Hey~ This is my first fanfic so...please go easy on me. I'm quite inexperienced at this so any advice is thoroughly appreciated! Rated M for future lemons, and well...you know the rest. I tried to make this as fluffy as possible so...I hope you like it~
Thank you in advance ^^
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and any of the characters, as much as I want to. They all belong to J.K Rowling. *cries silently in corner*
The war had ended. Harry had finally won the war - after much struggle of course. Everything was over, all the death subsided, and finally, for once, he was at peace. He was at peace. For the first time in his life, he didn't have to worry about dying, defeating and living up to expectations - if he survived. It was all well and gone. He mourned all of his friend's deaths sincerely - especially Fred's. Unfortunately, however, due to the war, Hogwarts had been ruined; crumbled to ash and dust. This stopped all of the students in their seventh year from finishing it.
"You called me, professor?" Harry spoke quietly and respectfully to his former head of house - now Headmistress - Minerva Mcgonagall. He had a deep and underlying respect for her, rooting deep into his soul.
"Ah, yes. Harry. It's good to see you," she said in a tone that made Harry anticipate bad news. She offered him a small smile of comfort but he brushed it off, refusing to cover up the bad news that his professor needed to tell him. "I just wanted to inform you of this verbally - not just in a letter like the other students. The professors and I have decided to rebuild Hogwarts, along with the Ministry's permission to do so. We have decided to keep all the students for an eighth year to finish their education. They are all required to attend next year." She pressed her mouth into a thin, wavering line; she wanted to see his reaction to the news. His mind wondered idly as he saw a glint in Mcgonagall's hard gaze.
"That's not all, is it?" he asked, a sigh escaping from his lips.
"Draco Malfoy is being charged by the Ministry and hasn't been able to reach a verdict," she started, voice wavering slightly at the pronunciation of the former Death Eater. "His parents are already in Azkaban, Harry. The boy has gone through enough. I want you to defend him."
He looked at her for a moment, slack-jawed, disbelieving a word she had spoken. "What do you me-"
"Harry," she cut him off in a sharp tone. A warning glance was thrown in his direction. "I know he didn't do any of the things he did willingly. Go and rescue him from the Ministry. He doesn't deserve to rot in Azkaban like his parents."
He sighed, running a hand through his already messed-up curls of chestnut-colored hair. After much reluctance, he nodded in agreement; as much as he hated to admit it, she was right. He knew that Draco wouldn't have done the things he did willingly. A pang of sympathy racked through his strong frame and he couldn't help but feel sorry for his so-called enemy. "I'll do it."
Without further discussion, he raised his wand and disapparated with a sharp crack.
Everyone was given the option to stay for 8th year to finish Hogwarts. It was only fair to allow them to finish their education to let them chase their former dreams. He followed the Headmistress's request and spoke for Draco Malfoy at the Ministry's court, making him keep his fortune and all his belongings, as well as proving him innocent of all claims against him. He seemed reluctant - of course - but he did it in the end. It took a lot of convincing the Ministry that Draco didn't do anything wrong and refused to raise his wand against Dumbledore. He didn't do anything willingly and...they believed him, after all, he was the Boy-Who-Lived, so he had to be trusted, but in the end, he just used that title to manipulate the Ministry into trusting him. He did what he needed to do.
"Potter?" Draco's voice quivered slightly, rubbing at the wood of his wand. Harry refused to look at him. After all, how could he talk to someone that he supposedly hated? They were meant to hate each other, and look at what he's gone and done. Draco let out a huff of annoyance as Harry ignored him. He could not believe that Gryffindors would stoop so low as to ignore people's presences. That was just plain rude. He would have taken an insult better than this. "Potter, look at me."
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry snapped, growling low in his throat as he locked his gaze with grey pools of emotionless mercury. "I don't have time for your insults."
Draco paled in response before taking a step back from the feisty Gryffindor, as if he was just slapped. After much silence, he whispered a small "Thank you."
