Disclaimer: Obviously, I only own the plot. If I were to claim ownership of the characters and be taken seriously, I would question your sanity and leave you with a remark about living your whole life under a rock. (Politely, of course.)
Summary: AU, non-magical. Some OC's here and there, but not too many. They don't play a big part in the story, don't worry. There's a Terrier involved that breaks the ice between the two strangers, Draco and Harry. I want my first Drarry fic to just establish my writing style and explore the relationship between them. Give it a shot. The beginnings of the story might be a bit slow but it gets better later on.
Warnings: This is a slash fic. Draco and Harry are the main two characters of the story. So if you're looking for a wider range of characters and detailed personalities, sorry to disappoint. It's also my first feeble attempt at a Drarry fic, or any sort of novel-length story, in fact. However, I have quite a bit of faith in my writing abilities and only ask that you give it a shot. I will (hopefully) drag you along with me every step of the way, leaving you breathless and panting for more in no time. In case I fail to live up to that ridiculously high expectation I just built for myself in your eyes, feel free to slam the door in my face and mutter under your breath about amateurs.
I don't know how long this story is going to be. Probably not very long, as it is sort of experimental. If I get some decent feedback and decide to write proper Drarry fics, I will do something with more of a plot to it. As it is, this story mostly, but not completely, ignores Draco and Harry's private lives and focuses mainly on their encounters. If you like the mystery and exciting twists in plots, this story is not for you. However, if you like conversations and encounters filled with sexual tension, then you have found your story.
Shout-out: I don't have a beta reader, or someone to read this back to me. There may be grammar and/or spelling mistakes. But my OCD on that will hopefully prevent total miscomprehension of my sentences on your part and save me from complete embarrassment. If you do spot a mistake though, feel free to point it out. I'm not going to bite you. I'm quite normal and nice, in fact. All fuzzy and whatnot inside.
xXx
Chapter one:
A particularly sunny Monday morning found Harry Potter on a busy sidewalk, contentedly humming a made-up tune under his breath. An easy smile lit up his face as he walked his golden Terrier, Balthazar. He looked at the sea of people rushing by him with their neat business suits and cups of caffeine or juice. They had their shoulders hunched and heads down, trying to keep the liquid from spilling while walking as fast as possible. The overall look that it gave them was haughty and unapproachable. Harry tried to feel some envy towards their full schedules and expensive lifestyles but couldn't feel any resentment towards his own undemanding and carefree life. He only felt a smug satisfaction at not having to paste a cold mask every day to deal with clients and sit behind a desk in a corporate building.
As he walked down the sidewalk, he couldn't find an ounce of regret about working in a nursing home. He could be himself around the elderly without being judged. Granted, there were a few senile ones that presented a challenge. Harry liked to put his charm into effect and see how far he could take it while still getting away with it. Fluttering his eye lashes at old ladies to usher them into actually taking their medicine or stop shouting and go into their rooms never hurt anybody.
Not earning a large amount of money was just fine. Helping people was worth it. He had enough money from his inheritance to live a pleasant life and still have money to pass on to his children. A glance down at his worn-out denims and T-shirt ensemble reminded him of the other main reason for his hatred towards the corporate world. He would do just about anything not to wear a suit. Wearing casual clothing was far more comfortable.
Harry lengthened his strides and smiled wider. He knew he was emanating a lazy aura and ignored the death glares that were directed his way. It wasn't his fault if people couldn't stand his relaxed posture and nonchalant expression when they were hurrying to get to work. He had every right to enjoy himself. Balthazar barked enthusiastically at being allowed to walk faster and Harry smiled down at the Terrier. Another bonus of having a part-time job was that he had a free morning and night. There was no need to overwork. He could afford leisurely walking Balthazar and still have extra time to himself. That was just as well because although Harry could easily afford a maid, he immensely enjoyed cooking proper meals and taking the time to clean his own house thoroughly.
The weather was getting steadily warmer and it brought Harry's daydreams to a stop. He looked up with a frown and a hand over his eyes to shield them against the sun. It was starting to get very warm and so he moved to the edge of the sidewalk where minimal protection from the hot sun was offered by the trees planted there. Harry caught a finch fluttering its wings under a tree a few feet further away and winced, instantly regretting changing sides. If he'd just put up with the sun, he could have saved the poor bird from Balthazar's wrath. And he could have also saved himself from a run behind the small dog as it chased the bird to his heart's content. He knew what was coming next. He knew that when his dog saw the finch there would be no stopping him. He tried to go back to the left side and remove the bird from Balthazar's line of sight, but he was too late. The small Terrier barked excitedly and lunged forwards, yanking a startled Harry with him. Harry groaned. He refused to be flung around after his dog chasing a bird on the sidewalk. This had happened many, many times. He clung tightly to the Terrier's leash. But it was no use. Balthazar started running at full speed, dragging Harry behind him.
