Beta: noscrubs12345*
Title: Harry's Dirty Little Secrets 28/28 Complete
Rating: R- NC17
Word Count: 8,805 this chapter


Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related characters do not belong to me, I simply borrow them to play with, and make no profit besides my own amusement


Harry had not missed the opportunity to meet him at the Three Broomsticks. After spending all morning picking out something to wear, he arrived to see Draco already sitting at the bar. He grabbed a stool and just watched him for a moment; the blonde had not noticed his arrival, but he seemed to be ignoring all of the attention centred his way. He motioned to the bartender and asked him to send Draco a butterbeer on his behalf.

"He hasn't accepted any other drinks," he warned Harry.

"Just tell him it's from me."

Draco didn't bother to look up, already pushing the drink away before the bartender spoke and pointed at Harry. Draco looked over and nodded after a moment with a small smile, accepting the drink. Harry took that as an invitation and relocated to the stool beside him.

"I seem to remember you being a lightweight. Thought you'd appreciate this instead," Harry teased.

And so began his courtship of one Draco Malfoy.

July

He won the World Cup in July and celebrated his birthday.

He had been able to convince Draco to accept his invitation to watch him play the final match of the World Cup. Harry had to exercise patience when his teammates swarmed Draco in welcome, all spending time catching up with him.

When he had finally caught him alone, he asked for a good luck kiss which Draco had promptly given him on his forehead.

The entire team played the best they had all season, and it was lucky for Harry they were on their top of their game because he kept getting distracted by Draco in their private box. This time he didn't have the incantation sparkling Harry's name above him, but he was waving a little flag.

Counting the time they met at the Three Broomsticks, they had been on about five dates. Harry was having a great time with Draco on these meetings, although it was hard to restrain himself from being too forward.

For his birthday, when his family asked to throw him a party at the Burrow, he decided to accept as he wasn't going to be spending it pub hopping as he had previous years.

It was almost as if he had never been gone, with the ease that Draco manoeuvred around the various family members and in the way they received him in turn. Thank Merlin, Molly kept her word and didn't try to ask any uncomfortable questions about their divorce and had simply hugged the young man like she hadn't seen him in years.

"Happy birthday!" Hermione said joyfully.

"Thanks." He returned her hug.

"I guess it's a good sign that Draco's here. How's it going with the courting?"

"Good, I guess. I mean, he accepts when I've ask him on dates." Harry smiled, gaining confidence. Draco may have been reserved, but he had not turned him down once, except a time when he had to reschedule because he had things to do with the twins.

All the presents were lovely, but he was looking forward to Draco's gift the most. Finally, the blond approached him with a medium sized black box with a small silver bow on the top corner.

"Happy birthday, Harry." Draco offered the gift, their fingers brushing when he reached to take it. He was happy to see he wasn't the only one affected at the touch.

Harry removed the lid and slowly drew the small white card from the inside.

"Driving lessons?"

Draco laughed at his look of confusion. "A little birdie let it slip that you have no idea how to manoeuvre an automobile, so I got you paid lessons."

"Oh." Harry's' face flushed with embarrassment at being caught out. He glared at the twins because he was sure they were the ones that let it slip.

"I thought we could learn together." Harry's smile returned at that. "And if you manage to pass the course, Harry, then the second part of the present is yours."

Harry's attention went back to the box. He pushed aside the tissue paper and lifted out a key ring with a prancing horse on it. "You're going to learn with me?"

Draco nodded smiling.

"You bought him a car?" Ron asked in surprise. "How rich are you, Draco?" His question incurred laughs.

"A Ferrari!" Arthur oohed, appreciatively easily recognising the keyfob.

"The salesmen said that it was top of the line. It's even done in a Gryffindor red that I'm sure you'll like," Draco informed him with a pat on his shoulder.

August

Learning to drive...was an experience.

"We would like to learn in our own vehicles so that it's an easy transition. Your manager said it would not be a problem," Draco informed their instructor, who was standing with his mouth gaping.

"No, that's fine. I've just never seen anyone learn in one of these before." He couldn't draw his eyes away from the luxury vehicles.

"Is there a problem? I was assured that the manufacturing on both of them is excellent," Draco asked again, looking toward Harry in confusion.

"No, not at all. Let's get in so I can give you a demonstration."

Harry and Draco shrugged when they saw him run a hand just over the bonnet without actually touching it.

"How expensive are these things?" Harry asked as he held open the passenger door for Draco.

"Not that much," Draco answered nonchalantly. He didn't see the instructor's disbelievingly look, but Harry did and it did a lot to confirm how extravagant the cars probably were.

It got interesting once Draco was behind the wheel.

He had been excited to discover how fast the car could go, and once he had control of the acceleration and the brakes he set fearlessly off onto the streets.

A particularly hairraising turn had the instructor gripping his seat and yelling, "Oh my god! Stop please! Pull over!"

Draco complied, pulling over to the side. The man threw open the door and hurled himself out.

"Are you all right?" Draco called after him.

"You almost rammed us into that car!" he screamed back, resting his hands on his knees.

"What is he going on about, Harry? The charms on the car would have made it get out of our way," Draco asked, turning to him in the back seat.

