An: Thank to all who read and to those who reviewed. Sorry for the wait. Life is kicking my a** right now.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Chapter Three: Adjusting
Harry woke to the sound of running water. He cringed as he lifted his head off his shoulder. He was still sitting on the floor with his back against the wall. If he could go by the shooting pain in his neck and back, he had been all night. Letting out a grunt he forced his body to stand. He blinked, adjusting his glasses and the blurry image of blonde hair became much sharper.
Malfoy glared at him and shut of the water. He was holding a glass, but he set it on the counter with a disappointed look. Harry had the sneaking suspicion that if he hadn't woken when he did, he might have gotten a face full of water. He looked over Malfoy. His sleepy brain not objecting as his eyes slowly traveled the length of the blonde. He was dressed in different clothes then he had gone to bed in and while it wasn't slicked back, his hair had clearly be done. Harry noticed he had no shoes on. Dark green socks were visible under the cuff of Malfoy's slacks. Harry sleepily smiled at the notion of Malfoy wearing colored socks.
" Potter!"
Harry looked up at an irritated Malfoy. He blushed slightly and shrugged sheepishly. He remembered he was going to apologize but Malfoy spoke again.
" Hurry and get dressed. I want to get this meeting with the muggle's over with. And I found your list. Most of what you wrote will be useless. I added a few things. We can find a shop afterwards." He stated. Harry noted he was a bit more distant then he had been yesterday. He must still be mad. However, his attempt at an explanation was cut short.
" Come on, Potter!"
And then the blonde shoved some things into Harry's hands and pushed him to the bathroom. Once inside Harry sighed and resigned to listening to the blonde's instructions. He could explain later. He undressed in record time and stepped in the shower, not wanting to make his situation more un-bearable then it had to be. He sighed as the hot water hit his sore neck. If he was going to be spending time with Malfoy he might as well try and get along with the other man. And if he wanted to change the direction this day was heading he should just do what he could to avoid upsetting the blonde, until he calmed down a bit.
Harry was surprised to find the clothes Malfoy chose for him didn't make him look atrocious. In fact it was the opposite. The jeans fit him snugly and the shirt brought out the right amount of green in his eyes. He had to admit Malfoy had style. It was not what he was used to. Harry never really had time to spend on his wardrobe and so his choice in clothing hadn't evolved much since school.
Harry hung up his towel and searched for a comb. He opened the cabinet behind the mirror with out thinking. He did a double take when he pulled back the door to reveal shelves stocked with products. Harry gaped openly at the cupboard.
Where had all this come from? Maybe Malfoy had... Harry shook the idea away quickly. The blonde hadn't brought anything with him. He searched for an explanation but none came. A sudden loud banging on the door caused Harry to jump and knock his tender shoulder on the open mirror. He hissed in pain and yanked open the bathroom door. Malfoy was standing with an impatient look on his face.
"What's taking you so long anyway?" He demanded.
" I was looking for a comb." The brunette replied, rubbing his shoulder. He was probably going to have a bruise, on top of the stiffness already there.
Without warning Malfoy pushed himself inside the room. Harry stumbled backwards at the intrusion. He tripped on his discarded clothing and fell onto the closed toilet lid. Malfoy 'tsked', under his breath, as he shook his head.
" Really, Potter? Do you have no manners at all." He said kicking the clothes aside.
" I....." Harry started before he realized he didn't have to answer. He watched Malfoy with narrow eyes. The blonde was searching the full cabinet. He didn't seem at all surprised by their sudden contents. He pulled out a few bottles and a red brush. Then he turned to Harry. He held the brush in his hand as he tilted Harry's head to the side. The brunette automatically tried to pull away.
" What are you doing? Get away....get away from me." Harry stammered. But Malfoy just held Harry's head in his firm grip.
" Stop moving, Potter." He said grabbing a fist full of the raven locks and tugging harshly.
" Hey. Let go." Harry yelled, trying to shove the blonde away. Pain shot through his sore back, but he ignored it.
" Will you quit acting like a child. I'm not going out in public with you looking like you haven't used a brush in years. No one will believe your my husband. If you are to be associated with me, I need to at least attempt to tame this rats nest you call hair." Malfoy explained giving his hair another yank.
" Oww." Harry squirmed as he tried to get away again, upset that Malfoy managed to insult him four times with his little speech. He struggled more, only to be rewarded with more hair pulling. Finally he gave up and sank back against the toilet tank. He crossed his arms and gave Malfoy the most evil glare he could muster. The blonde smirked in return.
" Finally."
