(no subject)
Back to Part One
“We’ve got a lead on our man,” Kingsley said to Harry and Neville who were seated in front of his desk. “The research team suspects our man is Landon Gillian. He has the knowledge and skills needed to pull off what he did, and he has motive.”
“Ex-Death Eater?” Neville asked.
“Correct,” Kingsley said, taking out a document and putting it in front of the two. “They seem to think he’s psychotic enough to do what he did.”
Harry frowned.
“Don’t go there, Harry,” Neville said quickly when he saw the look on Harry’s face. “You’re not helping anyone if you do anything foolish.”
“It’s to ensure his safety,” Harry insisted. “I think I know why he’s called a liar. But who told him? How did he know?”
“I don’t think I’m following,” Kingsley said. “What happened?”
“The day we were given this mission, I sort of told people that Draco is my boyfriend,” Harry said almost sheepishly. “But how would he know?”
“Someone inside the Ministry is helping him,” Neville concluded. “But who? There weren’t many people around at that time.”
“Unless-the bastard!” Harry suddenly shouted. “Kingsley, do you know where Carter Green is?”
“Why?” Neville asked. “What about him?”
“Think, Nev,” Harry said. “He was there when I said Draco is my boyfriend. Why else would Gillian target Draco? At that time, there was nothing between us, so Draco said so. When his office was wrecked and he was called a liar, Green had been watching us, and he was there.”
“He was there?”
“Remember what Draco told us,” Harry said, a hint of urgency in his tone. “He was talking to his friend, then Green came by his office. That was the last thing he remembered. If Green wasn’t involved with Gillian, he would have fought him or at least gotten back up, not leave Gillian to do as he wished!”
“Well, I suppose that accusation is not farfetched,” Kingsley commented. “Carter Green has just submitted his resignation letter yesterday.”
“He knew he’s going to be discovered,” Harry spat out. “Coward.”
“Calm down, Harry,” Neville scolded. “We’ll just have to track Green down then. He couldn’t have gotten too far away from here.”
Harry scowled, but then he looked ahead resolutely. He took out a key from his pocket and handed it to Neville.
“What is this?” Neville asked curiously.
“It’s the key to Grimmauld Place,” Harry answered. “As long as you have it, the house will recognize you as its master. I want you to stay there and look after Draco.”
“What? Where are you going?” Neville asked. “Shouldn’t you at least consult Draco first? He-“
“He’s in danger because of me. It’s better if I stay away from him,” Harry reasoned. “Draco will understand. I hope.”
Neville shook his head. “It’s not fair, Harry,” he said. “He chose you. Did you know that he hesitated to even be close to me? It was all because of you, and now you want me to tell him you’re leaving?” he demanded. “You’re a coward too, Harry.”
“I know, but I don’t... I can’t tell him I’m leaving,” Harry said with a sigh. “I suppose I am a coward.”
“I refuse to be your mediator,” Neville said, trying to hand the key back. “If you leave him, I won’t promise I’m not going to take him away from you.”
“Then do so,” Harry replied. “Maybe it’s better for him to be with you. No one has a grudge on you.”
“You believe what you want to believe, don’t you, Harry?” Neville asked as he glowered. “I was there during the war. I killed Nagini, and I’m considered a war hero too. Yes, they might not hate me as much, but they do. Draco is not safe with me either, but at least I will fight for him instead of leaving him to fend for himself while you delude yourself into thinking that Gillian won’t target him anymore just because you left!”
“Why not?” Harry protested. “He’ll think there’s nothing between us if I leave without a word.”
“Do you honestly think he would think like that?” Neville asked in disbelief. “Gillian is a smart man, Harry. He had avoided us for a long time while terrorising Muggles and wizards alike. He knew there was something between you two before Draco even realized it. He is keen. He has watched you, no doubt, and he’ll know you’re trying to protect Draco by leaving. That’ll make him target Draco more to bring you back!”
“Which is why I’m leaving to hunt him down,” Harry said. “Offense is the best defence, so I’m going after him before he has a chance to go after me.”
Neville let out a harsh sigh. “There is no way I can convince you otherwise, is there?”
Harry smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, but for now, this is for the best,” he said. He took out his wand and held onto it. “Tell Draco I love him.”
Neville glared at him. “That is something you have to tell him yourself.”
“Then tell him I’ll miss him,” Harry compromised. He nodded when Neville nodded, then turned and Disapparated on the spot.
Kingsley stared at Neville who stared back at him, and then lifted an eyebrow.
“What’s the title of the soap opera I just watched?”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Neville had considered not telling Draco the truth and leaving Harry to handle the irritated blonde, but he felt it was unfair to Draco too. He had taken the news quite well, or so he thought. He cursed Harry to hell and back when he came to Draco’s room to check on him and saw that Draco had cried himself to sleep while mumbling Harry’s name.
While Harry was away, Neville had forbidden Draco from stepping out of the wards too, so he grew even more restless and depressed. He had even tried sneaking out once before Neville strengthened the wards from inside and sealed the Floo connection so Draco couldn’t use it. It drove the blonde crazy, so Neville made sure to take him out once in a while so he didn’t truly go insane.
“Am I troublesome?” Draco asked over breakfast one day. “Am I pulling you back?”
“Draco-“
“I want to go to France,” Draco said with a small sigh. “I want to see my parents.”
“Draco, you know you can’t,” Neville said as softly as he could, reaching out to touch Draco’s hand. “You don’t want to endanger your parents, do you?”
Draco mutely shook his head.
“I’m sorry about Harry. I really am,” Neville continued. “I tried to stop him, but he’s too stubborn for his own good. Somehow he believes that by leaving, he’s leading Gillian away from you.”
“That’s just stupid,” Draco said as he frowned.
“That’s what I said,” Neville said with a smile. “But it’s not Harry if he doesn’t have a hero complex. He feels the need to throw himself to the wolves to ensure the safety of those he cares for.”
“But how could he care for me if he isn’t even here?” Draco complained, then fell silent. “I’m sorry. I have no right to rant at you like that.”
“It’s alright, Draco,” Neville said, patting Draco’s hand. “I’m here to listen. You can tell me anything you want, and I’ll listen.”
“Anything?”
“Anything at all,” Neville confirmed.
They had stayed up until well past midnight, just talking about anything and everything. Draco had apologized to Neville for being awkward around him and not trusting him enough to talk about what he wanted to talk to Harry about. He reasoned that since both were his good friends, he shouldn’t have any qualms in talking to either of them.
Draco had fallen asleep while they were watching a romantic comedy that Harry happened to have-which caused the two to mock Harry about his taste behind his back-and Neville carried him up to his room. He laid Draco on his bed and tucked him in.
“Nev?”
“I’m here,” Neville replied. He was mentally cheering at the fact that when he was nearly unconscious, Draco hadn’t accidentally called out Harry’s name.
“You won’t leave me, will you?” Draco asked with a pleading look.
“No, of course not,” Neville replied as he brushed Draco’s hair away from his face. “I’ll be here when you need me.”
“Okay,” Draco agreed with a sleepy smile. “Stay with me tonight.”
Neville considered his options. Harry and Draco hadn’t actually gone out, so it technically wasn’t stealing someone’s boyfriend. Also, he had warned Harry of this happening and he had still left on his own accord.
“Okay,” he agreed.
Draco shifted to make room on the bed and Neville climbed into it. He pulled Draco close to him and stared at the ceiling as Draco rested his head on his chest and sighed in content.
Had Harry ever done this with Draco? Had they done more than just kissing? Did they sleep together like this every night?
There were so many questions in his head. Questions he knew he might not get the answer for. He shook his head resolutely, and decided to just ignore it.
With that in mind, he fell into a dreamless sleep.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
One week had passed and still no sign of Gillian. He had managed to hide himself somewhere secluded and Carter was nowhere to be found too, which agitated Harry to no end. Even the Aurors rarely saw Harry around because he was always off following his own leads, and while Neville understood why Harry wanted to catch the two as soon as he could, it still made him cross.
“Will you stop this idiocy!?” he demanded as he strode into Harry’s office the one time he was actually there.
“I nearly got him,” Harry insisted.
“Yes, but at what cost?” Neville asked sharply. “Draco is not a damsel in distress! He is a decent fighter, and he only got attacked just because he was attacked from behind. You’re not the only one looking out for him as well, so stop being stubborn and go back home!”
“Why are you doing this?” Harry asked curiously. “I thought you would take the chance to have him for yourself.”
“Draco is not an object, Harry,” Neville said with a scowl. “He has free will. He is free to choose who he wants to be with, even if it’s not one of us.”
Harry fell silent.
“And you two have been miserable since the day you left,” Neville pointed out. “I will have none of it anymore. You are coming back home, or I’m going to burn your office.”
The corner of his lip twitched slightly, and Harry grinned at Neville. “Alright, I’ll return,” he said. “Thanks, Nev.”
“Someone has to keep the idiots in line,” Neville said with a huff. “Well, here’s your key.”
Harry accepted the key. “Come visit us often,” he said. “Draco will miss you.”
“I know,” Neville said. “That’s what I plan to do.”
“Good,” Harry said.
Neville only nodded at him and left his office.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Neville?” Draco called as he peeked into the living room when he heard the fire came to life. He nearly dropped the mug he was holding when he saw Harry walking into the house.
“Hey, Draco-“
He jerked back and screwed his eyes shut when he saw the look of anger cross Draco’s face and his hands jerking up slightly. He was thankful the hot chocolate wasn’t scalding hot as it dripped down from his hair to his robes. He shook his head and took off his glasses, wiping them with his shirt before putting them back on again.
“I won’t say I didn’t deserve that,” Harry said with a wry smile as he pushed back his sticky hair and then wiped his hands on his robes. “How are you doing?”
Draco scowled at him. “That was a waste of chocolate.”
Harry grinned, then without warning pulled the blonde close to him, almost crushing him to his chest. Draco yelped indignantly as his pyjama shirt became sticky too.
“I’ve missed you,” Harry breathed out as he breathed in the scent that was uniquely Draco. “So, so much.”
“Who talked you into your senses?” Draco asked as he pushed away slightly.
“Neville did.”
“Oh,” Draco mumbled.
Harry leaned down slightly, but Draco looked away.
“Harry.”
“Yeah?”
“I can’t do this,” Draco said slowly.
“Oh,” it was Harry’s turn to mumble. “Well, if you choose him-“
“No!” Draco exclaimed. “That’s not what I meant. I-I can’t...”
“Hey, calm down,” Harry said as he cupped Draco’s cheeks. “Neville is coming tomorrow for lunch. We’ll talk then, alright?”
Draco sighed. “Alright.”
“Now,” Harry started, “you want some more hot chocolate?”
Draco grinned. “I’m sorry,” he said. He cast a cleaning and drying spell on Harry before he tucked his wand away. “I don’t know what got over me.”
“At least you didn’t throw a vase at me,” Harry said with a shrug. “Come on, let’s go to the kitchen.”
This time, when Harry snaked his arm around Draco’s waist to lead him to the kitchen, the smaller man didn’t protest.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Hey, Draco,” Neville greeted as he kissed the blonde’s cheek and handed him a bouquet of lilies. “How are you doing now?”
