A/N: A quick but huge thank you to the following people: dribblestheturtle, DarkAthene, Kigen Dawn, Shinigami-Kira-1917 and Gryffindor Rat. Thank you for review the first chapter, I hope you all enjoy the next one. Also thanks to all that are following this story.
Short chapter sorry!
Chapter Two
Harry contacted Cooper and informed him that he had arranged for them to meet his friends this Friday. He also suggested that Cooper comes over every night until Friday, so they could get to know each other and set up a believable story on how they met. Learn things about each other that partners should know.
Draco had to remind himself that Cooper would not have a clue about Harry. As himself, Draco thought he knew enough.
From the nights leading up to Friday, Draco actually learnt a lot of new things about Harry. When he was not playing his old role of school rival, or Harry hater, he discovered he actually enjoyed Harry's company and seemed to be able to be his true self around him.
Of course, Harry thought that this was Cooper's personality. In fact, Draco thought it was ironic that Cooper did not have his face, but had his true personality that he did not show many people, and he had his face but projected a fake cold person which was not true to his personality. It was like Draco Malfoy and Cooper Mitchell together made the true Draco. Instead, he acted differently as each person.
Draco knocked on Harry's door, ready to floo to Grangers from there. Harry opened and smiled at him, "Wonderful you're here. Perfect timing."
Harry stepped aside and allowed him to enter. Draco took in Harry's appearance whilst he was busy getting the wine out of the fridge. He was wearing casual clothes, but Draco guessed he was comfortable around his friends that he could wear casual clothes.
He was wearing blue boot cut jeans, a dark army green plain long sleeved t-shirt - with the sleeves pushed up, and a pair of black Converse. Draco recognised the muggle American trainers, he would be an idiot not to, after spending five years in America. Even though Harry was wearing plain and simple clothing Draco thought he looked great, the jeans and t-shirt fitted perfectly and hugged his body in all the right places.
"Converse? Is that in tribute to me?" Cooper's cheery American accent floated over to Harry.
Harry turned to face him, "Might be. Although they are comfy and I do actually own a few pairs." He answered, "Not a trainer sort of guy?" Harry noted Cooper was wearing a pair of grey loafers.
He shrugged, "I thought I'd make an effort seeing as I'm meeting your friends for the first time."
Harry grinned, "Spoken like a true boyfriend. Come on don't want to be late."
They floo'ed to Ron and Hermione's house. Stepping out into a large and stunning kitchen. Draco checked his expression, he did not want to be caught staring open mouthed. He did not expect Weasley and Granger to have such a nice house, well just the kitchen at the moment.
Harry whispered to him, "Had that effect on me when I first saw it. They spend most their time in the kitchen, I guess they wanted it to make a statement."
"Sure did," he chuckled. How the hell did they afford a kitchen like this?
Draco could smell something delicious cooking, he knew Granger would have made it from scratch herself. No way would she have a house elf.
Just then Weasley and Granger strode in, "Harry." Hermione exclaimed upon seeing him.
Ron added fondly, "Sorry Rose woke up and we had to read her another story before she settled. Little tyke."
Hermione smiled, "She just likes books, I cannot say no when she is showing such enthusiasm."
Harry laughed at her, "A mini you then. Ron, Hermione I'd like you to meet Cooper my boyfriend." Harry gestured to his left where Copper was standing.
Ron lifted his hand in greeting, "Beer?" was all he said, already accepting him. Harry knew he was making an effort for Harry's sake.
"Yes please," Draco did not really like beer, too common. But Cooper was common so he would make the sacrifice.
Ron handed him a beer and indicated to the dining table. They moved to sit down.
"What part of America are you from?" Hermione asked, getting into full on investigator mode. Harry hid his smile.
Ron and Hermione always thought they were discreet when they bombarded his boyfriend's with questions, but usually, they would come off as intimidating. They had good intentions, just trying to figure out if his boyfriends were good enough for their friend.