A second later Harry felt the bristles of the brush running across his scalp. He was expecting to feel more stings of pain, but surprisingly he only felt the occasional pull when the brush fought a particularly nasty tangle. The only real pain he felt was in his neck. He greatly regretted falling asleep against that wall. Harry tried to relax and ignore the fact that it was Malfoy brushing his hair. The awkwardness between them, however, only grew.
" Do you know why the cabinets are all full?" He asked, un-able to take the silence any longer.
" The whole house is stocked. The kitchen, the closets. I guess it was because of what Kingsley sent last night."
The mention of the previous day, brought a fresh stab of guilty to Harry. For the third time that morning he tried to apologize, but also for the third time he never got a chance. The brush suddenly left his head and was replaced with fingers. Harry stiffened slightly at the new feeling, but memories of the sharp tugs from earlier prevented him from protesting.
But soon even the words he held back, melted from his mind, when the blonde's hands retracted and came back, bringing a new sensation with them. A cool liquid was being meticulously massaged into his scalp. After a few more awkward minutes of sitting while Malfoy let his fingers roam through his hair, Harry finally began to relax.
He let out a small sigh. The hands in his hair froze and then disappeared entirely. Harry looked up. Malfoy's eyes were traveling over the top of his head, down to his fringe and finally to Harry's face. The blonde stepped back to get a whole picture of his creation. His eyes drifted over Harry making him feel suddenly self conscious. Malfoy had a satisfied smile on his lips.
Harry felt claustrophobic all the sudden. Un-comfortable with the scrutiny he stood up, hoping to end the tense moment. However, all that changed was the look on Malfoy's face. When their eyes meet Harry's feeling of being too big for the room, only grew stronger. Malfoy continued to stare.
" I thought you wanted to go." Harry blurted out, shattering the moment. Malfoy gave him a dirty look and stalked out of the bathroom. Harry followed feeling even worse then had when he woke up and not knowing exactly why.
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Denice looked over the information on her computer. She had to ask her self, for the hundredth time this year, why she was doing this. 'Oh yeah.', she thought bitterly, ' The boss said so. That's why'. She made a face as she remembered the day he decided to make it company policy to come in an hour before opening to get an early start on the day. Completely pointless, in her opinion. Just one of Mr. Petri's improvements to the company. Denice had hated the man since he first walked through the door.
The previous business owner had been a kind old woman. Her death shocked and saddened the whole town. She had lived fifty-two of her eighty-seven years of life here. She was the sweet understanding nieghbor any one could go to for help. Everyone would missed her. And then, to add insult to injury, while they were still dripping with mourning, Mrs. Petri's son had moved in and asserted his control over the company.
Bert Petri was a short man, with a bad fake tan and even worse breath. A man who smoked imported cigars, drove an expensive new sports car, and in spite of having a wife ( and bearing a strong resemblance to a troll), flirted with any woman that had the unfortunate luck to be within walking distance of him. He got excited at controlling people and always made sure to let you know that he was the one in power.
He wanted to the top and had no problem stepping on the backs of people who he had the power to make kneel. He kissed up to any one who was above him and stepped on any one who wasn't. There weren't many people of power in a small town like this one, but he managed to find them all. How such a rotten excuse for a man came from such a kind and gentle woman as Mrs. Petri was lost on Denice.
The only reason she could come up with was that Mrs. Petri must have fall in love with an actual troll when she was young, thinking naively it could be changed. But after years of trying and failing to make such a creature civilized she gave up and had to leave her love behind. But she didn't leave alone. And some nine months later she gave birth to the spawn of her failed love. Being the good woman she was, she tried to raise the half-breed child, but failed to change his nature, just as she had failed to change it's father.
Denice chuckled to herself. She could hear Bob's gentle voice in her head, telling her she'd finally lost her mind, there was no such thing as trolls. She'd always had an active imagination. It's part of what kept her so young.
Denice bit her lip as she looked at the clock. It was almost time for them to open. She didn't know much about Alex and Jack, but she had the felling that Jack was the type of man who liked to get things done promptly. She wouldn't be surprised if he walked through the doors as soon as Jenny, the secretary, opened them. Alex on the other hand, was more of a mystery to her. He seemed quieter, but not shy. He didn't say much yesterday, but his presence was strong. His bright green eyes held such wisdom, that no one that young should have. He must have had a hard life. Yet, there was also a carefree, childlike look to him. Obviously, he was under stress at the time, but Denice was convinced if she had meet him under different circumstances his boyish charm would be more evident. Not to mention he was gorgeous, both men were. It was easy to see what had attracted them to each other.
