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It was an early morning in the beginning of November when Harry realized he hadn't been in contact with Remus for almost six months. Sitting at breakfast and watching the grey clouds drifting at the magical ceiling reminded him of Moony's fur. While he knew the werewolf was grieving, he felt it was time to take action. He wanted to continue and improve his relationship with Remus. After all, Lupin and Professor Snape were the only two people in this world who truly had a connection to his parents. Losing them would mean losing another of the already tiny bit he had left of his parents.
He decided that later today he would be sending a letter. He wasn't even sure where Remus was at this point, but he was certain Hedwig would find him. It hopefully wouldn't take too long before Hedwig reached the old DADA professor. Picking up the crust of his toast, he said bye to the rest of the Gryffindors and headed for Transfiguration.
"Harry."
The bell-like voice could only belong to one student and Harry quickly finished his toast so he could say hello.
"'Morning, Luna." Catching up to him, they continued towards the staircase together.
"How are you doing this morning?" The gentle girl asked.
Shrugging, Harry answered;
"Okay, I guess. Things are… different but it seems as though the worst of the gossiping has gone down."
"Ah yes, thankfully, Andrew managed to explode two cauldrons in one class, otherwise you might still have been first priority."
Laughing, Harry nodded, remembering the incident in Potion class the other day.
"And Draco, how is he?"
Harry was rather curios as to why Luna used his first name, but mentioned he seemed fine.
"It has been a few days since we last met alone."
"You know Harry, most people don't believe it is a good idea to be dating interhousing but I believe it could work very well between you and Draco."
"Oh, thanks?" Harry had never been able to figure out the beautiful blond girl but he had always been sure he could count on her support. "How are you and Neville doing?"
"Quite well, thank you," She nodded as they headed for the second floor. "Although he has been hit by a rather bad case of deergoe infection."
"Sorry to hear that." Harry couldn't help but smile.
"Yes, it has certainly been preventing us from having more than one round of sex since it affects his-"
"NO, no Luna, please," Harry frantically waved his hands, hoping to stop the witch before he got too familiar with one of his best friend's sex life. "I really don't need to hear that."
"Oh." Luna suddenly seemed to realize she had overshared. "My apologies, I always forget boys have the tendency to be rather sensitive when it comes to the topic of other men's genitalia."
Trying to keep himself from laughing, Harry just nodded in agreement.
He gave the smaller girl a one-armed hug before saying goodbye and headed for the first transfiguration class of the day.
…
SS POV
Even though there was still another month and a half until Christmas, Snape despised the month of November. The dungeons as well as his rooms had a constant cold demeanor and no matter how many heating spells one used, it could never replace the real heat from a roaring fire or the natural warmth from the sun.
The students were even more a bunch of dunderheads than usual. They had clearly left whatever small part of their functioning brains outside the classroom, as most of their limited concentration seemed to be centered around Christmas vacation. This did not in any way affect Snape's work moral, oh contraire. Instead, it made him work even harder to pound whatever small amount of information and learning he could into the youngsters.
Thankfully, he didn't have a class until ten. Instead he had pushed his couch closer to the fire and picked up a new book from his shelf. It was a crime novel he had gotten from Minerva for his birthday. He had never heard of the author before but given how the Professor had bothered to remember his birthday at all, he felt the need to at least give it a try.
About thirty pages into the book, he had summoned a glass of red wine. Who would care it was only nine in the morning? A good book always needed creative juices. Both for reading and writing. Turning another page, a knock on his door interrupted him. He hid the book under the felt pillow and straightened his robes before going to open it. At the last second, he turned and waved a hand, sending the glass of wine into the small kitchen.
Opening it, Snape was surprised to see Mr. Melck standing at his doorstep. Stepping aside he nodded for the young man to enter. Normally he would never have allowed a student to just wonder into his private quarters but Mr. Melck had already been there plenty of times now as it seemed too dangerous to let him have his fill of blood in his classroom where any student might feel the need to stop by.
"Mr. Melck," He gestured for him to take a seat at the couch while he sat down in his own lounge chair. "I don't believe it is time for you to feed again so soon."
"Erhm. No sir, I wished to speak to you and noticed your schedule didn't show any class this morning."
"And you?" Snape interrogated. "Did you have any class this morning?"
"I do have to be at Ancient Runes but I wish to speak to you first."
"I see." Snape sat up straighter, getting the feeling Mr. Melck had something rather serious on his mind. "What did you wish to discuss?"
