Fic: "Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world" (Harry/Draco)
Title: “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world”
Author: digthewriter
Prompt: # 89 by tsosh for hd_fan_fair 2013
Book Title: Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: ~15,600
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco
Summary: Draco is in the closet but is still quite curious about the gay lifestyle. What happens when the first Muggle gay club Draco picks to attend and runs into the last person he wished to see?
Warnings/Content Notes: Overuse of the phrase “not bent.” The fic has SOME epithets-but trust me, they’re worth it.
Author's Notes: Thank you susannah_wilde for the beta and being so thorough and encouraging. I apologise for the lack of SMUT. (Alternate Links: AO3 / Dreamwidth)
"I am not bent," Draco told himself constantly. So why did he look at Roy Gillian's arse for an extra thirty seconds after he got out of the pool? His bathing suit's got a nice pattern-again just admiring the design and the fabric-doesn't mean you're bent, at all.
After the war and his father’s death, Draco was responsible for taking care of his mother and starting a new career away from the bad publicity of being a Malfoy. Draco returned to Hogwarts, took all of his N.E.W.T.s, and excelled amazingly in almost every class except for the required Muggle Studies. At his graduation, Professor McGonagall gifted him Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles along with a note that stated: You might find yourself working with or for Muggles someday. Times are changing and it's about time you keep up with them! Draco at first thought he was special, but then he realised that almost every Slytherin in his year had received that book. There was nothing special about him at all.
Using the Malfoy funds, Draco decided to partner with Nathaniel Prince, no relation to Snape's mother, and co-own the apothecary at Diagon Alley. He figured this was the least social interaction he could have in the Wizarding community given the horrible smell of bad eggs and cabbages. Anyone who entered the shop would only be there for business and would leave quickly enough.
Everything was going smoothly; Draco had just celebrated his twentieth birthday, his friends were doing well, and his mother was often taking a holiday in France, leaving Draco to his own discretion. Everything was great, or so he thought.
Draco made the mistake of reading the Prophet every Sunday morning. It was the only time he'd allowed himself that torture-but he did it anyway. His father's words rung in his ears: Proper pure-blood families are required to stay up to date in current events, yet not be overly knowledgeable that they seem desperate, so reading the paper once a week is enough. Unless you have a reason to be in the papers, one should not overly indulge themselves in the news of lesser beings.
And there it was - out and proud - so to speak: “Harry Potter: A raging homosexual.”
*-*
Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, recently finished his Auror training and is employed as a Junior Auror at the Ministry of Magic, was caught in a sexual act in the Men’s loo of the Leaky Cauldron with his partner, Lucas Hammond. The men were supposedly on their lunch break when a reporter saw them entering the loo one after the other. The Prophet reporter, Sam Wade, followed the two junior Aurors with the thought that they might be on a case and instead he found them moaning and pleasuring each other in the toilet stall. Harry Potter reportedly now has been assigned a new partner and has teamed up with his longtime friend Ronald Weasley. Apparently it is against Ministry regulations for two individuals who are partners to be romantically involved. Lucas Hammond and Harry Potter have denied any comments, but those close to the two individuals have reported that they are, in fact, not a couple. It was a one off and they are perfectly happy to have been assigned to new partners. Lucas Hammond’s new partner Dean Thomas is reportedly also a heterosexual male similar to Ronald Weasley. Auror Thomas is engaged to Auror Weasley’s sister, Ginny Weasley, and Auror Weasley is reportedly courting Ministry employee, Hermione Granger.
*-*
Draco closed the newspaper and tossed it away. He’d had enough of ‘current events’ for the week. Bored with nothing to do and Pansy being on a breakfast date with a French dignitary and Blaise visiting Germany with his family, Draco decided to clean out his study. He could have easily asked his house-elves to do it, but he wanted to do it on his own. He wanted-needed-to remember his school days, let go of some of the past, and embrace the rest of it.
An hour later, Draco had nearly organised the study. He held onto his potion books, and all his books on Quidditch: Beating the Bludgers-A Study of Defensive Strategies, Flying with the Cannons, Quidditch Through the Ages, and Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland. He didn’t need it, but it was the first book his father had bought him, so Draco decided to also hold onto Which Broomstick?
At last, he’d found the box that had all of his Eighth Year books. He had almost forgotten about the one McGonagall had given him and his friends. Sitting back down on the floor, Draco leaned against his desk and opened up Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles. He skimmed through the first few chapters, subject matter he was already aware of, Habitation Habits, Food, Shopping, Supermarkets, Transportation, Sports. He stopped at the section marked “Lifestyle”, especially Chapter 12: Evening Entertainment
Similar to balls and galas that wizards attend, Muggles are quite known for their evening entertainment. There are several venues under the category of “nightclubs” that Muggles visit for recreation. These nightclubs also knows as a discothèque, or simply a club or disco, often open their doors for business past nine o’clock in the evening.
Some Muggle restaurants open early for dinner and eventually are transformed into a nightclub with the help of their Muggle staff, whose primary tasks are to clear the level of all furniture.
A nightclub is different from a regular bar, pub or tavern, which are quite common in the Wizarding world, as these venues generally have an inclusion of a dance floor, a musical entertainer known as a DJ, who plays various genres including electronic, disco, hip hop, R&B, rock, reggae, and pop amongst a few. Various nightclubs tend to cater to different genres of music.
There are venues that strictly play electronic dance music, along with venues that may only cater to a certain type of crowd. Various nightclubs also participate in ‘theme’ nights such as: costume, couples only, or pertaining to one’s sexuality, for example, gay clubs (for more information, see: section D).
-*-*-*-*-Draco immediately closed the book when he read the words “gay clubs.” I am not bent, he reminded himself. It was lunchtime and Draco decided to take a break. He hopped in the shower, as cleaning out the study had made him quite dirty, and decided to pop over to Pansy’s for lunch and hear all about her date.
The entire time Pansy talked about the Frenchman, Draco’s thoughts diverted towards the book he’d been reading. Gay clubs, he thought. Muggles were more out and in the open about their sexuality and they had venues where other gay Muggles mingled-and danced. The thought intrigued Draco immensely. He was only used to the stuffy social shindigs his parents had taken him to and the closest thing he’d had to fun was Yule Ball in Fourth Year. Maybe I should go and explore these venues. Learn about a new culture. McGonagall would be proud.
I am just curious, not bent.
After saying his goodbyes to Pansy, Draco returned home to read up more on Muggle culture. When he arrived at the Manor, he noticed that his house-elf Dimpy had cleaned up and organised the study for him. However, the Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles was nowhere to be found. Draco hung his head low; he was utterly disappointed. He had left the book on the floor and Dimpy probably thought that it was to be discarded since he hadn’t placed it in the “books to keep” pile. He couldn’t yell at Dimpy even if he wanted to-he didn’t. After the war Draco had promised to be kind of his house-elves, something pure-blood wizards looked down upon, so he let it go.
Draco returned to his room and decided to take a nap. He’d have a conversation with his house-elf later about picking up on his projects when not instructed to do so. He could be firm with him about that.
When Draco retreated to his bedroom, he found a nice surprise. Dimpy had in fact placed the book on Draco’s nightstand.
“Dimpy!” Draco said and quickly the house-elf appeared.
“Yes, Master Draco, sir?” Dimpy said.
“Why did you put the book on my nightstand?” Draco was curious.
“Dimpy saw Master Draco reading it earlier, sir. So Dimpy thought that he could clean the study for Master Draco and Master Draco could have more time to read his book.” The house-elf had a look of fear plastered across his face.
“Thank you, Dimpy,” Draco said with a smile. Dimpy bowed and Disapparated.
Draco plopped himself on the bed and opened the book to the last page he had read: Various nightclubs also participate in ‘theme’ nights such as: costume, couples only, or pertaining to one’s sexuality: gay clubs (for more information, see: section D).
He immediately flipped over to section D.
*-*
Chapter 12, section D: Gay clubs.
A gay club is a nightclub that prefers to cater to an exclusively male clientele. Often there are rooms in the back of these venues where various Muggles are allowed discreetly to engage in sexual activities. The doormen at the clubs, often known as bouncers, may deny entry to any person. Women or heterosexual individuals are not banned from frequenting the gay club, however it is common practise for one to be accompanied by homosexual males in order to gain entry.
Many nightclubs, especially gay clubs, enforce a dress code in order to ensure a certain type of clientele is in attendance at the venue. Many upscale nightclubs ban attendees from wearing trainers or denims, while other nightclubs will advertise a vague "dress to impress" dress code that allows the bouncers to discriminate at will against those vying for entry to the club.