Perhaps Alex had put a damper on Jack's punctual nature. She hoped not. Denice had plans and she was ready to get them set into motion. Plus Mr. Petri, despite having the strict policy about coming in early, rarely ever showed his ugly face before ten. Perhaps the young newlyweds would come in soon and they could avoid the guaranteed unpleasant experience meeting Bert Petri would cause. Denice had the papers all ready. A few signatures and they could be on their way. After, of course she set up the first stage of her plan. She looked at the clock again and sighed.
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When Harry and Malfoy finally walked through the door, Denice was in the bathroom. Which was fortunate for the pair, because it gave them time to collect themselves. Malfoy's mood had only seemed to get worse as the morning went on.
After the bathroom, he went to the kitchen, gabbed some things off the table, ignored Harry's statement of hunger, and made it very obvious that he wasn't waiting for the Gryffindor as he walked through the front door. Harry grudgingly followed. He was less willing to make peace between them now. Once on the porch Malfoy had shoved the slip of paper with the address on it, in Harry's face and looked at him as if daring him to say something.
Harry just read the paper, not wanted to give him the satisfaction. He didn't know why both of them were in such foul moods but he didn't care. With out a word to the blonde Harry started off. He had been paying attention to the streets when they were searching for the house yesterday and was confident he knew the way.
Half an hour later he realized how wrong he was. But he didn't want to admit it, so he kept walking. As they passed the post office for a second time, Malfoy finally said something. An argument and what would have been a screaming match, if they weren't both aware of the people around them, occurred. It ended with a fuming Harry following a briskly walking Malfoy down the street. The blonde insisted he might as well try since it was blatantly obvious Harry had no clue where they were going.
Harry's mood grew darker when, by pure luck, Malfoy made a left where Harry had gone right earlier, and discovered the agency. The smug look on the blonde's face combined with the stiffness in his neck was preventing Harry from calming down, but he tried any way. Which brings them to where they were now. Standing inside the tiny establishment as far away from each other as possible.
Denice came out of a door in the back and Harry felt Malfoy scoot closer to him. Resisting the urge to punch him in the nose Harry let out a breath and focused on what Denice was saying.
" ....lucky you arrived now. I have the papers here." She held up the documents. Repeating his actions from yesterday, Malfoy wrapped an arm around Harry. The brunette gritted his teeth as he allowed himself to be led to a two seat couch. Malfoy sat down and crossed his legs, pretending to read the papers before him.
" Only Jack needs to sign. But I'm sure your aware of that." Said the older woman smiling at Harry. He sat down next to Malfoy, wishing he would hurry up already.
" It's sweet that you came together. Give it a few years and you'll value those moments on your own." Denice joked. Truthfully, she still spent any extra time she could with her husband, Bob. Malfoy chuckled and put an arm around Harry.
" Oh, I almost forgot something. I'll be right back." She got up and went to speak with a red headed lady Harry hadn't noticed until now. Her name plate on her desk read, Jenny. Harry frowned at the similarity to his ex. Seeing the two women weren't paying attention to him and Malfoy, he quickly shoved the hand off his shoulder. He turned to face the man.
" Stop touching me." he hissed under his breath. An evil gleam appeared in Malfoy's eye and Harry suddenly regretted saying anything at all. Malfoy leaned in close to Harry. The raven haired man scooted away until his back hit the arm of the couch. Malfoy continued to move closer.
" I'm sorry, luv. Does it bother you?" He whispered in Harry's ear. Causing an un-welcome feeling to spread through him. Malfoy pulled his face away, but didn't completely give Harry his space back. He caught the green eyes with his own and Harry bit his lip unconsciously. Harry watched as Malfoy's eyes flickered to his mouth. Warmth pooled in the Gryffindor's stomach.
A throat cleared somewhere to Harry's left and suddenly the body in front of him was gone. Malfoy smiled as he apologize to Denice and proceeded to sign the papers. Harry recovered and straightened up. He had been practically draped over the arm of the couch. He felt the blush creep up his collar, and avoided eye contact with either person sitting around him.
That was the second time this day that Malfoy made him blush. He didn't understand the blonde's actions. One minute he was insulting him and the next he was actually being decent. Then he was looking at him with that look in his eyes.
A hand on his thigh brought Harry out of his musings. He looked at Malfoy but the man was talking with Denice. Something about a barbeque. Harry heard Malfoy say 'they'd love to' and decided he better start paying attention. It turned out Denice invited them to her party. She lived in the neighborhood and thought it would help them get to know the people in town. Harry wondered if Malfoy agreed just to annoy him.
Eventually they left the small agency, with a promise to see each other later that night. Denice offered to come and see how much work the house still needed. She admitted to only visiting it twice and that her boss was in charge of some of the work . Once more Harry wondered what Malfoy was doing. He asked as soon as they were outside.
