed. The scene didn’t surprise him anymore like years back then, but it had become more tiring each time. Why Draco didn’t just get it, he thought. Seeing there’s a pair of cup on table in the living room, it only meant Draco had left in such haste or he was too disturbed by words of whoever that came today. Harry decided to let Draco have a full day before he came to fetch him.
It was three days ago, and Draco still hadn’t come home yet. Harry started to wonder who the guest that came. He had already asked all Draco’s friends but none said they visited him or Draco visited them. Harry tried to think hard who else he missed to ask. Did Draco cheat on him? But that was impossible with his state right now; he even refused to go out even a step from the apartment. He always locked himself in the apartment or his bedroom when there were guests came by.
Harry stood staring into Draco’s bedroom thinking how much Draco had changed since the accident. In the last battle, Draco served injury for protecting Harry from confringo that Bellatrix launched to him. The spell burnt almost half Draco’s body, from his face until his thigh. Act upon the news, Harry stormed directly to Draco’s room in the hospital to see him. What he saw in Draco’s room was a boy who injured heavily from burn with a trial waiting him to go to Azkaban.
Harry had tried all means to release Draco from the charge, but since Draco bore the mark he couldn’t escape from the trial. Lucius Malfoy went straightly to Azkaban without doubt, Narcissa Malfoy was released from charge because she didn’t bear the mark, and Draco Malfoy was released with pardon that he would be under supervision from the ministry and with his wand confiscated. Harry submitted his volunteer for become Draco’s supervisor.
For a whole month, Harry visited Draco in St. Mungo persuaded him to live with him instead of getting back to his Manor, Draco refused it flatly. But that didn’t back Harry off, until Harry meet Narcissa Malfoy. It was Harry’s daily visit to Draco, but when he opened Draco’s room what he found was Narcissa. Feeling awkward but didn’t intend to admit defeat, Harry sat in the corner of Draco’s room while Narcissa sat beside Draco’s bed scrutinizing him. It was Narcissa who talked first.
“What do you gain from doing all this, Mr. Potter?”
That surprised Harry, he didn’t expect Narcissa to talk to him. “I- I…”
“Do you pity him?” She continued.
“What?! Of course not!” Harry felt insulted by her.
“Do you love him?” She changed her question abruptly.
“Wh- I- I…” Harry flabbergasted.
“Then, do you obsess about him?” She said it nonchalantly.
“I…” Harry bit his tongue.
“Whatever it is, Mr. Potter. Please make him happy. That’s all I ask.” This time she gazed straight into Harry’s soul.
Before Harry could answer back, the door opened welcoming Draco.
“Mother.” Draco smiled brightly seeing her.
Harry never knew that Draco Malfoy could react like any other people and suddenly he wished that Draco would smile like that to him.
“Draco.” She smiled back at him. “Pack your things, you’ll be leaving under Mr. Potter ‘s care.”
And that erased the smile from Draco’s face immediately. Suddenly he was aware that Harry was there. Harry felt misplaced.
Draco stared at Harry before answering back to Narcissa, “Yes, mother.”
And that’s how Draco Malfoy lived with Harry Potter. Ron and Ginny were furious when they heard the news, and they bet that Harry would kick Draco less from a day because his snob attitude. But Hermione just stared Harry quietly like thinking very hard.
Harry showed Draco’s new room the next day, he didn’t say anything, just staring into the empty room before taking his luggage and closed the door. Draco didn’t come out until Harry call for dinner. And that kept repeating all days, Draco only came out only when Harry called for meal. It was 4 months after that Harry decided to try talking to Draco.
“You hair is long already. I never notice.” Harry unconsciously moved his hand to stroke Draco’s hair.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” yelled Draco, the chair fell backward when he stood abruptly.
That shocked Harry but also made Harry smile, it was after all the first sign that Draco made since he stayed in his apartment.
Seeing Harry smiled, Draco squinted his eyes before storming back to his room, feeling furious.
“Ma- Malfoy!” Harry called after him. “Oh, come on, Malfoy. I didn’t mean anything. I- I just…”
“Go away, Potter!” Draco retorted from his room.
After that Draco avoided Harry, it was a week after when Harry caught Draco in the kitchen washing dishes. Didn’t want to slip any chance for Draco to run back to his room, Harry walked slowly behind Draco.
“Malfoy.”
Even that one word managed to make Draco jump. Before Draco managed to do something foolish like throwing something to Harry, Harry seized Draco’s hands and kept them stay in the sink.
“Malfoy.” Once again Harry called Draco softly.
“What. Do. You. Want. Potter!” Draco spat the words like it was a poison.
Harry sighed and put his head on back Draco’s shoulder. Harry could smell sweet fragrance from Draco’s shampoo and he could feel Draco’s body heat. Harry surprised that Draco who was usually so cold can also feel so warm.
“STOP IT!” Draco pushed Harry with all his power.
Harry fell backward and when he looked back at Draco, he saw fear and anger in his eyes.
“If- If you dare to do that a- again! I’ll- I’ll report you to the ministry.” Draco stammered. “I- I don’t care that I go to Az- Azkaban, b- but I will not tolerate your do- doing!” After that Draco run back to his room leaving Harry confused in the floor.
Harry avoided Draco the next morning. Harry thought he got infected by Draco’s demented behavior. Locking himself in the apartment, huh, Harry thought. So Harry went to clubbing that night. When he got back, he found Draco sleeping in couch in the living room. Harry felt guilty, but he didn’t dare to wake Draco up so he left him sleeping there after he laid blanket over Draco.
The routine back again the next morning, it’s like nothing happen that night in the dinner. It was Christmas that Harry received invitation from the Weasleys. Harry didn’t want to leave Draco alone at home, Christmas after all meant to be celebrated together with family. But Draco couldn’t meet his mother because of the Ministry’s rule. So, with reluctance Harry rejected the Weasleys invitation. Ron was furious, Ginny kept persuade Harry to come, in the end Hermione that suggested Harry to bring Draco to the party. Harry was so sure that Draco would immediately refuse it when Harry asked him.
“When?” Draco asked when Harry invite him.
That caught Harry unguarded. “Christmas night, at 24. 7 pm.”
Draco didn’t say anything more and got back to his room. Harry thought that Draco didn’t interest to the party, so when at 24th 6 pm Draco came out from his room dressed formally, Harry was surprised.
“Are you going just like that?” Draco asked him.
“O- Of course not! I’ll change right away!” Harry jumped from the couch and dashed into his room to change immediately.
Harry brought Draco side-a-long with him directly in front the Burrow. When Harry knocked the door, the one who’s opening it was Hermione. Harry smiled before hugging her, Draco just stared both of them uninterested.
“Please, come in. They started to think that you decided not to come after all.” Hermione took Harry’s robe before hanging it.
“Thanks, ‘Mione.” And with that Harry left Draco alone with Hermione.
Draco felt awkward. Hermione kept stare him, daring him.
“Here, give me your robe. I’ll hang it for you.” She offered.
Draco tried to smile before clumsily undressed his robe. “Thank you, Granger.” He said.
And that brought Hermione smile. “Come on, we better get some food before others wipe cleans.”
Harry was so happy to hang with his friends again. It was until Ron started to wander looking for Hermione, that he realized Draco was also gone missing. They were looking for both of them. It was Harry who found them sitting and talking in heat of argument about something in the garden’s gazebo. But whatever argument they were having, it was a good one. Because, Hermione never looked so energize and Draco never looked so bright as long as Harry knew. Harry felt that he found one more thing he wanted to have from Draco beside his smiles.
“Hey.” Harry called.
“Harry.” Hermione smiled back to him. “Have you done your…” Hermione made gesture with her hand.
“Well, y- yeah…” He assured her. “Ron is looking for you anyway.”
“Oh… So after this long he has just realized that I’m gone? Honestly, that man…” Even trying to be scary, Hermione couldn’t hide her delight that Ron was looking for her. Harry was really happy for both of them.
“Oh, well. I better fetch him before he thinks I was abducted.” She winked towards Draco who smiled back to her. “You guys have fun.” With that she left Harry with Draco.
Draco averted his gaze immediately after Hermione gone. Harry decided to stand for a minute before sitting beside Draco.
“Hey.” He called again.
Draco turned to him tilted his head like asking ‘what’ to him but didn’t say anything. Seeing Harry smiled like a fool Draco stood intending to go out from the gazebo, but he was blocked by an unseen wall. Collide with the unseen wall Draco was pushed backward and fell down into Harry’s lap.
“What the…” Before Draco realized that he was in Harry’s embrace.
“It’s because of the mistletoe.” Harry said suddenly while pointing mistletoe up in his head.
Draco just stared with full hatred towards Harry before he tried again and stumbled backward again only to put back in Harry’s embrace.
“The twins said, it was their newest creation. The mistletoe will not let couple out of the room before they’re kissing.” Harry ended it with blushing creeping up to his face.
Draco sighed angrily before pecking Harry’s cheek so quickly. Nothing happened.
“I- In the mouth, the twins said.” Harry smiled apologetically.
Draco chattered his teeth before kissing Harry in the mouth also quickly. Still, nothing happened.
“W- with the tongue.” Harry trying suppresses the blushing and the shyness when he says the words.
“That calls snogging, Potter.” Draco spat the words venomously.
“I- I… Well, I don’t know. Really!” Harry tried to defend himself. “The twins only said, the mistletoe will make the most matching person in one room and lock them until they kiss with tongue for about… a minute?” Harry cringed.
Draco stared at Harry furiously while biting his lower lips before saying, “Fine! Whatever makes us out from here.”
With that Draco pulled Harry towards him and started with a kiss before nudging Harry’s mouth to open. Harry never did French kiss before, so he truly didn’t know how to be done. When Draco’s teeth did small bite to his lower lips, he felt happy to open his mouth letting him in. The unseen wall was really useful. Unconsciously Harry pushed Draco towards the wall, asking more. Harry embraced tightly around Draco not willing to let him go. He tried to get whatever he could get in that limited time. The time was running out right when Harry’s hand creeping from Draco’s neck towards Draco’s cheek. Panicky, Draco struggled hard trying to get free from Harry’s tight embrace. With no support from the unseen wall, both of them fell into the ground. It was right then Harry realized why Draco had grown his hair. The burn mark marred half of Draco’s face, went down until missing behind his collar. Realizing that his hair was messy, Draco quickly combed his hair back to cover half of his face.
“Draco.” Harry unrealizingly called Draco’s name.
But that only made Draco even more scared. He immediately stood up and run back to the house. Leaving Harry knelt on the ground trying to organize his heartbeat back to normal. Harry sat on the ground for another minute before deciding to get back to the house.
Back in the house, Harry had avoided Draco the whole time. Until time to get home that he looked for Draco and realized that Draco was nowhere to be seen.
“Hey, Ron.” He called Ron who was standing in the front door saying goodbye to the guesses.
“Hey. What happen, mate?” He closed the door from the last guest.
“Em, did you see Draco? I mean Malfoy. I didn’t see him anywhere.”
“Malfoy? Is the ferret missing?” Ron began suspicion.
“Yeah.” Harry started to have a bad feeling. Did Draco really runaway? But that ‘s impossible, knowing that if he runs, his mother will be the first one who thrown into Azkaban for being suspected.
“Hey, Harry.” Hermione came from back. “You haven’t back yet?”
“Hey, ‘Mione.” He smiled at her. “No, I’m looking for Malfoy. He’s missing.”
Hermione frowned at him. “Well, the last time I saw him, Ginny was talking to him. Maybe you should ask her.”
“Ginny?” Harry seemed like he was hearing something bad. “I better ask her then.”
