A/N – some swearing, slash. Ye have been warned. Rating for later chapters. May be OOC, purposeful. Had fun writing this one.

Enjoy –

Chapter 1:

The new year. Harry sighed, what the hell. Another year had flown by - did he frankly care? Ummm…he glanced around the small café he was sitting in called The Leaky Cauldron. It was not that particularly well known in London but it was cheap and it was right in the hustle and bustle of things…which, thinking again, annoyed Harry even more. He took a sip of the hot liquid in his hands and looked on listlessly as people came and went before his eyes. They had so much purpose and life as they shuffled along in the snow, scarves around their necks, warm and enjoying everything that new year had to bring.

What was he doing? He was on a break but that was even more depressing. Everything was just passing him by; his birthday, the anniversary of his parents' death, the exam he blew that kind of shaped his future. What did Harry Potter do everyday? Well, believe it or not, he studied. Like a good little nerd, a bookworm. Always making notes, highlighting, typing and wearing those round black-rimmed glasses and hiding behind the pile of work he had to do. But he was failing, laughable? Not really. Tragic? Harry would definitely think so. What had he achieved in the past year? Haha…absolutely nothing. Harry took another sip and actually took the time to take in the festivity of the new year. Decorations in each shop window, families out and children squealing in glee as fireworks went up into the air from just a small distance from the square. The pure white snow…

It was dark and Harry started to feel the chill seep into his bones. He loved the night, it was so surreal. The glowing lights and the bitter wind as well as the activity that just made you feel so in the middle, surrounded with people. Harry had no social life. He had purposefully avoided contact with people, because he needed to be studious. Well, in actual fact, he was quite anti-social to begin with. No, that was the wrong word. He was socially awkward. He was weird, strange. He did not know how to continue on a relationship and with the years, he found he did not really care anyway. He had lost touch even with people who had called themselves his 'best friends'. So he had no social life, yes. That also meant nothing happening in his love life.

Err – do you count girls who purposefully just play around with you exciting? If so, then Harry grudgingly admitted that perhaps one time when Cho Chang, a very hmmm lively girl had taken a perverse interest in him, he might have had what resembled a love life. No, sorry, Harry couldn't do it. That was a sham. Harry Potter was dead in all essence. Harry gazed at the dark sky and the hardly visible stars and saw his breath come out in little clouds. Let this year please bring something, he prayed. Then again, it seemed nobody was really listening to him, why should they? He was just another person amongst the billions on earth. There was nothing special about him; nobody was to care if he died, most likely.

Harry repressed the urge to give a short bark of laughter, somewhere else, far far away, in another time Harry mused; he could have been a hero. Where everyone depended on him to save life, as they knew it. But this was reality. He was an orphan, with a scholarship he barely held onto, falling behind even the average standard and continuing on the downward spiral also, did he mention dreading an interview where they evaluated his progress every year and decided whether the scholarship would be still given to him? Without the scholarship, he was dead. All his life, Harry had made his own way. His only living family, his godfather, a notorious murderer, Sirius Black had once been heir to a fortune but since he was behind bars for the alleged murder of his parents, Harry didn't know that it would help him.

Wait, behind bars? Harry shook his head. He had forgotten a tiny detail; Sirius Black was on the loose. He had somehow escaped and was perhaps the most wanted at the moment. Yeah, Harry remembered now…

Now that he was far from his aunt and uncle's house and from their abuse and the pathetic excuse for a human, his cousin Dudley, Harry was alone now. All alone, like he had been and always would be.

Harry mustered up a smile, paid for his coffee and started to walk amidst the people. He had a slight stoop in his shoulders as he was quite tall and with a warm coat and a red and gold scarf around his shoulders, blended in quite well. Actually, take out his green eyes because that's not quite normal is it? How he wanted to be one of them, Harry looked at other people's joy and was a little warmed. At least others were glad that a year had flown pass. Harry just followed a crowd and especially a group of people who seemed to be around his age.

