A/N: This chapter is a little later than I intended... thanks to meddling dunderheads that I grudgingly call family.
I am currently looking for ways to... mess up Ron's life more... Any IDEAS? :D I feel a bit sadistic :P
Well, don't let me keep you! Enjoy :) and Please review ^_^
The great hall was once again buzzing with energy, this time fuelled by rude comments and catcalls at Ronald Weasley. Ron glared at them on occasion but mostly grumbled under his breath. He made his way with his two best friends and settled in his customary seat with Hermione sitting beside him and Harry across.
"So mate? How does it feel to be the center of attention?" Harry smirked.
"Sod off! I have enough problems with mum…"
"Mum?" Harry's eyebrows lifted slightly.
"Yeah. She came to… visit with Charlie and Bill."
"How did it go?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"Not too good but Snape managed it."
"Why do you look worried then?"
"Just… I don't think it's the end…"
"You Gryffindors always engage in such serious talk." Draco's voice broke them out of an uncomfortable silence.
"Draco… This isn't the Slytherin table" Ron sneered; he did not need the nosy slytherin right now.
"I'm aware. What has you in a knot?" Draco slid on beside Harry.
"His family visited Snape" Harry said causing the blonde to form an 'O' soundlessly.
"It will be fine Ron!" Hermione tried reasoning, "I am sure your parents and the rest of them will understand."
Submerged as he was in his thoughts, Ron did not miss the shadow that passed over Draco's visage. He frowned and wondered if Malfoys weren't a bigger problem to Draco and Harry than his clan will ever be. It wasn't only Ron who noticed, it seemed. Harry looked worried and a moment later Draco nearly jumped out of his skin and glared at Harry. Ron narrowed his eyes at the sly grin gracing his friend's face before softly chuckling. What was Harry doing to make the Malfoy Heir, Prince of Sytherin, blush in the middle of dinner? Surely, nothing innocent.
Harry realized that Ron had noticed. Hermione was blissfully in her own world. He smiled sweetly at Ron and continued drawing lazy circles on Draco's thigh. He knew Draco was upset and he could guess the reason considering their conversation. It was the only thing he could think of to distract the blonde, until they could properly talk about it, in private. He moved so he was merely an inch from the throbbing mass that was rapidly heating up. He looked back at Ron to continue conversation while keeping an amused eye on Draco's blooming blush.
"Forget other people. What about Snape?"
"What about him?" Ron shrugged, ducking his head and trying not to meet Harry's eyes.
"How is he reacting?"
"Well… he dealt with mum well enough. Even offered them lunch in his quarters!" Ron beamed avoiding the actual question.
"Ron… you know what I am asking. Is Snape still denying? What does he think of you?"
"That…" Ron hesitated.
"I'm not about to gossip about you."
"He… is coming around, I think."
"Think?"
"Well… it seems he doesn't want to believe… he doesn't want to hope for something…"
"Ah… I can understand" It seemed Draco managed to emerge from his embarrassment. Harry grinned and moved his hand to cover the growing erection, earning no more than a glare.
"You can?" This time Draco made sure to control his facial expressions.
"Yes. Well, Severus has been alone all this time… all the time I've known him, actually. Being a spy and a professor must have made it hard."
"Not only that, Ron." Harry murmured. "He has always had a hard life… like me" A look of understanding passed between Ron and Harry. "You already know his only friend was my mother… and he had to put up with a secret life of protecting me all this time. He believes he should be hated."
"What do you mean he should be hated?"
"I'm not sure if this particular conversation is right in this room" Draco mumbled.
Ron nodded, looking worried. Harry gave a smile and settled into pondering how much he could tell Ron. Surely, since Ron was Snape's mate, he had a right to know certain things? However, he was fairly sure Snape would have his head for some of them. But if it meant, that he could do something for the man who had always been on his side, more that Dumbledore, maybe he should take a risk. He nodded again with conviction.
"Right. Hurry up and finish, we'll talk." Ron looked a little relieved but lines of worry still stood out in his face.
