A/n: Sorry for the long wait, even though this is previously written but it seems that I've finally gotten a Life! * Sounds of amazement * anyhoo, I don't know when the next updates for ANYTHING will happen as SAT's and ACT's are taking place this month and I've got a research project, as I've told people who have personally emailed me. I'm sorry though, I know you all want to read my crap and I appreciate it so much but Life gets in the way of pleasure, le sigh. I'll update when I can, which will probably be after long periods of silence from me. I've barely had time to even review other peoples amazing stories!
Anyways, I can't do responses because FF.Net doesn't work on the server that I usually use and I have to use another one which doesn't even show my stats and I don't really want to do them. I'm dead tired. Sorry.
Now for the chapter!
Some Kind of Feeling.
Chapter 8
~*_*~
The Potter's Christmas parties always involved family and they had quite a bit of family. Family didn't only include Lily and James' parents, cousins, and such. It also included the families of Sirius, Remus and even Hermione's family who had always celebrated Christmas with them.
Hermione and her parents were the first ones to arrive that day, besides Draco. Then came Lily's parents, Rose and Richard Evan's. Rose looked exactly like her daughter with fiery red hair and brilliant emerald eyes. It was hard not to tell that Lily was Rose's daughter. They were both the same height, at 5'7 and had a temper that could whip the toughest man into shape. Richard had dark blonde hair (very few streaks of gray) and hazel-green eyes, standing at 6'4, he was an intimidating man. Even at the age of 60-something he was in perfect shape, being the gym trainer that he was (he owned a business of Gyms.)
" Happy Christmas!" Richard said in his deep, growling voice, clapping his son-in-law on the back and nearly sending him to the floor with it. James laughed nervously.
" Happy Christmas, Rich." James never really called him 'dad'. It was a sensitive spot since his own father had died two years ago. The two had been closer than most parents were with their children.
" Where's my daughter gone off too?" Rose asked after greeting James and the rest in the room. It was still rather early, only 11:00 a.m. People didn't start coming until 1:00.
" Oh, she's cooking again, been at it since 4:00." James told them.
" Oh! I better go help before she burns the house down!" Rose giggled, heading towards the kitchen. After all these years of Christmas parties, she still insisted that he daughter needed help with the cooking or they might all be poisoned. In actuality, she probably only used that same excuse just to break away from the rest of the family and go gossip with Lily. " And I better see my other grandson when I get back!" She said over her shoulder.
" Where is that boy?" Richard asked, sitting on the couch next to Jake who was chatting with Hermione.
" He's upstairs." James said, placing the presents Rich and his wife had for them under the tree with some of the other opened and unopened presents. He wasn't worried about what Rich would think of Harry being gay. He knew for a fact that Rich himself experimented with men before he found Rose. He was a little surprised at that and then laughed heartily. Rich had asked what he found so funny and James told him. " We're all just one big queer family." Rich laughed too.
" I'm going to go see how my favorite grandson is." Rich said, getting up. Jake looked up at him and pouted.
" Hey!" He protested.
" My favorite baby grandson." Rich corrected. Sirius snickered.
" Not anymore." He said quietly in a singsong voice. Rich raised a thick eyebrow. James laughed nervously and Hermione giggled. Jake only scowled. Remus, who had just walked into the living room, blushed.
" Hm . . ." Rich said, wondering why they had all been acting strangely as he headed upstairs. When he got to Harry's room he stopped upon hearing, not only his grandson's voice, but another, deeper voice. Curious, he stopped to listen.
" . . .Go downstairs and meet the rest of your family?" the deeper voice asked.
" We could . . .it's just my granddad." Harry said, laughing a little. " He's . . .uh sort of like dad and Jake when it comes to me and dating." Harry said.
His grandson was dating!? When did this happen! Rich thought, leaning against the door.
" Well, I'll just have to woo my way into his heart too." Draco joked.
" We'll see Drake, we'll see." Harry said. Rich could just hear the grin in Harry's voice. Rich frowned a bit before opening the door.
" What's this about wooing me?" He asked upon entering. His grandson had his arms wrapped around some tall blonde boy's neck, some tall blonde who looked vaguely familiar and had his arms wrapped around Harry's waist. Harry looked surprise to see him. He let go of the blonde and ran over to him, giving him his usual big hug. " Hey, Har. It's good to see you." Rich said, nearly lifting the teen off the floor with his hug.
