After the war Draco swallowed his pride, a reasonably difficult thing for him to do, and apologized to each member of the golden trio in earnest. That did not mean that becoming friends did not take work and time. However, whenever they happened to bump into Draco, Harry made the extra effort to make sure he felt welcome. After more time passed, and tentative rendezvous happened, Draco had grown on them, like some kind of creeping fungus, and he had managed to worm his way into their lives deeply enough that they considered him a friend. This friendship was able to blossom because they were the only ones who found themselves capable of forgiving the prickly Slytherin, and despite whatever protests Draco would make he really did enjoy their company. It became a common sight to see the young Malfoy at the Weasley house on a regular basis. Often, he was playing wizard's chess against Ron, the rapport became something that the red head secretly enjoyed. Draco was the only one that sometimes beat him at the game, and going toe to toe was a lot more engaging than with Harry who could not wrap his mind around the different strategies or Hermione who thought it was a waste of time.
Though he would never be able to verbally admit it, Draco tried to express how grateful he was to them for giving him a second chance. In the early days of their meetings, he was polite, albeit a little distant. He had been so used to wearing the Malfoy mask that taking it off and showing any kind vulnerability usually had him on the edge of a panic attack. The months wore on and they all hung out more frequently. As he slowly became closer to them, he began finding it easier to be genuinely kind and less guarded around them. What was surprising to him was that he enjoyed feeling this way. He wished that there was a chance that other Wizards and Witches might also see this change in him. Unfortunately, due to his somewhat frequent isolation, and the heckles and stares he got when he went out in public, he was convinced that he could never be forgiven and lead a normal life. This brought on depressive moods that lasted for days while he withdrew from the world around him.
It seemed fated when Harry and Ginny decided to finally tie the knot. They had been smitten with each other for so long; their love seemed natural and easy. Though Draco was delighted to receive an invitation to attend their wedding. Outside of his mother, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and tentatively the other Weasleys that were at the Burrow on a regular basis, Draco had no one. He had fucked up his life so bad that he could see no future for himself. But now wasn't the time to go down that road of despondency. He made a short note that yes, he would love to attend and sent the owl off, watching it fly into the distance, lost in his own thoughts.
Charlie had heard that Draco Malfoy would be attending, what Ron had failed to mention was that the young man was quite attractive. "I guess I can't really blame Ron for that. It's not the kind of thing he would notice." Charlie thought as he made his way over to the refreshment table.
"So, you must be Draco Malfoy." Charlie said as he casually leaned against the table. Draco turned to him trying to not be incredibly obvious as he gave him an appreciative once over, the constant attention from the sun and physical labor had made the man breath-taking. "My brother, Ron has told me a lot of horror stories about you." Charlie said with a smirk, locking eyes with Draco. At this statement Draco blanched "For Merlin's saaake, is there nowhere in this entire blasted country where his name wouldn't haunt him. A name he used to proudly shove into other people's faces, he would do anything to slink away from it now." He also realizes with embarrassment that the moment has stretched on too long, he hasn't said anything. He looks up from the glass that he is holding, over to Charlie's still grinning face. "For fuck's sake, Ron you could have warned me you had an extremely hot, gay brother. Not that it matters, he is probably politely tolerating my presence until I leave and they can all finally relax." Wanting to quell the feeling of self-loathing that was desperately clawing its way to the forefront of Draco's mind, he politely says "excuse me" and slinks away from the table, trying to put as much distance between himself and the distractingly gorgeous Weasley, not that he would ever admit that, even to himself. "Afterall, what would be the point? Everyone hates me, and has every right to hate me, do I really need to add someone else to that list?"
Charlie watched the blonde slink away. That had certainly gone differently then he expected. From what he heard about the young Malfoy, he was a little spit-fire, prone to having a short fuse. He knew that his brother and his friends had graciously accepted Draco into their group. He had just been trying to ruffle his feathers a bit. So why did he look so grim? Whatever, the case Charlie wasn't actually trying to hurt his feelings. He'd give him a moment to calm down then apologize.
As the festivities continued, he saw people laughing and talking, but no sign of the sensitive Slytherin. As he walked around, he caught sight of him leaning against the wall decidedly out of view from everyone and far away from the celebration. He strode up and leaned against the wall next to Draco, making the delicate man tense.
"Look" Charlie said eyeing him critically "I wasn't trying to upset you or run you off. I already know that you and Ron are friends now. I was just teasing you."
Draco's lips thin and his brows creased slightly as it seemed like he was trying to find an appropriate thing to say. This gave Charlie the opportunity to really look at the man. He was all grace, even as shaken up as he clearly was. "Damn, he really is cute. Too bad he is Ron's age; doubt he wants an older guy hitting on him."