He did not know where his feet was leading him but Harry had told himself that today though, he wouldn't worry or plan anything. He wanted to feel free, just this once. From somewhere a considerable distance away, Harry heard the thumping of rhythm and loud vibrations. Then he stopped looking at his feet and saw exactly where the crowd had taken him. To a stage. Of a concert. It seemed like it was open to everyone and it was for a special program or something to appeal to the public. Harry did not register much except the bright colours, the balloons and the stage that burst with vivid lights. Colourful and glimmering, it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

A covering overhead stopped the snow from intervening but the amount of people jam-packed in the area was unbelievable. It was hard to manoeuvre! A smart person stepped up onto the gigantic stage, a goofy smile plastered on his slick face, "Now, back from his amazing DM Europe Tour. Our guest, Draco Malfoy will perform for you, his number one hit single "For you". Everyone, put your hands together for Draco Malfoy!" Harry's eyes, like millions of others were drawn to the middle where smoke blew from either side of the stage as glitter rained down before the stage was flooded with pure white light.

The screaming was unbelievable, a few blocks of people at the front had risen to their feet and was waving glow-sticks and silver and black balloons in time to the pop song. Harry was glad he had arrived a little early as now he saw that the people had swamped out into roadways and streets so that there was major congestion causing standing security guards to push people within the boundaries. Harry watched on, disguised, one of many as he saw a tall, thin youth appear in the middle. He was wearing heavy eye makeup with an elaborate, artfully torn pure white costume with a lot of metal and feather bits. Back dancers in black were shadowed behind him and you knew that he was the star. Him and him only.

There was something so piercing about his grey eyes that looked right into your soul. His platinum white hair was styled into uneven, slightly spiked locks and equally dishevelled fringe was hidden behind a stiff white fedora hat that had a black and silver band. He promptly went into his dance routine, so passionate, so full of life. Like the stage, like the fans that were jumping up and down and crying because of the low, husky quality of his voice. He looked young, Harry squinted, it would have been hard for him to succeed in show business but he must have done well as Harry recognised his face and Harry was the most uninterested person in that field in the whole country.

Harry started to shiver, why was he still here? Good point. Harry felt jolted as he saw those grey eyes again. He wanted to get closer. Out in the outskirts, he didn't want to be passive. For once, he wanted to be part of something so passionate, so stirring. Harry inched his way through slowly, then he got impatient and began ramming people with his elbow and hastily apologised as he sidled his way towards the front of the stage where mostly girls and women were singing along and almost causing him to grow deaf.

Near the front, he saw clearly Draco Malfoy, known better as 'Snake' mouthing the last phrase of the chorus, "…for you," Harry smirked at this and Draco seemed to have just by chance, glanced at him when he saw the open smirk. His cool gaze did not falter as he looked away and at another, more receptive fan but Harry knew this was bullshit. His face upturned to the light, Harry was entranced but he was wiser. It was time to go, it had been fun, going wherever his feet carried him but it was getting late.

He turned around to leave, "You hid your pain behind that smile…" he sang from behind, "Your barrier was cruel, you called me cold…" Harry continued walking, "But now I sing and dance my heart…" Harry pushed through the crowd, drawing his coat more firmly around himself. "…for you." Then the song had finished and darkness swamped the stage before the fans exploded in a volume Harry had thought impossible. Screams of "I love you Draco!" and many variations rang out into the night and applause lasted for what it seemed, forever before a spotlight fixed on the man with the slick smile, "Now don't forget, while you enjoy the show if you can participate in a draw, the money donated will go to…"

Harry tuned out and pushed his way edgily out. Tried to, remember. That was the key word. But he was pushed and shoved, shunted around until he was spat out at the side of the mass of bodies, not at the back like he had intended to. The side of the stage was oddly desolate but he saw a strange open door amidst the black structure that had a red siren-like light flashing on top of it. He could not make out the words on the door as it was flung wide open but Harry just shrugged and instead turned his back on it, before taking out a cigarette to puff on while he decided how he would get home now that his route was blocked.

Perhaps, Harry should have realised that that door should not have been opened but really, who was Harry to care? Naturally, therefore, he did not see it coming when he was bumped into painfully from the behind. This was done so swiftly that Harry almost fell flat onto his face but he somehow regained his balance. Not easy as he had one hand deep inside his pocket. He then turned around in sharp annoyance to see the man he had just seen on stage, glare at him with those icy pair of shards. "What are you doing here?" he hissed whilst Harry was taken aback. What? Was this out of bounds or something? The burly security guards were near the front of the stage where there was supposedly the entrance that led backstage but no one had stopped him here had they?