Harry stood there, nodding his head. He couldn't seem to get past that lump in his throat that seemed to merge with his guilt. "See you next year, Malfoy." Harry disapparated with a loud crack - again. He was always doing this, running away from conversations - especially Ron and Hermione. He really didn't want to face anyone right now; he just wanted to mull over things until next year. As he thought of it, a fluttery feeling bounced itself in an alien fashion when he thought about seeing Draco Malfoy. It was unknown to him why he would. He knew he was gay - that was well known after his break up with Ginny - but Draco Malfoy?
All he could think about was those grey eyes that seemed to be filled with masked emotions and tousled blonde hair - not gelled as usual. He wondered if it was as soft as it seemed. An urge built inside him to run his fingers through it and hold the Malfoy's delicate frame protectively.
Was he in love with Draco? Yes. It seemed impossible to him but ever since fourth year, he couldn't get Draco out of his head. He was obsessed with him - picking fights, brawls, anything to get his attention, but was the feeling mutual? No, and it never will be.
The year came and he was excited and scared of what awaited him. His friends, acquaintances, professors; so many of them anticipating his return. Melancholy flooded through him as he entered platform nine and three quarters, eyes locking onto a couple waiting out for him.
"Harry!" Hermione cried out, bolting towards him, wrapping him in a hug. He smiled fondly at her, remembering their treasured times together as friends.
"Mate, I've missed you," Ron's familiar voice occupied his attention, being tossed into another bone-crushing hug. He smiled at them weakly; he didn't want to speak. He didn't know what to say to them after what they all went through. After exchanging pleasantries and talking about their lives, a familiar train pulled up at the station - Hogwarts Express. They climbed onto it hastily, quickly snatching up a cabin to sit altogether at. He looked outside expectantly, finding a mop of blonde hair rush onto the train. Draco. His eyes were fixated outside, nodding his head quietly when asked a question, sometimes shrugging his shoulders. He watched Ron and Hermione out of the corner of his eyes as they shared experiences as well as how much they missed each other. He gagged silently at the exchange - he didn't like their PDA. At least not his childhood friends.
They arrived at Hogwarts soon after, and a variety of 'oohs' and 'aahhs' could be heard from every cabin on the train as they looked at the rebuilt castle, grander than ever before. They followed their usual routine: exit the train, get escorted to the Great Hall, hear the new Headmistress's speech. She smiled at them all wryly, looking over the first years. They went through the torturous process of sorting them all out individually. He saw a variety of new faces get put into each of the house - a little bit less in Slytherin. He looked over to the table, seeing all the familiar faces again. Parkinson, Zabini, Greengrass, Higgs...his breath hitched as his eyes locked into those pools of mercury that seemed to keep him in their prison - Draco looked over at him as well, not breaking the gaze. He could see all the sharp angles on his face, the beautiful way one of the corners of his mouth quirked up into a smirk - an expression he was all-too-familiar with.
Draco smirked, trying to cover up the feel of his heart lurching in his chest as he felt those emerald green eyes boring into him, immediately looking down to his plate, picking at his dinner quietly with a fork. He owed so so much to Harry now, yet he couldn't even bring himself to look the boy's way. He couldn't believe all the horrible things he'd done to the male in the past, all the things he said...yet Harry had stood by his side in court with the Ministry of Magic, cleared his name, allowed him to keep the Malfoy Manor for himself, prevented him from going to Azkaban. He hated owing him so much...he glanced up to find Harry still staring at him, messing with his sleeves and getting up from the table. He couldn't take this.
Harry huffed in annoyance. Just like that, the tables were turned. Draco is running away from him instead of him running away. A faint blush appeared on his cheeks, his thoughts suddenly turning to where Draco was going. He sighed, deciding to follow him, his goal set on confronting him. Ron and Hermione protested - that was to be anticipated from leaving, but he just brushed them off, excusing himself. He would tell him today how he felt about the blonde boy. He couldn't take a year of torture and frustration. He summoned up all of his Gryffindor courage and stalked silently after him, biting his lip in anticipation.
