A/N: I went a bit overboard with this chapter. But overall I think it turned out okay. I hope you'll enjoy ^^.


When Draco woke up the next morning it was to a tray with breakfast. He slowly sat up and looked at it. A note adorned the rose, which stood in the middle of the tray. He reached for it and untied it. What he read made his heart speed up.

Dear Draco,

Since I said I intended to court you, I will. This breakfast is actually the first step of the plan I made for you. Of course I'll let you choose if you really want this. If not, you can return home. I'm also sorry to say I won't return home for about a week. Hermione will in the meantime come to visit you, since I'm at work.

Enjoy your breakfast and use the silence to think.

With love,

Harry.

He laid the note to the side, picked up the tray and settled it on his legs. So Harry was away for a week? 'Probably some Auror problem,' he thought, while munching on his piece of bread. After finishing his breakfast rather clumsily - he wasn't used to eating with his left hand – he picked up the tray and went to the kitchen. He sat the tray down on the counter of the kitchen and walked to the living room. Hermione Granger was already seated with a cup of tea. "Good morning, Dr- Malfoy," she said, nodding.

"Morning, Granger. Is there some tea left?"

She nodded and walked to the kitchen to get a spoon and a glass. She returned shortly again and settled the glass with the spoon on the table. She poured him some water and handed him a teabag. He took it and dipped it in his glass. After it turned the right shade he laid the teabag down and dropped two sugar cubicles in his tea. He stirred his tea, before he relaxed in his chair.

"How is your hand?" asked Hermione casually.

Draco frowned. "It barely hurts. It's strange though, since it's not what I'm used to."

Hermione nodded. "No itching? No inflamed skin? No rash?"

He shook his head. "No, it doesn't bother me at all. Except that it is so heavy. But nothing else."

"Good. Very good. You need to keep an eye on it, though. It could always take a turn for the worse."

He nodded. "How long will you stay here?"

"I will stay here until Harry returns. It isn't the first time he is needed for such a long period of time. He once was at work for almost three weeks straight. When he got home again he looked really tired and underfed. He's one of the best Aurors they have, and so he works longer than most people in the Ministry. He doesn't listen to me when I say he shouldn't work non-stop for long periods of time. It's bad for his health. And I should know, since I'm a Healer," said Hermione.

"Three weeks? That is…" he trailed of and winced. "And you took care of the house?"

She nodded. "I came by every few days. But I'll stay here as long as necessary now, since you're here. So I suggest we call each other by our first names."

Draco nodded. He could do that. "Well… Hermione, do you know where the bathroom is?"

She nodded. "In Harry's bedroom you have a door to the right. That's his bathroom. Don't forget to put a spell on you cast."

He nodded. He slowly drank his tea and after he finished it stood up to go to Harry's bathroom, before he was halted by Hermione's words.

"Thanks for allowing Harry to court you. It means a lot to him."

Draco turned around and nodded to her, before he proceeded walking to Harry's bedroom. When he opened the bathroom door a lovely bath came into his view. A nice bath would help him think. He turned on the tabs and watched as the bathtub filled itself. Every now and then he put his hand in to measure the temperature. After the tub was full he undressed himself and stepped in. He sighed as he fully laid down in it and let himself relax.

He grabbed a sponge and filled it with scented soap. The same scent as Harry's bed. He inhaled it deeply, before rubbing it along his body. Could he accept Harry's desire to court him? Did he like him enough? That's where he came up with a blank sheet. He just didn't know. He hadn't seen Harry since his trial. But he couldn't deny that there were strong feelings between him and Harry. Even since the funeral… He steered clearly out of that topic. He would let Harry help him with it.

So… did he like Harry? Could they become… lovers? He did felt something in the Room of Requirement all those years ago, where Harry saved him. He analysed those feelings now. It was nice sitting behind Harry. He had felt save, amidst all the panic. All the chaos around them, and was still more thankful that Harry saved him then he could ever express. But did he like Harry enough that he could actually agree to have a relationship with him? He would have to figure that out. But he could definitely admit he already felt something for him. If that fool only would return home they could talk about it. But he would be away for about a week. Stupid Harry and his stupid work.

He sighed and lathered his hair, before he rinsed it out again. He stepped out of his bathtub and let the water run away. He towelled himself dry, before stepping into clean clothes. He towelled his hair another time, since droplets of water kept falling. He then quickly combed his hair and then he stepped out of the bathroom.

Hermione stood in the kitchen, preparing something. "Would you like some lunch, Draco?"

Draco nodded. "I'd love to have some, Gr- Hermione," he corrected himself.