“Better,” Draco answered with a grin. “Thank you for bringing the idiot back.”
“Don’t talk like I’m not here,” Harry said with a scowl.
“Oh, are you here? I didn’t notice,” Draco said as he glared at the taller man slightly. “Maybe because you weren’t here for at least a week.”
Harry winced at Draco’s tone. The man sure knew how to hold grudges. He had a feeling he had a lot of grovelling to do to get back into Draco’s good graces.
“Don’t be too harsh on him,” Neville said. “He did it for you too.”
Draco rolled his eyes. “Come help me put these in a vase,” he said as he held the bouquet close to himself.
Harry went back to finish making lunch while Draco and Neville put the flowers into a vase and set the table. Lunch was pleasant, even though Draco still made his displeasure clearly known. Harry couldn’t help but notice that the two had indeed gotten closer. Draco was much more at ease being close to Neville, and the two spoke so freely, more so than before he was gone.
When they were finished, the three went to the kitchen together to wash the dishes.
“Harry, Neville,” Draco said softly as he dried the dishes. “I’m not sure if I read too much into things, but I’m flattered that you like me,” he added. “I really, really am. But I can’t be with you.”
“Why not, Draco?” Neville asked. “Have you found someone?”
“No! Goodness, no,” Draco exclaimed. “If you notice, I’ve been spending too much time with you two lately. I barely have time to go out by myself, let alone with someone else.”
“Then why?” Harry asked.
“Because it makes me feel bad,” Draco admitted. “I mean, one moment I’m close to one, and the next moment I’m close to the other. It makes me feel despicable, like I’m leading you on.”
“And I don’t want to get in between you two,” Draco said quickly when he saw Neville was going to protest. “I mean, you two are good friends, and I don’t want that to change. Especially not because of me.”
The two suddenly burst out laughing, much to Draco’s indignation. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and glared at the two as best as he could.
“What’s so funny?” he demanded.
“Oh, you’re too precious,” Harry said with a grin. “What makes you think like that?”
“Isn’t that what always happens?” Draco asked as he frowned. “Two guys like the same person and their friendship gets ruined.”
“I know what the problem with you is,” Neville said with a chuckle. “You watch too many movies, Draco.”
“Yeah,” Harry agreed. “We’re not going to fight just because of that, Draco.”
“And how would you know that?” Draco challenged.
“For starter, you’re not like those bitchy girls at all,” Harry said, holding up one finger. “You know both of us and we know you too. Secondly, we’ve both agreed on courting you, so no matter what happens, there is no bitter feelings between us.”
“But-“
“No buts,” Neville said. “You won’t get between us, I promise. We’ve agreed to do this and we’ll do it like adults, mature and responsible. And we promise you too that no matter who you choose, the other won’t leave you. We’ll still be friends.”
Draco still looked dubious, but the two stared at him with determination.
“Very well,” Draco said. “I will hold you onto your words. If any of you leave me, I’m going to hunt you down, tie you up and put you in the basement of my house.”
The two men laughed.
“Sure,” Harry agreed with a smile. “But are you sure you want one of us? Or do you want someone else?”
“Well, considering I don’t know who that someone else is,” Draco said with a chuckle. “And don’t say it like you two are my last resorts.”
“We aren’t, are we?” Neville asked.
“Of course not,” Draco said with a huff.
“Because you don’t have first choices?” Harry asked teasingly.
“Shut up, Potter,” Draco said as he stuck his tongue out at Potter. “Well, it still makes me feel bad, though, so I’ll give you one week.”
“One week?”
“Yes, a week. By the end of the week, I’ll decide who I choose,” Draco said. “Is that alright with you?”
Harry and Neville looked at each other.
“Yeah, sure, however you want it,” Harry said.
Draco smiled and hugged the two. “Thank you, guys. This means a lot to me,” he said, “because I value friends more than boyfriends. I don’t want to date one of you if it means I could lose the other.”
“You have our word, Draco,” Neville said. “No matter what, we’re still your friends. Even if you find someone else in this one week and you decide you want to be with him instead.”
“Aw, how sweet. You definitely have the renowned Black charm, dearest nephew.”
“Sirius! You’re ruining the mood!”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Did you two agree to take me out doing the same thing?” Draco wondered as he stood in front of a theatre. There were people going into the building, all dressed impeccably, some even wearing masquerade masks.
“Did he take you watching too?” Harry asked.
“Wicked,” Draco answered. “Beautiful, that one. What are we watching tonight?”
“I’m afraid we’re going for a classic tonight,” Harry replied as he placed a hand on Draco’s lower back. “Stay close.”
The crowd didn’t push and shove like they would should they go to a pop or rock concert, but it was still packed inside. Harry steered Draco to their gate and waited in line to get inside. Once they were, they took their seat and stayed there.
“What is it, Harry?” Draco asked again.
“You’ll like it,” Harry said. “I hope.”
Draco chuckled. “If you tell me the title, I’ll tell you if I like it or not,” Draco tried again.
“No, you’ll just have to wait and see,” Harry replied with a grin. “Anticipation is needed for a good time, you know.”
“But I don’t even know what to anticipate!”
“Hush now, the show is starting.”
Draco leaned back in his seat with a huff, but waited for the show to start. Not ten minutes into the show, he already knew what it was.
Swan Lake.
It wasn’t a secret that Draco liked ballets, although not many knew because they didn’t bother to know. He also liked classic plays, so he absolutely loved the performance.
After the play, it was already night time so Harry brought Draco back home. He had planned on a night of movie marathon, but Sirius had appeared again, settling himself quite comfortably between Harry and Draco on the couch, the bowl of popcorn floating in front of him.
Harry was amazed at how ignorant and oblivious Sirius was. Or, if he did it on purpose, how shameless he was. He would even get in the way of his own godson’s love life.
Granted, if Snape was there he probably would have sent Draco to his room and Harry out of the house. Whenever he visited Hogwarts to see his mentor, Harry would always feel the Potions professor give him the evil eye. Especially after he knew that he was courting Draco and had hurt him once by leaving without goodbye.
They ended up only watching one movie before retiring for the night because it was quite late already. Sirius said goodbye to the two and said he enjoyed the movie too, and that he would come over again if they were having a movie night. Draco only laughed.
“Well, that was really nice. Thank you, Harry,” Draco said with a smile as he stood in front of his room. “We should do that again.”
“Yes, we should,” Harry agreed. “Preferably without an overly nosy godfather interfering.”
“I heard that!”
“Sirius! I thought you went already!”
“Don’t be harsh on him, Harry,” Draco reprimanded with an amused look on his face. “And Uncle Sirius, don’t tease him too much.”
“Anything for my favourite nephew,” Sirius said as he blew air kisses at Draco.
“I’m your only nephew.”
“Details.”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco looked around the ballroom and strode over when he caught sight of Harry. He was holding onto two champagne flutes and was dressed in an attire Draco never knew he even had. It wasn’t that Harry dressed sloppily, but he was never that formal.
“Harry,” Draco called and the taller man turned to look at him.
“Draco, you’re early,” Harry commented. “I was just picking up a drink for you. Champagne?”
“Would be lovely,” Draco replied as he accepted the offered drink. “I thought you hate parties, Harry. What changed?”
“Nothing, I assure you,” Harry said. “This is not just any party. It’s Ron and Hermione’s engagement party.”
Draco’s jaw nearly dropped, then he shot Harry a scandalized look. “And why didn’t you tell me that?” he demanded. “We have to go find them and congratulate them.”
“We’ll do that in a minute, they’re not here yet,” Harry said, quickly grabbing onto Draco’s arm to keep him in place. “They asked me to lead the dance. Would you care to be my partner?”
“Are you sure that’s safe?” Draco asked, concern in his eyes.
“Safe? Safe for what?” Harry asked, worried as well.
“Safe for my toes,” Draco answered with a teasing grin. “I won’t have you stepping on my feet, Mr. Potter.”
“Brat,” Harry said as he chuckled. “Oh, there they are.”
Draco turned around to see the happy couple and waved at them when they saw him. Hermione waved back at him while Ron only smiled, clearly too nervous and jumpy to be his usual happy-go-lucky self.
“Would you look at that. Weasley is quiet for once,” Draco said as he laughed and Harry playfully nudged him. “If you’re going to have cold feet on such an important day, you shouldn’t have held a big party like this. Invite only close friends and relatives.”
“Oh, but they are relatives and close friends.”
Draco stared at him in surprise. “You’re pulling my leg.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Gryffindors.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
The two went to congratulate the pair and Ron was beginning to be more of his usual self, much to Hermione’s relief. The time for the dance came, and the two did the first dance. After the first song, Harry and Draco joined them, and then other couples began to join as well.
To his surprise, Harry turned out to be an excellent dancer. He had assumed that since Harry hated formal meetings and parties he would be pants at dancing, but that wasn’t the case.
“You’re surprising me every day,” Draco whispered almost reverently as he stared up into Harry’s eyes, his left hand grasped tightly in Harry’s right and his right resting firmly on the taller man’s shoulder. “What else is there that I don’t know yet?”
“I like bungee jumping,” Harry answered.
“Really?” Draco frowned.
“No, that one is a lie,” Harry replied with a chuckle. “You’re cute.”
“And you’re an arse,” Draco said as he shook his head. “Really, Harry, what else is there?”
Harry smiled at Draco in an affectionate and adoring way. “If you really want to know,” he started, “you’ll just have to stay by me and find out for yourself.”
“And you’ll find out about me?” Draco asked.
“If you’ll let me,” Harry murmured, lowering his head so their faces were only mere centimetres apart. “We’ll have a lifetime to do that.”
Draco didn’t know who moved first. All he knew was that they were kissing the next second, and Harry’s hand was resting on his lower back. His hand was tangled in Harry’s dark locks, pulling him down to deepen the kiss, and somehow, it just felt right.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Where are we going?” Draco asked curiously as they walked down the street. “You know there are mostly bars here, right? I never pegged you for the type to be out in a bar getting wasted. You two are surprising me a lot on this second date.”
“Element of surprise is good occasionally,” Neville commented. “Here we are,” he said as he stopped in front of one of the classy bars. It was a place where people come to hang around with friends and have some drinks, without overly loud music and a mass of people grinding against everyone on what they call a dance floor.
“Oh, this place is nice,” Draco said as he brightened. He had feared of going out to dance in a club, but it turned out his worry was unfounded.
“Well, come on in, and we’ll see just how nice this place is,” Neville said, urging Draco inside. He stopped at the entry and told them they had a reservation. One of the guards then went to show them the way. He stopped in front of one of the VIP rooms, then bowed at them and left.
“Go on,” Neville said. “This is our room for tonight. See for yourself what it’s like.”
“You make it sound naughty,” Draco replied as he nudged Neville, then reached for the knob. He opened the door and nearly had a heart attack.
“Surprise!”
“Pansy!” Draco exclaimed in shock. “Blaise! Theo! Vince and Greg too!”