Harry smiled. That had been exhilarating. The speeds the car could go up to made you feel like you were flying.

"I don't think Muggle cars have charms like the Knight Bus."

"When is he getting back in? I want to continue driving."

"I think you broke him," Harry replied, looking sideways at the man who was now sitting on the pavement with his head between his knees.

After their first and only lesson Draco decided they knew enough of the basics that they didn't need any more lessons and would rely on a notice-me-not spell and whatever charms the Knight Bus had on it.

Two weeks after their adventure in driving, Draco asked to meet him so he could ask him a favour. Harry knew he would have agreed to anything, but when he heard what it was, it was nothing that he could have ever imagined. It was all for Percy's birthday.

The family gathered around the large table in a private room of the restaurant. When it was time to open presents, Draco asked to give his first.

"What is it?" Percy asked, taking the rolled up parchment from its wrappings.

"You mentioned once, in this very restaurant actually, that you would have preferred to be a law wizard rather than work at the Ministry. I spoke to my solicitor and filed an application on your behalf for the training program in his firm."

Percy eyes widened and he unrolled the parchment, reading over the details.

"It's a very elite program, but when they saw your N.E.W.T.S they knew you were qualified and can't wait to meet you. If you choose to do it, of course." He smiled reassuringly.

"It's fully paid," Percy whispered in surprise, looking around at his family and only finding encouraging smiles. "You're taking a risk. I may not even pass it and the money will go to waste."

"When have you ever failed anything, Perce? I know you're not happy at the Ministry. I told Draco this would be good for you, and I know you'll be great," Oliver assured him, wrapping his arm around his shoulders.

Percy looked down for a moment. "Thank you, Draco."

"Thank Harry and Oliver. They cinched the deal. Their spaces for the year were already filled, but the head of the firm happens to be a big fan of the Chudley Cannons. He made it happen as long as I agreed to loan these two out for an evening.

"Completely innocently, of course," Draco clarified when he saw Percy's horrified look.

Draco had a way of doing these amazing things and then pretending as if they were nothing to execute. Which in this particular deed, Harry knew it had not been that simple, but throwing his weight around and threatening to take his family's business elsewhere had got the application in. Percy's qualifications and the head of the firm's love of Quidditch had taken them the rest of the way.

Harry really loved that about him, his unassuming niceness.

September

Harry was really starting to hate every unattached gay male in the vicinity.

"Will you at least be my boyfriend? Help me look a little less like a nutter when I tell these wankers to go away?" Harry complained, glaring at another would be suitor.

Couldn't they see that he and Draco were trying to eat in peace? He knew Draco was handsome and they would want to make their move, but couldn't they see he was not unaccompanied and certainly not available?

"Or you could stop threatening to hex people just for looking at me," Draco offered with a raised eyebrow, taking a bite of his pasta.

"No, I'm pretty sure the only thing that will calm these hormone driven prats is if you're taken," Harry argued, waving about his fork and disregarding the piece of steak that clung to the tines.

Draco looked amused but not at all convinced.

"Okay, I would like you to be my boyfriend because I love you and I want to be in a proper relationship with you," Harry tried again, trying his damndest not to blush.

He knew his second attempt was successful when Draco's face softened. "I guess I should accept since I don't think you're half bad either," Draco said causally, hiding a smile beneath his napkin.

"Okay then." Harry smiled before stuffing the somewhat cold meat into his mouth and chewing enthusiastically now in a much better mood.

It became easier to deal with his admirers after Draco agreed to be his boyfriend. The only thing that was missing was the intimacy.

Harry kept waiting, but Draco wasn't inviting him up to his flat when he would drop him off. He would always kiss him on the doorstep. Harry would savour his soft lips, getting away with a touch or too before Draco would untangle himself from his embrace and bid him goodnight.

Everyone else was moving forward though.

Percy started the training and couldn't stop raving about it, although Harry figured he was probably taking turns now talking about his new career and Oliver's marriage proposal.

X x x X x x X

"They look happy," Harry commented, setting down his and Draco's slice of cake. The newly engaged couple was dancing, attention only on one another.

"We have some success as matchmakers," Draco agreed, reaching for the cake and a fork.

Harry thought back to the time when the twins had requested he encourage Oliver to ask Percy out again. He was glad it had worked out for both of them. Now here they were celebrating at their engagement party.

"Maybe not all meddling is bad, but I'm not doing it again," he warned in case Draco had any ideas. He took a bite of the strawberry shortcake; he really loved this flavour. He always left the strawberry for last.

"Don't worry. Those days are behind me. My last deed was moving out," Draco said mysteriously. His pink tongue peeked out to lick the cream off his fork, reminding Harry of all the things that dexterous tongue could do.

"How are your parents now that you're not living with them?" Harry asked, trying to get himself to stop fantasising.

"They're doing well. My mum has decided to redecorate the entire manor and it's driving my father mad."

"Oh, but she's just trying to make your house look nice," Harry offered, not really understanding Lucius's problem.

"The house was already beautifully decorated, but she's just doing it because she knows it's annoying my father. That's just the way she is sometimes, a little passive aggressive," Draco laughed.