While trying to run into as few people as possible, Harry thought that for such a small dog it was remarkable that the task of yanking a grown man around was even possible. The golden Terrier seemed intent on disregarding his own small size for the stern belief that if he thought he was bigger and stronger then it would be true. Harry gulped. It was surely working. All Harry could do was hold on. He had to concentrate on not falling over his own feet in his haste to catch up with the golden dog. Balthazar seemed completely unaware and not at all bothered by the fact that he should have yielded and stopped pursuing the bird after the first few yanks and disapproving yells directed his way. There was just no stopping him from snatching the finch that had insulted the dog by merely existing, Harry mused.
Balthazar had apparently also made it a personal goal of his to knock over every other person on the sidewalk in his quest to get to the finch and Harry had to continuously apologize for the rude behaviour of his dog. He couldn't fathom why the finch wouldn't just fly higher and get out of the biting range instead of hovering so close to ground. Harry tried to tighten his hold on the leash but didn't want to yank it too hard in case it would hurt the poor thing. It was hard to think of the golden Terrier as a 'poor thing' right now however and Harry was fed up. He apologized again as he bumped into someone when Balthazar abruptly turned left, still trailing after the bird. A sharp turn right after that and Balthazar wrenched its leash out of Harry's hands and was off. Harry yelped and started running after him. He was quick to realize that steering through the crowd was much easier when you were as small as a dog and could conveniently run through the empty space left between people's feet. Balthazar was soon way ahead of him.
Harry groaned and tried to push his way through people as fast as he could. Another morning run after his dog was in session and he decided that other people's suits were expendable. So what if he pushed them too harshly and they spilled coffee on their attire? Surely they had enough money to replace it with something even more extravagant. The crowd on the sidewalk had other ideas however and saw fit to send many curses and shouts his way. Harry couldn't bring himself to care about that at the moment. His mind was on more important things, frantically jumping from one possibility to the other. What if Balthazar ran to the middle of the road in his haste to catch the damned finch and got hit by a car? What if he got lost and Harry couldn't find him again? Worry filled his head and he started running faster, following the familiar barks of his dog.
xXx
Draco Malfoy watched a playful golden Terrier dash between people's feet. It had his tongue out and his leash was trailing behind it in the wind. His black eyes sparkled with excitement and a few animated barks escaped him while he ran straight towards Draco. The finch that it was obviously chasing shot up at the last moment and sat on the tree branch high above Draco's head. The Terrier came to an abrupt stop by the blonde man's feet, dumbfounded. It tried to stand on its hind legs and reach higher, but he was neither tall enough nor gifted with the skills necessary for climbing a tree. Draco swooped down and lifted the dog, holding it in his arms. He tried to stop further jerking of its body but the dog was still focused on the bird above and was trying to determine the best way of getting to it. Draco chuckled to himself and pet the dog on the head.
"Hmmm? What's your name pretty boy? Where's your owner?" Draco murmured softly to the small animal. Its silken fur was very smooth and stood like a golden halo around its body. He was easily the prettiest dog Draco had ever seen. He checked its name tag. It read 'Balthazar' and apparently a Harry Potter was its owner. Draco looked around curiously, trying to find the said Harry Potter.
xXx
Harry was starting to sweat from the long run by the time he had Balthazar in his sight again. He saw the golden dog come to a stop and sighed thankfully. He slowed down to a jog, not yet in the clear. Balthazar could take off again any minute. He was the most unpredictable and energetic creature Harry had ever encountered. Luckily, well, luckily for Harry but unluckily for Balthazar, the man that the small Terrier had stopped in front of swooped the dog off the sidewalk and gently held it in his arms, cutting short the dog's possible further plans of putting more distance between himself and Harry.