Harry found Ginny in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Weasley washing dishes. Harry felt nostalgic, how long had it been since the little girl he once knew changed into a beautiful woman she was. Harry always felt Ginny was the right woman for him, but in the back of his mind he always had the feeling that it was wrong. So until now he hadn’t proposed her and Ginny still waited patiently, he felt guilty to Ron and the other Weasleys.
“Harry.” Suddenly Ginny was in front of him.
“Hey.” He hugged her feeling warmth, but it was different from what he felt with Draco.
“Do you want to stay?” Her eyes were hoping.
Harry’s heart was like torn into pieces, he smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, Gin. I can’t. You know that.”
Her face was flattening. “So, why did you look for me?”
“Well, I’m looking for Malfoy. Hermione said you were talking to him.”
“Well, she’s wrong. I never want to talk to the ferret. Why would I?” Ginny’s face looked insulted.
Harry frowned in confusion. “Well, if that so. I better look for him once again. Without wand, it’s impossible for him to apparate, and I’m really tired.”
“Why don’t you stay here, Harry?” Ginny immediately held his hand, didn’t intend to let him go away. “I’m sure wherever he is, he can back safely.”
Now that really made Harry suspicious to her. “Ginny…”
“Fine. Go. Look for him. Whatever.” She stormed out from the room leaving Harry wondering.
Feeling something didn’t right, he decided to say goodbye to Ron and Hermione in the living room. Once he got back in the house, he looked for Draco in every room, still he didn’t found him. It was the next morning almost noon that Draco walked into his apartment.
“Where have you been?” Harry was so furious because he really worried about Draco.
Draco stared at him tiredly before answering, “None of your business.” And then he locked himself away until the next morning, even avoiding meals.
And Harry was back to the ground zero, everything started from the beginning again. It was until Hermione came after New Year to greet both of them. She had come because Harry rejected Ron’s invitation to have dinner in the Burrow for New Year’s Eve. It’s not because Harry didn’t want to go, but Draco said if he wanted to go he’d better go without him. And Harry couldn’t leave Draco alone like that.
“Where’s Malfoy?” Hermione suddenly asked.
Harry sighed heavily looking at Draco’s room. “Lock himself in his room.”
“What?” Hermione was confused. “That isn’t healthy, Harry. Why didn’t you bring him outside?”
Before Harry could answer, Hermione was already knocking into Draco’s room. Harry could see Draco’s surprised face when he saw it was Hermione, who asked him to go out. Draco rejected the idea flatly, but with politeness.
The rejection only made Hermione visit them every day. At first, Harry was really sure that the act was futile, but after 2 weeks, Draco started to spend time outside his room when there’s Hermione. Both of them had a nice conversation about potions and other heavy talk that Harry could interpret, but they both were beaming with happiness. Harry felt left alone.
After couples of month, Hermione started taking Draco outside, to the muggle’s world, Surprisingly, Draco didn’t act like a snob once of him. But maybe that’s because Hermione always brought him to library. Every time they were back from the library, Draco was always bringing back a pile of books. From library, Hermione started asking him out more often accompanying her walks around the city. Every time Draco back from them, he always talked actively during dinners. And Harry liked it. It was like discovering another side of Draco Malfoy, the one he shared only to his closest friends and Harry could only watch from across the hall when they were still in Hogwarts.
It was when Harry came back from work that he found Hermione knocking Draco’s room continuously.
“What is it, Hermione?” Harry asked while putting aside his robe.
Hermione stopped her knocking and turned to face Harry behind her. “It’s… nothing, really. Draco just…”
When Hermione said Draco’s name, Harry felt a jealousy pang in his heart.
“It’s okay.” Suddenly Draco’s voice heard from his room before he come out from his hiding.
“Draco…” Hermione started.
“It’s okay, ‘Mione.” Harry cringed when Draco said it, it’s too intimate when Draco’s the one who said that. “I should have seen it coming. And I must get used to it.” He smiled encouragingly to Hermione.
“So, you will not back to hiding again?” She asked inquiring. “And we can still hang out?”
“That’s…” Draco seemed hesitated a moment before deciding, “Yes, of course.”
“Good.” Hermione backed off. “I’ll see other places to go tomorrow, not too public, but I will not allow you back hiding. Okay?” She took her jacket. “See you tomorrow guys.” With that she apparated back to her place.
Unlike any other days, Draco was a bit quiet that night.
“Are you okay?” Harry asked.
“Hm…” Draco answered.
They ate in silence.
“Potter.” He called.
Harry was so surprised hearing Draco called him. “Yes?” He answered back eagerly.
“D- did this scar… ‘Mione said something about plastic surgery.” He stopped a minute to swallow his food before continuing, “She said, there’s muggles treatment that can fix it. Is that true?”
Harry took his breath deeply, did he really want to… “I don’t think that could work.” He said it while avoiding Draco’s eyes. He held his breath, waiting for the worst, but nothing happened.
Draco put his fork down while breathing slowly. “Ah, yes of course. How come muggles can do something that wizard can’t, right?” He tried to smile but fail miserably.
Harry wanted to cry looking him like that, but back in his head, he knew something that other person didn’t know. Unconsciously, his lips twitched making a pitying smile.
Seeing the smile, Draco felt ashamed. “I- I’m sorry, I think I’m full.” And Draco began collecting the plates for making excuse not to be near Harry.
It was right a year since Draco’s pardon. The ministry had started allowing Draco to except guests. The first person who showed up in front Harry’s apartment was Pansy Parkison with a baby.
“I heard Draco is here.” Pansy said without greetings.
“Y- Yeah, sure. Come in.” Harry opened the door letting her in.
Harry led Pansy into the living room, if she had objection about living in muggle’s world, well, she didn’t show it, nor she commented about Harry’s apartment. Harry called Draco’s from his room, having Pansy as the first guest, it made Draco surprised too.
“Pansy.” Draco called her sweetly.
Harry didn’t leave them like when Draco with Hermione. He kept his eyes on both of them. Pansy kept gazing at him while Draco acted like he didn’t even exist in this world.
“What brings you to this humble sack?” Draco teased her.
Pansy smiled to Draco’s word. “You know there’s no humble sack.” Then she carried her baby towards Draco. “Draco, please meet Silmeria. Silmeria, say hi to your father.” She waved her baby’s hand to Draco.
If Draco was surprised of having any dislike feeling, he didn’t show it obviously. Unlike Harry who went pale hearing the words. It was a nightmare to Harry. After a year, his nightmare became reality, he thought. Suddenly he felt queasy.
“Why do you come here, Pansy?” Draco asked, cradling the baby in his arms.
“I want to use your name for her.” She said nonchalantly while playing with her baby’s hand.
That definitely stopped Harry’s track in his walk to the bathroom. Harry turned around only to see Draco also froze hearing the words. But Pansy still Pansy, she kept playing with her baby.
“No.” Draco gave back the baby to her mother.
And Pansy accepted it like there’s nothing wrong with her question just now. “Why? You’re her father after all.”
“You know why.” Draco started pacing around the room. “She’s better off me.”
The baby giggled in Pansy arms, “You know I don’t care all of that. You are you. I don’t want anything else.”
The words were like cold waters splashing into Harry’s face. How can Pansy, the person that Draco had never met again after that day, said those words so easily. And Hermione who hated him in the past could go out with him so easily too. While he, who had tried all method to bring Draco’s mood back, found it so difficult.
No matter how hard Pansy tried, Draco still refused to give her his name. But, Draco will assure that she would receive money support for her and her baby. To Harry’s surprise, Pansy rejected it. If the baby didn’t have his name, it better that she left the money alone. But they agreed that the baby would receive the best, and whenever she and the baby needed help, he would help her as much as he could. Harry was totally touched by Draco’s soft side.
Aside from Pansy, the other person who came to see Draco was his mother. It had become a routine that she would show up in the apartment once a week. She was very concerned about Pansy’s problem, but she left all Draco’s judgment to himself. Even so, sometimes she came together with Pansy and her baby. Every time Pansy came, Harry always stayed longer at the office. He had jealousy feeling towards Pansy and the baby. But he couldn’t forbid Draco to stop receiving guess, because the day before until after they come, Draco had always looked so happy, and Harry was truly happy with it. It was 2 weeks before Christmas again that Draco came to ask him for help.
“Potter.” He said unsure.
Harry who had never been Draco’s attention immediately stayed focus on Draco. “Yes?”
“Can- can I ask for your help?” He said.
“Sure.” Harry suddenly liked it whatever it was. “What is it?”
Draco was a bit fidgeting before continuing, “I want to go to mall. But since the regulation said I must accompanied by you, so… I was thinking if you want to go with me?”
“Sure. When?” Harry asked directly, didn’t want to let this chance to slip away.
Now Harry knew why Hermione didn’t have difficulties hanging out with Draco. Draco might be a git, sharp-tongue, snob; anything a rich person could be. But if you really knew him well, you might find out that actually there’s truth in his every word. Aside from that, he was also a bookworm, he gained lots of knowledge that Harry didn’t know. And he might choose expensive and branded stuffs, but it’s all because he knew it would last longer and add more artistic value.
Draco bought many things, and when Harry asked, he just shruged off. Harry never thought that all of them were for Christmas present. Draco wrapped each of those differently, like matching them to each person personality. The presents were for Pansy and their daughter, Draco’s mother, Hermione and the last was Harry. Harry never thought there was a day when he would receive a gift from Draco Malfoy of all the people. The present was a camera that had been charmed. Draco said, if he had enough memory of the person, the camera could produce the real photo from it. And of course, Harry tried it on his parents, Sirius and Dumbledore.
Harry still went to the Weasleys for Christmas that year, but just for having dinner. Ginny had always clung to him for the whole dinner. It’s not that he didn’t like it, but since he lived with Draco, Harry used to have a quiet dinner with small talk, enjoying the time slowly. Nor Harry mind with the completely warm dinner in the Weasley’s, but sometimes they were too noisy throwing jokes and doing other impolite things, aunt Petunia used says.
When Harry got home, he found the apartment was empty and cold. Harry got panic, afraid that Draco had run away. Or all of this was another nightmare. Harry immediately checked Draco’s room and found him sleeping in his bed. Harry never felt glad like that time. He just realized that he didn’t want to lose Draco. He stood beside Draco’s bed, watching him slept innocently like an angel. Tempted to caress Draco, Harry removed the hair that hid Draco’s mar face. He caressed Draco’s cheek and Draco replied it by snuggling into his hand. Harry kept his hand there for more minutes before taking back. Looking back to Draco’s sleeping face from the door; he decided he’d do as far as he could to make Draco smile again.
Since that day, Harry had spent more time in the apartment. At first, Draco stayed at his room whenever Harry was at home but after a week seeing Harry would keep staying at home as often as he can, Draco went back to his routine. When Hermione come and saw Harry at home, she raised her eyebrows. She asked Harry to come with them every time they went out, and Draco just shrugged. Even Pansy and Narcissa were a bit surprised meeting Harry when they came, but kept quiet about it.
By 2 months after Harry changed his routine, Draco started to get used to him whenever he’s at home. Even Pansy and Narcissa always asked him to sit together with them. Harry discovered many side of Draco each time. Towards Pansy, Draco had always been a dutiful gentleman like he had in the school. Towards Narcissa, Draco had always played an obedient yet spoiled son. Towards Hermione, Draco had always been a discussion partner. And towards Harry, Draco a bit keeping his distance, but still he’s a good accompany exchange rival.
