Harry Potter and Co. belong to Rowling.

HP/DM

"Shades of Grey"

Chapter Ten. Perceptions

A month and a half into the marriage...

"Well we got it!" Draco announced waving a parchment over his head like a prized possession.

"Got what?" Harry asked landing from his morning flight.

"Merlin Potter! Don't you know?" Draco asked shaking his head in feigned shock.

"You're the one holding the bloody letter!" Harry shouted moving away from his husband.

"You're too easy!" Draco laughed catching up to the shorter Wizard easily.

"Whatever," Harry grumbled walking faster.

"Very well you've forced it out me!" Draco whispered in Harry's ear trying not to laugh.

Harry moved away angrily.

"It's an invitation to the Yearly Magic Ball."

Harry stopped so fast that Draco walked right by him. "It's a snobby dance given by the Ministry!"

Draco opened his mouth to answer when he noticed his husband was no longer by his side. He quickly stopped, "Where did you go?" Looking back he shook his head questioningly, "What are you doing back there?"

"I asked a question!"

"Yes, it's given by the Ministry but no it isn't a snobby dance!"

"I doubt that!"

"Believe me! It's not exclusive at all. Hell even the Weasleys get invited!"

"Not funny."

"Not being funny potty mouth! It's a fact!" Draco said smiling from ear to ear.

Harry frowned and walked away. Clearly Azkaban had not affected Draco at all!

"So are we going?" Draco called out as Harry walked into the Manor.

at lunch...

"So are we going?"

"I don't want to," Harry responded looking at his too happy husband.

"That much I deduced but that was not what I asked."

"I don't suppose you can go alone." Harry mumbled exasperatedly.

"Come on Potter! You're not that daft."

"Suppose it wouldn't look right in the eyes of the Ministry for you to be let out."

"On the money. Gee! I guess you're not as thick as I thought you were"

"Must you insult me every time?" Harry said slamming his fork down.

"I wasn't being insulting... just stating a fact. You have to admit that you're clueless sometimes."

"I wasn't! Never mind...when is this social event anyway?" Harry asked cutting into his ham.

"Next Saturday...dress formal," Draco answered buttering some toast.

"Well at least we've-" Harry began but was interrupted before he got very far.

"...so I'll be needing some formal robes."

"You're joking! We just got some! You bought the whole freaking shop!" Harry thundered slamming his fork at his husband's request.

"Like I said ...you're too easy!" Draco smirked snapping his fingers.

A soft pop was heard and Dobby apparated trembling. "You! I thought I told you I didn't want to see you again!"

"Leave him alone! I won't have you mistreating the elves," Harry warned.

"I wasn't going to. I was going to set the little bastard free."

"NO! OH PLEASE MASTER! DON'T!" Dobby screamed slamming his head on the floor while Draco watched with a sick smile.

"I told you not to do that."

"Well you sure know how to rain on my parade. Ok! Ok! Just get me some mint tea! Make sure it's warm!" he shouted before the elf apparated away.

"There's mint tea on the table Draco!" Harry barked.

"Not warm enough," Draco sneered looking away.

"You're too much!"

"That's not what you said last night," Draco murmured feeling suddenly tired. "In fact if I remember right you said you couldn't get enough of me." The blonde murmured looking at his toast before pushing it away.

"Damn it Draco!"

"You're too easy!" the Blonde smiled waiting for his tea. Harry frowned and left the table.

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Harry's POV

Harry and Draco had fallen on a sort of routine. Both were early risers but while Harry went flying Draco had early morning tea. After his flying Harry would shower, change, and have breakfast funnily Draco always seemed to be waiting... for him? Harry would often shake his head; Draco was not the type to wait for any one.

Dracos' POV

Draco had always been an early riser a habit instilled in him by his late father. The pair would sit and have tea while the older Wizard drummed the responsibilities of the Malfoy heir into him. Carrying out the ritual as the spouse of someone who had proven not only stronger but more cunning than his own father Draco was faced with the realization of his failed duty every morning. When the bond told him that Harry was on his way to have breakfast Draco would go downstairs and wait for Harry just like his mother had done for his father.