Hermione smiled, satisfied. "Well, sit down then. Don't just stand there."

Draco smiled and sat down at the table, waiting for his lunch.

After a few minutes she handed him a plate and she sat down herself.

Draco hesitated, until he asked: "Could you tell me a bit more about Harry?"

She nodded. "Sure. After we finished Hogwarts he signed up for Auror training. They accepted and so he became an Auror. He loves his job, since he is able to help people. He's only a bit of a workaholic. They sometimes make him work crazy hours, for ridiculous long times, like now, when he should be focusing on you. Not that his work is more important then you. He just isn't used to having company. Not when he has his work now. He and Ginny broke up in Hogwarts, which was three years ago now."

Draco nodded. He still remembered the break-up between the dream couple.

"It hit him pretty hard, but he knew he couldn't continue, since it would only increase his guilt. I think he was already in love with you then. Always turning his head when your name was mentioned. I noticed it of course and confronted him. You know what he did? He laughed. He laughed when I said he was obsessing about you and was probably in love. A year later, though, he declared he wanted to court you. He said I was right and that he was only hiding from the fact. He told Ginny and Ron. Ginny was understanding and supported him. Ron was a stubborn arse about it. But after a few months everything cooled down and Ron accepted the fact that Harry wasn't going to change his mind about it.

"And now, almost two years later he finally had the guts to face you and to tell you the truth. It took him long enough. Said I helped him by knowing what he wanted all those years ago in Hogwarts."

Draco nodded, while finishing his lunch. "And you're okay with it? To know your friend wants to court a former enemy, a former Death Eater?"

Hermione shrugged. "I've gotten over my grudge against you. You were a victim of circumstances. It was hard to accept that fact. Ron is still having some difficulty with it, but I saw what you and your mother did to build up your reputation. I admire you for that. It must have been really hard."

Draco stared at her. She admired him? How could she, when she was tortured in his house by his aunt. "It was hard," he murmured, "but I mostly did it for my mother. She deserved better."

Hermione nodded understandably. Then she grinned mischievously. "You know, I think I might enjoy watching you being courted. Finally no more whining and planning from Harry."

"You know what he's going to do? You know how he's going to court me?"

She snorted. "Of course I do. He kept on bugging me with ideas. It was actually pretty funny to see him all flustered, while he normally is so collected. He was thinking of ideas, and he finally came to a conclusion a month ago. Now he has everything planned out. I just hope his work won't interfere with it, though."

Draco frowned. "He wrote that I could return home if I didn't want to be courted. But if I do let him court me, would that mean I would move in with him?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes. He would hardly let you go once he has you, believe me. He has worked hard to get this far. So he would do anything to keep you near and save. He's very protective of the people he loves."

On the one hand he could sell Malfoy Manor. He knew his mother always wanted to sell it, but then she fell ill and moving out would be too stressful. But it would mean moving in with Harry. Was he ready for it? It was a really big step to consider.

"Would you like some tea?"

Draco nodded.

"Alright. Let us move to the living room then. I'll make us some tea," said Hermione who grabbed the two glasses they used before.

Draco stood up and went to the living room and sat on the same chair as before.

When Hermione sat down on the couch again and settled down the tea, he asked: "How was Harry like in Hogwarts to you?" He added some sugar to his tea and stirred it with his spoon.

Hermione smiled over the rim of her glass. "Stubborn. He was loyal, funny, headstrong, thick, easily angered at times and of course honest. He didn't really change much over the last couple of years. Just matured. Matured and grew up better than most of us. He overcame his grudges and prejudices. Most of us didn't and still don't. Harry and I actually talked about it. We both accepted that some Death Eaters were just as much victims of circumstances as we were. Of course we knew it didn't apply to everyone. But most of them are in Azkaban now. We always thought Severus Snape was a Death Eater, how wrong we were, weren't we? So we started to analyse you, you know? And especially your mother swayed our opinions.

"I think that was really the point where Harry accepted that he liked you. He mentioned your name more at least. Although, not everyone was happy with that. But like I said, some of us didn't mature and overcame their grudges."

Draco nodded silently and took a sip of his tea. He liked what he was hearing so far. "How did he handle things just after the war. It must have been a hard time," he murmured, thinking about how Harry said he resulted to drinking for his sorrows.

Hermione shook her head sadly. "Well, at first he became this isolated, shocked shell. About two days after that he got out of it and resulted to drinking. It was a dark and hard time for all of us. Eventually I couldn't stand it anymore and I took him to someone who would talk with him, since he didn't want to talk with us. He screamed and raged, but eventually things calmed down and he sorted through his grief. It was a sad, sorrowful time, but he came out stronger and livelier than he was at first. He started talking to me about it and we both picked up the last pieces and put them in their proper place. After a few months he started planning courting you, and here we are now," she said with a faint smile.

