Warning: This is a semi Snape/Hermione centric chapter - although there is very much a Draco/Harry storyline too!

Chapter Four: Something Shiny

When Harry returned to work on Monday he avoided Draco all day and continued to dodge him for the rest of the week. It wasn't terribly difficult since Draco never attempted to cross paths with him anyway. Harry was embarrassed for his actions from four years ago, the worst was the fact that he had spent four years thinking Draco was upset with him for his rejection when in reality it was he, who had toyed with Draco's emotions.

'How could I have been so stupid?' Harry said to himself. He wondered whether he should talk to one of his friends about what had happened and what he could do to make peace with Draco. The realisation had hit him eventually, 'There is no peace-making with Draco. This was Draco Malfoy, who would much rather die holding a grudge than making peace.' Not with me anyway, he'd already reached out to him and I messed all of that up, why will he want to speak to me again outside of professional courtesy?

Harry's first step was to write a letter to Hermione. He asked when she was free so he could pop by and have a chat about things going on in his life. Hermione was quick to respond and they had set up a time on Saturday afternoon for tea. Unfortunately, Harry thought, it was at Snape's house. Hermione and Snape had been 'officially' together for over two years, yet they still had their own residences. Even though, Harry knew that Hermione spent almost every night at Snape's home.

After Snape had been discharged from St. Mungo's in 1998, McGonagall had written to him requesting to return to Hogwarts to teach Defence against the Dark Arts, if his health permitted. Snape replied to her stating that he would be able to return after the Christmas holidays in 1999. Hermione and Snape remained friends and in constant communication via owls whilst he was at Hogwarts. Ron's jealousy had taken the best of him and was always resentful of Hermione's fondness of Snape, although she had promised Ron that they never discussed any private matters about her romantic relationship with him and that their discussions mostly discussed potions, and charms. If anything, Hermione had told Ron, it was her who constantly pried in Snape's private matters getting him to discuss his suppressed love and emotional past.

Harry knew the details of Ron and Hermione's quarrels because he was frequently caught in the middle. He knew of the innocent friendship Hermione spoke of and the jealousy Ron exclaimed. Harry always had his suspicions towards the supposed innocent friendship with Snape but he dare never spoke anything because he didn't want Hermione to think he was taking Ron's side. Eventually Hermione and Ron realised that their differences couldn't be reconciled and their relationship ended. Hermione concentrated on her career as a Children's storybook writer and applied to several Muggle universities in England to study French and English Literature. Ron, sulked for a few months, then began a series of dating events that lead to nothing but gossip in the Prophet. He didn't mind it though, Harry knew, as long as it made him look like he was over Hermione, he was fine with it.

It didn't surprise Harry that later that year on New Year's Eve Hermione had gotten a bit drunk and confessed to him all about her feelings for Snape. He found it rather disturbing for a short while simply because Snape was twenty years older and once used to be in love with his mother. However, he loved and supported Hermione like a sister and promised her he would be there for her, no matter what happened. Harry convinced a sober Hermione the next day that she should admit to Snape how she felt, especially since she had said that she knew that he felt something for her too, more than a bond between a former student and a former professor, more than just pure unadulterated friendship.

Hermione wrote to Harry nearly everyday accounting her conversations with Snape, her plans, her feelings. He felt as though he was her personal journal. He didn't mind it though, he was vicariously living through Hermione since his marriage was simply on and off from the beginning as Ginny always left for duties towards her professional Quidditch team and Ron's dating life was nothing but utterly pathetic. Besides Hermione, he only had his work to look forward to which he did completely cherish even in the slow times.

Hermione professed her love to Snape on his birthday in January of 2000 and he didn't respond to her sentiments until June. His feelings were equally true and intense for Hermione but he wished to finish out the school year and submit his resignation before taking on the step of courting her. He didn't want her name spoiled for being involved with her old professor, nor did he want the school to be tainted for employing a professor involved with a former student. After he submitted his resignation, he invited Hermione over for dinner and formally requested to pursue a romantic relationship. The intricate details of the night, the conversations, the dinner were all written in her letter to Harry. Harry assumed that if they had had sex that night, she probably would have mentioned it too. He felt it safe to assume that they continued to formally court for several weeks if not months before taking on the next step. By that time, Hermione was too involved in her Literature courses and her relationship to continue writing to Harry frequently. Harry was always impressed with Hermione's ability to wait patiently for several months for Snape's response. Her friendship with him didn't quiver even if she had thought that her feelings were unreciprocated. He always admired that about Hermione, she always stayed on target.