Harry nodded knowingly, remembering Draco's birthday party and the glares she sent his way as she paraded the replacement Harrys. "Your mother's not happy you're dating me, is she? I didn't think she liked me very much."

"I like you. That's enough for now." Draco smiled, taking the strawberry off of the top of Harry's cake slice. Harry made a token protest but seeing the blond bite into the succulent fruit and savour it just so was more than worth the loss of the strawberry.

"At least Dobby is not eying me anymore when I pick you up." Harry exaggeratedly shuddered, trying to focus once more.

" He's just getting better at hiding." Draco smiled impishly and Harry's shudder became all too real.

October

Draco dressed as an angel, even though he was quite plainly a devil.

Harry knew that Draco was very committed to his role as a partner in Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, so it didn't surprise him when he cancelled their plans for the weekend because he had to help out at the store. It seemed the staff at the flagship store had all been exposed to a new product still in its experimental stages and were indisposed until Monday.

George and Fred were already split up at the other two stores, and Draco refused to lose the revenue the store would bring in during the Halloween rush. So when Draco announced his plans to work during the weekend, Harry was quick to volunteer himself and half the Quidditch team to help out so he could still spend time with Draco. And help the twins too. That was in his list of priorities somewhere.

"Don't you look precious, Harry," Draco crooned, looking at the two black furry ears that were springing from the top of Harry's head.

"Do I really have to wear this?" Harry tried one more time.

"It's good for business. Once the customers see how realistic they look, see the full range of motion and the sensitivity-" he rubbed behind one furry ear making Harry jump. He could fully attest to how sensitive those things were. "Then they'll be clamouring to buy them and add them to their costumes."

"Now come on. Just take one of these." Draco moved away to give out the pills to the rest of the temporary crew.

"I don't want to be a cat, Draco," Mark complained, moving away from him.

"You won't be. You'll be a panther," Draco reassured him. The man, assuaged with the clarification, reached out for the pill.

No one mentioned his ears looked exactly like the rest of theirs.

"Come help me with this, Harry."

Harry followed him up to the second floor while the others began to straighten up and get ready for opening the store.

"I have to get some stuff down from the top." He motioned to the top of the shelves. "Hold the ladder still please. I don't want to risk levitating something I shouldn't and end up with another epidemic."

Harry nodded, grabbing a firm grip and admiring the muscles in his round arse as he climbed the rungs.

He looked around to distract himself and really took in the amount of merchandise that was stored all throughout the shelves. "Wow. I remember when we first set up the shop and now you've helped them get two more."

"They have great merchandise and the Nines are extremely marketable," Draco's reply wafted down to him.

"Are you pimping Weaselys now?" Harry teased, shifting his grip.

"If I were, I would be a millionaire twice over, both by their vast numbers and the attractiveness that runs in the younger generation," Draco said lasciviously, bringing down a box under his arm.

"Hey!" Harry said when he stopped looking at the descending rump and Draco's words got through to him.

"I'm not attracted to redheads, no matter how lovely," Draco reassured him, rubbing an ear and drawing an involuntary purr from deep in Harry's chest.

"Hmm, I didn't know they were this realistic," Draco said in delight, reaching to touch them once more. Harry caught his hand in embarrassment and brought it down to his side before he made contact. Trying to distract him, he asked, "What time should I pick you up for the party?"

"Were we going together?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course. Why wouldn't we?" Harry asked, genuinely taken aback.

"I don't remember you asking me," Draco teased gently, extracting his hand so he could set down the box. "Maybe I already accepted someone else's invitation."

"Did you?" Harry grabbed his hand in panic when he straightened.

"Of course not, Harry. I'm sorry. You're just too easy. Maybe it's the atmosphere of this place has me in a joking mood." Draco laughed. "Go on then. Ask me so I can say yes and we can open. The clients are getting restless." He pointed to the window they could see from the second floor and the eager faces pressed against the glass.

"Will you accompany me to the party?" Harry even did a silly bow.

"I'll allow you the honour." The blond snuck in a quick rub of the cat ears before moving to the top of the staircase.

"What are you going as, by the way?"

"You'll see." Draco threw a smile over his shoulder.

The rest of the day was sheer madness with all the business the store drew in. Draco gave their orders and the Quidditch players carried them out as efficiently as they had their plays on the field.

They sold out of the ears quickly, which made Draco very happy.

Which almost made up for the fact that his picture would be gracing many a teenagers' wall, to be cooed at cat ears and all. Oh, the things he did for love.

X x x X x x X

He dressed as an angel.

A fallen angel, Harry made the distinction quickly after seeing him.

Large white wings curled on his bare back and the only thing the blonde wore was loose white linen slacks and sandals that exposed what Harry had always thought were very sexy toes.

When he had picked him up at his flat, he'd taken one look and suggested they stay in, but Draco would not consider missing the twins' party and Harry certainly wasn't about to let him go alone.

So he spent the entire time glaring at everybody until they averted their eyes as Draco and he made the rounds. The only good part was that his secret weapon had turned out to work perfectly.

Once the pill took effect, Draco was only interested in petting his cat ears.

November

There is a bonding in November. Sadly, it's not their own.

