Chapter 12
It was the morning of the Christmas ball at the Malfoy Manor and the house looked amazing. There were large Christmas trees in most of the rooms with fairy lights, candles and holly speckled around them. The driveway was now littered with lights in the trees and lining the driveway it self and there was a large marquee situated at the entrance to the house so, in case it was raining the guests wouldn't get wet from the car to the house. Harry woke and was exhausted. He had such a restless sleep and felt like he only had a couple hours of solid sleep. His eyes were red and his hair stuck up at off ends even though it wasn't very long. It was 6 o'clock in the morning and he thought the others wouldn't be up yet so made his way downstairs in just his silver boxers. He padded down the hall and bumped into Snape coming out of his room. He was already dressed and looked exquisite in a black robe suit with a crisp white shirt and black tie with black dress shoes. Harry blinked twice and thought he was seeing things. He saw Snape do a once over of Harry smirking and said "lead the way Mr. Potter".
Harry looked down and was mortified. "It's the morning, geez give me a break", he whirled round and ran back to his room and chucked his black jeans on to try and hide it. He wasn't going to bother with a top as he was going to have a shower shortly. Snape was still waiting by his door when Harry came back out and he raised an eyebrow at Harry. "Sorry," Harry muttered.
"Hmm," was all Snape said in return.
"Morning boys", smiled Narcissa as she sat at the table. Why is she so calm, Harry thought. Wasn't she going to have a house full of people soon?
"Good morning, Narcissa", Snape drawled.
"Morning", smiled Harry.
"Everyone is arriving at 4 o'clock so be prepared", she looked pointedly at Harry who actually looked a mess.
"Of course, I'm just about to have a shower", he admitted and looked down at his fruit.
"Right, I'll leave you to it, there are still a couple of things to organize", she stood and left the room leaving Harry and Snape alone. Harry was leaning forward with his arms on the table trying to support his heading from falling into the bowl and Snape reclined into his chair and put his left arm on the back of Harry's chair and sipped a cup of coffee with his right. Harry rubbed his face and went to sit back and felt the warmth of Snape's arm on his back. He looked to the man who winked at him and he flushed. Snape moved his right thumb and started stroking Harry's upper left arm. He shivered, that feels so good, and he closed his eyes taking a deep steady breath. This was not helping his morning hard-on. Snape leaned over and whispered into Harry's ear, "Be a good boy tonight and I'll have a surprise for you". His voice sounded so seductive he almost came and stood up so fast he would have knocked over the chair if Snape weren't applying pressure to it.
"Ok, you need to stop", Harry demanded. He leant down very close to Snape's face. "You said not to tease you, well don't tease me!" he spun around and marched out the door. Snape was very pleased with himself and it only made him more determined to pursue Harry tonight.
As Harry stormed down the corridor to his room he met Draco, "Geez, I would say good morning but I want to keep my head", he joked.
Harry stopped and growled, "that man is so frustrating".
Draco smiled, this was music to his ears, "Why?", he asked innocently.
"He tells me, and reminds me not to 'tease' him but then teases me yesterday and this morning and this is what happens", he finished by pointing to the crotch in his jeans that had an obvious bulge.
"Alright, well go sort your problem out and have a shower," he scoffed. "When you're done there will be an outfit laid out on your bed that you're going to be wearing tonight". When Harry made no effort to move he said, "well hurry up. Don't have all morning you know".
"Uh, yeah ok, I'm going", Harry said confused. He grabbed his towel and went to the bathroom for a shower. When he went back into his room he saw the blood red suit robes with black shirt and his black dress shoes were beside the bed. By the time he had done this Draco came into his room, knocking first but not waiting for an answer.
"Hmm, yes. Good choice," he said more to himself. "Now, what were you going to do with your hair?"
"Same as always?", he answered unsure.
"Hmm, yeah. Yeah I think we'll keep it the same, just…" and he made a move to spike up the front. He stood back and smiled. It wasn't much different to how he normally had it, but something about this look made him look different, older; and perhaps more mature looking. They looked to each other and Draco nodded. "Right, now, after lunch mother requires our presence in her study to run us through the night. So, we can do what we like before then".
"Ok, I'm just going to finish a letter to Hermione, then I might just do some of my Potions homework," Harry said. He really needed to get that letter to Hermione and he'd forgotten yesterday afternoon amongst the drama of Snape.
"Alright, see ya." And Draco walked out of the room, shutting the door on his way out.
Harry got his letter to Hermione out and continued writing.