" Since when are you so willing to be around muggles?" Harry asked, whispering the last part. Malfoy shrugged.
" Perhaps, if she saw the mess the house was, then maybe she'd hurry to get it fixed." He answered.
" That figures." Harry said following Malfoy as he darted into the street.
" What does, Potter?"
" You just want to use her." He answered nearly bumping into Malfoy when he stopped.
" Shut your mouth, Potter! Once again, you start speaking before you have all the facts!" He said, shocking Harry with his vicious tone. He didn't think Malfoy would be so upset by his reasoning. Just when Harry thought he understood the blonde, Malfoy would do a sudden one eighty and make everything Harry thought he knew completely useless. And true to his revelation Malfoy disappeared before his eyes.
Well not some much disappeared, as hastily throw open a door and walk into a building. Harry was getting tired of following Malfoy around. However, he pulled the same door open and entered the building. He was not too surprised to find it was a grocery store. A memory of the blonde expressing his desire to get some things from the store suddenly sprang to Harry's thoughts. He found Malfoy standing in the middle of the frozen food section holding a basket and looking throughly confused. A chuckle escaped Harry but he quickly stopped it at Malfoy's look.
He approached the blonde tentatively. Unsure what his reaction would be. Malfoy had the list in his hand and was frowning at a frozen pizza.
" Why don't we start at one end of the store and go down each isle. Since neither of us is familiar with this place. And it might be better to get a cart." He said waiting for Malfoy's reaction. Harry tried to sound as platonic as he could.
" I don't need your help, Potter." Was the curt reply. Harry sighed as he watched the blonde storm away. Harry stayed back as the other man traded his basket for a cart. He nearly ran Harry's foot over on his way back to the frozen isle. He began putting things into the cart. Harry didn't mention that they had no way to store frozen food.
The brunette trailed behind him as he went down each row throwing random things into the cart. He clearly had no clue what he was doing. Harry tried to remember the list, not daring to ask for it. He also added things to the cart. He didn't make many additions, taking Malfoy's word for it that the house was supplied with most things.
By the time they were finished Harry was once again in a foul mood. The blonde had rejected and ignored all of Harry's attempts to break the angry aura that surrounded them. To make matters worse on the last isle Malfoy had 'accidentally' knocked a whole shelf of bathroom tissue onto the floor, just as two woman pushed their carts into the isle. With a cheeky grin Malfoy addressed Harry.
" Would you get that, Hon? While I go pay." And he left Harry to pick up the mess. Thankfully the lady's took pity on him and helped, cutting his time in half. He caught up to Malfoy just as he was handing the bills to the cashier.
" Hey." The man greeted happily, upon seeing Harry.
" Hello." Harry replied, wondering why the man seemed so cheery.
" You don't remember me do you?" Harry shook his head slowly. Panic rose in his chest. Did some one from the wizarding world recognize him? He felt Malfoy stiffen beside him. He must be thinking the same thing. This could blow their cover.
" Yesterday?" he prompted, smiling. Harry relaxed. It was some one from town.
"From the bathroom." He said, pouting a little upset Harry didn't remember. Harry firmly ignored Malfoy as he turned to look at him. Suddenly Harry remembered. It was the man he almost ran into when he went to look for Malfoy.
" Right. Yeah, hey, about that.....you know, Sorry again. " He said, not knowing what else to say to the stranger. The man's demeanor brightened considerably and he was about to say more but Malfoy cut him off.
" As fascinating as this is, I do have places to be today." He said icily. In spite of Malfoy's cold glare, the cashier remained oblivious. He got Malfoy's change and handed it the irrate blonde, who snatched it fiercely and gathered his bags before leaving the store.
" So, I was wondering..." But Harry cut off his mumbling sentence.
" I'm sorry. I have to go." And he raced after Malfoy.
Harry thought it best to let the other wizard cool off, so he walked two feet behind him. He thought of offering to help carry the bags, but he knew the blonde would only end up turning his good intentions into a fight, so Harry stayed quiet the whole walk back to the house. When they got inside Malfoy slammed the groceries on the table and left the room.
Harry searched the bags until he found the book he'd put in the cart and set it aside. He went to the cupboards and looked inside. As he expected the were filled with food, from canned peas to peanut butter. In fact they were so filled, there was no more room for the things they'd just purchased. Not knowing what to do and not wanting to be in the room when Malfoy returned Harry grabbed his book and went to the living room. He wished he'd been listening when Denice was explaining when the electricity would be turned on. He went over to the window and pulled the maroon curtains apart.