Hermione was still chatting away about some obscure information to very bored looking second years. Ron glanced at her meaningfully, unsure if she should be included. Harry caught his eye and slowly shook his head. Hermione was a good friend but Snape's personal life was not going to be on display. Draco knew most of it, Snape being his Godfather and Harry knew a lot. Ron needed to know but Hermione did not need this particular information. Ron smiled with more relief and nodded. Harry was slightly surprised at the look Ron shot him; it seemed his friend truly cared for his professor.
As soon as Harry and Draco were done they got up. Harry mouthed 'DA' to Ron as a look of understanding passed between them. It helped that no one was paying attention to them. Knowing Ron would follow in a few minutes, Harry hurried Draco to the seventh floor.
As soon as they were inside the room, Draco found himself pushed against the door and kissed thoroughly. He smiled into the kiss and returned it just as hungrily. Harry pulled away, still continuing to stroke Draco's sides.
"Anymore than this and Ron will not be happy with what he sees." Draco murmured.
"No, he won't be. But will you be okay?" Harry chuckled and pressed his thigh into Draco's groin.
"I am sure I can manage for a while…" He shrugged.
"Can you?"
"As long as you promise to continue after."
"Hmm… I can't wait." Harry threaded his fingers through the blonde's hair and kissed him softly before releasing him and scrutinizing the room.
The room of requirement had arranged itself to resemble a cozy living room with a blazing fireplace and comfortable sofa's. Harry spied some butterbeer waiting for them and reached for the pitcher with a grin.
"One would think by now you'd like something… stronger?" Draco drawled.
"I do. Firewhiskey's my new favorite."
"Then, pray tell, why do you look so happy?"
"It's been a while? And you must admit, having alcohol inside the school… for free… is fun"
"Child"
"Brat"
Before it could escalate into insults, the door opened to let Ron in.
Ron said nothing as he sat on one of the sofa chairs. Harry and Draco quickly settled themselves into the loveseat across from him.
"What did you mean when you said Severus had a hard life?"
"Before I answer that… you need to know why I am telling you"
"Why?"
"Because Snape deserves better… a lot more than life offered him. After learning some truths and putting it all together, I realized just how much he had done… especially for me. I … want to see him happy just as much as I want to see you happy."
"I understand, Harry. The way you reacted that day… well I guessed. Now tell me."
"Well… Snape's father, a muggle, did not like magic."
"Like the Dursleys?" Draco asked, taking Harry's hand comfortingly.
"Yeah" Harry nodded.
"What did he do?" Ron asked in a whispered.
"Beat him. From what I could tell… he was beaten every time he used magic… accidental magic."
"But that can't be helped! Every magical child goes through that!"
"I know, Ron." Harry's face was impassive but Draco could tell he was remembering his own situation.
"I heard Severus' father was a drunkard. It's why my godfather does not drink heavily."
"O Merlin"
"And I know that his parents passed away before he was seventeen."
"What?" Ron looked at Draco sharply.
"It's only rumors, mind you. His mother was… murdered."
"Did he…?"
"Yes, it seems he beat her to death" Draco's voice betrayed none of the feelings he felt.
"Was Sev… was he close with her?"
"She was a witch, I'd assume so"
"What about his father?"
"Alcoholic. Died from liver failure. Can't say I am sorry though" Draco grimaced.
"During that time… there was only one person on his side" Harry whispered.
"Who?"
"Lily Evans"
"Blimey! Your mother was friends with Snape?"
"Yeah. They were best friends, Snape said so himself."
"Then what happened?"
"The Marauders. As much as I like Sirius and Lupin, they weren't very nice. As far as Snape was concerned they were bullies. I am not proud of it. My… father was the worst of them."
"I'm sorry mate"
"Yeah. Well, it is why he hated me."
"Why'd he protect you then?"
"Because of my mum."
"Did he… um … love her?" Ron asked fearfully.
"From that one memory I saw, it seemed so."
"Shit."
"There's more"
"Might as well." Ron slouched and took a swig out of his drink.
"When the prophecy was being made, Snape was spying on them."
