Let Me In, Dammit!
Chapter 1.
Draco couldnt really remember when he had fallen in love with his nemesis. If he really thought about it, something which he avoided at all costs, he supposed it was the moment when the dark lord barged into the Great Hall at Hogwarts and he saw one of Voldemorts minions carrying Harrys limp body behind him. Somehow in that moment, Draco felt as if there was nothing worth living for anymore. Which had made him admit that he was counting on Harry to end it all, to put a stop to it and to save them. It may also have been the moment when Harry was surrounded by a sea of hugs after he had destroyed Voldemort. Draco remembered seeing the golden trio seize hold of each other in a legendary embrace and wishing suddenly, wistfully that he were a part of it all. Wishing that somewhere along the line, he had ended up on the right side but that just wasnt how it worked out.
It had been five years since that day and every Wednesday Draco paced around his Auror office, waiting for his part-time partner to come in for a briefing. Kingsley had paired Harry and Draco together three years ago. No doubt in an attempt to ease tensions between the two but Draco refused to budge on that. Harry had, admittedly, been nothing but a gentleman ever since the world had proclaimed him its demi-god and saviour. He was humble and effortlessly kind, both concepts that were alien to Draco. Draco had to work at being kind and humble and he found that hardest when his partner was with him. Over the years they had developed a pattern, Draco lashed out at Harry, badgered him and taunted him and Harry never rose to the bait. He took it all like the bloody martyr he was, almost as if he deserved it and that made only made Draco livid. Which made him taunt him more. It was a vicious cycle.
It had been a year since Draco discovered that he was in love with the Green-eyed saviour. It happened quite randomly. They were assigned to make a trip to Azkaban and question a few prisoners, it was all fairly routine but somehow one of the prizoners still had enough life left in him to attack and lock Draco in a vice-like grip. It was the only time Draco had seen Harrys eyes flash with that old passion that had made him draw the world to him, as he immediately disarmed the prisoner and reached out a hand to save him. Naturally Draco couldnt thank him or tell him that his only thought had been of how he would have died without telling him how he felt and so he lashed out and ask him to get over his bloody saviour complex. No offence Potter, but I dont need any saving from you. If you hadnt noticed Voldemort is dead, I think you can fucking retire now, he had churned it out with such venom that Potters mesmerising eyes turned to stone right in front of him. The ice in his expression was almost Malfoy-like and he left the cell without a word.
Draco kept waiting for the fall out after that. Potter was a legend, he could get anything he wanted and if he even hinted to Kingsley that he wanted another partner Draco would be sacked from the ministry but of course he didnt. He took it all with the same saintly patience that had become his trademark. When Kingsely once asked Draco if he wanted to change partners since it didnt seem that his plan to broker peace between the two was ever going to work, Draco panicked at the very suggestion. Something about no longer seeing Potters eyes, no longer trying to figure out what went on behind them in that head and day dreaming about what could be but would never be between them made it impossible for him to let go of the twice-a-week appointments that were practically the highlight of his life. He didnt have much anymore, the Malfoys were social pariahs after the war and ironically the only people civil to them were Granger and Potter. Fate had a twisted sense of humour.
Sometimes Draco felt that the only reason he taunted Harry anymore was to get a reaction out of him. After the war he had turned to stone amid his ocean of admirers. The only people he still talked to were Granger and Weasley, of course, but he had even broken up with the red headed Weasley soon after the war. It was the ultimate irony: the saviour of the world was a hermit, a veritable shadow.
Draco heard a knock and Potter walked in, unnervingly calm. Malfoy, can I come in? he said, his hand still tentatively wedged on the door handle.
I wont bite Potter. Take a seat, we have a lot to get through and Im not going to let you get me into shit with Kingsley. Not all of us have the privilege of being oh-so-chosen, he said with his traditional sneer. Potter merely sighed and walked in. That was what bugged Draco more than anything, the fact that he no longer reacted or maybe after everything, he no longer considered Draco worth the effort, which was even worse. Draco was perfectly aware that everything he had said was completely unfounded, if anything, he had seen first hand how incredibly awkward Potter was about his fame and he NEVER asked for special favours. The only noticeable exception in his case was the fact that he worked part-time. The entire wizarding world had been trying to discover why Harry Potter had simply dropped off the map a few months after his greatest triumph.
No one really knew where he lived, since the Black Manor was off the map again and untraceable and he always seemed to be in a rush to leave for home. Initially, most people had assumed that he was a snob but that wasnt really true. His borderline agoraphobia had little to do with his social awkwardness because he still met people with ease and Draco hated to admit it, a natural charm. Only, he never stuck around long enough, he worked three days a week he was still the best and most dedicated auror on roster when he was on duty. The rest of the time no one knew where he was or who he was with (except Granger and Weasley). Draco had tried asking Kingsley, but for some perverse reason the minister of magic was even more paranoid about Potters privacy than the man himself.
They had been working through a pile of paper work and Draco relished these hours where he could unabashedly ogle him. He would always wait for Potter to ask a question so he could look at his eyes and have a new expression to dream about and jerk off to at night. It was pathetic but his hand practically twitched with an ache to straighten out the mans hair whenever they were this close. Of course that just made him act like more of a dick. The more he noticed how Harrys burgundy sweater set off his eyes, or how his freshly showered hair still curled moistly around the nape of his neck the more furious he got with himself and with his partner.