Sunlight spilled into the room. Harry stood for a moment letting the warmth seep through his skin. When he felt himself growing too warm, he looked around the room for a spot to sit in. The living room looked less gloomy in the light. Harry walked over to the carpet, un-rolling it just as Malfoy had the night before. He sat against the wall and nearly cried out as hot pain shot through his back. He forgot about his sore body. Harry sighed and leaned back more gently. It was still uncomfortable, but he ignored it. Pulling out his book, he began reading.
Sometime later Harry heard a curse from the kitchen. Looking at the watch on his wrist he noted nearly two hours had passed since he first sat down. He hoped in that time Malfoy had calmed down, but the sounds from the kitchen caused him to think otherwise. He closed his book and set it on the floor next to him. He rubbed his neck as he stepped onto the wooden floor carefully. Malfoy was opening and shutting cupboards, obviously looking for something. There was a bowl on the counter with pieces of tomato and cucumber inside.
Harry walked over to the table and picked up the head of lettuce that was resting there. He tossed it back and forth in his hands while he waited for Malfoy to acknowledge him. When Malfoy finally spotted Harry in the kitchen, he slammed the cupboard he just opened, shut with a bang.
" What do want?" He demanded harshly.
"I'm sorry." Harry said, hoping it was what the other man wanted to hear. A few beats of silence followed. Apparently it was the right thing to say because Malfoy's frown disappeared so quickly Harry had to wonder if it was ever there to begin with. He across the kitchen took the lettuce from Harry and smiled.
" Took you long enough. I was going to make a salad, but there's no dressing." He threw the lettuce up in the air and caught it agin as he walked over to the counter. Harry pushed down his annoyance at how easily Malfoy switched moods and decided to bring up the other thing on his mind. He stared off carefully.
" I'm glad you accept, because I think we should try and be more friendly towards each other. We might be here for a while and ...."
" You just don't know when to shut up, do you Potter?" He said suddenly, startling the brunette.
" What are you talking about?" Harry said.
" Never mind." And with that Malfoy, abandoned the head of lettuce to turn and walk out.
Harry was getting more and more confused. He just wanted answers. He assumed Malfoy's easy acceptance of his apologize was going to make things easier, but Malfoy once more over reacted to something Harry said. It would be much simpler if the other man just talked about what was bothering him, instead of throwing a fit and storming off. Not wanting Malfoy to blow him off again, he followed after the blonde, getting more angry with each step.
" Malfoy! What's your problem? I don't understand you. I'm just trying to be civil and your throwing it back in my face!" Harry's voice was louder then he intended. The expression on Malfoy's face when he turned around made Harry cringe. He looked like a mad man.
" Me? You're the one who's been acting like a prat the whole time. Ever since the train! I did nothing to warrant such a rude greeting. But you, being the stuck up, too worried about your own life to notice those around you, prick, that you are, didn't see that. You just assumed I was there to cause trouble. You never gave me a chance, to absorbed in your own fantasy land. Then you act as if you're the righteous one, apologizing and being civil to the ex-death eater. When it was your fault the whole time. If you just taken your head out of your ass for one moment, maybe you could have seen that. No wonder you couldn't make it work with the weaslette. Did she finally realize you couldn't care about anyone but yourself ? What happened, Potter did she not worship you enough. She have her own opinion about something?"
" Shut your mouth, Malfoy." Harry said, not trusting himself to say any more.
" Oh, I think that was your best come back, yet. I must have touched a nerve. Am I right? That's what happened. You didn't...."
Harry's fist cut off the rest of Malfoy's comment. The blonde reeled back for a moment stunned at Harry's actions. Then he recovered and the fight began.
Sort of.
Malfoy kick Harry's knee, causing him to yell out in pain. He stepped back holding his hand up. Malfoy looked at the digits as though they were a talking to him.
" Wait. I don't want to fight." Harry said, catching his breath, one hand on his injured knee.
" I just want to know what your prob..." he stopped deciding against using those words again. He glanced at the blonde to gage how pissed he was.
" I just wanted to know what was bothering you. And I'm sorry. Again. You were right. I never gave you a chance. Why don't we start over." Harry stood up straight, rubbing his even sorer neck. The blonde was silent for a long while, before he got a dangerous gleam in his eyes accompanied by his infamous smirk.
" I don't know, Potter. You were quite a jerk. I'm not sure I can trust you." Harry fought down the remark on the tip of his tongue. He opted for silence.
" In fact, I don't know if I can trust anything you say." Then he did something that made Harry's blood run cold. He pulled out his wand.
" Malfoy," Harry said warningly.
The blonde just continued to smirk. He spun the piece of wood around, using his thumb and index finger to twirl the stick.
" What?" He asked innocently. He ceased the spinning and held his wand correctly in his pale hand. Harry took a step closer.