"Why would he…?"
"He was still on Voldemort's side, his loyal death-eater." Harry seemed devoid of feelings but continued. "He heard part of it and reported to him."
"He figured out who it might be and then hunted you?" Harry nodded.
"It didn't have to be me. Neville also fit but Voldemort chose me."
"Then what?"
"From what I know he switched sides after that. He became Dumbledore's spy and vowed to protect me… probably because he felt guilty about my mum."
"I can see how that happened."
"He still feels guilty of their deaths. If anyone is to blame, it should be me." Harry choked.
"Harry Potter! How could you say that?" Draco had pulled Harry into an embrace.
"It's true, Draco. I saw it… she could have lived… Voldemort offered. But she protected me and died."
"It's not your fault. It's… Vo…voldemort's fault! I'm sure your parents did what they did to save your life because they wanted a good life for you. They would be sad if you felt guilty instead!" Ron nodded his agreement. Harry vaguely registered Draco using the name and smiled.
"He's right mate. It isn't your fault. My mum would do the same for all of us. And I would do it too if I had a child. So would you."
Harry nodded and straightened himself. "He didn't want to be saved. You saw him at death's door Ron"
"Yeah. He seemed gentle and remorseful when he looked at you." Harry nodded.
"His memories showed me just how much the old headmaster manipulated both of us. He wanted us to die for the cause. He planned it. And we came near to it… no we died and came back."
"Died?" Ron's voice came out as a high pitched squeal. Draco looked horrified.
"Yeah. I went into the forest to let Voldemort to kill me. He did. Only, I was able to come back by sacrificing his bit of soul. Snape… lost a lot of blood and should have died. He sort of did. He drank a potion to sustain him for a few hours. He had Nagini's counter potion. When I found him, his heart… wasn't beating, he wasn't breathing."
"But… how?"
"I'm not sure. I wished he was alive and was busy crying when he gasped for breath. I think maybe it was the potion's effect wearing off."
"Blimey…"
"When he woke up… he argued with me and berated me for saving him." Harry smiled wistfully.
"Why… right, he doesn't think he is worth it." Harry sighed and nodded at Ron's deductions.
"We both expected to die. He doesn't know what to do with this new life."
"Do you?" Draco peered into Harry's eyes.
"I'm… not sure, Draco. All I wanted seems stupid. I wanted to be an Auror but I am tired of fighting. After everything I want a quiet life. I hate all this fame. I can't forget all those who died."
"Do you feel responsible for their deaths?" Ron started at Draco's question.
"How can I not? They died while fighting with me. I couldn't protect them. They came to the battle because of me!"
"Shh… They fought for their own belief, love. It's not your fault. Imagine all the lives you saved because you did what you did? You were prepared to sacrifice yourself for everyone. It was war; it can't be helped if some died. However, more people survived because of you. So, stop blaming our dear Savior."
"Yeah, mate. You can't blame yourself! If it wasn't for you… all of us would be dead!"
"And I would have still been under a mad man with no escape." Draco said dryly.
"He has a point mate." Ron grinned. Harry smiled at Ron and then turned to give Draco a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Well, now I sort of understand Severus. It makes it easier to be patient." Ron sighed.
"How well are you doing with him?" Draco asked, his hand still wrapped around Harry's waist.
"Well…"
"Come on, Ron! Tell us!" Harry seemed to be suddenly in high spirits.
"K…Kissing."
"He lets you kiss him?" Draco asked and Ron nodded. "A chaste peck or a real one?" A silvery eyebrow rose in interest.
"Real" Ron said firmly.
"That's it?" Harry asked.
"Well, what do you two do?" Ron huffed.
Harry and Draco looked at each other and grinned.
"O, we do a lot of things…" Draco drawled.
Ron looked a little green, no doubt imagining what those things might be. The other two laughed good naturedly.
"Well, it's tough for him. It's like he is afraid to trust me. At first, he thought I was playing a prank and refused to believe anything I said." Ron mumbled.
"And now?"