For simply these reasons Harry wondered if Hermione would be the best person to talk to about his situations. He didn't know what he wanted to do in his marriage, and further, he didn't know how he felt about Draco. Did he wish to pursue a friendship? If it is just his forgiveness he seeks, how should he go about it? He knew that Hermione would have the answers, if not; at least she would have some ideas on how he could tackle his emotions and make sense of them.

Saturday at 3pm Harry arrived at the Snape residence. Harry wondered how long it would be until it finally officially becomes the Granger-Snape residence. The last time Harry was here was in January when he and Ginny had attended a small dinner party for Snape's birthday celebration. It wasn't much of a celebration than rather a really awkward dinner, Harry had thought. Hermione had set up a tent in the back yard with tables and fancy decorations and invited a few of her friends and a few of Snape's students that had still kept in touch with them. The atmosphere inside the tent on the dodgy backyard of the home on Spinner's End was extremely contrary to the rest of the neighbourhood. When guests walked into the house through the tiny sitting room to the small hallway towards the backyard, it was almost as though they had walked through a portal to an entirely new realm. The lights were brighter, the music was lively and the warmth of the party neutralised the detachment of the bitter cold January evening. Even though Harry felt awkward at the birthday celebration he was still impressed with Hermione's persistence of making it a social event for everyone involved.

A few Ministry officials had also popped by, mostly that worked with Snape. After his Hogwarts career, Snape had become an independent consultant for the Ministry in determining harmful potions and other aspects of the Dark Arts that young Aurors at the Ministry would not be too familiar with. According to Hermione, Snape rather enjoyed being an independent consultant; it gave him time for his own writing and potion brewing. Harry knew that the Headmistress at Hogwarts and other professors had requested Snape to return as a professor but Hermione told Harry that 'he rather enjoyed his independence.'

When Harry arrived at the front door of the house, he saw a note posted on the glass intended for him. It instructed him to come through the hallway to the backyard. Harry figured since it was still early March and the weather was still quite bleak, Hermione would be sitting in her warm tent, undoubtedly charmed of a nice summer glow. Harry walked through the hallway slowly, he was afraid to make a sound. He wasn't sure where Snape would be at this time and in case he was in the house, he didn't want to make his presence known. Harry approached the door at the end of the hallway that opened up to the backyard. Through the window he saw Snape and Hermione sitting in the tent. Snape was sitting up on a sort of bench, the tent was charmed to make the inside look like a peaceful garden, and Hermione was sitting in Snape's lap, reading a book. They look so peaceful together. Harry thought it looked so effortless. Snape had one hand stroking Hermione's hair and the other holding a book as he read it, Hermione rested her back on the armchair of the bench. Harry thought it looked so sensual, yet so natural, so intimate. He couldn't help but feel somewhat envious yet happy. He was envious for the fact that he never shared a moment such as this with anyone in his life, including his wife, and happy because the man, the bravest man he had ever known, was finally at peace in his life.

Harry did not want to show up in the garden unannounced so he attempted to cough loudly behind the glass door before opening it. He acted as though he hadn't seen the intimate moment that Snape and Hermione were captivated in. As he left the hallway and darted towards the tent, the garden, he attempted not to make eye contact right away. As he looked up, surely enough, Hermione was standing and Snape had crossed his legs. They truly had not wished to be interrupted in their previous manner, and Harry was glad that he hadn't made the moment more awkward.

Hermione was delighted to see Harry and she jumped at him and locked him in a tight embrace. Harry grinned back at Hermione and whispered 'I've missed you.' She smiled back and nodded.

Snape stood up from the garden bench and gave Harry a curt nod. 'Potter.'

'Severus.' Harry replied smiling.

'Honestly.' Hermione rolled her eyes. She gestured Harry to sit and looked at Snape, 'Are you leaving?'

'Yes, I thought of giving you two some privacy. I'll send some tea.' Snape looked at Harry then at Hermione and displayed a small smile.