" Don't be stupid. You know you can't use your wand." Harry wasn't sure what Malfoy was doing. Maybe he was just trying to scare Harry. If that were the case, then it was working. Harry didn't know if Malfoy would really do something like this or not. He knew that Malfoy was spoiled as a child and that he did stupid things when he didn't get what he wanted. Harry remembered Hagrid's baby dragon and Buckbeak. Surely, Malfoy had grown up since then. However, thinking of his behavior lately, Harry discovered he couldn't take comfort in that thought.
"But I don't know. I never talked with any one at the ministry. Maybe your just crazy and your keeping me here to torture me. I mean really, an exploding note? Or maybe the problems been resolved and we're staying here for nothing. Any number of things could be true." He said raising his wand hand to his waist. Harry took one more step.
" Malfoy, this isn't some game. Our lives are at risk. Put the wand down." Harry felt panicked. What was Malfoy playing at? He tried to reason with himself. Malfoy wasn't an idiot. He wouldn't put their lives on the line for a simple spell. Maybe he had come to the end of his rope. They did have to put up with a lot lately. Maybe Malfoy finally snapped.
Malfoy raised his wand, aiming it at a pillow they left in the hallway. Harry reacted before he knew what was happening. He lunged at the blonde, knocking him down to the floor. His head hit the wall and he yelp out in pain. Harry went for the wand while he was distracted. But Malfoy recovered and kept his grip on the wooden stick. He shoved Harry to the side and started to get to his feet.
Harry rolled and stood first, knock the blonde into the living room. Malfoy tried to speak and Harry was afraid he was going to say a spell. Quickly he grabbed a pillow that was sitting by the wall and threw it at Malfoy's face. Before the blonde could react, Harry once more dove for him. He grabbed the hand holding the wand and tried to pry the fingers apart.
" Wait, Potter. Hold on." Malfoy said, while he was working to keep his hold on the wand. But Harry didn't listen. Malfoy had tried twice now to expose them and he wasn't going to fall for any of the Slytherin's tricks. Seeing that he was getting no where, he switched his tactics. He didn't want to hurt the other man, but he saw no other option. He used his foot to kick the back of Malfoy's knee.
As Harry expected the blonde lost his footing and fell to the ground, but as he didn't expect the blonde took Harry with him. He landed awkwardly. The blonde's elbow had managed to knock the wind from his lungs. He struggled to catch his breath as he simultaneously maneuvered himself on top of Malfoy. The whole time he never relaxed his grip on Malfoy's wand hand.
Harry slowly realized that Malfoy was making a strangled noise. He looked at the blonde and saw him smiling. The noise was laughter. Harry scowled at him and went for the wand again with his opposite hand, fearing the blonde really had cracked.
" Wait....stop, Potter. I was only....kidding." The blonde managed between laughs. The sight of Malfoy laughing at his expense enraged the Gryffindor. He stopped going for the wand and punched Malfoy in the stomach.
" Hey!" He cried out. Harry gave him a smug look. Malfoy suddenly moved with lightning speed. He flipped their position so he was on top, only he was also holding Harry's hands above his head so the brunette couldn't move. He smirked down at him.
"Alright it was cute before, but that hurt. Will you listen. It was just...." But Harry didn't want to listen. He was angry. He finally understood Malfoy was only messing with him earlier and that he had no intention of using his wand at all. Harry felt like a fool for thinking he did. It hurt his feelings that Malfoy would do something like that after he had tried to be honest with the man. He wanted to get away from the blonde, but he couldn't get his hands from Malfoy's grasp. He struggled vainly against him, before finally giving up. He stopped fighting and scowled. Malfoy chuckled again.
Something in Harry snapped. He managed to pull his leg up and knee Malfoy in the stomach. With a grunt he rolled over and onto the floor next to Harry. But it wasn't enough for the Gryffindor. He turned and snatched the wand from Malfoy's relaxed grip. He jumped up and was running down the hall, aware that the Slytherin was on his heels. He shot into the kitchen and looked around just a second too long. Malfoy grabbed his arm. Harry escaped his grasp and ran around the small table.
" Potter. Give me back my wand." Malfoy said slowly. Harry opened his mouth to protest, but the blonde man surprised him, by sliding across the table. Harry backed up and watched in horror as the table collapsed under his weight. Malfoy landed ungracefully on his back, his head banging on the ground. Harry looked at the other man's messy appearance as he lay on the broken table top and suddenly realized how childish he was being. He had no reason to keep Malfoy's wand. He was just upset at being made fun of.
He sighed ready to apologize, again, when a knock at the door interrupted him. Malfoy's head shot around and he sat up quickly.