Harry finally reached his dog and the man that had most probably saved him from another extra fifteen minutes of running. He bent over and planted his hands over his knees, trying to catch his breath. His head was spinning from the unexpected long run and all the obstacles he'd encountered. Apparently everyone was grumpy enough on a Monday morning and did not care for moving to the side to make room for a desperately running man. Telling people continuously to 'please move aside,' while simultaneously trying not to waste his breath and meanwhile still keep track of Balthazar was highly exhausting. Harry just wanted to grab Balthazar, go home, take a quick shower and leave for work. Working in the calm environment that the nursing home provided him sounded great just about now. Others might not call the place soothing and frown upon it, only working there because there simply was no other option for them, but Harry loved it there. He felt at home around the musty sweet smell that clung to old people and he loved listening to their stories when they were feeling sentimental and nostalgic. Also, it was Monday and most of the seniors were to be lead to a park nearby to enjoy a refreshing day out and so it would be nice and quiet at the nursing home today. Harry had a shift in the nursing home and was not one of the ones that had to run around fretting after people in the park this Monday and he was thankful for that. He doubted he could muster enough energy after this to deal with anything more than giving the few people that stayed back their medicine and directing them to their respective rooms.
Draco wearily watched the panting figure in front of him. He supposed this was the owner. He looked at the messy brown hair that was standing up in every direction and tried to resist the urge of petting Harry's head as he had done Balthazar's to try and untangle the strands. How could one exit one's house with hair that messy? But then again, from the amount of panting both dog and owner were doing, Draco estimated that they must have been running for more than fifteen minutes. The wind could have messed up his hair. It probably wasn't this messy all the time, was it?
Draco shook himself and frowned. Why did he care anyway? He didn't even know the guy and he'd already thought far too much about his hair for it to be healthy musing.
Harry finally lifted his head and peeked at the man holding his dog from beneath the strands of hair covering his forehead and eyes. He really did need a haircut. His hair had just been so unmanageable all the time that Harry had given up trying to tame it. He pushed his glasses back up his nose and ran a hand through his dishevelled hair while trying to compose himself. He was met with a look of amusement lurking behind warm grey eyes that made him blush furiously. The blond in front of him was wearing formal ware not very different from the other businessmen and women around them. Even if he had been wearing ragged clothes, from the way he held himself and looked at the world expectantly Harry would have been able to tell that he was used to getting his way and came from a life much different than his. Harry was ready to grab Balthazar and leave without saying a word. Self-righteous people always set him on edge. But Balthazar was a fairly good judge of character and he seemed comfortable enough with being held so casually by the blond and so Harry decided to give the man a chance. After all, he also hated shallow people that judged others by their looks, so he wasn't going to be a hypocrite.
He let his eyes slowly roam the body in front of him. He soon realized that was not a good idea and swallowed. The man was simply delicious. The way that his black pants clung to his legs and hugged his form had Harry's eyes pasted to the slender body in a manner very different from the pitying look he'd given the businesspeople around him earlier that morning. The man's jacket was carefully draped over his right arm and so Harry could see the silky white shirt that had its sleeves neatly rolled up the elbows. He soon found his eyes travelling slowly up the bare forearms, gulping at the pale skin that was revealed. He saw a tattoo on the left arm that sparked his curiosity, but he didn't spend a lot of time investigating it. As interesting a contradiction the formal business suit and a tattoo were, Harry was far more interested in the muscles beneath it that were nicely toned. He licked his lips before he could think about what he was doing and his blush deepened when he realized what that must have looked like.
Draco held his breath when he felt those blazing emerald green eyes concentrate on him. He could easily feel the speculation behind the gaze and tried to hold himself rigidly for Harry to regard him while he studied the brunette in turn. Harry was still panting lightly and so his mouth was slightly open. He also had a pink tinge to his cheeks and for some reason the overall look of a panting Harry with a blush and messy hair twisted Draco's stomach in knots. As he openly gaped at the smaller man in front of him, transfixed, Harry's tongue darted out to wet his lips and all Draco could do was to barely stop himself from reaching out and touching those full lips that seemed so red. Was it normal for lips to be that red? And were green eyes always so intense? He realized how absurd a direction his thoughts were taking and cleared his throat. He could feel the tension building between them and tried to think of something matter of fact to say. Looking down at the wriggling animal in his arms, he realized that he had a perfect way of breaking the ice.
