Night passed along with the storm. The sun started to peak behind Harry's curtain, shining directly upon Draco's eyes, eliciting a groan from him. He shifted only to find himself restrained. His eyes immediately darted open to greet Potter's face. He shouted, "What do you think you're doing, Potter?" Then his memory flooded him, reminding him of last night's embarrassment. Looking back at the other, he snarled, "Shut up," before rushing back into his room to get dressed for the day.
Harry had a rude awakening when Draco shouted. He groaned and burrowed farther into his blankets, shutting out all light. "I don't care; just let me sleep some more," he groaned after his flat mate, squeezing his eyes shut and getting comfortable.
Draco hopped into the shower, trying to let his anxiety flow out of his pores. To soothe his nerves further, he got dressed into some of his best robes. He admired himself in the mirror, the night finally off of his mind. Velvet and silk were always his favorite materials. Velvet by day, silk by night; however, linen was equally as acceptable. The robes flowed perfectly, not too long, not too short. Light enough to flow lightly in the wind, heavy enough to stay on his shoulders with nothing but his silver chain, emeralds at each end. His collared shirt was breathable and yet still revealed how slender his neck was, accentuating his Adam's apple. His trousers highlighted his long, toned mussels. His shoes polished, his tie skinny and elegant. His hair gelled except for his bangs. Just enough to cover his forehead and yet still keep him from looking like a slob. He smiled. He was perfect. At least on the outside.
He stepped down the stairs, expecting to find a meal until he recalled it was Potter's day off. "Hmph." He sat in the kitchen, drumming his fingers on the counter. Recalling yesterday, guilt flooded him. Determined, he pulled out one of the cook books and got to work.
Another half an hour of tossing and turning, Harry finally resigned to the fact that he was awake. He groaned and sat up, putting on his glasses. He went into the bathroom and was out in about five minutes, teeth brushed and hair… attempted at being tamed. He went downstairs without a shirt on and crossed into the living room, opening the sliding glass door and stepping out onto their deck.
Draco had decided to do something relatively simple like pancakes. Flipping over the last, griddle, he set the plate, filled with twenty pancakes, down on the kitchen table. He set butter and syrup next to the plate along with utensils and two more plates. He stepped out of the kitchen and was about to call Potter but spied him quickly on the deck. Smirking, he tip-toed forward and, once behind the other, he whispered into his ear, "I made breakfast."
Harry jumped a little before looking back at Draco. "I'll be- what, you made breakfast?" He said, eyes wide, "Well, I'll be damned, Malfoy." He grinned, "I'll be right there, alright," patting Draco on the head.
Draco chuckled, satisfied that he frightened the other. "Alright. See you, then," he trotted back inside and seated himself at the table. Suddenly, he was worried that the food would be inadequate.
Harry took a deep breath, enjoying the morning air after the rain before going back inside. He went over to the counter and looked at the pancakes. "Mm, these look promising," he said, poking it with a fork. He cut himself a bite and tasted it, making an approving sound. "These aren't actually bad, mate," he said, looking over at the blonde.
"You sure? They're nothing like yours," Draco retorted, taking a bite himself. They were better than frozen store-bought pancakes, but not exactly restaurant quality either.
"I didn't say they were as good as mine, but they're not terrible." He chuckled and elbowed Draco, "Are you looking forward to today?" He smiled warmly.
"Hmm?" He chewed another mouth full. "Oh, right. You meant last night? Not just teasing me? Thanks, mate."
"Why would I be kidding? It would be fun for me, too," he claimed with a shrug. "Maybe we could even get some ice cream afterwards," he said, looking over at Draco. "My treat."
"Nonsense. You're the one here spending money on me all the time solely by me living here. I can pay for our expenses outside of the flat," he said finishing off another serving.
Harry shrugged and finished off his portion. "I'm going to get dressed," he announced, ruffling Draco's hair and walking away, stretching as he did so. He back muscles flexed, growing taunt before relaxing again. He made his way up the stairs, scratching his chin.
Draco smiled victoriously as Potter dropped the argument. He batted the hand away from his, having just put gel in it before cooking and not wishing it to get messed up again so quickly. Draco rolled his eyes at Potter's back, muttering "Show off" underneath of his breathe. "I can do that, too." He emptied the dishwasher, replacing with today's dishes and the bowl and cup from last night. Harry's owl flew into the living room, delivering this morning's Daily Prophet. He sat on the couch and read, waiting for the brunette.
Harry soon returned, wearing a pair of dark green robes, his hair much more controlled now, and his face clean shaven. "Alright, so we will visit Gringots first," he stated, going to the living room. He kneeled by the fireplace, and picked up their small pouch of floo powder.
Draco went to their coat closet and retrieved his bottomless bag before meeting Potter by the fireplace. "Since when did you fancy green," he eyed him curiously as he extended his hand demandingly.
"I've worn green before. Don't you remember the Yule ball? Besides, Mrs. Weasley says they match my eyes," he explained, sticking out his tongue childishly.
"Well, she's not wrong," the blonde mumbled.
He put a small handful of the ash into Draco's extended hand, and got his own. Harry then stood in the fireplace, and narrowed his eyes at the Slytherin. "Follow RIGHT after me, okay?"
"Oh. No. You know what, I think I've changed my mind, Potter. I think I'll just stay here," Draco answered sarcastically.
"Har de har har," Harry replied monotonously. "Diagon Ally!" As the ash fell, his body erupted into green flames and he was gone. He reappeared in the fireplace of a small store, mostly meant for the floo network, though it sold small trinkets as well for visiting Wizards and Witches. Harry quickly side stepped and waited for the other.
Draco chuckled to himself, repeating the motion glad to finally escape the hell hole. Stepping out, he observed the store. "Really? A tourist shop? Come now, Potter. You're above that," he jested.
"It's not like I control where the Floo network goes," he said, rolling his eyes as he dusted off his robes. He looked over at Draco and noticed a smudge of powder on his cheek. Without thinking, he reached out and swiped it away with his thumb. "C'mon, Gringots, right?" He made his way out of the shop, robes flowing behind him.
A blush smeared across the blonde's face. "I could have done that myself, you know. All you had to do was tell me," he snapped, trying to keep up with him. He mumbled to himself, "Bloody Potter. I can take care of myself."
Harry chuckled softly to himself, slowing down to let the other man catch up. "I know you could, just seemed easier that way I guess," he shrugged, looking around the alley. Looking up, he watched as the impressive white marble building slowly came into view. "I wonder if the goblins have forgiven me for breaking in yet," he mumbled, lost in thought.
"Pfft. They better if they know what's best for them. You're part of the ministry, after all." Draco glanced over at the brunette, expecting Potter to know his privileges after all these years. The Gryffindor always got want he wanted… Well, Snape was the only who seemed to not cave in, like him.
"Eh, goblins are prideful creatures and it's hard to earn their trust. Breaking into their bank did not earn me any brownie points," He shrugged. "Of course, they have no choice honestly: I am an Auror and Harry Potter…" He bit his lip, eyes looking down. "Anyway…" They went up the wide, polished steps. "After you, dear," Harry said, opening the door for the blonde, using the same sarcastic voice from the day before.
"Bloody hell," Draco mumbled stepping up. Fear suddenly consumed him. He lived ignorantly in bliss at their flat, forgetting that people actually wanted him in Azkaban. It would be unwise for him to stray too far from Potter and so waited, like a bitch, near the entrance.
Harry entered the building after Draco, feeling the goblin's eyes trained on him. He glanced around, and flashed an unsure smile, which was met by glares. He went to the goblin at the end of the row, and cleared his throat. "We are here to see if there is anything left in the Malfoy vault. Official Auror business." Harry stated matter of factly, gesturing to the small pin on his robes, which symbolized his position in the Ministry.
