Disclaimer: I don't own them…I just play with them.
A/N: Okay…this came *right* out of my ass. I mean…it's the intended next chapter, I just didn't expect to plop down and start writing like a maniac. I was just sitting here, reading some Yami No Matsuei and dreaming of my silver eyed serial killer Doctor Muraki (shut up Jasmine…as long as he doesn't kill *me* I don't see a problem) and next thing I know I'm typing away. So here you are. I am actually quite pleased with this chapter…so please please let me know what you think. A lot of the reviews for the last chapter got all messed up and I don't know how. A bunch of them I received through email, but they never showed up on ff.net while others popped up on the review page, but never got sent to my email…weird. Anyhoo…here you go.
NayNymic: Just remember…send it through email…because I have a feeling I'll get an earful for this chapter *grin*.
Luinlote: Thanks again for your continued support and taking the time to email me. J
Jasmine: you knew it was coming…so don't even try to act wounded. And, as always, thank you…for everything. *smile*
Chapter 6……………I should have known you were a pouf.
********************************************************
Harry Potter slowly opened his eyes. He blinked blearily, adjusting to the morning light seeping though his window and shaking off the last of the fog that comes with contended, deep sleep. His bed was empty. He could tell. And yet…he smiled. He rolled over to muffle his yawn into his pillow and felt the corners of his mouth lift impossibly high. He wondered briefly what it was that made this particular morning so…warm. He and Draco had certainly had sweeter interludes without such foreboding consequences…yet this smile was different. Perhaps it was completion – the result of sliding home after running the bases for too long. Perhaps it was a right of passage – an undeniably large step into the world of adulthood. The exact situation from the night before had not been unfamiliar (well…verbal foreplay aside), and yet his skin seemed to tingle with the kind of sensation that often meets a newly touched virgin.
Pushing his glasses up his nose, Harry noticed the smell of coffee coming from the kitchen. Listening, he could hear Draco's voice, but the calendar to his left pointing out that it was indeed a Saturday told Harry that Draco shouldn't be working today. Running a hand through his messier than usual mane, Harry padded out to the kitchen, still with a smile plastered on his face. Draco again had his hair pulled back into a short, messy ponytail. The blonde former Slytherin's shirtless and pajama pants clad form was leaning over the counter, his long fingers wrapped around his coffee mug and the phone tucked under his ear. His conversation sounded friendly through the slightly antagonistic banter.
"I can't believe I forgot…I know you're not my secretary, I don't have one yet…well I had *other* things on my mind…none of your business…ha! Wouldn't you like to know!..." Draco turned around and blushed slightly upon seeing Harry. "…I need to get ready, perfection takes time…you flatter me…I'll see you there, goodbye." And he hung up the phone before turning to Harry once more.
"You're up…I've never seen you sleep like that…like a rock. I could have shagged you again, and I doubt you'd have noticed." Draco smirked.
"I doubt that." Harry summoned Draco's coffee mug to him, stealing it so that he wouldn't have to make his own. "What are you doing today…there are some things I think we should discuss."
Draco scowled lightly at the serious tone of Harry's voice (not to mention his stolen caffeine). Further explanation would have to wait though. "I have a fundraiser I'm supposed to go to today…completely slipped my mind."
Harry slapped his forehead. "Wizard?"
Draco nodded.
"For St. Mungo's?"
Again a nod.
Harry grimaced. "Ugh…I have to go too…my team is supposed to be there. I guess we both forgot. I'd better hop in the shower; I have to meet the rest of the team first so we can arrive as a group, so I'll need to leave before you."
Draco sidled up to Harry and reached his arm forward toward his bare chest, causing Harry to flinch. Just when he had expected contact, Draco's hand slid past him to grip the mug on the table behind his back. Harry rolled his eyes and headed for the bathroom.
***************************************************************
The fundraiser wasn't *as* boring as Draco had expected it to be. The enchanted gardens in which it was being held were quite beautiful. In here it was spring, with green grass and bright flowers completely untouched by the harsh winter of the outside world. Many people avoided him like the plague at first; while a few came up to poke and prod him just to be sure he was actually a Malfoy. After convincing Michael to saunter off and play diplomat without him, Draco made his way to the bar and ordered himself a drink. It wasn't long before a chilly voice behind him caused him to grit his teeth.
"I should have known you were a pouf."
Draco responded without turning, nor lifting the easy indifference from his voice. "Hello Zabini."
Blaise slithered up next to the blonde and ordered himself a drink. He adopted a sneer and continued to speak. "Heard about that mess with your Father and the Parkinson's. Pity. Do you think Lucius will need a new heir now? I should stop by the Manor and express my interest."