That year, Harry asked Draco to accompany him to the ministry party for celebrating the Independence Day. Draco still refused to go to wizarding world, but Harry manage dto persuade him promising it would be just an official dinner party after that they could get back quickly. Harry did kept his promise to be just an official dinner’s, but still Harry could feel the aura surrounding them were unwelcoming to Draco. None of them ever thought Harry Potter would bring Draco Malfoy to the party, they were expecting to see Harry with Ginny Weasley. And the situation became fiercer when they met Ron with Ginny who substituted Hermione because she was on a leave. Harry could feel Ginny staring Draco furiously and Draco had been backing off a bit, distancing himself from Harry.
The whole dinner party was a battle itself, between Draco and everyone in the room. Harry tried to enlighten the mood but failed miserably. And Draco kept eating in silence while Ginny who sat right in front of him mocking Draco fiercely, making everyone else laugh at the joke shamelessly. Ron had tried to stop Ginny, but didn’t work. But Harry was really grateful to Ron, because he didn’t laugh at Ginny’s joke and kept trying to stop Ginny even though he knew it was futile.
They took off from the party as soon the dinner was finished. Ginny tried to hold Harry, but Harry managed to slip off even before she stood from her chair.
“It wasn’t your fault.” That’s what Draco said once they arrived at the apartment.
Since then, Harry never asked Draco to go to the wizarding world again, nor stayed longer at Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade than necessary to buy everything he needed. But it didn’t stop like that, since Draco’s appearance in the party, the Daily Prophet started to dig old stories. And Harry must stop subscribing it since every morning the paper arrived, Draco’s face was pale.
It was right after the ministry gave permission for Draco to leave away from Harry up to 24 hours that Draco started to be missing. Well, not missing but staying out. At first Harry was very panic-stricken; he thought something had happened to Draco. But when he floo Hermione, she told him Draco was staying at the manor. Although it was in the middle of night, Harry banged Malfoy Manor’s door.
Harry felt more and more insecure with the new ministry regulation for Draco. He felt his grasp on Draco was starting to loose when he ought to be rejoiced for having his life back. Every time Draco was missing, Harry must find him first before his heart was at ease. At first he followed the ministry regulation, but after a while, he let Draco stay over for weekend at the Manor.
He never thought that Draco would be truly running away from him after all these years. He had searched everywhere he knew, except Pansy. No one know where Pansy lives, even Narcissa. The rumors said Pansy was out of town and was unreachable. So when he heard Pansy got back from her travel, Harry dashed immediately to her, leaving his job behind.
“Is he here?” Harry asked once Pansy opened the door.
Yet Pansy didn’t surprise at his question. “No. What did you do this time?”
“Please, where is he?” Harry pleaded.
“When I left, I have learned that you’d keep him safe from the Weasley girl. But it seems you didn’t.” She kept going on. “Why?”
“Ginny?” Harry frowned. “What does she get to do with this all?”
Pansy stared at him deeply. “So he didn’t tell you?” She seemed thinking for a moment. “It’s not right to tell you then. You should ask him yourself.”
“How can I ask him when I can’t even reach him.” Harry answered angrily.
“He’s in our-should-be-home-in-which-you-should-not-interfere. Come with me.” With that Pansy left the door walking into the living room, Harry followed her to the room.
“Here.” She gave Harry a Portkey.
The Portkey brought him to a house with a Malfoy’s touch. The decoration wasn’t as luxurious as the Manor, but still it’s enough to make people awe.
“How did you find me?” Draco’s voice called him from his back.
Harry turned around to see Draco standing at the room’s door. “Why are you running away, Draco?”
Draco surprised by Harry’s word calling him his name. “It’s Malfoy for you, Potter.”
“Draco. Stop it.” Harry refused to be defeated. “Whom for many years I have been living together with? Couldn’t I call you by your name? Hermione has been calling your name since you guys hanging out.”
“No, Potter. I am still a Malfoy for your own good.” Draco stubbornly refused.
Harry came close to Draco. “No, Draco. You don’t know what’s good for me. If you know, you’ll be surprised.”
Draco straightened his body when he saw Harry coming closer, embracing for the worst. “Oh, yeah. What is it?”
Harry stretched his arms and embraced Draco tightly in his chest. “You.”
Draco froze in Harry’s arm. “Why are you running away, Draco? What did Ginny said to you?”
Hearing the words Ginny, Draco pushed Harry backwards. “She’s right you know. You better off me. I’ll ask supervision changed when we are back.” He stepped backward, distancing himself from Harry.
“NO!” Harry grabbed Draco’s hands unconsciously, shocking Draco.
“I- I’m sorry.” Harry apologized to Draco when he saw Draco afraid of him. “Come with me.” He pulled Draco walking in the corridor.
“Where are we going?” Draco asked.
“Where’s the bathroom?” Harry inquired.
“In my bedroom.” Draco answered. “To the left.” He added.
Harry pulled Draco to the bathroom, in front of a tall mirror that planted in the wall. “Undress.” Harry ordered.
“WHAT? Hell no!” Draco refused.
“Undress or I’ll undress you.” Harry threatened him.
“Fine! But I’ll keep my underwear.” Draco glared furiously at Harry.
Harry could see Draco refused to look at the mirror. Draco undressed himself backing the mirror and keeping his hair hiding his mar. He stared defiantly at Harry.
“Come here.” Harry turned Draco facing the mirror, Draco closed his eyes. Harry took the chance to memorize Draco’s body top to the bottom, gulping.
“Open your eyes, Draco.” Harry whispered in Draco’s ears, keeping his lust down. When Draco refused, he repeated with force. “Open it, Draco!” And Draco obligated it.
Harry combed Draco’s hair to the back and caressed Draco’s cheek with his other hand. “Do you know what I see, Draco?” Unconsciously he whispered seductively, Draco’s shivering.
“What I see is an ugly boy. A boy with a burn mark on half of his body with a curse mark on his forearm and a disgrace family name!” Draco yelled, tears brimming in his eyes.
“Oh, Draco.” Harry gasped. “I’m so sorry… I never thought you’d think like that this whole time.” He embraced Draco tightly burying his head in Draco’s crook.
Draco bit his bottom lip refusing to cry.
“Look at yourself in the mirror, Draco. I’ll tell you what I see. What Pansy, Hermione and your mother see.” Harry continued.
“What I see…” Harry’s finger traced Draco’s mar from his cheek, going down and down. “…is a mark of courage, because you had protected me from the spell.”
“It’s a pity.” Draco murmured quietly, Harry let it pass.
“And this mark…” Harry took Draco’s hand that showing Dark Mark. “…is a mark of kindness. You’ve saved your family from Voldemort’s wrath. Because of that your parents and Pansy owe you.”
“It’s a stupidity.” Draco murmured once again, Harry took no notes on it.
“And your family name…” Harry took a deep breath before continuing. “Your family is one of the oldest beside Blacks. You hold your family ideal and tradition. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“It’s a shame.” Draco said, dejected, bowing his head down.
“Draco, people sometimes make mistakes. Because of that, people learn from it.” Harry ensured Draco. “It’s neither a pity, stupidity nor even a shame.” He took a deep breath before continuing, “Is that what Ginny said to you?”
And bringing Draco’s head snapped into him. His eyes widened of shock. His body was sweating cold, like he’s afraid of something. “No. It’s nothing to do with her.” He was trying to hide it, but Harry didn’t believe even a bit.
However, Harry was willing to back off this time. “Come on, put on your clothes. We are going back home.” He definitely would talk to Ginny after this.
Harry left Draco at the apartment after making Draco promised that he would not run away again and put charm detection in the apartment in case Draco decided to run. Molly greeted him at the Burrow, and then left him just with Ginny.
“Why did you do that, Gin?” Harry asked directly.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” She refused to understand it.
“Ginny, please. Stop all of this. What do you want from me?” Harry dared her.
Ginny took a breath before answering, like she had been waiting for this. “You know what I want.”
“No. I though I’ve told you long years back then.” Harry answered it.
“He rejected you, didn’t he?” She smiled cruelly. “How can someone that ugly be your partner?”
“He isn’t ugly even a bit to me.” Harry started to feel angry at Ginny. How could someone he cared like a sister mocked someone else he loved, or cared, at least if he still didn’t know the answer. “When people love someone, they will not judge it from the outside.”
The words stabbed Ginny deeply. Although she never admitted, she did like Harry because he was handsome, famous and rich. His kindness and brave heart were just like a bonus for Ginny.
“If you can’t see that then it’s not love. If he is a shame because of his scar, it’s better for me to go blind then both of us will lock ourselves from the wizarding world.” Harry added.
“Be careful of what you wish for, Harry.” Ginny threatened him.
Harry shook his head, smiling sadly to Ginny. “I better off then. Say hello to Ron and the others, I will not come here again.” And Harry walked out to the front door leaving Ginny fuming furiously.
The next thing he knew was Ginny calling him before she hit him with a curse. The world went black, there’s Molly shouting, and they argued before Harry lost his consciousness.
Harry awoke in the darkness. He couldn’t see anything. Dammit, he thought.
“Accio wand.” Harry said. The wand flew from its place towards Harry’s face. “Ouch.” He yelled.
“Oh my goodness.” Harry heard Hermione’s voice from somewhere in front of him.
“Hermione? Where are you? Why don’t you light the light?” Harry asked, confused.
There’re so many people talk at once after he said the word. Harry felt his head pulsing, like he’d banged his head to the wall. He felt someone’s hand holding his hand, clenching his hand, giving supports.
“That’s why I say its better for you to leave me alone. Now no one knows what jinx she threw to you. She refused to tell.” It was Draco’s hand that soothing him. “Better leave. No one expect me to be here. Near you.”
Harry heard sounds of chair being dragged before he lost the warmth Draco’s touch. “Draco.” He called immediately, didn’t want to lose Draco’s warmth. “Stay with me.” He asked.
Harry knew that the surrounding voice halted that moment, but he didn’t care. He more likely lived in silence than having had to lose Draco’s warmth. Draco froze just for a while before trying to let Harry’s hand off. Harry didn’t want to let it go, so instead he pulled Draco to him. Draco stumbled into Harry’s embrace, but he took the chance to push Harry and dashed outside. Harry was left alone with the others.
Everyone offered Harry to stay with them, taking care of him, making sure that nothing will happen to him. More likely treated him like a sick person, Harry thought. Before he rejected the idea, Hermione commented that Harry should be left alone. After all, she explained, Harry would be safer here. The apartment was hidden and the wards were the most powerful ones. Although Voldermort had died, it didn’t mean no one would revenge to Harry. And Harry had Draco who could take care of him, Draco didn’t have wand and he couldn’t go out without Harry’s permission. And they all could check on both of them every day if they wanted to. Even though with half hearted, everyone agreed with Hermione.
“Wake up. The breakfast is ready.” Draco woke him up in the morning.
“Hmm…” Harry murmured.
Draco didn’t treat him like a sick person, but also didn’t leave him alone in his state. Draco taught him with patient. Draco told him that when he was in St. Mungo, no one had supported him except his mother and Pansy. And since Harry had treated him nicely all the time as they lived together, at least what he could do was to take care of Harry until they found the counter course.
Harry wished that he’d never be cured. Harry liked the time they spend together. Because Harry couldn’t see, Draco allowed him to touch him. Having a whole day with Draco, Harry knew many things. Since Draco liked reading, he spent his time reading for Harry. Harry didn’t care whether he knew the material which Draco read for him or not, but definitely Harry liked Draco’s voice in his ears, but even so the brain still worked so he remembered one or two things about it. Whenever Hermione came by, Harry never missed the chance participating since he learnt all of that from Draco’s reading. Even Pansy and Narcissa treated him like nothing wrong. Harry forgave Ginny because after all she had made Harry’s wish came true, to be closer to Draco.
It was then in one evening, when they were spending time together in front television, that Draco started the talk.
