A/N: *coughs*... um... I'm baaaaaack... heh.. O-Okay... Well... While you all pick up your pitchforks and start the chants about killing me, I'm just going to go ahead and hide. Far away. Don't worry, I'll bring my laptop so I can still write.

…I'm sorry? :D

Heh... I honestly don't have much of an excuse... Just have been really busy. Perks of being an adult, hm? Can I go back 10 years, please? Haha... hah... gosh, I still feel the glares you are all sending me.

Okay, enough of that. So, before actually posting this chapter, I re-read my story a good... I'd say 3 times or so. And... I wish someone would've slapped me ages ago... I am/was/am so thirsty for reviews. xD Seriously, I banged my head against my desk and flushed in embarrassment after reading each and every authors note. Hah.. But anywho, I'm nearly done with the next chapter as well, and I'd like you all to know there IS going to be some.. erm.. well, maybe not fluff (kinda unsure yet, but maybe?) but some Harry/Draco cuteness. :D

First look into Harry's POV in this chapter as well! Right at the end, can't miss it. I'll bring in more of that in the future, but it's for the most part going to center around Draco.

…sorry for the long A/N, sheesh, just... stab me with that pitchfork already, I deserve it :(

Chapter 11: Relief

The lunch was a loud affair - with laughs, stories, and the sorts of activities Draco had only thought existed in books and muggle films. There wasn't any talk of the debt, and they didn't exclude Draco from the conversations like he assumed they would. He was brought in, talked more about his Orphanage, and about the small business deals he'd been apart of since Hogwarts. He opened up more than he ever expected to (even if he strayed any personal conversations about him towards more business talk) and he felt comfortable. Even Ron spoke to him without the flicker of dislike Draco first saw in him.

As soon as George finished his fourth plate of food, Molly snapped her fingers to vanish all the dirty dishes and the dessert floated in from the kitchen, a serving appeared in front of each person along with a cup of tea.

Before everyone could pick up their forks and begin eating again, Molly coughed lightly and smiled at Draco, who suddenly felt like his body was failing him as he couldn't breath.

"Draco," Molly started, "we're all very glad that you've decided to give out these debts. It shows you truly are a different person than before." Beside her and Draco, Arthur nodded his head, "We've also seen the extent you'll go to in order to fulfill the debt, because of Neville and especially with what you're doing for Harry."

Arthur spoke next, "We were all surprised when we heard from Harry that you accepted, and we'd all like to thank you for that, too." Out of the corner of Draco's eye he saw a few red-heads nod, and though he was too focused on Arthur to see who gave him the agreement, he did notice Potter squirm slightly from embarrassment, "We also know about your fear of what we'll ask for."

Exactly how much of their meeting did Potter reveal to the Weasley's anyway? Draco thought, nervously scratching his forearm under the table. He could only hope nothing about his mother was mentioned.

Molly smiled, intertwining her hand with Arthur's on top of the table, "You have no need to fear torture or anything of the sort, dear."

Ron spoke next, leaning forward so he could be seen past Potter, "Even I wouldn't stoop that low, Malfoy." Draco's only reply was a nervous, shaky nod, throat too dry to even consider talking just yet.

Ginny, who sat at the other end of the table, spoke afterward – and it was when Draco looked at her and noticed every single person at the table was giving him their complete attention that he really realized every single Weasley was in on this debt, not just the select few who he knew in school. That's what he wanted to happen, but he never thought it actually would. It put his fear slightly at ease, though at the same time his nervousness grew, he knew he wouldn't be able to stop the shaking of his knee even if he put all his strength into it - "What we would like to ask of you is something that may be hard for you, as both a Pureblood and a Malfoy." Draco knew what she meant, it was something hard for Purebloods but especially hard because he's a Malfoy. What that could be though was beyond him.

It was George's turn to step in now from beside Ginny, and Draco silently wondered if they rehearsed who spoke when, "No need to get all freaked out because of that though, we're not gonna ask you to dress up as one of my products and dance outside our shop or anything." He waved his hand on the air to dismiss the idea, but by the evil – since when did Weasleys have anything evil in them? - grin on both Georges' face and Rons', he thought that perhaps those two wanted something of that sort to happen.