"Think he accepts it but he is still thinking… he is reserved. I… I'm willing to wait as long as he looks at me."
"I suppose time is needed. Maybe we can come up with other plans…"
"No!" Ron nearly screamed and then sobered a little. "I don't need him to have worse opinion of me, Draco."
"Well, fine. But if you go back to calling me Malfoy again, I will hatch a nasty plan." Draco grinned.
"Deal" Ron smirked. "And now, I should go find my beloved and talk. Good night"
"Good night, Ron" Both Harry and Draco said together making the three men giggle.
They watched Ron leave and settled into the couch more comfortably. Harry decided to use Draco's lap for a pillow and draped his legs over one side while Draco stretched his legs onto the tea table and leaned into the soft armrest.
"Harry?" Draco carded through the thick mops of dark hair.
"Hm?"
"I want to ask… you don't have to answer if you don't want to, though"
"Ask, Draco. You have a right to know things about me."
"Yes but this might be too… personal."
"It's alright. I think I know what you want and… I think I want to tell you."
"You would tell me about Dursleys?"
"Yeah. If you want. I have never told anyone… not everything... but I feel like I can tell you."
"Why can you tell me and not the others?" Draco wondered.
"Because… you love me and won't try to hurt me or use me after knowing these things. You won't judge me. You've never given into the Boy-Who-Lived image, never fawned because of it. You see me, that's all I need. Besides, you are my Veela… you are totally stuck with me!"
Harry flashed a brilliant smile causing Draco to feel warm. How had he managed to get Harry to trust him? He could tell that he was hiding his feelings while telling about Snape. Dursleys took up ten years of his early life; their actions must still have heavy impact. All that this green-eyed Gryffindor had gone through, should have made him bitter but he was still the cheeky brat who could make his heart jump.
"Tell me" Draco said softly, stroking Harry's hair slowly, comforting his mate.
"Aunt Petunia was probably better of the three of them. She didn't hit me but she did make me do the chores."
"What chores did you have to do?"
"Everything. Cooking, cleaning, gardening…"
"Merlin! Did she think you are a house-elf?"
"Maybe" Harry chuckled. "If I made mistakes, I was punished."
"How… were you punished?"
"Locked… in my… room" Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"What aren't you saying?"
"My… room was… um… small."
"How small?"
"Very…" he was obviously dodging the question.
"Harry!" Draco said sternly and pulled on a clump of hair.
"Alright! It was a damned cupboard under the stairs!" Harry said heatedly.
"A… Cupboard?" Draco paled.
"Yeah." Harry turned so he could face his lover and reached a hand to stroke his cheek.
"How long?"
"Since I can remember. They let me use Dudley's room after Hogwarts. They were scared of Hagrid."
"Hagrid?"
"Yeah, he came to collect me and was enraged when he saw… the room"
"Harry… um did they… hit you?"
"Yeah. Uncle Vernon enjoyed using his belt." Harry said bitterly. "It didn't really matter… if I was wrong or right. If he didn't like something, he hit me."
"How often?"
"Almost every day? Sometimes, it was so painful… not that it stopped me from chores." Harry closed his eyes again remembering.
"Do you want to stop?" Harry shook his head.
"I… want to talk. Will you listen?"
"Of course I will. Just don't stop me from hexing your relatives next time."
"I wouldn't want you in trouble."
"There are ways" Draco drawled making Harry laugh. He waited until Harry was ready to talk.
"My uncle was… is a beefy man, really big. He used his hands… fists. Broke my jaw a couple times, not to mention nose."
"He… on a child? How old were you when he first… laid his hand on you?"
"I… don't…"
"You know you are lying, Potter." Draco growled and Harry looked up at the beautiful face.
"Three… maybe four." Harry averted his eyes.
Draco's heart felt raw. How could anyone do something like that to a helpless child? He leant down and placed a kiss on Harry's forehead.
"They… starved me often. I went days sometimes without food. Then it was only a piece of bread."
"You don't have to continue."
"I'll stop if you want"
"No… I … don't want you to remember a painful past. If it's too much for you, we should stop for now."