“Hello, sunshine,” Blaise greeted with a chuckle. “Surprised to see us?”
“Very!” Draco agreed. “I thought you said you couldn’t come here for another two weeks because of one thing or another.”
“Indeed,” Theo confirmed. “But your friend there helped us organize everything so we could come here early, and we agreed on surprising you.”
“That’s so sweet of you,” Draco said as he turned to Neville. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Neville said as he mock bowed and Draco laughed. “Well, let’s enjoy ourselves tonight, shall we?”
Draco glanced at his friends and smiled up at Neville. “Yes, we shall.”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco looked around in Longbottom Hall in awe. He had never been to the Longbottom house before while he lived in the Black family house, so it was new to him.
Neville had invited him over for dinner with his Gran, and Draco had accepted. He felt somewhat uneasy, but he liked meeting other people so he accepted.
“Good evening, Mr. Malfoy.”
“Good evening, Madame Augusta,” Draco greeted as he bowed at the elderly lady sitting at the head of the dining table in the room. “How fare you today?”
“I am doing well,” Augusta replied. “Come. Please, have a seat.”
Dinner wasn’t awkward and the conversation wasn’t stilted. Neville was awed at how good Draco was as a conversationalist. He kept the conversations flowing and his speech was respectful. It was the first time Neville saw him talking as if he was talking to the Minister of Magic, and to put it simply, he was amazed.
After dinner, Madame Augusta excused herself so she could retire for the night, and Neville escorted Draco back to Grimmauld Place as Harry said he would be out late reviewing case files with Kingsley that night. Since it was Neville’s turn to take Draco out on a date, Harry had offered to do it himself so Neville didn’t have to come to the Ministry building as well.
“It was good meeting your grandmother,” Draco said with a smile. “I don’t know my grandparents, so it was really good, at least for me. I’ve always wanted to know how having a grandmother feels like.”
Neville chuckled. “You could come over to visit us anytime you want, you know,” he said. “I can see that Gran likes you a lot too. We’ll still be your family, Draco.”
“I know,” Draco replied, staring up into Neville’s eyes, seemingly searching for something. What that something was, Neville wasn’t sure.
“Draco-“
“Kiss me.”
Neville looked surprised. “Are you sure?” he asked, remembering the incident when he had tried to initiate a kiss and it had ended awkwardly for them.
“Yeah,” Draco answered firmly. “Kiss me, Nev.”
“If you say so.”
Neville leaned down and pressed his lips against Draco’s. They were softer and smoother than Harry’s, which were slightly rough and chapped. Draco thought of telling Harry to get a chapstick, but quickly pushed the thought to the back of his mind. Neville was a gentle lover. Everything he did was gentle and slow, almost in reverent worship, as if he was a millennium old vase that would break with the slightest pressure.
When the kiss ended, there was no panting, flushing, or racing hearts. Instead, there was a pleasant warmth spreading from his core outwards to the tips of his limbs, leaving him feeling slightly heady, but comfortable and content.
“That was... wow,” Draco said as he snapped out of his trance. “I’m speechless.”
Neville didn’t say anything. He simply lowered his face again to kiss Draco and Draco grasped onto the front of his robe like a lifeline.
Their second kiss was nowhere near slow. It was needy, frantic, and desperate. They were caught up in the frenzy of their passion. They pushed and pulled and somehow ended up on the couch in the living room. Their robes were shrugged off and their lips never parted for more than a second. Neville attacked Draco’s throat, kissing and biting and licking, as Draco tugged Neville’s shirt free from his trousers and started unbuttoning it.
The fire came to life and Harry stepped out of the fireplace, pausing at the sight in front of him. Both Draco and Neville stopped too, their expressions quite similar to those of deer caught in the headlight.
“No need to stop on my accord,” Harry said tensely as he straightened up and dusted his robes off. “Good night, Draco,” he added, then turned to Neville. “You too, Neville.”
With that said, he walked off to his room.
Draco and Neville stared at each other. The moment was already ruined and Neville helped Draco sit up.
“I’ll see you soon,” Neville said, kissing Draco again. “Good night, Draco.”
“Good night, Neville,” Draco greeted back, pulling himself up to kiss Neville chastely. “Sweet dreams.”
Neville pressed a kiss on Draco’s forehead then grabbed a handful of Floo powder and went off to Longbottom Hall, leaving Draco sitting alone on the couch, staring at the green fire as it died down.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Harry,” Draco said as he sat in front of his huge teddy bear on his bed. “What do you think I should do? I feel so terrible, like I’ve disgraced myself and become a whore.”
“I didn’t think of it that way, but considering your sometimes overly insecure self, I think it’s not that surprising that you did.”
“Harry!” Draco protested as he turned around to see his housemate standing by the doorsill. “Wouldn’t you knock first before entering?”
“As far as I know, you were calling my name,” Harry replied with a grin. “And so, I am entitled to answering your questions.”
Draco pouted.
“Draco, you’re not a whore,” Harry said as he sat down in front of him. “You acted on your passions, and that’s understandable. It’s not like you go out to bars in skimpy outfits and hook up with the first man to catch your eye. You know Neville and you have feelings for him. Wanting to be connected to him sexually is perfectly understandable.”
“But I didn’t want to do it,” Draco said almost petulantly. “At least, not yet. I was too caught up in the moment. If you hadn’t come back, I would’ve regretted everything.”
The corner of Harry’s lips twitched upwards. “You want to save yourself for your spouse?”
“It’s the least I could do,” Draco confirmed. “Have you done it, Harry?”
“No,” Harry answered. “In fact, you were my first kiss.”
Draco’s cheeks coloured at the admission. “You were my first too,” he said. “I thought it wasn’t yours, so I didn’t dare say it.”
Harry chuckled and leaned in to kiss Draco. “You’re too cute.”
“You don’t think I’m dirty?” Draco asked almost hopefully.
“Of course not,” Harry said quickly. “You’re far from dirty, Draco. Don’t ever forget that.”
Draco smiled at him. “Thank you, Harry.”
“Well, you better get some sleep now,” he said. “We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”
“Where are we going?” Draco asked.
“It’s a secret,” Harry said with a wink. “But I promise you’ll like it.”
Harry got up and left the room. Once he was outside, Draco pulled out his wand and spelled the teddy bear to have a lightning bolt scar on its forehead, a red and gold scarf wrapped around its neck, a miniature Hogwarts robe around its body, and a pair of wire glasses perched on its nose. Draco examined his handiwork and smiled in satisfaction, before pulling the bear down and snuggling up to it, falling asleep almost immediately.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco stared at the newly rebuilt house in confusion. The two had gone to The Burrow in the morning and Harry introduced Draco to everyone. He explained of how the Weasley family had practically adopted him when he was still little. Fred and George had wanted to prank Draco, but Harry and Ron warned them against it so they didn’t.
After lunch, Harry told Draco he wished to take Draco somewhere else. He promised Molly that they would be back before dinner and the Weasley matron let them go. First they went to visit Andromeda Tonks and Teddy. Andromeda admitted that she didn’t know Draco was already in England. She only knew that Narcissa was still in France. The three had got along fantastically well and Teddy was quite taken with Draco.
After they tire of playing with the hyperactive child, the two excused themselves, and Harry brought him to a secluded place. That was where they were right now.
“Where is this, Harry?” Draco asked, looking around.
“This is Godric’s Hollow,” Harry answered at the same time as when Draco noticed the two gravestones standing side by side at the side of the house.
“This is your parents’ house?” Draco inquired.
“Yes,” Harry replied with a smile. “Come.”
They walked towards the gravestones and Harry knelt in front of them, laying down the bouquet of lilies he bought earlier on his parents’ graves. “Hello, Father, Mother,” he said softly. “I’m content and doing well. I’d like you to meet Draco Malfoy. He’s the one who has made me happy these past few weeks. I’m sure you’d like him too.”
Draco flushed slightly at Harry’s words. He knelt beside Harry and smiled. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Potter,” he said. “It’s a pleasure knowing Harry. Please rest in peace knowing that your son has grown into a respectable man.”
They stayed for a while, Harry narrating what had been happening in his life for the past month while Draco sat there, listening. When he was done, they walked back towards the Apparition point and prepared to Disapparate back to The Burrow.
“You really mean that?”
“What?” Draco asked, looking up confusedly at Harry.
“That I’m a respectable man.”
Draco smiled. “I didn’t think you’d be insecure,” he said. “But yes, you are quite a respectable man, Harry. Your parents would be so proud of you.”
“One day,” Harry said, “I’d like to meet your parents.”
“They’ll love you,” Draco replied.
“I hope so.”
“I’m sure,” Draco said reassuringly.
The two Disapparated back to The Burrow and when they got there, they found themselves stuck, unable to move. A quick look around showed them that they were stuck under a magical mistletoe set up by Fred and George who knew they would come back together.
“The pranksters,” Harry said as he shook his head. “It’s not even near Christmas.”
Draco laughed, then stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss on Harry’s lips. Harry was surprised because it was the first time Draco initiated a kiss between them, but caught up quickly and soon began kissing back.
They pulled away from each other when they heard wolf-whistles and found the twins grinning knowingly at them. Draco blushed and buried his face in the crook of Harry’s neck while Harry mock glared at the two, who mock saluted at him and walked away.
Harry stole another kiss from the adorably blushing blonde in his arms before escorting him to the dining room.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco was sitting in the living room, watching a romantic comedy movie when his phone rang. He stared at it curiously because not many people knew he actually had a phone-even Harry and Neville only knew recently, and no one should have a reason to call him. He frowned when he saw the name.
Carter Green.
“Hello?” he greeted tersely.
“Draco,” Carter said. “How are you?”
He inhaled quickly to calm himself down. “Cut the chase, Carter,” Draco snapped. “We both know you’re not interested in my welfare. What do you want?”
“Whoa, calm down, babe,” Carter said. “I only wanted to talk to you.”
“Don’t call me babe,” Draco said harshly. “And now you have me. Say what you want to say.”
“Could we go out somewhere to talk?” Carter pleaded. “I want to see you.”
“I can’t go out,” Draco replied curtly.
“Please? For old time’s sake?” Carter nearly begged. “I know you’re being confined to Potter’s house, but I promise you I’ll look after you and return you safe and sound. He’ll have no reason to worry.”
“I don’t-“
“Please, Draco,” this time he really begged. “I wanted closure with you. I want to see for myself if you’re really happy with Potter. Please. Do me this one favour and I won’t bother you anymore.”
Draco stared down at the hem of his shirt and fiddled with it. “Very well,” Draco agreed finally. “I can’t go out from the wards, but the Floo is open. I’ll meet you in Diagon Alley.”
“That’s fine. Thank you, Draco.”
“Don’t thank me,” Draco said testily. He hung up the call then got up with a sigh.
Oh, well, might as well go get something from Diagon Alley while he was at it. Preferably something that Harry would like so he wouldn’t explode when he knew Draco had snuck out.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Harry frowned when he felt the wards shift. He had taken down the barrier from inside for the Floo so Draco could go visit the Weasleys if he was ever bored, but if he went to visit them, the wards shouldn’t have shifted. He must have gone outside then, but why didn’t he tell him of his plans?
