Author's Note: Well here we are again still working away on this, I'm almost done the next chapter as well should he up in a couple of days. Yes it is a lemon my friends, full on Harry and Draco action! So look forward to that and thinks for still reading.
Chapter 11: Healing Arts
"Harry! Is this for real?" Draco was sitting on the couch currently clad in the most ridiculously short shorts Harry had every seen with one of his plain white t-shirts. His hair was coming loose for it's ponytail as large liquid grey eyes were staring at him over the paper. He had contemplated whether or not to tell Draco but he had no secrets from him before, and he was not about to start now. He waited worrying his lower lip as he watched for his lover's reaction. He soon found himself with an armful of happy blonde.
"That is so amazing Harry!" he sat on the couch allowing the long slim legs to wind about his waist. Rising an eyebrow he felt smooth skin nuzzle into his neck. "Order of Merlin First Class…an honor Harry." Giggling he placed a kiss at his pulse point, "Herodotus James Potter Order of Merlin First Class." Humming in satisfaction Harry ran his hands up his lover's slim back. Draco pulled back cuddling into his chest before idly playing with his hands. "How many is that now?" Shrugging Harry just held his blonde love closer. Holding up his fingers he began to recite, "Well you have your Aura training first class certification, your liaison to the department of mysteries, the Defender and Champion of Hogwarts, the leading authority in the world of the Dark Arts as well as defense of them, and I believe there's a knighthood in that somewhere is there not?" Nodding Harry sighed that had been an experience, he had been knighted rather soon after getting out of the hospital he had been on some serious pain meds at the time the whole ceremony had been a blur. Draco had taken a lot of pictures though.
"Now they're giving you the order of Merlin, I'm very proud of you Harry." Shrugging again he shifted uncomfortably, 'I didn't do really anything to deserve them…' disbelief coloured the voice from his chest area. "Are you kidding? Harry you single handedly brought down Voldemort. He was the greatest dark wizard of our time, of the age really, and you Harry saved us all." Kissing the blonde head softly he hugged him tight, 'Yeah…but you saved me, and the best title I can think of boyfriend to Draco Malfoy.' Draco grinned at the words in his line of vision, "I love you too Harry, and regardless of what you think I am proud of everything you do."
'Oh yeah? Well I'm proud of my budding healer. Can't wait to watch your ceremony.' Chuckling Draco moved to rest his forehead against Harry's, "Not going to let me get away from that are you?" Shaking his head Harry held his eyes, "Promise me I can come home to you…every night…" there was an empathetic nod from Harry then a defeated sigh. "I'm going to apply…someone has to look after you." Grinning they kissed slowly sweetly. "Hmmm I'm beginning to like this kissing you whenever I want thing. Oh by the way talking to Ron today, we are going home for Christmas whether we want too or not." He felt Harry's silent laughter; Draco squiggled around in his lovers lap until he was settled into a comfortable position to see the TV. Sighing in contentment Draco relaxed there was nowhere else in the world he'd rather be at the moment.
-#-#-#-
The days began to take on a pattern, as the cool days of September faded into the chilly nights of October, Draco was in absolute bliss. School was so much more interesting at this level, he'd finally professed his desire to be a healer much to Harry's amusement he cornered his godfather and much to his surprise, Severus had accepted his godsons choice rather gracefully. His application had been sent with letters of recommendation from his head of house as well as the headmaster. Harry had offered but Draco didn't want to play on using Harry's fame, he wanted to get it on his own merit. He also now had special permission to assist Madame Pompfry in the infirmary; He was fast becoming a regular fixture there.
As far as Draco was concerned life was perfect except for one thing…Hermione. Ron and Draco were trying to draw her out find out exactly what was going on. It did seem however that she continued to withdraw from all those around her. It was hitting Ron the hardest. Which was why he and Draco were currently meandering towards Hogsmede to get away from the school and do some shopping, as next Saturday was the ball. Draco wanted to get a jump on Christmas shopping as well as get Harry a little something for his big announcement. "How you holding up Ron?" The red head shrugged looking at his feet as they entered the village. "Alright I don't really know how to deal with her." She had refused to come with them today. Draco had held off saying something to Harry about he and Ron's suspicions, Harry seemed overloaded lately the ministry had a sudden influx of dark materials coming in. Draco understood he was busy, and Harry slept with him every night cuddled close but he was gone early in the morning and wasn't home until late at night.
"Hey Draco look," Ron pointed to the bookstore's window there was a rather elegant hardcover book there in a black jacket. The letter on the front was slowly shifting colours, it was Harry's book. Entering the store they both picked up a copy flipping to the inner jacket he read the reviews, " 'A brilliant, and fresh new mind to an age old debate, Colour of Magic is a riveting read.'" Draco read to Ron who was grinning, "They really do seem to like the book." Draco nodded carrying it over to cash register, "Yup going to buy a copy." Ron raised an eyebrow, "Doesn't Harry have a copy you can have?" Draco shook his head, "No, no he just has the written work."