Draco gave a little smile back. "We are, aren't we? And I'm…glad for it."

Hermione smiled. 'You'll be more glad then you can ever imagine, if you just give Harry a chance. But I think he will.' Hermione's smile softened and she finished drinking her tea.

"What is your work like?" asked Draco, before Hermione launched herself in an explanation.


When they finished dinner Hermione excused herself, so she could get some paperwork done. Draco had nodded and retreated in Harry's bedroom. He could use his time well and absorb everything that Hermione had said. He smiled. If he indeed let Harry court him he at least managed to call Hermione by her first name and even made a start with befriending her. Or so he hoped.

He was really intrigued with what Hermione did for a living. She could treat Magical and Muggle injuries, which made her efficient and a great Healer. He looked at his own cast and shook his head. It barely hurt, but then again how couldn't it, when it enabled him to move his wrist.

He sighed and pulled on pyjamas, before he laid down on the bed. This day went better than he predicted. Although he still not fully comprehended why the Ministry would need Harry for a whole week. And why Harry accepted. But now that he thought about it, he thought Harry didn't want to suffocate him by being around and reminding him. If that was the case than Draco only admired him more for it.

He turned around and fell asleep, careful with his cast.


When Harry returned home it was to a sight he'd never thought he'd ever see, and it took his breath away.

Draco and Hermione sat on the couch together with a scone and tea in their hands and they were laughing.

Harry stood in the doorway, looking at the serene scene, until Draco turned around and saw him. "Hello, Harry. How did work go?"

Harry didn't have one single eloquent word to reply back. He surely thought Draco would've returned home by now. "How- Why- How come you're still here?" he asked, astonished.

"I thought it was pretty obvious," snorted Draco. "But you didn't answer my question. How did work go?"

Harry kept standing there, lost for words.

Draco rolled his eyes when he saw that Harry probably wouldn't reply soon. "Well, come on than you dolt. Come and join us. There is still a seat free."

Harry mechanically walked forward and took a seat next to Draco. When he sat down, a cup with tea was pushed in his hands by a smiling Hermione. "Welcome home again, Harry."

Harry simply nodded and absentmindedly stirred his tea.

Draco smiled. "Hermione was just telling me some embarrassing stories about you when we still were at Hogwarts. And would you like a scone? They are quite delicious."

Harry just nodded and Draco handed him a scone. "Thanks," Harry murmured while he blinked out of his stupor. "Did you stay here all week, Hermione?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, I only returned every now and then to deliver some paperwork, and to visit Ron of course. Speaking of which, Ron came by yesterday."

"Did he now? Did you have a good time then?"

Hermione nodded. "Sure. We were all on our best behaviour. You had to see it for yourself, I'm sure you wouldn't believe it otherwise," she said, directing a smile in Harry's direction.

He nodded, dazed. That was great news.

Hermione finished her tea, and said: "I should go now, Harry. Ron is waiting and I need to fill in some forms. I'll see you later, Harry. Draco, I had a great time. I'll see you later too. Bye." And with that she left.

"You have great friends, you know. A bit odd, but still great."

Harry blinked. What had happened in the week he was at work? First Draco stayed, and now he was even friendly with his friends? He frowned. "Since when did you call Hermione by her first name?"

"Oh, she asked me on the first day. Said we could call each other by our first names, since she would be here for a week, and I intend to…stay," he finished while casting his eyes downward. He hadn't meant to say that yet.

"You…what?" asked Harry befuddled.

Draco sighed. "I've decided to stay here and let you court me. I'm…thinking about selling the Manor."

Harry blinked. "You'll…stay here? And sell the Manor? For me? Diving in, head first?"

Draco rolled his eyes. "I do not dive in head first. I thought long and hard about it. And I've been meaning to sell the Manor for a long time. It's time for it to happen, I guess. But yes, I'd like to stay if you let me."

Harry nodded, his eyes having a shine to them, even though he looked dead tired.

"Harry, shouldn't you go to bed, or, well, the couch? You look really tired, you know. You've been to work for a week. That should take its toll," murmured Draco.

Harry cocked his head and looked at him. Draco resisted the urge to shift beneath the close scrutiny. "I suppose it did. Are you going to sleep too?"

Draco considered that. "No, not yet, but you can lie down on the couch. I'll be right back. You should put on some pyjamas."

Harry nodded and Draco stood up, took the cups with him and left. First he went to the kitchen to put them down, and then he went to the bedroom, to change in his pyjamas.