Draco hoped his entire body wasn't shaking by then, his leg seemed to be having a seizure underneath the table. He didn't even notice when he began to slowly take off skin from his nervous-scratching, even through his shirt.

"Ignore George," Bill said, "We didn't let that idea go on longer than a moment. You are free to decline what we're asking, but we hope you'll at least consider it. It means a lot to each of us."

Potter spoke up then, "Guys, I think you might wanna stop torturing him and just say it, didn't work out well when I tried to convince him it wasn't anything too bad." He looked over at Draco, reaching over underneath the table and placing a hand on top of Draco's scratching-hand, instantly stopping the movement. Potter looked at Molly, "Think it's time to get on with it, hm?"

Draco looked down at Potter's arm, completely missing the nod from Molly. It was under the table, so Draco was sure nobody else could see it. He could see a few blood spots staining his shirt and frowned, the pain only just registering to him. It was enough to make his knee stop it's shaking.

He wondered why Potter cared that he was hurting himself, but for all he knew Potter planned out an outfit that showed his arms and didn't want people to think Draco was into any sketchy business. That certainly didn't explain why Potter's hand didn't leave his, though.

Arthur cleared his throat and that drew Draco's eyes away from his lap and onto him. After exchanging a quick look with his wife, Arthur spoke, "Draco. We would like to use our debt to ask you to make an unbreakable vow."

Draco tensed, and Potter's hand moved to his wrist and tightened, though whether he was trying to check for a pulse or comfort him was completely beyond Draco. It took him nearly a couple minutes before he could work past all the thoughts of his mother and his godfather in order to speak, "A-An unbreakable vow? For w-what, exactly?" His words came out in a small whisper, but he was sure everyone in the room heard. They could probably hear the fear as well.

An unbreakable vow ends in death 50% of the time, Purebloods are too greedy to risk the sacrifice and so most see it as an awful act, which is largely the reason why it was so popular among the Dark lords followers.

In fact, Draco didn't know about his own families participation in the act until after the war, just shortly after he had to testify for a dead Severus Snape. It came as a shock to him, and it was only after weeks of his mothers reassurance that Draco could believe it wasn't because of him that his godfather was dead.

Draco's eyes never left Arthur in all his thoughts, so he noticed when Arthur sent a worried look to Molly. Still though, the man locked eyes with Draco again and spoke, "We couldn't think of something to ask of you at first, because anyone here who held even the slightest grudge against you let it go long ago. However, after Hermione and Ron talked they thought of an idea which we all agreed to because it seemed fitting." Arthur straightened his posture, "We want to ask that you make the vow to have you never call a person 'Mudblood', 'Blood-Traitor', and to never use 'Filthy' in front of 'half-blood' and 'muggle-born'."

The table grew quiet, and Draco could feel their eyes on him. Draco could hear his heart beating in his chest, but he stayed quiet. He wanted to make sure he heard everything correctly so he ran the words through his head a few times. Potter's hand tightened once again a minute later and that was the trigger for Draco to know what he heard was true. He let out a large breath, sighing loud enough for everyone in the room to start slightly. His bones suddenly felt like pudding, his head pounding in rhythm with his heart, though not in a painful way. He leaned forward, placing his forehead on the edge of the table.

He knew he probably looked like a fool, and the Weasley's probably thought he was mental. But at that moment, all Draco felt was relief. Immense, incredible relief. "That's all?" Draco asked out loud a minute later, looking away from the tan hand, so different from his pale one, in his lap and sitting up in his chair, "Because if so, it's a definite yes."

Arthur broke into a grin, but Molly had a slight frown, "Are you sure, dear? It's okay to say no to this, Draco."

A slight ache appeared in his shoulder once she finished speaking, but Draco ignored it, assuming the pain potion he took earlier that morning was starting to wear off. "Yes, Mrs Weasley," he nodded, looking down the table to see everyone with looks of relief on their faces, he returned his gaze to Molly "after the war, I promised myself I'd never use those terms again. This would just make a vow I've already made real."

The table filled with relieved sighs and happy laughs, Molly smiled brightly at Draco and spoke over the noise, "Thank you."

