Thanks to everyone who's been reading this religiously and loving it. It is far more of a compliment than I deserve. And those who review: I only love you more.
And excuse me while I say: CHAMBER OF SECRETS IN THEATRES FRIDAY!
::regains composure::
DISCLAIMER: I am not JK
Rowling and the world of Harry Potter does not belong to me. I wish it did, but
it doesn't. I am making no money off this trifle of a story.
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Harry awoke the next morning to a body disentangling itself from Harry's limbs. Not wanting to lose the warmth, Harry wrapped his arms around Draco's waist and tried to pull him back into bed. A soft chuckle was emitted in response to Harry's actions and Draco gave him a light nudge on his arm.
"I have to get up, Harry," Draco said, trying to pull his body out of Harry's grip. "I need to get to breakfast before Charms this morning. You don't want me to miss class, do you?"
Cracking open an eye, Harry released Draco and watched him as he moved about, dressing for a day of classes. "You've been sleeping here?"
"I was worried about you. Not that it matters. Slytherins don't want me around them anymore."
Harry sat up in bed and watched Draco pull on his cloak. "You don't belong there."
"Sure I do. Sorting Hat put me there, didn't it? Barely even touched my head before it sent me to Slytherin. The Sorting Hat knows what its doing."
"I suppose," answered Harry, still skeptical. "Shouldn't I be going to classes, too? I've already missed a few days and I can't afford to get far behind."
"Not today. I already talked to Madam Pomfrey and she wants you to get your rest. Even if she would have let you go, I'd have made you stay and rest. You won't fall behind. I'm sure Ron and Hermione will offer to fill you in on what you missed and I'll help with Care of Magical Creatures and Potions if you want me to."
"That would be great. Thanks."
Draco smiled, leaning forward and giving Harry a quick peck on the lips. "Anytime," he mumbled against Harry's lips and his mouth curved into a smile.
"I have a question before you leave," Harry said once Draco had pulled back and looked about ready to go.
"What is it?"
"Did someone get my Firebolt?"
"Yeah. It's fine. Ron's got it back in the dormitory."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. I was afraid it was going to come back in pieces like my Nimbus Two Thousand did when I fell off my broom the last time."
"Oh yeah. The dementor incident, right?"
"You would remember." Draco scowled. "Well you would. You're the one who tried to sabotage me in the next game dressing up as dementors and all."
"It was a stroke of genius on my part if I do say so myself."
"It was a stroke of something but I wouldn't call it genius," Harry mumbled.
"I love you," Draco called, smiling before giving Harry a kiss goodbye. Heading off for breakfast, he promised to drop in before lunch for a visit. Harry watched as he brushed out the door and he turned his attention out the window trying to keep himself entertained until Draco would return.
Madam Pomfrey came in every so often to check up on him and on her first visit, told Harry that Ron and Hermione had been in to check on him before he or Draco had awoken. She had let them know that Harry woke up the day before and instructed them to return later on. With nothing to keep him entertained, Harry stared outside the window for a while, pleased at his view of the lake as it made him think of Draco. After that, he let his thoughts drift anywhere from Hogsmeade to Ron and Hermione to Draco to his classes and for a few seconds of insanity, the Dursleys and Privet Drive. He was even pretty sure that Dobby slipped in there right before thoughts led to the Malfoys, which of course turned to his boyfriend and how much he was missing him already.
He had a small breakfast and tried to eat is as slowly as possible to take up more time before lunch and Draco's return. When Ron and Hermione finally showed up not long before lunch, Harry wanted to jump from his bed in excitement. After being cooped up for so long without anything to do, seeing their faces brought a breath of fresh air into his boring and mundane stay.
"We came by last night but you were already asleep," Ron said, standing near the bed.
"With Malfoy," added Hermione. "It was really quite a sight. I really feel for him, Harry. He's been worrying himself into anemia ever since the Quidditch match."
"Bloody good job catching the Snitch. If we win against Slytherin, the Quidditch Cup is ours. You will be able to be a decent Seeker against your boyfriend, won't you?"
"Are you kidding?" replied Harry. "I've got a record to maintain. I'm not about to let Draco beat me just because I love him. We all know I'm a better Seeker anyway and he's not about to shove me off my broomstick for the Snitch." Harry paused, frowning as his thoughts furthered. "Bloody hell. I can only imagine what Lee Jordan's going to have to say through that game."