When he got back Harry was already lying down under the sheets. Draco walked to the chair, until Harry caught his sleeve. "Would you please sit down here?"

Draco nodded and seated himself on the couch, while Harry put his head in his lap and closed his eyes.

Draco's hand automatically went to Harry's hair and ran it through it. Harry sighed and relaxed. Draco occasionally petted the hair, or else ran his hand through it and messed Harry's hair up further.

When Draco looked down again Harry was fast asleep. He smiled and put his hand in front of his mouth because he yawned. He slowly manoeuvred from under Harry's head and put the pillow where his lap had been. He stretched and walked to the bedroom. He let himself fall in bed and promptly fell asleep.


When Draco woke up he languidly stretched out and yawned, before he opened his eyes. He turned to the side and what he saw made him blink and then smile softly.

A trail of rose petals ran from the floor to the door. Draco stepped out of the bed and followed the trail and he opened the door. He walked through the kitchen and to the backdoor. He knew it was a backdoor since he and Hermione sometimes went outside when the weather was nice. He opened the door and the trail of rose petals stopped at the table. Harry was already seated there and the table was so full of food Draco actually thought magic should've kept the table from collapsing. He took a seat across from Harry and nodded. "Good morning, Harry. Do you mind explaining what this is for?"

Harry practically beamed at him. "Well, since you accepted that I'll court you I started my plan. The first was breakfast for you, last week. Now it is breakfast for us."

Draco shook his head silently, a grin spreading across his face. 'Only a Gryffindor,' he thought.

"Well, shall we eat then?" asked Harry with a raised eyebrow.

Draco nodded and filled his plate with various kinds of food. Especially fruit dominated his plate.

Harry filled his plate too, keeping an eye on Draco. He would remember what Draco liked. It would come in handy for his plan. He saw how Draco worked through his food, saving the fruit for last. He savoured it. Harry was glad he noticed that fact. Draco loved fruit. He would keep that in mind.

After they finished breakfast Harry vanished everything on the table, except the rose which stood in the middle of the table. "Do you want to sit here, or should we return inside again?" asked Harry.

"I'd like to sit here for a while," Draco replied, smiling slightly at Harry.

Harry nodded, appreciating the fact that Draco was still only clad in pyjamas. The smooth flesh of his muscles pulled whenever he moved, giving Harry an idea of what was under the shirt. His pupils dilated for a moment, before he reminded himself that neither of them was ready. Draco still needed to mourn for Narcissa. That thought killed his good mood rather quickly.

"Is something wrong?" asked Draco, whose face was illuminated by some rays of the sun.

Harry shook his head. Now wasn't the proper time. It was only morning after all. They would talk later. He would make sure of it. Draco needed it and if he would indeed stay with Harry he would make sure that Draco was fully healed. He deserved it. Harry only hoped that Draco was willing to talk about it and wouldn't hide behind his mask, his façade. If need be he would tear all of Draco's walls down. Even if it meant reciting his own story.


"Draco, I think we should talk."

Draco sighed. He knew this would happen sooner rather than later. That didn't mean he would like it any better. "Yes, we do." He slowly sat down on the couch, looking down at the ground.

Harry sat down next to him, close enough for comfort, far enough to not invade any personal space. "Please, talk. It will help."

Draco took in a shuddering breath. "Are you sure you want to hear me moan about my sorrows?"

Harry nodded. "It will help. It may not feel that way in the beginning, but it will help."

Draco nodded and swallowed heavily. "Well, like I said my mother was ill for a time. She wanted to sell the Manor, until she fell ill. We knew we shouldn't move then, since it would add too much stress. I wouldn't want to risk it. She was everything to me. And what good did it at the end? Nothing. She was unhappy in the Manor. It reminded her about Him and Father. I wish I could've made her happier and sold the Manor. It might have given her cheeks some more colour, instead of the deathly pallor she always had since she was sick. Even though she hated being in the Manor she still kept up a façade. I've never wished more for it to disappear then than.

"And then there was that horrible, heart wrenching news. She couldn't be saved. It devastated me to know, but she kept going strong, even though she knew she was going to die soon. I'm still amazed by her strength. How she still carried on, how bad she must have felt. I took care of her as well as I could. And then she passed away. I was devastated when I heard it. A House-Elf informed me and I hurried to her room. And she just laid there, never moving an inch, paler as ever. I hated her in that moment. Leaving me behind, just like that."