“What’s wrong?” Kingsley asked when he noticed Harry’s look of worry.
“Draco is going out,” Harry answered easily. “But he didn’t tell me he was going out.”
“Strange,” Neville commented, going through the case file beside him. “He never does reckless things.”
“Maybe he’s out with his friends,” Kingsley said with a shrug. “They’re here now, aren’t they?”
“Let me try calling him,” Harry said as he pulled out his phone and dialled Draco’s number.
“So?” Neville asked.
“He’s rejecting my call,” Harry said, his frown deepening. “Very strange. He wouldn’t do that if he was out with his friends.”
“He has a phone?” Kingsley asked in surprise. “Do you know who else knows his number?”
“Well, his friends obviously do, and-“
“Wait,” Neville said. “Harry, when we pinpointed on Green as Gillian’s accomplice, did you ever tell Draco?”
Harry’s eyes widened in shock. He cursed and got up from his seat so quickly he knocked the chair back then rushed out of the office, Neville soon following after him.
Kingsley stared after the two disappearing figure and shook his head. He walked out of his office and called his secretary to hold an emergency meeting for all Aurors.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco blinked his eyes open and tried to remember when exactly he had closed them. He was greeted by an unfamiliar room and then tried to remember what happened before.
“Finally awake?”
Draco looked to the side as he was lying on a makeshift bed made out of cloaks. He saw a man who was much taller than him. His eyes were bloodshot and his grin wicked. He had a nearly deranged look on his face and Draco couldn’t help but feel like there was something familiar about him.
“Who are you?” Draco asked. “What do you want from me?”
“Not much,” the man replied. “Do you remember our first meeting?”
Draco frowned in thought.
“Oh, my bad! How could you have remembered? After all, I Obliviated you,” the man said, his smirk widening.
Draco looked up at him in surprise. “So it was you,” he said through gritted teeth. He tugged at the ropes binding his hands together, but they wouldn’t give. Plus, he couldn’t find his wand anywhere. “What do you want?”
“Don’t worry your pretty little head off,” the man said. “You’re not good for me if you’re dead. Although, it would be a pleasure to see how broken Potter would be when you die.”
“Leave Harry out of this,” Draco said, his tone somewhat beseeching. “What do you want from me?”
The man grinned wickedly. “I can’t ‘leave Harry out of this’,” he said. “You are bait that will bring Potter to me. And he will come. Very soon.”
Another figure walked into the room and Draco’s eyes widened again, in surprise, shock, and anger.
“The Aurors are coming here,” Carter said. “Oh, I see you’re awake now, Draco.”
“You bastard!” Draco shouted at him. “This was your doing all along, wasn’t it? That’s why he targeted me back in Sydney.”
“You’ve always been sharp,” Carter said with a chuckle. “But apparently not sharp enough to see through my lies. What a good child you are, following me here like a good little puppy.”
No one was prepared for what happened next. In a fit of rage, Draco’s magic had exploded, throwing the two men back. Landon sailed through the doorway and hit the staircase leading down to the basement while Carter hit his head against the wall and was knocked unconscious. All loose items fell down onto the floor and the flammable materials burst into fire.
“You brat!” Landon shouted in rage as he picked himself up and stormed back into the room. He cast Aguamenti on the fire and Stupefy on Draco, knocking him out. He looked around the room then marched upstairs, confident that not long after Harry Potter would come find him.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Harry and Neville reached the place at the same time. While Harry walked towards the rundown building, Neville sent Kingsley a Patronus with their location so he could send back-up. He knew Harry was too angry to think clearly so he had to stand back a little and be on guard just in case Gillian had someone ready to do a sneak attack on them.
“Where is Draco?” Harry demanded when Landon walked out of the rundown building.
Neville noticed the slight limp in his gait. Harry didn’t.
“He’s alive,” Landon said with a sneer. “For now.”
Neville ducked and braced himself as Harry’s magic exploded, his teeth gritted as he seethed in fury. If he was powerful when he defeated Voldemort, he was even more so now. Fighting to avenge his lost loved ones and fighting to save his loved one had different effects on Harry.
Landon snarled and glared at Harry, anger evident on his expressions too. He was definitely one of the more loyal Death Eaters, and one who had complete faith that Voldemort would win.
He had prepared himself to fight more ex-Death Eaters, but the army Landon summoned wasn’t what he expected at all. The ground around them opened up and from inside, Inferis crawled out.
Right at that time, the Aurors got to the battlefield too, and the battle commenced.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco gasped as he came to, his eyes looking around frantically. When his gaze fell on Ron, he relaxed visibly and allowed the redhead to help him sit up and cut the ropes that bound his wrists together.
“Are you alright?” Ron asked. “We’ve already got Green.”
“Where’s that madman?” Draco demanded. “Where is he?”
“Madman?” Ron asked curiously. “You mean Gillian? The one who did the mass poisoning?”
“Yes, that’s the one. Where is he?” Draco asked with a hint of panic in his voice.
“He’s up there. Harry and Neville are duelling with him,” Ron answered. “Now, let’s get you to St. Mungo’s-oi!”
Draco broke free from Ron’s grasp and ran upstairs.
“Someone, catch him!” he heard Ron shout behind him but he ignored it. The other Aurors were too surprised to act fast and he made it outside. He nearly threw up when he saw the army of undeads that Landon had summoned, but managed not to.
Neville was duelling an Inferi while Harry was duelling Landon. The other Aurors too had their hands full with the Inferi as they seemingly keep on coming. He noticed Draco rushing out of the rundown building. He wanted to shout at him, telling him to go back inside. He also wanted to shout at Ron for allowing Draco to break free.
“Harry!”
He snapped his attention back to Landon at Neville’s call and was barely in time to block the curse sent his way. He noticed two people who he didn’t know joining in the battle. Before he had any chance to think whether they were allies or enemies, he ducked because they were shooting curses everywhere.
“Draco!”
Harry chanced a glance to see Neville kneeling on the ground, Draco cradled in his arms. Kingsley used the moment of confusion to knock Landon out, and the Inferis stopped coming afterwards. The Aurors who were in the building cleaning up things came up and joined their fight, so in less than fifteen minutes, the Inferis were taken care of, Landon was captured, and the two other ex-Death Eaters were captured as well.
Ron, Harry and Neville escorted the casualties to St. Mungo’s for treatment while Kingsley led the uninjured Aurors back to the Ministry to put Landon and the two ex-Death Eaters into a holding cell for questioning.
“Where are you going?” Neville asked when he saw Harry walking away.
“Out for a walk,” Harry said easily. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Harry-“
“Congrats, Nev,” Harry said with a strained smile. “It seems he chooses you, after all.”
Neville stared at him in confusion. “Why would you say that?”
“He chose to save you,” Harry answered with a shrug. “I don’t know what that implies other than that.”
“He’ll hunt you down when he wakes up,” Neville stated flatly.
“I know, that’s why I’m going now,” Harry replied, staring down at the still unconscious Draco with something akin to tenderness in his gaze. “After all, I promised. I’m going now so when he wakes up I can be back here.”
“You two are way too stubborn for your own good.”
“I hear that a lot,” Harry said. He leaned down and pressed his lips against Draco’s before he straightened up again. “Take good care of him.”
Neville only stared as Harry walked out of the hospital room. Once outside, he Apparated to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had made an exception to allow Harry to Apparate into and out of Hogwarts at will because it was his second home. He liked to spend a lot of time staring at the Great Lake while thinking.
This time, he got on Firebolt and flew above the lake. He had gotten used to shrinking Firebolt and putting it in the coat of his robes, so he could take it out and use it anywhere he wanted. He flew around then stopped, staring at the nearly setting sun, remembering the first time he brought Draco here.
Here was the place they shared their first kiss.
He smiled at the memory. He might not be able to be intimate with Draco, but they would still be good friends, and it was enough for him.
His smile dropped and he sighed.
Who was he kidding? Of course it wasn’t enough because he wanted all of Draco, but as Neville had said, Draco was free to choose whoever he wanted and if he chose Neville then he’d just have to live with it. Hopefully with time he’d be able to move on.
Or he’d die without partner like Sirius. Maybe there was a curse going down and he didn’t notice it.
The sun was almost touching the horizon now and Harry wondered if he should return to Draco’s hospital room yet. He might want some private time with Neville first and he didn’t want to intrude, so he decided against it.
“Harry bloody Potter, you overly assuming fool!”
Harry nearly fell off of Firebolt. He turned and saw a figure standing by the edge of the lake, wand held out as he cast a Sonorous charm. He flew over and landed in front of the blonde, tucking his Firebolt away.
“Draco, what-“
Harry yelped, and in hindsight, he should’ve expected it, really. Draco was, after all, prone to bouts of violent act when he was angry, according to that time he drenched Harry in hot chocolate.
He spluttered as he came out of the lake and wondered if Draco was going to dunk him underwater again. He decided not to risk it and quickly scrambled up the shore.
“He chose to save your life, and I can’t think what else it could mean other than he chose you?” Draco asked as he glared down at the soaking wet man. “How about ‘he chose to save you because I saw the curses coming and could avoid them in time while you didn’t’?”
Harry stood up quickly, staring down at the blonde. “But you-I mean I-he...”
“Harry,” Draco said as he reached up to cup Harry’s cheeks. “I choose you.”
“He-what?” Harry asked, blinking in surprise.
“I choose you,” Draco repeated, a small smile on his lips. “You’re awkward at times, rash, tactless, and stubborn as heck.”
“I-“
“I’m not done,” Draco said quickly. “But despite all that, I still love you. You’re like family to me and I don’t want to lose you. You make me feel like it’s so easy to fall into routine with you. Into a routine that might last years, decades, even a lifetime. I can’t explain why exactly I choose you, but... I do choose you.”
“Are you-are you serious?” Harry asked, his voice choked as he tried to speak with his constricted throat.
“Yes, Harry,” Draco said, circling his arms around the taller man’s neck. “Feelings don’t listen to the voice of reason.”
Harry laughed. “So, if it does, you won’t choose me?”
“That depends on what my reason says, doesn’t it?” Draco asked as he chuckled.
Harry laughed again, picking Draco up and twirling him around in his joy. In a fit of nostalgia, he took out his Firebolt and took Draco flying above the lake. They paused just as the sun was setting, and as they stared at the setting sun, they slowly inched closer to each other.
Draco stared at Harry and whispered, “You’re more beautiful than the setting sun too.”
Harry smiled at him and pressed their lips together. They sat there for a while, sharing the first of many kisses as an official couple.
End Story
First time writing a mix of romance, humor, action and drama :D hope I didn’t botch it up.
In retrospect, it should’ve been pretty obvious that Draco will end up with Harry. They’ve kissed a lot of times, and the only time Neville kissed Draco, Draco was the one who demanded it (granted, they nearly went all the way if Harry hadn’t come home, but yeah)
This is my longest one-shot to date, beating Aurors in Wonderland in length and word count.