It was always awkward to see Snape smile in such a manner, Harry thought. He also noticed that his once yellowish teeth had a normal colour of white now and the wrinkles on his forehead were slightly diminishing along with the bags under his eyes. Harry reflected on a quote he had read somewhere and thought it applied in this situation, 'Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age.' If it was true, Snape was looking younger by the year.

'So what's going on Harry? Your owl indicated an urgent need to talk.' Hermione asked as Snape left the tent to return to the house.

'Yeah.' Harry spoke as he took a seat at the bench across from the one Hermione and Snape were sat at. He noticed right away that the softness of the garden bench was quite comfortable than one would imagine. He felt very soporific. 'I've just got some stuff going on and thought I'd run it by you since you're the only one removed far enough from everyone but still my friend who'd take my side, I guess.' Harry noticed he was rambling.

'Okay, tell me everything.' Hermione said. He was glad that she didn't act like he was being an idiot.

'Okay, where to start. So, Ginny's told me she wants an 'open marriage' meaning that when she's not around, we have the freedom to shag whoever we want. Then I had a cross with Malfoy, and he gave me a memory from four years ago and turns out that I was ready to break off my relationship for him and I kissed him and everything. I don't really know how I didn't remember that, even if I was extremely pissed. Now I don't know where we stand, as friends because I tried to be his friend again after the thing at Hagrid's… did you know him and Hagrid are all like pals now?' Harry paused.

Hermione didn't say anything, she just nodded.

'Hermione! Say something.'

'You know how Draco is, you just have to buy him something shiny and he'll get over it.' Hermione said.

'What?' Harry asked astonished.

'I knew it would come to this…' Hermione spoke. 'I had warned you about this Harry.'

'Warned me about what?' Harry asked confused.

'You asked me to obliviate your memory, and I told you it wouldn't work. I told you that if you had doubts they'd creep back in your life. And, they have.'

'Obliviate?'

'Do you want a memory from me too Harry?' Hermione asked.

'I don't understand Hermione. I am so confused right now.'

'Harry,' Hermione began. 'I know about your kiss between you and Draco from four years ago. You told me about it, Severus told me about it…'

'How does Snape know?' Harry interrupted her.

'You forget that -Severus- is Draco's Godfather. He comes over at least once a week for dinner; he has been for the past few years that I've been here and even before that. Whatever Severus knows, I know, naturally.' Hermione paused. 'I know of your kiss because you told me about it, then you told me that you felt embarrassed and you wanted me to erase that memory because you were sure Draco wouldn't want anything to do with it and you wanted to concentrate on your relationship with Ginny. I knew, I knew it was a bad idea but you didn't want to hear it. And, above all, I am your friend first, and I respected your wishes. I of course told Severus about it, but we've kept that from Draco. He's never spoken to me about the incident, and we've never told him that you purposely erased that incident from your memory.'

'So, what should I do?'

'You should ask for his forgiveness. If he reminded you of the incident, then clearly he is hurt. He may not want to be with you or anything like that, but he's obviously hurt Harry. If you wish to have some sort of a friendship with him, if you wish to be forgiven for your past mistakes, you should talk to him… not sure he'll listen to you but you should try.' Hermione answered.

'Be forgiven for my mistakes? What about his mistakes. How he's treated you all those years we were at Hogwarts, and he almost killed Ron.'

'Yeah I know.' Hermione answered and Harry glared at her as though she was too forgiving. 'Draco…' Hermione began, 'Was brought up in tough circumstances. He wasn't taught compassion, he was taught that anything, and everything can be bought. Loyalty isn't earned, it's bought. It has taken Severus years to teach him otherwise. This tent that we stand in, this tent that every season, with a flick of a wand can be turned into any sort of mood we wish, is a gift from Draco. It is the most expensive thing, the only thing of value we own. It's from Draco, as a token of his apology to me. He didn't know how to apologise properly so he bought me the most expensive gift he could think of. Severus had once casually told him that I hated the cold and eerie feeling of Spinner's End and Draco bought this little piece of warmth for me, as a token of his apology. We've had several conversations over the past year, Draco and I and of course I've forgiven him. I never told you anything about them because he'd asked me to keep it a secret. I wouldn't say that he's a dear friend or anything, but after all these years, he'd definitely someone I know I could call upon if I was in trouble.'

