Draco was... annoyed. He'd enjoyed the rest of the evening. He tried not to let himself think about being surrounded by muggles and Gryffindors, which he surprisingly found quite easy to do. Harry spent most of the time right next to him; usually holding his hand or keeping a hand on Draco's knee. He felt rather smug that Harry hadn't moved from his side since he sat down, he didn't feel a twinge of regret that he'd interrupted the happy reunion. Not at all.
"Draco," Harry said quietly as he wiggled the hand on Draco's knee to get his attention. "I think we're calling it a night."
Draco looked up and smiled when he saw Hermione and Arnold as they made the rounds and said 'good night', giving everyone hugs and cheek kisses. He stood, accepted his and sat back down. Neville and Steven had already called it a night, apparently having already retired to Steven's room upstairs somewhere on the second floor of Grimmauld Place. Draco vaguely remembered hand-shakes and claps on the back.
Once they were alone, Harry turned to Draco, his face serious. "So, are you ready to accompany me and two rambunctious boys to a muggle animal shelter tomorrow morning?"
Draco blinked, he had not expected that question at all. Harry was trying to maintain a serious look, but it was ruined as his lips twitched in an obvious effort not to smile. He frowned. "Certainly." He lifted his chin haughtily, "I even insist we go out for breakfast first. Unless your culinary skills have improved?"
Harry laughed, "Yes, they have. Sort of. I can easily cook kid-friendly cuisine, so maybe not what you had in mind." He didn't really want to get into the fact that he was always able to cook but lacked the motivation most times. He had happily hung up his spatula after he was able to leave his relatives behind. He still cooked for his boys, but any opportunity to eat out was gladly accepted.
"Exactly," Draco smirked. He looked down at their connected hands a moment and his throat all of a sudden felt tight. He had to swallow a few time before he could look up at Harry, confident his voice would actually work. "What time should I meet you here?"
He really didn't want to ask outright to spend the night, even if they only slept in the same bed. He was still unsure of what Harry's feeling were, relationship wise. He felt a literal ache in his chest at the thought of going home to an empty Manor.
Harry batted his eyelashes dramatically, one hand coming up to cover his heart, doing a passable impersonation of an American southern belle. "Why, Mister Malfoy, are you trying to slither your way into an overnight invitation?"
"Well," Draco snorted, "I was trying to be more subtle, but..." he trailed off, as his hand slid higher up Harry's thigh before he let it slide down slightly to graze along the seam over the sensitive inner skin. He was only aware of the blood that rushed through his ears, his whole body felt strung tight with nerves. He wanted to curse himself, he was never so unsure of himself but Harry always had been able to keep him on his toes.
Harry's breath hitched at the touch, his legs unconsciously opening further to give Draco's hand better access. "I thought you knew subtle doesn't work with Gryffindors... well, at least not with me," he said when he got his breath back. He slid closer to Draco on the sofa, he bent his head down slightly, a smirk on his lips when he saw Draco's breathing had sped up and his grey eyes focused on his lips. "I had every intention of making you stay the night."
Draco smiled, a near dizzying flood of relief made him close his eyes briefly before he swooped down and smashed their mouths together. He tightly fisted a hand in messy black hair and Harry moaned sharply, his teeth nipping at his bottom lip in his fervor. He made a sound between a sigh and a moan and shifted to bring them closer together.
"Draco," Harry muttered against his lips, "Upstairs."
Draco nodded, grabbed Harry easily around the waist and pulled him up and dragged him to the stairs. He looked up and groaned. "Why are there so many bloody stairs, Harry?" he whined. Dimly, he recalled there being at least 4 floors to the house and he nearly groaned again. He missed the days of being able to ravish Harry whenever and wherever the urge took them.
"Well, it's not like you've gotta carry me," Harry snorted a laugh. He raised his brows in challenge to the one Draco raised at him.
Draco looked over at Harry, his gaze raked the other wizard head to foot, his lips slightly pursed. "Hmm," he mused aloud. Harry didn't really look any bigger from the last time he had carried him. He smirked and in one swift move had Harry in a bridal style hold. He politely ignored Harry's unmanly squeak of surprise and started up the stairs. He didn't think this was the time to mention it, but Harry felt slightly heavier than last time. He wisely kept his mouth shut, as he fully expected to be spending the night elsewhere should he mention it.
He forgot all about any extra weight when Harry hooked an arm behind his neck and buried his face in Draco's neck, his lips making a wet, tingling trail from his shoulder to his ear and back again with slow, lazy precision. "Harry, please," he admonished weakly when Harry started to kiss up his jaw. "I don't think you want to get dropped. Or fucked on the stairs. Again," he said with a leering smirk.
Harry actually laughed, but stopped his distracting ministrations, and his head settled on Draco's shoulder. He directed Draco up the three flights of steps, and down two doors, until they got to his master bedroom.
Draco kicked the door open, and caught it easily with a heel before it could slam into the wall, and closed it with a slight kick. He stalked towards the bed and unceremoniously dropped Harry onto the mattress, watching the man bounce twice before stilling.
He smirked down at Harry's affronted expression, but found himself enjoying the view of Harry sprawled across the bed too much to pause long. He quickly shucked his outer robes. As he unclasped and unbuttoned them, he slowed his actions when he saw Harry's gaze riveted to his hands, tongue sliding slowly along his bottom lip as he watched. Harry was up and in front of him a moment later, batting away his hands. He watched as Harry quickly, eagerly, pushed the buttons through the holes of his button down shirt.
Harry inhaled a sharp breath when Draco's smooth, pale chest was revealed. He used his palms to push the fabric away and off, letting it fall to the floor without further thought. He slid his palms downwards from Draco's shoulders, gliding over pebbled nipples and trembling stomach to rest on Draco's belt. He made quick work of the buckle and slid the leather free with a satisfying snap. His lips attached around one dark pink nipple, this teeth lightly clamped on it while his tongue flicked it.