Many exceptions are made to nightclub dress codes, with denied entry usually reserved for the most glaring rule breakers or those thought to be unsuitable for the party. Certain nightclubs like fetish nightclubs may apply a dress code (BDSM) to a leather-only, rubber-only or fantasy dress code.
For more information on events around the Metropolitan areas, Wizards are encouraged to refer to periodicals aimed at the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities. Some famous magazines include: Attitude, Bent, Diva, Gay Times, Boyz, OUT THERE, and reFRESH.
*-*
Great, more research.
-*-*-*-*-The next morning Draco decided to venture out to his favourite Muggle café, the only Muggle café he frequented. The “introduction” to Muggle studies had told Wizards “one step at a time” when it came to integrating oneself in Muggle culture. “Go out to a café, a bookstore, the cinema-but not all on the same day.” Draco had only managed up to the cafés and he walked by a Muggle bookstore daily but never went inside.
Before going to work in the morning, Draco planned on overcoming his fear and entering the bookshop. Then he was going to go to his favourite café, Café Casablanca. A quick cup of café Mocha-Draco was addicted-then he’d do “research” in his downtime at the Apothecary.
Since he was going to be spending time with Muggles in the morning, Draco opted against dressing in Wizarding robes. He looked for a pair of black trousers with a black button-down shirt and a green tie. Draco entered WHSmith at nine o’clock sharp. He was the only person the shop besides the few employees.
“Hello, can I help you with anything?” a young shopkeeper asked him.
“Yes, I am looking for a magazine of sorts," Draco said. He was unsure of how to ask for information on gay magazines.
“What kind of a magazine?” she asked, smiling.
“For-entertainment,” Draco uttered.
“Adult entertainment?” the woman asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Maybe - but - not like that - magazines that have information on a specific type of culture - of people - and - information on entertainment around town?” Draco said, doing the best he could trying to explain what he was looking for.
“For adult entertainment?” she asked.
“Yes, for adults. I doubt they have periodicals for children in the genre of homosexuality!” Draco retorted. What is with her and the obsession on adult entertainment?
“Attitude?” she asked.
“Excuse me, if anyone is giving me attitude, it is you, Madam,” Draco snapped.
“No, I mean, you’re looking for magazines like Attitude. Or Boyz?”
“Yes, precisely,” Draco said, clearing his throat. He felt embarrassed.
“This way.” The woman pointed towards a small walkway on the right and walked Draco to the end where there was a small rack of magazines with shirtless men and women that were dressed as men.
“This is all?” Draco asked.
“Yes, we don’t really have a big clientele for this culture,” the woman said. “If you’re really looking for the good stuff,” she lowered her voice, “I’d recommend Time Out-it is London's only lesbian and gay bookshop.”
“Oh, very well. Thank you for your assistance, this shall do for now.” Draco smiled at her and watched her walk away before he picked up one of the magazines.
Fifteen minutes later with his selections, Draco walked up to the counter to pay for three periodicals he’d decided upon. Boyz had information on clubs around the city with information on what theme nights were implemented where. Out There discussed the arts, activism, fashion and travel. Gay Times simply had pictures of lots of shirtless Muggle men. Still he wasn’t bent. His interests were purely academic, of course.
“So will this be cash or card?” the woman asked.
“I am sorry? Oh, you mean-cash, I suppose. I haven’t got a Mug-I mean a credit card.” Draco flustered on his words.
After Draco paid for the three magazines, he headed to Café Casablanca. He was at the Apothecary by half past ten. To be safe, Draco placed a ‘notice-me-not’ Charm on his magazines just in case any one of the employees would be curious about the contents of the WHSmith bag and opened it.
Draco sat in the staff lounge at half past two, his first and only break for the day. Dimpy had been kind enough to deliver lunch and Draco was eternally grateful for that. He ate his sandwich while he looked through Boyz and he was overwhelmed. There was something scheduled at three different nightclubs every night from Thursday to Sunday.
His concentration was broken when Prince came in blubbering about an emergency, being unable to find a certain potion. Draco put the magazine away, restoring the Charms on the bag, and went to the front of the shop. He wouldn’t be free for the rest of the afternoon until it was time to go home at seven o’clock.
Much to his surprise, the person who had gotten Prince all flustered was Potter.
“Potter!” Draco exclaimed, immediately cursing himself for not acting unconcerned. The news from the Prophet flashed in front of Draco’s eyes and he felt as though he might lose his balance for a moment.
“Malfoy,” Potter said. Of course he was quite blasé. “We are researching the following ingredients that a suspect might have used to create a deadly potion; do you think you’ll be able to help?” He handed Draco a piece of parchment that had five ingredients listed.
“These are all ingredients used to create a poisoned vermin trap that can be harmful for wizards if swallowed. Well I suppose it’s harmful for Muggles as well, if swallowed,” Draco said. “These ingredients aren’t hard to come by and you don’t necessarily need to purchase them at a high-end Apothecary such as this one. One can purchase them at various shops around Diagon Alley-if they were looking to cover their tracks.”
“That’s what you thought,” said the other Auror who accompanied Potter; he had dark brown eyes and short auburn hair. It wasn’t Weasley; Draco remembered reading that Weasley was Potter’s new partner, so who was this bloke?
“You’re right, Lucas,” Potter said and Draco raised an eyebrow. Potter caught Draco’s expression and he immediately straightened his face. “Just wanted to be sure. Thanks for all your help, Malfoy.”
“Gentlemen,” Draco said as the Aurors left the shop. He tried not to pay close attention to Lucas Hammond who had a fit arse, if Draco had watched him walk away that is, which he totally did not.
“Why couldn’t you just tell them what the list would brew?” Draco asked, turning to Prince.
“I would have, but they insisted on speaking to you. They said it was a ‘complicated matter.’ I didn’t know they were looking for a poisonous vermin trap!” Prince said. “I am sorry I interrupted your lunch, Draco.”
Draco smiled. Prince was an old and kind man, daft, but kind. “It’s not a problem, Prince. It’s nearly half past three, why don’t you head on home? I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Prince nodded and walked away. The rest of the day went by smoothly; it wasn’t terribly busy but Draco still had a lot of work to catch up on. At seven o’clock, he closed up shop and returned home.
That night after dinner, Draco stayed awake in his bed well into the night reading each magazine through and through. He knew more about the LGBT culture of Britain than he cared for, but he, for some odd reason, truly cared for it. He decided that on Thursday night he was going to venture out to a particular gay club. He just couldn’t decide which one.
He came across several names in the magazines and read the descriptions several times. He finally decided to go to Casablanca. The Muggle gay club was on the opposite side of town from his favourite café, but the familiarity of the name stayed with Draco and he thought of it as a sign. He was going to Club Casablanca on Thursday. Next endeavour before Thursday night would be finding the right attire.
-*-*-*-*-Tuesday went by in a blur and Wednesday wasn’t looking very promising either. On Wednesday night, before heading home from the Apothecary, Draco sent Pansy an emergency owl and asked to meet her at the Manor as soon as possible. An hour later, Dimpy announced Pansy’s arrival to Draco. Draco was utterly relieved.
“Draco, what’s the big emergency?” Pansy asked worriedly.
“I am going out tomorrow night to a Muggle nightclub and I need help with what to wear. I didn’t have a chance to shop at Madam Malkin’s new shop Muggle Attire, so I want you to help me pick out something from what I’ve got.”
“Where are you going?” Pansy asked.
“This club, it’s called Casablanca,” Draco answered. He pointed at the magazines that were by his nightstand. “I know what you’re thinking, but-”
“Yes, you’re not bent,” Pansy said. She picked up one of the magazines and started to sift through the pages. She eventually stood up and walked to Draco’s wardrobe. “This... and this,” she said, throwing a pair of dark denims and a short-sleeved V-neck shirt at him.
“Are you sure?” Draco asked. “What about my Dark Mark? The sleeves are too-”
“Muggles are not going to care about your Dark Mark,” Pansy said. “They’ll think it’s cool!” She smiled softly at him. “I am glad you’re doing this, Draco. I mean, venturing out, doing something different.”
Draco beamed at her. “But you’re sure though, this seems all so-simple.”
“I looked through the magazine, there are articles on what the modern gay Brit is looking for in a man. Simplicity is key,” she answered and bubbled up.
Draco threw his short-sleeved shirt at her as she was mocking him. The rest of the evening went by smoothly as they shared a few glasses of wine before Pansy Flooed home. Draco wouldn’t really care what a modern gay Brit would want-he wasn’t bent. But he decided to stick with the advice anyway.
-*-*-*-*-Draco arrived at Casablanca at half past ten. Even though the club opened at nine o’clock, Draco learned enough from reading articles at Gay Times that no one arrived before half past ten, especially when making an entrance was all the rage.