'So basically he's bought your forgiveness.' Harry retorted.

'No. You're not listening to what I am saying Harry.' Hermione exclaimed. In a flash a tray of tea and snacks appeared in the garden. Hermione decided to calm herself and pour them tea. 'I am saying that you have to ask for his forgiveness. Ignoring him is not going to work. That's what you have been doing for four years. That is if you wish to develop some sort of friendship with him. Otherwise, you can continue as you are, but I doubt it'll work since you are the one in charge of his adoption case, you're going to have to face him soon enough.'

'Unless I send Ron to do it.' Remarked Harry, which made Hermione snort and they both laughed as they sipped on to their tea.

'How is Ron?' Hermione asked in a hushed tone.

'Good, I think. You know, screwing around, trying to find 'the one' then breaking her heart. He misses you though. We both do, the friendship I mean. I think he'd be okay if you reached out to him.'

'Yeah, soon.' Hermione answered.

'Yeah, that's what you say every time and we are just all slowly drifting apart.' Harry answered.

'So, the open marriage fact,' Hermione conveniently changed the topic, Harry noted. 'Thoughts on that?'

'Well ever since it was brought to the plate, I tried it a few times. I don't think I can do it. Not that I am jealous of Ginny, I mean, I didn't even think about that. It's not about the fact that I would be jealous that she was doing it behind my back, but I am just not the type of person who is going to go out and find someone to sleep with just because I can, I mean it's got to involve some sort of feelings for me, you know?'

'So do you think after all this, ten years from now, when her Quidditch career is over you'd want to get back to normal? To a monogamous relationship?' Hermione asked.

'I don't know,' Harry answered, 'Maybe. Maybe it will be out of her system; maybe she'll want a family by then.'

'And until then, what are you going to do? Just wait for her?' Hermione asked.

'She waited for me, while I was out searching for Horcruxes.' Harry answered.

'Yeah, she didn't suggest or you didn't suggest then that you should sleep with other people until it's convenient for the two of you to be together.' Hermione retorted with a hint of disdain, 'That's not what relationships are Harry. You know for it to be true.'

'What do you know Hermione? You went from Ron to Snape in an instant.' Harry snapped.

Hermione sighed. She knew she had to be the mature one in this conversation / discussion. 'It's not that easy Harry. I am not using myself as an example for you, but since you've brought it up, I might as well. After the war, Ron and I began having sex right away. We didn't have much of a relationship. We both fancied each other and once that was established, and the war was over, there was no stopping us. In there, laid the problem. Yes, we got along well for years, by well, I mean, we both had banters but that's what kept us attracted to each other, the sexual tension that had been there since we were what… 14 years old? Then after the war, all the post war anger, fear, remorse built into one giant ball of emotion that was only released through sex. Not emotions, not talk of feelings but sex. Why do you think it was so easy to fall for someone else, like Severus? We didn't share sexual tension, we shared our minds, our hearts were one... Harry, 'It is easy to take off all your clothes and have sex; people do it all the time. But, opening up your soul to someone, letting them into your spirit, thoughts, fears, future, hopes, and dreams… that's being naked.' Harry, can -you- tell me that's what you share with Ginny, with your wife that you promised yourself to for all eternity?'

'That's what I thought I had with Ginny,' Harry said sadly. 'But, I guess I was wrong. So what does it mean?' Harry felt lost.

'I don't know. Maybe it means that you should now take this time to explore your interests. Not necessarily have sex with whoever you feel like it, but also figure out what you want to do. You've got loads of opportunities in front of you, you could travel, do charity work, pick up a new hobby. Maybe this is a wakeup call for you to live your life?' Hermione answered.

'So you think I should just pack my bag and leave the country if I feel like it?' Harry asked.

'Why not? What was stopping you before?' Hermione asked in return.

'I don't know. Nothing I guess.' Harry answered.