A sob escaped him and silent tears poured down his cheeks, against his will. His voice shook when he went on. "And then there was the funeral. That dreadful funeral. It was closure somehow, knowing she would never come back to me. When they lowered her coffin, part of me died with her. So I drank to fill up that gaping hole in my chest. It hurts, you know. It hurts so much I can't even express it in words. Even drinking had its downsides. It hurt all the more in the end. I've accepted that she will never come back, but that thought doesn't comfort me. It only makes my heart ache more."

He turned tearful eyes to Harry. "Why does it hurt so much?"

"Oh, Draco," said Harry who cradled Draco to him, holding him tight and didn't intent to ever let him go.

Draco clutched Harry's shirt and buried his face in the hard chest, sobbing and crying. "I just want the pain to stop. I can't take it anymore."

Harry just ran his hand through Draco's hair in a comforting manner. "It will be alright, Draco. Believe me. Give it some time," murmured Harry in Draco's hair.

Draco only clutched his shirt harder and fresh tears flowed. Harry didn't care that his shirt was drenched, Draco needed it, and he would give all the comfort he could.

It could be a minute later, an hour or even a day, Harry didn't know, but the sobs subsided and the tears slowed.

Harry looked down to a sleeping Draco. He carefully stood up and picked Draco up. Draco still had a light grip on his shirt. Harry carried him to his bedroom and laid him down on his bed, but Draco still wouldn't let go of his shirt, even when Harry tried to pry away the fingers. After a moment's hesitation he climbed in his bed, next to Draco. Draco could at least use the comfort.

Harry laid down next to him, not caring that he still had his clothes on. He took Draco in his arms and closed his eyes, waiting for sleep to carry him away. After a few minutes Harry joined Draco in the land of sleep.


His eyes felt heavy and dry, even though he didn't open them yet. And he was lying against something soft, but firm. He lifted his hand to examine what he was lying against, since he still didn't want to open his eyes. His hand met a chest. Memories of yesterday came rushing back to him and he just wanted to stay where he was. How could Harry say that it would make him feel better? He only felt worse. His throat and eyes felt dry and he was a bit embarrassed about crying against Harry's chest. But he couldn't make himself move. Simply because he didn't want to and because Harry's arms had him in an iron, yet tender grip.

He closed his eyes again and let sleep carry him away again.

Harry noticed it when Draco woke up. The slack muscles at once tensed up. Not a moment later a hand skimmed across his chest. Draco tensed up even further, and Harry thought it was because he laid next to him. How stupid could he be? But Draco didn't pull away, to Harry's surprise. A moment later Draco relaxed again. He evidently fell asleep again. Harry could hardly blame him for it. It made him beam. It meant Draco trusted him to some degree, because he didn't pull away when he knew Harry was next to him.

It warmed his heart to know. He turned his head to the side and down to gaze at the blond next to him. He smiled softly and toyed with Draco's hair. Eventually he rose and got to the kitchen to prepare them some breakfast. 'Well, breakfast…' he thought when he glanced at the clock, 'More likely an early lunch.'

He prepared the food and didn't hear a door opening. Only when he felt a hand on his shoulder he looked up in the grey eyes of Draco. Harry gazed into the turbulent eyes, before he was pulled in for a gentle kiss.

Harry was frozen on his spot, and before he could act Draco broke off the kiss. "I thought it appropriate that we should kiss before you progressed with your plan to court me," said Draco as a way of explanation.

Harry nodded, dazed. "Would you like some breakfast?"

"I'd love some," said Draco, smiling a bit.

Harry nodded and filled both plates and sat them on the table. Draco was already seated and Harry joined him. "Are you…feeling better?" asked Harry carefully.

Draco halted his fork and a thoughtful expression overcame him. "At first when I woke up, no. Now though, I feel…lighter," he finished, shrugging a bit.

Harry carefully watched him, looking for a sign that told differently. He saw none, which made him very happy. And it explained why he tensed up in bed. But it also made him think of a plan. He would skip a few steps in his plan to court Draco, but that didn't matter. "Draco, would you want to fly with me after breakfast?"

Draco hesitated, before he nodded with a smile. "I'd love to fly with you, Harry." He didn't lie when he said he felt lighter, because he did. He truthfully felt a whole lot better. And he would love to fly again. The weather today was as astoundingly beautiful as it was yesterday. Perfect flying conditions, he knew.

When they finished breakfast Harry walked to his cupboard and shrunk the two brooms residing there. "Are you coming, Draco?" he asked enthusiastically, while putting on a jacket. It was still May after all.

"I'll be right there," replied Draco, and after a minute he was ready to go. "Where are we going?"

Harry only grinned. "Somewhere." He grabbed Draco's arm and Apparated Side-Along.