Draco walked up to the bouncer and showed him his Charmed identification card. Chapter 12, section B of Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles stated that Muggles often relied on identification cards at various establishments where alcohol was involved. Though if you frequented a pub or a club long enough, they’d stop asking for it, but if it were one’s first time visiting, Wizards needed to make sure that they carried one with them. There were even instructions on how to create a magical identification card to match a Muggle one.
“First time?” the bouncer asked.
“Yes,” Draco answered nervously.
“No cover,” the bouncer announced.
“I beg your pardon?” Draco was confused for a moment.
“Casablanca policy, mate. If it’s your first time, then there’s no cover charge. Enjoy the night.” The bouncer all but pushed Draco aside and gestured for the bloke behind him to show identification.
“I suggest you go in before he changes his mind,” a young man with strawberry blond hair and similar height to Draco’s spoke. He pulled on Draco’s arm and took him through the doors. “Blimey, you look like a deer caught in the headlights,” the man added.
“I am sorry, I am not quite sure what that means,” Draco said hesitantly.
“Exactly,” the bloke laughed before he spoke again. “I am Mark, Mark Bradbury.”
“Draco Malfoy, pleasure.” Draco felt a bit at ease and smiled at Mark. “Sorry, as you may have heard -”
“First time, yeah. Even if I hadn’t heard it-” Mark smiled again and pulled Draco towards the bar. “Can I buy you a drink, Draco?”
“Sure, but I think you should know,” Draco spoke uncertainly as Mark stared at him with a blank expression, “I am not bent.”
“So what are you doing here?” Mark asked. A valid question, of course.
“Research, of sorts. I was curious,” Draco answered cautiously. He was nervous. He was sure this bloke would laugh at his face as some of his friends had. He’d simply shown interest in gay culture, it really didn’t mean he was gay.
“Curiosity,” Mark said, “that’s how we all start!” He smiled and looked at the bartender and gestured the ‘two’ sign. Shortly after, he had two small drinks in his hands and he handed one to Draco.
“What is it?” Draco asked. “I mean, thank you.” Bloody manners, Draco.
“It’s called The Godfather,” Mark said as he sipped on the drink and Draco followed. It was not bad.
“It’s quite good,” Draco said, smiling. “You’ll have to allow me to buy you the next one,” he added.
Mark nodded. “So not much of a drinker are you either, Draco Malfoy?”
“No, I do drink, just -” Butterbeer, no - Firewhisky, no that doesn’t sound Muggle either. “Wine. Red wine, mostly with my best friend, Pansy.”
“Pansy? Is that code for your non-boyfriend?” Mark teased.
Draco couldn’t help but laugh at the taunt. “She’d kill you if she heard you said that. She’s really just a friend-who is a girl-and she’s dating a French dignitary.”
“Ooh, red wine and French dignitaries. You don’t dress like you come from money,” Mark commented.
“Simplicity is key,” Draco answered, relieved he’d listened to Pansy.
Mark looked into Draco’s eyes and Draco smiled again. Shortly after, his gaze looked away as though he was eyeing someone approaching them. Draco didn’t turn to look. He was enjoying his first Muggle drink ever.
“I should have known you’d be the first to jump on a newbie, Mark.” Draco knew that voice, it was all too familiar. No it couldn’t be. Draco panicked and turned to the man standing next to him and, Merlin wasn’t doing Draco any favours, he was looking right into the emerald green eyes of Harry bloody Potter.
“Don’t bother, Harry,” Mark said. “He’s not bent.”
“Malfoy?” Potter exclaimed.
“Potter?” Draco all but screamed. The drink had hit him already. He should have had more to eat.
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world-”
“What-in the bloody hell are you doing here?” Draco asked.
“This is a gay club, and I am a gay... person,” Potter said. “What are you doing here? Mark tells me you’re not even bent.”
“I am not,” Draco said. “I just wanted to-I was reading the book McGonagall gave us, I mean me, I mean our house -”
“Mark,” Potter spoke, looking at Draco’s new friend. He nodded and stood up from his bar stool.
“It was nice to meet you, Draco, I’ll fetch you for that drink later on!” Mark said as he smiled graciously again at Draco and walked away. Draco tried to utter the words Thanks again, but Mark had already disappeared in the crowd.
“So why are you really here, Malfoy?” Potter asked.
“Did you solve your case-the mysterious occurrence of the poisoned vermin trap?” Draco asked. “And I thought I heard Weasley was your partner now, not Lucas Hammond.”
Potter raised an eyebrow and Draco immediately felt foolish. “You’re reading up on me?”
“No!” Draco snapped. “It was in the Sunday Prophet and I glanced at it. It’s not my fault you’re always in the bloody news, Potter.”
“It’s not my fault that the Prophet finds everything I do newsworthy and you have to suffer reading about it,” Potter retorted. He looked over towards the crowd and let out a huge grin. “Now if you’ll excuse me, my date is here and I am going to dance. I would ask you to join us, but seeing as you’re not bent, someone might get the wrong idea.”
Right.
Draco sank back in his seat and watched Potter hug some bloke that definitely wasn’t Lucas Hammond. They kissed briefly and disappeared in the dancing crowd. Mark approached a few moments later and Draco bought them another round of The Godfather. Afterwards, Mark took Draco to upper level of the club where from the balcony you could see the whole venue. It was huge. Mark told Draco that he liked coming to the balcony because it was good for people watching. Draco agreed.
Draco spotted Potter, really that set of hair was hard to miss, and his date dancing, arms intertwined in each other’s necks. Soon they switched positions and the other man, blue shirt, was grinding on Potter and he seemed to be enjoying it.
“So, how do you know Harry?” Mark asked. He must have noticed where Draco was staring.
“We went to school together,” Draco answered simply. “I had no idea that he’d be here, of all the clubs I had to randomly pick from, I can’t believe he’s at the same one!”
“And you two have never-”
“What? Gods, no!” Draco nearly shrieked. “Up until Sunday, I didn’t even know he was-and I am not-”
“Yes, I gathered that,” Mark replied.
“I should go,” Draco said. He felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. Mark had been great company, he was truly sweet and thoughtful, but seeing Potter had flustered Draco and he didn’t wish for his night to keep getting worse. He glanced over at Potter’s direction and saw him and blue shirt snogging. Now he definitely needed to leave.
“Alright,” Mark spoke a bit disappointedly. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow night?”
“I am not too sure about that,” Draco replied. “But, thank you for being so nice, Mark. It genuinely was a pleasure to meet you.”
“So, not bent huh?” Mark teased as he grabbed Draco’s hand and kissed it. “It’s a shame.”
Draco laughed. “Maybe we can have coffee sometime, as friends?”
Mark’s face lit up. “Definitely. I definitely don’t have enough coffee friends.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and a Muggle pen. “Here, this is my number. I don’t have a mobile yet but you can reach me there or leave me a message.”
“Right,” Draco said, taking the piece of paper. Note to self: look up Muggle forms of communication.
Mark pulled Draco into a hug and then walked away. Draco made his way down the steps to the front of the club and headed out. When he was out in the alleyway, almost ready to Disapparate home, he felt a pull on his arm.
“Malfoy, you’re leaving so soon?” Potter, of all the people, had chased after Draco.
“Yeah, it’s past midnight, and I’ve got to open up the shop,” Draco said. Not that I need to make an excuse to you, he thought.
“Oh, are you going to come by tomorrow?” Potter asked.
“Mark just asked me the same thing,” Draco noted. “What’s so special about tomorrow?”
“It’s my birthday,” Potter said.
“Oh,” Draco uttered. Why was Potter telling Draco this? They weren’t friends.
“Well my birthday’s on Sunday, but tomorrow is also my one year anniversary of coming to Casablanca, so it’s kind of a special night,” Potter added.
“I’m - I’m not sure,” Draco said. “We’re not exactly friends and this sounds like something more personal. You’re not spending your birthday with Granger and the Weasel?”
“I am,” Potter said. “Spending the day with Hermione and Ron, but this is at night.”
“I’ll see, Potter. I don’t want people to get the wrong idea if I visit two nights in a row,” Draco responded. He glared at Potter. His comment from earlier about not dancing because he’s not bent really upset him.
“Why did you really come here, Malfoy?” Potter asked.
“Not that it’s any of your business, Potter, but if you must know, I am tired of the same old routine. Unless I speak to the few friends I have left, I don’t really speak to anyone. I wanted a change of environment. I wanted somewhere new to go, somewhere where no one knows me. So I did some research, am doing some research, and found some clubs I wish to explore, part of my own lifestyle I wish to evaluate. So I came to a gay club. What’s it to you?”