'Harry, if you want any sort of lesson from me, know that the one that's meant for you, is worth waiting for and they think the same for you. Yeah, you think that I am the one who's sacrificed, I am the one who waited, months, years for Severus to come around, but now, he's the one who's willing to wait for me. Yeah, I wanted to let him know how I felt, and you helped me with that, but just because I told him of my feelings did not mean I wanted to get married the next day. We are still dating; I am still in University, finishing my Graduate studies. Now, he's the one waiting for me, for me to be ready for the next move. It's a lot of give and take, relationships, I mean, and you have to know who you are and what you want before you can try to make someone else happy. '

Harry nodded and as though he had been standing right outside the tent the entire time, Snape entered. Hermione's face lit up to see him, Harry noted, she truly had met the one for her.

Harry thanked Hermione for her talk with him and the tea. He smiled graciously towards Snape that had caught him by surprise. He nodded towards both of them and left, he walked through the hallway towards the entrance of the house and disapparated.

Harry willingly found himself in Diagon Alley. He was standing outside a shop called 'The Greenhouse of you needs,' an herb store owned by Neville Longbottom. Harry's next attempt to understand the mysteries of Draco Malfoy would be to converse with the only man he knew that had been 'intimate' with him.

It was an early Saturday evening, and the store had not had much business that day, Neville had thought that he might close early in order to prepare for his revelries of the night. He heard the door chime and as he turned, he saw his old pal, Harry Potter, walk in.

'Harry, what a nice surprise!?' Neville exclaimed.

'Neville. I hope I am not disturbing you.' Harry responded equally excited to see his friend.

'No, of course not. The store's been pretty empty today, I was just thinking of closing.' Neville flicked his wand and the store sign switched to 'close' and the curtains began to draw themselves. 'Here have a seat, let me get you something to drink.' He returned a few moments later with two small glasses and a bottle of Firewhiskey.

'How are you doing Nev?' Harry asked as Neville poured them two shots.

'Just great. Business is good. You?'

'Fine, not much to complain. I just spent the afternoon with Hermione, so thought I'd pop in and pay you a visit too.' Harry smiled and they clanked their small glass and drank the shot.

'At Snape's?' Neville asked, shuddering partially due to the shot of the Firewhiskey, partly because of his still-present fear of Snape.

Harry laughed. 'Yeah. He's still just as intimidating and eerily quiet.'

Neville shuddered and took another shot.

'Neville, can I ask you a personal question?'

'Of course Harry.'

'How did you get about shagging Malfoy?'

'Blimey, you talked to Luna didn't you?' Neville shook his head, 'Not my finest moment.'

Harry chuckled; it was the exact thing Draco had said two months ago about Neville. Interesting, he thought. 'Yeah she sort of brought it up once. I was at a pub with Malfoy, we were having an after work drink and she mentioned it, something about he's a good sexual partner.' Harry felt a bit uncomfortable.

'Yeah, the quick version is that there's this Underground Wizarding Private Club -UWPC- it's basically a gay club for Wizards and I ran into him there. I was still with Luna and I sort of just went to check it out. I had told her about it and she was fine with that. Then I ran into Malfoy and I got to talking to him about you know, never been with a bloke and I wouldn't even know what I would and he offered…'

'He offered?' Harry exclaimed.

'Well, not exactly. We were just talking and he offered to introduce me to someone but I said I wanted to learn from someone I knew, so I asked him to show me. He said he wasn't interested in me like that, and I said I wasn't interested in him either. I was pissed, I started telling him how he was so arrogant and I hated people like that, and pure-bloods would never be my type so I think he took me up on the idea just so he could hold it over my head. Typical Slytherin.' Neville shook his head, 'Then we went over to my flat because, well we bloody well couldn't go to the Manor. Then Luna walked in on us midway and nothing ever became of it. Except, I had a talk with Luna and we decided to stay friends, and you know the rest, I am sure you've read it all in the Quibbler.'

'It wasn't weird? Being with someone like that, not someone you're dating, just someone you know casually?' Harry asked.

'It could have been but he was actually alright about it. I mean we gave each other…' Neville paused, 'Harry, you really want to hear the details?'

'Well, spare me intricate details but sure I am curious. Sorry, is that weird?' Harry laughed.

Neville laughed, 'My life has been nothing but so who knows?' He continued, 'He didn't kiss me, we talked normal while we wanked each other off, he told me about his experiences and how to get someone off, it helped. Then Luna had walked it right when I…he was… in my mouth.' Neville was discomfited.