The goblin's eyes narrowed at the blond in question, before he gestured to one of the others. They walked over quickly, and they whispered to one another. "Mr. Malfoy, while you do have a small fortune left, most was taken out for legal dues." One of the goblin's said, tapping his pointed nails together. "Come with me, we shall go to your family vault."
His heart banged on his chest so harshly, he fought to keep himself composed. "How much do you think he meant by legal dues? If it was a small fortune before..." he whispered to the other softly, anxiety turning into depression. What DID he have left? If he didn't have money, did he even have his clothing left at the manor? Did they still have the manor? Lucius was in Azkaban, but if Narcissa wasn't at the manor, he didn't know where his mother was.
They followed behind the Goblin, entering the cramped mine cart before it darted off today vault. Harry pressed his hand to Draco's back, and gave a tiny shrug. "I'm honestly not sure, Malfoy, we'll just have to wait and see. Oh, and I totally forgot to mention, I have been granted permission to let you go visit your mother this upcoming weekend. She just moved back into the manor. The ministry needed to check it over for dark objects..." He scratched the back of his head. "I made sure they left your room alone, the searchers are known for stealing..."
"Thank you, Potter." For once, he looked and sounded very sincere. He had security. Potter made sure of it. He made sure that he'd be okay eventually after they parted ways and he proved he was citizen-worthy. "I mean it. Thank you," he extended his hand in gratitude. Bollacks. He was going to owe the bloke so much. He was practically drowning the debt of favors.
When they arrived at the vault the Goblin informed Draco that this was their only vault, terror coating his face. What happened to all the others?! The Goblin opened the door for him, galleons still piled high to the ceiling in this one. "Bloody hell! Potter, can you believe this! One! Just one! Decades of the Malfoy's earnings reduced to this! One!" He scooped out two pockets full, and filling his bag decently, not knowing the next chance he'd get to be there again.
Harry had been smiling from the sincere thank you he had gotten, only to have his expression turn to a resting bitch face as Draco complained about his decrease in fortune. "Oh no." He said in a monotone voice, watching as Draco scooped the coins into his pockets and bag. They climbed back into the cart, Harry shaking his head. The Malfoy's use to have three full vaults?!
Once they got far enough from the vault, Draco stopped huffing. "Do you know anything else about her? My mum. Is she under house arrest? I might like to bring her some of this to help her out. Assuming they also took what we have in the house."
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment. "No, they didn't take your stuff, unless it was cursed, while some valuable trinkets will probably be gone. She isn't under house arrest, during her trial I was one of the people to help her get a light sentence, and she's actually free, with a ministry official coming once a month to check in on her." Harry explained, furrowing his brow, before glancing over at Draco. "She's fine, Malfoy. I made sure of that."
"Good. Poor mum. Never wanted it as much as I did. We both suffered. I guess hers was more since it all rooted to her husband," he slightly rambled to himself, think aloud. He turned to the goblin. "Thank you for helping me with the vault. I know it's just your job and you can't help it if the Ministry wants to confiscate my family's wealth." He sighed, still agitated. Returning to talking to himself. "A warning would have been nice, though." He glared at the corner of the cart until they were back on the surface and leaving the vaults behind into the marble building.
Harry chuckled a little at Draco's pouting, he really was adorable...
The two left the building, entering the clean air and bright sunshine once more. "So, Malfoy, shall we go to the potions' shop?" He asked, voice kind and actually friendly.
"Yeah," he shouted throwing his arms up in the air, hands fisted, in excitement. His eyes twinkled in delight. He had to fight running off before Potter. Only holding back due to the trouble that would result otherwise. "C'mon, Potter, let's go, already!"
Harry laughed and sped up his pace, pushing past people as they made their way down the ally. In a few minutes they were already at the dark shop, and Harry once again held the door for Draco. Once the door closed it was like a silencing charm; the only things that could be heard were soft rustles from the surrounding creatures and objects. The air was damp and cool, and Harry was glad for his robes.
"I think I would like to pick up some experienced textbooks first and a whole bunch of just general ingredients. I'll flip through a textbook and see if there are a few particular potions I'd like to try and get some more specialized ingredients. Hey, maybe I could even try to make you some more Felix Felicis," he rambled on, searching the bookshelves lining the walls. "Of course, I will need a new cauldron, but I can figure that out afterwards. Unless... I could owl mom and ask her to send my old. Do you think that'd be possible, Potter? Maybe even ask for my owl to stay with us until my sentence is over? Would you mind that? I mean, it's your flat. Feel free to say otherwise."
Only a few minutes later after he had silenced and was scanning a textbook did he murmur an apology for talking so much at once. His mind was just overloaded with excitement.
Harry had a peculiar smile on his face the entire time, watching Draco's excited demeanor. "That sounds like a wonderful plan. I was planning on getting you a new cauldron, actually. But we still could send for your owl, the owl back at the flat gets along just fine with others, after all." He said, looking over the little animals in one corner, face pensive. "I think a stainless steel, with dragon grease lining?" He asked, looking over at Draco with a smile. "And a new stirring stick, one that's heavy duty, and won't wear out easily."
"Don't worry about a cauldron, Potter. My old one is fine. Been in the family for generations. Hasn't failed us yet." He looked up from the book into Hardy's eyes. "They don't make them like they used to."
"Yes, well, I think I like these few," Draco said gesturing to three books each the size of encyclopedias. "For safety's sake, feel free to check the contents so the ministry doesn't come after me. Your word is better than mine. That they're harmless. If you'd really like to, you can choose a new stirring stick. I agree. A new one would be nice. Those things don't last. Unlike cauldrons," he emphasized. "I'll be at the counter talking to the woman about ingredients."
Harry smiled and shrugged again, gathering the books in his arms. He skimmed over the index, not really caring what was in it. He casted a spell over all three books, looking for anything extremely vile, and found nothing. He shrugged and tucked the book under his arm, now making his way back to Draco's side. "Let me at least get you some sort of polish or something for the cauldron, it can help," He mumbled, scratching his nose, as if he was shy.
"If you insist, Potter. I guess it could use some cleaning." He took the books from the other's arms and set them on the counter next to the thirty or so small vials next to the potions. "Plan to check these, too," Draco chuckled sarcastically.
"I will say though, that this," the blonde pointed to one of the ingredients, "may cause alarm, but," he pulled open one of the text books, going to the index and then the correct page, and showed Potter, "it's for this. As you can see, it's a completely harmless potion. I've never made it before but it seems really interesting and beneficial. Sometimes harmless potions have rare and dangerous ingredients. It can't be helped."
Harry chuckled and made a show of moving his wand over the ingredients, and when the one vial went off he flicked the wood, making it go silent. "Looks good to me, Malfoy." He said, smirking. "Is this all you need?" He asked, looking over the vials and packets and such.
"The stirring stick, Potter? Did you already get the cauldron cleaning kit," Draco asked expectantly.
"I was planning on going to a different store for that actually. One of my coworkers told me about this one store that is the highest rated for their cauldrons and supplies, I figured if it's top rate it's good enough for you." Harry said with a small chuckle, before biting his lip and looking over at the worker. "N-no offense."
The worker chuckled and put up his hand. "Believe me, our supplies are top rate, but we have to cut costs on other things because of that..."
"Alright, that's fine. Yes, this will be all then."
They walked out, Draco thirty galleons less than before, but he was glad he had his bottomless bag. "After you, Potter. The day is yours," he spoke, satisfied. Being out of the house and in his element drained him of his worries significantly and caused the insults to lessen due to his contentment.