He nodded curtly and turned around and walked away. Moments later he Disapparated. Short of running into Potter, he actually had had a pretty decent time.
-*-*-*-*-Draco didn’t actually have to open up shop on Friday. He had the day off; he’d simply made that excuse to leave the club without sounding as though he was scared, which he was. He woke up the next morning and decided upon brushing up on Muggle forms of communication. He consulted the book again and after breakfast headed out to Muggle London to use a phone booth. He was going to ring up Mark.
“Hello?” Mark answered the phone after the second ring, and Draco recognised his voice right away.
“Mark? This is Draco... Malfoy. From last night,” Draco said into the phone, wondering if his voice was audible. He’d read in the book that Muggles spoke into the phone with a normal tone and that shouting was unnecessary.
“Oh-of course Draco, I remember,” Mark said, his voice sounded enthusiastic.
“Listen, I was wondering-I’ve got the afternoon free and wanted to know if you’ll go shopping with me. I haven’t exactly-I mean-I don’t know-” Draco was flustered. How was he supposed to tell this Muggle that he needed Muggle clubbing attire?
“Okay, Draco. Meet me outside Drift on Oxford Street, and we can start from there. There are plenty of shops on Oxford. I am sure we’ll find something for you,” Mark answered.
“Great, see you there in an hour?” Draco asked and Mark agreed.
After he hung up on the phone, Draco was relieved. If he were to go back to Casablanca that night or some other club, he’d have new clothes. Now he simply needed to return to the newly renovated Gringotts and exchange more Galleons for Muggle money. How much does one need for clothes shopping? Draco was in luck, the currency exchange department in New Gringotts had informational brochures on “Shopping in the Muggle World.” An intense feeling of relief encompassed Draco.
When Draco arrived at Drift, Mark was already there waiting for him. Mark jumped up to hug Draco again and Draco was confounded. He’d never seen people hug this much outside of Gryffindor House. Draco began to wonder if Mark was a Wizard, what House he would have been Sorted into.
Mark knew the employees at Drift and they were easily able to help him pick out some clothes to try. After Drift they went to Urban Outfitters, Gap, and Dimensions. Draco had managed to purchase three pairs of denims, two black trousers and a handful of shirts. Mark tried on a shirt at Dimensions that Draco thought fit him really well.
“You should get it!” Draco encouraged Mark.
“I can’t-I can’t afford it,” Mark confessed with a sad face as he began to take it off and hang it back on the hanger.
“Let me buy it for you then,” Draco said. “You’ve wasted your entire afternoon on me, allow me to give it to you as a gift.”
“I can’t.” Mark hesitated.
“Please, I insist,” Draco said again and grabbed the shirt from Mark’s hand and turned to the associate. “All of these please and place this one in a separate bag.” He turned to look at Mark who seemed humbled. “Lunch?” Draco asked, ignoring Mark’s reaction. He was grateful that Mark had offered to spend time with him and had been wonderful company.
“So you’ll come tonight then?” Mark asked as they ate their lunch at Luna Café on Bedford Street.
“I am not sure, I might go somewhere else for the night. I need to see more of the scene before I settle on a place I wish to patronise,” Draco said nonchalantly. He had been thinking about returning to Casablanca an awful lot. He wished to see Potter’s interaction with Muggles, he wanted to know how Wizards could do it so easily. But then he remembered that Potter hadn’t grown up in the Wizarding world, he’s been acquainted to it after Hogwarts.
“I think you should come, anyway. It’ll be a lot of fun. It’s Harry’s birthday party, you know.”
“Yeah, he’s informed me,” Draco spoke again, his tone continuing to be unconcerned.
After lunch, which Draco also insisted on paying for, Mark and Draco hugged goodbye and Draco searched for the closest Apparition point to go home. He was excited to show his new wardrobe to Pansy.
-*-*-*-*-Draco didn’t like to admit it, but he was a creature of habit. He’d already familiarised himself with Club Casablanca that the thought of going to a new place and starting over didn’t seem appealing for the night. He figured venturing to a new venue could be saved for another weekend. “One step at a time,” he reminded himself.
He dressed in his new clothes and headed out to Casablanca. He arrived again at half past ten to find that Mark had been waiting by the door. They hadn’t planned on meeting up in advance, but Draco was glad for the coincidence. Mark took Draco’s hand and walked past the line that had formed around the club’s entrance. He turned to the bouncer and said, “He’s with me,” pointing at Draco and the bouncer nodded.
Draco had got in the club again free of charge and this time didn’t even have to wait in line. This was the kind of treatment Draco was used to as a Malfoy, and the feeling of nostalgia came across him and the thought of how much he missed his father. He wasn’t the best parent in the world, but having no father is worse than having a obstinate one.
“Malfoy, you came,” Potter said as soon as they’d entered the hall and Mark waved at him.
“Mark insisted upon it,” Draco said.
“I am glad he did,” Potter answered. Draco nodded and walked away to the bar. Mark followed.
They ordered two new drinks and Draco finally relaxed. Shortly after, Draco told Mark that he wanted to go up to the balcony again and do more of people watching. Mark nodded and followed him.
“You don’t have to come with me,” Draco said. “I mean, I welcome the company, but I don’t want you to have to feel like you need to always hold my hand.”
“I like being with you, you’re funny,” Mark answered. “If you want me to leave you alone, just say-”
“No, please, stay,” Draco interrupted.
They stood around the balcony for around a half hour as the waitress stopped by and refilled their drinks. Draco watched people dancing with fascination. This was, everything was, just so different than what he was used to. Men, hand in hand, embracing, dancing, snogging-it was-for lack of a better word, captivating.
“Do you want to dance?” Mark asked, breaking Draco’s concentration.
“No, I can’t-”
“Yes you can,” Mark said. “Just come with me.” He pulled on Draco’s arm as he finished the last of his drink and soon they were on the dance floor. Mark placed his arm around Draco and smiled. “Just ease into it, there’s no pressure,” he said.
Draco nodded. This too was also so different than the Yule Ball he’d gone to with Pansy. Draco held on to Mark’s waist and they both slowly moved to the music. “There you go,” Mark whispered and grinned immediately after.
Draco finally completely relaxed and they danced together for a few more songs as other blokes came around them and tried to dance with them. Mark jokingly tried to shoo them off and Draco laughed. They eventually returned to the bar for another round of drinks.
“You know, Draco, if you keep buying me drinks, I’ll think that your intentions aren’t really so noble,” Mark said.
“Oh, I assure you-” Draco hesitated.
“I am simply teasing, Draco. Relax!” Mark said again. He’d told Draco to relax at least a dozen times in the past two nights.
“Sorry, it’s been a while since-I’ve relaxed,” Draco said. Since sixth year, actually, Draco thought. The pressure of killing Dumbledore, becoming a Death Eater, the war, then redeeming oneself after the war-who would have time to relax?
“Want to go again?” Mark asked, pointing at the dance floor.
“I think I’ll just stay here, but why don’t you go ahead. I see that bloke in red eyeing you,” Draco said. Mark grinned and kissed Draco on the cheek and practically sprinted away. Soon after, he had his waist wrapped around with red shirt’s arms and they seemed lost in the moment. Draco might have felt a pang of jealousy. Not for Mark, he wasn’t interested in Mark like that, that’s why it was so easy to be friends with him. But just from the entire ordeal. Everyone was so at ease with everyone else-even if it was just for one night-and no one seemed to really care. It was incredible.
“You looked nice out there,” Potter interrupted Draco’s solitude. Draco scoffed. “No, I mean it, Malfoy. Mark’s a great bloke, I am glad you’re getting along so well with him.”
“We are just friends,” Draco snapped.
“I know, I didn’t mean it like that-" Potter sighed. “I just meant it’s nice to see you having fun, that’s all.”
“What does that mean?” Draco retorted again.
“Just that I haven’t really seen you in your element-having fun in a very long time. When I stopped by your shop the other day, I just saw how dedicated you were to the job. I wondered if you ever had any fun anymore.” Potter took a seat next to Draco on the bar stool.
“It’s not your job to look out for me,” Draco said. “The war is over, the trials are over, you are not indebted to me-"
“I know, but I can still care, Draco,” Potter said. Draco hated that he’d just called him by his given name. Why was Potter making this so personal?
“I’ve found someone else to care for me,” Draco said, pointing at Mark snogging red shirt. “Thank you, very much.” He laughed, realising how ridiculous he sounded. Potter joined him.
“Do you want to dance?” Potter asked, shocking Draco.
“No, thanks,” Draco said. “I am not bent,” he added with a smirk.