Harry shifted himself in his seat and crossed his legs, no, he didn't feel a twitch in his cock, he wasn't captivated by the notion Draco was in someone's mouth. Draco's cock was a part of this conversation and Harry was completely ignoring it. He did not think about it, at all.

Neville noticed the distress in Harry's eyes and thought that perhaps all this 'gay' talk was too much for Harry and he was too polite to say anything. He decided to change the subject. 'So how's Ginny? I saw an article on her Quidditch team the other day in the Prophet, they've been touring a lot doing charity work, it's great!'

'Yeah, she's enjoying it a lot. Her contract is over at the end of this year, and then she might switch teams. I think she's going to 'Heidelberg Harriers.'

'Wow, she's not going to be playing for England any more? Are you going to move to Germany?' Neville asked innocently.

'Not sure, she's not decided yet.' Harry spoke and thought, And she hasn't asked me either. 'Yeah she thinks the Germans propose a more of a challenge to her, she's looking to expand her skills. You know Ginny, she's tough.'

'Yeah, I always admired that about her.' Neville smiled, 'But, that's got to be tough on you. Being so far away, all the time?'

'I've gotten used to it. I like having an independent life.' Harry lied.

"Is everything okay Harry?' Neville asked, noticing something was off.

Harry sighed, there was no reason he shouldn't tell his friend what was happening. Neville had opened up so much to Harry, he felt guilty if he had continued lying. Harry told Neville about everything that had been going on between him and Ginny and his former misbehaviours over the past few weeks.

'Blimey, that's a lot to deal with.' Neville responded and Harry nodded, staring into his empty whiskey glass before refilling it. 'Is that you asked about Malfoy? Are you interested in him?'

'What? No, Neville. I just have been seeing him a lot at work and was just curious.' Harry spoke failing to fool himself.

'I wouldn't be surprised, I mean, remember how obsessed you were with him at Hogwarts?'

'What, who told you?' Harry asked.

'No one had to tell me, we all knew you two hated each other and equally obsessed with the other. The funny thing is that before whatever happened between me and Malfoy, the first thing he had done was ask about you. Well, not exactly ask, he made a passing comment about you which was Malfoy jargon for he was curious.'

'It's nothing. I just acted like an arse and I need to apologise, and I am trying to figure out how I can do that without him getting on my nerves that I end up hexing him instead.'

'So the usual then?' Neville laughed. 'It's Malfoy, just give him something shiny.' He eventually answered.

'Why is everyone saying that, is he that acquisitive and superficial?' Harry was astonished.

'Not exactly, but it's Draco. He doesn't deal well with emotion, he often screams at you when he's trying to stay calm. In his attempt to be my friend he came by the store and bought 500 Galleons worth of herbs and receptacles because that's how he shows affection. He tries to buy your love because he doesn't know how to express it otherwise. So in order to get his attention, you just have to buy him something. That's what Hermione and I figured anyway."

'You and Hermione have talked about Malfoy?'

'Yeah, he tried to make amends with all of us. He's not that bad of a bloke anymore. I mean he's still snobby, and rude but not malevolent.' Neville answered.

Harry nodded and stayed quiet. 'It's getting late,' he eventually spoke. 'I am sure you've got other plans for later.'

'Yeah and we've finished the bottle.' Neville noticed. 'I've got to get ready for tonight, do you want to come with?'

'Where you off to?' Harry asked.

'The same Private Club I was telling you about. Malfoy still shows up sometimes.' Neville smiled, 'You can talk to him there if he's there tonight. You know apologise and all, buy him a drink.'

Harry laughed, 'No thanks mate. I think it might be easier to buy him something shiny and send an owl to the Malfoy Manor.'

Harry and Neville said their goodbyes and Harry decided to stroll down Diagon Alley to find a peace offering for Malfoy. He came across Ollivander's newly remodelled wand shop and decided to pop in. He was greeted warmly by the shop employee who was just about to close the shop when he noticed Harry. It was Garrick Ollivander's nephew Marcus Ollivander. Harry asked Marcus if he knew the kind of wand Draco Malfoy owned and that he was looking to buy him an expensive case as a present. Marcus showed Harry a dark green, leather bound case with a silver dragon bolstered on top, the handles on the opening of the case, Marcus said, could be changed to the recipient's initials and Harry thought it was a great idea. Harry decided to purchase the wand holder only if he had Marcus' promise that he wouldn't share Harry's presence and purchase history with anyone. Marcus obliged.