Harry smiled over at Draco and nodded. "Alright, let's get going." After another few minutes the two had entered the new store, which was lined wall to wall with cauldrons and stirring sticks and waxes and everything a potion master would want. "Okay, let's see," Harry whispered, looking over the wide selection, before selecting a stirrer that was emerald green with a silver handle, and shimmered in the light. On the tiny tag next to it said it was treated in the fire of a Hungarian Horntail, before coated in the tears of a unicorn to give it lasting powers. "This one will do nicely." He said, showing it to Draco for approval.
"Alright. That'll do, Potter," he said only slightly impressed. Must be the one thing he remember from the class. He checked the price. It was rather high. He didn't have the money he once did, but it was worth its value.
Harry flashed a grin at Draco, now moving towards the wall of cauldron care products. He scrutinized every last one, before picking up a jar. It was decently sized, and weighted a considerable amount. "It says this still can prevent melting and leaking for years to come, using the special grease that lines dragons' stomachs." He said, looking at its tag. "I think this will do nicely."
Draco took the substance from the other's hand and carried it, along with the stirring stick, to the front of the store, fishing out a galleon and a few sickles.
Harry rushed over to Draco's side and shook his head. "Malfoy, please, I'm paying for it." He said, giving Draco's money back to him, before reaching into his pocket and drawing out a handful of Galleons. He quickly purchased the items, and handed Draco the bag, his smile never leaving his face.
"You two make an adorable couple." The young witch at the counter said, American accent really standing out in the shop filled with British speakers. Harry's face flushed, and he lost his voice at that exact moment.
Draco's irritation at Potter quickly fleeted as a bright blush covered his face. "E-excuse me? Couple," Draco warned. "We. Are not. A couple." Looking up at the other, he noticed the other's face. He would have been amused if he had not been suffering the same. "We're not even friends, are we, Potter?"
Harry's eyes flicked over at Draco, and he shrugged. "I mean, uh.." He scratched the back of his neck. "Of course we aren't, Malfoy. Bloody git."
The witch glanced between them, before registering what Draco had said. "Wait, Potter, you mean.. THE Harry Potter?!" She squealed loudly, and the entire shop went silent.
"Say it louder why don't you..." Harry muttered, ducking his eyes down as everyone started to clamber around him, chatting excitedly.
Draco cursed himself under his breath. This was hell. Not only for Potter but for him as well. "Alright," he shouted above everyone. "Mr. Potter is on official Ministry business and needs to be on his way." He recalled the brunette's excuse from earlier. In case that wasn't enough convincing, he added, "Or you'll have to deal with his Death Eater of a body guard!" Thankfully, everyone practically scurried away when they heard the two terrible words. Almost as bad as hearing Voldemort. His mood fell.
Harry gave Draco a relieved smile, and the quickly left the store, his head still down and eyes guarded. He hated the fact he couldn't go ANYWHERE without people calling attention to who he was...
"So, Malfoy, ice cream?" He asked, looking over at the other Wizard. "I need a little something sweet.."
"Sounds good to me, Po-perfectly fine," he caught himself, noting to prevent saying the other's name as much as possible. Which was hard. He had always enjoyed popping the "p" as an insult. It had become a habit, though, finding whatever chance he could to say so. "After you."
Harry nodded and smirked at Draco's change of words, but said nothing. They walked side by side until they made it to the ice cream shop. Harry looked at the menu. "Mm Griffin Tracks looks amazing." He said, going up to the counter and ordering.
"I'm surprised you didn't choose Gryffindor Greatness seeing as you're crazy for your house," Draco teased, leaning his back against the counter, a smirk reappearing.
"Har de har har, Malfoy. I'm not THAT obsessed with it, school was over 3 years ago." Harry said, rolling his eyes. "Besides, you were obsessed with Slytherin years before school even started, I'll bet." He teased back, getting the ice cream from the kind wizard. "Are you going to order something or not?"
Draco pouted, then flung his head back proudly. "As a pure blood, I was exposed to Hogwarts early in life. And as a pure blood, Hogwarts houses are passed down through the generations, for the most part, due to inherited traits. I just was anxious that I disappoint Mum and Dad if I didn't make Slytherin. I had trained for it, really. I have the right to be obsessed. What's your excuse, Po-hmm?"
He turned to the make at the counter, handing him three sickles. "A pint of Dragon's Scale, please." He grabbed a spoon from the side and gladly accepted the container, popping the lid.
Harry rolled his eyes, making his way over to a small, intimate table in the corner, spooning some of the ice cream in his mouth. He closed his eyes in bliss. "I guess, it was the first place I felt at home, I feel a very strong connection to it because of that." He said quietly, a small frown on his face.
That frown. That was not his intention. He realized he had stepped too far. In the past, he might have pride further, but they were older. Even though he could still tease mercilessly, he was old enough to recognize and have the decency to respect boundaries. "Well, it's good you felt at home, right?" He decided to drop it and leave it at that, letting the uncomfortable experience behind. "Is it good? Have you had that before?" He gestured to Harry's ice cream.
Harry gave a small, relieved smile to Draco, and shook his head. "No, I don't normally get ice cream, actually." His cheeks turned a slight pink and he scratched the back of his neck. "Just…wanted to have some, I guess." He said, clearly hiding something. He ate some more of his frozen treat, biting into one of the chocolate pieces, feeling the Carmel ooze out onto his tongue. Mmm...
"What," Draco asked accusingly. "What was that? You're nervous. You always scratched your neck or your face when you're nervous. You're not good at hiding things, Potter. What is it?" It has something to do with the ice cream... Maybe me as well? Maybe he's got some embarrassing story involving ice cream or he's lactose-intolerant.
Harry's face went red and he instantly put his hand down, eyes narrowing. "I do not ALWAYS scratch my face or neck when I'm nervous. Wait, how did you even notice that, unless your observing me?" He tried to change the subject, poking his spoon in Draco's direction, "Explain THAT one, Malfoy."
"Are you serious? You are, quite literally, my only change of scenery. You're the only thing that moves around, in, and out of the house. I get bored! I observe everything! You're the only thing changing; of course I'm going to observe you!" What he thought was sarcasm finally completed ringing in his ears. 'That sounded bad.' His face flushed. "I didn't mean it like that. I don't observe you all the time." He wasn't making this any better. He turned redder.
Harry's lips curled into a smirk. "Do you like what you observe, Malfoy?" He asked in a teasing voice, getting some more ice cream and sliding his spoon into his mouth. He congratulated himself on successfully changing the topic from why he had wanted to go out with Draco today. No, not go out. Physically leave the building and go to places together. But not go out, go out. No. Of course not. That's why you wanted to buy him things, that's why you wanted to get ice cream, when you don't even eat sweets that much anymore. Harry's cheeks turned pink again.
"What's that supposed to me," he muttered, looking away. He took another bite. He knew what Potter was playing at. What the fuck?
What even were they? Flat mates obviously. They acted like friends, but they admitted they weren't earlier. But that was for cover-up. Maybe they were friends. Certainly not good ones, though. We pick on each other too much. Ah, but that's what Slytherins do to their friends, just more light-hearted than if they despise someone... Maybe they were friends. But, what Potter was implying... He's not gay. He's dated a few girls here and there. That didn't prove anything. He's not gay and he stood firm, not letting his brain fight that battle.
Harry shrugged. "Whatever you want it to mean," he said simply, digging around in his ice cream for another chunk of chocolate covered Carmel. "Is there anything else you want to do today? We could visit the Quidditch shop."
"Quiddich!" His hopes shot up as soon as they shot down. "No. We can't do that at the flat. No backyard space and indoors is not a good idea. I'll just wait until I go home Saturday to visit my mum. I can rummage through all of my old brooms, then. No need to tease myself." He stared out the window as his blush faded. "What about you, though? Do you want to go there?"