READ PART TWO
Author: digthewriter
Prompt: # 89 by tsosh for hd_fan_fair 2013
Book Title: Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: ~15,600
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco
Summary: Draco is in the closet but is still quite curious about the gay lifestyle. What happens when the first Muggle gay club Draco picks to attend and runs into the last person he wished to see?
Warnings/Content Notes: Overuse of the phrase “not bent.” The fic has SOME epithets-but trust me, they’re worth it.
Author's Notes: Thank you susannah_wilde for the beta and being so thorough and encouraging. I apologise for the lack of SMUT. (Alternate Links: AO3 / Dreamwidth)
"I am not bent," Draco told himself constantly. So why did he look at Roy Gillian's arse for an extra thirty seconds after he got out of the pool? His bathing suit's got a nice pattern-again just admiring the design and the fabric-doesn't mean you're bent, at all.
After the war and his father’s death, Draco was responsible for taking care of his mother and starting a new career away from the bad publicity of being a Malfoy. Draco returned to Hogwarts, took all of his N.E.W.T.s, and excelled amazingly in almost every class except for the required Muggle Studies. At his graduation, Professor McGonagall gifted him Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles along with a note that stated: You might find yourself working with or for Muggles someday. Times are changing and it's about time you keep up with them! Draco at first thought he was special, but then he realised that almost every Slytherin in his year had received that book. There was nothing special about him at all.
Using the Malfoy funds, Draco decided to partner with Nathaniel Prince, no relation to Snape's mother, and co-own the apothecary at Diagon Alley. He figured this was the least social interaction he could have in the Wizarding community given the horrible smell of bad eggs and cabbages. Anyone who entered the shop would only be there for business and would leave quickly enough.
Everything was going smoothly; Draco had just celebrated his twentieth birthday, his friends were doing well, and his mother was often taking a holiday in France, leaving Draco to his own discretion. Everything was great, or so he thought.
Draco made the mistake of reading the Prophet every Sunday morning. It was the only time he'd allowed himself that torture-but he did it anyway. His father's words rung in his ears: Proper pure-blood families are required to stay up to date in current events, yet not be overly knowledgeable that they seem desperate, so reading the paper once a week is enough. Unless you have a reason to be in the papers, one should not overly indulge themselves in the news of lesser beings.
And there it was - out and proud - so to speak: “Harry Potter: A raging homosexual.”
*-*
Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, recently finished his Auror training and is employed as a Junior Auror at the Ministry of Magic, was caught in a sexual act in the Men’s loo of the Leaky Cauldron with his partner, Lucas Hammond. The men were supposedly on their lunch break when a reporter saw them entering the loo one after the other. The Prophet reporter, Sam Wade, followed the two junior Aurors with the thought that they might be on a case and instead he found them moaning and pleasuring each other in the toilet stall. Harry Potter reportedly now has been assigned a new partner and has teamed up with his longtime friend Ronald Weasley. Apparently it is against Ministry regulations for two individuals who are partners to be romantically involved. Lucas Hammond and Harry Potter have denied any comments, but those close to the two individuals have reported that they are, in fact, not a couple. It was a one off and they are perfectly happy to have been assigned to new partners. Lucas Hammond’s new partner Dean Thomas is reportedly also a heterosexual male similar to Ronald Weasley. Auror Thomas is engaged to Auror Weasley’s sister, Ginny Weasley, and Auror Weasley is reportedly courting Ministry employee, Hermione Granger.
*-*
Draco closed the newspaper and tossed it away. He’d had enough of ‘current events’ for the week. Bored with nothing to do and Pansy being on a breakfast date with a French dignitary and Blaise visiting Germany with his family, Draco decided to clean out his study. He could have easily asked his house-elves to do it, but he wanted to do it on his own. He wanted-needed-to remember his school days, let go of some of the past, and embrace the rest of it.
An hour later, Draco had nearly organised the study. He held onto his potion books, and all his books on Quidditch: Beating the Bludgers-A Study of Defensive Strategies, Flying with the Cannons, Quidditch Through the Ages, and Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland. He didn’t need it, but it was the first book his father had bought him, so Draco decided to also hold onto Which Broomstick?
At last, he’d found the box that had all of his Eighth Year books. He had almost forgotten about the one McGonagall had given him and his friends. Sitting back down on the floor, Draco leaned against his desk and opened up Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles. He skimmed through the first few chapters, subject matter he was already aware of, Habitation Habits, Food, Shopping, Supermarkets, Transportation, Sports. He stopped at the section marked “Lifestyle”, especially Chapter 12: Evening Entertainment
Similar to balls and galas that wizards attend, Muggles are quite known for their evening entertainment. There are several venues under the category of “nightclubs” that Muggles visit for recreation. These nightclubs also knows as a discothèque, or simply a club or disco, often open their doors for business past nine o’clock in the evening.
Some Muggle restaurants open early for dinner and eventually are transformed into a nightclub with the help of their Muggle staff, whose primary tasks are to clear the level of all furniture.
A nightclub is different from a regular bar, pub or tavern, which are quite common in the Wizarding world, as these venues generally have an inclusion of a dance floor, a musical entertainer known as a DJ, who plays various genres including electronic, disco, hip hop, R&B, rock, reggae, and pop amongst a few. Various nightclubs tend to cater to different genres of music.
There are venues that strictly play electronic dance music, along with venues that may only cater to a certain type of crowd. Various nightclubs also participate in ‘theme’ nights such as: costume, couples only, or pertaining to one’s sexuality, for example, gay clubs (for more information, see: section D).
-*-*-*-*-Draco immediately closed the book when he read the words “gay clubs.” I am not bent, he reminded himself. It was lunchtime and Draco decided to take a break. He hopped in the shower, as cleaning out the study had made him quite dirty, and decided to pop over to Pansy’s for lunch and hear all about her date.
The entire time Pansy talked about the Frenchman, Draco’s thoughts diverted towards the book he’d been reading. Gay clubs, he thought. Muggles were more out and in the open about their sexuality and they had venues where other gay Muggles mingled-and danced. The thought intrigued Draco immensely. He was only used to the stuffy social shindigs his parents had taken him to and the closest thing he’d had to fun was Yule Ball in Fourth Year. Maybe I should go and explore these venues. Learn about a new culture. McGonagall would be proud.
I am just curious, not bent.
After saying his goodbyes to Pansy, Draco returned home to read up more on Muggle culture. When he arrived at the Manor, he noticed that his house-elf Dimpy had cleaned up and organised the study for him. However, the Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles was nowhere to be found. Draco hung his head low; he was utterly disappointed. He had left the book on the floor and Dimpy probably thought that it was to be discarded since he hadn’t placed it in the “books to keep” pile. He couldn’t yell at Dimpy even if he wanted to-he didn’t. After the war Draco had promised to be kind of his house-elves, something pure-blood wizards looked down upon, so he let it go.
Draco returned to his room and decided to take a nap. He’d have a conversation with his house-elf later about picking up on his projects when not instructed to do so. He could be firm with him about that.
When Draco retreated to his bedroom, he found a nice surprise. Dimpy had in fact placed the book on Draco’s nightstand.
“Dimpy!” Draco said and quickly the house-elf appeared.
“Yes, Master Draco, sir?” Dimpy said.
“Why did you put the book on my nightstand?” Draco was curious.
“Dimpy saw Master Draco reading it earlier, sir. So Dimpy thought that he could clean the study for Master Draco and Master Draco could have more time to read his book.” The house-elf had a look of fear plastered across his face.
“Thank you, Dimpy,” Draco said with a smile. Dimpy bowed and Disapparated.
Draco plopped himself on the bed and opened the book to the last page he had read: Various nightclubs also participate in ‘theme’ nights such as: costume, couples only, or pertaining to one’s sexuality: gay clubs (for more information, see: section D).
He immediately flipped over to section D.
*-*
Chapter 12, section D: Gay clubs.
A gay club is a nightclub that prefers to cater to an exclusively male clientele. Often there are rooms in the back of these venues where various Muggles are allowed discreetly to engage in sexual activities. The doormen at the clubs, often known as bouncers, may deny entry to any person. Women or heterosexual individuals are not banned from frequenting the gay club, however it is common practise for one to be accompanied by homosexual males in order to gain entry.
Many nightclubs, especially gay clubs, enforce a dress code in order to ensure a certain type of clientele is in attendance at the venue. Many upscale nightclubs ban attendees from wearing trainers or denims, while other nightclubs will advertise a vague "dress to impress" dress code that allows the bouncers to discriminate at will against those vying for entry to the club.