"I'm really going to miss him at Quidditch games when he graduates this year," Ron mumbled. "For a moment, I didn't think the Bludger hit you. I just thought that Lee was getting to you."
"For a moment there, he was. I was too busy trying to get the Snitch and forget what he said about me and Draco to hear the Bludger coming at me."
"Well you're better now that's what's really important," said Hermione.
They were interrupted by the door flying open and Draco running toward them in a frenzy. His feet were pounding against the floor, his cloak billowing behind him, and a section of his white blond hair had come undone only to be hanging in his eyes. In his hand was a piece of parchment and he was waving it about wildly.
"Harry!" he called running to the side of the bed opposite Ron and Hermione. "Harry, I wanted to come sooner but I had classes and-" he paused to heave in oxygen, "-and I ran all the way here as soon as Divination was over." He stopped once again to heave, trying desperately to get his breathing under control. Throwing the piece of parchment at Harry, he sputtered out between gasps, "My father - mail - breakfast."
Harry looked down at the piece of parchment in his hands and saw that it was addressed to Draco, signed by Lucius Malfoy. Afraid to know what Draco's father had to say, his stomach clenched and unclenched as he skimmed over the words, none registering in his panic. Taking a deep breath, he calmed his mind the best he could and began to read.
Draco,
I know you haven't heard from me nor your mother in sometime and I suppose I should start by go about giving you an explanation for the absence.
You see, a few weeks ago I was having a drink at the Leaky Cauldron when Cornelius Fudge came in and said that it was the most curious thing about you and Harry Potter. I, as you should rightly know, had no idea in the least as to what he meant and when I asked, he said that he was referring to the two of you being a couple. I told him that he was misinformed because my son was not a homosexual and that I didn't know where he got these crazy ideas. Turns out, he got them from you, overhearing you telling Severus.
At first I didn't believe him but then I got to asking around and when I got to Vincent Crabbe's father, the tale was confirmed to be true. I won't lie to you, Draco. I was outraged. This is not who you are supposed to be. No son of mine is going to be a queer. I was ready to disown you and I wasn't about to contact you yet. After all, you weren't even respectful enough to tell me. I had to hear from the minister of magic. I was so enraged I was ready to pull you out of Hogwarts and snap your wand in half.
However, after much time to think about this, I've not only decided to keep you in school but to accept you as well. You're my son and nothing will change that. I'm still not comfortable with it but I'll try to accept it and you.
I suppose with Harry as your boyfriend, you aren't about to become a Death Eater. You may be making the wrong decision, choose the losing side, but that is your choice to make. I've always told you that you need to grow up and it seems to me that you've finally taken that bit of advice. I'm very proud of you.
To show you that I'm okay with this recent turn of events, I insist that you bring Mister Potter home to the manor for the Easter holiday. Owl me back with your reply.
Sincerely,
Your father
Harry stared at the parchment gaping. "He wants me to go home with you?" Harry finally said, not even seeing Ron or Hermione's inquisitive expressions.
"Yes but that's not it," Draco said, now practically skipping and looking a lot like Oliver Wood did when Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup two years ago. "Did you see, Harry? The last line in the second last paragraph? My father said he was proud of me. The one thing I've been striving to achieve since I could crawl. My father is proud of me and I don't have to become a Death Eater."
"And he wants me to go home with you for Easter?" Harry asked again, handing Draco the letter. Draco nodded, his head looking like it would bob right off his shoulders.
"Harry, you can't!" Hermione interrupted. "Lucius Malfoy is still a supporter of Voldemort."
"Hermione," interrupted Ron. "Don't say his name."
"Sorry, Ron. He's still a supporter of You-Know-Who, even if you are dating his son. It may be a trap."
"Keep your nose out of it, Mudblood," Draco spit at her.
"For once, I agree with Hermione," said Ron. "Going would be like eating Easter dinner with You Know Who himself."
"You would now that you're an item," Draco reeled off, his eyes murderous. "My father wouldn't do that. He said I don't have to become a Death Eater and he's finally proud of me. I won't let that be taken away by a Weasel and a Mudblood."
"You're just blinded, Malfoy," shouted Hermione. "Your father hit your weakness and now you're too blind to see what's going on. He'll kill you, too, now that you're on our side. You'll be hurting yourself and Harry. If you don't want to see it for yourself, see it for Harry."