Percy and Oliver decided to hold it at the Burrow. The week before the ceremony was full of preparations that all the family took part in. Draco arranged for the elaborate tents, Hermione handled the catering, and Molly directed everyone on where to set the tables and chairs.

Harry was told to sit at a table along with the twins to copy the procedure Bill's wife, Fleur, had been trying to teach them for fifteen minutes now, but his arrangement did not resemble hers in any way. They soon got demoted to clean up and ensuring that the gnomes in the garden were taken care of.

During the ceremony, Harry and Draco held hands and watched their friends promise to spend the rest of their lives together. Harry had been afraid the bonding would be uncomfortable for Draco, but he seemed to be enjoying himself.

There was nothing in his expression that said otherwise, even though Harry was feeling a little uncomfortable himself, remembering his own bonding ceremony. When Draco was off dancing with George, Harry took a moment to catch up with Ginny, who he saw serving herself a drink at the bar.

"Hey," he greeted, coming up beside her.

"Hey yourself. How have you been? How are things with Draco?" she asked, giving him a hug.

"Good. Very good." Her eyes sought him out and found him on the dance floor, this time with Fred.

"Is your mum still cross?" Harry asked Ginny when he saw Molly take a moment from beaming with happiness at her son's marriage to glare at her daughter.

"Bloody furious is what she is. But I'm not ready to marry and if I want to live with Tom, it's really my decision, isn't it." Ginny straightened her shoulders, not backing down from her mother's censuring look.

Harry nodded, understanding her point. He wouldn't want to be Riddle, that was for sure. But the other man seemed unfazed when he joined them a bit later and Ginny excused herself to join him at their table.

Percy and Oliver loved the gift that the Quidditch team, Harry, Draco, Ron and Hermione had orchestrated: a week at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec, which, after seeing pictures, Harry became very interested in visiting himself sometime with Draco.

When the party wound down and the guests of honour were long gone, leaving behind only family and a lush or two at the open bar, Harry asked Draco to dance.

He tried not to step on Draco's toes, smiling gratefully when his boyfriend re-positioned his hands and took the lead. The chandeliers were shining off the blond strands and he just looked down at the man in his arms and wondered if they would ever do this again. Get married. He couldn't help but let loose a laugh, which drew a questioning glance from Draco. He shrugged; he couldn't believe he was having these thoughts, and, for once, it didn't cause imminent panic.

Especially because, even though he was still not getting any, he was not becoming disinterested. He still yearned for him, but there was so much more they were sharing right now.

Like exploring Muggle cinema together.

It occured to Harry that Draco had never been to the cinema when he mentioned a film during one of their lunch dates. He decided he wanted to be the one to introduce him to Muggle entertainment, beginning with the cinema and all the different genres.

They started with horror. There was a movie called Saw 5 playing in 3D. Harry figured it was a good choice because, if it was too campy, the 3D effects might be enough to entertain Draco. The ticket seller reassured them there was no need to have seen the previous four instalments to understand this one, because they were all pretty much the same.

Harry spent the first half hour convincing Draco he didn't need his wand and that the villain wasn't looming over him.

He liked the way Draco wrapped his hand around his bicep and tucked his head into his shoulder when he got disgusted at the severed limbs and the torture.

"That was disgusting, Harry, and barbaric. Why do people like this?" Draco asked on their way out.

"People like the adrenaline rush they get from being scared," Harry shrugged.

"That wasn't scary."

"I have bruises that say otherwise," Harry contradicted, pointing to his right arm.

"Shut up, Harry." Draco punched him on the arm and moved ahead.

They liked the comedies, although Draco complained that some of the humour went beyond bawdy to perverse.

They scorned romantic comedies, but Draco insisted they sit through them to complete the movie going experience. Harry saw how involved he got in the plots, smiled at his cursing of the characters and the satisfied smiles when they ended up together.

Draco also liked action movies. He was very impressed by the car chases and the explosions, the adrenaline pumping scenes and even joyfully pointed out when he spotted his car in a scene of one of the movies.

There were no fantasy movies playing in the cinema, so Harry brought over a trilogy that some of his Muggleborn friends had always raved about.

After watching Lord of the Rings, he turned to Draco to see his reaction and was surprised to see him with a pensive expression.

"What's wrong?"

"Why couldn't our elves look like those?" he mused and turned to look at Harry closely. He shook his head. "Actually, it's better this way. If Dobby looked like Legolas, you may have been tempted."

"What?" Harry didn't know the particulars, but he knew he was being insulted. He pulled Draco to him and started to mercilessly tickle him.

December

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L Smith

When Draco invited him to dinner at Malfoy Manor he hesitated, not sure how he was going to be received. They arrived at the house and Harry was taken aback at the holiday transformation to the grounds and inside the house. There was a giant tree in the front room that almost touched the ceiling, but he could see more trees in the other rooms they pass, some completely silver and blue, others gold and red.

It was amazingly well done, and Harry felt bad there was no one else around to enjoy the decorations.

When they sat down to their five course dinner, Harry realised he had no reason to be nervous. At least where his reception was concerned, Lucius and Narcissa barely paid attention to him or, surprisingly, Draco.

The conversation was biting between them and the barbs were thinly veiled, not at all like their previous wit that was open to interpretation.