“Why are you being nice to me, Potter?” Draco asked suddenly.
“Because I like you.” Harry answered simply taking Draco’s hand into his.
“You used to hate me, Potter.” Draco emphasized.
“Hate is a very strong word, Draco.” Harry caressed Draco’s palm. “But yes, I did hate you a bit back then. But that was totally your fault.”
“What?! How can it be my fault? You’re the one who rejected me!” Draco retorted.
Harry laughed. “Yes, that’s true. But I hated you not because of that.”
“So did why you hate me?” Draco sounded confused.
Harry traced the Dark Mark on Draco’s hand before continuing. “It was because of this. Right after you received your Dark Mark, you were keeping distance from me. And I didn’t like it.” Harry could feel Draco shiver beneath his caress.
“You know the reason. You’d been stalking me that whole year.” Draco answered.
“Yes, because of that I know that deep in your heart you’re brave and kind. People say Slytherins are cunning, but they didn’t know the truth. Slytherin is loyal to the person they love.” Harry kept his caress to Draco’s arm. “And you, why did you hate me back then?”
Harry’s caresses soothed Draco’s feeling. “Who said I don’t hate you right now?”
“Stop pretending, Draco.” Harry’s caress had already reached Draco’s shoulder and he started to massage Draco. “Being a blind man has his advantage, he can sense more about his surroundings. And I think you know that.”
Draco relaxed himself to Harry’s massage. “But you’re after all the most insensitive person I’ve ever known. Ginny Weasley made sure of that.”
If Draco was expecting Harry to be angry, he was totally wrong. Harry had already passed Ginny’s stage long time ago. “I wasn’t being insensitive to her, but I never think of her more than a sister.” Harry circled his hand to Draco, making him trapped.
“Potter.” Draco threatened.
“It’s Harry, Draco. Call me Harry.” Harry whispered right through Draco’s ear. “And you haven’t told me why you hated me.”
“It’s because of you scar. It makes you so special. Different from us.” Harry could feel the jealousy in Draco’s voice. “Didn’t they see that you’re the same like us? Kid should be treating like a kid, mother once said. But you, they put responsibility on your scar. It’s just a damn scar, don’t you see. There’s other survivor of the Dark Lord, but they didn’t care. Why Longbottom couldn’t get the same attention as you?”
For once Harry understood what Molly meant saying Harry was still a child, not grown up yet. It was her way showing love. Didn’t they say children pull pranks to the kids they like? Maybe Draco was childish, but it was his way to love. Draco bullied Neville so people started to pay attention to him, and he wouldn’t left alone in Harry’s fame. Harry had almost got jealous towards Neville if he didn’t know this. For that once, Harry thanked Voldemort who had given him the scar, because of it he could together with Draco now.
“Can I kiss you?” Harry blurted.
“I- I…” Draco stammered.
Harry didn’t wait until Draco said yes. He caressed Draco’s face looking for his lips before kissing him softly. Draco opened his mouth trying to say something, but Harry used the moment to slip his tongue and taste Draco. Being lack of women didn’t mean Harry had lack of experience. Hearing Draco moaned, motivated Harry to assault him. But he decided to end it before he made Draco scared; he wanted Draco to come to himself not by his force.
“Gosh, I love you. Didn’t you know that Draco.” Harry whispered his love into Draco’s mouth.
If Harry could see, he would see Draco widened his eyes in shock but also brimmed with happy tears. “Harry…” Draco said before he pulled himself together, straightening his body.
Harry embraced himself to the worst. “Harry, listen to me.” Draco ordered softly. “I didn’t know if this is love or not. I never feel love. Pansy and I are more like brother and sister.”
“But Pansy has your child.” Harry commented.
“No. It was Blaise.” Draco stopped a while. “She came to me asking to use my family name because she couldn’t prove it was Blaise’s child when the whole Zabini had died in the last battle.”
“And you refused it because you think Malfoy’s name will bring bad future to the child?” Harry ended.
“Yes, more or less.” Draco agreed. “But she also knows that I will not have a heir in my state right now. And in my part, I don’t want her to let go her child’s name just because she couldn’t prove that she was Blaise’s child. I want her to carry Zabini’s name. After all, Blaise is my best friend and he’s also the one who helped me and Pansy run away on the last battle.”
Harry went silence listening Draco’s story. He knew many people died in the last battle. Some of them were from Slytherin, and it didn’t mean they were bad, but still their funeral weren’t like the one from other houses. No one came to the Slytherins funeral except those from the house itself. Seeing that kind of act, Snape resigned from Hogwarts saying he wouldn’t want to stay in the school which differentiated their students. Harry really regreted it now, how could he acted prejudice towards other houses. Why he couldn’t act like Dumbledore.
“So…” Draco voice called Harry back to the present. “I can’t say I love you or not. But I can assure you that… I like being with you. I know I have been acting annoying before, but that’s because I didn’t know you yet.” Draco cupped Harry’s face. “If- If you allow it, Harry. I would stay with you from now on. Until… until whenever you want me to leave.” He quickly added.
The words brought happiness in Harry’s heart. He had a bit of regret in his heart; he really wanted to see Draco face right now. But the thought was erased when he felt Draco’s lips pressed into his scar. Draco was kissing his scar.
“It is my promise to you.” Draco vowed. “I will be together with you until you ask me leave.”
When Draco ended the vow, Harry felt some force surrounding them. Automatically Harry threw his body over Draco to protect him. The next time Harry opened his eyes, they both ended on the floor and Harry was greeted by the shock over Draco’s face.
“What was that?” Draco asked, confused. “Did you do something?”
Harry took a moment to register what Draco had just said and the reality that he could see again. Never Draco looked so beautiful in Harry’s eyes; lay on the floor with his hair surrounding his face making a halo around it. He looked so ravishing, Harry thought, before attacking his lips.
“Har- hmm….” Draco’s word was cut by Harry’s kiss.
“What are you doing, Harry?! It’s not the time for that! We must…” Draco trailed off when he realized Harry was just gazing at him, admiring him. “Harry… did your head bump on something? You look like…”
“I can see you again.” Harry finished happily.
Draco gawked for a minute before continuing. “Are you?! We- We must tell everyone! I- I’ll floo Hermione right away!” Draco tried to stand but Harry didn’t allow him to.
“Harry, let go off me. I must floo Her…” Draco then realized that Harry’s happiness was not because he could see again.
Harry still sat on the floor looking at Draco’s, excited with smiles but didn’t intend let Draco go anywhere. “Draco…” He said. “Is it true what you promised me?”
Draco blushed deeply avoiding Harry’s gaze. Fidgeting, Draco sat again on the floor. “It- It’s true. I will not leave you unless you tell me so.”
Harry cupped Draco’s face holding him so he couldn’t turn his gaze away. “I love you.” Harry said properly stared deeply into his eyes.
Harry didn’t need Draco’s answer to know the answer, Draco was trying to suppress his smile but he couldn’t hide his blush. Harry took Draco’s hand into his palm. “Let’s go to sleep. The others can wait until tomorrow.” And he pulled Draco to stand up and guided him into his bedroom.
*** FIN ***
- EPILOGUE -
I will corner you until you can’t escape anymore…
Bind you… and swallow you whole.
You don’t know this side of me, don’t you?
You didn’t need to know.
Being swallowed by love is the greatest happiness
Even if you find out,
By that time, you’ll be safely in my stomach.
Sex Pistol - Animal 10 - Kotobuki Tarako.
In bed they hugged each other trying to memorize each other’s warmth even in the darkness.
“Harry, is it true what you said about me?” Draco asked in Harry’s embrace.
Harry knew what Draco was asking even without him saying it properly. “Yes, it is true. All of them. Yes, Draco, you’re smart, kind, brave, proud, even with your sharp-tongue, yet spoiled, snobbish, and annoying characteristic.” Harry stopped a while before adding, “Also your scar. Because it is a part of you.”
Draco chocked back his tears, refused being sappy. “Thank you.” He said between his sob.
“Shush, Draco. Why are you crying?” Harry tightened his embrace.
“It’s- It’s because I’m happy.” Draco stopped for taking breath. “That you didn’t look at me like the others.”
“Except Pansy, Hermione and my mother that is.” Draco quickly added.
Harry smiled happily that at the end Draco did understand. “Yes, of course, Draco. Because no one sees you from this close like I do.” Harry inhaled Draco’s scent. “Because they only see you from afar, never want to come closer.” Like what they did to me, Harry added in silence.
Draco didn’t answer back because he had already fallen asleep in Harry’s safe embrace. Harry caressed Draco’s mar cheek and whispered “You’ll be safe in my den, Draco.” With it the charm that Harry had placed upon Draco was lifted, revealing Draco’s true appearance, unscarred by the burn mark.
Harry slowly caressed Draco’s cheek, neck and changed his track when Draco’s scar from Sectumsempra was shown. Harry traced it slowly. “It’s your fault, Draco, because you let me see the other side of you. So careless of you, Draco.” Harry traces back the scar up.
Harry remembered his sixth year. How Hermione said he was obsessed with Draco, he refused to acknowledge it. But he knew that it was true, how he had dreamt of him almost every night. And when he saw Draco cried, the dream started twisting into desire. How Harry wanted Draco to cry beneath him, writhing in pleasurable pain. But he was late. Before Harry got any chance to safe him, Draco had already run again from his grasp. Maybe Dumbledore knew it, that’s why he stunned Harry back then. So he couldn’t catch Draco.
In the last battle, when he looked for Voldemort in his manor, Harry unexpectedly saw Draco and heard him talking to Pansy.
“Run quickly, Pansy.” Draco ordered her while kept eyes on the battle that happened around them.
“No, Draco. I want Blaise.” Pansy stubbornly refused.
“Pansy.” Draco’s voice showed authority. “I’ll look for him. But you must run. Remember your child.”
Defeated Pansy nod in agree before turning back and running out of battle. And that time Belatrix was slowly making his way to Harry casting confringo to him. Harry saw Blaise in the corner of his eyes and Draco was on his back, unnoticed and didn’t aware of what was happening. So Harry decided to move a bit so that Draco and Blaise could see each other, and they did. With Belatrix only focused on Harry, she didn’t see either Draco or Blaise when she casted confringo. The spell launched directly to them. Blaise, who saw the spell, move quickly to them, trying to shield Draco from it. But Harry was much quicker, he casted expelliarmus to Blaise and run towards Draco who was also running, trying to reach Blaise before the spell blew on them. The spell hit them right when Draco pushed Harry aside out his way to reach Blaise. That’s the way Draco had saved Harry’s life, or at least that’s what people knew about it.
When Harry arrived in Draco’s room in St. Mungo, he asked the mediwizard, whether Draco had a chance to recover from his injury. The mediwizard convinced him that everything will back to normal slowly. Hear upon the statement, Harry thought if he didn’t bind Draco to him, he would be lost from his grasp again. That time he determined to bind Draco to him forever. So he oblivated the mediwizard and cast the disillusionment charm on Draco with protected password. And everything flowed according to Harry’s wishes without any one had noticed it.
“This time, you can’t run away from me.” He kissed Draco’s lips. “You’re mine forever. It’s too late for you to realize it by then.” And the charm showing the scar went back safely into its place.
Whatever is that, it's must be fun. Yg penting, di hari kemerdekaan ini, kita harus punya semangat 17an. Ya ga, guys? :D
Anyway, just wanna say... MERDEKA!!! (meski pun g sbnr nya hari ini ga ikut lomba and tidur ampe siang sih... :P tp g ikut jd supporter kok.). I hope you guys having fun wherever you are.
Title: See Me as I See You
Author: nekochan23.