"I - " Harry tried to refute but the star stopped and looked at where he had come from and laughed, "the emergency door. Right…" Harry inched away a little but as he saw the singer look at what he held in his hands, offered it to him, "Want one?" The star promptly shook his head, "No thanks," he looked greatly tempted but Harry didn't push him. Probably not allowed to by the looks of things. Well, one thing Harry registered at the moment was that this was probably one of the most awkward moments of his life. For one, he was somehow talking one on one with a famous pop star, knew nothing about him, had nothing to talk to him about, didn't want to anger him just in case he accused him of breaching security and was failing to look like part of the dark structure behind him.

"Great performance," Harry managed to say, trying not to sound so strangled. The singer was staring straight at him so intensely that it looked like he was going to kill him, except not with that kind of malice. He was one strange bloke, Harry concluded. "Thank you," Draco replied politely but without any real zeal. Looking closely, he realised that the star had almost half his make up removed and his hair seemed to have been removed of hair products. It lay limp against his face and he had another layer on him on top of his performance clothes, no doubt as the warmth wore off from under the lights and the dance routine. It was a cold night anyway.

"Do you want an autograph?" the blonde boy suddenly spoke as if he had been pondering about it for a while. Harry looked startled, "Uhh…not particularly,"

Draco's suspicions seemed to have been confirmed but he was deeply puzzled, "Aren't you a fan of mine?"

"Hmmm, not exactly," Harry tried to put delicately but Draco seemed devastated, "But I saw you in the crowd."

"Oh, you did?" Harry was a little impressed he had noticed him.

"And what are you doing sneaking around here anyway?"

"…sneaking around?" Harry exclaimed, indignant but Draco had spoken over him, "Oh yeah, I saw you smirking really unpleasantly… Are you one of those critics then?" he continued, lost in his own thoughts.

"Ah, no." Harry smiled a little strained.

Silence took hold once more, as Harry felt tempted to roll his eyes. Okay, he really just wanted to go home. The stars were growing dimmer, so was the moon and hey this was really really awkward. Then surprisingly, something other than him and the confused star broke the silence and none too delicately, "Malfoy! Where are you!"

"Ah, fuck, shit." Draco suddenly swore as he grabbed Harry. "Hey, what are you-"

"There you are!" A body appeared in the doorway, face slightly livid but upon seeing Harry seemed to chill instantly to a cool façade. "Who is this gentleman Draco?" the strange man asked.

"M-my new partner. You know, one I have been talking about Blaise." The young star began difficultly but soon the lie was rolling smoothly off the tongue, "You wanted me to now go as a dual force and in exchange for the label of Sunrise Entertainment, you said I could evaluate and choose my own member and I chose…" Draco inclined his head towards Harry who shook his head in bewilderment, "…Harry," he rasped as Draco's eyes pierced daggers into him.

"This is sudden," Blaise raked an eye over Harry's form, "I thought you haven't reached a decision yet and we still had to discuss…"

"I have." Draco cut in firmly, "And I will file in Harry's profile…tomorrow,"

Blaise narrowed his eyes, "But the procedures…"

It was turn for Draco's eyes to flare, "I thought you said if I was to still go under that I could - " In an instant, Blaise had come towards Draco and had slung an arm over his shoulder, "Now now Draco. Let's not mention the contract here now shall we?" he smiled at Harry, although it did not reach his eyes, "Could you excuse us for a little while?"

Blaise seemed to be dragging the star back inside as they both discussed something furiously and rapidly. Harry was left gaping at their backs, not able to register anything fast enough, wondering if he should make a run for it while he could but then he wasn't fast enough as Draco turned around, "Ah yes, Harry. Why don't you come with us?"

His eyes told him that if he did not obey, he would do anything in his power possible to make him suffer so Harry slowly trod inside. The man named Blaise seemed strangely satisfied as he nodded at Draco, "Then I expect it tomorrow," he stated, as if something had been finalised. As he turned to leave though, he stopped in his tracks and turned around slowly, "what were you doing with the emergency hatch though?" he asked, suspicion starting to line the fine features of his face.

"Err, to meet Harry. He was here to watch me perform and to give me feedback. You know, and to talk about…arrangements." This seemed poor to even amateur's Harry's ears but Blaise made no further comment, just aloofly lifted up an eyebrow before disappearing from their view. Harry heard Draco visibly sigh in relief as he firmly closed the emergency exit to bring Harry to look around at his surroundings and realise something. This was backstage. Press were like busy bees and this was their hive. People with headsets, managers who Harry thought Blaise was one of and photographers were everywhere, doing their business.