"Wait," Draco breathed, as Harry's fingers went to the buttons on his trousers. He drew Harry close, his nose pressed into his neck for a moment before he angled his head slightly and captured Harry's lips with his. He groaned softly; he missed the taste and feel of Harry. His tongue swept across Harry's bottom lip, a soft moan escaping him as Harry's mouth parted and deepened the kiss with a filthy moan. His pulled back slightly, his hands dropping to the hem of Harry's shirt. He lifted and tugged until Harry pulled back enough to let the material over his head and finally off.
He smiled at the way Harry's hair fluffed out, the black mess of hair familiar; he ran his fingers through it fondly. He might tease Harry about his atrocious hair, but he adored it. His smile grew a bit as Harry arched into the caress, nearly purring. He pushed Harry gently, steering him towards the bed, and fell over him when the back of his knees hit the mattress.
Harry grinned up at Draco as he eagerly crawled backwards to situate himself properly on the bed. He settled back amongst the many pillows he had piled on his bed.
Draco lowered himself gently on top of Harry, pressing him into the comfortable mattress, a smile on his face when he heard Harry make a pleased sound as his hands slid up and tucked under the pillow; Harry's silent way to give him full access to his body and permission to do whatever he wanted. Harry even offered to be tied to the bed once, but he hadn't liked the idea of Harry being unable to touch him back.
It was enough, for Draco, that Harry trusted him enough to offer. He said they could keep it in mind if they ever needed to spice up their sex life, only half serious. He was sure that would take years, if not decades. Harry moaned and gasped softly as he worked his mouth and tongue over Harry while his hands slid softly along Harry's sides. He fluttered the pads of his fingers down Harry's arms and gently circled his wrists. He sighed deeply as he enjoyed the feel of the warm, soft skin.
"Gods, I missed you Harry," Draco breathed against Harry's neck. He sucked lightly before he nipped at the sensitive flesh, his tongue grazing it a moment later. He peppered kisses down the slightly heaving chest, and circled an erect, dusky nipple. He found himself looking at Harry's stomach with longing and affection. He brushed his fingers over the soft skin and slightly defined muscles, and ignored the pang of something he didn't want to name right now. He tried to tell himself the image of Harry full of child wasn't one he missed. He mentally smirked as he wondered if it was something that could happen again. The idea sent wild want sizzle through him and he shocked himself, unaware until that moment at how badly he wanted more with Harry.
"What did you miss about me?" Harry blurted. Oh shit. He bit his lip, and cursed himself. Draco surely only missed the sex. Fantastic and phenomenal sex, sure, but still. He didn't want to take any of what Draco had said earlier as declarations of love, no matter how much he might have wished it. He knew Draco only had the desire to try.
Harry held his breath, Draco's lips were on a trail down Harry's stomach and he stopped at his navel when Harry spoke. The wicked tongue made a circle around and then dipped into the sensitive concave hollow before he kissed back up Harry's body.
A soft kiss was placed on Harry's jaw before Draco spoke softly in his ear.
"I missed your laugh. Your smile. Your amazingly expressive and gorgeous eyes. I missed your smell." Draco inhaled deeply and his chest filled with Harry's scent. Gods, he smelled amazing and like nothing else Draco had ever smelled before, or since. It was so uniquely Harry he was never able to adequately describe it. Or re-create it. He tried, he thought with a blush, not that he would probably ever admit it. "I missed your voice, it's so fucking sexy," he informed, his voice low.
"Oh," Harry said weakly, at a loss for a moment. He shivered with pleasure even as he blushed madly. He had no idea Draco had thought of him that way. He had only recently gotten hints Draco felt something deeper, he felt overwhelmed by hearing it out loud. A giddy, warm feeling went through him and he smiled.
"And," Draco continued as his mouth trailed back down Harry's body, his hands worked the other man's jeans open, down and off in one quick move. He ran his hands down Harry's thighs, and watched the sparse dark hair spring back in the wake of his movements. He smiled, shivering a bit with a jolt of lust, when Harry's legs parted easily at his touch. "I've missed your gorgeous body and this amazing cock," he murmured, his voice husky, a second before his mouth was around said cock.
Harry jerked, nearly shouting with surprised pleasure.
A loud moan caught Draco's attention. He pulled back, casting an amused glance upwards. "Silencing charm, Harry. I really wouldn't want to wake the kids," he drawled, one hand loosely wrapped around Harry's cock as his other slowly traced random patterns on Harry's inner thigh. He smiled at the slightly twitching muscles, glad he was still able to affect Harry's body like he used to.
"Don't have to. I have a permanent one," Harry mumbled as he gasped and moaned, his words feeling jumbled. Draco raised a brow, impressed and apparently he didn't have to say as much when Harry gave him a knowing smirk. "So, unless we launch airplanes in here, it won't break either." He bucked his hips sharply when Draco's head bobbed down.
Draco engulfed him once more and swallowed him, nearly to the root, his nose just brushing wiry dark curls. He groaned aloud at the heady, intense smell of Harry; he smelled even better aroused.
"Fuck." Harry moaned loudly when he looked down to see Draco was smirking up at him around his cock somehow. "Draco," he choked out, "stop." He didn't make any moves to remove Draco, though.
Draco pulled back and coughed lightly into a loose fist. "What?" he asked, frowning a little in confusion. He wasn't done yet.
"C'mere," Harry said, his voice soft. He pulled his hands out from under his pillow and wrapped his arms and legs around the pouting blonde, he caged Draco to his body tightly. "I am not in the mood to be teased." He grinned at Draco's stunned face and shifted his hips against Draco's still clothed erection. When Draco made no move to comply, he frowned slightly. "Are you going to make me beg?"
Draco groaned, dropping his forehead to Harry's shoulder. "Gods, no. I just—give me a moment." After a few moments, he looked back up at Harry as he shifted down his body. "And I'm not teasing. It's called seduction, Potter." He ran a finger along the large vein that throbbed under Harry's cock and smirked when it twitched and Harry arched into his touch, trying to get relief, making the most delicious wanton noises. He smiled, Harry was always so responsive to him and he found he had missed that as well. He never had another lover react like Harry and he found it endearing and sexy as hell.