The two wandered around Draco got some new shirts, as well as much candy as he could carry. He was fond of wizard's candy, but truth be told he adored muggle treats. Harry was awful for feeding his addiction getting him new things to try wherever he was sent in the world. Idly chewing a licorice wand Draco left Ron staring at the latest in brooms to meander into a little curio shop next door. The place was rather haphazard all sorts of curious and weird things lined the walls. Draco felt for sure he could find something for Harry in here.
"Can I help you young master?" came a cheerful call nearly jumping out of his skin he turned to the wizened old women standing expectantly by. It was on the tip of his tongue to say he was 'just looking' when something made him pause, "Actually I need a gift." Nodding the old women gestured grandly, "Indeed young sir, indeed, a gift we can no doubt find for you…but may I inquire what kind of gift it be?" Draco nodded before replying, "Yes, it's for someone rather special…who is going to be receiving a rather special title very soon." The old women cackled, "I think I can help you," she hurried over to her glass counter tops. Following Draco watched as she muttered to herself studying the trinkets within, shaking her head again and again. Finally gnarled fingers came to rest on something. "Ahhh yes…" she whispered pulling it reverently out before setting it the counter.
Looking down Draco blinked it was beautiful, a lion rampart stood on hind legs pawing the air. It was a little old and tarnished but it had a quite dignity about it. The lions eyes looked to be made of rubies, the blood red stones seemed to glitter in the low light of the store. "Belonged to Godric Gryffindor himself it did, was made to sit on the pommel of his sword." Draco touched the pendent reverently it was perfect…he was almost afraid to ask if it was for sale and if so how much. The old women looked at him levelly, "I would never part with such a piece like this normally…but then I think no one deserves it more then the one who currently wields his sword." Surprised Draco looked at the old women, "How did yo-" she cut him off with a wave of her hand, "Matters not young sir, what matters is it will suit your purpose." Even if she was parting with it, it still cost Draco ten gallons he tried not to wince as he counted out his money. He made sure to use his own. Harry was well worth it.
Leaving the strange old women the present safely tucked in his pocket he met Ron, were they headed for Hog's Head for some lunch.
-#-#-#-
Draco woke slowly the sun streaming in the large windows was warm and comforting stretching out his arm he felt a moment of panic when he didn't feel Harry beside him. Sitting up quickly in bed he frowned where was Harry? Feeling unaccountably sad he glanced at the pillow beside him his frown immediately turning to a grin there was a single white rose with a small note attached to it.
Time to get up lazy come on downstairs for breakfast.
Bounding out of bed he ran down, "Harry!" he rounded the bend to see his love currently sitting before a large spread reading the paper. "Oh Harry!" running up to his boyfriend he threw himself into the welcoming arms, he felt a soft kiss on his head before the words 'Happy Birthday' floated before his vision. Hugging the man Draco leaned up for a much more intense kiss pouring all his emotion into it. Pulling back he grinned, "Thanks love," nodding the dark haired man pointed to a small pile of presents on the table, Draco felt tears treating to spill. His parents never believed in birthdays he'd never thought anything of it until he'd seen the sort of bash they had thrown for Harry last year. He'd had confided his lack of birthday's to his love in passing not thinking anything of it until last year. When everyone had thrown him a surprise party he'd been overwhelmed and deeply touched.
Settling himself in Harry's lap he sighed in contentment when strong arms surrounded him and he felt Harry rest his chin on his head. Gesturing to the gifts Harry signed, 'Go ahead love there all for you.' He pulled a box over addressed to him from Ron and Hermione, inside was a black and red rugby jersey the colours or Ron and Harry's team. Flipping it over he saw the back said number 7 and Malfoy. He felt Harry laughing softly behind him, 'I think this one was Ron's idea' he signed. Nodding happily he hugged the jersey, "I wanted one but only the team gets them and there's no way I'm actually going to play that sport. I heal people not break them." Still laughing Harry pulled another box forward it was Blaise and Pansy, inside was a large book on muggle healing. Inside the cover he recognized Blaze's handwriting, " 'Drake, good luck in healer's collage, you'll defiantly need this especially hanging around Potter.'" Laughing he set the book aside for a more through perusal he'd heard Harry snort softly at Blaze's glib comment.