"Not really, I just...don't want to go home yet," Harry muttered quietly, his cheeks turning pink as he rubbed his chin. "We could just window shop, that's always fun... But we could just go home if you want to, don't want to keep you out here with me longer then you want." He chuckled hollowly, eyes glancing into Draco's.
"No. I don't favor window shopping. While I've plenty of money to spend, well at least I use to, I don't like to use it unless it's on something practical, necessary, or something I truly desire. Father taught me that," he nodded, scraping another spoonful. "I agree, though. I don't want to go back yet. There's the Leaky Cauldron. We could get some butterbeer or firewhiskey," Draco offered, sealing the container for later and placing it in his bag.
Harry gave a thoughtful nod, finishing off his ice cream and licking a drop off his lips. "That sounds like a good idea to me," he agreed, getting to his feet and tossing the container. He stretched and cracked his neck, waving goodbye to the server behind the counter. He opened the door and stepped out, waiting for Draco to follow.
Draco stepped out of the store right behind the Gryffindor and they headed to the Leaky Cauldron at the end of the block. This time he made sure to get the door first. "Bar or table?"
"Mm, table." Harry said, smirking as he noticed Draco rushing slightly to get the door ahead of Harry. He picked out a table and made Draco sit, before going up to the bar. "Two firewhiskeys and two butterbeers please," he ordered, passing over a few coins. He returned to the table, using his magic to levitate the bottles, sitting across the table from Draco.
"Pfft. Show-off," he mumbled under his breath, his jealousy flaming. He took the butterbeer first. He only realized that he may have been a bit over dressed for a casual day in Daigon Ally. At least, when he compared himself to Potter's attire. Well, perhaps his name warded off the looks as everyone expected this from Malfoy's. He did feel a bit conscious, though. Nevertheless, he couldn't let it stop him. "Are you up for lunch here?"
Harry took a sip of the firewhiskey, his throat burning pleasantly. "That sounds good to me." He said, using his wand to summon two menus as was customary in Wizarding pubs and other such places. He handed one to Draco and looked over the other, taking another swig of his drink.
Draco took his menu, glancing it over. He turned to the chef's specialties, he runned down the entre's. He turned to the appetizers, deciding something lighter would be best. He has a figure to keep. On top of that, he knew his stomach wasn't empty either. "Do you know what you want?" He took a ginger sip of his butterbeer, deciding to drink slowly and save the stronger liquid for the meal and afterwards.
Harry shrugged before pointing to the sampler platter on the appetizers. "This has a little bit of everything, we could get two and share them." He said sensibly, licking some of the liquor from his lips. "God this is the drink of gods..." He said warmly, sipping from the bottle again.
"Alright, I'll go put out order in at the bar. I need to fetch a water. Be careful, Po-please," he caught himself again. They definitely don't need attention whilst they eat. "That stuff's strong and we're in public, mind you, at the Leaky Cauldron, no less. The press will have a celebration if they find you drunk. You don't need that. I don't need that. I'll get you a water as well."
Harry waved Draco away, and while the blond was gone he downed half of his bottle. He chuckled weakly and stuck out his tongue. "Take THAT, M-Malfoy," He slurred, kissing the bottle.
Draco went to the bar tender, greeted with a glare. He was intimidated. He cleared his throat, feigning his usual cover of confidence-the only reason he ever got anywhere. "I'd like-
"I don't care what you'd like you filthy, death eater," the tender snapped and spat at his feet.
Draco sneered. He just polished these shoes. "I've got plenty of Galleons-"
"I don't want your bloody money," he retorted, more furious. Draco was a little afraid that he was about to be thrown out if not beaten or placed under arrest.
He pointed at his table, returning the fiery gaze. "That's Harry Potter. You know, the chosen one? Well, he's an Auror now and part of the ministry. I'm here with him. I don't think it'd be wise of you to interfere with his business. Now. We'd like two King Selection platters off the appetizer section and two glasses of water. Thank you." A smirk rested on his lips in satisfaction as he watched the fear and then disgust cross the other's face as he walked away with the order, grumbling profanities.
Soon, he had the water and returned to the table. "Potter, check these drinks, please. I wouldn't be surprised if the bar tender tried to poison me." He stopped, trying to say the name here as he already gave Harry away for protection would be fruitless efforts wasted.
Harry nodded and got out his wand, his eyebrows knitting together as he performed the spell. It came back clean, and he grinned. "Seems good to go in my opinion." He said, tapping the table with the tip of his wand. "Why… Why would he poison you though? You're amazing." He purred out, taking one of the glasses of water and taking a sip.
He scoffed, a blush on his face, "Potter, please. Flattery won't get you anything from me." His heart beat fast. Only his mom ever said that stuff to him, but that was because she coddled him. Snape may have said it, but it was more used as an explanation as to why he did well in potions rather than a standing compliment. He knew better, though, that it was the drink talking, not Potter. He sipped the butterbeer. "You've already drank too much. Honestly, do you ever listen?"
"Hey, I'm allowed to get drunk too! Fuck images..." He snorted and sipped the water again. "Fuck, this wizard drink is strong...," He mumbled, poking the half-drank bottle. "And who said I was trying to get anything from you? Honestly I think you're amazing. And it pisses me off."
Draco scoffed. "Jealous?" Back in the day, he would have gladly raised himself higher and gloated that Potter was jealous of him and that the fact made him better than the Gryffindor. But now everything was different. "You've nothing to be jealous of Potter. You're the one who can do magic without worrying about it. You can walk out of the house without worrying about being taken away to Azkaban. You can see your friends. I don't even have any left." He peered into his glass. Fuck it. He took a mouthful of butterbeer. He had a third of the pint left.
Harry looked thoughtful, before shrugging and taking another drink from his firewhiskey. "Yeah, but still. You're here. You still have your cocky ass attitude, you haven't let what happened to you effect you negatively. You're... Resilient. Even though you lost everything, you're still you." He gave Draco a small smile, tilting his head to the side. "And I find that amazing."
He hummed disapprovingly. "I think you're mistaking this 'resilience' for the cunning that Slytherin stands for, as known as 'use-any-means-necessary-no-matter-the-cost-to-save-your-ass," he replied dryly, deciding to have a small sip of the fire whiskey. He immediately regretted it as his throat felt scorched. He reached for the water and downed a fourth of the glass.
Harry's eyes narrowed. "Just take the bloody compliment, git." He grumbled, peeking into the neck of his drink. He shrugged and took another drink, licking the burning liquid away.
"Your appetizers, gentlemen." The bartender said, acting civilized in front of Harry. He put the plates down and walked away, grumbling about having to serve death eaters. Harry picked up one of the mozzarella sticks, eating it greedily.
Draco grabbed one of the roasted boar legs and took a bite, downing the seasons with Fire whiskey. His brain gave a sting throughout his nervous system each time he took a sip. He did a succession of the roasted boar, then a vegetable mix, a venison broth, finishing it with small sips of firewhiskey. When all of it was gone, he did his best to conceal the fact that he was chugging the water, which was replaced with the butterbeer when it was depleted.
Harry sampled the broth as well, his nose wrinkling. "Gh, blimey..." He grumbled quietly, downing the last of his fire whiskey. He leaned against his hand, elbow on the table, as he watched Draco with a sort of dreamy look on his face. "Mmm... Draco, I have a secret...," He said in a hushed tone, glancing around.
He looked to see the other's face. "Oh Merlin, Potter," he sighed, exasperated. He was already completely drunk. He was a huge light weight. Judging by the other's expression, what he had to say wouldn't set well with him. "What is it, now?"
"First, can we switch? Can I have your butter beer? You can have the rest of my firewhiskey and a few sickles." He couldn't stand the stuff. It was a brute's drink. Hard and brash and Draco was neither.
