What is in a Name?

by Mayle

Lily and James Potter live peacefully, until a misunderstanding lands them deep in debt. Wanting the best for their son, Harry, they plead with the richest wizard they know to adopt him. Lucius Malfoy sees that Harry may become an excellent servant for his son. After going to live at Malfoy Manor, the only person to show him kindness is the young master himself, Draco Malfoy.

1. Chapter 1

"Come in, Harry," Draco's voice was low and sad, "Close the door."

"Yes, sir," Harry whispered.

Harry closed the door softly and stood with his head bowed. Draco's sad voice had tugged at his heart slightly. Since he had been in Malfoy Manor, Draco was the only one who had been nice to him. He hated seeing the soft boy, his own age, hurt by his family and their friends. Harry always wished there was something he could do. He wished he could save him.

"Harry," Draco murmured, staring out the window, "You know, I don't really have any friends. No one is ever really there for me."

Harry's heart lurched again. He remembered coming in on Draco crying once. He had rushed to him and held him, but in the morning he'd gone, leaving Harry a note saying to leave his room once he woke up. Harry remembered all the times since he'd been 10 years old that Draco had spilled his guts to Harry. He'd told him so many things that Harry wished could be fixed. Once in a while, Draco even listened as Harry told him little tidbits of his own feelings.

"When you first came here, I thought maybe I'd make you my friend," Draco shrugged, "I guess I was selfish. I wanted to make a friend, but I didn't realize you had to be a friend to get one."

Draco turned his blue eyes to Harry. The small ray of sun drifted lazily through the window lighting half of Draco's face, while casting the other half in shadows. The sunlight danced through Draco's hair in a way that made his hair seem like gold. Harry's heart seized in a bad way that made him blush.

"Did you hear me?" Draco questioned.

"S-sir?" Harry blushed profusely.

"It's Draco," he answered with a half-smile, "And I said, "Do you see me as a friend?"

"Yes, s-Draco," harry loved the way the name felt on his tongue, like it belonged there.

"Good," Draco stifled a pleased look, "Come here."

Harry shuffled forward awkwardly. He wasn't sure what Draco wanted and he was already uncomfortable.

"Do you remember the orange?" Draco smirked at him, in that way that Harry loved.

Harry choked on his own tongue. Of course he remembered the orange. How could he forget the wonderful fruit that led to a wonderful, yet horrible moment? It was the moment he fell in love with Draco Malfoy.