"There's nothing to see. You don't know what you're talking about, Granger, and I'd ask you to keep your nose where it belongs. What do you think, Harry?"
Harry had been watching this spectacle with his lips pressed together in a very thin line, his head spinning from all the ruckus. Now they were all staring at him and he needed to come up with an answer fast.
"I reckon," he started, hesitating. "Well, I'm a bit nervous about it because Hermione could partly be right," he said and Harry could've sworn Draco fumed, "but if you really think it'll be okay, I'll go, Draco."
Hermione gasped and Draco first glared at Hermione before seizing Harry's upper body and hugging tight.
Stomping her foot in indignation, Hermione said, "Harry, you can't be serious. You'll walk into danger just because your boyfriend asks you to?"
"I'll be careful, Hermione."
Sensing the battle was lost, Hermione nodded, dragging a pale and nervous Ron out of the hospital wing with her. Harry and Draco watched them go before turning to each other and kissing.
"I'm proud of you, too, you know?" Harry said.
"Thank you. For everything. I'll write my father and tell him we're coming."
"Okay," Harry whispered and they kissed once more before Draco practically floated out for lunch and afternoon classes.
The weeks leading up to the Easter holiday were packed with classes, tons of homework, and so many Quidditch practices for the game against Slytherin that Harry was starting to get irritated with his beloved Snitch. Both Fred and George were constantly apologizing for missing the Bludger that had knocked Harry from his Firebolt, claiming that Lee had been distracting them as well.
Other aftermath of the Ravenclaw versus Gryffindor game was everywhere Harry turned. Angelina kept congratulating him on the excellent catching of the Snitch and was sounding a lot like Oliver did when going over tactics for the upcoming match. The school kept whispering about Draco and Harry and it was bothering Draco to the point where he wouldn't show up for some meals. He was never used to that kind of attention. Lee was apologizing and promised to try and be good for the next match. Cho could look neither Draco nor Harry in the eye.
Chatter about the game after the holidays was abundant as well. The last game included Lee's commentary and the Bludger incident, which, Harry learned, ended with Draco running out onto the field in a mad sprint and threatening to kill both Weasley twins, the Ravenclaw beaters, and Lee Jordan if Harry had died. Anticipation was high for the commentary and the battle for the Snitch in the next game now that the rivalry was turned up a notch. Both the Gryffindors and the Slytherins were afraid that their respective Seeker would not perform up to caliber because of the other Seeker being his boyfriend. Angelina had acknowledged this circumstance more times than Harry wanted to remember.
The Gryffindors, however, were being a lot better about it than the Slytherins. When Harry assured them that, though he wasn't about to shove Draco off his broom to an untimely death, he wanted that Snitch and the Quidditch Cup, they believed him. Angelina was nervous about it and kept brining it up but Harry dismissed her fears because she also kept reminding Fred and George to watch out for Bludgers and not to let them hit Harry again. Lee Jordan also got a strict warning from the Gryffindors.
The Slytherins, however, didn't even acknowledge Draco anymore and he could often be seen eating alone, people staring at him and whispering. He even came to Harry, ready to explode if only to release the pressure, because he overhead the new captain suggesting replacing Draco on the team. He wanted to quit but Harry refused to let him. The Slytherins didn't deserve the satisfaction.
The apprehension for Easter at the Malfoy manor, another thing that the whole school now knew about, was even worse than the apprehension for the upcoming game. As the holiday got closer, Harry got even more nervous than before. Worries and concerns were slipping into the back of his mind, most of which were Hermione's concerns. There was enough general concerns about having dinner with the boyfriend's family without adding the Death Eater circumstance. Hermione was making more and more sense, leaving Harry wondering what he had got himself into. Somehow, he didn't think Lucius was about to discontinue his support of Voldemort just because his son was dating Harry. Things were looking very bleak.
Draco couldn't be more excited or pleasant since receiving the letter from his father. He was constantly smiling despite his problems with the Slytherins and Harry had to laugh when Draco actually managed to acquire a small bounce to his step. The improved attitude reflected in his schoolwork and his suffering grades began to make dramatic improvements.