Draco leant back in his chair in a casual pose, "Boston, in the state of Massachusetts."
"Enjoy the city life?" Ron asked casually.
Draco was not worried about the questioning, he was telling the truth he had spent the last five years living in Boston.
"Yes and no. Like most things cities have their advantages and disadvantages. The crime rate is higher in a city and sometimes the crowds can be a hassle. But I thrive in a busy environment and enjoy the many things that are on offer in a city. Such as art galleries, theatre and great schools." He casually informed them.
Draco could tell that he surprised the two of them. Just speak with confidence and cheerfulness and they will be happy.
Draco hid his shock when Harry squeezed his leg, showing a sign of support in front of his friends. Okay, you expected some touching and maybe kissing. Deal with it.
The conversation continued and they ate a delicious three-course meal. Draco answered the questions easily enough, especially if they concerned Cooper's life in the last five years, as they were the same as his.
When Primrose started making a dossier on him, he was undecided. He did not know whether to lie and have Cooper's history completely different from his, or tell part lies part truth or tell as near to the truth as he could.
He settled for the middle option, telling a made up family history and upbringing, then settling for the truth from the age he graduated from school. So when Draco was talking with Harry and his friends about his life, most of it was the truth.
After dessert, they settled in the living room and continued talking.
"How did you meet Cooper?" Hermione asked Harry.
Ron rolled his eyes, "Women, they love to hear how couples met. Strange."
Hermione sent a mock glare at Ron, "It is romantic and interesting. Just because our story started off on the wrong foot." She complained.
"We were eleven Hermione. I wasn't exactly Casanova at eleven. I don't think anyone at school was that confident at eleven?" Ron sulked.
Harry shook his head to disagree, "No. Malfoy was." He stated matter of factly.
Draco's hands stilled in his lap. It was strange hearing Harry say his name. He assumed Harry never thought of him.
"Yeah right. More like cockiness and arrogance. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance." Hermione crisply told Harry.
Harry shrugged, "I guess. I'd say it was confidence with maybe a hint of arrogance. That can be a good combination."
Ron snorted, "Mate it was, arrogance with a hint of confidence. The prat was the biggest most arrogantest bully in school."
"Arrogantest is not a word!" Hermione corrected Ron.
He ignored her.
Harry frowned, "And how you treated Hermione in the beginning wasn't bullying? I'm not defending the git, he was a grade A asshole. But towards the end of school he grew up, we all did. I don't think he's like that anymore."
Draco stared at Harry, he was defending him to his friends and he honestly believed that he had changed. Draco would never have guessed and he would never have reconnected with Harry and found out. He was thankful for being in this disguise and having the opportunity to discover the real Harry. To find out what Harry really thought of him.
Hermione shushed Harry and Ron, "Look do not get into a squabble over, Malfoy. Poor Cooper has no idea what you are on about and he is excluded from the conversation." Hermione sent him an apologetic smile.
"It is ok. We had students like this, Malfoy guy at our school. However, I do think everyone deserves a second chance." He hoped he would get away with that, seeing as Cooper was a friendly, cheerful and forgiving type of guy.
"Exactly," Harry said beaming at Cooper.
"Well, we cannot give him a second chance as he ran away, remember?" Ron taunted.
"He did not run away, Ron." Harry gritted out. "He obviously wanted to have a fresh start and didn't think he'd get that here. Can you blame him? I wish I could have escaped at times." Harry was getting irritated now.
Harry knew they should have dropped the topic of Malfoy. Even when he wasn't here he affected Harry. Yes Harry thought Malfoy ran away, but he wouldn't admit that to Ron, and he wouldn't let Ron bad mouth him. He didn't know why he just had to stand up for him, he wasn't here to defend himself.
Hermione gave Ron a look, telling him to drop it. "How about some coffee?" she said too brightly.
Harry agreed just to get her out the room. "Ron, come help me," she ordered.
"What? You're a witch aren't you." He remained firmly planted in his chair.