"Of course. But," Draco said, "are you sure there's nothing else any of you'd like of me? I understand the vow isn't a small price, but what you're actually asking for is." He frowned, "I'd happily do anything."

There were a few small chuckles around the table. Arthur reached over and patted Draco on the back, "Believe me, this is a very big deal to each of us. Muggles are a large part of our world these days, and even more so our future. The war certainly didn't help Wizards realize this, so having you – who wasn't muggle friendly in your past – to promise not to insult them anymore is a great gift to us."

As if to show his agreement, Potter squeezed his wrist slightly before pulling away entirely. Draco placed his other hand on that wrist, though it didn't warm the sudden coolness that enveloped it.

Draco still wasn't entirely convinced that he shouldn't do more, but he smiled at Arthur and nodded, "I'll gladly do so, then." Arthur smiled brightly, along with everyone else at the table. "I'm familiar with the process of an Unbreakable vow, so if you'd like, we can do it now."

Molly shook her head, drawing Draco's attention to her. "No, no, dear. You'll be late for your appointment with Neville if you stay longer than the desert." She smiled, "C'mon now, let's eat."

George and Ron immediately grabbed their forks and dug in, however Draco got distracted from reaching for his tea when Potter stood up next to him.

Draco sent him a questioning look, but Potter looked past him at Molly, "I'm sorry, I really 'ought to get back to work, thanks for lunch." Potter smiled at her then looked back down at Draco, motioning with his head to the kitchen, "A moment, please?" He then patted Ron on the back as a farewell and walked out of the room.

Frowning in confusion, Draco nodded and stood up, "Excuse me." Nobody answered him, too busy starting to eat, though Draco really didn't wait for an answer before following Potter in to the next room.

Draco followed Potter through the kitchen and into another room, a small room with a few couches and a fireplace. Potter leaned against the stone of the fireplace - though not seeming relaxed at all - and addressed Draco, "Hey. I just wanted to make sure with you that it was okay I was here?"

Draco raised an eyebrow, then shrugged and moved to sit on the nearest couch positioned in front of the fireplace, looking up at Potter. "I don't particularly mind, honestly." Narrowing his eyes slightly to inspect Potter further, he noticed the man looked nervous, nearly paranoid in Draco's eyes. There was a noticeable stubble on his chin and jaw, and he looked truly tired, as if he hadn't slept in days.

Potter nodded, still standing stiffly so Draco guessed that wasn't all that was on the mans mind. "Was there anything else you wanted to know about? For tomorrow, I mean." he continued, "I realize I left a bit suddenly the other night."

"No, not particularly. Thank you." Draco said, frowning slightly at the question, "Unless you had some extensive background about our relationship you've figured out, I assumed it would be pretty simple. At least enough for tomorrow." He stated, then continued after a slight pause when it seemed Potter wouldn't say anything, "I also wanted to apologize to you. I overreacted a bit more than I should have the other night, and I'm sorry for that."

Potter shook his head, seeming like he was about to disagree, before there was another voice who interrupted him, "Mind if I intrude?"

He and Potter both quickly turned to look at the entrance, where Hermione Granger stood.

"Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to talk to you two for a minute." She hesitated for a moment, before shaking her head, "Actually, never mind. I'll just talk to you two another time, sorry." Granger sighed loudly, probably annoyed with herself, before moving to turn away.

"No, please, stay." Draco said quickly, "We weren't talking about anything that can't wait." Draco stood, his fathers voice in his head telling him it's too impolite to sit when greeting a woman. "What can we do for you?"

Potter smiled at Hermione, which seemed to be the only motivation she needed to walk into the room and confidently sit on the center of the couch Draco occupied, angling herself to face both of them in the room right after Draco sat back down himself.

"I actually wanted to first off thank you for agreeing to the vow. It was actually my idea. I feel awful, it's as if I'm getting two debts from you." Granger looked down at her lap, "So, if you'd like to take the debt meant for me and give it to them, I'd completely agree with that."

Draco quickly shook his head, however it was Potter who spoke, "Hermione, you know as well as I that everyone in that room wants that as much – if not more – than you. Yes, you brought it up, but they all agreed with it completely." He said earnestly, causing a small nod to come out of Granger, though her eyes never left her lap.