Draco continued pulling at his sleeves as he stepped out of the great hall, turning in the corridor and heading outside. He had been an idiot to accept the offer of coming to Hogwarts for an 8th year to finish his schooling, he couldn't handle being around all the people he'd hurt; he couldn't handle the younger students looking at him like he was some monster. Then again - he knew he must be. He stepped out onto the covered bridge, running his bony fingers through his light blond hair and leaning against the railing, looking out over the lake and hills far beyond Hogwarts, unaware of the footsteps approaching him.
"Dra-I mean, M-Malfoy," Harry stuttered, a nervous shiver travelling down his spine. The way the grey eyes bore into his very soul made his chest tighten with butterflies - as cheesy as it sounded. Draco, to him, was like a drug. He wanted him so bad, but he couldn't get him. He knew Draco hated him but...he couldn't bring himself to care. He could at least tell the truth to him, and not lie about his feelings to him. Draco deserved that. Harry squirmed in his place, looking at him with wide, nervous eyes. His eyes danced with apprehension and he couldn't help but stick his bottom lip in-between his teeth, biting it. "I-I-I need to talk to you."
Draco jumped as he heard someone behind him, swiveling around and grasping onto the railing behind him, frowning as he saw Harry walking up to him. Perfect Harry Potter, with his messy hair and maroon scarf wound around his neck, his glasses crooked on his nose. "Um...what is it?" the blond mumbled, refusing to look at him once again, heart pounding in his chest with nerves. Why did Harry want to talk to him? Couldn't the boy just...go away? No matter how much Draco wanted him closer, wanted him to come closer and grab him and fulfill all those stupid fantasies Draco used to have when they were younger...They couldn't be like that, Harry would never want him like that, Draco Malfoy was a death eater, he couldn't ever be forgiven for what he'd done or attempted to do. When the boy didn't answer, he started to get worried. It scared Draco sometimes that he could see himself being happy with Harry but he squashed that with an air of constant annoyance. "What do you need, Harry? Finally collecting on one of the many favors I owe you...?" He snapped sharply, looking at Harry and trying to think about how he actually used Harry's name. Draco didn't know if he could hide his feelings with superiority anymore because it was impossible for him to actually feel superior to anyone. He was just a giant mess now.
Harry jumped at the use of his first name, completely ignoring the statement before reality dawned on him. "Um...Draco...I have to tell you-" he cut himself off with a sharp intake of air that came stabbing him in the chest. He was so close to confessing to him, telling him how he felt...but he was so nervous. Hopes filled him with bubbly giddiness while the reality of his thoughts steeled themselves for the certain rejection that was to follow. "I know you hate me...but just hear me out...please..." His eyes became glassy with tears and he couldn't bring himself to look into Draco's beautiful eyes, that he knew was going to melt him on the inside. "I-I..."
Draco's eyes widened when Harry said the Draco hated him and when the other's eyes started watering. He made the golden boy cry. He would be lynched. "Harry don't cry. I don't hate you at all. I just don't know how to react with out being an arse," he explained, setting his arms down from the railing to go comfort Harry because seeing the guy so nervous and unable to talk was making him beyond nervous. He never felt this way before and was glad they used each other's first name but really hoped they would be at least friends.
Harry looked up at Draco, one tear escaping from the corner of his eye. His hand reached out to Draco's in a small plea of comfort. He finally got the courage to say it...just three little words. He leaned into the taller male, wanting to be as close to him as possible. "I love you," he whispered in a small voice, barely audible over the rustle of leaves that came from below. He flinched almost immediately, waiting for the litany of verbal abuse that Draco would usually say to him but for some reason...he had hope inside him that maybe, just maybe...Draco would love him back, but it was small and fragile...almost crushed from the unrelenting fear of rejection.