Hope you enjoyed that :D if you do, do leave a comment coz I’m a comment whore :P
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“We’ve got a lead on our man,” Kingsley said to Harry and Neville who were seated in front of his desk. “The research team suspects our man is Landon Gillian. He has the knowledge and skills needed to pull off what he did, and he has motive.”
“Ex-Death Eater?” Neville asked.
“Correct,” Kingsley said, taking out a document and putting it in front of the two. “They seem to think he’s psychotic enough to do what he did.”
Harry frowned.
“Don’t go there, Harry,” Neville said quickly when he saw the look on Harry’s face. “You’re not helping anyone if you do anything foolish.”
“It’s to ensure his safety,” Harry insisted. “I think I know why he’s called a liar. But who told him? How did he know?”
“I don’t think I’m following,” Kingsley said. “What happened?”
“The day we were given this mission, I sort of told people that Draco is my boyfriend,” Harry said almost sheepishly. “But how would he know?”
“Someone inside the Ministry is helping him,” Neville concluded. “But who? There weren’t many people around at that time.”
“Unless-the bastard!” Harry suddenly shouted. “Kingsley, do you know where Carter Green is?”
“Why?” Neville asked. “What about him?”
“Think, Nev,” Harry said. “He was there when I said Draco is my boyfriend. Why else would Gillian target Draco? At that time, there was nothing between us, so Draco said so. When his office was wrecked and he was called a liar, Green had been watching us, and he was there.”
“He was there?”
“Remember what Draco told us,” Harry said, a hint of urgency in his tone. “He was talking to his friend, then Green came by his office. That was the last thing he remembered. If Green wasn’t involved with Gillian, he would have fought him or at least gotten back up, not leave Gillian to do as he wished!”
“Well, I suppose that accusation is not farfetched,” Kingsley commented. “Carter Green has just submitted his resignation letter yesterday.”
“He knew he’s going to be discovered,” Harry spat out. “Coward.”
“Calm down, Harry,” Neville scolded. “We’ll just have to track Green down then. He couldn’t have gotten too far away from here.”
Harry scowled, but then he looked ahead resolutely. He took out a key from his pocket and handed it to Neville.
“What is this?” Neville asked curiously.
“It’s the key to Grimmauld Place,” Harry answered. “As long as you have it, the house will recognize you as its master. I want you to stay there and look after Draco.”
“What? Where are you going?” Neville asked. “Shouldn’t you at least consult Draco first? He-“
“He’s in danger because of me. It’s better if I stay away from him,” Harry reasoned. “Draco will understand. I hope.”
Neville shook his head. “It’s not fair, Harry,” he said. “He chose you. Did you know that he hesitated to even be close to me? It was all because of you, and now you want me to tell him you’re leaving?” he demanded. “You’re a coward too, Harry.”
“I know, but I don’t... I can’t tell him I’m leaving,” Harry said with a sigh. “I suppose I am a coward.”
“I refuse to be your mediator,” Neville said, trying to hand the key back. “If you leave him, I won’t promise I’m not going to take him away from you.”
“Then do so,” Harry replied. “Maybe it’s better for him to be with you. No one has a grudge on you.”
“You believe what you want to believe, don’t you, Harry?” Neville asked as he glowered. “I was there during the war. I killed Nagini, and I’m considered a war hero too. Yes, they might not hate me as much, but they do. Draco is not safe with me either, but at least I will fight for him instead of leaving him to fend for himself while you delude yourself into thinking that Gillian won’t target him anymore just because you left!”
“Why not?” Harry protested. “He’ll think there’s nothing between us if I leave without a word.”
“Do you honestly think he would think like that?” Neville asked in disbelief. “Gillian is a smart man, Harry. He had avoided us for a long time while terrorising Muggles and wizards alike. He knew there was something between you two before Draco even realized it. He is keen. He has watched you, no doubt, and he’ll know you’re trying to protect Draco by leaving. That’ll make him target Draco more to bring you back!”
“Which is why I’m leaving to hunt him down,” Harry said. “Offense is the best defence, so I’m going after him before he has a chance to go after me.”
Neville let out a harsh sigh. “There is no way I can convince you otherwise, is there?”
Harry smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, but for now, this is for the best,” he said. He took out his wand and held onto it. “Tell Draco I love him.”
Neville glared at him. “That is something you have to tell him yourself.”
“Then tell him I’ll miss him,” Harry compromised. He nodded when Neville nodded, then turned and Disapparated on the spot.
Kingsley stared at Neville who stared back at him, and then lifted an eyebrow.
“What’s the title of the soap opera I just watched?”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Neville had considered not telling Draco the truth and leaving Harry to handle the irritated blonde, but he felt it was unfair to Draco too. He had taken the news quite well, or so he thought. He cursed Harry to hell and back when he came to Draco’s room to check on him and saw that Draco had cried himself to sleep while mumbling Harry’s name.
While Harry was away, Neville had forbidden Draco from stepping out of the wards too, so he grew even more restless and depressed. He had even tried sneaking out once before Neville strengthened the wards from inside and sealed the Floo connection so Draco couldn’t use it. It drove the blonde crazy, so Neville made sure to take him out once in a while so he didn’t truly go insane.
“Am I troublesome?” Draco asked over breakfast one day. “Am I pulling you back?”
“Draco-“
“I want to go to France,” Draco said with a small sigh. “I want to see my parents.”
“Draco, you know you can’t,” Neville said as softly as he could, reaching out to touch Draco’s hand. “You don’t want to endanger your parents, do you?”
Draco mutely shook his head.
“I’m sorry about Harry. I really am,” Neville continued. “I tried to stop him, but he’s too stubborn for his own good. Somehow he believes that by leaving, he’s leading Gillian away from you.”
“That’s just stupid,” Draco said as he frowned.
“That’s what I said,” Neville said with a smile. “But it’s not Harry if he doesn’t have a hero complex. He feels the need to throw himself to the wolves to ensure the safety of those he cares for.”
“But how could he care for me if he isn’t even here?” Draco complained, then fell silent. “I’m sorry. I have no right to rant at you like that.”
“It’s alright, Draco,” Neville said, patting Draco’s hand. “I’m here to listen. You can tell me anything you want, and I’ll listen.”
“Anything?”
“Anything at all,” Neville confirmed.
They had stayed up until well past midnight, just talking about anything and everything. Draco had apologized to Neville for being awkward around him and not trusting him enough to talk about what he wanted to talk to Harry about. He reasoned that since both were his good friends, he shouldn’t have any qualms in talking to either of them.
Draco had fallen asleep while they were watching a romantic comedy that Harry happened to have-which caused the two to mock Harry about his taste behind his back-and Neville carried him up to his room. He laid Draco on his bed and tucked him in.
“Nev?”
“I’m here,” Neville replied. He was mentally cheering at the fact that when he was nearly unconscious, Draco hadn’t accidentally called out Harry’s name.
“You won’t leave me, will you?” Draco asked with a pleading look.
“No, of course not,” Neville replied as he brushed Draco’s hair away from his face. “I’ll be here when you need me.”
“Okay,” Draco agreed with a sleepy smile. “Stay with me tonight.”
Neville considered his options. Harry and Draco hadn’t actually gone out, so it technically wasn’t stealing someone’s boyfriend. Also, he had warned Harry of this happening and he had still left on his own accord.
“Okay,” he agreed.
Draco shifted to make room on the bed and Neville climbed into it. He pulled Draco close to him and stared at the ceiling as Draco rested his head on his chest and sighed in content.
Had Harry ever done this with Draco? Had they done more than just kissing? Did they sleep together like this every night?
There were so many questions in his head. Questions he knew he might not get the answer for. He shook his head resolutely, and decided to just ignore it.
With that in mind, he fell into a dreamless sleep.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
One week had passed and still no sign of Gillian. He had managed to hide himself somewhere secluded and Carter was nowhere to be found too, which agitated Harry to no end. Even the Aurors rarely saw Harry around because he was always off following his own leads, and while Neville understood why Harry wanted to catch the two as soon as he could, it still made him cross.
“Will you stop this idiocy!?” he demanded as he strode into Harry’s office the one time he was actually there.
“I nearly got him,” Harry insisted.
“Yes, but at what cost?” Neville asked sharply. “Draco is not a damsel in distress! He is a decent fighter, and he only got attacked just because he was attacked from behind. You’re not the only one looking out for him as well, so stop being stubborn and go back home!”
“Why are you doing this?” Harry asked curiously. “I thought you would take the chance to have him for yourself.”
“Draco is not an object, Harry,” Neville said with a scowl. “He has free will. He is free to choose who he wants to be with, even if it’s not one of us.”
Harry fell silent.
“And you two have been miserable since the day you left,” Neville pointed out. “I will have none of it anymore. You are coming back home, or I’m going to burn your office.”
The corner of his lip twitched slightly, and Harry grinned at Neville. “Alright, I’ll return,” he said. “Thanks, Nev.”
“Someone has to keep the idiots in line,” Neville said with a huff. “Well, here’s your key.”
Harry accepted the key. “Come visit us often,” he said. “Draco will miss you.”
“I know,” Neville said. “That’s what I plan to do.”
“Good,” Harry said.
Neville only nodded at him and left his office.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Neville?” Draco called as he peeked into the living room when he heard the fire came to life. He nearly dropped the mug he was holding when he saw Harry walking into the house.
“Hey, Draco-“
He jerked back and screwed his eyes shut when he saw the look of anger cross Draco’s face and his hands jerking up slightly. He was thankful the hot chocolate wasn’t scalding hot as it dripped down from his hair to his robes. He shook his head and took off his glasses, wiping them with his shirt before putting them back on again.
“I won’t say I didn’t deserve that,” Harry said with a wry smile as he pushed back his sticky hair and then wiped his hands on his robes. “How are you doing?”
Draco scowled at him. “That was a waste of chocolate.”
Harry grinned, then without warning pulled the blonde close to him, almost crushing him to his chest. Draco yelped indignantly as his pyjama shirt became sticky too.
“I’ve missed you,” Harry breathed out as he breathed in the scent that was uniquely Draco. “So, so much.”
“Who talked you into your senses?” Draco asked as he pushed away slightly.
“Neville did.”
“Oh,” Draco mumbled.
Harry leaned down slightly, but Draco looked away.
“Harry.”
“Yeah?”
“I can’t do this,” Draco said slowly.
“Oh,” it was Harry’s turn to mumble. “Well, if you choose him-“
“No!” Draco exclaimed. “That’s not what I meant. I-I can’t...”
“Hey, calm down,” Harry said as he cupped Draco’s cheeks. “Neville is coming tomorrow for lunch. We’ll talk then, alright?”
Draco sighed. “Alright.”
“Now,” Harry started, “you want some more hot chocolate?”
Draco grinned. “I’m sorry,” he said. He cast a cleaning and drying spell on Harry before he tucked his wand away. “I don’t know what got over me.”
“At least you didn’t throw a vase at me,” Harry said with a shrug. “Come on, let’s go to the kitchen.”
This time, when Harry snaked his arm around Draco’s waist to lead him to the kitchen, the smaller man didn’t protest.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Hey, Draco,” Neville greeted as he kissed the blonde’s cheek and handed him a bouquet of lilies. “How are you doing now?”