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Harry's POV

They would eat in silence and then one of them would say something and that would lead to a sort of sparring match or even an argument. They'd get up and Draco would then go to the Potions Lab and remain there for hours. Harry had warded the lab against any potion making that could be used against him so he wasn't really worried about Draco's going ons. The Gryffindor would then take care of any business which sometimes consisted of receiving his or even Draco's attorney's. Now that his magic was grounded he was much calmer and seemed to have gained a clearer head that allowed him to confidently make decisions on every aspect of their lives. Draco never asked what he did or even mentioned his estates...and although this perplexed Harry, it was a subject he didn't pursue. If it isn't broken why fix it?

Draco's POV

They would eat in silence until one of them made a comment. Draco had been thought to hide and control his feelings from an early age and found himself smiling flippantly when all he wanted to do was shout and curse the heavens, Potter, and himself. Hoewever he never did and would instead excuse himself cheekily and go to the Potions Lab Potter had allowed him to use. He would lock himself up for hours and mix potions, a skill his father had encouraged him to develop. It was days before he thought of developing a calming potion and a pepper up potion for the rage and depression that seemed to swallow him up when he thought of everythign he had lost.

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Harry's POV

Harry would stop around three o'clock and would have a light lunch and although surprised at first he had now come to expect Draco to be in the dining room waiting. The same rude and scathing remarks would follow but neither would leave. They'd finish lunch and sometimes Harry would get an urge to touch Draco, the first time it had happened Harry had been surprised by Draco's willingness. Taking hold of his husband's hand Harry had apparated the pair to the bedroom where they had made love. The coupling had been hard and fast. Harry had realized too late that he had not prepared his husband and that he had injured him. Trying to compensate the blonde for his selfish treatment he was now extra careful and made sure to always pleasure and prepare him. Neither Draco nor he ever mentioned the incident but Harry never forgot it. He had wanted to punish Draco but for what? For his callousness with the house elves? For his being his husband? Why? He had chosen him!! He had dragged the pureblood from Azkaban! What was wrong with him? Was he no better than his father? It hurt to know that he could be just as unfeeling as the worst of them.

Draco's POV

Lunch time was the hardest for Draco but he was learning to get by with the help of a pepper up potion he had begun brewing. Again he made a point of getting to the dining room first. He guessed it was too in their nature for them to have a meal without finding something to squabble about but he was prepared for nothing less. The only surprise came when Harry touched him that first time. He had been watching the clock counting the minutes before he could excuse himself when his husband took his hand in his. He turned and saw the want in the green eyes. He was still unsure if it had been the bond or his own need that had made his refusal impossible. Before he had time to register what was happening they were in the bedroom and he was on his back, his clothes had been spelled away and Harry had pushed into him. He had gasped in pain but his husband hadn't noticed as he pushed into him again and again. He had lain in pain until Harry had guiltily cared for his injuries and then made love to him tenderly. He had almost enjoyed himself the second time...almost. Harry had offered no apology and he didn't want one.

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Harry's POV

If any lovemaking took place they would go out for dinner. Draco would always choose the same place and much to his husband's surprise would act the perfect spouse. Too busy avoiding everyone's stares Harry never noticed the panic that would sometimes enter his husband's eyes or how Draco always seemed to order the same mint tea with his meals. If no outing occurred Draco would go walking or even flying...Harry never accompanied him but would sometimes watch him from the garden wondering if they would ever be more than they were.

Draco's POV

When they made love he always wanted to go out afterwards, he wasn't sure why but he always did. He would sit in the exclusive restaurant and while Harry kept his nose in his plate he would look around nodding at those he deemed worthy of his notice. Twice he had seen the same leering Wizard, once standing by the door that led to kitchen and the second sitting on the opposite side of the room. He had almost lost his nerve the second time and told Potter but after berating himself for his cowardice he ignored the looks. By the time he and Harry rose to leave the Wizard was no longer in the restaurant.