Rating: PG-13 (for safe).
Warnings: Kissing.
Disclaimer: Like all should be.
Beta:
cygnus13
A/N: written for HLD challenge # 2. A bit long fic with some typo and grammar mistake (blame on me because i push my beta-er on very2 limited amount of time). LJ mess my .doc & .rtf so forgive me if there's some mistake in the paragraph line and italic words. I hope you guys enjoy it. ^__^
When Harry found his apartment empty, he just sighed. The scene didn’t surprise him anymore like years back then, but it had become more tiring each time. Why Draco didn’t just get it, he thought. Seeing there’s a pair of cup on table in the living room, it only meant Draco had left in such haste or he was too disturbed by words of whoever that came today. Harry decided to let Draco have a full day before he came to fetch him.
It was three days ago, and Draco still hadn’t come home yet. Harry started to wonder who the guest that came. He had already asked all Draco’s friends but none said they visited him or Draco visited them. Harry tried to think hard who else he missed to ask. Did Draco cheat on him? But that was impossible with his state right now; he even refused to go out even a step from the apartment. He always locked himself in the apartment or his bedroom when there were guests came by.
Harry stood staring into Draco’s bedroom thinking how much Draco had changed since the accident. In the last battle, Draco served injury for protecting Harry from confringo that Bellatrix launched to him. The spell burnt almost half Draco’s body, from his face until his thigh. Act upon the news, Harry stormed directly to Draco’s room in the hospital to see him. What he saw in Draco’s room was a boy who injured heavily from burn with a trial waiting him to go to Azkaban.
Harry had tried all means to release Draco from the charge, but since Draco bore the mark he couldn’t escape from the trial. Lucius Malfoy went straightly to Azkaban without doubt, Narcissa Malfoy was released from charge because she didn’t bear the mark, and Draco Malfoy was released with pardon that he would be under supervision from the ministry and with his wand confiscated. Harry submitted his volunteer for become Draco’s supervisor.
For a whole month, Harry visited Draco in St. Mungo persuaded him to live with him instead of getting back to his Manor, Draco refused it flatly. But that didn’t back Harry off, until Harry meet Narcissa Malfoy. It was Harry’s daily visit to Draco, but when he opened Draco’s room what he found was Narcissa. Feeling awkward but didn’t intend to admit defeat, Harry sat in the corner of Draco’s room while Narcissa sat beside Draco’s bed scrutinizing him. It was Narcissa who talked first.
“What do you gain from doing all this, Mr. Potter?”
That surprised Harry, he didn’t expect Narcissa to talk to him. “I- I…”
“Do you pity him?” She continued.
“What?! Of course not!” Harry felt insulted by her.
“Do you love him?” She changed her question abruptly.
“Wh- I- I…” Harry flabbergasted.
“Then, do you obsess about him?” She said it nonchalantly.
“I…” Harry bit his tongue.
“Whatever it is, Mr. Potter. Please make him happy. That’s all I ask.” This time she gazed straight into Harry’s soul.
Before Harry could answer back, the door opened welcoming Draco.
“Mother.” Draco smiled brightly seeing her.
Harry never knew that Draco Malfoy could react like any other people and suddenly he wished that Draco would smile like that to him.
“Draco.” She smiled back at him. “Pack your things, you’ll be leaving under Mr. Potter ‘s care.”
And that erased the smile from Draco’s face immediately. Suddenly he was aware that Harry was there. Harry felt misplaced.
Draco stared at Harry before answering back to Narcissa, “Yes, mother.”
And that’s how Draco Malfoy lived with Harry Potter. Ron and Ginny were furious when they heard the news, and they bet that Harry would kick Draco less from a day because his snob attitude. But Hermione just stared Harry quietly like thinking very hard.
Harry showed Draco’s new room the next day, he didn’t say anything, just staring into the empty room before taking his luggage and closed the door. Draco didn’t come out until Harry call for dinner. And that kept repeating all days, Draco only came out only when Harry called for meal. It was 4 months after that Harry decided to try talking to Draco.
“You hair is long already. I never notice.” Harry unconsciously moved his hand to stroke Draco’s hair.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” yelled Draco, the chair fell backward when he stood abruptly.
That shocked Harry but also made Harry smile, it was after all the first sign that Draco made since he stayed in his apartment.
Seeing Harry smiled, Draco squinted his eyes before storming back to his room, feeling furious.
“Ma- Malfoy!” Harry called after him. “Oh, come on, Malfoy. I didn’t mean anything. I- I just…”
“Go away, Potter!” Draco retorted from his room.
After that Draco avoided Harry, it was a week after when Harry caught Draco in the kitchen washing dishes. Didn’t want to slip any chance for Draco to run back to his room, Harry walked slowly behind Draco.
“Malfoy.”
Even that one word managed to make Draco jump. Before Draco managed to do something foolish like throwing something to Harry, Harry seized Draco’s hands and kept them stay in the sink.
“Malfoy.” Once again Harry called Draco softly.
“What. Do. You. Want. Potter!” Draco spat the words like it was a poison.
Harry sighed and put his head on back Draco’s shoulder. Harry could smell sweet fragrance from Draco’s shampoo and he could feel Draco’s body heat. Harry surprised that Draco who was usually so cold can also feel so warm.
“STOP IT!” Draco pushed Harry with all his power.
Harry fell backward and when he looked back at Draco, he saw fear and anger in his eyes.
“If- If you dare to do that a- again! I’ll- I’ll report you to the ministry.” Draco stammered. “I- I don’t care that I go to Az- Azkaban, b- but I will not tolerate your do- doing!” After that Draco run back to his room leaving Harry confused in the floor.
Harry avoided Draco the next morning. Harry thought he got infected by Draco’s demented behavior. Locking himself in the apartment, huh, Harry thought. So Harry went to clubbing that night. When he got back, he found Draco sleeping in couch in the living room. Harry felt guilty, but he didn’t dare to wake Draco up so he left him sleeping there after he laid blanket over Draco.
The routine back again the next morning, it’s like nothing happen that night in the dinner. It was Christmas that Harry received invitation from the Weasleys. Harry didn’t want to leave Draco alone at home, Christmas after all meant to be celebrated together with family. But Draco couldn’t meet his mother because of the Ministry’s rule. So, with reluctance Harry rejected the Weasleys invitation. Ron was furious, Ginny kept persuade Harry to come, in the end Hermione that suggested Harry to bring Draco to the party. Harry was so sure that Draco would immediately refuse it when Harry asked him.
“When?” Draco asked when Harry invite him.
That caught Harry unguarded. “Christmas night, at 24. 7 pm.”
Draco didn’t say anything more and got back to his room. Harry thought that Draco didn’t interest to the party, so when at 24th 6 pm Draco came out from his room dressed formally, Harry was surprised.
“Are you going just like that?” Draco asked him.
“O- Of course not! I’ll change right away!” Harry jumped from the couch and dashed into his room to change immediately.
Harry brought Draco side-a-long with him directly in front the Burrow. When Harry knocked the door, the one who’s opening it was Hermione. Harry smiled before hugging her, Draco just stared both of them uninterested.
“Please, come in. They started to think that you decided not to come after all.” Hermione took Harry’s robe before hanging it.
“Thanks, ‘Mione.” And with that Harry left Draco alone with Hermione.
Draco felt awkward. Hermione kept stare him, daring him.
“Here, give me your robe. I’ll hang it for you.” She offered.
Draco tried to smile before clumsily undressed his robe. “Thank you, Granger.” He said.
And that brought Hermione smile. “Come on, we better get some food before others wipe cleans.”
Harry was so happy to hang with his friends again. It was until Ron started to wander looking for Hermione, that he realized Draco was also gone missing. They were looking for both of them. It was Harry who found them sitting and talking in heat of argument about something in the garden’s gazebo. But whatever argument they were having, it was a good one. Because, Hermione never looked so energize and Draco never looked so bright as long as Harry knew. Harry felt that he found one more thing he wanted to have from Draco beside his smiles.
“Hey.” Harry called.
“Harry.” Hermione smiled back to him. “Have you done your…” Hermione made gesture with her hand.
“Well, y- yeah…” He assured her. “Ron is looking for you anyway.”
“Oh… So after this long he has just realized that I’m gone? Honestly, that man…” Even trying to be scary, Hermione couldn’t hide her delight that Ron was looking for her. Harry was really happy for both of them.
“Oh, well. I better fetch him before he thinks I was abducted.” She winked towards Draco who smiled back to her. “You guys have fun.” With that she left Harry with Draco.
Draco averted his gaze immediately after Hermione gone. Harry decided to stand for a minute before sitting beside Draco.
“Hey.” He called again.
Draco turned to him tilted his head like asking ‘what’ to him but didn’t say anything. Seeing Harry smiled like a fool Draco stood intending to go out from the gazebo, but he was blocked by an unseen wall. Collide with the unseen wall Draco was pushed backward and fell down into Harry’s lap.
“What the…” Before Draco realized that he was in Harry’s embrace.
“It’s because of the mistletoe.” Harry said suddenly while pointing mistletoe up in his head.
Draco just stared with full hatred towards Harry before he tried again and stumbled backward again only to put back in Harry’s embrace.
“The twins said, it was their newest creation. The mistletoe will not let couple out of the room before they’re kissing.” Harry ended it with blushing creeping up to his face.
Draco sighed angrily before pecking Harry’s cheek so quickly. Nothing happened.
“I- In the mouth, the twins said.” Harry smiled apologetically.
Draco chattered his teeth before kissing Harry in the mouth also quickly. Still, nothing happened.
“W- with the tongue.” Harry trying suppresses the blushing and the shyness when he says the words.
“That calls snogging, Potter.” Draco spat the words venomously.
“I- I… Well, I don’t know. Really!” Harry tried to defend himself. “The twins only said, the mistletoe will make the most matching person in one room and lock them until they kiss with tongue for about… a minute?” Harry cringed.
Draco stared at Harry furiously while biting his lower lips before saying, “Fine! Whatever makes us out from here.”
With that Draco pulled Harry towards him and started with a kiss before nudging Harry’s mouth to open. Harry never did French kiss before, so he truly didn’t know how to be done. When Draco’s teeth did small bite to his lower lips, he felt happy to open his mouth letting him in. The unseen wall was really useful. Unconsciously Harry pushed Draco towards the wall, asking more. Harry embraced tightly around Draco not willing to let him go. He tried to get whatever he could get in that limited time. The time was running out right when Harry’s hand creeping from Draco’s neck towards Draco’s cheek. Panicky, Draco struggled hard trying to get free from Harry’s tight embrace. With no support from the unseen wall, both of them fell into the ground. It was right then Harry realized why Draco had grown his hair. The burn mark marred half of Draco’s face, went down until missing behind his collar. Realizing that his hair was messy, Draco quickly combed his hair back to cover half of his face.
“Draco.” Harry unrealizingly called Draco’s name.
But that only made Draco even more scared. He immediately stood up and run back to the house. Leaving Harry knelt on the ground trying to organize his heartbeat back to normal. Harry sat on the ground for another minute before deciding to get back to the house.
Back in the house, Harry had avoided Draco the whole time. Until time to get home that he looked for Draco and realized that Draco was nowhere to be seen.
“Hey, Ron.” He called Ron who was standing in the front door saying goodbye to the guesses.
“Hey. What happen, mate?” He closed the door from the last guest.
“Em, did you see Draco? I mean Malfoy. I didn’t see him anywhere.”
“Malfoy? Is the ferret missing?” Ron began suspicion.
“Yeah.” Harry started to have a bad feeling. Did Draco really runaway? But that ‘s impossible, knowing that if he runs, his mother will be the first one who thrown into Azkaban for being suspected.