"They're still fighting," Draco confided, leaning toward him and encouraging him to eat.

"Why do you sound happy about it?" Harry whispered back.

"Before they had a cold war raging in here, now these conflicts are fuelled by a more passionate source." Draco's smile was full of satisfaction, and, although Harry had no idea what he was going on about, he shrugged and dug into the delicious food he probably couldn't even pronounce.

After licking his spoon clean of crème brulée he turned to Draco, who was busy observing his parents.

"Are you ready?"

"We can go, Harry," Draco agreed, excusing himself from the table. Harry followed suit, saying goodbye to the older couple and shuffling out of the dining room.

"That was...strange," he commented, helping Draco put his coat back on.

By comparison, the present opening at the Burrow was very different. The house was full of their own particular style of holiday cheer. The decorations didn't match, old ornaments mixed with the new, elegant with silly, but it was the kind of chaos that made the Burrow feel like home.

They were welcomed warmly, and Harry was relieved to see Ginny decided to attend with Riddle in tow. Molly, for her part, was being civil enough, although Harry could tell she was struggling to contain herself.

When they started unwrapping gifts, each person eagerly ripped apart the wrapping and exchanged thank yous for the gifts they received.

"They're beautiful, Draco! Thank you!" Molly preened in front of the mirror, admiring the shine of her earrings.

"I'm sorry. I was a bit rushed this year, so it may seem a little impersonal to have gotten everyone the same things, but I'll think of something a little more fined tuned for each of you next year." Draco promised, having gotten diamond earrings in different stone settings for the ladies and watches for the gentleman.

"Well, we got an IOU," Fred said smugly.

"Does that mean anything?" George asked his brother, peering over his shoulder and sending Draco a wink.

"Within moral and legal reason, yes. Anything," Draco replied.

"Not fair. I want an IOU. I would cash it in for a car," Ron called out, admiring the shine of diamonds on his timepiece, only to be cuffed on the back of his head by his reprimanding wife.

Harry was filled with joy at Draco's words. He had said next year, which meant he was planning to stick around for that long.

"Ronald, we taught you better than that," Molly scolded him.

"It was just a joke, Mum. Draco, knows right?"

The man nodded with a brief roll of his eyes.

"You better be. Well, if we could please have your attention for a bit, Arthur and I would like to show you all something." Harry realised Arthur wasn't in the room anymore; he hadn't noticed him leave. "We would like to commemorate this Christmas with an addition to our family clock."

Arthur brought the covered clock into the room and, with a wave of Molly's wand, the cloth was gone and the face was exposed.

"We had hands made for our new son Oliver, and also for Draco. You'll always be a part of this family," Molly assured him, Draco's mouth opening in surprise.

Harry reached out for Draco's hand, holding it between his own. "Thank you," he mouthed to Molly and she nodded.

"As for you, young man," she said, pointing at Tom, "please come by more often with my daughter. I'd like a chance to get to know you too. I certainly don't approve of your living arrangements, but you make my little girl happy and I guess that's all I can really wish for."

Harry smiled when he felt Draco start to lean into him until his head rested completely on his shoulder, their hands still entwined. "I have your present at home. I'll get it when you drop me off," Draco whispered and Harry nodded.

"I'll give you yours too."

They stayed a while longer, revelling in the merry making and warmth of the festivities, but excused themselves shortly after a red-cheeked Molly began asking them when they were going to get married again.

The inside of Draco's flat was as luxurious as Harry had imagined. He recognised a lot of the same articles from when Draco lived with him: The dragon statue, that expensive vase Harry had always been nervous about breaking, and even the lamp Harry had been looking for was sitting there on a table. It felt like half of Harry's home was inside these foreign walls.

Draco's tree stood in the corner of the living room; it didn't seem too tall, maybe about Harry's height and nowhere near as flashy as the ones at the manor. White fairy lights were wrapped around the tree, sparkling in a blinking rhythm, and silver and red decorations hung from the branches. A simple star was placed right on top.

In front of the fireplace was a plush red rug with thin silver swirls. Two red stockings hung above the fireplace, one with Draco's name, the other, not surprisingly, with Dobby's. Harry shook his head. Hermione would love to hear about the position the elf held in this household, but he decided not to mention it, lest it spur her to start up SPEW again.

Where was the elf anyway? Hiding somewhere? Watching him from the shadows?

"Dobby has the night off," Draco answered his unasked question, casting an Incendio at the wood in the fireplace. He only turned on one lamp in the centre of the coffee table, casting a soft glow around the couch.

"Where does he even go?" Harry couldn't think of any place the elf would hang out or anything he would do for fun.

"He visits with the Hogwarts elves. He likes to scandalise them with his tales of being a free, paid elf."

Harry laughed, imagining him being a pest to someone else for once.

"Is that mine?" he asked eagerly, spotting a large flat package covered in the wrapping paper he recognised from the gifts Draco had handed out earlier that evening.

"You can open it if you like." Draco conjured a bottle of champagne and two fluted glasses, carefully filling each about half way.

He bent forward to grab the present and joined Draco on the couch, picking at the edges in anticipation.

"Stop teasing yourself. Just open it," Draco urged, taking a sip.