"For now?"
"Yeah… until you feel comfortable telling me."
Harry's eyes filled with water and he let the tears cascade down his cheeks onto Draco's lap.
"Am… am I a freak?" A wobbly voice asked.
"Of course not! Is that what they called you?"
"Yeah… because I killed my parents, because I do magic, because I can't do anything right, because I made their lives miserable…"
"Nonsense. You did not kill your parents. Magic is a part of you… a good part. There is no need to be ashamed of it. You killed Voldemort… I don't think you can get any more right than that. As for being miserable… I'll show them what miserable means soon enough"
"You know you called me a freak yourself."
"Potter, you should know by now that I say a lot of stupid stuff in spite. And the only reason you are a freak is because you took so long to fall for me"
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Who in their right mind rejects my beautiful self?" Draco raised a slim eyebrow looking serious about his question.
"Someone who doesn't think they deserve… anything."
"You deserve much more, Harry. Love, home, a quiet life and peace. I am hardly worthy of you…"
"You're perfect."
"Only you would think so." Draco ran his fingers lightly over the wet cheek and exposed neck. "Don't worry, I'm not going to run anymore" Harry nodded and Draco laid a chaste kiss on his lips.
"What else did they do?"
"They lied. Told me my parents died in a car accident. I didn't even know how my parents looked until Sirius, my godfather, gave me a photo from their Hogwarts days. Well… until first year and mirror of Erised, anyway."
"Mirror of Erised?"
"Yeah… it shows your deepest desire. At that time, it was having my parents around. After that, I saw the night they died whenever dementors attacked."
"Is that how you know he offered her life for yours?"
"Yea. I could even hear her cries."
"It's over. I'm sure your mother is happy with you and proud of you"
"I know she is." Harry grinned at the answering shock in Draco's face.
"You mean to tell me, you can see spirits, Potter?" Draco narrowed his eyes.
"I can when I use the resurrection stone."
"Resurrection… but that's a myth."
"It isn't. Deathly Hallows are real…"
"How…"
"I own them all… I am the master of death, I suppose. Keep it a secret"
"Merlin's beard! You are not pulling my leg?"
"Nope. You owned the Elder wand for a while you know."
"What? How?"
"It was Dumbledore's wand… when you disarmed him it became yours."
"And then you disarmed me and it became yours"
"Mhm. Voldemort wasn't counting on that little development. He had the wand but it refused to hurt me and I was able to return his curse back at me."
"You never cease to surprise me."
"I try"
"Now, tell me about the little Dursley that I remind you of."
"He followed Uncle Vernon's example. He hit me. He was a bully. Made others in school not like me or hunt me with him. He got all the presents, the yummy food, all the love. Anything he did wrong, they turned a blind eye to it. If I was better in any way… like a better report card… I was punished."
"Did your school never notice?"
"Yeah they did. It only resulted in more punishment. Even now I don't feel comfortable in small places. Most of my nightmares are about him but some are of the cupboard or beatings or other things that pained me."
"You have nightmares about them?"
"Yeah. It seems silly really. I know I can take on all three of them, especially with magic. They can't hurt me. I am of age in this world. I have the money I might need, even without really working. I need never return but I still…"
"It's not strange love. Voldemort's gone but I bet most of us still dream of the past… the terror we felt."
"Draco… do you really love me?"
"I do, so much that I don't know what to do."
"It's hard to believe…"
"I'll tell you as many times as you need. I love you, Harry"
"Thank you, Draco. I know I am… damaged… no let me finish. I am damaged, broken. My life has been a mess, really. I know a part of me became dark and hard- it terrifies me. I have nightmares and many issues. It might take me a long time to heal, Draco but I do love you, and I don't want to let you go, ever. You are, perhaps, the only thing in my life that I have wanted and got. I… will treasure you."
Draco didn't know what to say to that declaration. Sure he was somewhat spoiled being an only child and a Malfoy at that. He knew his parents loved him; they were ready to sacrifice themselves for his future. However, when Harry said he would treasure him, a wealth of emotion surfaced in him. There were really no words to describe this feeling, except maybe overwhelming. Draco did the only thing he could and kissed his beloved with all the passion and love he felt.