“Hey, Harry.” Hermione came from back. “You haven’t back yet?”
“Hey, ‘Mione.” He smiled at her. “No, I’m looking for Malfoy. He’s missing.”
Hermione frowned at him. “Well, the last time I saw him, Ginny was talking to him. Maybe you should ask her.”
“Ginny?” Harry seemed like he was hearing something bad. “I better ask her then.”
Harry found Ginny in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Weasley washing dishes. Harry felt nostalgic, how long had it been since the little girl he once knew changed into a beautiful woman she was. Harry always felt Ginny was the right woman for him, but in the back of his mind he always had the feeling that it was wrong. So until now he hadn’t proposed her and Ginny still waited patiently, he felt guilty to Ron and the other Weasleys.
“Harry.” Suddenly Ginny was in front of him.
“Hey.” He hugged her feeling warmth, but it was different from what he felt with Draco.
“Do you want to stay?” Her eyes were hoping.
Harry’s heart was like torn into pieces, he smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, Gin. I can’t. You know that.”
Her face was flattening. “So, why did you look for me?”
“Well, I’m looking for Malfoy. Hermione said you were talking to him.”
“Well, she’s wrong. I never want to talk to the ferret. Why would I?” Ginny’s face looked insulted.
Harry frowned in confusion. “Well, if that so. I better look for him once again. Without wand, it’s impossible for him to apparate, and I’m really tired.”
“Why don’t you stay here, Harry?” Ginny immediately held his hand, didn’t intend to let him go away. “I’m sure wherever he is, he can back safely.”
Now that really made Harry suspicious to her. “Ginny…”
“Fine. Go. Look for him. Whatever.” She stormed out from the room leaving Harry wondering.
Feeling something didn’t right, he decided to say goodbye to Ron and Hermione in the living room. Once he got back in the house, he looked for Draco in every room, still he didn’t found him. It was the next morning almost noon that Draco walked into his apartment.
“Where have you been?” Harry was so furious because he really worried about Draco.
Draco stared at him tiredly before answering, “None of your business.” And then he locked himself away until the next morning, even avoiding meals.
And Harry was back to the ground zero, everything started from the beginning again. It was until Hermione came after New Year to greet both of them. She had come because Harry rejected Ron’s invitation to have dinner in the Burrow for New Year’s Eve. It’s not because Harry didn’t want to go, but Draco said if he wanted to go he’d better go without him. And Harry couldn’t leave Draco alone like that.
“Where’s Malfoy?” Hermione suddenly asked.
Harry sighed heavily looking at Draco’s room. “Lock himself in his room.”
“What?” Hermione was confused. “That isn’t healthy, Harry. Why didn’t you bring him outside?”
Before Harry could answer, Hermione was already knocking into Draco’s room. Harry could see Draco’s surprised face when he saw it was Hermione, who asked him to go out. Draco rejected the idea flatly, but with politeness.
The rejection only made Hermione visit them every day. At first, Harry was really sure that the act was futile, but after 2 weeks, Draco started to spend time outside his room when there’s Hermione. Both of them had a nice conversation about potions and other heavy talk that Harry could interpret, but they both were beaming with happiness. Harry felt left alone.
After couples of month, Hermione started taking Draco outside, to the muggle’s world, Surprisingly, Draco didn’t act like a snob once of him. But maybe that’s because Hermione always brought him to library. Every time they were back from the library, Draco was always bringing back a pile of books. From library, Hermione started asking him out more often accompanying her walks around the city. Every time Draco back from them, he always talked actively during dinners. And Harry liked it. It was like discovering another side of Draco Malfoy, the one he shared only to his closest friends and Harry could only watch from across the hall when they were still in Hogwarts.
It was when Harry came back from work that he found Hermione knocking Draco’s room continuously.
“What is it, Hermione?” Harry asked while putting aside his robe.
Hermione stopped her knocking and turned to face Harry behind her. “It’s… nothing, really. Draco just…”
When Hermione said Draco’s name, Harry felt a jealousy pang in his heart.
“It’s okay.” Suddenly Draco’s voice heard from his room before he come out from his hiding.
“Draco…” Hermione started.
“It’s okay, ‘Mione.” Harry cringed when Draco said it, it’s too intimate when Draco’s the one who said that. “I should have seen it coming. And I must get used to it.” He smiled encouragingly to Hermione.
“So, you will not back to hiding again?” She asked inquiring. “And we can still hang out?”
“That’s…” Draco seemed hesitated a moment before deciding, “Yes, of course.”
“Good.” Hermione backed off. “I’ll see other places to go tomorrow, not too public, but I will not allow you back hiding. Okay?” She took her jacket. “See you tomorrow guys.” With that she apparated back to her place.
Unlike any other days, Draco was a bit quiet that night.
“Are you okay?” Harry asked.
“Hm…” Draco answered.
They ate in silence.
“Potter.” He called.
Harry was so surprised hearing Draco called him. “Yes?” He answered back eagerly.
“D- did this scar… ‘Mione said something about plastic surgery.” He stopped a minute to swallow his food before continuing, “She said, there’s muggles treatment that can fix it. Is that true?”
Harry took his breath deeply, did he really want to… “I don’t think that could work.” He said it while avoiding Draco’s eyes. He held his breath, waiting for the worst, but nothing happened.
Draco put his fork down while breathing slowly. “Ah, yes of course. How come muggles can do something that wizard can’t, right?” He tried to smile but fail miserably.
Harry wanted to cry looking him like that, but back in his head, he knew something that other person didn’t know. Unconsciously, his lips twitched making a pitying smile.
Seeing the smile, Draco felt ashamed. “I- I’m sorry, I think I’m full.” And Draco began collecting the plates for making excuse not to be near Harry.
It was right a year since Draco’s pardon. The ministry had started allowing Draco to except guests. The first person who showed up in front Harry’s apartment was Pansy Parkison with a baby.
“I heard Draco is here.” Pansy said without greetings.
“Y- Yeah, sure. Come in.” Harry opened the door letting her in.
Harry led Pansy into the living room, if she had objection about living in muggle’s world, well, she didn’t show it, nor she commented about Harry’s apartment. Harry called Draco’s from his room, having Pansy as the first guest, it made Draco surprised too.
“Pansy.” Draco called her sweetly.
Harry didn’t leave them like when Draco with Hermione. He kept his eyes on both of them. Pansy kept gazing at him while Draco acted like he didn’t even exist in this world.
“What brings you to this humble sack?” Draco teased her.
Pansy smiled to Draco’s word. “You know there’s no humble sack.” Then she carried her baby towards Draco. “Draco, please meet Silmeria. Silmeria, say hi to your father.” She waved her baby’s hand to Draco.
If Draco was surprised of having any dislike feeling, he didn’t show it obviously. Unlike Harry who went pale hearing the words. It was a nightmare to Harry. After a year, his nightmare became reality, he thought. Suddenly he felt queasy.
“Why do you come here, Pansy?” Draco asked, cradling the baby in his arms.
“I want to use your name for her.” She said nonchalantly while playing with her baby’s hand.
That definitely stopped Harry’s track in his walk to the bathroom. Harry turned around only to see Draco also froze hearing the words. But Pansy still Pansy, she kept playing with her baby.
“No.” Draco gave back the baby to her mother.
And Pansy accepted it like there’s nothing wrong with her question just now. “Why? You’re her father after all.”
“You know why.” Draco started pacing around the room. “She’s better off me.”
The baby giggled in Pansy arms, “You know I don’t care all of that. You are you. I don’t want anything else.”
The words were like cold waters splashing into Harry’s face. How can Pansy, the person that Draco had never met again after that day, said those words so easily. And Hermione who hated him in the past could go out with him so easily too. While he, who had tried all method to bring Draco’s mood back, found it so difficult.
No matter how hard Pansy tried, Draco still refused to give her his name. But, Draco will assure that she would receive money support for her and her baby. To Harry’s surprise, Pansy rejected it. If the baby didn’t have his name, it better that she left the money alone. But they agreed that the baby would receive the best, and whenever she and the baby needed help, he would help her as much as he could. Harry was totally touched by Draco’s soft side.
Aside from Pansy, the other person who came to see Draco was his mother. It had become a routine that she would show up in the apartment once a week. She was very concerned about Pansy’s problem, but she left all Draco’s judgment to himself. Even so, sometimes she came together with Pansy and her baby. Every time Pansy came, Harry always stayed longer at the office. He had jealousy feeling towards Pansy and the baby. But he couldn’t forbid Draco to stop receiving guess, because the day before until after they come, Draco had always looked so happy, and Harry was truly happy with it. It was 2 weeks before Christmas again that Draco came to ask him for help.
“Potter.” He said unsure.
Harry who had never been Draco’s attention immediately stayed focus on Draco. “Yes?”
“Can- can I ask for your help?” He said.
“Sure.” Harry suddenly liked it whatever it was. “What is it?”
Draco was a bit fidgeting before continuing, “I want to go to mall. But since the regulation said I must accompanied by you, so… I was thinking if you want to go with me?”
“Sure. When?” Harry asked directly, didn’t want to let this chance to slip away.
Now Harry knew why Hermione didn’t have difficulties hanging out with Draco. Draco might be a git, sharp-tongue, snob; anything a rich person could be. But if you really knew him well, you might find out that actually there’s truth in his every word. Aside from that, he was also a bookworm, he gained lots of knowledge that Harry didn’t know. And he might choose expensive and branded stuffs, but it’s all because he knew it would last longer and add more artistic value.
Draco bought many things, and when Harry asked, he just shruged off. Harry never thought that all of them were for Christmas present. Draco wrapped each of those differently, like matching them to each person personality. The presents were for Pansy and their daughter, Draco’s mother, Hermione and the last was Harry. Harry never thought there was a day when he would receive a gift from Draco Malfoy of all the people. The present was a camera that had been charmed. Draco said, if he had enough memory of the person, the camera could produce the real photo from it. And of course, Harry tried it on his parents, Sirius and Dumbledore.
Harry still went to the Weasleys for Christmas that year, but just for having dinner. Ginny had always clung to him for the whole dinner. It’s not that he didn’t like it, but since he lived with Draco, Harry used to have a quiet dinner with small talk, enjoying the time slowly. Nor Harry mind with the completely warm dinner in the Weasley’s, but sometimes they were too noisy throwing jokes and doing other impolite things, aunt Petunia used says.
When Harry got home, he found the apartment was empty and cold. Harry got panic, afraid that Draco had run away. Or all of this was another nightmare. Harry immediately checked Draco’s room and found him sleeping in his bed. Harry never felt glad like that time. He just realized that he didn’t want to lose Draco. He stood beside Draco’s bed, watching him slept innocently like an angel. Tempted to caress Draco, Harry removed the hair that hid Draco’s mar face. He caressed Draco’s cheek and Draco replied it by snuggling into his hand. Harry kept his hand there for more minutes before taking back. Looking back to Draco’s sleeping face from the door; he decided he’d do as far as he could to make Draco smile again.
Since that day, Harry had spent more time in the apartment. At first, Draco stayed at his room whenever Harry was at home but after a week seeing Harry would keep staying at home as often as he can, Draco went back to his routine. When Hermione come and saw Harry at home, she raised her eyebrows. She asked Harry to come with them every time they went out, and Draco just shrugged. Even Pansy and Narcissa were a bit surprised meeting Harry when they came, but kept quiet about it.
By 2 months after Harry changed his routine, Draco started to get used to him whenever he’s at home. Even Pansy and Narcissa always asked him to sit together with them. Harry discovered many side of Draco each time. Towards Pansy, Draco had always been a dutiful gentleman like he had in the school. Towards Narcissa, Draco had always played an obedient yet spoiled son. Towards Hermione, Draco had always been a discussion partner. And towards Harry, Draco a bit keeping his distance, but still he’s a good accompany exchange rival.
