Chapter 1 Harry

I sit in bed staring in the dark. It probably was only a little before dawn. Nights like these I can never sleep straight through. Maybe my conscience doesn't like the idea of me passing out with some person I don't know.

Tonight was crazy, I'll tell you that. Another great party with great drugs and great booze. However, I can't really remember the party itself or who the arm draped over me belonged to. It's actually really sad that I can't remember if the arm's owner is a boy or a girl. It's also really sad that I don't care because to be this twisted, the party had to be pretty great.

I lean over to my night stand and search blindly around the surface for the aspirin bottle. Finding the bottle, I pop two in my mouth and swallow them dry. Sometimes muggle drugs work well enough for those awful hangover, and there's the fact that I can't remember if my person is a muggle or a person of magical powers. They're probably magic, because only wizard potions fuck you up this bad.

I pick up a miscellaneous cigarette and light it. Nothing like smoking away my troubles until my mysterious person wakes up. Curiosity finally takes over when I think about how early it is and I nudged the person lightly. They roll onto to their back and groan. A relieved sigh escapes my mouth. I know this one.

"Couldn't remember who you took home, could you Potter?"

I chuckle lightly. Ash knows me so well. "No no, I just wanted some company."

Ash stretches and yawns. "Bullshit. No decent person would party as hard as we did and get up at this hour. The suns not even out yet. Let me get a smoke?"

I nod and hand the fag in my mouth over to him. We pass it back and forth for awhile before he speaks again.

"You know Harry, you're getting crazier... And not in good way. I was just glad I could get you home safe," Ash tells me quietly.

I stare at him and he stares back. Ash is quite fit but in his own way. He's delicate but can stand on his own without any trouble. His piercing blue eyes scream authority but his dark long lashes and pink lips give him an innocent air. His hair is a caramel brown with neat waves and he has dimples to add to his child like appearance. He knows he looks like a kid with his thin frame and skillful piano hands so he has several piercings. One in his eyebrow, his nose, his bottom lip, and three in each ear. He acts and parties like a badass, but his sweetness is what keeps me centered.

I once thought I was in love with Ash, he was the first guy I had sex with, but he told me I couldn't love anyone until I loved myself. Deep shit, I know. So now we're just friends who occasionally make out when we're drunk but never anything more.

"Harry?" Ash asks, interrupting my thoughts.

"Yeah?"

He takes a puff on the cigarette and raises an eyebrow. "Any comments on what I said?"

I shrug my shoulders. "I don't know Mr. Greyes. Maybe I am getting a little crazy. Maybe I like it like that."

Ash shakes his head and hands me the cigarette. I take a drag while he stands up and slips on his pants and heads toward the door.

"I'm going to shower. Join me?"

I waggle my eyebrows, get out the bed and follow Ashton. He was always good at changing the subject when it was going nowhere.

Thirty minutes later we're clean and enjoying the comfort of my couch. Right when I'm about to suggest the possibility of breakfast the floo rings. I groan at the thought of talking to anyone other than Ash.

Ash then prods my hip with his toes. "Don't be rude. Answer it."

I roll my eyes, but oblige. Little to my surprise it's Hermione Granger, probably reminding me about some event I never officially agreed to.

"Good morning Harry. Oh is that Ashton?"

"Yes, morning Hermione," he greets cheerfully.

"Morning Ashton. I was hoping I didn't wake anyone, but seems like I didn't." Ashton chuckles and nods.

"Yes yes g'morning Mione. What can I do for you?" I interject.

"Well I know your wild Friday night escapades mess with your memory so I'm here to remind you about tonight's get together at that bar I was telling you about."

"Hmm I don't remember anything about that actually," I admit to her.

"You never do," Ash mutters in the background. I stick out my tongue and he gives me an obscene gesture in return.

"Well yes I was expecting that and that's why I called. I did it early too before you could make new plans," Hermione says with a hint of pride. "So be at the Lucky Wolf by 8. I sent you the coordinates by owl two days ago so go find that. Oh and Ashton feel free to come. See you later!" Hermione then clicks off leaving the house quiet.

"God that Hermione Granger is too bright," I groan. "I really don't want to meet her rich and well established friends."

Ash laughs quietly. "But you're the boy who lived. I studied you in bloody school. That's gotta count for something."

I just shake my head. "Yeah but then they're going to ask, 'So what amazing things does Harry Potter do now?' and I'm going to have nothing to say except that I'm blowing my money and getting drunk every night."

"Are you unhappy about that?"

Sighing I answer, "Ash don't get all philosophical on me. I don't bloody care. It's just a pain that everyone's always expecting something from me. I won a fucking war, isn't my part done?"

"Superman doesn't typically give up his cape."

I laugh and Ash joins in. "Ash you're so corny," I tell him.

"Yeah whatever, let's eat."

It's 7:45 and I'm still not dressed. I lay in the bed in nothing but my pants, playing on Ash's new muggle tablet. Like Hermione, Ash's muggle born so he's always got the newest electronics sent from his parents. His fascination with the toys almost reminds me of Mr. Weasley.