" I'm getting really tired of these muggles. Don't they know what privacy means?" was all he said before he went to the door. Harry stayed back, not wanting to be around the other man right now. He was embarrassed at his own behavior. But he felt slightly better. He wasn't sure, but he had the feeling that in some weird way they had resolved the problems between them. Near the end the fight went from anger-fulled, to almost playful.
Harry stepped out of the kitchen and froze in horror as he saw a police man standing in the door way. Not wanting to jump to any more conclusions, he slid into the living area while the officer took off his hat. The man in blue never noticed. The Gryffindor listened from his spot behind the wall.
" Sorry to bother you, but Mrs. Fisher, from across the street," He made a vague motion with his thumb, indicating something behind him, before continuing, " She heard noises from the house. And was concerned. Said it sounded like fighting." The plump officer moved his head around Malfoy, to get an un-welcomed, better look inside.
The blonde could only guess what the officer was thinking. He knew what this looked like. His lip was sightly swollen and his shirt was ripped. He was still trying to catch his breath and one of his shoes was missing. All a result of his struggle with Harry.
Bullocks, Harry thought from his spot behind the wall. Damn nosey muggles. How were they supposed to explain this one? Malfoy obviously looked a mess. There was no way he could talk himself out of it. Harry wasn't sure how familiar with the muggle world the other man was. Maybe he didn't even know what police were or how big of a problem they could make for them. Harry looked around, trying to think of something to do that would explain Malfoy's appearance.
" Is everything alright in here?" The man continued to question. Malfoy wasn't sure he could come up with an excuse, but he knew he had to try. He opened his mouth to speak. But all that came out was a squeal. Suddenly Malfoy was thrown, none to gently, against the wall. He didn't have time to wonder what happened before a warm mouth pressed hard against his. Some one moaned very loudly and a pair of hands slid up his chest. A body was pressed intimately between his legs, causing his blood to rush south.
Malfoy was too shocked to do anything at first. He stood still, not reacting. The person moving against him didn't seem to like that, because he nudged Malfoy with his hip. The blonde quickly caught on, grabbing the other man and pulling him even closer. He moved his mouth eagerly against the soft lips, while he tugged at the hair his hands were tangled in. Some where deep in Malfoy's brain, he was aware of the police man standing not one foot from them, but his body didn't seem to mind.
Harry pulled back and Malfoy found himself staring into a pair of green eyes. He moved forward to take those lips once more, but a cough interrupted them. Malfoy watched as Harry turned his head and pretend to notice the police man for the first time. His eyes widened and he smiled sheepishly. He threw his head into Malfoy's shoulder in fake embarrassment. Malfoy held back a shudder. He hit Malfoy on the arm.
" You didn't tell me some one was at the door." He said, reprimanding Malfoy.
" You didn't give me a chance." He shot back. A reddish tinge appeared on Harry's cheek and Malfoy wondered if it was part of his act. Harry hit him again and turned to the police man.
" I'm sorry about that." He told the officer, ducking his head. Suddenly worry lines graced his features and he looked up again.
" Is something wrong?" he questioned, looking convincingly worried. The police man chuckled and shook his head.
" Nothing at all. You must be the newlywed's. Welcome to Sharmon. And, uhhh, Sorry to bother you." And with one final look at Malfoy he turned and walked back to his car. Harry let out a breath as he shut the door. His head fell against it as he closed his eyes. His back was screaming at him, but another part of his body was commanding more attention.
" Well, Potter if I knew you kissed like that maybe I would have been nicer to you ages ago." Malfoy winked at him and walked back to the kitchen. Harry stared after him. He wasn't expecting such a strong reaction to what just happened. If anything he was expecting it to be awkward and strange. Which was part of the reason he came on so strong.
" Potter. Get in here I need you to do something." Malfoy shouted.
Harry shook his thoughts away, pushing them deep, deep down, before entering the kitchen. It turned out Malfoy wanted him to go back to the store. Harry's first instinct was to protest, but after all that just happened maybe some time apart was what they needed. He listened to the blonde's specific instructions on the type of dressing he wanted, before taking the wallet and leaving the house. When he returned Malfoy took the bottle from him with a thank you. They ate the salad in silence, on the kitchen floor. When they were done Harry offered to wash the plates.
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They didn't speak for the rest of the afternoon. Harry picked up in his book where he'd left off and Malfoy had disappeared somewhere to the back of the house. A knock two hours later brought them both to the door. Harry stood back as Malfoy pulled it open to reveal Denice. She smiled to greet them.
" Hello. I'm a little early. I hope you don't mind."
" Not at all." Malfoy said, plastering on his 'sincere' smile. He stood back allowing her to enter.