"Draco," Harry chided, but it came out more like a breathy whine. Draco only had to look at him and he was seduced, the simplest touch enough to make him hard and wanting. He said as much and the blonde chuckled, a thumb stroking ever-so-gently along his erection. He worked his hands down and slid around to Draco's front, deftly unbuttoning the trousers, a triumphant smile on his face when Draco worked his own hands free to slide them down his hips and legs, kicking them frantically until they fell to the floor.
"I feel like this should be... I don't know, a little more special," Draco finally said, his hands already busy as he prepared Harry for him. As soon as his pants had hit the floor, two fingers were slicked with a well-practiced thought and he worked them in and out of Harry's body. He set a slow, teasing pace and enjoyed each squirm and gasping moan.
Harry's pleasure fogged mind decided it was insanely sexy Draco hadn't used his wand or spoken aloud to conjure the lube. He ruthlessly blocked any mental images as to why Draco was so proficient with it and happily settled on the thought that Draco just wanked a lot.
He moaned, his hands went back under the pillow but he still bucked his hips and wiggled his arse, trying to get Draco to give him more. "Draco," he panted softly, he moaned long and low when he felt a third finger finally breach him. Draco's long fingers unerringly brushed over the bundle of nerves that nearly had him coming already.
"I don't want slow and special, not right now," Harry muttered and slammed himself downward onto Draco's fingers and bit his lip when Draco pressed down on his belly. "Oh, fuck, Draco— Just—" he panted. He tried to continue, but Draco already knew what he wanted. A moment later, Draco had his cock slicked and (finally) slid inside.
Two loud groans and softly panted curses were the only sounds for a moment as Draco's balls brushed Harry's arse when he seated himself fully in Harry's so-warm body.
Draco's forehead dropped to Harry's shoulder, his whole body shook as he fought to repress the urge to move. He needed the moment as much as Harry did. But Harry, it seemed, was out of patience. "Move," he heard Harry murmur in an urgent low voice. He wanted to make sure Harry was ready and he was surprised when Harry's hips shifted sharply. He slid in a bit deeper and made a shamelessly loud grunting groaning sound.
"Move, please. Draco," Harry whispered, his hands were running all over any part of Draco's body he could reach, focusing on his pert arse.
Draco could feel him pushing, fingers digging into his arse cheeks, trying to get Draco to move. He leaned down and nearly smothered Harry in a messy passionate kiss just as he started a maddeningly slow rhythm. He leaned back slightly and his gaze settled to where they were connected, his eyes rolled back slightly at the erotic sight and he groaned aloud. Harry's hands came out from the pillow again to grab him and drew him close again, his fingers pressing into his arse cheeks with insistent pressure again. He wasn't one to disappoint. He started slowly, moving and thrusting with deep, slow thrusts. He couldn't stop the little grunting noises and he stopped trying when he realized Harry liked it.
He picked up his pace, Harry's moaned cries of 'Harder' seemed to command his body without his consent.
Harry's legs shifted to hitch over Draco's hips which made him drive deeper and brush along Harry's prostate sending pleasure to zing along his entire body and make him cry out nearly every time Draco pounded inside him. He threw his head back, his moans getting louder and seemed to drive Draco insane with need.
Any thoughts beyond getting Harry to come left Draco, his hand firmly wrapped around Harry's hard cock that steadily leaked pre-come and he stroked it, trying to keep the pace consistent with the one his hips set.
Harry no longer said anything Draco could understand other than his name. He grit his teeth, trying to delay the orgasm he felt building. Harry was so close, he could tell by the way his body was arching and tightening. He felt relief mix with the insane pleasure and he leaned down as best he could. He lifted Harry's arse up with both hands and used the new angle to drive Harry over the edge.
Harry's whole body arched and he cried out as he came, come splashing hotly on his belly and Draco's chest. He went limp, panting with his eyes closed, as Draco kept thrusting, prolonging his orgasm a bit and making him see stars.
"Fuck," Draco moaned, the 'u' drawing out as he felt his toes curl and everything curl up with pleasure. His thrusts stuttered as he came, body arched over Harry's. His eyes fluttered closed, Harry's arse still clamping around his oversensitive cock sporadically but he didn't want to pull out yet. Or move. He flopped down and smiled when Harry's entire body seemed to wrap around him to keep him close. He kissed whatever he could reach, covering Harry's chest with small wet kisses until Harry's arms loosened enough he could lean up to kiss his lips.
In a strange contrast to the rigorous fucking, the kiss was soft and lazy. Sated and sloppy. Both of them humming softly against the other's lips and hands gently petted and stroked in the afterglow.
Slowly, as he felt weighed down with sleep, Draco explored Harry's mouth. It had been too long since he'd been able to kiss his Harry and he felt like trying to make up some of the time lost. Harry didn't protest, just lazily kissed him back and let him do whatever he wanted in his blissed-out stupor. Harry's body was already going slack with sleep, so he used that opportunity to slide down to the bed, gently easing himself out of Harry and wrapping the wizard tightly to him. Harry snuggled back, pressing his back and arse flush against his front with a sigh of contentment.
Draco awoke sometime later to find Harry about a foot away, he writhed slightly and he moaned, curled in on himself looking lost and small. His brows furrowed when he realized Harry was in the throes of a nightmare. He quickly scooted closer, drawing Harry closer and felt a sense of smugness when Harry calmed as soon as his back pressed to Draco's chest. He gently ran his hands over Harry's chest, his touch soothing, and he relaxed as he felt Harry's breathing even back out.
He leaned forward slightly and pressed a soft kiss on the back of Harry's neck, he lingered with his nose buried in the dark curls. "Harry?" he called quietly.
Harry just made a sleepy hum in response. He went nearly boneless when Draco's arm clamped around his waist, offering support and comfort.