Draco forced his nerves to remain calm…although he wished, not for the first time, that he possessed the ability to *actually* murder someone with a glare. It wasn't going to happen…but he could dream. Still…he had to remind himself that making Blaise eat his glass in small shards here in public was bad for business. "You do that."
Blaise sighed and loosened his tie a bit. "I'm here with Pansy you know. She said she always knew you were queer…judging by a less than stellar performance in bed."
Just then, as if Merlin had opted to intervene and save the life of one Blaise Zabini through interruption, a female voice sliced through the conversation.
"Actually…she said it was a pity to lose a gorgeous blonde with a fabulously talented tongue to the other team."
Both of the boy's head snapped around and they exclaimed together. "Pansy!" One in surprise…the other in guilty embarrassment.
The aristocratic girl walked resolutely over to Blaise leaned in to glare at him. "And for the record, I wouldn't be here with you if my parents hadn't shoved me out of the door you ape!"
Before Draco could stop her from causing a scene, Pansy managed to snatch Blaise's drink from his hands and pour it over the top of his head. While he stood stuttering mumbling curses under his breath, Pansy linked her arm through Draco's and began to lead him away.
"Walk with me."
Draco nodded and allowed himself to be pulled by his former fiancée. He turned back to wink at Blaise. "Martini is a good look for you."
Arm in arm the two purebloods perused the grounds making idle chatter and smiling. It wasn't long though, before Pansy steered the conversation to more personal matters.
"So you're living with Harry Potter?"
Draco rolled his eyes and nodded. "Yes…yes…isn't that all anyone ever wants to know?"
Pansy returned his dismissive gesture. "Oh come off it…I don't care if it's gossip or not…I worry about you."
Draco kept his voice passive. "How sweet of you, but Pansy, I've never really had a mother…I hardly think I need one at this time."
Pansy stopped walking and yanked him down to the bench to sit with her. "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to mother you. It's just that with all the changes you've made lately…you've been quite busy I see…and Potter's season is shaping up to be hectic…the both of you are high profile…isn't it a little too…intense…for you right now?"
Draco patted her arm reassuringly. "Pansy…I'm not marrying *anyone*. I didn't leave the Manor for Pot….Harry. I left because my Father is a bitter, shallow and nearly lifeless man. It just took me a while to see past the man he used to be…the man I *want*…wanted….him to be. I don't ever want another human being to look at me with in such terrible epiphany as I looked at my Father that night."
Pansy silently leaned over and embraced her long time friend and beau. "I know. I'm proud of you Draco…he is too. I know it doesn't seem like it. But when your name makes any kind of news, he gets this look in his eye. It's not anger…more like…sadness. And grudging pride."
"You've seen him then."
She nodded. "Yes, he had us over a few times…to save face again I suppose."
Draco's voice was broken and quiet. "And my mother…."
Pansy squeezed his hand. "I've never known Narcissa well enough to judge. She seems….."
Draco sniffed. "I know…" He took a moment and composed himself. His voice was again strong as he stood and helped Pansy to her feet. "It's good to know that some things never change."
**********************************************************************
Harry entered the garden where the event was being held with the rest of his teammates. He smiled brightly at the waves and stares he received; he was becoming more accustomed to them now. After a few autographs, he ventured further in and let his eyes roam the crowd. A few feet away, he met a black gaze and scowled. Michael. After today, Draco could do as he pleased, but that didn't mean he had to like it, and Harry was displeased with the other man's methods to get what he wanted. Harry Potter didn't like when other people tried to take his things. Draco wasn't his…and he knew this…but as boundaries had not been officially established, Michael's actions still felt somewhat like…stealing. Their eyes met without malice, but more a quiet challenge. As much as Harry was beginning to dislike the pureblood, he had to admit that the man's demeanor was…strong. Strong and regal…it seemed to demand respect. The silent conversation seemed to stretch on for an endless moment.
At that moment, the chaser with quite possibly the worlds *worst* timing snaked his way to Harry's side and slid his arm around the irritated seeker's shoulders.
"Ah Harry…making eyes are you. Why don't you ever make eyes at me like that?"
Without so much as a sideways glance Harry spoke in clipped tones. "David? Do you *like* that arm?"
When the chaser removed his limb with a meep (remembering his freshly healed broken nose), Harry refocused his attention back on Michael…but it was too late. The other man had gone.
Harry sighed and strode forward to find Draco. He had only gotten a few steps in when a man in extremely expensive robes stepped forward to intercept him. The man looked to be in his fifties and had kind but sharp eyes and glasses. What he lacked in height, he made up for in presence and he held a fat cigar in his fingers.