“Better,” Draco answered with a grin. “Thank you for bringing the idiot back.”
“Don’t talk like I’m not here,” Harry said with a scowl.
“Oh, are you here? I didn’t notice,” Draco said as he glared at the taller man slightly. “Maybe because you weren’t here for at least a week.”
Harry winced at Draco’s tone. The man sure knew how to hold grudges. He had a feeling he had a lot of grovelling to do to get back into Draco’s good graces.
“Don’t be too harsh on him,” Neville said. “He did it for you too.”
Draco rolled his eyes. “Come help me put these in a vase,” he said as he held the bouquet close to himself.
Harry went back to finish making lunch while Draco and Neville put the flowers into a vase and set the table. Lunch was pleasant, even though Draco still made his displeasure clearly known. Harry couldn’t help but notice that the two had indeed gotten closer. Draco was much more at ease being close to Neville, and the two spoke so freely, more so than before he was gone.
When they were finished, the three went to the kitchen together to wash the dishes.
“Harry, Neville,” Draco said softly as he dried the dishes. “I’m not sure if I read too much into things, but I’m flattered that you like me,” he added. “I really, really am. But I can’t be with you.”
“Why not, Draco?” Neville asked. “Have you found someone?”
“No! Goodness, no,” Draco exclaimed. “If you notice, I’ve been spending too much time with you two lately. I barely have time to go out by myself, let alone with someone else.”
“Then why?” Harry asked.
“Because it makes me feel bad,” Draco admitted. “I mean, one moment I’m close to one, and the next moment I’m close to the other. It makes me feel despicable, like I’m leading you on.”
“And I don’t want to get in between you two,” Draco said quickly when he saw Neville was going to protest. “I mean, you two are good friends, and I don’t want that to change. Especially not because of me.”
The two suddenly burst out laughing, much to Draco’s indignation. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and glared at the two as best as he could.
“What’s so funny?” he demanded.
“Oh, you’re too precious,” Harry said with a grin. “What makes you think like that?”
“Isn’t that what always happens?” Draco asked as he frowned. “Two guys like the same person and their friendship gets ruined.”
“I know what the problem with you is,” Neville said with a chuckle. “You watch too many movies, Draco.”
“Yeah,” Harry agreed. “We’re not going to fight just because of that, Draco.”
“And how would you know that?” Draco challenged.
“For starter, you’re not like those bitchy girls at all,” Harry said, holding up one finger. “You know both of us and we know you too. Secondly, we’ve both agreed on courting you, so no matter what happens, there is no bitter feelings between us.”
“But-“
“No buts,” Neville said. “You won’t get between us, I promise. We’ve agreed to do this and we’ll do it like adults, mature and responsible. And we promise you too that no matter who you choose, the other won’t leave you. We’ll still be friends.”
Draco still looked dubious, but the two stared at him with determination.
“Very well,” Draco said. “I will hold you onto your words. If any of you leave me, I’m going to hunt you down, tie you up and put you in the basement of my house.”
The two men laughed.
“Sure,” Harry agreed with a smile. “But are you sure you want one of us? Or do you want someone else?”
“Well, considering I don’t know who that someone else is,” Draco said with a chuckle. “And don’t say it like you two are my last resorts.”
“We aren’t, are we?” Neville asked.
“Of course not,” Draco said with a huff.
“Because you don’t have first choices?” Harry asked teasingly.
“Shut up, Potter,” Draco said as he stuck his tongue out at Potter. “Well, it still makes me feel bad, though, so I’ll give you one week.”
“One week?”
“Yes, a week. By the end of the week, I’ll decide who I choose,” Draco said. “Is that alright with you?”
Harry and Neville looked at each other.
“Yeah, sure, however you want it,” Harry said.
Draco smiled and hugged the two. “Thank you, guys. This means a lot to me,” he said, “because I value friends more than boyfriends. I don’t want to date one of you if it means I could lose the other.”
“You have our word, Draco,” Neville said. “No matter what, we’re still your friends. Even if you find someone else in this one week and you decide you want to be with him instead.”
“Aw, how sweet. You definitely have the renowned Black charm, dearest nephew.”
“Sirius! You’re ruining the mood!”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Did you two agree to take me out doing the same thing?” Draco wondered as he stood in front of a theatre. There were people going into the building, all dressed impeccably, some even wearing masquerade masks.
“Did he take you watching too?” Harry asked.
“Wicked,” Draco answered. “Beautiful, that one. What are we watching tonight?”
“I’m afraid we’re going for a classic tonight,” Harry replied as he placed a hand on Draco’s lower back. “Stay close.”
The crowd didn’t push and shove like they would should they go to a pop or rock concert, but it was still packed inside. Harry steered Draco to their gate and waited in line to get inside. Once they were, they took their seat and stayed there.
“What is it, Harry?” Draco asked again.
“You’ll like it,” Harry said. “I hope.”
Draco chuckled. “If you tell me the title, I’ll tell you if I like it or not,” Draco tried again.
“No, you’ll just have to wait and see,” Harry replied with a grin. “Anticipation is needed for a good time, you know.”
“But I don’t even know what to anticipate!”
“Hush now, the show is starting.”
Draco leaned back in his seat with a huff, but waited for the show to start. Not ten minutes into the show, he already knew what it was.
Swan Lake.
It wasn’t a secret that Draco liked ballets, although not many knew because they didn’t bother to know. He also liked classic plays, so he absolutely loved the performance.
After the play, it was already night time so Harry brought Draco back home. He had planned on a night of movie marathon, but Sirius had appeared again, settling himself quite comfortably between Harry and Draco on the couch, the bowl of popcorn floating in front of him.
Harry was amazed at how ignorant and oblivious Sirius was. Or, if he did it on purpose, how shameless he was. He would even get in the way of his own godson’s love life.
Granted, if Snape was there he probably would have sent Draco to his room and Harry out of the house. Whenever he visited Hogwarts to see his mentor, Harry would always feel the Potions professor give him the evil eye. Especially after he knew that he was courting Draco and had hurt him once by leaving without goodbye.
They ended up only watching one movie before retiring for the night because it was quite late already. Sirius said goodbye to the two and said he enjoyed the movie too, and that he would come over again if they were having a movie night. Draco only laughed.
“Well, that was really nice. Thank you, Harry,” Draco said with a smile as he stood in front of his room. “We should do that again.”
“Yes, we should,” Harry agreed. “Preferably without an overly nosy godfather interfering.”
“I heard that!”
“Sirius! I thought you went already!”
“Don’t be harsh on him, Harry,” Draco reprimanded with an amused look on his face. “And Uncle Sirius, don’t tease him too much.”
“Anything for my favourite nephew,” Sirius said as he blew air kisses at Draco.
“I’m your only nephew.”
“Details.”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco looked around the ballroom and strode over when he caught sight of Harry. He was holding onto two champagne flutes and was dressed in an attire Draco never knew he even had. It wasn’t that Harry dressed sloppily, but he was never that formal.
“Harry,” Draco called and the taller man turned to look at him.
“Draco, you’re early,” Harry commented. “I was just picking up a drink for you. Champagne?”
“Would be lovely,” Draco replied as he accepted the offered drink. “I thought you hate parties, Harry. What changed?”
“Nothing, I assure you,” Harry said. “This is not just any party. It’s Ron and Hermione’s engagement party.”
Draco’s jaw nearly dropped, then he shot Harry a scandalized look. “And why didn’t you tell me that?” he demanded. “We have to go find them and congratulate them.”
“We’ll do that in a minute, they’re not here yet,” Harry said, quickly grabbing onto Draco’s arm to keep him in place. “They asked me to lead the dance. Would you care to be my partner?”
“Are you sure that’s safe?” Draco asked, concern in his eyes.
“Safe? Safe for what?” Harry asked, worried as well.
“Safe for my toes,” Draco answered with a teasing grin. “I won’t have you stepping on my feet, Mr. Potter.”
“Brat,” Harry said as he chuckled. “Oh, there they are.”
Draco turned around to see the happy couple and waved at them when they saw him. Hermione waved back at him while Ron only smiled, clearly too nervous and jumpy to be his usual happy-go-lucky self.
“Would you look at that. Weasley is quiet for once,” Draco said as he laughed and Harry playfully nudged him. “If you’re going to have cold feet on such an important day, you shouldn’t have held a big party like this. Invite only close friends and relatives.”
“Oh, but they are relatives and close friends.”
Draco stared at him in surprise. “You’re pulling my leg.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Gryffindors.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
The two went to congratulate the pair and Ron was beginning to be more of his usual self, much to Hermione’s relief. The time for the dance came, and the two did the first dance. After the first song, Harry and Draco joined them, and then other couples began to join as well.
To his surprise, Harry turned out to be an excellent dancer. He had assumed that since Harry hated formal meetings and parties he would be pants at dancing, but that wasn’t the case.
“You’re surprising me every day,” Draco whispered almost reverently as he stared up into Harry’s eyes, his left hand grasped tightly in Harry’s right and his right resting firmly on the taller man’s shoulder. “What else is there that I don’t know yet?”
“I like bungee jumping,” Harry answered.
“Really?” Draco frowned.
“No, that one is a lie,” Harry replied with a chuckle. “You’re cute.”
“And you’re an arse,” Draco said as he shook his head. “Really, Harry, what else is there?”
Harry smiled at Draco in an affectionate and adoring way. “If you really want to know,” he started, “you’ll just have to stay by me and find out for yourself.”
“And you’ll find out about me?” Draco asked.
“If you’ll let me,” Harry murmured, lowering his head so their faces were only mere centimetres apart. “We’ll have a lifetime to do that.”
Draco didn’t know who moved first. All he knew was that they were kissing the next second, and Harry’s hand was resting on his lower back. His hand was tangled in Harry’s dark locks, pulling him down to deepen the kiss, and somehow, it just felt right.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Where are we going?” Draco asked curiously as they walked down the street. “You know there are mostly bars here, right? I never pegged you for the type to be out in a bar getting wasted. You two are surprising me a lot on this second date.”
“Element of surprise is good occasionally,” Neville commented. “Here we are,” he said as he stopped in front of one of the classy bars. It was a place where people come to hang around with friends and have some drinks, without overly loud music and a mass of people grinding against everyone on what they call a dance floor.
“Oh, this place is nice,” Draco said as he brightened. He had feared of going out to dance in a club, but it turned out his worry was unfounded.
“Well, come on in, and we’ll see just how nice this place is,” Neville said, urging Draco inside. He stopped at the entry and told them they had a reservation. One of the guards then went to show them the way. He stopped in front of one of the VIP rooms, then bowed at them and left.
“Go on,” Neville said. “This is our room for tonight. See for yourself what it’s like.”
“You make it sound naughty,” Draco replied as he nudged Neville, then reached for the knob. He opened the door and nearly had a heart attack.
“Surprise!”
“Pansy!” Draco exclaimed in shock. “Blaise! Theo! Vince and Greg too!”
“Hello, sunshine,” Blaise greeted with a chuckle. “Surprised to see us?”