Mr. Melck looked down at his feet whilst his fingers nervously removed invisible lint from his pants.
"I… wondered, if perhaps you had been to Australia at some point back in '79?"
It was only do to his so many years of spying that Snape was able to mask his surprise and suspicion. The year '79 was both the greatest and worst part of his youth.
"What…. makes you believe I have travelled?"
Finally, the boy took a shaken deep breath and looked at him. Even though the rest of his exterior seemed careful, even frightful, his eyes stood strong and unyielding. Looking away for a short moment, he picked out a folded piece of paper from his pant pocket and handed it to him.
"Because I believe you knew my dad."
For a moment Snape felt as though his lungs had collapsed and trying to silently force air back into his body, he unfolded the paper. Of all the things he had expected a picture certainly wasn't one of them. But there in the center of the picture was the man whom he had thought of for years after he left Australia. Smiling at the camera, the man is tenderly caressing his slightly swollen stomach before waving at him.
His fingers trembled as he followed the man's joyful face and left it on top of the stomach.
"Lauris…" He whispered. "Is your father…"
"Yes." The boy was whispering as well. "He was."
"Was…" Snape couldn't believe this. No longer able to sit still, he rose from his chair and moved to look out the window, desperately wishing he was alone now. Lauris was dead. Only a few months ago. Trembling, he took a deep breath, commanding himself not to lose control. This wasn't possible. Lauris had been pregnant. Looking at the picture again, he realized the picture was taken in 1980. It had truly been seventeen years since he had seen the beautiful man. Whom had been pregnant….
While Snape was intelligent enough to realize why Mr. Melck had come to see him, his brain reacted as though in slow-motion. Turning back, he watched the scared teen still sitting at the couch, looking younger than he ever had. Scared of the rejection, as he himself was scared of the truth.
"Your father told you…" He left off, not certain how to even begin such an emotional and difficult conversation.
"Not really… I got the picture and some other stuff after… it happened. Doesn't really matter how." Mr. Melck carefully explained. "When I realized I had to move here, I wanted to find you."
Snape still couldn't believe this. Looking into his eyes how hadn't he seen it before? Watching him now, the ice blue color could only resemble to one man. He noticed all the similar details. The same hair, same chin, his own intelligence and height. He had a son.
"I don't expect you to… do anything." Jason explained in a smaller voice. "I just… wanted you to know."
This was definitely not how he imagined his morning starting off.
Severus had never been good with emotions. After he left Australia, he had also left his heart behind. A few months after, he had sealed his own fate as well as the rest of Britain when he delivered the prophesy to the dark lord and failed to protect his only friend and her son. As he had failed to take care of his own family. A very conflicted emotion settled over him at that second. The pain of losing an imaginative lifetime with his own family as well as the love of his life, crashed over him like a tidal wave. But one thing remained locked in his brain; He now had a new opportunity to have a son. His son.
Getting closer he made a quick decision. He had only one piece left of Lauris whom had given him another chance to make up for everything he had done wrong. Lauris had forgiven him his cowardness and sent him his own son to find him.
Nearing the boy on the couch he reached out to him. Reaching out a hand, Mr. Melck looked at him, probably wondering if he could trust him. Every fiber in his body fought for not giving in and taking the outreached hand back. As a warm hand entered his own, he let out his breath, which he hadn't even realized he had been holding. Rising slowly the two men threw their arms around one another, hugging and fighting to leave the other with the possibility to breathe. Gathering the boy in his arms, Snape cupped the back of his head, feeling the same brown thick hair he had touched almost seventeen years ago.
"My son…" He whispered, trying to comprehend the overwhelming feeling of love one could only have for a child of his own. They didn't need to speak to feel the comfort of home from one another, and Snape just kept rocking the boy as he felt the wetness dripping down his shoulder, where Jason had buried his face.
…
Back at the Gryffindor tower, a young man was having the hardest time picking out his clothes. There wasn't much to begin with, but shirts and pants had been scattered all over his bed as well as two of his friends who were rather amused by all the commotion.
"Maybe this?" Harry held up the white pocketed shirt for the second time.
"It still makes you look like a Mormon." Dean said lying down on top of the mess that had gathered on his bed. Or the clothes Harry called 'no-go'.
"But it's still better than the other white one." Seamus argued trying to keep from letting drool slip out as he sucked on a sugar quill. "It looks like you are saying 'church boy promotion'."
