Title: Darkest Before the Dawn

Warnings: Male x male

Disclaimers: Belongs to JKR and Stephanie Meyers

Notes: A/U. For both fandoms. I'm taking great liberties with Twilight. I've only seen the movie.

CHAPTER ONE

I'm not entirely certain what possessed Minister-my friend-Shacklebolt to send me to a backwater town in America. Oh, I understood the logic behind the decision. I was still healing from my duel with Voldemort; both physically and mentally. But that didn't mean that I was completely helpless against any opposing force that might try to finish me off. Hah, Death Eaters? I destroyed their lord and the Order fears that Death Eaters might be dangerous to me. I laughed the entire time that I was listening to their explanations for my abdicating of Europe. I think most of the Order deemed me clinically insane at that moment. Who knows? Maybe I am. If you'd seen half of the shit I have then you might just be a little touched as well.

After the celebrations finished and people set about rebuilding their lives, I was forced to come head to head with the notoriety that comes from destroying a Dark Lord; I'd wondered if this was how Dumbledore felt upon defeating Grindelwald. Offers came flying in. Requests to join the Ministry and to receive famous awards and-you get the picture. I was constantly harassed for nothing more then fulfilling a prophecy that was seen years ago by a woman that was known to be fraud these days. Every time I set foot in public, there were paparazzi, newspapers, well wishers, women-and men-wanting to kiss the ground I walk on. It became a nuisance and in the end, I welled myself up inside Grimmauld Place, the home of my godfather.

The Death Eater threats started a few months after the War. At first, it wasn't taken seriously. Most of the known Death Eaters were either dead or in Azkaban rotting away for life. But extensive missions revealed that there was a steadily rising faction of Death Eaters who's ranks were amassing more followers then we had ever expected. I was recovering from my injuries in the safety of my strongly warded home, still too weak to properly walk, still too magically drained to cast the more unforgiving spells. The Order and my friends decided that it was in my better judgment to leave England, leave Europe, for America.

But, regardless, here I am, sitting on an airplane hovering over some random state in a country I've never even set foot in. It had taken weeks of convincing, black mail, and lots-and I mean lots-of tears for me to agree to their scheme. I knew it was all in love. And I suppose that their constant need to forget the War would have eventually grated my nerves. I'm a hands on man. Someone that has to relive the past in order to grow from it. No one understood that. No one could fathom that I, who had seen more death then anyone else, would want to speak of the War, to speak of those no longer among us.

I think that was the initial reason that I finally chose to leave England and the wizardring world. The woman that I should have loved with every fiber of my being could hardly stand to speak of our past. Whenever I even mentioned a name or a place or even attempted to convey my feelings to her, she would change the subject. As if my emotions did not matter to her. Maybe they didn't. I had seen Ginny Weasley in a light that wasn't flattering. A girl that had been more in love with the idea of Harry Potter then seeing through the scar and title to know me. Even Hermione and Ron, my two best friends, rarely mentioned the War. My only confidantes were Bill, Charlie, George, Fleur, Luna, Neville, and Draco Malfoy.

Yes, Draco Malfoy. His biting sarcasm was a god send to me. He'd never worshipped me on a pedestal and for that, I am eternally grateful. His quick wit and snarky comments kept me laughing even though I was dieing inside. Some were under the impression that Draco was only using me to influence the courts when his father's sentencing came. Some considered Draco to be an abomination and that he deserved to be hung to death. But I was there on that fateful night that Albus Dumbledore was killed and Death Eaters were let loose in Hogwarts. I was the only one alive that knew that Draco's motives were driven only by the love for his family and his desire to protect them. Old prejudices die hard and Draco was forced into his own seclusion with his parents. I think that's why I decided to volunteer Draco as my bodyguard for this particular mission. So that he could have a second chance at life.

"What, Potter?" Draco lazily drawls, those expressionless eyes snapping from the boring movie to look at me. His eyes-eyes in general-have always fascinated me. A myriad combination of mint green flecks, sapphire hints, and amber shimmer. "I know I'm positively ravishing, dear, but I do believe you're giving that old Muggle a-"

I clamp my hand on his mouth, ignoring that he's licking obscenely at my palm, and give the middle aged man a glare that has him turning abruptly in his seat. Fucking pig. "Darling, your mouth can be rather vulgar," I dryly state, removing my hand. "Git," I look at him fondly, ruffling the baby blonde locks, wondering exactly how Draco managed to keep each and every strand perfectly in place, like he'd just experienced the best sex of his life. A spell, no doubt. Draco is one vain, egotistical, narcissistic asshole but I love him.

I've witnessed what an angry Draco Malfoy can do. He's fearless, reckless, and has no qualms about killing. He doesn't feel remorse for his actions. I've seen him cut down wizards twice his age without thought or feeling. He's dangerous, a loose cannon that uses his aesthetics to charm and seduce. But on the battle field, I honestly wouldn't want anyone else at my side. He's fiercely loyal to those he cares for-which is, in itself, a very, very, small list.