That year, Harry asked Draco to accompany him to the ministry party for celebrating the Independence Day. Draco still refused to go to wizarding world, but Harry manage dto persuade him promising it would be just an official dinner party after that they could get back quickly. Harry did kept his promise to be just an official dinner’s, but still Harry could feel the aura surrounding them were unwelcoming to Draco. None of them ever thought Harry Potter would bring Draco Malfoy to the party, they were expecting to see Harry with Ginny Weasley. And the situation became fiercer when they met Ron with Ginny who substituted Hermione because she was on a leave. Harry could feel Ginny staring Draco furiously and Draco had been backing off a bit, distancing himself from Harry.
The whole dinner party was a battle itself, between Draco and everyone in the room. Harry tried to enlighten the mood but failed miserably. And Draco kept eating in silence while Ginny who sat right in front of him mocking Draco fiercely, making everyone else laugh at the joke shamelessly. Ron had tried to stop Ginny, but didn’t work. But Harry was really grateful to Ron, because he didn’t laugh at Ginny’s joke and kept trying to stop Ginny even though he knew it was futile.
They took off from the party as soon the dinner was finished. Ginny tried to hold Harry, but Harry managed to slip off even before she stood from her chair.
“It wasn’t your fault.” That’s what Draco said once they arrived at the apartment.
Since then, Harry never asked Draco to go to the wizarding world again, nor stayed longer at Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade than necessary to buy everything he needed. But it didn’t stop like that, since Draco’s appearance in the party, the Daily Prophet started to dig old stories. And Harry must stop subscribing it since every morning the paper arrived, Draco’s face was pale.
It was right after the ministry gave permission for Draco to leave away from Harry up to 24 hours that Draco started to be missing. Well, not missing but staying out. At first Harry was very panic-stricken; he thought something had happened to Draco. But when he floo Hermione, she told him Draco was staying at the manor. Although it was in the middle of night, Harry banged Malfoy Manor’s door.
Harry felt more and more insecure with the new ministry regulation for Draco. He felt his grasp on Draco was starting to loose when he ought to be rejoiced for having his life back. Every time Draco was missing, Harry must find him first before his heart was at ease. At first he followed the ministry regulation, but after a while, he let Draco stay over for weekend at the Manor.
He never thought that Draco would be truly running away from him after all these years. He had searched everywhere he knew, except Pansy. No one know where Pansy lives, even Narcissa. The rumors said Pansy was out of town and was unreachable. So when he heard Pansy got back from her travel, Harry dashed immediately to her, leaving his job behind.
“Is he here?” Harry asked once Pansy opened the door.
Yet Pansy didn’t surprise at his question. “No. What did you do this time?”
“Please, where is he?” Harry pleaded.
“When I left, I have learned that you’d keep him safe from the Weasley girl. But it seems you didn’t.” She kept going on. “Why?”
“Ginny?” Harry frowned. “What does she get to do with this all?”
Pansy stared at him deeply. “So he didn’t tell you?” She seemed thinking for a moment. “It’s not right to tell you then. You should ask him yourself.”
“How can I ask him when I can’t even reach him.” Harry answered angrily.
“He’s in our-should-be-home-in-which-you-should-not-interfere. Come with me.” With that Pansy left the door walking into the living room, Harry followed her to the room.
“Here.” She gave Harry a Portkey.
The Portkey brought him to a house with a Malfoy’s touch. The decoration wasn’t as luxurious as the Manor, but still it’s enough to make people awe.
“How did you find me?” Draco’s voice called him from his back.
Harry turned around to see Draco standing at the room’s door. “Why are you running away, Draco?”
Draco surprised by Harry’s word calling him his name. “It’s Malfoy for you, Potter.”
“Draco. Stop it.” Harry refused to be defeated. “Whom for many years I have been living together with? Couldn’t I call you by your name? Hermione has been calling your name since you guys hanging out.”
“No, Potter. I am still a Malfoy for your own good.” Draco stubbornly refused.
Harry came close to Draco. “No, Draco. You don’t know what’s good for me. If you know, you’ll be surprised.”
Draco straightened his body when he saw Harry coming closer, embracing for the worst. “Oh, yeah. What is it?”
Harry stretched his arms and embraced Draco tightly in his chest. “You.”
Draco froze in Harry’s arm. “Why are you running away, Draco? What did Ginny said to you?”
Hearing the words Ginny, Draco pushed Harry backwards. “She’s right you know. You better off me. I’ll ask supervision changed when we are back.” He stepped backward, distancing himself from Harry.
“NO!” Harry grabbed Draco’s hands unconsciously, shocking Draco.
“I- I’m sorry.” Harry apologized to Draco when he saw Draco afraid of him. “Come with me.” He pulled Draco walking in the corridor.
“Where are we going?” Draco asked.
“Where’s the bathroom?” Harry inquired.
“In my bedroom.” Draco answered. “To the left.” He added.
Harry pulled Draco to the bathroom, in front of a tall mirror that planted in the wall. “Undress.” Harry ordered.
“WHAT? Hell no!” Draco refused.
“Undress or I’ll undress you.” Harry threatened him.
“Fine! But I’ll keep my underwear.” Draco glared furiously at Harry.
Harry could see Draco refused to look at the mirror. Draco undressed himself backing the mirror and keeping his hair hiding his mar. He stared defiantly at Harry.
“Come here.” Harry turned Draco facing the mirror, Draco closed his eyes. Harry took the chance to memorize Draco’s body top to the bottom, gulping.
“Open your eyes, Draco.” Harry whispered in Draco’s ears, keeping his lust down. When Draco refused, he repeated with force. “Open it, Draco!” And Draco obligated it.
Harry combed Draco’s hair to the back and caressed Draco’s cheek with his other hand. “Do you know what I see, Draco?” Unconsciously he whispered seductively, Draco’s shivering.
“What I see is an ugly boy. A boy with a burn mark on half of his body with a curse mark on his forearm and a disgrace family name!” Draco yelled, tears brimming in his eyes.
“Oh, Draco.” Harry gasped. “I’m so sorry… I never thought you’d think like that this whole time.” He embraced Draco tightly burying his head in Draco’s crook.
Draco bit his bottom lip refusing to cry.
“Look at yourself in the mirror, Draco. I’ll tell you what I see. What Pansy, Hermione and your mother see.” Harry continued.
“What I see…” Harry’s finger traced Draco’s mar from his cheek, going down and down. “…is a mark of courage, because you had protected me from the spell.”
“It’s a pity.” Draco murmured quietly, Harry let it pass.
“And this mark…” Harry took Draco’s hand that showing Dark Mark. “…is a mark of kindness. You’ve saved your family from Voldemort’s wrath. Because of that your parents and Pansy owe you.”
“It’s a stupidity.” Draco murmured once again, Harry took no notes on it.
“And your family name…” Harry took a deep breath before continuing. “Your family is one of the oldest beside Blacks. You hold your family ideal and tradition. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“It’s a shame.” Draco said, dejected, bowing his head down.
“Draco, people sometimes make mistakes. Because of that, people learn from it.” Harry ensured Draco. “It’s neither a pity, stupidity nor even a shame.” He took a deep breath before continuing, “Is that what Ginny said to you?”
And bringing Draco’s head snapped into him. His eyes widened of shock. His body was sweating cold, like he’s afraid of something. “No. It’s nothing to do with her.” He was trying to hide it, but Harry didn’t believe even a bit.
However, Harry was willing to back off this time. “Come on, put on your clothes. We are going back home.” He definitely would talk to Ginny after this.
Harry left Draco at the apartment after making Draco promised that he would not run away again and put charm detection in the apartment in case Draco decided to run. Molly greeted him at the Burrow, and then left him just with Ginny.
“Why did you do that, Gin?” Harry asked directly.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” She refused to understand it.
“Ginny, please. Stop all of this. What do you want from me?” Harry dared her.
Ginny took a breath before answering, like she had been waiting for this. “You know what I want.”
“No. I though I’ve told you long years back then.” Harry answered it.
“He rejected you, didn’t he?” She smiled cruelly. “How can someone that ugly be your partner?”
“He isn’t ugly even a bit to me.” Harry started to feel angry at Ginny. How could someone he cared like a sister mocked someone else he loved, or cared, at least if he still didn’t know the answer. “When people love someone, they will not judge it from the outside.”
The words stabbed Ginny deeply. Although she never admitted, she did like Harry because he was handsome, famous and rich. His kindness and brave heart were just like a bonus for Ginny.
“If you can’t see that then it’s not love. If he is a shame because of his scar, it’s better for me to go blind then both of us will lock ourselves from the wizarding world.” Harry added.
“Be careful of what you wish for, Harry.” Ginny threatened him.
Harry shook his head, smiling sadly to Ginny. “I better off then. Say hello to Ron and the others, I will not come here again.” And Harry walked out to the front door leaving Ginny fuming furiously.
The next thing he knew was Ginny calling him before she hit him with a curse. The world went black, there’s Molly shouting, and they argued before Harry lost his consciousness.
Harry awoke in the darkness. He couldn’t see anything. Dammit, he thought.
“Accio wand.” Harry said. The wand flew from its place towards Harry’s face. “Ouch.” He yelled.
“Oh my goodness.” Harry heard Hermione’s voice from somewhere in front of him.
“Hermione? Where are you? Why don’t you light the light?” Harry asked, confused.
There’re so many people talk at once after he said the word. Harry felt his head pulsing, like he’d banged his head to the wall. He felt someone’s hand holding his hand, clenching his hand, giving supports.
“That’s why I say its better for you to leave me alone. Now no one knows what jinx she threw to you. She refused to tell.” It was Draco’s hand that soothing him. “Better leave. No one expect me to be here. Near you.”
Harry heard sounds of chair being dragged before he lost the warmth Draco’s touch. “Draco.” He called immediately, didn’t want to lose Draco’s warmth. “Stay with me.” He asked.
Harry knew that the surrounding voice halted that moment, but he didn’t care. He more likely lived in silence than having had to lose Draco’s warmth. Draco froze just for a while before trying to let Harry’s hand off. Harry didn’t want to let it go, so instead he pulled Draco to him. Draco stumbled into Harry’s embrace, but he took the chance to push Harry and dashed outside. Harry was left alone with the others.
Everyone offered Harry to stay with them, taking care of him, making sure that nothing will happen to him. More likely treated him like a sick person, Harry thought. Before he rejected the idea, Hermione commented that Harry should be left alone. After all, she explained, Harry would be safer here. The apartment was hidden and the wards were the most powerful ones. Although Voldermort had died, it didn’t mean no one would revenge to Harry. And Harry had Draco who could take care of him, Draco didn’t have wand and he couldn’t go out without Harry’s permission. And they all could check on both of them every day if they wanted to. Even though with half hearted, everyone agreed with Hermione.
“Wake up. The breakfast is ready.” Draco woke him up in the morning.
“Hmm…” Harry murmured.
Draco didn’t treat him like a sick person, but also didn’t leave him alone in his state. Draco taught him with patient. Draco told him that when he was in St. Mungo, no one had supported him except his mother and Pansy. And since Harry had treated him nicely all the time as they lived together, at least what he could do was to take care of Harry until they found the counter course.