Ash walks in at 7:50 smoking a joint and looking flawless. He straightens out his sleeves and smooths down his hair in the mirror over the dresser before acknowledging me.

"Harry James Potter. We are not going to be late," he waves his hand, wandlessly summoning clothes I picked out earlier, "get dress sir."

I groan loudly and cover my face with a pillow. I feel Ash plop down on the bed next to me. I peek and he hands me the joint. Thankfully, I take a drag and instantly start feeling the effects.

"Damn Ashton what is this? Can't be a part of my stash, It's bloody strong."

"Yeah my friend got me that stuff from Amsterdam. Pretty good right? I'm already smacked. I thought it would take the edge off."

"Well you were damn right," I cough as I exhale while laughing at the same time.

Ash nods in approval and takes the joint from me, taking his own puff. Then suddenly shoves me off the bed. "Get dressed and be ready in five," he demands, getting up and walking out.

I laugh. "not with this hair!" I call after him.

After locating Hermione's coordinates earlier, Ash made me pick out clothes so we wouldn't be rushing later. We ended up picking a tight white v-neck, black fitted jeans, black dragon hide boots, and a leather jacket to go over top. I throw all of this on and check my appearance in the mirror. Five years after Hogwarts, I have changed. No more glasses, I grew a little taller, and the thinness was replaced with muscle. I even have a little five o'clock shadow, but that's mainly due to my laziness. However, my hair refuses to be tamed. I settle with a quick finger comb through my hair and leave the bedroom in search of Ash. As expected he's in the living room, looking very sharp in a light blue button up shirt, dark trousers, and dress shoes. Ash has always had impeccable fashion. Much thanks to him for helping me improve over the years.

"You look hot," he compliments, smoking on the joint. I take it from him and take a couple hits until I feel the tension leave my body.

"Don't I always? Let's just get this over with, eh?"

He nods, takes my arm and we sidearm apparate a block away from the bar. We're in the middle of muggle London and life is bustling around us. Lights flash in the dark night street and we weave our way in between people, following Hermione's directions. Eventually we stop in front of a large pub with neon lights flashing, "The Lucky Wolf." It's windows are black tinted so we can't see inside but I can tell there's a crowd already every time a person exits the main doors and sound drifts out.

I take a breath. "Thanks for coming Ash."

"Don't mention it. It's been awhile since I've seen Mione."

"Well let's do this," I say walking towards the door but Ash grabs my arm. He laughs quietly and waves his hand. An aroma of flowers surrounds us.

"We smelt like straight potheads," he chuckles. "Just a quick freshening charm to do the trick."

I laugh too, still feeling the effects of the weed. "Potter the Pothead. Great Prophet headline, eh?"

Ash just shakes his hand walks inside with me at his heels. As expected it's crowded and the noise is almost deafening. I can tell this is a classy place, though. The tables are covered in red cloth, there are flat screen T.V.'s all around the bar. The walls are brick and the floors are dark hardwood. Girls in cute black dresses go around serving people and not to mention the lighting is low and sensuous. It all yells class and a good time.

After straining to see over the crowd I eventually spot Hermione in a large booth with a group of familiar people and pull Ashton in that direction. We finally make it and Hermione jumps up, choking me in a hug.

"Oh Harry you came!" she squeals.

I laugh, "Mione of course I would come."

"Only because I forced him," Ash mutters, making Hermione laugh.

She releases me and looks me over. Hermione herself looks very good in a black bodycon dress and red heels, with her hair in a messy bun. As she moves to hug Ash, I'm embraced in a red headed bear hug. Who would've thought Ron could've gotten any taller.

"It's been a minute, mate! Where've you been? I've missed you Harry," Ron says in one breath, smiling broadly.

"Yeah mate I've missed you too. It's a tad bit hard getting time with the well acclaimed auror Weasley," I joke and avoiding the real question.

Ron beams at me and drags me over so that Hermione can introduce me to everyone.

"Hey everyone, this is Harry and Ashton. Harry you already know Ginny, Neville, Luna, Seamus, Dean, Draco, and then there's..."

But I don't hear anything after Hermione says Draco. Draco Malfoy? He was always a prat, so since when has Hermione been friends with him? I don't remember her ever mentioning him. Why would they even consider each other 'friends'? Not to mention that he looks great. His hair is lose and not gelled like it usually was in our school days. I wonder if it's as soft as it looks. Then his face looks happy and relaxed, not like the war days when we were all hanging in between life and death, it was almost glowing. His grey eyes almost seems blue and his jean shirt makes him look even more laid back. Was this new Malfoy the reason why him and Hermione were able to become friends?

"Harry stop staring, let's sit," Ash whispers. I snap out of my trance but can't help staring at Malfoy. His air draws me in. Somehow I end up sitting in between Ash and Malfoy while Ron and Hermione go order another round of drinks. My nerves start to return when he turns to me.

"So, Potter long time no see," Malfoy says coolly.

"Yeah Harry it's been so long, mate!" Seamus chimes in.