Draco took Harry's hand because it comforted him and blushed brightly when Harry said those things. He felt like this was a horrible joke and was ready to tell Harry off for making fun of him and playing a terrible joke but he realized he was dead serious. The hardness in those emerald green eyes were undeniable. He hesitated for a moment but leaned down and kissed Harry softly. He couldn't think of anything to say so this was all he could do to prove his feelings for the brunet.
Harry yelped in surprise and stumbled into the embrace that Draco offered, accepting the comfort from the warmer body. His arms hesitantly wrapped around the blond's hips, pressing as close to Draco as possible as he kissed back, the sweet and chaste touch of lips making his knees tremble with desire and love. He felt as though he could fall apart in Draco's hands, safe and secure, only to be put back together carefully by the blonde. It scared him how much he trusted Draco with him - even though he loved him. It made him want to rely on the blonde every passing moment.
Draco broke away with a blush and scratched his arm again. It was a bad habit and he knew there was welts on it from the other times he scratched. He didn't notice that he actually drew blood - he didn't care; all he could focus on was how amazing Harry was. He felt like there was a weight lifted off his chest; he glanced back at Harry and spoke quietly, but firmly. "I do too."
Harry looked down, only to see the blood dripping from the wounds on his arms. He took the arm, completely entranced by the welts on the arm. He brought his lips on the wound, kissing it softly, hoping to relieve it from any pain the blond was in. "Draco..." he breathed out the name, voice almost like a caress against the skin. "Does it hurt?" He rubbed the skin lovingly, took his wand out and muttered a quick healing charm on it. It hurt him inside to know that Draco did this to himself.
Draco took his arm back and quickly rolled his sleeve over his tattoo. "It's fine." He hated that Harry had to see what he was most ashamed of. It was disgusting and he just wanted to carve it out of his skin. Draco rather it scarred than see that skull and snake. It felt nice having Harry care for his arm and wanted that all the time. "It's okay Harry. I hardly notice." It was a lie and he knew it, but all he could think about was losing himself in those green orbs full of warmth.
"No, it's not...You're worth caring about," Harry argued in a small voice, almost like a squeak. He blushed madly as he stared at the lips that kissed him...it made his stomach clench with want and desire. He stayed close to the blonde male, not wanting to move away. He could tell the years of quidditch made him strong, tall and muscular. He rubbed his hands on the abdomen of Draco, in awe of the hard muscle underneath. "Draco..." he said again, almost rolling the word off his tongue. He wanted to keep saying it...just because he could say it - heck - he wanted to go in the halls shouting the name just because he loved the owner of the name.
Draco blushed brightly and wrapped his arms around Harry. He was taller than Harry but the other was so much more muscular than him. Draco was just lean and had the basic forms of the muscle. He hugged Harry close and smiled as he just stayed with Harry "Thank you, Harry," he answered, wanting to prove he was Harry's and that Harry was his. He was always the possessive type. Draco just hoped Harry didn't mind too much.
Harry's heart just melted at the sound of that. He loved being Draco's. He could get used to this feeling, the high of being with Draco, having strong, warm and safe arms wrapped around him. He breathed in Draco's intoxicating scent, nuzzling the crook of the blond's neck. He placed small, feathery kisses along the jaw of his new lover, standing on his toes to reach up. "We have charms soon..." he reminded reluctantly, but didn't move from the embrace.
Draco hummed slightly. "When did you start following the rules?" he replied brassily, raising a sassy eyebrow. They laughed together as they reminisced the moments shared between them in the last couple of years, making their own private jokes as they skipped the first class of the year.
Well, I hope you like it. It's not much, but I hope that it's alright. Any reviews would be appreciated~ Suggestions would be nice. Thank you all again. *^^* If you spot any grammatical errors, as well as spelling ones, just point them out to me and I'll do my best to fix them :)