Harry just threw the shirt at him while the two boys laughed. "You know I think this would be much easier if you guys weren't here."
"Hey, don't you dare blame this on us." Seamus held out the sugar quill pointing disapprovingly at him. "This place was a total mess before we got in on it."
"I guess." Harry sighed and kept folding pairs of pants. "It's so difficult. I don't want to try too hard, but also; it's Malfoy."
"So?"
"He's a little more…"
"Uptight?" Seamus finished.
"I wanted to say refined, but that too." Harry laughed.
"Why does it even matter?" Dean finally interrupted. "You are going to be wearing your robe anyway, it's freezing outside."
"I know, but what if we stop at the Three Broken Brooms? I'll have to take off my overcoat."
At last, Harry settled on a navy shirt and darker denim pants. It wasn't anything fancy, but the shirt was a little tighter around his waist than others. Looking at himself in the sharing floor mirror, he rotated a couple of times, making sure there was nothing on the set from behind. The pants did look rather nice on him. Even though Malfoy wouldn't be able to look at his ass.
"What do you think?"
The two boys weren't exactly interested any longer and only gave him a quick glance before nodding along.
"Thanks, you guys." He said sarcastically. "I don't know where I would be without you."
"Always glad to help." Dean mumbled, hidden behind his magazine.
The door to their chamber opened and Ron came in. The two boys had barely been alone since the incident with Ginny. Looking at him, Harry got ready to defend his ensemble. But instead Ron surprised him.
"It looks nice." Before he turned away and moved to get something from his trunk.
"Thanks." Harry just said rather stumped.
Coughing uncomfortably Dean and Seamus started to clean up Harry's tornado just to have something else to do. Harry wasn't sure if he should say something or let it stay a simple nice encounter.
"Are you going home for Christmas?"
Ron had apparently had the same idea as he, and obviously hadn't expected him to continue the conversation.
"Erm, yeah just the burrow as usual." Ron shrugged. "But Charlie is coming home, so that's something."
"Sounds fun." Harry scratched the back of his head, continuing to fold his clothes. Somehow it seemed easier to talk if you didn't actually had to look another man in the eyes. Especially when it considered 'touchy' subjects.
"You can come… if you want. I'm sure mom would like it."
The 'but Ginny wouldn't.' was left unsaid.
"Thanks but I think I'm staying here."
"Oh, okay." Ron gave a rather awkward smile, but nonetheless a smile. Smiling back at him, Ron left the room with an unopened inkbottle. Things would certainly take its time, but perhaps being apart for a few weeks would be best for all of them. Even though Ron was his first- and for many years – best friend, Harry had to acknowledge they were growing older. He couldn't expect him, Ron and Hermione to remain close for the rest of their lives. Hopefully, they would always remain friends but for now he would stick to hanging out with Seamus and Dean.
"You okay?"
Lost in thoughts, Harry realized he had been starring at the closed door for Merlin knows how long. Turning back, he noticed both of the boys had left the task of folding to watch for a reaction. Giving them a reassuring smile, he went back to folding.
As they finished, the boys got ready for bed and Harry couldn't help but envy how Seamus and Dean got to share a bed, be so open and comfortable sleeping beside one another.
…
The first trip to Hogsmeade would be taking place that day. It also happened to be the day of Harry's first official date with Malfoy. He tried his best to concentrate on his breakfast and on the other Gryffindors' chatting. He weighted in a few times, but it mostly didn't turn out to be more than a 'hmm' or 'sure'. His stomach was not just filled with butterflies it felt more like a cocoon of bees buzzing and gnawing their way right through him. He didn't want to seem too eager but he couldn't help but look at the Slytherin table where Malfoy was also eating. He was slowly chewing a red apple while talking to his friends. It seemed so unfair how relaxed he was while Harry tried not to break out in cold sweat.
To Harry, this was his first date since firth year and that had certainly not turned out as well as he had hoped. After the chaos with Cho, he hadn't really bothered to go on dates. The short time he had had a crush on Ginny hadn't been long enough for them to go on a real date.
He suddenly wondered how many people Malfoy had dated. There were of course rumors about the two mighty Slytherin boys sleeping with everything that walked on two legs but there surely wasn't any truth to it…
"We have to go now, McGonagall told us to be there exactly at ten." Hermione got up.