Harry wished that he’d never be cured. Harry liked the time they spend together. Because Harry couldn’t see, Draco allowed him to touch him. Having a whole day with Draco, Harry knew many things. Since Draco liked reading, he spent his time reading for Harry. Harry didn’t care whether he knew the material which Draco read for him or not, but definitely Harry liked Draco’s voice in his ears, but even so the brain still worked so he remembered one or two things about it. Whenever Hermione came by, Harry never missed the chance participating since he learnt all of that from Draco’s reading. Even Pansy and Narcissa treated him like nothing wrong. Harry forgave Ginny because after all she had made Harry’s wish came true, to be closer to Draco.
It was then in one evening, when they were spending time together in front television, that Draco started the talk.
“Why are you being nice to me, Potter?” Draco asked suddenly.
“Because I like you.” Harry answered simply taking Draco’s hand into his.
“You used to hate me, Potter.” Draco emphasized.
“Hate is a very strong word, Draco.” Harry caressed Draco’s palm. “But yes, I did hate you a bit back then. But that was totally your fault.”
“What?! How can it be my fault? You’re the one who rejected me!” Draco retorted.
Harry laughed. “Yes, that’s true. But I hated you not because of that.”
“So did why you hate me?” Draco sounded confused.
Harry traced the Dark Mark on Draco’s hand before continuing. “It was because of this. Right after you received your Dark Mark, you were keeping distance from me. And I didn’t like it.” Harry could feel Draco shiver beneath his caress.
“You know the reason. You’d been stalking me that whole year.” Draco answered.
“Yes, because of that I know that deep in your heart you’re brave and kind. People say Slytherins are cunning, but they didn’t know the truth. Slytherin is loyal to the person they love.” Harry kept his caress to Draco’s arm. “And you, why did you hate me back then?”
Harry’s caresses soothed Draco’s feeling. “Who said I don’t hate you right now?”
“Stop pretending, Draco.” Harry’s caress had already reached Draco’s shoulder and he started to massage Draco. “Being a blind man has his advantage, he can sense more about his surroundings. And I think you know that.”
Draco relaxed himself to Harry’s massage. “But you’re after all the most insensitive person I’ve ever known. Ginny Weasley made sure of that.”
If Draco was expecting Harry to be angry, he was totally wrong. Harry had already passed Ginny’s stage long time ago. “I wasn’t being insensitive to her, but I never think of her more than a sister.” Harry circled his hand to Draco, making him trapped.
“Potter.” Draco threatened.
“It’s Harry, Draco. Call me Harry.” Harry whispered right through Draco’s ear. “And you haven’t told me why you hated me.”
“It’s because of you scar. It makes you so special. Different from us.” Harry could feel the jealousy in Draco’s voice. “Didn’t they see that you’re the same like us? Kid should be treating like a kid, mother once said. But you, they put responsibility on your scar. It’s just a damn scar, don’t you see. There’s other survivor of the Dark Lord, but they didn’t care. Why Longbottom couldn’t get the same attention as you?”
For once Harry understood what Molly meant saying Harry was still a child, not grown up yet. It was her way showing love. Didn’t they say children pull pranks to the kids they like? Maybe Draco was childish, but it was his way to love. Draco bullied Neville so people started to pay attention to him, and he wouldn’t left alone in Harry’s fame. Harry had almost got jealous towards Neville if he didn’t know this. For that once, Harry thanked Voldemort who had given him the scar, because of it he could together with Draco now.
“Can I kiss you?” Harry blurted.
“I- I…” Draco stammered.
Harry didn’t wait until Draco said yes. He caressed Draco’s face looking for his lips before kissing him softly. Draco opened his mouth trying to say something, but Harry used the moment to slip his tongue and taste Draco. Being lack of women didn’t mean Harry had lack of experience. Hearing Draco moaned, motivated Harry to assault him. But he decided to end it before he made Draco scared; he wanted Draco to come to himself not by his force.
“Gosh, I love you. Didn’t you know that Draco.” Harry whispered his love into Draco’s mouth.
If Harry could see, he would see Draco widened his eyes in shock but also brimmed with happy tears. “Harry…” Draco said before he pulled himself together, straightening his body.
Harry embraced himself to the worst. “Harry, listen to me.” Draco ordered softly. “I didn’t know if this is love or not. I never feel love. Pansy and I are more like brother and sister.”
“But Pansy has your child.” Harry commented.
“No. It was Blaise.” Draco stopped a while. “She came to me asking to use my family name because she couldn’t prove it was Blaise’s child when the whole Zabini had died in the last battle.”
“And you refused it because you think Malfoy’s name will bring bad future to the child?” Harry ended.
“Yes, more or less.” Draco agreed. “But she also knows that I will not have a heir in my state right now. And in my part, I don’t want her to let go her child’s name just because she couldn’t prove that she was Blaise’s child. I want her to carry Zabini’s name. After all, Blaise is my best friend and he’s also the one who helped me and Pansy run away on the last battle.”
Harry went silence listening Draco’s story. He knew many people died in the last battle. Some of them were from Slytherin, and it didn’t mean they were bad, but still their funeral weren’t like the one from other houses. No one came to the Slytherins funeral except those from the house itself. Seeing that kind of act, Snape resigned from Hogwarts saying he wouldn’t want to stay in the school which differentiated their students. Harry really regreted it now, how could he acted prejudice towards other houses. Why he couldn’t act like Dumbledore.
“So…” Draco voice called Harry back to the present. “I can’t say I love you or not. But I can assure you that… I like being with you. I know I have been acting annoying before, but that’s because I didn’t know you yet.” Draco cupped Harry’s face. “If- If you allow it, Harry. I would stay with you from now on. Until… until whenever you want me to leave.” He quickly added.
The words brought happiness in Harry’s heart. He had a bit of regret in his heart; he really wanted to see Draco face right now. But the thought was erased when he felt Draco’s lips pressed into his scar. Draco was kissing his scar.
“It is my promise to you.” Draco vowed. “I will be together with you until you ask me leave.”
When Draco ended the vow, Harry felt some force surrounding them. Automatically Harry threw his body over Draco to protect him. The next time Harry opened his eyes, they both ended on the floor and Harry was greeted by the shock over Draco’s face.
“What was that?” Draco asked, confused. “Did you do something?”
Harry took a moment to register what Draco had just said and the reality that he could see again. Never Draco looked so beautiful in Harry’s eyes; lay on the floor with his hair surrounding his face making a halo around it. He looked so ravishing, Harry thought, before attacking his lips.
“Har- hmm….” Draco’s word was cut by Harry’s kiss.
“What are you doing, Harry?! It’s not the time for that! We must…” Draco trailed off when he realized Harry was just gazing at him, admiring him. “Harry… did your head bump on something? You look like…”
“I can see you again.” Harry finished happily.
Draco gawked for a minute before continuing. “Are you?! We- We must tell everyone! I- I’ll floo Hermione right away!” Draco tried to stand but Harry didn’t allow him to.
“Harry, let go off me. I must floo Her…” Draco then realized that Harry’s happiness was not because he could see again.
Harry still sat on the floor looking at Draco’s, excited with smiles but didn’t intend let Draco go anywhere. “Draco…” He said. “Is it true what you promised me?”
Draco blushed deeply avoiding Harry’s gaze. Fidgeting, Draco sat again on the floor. “It- It’s true. I will not leave you unless you tell me so.”
Harry cupped Draco’s face holding him so he couldn’t turn his gaze away. “I love you.” Harry said properly stared deeply into his eyes.
Harry didn’t need Draco’s answer to know the answer, Draco was trying to suppress his smile but he couldn’t hide his blush. Harry took Draco’s hand into his palm. “Let’s go to sleep. The others can wait until tomorrow.” And he pulled Draco to stand up and guided him into his bedroom.
*** FIN ***
- EPILOGUE -
I will corner you until you can’t escape anymore…
Bind you… and swallow you whole.
You don’t know this side of me, don’t you?
You didn’t need to know.
Being swallowed by love is the greatest happiness
Even if you find out,
By that time, you’ll be safely in my stomach.
Sex Pistol - Animal 10 - Kotobuki Tarako.
In bed they hugged each other trying to memorize each other’s warmth even in the darkness.
“Harry, is it true what you said about me?” Draco asked in Harry’s embrace.
Harry knew what Draco was asking even without him saying it properly. “Yes, it is true. All of them. Yes, Draco, you’re smart, kind, brave, proud, even with your sharp-tongue, yet spoiled, snobbish, and annoying characteristic.” Harry stopped a while before adding, “Also your scar. Because it is a part of you.”
Draco chocked back his tears, refused being sappy. “Thank you.” He said between his sob.
“Shush, Draco. Why are you crying?” Harry tightened his embrace.
“It’s- It’s because I’m happy.” Draco stopped for taking breath. “That you didn’t look at me like the others.”
“Except Pansy, Hermione and my mother that is.” Draco quickly added.
Harry smiled happily that at the end Draco did understand. “Yes, of course, Draco. Because no one sees you from this close like I do.” Harry inhaled Draco’s scent. “Because they only see you from afar, never want to come closer.” Like what they did to me, Harry added in silence.
Draco didn’t answer back because he had already fallen asleep in Harry’s safe embrace. Harry caressed Draco’s mar cheek and whispered “You’ll be safe in my den, Draco.” With it the charm that Harry had placed upon Draco was lifted, revealing Draco’s true appearance, unscarred by the burn mark.
Harry slowly caressed Draco’s cheek, neck and changed his track when Draco’s scar from Sectumsempra was shown. Harry traced it slowly. “It’s your fault, Draco, because you let me see the other side of you. So careless of you, Draco.” Harry traces back the scar up.
Harry remembered his sixth year. How Hermione said he was obsessed with Draco, he refused to acknowledge it. But he knew that it was true, how he had dreamt of him almost every night. And when he saw Draco cried, the dream started twisting into desire. How Harry wanted Draco to cry beneath him, writhing in pleasurable pain. But he was late. Before Harry got any chance to safe him, Draco had already run again from his grasp. Maybe Dumbledore knew it, that’s why he stunned Harry back then. So he couldn’t catch Draco.
In the last battle, when he looked for Voldemort in his manor, Harry unexpectedly saw Draco and heard him talking to Pansy.
“Run quickly, Pansy.” Draco ordered her while kept eyes on the battle that happened around them.
“No, Draco. I want Blaise.” Pansy stubbornly refused.
“Pansy.” Draco’s voice showed authority. “I’ll look for him. But you must run. Remember your child.”
Defeated Pansy nod in agree before turning back and running out of battle. And that time Belatrix was slowly making his way to Harry casting confringo to him. Harry saw Blaise in the corner of his eyes and Draco was on his back, unnoticed and didn’t aware of what was happening. So Harry decided to move a bit so that Draco and Blaise could see each other, and they did. With Belatrix only focused on Harry, she didn’t see either Draco or Blaise when she casted confringo. The spell launched directly to them. Blaise, who saw the spell, move quickly to them, trying to shield Draco from it. But Harry was much quicker, he casted expelliarmus to Blaise and run towards Draco who was also running, trying to reach Blaise before the spell blew on them. The spell hit them right when Draco pushed Harry aside out his way to reach Blaise. That’s the way Draco had saved Harry’s life, or at least that’s what people knew about it.
When Harry arrived in Draco’s room in St. Mungo, he asked the mediwizard, whether Draco had a chance to recover from his injury. The mediwizard convinced him that everything will back to normal slowly. Hear upon the statement, Harry thought if he didn’t bind Draco to him, he would be lost from his grasp again. That time he determined to bind Draco to him forever. So he oblivated the mediwizard and cast the disillusionment charm on Draco with protected password. And everything flowed according to Harry’s wishes without any one had noticed it.
“This time, you can’t run away from me.” He kissed Draco’s lips. “You’re mine forever. It’s too late for you to realize it by then.” And the charm showing the scar went back safely into its place.