- of books because everyone gets him those.
I'm quite excited for the ball because Draco says they are better than the ones Hogwarts organized so should be more fun and definitely more alcoholic. (smiley face)
Yours
Harry
P.s. This probably won't reach you in time, so have a great Christmas.
He sealed the letter and put it aside to give to Mystic later. An hour into his Potions and he heard someone knock on the door. Fearing it was Snape again; he went and opened the door to find that exact man standing there. Harry moved to the side and let him in. He left the door open this time but wasn't completely convinced Snape would repeat yesterday when he was dressed ready for the night. When he turned to face the man he was giving him the once over. "Like what you see?", Harry mocked Snape from earlier.
"I find myself admiring your beauty, Harry", he said honestly. Wow, that's honest.
"You're not so bad yourself," Harry smiled and decided to shut the door. Snape handed him a piece of parchment that looked like a letter. He turned it over to find the Hogwarts crest on the back. His eyes went wide and he looked to Snape. Exam results. If he did well, Snape was going to reward him. His heart started beating faster and at the thought of Snape doing something made his cock twitch. He needed to sit down so went and sat at his desk. With shaking hands he opened the letter and read the results.
Dear, Mr. Potter
Congratulations on your results for the following subjects:
Charms – Oustanding
Transfiguration – Outstanding
Divination (Tea leaf reading) – Outstanding
Divination (Ball reading) – Outstanding
Muggle Studies (Item identification) – Outstanding
Enjoy your Christmas break and look forward to your return.
A. Dumbledore
Harry sat back in his chair gob smacked. Even though he only had two exams he had had internal tests in the other classes. He felt a hand touch his right shoulder and snaked its way across his torso and rested just under his left peck. He looked down at the splayed hand and then up at Snape who was looking down at him. "Well done, Harry. You stuck to your end of the deal," he said smoothly. Harry swallowed. He applied a little pressure to his right hand that was on Harry's chest to keep him still and wound his left arm under Harry's left arm and found his lap. He was just about to make contact with his crotch when there was a knock at the door and Draco barged in, just in time to see his godfather straighten and Harry turn around with a blushing face. Draco smirked evilly, "Sorry, hope I didn't interrupt anything." They both looked at Draco as if they were going to kill him and he laughed. "Lunch is about ready, I was just coming to get you. But I can see you are well attended to, Harry", and with wink at Harry and an eyebrow to his godfather, walked out of the room.
Anytime I get close to him and that idiot has to ruin it, Snape thought bitterly. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and looked down to Harry who was now facing forward in the chair and looking at his hands. "Are you ok, Harry?"
Harry stood up and rounded the chair till he was facing Snape, their chests almost touching. He tentatively placed his left hand on Snape's chest and looked up to meet his eye. He hesitated but Snape had a small smile on his face. What am I doing? He thought and pulled his hand away, took a small step back and looked down. "Harry?"
"I'm sorry. I-I don't… I don't really kn-know what I'm doing", he stuttered and turned to walk out of the room but stopped before he reached the door. If he walked out then Snape might take it the wrong way. He turned around and looked at Snape. To the untrained eye he looked completely normal but being around the man for a bit he could tell he looked a little wounded. Harry laughed awkwardly, "does he always know the wrong time to interrupt us?"
There was a flash of relief on Snape's face and he walked towards Harry. "No, just extremely bad timing. Come, let's head down for some lunch. I believe Narcissa wants to speak to us before people start arriving".
"Yeah, we probably should." Harry looked up at Snape one more time as if daring himself to lean up and kiss him but thought better of it.
Snape, as sensing this was what Harry was going to do said, "Patience". And he led the boy out the room.