They had already brought their jackets so they didn't have to go back to the Gryffindor tower. A lot of the students followed their example and left their table. Harry discreetly turned to see if Malfoy had left as well and he hadn't. Still eating, the teen was discussing something with his friends and had probably not even seen that Harry had gotten up. A disappointing feeling settled on over him. Why did this bother him so much? Malfoy was nice and all, but he hadn't really gotten to know him well enough for this to be so important. Clearly, Malfoy didn't think so….
Getting outside, the cold wind forced him to squint his eyes. Tightening his scarf around his neck, he left the Hogwarts entrance with the others and headed for the main gate. It wasn't cold enough to snow yet, but frost had left a thin white layer over the grass. The frost crushed underneath their feet and the sound echoed. Pairs of feet could be heard from behind and walking a few meters in front of them. Harry hated the cold. While it was fun to sit inside and watch the snowfall, being outside left his hands freezing. He had unfortunately forgotten his gloves upstairs, so Harry buried them into his pockets, hoping to get them heated up. Finally, they had arrived at the gate entrance where the other students had gathered. Harry stood by his friends as he occasionally tried to discreetly look around for Malfoy. Had be perhaps forgotten?
"Students! We will be walking to Hogsmeade together. When we arrive at the bridge to Hogsmeade, you may split up. We meet back by the bridge at EXACTLY three. Tardiness will be punished by point withdrawal." Professor McGonagall declared. "And Mr. Filch had made me remind you that bringing back any items from Zonko's or Wasleys' WILL be confiscated! Am I understood?" A distant mutter around the student bodies arose.
Looking to the back of the group, Harry could skim the blond hair sticking up between heads. As the students started to walk forward, Harry stayed back.
"Harry?" Dean called for him.
"I'm going to wait a little." He blushed while Dean and Seamus just smiled and gave him thumbs up.
He waited for most of the students to walk past him. A smaller group of girls – probably fourth years' – smiled and giggled as they passed him. It felt like forever as he awkwardly waited for Malfoy to step by. Finally, the Slytherins started passing and the group gave him very weird looks as he tried to ignore them.
Malfoy stopped beside him and showed him to lead the way.
"Draco, come on!" Parkinson screeched further ahead.
"I'm fine here!" Sneering the black haired girl turned back to talk to Millicent.
"Sorry." Harry mumbled as he scratched his head.
"It's fine." Malfoy grinned. "She's just annoying."
"I thought you were friends?"
"We are. Somehow."
Laughing, Harry felt a lot more relaxed and the knot in his stomach became lighter. Walking slower than the rest of the Slytherins, the two boys found themselves able to speak without worrying of others overhearing.
"So how have you been since everyone found out?" Malfoy asked.
"Wasn't exactly how I wanted it but I guess it's okay now." Harry mumbled. "By the way, I'm really sorry about that. If I had known my friends would have told others I wouldn't have-"
"Easy Potter, breath. It wasn't how I wanted it either, but it's done now so we might as well use it to our advances."
"What do you mean?" Harry puzzled.
"Like this." Malfoy suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled it out from his pocket. The cold hit him hard and before he could demand him to let go, Malfoy had taken his hand in his. Warmth shot through his hand and left him tingling as though he had been sleeping on his hand and now blood was rushing back to it. Letting the joined hands fall between them, Harry smiled shyly at the taller teen. The rest of the walk to the little town was spend discussing the recent Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Slytherin had actually won but hadn't caught the snitch. This was rather unusual since it was practically the snitch that ruled the end of the game.
Malfoy and he held hands the entire time, while they were talking. It turned out they had more than enough to discuss, so much they needed to learn about each other. When they arrived at the small crocket stone bridge, they were in a lively tale of how Harry actually managed to beat the troll in first year.
"And then I just landed on his neck, it was kind of like sitting on a horse. Except a horse probably wouldn't look so stupid since it would actually know I was there."
"Seriously? It couldn't see you?" Malfoy laughed challenging.
"No, I swear!" Harry laughed too. "It moved its head, swinging from side to side. Never understanding that I followed as well." He demonstrated shaking his head.
"Merlin sake." Malfoy looked to be in disbelief, laughing.
Walking into the town, Malfoy asked what he wanted to do. Looking around, Harry could see the line in Zonkos' was short so he hurried to drag Malfoy with him.
"Really? Zonkos?" Malfoy complained.
"Come on, it's fun." Harry pleaded and smiled encouraging. Shaking his head, Malfoy stopped resisting and got dragged into the warm shop. There weren't any new toys or collector items so they simply went around trying the test products. Harry left a cockroach on the blond boy's shoulder, and the fake insect sat for almost a minute before Malfoy felt it screeching against his ear.