"I hope the whackspurts haven't been giving you any trouble," Luna adds.

"We've missed you," Neville tells me.

"It been awhile since you've visited the burrow. This Ash guy hasn't been the one keeping you away, huh?" Ginny jokes.

More hello's and we've missed you's and where have you been's are thrown into the conversation, leaving me at a lost for words.

Ash just laughs easily, "Harry likes to stay holed up in his apartment all the time. I'm the reason why he occasionally leaves the house."

Dean raises an eyebrow. "So Ash, are you the boyfriend or something."

I blush and laugh awkwardly while Ash smiles and shakes his head.

"We're just friends," I tell everyone.

"With benefits," Ron adds slyly as he and Hermione return carrying lagers for everyone. I instantly gulp down a third of mine.

Ash tries to explains, "no no no. Not anymore at least." Oohs fill the table.

"Enough enough," Hermione says trying to calm the table down and take the attention from me. "Harry did you meet Nathan? We work together at St. Mungos. Then there's Rose and Karina from the ministry. Did you all get acquainted?"

Nathan, a dark handsome man, shakes my hand. Rose then says hi. She's a small girl with wispy red hair and an air that reminds me of Luna. Karina gives me a stiff nod. Her green grey eyes pierce through me and stand out starkly against her tan skin. She has cropped black hair and a strong jawline. She's interesting to look at, but she's beautiful and I instantly like her.

"So Harry Potter what do you do know that you're not saving the world?" Nathan asks. I instantly cringe at the question, dreading having to answer with nothing.

"Nothing you would imagine. It would've been all in the Prophet if he had been doing anything. And I think the world's savior deserves a long vacation, eh?" Karina interjects. I instantly love her even more.

"I would imagine doing absolutely nothing would be boring though," Malfoy says.

"I'd call it peaceful," I tell him and the whole table, while nursing my beer.

"Well I hear you're quite the party er, Harry," Ginny mentions slyly. Why? Was she trying to make things extra awkward for me? I couldn't tell you. Maybe shes still upset about our tragic break up after the war. We had dated for a year but I was too unstable and confused for a real relationship. I couldn't keep being the golden boy. I had to break free.

"Oh enough about Harry for Merlin's sake," Ron whines. "Neville tell us about that new potion you guys are working on."

The conversation instantly turns to work and everyone's projects and achievements. Ron and Karina are well known aurors, having the highest amount of arrest in their department. Nathan, Luna, Malfoy and Hermione all work at Mungos in the emergency room and are saving lives everyday. I guess that's where Hermione and Draco became friends. Rose works in the department of magical creatures which fits her character and she's writing a book on the care of magical creatures on the level of a Hogwarts textbook. Neville is still dealing with herbology but now deals with potions to create new medicines and remedies which is surprising, knowing his past experience with potions. He says it's hard but he enjoys it. Seamus and Dean own a booming quidditch clinic and equipment store. Ginny is on a break from touring with the Holly Harpies and enjoying her last week before she goes back to pro quidditch training. Ash even talks about his potential teaching opportunity at Hogwarts which I didn't even know about.

"Ash are you serious?" I ask after he shares the news.

"Yeah I was going to tell you last night but you were just too crazy and out of it. I thought now was as good as ever," he tells me.

I nod and let the conversation flow over me as I think about the news. If Ash becomes a teacher, he'll have to live on campus and that'll be the end of our late nights and making sure I get home safe. The end of Harry and Ash. Soon I excuse myself from the table. I weave my way through herds of people until I reach the front doors and am able to breath in the crisp night air. Leaning on the side of the brick building, I gaze at the sky. Everyone is changing, their lives going somewhere and I'm just stuck. I'm stuck and I don't know why or how I can get out. I reach for a cigarette and light one to calm my nerves, but the smoke doesn't ease my feelings. Ginny once told me while we were dating and I was having a panic attack, that I should close my eyes and try to focus on evening my breaths but right now I just can't. My hand wanders into my pocket and play with the candy like pills with the letter e on them. How great would it be to just get away right now. This night doesn't have to go to waste.

"Alright there Potter?"

My eyes fly open to see Malfoy standing next to me.

"Just peachy. I was only getting some air," I assure him.

It's quiet for a minute, then he says, " I didn't know you smoked."

A bitter laugh escapes from within. "there's a lot you don't know about me, Malfoy."

Awkward silence fills the space between us and the he asks, "can I get a smoke?"

I just nod and hand him the pack. A long and elegant finger picks out one individual cigarette and I light it for him. He leans back and closes his own eyes, enjoying the smoke. I take this opportunity to observe him. His pale lips fit perfectly around the bud as his hair falls gently in his face, looking silver in the street light. His smooth throat makes my throat dry as I watch him swallow. He doesn't cough so I can tell he's done this quite a few time before to smoke so effortlessly. Right now, Draco Malfoy is beautiful.

"Malfoy do you want to go somewhere with me?"

Malfoy opens his eyes slowly and search my own eyes for a long time.

"Yeah sure," he says coolly.

I can't help my grin and say, "Great."