Harry kissed back with every drop of love he felt for his Draco. He was glad that his past didn't create the rift he was fearful of. He let his kiss let Draco know of his relief and joy. He allowed himself to drown in the kiss until breathing became difficult. They pulled away and just looked their fill at their beloved's face. This was bliss.
"You said I am the only thing you wanted and got?"
"Yeah" Harry smiled.
"What else do you want, dream about, Harry?"
"Well… Peaceful life? But I guess it's impossible, considering my fame."
"Maybe if you take on a new persona?"
"I don't feel like changing my persona…"
"Well, it will be difficult then. I'm sure we can adjust though… strong wards" Draco grinned, his eyes lighting up mischievously.
"I feel almost sorry for uninvited guests" Harry said dryly.
"They should respect our privacy" Draco shrugged. "Now what else?"
"Umm… you said 'our'"
"Changing the topic? No matter. And yes I said 'our'"
"You… plan on living with… me?"
"Where else? You are my beloved, my lover. I refuse to be separated from you."
"But… we won't be able to marry…"
"Did you intend to get married to some witch?" Draco frowned.
"No… I meant you."
"I'll marry you, of course." Harry sat up.
"You can?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't we be able to get married?"
"Um… because we are both male?"
"Is that a muggle thing? In our world, gender doesn't matter."
"I see. That's good. I wouldn't want to share."
"O Harry!" Draco laughed. "We need to teach you more about this world."
"Maybe…" Harry grimaced making Draco laugh.
"So, was getting married one of your dreams?"
"Yes." Harry replied happily.
"What else?"
"Um… I thought of kids… but… well maybe we can adopt?" Harry looked hopeful.
"Why do you want to adopt?"
"Well… how else will we have kids?"
"We will… conceive, of course."
"Conceive…? But…?" Draco pulled his lover to himself and hugged his confused form.
"Wizards can get pregnant when they... mate with a powerful wizard. If there is one thing I know about you… you are powerful, love. I'm sure we won't have any trouble with having little Harrys."
"So… I can get… um… pregnant as well?"
"I don't know if my magic is powerful enough. It may be or maybe not."
"I see but there is a chance. I would very much like a miniature Draco." Harry smiled brightly.
"Your dreams are so simple."
"I am a simple man"
"Really now? Are there any more simple dreams?"
"Just one."
"Oh?"
"To be buried inside you, right now"
Harry grinned and captured Draco's lips in a heated kiss. Before long the clothes were off and Harry arranged Draco to his satisfaction. Draco looked down at his lover and marveled at the well formed chest. He now knew that a lot of those scars were because of abuse and his heart clenched. Draco traced old scars with his fingers and placed kisses along them. He gasped as Harry grabbed his backside and squeezed the cheeks seductively. There was passion in those green eyes, mirroring his grey ones.
Before he could think of anything, Harry inserted a thick finger into him. It slid in easily which meant Harry had somehow cast a lubrication charm while he wasn't paying attention. Draco's hands searched for a place to hold and roamed along Harry's chest, finally resting on the shoulders. He shifted to allow better access, when Harry slipped a second finger. The green eyes seemed to be challenging him and Draco took the challenge and reached down between them to stroke the impressive hard length. The number of fingers exploring increased in response.
"I think you're ready" Harry's husky voice made Draco shudder, but he managed to nod.
"Let me"
Harry let his fingers slip out and waited for Draco to position himself. For a tantalizing moment the blonde stared while holding Harry barely touching his entrance. With a smile, Draco impaled himself making Harry gasp at the sudden move. Harry lay back, firmly holding Draco's hips and aiding the movement. It was a slow workup of heat that coiled and grew in them. With each thrust they called out each other's name and panted with need. The pace naturally quickened and they rose to new heights, basking in the knowledge of each other's love and acceptance. The explosive release that followed left them both limp and shuddering from the after effects.