" Good to see you too, grandpa." Harry said, letting the elder man go. Rich held the teen back at arms length to get a good look at him. His grandson was still a little too girly and wimpy for his tastes but he could tell he was growing. He noticed the lack of glasses and thought it was an improvement. He had always thought glasses were evil little things that purposely got themselves broke.
" You look good, little shorty." Rich said. Harry blushed at the old nickname for him. Draco smirked but stopped when Rich looked him over as well. Rich was impressed, the boy must work out, something he admired in teens. They needed to stop being so damn lazy. The only thing he probably disapproved of was the longish hair. He'd been nagging Harry about cutting his hair forever and he wouldn't mind nagging Harry's 'friend' about it either. He let go of Harry's shoulders and crossed his arms over his chest.
" So what's this about wooing me?" He asked again. Harry blushed a bit as Draco walked up to them.
" I was only joking, sir." Draco said sincerely. He stuck out a hand. " I'm Draco Malfoy." Rich took his hand without hesitation. Draco winced at the tight grip.
" I thought you looked familiar!" Rich grinned, shaking the teen's hand enthusiastically. Draco felt like his whole arm was about to fall off. " I remember your dad when he was a scrawny little kid. A right prat, that one." He laughed, letting go of Draco's hand.
" Oh." Draco said, resisting the urge to nurse his poor hand.
" So, kid, what was with that scene I walked in on just now?" He asked Harry. Harry, once again blushed and smiled shyly.
" Well . . .Draco is . . .my boyfriend." Harry told him, reaching out to take the taller teens hand.
" Really now?" Rich said slowly. Harry and Draco nodded. " Does he treat you right?" Rich asked Harry.
" Perfectly." The dark-haired boy said. Rich nodded before grinning again.
" Then you're alright with me." Rich said. He suddenly got really serious and glared at the blonde. " But If I hear you've hurt him in any way I'll gut you." He growled. Draco, whose only reaction to this was to pale considerably, nodded.
" Wouldn't dream of it sir." Draco said. Rich smirked. He loved being intimidating.
~*_*~
" Harry!" Hermione squealed upon seeing the boy. She gave him a suffocating hug and a kiss on the cheek. " Happy Christmas!" She said. She was dressed in a form fitting button up, dark red shirt with quarter sleeves and a knee-length black skirt. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun with her bangs framing her face.
" Happy Christmas, 'Mione." Harry said. She moved and gave Draco a hug as well, the same greetings repeated.
" What? Don't I get a hug?" Rich said, sounding offended. Hermione rolled her eyes and gave the much taller man a hug. " That's better." He said. " You've grown as well!" Rich said. " Where has the time gone!" He sighed dramatically as they all entered the living room.
After greeting the Grangers, Harry and Draco went into the kitchen. Rich suggested that they go say hi to Grandma Rose and that's exactly what they went to do. The smell of Christmas dinner was already filling the whole house but it was strongest in the dining room and in the kitchen. Harry and Draco walked in to see Remus, his mom, and his grandmother, sitting at the island in the middle of the kitchen, talking and drinking eggnog. Obviously they were taking a break. It was Remus who noticed them walk in.
" Hey, you two." He said. Grandma Rose turned around and rushed from her chair to give her grandson a warm greeting.
" Oh, how have you been!" She said after giving him a tight hug.
" Fine, Grandma, and you?" He asked. She waved a hand at him.
" Oh, you're old Grandma's doing fine. Your Grandfather makes sure we eat right and exercise daily. There ain't a chance in hell that I'd be doing any worse than fine." She told him. Lily protested against her use of language and Rose rolled her eyes. " Seriously, Lilian." She huffed. It was then that she noticed the handsome blonde standing next to Harry. " Oh, who is this." She said in interest, looking him over. " Handsome young man, you've got here. Is he your boyfriend?" Rose asked, grinning at the light blush staining Draco's cheeks.
Harry laughed. His Grandma said that about Hermione too when she first met her (you know what I mean!). This time, though, she was quite right.
" As a matter of fact, yes, he is." Harry said, feeling proud that he could actually say this now. Rose's eyes lit up.
" What's your name, son?" She asked.
" Draco Malfoy, Ma'am." He replied. He became confused when she laughed.
