Author: TheSiner

Title: Another Cinderella Story

Genre: Romance, Drama and some attempted humour :)

Pairing: Harry/Draco (main)

Summary: HP/DM, AU, no magic. Modern day Cinderella story (loosely based on). Staring: Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. This is a story about fairy-tale-like love from the first sight, something which I believe happens only in fairy tales.

Rating: It's not too bad

Disclaimer: These characters are not my own and belong to J.K. Rowling and affiliates. Fandom does not belong to me. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warnings: slash (duh!), OOC, A/U, non-canon, swearing, not betaedited.

Chapter Fourteen

Viktor and Ron were getting on like a house on fire. It looked like love from the first sight (at least on Ron's side), just not the romantic kind of love.

It was obvious that he didn't even want to get in the car and part from his idol. Fred and George almost dragged their brother into the taxi.

It left Harry with Hermione, whom he had offered to drive home, and Viktor. Ivan and Kostia didn't really count, meaning that they were not going to stop Viktor from discussing their relationship after Hermione got out of the car. Viktor would probably propose that they should talk and-- Harry really didn't want to 'talk'.

He had kind of dated Viktor for three weeks before returning to London. Kind of, because he didn't date anyone these days, he 'kind of' dated. Harry wouldn't have called the football player his boyfriend. Besides, at the time he hadn't been forced to define their relationship. Viktor had to stay in Russia to play football, Harry had to return home. It had been easy. No strings attached, no complications. By-by, send me an email once in a while.

Harry had always suspected that Viktor had not been happy with that, but not quite ready to give up his career for their relationship. And (what a great surprise), suddenly one of the best football clubs in Britain decided to buy him and now Viktor was here and, as far as Harry could tell, wanted to pick up where they had left off.

Shite.

Viktor was a great guy. Handsome, successful, kind, intelligent, he had great body – everything one could wish for in a boyfriend. Sirius adored him. Misha approved. Now Ron had joined 'We Love Viktor Krum' club, too.

Harry, himself, on the other hand, had no idea, what he was feeling for the man… but, no, it was not true, he knew exactly what he was, or rather b was not /b feeling. There was nothing wrong with Viktor, but it would have been easier if he had stayed in Russia or even returned to Romania. Then Harry wouldn't be forced to make a decision he was not ready to make, the one he had avoided the first time, the decision that might hurt Viktor or someone else, depending on what it would be.

Why did it made his stomach twist when Harry returned in his thoughts to the moment Draco had stormed out of the club after Viktor had given him the flowers. White roses. Somehow they didn't feel right at all…

The boy turned his head and looked at Viktor who smiled at him. It was one of those kind, reassuring and a tad hopeful smiles that made him feel guilty even if Harry hadn't done anything wrong.

No, there was no doubt, maybe Viktor was in London to play football, but he was there tonight for Harry.

***

Draco wanted to hit something or someone, it didn't matter at this point.

Harry.

No. No matter what, Draco didn't believe that he could ever raise his hand against Harry. There were many other ways of venting his anger Draco could think of, involving Harry Potter. And that was the problem. Draco had been forced to leave, before he killed someone or threw the boy over his shoulder and carried him out of the club, away from all those people who were ogling his… not his anything. But still, he hated everyone ogling his little ex-lover.

He had wanted to tear Nott's hands off for touching Harry. Draco had to get away from there before he did exactly that.

"Draco! Draco! Will you stop for a moment!"

Draco was in no mood for Zabini. He kept walking.

"Draco!" Blaise grabbed his friend's shoulder and spun him around forcefully.

"What has gotten into you?" He demanded catching Draco's eyes.

"Leave me alone Zabini," Draco snarled.

The other man's face twisted into a grimace that made the handsome face suddenly look almost frighteningly ugly: "I can't believe you, Draco! Are you still pining after that, that good for nothing nobody?"

The taller blond didn't answer, but the truth was written all over his face.