"I said come help me!" her voice was stern.
He sighed, "Don't get married. Think they can boss you around these other halves." He joked and left the room with Hermione.
Harry sighed, "Sorry about them. They can be a bit ...intense. No more talking about things and people you don't know – I promise. I didn't mean to exclude you." Harry sincerely apologised.
Draco smiled at him, "Don't worry Harry. It's nice you are defending someone who isn't here to do it. This Malfoy guy should be thankful to you."
Harry laughed. Draco arched an eyebrow and then dropped it again. That was a trademark mannerism for himself not Cooper.
Harry controlled his laughter, "Sorry Cooper. You don't know how funny that was as you don't know Malfoy. He should be thankful to me – good one." Harry was laughing again.
Draco was a bit put out, he bloody well did know Malfoy. He was fucking Malfoy and he did not know what Harry found so funny about what he had said.
Harry stopped laughing again, "Oh that cheered me right up. You have no idea why I was laughing and it would take too long to explain all of it. But I expect if Malfoy ever saw me again he would sneer at me, make a critical and scathing comment about my hair, clothes or sexuality and then saunter away to his ivory tower."
Draco wanted to punch Harry in the nose, but Cooper would not be angry, "Like that is he? No wonder you found the idea of him being thankful funny."
Harry nodded, "I think my friends like you. You are doing a great job. Too good, when we have our staged break up, they will be stumped as to why we split up."
Draco remained silent still reeling from Harry's words. He was grateful when Granger and Weasley returned and he had them as a distraction.
After coffee, they said their goodbyes and returned to Harry's.
"Do you want to stay a bit longer?" Harry casually asked as he flicked the lights on.
"No." Draco snapped, but then added, "I have a busy day tomorrow and really should get home to sleep. Thanks for a lovely evening Harry. I'll see you soon." He made sure his voice was happy and light.
Harry studied him for a moment, "Fair enough. I'll see you tomorrow evening. Night."
"Night," he responded and then floo'ed to his flat.
He cussed Harry to hell and back and kicked the bedpost as he got changed for bed. Harry was such a confusing person. He defended him to his friends and said some nice things, and then he laughs at the thought that he could be sincere and thankful. Saying that he lives in an ivory tower, like he's out of touch with reality. Cheeky bastard. Draco was not sure what Harry truly thought of him, but he was determined to find out.
Harry changed for bed and pondered over Cooper's strange behaviour. Well, he is an actor. Who knows what his personality is really like?
Harry decided to try and treat Cooper as a friend and someone who works for him. He did not want to let his guard down, he was playing a role and Harry must not forget that.
The next evening Draco met Harry at his and they apparated to a fancy restaurant in wizarding London. Harry had told him that he wanted to be spotted and hoped that being in a restaurant where many well-known witches and wizards frequented, he would cause the reaction he wanted.
After all, this was the first time he had been seen on a date with a man. Harry was planning on holding hands, kissing and all the other couple things, so the other patrons could not explain it away as friendship or a business meeting.
They appeared in front of a sophisticated looking building with tasteful design and façade. Harry snaked his arm around Cooper's waist and leant into to whisper, "Test number two. Ready?"
Draco liked Harry being this close and feeling his breath tingle his neck and hearing him whispering in his ear, he liked it too much. He hoped he could survive this job without doing something stupid.
"I'm ready, Harry," he replied.
They entered the restaurant, Harry still had his arm around Draco. He gave his name to the host and they were shown to a prime spot in the restaurant, but it was still visible to people around them.
Harry pulled out Draco's chair and a voice in his head drawled, 'bloody Potter – I'm not a girl'.
They were attracting looks and whispers already. Draco assumed that was because it was Potter – the people's hero.
Harry reached out and cupped his hand over Draco's and left it. Holding his hand as he read the wine list. The whispering definitely increased. Harry ordered some wine and said they needed more time to look at the menu.
Harry ignored the blatant stares and whispering, he wanted them to react that way. Hopefully, someone has called a photographer or a reporter.