Harry nodded eagerly, switching their drinks and eagerly taking a swig. "Wait... Wasn't that a um... Um... An indirect kiss?" Harry asked, looking at the bottle before looking over at Draco, narrowing his eyes. "Why Draco, I never knew you felt that way about me!" He giggled and winked, taking another sip.
"No potter," the Slytherin sighed, hiding his face behind his hand. His temperamental attitude dwindled due to the alcohol. Dealing with a drunk Potter and it was only midday. Oh, it was going to be a long day. At least Potter was a flirtatious drunk rather than an angry drunk… he bit his tongue. That was probably a brash decision. On one hand, potter wouldn't be throwing punches. On the other, he had to prevent himself from being groped, not that that should be a problem because he was a man. He guessed his real problem was if Potter went to pick someone up that he could still get home and prevent himself from hearing their sex. That and if the brunette made a scene. "Just get on with it. What's your secret." He gripped his head due to its throbbing. Damn Alcohol.
"Shh not so loud, Merlin..." Harry bit his lip and looked down, his cheeks flushing a deep red. "You see, I'm... Well, I'm, um..." He gave a tiny whine and looked Draco in the eye. "Draco, I'm bi. I know the prestigious that pure bloods have, but fuck it, I might as well tell you. I could reach down the trousers of anyone, bloke or bird, and I'd be happy." He giggled at his own words, drinking deeply from the fire whiskey.
"Potter, you're making me uncomfortable," he squirmed underneath the gaze. "It's not information, I swear. You can shag anyone you want; I really don't care; it doesn't concern me. It's just the way you're looking at me and talking to me, right now." He could understand why the Gyffindor would be nervous to say that. After all, he's the chosen one and supposed to be society's ideal person and bisexuality did not fall into those standards. He didn't want to be rude either, but he felt like prey, which made him feel sick. "Merlin, please, tell me, you don't plan on jumping on me when we leave." He couldn't believe it was even necessary to say that, but Harry was past the stage of drunk.
Harry blinked, looked down at his drink as if he was in deep thought. "Draco, do you really think I would do that?" He asked after a moment, looking back up at the other man. "I'm drunk, but I'm not a bloody rapist."
"I don't think you're a rapist, either, but you're more than just bloody drunk, Potter." Had Draco been wrong? Harry wasn't flirtatious anymore. Oh bollacks, did he turn Potter into a sad drunk? Bloody hell. "Look...congratulations, you're gay, or bi, whatever, but you... I've never seen you this happy, Potter. It caught me off guard. It scared me."
Harry again thought this over, swirling the burning liquid around in the bottle. "I guess that's understandable. Hell, you said so yourself earlier, we aren't friends. Fuck why did I tell you that-" his face sobered for a moment, before he giggled again. "Right, so in case I bring home a guy it wouldn't be a giant shock to you." He seemed to be a whirlwind of different drunk stereotypes.
The emotion change caught Draco off guard again. This was going to be a fun day. "Potter, I don't care who you shag as long as I don't have to hear it. Do you want a desert or want to go somewhere else?" He drank half the pint of the other's butterbeer his throat finally giving him some relief.
Harry shrugged. "Mm... I don't know if I would trust myself going anywhere right now... How about we stay here for a while? Tell me more about you... I barely know you besides what I've learned through the trials and snippets here and there." Harry said, finally removing his grip on his fire whiskey. "Besides, I probably won't even remember this conversation anyway, so, go on, spill."
Draco snorted. As if I'd tell you anything truly important to me. Especially in this state. "Tell me the date of the meeting and then you can ask me any question you choose. I may or may not answer it, depending on the question."
"The meeting? I told you, it's next weekend. Like, in 7 days?" Harry furrowed his brow. "I can't remember what time it's at... I wrote it down." He hiccupped and chuckled to himself. "Sooooooooo... Secrets time? I told you one." He said, tapping his finger on Draco's hand, which was resting innocently on the table. "Pleaaaase?" He batted his eyes at the other man, a pout on his face.
Draco sighed, resisting the temptation to roll his eyes. He would have too if it hadn't been hammered into him at a young age proper etiquette and mannerism that would reflect to others his hierarchy of being born a Pureblood. "I told you to come up with the question, git. Otherwise, I am unwilling to hand over any valuable personal information." He sipped the butterbeer; it was quite refreshing in his throat. Maybe he should wait off on the dessert. Let his stomach settle a bit and get one to go.
"Right, sorry." Harry blushed, biting his lip. "Alright, an eye for an eye. What is your sexuality, dear old Draco," He asked, wiggling his eyebrows. "I mean, it's only fair that you tell me" He shrugged a little.
His heartbeat ran marathons as his early indecisive thoughts invaded his mind again. Just like earlier, he didn't want to think about it down and so immediately shut down any questioning. "Straight, of course, Potter." He sipped his beer. Yes. Of course. He could never be anything else. He had an heir to make yet. No homosexual could bare a pure blood child to carry down his family legacy. "Is that all?" His heart still beat considerably, only a bit calmer.
Harry pondered this, looking at Draco intensely. "That's bullshit and you know it." He said simply, taking a sip of his water. "But, okay, if lying is easier, I guess that's okay. Just wanted to get to know you better," he shrugged and picked at the table, eyes a little unfocused.
He choked on the butterbeer, slamming the pint on the counter. "Tsk. It's not bullshit, Potter." He sighed, rubbing his temple. These mood swings. "Look. Just ask me another question. I'm still giving you the chance to know me better."
"Hm... What's your favorite color?" Harry asked, resting his head in his hand, looking at Draco in almost a dream-like state. "What's your favorite food? What's your favorite animal? I want to know everything." He gave a happy sigh.
"Silver. Decadent chocolate cake with melted fudge on the inside. And, obviously, Dragons," Draco drawled, bored with such small talked. His finger traced the rim of his glass. "Anything else?"
"Why did, or do, you hate me," Harry asked quietly, watching Draco's finger. "I admit I had a distain for you because of your arrogant attitude, and things just kind of went from there... But after our very first meeting, why did you suddenly hate me?"
"Hmm?" Draco looked up at him. How long has he been bothered by that? "Well, Dad did try to tell me to befriend you." He paused, staring at the table as he was lost in thought as to how it began. "Though, keep in mind, when we first introduced ourselves, on the train, not when we first met in the shop, you gave me an attitude, saying you knew how to pick the right crowd of people and implying that I was clearly the opposite of that." He took a small sip. "I was offended. And I hold grudges." He looked up at the other with a glint in his eye. "I got revenge. I wanted to make it clear to you that you made the wrong choice. I tried to show you how much better I was to have as a friend. Unfortunately, kindness wasn't-isn't my strong suit and so it often came out through insults and fights."
He looked down at the table. Should I tell him? He said he probably wouldn't remember this conversation in the morning. What did he have to lose? "I was also jealous. Pure bloods are used to having the spotlight and when you came back, you took it from me. As clear as it is, I was spoiled. And yet you still seemed to always get better than me. Better brooms...even better skills. Everyone liked you and no one liked me. Except for my Slytherin brethren." We stick together because we know no one else wants us. And it has never been more true in the wizardry society. No one wanted them.
"Well, I like you," Harry said honestly, looking down at his half-gone water. "I mean during school I kind of just rolled with the punches and hated you as much as it seemed you hated me, something which Ron and Hermione were more than happy to support. Honestly, not knowing anything about the Wizarding world, I think Ron sort of influenced me in my thoughts about you." He scratched his chin, eyes narrowing in thought. "I got to admit, I sort of had this obsession with you 5th year and 6th year... The line between hate and like," He scrambled to add, "P-platonic like, was pretty blurred there, I think." He shrugged, cheeks pink and his hand moved to the back of his neck.