"Fuck you, Malfoy!" Blaise spat. "How can you… so you enjoyed seeing him tonight? Wriggling his ass all over the dance floor offering it to anyone willing like a cheap tart he is--"

"Shut--" Draco pushed Blaise away from him. "bShut the fuck up,/b" he didn't yell, he was too angry to, but the low, threatening tone of his voice should have scared Blaise if he hadn't been too far gone to care.

"Oh, yes, Draco, he was practically wearing a sign: 'Here I am! Come and take me'! And you, you… What is so special about that whore? Why him? Why? Why him and not me Draco? He doesn't want you anymore, by the way! Didn't you notice?"

For a moment Draco wanted to punch the living lights out of Zabini, to wrap his hands around his pretty neck and squeeze until… but seeing him so livid, so miserable…

"Don't you dare to pity me Malfoy!" Blaise snarled. "It's you, whom I feel sorry for. You, you miserable sod!"

Draco raked fingers through his hair brushing it back and sighed tiredly: "Go home, Blaise."

With that he turned around and started walking away.

"You will regret this Draco Malfoy! I will make you regret this!"

Draco heard the other man shout after him, but he just kept waking. All he wanted was to go home. Or rather to Severus', which supposedly was his home for now.

***

Tom Marvolo Riddle lifted eyes from the stack of documents he had started signing and looked out of the window. London could be very dull some days. Not that he had ever been bothered by such trivialities as weather and scenery.

Then there was a knock on the door and one of his most trusted allies proudly strolled into the room. For a moment Tom admired the man's posture and looks. He could appreciate beauty. It was one of the indications of good breed. Survival of the strongest. Tom had always believed in that. The defective and the week were waste of space.

Lucius was everything a man should be – good-looking, ruthless, devious, efficient and ambitious. The man had inherited enough money to last him lifetime, but had not been idle. The same as Tom on that accord – he always wanted more. Without doubt he had earned his place as Tom's favourite. It was a pity that the man was only few years younger than Tom, he would be a worthy heir.

Of course there was that wonderful young man, Draco, more beautiful than his father, even. There were many things Tom would have wanted to do with the boy, especially after seeing him with that delightful, little thing in a drag, he hadn't suspected that Draco had that kind of interest, but one should thread carefully there, since it wouldn't do to upset your second in command, however the possibilities were endless. Nevertheless, Lord Riddle could see Draco becoming his protégé and much more. Surely even Lucius would see advantage to that, if Tom promised to make the boy his heir…

"What brings you here, Lucius? I don't think we had an appointment,"

"No, my Lord, you have no reason to punish your secretary this time," Lucius smiled coldly. "But I am afraid that I am a bearer of bad news."

"Of course," the other man nodded as if that was something he had already been expecting. Which was true, he often received bad news, but it was always possible to turn them into better ones.

"This time we might have some serious trouble," Tom motioned for Lucius' to sit down and continue.

"Trouble named Sirius Black."

That got a reaction out of the stoic man, the dark blue eyes narrowed: "I thought we took care of him."

"We did," Lucius Malfoy confirmed. "But since the solution was not permanent I am afraid my wife's dear cousin has managed to leave his kind caretakers. Some time ago, it turns out."

"Why was I not informed?"

Lucius sighed: "Because our friends who were looking after my cousin were reluctant to let us know of his absence."

"Of course," the Russians had obviously been afraid to report Black's escape and had hoped everything would settle by itself. Their fear was not unfounded. The ones who were responsible would be punished.

"Remind me, why we didn't get rid of him for good?"

"To keep his godson, Black's heir from inheriting Sirius' fortune, to allow his cousin, our dear Bella to control his properties during his absence. Besides we thought he might be useful."

"Yes, of course," Tom was already regretting some of his decisions.

Then it had made perfect sense. No one had doubted that Potters' unfortunate demise had been just a terrible accident and they hadn't wanted to attract any unwanted attention and suspicion so they had dealt with Black in that particular way. As far as anyone was concerned Sirius Black had exiled himself to somewhere in Tibet heartbroken by the loss of his friends and didn't want to be found. The only one who hadn't believed their tale had been Remus Lupin, who had thought that Sirius Black was dead. But no one had believed an ordinary schoolteacher and his conspiracy theory over Black's family.