" You are to polite!" She told him. " Just call me Rose, dear." Draco nodded. " Well I'm happy for you two. It's about damn time (" Mother!") Harry found someone to love." She smiled.
" Come on mother, we still have a lot more to cook." Lily said. Rose rolled her eyes before glaring at Draco, catching him off guard.
" Just don't hurt Harry, Mr. Malfoy. Or I'll gut you." Harry laughed at this while Draco only looked confused and a little worried. He doubted that Mr. and Mrs. Evan's were giving him empty threats.
" I think I heard another car pull up, why don't you two go see who it is?" Remus suggested.
" Was that Luce's son?" Was the last thing they heard before entering the Living room again.
Remus had heard right. This time, it was James mother, accompanied by Sirius' father, and younger brother. Marie Potter stood at 5'7 with straight, graying black hair that was done in a long braid that went halfway down her back. Her eyes were a warm brown color, almond shaped with laugh lines around them. She was dressed in a pair of khakis and a fluffy white sweater. Next to her stood Felix Black, dressed in a deep green sweater and jeans, who was like an older copy of Sirius, standing at 6'1. His black hair was in the same style as Sirius', only grayed more. His eyes were a deep blue and filled with mischief that had obviously been passed on to his son.
Regulus Black stood grumpily behind his father, standing at 5'9. His black hair was cut so that the sides and back were short and the rest was combed to the front and gelled a bit so that it stuck up instead of falling on his forehead. His eyes were a very light blue, almost silver color. He wore a black, long-sleeved shirt and dark blue jeans that clung to his hips. He obviously didn't want to be there, judging by the expression on his face. His mother had some how conned her way out of going like always. She never really got along with everyone anyway, she always thought that the Potter's and her oldest son's friend were the lowest of the low, not even worth it. Regulus was brought up this way and didn't really like the Potter's much but was forced by his father to go anyway.
" Hi Grandma Marie." Harry greeted with a hug.
" How's my grandson doing?" She asked kindly, brushing some bangs from his eyes.
" I'm good."
" Glad to here it dear . . .do you have a boyfriend yet?" She whispered the last bit in his ear. Harry grinned and nodded his head towards Draco. His grandmother raised an appraising eyebrow before silently wandering off to the living room.
" What was all that about?" Draco wondered after Harry greeted Regulus and his Uncle Felix. The two Blacks walked into the living room, Felix sitting in the armchair next to the couch and Regulus sat in a chair that was brought in, away from the talking bunch.
" Oh, uh, Grandma Marie's always known I was gay. Every time I see her she's asked if I've gotten a boyfriend yet and was asking yet again but Regulus is kind of against homosexuals and she didn't want him to hear. He still doesn't know that his own brother's gay. He and his mother still think that Remus' is just a flat mate." He explained. " Uncle Felix is fine with it all, he's extremely open-minded about all things."
" I don't mean to be too rude but that's pretty damn blind if they couldn't see how gay those two are." Draco smirked. " They fight like an old married couple." Draco said, having witnessed a couple of their fights while spending time over the Potters. Harry had to agree.
" Hey, where's Hermione?" Harry wondered, just realizing that she wasn't in the living room anymore.
" Maybe she went outside, the doors cracked." Draco said. The two walked over to the door and peeked out. Hermione was out there all right and so was a bulky fellow with thick eyebrows. The two boys shared a wicked grin and listened.
" You told me your friend lived here. I thought you might be here for Christmas." The man said. He nervously handed the blushing girl a present wrapped in green paper with snowmen and candy canes on it. " I bought this for you." He said in his thick Bulgarian accent. Hermione accepted it and smiled shyly. He told her to open it and she did. Inside was a fragile looking snow globe. The scene inside of it consisted of a man and woman (who vaguely looked like Hermione and Viktor) they were wrapped in each other's arms, standing in a snowy park, completely lost in each others eyes. There were little snow-covered squirrels in there as well and a snow-covered bench that she could imagine had once been occupied by the couple.
" Thanks, Viktor, it's beautiful." She smiled widely. She truly liked the gift. It was simple but nice, something one gave to a friend." But I didn't get you anything, I'm sorry." She said apologetically.
" Oh, no vorries I do not need anything from you. I am happy just knowing you like my gift." He said. " He shifted nervously before moving closer to her and giving her a warm peck on the cheek. " Happy Christmas." He said softly. Before he moved back Hermione gave him a hug and her warm brown eyes twinkled merrily.