When Draco opened his eyes they stood in a beautiful green field. Big enough to play Quidditch, but small enough to look private. "It is beautiful! Where are we?" asked Draco in wonder.

"It's an extension to the back garden. It's only accessible via Apparating. I know about it and my friends. And now you too," said Harry, smiling. He pulled out the brooms of his pocket and enlarged them. Two Firebolts rested against Harry. He handed one over to Draco and grabbed his own Firebolt. He took his seat and shot straight up, laughing all the while. A second later Draco joined him at break necking speed. Harry looked at him and saw a big grin across Draco's face. He made the right choice for inviting Draco here, he knew it by his expression.

Harry made a somersault mid-air and shot back at the ground. Draco dived after him, not leaving Harry's sight. Harry grinned at him, showing his delight. Draco smiled back, pulling up just in time. Harry grinned and pulled up too, swirling around Draco, circling him.

Draco grinned and manoeuvred out of Harry's circling, making zigzag movements. But Harry wasn't easily thrown off. He kept following Draco, never missing a beat. He dived and circled when Draco did, in perfect synchronisation. Draco laughed. "You're not going away, are you?"

Harry looked serious for a moment. "No, Draco, I'm not. Never."

Draco's breath caught in his throat when he saw Harry's expression, which caused him to not look out. Before he knew it a tree loomed over him. His eyes widened, before a pull prevented a collision. Before he completely comprehended what happened he was pulled into two strong arms. "Are you alright?" murmured Harry in his ear.

Draco blinked. "Yes, I'm alright. Just startled."

Harry reluctantly let him go. "Well, come on then. You aren't tired, are you?"

Draco grinned and took the silent challenge Harry offered him.


Harry's breathing was laboured, but he couldn't stop laughing, nor could he stop the grin which covered half of his face. He laid down in the grass, looking up to the blue sky with here and there some white clouds.

Draco laid down next to him, breathing loudly, trying to get as much oxygen back in his lungs.

"Should we call it a draw?" asked Harry amused, his heartbeat calming somewhat and his breathing evening out.

Draco snorted. "I clearly won. So no, no draw."

"And what about the one before? There I was clearly the one who one."

"Touché. It's a draw then," said Draco who smiled. He rolled over, so he laid on his stomach and propped his left arm under his chin, careful of his right one. It hurt, because he needed to steady himself on his broom sometimes, but it was well worth it. He looked into Harry's positively glowing green eyes and lost himself in their warm depths.

Harry reached up and cupped Draco's cheek, stroking it lovingly. Draco slowly moved downwards and claimed Harry's lips in a slow, unhurried kiss. Harry moved his hand from Draco's cheek to the back of his neck and pulled him closer. Draco moaned silently, coaxing Harry's tongue out.

When the need for oxygen became a priority, Draco laid his head on Harry chest and listened to the steady heartbeat he found there. It calmed him, just like the hand combing through his hair. He closed his eyes and enjoyed Harry's touches, soft as a feather, yet giving him chills. He sought out Harry's mouth again, greedily taking what Harry had to offer. He ran his hand along Harry's side, dipping under the shirt, stroking naked skin he found there. A short intake of breath was all the reaction that Harry showed and Draco smiled against his lips. He laid his hand flat against Harry's stomach, before skating his fingers across the skin. He moved from Harry's mouth to his neck and kissed the tender skin there, eliciting a soft moan. He went lower and nibbled on the collarbone, before kissing his way up again.

And Harry met him with every fevered kiss, until Draco just laid against him, toying with Harry's sleeve. Harry looked at him and played with a few strands of his blond hair, content to just lie there on the grass, watching clouds drift by. Until Draco's stomach rumbled. Harry smiled. "Come on, we should return. I still need to make dinner." He carefully stood up and helped Draco to his feet. Draco sighed, but picked up his broom and let Harry Apparate him Side-Along.

Harry took over the broom and stored both of them in his cupboard. He then turned to the kitchen and started to prepare dinner, while Draco sat down at the table and watched Harry moving around. "Are you going to work tomorrow?"

Harry looked at him. "Yes. I need to, they need my help."

"Hmm. When will you return home again?" asked Draco through lowered lashes. He thought Hermione might be right about Harry working too much.

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. It depends on the case." He continued making dinner and soon delicious aromas floated around, making Draco's mouth water. He loved Harry's cooking already.

Harry served dinner and sat down too.

"I must say, Harry, that you have quite an unorthodox way of courting someone," said Draco, who smiled.

"Do I now?" asked Harry amused. "It's not that difficult. You first need to build trust. If you have that, then you can move along. Do more frivolous things, give them. And is my courting you not unorthodox in itself?" countered Harry.