Then, as Harry's eyes feasted on so much bustle he had seen in his life, they spotted him and Draco and started to surround them, making a beeline straight for Harry, who obviously was the new face to them. Draco made no sound or comment as he pushed his way through, hauling Harry behind him through the crowd further to the back where they lost them at more security checkpoints. Draco did not even need to show his pass whilst Harry just tried to look like he knew what he was doing before he was abruptly there. From wondering how to get home to the dressing room of Draco and other stars.

So much clothing lined the wall on racks with brands that Harry recognised as constantly mentioned by his rich landlady who was a snob and really mean because even though she and her husband had money to roll in, she would not let him have just one more week to pay the rent. Shoes were piled up high, and a split vanity mirror with make-up and jewellery from other impressive brands occupied most of the space. Watches, chains, bracelets, studs, they were all coded and placed in sets.

Harry tried to remain unimpressed at all the merchandise, "C-can you please explain to me…" he started, attempting to sound calm and collected in such a bizarre situation, "…what have just happened. What will be happening and how I fit into all this?" he could not help let the bite of sarcasm come through though but what was this? He was just dragged around and ignored and…he really wanted to go home!

Draco pulled the seat from the vanity mirror and sat on it, he beckoned for Harry to did the same. "Please don't make this a legal issue," Draco made a pained face, "If you were my fan, I could kiss you,"

"Wait, what?" Harry yelled, not able to control the anger in him. He was getting very sleepy, was it four in the morning?

Draco attempted to smile, "Actually, I'm sorry I dragged you into all this but as you could see, I couldn't have more rifts between me and Blaise. We are on rocky ground as it is. I know this is a lot but can you just pretend to be my future partner before I actually find one please?"

"Partner? Whoa…no, I absolutely. I came this far but I," Harry was cut short as Draco pressed on, "This is confidential but since you are deep in this as well, I guess I have no choice but to trust you. I am going to appear as a dual act in a few months time and in exchange for remaining where I am, I pressed that I wanted to have a say in this. Unfortunately, with everything that came up I didn't…" Draco faltered but seemed to have realised who he was talking to. He coughed, "In any case. Let us not make this a legal issue. It will only be temporary, to keep Blaise off my back and then you can go back to whatever you were doing."

"I, happen to have a life," Harry rebutted angrily. Okay that was a lie but whatever, "And I do not have time for this. I'm sorry Mr Malfoy but - "

"Draco,"

"-okay, Draco. Sorry, but you are wasting my time. I need to…" he trailed off as he saw Draco grimace slightly, "I never thought I would do this but…" Draco gazed at Harry with large, grey eyes that seemed to hold the stars in its depth. "I'm begging you, just for a few months. Four months at the most. The world is coming to an end. I, the 'snake' is asking you Harry, no begging you to pose as my partner for just a few months please."

Did Harry mention that Draco looked so earnest? And after a calamitous lapse of judgement, due to drowsiness, (Harry loved his sleep damn it!) Harry heard himself mutter, "Alright, but just for a few months. Only."

Draco seemed to beam, "Thank you very much Harry." His eyes then turned instantly lethal, "If any of this leaks…"

Harry gulped and shook his head.

"Alright," Draco examined his nails, "You know Harry. You are the first person I have ever begged and also willingly offered to kiss."

"What can I say?" Harry tried laughing in the situation, "You're desperate,"

Draco seemed appalled, "I have fallen quite low haven't I?" Harry flinched. Him and that great big ego. What had he just done?

"Well, of course we need a formal contract made." Draco began but when he saw Harry gently nodding off to sleep before him, he did not have the heart to wake him. He owed him a tremendous favour after all and even though Harry seemed to have been too tired to disagree to the contract, he was sure he would change his mind when they truly drafted the contract. And then Harry would name his price.

Draco stretched out his hands and touched Harry's coat pockets and other pockets on his jeans. He did this gingerly and carefully not as to wake him. He found Harry's wallet, relatively easily before he checked his identification. But as hard as he searched, Draco was not able to know Harry's address or any other detail or contact info that he could alert his friends or relatives. He was extremely plain but lovable. Draco smirked as he called Blaise on his rotating flip phone, "Could you get me a car ready for the hotel?" he asked innocently enough.

Harry slept on, oblivious.

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All credits to Meyshi for the dressing room scene and the rockstar inspiration.

Love it, Hate it? Hehe, if you are lazy and can't be bothered to review, just push that review button and just type in a letter just to let me know you have read. Thanks.

Credit, once again to Meyshi and her stories.

Noeru K