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It was 4 o'clock in the afternoon and the guests were to start arriving any minute. Naricssa had warned both the teens about their behaviour and how their appearance would be a direct reflection on her. Draco didn't need to be told, he knew the drill so it was mostly directed at Harry. Snape had also warned Harry and he was getting a little bit annoyed that everyone was hammering on at him about his behaviour. Imagine if I was still a Gryffindor, he kept thinking. But then subconsciously he thought, you wouldn't be here if you were. Draco had given Harry another once over and fixed his hair. His blood red suit robes were lint and crease free and his shirt was buttoned to the top with his black dress shoes so shiny he could see his face looking down at them. Draco was wearing a dark green, almost black suit robe with a black shirt also with black dress shoes however he was wearing an emerald tie and had his family ring on his middle finger of the left hand. They both straightened and stood proudly by the doorway as the guests started arriving. Snape had disappeared for now but was wearing his black suit robe with crisp white shirt and black dress shoes with a black tie and had his hair tied back at the base of his neck. He also sported a ring which Harry assumed was a family heirloom, he hadn't noticed it before when they were in Harry's room so he must have just slipped it on. Narcissa was at the front door greeting those who arrived. She was wearing a long black flowing dress that had a slight trail that dragged behind her. It was modest in the front, not revealing too much but enough skin to show off a beautiful dark green gem pendant that had a 'M' engraved into it and was held together by a snake shape. The collar of the dress was high and stopped at the base of her skull. It was long sleeved, with the sleeves made from patterned lace where the rest of her dress was fine cotton. Her hair was pulled back elegantly in a 1970's style up-do and fastened in a bun at the back. She looked very elegant and it definitely seemed she took pride in everything she did.
By half past 6, all the guests had arrived and there were people everywhere catching up and chatting. There were wait staff moving about offering drinks and nibbles and were dressed all in white so they stood out. Harry hadn't realized this but there had been a large marquee erected out on the back lawn with tables and a large dance floor that was going to be kicking off later in the evening. Currently, several Ministry officials who were looking to induct him into the Auror division had cornered Harry. After chasing a man who wanted to kill you for most of you life, the concept of volunteering to chase them and getting paid for it sounded baffling. All he did was nod his head and politely say that he was still thinking about it and he wasn't too sure what he was going to do but thanked them and said that if he needed to know more that he would seek them out. This seemed to please them for now and they moved on to the next victim. Harry looked around and saw Draco in conversation with an older witch and Narcissa was talking to the Minister of Magic, Shacklebolt. He couldn't currently see Snape, but he felt like he was suffocating and could see another Ministry official making her way over to him. He quickly ducked around a corner and made his way to the kitchen. There shouldn't be guests in there, he thought. He slipped into the kitchen and took a deep breath. Essy wasn't too happy to see him in there but he promised to stay out of her way. "Where's the liquor kept in here, Essy?" He needed a drink. She pointed over to a cabinet and he made his way over. When he opened the cabinet there was a huge variety of spirits. He didn't know what any of them tasted like but he spied the Firewhiskey and took the bottle out. He saw some shot glasses underneath the bottles and grabbed one. Gah, not good in a shot, he pulled a face as the Firewhiskey rushed down his throat. He did another one and decided that was enough. He put everything away and headed back out into the crowds. He walked into one of the rooms and Draco stepped beside him.
"Where did you get to, hmm? A certain someone was asking for you".
Snape? "Firewhiskey. Shot." But then added "'s'" at the end. Draco turned his head and gave him an 'are-you-serious' look and Harry just shrugged.
"I was cornered by some Ministry officials and it was doing my head in".
"Well, don't get drunk. That's coming later," he winked at Harry.
They noticed people were starting to head outside so they followed and then heard the music coming from inside the marquee. There were people and couples on the dance floor and were dancing a waltz. There was a young girl, about the boy's age who was smirking at Draco and making her way towards him. Draco grabbed Harry by the wrist and waist and hurled them towards the dance floor.
"uhh, Draco?"
"Just roll with it, Potter. She's been following me around all night", he whispered harshly in Harry's ear. Harry felt really weird. He had never done something so close with another guy before. Although he wasn't overly convinced a girl would be much better. They danced through the first song but continued into the second as the girl was still hanging about.
Snape watched on in amusement. He was talking with an Apothecary storeowner from Paris about rare ingredients and watching the two teens dancing at the same time. Harry looked so awkward and Draco was doing his best to lead him through the various moves but was starting to struggle. He knew he should help out but Snape could see a young girl about the same age as them itching to get her hands on Draco. He stood, said a fond farewell to his contact and made his way over to the boys who stopped and looked to him. "May I, Draco?" he said holding his hand out to Harry.
"Bout bloody time", he shot back quietly at Snape who raised an eyebrow in warning at his language.
"Mr. Potter?"
Harry took his offered hand, put his left hand on Snape's shoulder with his right hand holding Snape's. The music gained tempo and Snape glided them effortlessly around the dance floor. He pulled Harry close to him for the first time since the first encounter and it felt so right and not at all awkward like it had been with Draco.
The song ended and they stopped moving. "Excuse me, Severus?" called a voice from beside them. It was an older looking woman who was smiling at the Professor with a friendly smile. He moved to face her and Harry moved his hand however, Snape kept hold of his right hand.