Draco laughed. "I guess it is, isn't it?" He smiled and started on his dinner. It was as delicious as it smelled. "What did you use for it to taste like this?"

And so Harry launched himself in an explanation on how he used different herbs, never tiring Draco. He didn't think he could ever tire of Harry's soft, yet strong voice.

Draco helped Harry with cleaning the dishes after they finished dinner, even though Harry objected. Draco had only smiled at him and Harry relented.

When they sat down on the couch Harry had an idea. He meant what he said about trusting each other, and he was fairly sure he had at least some trust from Draco. He probably wouldn't have cried against him as he did yesterday. And that took at least some trust. "Draco, would you please lie down on the couch on your stomach?"

"Why?" asked Draco, who frowned.

"I'd like to give you a massage," said Harry as plain as he could.

Draco blinked. "Why?"

"Must there be a reason to everything? Because I'd like to give you a massage. Now, turn over."

Draco rolled his eyes but did as he was told to when Harry stood up so he could lie down. He did so and stretched himself out over the couch.

Harry nodded approvingly and settled his hands on Draco's shoulders, searching for a spot to begin. After searching for a moment he found the perfect place and started to knead his way through the muscles. After some time the muscles in the shoulders were properly worked through, so he went a bit lower, until the shirt irritated him too much. "Draco, would you mind pulling off your shirt?" murmured Harry.

He didn't get a reaction, so he thought Draco had fallen asleep. A moment later though Draco rose up a bit and pulled the shirt over his head, exposing smooth, creamy white skin.

Harry admired the view for a moment, before he placed his hands where they were before he asked Draco to pull off his shirt. This time it was just as much kneading as it was stroking. He straddled Draco, so he could better access all the skin before him, begging to be touched. Draco moaned silently when Harry began to kiss his shoulders, and everywhere where his hands had previously been. Harry smiled. He loved how responsive Draco was to his touch. He stopped kneading and stroked now, feeling the muscles beneath his hands draw together, before they relaxed again. And all the while Draco didn't pull away, but only welcomed the touch.

He turned around with difficulty and just gazed into Harry's eyes, not doing anything. He reached up and cupped Harry's face, stroking with his thumb, before he pulled Harry's face down to his own and kissed him. Harry lazily responded back, and met Draco's tongue. Draco moaned and moved his hand to Harry's neck, so he could play with the hairs he found there.

Harry gently lowered his body, careful to watch Draco's reaction. When he saw no negative reaction he smiled. He kissed a path down Draco's neck and paid extra attention to his collarbone.

He went lower, until he came across a pink scar. Dawning realisation came over him. "It's the scare I gave you, isn't it," he breathed, looking into Draco's eyes.

Honest eyes looked back at him. "It is. I don't regret it, Harry. It kept reminding me about what I nearly did to you." He put his hand over Harry's on his scar and looked him deeply in the eyes. "You don't have to feel guilty, nor think I resent you for it, because I simply don't. Don't you ever forget that," he whispered. Harry looked unsure for a moment, so Draco pulled him in for another kiss.

He had to break off the kiss though, for the need to yawn was too big.

Harry smiled. "Come on, lets go to sleep."

Draco nodded and covered his face as another yawn came out of his mouth. "Yes, we should. Good night, Harry," he said, while opening the door to Harry's bedroom.

"Good night, Draco."

Draco shut the door behind him. He put on some pyjamas and stepped into the bed. After

he tossed and turned for a while he gave up. He padded to the door and walked to the living room, while biting his bottom lip. "Harry? Are you awake?" he whispered.

"Yes, I'm awake. What's wrong?" he murmured.

"Would you…would you like to join me? I mean, I can't sleep, and I slept really good yesterday, so I thought that maybe you could lie next to me?" he whispered hurriedly.

Harry smiled, although Draco couldn't see, since it was too dark. "Sure, I'd love to." He stood up and followed Draco to his bedroom. Draco climbed back in bed and Harry joined him.

"Good night, Draco," he said, while cradling Draco to his chest. Draco sighed and let himself relax against Harry's chest. And so they both fell asleep, Draco's back against Harry's chest.


When Draco woke up it was to a cold bed. He sighed, remembering Harry's words. He got out of bed, put some clothes on and made him some breakfast. He made a decision this night, and for that he would need to leave the house. He finished eating his breakfast and Apparated to Malfoy Manor. He had a house to sale.

He contacted their estate agent. They relied on him for years, selling and buying different estates in different countries. This time the Manor would be for sale. Five minutes later the estate agent stood in front of him.

"Mister Malfoy," the man nodded curtly.