When Harry returned home that night, he had a letter waiting for him. It was from the Ministry. Harry thought it odd that the Ministry sent him something over the weekend. It was a assignment for Harry, he was to make a 'surprise' Ministry visit to the Malfoy Manor and at Hagrid's to check on the well being of the rescued creatures from four months ago. How convenient, Harry thought.

Before going to bed that Saturday night, Harry sent an owl to McGonagall that he would be visiting Hogwarts the next day due to the Ministry assignment. The next morning Harry awoke early to make a trip to Hogwarts. He followed his regular routine, he Apparated to Hogsmeade, he had brought his broom and flew to Hagrid's just in time for breakfast. Hagrid was per usual, excited to see Harry. They spent an hour together eating breakfast and talking and Harry followed his routine on the Ministry questionnaire to answer the questions about the care of the rescued creatures.

He said his goodbyes to Hagrid around 11:30 am, his next stop was, the Malfoy Manor.

Harry took his time arriving at Malfoy Manor. He Apparated half-way through and decided to fly the rest. When he arrived at the gates of the Manor he waited for an elf to appear. He indicated he had arrived on 'Ministry business,' so Draco wouldn't deny him right away. He also had Draco's gift in his pocket. When Harry entered the giant living room at the Manor again, he remembered the last time he was here, he remembered the moment Draco had booted him out. Harry saw Draco walking down the stairs from a distance. He was wearing silk trousers and a robe that was half open. As Draco was approaching nearer, he closed the robe and tied the belt.

'Late night?' Harry asked, wondering if Draco had gone to the Gay Wizarding Private Club, or whatever it's called...

'It's Sunday Potter, late morning. What do you need?' Before Draco finished his sentence the house-elf had apparated into the room with tea and coffee for Draco and his guest, the loud crack startled Draco.

'The Ministry owl arrived yesterday and I am required to a 'surprise' investigation on the well-being of the rescued creatures. I spent the morning at Hagrid's and now I am here.' Harry said pointing at the parchment in hand with questions.

'Blimey, leave it to the Ministry to ruin everyone's weekend.' Draco sighed. 'Alright.' Draco flicked his wand and with a non-verbal spell, his coat appeared in his hands.

'Oh, before we start. I have something for you.' Harry spoke up before they left the room to go through the back door to enter Sissy's forest. Harry took out a small wrapped box and gave it to Draco. 'It's a peace offering, for my idiotic behaviour.'

Draco raised an eyebrow and accepted the gift from Harry. He didn't open it. 'I would like to open it in private it that's alright with you?' Draco asked and Harry nodded. They left the room towards the exit and went to check up on Sissy.

After the 'check-up' Harry returned to the living room with Draco. Draco saw the box still waiting for him at the small table in the corner and decided to finally open it. The curiosity was unbecoming him.

Draco unwrapped the gift and his eyes widened. He opened the wand case and progressed to remove his wand from his pocket. It fit perfectly. 'Potter, this was unnecessary.'

'Probably. But, I heard you like shiny things.' Harry joked.

'This must have cost you a lot, I can't accept it...' Draco spoke.

'But you've already placed your wand in it, it's used, and it's got your initials. I can't return it.' Harry answered.

'Then, let me pay you for it.'

'Of course not. Don't be stupid Draco.' Harry retorted.

'I am not being stupid.' Draco roared.

'You are being stupid. It's an apology, just accept it. I don't want your money.'

'This is one hell of a way to apologise Potter. What is your problem?'

'My problem?' Harry exclaimed and decided to simply leave. As he was walking away Draco reached out to grab his wrist. Harry overreacted, thinking that Draco was about to attack him he clenched up his fist intending to punch Draco. Draco grabbed on to Harry's other wrist instead, dodging the punch, now he was holding both of Harry's hands twisting them behind him as he held him there. Harry attempted to fight himself free, unsuccessfully. Harry continued to push himself back on Draco and Draco continued to hold onto him tightly. After a few moments Harry was out of breath but didn't stop.

'Potter, stop.' Draco spoke almost inaudibly.