Many exceptions are made to nightclub dress codes, with denied entry usually reserved for the most glaring rule breakers or those thought to be unsuitable for the party. Certain nightclubs like fetish nightclubs may apply a dress code (BDSM) to a leather-only, rubber-only or fantasy dress code.
For more information on events around the Metropolitan areas, Wizards are encouraged to refer to periodicals aimed at the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities. Some famous magazines include: Attitude, Bent, Diva, Gay Times, Boyz, OUT THERE, and reFRESH.
*-*
Great, more research.
-*-*-*-*-The next morning Draco decided to venture out to his favourite Muggle café, the only Muggle café he frequented. The “introduction” to Muggle studies had told Wizards “one step at a time” when it came to integrating oneself in Muggle culture. “Go out to a café, a bookstore, the cinema-but not all on the same day.” Draco had only managed up to the cafés and he walked by a Muggle bookstore daily but never went inside.
Before going to work in the morning, Draco planned on overcoming his fear and entering the bookshop. Then he was going to go to his favourite café, Café Casablanca. A quick cup of café Mocha-Draco was addicted-then he’d do “research” in his downtime at the Apothecary.
Since he was going to be spending time with Muggles in the morning, Draco opted against dressing in Wizarding robes. He looked for a pair of black trousers with a black button-down shirt and a green tie. Draco entered WHSmith at nine o’clock sharp. He was the only person the shop besides the few employees.
“Hello, can I help you with anything?” a young shopkeeper asked him.
“Yes, I am looking for a magazine of sorts," Draco said. He was unsure of how to ask for information on gay magazines.
“What kind of a magazine?” she asked, smiling.
“For-entertainment,” Draco uttered.
“Adult entertainment?” the woman asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Maybe - but - not like that - magazines that have information on a specific type of culture - of people - and - information on entertainment around town?” Draco said, doing the best he could trying to explain what he was looking for.
“For adult entertainment?” she asked.
“Yes, for adults. I doubt they have periodicals for children in the genre of homosexuality!” Draco retorted. What is with her and the obsession on adult entertainment?
“Attitude?” she asked.
“Excuse me, if anyone is giving me attitude, it is you, Madam,” Draco snapped.
“No, I mean, you’re looking for magazines like Attitude. Or Boyz?”
“Yes, precisely,” Draco said, clearing his throat. He felt embarrassed.
“This way.” The woman pointed towards a small walkway on the right and walked Draco to the end where there was a small rack of magazines with shirtless men and women that were dressed as men.
“This is all?” Draco asked.
“Yes, we don’t really have a big clientele for this culture,” the woman said. “If you’re really looking for the good stuff,” she lowered her voice, “I’d recommend Time Out-it is London's only lesbian and gay bookshop.”
“Oh, very well. Thank you for your assistance, this shall do for now.” Draco smiled at her and watched her walk away before he picked up one of the magazines.
Fifteen minutes later with his selections, Draco walked up to the counter to pay for three periodicals he’d decided upon. Boyz had information on clubs around the city with information on what theme nights were implemented where. Out There discussed the arts, activism, fashion and travel. Gay Times simply had pictures of lots of shirtless Muggle men. Still he wasn’t bent. His interests were purely academic, of course.
“So will this be cash or card?” the woman asked.
“I am sorry? Oh, you mean-cash, I suppose. I haven’t got a Mug-I mean a credit card.” Draco flustered on his words.
After Draco paid for the three magazines, he headed to Café Casablanca. He was at the Apothecary by half past ten. To be safe, Draco placed a ‘notice-me-not’ Charm on his magazines just in case any one of the employees would be curious about the contents of the WHSmith bag and opened it.
Draco sat in the staff lounge at half past two, his first and only break for the day. Dimpy had been kind enough to deliver lunch and Draco was eternally grateful for that. He ate his sandwich while he looked through Boyz and he was overwhelmed. There was something scheduled at three different nightclubs every night from Thursday to Sunday.
His concentration was broken when Prince came in blubbering about an emergency, being unable to find a certain potion. Draco put the magazine away, restoring the Charms on the bag, and went to the front of the shop. He wouldn’t be free for the rest of the afternoon until it was time to go home at seven o’clock.
Much to his surprise, the person who had gotten Prince all flustered was Potter.
“Potter!” Draco exclaimed, immediately cursing himself for not acting unconcerned. The news from the Prophet flashed in front of Draco’s eyes and he felt as though he might lose his balance for a moment.
“Malfoy,” Potter said. Of course he was quite blasé. “We are researching the following ingredients that a suspect might have used to create a deadly potion; do you think you’ll be able to help?” He handed Draco a piece of parchment that had five ingredients listed.
“These are all ingredients used to create a poisoned vermin trap that can be harmful for wizards if swallowed. Well I suppose it’s harmful for Muggles as well, if swallowed,” Draco said. “These ingredients aren’t hard to come by and you don’t necessarily need to purchase them at a high-end Apothecary such as this one. One can purchase them at various shops around Diagon Alley-if they were looking to cover their tracks.”
“That’s what you thought,” said the other Auror who accompanied Potter; he had dark brown eyes and short auburn hair. It wasn’t Weasley; Draco remembered reading that Weasley was Potter’s new partner, so who was this bloke?
“You’re right, Lucas,” Potter said and Draco raised an eyebrow. Potter caught Draco’s expression and he immediately straightened his face. “Just wanted to be sure. Thanks for all your help, Malfoy.”
“Gentlemen,” Draco said as the Aurors left the shop. He tried not to pay close attention to Lucas Hammond who had a fit arse, if Draco had watched him walk away that is, which he totally did not.
“Why couldn’t you just tell them what the list would brew?” Draco asked, turning to Prince.
“I would have, but they insisted on speaking to you. They said it was a ‘complicated matter.’ I didn’t know they were looking for a poisonous vermin trap!” Prince said. “I am sorry I interrupted your lunch, Draco.”
Draco smiled. Prince was an old and kind man, daft, but kind. “It’s not a problem, Prince. It’s nearly half past three, why don’t you head on home? I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Prince nodded and walked away. The rest of the day went by smoothly; it wasn’t terribly busy but Draco still had a lot of work to catch up on. At seven o’clock, he closed up shop and returned home.
That night after dinner, Draco stayed awake in his bed well into the night reading each magazine through and through. He knew more about the LGBT culture of Britain than he cared for, but he, for some odd reason, truly cared for it. He decided that on Thursday night he was going to venture out to a particular gay club. He just couldn’t decide which one.
He came across several names in the magazines and read the descriptions several times. He finally decided to go to Casablanca. The Muggle gay club was on the opposite side of town from his favourite café, but the familiarity of the name stayed with Draco and he thought of it as a sign. He was going to Club Casablanca on Thursday. Next endeavour before Thursday night would be finding the right attire.
-*-*-*-*-Tuesday went by in a blur and Wednesday wasn’t looking very promising either. On Wednesday night, before heading home from the Apothecary, Draco sent Pansy an emergency owl and asked to meet her at the Manor as soon as possible. An hour later, Dimpy announced Pansy’s arrival to Draco. Draco was utterly relieved.
“Draco, what’s the big emergency?” Pansy asked worriedly.
“I am going out tomorrow night to a Muggle nightclub and I need help with what to wear. I didn’t have a chance to shop at Madam Malkin’s new shop Muggle Attire, so I want you to help me pick out something from what I’ve got.”
“Where are you going?” Pansy asked.
“This club, it’s called Casablanca,” Draco answered. He pointed at the magazines that were by his nightstand. “I know what you’re thinking, but-”
“Yes, you’re not bent,” Pansy said. She picked up one of the magazines and started to sift through the pages. She eventually stood up and walked to Draco’s wardrobe. “This... and this,” she said, throwing a pair of dark denims and a short-sleeved V-neck shirt at him.
“Are you sure?” Draco asked. “What about my Dark Mark? The sleeves are too-”
“Muggles are not going to care about your Dark Mark,” Pansy said. “They’ll think it’s cool!” She smiled softly at him. “I am glad you’re doing this, Draco. I mean, venturing out, doing something different.”
Draco beamed at her. “But you’re sure though, this seems all so-simple.”
“I looked through the magazine, there are articles on what the modern gay Brit is looking for in a man. Simplicity is key,” she answered and bubbled up.
Draco threw his short-sleeved shirt at her as she was mocking him. The rest of the evening went by smoothly as they shared a few glasses of wine before Pansy Flooed home. Draco wouldn’t really care what a modern gay Brit would want-he wasn’t bent. But he decided to stick with the advice anyway.
-*-*-*-*-Draco arrived at Casablanca at half past ten. Even though the club opened at nine o’clock, Draco learned enough from reading articles at Gay Times that no one arrived before half past ten, especially when making an entrance was all the rage.
