Etiquette Part 2
Etiquette Lesson #1
Submissive's must always respect their dominants.
Harry listened carefully in every lesson that Neville gave him. He took notes, and asked questions when Neville encouraged him. It was a long two weeks of lessons, but Harry was determined to learn them. He had long ago committed himself to the Wizarding world, and even if they ignored him, that didn't mean he should be ignorant of their ways.
He was surprised at some of the information he was learning, but when he thought on it a bit longer, it made sense. In order to maintain their culture they had to have some system besides the incompetent Ministry. A social ritual that everyone partook in, gave a sense of inclusivity to the muggle born, and lessened the distance between everyone.
There were rules about not insulting other Dominants submissive's, or touching them. There was even a lesson on how to dress when in public together. While most rules were casually ignored nowadays, old Wizarding families still practiced them.
For example, during the graduation reception Neville would make an announcement about his chosen sub. Whether he kept the one the hat gave him, or he had bought another's contract, it was to be announced so that the Daily Prophet could publish it. Afterwards, the head of his household, would present him with a betrothal gift. Traditionally it would be wedding bands, but sometimes they would gift a house, or a family heirloom.
Once Harry understood what he was meant to do, he started acting more like a proper sub. He would walk one-step behind Neville, and would always test the food on Neville's plate first before the bigger boy would eat.
One rule he didn't quite follow was asking Neville permission to talk to others. He rarely talked to anyone besides Draco, and Harry really didn't see the point in asking permission to talk to the blonde, when Draco never asked Neville permission to talk to him.
Neville feigned indifference to the action, but Harry knew that it was slowly annoying the Dom every time Draco would walk over and drape his arm over Harry's shoulder. Harry had started to pull away from Draco, but the flash of hurt in the blonde's eyes, quickly made Harry return to his side.
Etiquette Lesson #2
Submissive's should always know the status of their dominants
Harry had just walked into the dorm room, when the door slammed shut behind him. The loud sound made him flinch, and while he was trying to push certain memories to the back of his mind, an arm harshly grabbed him and threw him onto the closest bed.
"What is going on between you and Malfoy?" Neville demanded from his position, standing over Harry.
"N-nothing" Harry stuttered out.
"It doesn't look like nothing from where I'm standing."
Harry flinched again. He knew that Neville's annoyance at Harry and Draco's friendship was slowly building, but he hadn't expected it to explode like this.
"W-we're just friends." Harry tried.
"If you're just friends then why does he touch you so intimately?"
Harry felt a blush stain his cheeks at the question. He knew it was probably feeding Neville's suspicions but he couldn't help it. The memory of how it started still embarrassed Harry.
"Well..." Neville prompted.
Harry sighed. He knew he would have to explain fully if he ever wanted to soothe Neville. Taking a deep calming breath, Harry steeled himself to relive a tale he rather not. "Where I grew up, they're not exactly kind," Harry started with a soft voice, causing Neville to move closer to hear. "The Dursley's never showed me love. They liked to hit me if I made a mistake or if I didn't finish my chores.
"When Draco found out that I never received any positive or nice touches in my life besides a pat on the back or one of Hermione's crushing hugs, he decided he would help by touching me in a positive way." Harry explained. It probably only confused Neville more, but he didn't know how to explain it any better. Draco had decided on his own and start out by placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. From there the blonde had built up towards hugs and some cuddling.
"They abused you?" Neville seemed to have redirected his anger from Harry to his relatives, which made Harry feel better. He didn't like Neville's ire directed towards him. The older boy had been so kind to him the last few weeks, and Harry didn't want that to go away.
"Neville please calm down." Harry softly begged when he noticed that the Dom was angrily pacing the room and muttering darkly.
Neville looked him in the eyes, before turning away and started to recite plants under his breath. Harry knew this was Neville's way of calming down, so he stayed silent, and let the boy finish.
"And you're sure it's just friendship between you and Malfoy?" Neville asked once his killing intent was gone.
"Yes."
"Then why does he want your contract?"
"That's something different." Harry blushed again. He couldn't tell Neville about that. After all, the bigger boy would sell his contract soon to Draco or the twins, so it wasn't like he would need to know.
Etiquette Lesson #3
Submissive's should always be the primary support in their dominants life
Harry felt better since the start of the school year. He had thought it would be miserable being with Neville, but it was actually quite nice.
Neville like schedule's. Schedule's worked for Harry. He was used to waking up and given a schedule to follow. He may have gone on a lot of random, crazy adventures in the past, but he still craved routine. After years with the Dursley's, routine's became like a safety blanket.
Neville would always wake up at quarter to seven, and prepare for the day. He would shower for 15 minutes, get dressed, and go to breakfast. He always had toast with raspberry jam first thing, and then pick other foods he craved. He would finish 15 minutes before class and leave.
Harry got into the habit of waking up before Neville and leaving the shower just as the other boy was stepping in. He would set out Neville's uniform and double check both their bags to ensure that they had everything for the day. When Neville was finished they would go to breakfast together, and Harry would prepare his toast. It was simple and it was orderly.