'Fuck you Malfoy.' Harry twisted himself once more against Draco.

'Potter...' Draco whispered.

Harry had realised what had happened. He wore black trousers and was not wearing his Ministry robes, his body was held tightly against Draco's, who was simply wearing silk trousers. Harry stopped, he didn't move. Draco was hard. What once would have been a fight amongst two young boys had now turned into a semi-sensual situation between two men with a distorted sentimental past. Harry stood still and Draco continued to hold him. The tight hold that started as a manoeuvre to dodge a punch had turned into a confusing embrace. Harry felt Draco against him and didn't flinch. He ignored the jolt he received on his own cock; he didn't want to make Draco aware of it. But, at the same time, he did.

Draco took a deep breath in, 'I am going to let go now.'

'Okay.' Harry whispered back.

Draco slowly released Harry as he turned around to face him. Harry was now fully facing Draco but his head was bowed as he stared at his own feet. Draco placed his index finger on Harry's chin and tipped it up to face him. Harry stared into the silvery eyes that still had the morning drowsy glow. Draco hesitated but he leaned in a few centimetres towards Harry, staring at Harry's lips as he bit his own. Harry pushed his head up to meet Draco's lips, he pressed onto them and Draco responded. Neither of them moved, they didn't react, they body stayed still, their lips stayed still. Finally, Harry slid his tongue and licked Draco's lower lip. Draco parted his mouth to welcome Harry's tongue. The kiss was soft; Harry didn't remember the feel of their first kiss but wondered if it was anything as sweet as this.

In hindsight, Harry knew, this is where he should have stopped it. But he never thought clearly when it came to Malfoy anyway, why should he be concerned now?

Harry held Draco's hand and pulled him close to him. He continued to hold his hand and moved it on his crotch. He wanted Draco to know he was hard. He wanted Draco to know that he turned him on. Draco pushed Harry against the wall and continued rubbing his elated state from outside Harry's trousers. Harry brushed his finger on Draco's groin, as though he was checking for himself.

Draco pushed onto Harry's erection with his own, their bodies glided together as they continued to tussle with each other with their tongues. Draco began to unbutton Harry's trousers and Harry pushed Draco's trousers down on the ground. Draco began to tug on Harry's cock with his right hand as he stroked his own with his left. Both of Harry's hands were in Draco's hair, making a mess of things.

'Wait, you first.' Harry said he as finally reached down to hold his own elated state, with his right hand. Draco began to wank his cock against Harry's moaning in between kisses. Harry's pace was slower than Draco's he wanted to outlast him. A few moments later Draco came all over Harry as his moans were muffled by Harry's tongue on his yet again.

Draco didn't wait for Harry and dropped to his knees. He hadn't thought twice, before his mouth covered Harry's cock and his head began to bop up and down. Harry moaned louder than Draco had when he climaxed and he continued to moan until he shot everything in Draco's mouth as he continued to suck on him.

The impending moment of doom had arrived. Guilt engrossed all over Harry's consciousness. He straightened up as soon as Draco let go of his limp cock and stood up, pulling up his silk trousers. He looked down on the floor again, he was half naked, his trousers still rested near his feet.

'That was…' He whispered, unaware if Draco heard him.

Draco was grinning; he licked his thumb and wiped Harry's bottom lip with it. 'You taste amazing.' He responded.

'That was wrong. We shouldn't … I shouldn't have allowed it.' Harry looked into Draco's eyes that were full of shock. 'I am sorry, I have to go.' Harry pulled up his trousers and ran out of the room. A few seconds later Draco followed him to the study but Harry had already disapparated.

Harry apparated into his living room. 'Shit. Shit. Shit.' He screamed at the emptiness of 12 Grimmauld Place. 'What the bleedin' hell is up with me? I'm a right knob!' He continued to swear at himself. 'Bollocks!' A short while later when Harry had calmed down, he sat on his sofa and stared into blankness.

Two owls arrived; it was all his things from the Malfoy Manor. He had left in such a hurry that he'd forgotten his work materials, his broom. The second owl had a parchment attached to it, a note from Draco.

Never EVER, speak to me again. - DM

'Shit.'

(A/N): Please review, let me know what you think of the story, any mistakes, any criticism, do you hate me for Harry being this way? What's in the future?