Riddle couldn't say that the decision to appropriate Black's fortune had been wrong. His father, Orion, had had a significant part in Riddle's enterprise. The old man's death had been unfortunate. His son had inherited everything and he had started to investigate with the help of his friend James Potter and would have certainly withdrawn if he had discovered the true nature of his father's business. Or worse.

Black was a reckless, unbalanced idiot – at least according to Bella. James Potter, however, had been too smart and lucky and nosy for his own good. They could not afford him finding out about some aspects of their business.

They had left the Potters' offspring alive as well after he had miraculously survived the car crash, again, not to attract too much attention. He hadn't cared if the boy received his inheritance at the age of eighteen. He would take the money and leave happily oblivious. But with Black in the picture… who knew what would happen. If Albus Dumbledore joined 'the party', the consequences could be unpredictable and most likely dire.

"Black has already filed a petition demanding revoking of Bella's proxy,"

That was not good. He gestured for Lucius to continue.

"We haven't managed to discover who is behind Black. I am certain he is not on his own."

"Albus Dumbledore?"

"Probably, but it has not been confirmed. However, there is a curious thing,"

"Yes?"

"He will be represented by Severus Snape."

"Your son's godfather?"

Lucius nodded scowling, barely hiding his anger.

"I have been watching him for some time and, unfortunately, I don't believe this is a coincidence."

Tom agreed. Severus Snape had never been privy to much information about their organisation. However, they had used his services as a barrister once in a while. He was not pleased to think that some information of their dealings might have gone astray. It was very likely, though.

"It appears he has picked his side, and it is not ours. I must admit that I am disappointed."

Lucius nodded gravely.

"I thought he was my friend and we held similar beliefs. I was unpleasantly surprised to realise that one of my oldest friends had the kind of hung-ups that hinder a man from being as successful as he could. He is a fool. One more thing. My son is staying with him at the moment."

"Ah, Draco. A remarkable young man. But I have heard that there has been some kind of disagreement in the family…"

"Nothing serious. My son is being difficult. A late teenage rebellion, I would say.

He will come around," if he knows, what is good for him, remained unsaid.

"I am sure he will. But his placement with our treacherous Severus… Could it become an advantage?"

"It might,"

"Yes, I am sure you will manage to lead your son back into the fold and bearing presents. But returning to the matter on hand - when did you check on the Potter boy for the last time?"

"About five years ago, I sent Pettigrew I think," it hadn't seemed very important then.

"Hm," he couldn't actually blame Lucius for letting things get out of hand. He hadn't bothered as well. Black had been safely hidden behind the bars.

"Do we have his picture?"

"No, not a recent one,"

"How inconvenient… but there isn't much choice, is there? Find the boy, Lucius," Tom ordered.

Harry Potter was the key. If they got their hands on the boy, they might be able to control Black, among other things.

***

The next day breakfast was a strained affair in Berezin-Black household. Harry looked ready to use his fork on his godfather instead of using it on his fried bacon. Sirius, however was happily blabbering away, completely oblivious to darkening of his godson's mood.

"..and then Viktor says…"

"Sirius…" Harry tried to interrupt.

"—I will go to the end of arse—yes, he really said 'arse', but, he meant 'earth', of course—,"

"Sirius."

"—for my Harry, so London is only like the next door. Did you hear that Misha?"

"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed slamming his fork on the table with so much force that the top of the sugar bowl fell off. That finally got his godfather's attention. "Stop trying to fix me up with Viktor!"

"But Harry…" Sirius looked truly confused.

"No! Don't Harry me. It's just… Why did you have to tell him where I was yesterday? Why did you have to give him our London address? Aren't we supposed to be hiding?" The boy demanded pulling at strands of his dark hair in frustration. It was a new nervous habit he had learned since cutting his hair significantly shorter.

"Yes, we are supposed to be hiding, but not from Viktor! And I thought you would be glad to see him," Sirius finished with a wink and Harry felt a strong urge to roll his eyes. "You like Viktor, don't you?"

"Yes…" Harry said and regretted it immediately when he saw his Godfather's triumphant grin. "Yes, I like him, but as a friend!" He hurried to add. "Only as a friend."