He tore at the wrapping paper with one big swipe down the middle, peeling back the edges until all the pieces were on the floor. He wasn't sure what he was looking at for a moment, then it came to him with startling clarity. He was looking at his family tree.

In a large gilded frame was an painting of tree. Portraits hung from its branches with names written neatly underneath in Draco's handwriting. He instantly recognised his parents, but was quick to find some of his features in the faces he didn't know.

"My father helped me with the Potter side of the tree. Hermione lent a hand with the entirety of your mother's side," Draco informed him. "I had no idea where to start, and she is absolutely brilliant at researching."

"Thank you." He reached for his glass and shot back the sweet tasting champagne all at once.

"Now I feel like a prat for just getting you that painting."

"What painting?"

"From that guy you liked. The French guy that did shrubs or something. I noticed you spent the most time looking at his stuff, so I bought you one."

"You remembered that? The only art show we went to was months ago." The way Draco looked at him made his heartbeat pick up in anticipation.

Draco took his empty champagne glass and put it carefully on to the table. He inched sideways on the couch until their knees were touching. Slowly, he reached out his hand, tucking it behind Harry's neck and drawing him closer until their lips brushed softly once, twice. Before letting their lips meet, Draco's tongue flirted with the corner of Harry's lips, slipping into his mouth just a bit before withdrawing.

Harry breathed in his expensive cologne, relishing the scent of it on Draco's skin. Harry pulled away a little and started trailing kisses from his mouth down his neck to that sensitive spot hidden away behind his ear. Draco turned his head to give him more access, and Harry was further emboldened by the hand that was currently tracing the waistband of his jeans.

While he nipped at the long neck, he used his hands to move up the edges of his cashmere jumper until he had to pull back to help him lift it over his head. Harry began struggling with the small buttons on the long sleeve, but Draco made no move to assist him; although he wanted to hurry, he knew better than to rip the shirt apart.

He grumbled, pushing free each small button from its hole, ignoring the stifled laugh above him. He finally managed to unbutton it all, parting the edges and baring the pale perfection of his lean chest and firm abdomen. Sweeping the sides down his arms, he found another barrier as Draco held out his left sleeve, which was still buttoned at the wrist. He quickly undid the last buttons and gently pulled his arms free, leaving him half naked.

"Are you sure you want this?" he asked even though his body begged him not to ask the question.

His answer was to pull Harry's jumper and t-shirt together over his head. They leaned forward to kiss each other once again before passion got the better of them, helping each other out of their pants. Harry scooped his hands under Draco's bottom and hefted him up facing him. Draco wrapped his legs around his waist and shifted to get a better grip, rubbing their erections against each other.

Harry manoeuvred them in front of the fireplace, grateful for the muscles in his legs helping him maintain his balance as he lowered himself onto the ground, and carefully laid Draco back on the soft rug. There was enough light from the lamp and fire that he could see him clearly, skin awash with the golden warmth of the flames. Of all the beautiful people he'd taken to bed, no one had been able to rouse as much sheer need as this man did.

Even with all these months of celibacy, he was not in a hurry; he wanted to treasure Draco, worship his body as was his due.

He licked and nipped at as much flesh as he could, relearning his body with his hands and lips, revelling in the gasps from the man above. Fingers in his hair pushed his head insistently toward where Draco wanted the attention the most. He chose not to comply right away, instead kissing and nipping his lean thighs, getting close to the apex of his thighs but moving back before he came into contact.

With a familiar whine and the tightening of his fingers in his hair he finally moved. Harry ran his fingers lightly through the pale blond curls before taking hold of the erection. He licked a line from the base to the tip, catching Draco's mercury gaze with his own.

His cheeks hollowed when he moved his lips across the shaft, alternating between small sucks to the head before swallowing him to the root. He let the saliva pool in his mouth until he had managed to suckle the entire shaft until it glistened. Draco's desperate pleas for more aroused him so much that he found his hips thrusting forward, rubbing his cock against the softness of the rug. He gently cupped his balls, rubbing two fingers close enough to his opening that he felt Draco tense in anticipation. He couldn't tease either of them any longer.

"In the pocket of my trousers," Draco panted.

At Harry's questioning look, he smiled. "I knew I wasn't going to hold out much longer."

"I would have waited however long you wanted," Harry assured him, kissing him softly.

"And I love you for that, but I'm ready so get to it," Draco ordered softly, reaching down and giving Harry's cock a firm squeeze.

Harry wandlessly summoned the lube, uncapping it and whispering a warming spell before drizzling a bit over Draco, slowly working a finger in to prepare him and using more to stretch him gently.

"I just adore you," he couldn't help but whisper against Draco's forehead.

He brought their faces closely together, maintaining eye contact while he slicked and positioned himself. He pushed in slowly, fighting not to push in all at once; he had to be careful to go slow. It had been almost nine months for both of them.

Draco's grip on his bicep let him know to give him some time to adjust. He peppered kisses on his eyelids and softly around his face, whispering how much he loved him. When his grip loosed he drew back slowly, pushing in with a downstroke as far as he could go.

The sight of Draco's back arching robbed him off his control. He shifted his hold until he had a good grip on the blond's thighs, pressing close against his side and pulling his body to meet his deep thrusts.