"He's much stronger than he looks," Draco offered, pointedly looking at the small dog that was struggling to break free. Balthazar still had his eyes firmly trained on the finch above and refused to be distracted. At the moment he was trying to use Draco as a climbing instrument to get himself closer to the finch on the tree above. Draco could see that Harry couldn't help but be amused by the surreal image that his dog was creating by wrinkling an obviously expensive shirt without being scolded for it. (Draco would stop by his house and change his shirt before going to work, he promised himself to stop from wincing and frowning at the dog. He would never admit it if called out on it, but the warm ball in his arms was comforting his nerves in ways he hadn't thought possible.) Harry started to slowly relax as the conversation starter allowed him to step into his comfort zone, as Draco had hoped it would. Draco started to relax in turn, but saw the fault in that move and tensed again after the dog's jerks threatened to break his hold.
"That's the whole problem. Every time he sees a bird, or a cat, or anything that moves in fact, off he goes. Barking mad, he is," Harry muttered, lowering accusing eyes to the dog. Despite his harsh words, Draco could hear the caring undertone and could tell the man didn't really mind the strange routine. He wondered if they always took the same path every morning. Would he see them again tomorrow? Did he want to see them again? Draco thought so. There was something intriguing about the smaller man and his dog.
He wanted to stay and chat but he was really going to be late for work, especially if he planned on changing his shirt. It didn't matter that he was the boss; he had to set an example and be a role model for his employees. He realized Harry was waiting for some sort of reply and found himself under the scrutiny of those emerald green eyes once more. He met Harry's gaze calmly and gave him a slow smile. Harry seemed taken aback. He was probably used to people treating him differently, Draco thought sadly. He seemed amazed that Draco was having a conversation with him instead of muttering something about people from a lower class trying to mingle with others above them and failing miserably or giving him a lecture about controlling his dog better. Draco suddenly felt like he had something to prove. That not all businessmen were prats, probably. That you could find something you had in common with them and build friendship on that. Or perhaps something more, his mind added to the end of Draco's thought. Draco kindly told his mind to shut up and not stick its nose in places it was not wanted.
"Yes, well. That's dogs for you," Draco remembered to add after what seemed like hours instead of minutes and put Balthazar down, holding on to the leash and passing it on to Harry. He stepped back reluctantly, watching the dog wag its tail and sniff his pants, finch forgotten. Perhaps just wrinkling his shirt was not enough and now the Terrier wanted to tear his pants as well, Draco mused darkly. Already having to change shirts, Draco decided it didn't really matter and left the dog alone to do whatever it wished.
Balthazar seemed to sense the silent permission and started nibbling on the ends of Draco's pants. Or perhaps it would have gone on nibbling even if Draco had had something to say about it. He looked at the dog disbelievingly. Did it always warm up this quickly to strangers? Harry's matching look of disbelief told him that no, it was just him. He felt smug at that and smirked. The smirk was quick to disappear however as he realized that he now had no idea how to continue the flow of conversation. He wanted to meet Harry again but how did you tell someone you'd met on a sidewalk something like that? Someone who was already prejudiced against you just because of your career and lifestyle? 'I want to show you what a great personality I have behind my cold persona, so let's be friends?' Right. Strangely enough, this encounter was the most exciting thing that had happened to Draco in days. All of his business meetings were far duller than he'd imagined they would be and going to another long day of work was hardly anything to look forward to. This mysterious man and his energetic dog could be a refreshing distraction from his predictable life and he wished he could meet them again at a more convenient time. The man was intriguing. And Draco doubted anyone had ever accepted him as fast as Balthazar had.
He decided that he wanted to know all about Harry. He wanted to know that if Harry didn't have enough money to wear proper clothes instead of ones that looked at least three years old, then how could he afford living in this neighbourhood? Or was he just walking someone else's dog who lived here? He wanted to have a lengthy conversation and find what Harry looked like when he laughed. Or when he got really angry. Or when he was thoughtful. Draco put a stop to his thoughts right then. He was getting way ahead of himself. Harry didn't even know his name and Draco was already planning their future encounters and conversations.
"I'm Draco, by the way," Draco said cautiously, deciding to leave out his last name at the last minute in case Harry had heard of him before and would judge him on it. He really was a different person in the privacy of his family and friends. The face he showed the world and the face he wore in the comfort and privacy of his home were two completely different ones. Draco held out his hand for Harry to shake but soon regretted putting the brunette on the spot as Harry blushed in embarrassment. His hands were still sweaty from his earlier run. He tried to wipe his hands dry on his pants before shaking Draco's back. Draco tried not to cringe. He could always wash his hands later. After he changed his shirt. And his pants. He frowned. If they ever met again, Draco would take care not to destroy his complete outfit once more. It was not like him to be so careless. He then glanced down at a content Balthazar while it chewed on the hem of his pants and took his previous promise back. He knew he'd always have a weak spot for the small Terrier. Draco didn't realize he was still holding onto the brunette's hand until Harry pulled away and the cold air replaced his warm touch.