He probably didnt have a clue. Hell hed probably just showered with his girlfriend before coming here and she probably bought him that damned sweater. So Potter, ummlook I have nothing to do with this at all. But my mother wanted me to give you this invite to her Christmas party this year and she really wants you to come, he said with a rush. He hated his mother for putting him through this but he understood.
After the war Potter had been the only one who had stood up for his family. He had ensured that after Lucius went to Azkaban the Malfoys retained the manor and their wealth. Draco remembered the day clearly, they stood in the middle of the court all alone, mother and son, waiting to be condemned, when in walked the Chosen one himself and pleaded their case. The fact is, Narcissa Malfoy, is the reason I am alive and by default she is the reason all of you are alive today. The Malfoys will not be made to pay for Lucius mistakes. I forbid it, he said it staring straight at the Wizengamot who had no choice but to agree and accept every one of his demands. After the hearing he came out and met Draco and his mother while they were waiting in the lobby. Well, actually he only met his mother, Draco gawked in surprise as Potter hugged his mother Im sorry about all this but I assure you that you will have your house back in a week. They need to scan it for any dark artefacts and then it is yours, I promise. Until then, I want you two to stay at the suite theyve apparently prepared for me at the Ministry because Hermione, Ron and I have some things we need to take care of. Harry hadnt looked at Draco once that day and Draco hated him for it.
He hated that right when he had begun to want to actually be in his life, Harry had closed all the doors. He had forgiven them all but it was the kind of general pardon a martyr offers up to all those who had wronged him. Draco was no different from Blaise Zabini, Bellatrix Lestrange or even Voldemort in Harrys eyes and that stung. It stung enough that Draco still carried it around in his chest to this day, five years later.
Umm, well please tell your mother thanks for the invitation. I really do appreciate it but I wont be able to make it. I wont really be in London for Christmas, Potter said, with a flush to his cheeks that made Dracos heart race a little. Oh really, and where will you be? he said, unashamedly curious and nosy. Harry didnt answer, he just got up abruptly Actually Malfoy, I have to head off but most of this stuff is done anyway and Ill take the Miller file home with me and drop it off at your desk first thing in the morning, with that he practically raced out of the room. Draco didnt have time to protest or comment but for once he decided to simply follow the man.
Afterall, nearly 3 years of pining after someone was enough, he either needed to move forward or move on. Potter barely stopped in his rush and as Draco ran after him, stealthily darting behind random couples to avoid being spotted he saw Potter turn near Kings Cross and head into a caf. He spotted Granger right away and immediately transfigured his clothes into a teenage get up so that he could sit behind their table without being spotted. Hey you, how was work, Potter said in his low, breathy baritone, kissing Granger on the cheek. Well busy, Ive just gotten a new shipment of ancient runes books and I was Granger prattled on only to be cut off Mione, no offence but I dont really want to know I was just being polite, Potter said with a chuckle. Draco hadnt heard the man chuckle in years and felt envious of Granger for more than just her IQ at that moment. Hey, so what are you planning for her party? Granger asked in a mock whisper. Well, Im not really sure. Its not like Kreacher is much help with party planning I mean the only theme he can manage is Dungeons and Dragons and I think he means that a tad too literally, Potter said, laughing. Draco had absolutely no idea who they were talking about, but if Potter was planning a party for a her that meant he had a girlfriend, which really meant that he needed to grow up. Oh please, Ill help you with the party a fifth birthday is huge and I know she wants a Beedle theme. She already told me, Granger piped in with her typical all-knowing insight. A what theme? Potter asked her, the decibel level rising considerably. Well, she read the books and she wanted everyone to dress up in costume. Come on, it will be fun!, Hermione said with enthusiasm. Potter sighed and said Fine. But how the hell do I shop for that and by the way will you stop giving her all those books! The last thing I need is a five year old whos more well read than I am. Draco could hear the smile in Harrys voice. I think its too late for that, Harry, she said, adding And I think we better get a move on. I have enough time for a quick hello before I have to head home but I think youll be late for school.
Draco has no idea what any of that was about but if anything it had only made him more and more curious. He followed the pair down to a large and expensive looking muggle private school in central London. Draco watched as Potter stood in an alley and transfigured his appearance, he gave himself a French beard and blue eyes. Why hello David, nice to meet you again, Granger muttered sarcastically and Harry rolled his eyes at her as he walked towards the gate.
Draco watched intently as moments later a tiny girl with an unruly mop of ebony locks, dazzling bottle green eyes and a bright smile ran into Daves open arms. The child was clinging to his neck and he lifted her up and walked towards Granger. Hi Lily! Ive missed you so much and I cant wait for your birthday party tomorrow, Granger said, hugging the girl.
Dad, are we going to take the train home? Because if we apparate I cant get my decorations, the child said to a transfigured Harry and both Potter and Granger immediately shushhhhhed her.
As they headed towards the train, Draco saw Harry kiss the girls forehead and he suddenly saw why Harry Potter had no time for the world that he had saved. Harry Potter, the man he loved, already had a saviour. Harry Potter was a father.