"Mrs. Flockerly", he bowed slightly to the woman, "how lovely to see you again".
"And you, Severus. May I have a moment of your time?"
"Of course", he smiled and he leant down to whisper in Harry's ear. "I won't be long, try not to cause any trouble in my absence will you", he pulled away and squeezed Harry's hand a little and let go.
"How much trouble can I get into with lots of people and free alcohol?" he joked.
Snape scowled and narrowed his eyes at Harry. "Do. Not. Test. Me. Brat", and with that he walked over to one of the round tables where Mrs. Flockerly was waiting for him.
He couldn't see Draco so he went in search of his friend outside the marquee. There were a few people outside having cigarettes and talking, but mostly everyone was in the marquee dancing. Harry spotted Draco inside the house and went to see him. When he rounded the corner the blonde jumped and placed his free hand over his heart. "Geez, Harry. You know you're starting to walk like him. You nearly gave me a heart attack".
"Sorry. What are you doing?"
"Well, seeing as it is after 11 o'clock, it means our duty is done".
"Huh?"
"Honestly, Potter. Use that mass between your ears will you. We are no longer required to be seen therefore, we can disappear. Everyone will be in the swing of drinking and dancing now so shouldn't notice our absence". He held up two bottles of Firewhiskey and Chocolate Liqueur. "Shall we?"
Harry giggled and like the last time said, "Why are we still talking?"
They snuck out of the kitchen and up the stairs to Draco's bedroom upstairs. As they walked along the upstairs corridor they could see the marquee. They entered Draco's room and he shut the door, turning the light on. Draco produced two shot glasses as Harry took his blazer off and flopped onto Draco's bed. "Oi, bone head", he threw Harry a glass and plonked himself down next to Harry. He filled the glasses with Firewhiskey and he raised a toast. "May we get merry…"
"…And be jolly on this Christmas Eve", Harry finished. They clinked glasses and downed them. He could feel the liquid scorching his throat but the effects were going to be worth it. They did another shot each and put everything on the floor. Draco got up and went over to a cabinet sitting just under his window and turned his radio on. He turned it up and all Harry wanted to do was get up and dance. After a couple of minutes, he could feel the alcohol starting to course through his body and he started to get fully absorbed into the music. It was a mixture of Muggle chart-toppers and techno beats. Draco ditched his blazer as well and took his tie off, throwing it around Harry's neck and undid Harry's top button.
As they danced, they drank and as they drank a certain surly man was looking for Harry. Blasted boy, where did he get to? He had searched the marquee twice but couldn't see him so went outside. Now that he thought about it he hadn't seen Draco either. He turned his head around the outside of the marquee and then noticed a faint light coming from the corners of Draco's bedroom doorframe. He narrowed his eyes and stalked off towards the house. Harry and Draco were having an awesome time and they had only made half their way through the Firewhiskey. Harry's head was spinning and he felt so alive, Draco was the same but he tripped on the rug in the middle of the room and fell over. Harry was in hysterics when Snape stormed into the room. Harry stopped laughing immediately and froze wide-eyed. The music stopped suddenly and Draco was rolling on the floor clutching his toe and sniggering at the same time.
"I-I'm sorry, Snape. Uh, I'm really sorry. Draco had these bottles, and, and, and we came up here and, well we only had a little bit, but –"
Snape cut him off. "But. What?"
Harry crumpled to the floor on his knees right in front of Snape and stayed stock still with his head bowed. Snape's eyes widened at Harry's actions. "Stand", he said and Harry stood with his head still bowed. He was swaying with the alcohol but wasn't enough to make him fall over. Snape bent over and picked Harry up at the waist and tossed him over his shoulder. "Get to bed, Draco. You're mother will not be impressed". And with that walked out the door. He decided that it would be safer for Harry to stay in Snape's bedroom rather than his own so he could watch over the boy. He kicked open his door and set Harry on the bed. He wandlessly closed the door and went to his briefcase and pulled out a Sobering Potion. "Open your mouth. Swallow". Harry followed his instructions and instantly felt his head clear.
Harry sat up and looked up innocently at Snape who was glaring at him. "This is why I can't leave you alone," he said deadpanned.
"Yeah, really sorry about that".
Snape got rid of the empty vile and came back to sit next to Harry on the bed. Harry was facing the end of the bed and crossed his legs. Snape sat down where Harry's legs had been and turned slightly to face him. "What am I going to do with you, brat?"
"Kiss me?"