Instead, Harry concentrated on Cooper. They talked, laughed and flirted. It's all an act. Don't be a fool. Harry had to remind himself constantly.
Draco saw a reporter lurking behind a huge plant. Draco stood, walked around to Harry and bent down really close to his ear, slinging an arm over his shoulder and hanging it down the front of his chest.
"I'm going to the bathroom. Thought I'd give the reporter that's hiding something to write about." He whispered.
He straightened up, trailed his hand up Harry's chest, over his neck and through his hair. As he walked away, Draco was certain he saw the flash of a camera.
Harry knew he was blushing, he didn't know what he was expecting. But something as flirtatious and seductive as that small gesture wasn't it. Cooper had only touched him slightly and he felt a twinge of pleasure. Maybe it's because this is the first time a man has touched him like that in public. Harry believed that was why he had reacted the way he did.
Draco calmed himself in the restroom, taking a few deep breaths before he went back to Harry. Harry's chest felt firm, and muscular under his shirt and his hair was soft and thick. He had an urge to run his hands through it again.
Draco closed his eyes, shut away himself and stepped out of the bathroom as, Cooper Mitchell.
The rest of the meal went well, they acted like a loved up couple. Draco was unsure if Harry's laughter and smiles were genuine or whether he too was acting. Draco sometimes forgot he was acting, he was being the true Draco that even Harry didn't know. It was a harsh reminder every time Harry would say Cooper and not Draco.
This job is turning out to be more hassle than it was worth. Draco could see he was acting irrational, he should back off and just do the job and remember that Harry was only being nice as he was paying him and because he thinks you are someone else.
Harry was surprised that no one had approached them yet and asked them any impersonal question they had no right in asking.
Harry paid the bill and then interlocked his fingers with Coopers. Saying clearly and loud enough for people to hear, "Let's go back to mine,"
They walked outside and came to a stop. Just before they apparated away Harry tilted his head upwards and kissed Draco. It was a soft and delicate kiss – a kiss a lover would give his boyfriend after a lovely date. Draco smiled at Harry and kissed him again – ignoring the fact that he was not acting right now. He really wanted to kiss Harry again.
Harry smiled against Cooper's lips. He knew they were being watched and photographed. Harry wrapped his arms around Cooper's neck and Cooper responded by wrapping his around Harry's waist. Harry pulled his face back and stared up at Cooper as they apparated back to Harry's.
Harry let Cooper go as soon as they arrived back at his. He didn't want to be any more confused than he was. He could not develop an attachment to Cooper, he was acting and he is only being charming and good company as he is being paid to do so.
So Harry did not invite Cooper to stay longer, "I think that went well. I expect the newspapers will be busy trying to get the story out by tomorrow. You did brilliantly, thank you." He praised.
Draco was getting messed up, he struggled to keep his three personas separate. They were all blurring together. Cooper, the Draco, Harry thought he knew, and the Draco he actually was – they were all him really. Even Cooper was him, his personality just not his face. It was the kiss that messed him up. Draco knew he shouldn't have kissed him again, but Harry looked so irresistible.
"No problem just doing my job," he said, hoping the reminder would cause Harry to back off. That way Draco could get some space and deal with his attraction.
"Right of course you are. You can have tomorrow off. But Monday I am supposed to go to some boring Ministry function, I wanted to take you as my plus one. My date." Harry flatly replied. He noted the sharp reminder that Cooper was JUST doing his job, nothing more.
"Cool. See you Monday. Night." Cooper called as he vanished through the fireplace.
Draco lay awake thinking over everything. He admitted to himself that he was attracted to Harry and that he would like to see if he could actually get to know him and maybe date him for real. But he couldn't not as Cooper, not as a lie. If Harry found out he would curse Draco and never give him the opportunity for them to be more.
Draco had an idea and he gave a devilish smile. He knew exactly what he was going to do, "It's about time that, Draco Malfoy made an appearance." He said out loud.