Finally finding his voice Draco quietly says "I feel like everyone hates me, wherever I am. I feel as though my reputation from my days at Hogwarts proceeds me, even now." It was more of an admission then he would usually give, so he kept his eyes firmly fixed on the ground, pushing a stray lock of hair out of his face.
"Oh. Is that it? You think everyone here hates you?" Charlie asked.
Draco softly nodded his head, still keeping his eyes on the ground. "Why the hell was am I even talking to this guy? I should have just apparated away when I had the chance. The last thing I need is for someone else to feel sorry for me."
"Well, if you think everyone hates you, why are you here?" Charlie asks, keeping his voice gentle; trying to help the blonde realize that the Weasley's don't, in fact hate him. "I don't know, I guess…" Draco looks somewhere between exasperated and embarrassed "I guess because I miss being around other people. My mother is the only person that I know doesn't detest me, but no one here would actively spit-on me or hex me." Why the hell was he telling him this? He sounds like a complete loser. "As you said, you heard horror stories about me, I appreciate the tentative comradery I have with everyone here, but I can't expect them to just forgive me."
Charlie leaned against the wall as Draco rambled on. He wanted to let him get all of the negative thoughts out of his system, in the hopes that Draco would be able to go back to having fun. Shit, I hadn't thought about how difficult things must have been for him after the war. He probably doesn't have a lot of positive interactions with other people these days. Charlie thought frowning to himself. He looked over at Draco who seemed to be lost in thought. He sighed while rubbing the back of his head "Come back to the party. I assure you no one here hates you." He said giving the blonde a soft smile.
Draco looks at him, and then back at the ground. Seeming to try and decide something, but looking lost, and helpless. Deep in contemplation Draco sets his jaw as his lips form a tight line.
Jeez does this guy ever relax? Charlie mused to himself. If he doesn't quit tensing his jaw like that, he is going to grind all his teeth down to nubs.
"C'mon, I'll keep you company," Charlie said trying to seem warm and nonthreatening. "Maybe you can be my dance partner later, although I have to warn you, I am not any good." At this he smiled broadly.
"Oh you…you don't have to…I appreciate it, but you don't have to…" Draco began mumbling to himself. His face flushed with embarrassment, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the ground.
"I want to." At this admission Draco looked up at Charlies face and saw the sincerity in his eyes. "I think you seem rather interesting Draco." He smiled softly, and in attempt to make the mood less heavy Charlie swept into an overdramatic bow and said, "Please Draco, would you do me the honor of accompanying me?" he looked up and winked at the blonde.
Draco burst out laughing. This guy was so carefree and honest, how could he pass up the opportunity? "Draco bowed back, and said in an overly snooty voice "Oh of course Charlie Weasley, it would be an utter delight." He looked up and smirked at him, before letting it fall into a genuine smile. This evening might be fun after all.
The two men participate in the festivities. They talk well into the night. Draco is surprised by how easy it is for Charlie to get him to laugh, he also cannot remember the last time that he had dropped his guard this much, if he ever has.
As the night goes on, the stars come out and create a delicate display above everyone. Couples make there way onto the dance floor as a soft, slow song starts up.
"Dance with me?" Charlie asks Draco, throwing a warm, but cocky smile.
"Hmm, I don't know. You said that you were terrible at it. I'm not sure I want your big feet stomping all over me." Draco says with a wicked grin.
"I'm sure you will mange pretty boy." Charlie says gently tugging the petite, blonde along behind him.
They get to the dance floor and begin to sway gently to the music, as Draco wraps his arms around Charlie's neck.
"So, I'm pretty now?" Draco asks with a bit of sass, but the look in his eyes shows that he desperately wants to hear an honest answer.
"Cheeky more like. You know full well you are pretty." Charlie says, teasing the younger man. "But, to answer your unspoken question, yes Draco, I find you very attractive." He rubs his thumb across his pale cheek, and looks into his stormy grey eyes. "And not just your pretty face. You have an interesting personality. I like your wit and your sense of humor." He finishes, smiling.
Draco blushes up at the man, before looking down. There is a pause, while the atmosphere suddenly feels heavy. Draco smiles softly to himself and looks back into Charlie's eyes. "When do you go back to Romania?" he asks
"In a couple of days." Charlie said, one side of his lips pulling down. He wished that he had a longer stay, and with this recent development wished for it even more. However, his trips to England tended to be short because he was one of the most qualified at the Dragon reserve, and he was needed.
"Would you like to have tea with me tomorrow?" Draco asked sounding shy, but looking hopefully into Charlie's eyes.
"Yes. Definitely." Charlie says smiling. He is not sure where this is headed or if a relationship could work between them, but he knows that he is desperate to find out, and to continue to be the reason that Draco is smiling.