"But didn't you…"

"Yes, we did, but… Sirius, I… We met in a club and went out and… then I went home… I was never so serious about it," he glanced at Misha, begging the man to make his lover to understand with his eyes.

"Oh," Sirius suddenly looked as if someone had taken away his favourite toy. "It's just that I thought… I liked Viktor very much and I thought that he might be good for you."

Harry felt a pang of guilt seeing his godfather so disappointed: "He is a great guy…"

"You think so?" Hopeful.

"But I am not ready to be in serious relationship with anyone right now. It's nothing against Viktor," Harry pleaded with his eyes. He needed Sirius to understand and accept.

Sirius scratched his neck thoughtfully: "Alright, Harry, tell me if I got it right – you are not ready, but if you were ready –only theoretically – to have serious relationship with one man, that man could as well be Viktor Krum. Right?"

"Well… I guess, he could… but I am really not ready."

Harry and Viktor had talked in the car after dropping off Hermione. Harry had told the man that he was not sure if he was ready and at the moment so many things were happening in his life… Viktor had promised to be patient. And if he thought about those things logically, maybe the Romanian deserved a chance, maybe Harry should give him one. Maybe he should stop rejecting men just because they were not Malfoy.

Misha shook his head. Harry had finally turned most of his attention on breakfast and hadn't noticed the devious glint in Sirius' eyes. That excited glint could mean only one thing – his love was planning something. Misha just hoped that it wouldn't end with a disaster.

He would have to keep an eye on his lover.

***

For their meeting father had chosen 'Albert'. One's choice of restaurant could tell a lot about the character of the forthcoming meeting. It would always be high-class and expensive, of course, but this time Lucius obviously had chosen a place that provided patrons not only excellent food, but privacy as well. 'Albert' was one of the places where Lucius Malfoy took his business partners and other associates when he didn't want to be overheard.

The fact that Lucius hadn't expected Draco to meet him at the Manor and the choice of the place meant that father was at least pretending to take his son's rebellion seriously. If he really did – that was a different matter. Honestly, Draco was quite sure, that Lucius thought he was indulging him; the man was as arrogant as they came.

As soon as Draco gave the Maitre'd his name, he was led to a secluded area, where Lucius Malfoy was already waiting for him.

"Hello, father," he greeted first, plainly, refusing to play any games.

"Draco," the older man nodded. "Sit down."

Draco wanted to snort. He would have to sit down, unless he wanted to stay standing there while they were talking. Of course when he sat it would appear like Draco had taken Lucius' order.

It didn't bother Draco though. Trying to assert dominance this way… it was ridiculous.

Draco sat down without saying a word. He didn't pick up the menu demonstrating that while he had chosen to indulge father with this meeting, he had no intention to stay for long and they were not on good enough terms to share a meal.

Lucius didn't insist. He was not stupid and he wanted to talk to Draco and didn't want to give the boy a reason to leave.

"How have you been? Has Severus been amiable? Ah, but what am I saying… it's Severus. Of course he hasn't. When has Severus Snape accommodated anyone?" Lucius smiled amused by his own joke.

"I have no objections. At least he will not go behind my back," he wanted to wipe that smirk off the man's face.

Lucius' eyes suddenly grew cold and hard: "I beg to differ. I am sure you are not aware, but he has gone behind bmy/b back very recently."

Draco allowed himself a sneer: "I am sure, with a good reason. And you are wrong, I am aware. He might have mentioned something like that."

It was apparent that Lucius could barely reign in his anger. So for a moment he said nothing, but sipped his wine.

Then the man let out a long suffering sigh: "Draco, I understand…''

"No, you don't and even if you do, you don't care father,"

"You are my son, just because of some misunderstanding…"

"It was not a misunderstanding. What you did, you did purposely and don't deny it was you."

"I was looking out for you Draco," it was obvious that it was not going to work, judging by the younger blond's expression. "I might have misjudged the situation, son," Lucius conceded.

Draco snorted. Father had not been looking out for anyone. He had done it, because he could, because he took perverse pleasure in ruling the lives of those who were close to him.