Draco walked up to the bouncer and showed him his Charmed identification card. Chapter 12, section B of Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles stated that Muggles often relied on identification cards at various establishments where alcohol was involved. Though if you frequented a pub or a club long enough, they’d stop asking for it, but if it were one’s first time visiting, Wizards needed to make sure that they carried one with them. There were even instructions on how to create a magical identification card to match a Muggle one.
“First time?” the bouncer asked.
“Yes,” Draco answered nervously.
“No cover,” the bouncer announced.
“I beg your pardon?” Draco was confused for a moment.
“Casablanca policy, mate. If it’s your first time, then there’s no cover charge. Enjoy the night.” The bouncer all but pushed Draco aside and gestured for the bloke behind him to show identification.
“I suggest you go in before he changes his mind,” a young man with strawberry blond hair and similar height to Draco’s spoke. He pulled on Draco’s arm and took him through the doors. “Blimey, you look like a deer caught in the headlights,” the man added.
“I am sorry, I am not quite sure what that means,” Draco said hesitantly.
“Exactly,” the bloke laughed before he spoke again. “I am Mark, Mark Bradbury.”
“Draco Malfoy, pleasure.” Draco felt a bit at ease and smiled at Mark. “Sorry, as you may have heard -”
“First time, yeah. Even if I hadn’t heard it-” Mark smiled again and pulled Draco towards the bar. “Can I buy you a drink, Draco?”
“Sure, but I think you should know,” Draco spoke uncertainly as Mark stared at him with a blank expression, “I am not bent.”
“So what are you doing here?” Mark asked. A valid question, of course.
“Research, of sorts. I was curious,” Draco answered cautiously. He was nervous. He was sure this bloke would laugh at his face as some of his friends had. He’d simply shown interest in gay culture, it really didn’t mean he was gay.
“Curiosity,” Mark said, “that’s how we all start!” He smiled and looked at the bartender and gestured the ‘two’ sign. Shortly after, he had two small drinks in his hands and he handed one to Draco.
“What is it?” Draco asked. “I mean, thank you.” Bloody manners, Draco.
“It’s called The Godfather,” Mark said as he sipped on the drink and Draco followed. It was not bad.
“It’s quite good,” Draco said, smiling. “You’ll have to allow me to buy you the next one,” he added.
Mark nodded. “So not much of a drinker are you either, Draco Malfoy?”
“No, I do drink, just -” Butterbeer, no - Firewhisky, no that doesn’t sound Muggle either. “Wine. Red wine, mostly with my best friend, Pansy.”
“Pansy? Is that code for your non-boyfriend?” Mark teased.
Draco couldn’t help but laugh at the taunt. “She’d kill you if she heard you said that. She’s really just a friend-who is a girl-and she’s dating a French dignitary.”
“Ooh, red wine and French dignitaries. You don’t dress like you come from money,” Mark commented.
“Simplicity is key,” Draco answered, relieved he’d listened to Pansy.
Mark looked into Draco’s eyes and Draco smiled again. Shortly after, his gaze looked away as though he was eyeing someone approaching them. Draco didn’t turn to look. He was enjoying his first Muggle drink ever.
“I should have known you’d be the first to jump on a newbie, Mark.” Draco knew that voice, it was all too familiar. No it couldn’t be. Draco panicked and turned to the man standing next to him and, Merlin wasn’t doing Draco any favours, he was looking right into the emerald green eyes of Harry bloody Potter.
“Don’t bother, Harry,” Mark said. “He’s not bent.”
“Malfoy?” Potter exclaimed.
“Potter?” Draco all but screamed. The drink had hit him already. He should have had more to eat.
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world-”
“What-in the bloody hell are you doing here?” Draco asked.
“This is a gay club, and I am a gay... person,” Potter said. “What are you doing here? Mark tells me you’re not even bent.”
“I am not,” Draco said. “I just wanted to-I was reading the book McGonagall gave us, I mean me, I mean our house -”
“Mark,” Potter spoke, looking at Draco’s new friend. He nodded and stood up from his bar stool.
“It was nice to meet you, Draco, I’ll fetch you for that drink later on!” Mark said as he smiled graciously again at Draco and walked away. Draco tried to utter the words Thanks again, but Mark had already disappeared in the crowd.
“So why are you really here, Malfoy?” Potter asked.
“Did you solve your case-the mysterious occurrence of the poisoned vermin trap?” Draco asked. “And I thought I heard Weasley was your partner now, not Lucas Hammond.”
Potter raised an eyebrow and Draco immediately felt foolish. “You’re reading up on me?”
“No!” Draco snapped. “It was in the Sunday Prophet and I glanced at it. It’s not my fault you’re always in the bloody news, Potter.”
“It’s not my fault that the Prophet finds everything I do newsworthy and you have to suffer reading about it,” Potter retorted. He looked over towards the crowd and let out a huge grin. “Now if you’ll excuse me, my date is here and I am going to dance. I would ask you to join us, but seeing as you’re not bent, someone might get the wrong idea.”
Right.
Draco sank back in his seat and watched Potter hug some bloke that definitely wasn’t Lucas Hammond. They kissed briefly and disappeared in the dancing crowd. Mark approached a few moments later and Draco bought them another round of The Godfather. Afterwards, Mark took Draco to upper level of the club where from the balcony you could see the whole venue. It was huge. Mark told Draco that he liked coming to the balcony because it was good for people watching. Draco agreed.
Draco spotted Potter, really that set of hair was hard to miss, and his date dancing, arms intertwined in each other’s necks. Soon they switched positions and the other man, blue shirt, was grinding on Potter and he seemed to be enjoying it.
“So, how do you know Harry?” Mark asked. He must have noticed where Draco was staring.
“We went to school together,” Draco answered simply. “I had no idea that he’d be here, of all the clubs I had to randomly pick from, I can’t believe he’s at the same one!”
“And you two have never-”
“What? Gods, no!” Draco nearly shrieked. “Up until Sunday, I didn’t even know he was-and I am not-”
“Yes, I gathered that,” Mark replied.
“I should go,” Draco said. He felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. Mark had been great company, he was truly sweet and thoughtful, but seeing Potter had flustered Draco and he didn’t wish for his night to keep getting worse. He glanced over at Potter’s direction and saw him and blue shirt snogging. Now he definitely needed to leave.
“Alright,” Mark spoke a bit disappointedly. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow night?”
“I am not too sure about that,” Draco replied. “But, thank you for being so nice, Mark. It genuinely was a pleasure to meet you.”
“So, not bent huh?” Mark teased as he grabbed Draco’s hand and kissed it. “It’s a shame.”
Draco laughed. “Maybe we can have coffee sometime, as friends?”
Mark’s face lit up. “Definitely. I definitely don’t have enough coffee friends.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and a Muggle pen. “Here, this is my number. I don’t have a mobile yet but you can reach me there or leave me a message.”
“Right,” Draco said, taking the piece of paper. Note to self: look up Muggle forms of communication.
Mark pulled Draco into a hug and then walked away. Draco made his way down the steps to the front of the club and headed out. When he was out in the alleyway, almost ready to Disapparate home, he felt a pull on his arm.
“Malfoy, you’re leaving so soon?” Potter, of all the people, had chased after Draco.
“Yeah, it’s past midnight, and I’ve got to open up the shop,” Draco said. Not that I need to make an excuse to you, he thought.
“Oh, are you going to come by tomorrow?” Potter asked.
“Mark just asked me the same thing,” Draco noted. “What’s so special about tomorrow?”
“It’s my birthday,” Potter said.
“Oh,” Draco uttered. Why was Potter telling Draco this? They weren’t friends.
“Well my birthday’s on Sunday, but tomorrow is also my one year anniversary of coming to Casablanca, so it’s kind of a special night,” Potter added.
“I’m - I’m not sure,” Draco said. “We’re not exactly friends and this sounds like something more personal. You’re not spending your birthday with Granger and the Weasel?”
“I am,” Potter said. “Spending the day with Hermione and Ron, but this is at night.”
“I’ll see, Potter. I don’t want people to get the wrong idea if I visit two nights in a row,” Draco responded. He glared at Potter. His comment from earlier about not dancing because he’s not bent really upset him.
“Why did you really come here, Malfoy?” Potter asked.
“Not that it’s any of your business, Potter, but if you must know, I am tired of the same old routine. Unless I speak to the few friends I have left, I don’t really speak to anyone. I wanted a change of environment. I wanted somewhere new to go, somewhere where no one knows me. So I did some research, am doing some research, and found some clubs I wish to explore, part of my own lifestyle I wish to evaluate. So I came to a gay club. What’s it to you?”