"Harry Potter. Merlin, you're every bit what they make you out to be my boy."
Harry extended his hand. "Thank you sir. And you are?"
"Arthur Bramble…I own your quidditch team."
Harry's eyes grew wide and he cursed himself for not knowing the man who handed him his career. "Mr. Bramble…I'm so sorry. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The older man smiled jovially and shook his head. "No need to worry. I don't really make a point of putting myself in the public view. Come and sit with me my boy…I have something I'd like to ask you."
****************************************************
"So let me get this straight. You want *me* to endorse Firebolt brooms…which you also own?"
The short man nodded and tapped the ash from his cigar. "Who better Mr. Potter? The salary for your time will be a little more than what you are currently making and of course I won't take time away from your quidditch games. I can't lose my best player now can I?"
Harry mulled over this for a moment. 'I'll be making over *twice* what I make now.' It's not like endorsing the brooms was a problem…he believed in them as a product and was steadily becoming used to being an icon.
He raised his eyebrows. "What's the catch?"
The man smiled. "No catch. You'll get to see some wonderful parts of the world when you aren't playing for me. You'll miss some practice…but it's hardly like you need it. All travel expenses will be paid for, of course."
Aye…there's the rub. He would have to be gone…a lot. The prospect was quite appealing and yet…he wasn't so sure about being *so* far from Draco so soon. Maybe it would be good…provide him the necessary time to sever some ties…and yet…he felt a knot in his stomach with the thought. He felt like part of him was needed. Draco was still new to all of this and had yet to be totally alone. He had to admit that his life had been much better, if not more confusing, since the blonde's arrival as well. Deciding he needed to talk to Draco before he could give his answer he excused himself and promised to be back by the close of the evening with his decision.
He left to find his…his…he left to find Draco.
**************************************************
Michael wandered through the gardens aimlessly. He'd spoken to all that could be beneficial or interesting to him and now he had just one person he wanted to see. And yet…Draco had yet to be found. He wondered why the former Slytherin would hide away and began to worry. His thoughts of worry were distracted by a thin trail of smoke wafting over the hedges. Peering over them, he recognized the platinum hair of Draco Malfoy. The boy was leaning against a tree with is head leaned back, cigarette every now and again reaching his lips to slowly poison him. He seemed…introspective. Michael was tempted to just stay where he was and watch. It seemed inherently wrong to disturb him somehow…like the moment of quiet splendor had not been meant for human eyes. However, after a long moment, the urge to be close to Draco…to touch him drown in his grey…overwhelmed him. He approached the tree casually and sat across from the blonde, saying nothing.
It was Draco who spoke first. "It's peaceful here."
Michael said nothing but nodded his head and closed his eyes to a soft breeze.
"Did I miss anything?"
Michael smiled lightly and shook his head. "Nothing I couldn't handle. Why are you sitting here all alone? Did something happen, Draco?"
Draco shook his head. "No…just…thinking."
"Ah…dangerous…the mind. Anything I might find of interest?"
Draco snorted. "I doubt it…unless you want my sad and useless family history."
Michael fixed his gaze and moved closer to the distant boy against the tree. "No part of you is sad, or useless. I want to know everything about you."
Draco remained detached. "There isn't much to know."
Michael moved closer still and extended his arm beyond Draco's head, brushing the pale cheek as he did so. When he drew his hand back, a butterfly rested serenely on his fingers. The insect's wings were a swirl of blue and grey streaked by thin, electric silver. The creature was hypnotic in its beauty. Both men marveled at it in silence for a moment before Michael lifted his piercing gaze to Draco and spoke softly.
"If you touch their wings, they die. It seems cruel…to create something so beautiful that one should feel such need to possess it, but in doing so destroys it instead."
Draco's breath caught at the intense stare and profound words. He discarded his cigarette and reached his hand forward to give the butterfly perch on his own fingers, but his hand was caught in another's strong grip. Before he could ask any questions, he was pulled forward and soft lips that tasted faintly of amber and honey met his own. Startled, Draco's eyes went wide and his free hand stilled in mid-air. The hand around his own shifted and he felt his fingers intertwined with those of his companion. When a soft tongue swiped across his lip Draco's eyes involuntarily closed while his lips parted. His hand finally sought purchase on Michael's shoulder and gripped tightly, twisting the other's robes in his fingers. The other man felt strong and solid beneath his fingers, while his taste was sweet and rich. Everything about him said that this was a man, not a boy, pressing into him. Draco's mind went momentarily blank and all was still.
The butterfly danced away on a spring breeze that carried with it soft kisses and warm breath.