"Very funny." The pale boy said sarcastically as he dusted off the invisible bacteria left behind from the plastic. Neither of them needed anything from the shop and as they left, Harry noticed Zabini and Jason walking past them across the road.
"Should we say hi?"
"No." Malfoy shook his head and grabbed his hand once again. "Let's just be the two of us today."
Blushing, Harry let Malfoy lead the way to the next shop. It turned out to be Spinwitches Sporting Needs as Malfoy needed new gloves for flying in the winter. 'The Hopskin leather old ones are getting too small.' He explained when Harry inquired their destination.
"Yes, can I help you gentlemen?" the older witch behind the counter smiled.
"Yes, I need new flying gloves."
"Keeper?"
"No, seeker."
"Size?"
"Seven. Seven-and-a-half."
Nodding, the witch led them to the section of gloves lined up against the back wall. Most of the gloves was in leather and brown, while few could be found in metallic or dark red. The sales lady found a couple of pairs that Malfoy tried on, while Harry continued to look through the store. Once in a while, he could hear the blond complaining or sniff at a shown pair. Harry was watching a display on the difference between older broom polish and a new, when Malfoy called for him.
"Harry!"
Turning back, he went to where he left the two.
"What do you think?" He said showing off the darkened gloves on his hands. The scaly leather moved as he stretched and fisted his hands.
"Nice. Dragon leather?" Malfoy nodded.
Getting in line to pay, the blond boy asked if he had found anything. Shaking his head, Harry continued to watch the line.
"You know, if you want something I can just-"
"No." Harry hurried to say.
"But if there is something you-"
"No, Malfoy." Harry raised his eyebrows at him and looked him straight in the eyes. "I don't need you to buy me anything. I'm not buying because there is nothing interesting, okay?"
Malfoy seemed surprised and for a minute, Harry and he just stood eye to eye. After the moment, Malfoy just nodded thoughtfully and became quiet. The rest of the line was spent in awkward silence and Harry wondered if perhaps he had offended Malfoy by refusing. He just didn't want Malfoy to think he needed his money and certainly not because he didn't have enough on his own. Malfoy paid for the gloves and they went outside into the cold air once more.
"You thirsty?"
"Yeah I could use something warm." Harry gave a small smile and both went in the direction of the Three Broomsticks. Opening the rotting tree door, the boys saw how packed the place was. Finding a smaller table at the center, they sat down. They didn't say much to each other before one of the barmaids wanted their order.
"I'm sorry." Malfoy looked at him puzzled as he continued. "About before. I didn't mean to brush you off like that."
"It's fine." Malfoy said shortly.
"Really?" Harry asked as they were handed two butterbeers.
"Yes." He nodded and gave Harry a gentle smile. "I sometimes forget not everyone is interested in money as much as I am. And I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to indicate you couldn't buy something for yourself. I know the Potter line was rather wealthy."
"Yeah." Harry smiled as Malfoy laid his hand on top of his. Malfoy´s hands was exceptionally warm against his own cold ones. Harry had always imagined that every part of the Slytherin would have been as cold as his silver eyes and platinum hair. But this? It was heating up his hand and left his heart galloping. The moment was unfortunately ruined when a few girls at the table next to them started giggling from behind Malfoy, and Harry could see they were watching them. Embarrassed by the public display of affection he slid his hand out from underneath and placed it on his mug. Malfoy could somehow better stand their annoying behavior and just ignored them. Instead, he kept the attention on Harry and gave a knowing smirk.
"What's wrong? Thought you of all people would be comfortable when it came to attention."
"Yeah, well, I'm not." Harry grumbled.
"Right." The snort that followed really made Harry's blood boil.
"I. don't." He stretched. "I don't like it when people act as though it's any of their business. I hate it when they stare as if I'm a unicorn."
Malfoy could surely hear the turn his voice had taken and quickly took his hand to try to temper him.
"Alright, no others!" He tried to comfort him. "Perhaps this isn't the best place to have a private conversation anyway."
"No, not really."
"Alright." Harry got startled as Malfoy suddenly jumped up. "Let's go."
He smiled and searched his pocket for a sickle to leave at their table. The two unfinished butterbeers was left behind, as the boys hurried out the front door. Hands still joined, Malfoy dragged him along.