Draco nodded back. "We have a lot to discuss today…"

And so Draco made sure the Manor would be sold. He wasn't sad, nor remorseful about it. His mother would've wanted it, and he would make damn sure that wish would at least come true.

He returned to Harry's home again, looking rather smug. He opened the door and stepped inside. He heard nothing, which meant that Harry was still at work. Draco scowled. It was already seven in the evening! He stepped inside the living room and looked around. No Harry. He shrugged and went to the kitchen, to make some dinner.

He put his plate down and took his seat, all the while thinking the house was awfully quiet without Harry's presence. He sighed and finished his dinner in silence. He cleaned his plate and cutlery and took a seat on the couch, while he grabbed a book on his way. He sat down and opened his book.

Before he knew it he was so caught up in the book that he forgot all about Harry and his work, or the Manor.

Draco didn't know how long it had been, or how late it was, but he heard the door opening. He laid the book away and looked up in time to see the door opening and Harry coming through it. "Draco. Why are you still here? Shouldn't you be in bed?"

Draco glanced at the clock. One o'clock in the morning. "Shouldn't you?" he countered.

Harry sighed. "I needed to work. You on the other hand didn't."

Draco narrowed his eyes and searched Harry's face, looking for a weakness. He found one, which made his face soften. "What happened, Harry? What has you troubled?"

Harry sighed and sat down next to Draco. "There is this girl who came to us for help. Her father drank too much and had hit her. When we got to the house no one was there. So basically we're busy tracking the man down. He only covers his tracks really well." He let himself relax against Draco's side and closed his eyes. "Draco, we're going somewhere tomorrow, and it isn't part of the courting process," said Harry tiredly.

"Hmm. Harry, come on. We need to go to sleep." Draco stood up and Harry followed him, yawing all the while. "Oh, I decided to sale the Manor," he said casually.

Harry blinked at him, before a smile spread across his face. "That's great news!" He yawned and opened the door to his bedroom. They both changed into their pyjamas and when Harry's head hit the pillow he was fast asleep. Draco laid down next to him and watched Harry sleep for a while, and then he too joined Harry in the land of sleep.


Harry wanted to take Draco to his mother's grave. It would give some closure, at least to some degree. His hand combed through Draco's hair, before he got out of bed to make them some breakfast.

He filled two plates, Draco's mostly with fruit, and put them on a tray. He picked up the tray and took it with him to the bedroom. "Draco, wake up," cooed Harry who lightly shook Draco awake.

Draco fluttered his eyelashes, before he opened his eyes. "Hey," he said while trying to hide a yawn.

"Good morning. I have breakfast for us."

Draco rubbed his eyes, before he sat up against the headboard. A plate was handed to him and he smiled gratefully. He put the plate in his lap and started to eat as soon as Harry sat down next to him.

Harry took the plates back with him when they finished eating and rinsed them out.

Draco followed him and asked: "So, where are we going?"

Harry hesitated a moment before replying. "I thought we could visit your mother's grave. Have some closure." He bit on his bottom lip and waited for Draco's reply.

It was so easy to just say no. But he had Harry to his side, hadn't he? He took a shuddering breath and nodded. He could do this. He would do this.

He got his jacket and walked to Harry. Harry nodded and took his arm. A minute later they arrived at the graveyard where Narcissa was buried. Draco took Harry's hand and slowly walked to where he knew his mother's grave was.

He stopped before the flower covered grave and kneeled in front of it. Harry stood behind him, waiting for Draco to speak.

"Hi, mum. I hope you're in a better place now. I think you would be glad to know that I'm selling the Manor. And, well, Harry is courting me now."

Harry walked away then, leaving Draco alone.

"I'm glad he found me, really. I don't know what would've happened if he wasn't there on your funeral. So, something good came out of it. Part of me died with you, mum, and I miss you dearly. But I know I should move on, and I am. I'm starting a life with Harry and am selling the Manor. I really do think I'm moving on. I'll never forget you, mum. How could I, when you cared for me, was there for me and saved me? I will never forgot that, nor forget you. I'm sad, but it won't turn into a tragedy, I won't allow it. I'll remember the fond memories. I won't ever forget them, mum." He gave a wobbly smile and stood up to find Harry.

"Harry, I'd like to go home now," he said when he finally found him.

"Home? Sure. Do you feel better?" murmured Harry who's heart sped up when Draco mentioned 'home'.

"Yes. And you are here with me, Harry. Nothing could ever make me more grateful." He glanced at his mother's grave for a last time, before he returned home with Harry. 'Yes, home. Our home.'


A/N: The End! I hope you liked my Two-Shot. Please, leave a review if you have some spare time ;).