"Do I have something in between my teeth? Why are you staring at me, Harry?"

"Nothing," I laugh, resting my head against his firm shoulder. "Can't I admire your obvious masculine beauty?" I tease, knowing just where to get him.

"Well, duh," he roll his eyes dramatically. "You've never seen anything this attractive. And yet you still won't take me up on my offer," Draco's voice takes that wistful, sad turn that always makes me feel like the scum in the bottom of a cesspool. "We make a perfect pair."

I sigh, curling my hand around his, feeling his pulse quicken. The age old argument between us, the one that usually breaks my heart at the melancholy in those vivid eyes that should never be there, especially not because of me. It's not exactly a secret that Draco loves me, much more then I him. It's not because I'm a bigot. To be honest, I think love in any form should be cherished. But it's because it's Draco that I'm hesitant to have a non platonic relationship. There's always that nagging voice in the back of my mind that sounds suspiciously like Severus Snape that reminds me that I'm still nothing more then a weapon, that I'm not deserving of Draco's affections. Anyone's affections. I would only hurt them.

"What do you think will be there?" he asks, fingers curling in my hair.

"Hopefully nothing, just plain, ordinary Muggles. No magic. No Death Eaters. Just a place to find refuge, a salvation that we've never really had," I murmur, "Kingsley is the only one that knows our location outside of Luna."

"I wouldn't be surprised if she's already there, waiting on us."

I chuckle. "Luna is nothing short of determined, Draco. And if she feels that we're in need of her assistance, then she'll be there in only a few moments. Are you forgetting that her seer abilities are becoming stronger then even?"

Draco snorts. "That's an understatement."

"What do you think about being in a Muggle school? I know that you've only ever been to Hogwarts for an education."

He shrugs. "An adventure. I've never been surrounded by Muggles before. I'll have to assert my authority early."

"Yeah, and that'll go good with the Muggle police and Kingsley."

"I wasn't suggesting anything criminal," Draco frowns, "But I'm not going out of my way to associate with Muggles. I had a reputation at Hogwarts for being a cold, stuck-up bastard. As long as I don't make friends then it'll be impossible for anyone to even remotely assume that we're wizards."

"I agree. We won't go out of our way to befriend anyone."

People that become too close to me tend to die and should any Death Eaters find me, well, I hardly want any more innocent deaths on my already bloodied hands. After all, I'm sure there are Death Eaters in America. It'll only take them time to discover my location in the perpetually dismal, rainy town of Forks, Washington.­

"You know, they could have been less obvious," Draco pointed out, eyeing the expensive, foreign cars in the garage. "I doubt that anyone in this disgusting little town has even seen cars of this make." A fucking candy apple read Saleen S7 and goddamned black Aston Martin Vanquish were gleaming in the artificial lighting of the garage. "You do realize that those cars are both over 800,000 dollars, don't you? I call dibs on the Saleen," Draco grinned, already heading towards the car.

"Wait. Did you just say 800,000?!!" Harry's emerald green eyes widened, staring at the cars like they were Transformers. "Draco, that's more then most people make in ten years! Where the hell did that amount of money come from?!"

Draco sent him an annoyed pout. "Are you forgetting that I come from the wealthiest family in Europe and that you're rich too? Galleons are worth much, much more then any Muggle currency. Fuck, Potter, we could afford ten times this many cars and still have enough to spend the rest of our lives content."

"Yeah, well, I haven't exactly gotten the chance to spend my money, now have I?" he snapped, tentatively running a hand across the hood of the Vanquish, afraid that, telling his luck, he'd have a power surge that would destroy the expensive sports car. "I thought our house was a little on the…risqué side, being almost as big as Malfoy Manor but this is ridiculous. Everyone in Forks is going to believe we're some kind of Mafia hit men or something."

"They wouldn't technically be wrong," Draco offered Harry a Cheshire grin, spinning the keys around in his fingers. "Come on, Harry. We haven't gotten to live for how many years? This'll be exciting and a deserved vacation from all the bullshit happening in England. Live a little, honey," Draco wrapped his arms around Harry's neck. "You, out of everyone, earned this."

"Thanks," Harry sighed, withdrawing from the intimate embrace, not entirely comfortable with the close proximities of their bodies. Not when he was all too aware of Draco's feelings for him. "Well, are you ready for school?" he asked, not missing the momentary pain lancing through Draco's beautiful eyes as the blonde turned towards the S7.

"As ready as I'll ever be. How about we show these Muggles a grand entrance?"

"Sounds fun."

The two cars peeled out of the driveway at top speeds-nearly twice the legal limit in just seconds, racing against one another the entire stretch towards their school. Upon entering the parking lot of Forks High School, the cars came to squealing stops in absolutely perfect positions. Students watched in shock as the doors slammed shut and the two teenagers conversed in hushed tones, ignoring the looks directed their way.