He faltered in his rhythm when he used a hand to rub his thumb along Draco's plump red lip, freeing it from his teeth. "Don't hold it in," he encouraged him with a groan of his own when Draco tightened around his cock.

With his legs free, Draco curled them toward his chest, holding his knees. Harry followed, bending forward until his chest was pressed against the bent knees. His head tucked into Draco's shoulder, he could feel their bodies move together toward completion.

He hurried, making small circular motions with his hips before increasing the speed of his thrusts, sensing Draco was close. He came untouched between them; Harry could feel the warmth against his stomach and he followed shortly after.

When he was able to move, he tenderly cleaned Draco with a warm cloth he'd found in the bathroom and picked him from the floor. Draco sleepily protested, wrapping his arms around Harry's neck. He found the bedroom with no problem; he shifted Draco while pulling the covers back and sliding him beneath the sheets. He quickly followed, and, tucking himself behind him, he fell asleep with Draco's heart beating under his left hand.

January

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

Harry couldn't remember ever feeling so happy or fulfilled, and it wasn't only because of the physical intimacy. He equally treasured the emotional intimacy they were reaching.

He was truly a very lucky man, even if he had to deal with the occasional prat.

Snape's birthday fell on the ninth of January, and on the dreaded day he found himself accompanying Draco to his godfather's house.

"You don't have to look so tortured. We won't be long," Draco assured, rubbing the back of his hand with his thumb.

"He always hated me in school," Harry complained.

"We are just going to drop off his gift and then we will go."

"But it's his birthday. Won't he want to spend time with you?" Harry pulled back, trying to delay the meeting.

"His idea of a successful natal day is one where he gets to spend it without empty headed twits crowding his space," Draco informed him, pulling him up the steps.

"Snape is just full of charm, isn't he?"

"He's been a lot more cheerful since he left Hogwarts, actually." Draco smiled reassuringly. "Just don't touch anything."

His godfather answered the door with his customary scowl.

"Happy birthday!" Draco returned his scowl with a smile.

"Come in then," he muttered, turning without saying hello to Harry.

"See," Draco said, turning to lead Harry into the dimly lit house.

"He completely ignored me!"

"Exactly. Isn't that better than him insulting you?"

"I guess," Harry replied, trailing after him to a small doorway that led downstairs.

"Okay, so what did you bring me?" Snape asked once they reached the bottom. He already seemed in the middle of brewing a potion, but Harry had never really paid attention during Potions, so he could have been making breakfast for all Harry knew.

"Scales from a Ukrainian Ironbelly," Draco answered.

"Authentic? You didn't buy this off some peddler in Knockturn Alley, did you?" Snape virtually flew to Draco's side.

"Authentic," he confirmed. "The Nines' brother works with dragons, and he was able to get some for me."

So that's what the twins had been up to, calling Charlie when Harry had last visited the Burrow.

"Prepare them immediately. You can work in the next room." Harry made to follow but Snape stopped him.

"He needs concentration, Potter. You can stay here with me."

Draco shrugged apologetically. "I'll be right back, Harry."

"Don't worry about him, Draco. I'll keep Potter busy," Snape promised with an ugly smile.

"Cut up these roots as small as possible," Snape instructed, pointing to the table next to the boiling cauldron.

"Add them," he instructed once Harry had them cut.

"Shred these leaves."

"Add them."

Harry just followed his directions, not bothering to ask questions, adding ingredient after ingredient, watching the colours change until the concoction turned bright green.

"Would you like to try it?" the former professor asked, scooping some with a ladle into a small vial. There was something sinister in his expression.

Harry made no move to grab the vial.

"Regardless of the disregard you may have for the art of potion making, they don't give the title of Potions Master to any simpleton. If you are playing with my godson's affections, be sure that I more than capable of much worse than a libido inhibitor.

"Now go and join Draco. He should be finishing," Snape said, and, with a dramatic twirl of his robes, he was gone.

X x x X x x X

The other unpleasantness that he had to deal with happened two weeks later when he stumbled upon Blaise in a restaurant when Draco and he went to lunch.

He could tell Draco was torn, so he invited Blaise to join them at their table.

It was the first time they had seen each other since their fight on the Quidditch pitch almost seven months ago, and Harry realised he really was not angry anymore.

Harry busily concentrated on eating and enjoying Draco's commentary about the cruise they'd taken recently along the Thames. He found that Blaise wasn't really so bad now that he was certain Draco had no interest in him. It also helped that the man was accompanied by buxom blond witch that he'd picked up along his travels across Europe.

He joined in the conversation when Draco started to relate their adventures of learning to drive the Lamborghini.

February

I've fallen in love many times... always with you. ~Author Unknown

Sitting in the office of Daniel Little was the last place he thought he would find himself, but there he was waiting for the man to return from lunch.

"Potter, what are you doing here?" the blond demanded the moment he stepped through the door.

"I'm sorry for barging in. I just need to ask you for something, Daniel."

"Oh, so now you remember who I am." His eyebrows lowered in a frown over charmed violet eyes.

"Look, I'm sorry about being rude, but it was very casual between us."

"Excuse me?"