Draco laid quietly a moment, unsure how to continue. Did he ask about the nightmare? Did Harry even want to talk about it? Usually he didn't, he probably would either say he didn't remember or change the subject.
"Did you want to talk about?" he offered softly. He nuzzled into Harry's neck a moment before he placed soft kisses along the still damp skin along his shoulders and the back of Harry's neck.
Harry was quiet for so long Draco thought he'd gone back to sleep.
"Not really," came the whispered reply. "I've already forgotten most of it," Harry admitted as he bit his bottom lip. He found it easier to talk about it since he wasn't facing Draco. He wiggled his arse and shoulders back slightly and settled himself closer to Draco, absorbing his comforting warmth like a sponge. "I know it was about Gabe. Not sure what happened exactly, but he was fading. Disappearing."
He shook his head slightly, his hair rasping against the pillow in the quiet room, unsure if he wanted to continue. "Then Teddy. Then you. Everyone. Gone," he said quietly. He felt Draco's arm tighten around him and he shakily released a pent up breath. "I almost miss the horrible, bloody ones," he muttered, referring to the nightmares that plagued him for weeks after the war. Thankfully, by the time he was spending the night in Draco's bed, they had nearly stopped.
Draco hugged Harry closer, unsure if he had the right words to sooth and comfort. He wasn't good at offering comforting words, usually, and he hated himself a little for this shortcoming. What good was he to the other man if he couldn't comfort Harry when he needed it? He slid a hand up and let it massage and swirl around Harry's scalp, remembering how relaxing Harry had always found it. He felt Harry's body relax even more against him and a sleepy purring hum vibrated against his chest.
"I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better," he murmured quietly, his voice soft with regret. He surprised himself with the revelation, but didn't dwell on it when he felt Harry turn in his arms and place his hands on his face as one of his thumbs gently stroked along his bottom lip.
"It's OK, I don't think there's anything anyone can say to get rid of irrational fears," Harry said quietly, his warm palms still pressed to Draco's cheeks.
Even Hermione had tried when he had told her of his reoccurring nightmare one night after too many rounds of Muggle cocktails. Draco had tried (which was sort of new and wonderful) and it was enough to comfort him. He said as much and got a small shrug from the blonde. He kissed Draco softly, trying to pour his affection and gratitude into it. "It is. Really." His hands released Draco and he snuggled down to rest his head on Draco's chest, a finger absently swirling around the pale hairs on Draco's abdomen.
"It's not irrational, Harry," Draco found himself saying. He felt Harry twitch slightly in surprise, probably half-way back to sleep before he'd spoken. He rested a hand on the back of Harry's head, fingers stroking through the soft strands. "I'm well aware of your personal history," he added quietly, not having to mention all the friends, family and near-family that Harry had lost over the years. "I don't think it's irrational that you'd fear losing people you love. People you care about."
His other hand burrowed in Harry's hair, his fingers running through the dark strands as he laid there and thought. Did Harry love him? He knew the man cared about him, Harry was always eager to allow people in his heart. But he didn't know if it was love or not. He was more than a little afraid to ask at the moment. He slid both hands down from Harry's hair, down his shoulders and held him close, his cheek pressed against the top of Harry's head.
"I wish I could promise to never leave, but I can't control everything that would take me from you." Draco heaved a deep breath, steeled himself for his next statement, and closed his eyes in the dark. "I'll never leave of my own choice, Harry," he promised.
It was true, scary as fuck to admit, but true. He wouldn't leave now, not ever. Unless Harry sent him off, he wasn't making the same mistake twice.
Harry's head shot up, his eyes darting frantically trying to see Draco in the near darkness. He could make out his pale hair and little else. He traced the pads of his fingers over Draco's face, felt furrowed brows and closed eyes. He didn't know what to say to such a statement, which was alright since he had a lump in his throat at the moment and his chest felt constricted with emotion.
Draco felt Harry's lips pressed against his a moment later, they moved slowly, sweetly and sensuously against his own. Harry's hands still cupped his cheeks and jaw, the combination was so intense and intimate Draco felt his eyes prickle as he was assaulted with feelings, feelings he had tried to keep buried or hidden. He wanted to show them now, but it wasn't something he knew how to do. Yet.
He felt like a coward at his relief that Harry couldn't see him. He mentally cursed; Harry deserved to know he made him feel this way. He was able to wandlessly conjure a small glowing orb (a handy charm he learned when he was 8 and still embarrassingly afraid of the dark), and smiled when Harry's eyes opened and blinked owlishly at the soft light, his face moving only mere millimeters away to stare at the hovering orb.
Draco swallowed thickly, his throat felt unnaturally dry as he waited for Harry to look at him. For Harry to see. He didn't want to bring attention to himself, though, he wasn't brave enough to make Harry look.
Harry's eyed widened when they finally landed on Draco and his face flushed a beautiful shade of pink that made Draco mentally congratulate himself on his rash act.
Harry blinked, his lips slightly parted in surprise as he stared at Draco's lightly flushed face and his eyes were practically glowing a mellow silver in the scant light. He had an idea that Draco was looking for some kind of response, but probably not some sappy Hufflepuffly declaration so Harry kissed him softly, tenderly, again and smiled.
He was half tempted to ask Draco to have a go at his seduction methods once more but the boys would be up at the crack of dawn (maybe earlier; he expected them to get up earlier in their excitement). He settled for laying back down on Draco's chest, a happy sigh leaving him when Draco's arms wrapped around him tightly.
"Good," he finally answered as he snuggled more comfortably against Draco. He closed his eyes and drifted off back to sleep, for once grateful he'd been awoken in the middle of the night.
~*O*~
Hermione's hand was poised to knock on Harry's door. The boys were downstairs watching the television with Steven, but Hermione wanted to let Harry know they were up and ready for their promised expedition to the shelter.
And breakfast.
They had asked no less than six times for pancakes, or waffles, or cereal, or something because they were starving. She rolled her eyes at their over-dramatics.
"Oh, fuck," she heard Harry choke out, his voice pinched and a bit breathy. "Draco, just—Merlin! Just stick it in!"