"You'd think we were aliens," Draco scoffed, throwing an arm across Harry's shoulders, glowering darkly at anyone that was a little too interested in them. Draco's instincts to protect Harry were raging, even though Harry needed no outside defensives save his own skills. "What?" Draco snarled at a gawking group of girls.

"Draco, be nice," Harry muttered, darting wary glances at the student body. "Just because we aren't going to be overtly friendly doesn't mean we have to be assholes."

Half way through the parking lot, Harry nearly stumbled into Draco's back, locking eyes with a beauty leaning against a silver Volvo that may have even rivaled Draco. Tall, leanly built with the well defined musculature of an athlete. Pale as ivory with the most other worldly golden eyes. Disheveled copper hair-that might have even rivaled Harry's own even on his most messiest days-fell in haphazard layers, giving him that sex kitten vibe that had Harry's heart beating wildly in his chest. His magic sizzled in the air, sending waves of electricity through his body. Must control, must control. He took in several deep breaths before continuing on towards the school.

"You okay?" Draco queried, thankfully oblivious to Harry's sudden discomfort-and arousal.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just felt a little dizzy."

Draco's brows furrowed in concern. "Are you sure? I mean, well, you aren't relapsing are you? Your legs aren't completely healed. I'm kind of surprised you aren't limping. And you're also not exactly at the top of your form. If…if anything were to happen, well, you'd need to rely on me."

"And you know I hate to relinquish control, even to you," Harry smiled, wondering for the umpteenth time why, oh why, he couldn't have just taken the easy route and fallen in love with Draco. It would been the fairy tale romance of the era. A former Death Eater and spy having a relationship with the Destroyer, the Savior. It was depressing that he couldn't love a man that clearly cherished him, all for the fear of the unknown. Fucking Voldemort. I hope you're rotting in Hell.

"I know. Good morning, I'm Draco Black and this is my brother, Harrison Black," Draco smiled charmingly at the secretary, giving her his most undivided attention, "We need our schedules."

"Yes, of course!" the flustered woman turned several shades of red, hands shaking as she handed him their tables.

"Thank you," Draco sent the twenty something woman a flirty wink before grabbing Harry's arm and leaving the office. "What? Just because I happen to enjoy men doesn't mean that I'm a complete ogre when it comes to women," Draco scoffed, clipping Harry neatly on the side of the head.

"Ouch, fucker!" Harry cursed, swatting Draco's hands. "You're definitely related to a troll. An ugly troll."

"Aww, that wounds me," Draco mock swooned, laughing as they headed towards their first class, dodging admiring classmates with honed Quidditch reflexes.

Harry decided that maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be that bad.

***

"Edward?" Alice Cullen's melodious voice snapped his younger brother from staring off into space, "Just because we don't need to blink doesn't mean that you shouldn't. The humans would be confused," she giggled, resting against her mate's chest. "Besides, I think things are going to get interesting."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Emmett asked, as his other three siblings shot Alice a Look.

"Oh, you'll see. Ah. I think they're here now."

The sounds of two high horse powered motors were gunning down the hill towards the school. Edward watched in amusement as the humans around them stared in the direction of the oncoming, flashy sports cars. Emmett whistled appreciatively at the make and models and even Rosalie looked twice. As the cars came to a screeching halt, Edward was hard pressed not to stare at the two teenagers that emerged from the driver's side. They could have been one of the Cullen's. The blonde was nearly half a head taller then the other, with an intolerable persona that reminded Edward of Rosalie. He was handsome but nothing like the raven haired.

He was breath-taking; if Edward actually breathed then he may have stopped. And had his heart beat, it might have beaten wildly. His black hair was untidy but in a sexy, unkempt way. His body was muscular, not like Emmett's bulky frame but not like the blonde's slender one either. Edward could see the definition in the human's body; they rippled underneath the fitted tee-shirt. But it was his eyes that drew Edward in the most. An enthralling emerald shade that were unlike any other color he'd ever seen in his long, immortal life.

"You can stop drooling," Alice giggled, "I think we're going to like them. Maybe some a bit more then others," she said vaguely. Maybe you'll even forget Bella.

Maybe. Bella had taken off for Florida with her mother, leaving him without a mate or a promise of a future that they'd wanted to build together. Edward was still reeling from the abandonment of a human that may have been his eternal mate. What do you see, Alice?

You'll know soon enough. Can you hear anything?

How can I possibly hear above all this noise? It's like ravenous wolves. Edward disregarded the sexual comments of his classmates, trying to focus on the raven haired human but to no avail. Everyone else was drowning him out. But he knew he was captivated, a vanilla scent lingering on the breeze, wafting through the trees, teasing Edward's senses. He rather liked it.

Oh god, another story. But I'm obsessed with Twilight/Harry Potter crossovers at the moment. LOVING Edward/Harry slash. And I'm stuck with On This Cross for the moment. And none of my other stories interest me right now. So, that's how this little plot bunny came to be.

Leave me a review, oui? ^_^