"So," Malfoy stated in a lighter voice. "Not a fan of crowds."
"No." Harry had to skip a few times to keep up. "When you spent most of your childhood being invisible, having people fall at your feet is rather…. Embarrassing."
Malfoy finally stopped and turned to watch him with a speculating look.
"I heard… smaller rumors through the years about your childhood. I wasn't sure how much was true."
Harry was about to answer but suddenly realized where they were going. They had left the bigger and more crowded part of Hogsmeade and Malfoy had dragged them towards the train station. It looked giant when the other students weren't gathered to go home for Christmas. The onewayed track was lightly colored from the frost. Malfoy gently pulled him further until they reached the first of the smaller benches, before the actual stone walled train station began.
Sitting down together, Malfoy let go of his hand and relaxed against the bench.
"They didn't treat me well."
"Huh?"
"My family, I guess you could call them." Harry continued looking at the beautiful scenario in front of them. "I live with my Aunt, uncle and their son."
"Is it really so horrible?"
"Let's just say; they never missed an opportunity to remind me how unwanted I was." Harry stated with a morbid smile. There were still times were Harry felt unwanted and wished they could understand how their treatment had sculptured his life and behavior. But he kept reminding himself that in one year he would never have to go back.
"I'm sorry." Malfoy whispered. As Harry looked at him, he realized Malfoy looked more... surprised than sorry. "I really am." He whispered. Laying a gentle hand on his arm, he felt Malfoy give a tiny jump, almost as if he had forgotten he wasn't alone. Malfoy shook his head, probably to clear it. Smiling, Harry leaned slightly against his shoulder. Malfoy continued to ask him questions about his childhood, or lack of. Some questions were easy; where he grew up, how his family looked – Malfoy laughed at his comparison of a pig to his cousin-, others were slightly harder. Questions whom not even his friends had ever asked him. Even though it didn't change what had happened to him, Harry found it difficult anyway to answer how his birthdays' were like, how he learned to read and write, the time he learned about his real family and how the Durleys' had lied to him. Through the whole conversation, Malfoy listened carefully and never interrupted or pushed him. When he ran out of questions, they simple sat together. Harry felt somewhat exhausted from all the talking and closed his eyes for a second. Simply to rest them.
"I can't claim to not have been loved, but it was probably in a different way than yours would have."
Glancing at the blond, Harry kept from replaying. Somehow knowing that Malfoy would continue when he was ready.
"The manor is my home but with my farther's… work and his… associates, things were never truly 'homey'."
"That must have been hard. Having to hide whenever they came over."
"Sometimes." Malfoy looked so serious and crazy beautiful as the sun glowed directly at him.
"I know you think the worst of my father and I know he isn't perfect but he is still my father."
"I don't." Seeing the look the Malfoy gave him, he rephrased; "Okay, I do but I'm trying to understand, okay?"
Giving a small smirk, Malfoy continued;
"Once, when I was seven or eight, I think, I had this… stuffed animal. It was the only teddy I had ever gotten, because my grandmother gave it to me for my birthday. She died shortly after and my mother forbad my father to take it away."
His face fell a bit and the smile completely disappeared.
"I always had it with me and then one night I had a nightmare so I sought out my parents. I knew they were somewhere in the manor but it is a pretty big mansion. I finally came across my father's study and I heard him talk. Figuring it was okay, I entered." He sighed.
"I guess it wasn't?" Harry wondered.
"No, not really. A few of my father's associates were there and god, the second they saw me standing there with a 'doll' they laughed. Teasing my father about me, my nurturing."
"How did your father react?" Harry was suddenly worried for the image of the child whom was standing against the wrath of Mr. Malfoy.
Malfoy shook his head. "He didn't, not really. He didn't even look at me before casting a spell on the giraffe. It got hot and I let it fall to the floor, watching as it burned to ashes."
"He could have hit you! What if the spell had burned you or you didn't let go of the toy?"
Malfoy shrugged and gentle took his hand, trying to calm the enraged Gryffindor.
"I know you think he is heartless, but he only dealt with a difficult situation." He quickly hurried to continue as Harry snorted in disbelieve. "He did. I didn't see it that way for many years, but I realized when I would have to see these people again, they would have eaten me alive. My father tried to toughen me up at a young age."
"… because he figured you would see them again someday, perhaps as a new… associate."
"Yeah."