Shifting to face her a little more on the couch, Draco tried his best to smile reassuringly at her, "G- Hermione.. honestly, I gave the debt to the Weasley's knowing full well that both you and Potter would have a say in what they were to do." Potter raised an eyebrow at that, but Draco continued as if he hadn't noticed, "You two are, in my eyes, a part of the Weasley family, and as such both of you technically had two debts from me. I should've made that clear before, I apologize."

Granger raised her head, looking up at Draco and seemed to analyze him for a moment. That's how long it took to find whatever she was looking for though, because she let out a loud sigh, smiling happily. "I see, that's great." She laughed shortly, "On to the second thing, I suppose." She said, wasting no time in continuing, though she was cut off as soon as she opened her mouth.

Potter cleared his throat quickly, standing up straighter, "Does it involve me? I really do need to get back to work.."

Granger sighed, an annoyed one this time, very unlike the happy one Draco heard a moment before. "You work too much!" She exclaimed, shaking her head, "Why isn't Ron going then? If it was really something, he'd go with you."

"It's a solo case, Kingsley gave it to me this morning. Nothing major, just can't be away from the office for long because of it." Potter shrugged nonchalantly, "I'll come to your place tonight so you can fill me in, okay?" He reached for the jar on a shelf above the fireplace, taking out a handful of the Floo powder.

Sighing in defeat, Granger nodded, "See you then."

Potter nodded, sending her a smile before turning his attention back to Draco, "6pm tomorrow still good for you?"

Standing up, yet another polite habit drilled into him when seeing someone off, Draco sent a small nod to Potter, "Yes, that's good."

Waving, Potter threw the powder into the fire and called out for the Ministry, leaving Draco and Granger alone.

Feeling uncomfortable being the only one standing – how Potter could do so amazed him – Draco sat back down. "So... the second thing you wanted to talk about?"

"Oh," Granger said, seeming startled out of staring at the fire, "It's actually nothing." She shook her head, standing up, Draco immediately followed her to his feet once again, "You need to go meet Neville anyhow, right?"

Shaking his head, Draco replied, "It'll be fine if I'm a little late, he knows the way to the lab. Is this really something you need Potter for?" He raised an eyebrow, unsure.

Granger sighed, shaking her head slowly, "No... I just wanted him here." She hesitated, and Draco patiently waited for her to continue, "I still haven't told Ron what I want from you yet, I just wanted to know Harry's opinion on it first, really."

"I see," Draco leaned against the arm of the couch to take away the last of the height between them so he didn't appear to be looking down on her, "If you'd like to tell me what you're thinking about asking for, that's alright. It won't apply as your request, so you can change your mind."

She looked at him with wide eyes, "It won't?" Draco shook his head, and she grinned, "That's good. I'm actually very curious how all that works. Does the debt have a magic of it's own and takes everything we say into account? And then it activates or something to make you have to fulfill our request? Or is it a written sort of magic and you have to write down what we request to make it count? I read once about magic like that, it's very fascinating, isn't it?"

Draco's eyes slowly widened with each question, and Granger spoke so quickly he had to concentrate immensely to make sure he heard everything correctly. In the end, he had to speak quickly after a question to make sure she didn't continue on, "Hang on, Granger.. Hermione." He shook his head, "I will happily explain all that to you, and more, if you'd like. However, I don't believe we really have the time to do so now." Draco grinned, amused at the Hermione Granger he remembered from school, once again something that annoyed him greatly in his past but isn't even a slight bother to him now. "How about I answer one now of your choosing, then we set up a meeting to talk about everything else a different time?"

Granger smiled, "It's fine, I'll just owl you later. I'm..." She sighed, "I'm very sorry I hadn't contacted you before, you can understand it was a bit of a shock, having you come out of the blue and offer us these debts."

Draco nodded, "I've meant to for some time now, actually." He swallowed past his nervousness at revealing too much, "I know now that I had nothing to be afraid of, though." He shook his head, "And you have no reason to apologize. You can take a year to think about it if that's what you wish."