" Hello Alex." She said happily when she spotted Harry. He returned her greeting.
" Well, I talked to the carpenter on my way over. He said they can come in tomorrow at..." She trailed off, then gasped.
" Oh. Jack I'm so sorry. I had no idea it was this bad." She was standing on the step that lead to the living room, surveying the damage within. Malfoy remembered the first time he saw her and how worked up she was about having the home ready for the couple. He felt guilty at causing her pain.
" Don't worry, Denice. We understand it wasn't your fault. We're just grateful for the place to stay." He put a hand on her shoulder, hoping to take her attention from the sight before her. She turned around, distress clear on her face. Harry watched the interaction. Either Malfoy was getting better at lying or he actually felt sorry for the woman. The thought shocked Harry. It didn't fit with the idea of the Slytherin Harry had in his mind. But then again, most of his actions lately were unexpected.
Whether it was an act or not, Harry felt bad for the woman.
" He's right. We're lucky it's available at all." Harry said.
" That maybe true, but I still feel awful thinking about you being stuck here. Is the bedroom alright? I know Mr. Petri was in charge of the repairs in there." She headed to the back of the house. Apparently respecting their privacy wasn't one of her concerns. Harry shared a look with Malfoy. He looked as lost as Harry at what to do. They watched as she opened the door, muttered something under her breath and shut it again.
" You can't stay here." She decided.
" No!" Harry said without thinking. He didn't want to leave. What if Kingsley wanted to contact him. He wasn't sure if the older wizard would be able to find him again. It might be dangerous. It wasn't worth the risk. Not to mention the hassle of searching for another place to stay.
" What Alex means is, we really don't mind staying here." Malfoy corrected. He gave Harry a firm look.
" Nonsense. Look, maybe we can pay for a hotel until the house if fixed. Or... Oh, I know. You can stay with me and Bob!" She said enthusiastically. Harry sent Malfoy a desperate look, waiting for him to deny her invitation. But it never came. He just stood there not saying a word.
" It's perfect. We have the space and he would love the company."
" Denice, we couldn't possibly..." Harry started, realizing Malfoy was going to stay silent.
" Don't worry. Your privacy will be completely respected. And we have the room. It won't put us out at all. It would make me feel so much better if you let me help. Besides, it should only be for a day or two. I'll get the repair man in as soon as possible. You don't want to be here when they're working, anyway. " She said, giving an answer to any reason Harry might have to object. The brunette sputtered, trying to come up with a polite way to deny her.
" I see you've got some blankets." She said referring to the folded quilt and pillow, Malfoy put in the hall. Denice bent over and pick them up.
" I'll put these in the car, while you get what-ever else you need. I'll be outside when you're ready." She left the house, in a brighter mood then before.
This was not part of her plan, but maybe this was better. She hadn't missed the awkwardness between them. They were standing on opposite sides of the room. And Jack was uncharacteristically quiet. Something must have happened since this morning. Living in that place, couldn't be good for their relationship. Denice smiled as she thought of the things she could offer them. Some peace of mind, assurance that their own home would be ready soon, and some time to relax and maybe reconnect with each other.
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" Why didn't you say anything?" Harry turned to the still silent Slytherin.
" You heard the woman, Potter. She's harder to argue with then a Hippogriff. No, you have to coax her into thinking it's her idea. Anyway, it won't be that bad. I'm sure her place is a lot nicer then this." Malfoy said, going to the bathroom and packing the hair products in the cabinet into a bag he retrieved from under the sink.
" Maybe. Except your forgetting one thing. She thinks were married!"
" So what, Potter? We put on a show for the muggles. What do you think we've been doing this whole time. Nothing's changed." He said shutting the mirror with a shrug. Harry was leaning on the doorframe, blocking his path. Malfoy walked up to the brunette, who quickly moved. He went to the bedroom and came back with a suitcase. Harry looked at it, wondering where it came from.
" I put our clothes and some other things in here. You want anything else? How about a door knob for a memento?" He said with a grin.
" Malfoy..."
" Look, Potter. It's already done. She waiting for us outside, and unless your going to go tell her to forget her little charity case she seems to think we are, I don't see the point of us arguing about this. Didn't you say we should try to get along?" Malfoy questioned.
Harry sighed, knowing the blonde was right, but unwilling to admit it. Instead he opened the door and walked to Denice's car. He chose the backseat, knowing Malfoy would end up doing all the talking. The blonde entered the car shortly after. Harry forced a smile and resisted the urge the bang his head against the window as they drove away from the small brown house.
AN: I think there are going to be three more chapters to this story. I have it mostly done, well the concept any way. In the mean time, reviews are greatly appreciated.