For a long moment both teens were lost in thoughts. Harry couldn't help but feel grieving for the Malfoy child whom would have his heart broken so many times over the year by his father. Thankfully, Harry didn't think Malfoy turned out like the Sr. and perhaps the Malfoy generation would change slowly over the course of time.
Squeezing the blond boy's hand, he gave him a tiny smile.
"Thank you."
"Sorry?" Malfoy's eyes widened in confusion.
"For trusting me. It means a lot."
"Oh, well good. And you too." Malfoy blushed and now seemed quite uncomfortable. Harry figured Malfoy wasn't the greatest person to share intimacy.
"Thanks. But truly, I'm fine now. You know, You can either move on or stay behind in the memories. Dumbledore has shown me it's best to move on and build new ones." Harry smiled.
"Hmm. It seems like something he would say. Old cook." Malfoy teased. Harry just tried to elbow him in the side; Laughing Malfoy avoided it and caught his hand instead. Gasping he tried to cover the hand that he hadn't been holding.
"Merlin! You're like ice."
Harry blushed. "Sorry, my blood circulation isn't exactly the best." He shrugged.
"Wait a second." Grabbing the brown paper bag next to him, Malfoy quickly unfolded his new gloves. "Stretch your hand." He said while holding the left glove up.
"Oh. Malfoy, you don't have to-"
"You're freezing. Now, hand out." He ordered. Harry obeyed and felt slightly lightheaded. He had never worn a piece of clothing that belonged to Malfoy. Knowing his fingers were covered by fabric which Malfoy's hands had been in, was weirdly intimate and a very surprising turn of event. Harry had never seen Malfoy share anything off his, let alone his clothes. After readjusting the gloves a few times – since Harry hands were kind of small for them – Malfoy let him go.
"Almost a perfect match." He teased.
"'Not my fault your hands are gigantic." Harry smirked.
"Yeah, I kind of see how it's because of my size medium hands that you can't fit them. Maybe you should consider shopping in the girls department next time." Malfoy laughed. Harry hurried and tried to push of the Slytherin as he distracted. Even though Harry's body was smaller he still had a lot of muscle power from training. Malfoy almost fell off but quickly reestablished his position and went back to throw Harry off the bench as well. Mock fighting for the bigger spot of the bench they finally settled by merging their fingers and Malfoy laid his forehead against his.
"Git."
"Scarhead."
Both smiling like lunatics they waited for their breath to return to normal. Looking into the silver eyes, Harry realized how close they were sitting. Their forehead shared the warmth of their bodies and their fingers were gently pulling them closer. Harry was painfully aware of how close Malfoy's mouth was to his own. His warm breath spread across his cold lips and kept them from drying out.
Harry tried to move a little closer without seeming to obvious. The second their knees bumped, Malfoy moved in. Capturing his lips, Harry practically melted underneath him. Their lips molded against each other, not pushing or fighting simply pressing skin together. The kiss was different from the ones they had shared before. While they had been heated and crazy lustful as two teenagers usually were, this one was almost like talking without sound. He noticed the smaller things and focused on the way Malfoy moved. Tilting his head to the right, Harry let out a gentle moan as Malfoy's tongue entered him. The warm muscle felt amazing against his own, as was the sweet taste of butterbeer.
Malfoy's hands left his, as they travelled up to his neck. Sliding them against his pulse before resting on his cheeks. Letting Malfoy take control Harry moved his own fingers up and went terribly slow, truly feeling Malfoy's body under his fingertips. The toned stomach, slightly folding from bowing down to meet Harry, the chest muscles, tight even under the multiple clothing. He lifted his hands up, desperate to lock them into the blond locks. Continuing sitting relaxed and sharing gentle deep kisses, they came to a naturel stop.
Harry could feel the fluttering butterflies in his stomach settling again. But the happiness that followed how Malfoy looked into his eyes, that stayed almost the entire way back to the bridge before the other students gathered.
DM POV
Going back to the common room, Draco felt truly confused. His feelings were rattled and he wasn't sure which of his two worries annoyed him more. That he shared something with Potter that was such an embarrassing yet defying moment in who he was, or the fact that he almost felt guilty for the stupid beautiful smile Potter had given him before leaving for the Gryffindor tower afterwards
I personally love the scene at the train station, it was really sweet to write.
So to Draco, this kiss also felt different. He and Harry shared a kiss that gave comfort and love more than just heat. Maybe Malfoy is actually starting to fall for Potter as well? No, not possible!
Love and cookies from TMB