"We knew each other for...what? Maybe ten minutes before you were blowing me in the bathroom? You can't blame me for not remembering your name." Harry shook his head. "I just mean I thought you knew it was a hook up."

Daniel stared at him a moment then let out a sigh.

"Okay, I may have got a little carried away, but you're just too handsome for your own good. So what do you want? To ask me to stop printing stories about you two?" Daniel took a seat behind his desk.

"Well, that would be nice, but I actually have one particular story I wish you would print for me."

"What do you mean?" Daniel leaned his elbows on his desk, reaching forward and cupping his hands under his elbow.

X x x X x x X

14 February, 2011

Harry Potter Comes Clean

By Daniel Little

I know that for the past couple of months I have not been able to provide much information, only that Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy have been seeing each other and have attended various family functions together including those over the past holidays.

Seeing as it's been a year and a week since they initially bonded, your faithful reporter was coming to the conclusion there wasn't any more of Harry Potter's dirty little secrets that were going to come to light. They seem like any other young couple, but yesterday I received a very interesting visit from one Harry Potter, and he had some very interesting things to say.

Mostly about how happy he was with Mr Malfoy.

I've never seen a man more besotted, and I certainly would never have imagined such a description would be applied to Potter. He was the embodiment of the love and leave 'em type. Trust me. I can confirm this first hand.

But it's actually kind of sweet the way he talks about his boyfriend, who I have to commend for having more patience than I ever could. I wasn't able to get him to spill on the intimacies regarding their break up, but Potter assures me that the reasons are well behind them.

Do not despair for the lack of juicy tidbits, because for the first time in the history of this publication, the Prophet announces on behalf of Harry Potter:

Draco Malfoy,

Will you give me the honour of becoming my husband again?

If your answer is yes, please meet me where we first honeymooned tonight at 8:00.

I understand if you don't, and will still pass by in the morning to take you to breakfast.

- Harry Potter

I guess love really does humble people. Be sure to check tomorrow's edition to see how this plays out, loyal readers. See you next time.

Daniel Little

X x x X

He read another encouraging text, scrolling through the ones that came from each of his family members, teammates, and several numbers he didn't recognise.

It was already 9:45, and Draco had still not shown up, but Harry was planning to sleep here tonight to give him all the time he needed. Although he would be disappointed if he didn't, he would be glad to join him the next morning and try again in a few months.

"Hey," came the soft greeting.

Harry's head snapped up. Draco was hovering uncertainly in the doorway.

"Hey." Harry stood up quickly, his mobile falling onto the floor but he paid it no attention.

"I ... I've been waiting outside since eight," Draco mumbled uncharacteristically.

"You can come in," Harry coaxed. "I won't take it as a yes." He smiled comfortingly.

Draco smiled back and stepped into the tent, taking a seat on the couch.

"This wasn't here before," Draco commented, patting the arm rest.

"I thought it would be more comfortable than the chairs," Harry answered.

They looked at each other for a moment, neither saying anything.

"I can't believe you did that," Draco mumbled, brushing his hair back.

"What?" Harry asked, confused.

"You realise that the Prophet is the most read publication in the wizarding world, don't you?" Draco shook his head in disbelief. "Everyone knows that you proposed and offered me an easy way out if I declined."

"I want them too." Harry went to sit next to him. "I wanted to show you I'm not afraid of us anymore." He drew the pale hands into his own and squeezed them.

"Does you being here mean you're considering marrying me?" he asked hopefully.

Draco looked down at their joined hands.

"Yes, I'll marry you, Harry Potter."

That was all Harry needed to pull the man into his arms and hold on to him tightly.

"But did you really have to propose on Valentine's Day?" Draco complained in his ear. "Now we are just like those stupid couples in those romance movies."

Harry laughed, squeezing him closer. He never planned on letting this man go.


Author's Parting Words:

The first person I need to thank is aubergineautumn for the submitting the prompt. I loved it from the moment that I picked it up and I'm just sorry I didn't complete it before now. I hope that I at least came close to what you envisioned when you submitted the prompt.

My never ending gratitude to noscrubs12345 for being such an amazing beta and friend. Who held my hand when I faltered in indecision and who encouraged me to continue. Thanks to all who have reviewed and reminded me that there were people who were interested in seeing the story to its completion. When you spend hours planning and writing, brimming with nervousness at the reaction, its wonderful to see that someone liked it as much as you did.

It was quite an adventure for me to write each chapter, trying to make sure their actions were justified; make the boys seem like real people.I hope that you have laughed, grimaced, and aww'ed as I did when I wrote it.

Yay! My first ever completed novel length story. 88,000 words and 28 chapters.

Regarding the EPILOGUE:

The original prompt had a bonus for mpreg and I thought it didn't fit the story about mid-way thru (they already had a lot to deal with) but I have written a 8,000 word one shot that fits this requirement. It's called "With arms wide Open"

So if you want to see what happens with the boys and their relationship, Narcissa and Lucius, the twins, and the rest of the family with the excitement of impending addition to Harry and Draco's family; you will be able to read it before the end of the year.

If mpreg is not your thing and this is the end of the line for you, then thank you very much and I hope it's been enjoyable :D

chibidraco