Hermione jumped at the sudden voice and felt her cheeks warm. She had expected Draco to have spent the night but she didn't expect Harry to be distracted enough to forget a simple silencing charm (not noticing the door was open a crack which canceled the silencing charm that usually activated when the door closed). She quickly spun on her heel, making a quick retreat before she was heard. She burst into the kitchen a moment later, scaring Steven bad enough he jumped and slopped tea all over himself and the table.
"Sorry!" she cried and vanished the mess with her wand before he could even blink.
A moment later, Harry walked in the kitchen. His face was slightly pink and he seemed to be trying not to smile at something.
Hermione gave him a grin and offered him a mug of tea. "Morning, Harry," she said sweetly.
"Morning, 'Mione. Steven," Harry smiled, his hand going to his ear and rubbing, a small grimace of pain on his face.
"Harry? What's wrong?" Hermione leaned forward, trying to get a closer look at whatever seemed to be wrong with Harry.
Harry gave her a sheepish smile, "I, uhm, I had Draco help me get this back in," he carefully lifted a chunk of his dark hair over his ear to reveal a small platinum hoop stuck through the top of his ear. The surrounding skin was still red and looked irritated.
Hermione briefly wondered why he didn't use a healing charm but soon had to bite her lip to hold in a laugh, as she understood now what she'd heard earlier.
Harry gave her a glare. "It's not funny, 'Mione. It was nearly closed up! Hurt like a bitch! But, Draco made me feel so horrible..." he trailed off and his eyes looked to the ceiling as if he was able to see through to the room above. "He had kept his." They'd gotten the ridiculous things on a whim about a month before Draco had left.
Hermione gave him a confused look. "I didn't notice that Draco had one." She hadn't, but then again, she hadn't thought to look for a piercing. Or he had glamoured it. She never would have thought he'd do something so Muggle. She smiled at Harry, "That's sweet though, you've got matching earrings."
"Yeah," Harry said with a shrug and fought a blush. "It seemed to make sense at the time. Obviously, I had taken it out. Years ago..." he trailed off again, lost in his thoughts. He had been shocked when he saw the small ring as it glinted in Draco's ear this morning, reflecting the morning sun cheerfully. He had run a finger over it gently, he hadn't even needed to say anything to make Draco blush madly.
Harry felt a rush of affection (alright; love) that was quickly followed with something that felt like shame. He had wanted to keep his, but he had convinced himself to remove it to help himself 'get over Draco'. It was one of the easier things he could do, so he eventually did it. He had kept the small ring, though, never having the heart to actually throw it out.
Which caused the scene this morning of Draco shoving the damn spike of metal though the mostly-healed hole like a bastard. Harry huffed, "It probably would have been easier to just get it re-pierced, but that git insisted it would go through. 'Piece of cake, Harry,' he said," he muttered in a mocking tone. He snorted. Right. He shook his head and cleared his thoughts.
"Anyway, Draco should be down shortly. I don't know if we're ready for this," he said as he chewed on a thumbnail. He really didn't feel ready to take two young boys, and a sometimes-whiny Draco, to an animal shelter. A Muggle animal shelter.
Merlin, why did he have to be such a pushover...
With a put upon sigh, he said his farewells to Hermione and Steven, bravely gathered his boys and hollered for Draco to hurry his skinny arse up. He grinned when both boys giggled and he wondered if he was losing some Parent of the Year award for saying 'arse' in front of his boys. He, of course, reminded them it was an adult word, not for their use. They both gave the expected nods and Harry could tell both filed the word away for further use.
He felt torn when he realized neither of his sons had any questions about Draco still being there; were they that excited to get a dog they didn't pounce on the chance to ask embarrassing questions or demand Draco live in their cupboard from now on?
Draco came down the stairs, swung his cloak on with an elegant swing of fabric, and walked outside. He was so nervous, he didn't think he could have said anything even if he could think of something to say. He was going to spend 'quality' time with Harry and the boys. Surrounded by animals.
He shuddered lightly; he didn't exactly have a warm and fuzzy spot for pets. The only ones he had as a child were the spooky and nasty tempered peacocks his father had that roamed the manor. He wasn't allowed to touch them, naturally, so he kept his distance from the strange birds. He waited by the front door, trying not to fidget. He felt annoyed and flat footed; he never fidgeted! As soon as Harry was out, the house was locked, he looked up at Draco. His eyes were cautious and Draco wanted to cringe.
"Sorry," Draco murmured as he reached out for Harry's hand. "I'm out of my element here," he admitted softly. Harry's smile was worth the admitted shortcoming. He felt Harry squeeze his hand comfortingly and he followed the small group making their way to a small café that was close-by.
Both boys chattered non-stop as they walked along, deep in conversation about what they were going to order and deciding between chocolate milk and juice. Harry smiled down at them, lost in his own thoughts.
Draco eyed the café warily when they made their way inside and sat down. He looked at the menu and tried not to sigh as he looked over another plastic coated menu, most of the items listed by picture. As least the pictures looked appetizing.
Breakfast was surprisingly fun; Draco found himself entertained with Gabe's distaste of the syrup the café offered and politely asked for 'something better, please'. Teddy was so entranced with his waffles covered in whipped cream, he didn't even notice when Draco and Harry each stole a piece of his coveted bacon.
After breakfast, they made their way to the nearest Apparation point.
Harry turned and put his best 'stern dad' face on. "We're going to pop in about a block away from the shelter, OK?" Both boys eagerly nodded. "Then we're going to be on our best behavior when we get inside. No running and hollering about like monkeys." He smiled slightly when Draco snorted a soft laugh. "And you are to stay with me or Draco. No exceptions." Again, two small dark heads nodded. If either Gabe or Teddy noticed Harry calling Mr. Malfoy 'Draco', they didn't show it. Probably too focused on the prospect of a new pet, he mused.