When Neville forgot something, Harry already had it waiting for him. If Neville needed something, Harry already anticipated it and had it ready. Harry felt like a robot but being a robot was safe. Hardly anyone wanted to know the real Harry, so he continued on in his robotic fashion and only opened up to Draco.
It was just before the Christmas holidays when Dean approached Neville in the common room.
"Hey Nev, could I talk to you for a moment?" The taller boy asked. Harry wasn't surprised that Dean was the tallest boy in their year, even beating out Ron.
"Sure Dean." Neville moved some books and parchment from couch to make room for the other boy. Both had seemed to completely forget Harry was around.
"Seamus was telling me about how you wanted Hannah's contract. I know I refused the first time, but if you are still up for it, I wouldn't mind handing it over."
"Really? What changed your mind?" Harry didn't bother to stay. Silently, without either boy noticing, Harry stood up and left the common room. He had to speak to Draco.
Etiquette Lesson #4
Submissive's should only have to receive one command from their dominant in public
"Harry! Harry get back here!" Neville yelled as he chased his submissive through the halls. He had been yelling at Harry for five minutes, but Harry kept running, clutching Neville's herbology project in his hands.
Neville had finally caught up to him, and Harry felt as a strong grip grabbed his forearm and turned him around. He flinched a little, and Neville seemed to have noticed. Looking up through his bangs, Harry watched as Neville let out a soft sigh, paired with a regretful look, and raised his free hand to cup Harry's cheek.
Softly, Neville used his thumb to stroke Harry's cheek. "Sorry Harry, but why would you steal my project and run away?"
Harry had spent the entire Christmas break plotting with Draco, while Neville was at home with his grandmother leaving Harry alone at Hogwarts with Draco, they formed a plan.
"Sorry Neville." Harry whispered, as Draco stepped out from the shadows and opened a classroom door. Harry pushed Neville inside, and then took out his wand to set up multiple wards to keep the bigger boy inside. Once done he leaned against the door with Draco and listened.
"Harry let me out!" Neville yelled.
"No."
"Harry! Let me out no-"
"Hello Neville." Hannah's voice filtered through the door, cutting off Neville.
"Hannah? What are you doing here?"
"I know Dean approached you about my contract. Actually, I asked him to. I've liked you for a long time, and I thought you wouldn't return my feelings, but I had to try. Then after Christmas Harry approached me, and wanted to set up this meeting between us." Hannah explained.
Harry looked towards Draco and smiled at a job well done.
Draco placed a hand on Harry's lower back and led him away, giving the two inside the room some privacy.
Etiquette Lesson #5
Submissive's should always accept appropriate punishment from their dominants
Harry was by the lake reading a book when Neville showed up fuming.
"Harry." He bit out.
"U-um... Hello Neville." Harry averted his eyes. He didn't know why Neville was mad, but he didn't think he would like the punishment.
"Why did you do that?"
"Do what?" Harry tried playing innocent. The act sometimes worked on Draco, so it was worth a shot here.
"Why did you lock me in a room with Hannah?" Harry thought he would have been happier about that.
"Cause I wanted you to get to know each other more. I know you will have years after you get her contract from Dean, but I thought I should start it earlier." He told the bigger boy.
"Why do you think I'm getting her contract?" Neville asked with a bemused expression.
"Because you want it, and Dean approached you before Christmas." Harry pointed out like it was the simplest thing in the world. And to him it was.
"I don't want Hannah's contract." Neville said slowly.
"Why not?"
"Because I want you, silly!" Neville grabbed his hands and cradled them softly in his.
"Oh...why?" Harry asked in a dazed state.
"Because I enjoy spending time with you, talking with you, and just being near you every day." Neville softly pulled Harry into his chest, and dropped his hands in order to hug him.
Harry felt his cheeks heating up, and he had to fight his body to not freeze from the intimate hug, but he gradually relaxed and melted a little into Neville's chest.
"Now for your punishment..." Harry looked up at Neville, and wondered what he would have to do, before he felt his body being lifted and thrown through the air.
Harry emerged from the water looking like a soaked kitten, and pouted at a laughing Neville.
Etiquette Lesson #6
Submissive's shouldn't be afraid to tell their dominants their needs
Harry had spent a few days after the lake incident fretting. He had talked to Draco, and the blonde had seemed ready to storm Gryffindor tower and demand his contract, but he knew he needed to talk to Neville personally and explain things to him. Only, he didn't know how to bring it up. The conversation wasn't exactly something that came up in every day conversation. He wouldn't be able to go up to Neville and say...
"Oh while we're on the topic of breakfast, I've been meaning to tell you that you keeping me screws up all my future plans." Or... "Wow I didn't know that about this plant, but you know what you don't know? How close Draco is to killing you for ruining his plans."
Situations like that just didn't happen.
So here he was pacing his dorm room, trying to figure out a way to tell Neville about certain things. As if on cue, Neville walked into the room, and seemed concerned over Harry's behaviour.
"Harry, what's wrong?" The Longbottom heir walked forward quickly and wrapped his arms around Harry in a comforting manner.
"Neville are you absolutely sure you want to keep my contract?" Harry asked earnestly as he stepped away and started pacing. His hands started twisting around each other and he couldn't look Neville in the eye.