His cheeks tinted a pale pink. Jeez. Even though Potter was saying that he like him as a decent friend, the other was making it sound as if it were a love confession. He sipped his beer not knowing what to say. With the rest of the pint gone, he looked it over. "Since you're already utterly drunk, would you like another firewhiskey? I'd like another butterbeer."
Harry chuckled and nodded, reaching into the pocket of his robes for his money. He handed over a few bronze coins and sipped his water. "Sounds like a plan." He said, giving Draco a wink. He yawned and stretched, his arms reaching in the air.
He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply, irritated with the drunk. Sneering at the money, he walked to the bar. Draco argued to himself that the brunette was paying for his own drink and not his, else he wouldn't have accepted the money. He finished out a few knuts of his own. "One butterbeer and one firewhiskey, please." Ignoring the bar tender's expression, he turned back with the drinks and handed the Gryffindor his. Trying to think of a question of his own to prevent the awkward silence, he asked, "Do you want children? I mean, you're bisexual, right? If you end up with a man, would you still want kids?"
Harry took a deep drink, taking the time to think. "I'm not sure…iIt would be nice I guess. A son, or two." He bit his lip, giving a shrug. "Of course I would obviously take my partner's opinion into account as well; I'm not a completely selfish bastard." He chuckled a licked the fire whiskey from his lips. "Okay, Mr. "Straight" man Pureblood, I know you're probably pressured into having kids, the family bloodline and all that, but... Do you WANT kids?"
"Of course," he answer impulsively as he quickly sipped his drink nervously, his head buzzing. Looking up at the other's face again after a few minutes, he sighed. "No, not really... At least, not right now... But, it would be cool to have someone carry on the family and be able to talk about how great we all were." He smirked a bit towards the end. He didn't want kids now, no. He'd like to settle down after the chaos of Hogwarts and Voldemort and just worry about himself for a little bit before worrying about meeting someone and having a kid.
Harry nodded, before glancing over at Draco. "Draco... You know, you could get most anyone you wanted, you're good looking, smart, talented, pureblooded..." He blushed and looked to the side. "Not, not that I personally think this, it's just, well, I heard girls talking about it at school." He took a long sip of his drink, cheeks practically flaming. "Look I'm not gay for you, okay?" He defended, hand instantly coming up to scratch at his neck.
Draco scoffed underneath his breathe. He used to hear all the rumors, too, about all the girls in Slytherin and a few not too sane ones in some of the other houses having a crush on him. They diminished in the war. "Mmhmm, sure, you aren't," he mumbled, his anxieties drowned in the liquor and being replaced with a quiet silence. Besides, even if Potter was lying, it wouldn't happen because he wasn't gay. "Doesn't the Weasel's brother own a prank shop? Have you been there yet? We could go there."
"Mm... That sounds good to me," Harry had a dopey grin on his face as he got onto his feet, wobbling only a little. "Gh, Draco... Could you help me, you know, get around without making a complete ass of myself?" Harry asked sheepishly, biting his lip. "God I shouldn't have drunk so much..." He sighed and rubbed his forehead, eyebrows knitting together.
"No shit, Sherlock," Draco snapped before chugging his pint and helping Potter to his feet. His drunken state, shrugging off his name. "But, congratulations, you have managed to get me inebriated as well." Making sure he had his bag, they left the store. "Lead the way, Potter."
Harry giggled and pressed his finger to his lips. "Shhhh, don't say the name." He said, sticking out his tongue. "Draco, mm, I'm got to apologize to you; apparently, I get very flirty when I am drunk. So sorry..." He trailed off and wrapped his arm around Draco's shoulder. "Forgive me when I'm sober."
"You'll get more than just forgiveness," the Slytherin threatened, lending his strength to the other.
"And what does that mean, my dear, sweet Draco," Harry asked, giggling as he started to walk, trying to seem as presentable as possible to the other wizards and witches walking around them.
"Probably a nice slap across the face," he jested. "Or would you prefer that somewhere else," he teased, chuckling. Draco lost his balance a few times due to Potter's fumbling and his own not quite clear mind, almost resulting in a fall. Eventually they were next to a very tall building decorated will all colors. "Do you think this is it?"
Harry looked up at the building. "Yeah, that looks about right." Harry said, giggling as he nuzzled Draco. "Good job, dear." He purred out, before going up to the door, opening it. Inside there were colors everywhere, kids laughing, tiny explosions, everything. Harry grinned at the sight, and ran towards the wall of 'sweets', looking them over. "Draco, c'mere!"
"Please, stop. I'm not your boyfriend. I'm not your 'dear' and I most certainly have not given you permission to call me by my first name, so I'd appreciate it if you stopped," he said, sluggishly following the boy over to the wall. Looking it over, he whispered, "I wouldn't trust those candies. Meaning. Don't eat them without knowing what they do first. That's the last thing I need is a drunk AND injured monitor." He wandered away, looking at the various displays. I can't believe a Weasley conjured all this up with nothing but magic and imagination.
"I know that, Malfoy. Didn't you realize I've been calling you Draco since we started drinking? I'm sorry." Harry spat, eyes narrowing. He then turned away from the sweets wall, going instead towards the small trinkets wall, radiating moodiness.
Draco huffed, done with Potter's bullshit attitude. He made it to the front door when he realized he couldn't go home without Potter due to the binding spell, making him grumble about the store. He walked upstairs to be greeted with light-heartedly hexed objects. It was very cramped with all of the products and how busy the prank shop actually was. All he wanted was some bloody chocolate cake accompanied with some butterbeer, but that sure as hell wasn't going to happen here. Why the hell did he suggest this idea? He wasn't going to buy anything here. Probably because he didn't want to go home and started thinking or more things to do when his mind thought Potter might like to see one of his friends. Where was that bugger anyway?
Harry gave a tiny sigh and watched after Draco. He was very confused about his feelings towards the other man right now. On one side he still saw him as a bloody twat that annoyed the hell out of him, but on the other he was…cute and had a surprisingly funny dry wit about it and he could be charming when he needed to be... Harry shook his head and quietly wondered over to the other side of the store, noticing a bunch of giggling witches looking over love potions. Harry smirked and went up to a small blonde, who was looking at two different bottles. "I really doubt you need those, you're stunning." Harry said warmly, and the witch blushed.
He was tiring of wandering around the useless items and so made his way back to the first floor, hoping to find Potter so that they could just go home. Hidden through the candies, he noticed the long, shaggy brunette hair but he also noticed a bit of blonde. 'What?' He walked closer and saw that they were talking. Potter was making a move. Well... Good for him, right? But, he was drunk. He would regret this in the morning. Potter didn't seem like a one-night-stand kind of guy to Draco. He sauntered his way over. "Where's the Wealsel," he interrupted to distract Potter just enough to end the scene. Potter would regret it in the morning.
Harry blinked, looking over at the other Man, his shoulders shrugging. "Well... He's probably in the back; why do you want to know," Harry asked, turning his full attention to Draco. The girl glanced at Draco and narrowed her eyes, pursing her lips.
"So, mister, if you don't think I need these, what do you think I need," She inquired, batting her eyelashes at Harry. Harry glanced back at her and shot her a winning smile. "Maybe just a nice dress, and some silver eyeshadow, and you could make every wizard drool over themselves."
Draco interrupted them again, more insistent, "Well, he is your friend, isn't he? It would be rude to leave without seeing him first."
Harry looked thoughtful. "That is a good point. If you will excuse me," he bowed his head at the girl and walked away, looking for the back room door. "George," He called out, looking around the darker area.
"Harry!" Came a happy voice, as a man dressed sharply in a muggle suit walked up, his hair flaming red and his cheeks freckled. "Long time no see." He said warmly, reaching out and shaking Harry's hand. He looked around the chosen one, and narrowed his eyes at the sight of Draco. "Hello, Malfoy," he said, voice stony.