Gabe held onto Mr. Malfoy's hand for the side-along and didn't relinquish his grip when they arrived, he looked up and graced the tall blonde with a bright smile. They continued on to the next block, they stopped for a light. He watched traffic with an expert eye and eagerly told them when they can go, practically dragging Mr. Malfoy across when the little man lit up. He wiggled with excitement when he heard daddy announce they where there.
As soon as they opened the door they were assaulted with noise and odor. Draco's nose wrinkled delicately, earning him a smirk from Harry. They filled out paperwork, the two bouncing boys trying their best to wait patiently. As soon as Harry handed the papers to the sour looking muggle woman behind the glass, they were given free rein in the back room. She just pointed, muttered something about 'dogs back there' and went back to clicking keys on her computer.
Gabe pulled on Mr. Malfoy again, the blonde's arm was nearly perpendicular to his body as he leaned forward slightly to try to get Mr. Malfoy to go faster. They passed numerous cages full of dogs; some barked, some laid on a flat cot barely giving them a glance and some sat watching the goings on with something akin to a jaded eye.
Harry let the boys lead, his hand still firmly around Teddy's. Both were looking into each cage, humming and quietly conferring each time. One or both would shake their head and they'd move on. He shared a warm, amused smile with Draco. When he blonde smiled back a squirmy, gooey feeling warmed him and he went back to watching the boys.
As they neared the back of the shelter, Gabe made a loud wail of distress. "Daddy! We're almost done and we didn't find any," he sniffled miserably. His grey eyes darted around, his eyes watery, as he cataloged all the passed up dogs and pondered if they should look again in case they missed one.
Before Harry could answer, Draco swung Gabe up onto a hip and ruffled his dark hair. "We didn't reach the end yet. Let's see who's waiting there, yeah?"
"OK," Gabe sniffled again but nodded and wiped his teary eyes with the back of his hand. He sniffled miserably for another few moments before he gasped and his face lit up as his gaze locked on the next to last cage. "Mister Malfoy! You were right!" He didn't sound like he had doubted the wise words, just thrilled and happily informed Draco he was good to have around.
He wiggled to be put down but kept his hand firmly attached, and again pulled Mr. Malfoy. He stopped abruptly, his gaze riveted on the timid looking creature in the back of the cage. "Hi," he gushed quietly.
Teddy joined them a moment later. "Oh cool!" he bounced on his toes. His free hand went to the wiring of the cage and he pressed his fingers and palm flat against the metal. "Hi, boy," he said softly and his face broke into a smile as the dog's tail wagged gently as he took a few tentative steps towards them. Warm brown eyes flicked between him and Gabe, the dog watching them before stepping up to the wire and sniffing. He looked up at his dad, "Dad, can we take him out? Are we allowed?"
Teddy's eyes were pleading and Gabe joined in a second later. Double whammy.
"Uh..." Harry looked around, frustrated when he saw no one that could help. He looked next to the cage, seeing a lead clipped to the wire cage. "I don't know, love. They probably don't want people to just walk in and take a dog," he said, but he had his doubts. There was no one else back with them at all. Just barking dogs. He looked to Draco and sucked his teeth in annoyance when the blonde only shrugged at him.
His gaze landed on the clipboard attached the cage.
Name: Unknown (staff name: Wiggler).
Age: Unknown, estimated at 1-3 years.
Breed: Greyhound, possible Greyhound mix. (See staff for additional informational packet)
Reason for adoption: Owner surrender (further information not supplied).
Harry's gaze landed on the dog again. Wiggler appeared to be a good size, about how big Teddy had indicated with his arms and seemed tall enough to come to Harry's thigh. He was skinny, even for a greyhound. His fur was a beautiful striped honey brown and chocolate brown and he was sure it would only look better when he was properly fed and groomed. The thin tail again wagged, with more force now, as Gabe had his hand pressed to the cage as well. The long nose was wiggling, moving from small hand to small hand, before a pink tongue darted out and licked each once.
Both boys squealed happily and Harry was pleased to notice Wiggler (what kind of name was that, anyway?) only wagged his tail harder and stepped closer, his body pressed up along the wire door.
"Sod it," Harry muttered and unsnapped the lead. He held out Teddy's hand to Draco and beamed at the blonde when he took the other child with no protest at all. Draco looked slightly shocked to have both boys, but pleased too.
He looked back to the dog, "No making a break for it, yeah?" he tried to make it sound like a command but even to his own ears it sounded like a plea.
Wiggler stood back, his ears perked as the cage door opened. He stood still and waited as Harry easily clipped the lead on and lead him out to a grassy area just through a door past the end row of cages.
Harry didn't unclip the lead from Wiggler just yet, watching as the dog lifted a leg and watered a brown patch of grass. He didn't really know that much about dogs (mostly just knowing when to carefully back away and climb a tree to avoid one) and was unsure how to proceed.
"OK," he muttered and headed towards a bench with Wiggler following happily along at his side, his gait a bouncy trot. "Let's get a look at you," he sat and Wiggler was right there, his body pressed against Harry's knees.
Gabe and Teddy watched, practically vibrating, and obviously itched for a chance to pet the dog. He looked a little bony but still petable.
Wiggler just looked up at Harry, panting softly and awaited inspection. Harry ran his hands all along the dog's sides and held a paw for a moment. He smiled when Wiggler lifted the other paw on his own and his mouth opened wider in an almost-smile as he 'shook' his hand. He gently wrapped a hand around the dog's muzzle, earning only a puzzled look from the dog and he resumed panting when Harry released him. He didn't know what else you checked a dog for, but he wished he had brought some kind of treat for all the good behavior. "Good boy," he murmured, giving him a hearty pat on his side. He laughed when Wiggler's tail picked up speed and the dog leaned into him harder.
"OK," Harry said quietly, he felt buoyed by Wiggler's apparent happy disposition. "You can come over, quietly, and give the dog your hand to sniff," he instructed and looked seriously at the boys. Draco shuffled closer to let the boys ease over.