“Very!” Draco agreed. “I thought you said you couldn’t come here for another two weeks because of one thing or another.”
“Indeed,” Theo confirmed. “But your friend there helped us organize everything so we could come here early, and we agreed on surprising you.”
“That’s so sweet of you,” Draco said as he turned to Neville. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Neville said as he mock bowed and Draco laughed. “Well, let’s enjoy ourselves tonight, shall we?”
Draco glanced at his friends and smiled up at Neville. “Yes, we shall.”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco looked around in Longbottom Hall in awe. He had never been to the Longbottom house before while he lived in the Black family house, so it was new to him.
Neville had invited him over for dinner with his Gran, and Draco had accepted. He felt somewhat uneasy, but he liked meeting other people so he accepted.
“Good evening, Mr. Malfoy.”
“Good evening, Madame Augusta,” Draco greeted as he bowed at the elderly lady sitting at the head of the dining table in the room. “How fare you today?”
“I am doing well,” Augusta replied. “Come. Please, have a seat.”
Dinner wasn’t awkward and the conversation wasn’t stilted. Neville was awed at how good Draco was as a conversationalist. He kept the conversations flowing and his speech was respectful. It was the first time Neville saw him talking as if he was talking to the Minister of Magic, and to put it simply, he was amazed.
After dinner, Madame Augusta excused herself so she could retire for the night, and Neville escorted Draco back to Grimmauld Place as Harry said he would be out late reviewing case files with Kingsley that night. Since it was Neville’s turn to take Draco out on a date, Harry had offered to do it himself so Neville didn’t have to come to the Ministry building as well.
“It was good meeting your grandmother,” Draco said with a smile. “I don’t know my grandparents, so it was really good, at least for me. I’ve always wanted to know how having a grandmother feels like.”
Neville chuckled. “You could come over to visit us anytime you want, you know,” he said. “I can see that Gran likes you a lot too. We’ll still be your family, Draco.”
“I know,” Draco replied, staring up into Neville’s eyes, seemingly searching for something. What that something was, Neville wasn’t sure.
“Draco-“
“Kiss me.”
Neville looked surprised. “Are you sure?” he asked, remembering the incident when he had tried to initiate a kiss and it had ended awkwardly for them.
“Yeah,” Draco answered firmly. “Kiss me, Nev.”
“If you say so.”
Neville leaned down and pressed his lips against Draco’s. They were softer and smoother than Harry’s, which were slightly rough and chapped. Draco thought of telling Harry to get a chapstick, but quickly pushed the thought to the back of his mind. Neville was a gentle lover. Everything he did was gentle and slow, almost in reverent worship, as if he was a millennium old vase that would break with the slightest pressure.
When the kiss ended, there was no panting, flushing, or racing hearts. Instead, there was a pleasant warmth spreading from his core outwards to the tips of his limbs, leaving him feeling slightly heady, but comfortable and content.
“That was... wow,” Draco said as he snapped out of his trance. “I’m speechless.”
Neville didn’t say anything. He simply lowered his face again to kiss Draco and Draco grasped onto the front of his robe like a lifeline.
Their second kiss was nowhere near slow. It was needy, frantic, and desperate. They were caught up in the frenzy of their passion. They pushed and pulled and somehow ended up on the couch in the living room. Their robes were shrugged off and their lips never parted for more than a second. Neville attacked Draco’s throat, kissing and biting and licking, as Draco tugged Neville’s shirt free from his trousers and started unbuttoning it.
The fire came to life and Harry stepped out of the fireplace, pausing at the sight in front of him. Both Draco and Neville stopped too, their expressions quite similar to those of deer caught in the headlight.
“No need to stop on my accord,” Harry said tensely as he straightened up and dusted his robes off. “Good night, Draco,” he added, then turned to Neville. “You too, Neville.”
With that said, he walked off to his room.
Draco and Neville stared at each other. The moment was already ruined and Neville helped Draco sit up.
“I’ll see you soon,” Neville said, kissing Draco again. “Good night, Draco.”
“Good night, Neville,” Draco greeted back, pulling himself up to kiss Neville chastely. “Sweet dreams.”
Neville pressed a kiss on Draco’s forehead then grabbed a handful of Floo powder and went off to Longbottom Hall, leaving Draco sitting alone on the couch, staring at the green fire as it died down.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
“Harry,” Draco said as he sat in front of his huge teddy bear on his bed. “What do you think I should do? I feel so terrible, like I’ve disgraced myself and become a whore.”
“I didn’t think of it that way, but considering your sometimes overly insecure self, I think it’s not that surprising that you did.”
“Harry!” Draco protested as he turned around to see his housemate standing by the doorsill. “Wouldn’t you knock first before entering?”
“As far as I know, you were calling my name,” Harry replied with a grin. “And so, I am entitled to answering your questions.”
Draco pouted.
“Draco, you’re not a whore,” Harry said as he sat down in front of him. “You acted on your passions, and that’s understandable. It’s not like you go out to bars in skimpy outfits and hook up with the first man to catch your eye. You know Neville and you have feelings for him. Wanting to be connected to him sexually is perfectly understandable.”
“But I didn’t want to do it,” Draco said almost petulantly. “At least, not yet. I was too caught up in the moment. If you hadn’t come back, I would’ve regretted everything.”
The corner of Harry’s lips twitched upwards. “You want to save yourself for your spouse?”
“It’s the least I could do,” Draco confirmed. “Have you done it, Harry?”
“No,” Harry answered. “In fact, you were my first kiss.”
Draco’s cheeks coloured at the admission. “You were my first too,” he said. “I thought it wasn’t yours, so I didn’t dare say it.”
Harry chuckled and leaned in to kiss Draco. “You’re too cute.”
“You don’t think I’m dirty?” Draco asked almost hopefully.
“Of course not,” Harry said quickly. “You’re far from dirty, Draco. Don’t ever forget that.”
Draco smiled at him. “Thank you, Harry.”
“Well, you better get some sleep now,” he said. “We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”
“Where are we going?” Draco asked.
“It’s a secret,” Harry said with a wink. “But I promise you’ll like it.”
Harry got up and left the room. Once he was outside, Draco pulled out his wand and spelled the teddy bear to have a lightning bolt scar on its forehead, a red and gold scarf wrapped around its neck, a miniature Hogwarts robe around its body, and a pair of wire glasses perched on its nose. Draco examined his handiwork and smiled in satisfaction, before pulling the bear down and snuggling up to it, falling asleep almost immediately.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco stared at the newly rebuilt house in confusion. The two had gone to The Burrow in the morning and Harry introduced Draco to everyone. He explained of how the Weasley family had practically adopted him when he was still little. Fred and George had wanted to prank Draco, but Harry and Ron warned them against it so they didn’t.
After lunch, Harry told Draco he wished to take Draco somewhere else. He promised Molly that they would be back before dinner and the Weasley matron let them go. First they went to visit Andromeda Tonks and Teddy. Andromeda admitted that she didn’t know Draco was already in England. She only knew that Narcissa was still in France. The three had got along fantastically well and Teddy was quite taken with Draco.
After they tire of playing with the hyperactive child, the two excused themselves, and Harry brought him to a secluded place. That was where they were right now.
“Where is this, Harry?” Draco asked, looking around.
“This is Godric’s Hollow,” Harry answered at the same time as when Draco noticed the two gravestones standing side by side at the side of the house.
“This is your parents’ house?” Draco inquired.
“Yes,” Harry replied with a smile. “Come.”
They walked towards the gravestones and Harry knelt in front of them, laying down the bouquet of lilies he bought earlier on his parents’ graves. “Hello, Father, Mother,” he said softly. “I’m content and doing well. I’d like you to meet Draco Malfoy. He’s the one who has made me happy these past few weeks. I’m sure you’d like him too.”
Draco flushed slightly at Harry’s words. He knelt beside Harry and smiled. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Potter,” he said. “It’s a pleasure knowing Harry. Please rest in peace knowing that your son has grown into a respectable man.”
They stayed for a while, Harry narrating what had been happening in his life for the past month while Draco sat there, listening. When he was done, they walked back towards the Apparition point and prepared to Disapparate back to The Burrow.
“You really mean that?”
“What?” Draco asked, looking up confusedly at Harry.
“That I’m a respectable man.”
Draco smiled. “I didn’t think you’d be insecure,” he said. “But yes, you are quite a respectable man, Harry. Your parents would be so proud of you.”
“One day,” Harry said, “I’d like to meet your parents.”
“They’ll love you,” Draco replied.
“I hope so.”
“I’m sure,” Draco said reassuringly.
The two Disapparated back to The Burrow and when they got there, they found themselves stuck, unable to move. A quick look around showed them that they were stuck under a magical mistletoe set up by Fred and George who knew they would come back together.
“The pranksters,” Harry said as he shook his head. “It’s not even near Christmas.”
Draco laughed, then stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss on Harry’s lips. Harry was surprised because it was the first time Draco initiated a kiss between them, but caught up quickly and soon began kissing back.
They pulled away from each other when they heard wolf-whistles and found the twins grinning knowingly at them. Draco blushed and buried his face in the crook of Harry’s neck while Harry mock glared at the two, who mock saluted at him and walked away.
Harry stole another kiss from the adorably blushing blonde in his arms before escorting him to the dining room.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco was sitting in the living room, watching a romantic comedy movie when his phone rang. He stared at it curiously because not many people knew he actually had a phone-even Harry and Neville only knew recently, and no one should have a reason to call him. He frowned when he saw the name.
Carter Green.
“Hello?” he greeted tersely.
“Draco,” Carter said. “How are you?”
He inhaled quickly to calm himself down. “Cut the chase, Carter,” Draco snapped. “We both know you’re not interested in my welfare. What do you want?”
“Whoa, calm down, babe,” Carter said. “I only wanted to talk to you.”
“Don’t call me babe,” Draco said harshly. “And now you have me. Say what you want to say.”
“Could we go out somewhere to talk?” Carter pleaded. “I want to see you.”
“I can’t go out,” Draco replied curtly.
“Please? For old time’s sake?” Carter nearly begged. “I know you’re being confined to Potter’s house, but I promise you I’ll look after you and return you safe and sound. He’ll have no reason to worry.”
“I don’t-“
“Please, Draco,” this time he really begged. “I wanted closure with you. I want to see for myself if you’re really happy with Potter. Please. Do me this one favour and I won’t bother you anymore.”
Draco stared down at the hem of his shirt and fiddled with it. “Very well,” Draco agreed finally. “I can’t go out from the wards, but the Floo is open. I’ll meet you in Diagon Alley.”
“That’s fine. Thank you, Draco.”
“Don’t thank me,” Draco said testily. He hung up the call then got up with a sigh.
Oh, well, might as well go get something from Diagon Alley while he was at it. Preferably something that Harry would like so he wouldn’t explode when he knew Draco had snuck out.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Harry frowned when he felt the wards shift. He had taken down the barrier from inside for the Floo so Draco could go visit the Weasleys if he was ever bored, but if he went to visit them, the wards shouldn’t have shifted. He must have gone outside then, but why didn’t he tell him of his plans?