"I understand that you are angry, son, and I am ready to make it up to you. Nevertheless, at the moment we can't allow such minor incident to divide us. The family, we must stay united. While I don't mind you living with Severus–"

"So it is about Severus."

"Yes, Draco. It is about Severus," Lucius admitted testily annoyed with his son's abruptness. "Unfortunately, your godfather has betrayed me, us."

"He has done nothing to me," Draco countered.

"This is a very serious matter, son," Lucius' tone was warning.

"Yes. I assume it is, since Severus told me the same and he has not lied to me so far," Draco ignored his father's scandalized expression. "This man, Black, who is he?"

That got Lucius' attention: "He told you about Black?"

"Nothing much, " Draco knew how to play games too. By giving up some information he hoped to make father talk. "But the man had stopped by the office two days ago."

"Really? Was he alone?" Lucius was instantly on alert.

"No."

"Who was with him? Was there a boy? A teenager, around eighteen, dark hair—"

Draco straightened in his seat and put down his glass: "What has Harry to do with anything?" He didn't want the man anywhere near Harry! It didn't matter that they were not even together and the brat had… despite everything, he didn't want Lucius to know about Harry, to be anywhere near Harry, to have anything to do with Harry.

"Harry? Do you mean Harry Potter?"

Bloody, fucking… Draco knew that he had slipped. He stood up – too fast, but it was too late for playing it cool.

"I have to go…"

"No wait a minute…"

Draco was not going to.

"Draco!"

He heard Lucius call after him, but made his way towards the door without looking back.

"Bloody, buggering hell…" Draco swore under his breath. He had totally lost it when he had seen father's way too interested expression as soon as he had said Harry's name. Was Severus right? Was the boy in danger? In danger from Lucius?

Draco needed time. To think, to make decisions… decisions he was not ready to make and probably never would be.

But, damn, he couldn't let anything to happen to Harry.

When did his life become so complicated? When had he started to feel so much, so deeply?

***

Lucius carefully set down his glass and released the delicate stem from the vice like grip of his long, elegant fingers. It would not do, to break it. He could not be seen throwing tantrums in public, could he?

However, this did not change the fact that right now he would have very much liked to smash the glass against the wall. Lucius was starting to loose patience with the boy. This was not the right time for his son to start acting as a petulant child. Especially, if he knew something about Harry Potter. But what? How? From where did Draco know little Harry? And, it had seemed, knew very well.

Something about the situation was gnawing Lucius. Something… he couldn't quite put finger on it.

Oh, but he was definitely going to look into it.

And he would definitely have to do something about Draco, and rather sooner than later as he had planned, since it was obvious that they were going to need him.

***

Misha walked into the sitting room frowning. Remus looked up from his newspaper and Sirius paused the movie he and Harry had been watching – they were perfect movie watching companions, because nor Harry, nor Sirius had seen any of the new blockbusters.

Misha was holding some sheets of paper in his hand and from the crease between his brows the other men could tell, that he had something to tell them, so they just waited.

"I just got this from Snape. It was delivered by a courier. It says that Harry has to come to the GobLink, meet their representatives so they can sign the inheritance over to him. Preferably in three days time after his eighteenth birthday. If for some reason it's not possible for Harry to come, he must let them know, so they can make other arrangements."

"Sounds reasonable enough," Remus said folding up his newspaper.

"Yes," Sirius agreed. "What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing," Misha however didn't sound convinced at all. "Nothing's particulary wrong with that…"

Someone's cell phone went off.

Misha reached into his pocket: "It's mine. From Dumbledore. Hello, professor Dumbledore, how can I help you?"

While the Russian listened, making noncommittal sounds, indicating that he was paying attention, the crease between his brows returned and started getting deeper. Sirius had a sudden urge to get up, go to his lover and even it out with his lips. As far as he was concerned every problem that had something to do with Misha's body could be treated by his lips.