Her eyes widened and she quickly shook her head, "Don't worry, it definitely won't be that long. I just want to talk to Harry, and definitely Ron, about it first." Granger smiled, extending her hand out to Draco, "Thank you, though. For the debts, for accepting the vow, and... for being a new person. It's a surprise, a good one at that."

Shaking hands with her, Draco returned the smile, "Thank you." He walked to the fireplace afterward, "I hope it's alright if I use the Floo?"

Granger nodded, "Of course. I'll let everyone know you had to meet with Nev."

"Thanks," Draco reached for the jar, grabbing some of the powder inside. "I hope to hear from you soon, Hermione." With that, he tossed the powder into the flames, calling out for his personal study in Malfoy manor.

To his surprise, Neville was already sitting at the couch in front of the study's fireplace. Not alone, either. Luna Lovegood sat next to him, the two deeply engrossed in a conversation. They didn't even stop to greet him. The only thing he could really catch about their conversation was something about Snorkack... though what that was, Draco had no idea.

Right as Draco cleared his throat so the two on his couch actually noticed his arrival, Misty apparated in the room, bowing deeply to Draco.

"Master, Misty greatly welcomes sir back home!" She exclaimed loudly, "Misty was unsure if she should escort sir's guests to the lab or wait for Master's arrival."

Draco nodded, "If I'm late in the future, you can take them to my lab." Misty smiled brightly, and after turning to bow to the two guests, she left the room. Draco turned to the couch to address the two, "I'm terribly sorry for being late, lunch with the Weasley's ran longer than I thought it would."

Luna stood up, followed by Neville, "Oh, it's no trouble at all," Luna said, smiling happily, "We made ourselves quite busy, I was happy to see Misty as well."

Neville smiled and nodded, "Yeah, we arrived early anyway. I hope it's no trouble I brought Luna, she got off work early and I didn't want to leave her alone the rest of the day..." He paused, but quickly continued before Draco could have a chance to speak, "If it is a problem though, I'm sure she can make herself busy, though."

Luna smiled at Draco, "I really didn't mean to intrude, so if it's any trouble at all, I don't mind."

Draco shook his head, smiling at the couple, "It's absolutely no trouble, you're welcome to accompany Neville here any time you'd like."

They both smiled happily, seeming very relieved at his reply.

At first, Draco wasn't entirely sure how Luna's presence in his lab would go over. She could make Neville nervous, which could result in him messing up the ingredients to the potion, knocking things over, or even cause injury to one of them. Or she could distract Neville completely so he couldn't get any work done. Draco of course wouldn't voice his worries, and so he was genuinely surprised when her presence actually seemed to make Neville more at ease, trying harder and not afraid to speak up when he had questions.

It was actually nice having her there, while Neville worked on potions after Draco gave him all the information he needed, Luna would have short conversations with him. He learned more about what she did at work, and Draco found talking to her put him at ease. He didn't have to try and come up with replies that would make her happy, because it seemed nearly everything he said she was genuinely happy to hear. Whether that was about the orphanage, the few friends he had, or his thoughts about her while they were in school, Luna would just laugh and provide her own opinions. Draco wasn't blind when he saw her happy smile when he involved Neville in their conversations as well, once he'd made sure the difficult part of his potions were out of the way of course.

They spent a couple more hours down in his lab then at the previous appointment, even after all of the potions were bottled and the ingredients put away. They ate dinner that Misty brought down on one of the lab tables and the conversations continued well after sunset. It was only an hour before midnight when they realized the time and Draco escorted them out, complementing Neville on his work and inviting Luna to accompany Neville anytime she'd like.

Draco made a brief stop in his office, skimming over letters from both Nott and Pansy which stated they each wanted to see him before the Ministry ball. Well, Pansy's said she wanted to see him immediately, but he ignored that part. He simply sighed and threw them back on his desk, making his way towards the kitchen.

It wasn't long after that Draco found himself relaxing in bed, a bottle of red wine in his hands. He didn't bother with a glass, who was here to criticize him anyway? Certainly not my father, Draco thought bitterly. Though he only had a few mouthfuls before he placed the bottle on his bedside and fell asleep, exhausted and hoping that it was enough to stray away his nightmares.