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Draco was taking his broom higher and higher stopping only feet away from where the wards had been cast; he raced to and fro until he was too tired but float lazily over the grounds. He had almost touched them this time...maybe one day he's have enough guts to move closer and end it all. But he was a Malfoy and a Malfoy survived...looking down he saw the unmistakable figure of his husband watching him from the gardens. They might have been if not friends at least not enemies under different circumstances...dawning his famous Draco façade he landed a few feet from the shorter Wizard.

After Draco's flight...

Harry watched Draco land wearing the same annoying smirk that set him on edge.

"Can't say that wasn't fun!" Draco exclaimed slinging his broom over his shoulder.

"You're flying too close to the wards," Harry warned the taller blonde.

"Ah... didn't think you cared!"

"Like you said, if I die you go back to Azkaban. Well if you die I have to marry again. Once is enough!"

"So I'm growing on you!" Draco slapped Harry on the shoulder playfully.

"Like the worst kind of fungus Malfoy," Harry admitted grudgingly.

Draco laughed a little too loud and maybe for a little too long. Someone not as close to the pair might have seen something wrong with it but Harry didn't and just swore and walked away. Draco went about his business until dinner. They ate and chatted about each others tastes and then went to get ready for bed.

Draco showered and after taking half a dose of calming potion walked to Harry's room where the pair made love. Falling quickly asleep Draco lay on his side while Harry thought things over. The hours ticked by and Harry found his eyes closing when a moan brought him back to consciousness. He looked around but the noise did not repeat itself. He lay down thinking he might have imagined it when Draco began murmuring in his sleep. With every intention of waking Draco up Harry moved closer and began shaking the Blonde with no results.

"Draco wake up." The Pureblood moaned and mumbled something Harry could not make out before pushing him away violently. "WHATTA!" Harry sat up in alarm as Draco became more vociferous. Alarmed that Draco might be ill Harry moved to his husband's side and renewed his efforts. After what seemed like an eternity a confused Draco opened his eyes...and found himself in Harry's arms.

"What's ...wrong?" Draco asked pulling away.

Harry inhaled deeply. "I think you were having a nightmare."

"Oh, sorry to wake you. I'll go to my room." Draco said overcome with shame.

"No! Are you all right? Do you need anything?" Harry grabbed Draco's arm firmly.

"I'm fine. Come on Harry Potty! I'll be back tomorrow night; it's not as if I can go anywhere," Draco argued looking into the emerald eyes.

Harry almost let go but something in his gut told him he'd be making a serious mistake if let Draco sleep alone.

"I know you'll be back...but I want you stay. In fact I had been thinking of moving us to the King's Bedroom and do away with the connecting doors and such."

Draco tensed, "Wow! Am I that good of a fuck?"

"Don't say that!"

"You know I can't say no."

"I know."

"I'm asking you not to make me stay," Draco asked in a controlled voice.

Harry knew this was important but didn't know how. Knowing he could change his mind later he allowed Draco to leave. "Very well but I will expect you here every night." Harry said laying back. Draco nodded and grabbing his robe slipped out of the room. As soon as the blonde left Harry knew he had made a mistake. Draco wasn't as recovered as he had thought. Yeah it was one nightmare but he didn't feel he was jumping to conclusions. He rubbed his eyes tiredly; he had to talk to Professor Snape. Maybe he could shed some light on the situation. He'd owl the man tomorrow and ask him to dinner. So long as he didn't bring his mother in law everything should be fine.

Draco lay down but did not sleep; he was getting the potions wrong. He shouldn't have been able to dream. The mixture of misty moss and masting roots in the calming potion should've blocked his dreams and dreamless potion was out of the question! He groaned in frustration, why couldn't something go his way for once? Good thing Harry was still in the dark or he'd be up his ass in healers or worse his Godfather!

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Thanks for reviewing!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!