Remus on the other hand was trying to work out what he felt about the fact that Albus Dumbledore had obviously chosen Misha as his contact person. After all he and Sirius were the ones who had known James and were directly involved in the situation… but the Headmaster had probably chosen wisely. It was obvious that Mihail was the leader among them. Harry was too young, Sirius too brave and reckless, Remus himself (he could admit that) too careful.

In the beginning he had not really trusted the Russian with his money, his strange way of life and dubious morals, but he could see that the man really cared for Sirius and had grown to care for Harry as well. Remus did trust Misha. Not that the man wasn't a bit of a mystery still, but…

Harry was fidgeting nervously. He could feel that something was not right. Misha was concerned which meant that Sirius could see it very well and was getting al fidgety too, honestly, the boy had started to think that they shared some sort of telepathic connection.

Finally Misha closed his phone and slid it back into the pocket of his suede jacket.

"Dumbledore has been watching activities of our mutual 'friends'. He says that they have been busy lately. They have stopped by the University, shown particular interest in Harry's relatives--"

"What about the Weasleys?" Harry interrupted him.

Misha shook his head: "Dumbledore's people are keeping an eye on them. Do you think the Dursleys knew that you were staying with the Weasley family, Harry?"

The boy bit on his lower lip thoughtfully: "Erm… well, I don't really know, I mean… no, I doubt they knew. I mean, I haven't seen them since Vernon…ehe, since… well you know…"

i'Threw Harry out on the street,'/i the three older men would have finished the sentence for him. Misha's eye caught Sirius' and understanding passed between them. The Dursleys would pay one way or another as soon as the current mess would be dealt with.

"That is very good, Harry," Misha continued. "Apparently not many people know that you lived with Weasleys and not many people knew you at the University. Your friends had been talked to. They had been warned not to disclose any information about you to anyone. From what I gathered, Dumbledore implied that your disappearance and the secrecy have something to do with the witness program or something like that, really hush-hush," Misha grinned, he apparently found it amusing.

Harry's smile was sad – he was glad that his friends were safe and not surprised that most of the people at Hogwarts had not even noticed his existence, sure, it was convenient right now, but it kind of stung a bit. That he could just disappear one day without anyone noticing.

"One thing we can't deny. Riddle's people are looking for Harry," Misha went on. "What concerns us most right now, is that they know that Harry is coming of age in two days and has to meet the representatives from GobLink to claim his inheritance. The building is being watched and we can't know if they don't have someone inside as well."

"Shite,"

"Yes, Sirius, as you said,"

"So," Remus wanted a clarification. "Taking Harry to Goblin- erm, representatives of GobLink could be dangerous?"

"Yes,"

"So, maybe we should postpone this for couple of weeks?" Remus suggested.

Misha shook his head: "No. We can't delay it for more than a week or maximum two and they know it. They will still be there two weeks later."

"So what do we do?" Harry could see that Misha was planning.

"We will have to find a way to bring you into GobLink and smuggle you back out without our watchers noticing," it was obvious that Misha didn't know the answer to the main question yet, which was, how?

Suddenly Sirius sprang up: "I know! I know! We use disguise!"

Misha looked at his lover pride shining in his eyes. Sirius could be crafty when it became necessary. The idea was very simple. Maybe too simple, but could work, Misha decided. He had been contemplating crazy schemes like delivering a huge, human-sized package or… but disguise was probably a much better idea.

"I am a genius, am I not?" Sirius was excitedly bouncing from one foot to another.

"And modest too," the Russian deadpanned, but then graced the pouting man with a warm smile. "Yes, idorogoi/i you did well."

"What kind of disguise you mean?" Harry's voice piped up. He sounded strangely suspicious.

"The less you look like yourself the better," Misha smiled at the boy.

Harry pursued his lips, his face completely closed up, showing no emotion at all.

Then Misha remembered something: "Wait a minute… didn't you have some experience with disguising yourself as a--"

"No!" The boy exclaimed, the pretence of nonchalance gone from his face. "No way! I refuse!"

Sirius turned towards his godson, his lips twisted into a mischievous smirk.

No, not again, Harry groaned.

TBC

A/N: Another chapter. I hope, you enjoyed it. Let me know.

Thank you for reading and reviewing!