Everything was shifting around Harry and the negatives counteracting the positives were leaving him drained and neutral. Hermione was exuding negative energy in abundance due to the upcoming trip for Harry to the Malfoy manor. Draco was bouncing off the walls in excitement and Harry had caught him reading over the letter a few times, grinning at the written confession of pride. The tension between Hermione and Draco was at an all time high and Harry almost wished they would go back to the way they were before she knew he and Draco were dating.
It was strange for Harry when the time came to sign up to stay for Easter and Harry didn't have to sign up for the first time since coming to Hogwarts. Every year thus far he had stayed for the holidays, not wanting to go back to the Dursleys. This year, going home with Draco was praying on his mind. By not signing the form, Harry got a strange sense of commitment, first, and then a sense of signing his own certification of death. It made him uneasy but he forced a smile on for Draco's sake despite the feeling that he wanted to vomit whenever the topic came up.
Harry's trunk was packed and he walked out of Gryffindor next to Hermione as they headed for the carriages that would take them to the Hogwarts express. The Weasleys had decided to stay behind this year yet again but Hermione wanted to be home for the holiday. Meeting up with Draco just outside the school, Hermione frowned, sniffing at him, and she turned her nose up into the air at the sight of him before she entered a carriage. Draco and Harry followed, finally to be joined by Justin Finch-Fletchley of Hufflepuff.
"I wish we could just apparate," Justin said as their carriage began to draw away. "I hate that you have to pass a test and everything."
"Personally," answered Draco and Harry braced himself from the tone of Draco's voice, "I agree with Finch-Fletchley. Not that you could apparate on Hogwarts grounds, anyway."
"You can't?" both Harry and Justin asked. Hermione turned flush as she stared at Harry. Her mouth opened, about to speak, but Draco's voice interrupted the process and got there first.
"No, you can't. First Crabbe, then Goyle, and now the two of you," he snapped, shaking his head. "Honestly, hasn't anyone read Hogwarts, A History?"
All the red in Hermione's face drained, her anger replaced with astonishment as she stared at Draco, mouth opening and closing. "You've - you've read it? I thought I was the only one. Harry and Ron have never read it and whenever someone happens to get on the grounds, I always have to remind them that they couldn't've apparated."
Draco laughed and Hermione broke out into a grin. It was nice to see them getting along again. "Yes, I've read it. Maybe we can get them to even read the book. They are our boyfriends. I'm sure we can use some form of compromise."
"Blackmail, you mean," mumbled Harry.
"To each his own," replied Draco. "Its nice to know someone else has read it. I was beginning to think that I was the only one. I get very bored in the manor over the summer holiday so sometimes I just hide out in our library and read through the books. Its a better alterative to getting in my father's way."
"I suppose so," Hermione replied, a little of her distrust coming back at the mention of Draco's father. "I've been trying to get Ron and Harry to read it. I even bought them each a copy for Christmas but I don't think either one even opened the cover."
Harry rolled his eyes, tuning out the conversation over books that Hermione and Draco had now immersed themselves into. After weeks of their fighting, it was nice to actually have his boyfriend and one of his best friends on good terms again. They talked straight through the ride to Hogsmeade and grabbed a compartment on the train together. Harry trudged along after them and settled in next to Draco, resting his head on his shoulder. Before he realized it was happening, Harry had become bored with them both and their words were monotonous until fading into murmurs. Harry fell into slumber.
He awoke to his shoulders shaking and opening his eyes he stared directly into a set of grey ones. Draco was chuckling at him and calling out, telling Harry that they had arrived and needed to get off the train.
"Morning sunshine," said Draco, placing a kiss to Harry's lips. "We have to get off the train. My father needs to pick us up and take us back to the manor and he can only do that if we get off this train."
Harry smiled and pulled himself up, wrapping his arms around Draco's waist. "Okay. Just lead the way and I shall follow."
Draco snickered, pulling away from Harry and walking out of their compartment. They stepped off the train with their luggage in tow and into the station. From the corner of his eye, Harry could see Draco visibly stiffen at the sight of his father. Lucius walked over to them and motioned for Harry and Draco to follow. Harry remained quiet, afraid to say anything as Draco's father explained they would be using a portkey to return to the manor, and an old train ticket. It was worn around the edges and Harry placed his fingers on it alongside Draco's and Lucius's before feeling a tugging at his naval.