"Hello, Weasley," he responded curtly. While the other was in Muggle clothes, he was still impressed that he was adorning a suit. Still, would not a clown outfit be more suitable for him? "We were in the area and I thought Potter might want to see you." Maybe that wasn't a good idea. They both still had alcohol running through them.
"That makes you sound like a decent person," George responded, causing Harry to narrow his eyes.
"He is a decent person, George," he replied curtly, the red head looking at him with surprise.
"Well, how are things Harry, Malfoy," the ginger asked, quickly hiding his shock. "Any developments with getting him free?" He glanced at Draco as if he believed the blond didn't deserve freedom.
Draco smirked, raising his chin a little higher. Potter thought he was a scent person. A fact Weasley would loathe. That's right. His eyes narrowed, engaging in the war. Like he told Potter. He's show him. He'd show them all. He was deserving of freedom. He honestly could be generous, to close ones otherwise only considerate, if it wasn't for the kind of attitude the ginger was giving him now.
Harry and George chatted calmly with each other for about ten minutes, exchanging pleasantries. Soon Harry bid George farewell and hooked his arm with Draco's leading the way through the throngs of people towards the door. Once they left, Harry let go, scratching the bac of his neck. "So Dra-Malfoy, what would you like to do now," he asked in a warm tone, all eyes for his companion.
He blushed. People would think try were gay for each other and Draco was certainly not gay. Nor did he want to be. He had a legacy to live, a history to create and inspire. Being gay would not help it live onward. "I honestly don't know," he said, leading them down the alley, which was the only real reason he didn't let go. "Feeling any better?"
"A little, thank you. I think we should use the floo network again to get home, by the way. I don't trust myself quite yet to apperate us." He chuckled and kept his body close to Draco's. "We could go back and make dinner, it's already late." He said, looking up at the sky, which was darker blue with pink streaks.
"I was about to suggest the same. I just wanted to make sure you were safe enough to walk on you own first," he tilted his head towards his arm, looking down then back into Potter's eyes, hinting.
Harry smiled warmly at Draco and gave a content sigh, continuing to hold Draco's arm in his own. They made it to the floo network shop, and the black haired man let go of his companion with a sad look on his face, going over to the cup of powder. He went to the fireplace and closed his eyes. "Potter Residence." he said loudly, throwing the powder down. He erupted in green flames and was gone.
Draco sighed, irritated, as Potter ignored his question. They trudged farther along until they entered the small tourist shack and neared the Floo network. Relieved, the Slytherin relaxed as his strength could be preserved for himself and so longer burdened by aiding someone else. He stretched and readjusted his bag, heavy and jutting into his side painfully from the other pressing it hard into him. "Don't look so sad. Seriously, I'll be right behind you," he tried to calm the other's nerves, exasperated at the brunette's facial expression as if the sadness earlier at the Leaky Caldron invaded the man's face again. He could have sworn, even as much as the Gyrffindor denied it, Potter was gay for him. It was almost unnerving. However, since they both knew that anything between them would never happen, he nodded it off and pushed it far into the depths of his mind where forgetfulness shielded unwanted thoughts.
He followed after the other once the emerald flames diminished. "Potter residence!" Soon he reappeared in the kitchen. He beckoned, "Potter, where can I set up a potions station for myself?"
Harry looked thoughtful, before snapping his fingers and smirking. "Give me a moment," he said, gathering up some books from his bookshelf. He went upstairs into Draco's room, and transfigured the books into a simple wooden desk. He furrowed his brow and cast a protection spell, making it safe to have spells and fire and potions on it. He stood in the door way with a smirk on his face. "Malfoy, come here." He said, hoping the other liked it
Curious, Draco soon followed behind him; however, he was surprised to have the brunette in his room. Fury was harnessing inside him due to the invasion. Even though there was no secrecy allowed in his life anymore, he thought they had agreed that his room was his-alone. It quickly vanished. He inched inside the room, breathe taken away. He neared the red-brown table, softly stroking the surface. "Cherry." It was good for practicality. It resisted warping and checking well. His own at home was ornately garnished and polished an of the same material. "Nice work, Potter," he spoke low and soft, barely audible. He sat his bag on the desk. Three drawers beneath and still a space for his legs if he wish to sit. Comfortable, convenient, and practical. "Thank you." He turned to look at the other. "Would you like compensation for the books?"
Harry shook his head and gave a tiny shrug. "No it's fine, Malfoy. They were just phone books, muggle things." He chuckled and shook his head. "So, I'm assuming you like it." He leaned against the doorframe, watching Draco with warm eyes.
"Yes. It will help with stray flames, loose materials, and spilt potions," he held out his hand again in offering, "Thank you." Guess it was worth all of the shenanigans I had to put up with in Diagon Alley. "I'm going to empty my bag, now. Aside from my money."
Harry nodded and walked away, back down the stairs. He shook his head and cast a quick headache remedy. He cracked his knuckles and went about making dinner, humming lightly to himself. He prepared biscuits and gravy, breaking two of the fluffy biscuits apart and pouring the thick, sausage sprinkled gravy over it. He grinned at himself, setting them down on the table. "Malfoy, dinner," He called out, getting the tea kettle going.
Draco opened the second drawer and started sorting the vials in columns. After they were all placed, he placed the stirring stick and cauldron cleaner in the top drawer, reminding him to write to his mother.
"Dear Mum,
Potter told me that you have returned to the manor by now and are free. I am glad to know you are safe. I have permission to visit you this weekend.
Until then, I have been granted permission to practice potions. I was wondering if you would be willing to send me the family cauldron and one of our carrier owls to keep in contact with each other while I am under house arrest here.
Thank you. I look forward to seeing you soon,
Your son,
Draco Malfoy"
He signed it with a soft smile and packaged it up, making sure to include a proper address.
Beckoned downstairs, he smiled further at the other antics. At the bottom of the steps, he inquired, "Potter, may I borrow your owl? I wish to send a letter to my mother."
Harry looked up from the stove and smiled, pointing at the cage where the owl stood. "Have at it, Malfoy." He said in a good natured tone, humming softly.
She looked at Draco wearily, but none the less hopped out and landed on a shelf, sticking out her foot to Draco. Her eyes glinted, watching the blond carefully.
He grabbed some loose string they kept by her cage and started to tie it around her foot. "Can you take this to Malfoy Manor to my mother? The address is on the envelope just in case." He gave her one of the owl treats, even if she hadn't delivered it yet; she needed convincing. After watching her fly out through their porch, he closed the sliding glass door and joined the brunette. He eyed the meal warily, not necessarily his favorite meal. But seeing as he couldn't complain (not without unwanted consequences) he held his tongue and took small bites to savor the taste. Potter's food was never bad, just not always his taste.
Harry poured the tea into the cups, and brought it over to the table. He handed one over to Draco and began eating, looking thoughtful. "You know... I was thinking of getting a pet." He said after a moment, "A cute little kitten, what do you think?" He asked, looking over at the blond.
The question rang through his ear in the middle of a sip from the tea. He sputtered out, "Why," having almost choked on the drink. What about that is practical? What purpose did it serve? And why, of all animals, a cat?
"What do you mean why? It would be a good companion for you, and then when you leave me." Harry shrugged and sipped his tea. "Kittens are cute and cuddly and magic friendly."
"What makes you think I need a companion," he inquired skeptically before he continued with the meal. A cat. Shedding hair all over the place. Not even contributing to the house by giving him attention or engaging with him. Just a thing taking up space and costing him money. Why do people get pets?
"Don't tell me you don't get lonely, Malfoy." He said, narrowing his eyes a little, before giving a shrug. "I think cats are cute and I'm getting one. Deal with it." He smirked and continued to eat. "I'll probably get a little gray kitten..." He sighed happily.