The next was from Harry a big box of his favorite muggle treats, he sighed in happiness. Candy that wasn't going to attempt to eat him, one of the big reasons he so loved the mundane sweets. Giving Harry a grateful look he opened up the next present it was the first season of one of favorite shows, "Yes! Harry CSI NY! Thank you!" Giving his lover a quick hard kiss he looked at it reverently, he'd become addicted to the show watching it over the summer. Setting it aside he opened the last present it was several new healing arts books, "Harry?" turning his questioning gaze to Harry, the other smiled opening the book to the first page inside was an thick envelope with the Healing Collage crest in the corner. Sucking in a deep breathe he looked back at Harry, "It hasn't even been a month yet Harry…" he whispered shrugging Harry gave him a small squeeze urging him to open it. Taking a deep breathe he slowly opened it his eyes quickly darting to the first line, " 'Dear Mr. Malfoy we received your application and are please to extended to you our utmost gratitude for choosing our school. We look forward to seeing you next year to begin your studies with us…' I got in!" Shouting he got up running across the room in blind jubilation. "Harry I got in!" He did a couple more laps before once more throwing himself into his lovers are and kissing him senseless, "I got in!" he murmured between kisses. "Most prestigious healing school in the world and I was accepted." Harry nodded, pulling back he signed, 'So very proud of you Draco, congratulations and I love you deeply.' With one last intense kiss Draco pulled away running back to their room, "Come on Harry we're going to hall!" He missed the loving smile that followed him, Harry couldn't be happier at the moment, and even the impending ball this evening wasn't going to damper his mood.
Quickly dressing Draco pulled on his new shirt on tugging Harry's hand the. The taller teen allowed himself to be towed along to the great hall. Harry was busy watching Draco's tight little ass sway as he hurried towards the great hall. Admiring the view he grinned at the way the blonde pony tail swayed in time with his hips. Deciding to tease his little love he sped up passing him slightly. Grinning Draco went even faster almost running trying to match his taller lovers stride. Before they knew it the two were running full tilt into the noisy front hall.
Laughing and flushed Draco ran right to Ron's side sliding in beside him, everyone was at Slytherin table today. Harry sat across from him grinning he winked at the blonde. Ron started when he felt a pair of arms give him a hug, "Thanks for the shirt Ron!" laughing the red head returned the hug, "No problem, happy birthday mate." Releasing him he also thanked Blaise and Pansy. Fidgeting around he grinned at everyone and no one barely able to contain himself. "Ok I give what is it?" Ron asked looking to Harry was smiling just as wide. "I got in!" the blonde yelped, "I got into healer's collage!" Laughing everyone added their congratulations to the birthday wishes. It was a day for celebration.
After breakfast they meandered back to Gryffindor common room to chat and hang out. As evening approached they retreated to there respective rooms to get ready for the evening. Draco had showered dried his hair and was currently putting on his best dress robes. He critically eyed himself in the mirror, he hadn't actually ever worn these, smoothing the soft material he smiled ironically. They were of the finest quality, one of the last things his parents had ever given him. He'd had to fixed them slightly, as he was not as large as he had been, though as Harry pointed out he had never been big. 'You look beautiful love' the words glowed before him smiling he turned his attention to Harry standing at the head of the stairs and his breathe caught. Harry looked like he'd stepped out of some medieval novel; he was wearing tight black pants tucked into knee high black boots, his shirt white shirt was covered by his red tunic sporting the Hogwarts crest of arms. The long tunic was gathered at the waist with a thick leather belt tilting to the side where the sword of Gryffindor hung. A black cape completed the ensemble , Harry looked every inch the knight.
Smiling Draco moved towards him, "Sir Herodotus, tonight," grinning Harry struck a pose before the blonde was within reaching distance. He grabbed him close bending him over his arm kissing him passionately. Starry eyed Draco smiled nuzzling his boyfriends neck. "Why don't we skip the party love and just spend it together in bed?" he felt that silent laughter, 'In a heartbeat my love but I afraid the Prime minister Weasley would have me drawn and quartered.' Suddenly Draco pulled away, "I just remembered!" Moving over to the bed he grabbed a small box passing it to Harry. Dark brows rose in question before he took the lid off. Draco bit his lip in anticipation as his lover looked over the gift. The small blonde smiled at the incredulous look on Harry's face, "The lady at the store said it was Godric Gryffindor's and that it rightfully belonged with the sword." Harry reverently took it out of the small box carefully fixing it to the hilt, watching as it slid into place perfectly.
Harry felt the aura surrounding the sword shudder before thrumming through him even stronger. Grinning he pulled Draco close again, kissing him hard, 'Thank you love.' Content Draco kissed him back, "Your welcome, its a little celebration gift for your big announcement." Giving his little love one more kiss on the nose he pulled him to the stairs, 'The sooner we get there and get this over with the sooner we can come back to bed.'