When Harry opened his eyes again, he was standing in a large green and grey room with high stone walls. There was a fireplace in the far side of the room, a fire burning in it and two high back armchairs were facing it. The air was chilled and it brushed against Harry's skin, stealing the warmth like a silent thief. Hardwood floors were beneath their feet and thick, heavy black drapes hung over the windowpanes blocking out any sunshine that may be on the other side. This made the room dark and dreary, giving it a cold atmosphere that made the large mansion even more frigid.
Without a word, Lucius left the room and Harry turned to observe Draco. His posture was better than usual but instead of a confident stance, it was more of the kind one uses when in the company of a higher authority. He was unusually quiet, his eyes still on the door his father had just left through as if waiting for something. Harry wanted to speak but he was afraid to break the silence, feeling very much like he did when he was a small child and the Dursleys had company.
He was just about to assume that Draco had gone crazy when a house elf entered, picked up Draco's bag and left the room. When a second entered, it retrieved Harry's bag as well but it did not leave. Instead, it stared at them before speaking.
"Master Lucius is telling Kippy to show Harry Potter to his room, sir," the house elf said. "Master Draco is coming along if he likes, sir." Draco nodded and began to follow as the house elf left the room. It led him through many long, winding corridors and up numerous flights of stairs.
They stopped before a set of high double doors, ornamented with a glass knob and silver paint. Opening up the doors, a lavish room decorated in shades of black and grey was revealed. Black curtains like the ones in the first room were hanging over each of the seven windows. The sheets were satin on a large, four-poster bed. This room also had a hardwood floor and a fireplace with two high back armchairs.
The house elf set down Harry's bags in the middle of the room and turned to face them.
"Thank you, Kippy," drawled Draco. "You may leave us now." The house elf left immediately and shut the door behind him. Draco turned to Harry and forced a smile. "I don't know what to say to you now that we're here."
"You don't have to say anything," Harry replied, sitting down on the bed. A long silence ensued and he watched Draco shuffle his feet and shift his weight until he wandered over to the fire and sunk into one of the armchairs. "You hate it here."
"You noticed." Draco laughed but it contained none of the cheerfulness or joy that Harry was accustomed to hearing in his voice over the past few weeks. The sound was forced, strained, and resentful, and just hearing it come from Draco was painful for Harry to hear. "Its always so cold here."
"It is drafty."
"Drafty? It's freezing here. Always is. One of the things I hate most about coming home."
Draco's body jumped as he felt Harry's arms wrap around him from behind and Harry's chin rest on his shoulder.
"I thought, since the letter, he'd be more like he used to. More like he was when I was a kid. I actually thought he'd be warm but he's just as cold as ever. I'm sorry I brought you here."
"Don't be. You wanted me to come and I came here for you. We're here to be together and maybe your father will warm up once he gets used to the idea of us. I love you."
"I love you, too."
"If I may ask, why do you hate it here so much? I mean, I know you have your issue with your father but this is your home-"
"Your home is with the Dursleys and you can't honestly tell me that you like it there," Draco responded and Harry opened his mouth to reply but Draco cut him off. "My father just - I hate it here. I hate the way he makes me feel. I'm scared of him, Harry. I want to be able to call him my dad but I can't get close enough to him for that. Remember last year at the Quidditch World Cup?" Harry nodded. "I had to've been the only kid there who didn't bring a friend and had to sit between his parents. As if that wasn't bad enough, then the Dark Mark appeared and I was hiding in the forest alone."
"You seemed fine to me. At least in the forest, anyway. Now that I think about it, you were uncharacteristically quiet at the game. I forgot you were even there most of the time."
"Uh huh and that was because I was stuck between my mother and father. You really don't know what being a Malfoy is all about."
"Then tell me, Draco."
"Not now. Later. We have dinner first to attend to and on the way back, I'll show you the way to my room in case you need me. Sleeping in the manor can get kind of creepy at night when its dark and you're all alone."
Harry nodded and followed Draco out of the room. He tried to memorize the passages and corridors as they walked but there was so much to his house and it all looked the same that it gave Harry a great difficulty in trying to commit it to memory. From what he had known of the Malfoys before beginning to date Draco, Harry knew they were an old and well-known wizarding family. Lucius Malfoy had great power when it came to the wizarding world. Harry also knew that Draco's family was rich, lived in a huge manor, and always had the best that money could buy. From dating Draco, Harry had learned that all their money couldn't buy them a unity to make Draco happy.
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