"This is ultimately your flat so I don't get a choice," he grumbled softly. He chewed another piece of sausage. Just another thing to annoy me. How much is it going to get in the way? He was in the middle of savoring a fluffy biscuit when a thought occurred to him. "Why do you think I'm not heterosexual?"
Harry blinked, looking over at Draco. "Well, I mean... I don't know. You've never dated anyone, and you just..." He narrowed his eyes a little. "You just seem really, really gay; you just give that vibe." He shrugged and sipped his tea again. "Especially because you seem to care a LOT about your looks."
"Being conscious of the way one looks and being proud of it does not make one gay, Potter," Draco retorted. "I am aware of the way I look to portray my bloodline and I'm proud of the way I look because of that. Furthermore, I'll have you know that I have dated people; however, unlike you, I don't make them public. I like them discreet. Now, I know you can't help all of it, seeing as you're a celebrity, but you could try a bit harder if you cared to." He sipped his tea, heart beating rapidly and eyes fiery, alight with rekindled agitation.
Harry rolled his eyes and finished eating his dinner in silence, getting to his feet. He brought his dishes to the kitchen, and washed them, putting them away. He then looked thoughtful. "I'll be back soon, Malfoy." He said, getting out his wand. He waved and apperated, disappearing from view.
Taken about, Draco glared for a moment before following suit. Stunned even more when the Gryffindor apperated away without an explanation. "Whatever," he muttered to himself, trudging upstairs, "Piss off, bastard." He entered his bed room and put his best robe back in his closet. He took one of his new potion text books off the desk to distract himself and laid down on his bed, reading his emotions away.
About an hour later, Harry returned, arms full of bags. He bit his lip and put the bags down, and opened up a small cardboard box, pulling a tiny gray kitten out. He giggled and kissed its nose, before going up the stairs. "Malfoy, I have someone I want you to meet." He said, rubbing it under the chin. The kitten started to purr loudly, it's eyes closing in bliss.
The Slytherin almost didn't notice that the other was back until he was startled by the voice outside his door. He had been rereading the properties of certain cuts, certain ingredients, and certain materials of tools, along with the tools themselves, and their effect of the end potion. He almost performed wand less magic to accio a bookmark from across the room when he realized he had to get up anyway. Signing, he marked page 153 and sat the book down of the polished red wood. Opening the door, his eyes, bored, soon turned from irritated to shocked. All that managed to escape his mouth was: "I didn't realize you were an impulsive consumer, Potter."
Harry stuck out his tongue and scratched giggled as the little gray kitten bit his fingers. "Isn't she a little sweetheart," he asked warmly, before glancing over at Draco. "…I just realized she matches your eye color perfectly." He broke out in more giggles as the little cat in his arms reached up and bit his nose. "Oh, I was wondering... Do you want to help name her?" He asked, as the kitten looked up at Draco with wide yellowish green eyes.
His eyes returned to its half-circle shape. "No," he responded curtly and closed the door, turning to grab his book and continue reading where he left off.
Hours rolled over the night and before Draco knew it his face was covered by the text book, page 476, and he had fallen asleep in his day clothes on top of his bed, the light in the bedroom still on.
Harry frowned and looked down at the kitten, eyes sad. "Well let's see... I like Nessy." He said, running his fingers along her striped side. He glanced at Draco's door one more time, before going back down the stairs, setting the kitten down on the floor. He started pulling out supplies for the cat, toys, a litter box, a little bed, food, litter, and set it all up. He then sat down and smiled at Nessy, dangling a piece of string with a feather on it for her to play with.
Harry had fallen asleep on the couch, the kitten on his arms. His eyes flew open and he sat up, breathing heavily. He hated nightmares... He looked down at the freaked out kitten, biting his lip. "Oh baby, baby... I'm sorry." He whispered, scratching her behind the ear. He got to his feet and put her down, watching her run around for a moment, before finally going to the kitchen and pouring himself a bowl of cereal.
Sometime in the morning, he awoke and groaned, the light of his lamp invading his eyes. Opening his eyes he properly marked his spot and places it back in the stack. Yawning, he shed himself of the clothes, replacing them with dark grey satin pajamas. He was about to crawl back into bed until he heard noises coming from downstairs. Why's he still up? Don't tell me it's that cat. He can't let it keep him up like this. He sluggishly stepped down the stairs. "Potter," he called.
"What?" He answered back, pouring milk into his bowl. "Don't forget to say good morning to Nessy." He demanded, pointing to the tiny kitten in the living room. "And be nice to her today." He said, voice stern. He sighed and rubbed his cheek. "I'm sorry Malfoy; I had a rude awakening. Good morning, how did you sleep?"
"Bloody hell, of course you had a rude awakening. Look at the clock, you git. It's too early in the morning," he snapped as the cat rubbed against his leg. He scowled, trying to shake it away not wanting the fabric to tear under its vicious claws. Its green eyes bothered him. As if it were peering into his sole too deeply invading his privacy. "Are you alright, mate," he asked concerned, glancing over again at the brunette's state.
Harry blinked, his spoon still in his mouth. "Fuck." He groaned and tossed the bowl into the fridge, swallowing the rest of his bite. "God fucking nightmares. I hate this fuck." He tugged at his hair. "Bloody hell, I can't, fuck this fucking shit." He growled out, stomping over to the stairs. "Goodnight, Draco." He growled out, not mad at the blond but just mad in general. He went into his room and shut the door, falling into bed.
He was shaken. Nightmares? How often had the Gryffindor been having them for them to have such an enraged emotion come from him? He looked down at the cat. Draco wasn't angry at him when he yelled. Just...shocked...and his first reaction was to yell... He scooped up the kitten and carried him upstairs, making sure to turn off the down stair's lights. Stopping in front of the other's door, he lightly knocked, "Potter?"
"What," came the muffled reply, Harry's face shoved into his pillow. He sat up and walked over to the door, trying to hide the tear stains on his cheeks. "Yes, Malfoy?" He asked, opening the door a crack.
Draco extended the grey ball towards the crack. "I have this creature you call a pet...so don't be upset, okay?" His cheeks turning a pale pink, he shifted on his feet. He felt ridiculous.
Harry blinked, before gently taking the squirming kitten from the other man. "Th-thank you, Malfoy... Draco." He said, kissing her cheek. "That was... Kind of you." He gave a small smile to the other man, and opened the door a little more, kissing Draco's forehead. "Goodnight." He whispered, closing the door and making his way to his bed, still out of it and half asleep, if he hadn't been, he would have never DREAMED of kissing Draco anywhere.
The Slytherin's face was painted his horror, his cheeks now scarlet. What the bloody hell was Potter doing? He furiously wiped at his forehead, marching rage-filled to his room. He'd have to make it clear that he was not another option for the Gryffindor. This blonde did not care for men.
Or did he? He gave Harry the vibe that he was gay. Did he do that to others? What on Earth made him think that, feel them that way? He just... I mean... He could never really fancy women. Every time he started to, his mother would find out and bring up marriage and kids, which caused him to lose immediate interest. She couldn't do that with a guy. If he dated a guy, she couldn't disinterest him from the man because the pressure to have kids wouldn't be there. He did still want a kid. Just not now. He wanted the thrill of romance and sex.
Potter said he was bi. Maybe he could try out the whole gay thing just to get the pressure off his back for a little while, a nice fling, until he wanted to settle down and have kids. What did he have to lose? ...his pride... Well, no one has to know. No, he can keep things hidden quite well from the world. But, his mother would find out eventually; nothing gets past her. Well, that was the point, though, to get her off his back, right? Yes. That's work out nicely.
That's an adventure for tomorrow. He crawled into bed and dozed off into the night and continued through 'til the morning's sun.