"Dad," Teddy huffed, "he already sniffed us." His hair shifted to a dark green, his eyes were locked on Wiggler, his little fingers flexing with the desire to touch and pet. Gabe muttered a quiet "Yeah" but didn't speak up to agree with Teddy outright, probably aware that daddy wouldn't fold on this rule.
Harry shook his head. "That was in there," he pointed back at the shelter, the sound of barking dogs still audible. "With all those other smells and barking dogs. This is different. If you can't listen, we'll have to rethink getting a dog." It wasn't a threat, but a promise they'd made together to make sure everyone got along and stayed safe.
"Yeah, OK," Teddy conceded. His raised his hand and Gabe mirrored him, and they approached Wiggler slowly. Just as before, the dog gave each small hand a lick and shifted to lean his body against Teddy. Teddy's head flew up to look at his dad, his face bright with a smile. "Look dad! He still likes me!"
Harry grinned as Teddy's hair went bright yellow, grateful he'd remembered to use a glamour before they had left.
Teddy reached a hand out and slowly brought it down to pet the dog's slightly boney back, his fingers bounced gently on the knobbly protrusions. "Dad, he looks like he needs some macaroni and cheese," he said seriously, his now bright blue eyes leaving the dog and landed on his dad, full of concern.
Gabe approached and his hand rubbed along one flank. "And biscuits," he added, his head nodding seriously as he studied Wiggler's slight form. Wiggler's whole body started to sway with the force of his tail wagging now.
Harry smiled and finally understood the ridiculous name. It was still unimaginative, but it fit. He looked to Draco, who was oddly silent; his expression was open and he had a soft smile on his face as his gaze bounced from the boys to the dog. "Draco," he murmured to get his attention. "What do you think?"
Both boys stopped their petting and talking to the dog and gave Mr. Malfoy their undivided attention. They would make sure Wiggler came home with them even if he didn't agree, but it would be awesome if he knew how amazing Wiggler was, too.
"Well." Draco smiled back as his eyes looked over the dog. "He looks like a good choice. And, he does need a little more food," he agreed with Teddy and gave the child a nod. He approached the small group slowly, his hand raised, as if he was approaching a wild Hippogriff instead of a mild-mannered dog. He stroked two fingers over the dog's head between the oddly sticky-up ears. "A very good choice," he added when Gabe eyed him closely, looking nervous. He was invited to help choose, after all.
Teddy whooped, apparently he forgot where he was. He covered his mouth with a hand, his eyes big and apologetic as they darted over to gauge Wiggler's reaction to the sudden, loud noise. He lifted the tips of his fingers off his mouth a moment, "Sorry dad," he whispered. Wiggler seemed to have not even notice the noise, his attention riveted to the petting he was getting from his brother and dad.
"I think we should call him Angus," Gabe suddenly said as his hand rubbed between the dog's ears. Wiggler made a happy grunting, snort. Whether to the name suggestion or the lavish attention Gabe gave his ears, Harry didn't know. The dog's eyes were closed in bliss and he leaned heavily enough against Gabe, the little boy had to step one of his feet back to keep himself upright and balanced against the added weight. Both were the picture of happiness.
"Why Angus?"
Gabe just shrugged. "Dunno, he looks like one. So. Can we call him Angus?" He looked at Wiggler (soon to be Angus, apparently) and nodded as if everyone had just spoken to agree. "Yeah. Angus." He giggled when Wiggler (er... Angus) leaned on him heavily and his nose pushed under his hand in a bid for more petting. "Do you like Angus better?" he asked the dog and got another happy snort in answer. "See?" he crowed, "he likes it!"
Harry couldn't argue the logic and made a mental note to figure out how one changed a dog's name. He looked Wiggler (alright, Angus) over and nodded. He obviously was fine being around the boys, he appeared healthy and he even nuzzled Draco for a pet once they'd walked around with him a while. He was cute, too, in a skinny sort of way. His ears stuck up from his head and gave him an amusing, alert expression.
"Dad! Can I walk him?" Teddy asked excitedly. "I'll hold him real tight," he vowed as his hands reached for the lead. Harry saw the still slack lead, Angus apparently been taught to heel wonderfully at some point. He carefully transferred the lead to Teddy, reminding himself the area was fenced and not to be a complete worrywart.
"Hold on and if he walks ahead just say 'heel'."
Teddy nodded, his brow scrunched in concentration as he walked Angus around in a loose circle around Harry, Draco and Gabe. The latter clapped and shouted, "Good boy, Angus!" nearly the entire time Teddy walked him around in a circle. A few laps, making lots of turns to test Angus' heeling talents (and probably to watch the way the dog would look up at Teddy with a goofy grin each time). He came back around to Harry and handed the lead back with a proud smile on his face.
"Well," Harry informed the small group and clapped his hands sharply and rubbed them together slightly. Angus' ears twitched to stand up straight at the sound which made both boys fawn and coo over him. "I think we found ourselves a dog!"
Both boys whooped quietly and Gabe leaned down to hug Angus around the neck. Harry didn't get a change to stop him and breathed a sigh of relief when Angus only craned his head around to lick Gabe's ear.
They finally found someone to finalize their papers and walked out dog owners. Angus happily trotted along between Harry and Teddy, Draco brought up the rear with Gabe.
"I think we should get some personal items," Draco suggested, blinking and smiling back when Harry turned his head and shot him a big smile over his shoulder and agreed.
Harry looked around and saw both boys nods their agreement as well. "Great idea. We'll go now and bring Angus along."
Draco mentally groaned. He did enjoy shopping, but something told him shopping at an animal store wasn't going to be as enjoyable. He was half right; he was pleased to find plenty of expensive items that he happily put in Harry's cart.
Two chaotic hours later they'd picked up numerous personal items for Angus. Both boys insisted on a new collar, a nice leather one that they could get his name stamped into, with a lead that matched.
The store had a machine in the front that engraved tags, so they'd gathered around it and watched as it made Angus a tag with their information on it. Draco looked impressed as he watched the machine work, his brow quirked.