He nodded curtly and turned around and walked away. Moments later he Disapparated. Short of running into Potter, he actually had had a pretty decent time.
-*-*-*-*-Draco didn’t actually have to open up shop on Friday. He had the day off; he’d simply made that excuse to leave the club without sounding as though he was scared, which he was. He woke up the next morning and decided upon brushing up on Muggle forms of communication. He consulted the book again and after breakfast headed out to Muggle London to use a phone booth. He was going to ring up Mark.
“Hello?” Mark answered the phone after the second ring, and Draco recognised his voice right away.
“Mark? This is Draco... Malfoy. From last night,” Draco said into the phone, wondering if his voice was audible. He’d read in the book that Muggles spoke into the phone with a normal tone and that shouting was unnecessary.
“Oh-of course Draco, I remember,” Mark said, his voice sounded enthusiastic.
“Listen, I was wondering-I’ve got the afternoon free and wanted to know if you’ll go shopping with me. I haven’t exactly-I mean-I don’t know-” Draco was flustered. How was he supposed to tell this Muggle that he needed Muggle clubbing attire?
“Okay, Draco. Meet me outside Drift on Oxford Street, and we can start from there. There are plenty of shops on Oxford. I am sure we’ll find something for you,” Mark answered.
“Great, see you there in an hour?” Draco asked and Mark agreed.
After he hung up on the phone, Draco was relieved. If he were to go back to Casablanca that night or some other club, he’d have new clothes. Now he simply needed to return to the newly renovated Gringotts and exchange more Galleons for Muggle money. How much does one need for clothes shopping? Draco was in luck, the currency exchange department in New Gringotts had informational brochures on “Shopping in the Muggle World.” An intense feeling of relief encompassed Draco.
When Draco arrived at Drift, Mark was already there waiting for him. Mark jumped up to hug Draco again and Draco was confounded. He’d never seen people hug this much outside of Gryffindor House. Draco began to wonder if Mark was a Wizard, what House he would have been Sorted into.
Mark knew the employees at Drift and they were easily able to help him pick out some clothes to try. After Drift they went to Urban Outfitters, Gap, and Dimensions. Draco had managed to purchase three pairs of denims, two black trousers and a handful of shirts. Mark tried on a shirt at Dimensions that Draco thought fit him really well.
“You should get it!” Draco encouraged Mark.
“I can’t-I can’t afford it,” Mark confessed with a sad face as he began to take it off and hang it back on the hanger.
“Let me buy it for you then,” Draco said. “You’ve wasted your entire afternoon on me, allow me to give it to you as a gift.”
“I can’t.” Mark hesitated.
“Please, I insist,” Draco said again and grabbed the shirt from Mark’s hand and turned to the associate. “All of these please and place this one in a separate bag.” He turned to look at Mark who seemed humbled. “Lunch?” Draco asked, ignoring Mark’s reaction. He was grateful that Mark had offered to spend time with him and had been wonderful company.
“So you’ll come tonight then?” Mark asked as they ate their lunch at Luna Café on Bedford Street.
“I am not sure, I might go somewhere else for the night. I need to see more of the scene before I settle on a place I wish to patronise,” Draco said nonchalantly. He had been thinking about returning to Casablanca an awful lot. He wished to see Potter’s interaction with Muggles, he wanted to know how Wizards could do it so easily. But then he remembered that Potter hadn’t grown up in the Wizarding world, he’s been acquainted to it after Hogwarts.
“I think you should come, anyway. It’ll be a lot of fun. It’s Harry’s birthday party, you know.”
“Yeah, he’s informed me,” Draco spoke again, his tone continuing to be unconcerned.
After lunch, which Draco also insisted on paying for, Mark and Draco hugged goodbye and Draco searched for the closest Apparition point to go home. He was excited to show his new wardrobe to Pansy.
-*-*-*-*-Draco didn’t like to admit it, but he was a creature of habit. He’d already familiarised himself with Club Casablanca that the thought of going to a new place and starting over didn’t seem appealing for the night. He figured venturing to a new venue could be saved for another weekend. “One step at a time,” he reminded himself.
He dressed in his new clothes and headed out to Casablanca. He arrived again at half past ten to find that Mark had been waiting by the door. They hadn’t planned on meeting up in advance, but Draco was glad for the coincidence. Mark took Draco’s hand and walked past the line that had formed around the club’s entrance. He turned to the bouncer and said, “He’s with me,” pointing at Draco and the bouncer nodded.
Draco had got in the club again free of charge and this time didn’t even have to wait in line. This was the kind of treatment Draco was used to as a Malfoy, and the feeling of nostalgia came across him and the thought of how much he missed his father. He wasn’t the best parent in the world, but having no father is worse than having a obstinate one.
“Malfoy, you came,” Potter said as soon as they’d entered the hall and Mark waved at him.
“Mark insisted upon it,” Draco said.
“I am glad he did,” Potter answered. Draco nodded and walked away to the bar. Mark followed.
They ordered two new drinks and Draco finally relaxed. Shortly after, Draco told Mark that he wanted to go up to the balcony again and do more of people watching. Mark nodded and followed him.
“You don’t have to come with me,” Draco said. “I mean, I welcome the company, but I don’t want you to have to feel like you need to always hold my hand.”
“I like being with you, you’re funny,” Mark answered. “If you want me to leave you alone, just say-”
“No, please, stay,” Draco interrupted.
They stood around the balcony for around a half hour as the waitress stopped by and refilled their drinks. Draco watched people dancing with fascination. This was, everything was, just so different than what he was used to. Men, hand in hand, embracing, dancing, snogging-it was-for lack of a better word, captivating.
“Do you want to dance?” Mark asked, breaking Draco’s concentration.
“No, I can’t-”
“Yes you can,” Mark said. “Just come with me.” He pulled on Draco’s arm as he finished the last of his drink and soon they were on the dance floor. Mark placed his arm around Draco and smiled. “Just ease into it, there’s no pressure,” he said.
Draco nodded. This too was also so different than the Yule Ball he’d gone to with Pansy. Draco held on to Mark’s waist and they both slowly moved to the music. “There you go,” Mark whispered and grinned immediately after.
Draco finally completely relaxed and they danced together for a few more songs as other blokes came around them and tried to dance with them. Mark jokingly tried to shoo them off and Draco laughed. They eventually returned to the bar for another round of drinks.
“You know, Draco, if you keep buying me drinks, I’ll think that your intentions aren’t really so noble,” Mark said.
“Oh, I assure you-” Draco hesitated.
“I am simply teasing, Draco. Relax!” Mark said again. He’d told Draco to relax at least a dozen times in the past two nights.
“Sorry, it’s been a while since-I’ve relaxed,” Draco said. Since sixth year, actually, Draco thought. The pressure of killing Dumbledore, becoming a Death Eater, the war, then redeeming oneself after the war-who would have time to relax?
“Want to go again?” Mark asked, pointing at the dance floor.
“I think I’ll just stay here, but why don’t you go ahead. I see that bloke in red eyeing you,” Draco said. Mark grinned and kissed Draco on the cheek and practically sprinted away. Soon after, he had his waist wrapped around with red shirt’s arms and they seemed lost in the moment. Draco might have felt a pang of jealousy. Not for Mark, he wasn’t interested in Mark like that, that’s why it was so easy to be friends with him. But just from the entire ordeal. Everyone was so at ease with everyone else-even if it was just for one night-and no one seemed to really care. It was incredible.
“You looked nice out there,” Potter interrupted Draco’s solitude. Draco scoffed. “No, I mean it, Malfoy. Mark’s a great bloke, I am glad you’re getting along so well with him.”
“We are just friends,” Draco snapped.
“I know, I didn’t mean it like that-" Potter sighed. “I just meant it’s nice to see you having fun, that’s all.”
“What does that mean?” Draco retorted again.
“Just that I haven’t really seen you in your element-having fun in a very long time. When I stopped by your shop the other day, I just saw how dedicated you were to the job. I wondered if you ever had any fun anymore.” Potter took a seat next to Draco on the bar stool.
“It’s not your job to look out for me,” Draco said. “The war is over, the trials are over, you are not indebted to me-"
“I know, but I can still care, Draco,” Potter said. Draco hated that he’d just called him by his given name. Why was Potter making this so personal?
“I’ve found someone else to care for me,” Draco said, pointing at Mark snogging red shirt. “Thank you, very much.” He laughed, realising how ridiculous he sounded. Potter joined him.
“Do you want to dance?” Potter asked, shocking Draco.
“No, thanks,” Draco said. “I am not bent,” he added with a smirk.
READ PART TWO