Harry had to blink a few times after walking out of Kingsley's office. Compared to the brightness of the Minister's room, the halls of the Ministry were dimly lit. A couple large bright candles every few meters along the walls provided light, now that most of everyone had left for the day. It was nearly midnight, after all.

As soon as his eyes adjusted completely, Harry began the walk to the nearest elevator. His exhausted body longed for him to simply go to the Floo and go home, but he had a few more files on his desk that needed to be looked at. If he went home now, it would require him to come back tomorrow, which he'd really rather not do. He wanted all his attention tomorrow on pulling off the act of having Malfoy as his boyfriend. He halfway couldn't believe he'd really asked Draco Malfoy, of all people, for this. Not to mention that the blond actually agreed, as well. Harry knew he couldn't keep all the details from Malfoy, he tried to be as honest as he could without sounding mental, but honestly, he wasn't sure where to even begin. There really wasn't any proof, after all. Perhaps The Prophet was right, and he simply wanted attention and his subconscious was doing this to himself. He nearly laughed out loud at the thought.

Making it to the metal doors, Harry watched them blankly and waited for them to open, even though from the sound of the grinding, it would be another minute before the elevator reached him. He reached up and ran a hand through his hair, pulling a bit roughly on the strands, resisting the urge to look over his shoulder. He could see from the reflection on the doors nobody was there. But the feeling remained. Shaking his head, Harry kept his eyes on his own figure standing before him, refusing his eyes to keep wondering around. His hair looked oily, and he looked nearly as tired as he felt. Even as a slightly blurred reflection, Harry looked dreadful.

Harry sighed in relief when the doors finally opened, only to quickly straighten his back and become alert when he noticed someone else in the elevator already, in a far back corner. Quickly walking in, he spoke strongly, "Good evening, sir." Harry walked into the middle of the elevator and turned to watch the new pair of metal doors in front of him.

Feeling a grim tingle on the back of his neck, Harry lifted his eyes slightly and watched the mans reflection, feeling a start when the man was casually looking back with a grin on his face. And that grin frightened Harry. If he wasn't already on edge, he would've thought the man as kind-looking and elderly. But at the moment, all Harry could see was malicious-intent directed at him.

Attempting to swallow back his paranoia, Harry lightly tapped the side of his leg as the only visible sign of his extreme discomfort. Every ounce of Gryffindor left him as he silently begged the elevator to get to his destination first so he could flee.

Thankfully he only had to be in the elevator a minute to get to his destination, though every second seemed to last an eternity to him as the mans eyes never left his form in the reflection. Refusing to let out a loud sigh of relief when the doors finally opened, Harry tried not to look like he was running away as he hurried to leave.

He was a few feet away from the elevator, which was starting to close behind him, when he heard the man speak in a cheerful voice, "Farewell, Mr. Potter."

Breathing deeply as a frightful shiver ran down his spine, he quickly made his way to his office and slammed the door behind him, not caring for the moment what the two late-working auror's outside would think of his display. Bumping against the corner of Ron's desk, Harry made his way to his own and collapsed in his chair. He quickly reached into his desk for a calming draught, drinking it greedily. Though it was the strongest quality, it took minutes before his shaking would subside, and even then he couldn't relax.

He rested his arms on the edge of his desk, resting his head down on them. The only thought that gave him any sort of piece was tomorrow. The beginning of his and Malfoy's 'relationship'. Harry laughed hollowly at the thought. It took him another few minutes before he could compose himself enough to finish the work on his desk. In the end, it was nearly dawn when he finally left the office.

A/N: Welp. Hope that solves your needs and such for a bit. Heh. *trying not to be thirsty * … erm. Reviews tend to-... *slaps myself * What I meant to say was. If you scroll down just a b- *bangs head against desk * I MEAN, if you check out my twitter account and then decide to leave a comment on it sayi- *drinks 5 bottles of water to quench the thirst * heh.. what I REALLY meant was I'm terribly sorry for the long wait, and if you don't want it again then review! *flinches away from another self-induced slap * (…blackmail... I've sunk so low... *hides under my covers * )