A comfy bed that actually made Harry wonder if he could fit on it. (Then two more beds for each of the boy's room when Harry informed them, amidst groans and whines of protest, that the dog was not to sleep on their beds.)
Enough food and treats to stuff an elephant and countless plushies. Gabe had held one up and Angus ignored it, to his great dismay. Until he squeezed it and it made a high pitched squeak. Angus' ears shot up again, his attention fully on the toy and he lowered his front half slightly in preparation to attack the squeaking plushie. Harry had quickly put an end to any play in the store and they quickly discovered Angus liked any toy that made noise, even the electronic ones that said something rude when you squeezed them.
Luckily, it wasn't far to the apparation point, so Harry was able to shrink everything down quickly as Draco whined the entire time as he had to hold most of the bags. Gabe held out a hand and offered to take some and grinned when he got to carry half of the bags, a feather-weight charm on them to make the task easier.
Gabe had worked himself further up and walked next to Angus as they approached the house. "And this is your new home," he informed the dog. He had been giving him a guided tour the entire time. He pointed out fun things he could pee on and he giggled like crazy when Harry informed him dogs shouldn't pee on people when he'd hoped aloud that Angus would pee on Jasper Kitterington down the street.
Harry made a detour around the front garden and muttered, "If you gotta go, you go out here." He had never thought to ask if the dog was housebroken; maybe that's why he was dumped at the shelter with so little information. As he saw Angus sniff and quickly lift a leg against a bush, he grinned, happy his floors were going to be safe.
Angus gave the grass a scratch with his back feet and huffed, his cheeks puffing slightly, making both boys giggle. It was a rather cute ritual.
Draco trudged into the house and flopped on the first chair he came upon in the sitting room. "Merlin, what a long day." He smiled though when he saw that both boys flanked the new pet, Teddy held the new lead with purpose, and gave the dog a guided tour of his new home. The trio made their way into the kitchen.
Harry followed with a bemused smile, as Gabe was pointing to various things. Angus' warm brown eyes followed his finger, his tongue lolled slightly as he panted. The dog sniffed his new surroundings and his tail wagged slightly as he saw Harry wash, dry and place his new bowls on the floor. With a grunt of annoyance, Harry ripped into the bag of kibble cursing the annoying seal at the top and muttered a curse when several pieces dropped to the floor. Angus' pounced on them eagerly and licked his muzzle, giving Harry a hopeful look.
Harry frowned slightly when he noticed Angus' excitement and wondered when the poor dog had eaten last.
"OK," he broke into Gabe's lengthy, one-sided, chat with Angus. "Teddy is in charge of feeding Angus." He ignored Gabe's cry of protest as he held up a measured scoop. "He can have one of these in the morning and one at dinner. OK? No more than that or he'll start to waddle around like Mister Kitterington." As expected, both boys giggled and Teddy nodded and his little chest puffed out with pride in his new responsibility. He immediately set to fill Angus' bowl.
"Gabe, you are in charge of biscuits," Harry said importantly and smiled when Gabe pumped a fist in the air. He eyed the bag of biscuits and scratched at his head. Everything the dog ate seemed to go by weight. He huffed in annoyance; did you go by what the dog did weigh or what he should weigh? Angus wouldn't plump up any if he didn't get fed the proper amount. He gave Gabe the bag and held up one finger. "I think we'll reward him when after he comes in from doing his business, yeah?"
Gabe nodded and carefully opened the bag and offered Angus one of the cat shaped biscuits. He figured it was OK since Angus had watered the bush outside. He giggled, pleased when Angus took the treat nicely and didn't nibble him at all.
He looked up at daddy. "Where are we gonna put them?" Daddy usually kept biscuits in a high cupboard. He wanted to make sure he could reach them for Angus.
"How about this one?" Harry squatted slightly and opened one of the cupboards along the floor. It was nearly empty and would fit all of Angus' various food items. Gabe nodded and carefully placed the bag in the cupboard.
Angus was watching the exchange, his mouth parted in what could be called a smile. He already liked his new people and the smaller one gave fantastic ear rubs already. He nosed his way between his smaller people and huffed happily when both put small, warm hands on his back and little fingers stroked and petted gently with affection.
Harry grinned at the picture they made and found himself wondering why they hadn't gotten a dog sooner. He pleased and quite proud to see the boys treating the new dog with such gentle touches. He hadn't really thought them capable. Angus didn't look like he could stand up to rough and tumble treatment, but he probably would. Happily. If not, he could certainly outrun both little boys.
"Daddy! We gotta show him our rooms!" And with that the boys tore out of the kitchen with Angus following happily, his lead dragging along behind him with a soft whooshing, dragging sound that didn't appear to bother him in the least.
Harry didn't even get a chance to respond, not that he would've disagreed or anything. He sorted Angus' new things in the kitchen and made his way out to flop onto the chair with Draco and laid across his lap. Draco made a soft 'oomph' noise but circled Harry's waist with his arms the moment he settled on Draco's lap. He leaned into the warm embrace and sighed softly. "Well, that went well." He smiled at Draco's tired, but happy, face. "Thanks for coming with us," he added quietly and kissed him softly on the nose.
Draco just nodded, unsure how to articulate that he was pleased to have gone, even if it was time spent around loud, smelly animals. It was worth it to spend time with Harry and the boys. "Certainly," he settled on finally. He leaned forward enough to place his own kiss on Harry but he aimed for his lips. "Now, I refuse to cart around anymore items for that dog." His gaze flicked to the numerous bags, they contained the massive dog beds and the assortment of stuffed toys and Merlin alone knew what else, that he had unshrunk a moment after he sat down. "And it's well past time you should've fed me."
Harry grinned as his arms wrapped around Draco's neck. "Mmhmm. I'll start on that in a moment," he murmured and cocked his head slightly and listened for the boys. Apparently satisfied they were not going to barge in on them anytime soon, he slipped a hand between the buttons of Draco's shirt to press a hand against bare, soft skin and kissed him. "In a moment," he mumbled against Draco's lips.