“What’s wrong?” Kingsley asked when he noticed Harry’s look of worry.
“Draco is going out,” Harry answered easily. “But he didn’t tell me he was going out.”
“Strange,” Neville commented, going through the case file beside him. “He never does reckless things.”
“Maybe he’s out with his friends,” Kingsley said with a shrug. “They’re here now, aren’t they?”
“Let me try calling him,” Harry said as he pulled out his phone and dialled Draco’s number.
“So?” Neville asked.
“He’s rejecting my call,” Harry said, his frown deepening. “Very strange. He wouldn’t do that if he was out with his friends.”
“He has a phone?” Kingsley asked in surprise. “Do you know who else knows his number?”
“Well, his friends obviously do, and-“
“Wait,” Neville said. “Harry, when we pinpointed on Green as Gillian’s accomplice, did you ever tell Draco?”
Harry’s eyes widened in shock. He cursed and got up from his seat so quickly he knocked the chair back then rushed out of the office, Neville soon following after him.
Kingsley stared after the two disappearing figure and shook his head. He walked out of his office and called his secretary to hold an emergency meeting for all Aurors.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco blinked his eyes open and tried to remember when exactly he had closed them. He was greeted by an unfamiliar room and then tried to remember what happened before.
“Finally awake?”
Draco looked to the side as he was lying on a makeshift bed made out of cloaks. He saw a man who was much taller than him. His eyes were bloodshot and his grin wicked. He had a nearly deranged look on his face and Draco couldn’t help but feel like there was something familiar about him.
“Who are you?” Draco asked. “What do you want from me?”
“Not much,” the man replied. “Do you remember our first meeting?”
Draco frowned in thought.
“Oh, my bad! How could you have remembered? After all, I Obliviated you,” the man said, his smirk widening.
Draco looked up at him in surprise. “So it was you,” he said through gritted teeth. He tugged at the ropes binding his hands together, but they wouldn’t give. Plus, he couldn’t find his wand anywhere. “What do you want?”
“Don’t worry your pretty little head off,” the man said. “You’re not good for me if you’re dead. Although, it would be a pleasure to see how broken Potter would be when you die.”
“Leave Harry out of this,” Draco said, his tone somewhat beseeching. “What do you want from me?”
The man grinned wickedly. “I can’t ‘leave Harry out of this’,” he said. “You are bait that will bring Potter to me. And he will come. Very soon.”
Another figure walked into the room and Draco’s eyes widened again, in surprise, shock, and anger.
“The Aurors are coming here,” Carter said. “Oh, I see you’re awake now, Draco.”
“You bastard!” Draco shouted at him. “This was your doing all along, wasn’t it? That’s why he targeted me back in Sydney.”
“You’ve always been sharp,” Carter said with a chuckle. “But apparently not sharp enough to see through my lies. What a good child you are, following me here like a good little puppy.”
No one was prepared for what happened next. In a fit of rage, Draco’s magic had exploded, throwing the two men back. Landon sailed through the doorway and hit the staircase leading down to the basement while Carter hit his head against the wall and was knocked unconscious. All loose items fell down onto the floor and the flammable materials burst into fire.
“You brat!” Landon shouted in rage as he picked himself up and stormed back into the room. He cast Aguamenti on the fire and Stupefy on Draco, knocking him out. He looked around the room then marched upstairs, confident that not long after Harry Potter would come find him.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Harry and Neville reached the place at the same time. While Harry walked towards the rundown building, Neville sent Kingsley a Patronus with their location so he could send back-up. He knew Harry was too angry to think clearly so he had to stand back a little and be on guard just in case Gillian had someone ready to do a sneak attack on them.
“Where is Draco?” Harry demanded when Landon walked out of the rundown building.
Neville noticed the slight limp in his gait. Harry didn’t.
“He’s alive,” Landon said with a sneer. “For now.”
Neville ducked and braced himself as Harry’s magic exploded, his teeth gritted as he seethed in fury. If he was powerful when he defeated Voldemort, he was even more so now. Fighting to avenge his lost loved ones and fighting to save his loved one had different effects on Harry.
Landon snarled and glared at Harry, anger evident on his expressions too. He was definitely one of the more loyal Death Eaters, and one who had complete faith that Voldemort would win.
He had prepared himself to fight more ex-Death Eaters, but the army Landon summoned wasn’t what he expected at all. The ground around them opened up and from inside, Inferis crawled out.
Right at that time, the Aurors got to the battlefield too, and the battle commenced.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Draco gasped as he came to, his eyes looking around frantically. When his gaze fell on Ron, he relaxed visibly and allowed the redhead to help him sit up and cut the ropes that bound his wrists together.
“Are you alright?” Ron asked. “We’ve already got Green.”
“Where’s that madman?” Draco demanded. “Where is he?”
“Madman?” Ron asked curiously. “You mean Gillian? The one who did the mass poisoning?”
“Yes, that’s the one. Where is he?” Draco asked with a hint of panic in his voice.
“He’s up there. Harry and Neville are duelling with him,” Ron answered. “Now, let’s get you to St. Mungo’s-oi!”
Draco broke free from Ron’s grasp and ran upstairs.
“Someone, catch him!” he heard Ron shout behind him but he ignored it. The other Aurors were too surprised to act fast and he made it outside. He nearly threw up when he saw the army of undeads that Landon had summoned, but managed not to.
Neville was duelling an Inferi while Harry was duelling Landon. The other Aurors too had their hands full with the Inferi as they seemingly keep on coming. He noticed Draco rushing out of the rundown building. He wanted to shout at him, telling him to go back inside. He also wanted to shout at Ron for allowing Draco to break free.
“Harry!”
He snapped his attention back to Landon at Neville’s call and was barely in time to block the curse sent his way. He noticed two people who he didn’t know joining in the battle. Before he had any chance to think whether they were allies or enemies, he ducked because they were shooting curses everywhere.
“Draco!”
Harry chanced a glance to see Neville kneeling on the ground, Draco cradled in his arms. Kingsley used the moment of confusion to knock Landon out, and the Inferis stopped coming afterwards. The Aurors who were in the building cleaning up things came up and joined their fight, so in less than fifteen minutes, the Inferis were taken care of, Landon was captured, and the two other ex-Death Eaters were captured as well.
Ron, Harry and Neville escorted the casualties to St. Mungo’s for treatment while Kingsley led the uninjured Aurors back to the Ministry to put Landon and the two ex-Death Eaters into a holding cell for questioning.
“Where are you going?” Neville asked when he saw Harry walking away.
“Out for a walk,” Harry said easily. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Harry-“
“Congrats, Nev,” Harry said with a strained smile. “It seems he chooses you, after all.”
Neville stared at him in confusion. “Why would you say that?”
“He chose to save you,” Harry answered with a shrug. “I don’t know what that implies other than that.”
“He’ll hunt you down when he wakes up,” Neville stated flatly.
“I know, that’s why I’m going now,” Harry replied, staring down at the still unconscious Draco with something akin to tenderness in his gaze. “After all, I promised. I’m going now so when he wakes up I can be back here.”
“You two are way too stubborn for your own good.”
“I hear that a lot,” Harry said. He leaned down and pressed his lips against Draco’s before he straightened up again. “Take good care of him.”
Neville only stared as Harry walked out of the hospital room. Once outside, he Apparated to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had made an exception to allow Harry to Apparate into and out of Hogwarts at will because it was his second home. He liked to spend a lot of time staring at the Great Lake while thinking.
This time, he got on Firebolt and flew above the lake. He had gotten used to shrinking Firebolt and putting it in the coat of his robes, so he could take it out and use it anywhere he wanted. He flew around then stopped, staring at the nearly setting sun, remembering the first time he brought Draco here.
Here was the place they shared their first kiss.
He smiled at the memory. He might not be able to be intimate with Draco, but they would still be good friends, and it was enough for him.
His smile dropped and he sighed.
Who was he kidding? Of course it wasn’t enough because he wanted all of Draco, but as Neville had said, Draco was free to choose whoever he wanted and if he chose Neville then he’d just have to live with it. Hopefully with time he’d be able to move on.
Or he’d die without partner like Sirius. Maybe there was a curse going down and he didn’t notice it.
The sun was almost touching the horizon now and Harry wondered if he should return to Draco’s hospital room yet. He might want some private time with Neville first and he didn’t want to intrude, so he decided against it.
“Harry bloody Potter, you overly assuming fool!”
Harry nearly fell off of Firebolt. He turned and saw a figure standing by the edge of the lake, wand held out as he cast a Sonorous charm. He flew over and landed in front of the blonde, tucking his Firebolt away.
“Draco, what-“
Harry yelped, and in hindsight, he should’ve expected it, really. Draco was, after all, prone to bouts of violent act when he was angry, according to that time he drenched Harry in hot chocolate.
He spluttered as he came out of the lake and wondered if Draco was going to dunk him underwater again. He decided not to risk it and quickly scrambled up the shore.
“He chose to save your life, and I can’t think what else it could mean other than he chose you?” Draco asked as he glared down at the soaking wet man. “How about ‘he chose to save you because I saw the curses coming and could avoid them in time while you didn’t’?”
Harry stood up quickly, staring down at the blonde. “But you-I mean I-he...”
“Harry,” Draco said as he reached up to cup Harry’s cheeks. “I choose you.”
“He-what?” Harry asked, blinking in surprise.
“I choose you,” Draco repeated, a small smile on his lips. “You’re awkward at times, rash, tactless, and stubborn as heck.”
“I-“
“I’m not done,” Draco said quickly. “But despite all that, I still love you. You’re like family to me and I don’t want to lose you. You make me feel like it’s so easy to fall into routine with you. Into a routine that might last years, decades, even a lifetime. I can’t explain why exactly I choose you, but... I do choose you.”
“Are you-are you serious?” Harry asked, his voice choked as he tried to speak with his constricted throat.
“Yes, Harry,” Draco said, circling his arms around the taller man’s neck. “Feelings don’t listen to the voice of reason.”
Harry laughed. “So, if it does, you won’t choose me?”
“That depends on what my reason says, doesn’t it?” Draco asked as he chuckled.
Harry laughed again, picking Draco up and twirling him around in his joy. In a fit of nostalgia, he took out his Firebolt and took Draco flying above the lake. They paused just as the sun was setting, and as they stared at the setting sun, they slowly inched closer to each other.
Draco stared at Harry and whispered, “You’re more beautiful than the setting sun too.”
Harry smiled at him and pressed their lips together. They sat there for a while, sharing the first of many kisses as an official couple.
End Story
First time writing a mix of romance, humor, action and drama :D hope I didn’t botch it up.
In retrospect, it should’ve been pretty obvious that Draco will end up with Harry. They’ve kissed a lot of times, and the only time Neville kissed Draco, Draco was the one who demanded it (granted, they nearly went all the way if Harry hadn’t come home, but yeah)
This is my longest one-shot to date, beating Aurors in Wonderland in length and word count.
Hope you enjoyed that :D if you do, do leave a comment coz I’m a comment whore :P
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