"I'm Harry. And this here is Balthazar," Harry let go of Draco's hand and unconsciously wiped it on his pants again while Draco looked disdainfully at the gesture. Hadn't the man ever heard of hygiene for goodness' sake?
"Oh, and thanks for catching him for me. I usually have to run after him for far longer before he slows down enough for me to catch up." Harry added hurriedly. He was going to be late for work. But he couldn't get his feet to move. There was something about the blond and those piercing grey eyes and the way they regarded him –and what was with that tattoo? Surely a long story there– that rooted him to the ground. He frowned at the strange thought filling his head and decided he was still affected by the rush of the run and it would be better for him to just leave now. He distinctly remembered thinking of the man as 'delicious' before and if that wasn't a warning sign for him to leave as soon as possible before he embarrassed himself, for example gave in to the impulse of letting his fingers brush against the hand he'd shook earlier, then he didn't know what was.
Draco wanted to point out that it was no problem really, since the dog had stopped by his feet and all he had to do was bend down and pick him up. But by the time he had opened his mouth Harry and a reluctant Balthazar had turned and walked away. Draco muttered a "Well, goodbye to you too," under his breath. He didn't really know what to make of Harry. He just hoped he'd have the chance to make up his mind about it later on. The intensity of wanting to see the brunette another time and forming a friendship overwhelmed him. It was quite bizarre. Draco never made friends easily. Trying to clear his head of any Harry- or dog-related thoughts, Draco shook himself and tried to go back into his cold and successful businessman persona once again.
xXx
The walk home that Harry had estimated would take about ten minutes was extended to twenty minutes. That was due to Balthazar's running in circles. It had made Harry completely lose sense of where they were and they had gotten lost a few times on the way back. Harry never had a good sense of direction and that was one of the reasons he preferred not to drive anywhere. He usually took the bus or simply walked to work.
So when Harry and an obedient and rightfully shamed Balthazar finally reached the familiar white building, Harry sighed gratefully and quickened his stride. As soon as he had turned legal, he'd moved out of his aunt's and uncle's house and into this building with a golden puppy as a house warming present. The building had been brown back then, but the colour had been peeling even then and by now there was hardly any trace of colour left on it. Harry stopped at the doorstep and reached for the keys in his pocket. His breathing had slowed down and his brain had started working again while they were walking back home. Going over the conversation with Draco in his head, Harry had realized how abruptly he'd cut it off and had left without a goodbye. He deeply regretted it, but there was nothing he could do about it now. He bit his lip and closed the door behind him, reaching down to take Balthazar's leash off.
He couldn't remember ever being so openly attracted to someone before. In the middle of a sidewalk, no less. He didn't even really know Draco. He dismissed it as only physical attraction and decided to forget about it. Torturing himself with thoughts of what could have happened between them was pointless. He was probably never going to see the man again.
xXx
Draco pinched his nose and sighed internally. He had tuned out the business-related conversation going on around him ever since he'd realized that his contribution to it was unnecessary. He was once again thinking about the incident that morning. In spite of deciding to clear his head of it, throughout the day he'd gone over it and had tried to find out what he'd done to cause Harry's abrupt leave. He finally decided that it must have had nothing to do with him. He looked down at his right hand, the one that Harry had clutched in his own. It still felt warmer than his left one. He hadn't washed it yet, even though it had been hours since the incident and Draco always valued hygiene above all else. He tried very hard not to think about what that could mean. He refused to call it obsession. In fact, he refused to touch any thoughts about 'obsession' with a ten-foot pole. How could he be obsessed with someone he barely knew? And had met only a few hours ago?
Draco thought he would like to try again at a normal conversation with Harry in spite of all the confusing emotions swimming in his head. Without a dog between them this time. But where would he find Harry anyway? He decided to leave the issue for later prodding and turned back to the world around him and the conversation that was going on. As boring as it may be, it concerned his business - the only thing that he was supposed to be obsessed with.
It was then that Draco realized he'd been writing Harry's name idly on a piece of paper.
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