*************************************************************
Harry was beginning to get worried. He'd scanned over most of the party and still hadn't found any sign of Draco. Interrupting his thoughts, a butterfly flit passed him, almost skimming his nose. He wrinkled his nose with the slight tickle the thought gave him and held out his hand for the pretty insect to land. Once perched, she stilled her movements, her wings flitting out occasionally. Harry smiled at the creature. Butterflies were one of the only insects he would tolerate, their beauty making up for their general…ickyness.
Continuing with his walk, Harry rounded a corner to a more secluded area of the gardens. He shifted his gaze around for a moment, scanning left and then right. He stopped cold. The sight that met him should have enraged him. It should have sent him flying into hysterics that someone else would be so close to the boy that had only the night before occupied his bed. But it didn't. Harry felt…sadness. It was an aching sadness that ran so much deeper than jealousy or anger. It was the same sadness that he would feel sometimes when it rained and the sky was grey…it almost made him weep at times…as if he was seeing the rain for the first time. It was a realization…and he thought he might go blind from the combination of bleakness and beauty. He knew then…that he wasn't needed. He was sure he was wanted…and fairly certain he was loved in some indefinable way…but needed he was not. Anything that Draco needed he could procure himself…in his own way. The thought made Harry strangely…proud…even if the sight before him made him want to tear his eyes from their sockets for the overload it caused his brain. Maybe it was the fact that his stomach had dropped to his knees…maybe it was seeing the dragon from such an objective viewpoint…but for whatever reasons, Harry was rooted to the spot, transfixed. Just when the pain edged in and began to force him to move, the kiss broke. Against his better judgment, Harry stayed and listened to conversation that took place immediately thereafter.
Draco's eyes were again huge as realization dawned on him and he scooted back a few inches. "What….why….hmmmm…."
Michael simply smiled his easy, confident smile. "That….was a kiss….I'm shocked really…you seemed quite proficient."
Draco remained shocked. "I *know* what it was. But why….what about Andrew?"
Michael leaned back with his elbows in the soft grass, but not before reaching out and running his fingers over Draco's cheek once more. "No need to get testy. You could have pushed me away, you know. I'm not a monkey. If you don't want me to kiss you, I won't. And Andrew knows…he's not stupid. He called me on it immediately actually."
Draco slumped back and dug for another cigarette. "But I thought…."
Michael cut him off. "I *do* love him…but you've done something to me…and I'm not sure what. We do have unfinished business from a while back if you remember. If it were something I could control…I would. He knows as well as I do that I can't spend the rest of my life with him while I still desire you."
Draco was taken aback by the bluntness of his Michael's words. He felt somehow out of his league now, and his voice was small. "That just seems…I don't know…wrong…"
Michael chuckled. "And what of Harry Potter, then?"
Draco answered honestly. "I don't know…when I left home it seemed natural to go to him. To want him back…but now…I feel like my whole life is different. Like it would be wrong to tie either of us down so soon…besides…we hadn't really gotten back together…there are no…titles, I suppose. But you…I thought you were…devoted…to him."
"I am…in my way. He is a lot like me…it's one of the reasons I'm with him in the first place. What is the concept of right and wrong when weighed against one's happiness? Why would anyone deny themselves the chance to explore before things are *too* serious? For morality? Morality is a political term…true morality is intensely personal and cannot be defined."
Before Michael could continue with his rant, a rustle in the bushes snapped both of the pureblooded wizards' attention. Lowered green eyes met wide grey and amused black. Before anything could be said, Michael stood and helped a dazed Draco to his feet. Harry smiled faintly at Draco, both of them feeling a bit sick. Draco suddenly announced that he was going home and Michael smiled at both he and Harry. As he prepared to leave the garden, Michael turned back to Draco but spoke loud enough for both of them to hear.
"Si vous le pneu de jeux enfantins…me trouve. Je ne toucherai pas votre vole…"
(If you tire of childish games…find me. I will not touch your wings…)
With no response, Draco simply took off, seemingly calm. Harry knew what often lurked beneath the calm exterior though and made to give chase, but a strong arm stopped him.
"Let him go."
Harry turned, ready to hex this man into next Tuesday…but he was already gone.
'I wish he'd stop doing that' Harry thought angrily.
Instead of running home, Harry found Mr. Bramble. The old man was quite happy to see him and promptly introduced him to all that he had been talking to. They all knew who he was already. After the conversations, Mr. Bramble turned to Harry and asked him "So…how can I help you, Mr. Potter?"
Harry took one last look around.
"I'll do it."
*************************************************
TBC
Gah! I love him…sorry…I do. I love them all…I want one of each…it's only fair….
Please review.
Love and Kisses, Reika