"I'm positive Harry, why?" Neville sat down on a bed and faced his pacing sub.
"It's just... well... Draco and I..." Harry started and halted.
"Draco and you what?" Neville asked while he felt his face closing off.
"He had plans... we were going to open an apothecary, and Draco would make the potions, while I handled the ingredients..."
"Harry..." Neville tried to interrupt.
"Of course we weren't going to do it right away. We were going to work at the twins shop making joke potions while Draco got his masters, and then open the shop, but now with you keeping me, it seems that we can't do that anymore..."
"Harry..."
"- and I… we… really wanted to do this, so I had to be sure you were keeping me before I told Draco about calling of the plans..."
"Harry!" Neville finally shouted.
"Y-yes?" Harry stuttered as he finally looked at Neville.
"If you really want to do that, then I think I can get used to Malfoy if you include a third person into your plans." Neville offered although his tone was a bit relunctant.
Harry couldn't help but beam at Neville and for the first time initiated contact by jumping at the bigger boy and giving him a hug.
"I need to tell Draco!" Harry said as he placed a small kiss on Neville's cheek and ran out of the room.
Etiquette Lesson #7
Submissive's should always act appropriately with their Dominant in public
Harry ran back into the room and grabbed Neville's hand, the one not touching the spot on his cheek where Harry kissed him, and dragged him out of the room with him.
Harry led him through common room, passed many other students, into the Great Hall, and straight to Draco.
"Draco! Neville said we can still have the shop if we work a third person in!"
Harry watched as Draco turned towards Neville and raised a single eyebrow. "Longbottom you are not allowed in mine and Harry's bed. You can sleep in another room."
Harry could only laugh at Neville's impression of a fish, before sitting with Draco and talking about installing another greenhouse now that two people could watch the plants.
Etiquette Lesson #8
Submissive's should be on good terms with the Dominants family
When Harry finally met Augusta Longbottom, he had been worried. The woman had quite the reputation and Harry wasn't sure how she would receive him.
When they arrived at the Longbottom manor, they were shown to the sitting room, by an old looking house elf. They only waited a few minutes before Lady Longbottom entered.
She glided towards Harry, and instantly pulled him into a hug.
"Oh you dear, I can't thank you enough for the service you have done for the Wizarding world. I happily welcome you to our family." She pulled him into another hug before sitting down and starting a conversation about school with him.
Harry couldn't help but sending a bright smile towards Neville. He then sent a smile towards the twins that were standing menacingly over Neville. He was glad he didn't need the twins for emotional support like he first thought when Neville told him about this trip.
Etiquette Lesson # 9
Submissive's should always maintain a good level of communication with their dominant
Harry held the two mirrors in his hands, and wondered how to give one to Neville. His godfather had given them to him, before he had taken off to Spain to court a Spanish noble, and Harry felt that giving one to Neville was right.
He sat down at the desk and took out a sheet of parchment. Telling the bigger boy how he felt to his face would be too embarrassing, but telling him through a letter, felt less...well he had a lesser chance of making a fool of himself.
Harry wrote a simple letter and placed it on top of the mirror on Neville's pillow before leaving the room.
Dear Neville,
This belonged to my dad, but I thought you would like it. If you ever need me, just say my name, and I will respond. I want you to know that I will always respond as long as we are together.
Love Harry.
Etiquette Lesson # 10
Submissive's should always strive to make their dominant happy
Harry was playing exploding snap with Draco when he felt his mirror vibrate. Carefully taking it out of his pocket, he looked into it to see Neville's nervous face.
"Hi Neville."
"Hey Harry, I was wondering if you could meet me in the kitchens. I have something important to ask you."
Harry didn't know what Neville wanted to talk about, but by Draco's indignant look, he would guess it wasn't anything happy.
Entering the kitchen's Harry spotted Neville sitting at a table with treacle tart in front of him.
"Neville..."
"Harry, take a seat."
Harry sat down and focussed all his attention on Neville instead of the delicious dessert in front of him.
"Harry... I know I was a total prat at the start of the year, but I tried to make it up to you, and help you. I don't know if I did though." Harry couldn't help smiling slightly at the sight of a nervous and fidgeting Neville. It reminded him of when they were younger and Neville had been that shy chubby boy he helped.
"I guess all I'm asking is if you would marry me, and join me in a proper Dominant/Submissive bond?" Neville slowly took out a box that held two bonding rings.
Harry couldn't help but freeze for a moment. Sure he knew this was coming but it was still a shock all the same. Someone wanted him, well someone besides Draco and the twins.
"If I say yes, do I get to eat the treacle tart?" Harry asked once his felt his racing mind calm down a bit.
Neville chuckled. "Yes you can eat the tart."
"Then of course I will bond with you!" Harry proclaimed before grabbing a fork and digging into the treat. Once his mouth was full, he looked up at the smiling brunet and leaned forward to place a sticky kiss on his cheek.
"I'm glad you asked me." Harry shyly told the bigger boy, after he swallowed the treat. When he felt a blush appearing again, he lowered his head and distracted himself with the tart. Especially since his heart felt like it would burst if he stared at Neville's happy face anymore.