" Happy Christmas" she whispered.
Harry and Draco were shocked by this little revelation. When did Hermione gain an admirer? They snickered to themselves and moved away from the door as Hermione turned to go back inside. When Hermione, still holding the beautiful globe in her hands, got back inside, the first thing she saw was two grinning boys.
" What?" She demanded.
" So who's Viktor?" Draco asked. She blushed.
" Why didn't you tell us about him?" Harry pouted. " Is he your boyfriend?" She blushed some more.
" Oh, you two! Stop teasing me. Or I won't tell you about him." They chuckled as she moved off, to go put her globe in a safe spot until it was time to leave.
~*_*~
The Malfoy's Christmas ball was a sophisticated event that happened every year. Everyone that was important was there, including Mayor Fudge, and Tom Riddle Senior. Tom Riddle Jr. was hanging around somewhere, being bored and trying to make the best of the party by drinking. Before now he was never really required to come to these parties with his father but Lucius insisted on him coming and his father made him. He could guess that Lucius had found a way to get little Harry.
Tom was looking around in boredom when his eyes caught Lucius'. The man motioned him to follow him and walked through a door between two expensive looking tapestries in the ballroom. Tom set his glass down and made his way towards the door.
" Oh!" Someone gasped. He scowled in disgust at the obvious child that ran into him. " Pardon me." She said, smiling seductively. He looked down at her with contempt and sneered. The pug-faced blonde had been following him all night.
" Move." He said, shoving her aside and into a talking couple. She stomped her foot and pouted.
Tom made it to the room without any more incidents. It was big like all the rooms in Malfoy manor. The floor was dark wood with a dark green rug situated under the plush couch that sat in front of the fireplace. There was a bar off to the left with shelves full of drinks and drinking glasses, There were even some tables scattered around. Tom didn't know the purpose of this room and frankly, didn't care.
Lucius was over at the bar pouring them some drinks so that's where Tom went. He sat on one of the barstools while Lucius leaned against the bar, drink in hand.
" Do you have a plan?" Tom asked.
" Of course." Lucius said tonelessly, taking a sip from his wineglass. " I have a flat in London that you can take him to. It's spacious with plenty of things to entertain yourselves with and by the time you have him; it'll have a small stock of food and other necessities. I'm sure you can buy anything else." Lucius said.
" Good, good . . ." Tom said, doing his whole glass. " So how are we going to get him?" Tom asked.
" In March there's . . ." (a/n: I'm evil aren't I?)
~o00o~
The Potter household was nearly full of family. By the time 1:00 came around, Remus family had come, more of Sirius' family and some more cousin's came. Most had taken a liking to Draco, despite his status as a Malfoy. The only ones who really seemed hostile to him were Regulus, Bellatrix Lestrange and her husband, and the Dursley family who felt grossly out of place.
" Your cousin . . ." Draco said, barely hiding his disgust. Dudley had grown a lot since the last time Harry had seen him. It was a wonder he even got through the front door. Harry laughed a little.
" Aunt Petunia spoils him way too much." Harry explained.
" Ugh, that is so gross, how could he get that big?" Draco asked from the black leather loveseat he was sitting on. He, Harry and Hermione moved to his dad's study. They figured that no one would bother them in here. It was a bit roomy with a big computer desk, full of computer and psychology books and other stuff. There was the loveseat that sat next to a bookshelf where Draco and Hermione sat, Harry was sitting in Draco's lap, perfectly content. The study was next to the front door so they got a good view from the window, on the other end of the room, of people coming.
" I swear he's got his parents wrapped around his little finger." Hermione said.
" I believe that." Harry said. "Hey, I'll be back, I want to go see when dinner's going to be ready, I'm starved." Harry said, climbing from Draco's lap. " Do you guys want anything?" He asked.
" Eggnog if you can get some, if not then some water would be fine." Hermione said and Draco agreed. Before he left he turned back and gave a wicked grin to Hermione.
" Keep his lap warm for me, 'Mione, will you?" She sputtered indignantly as he laughed and left.
The living room was loud because everyone was talking and some Christmas music was playing in the background. He greeted some people as he walked by but smiled nervously at Remus' twin brother (so cliché, I know.) who was staring at him, a can of beer in his hand.
' He always drinks.' Harry though with a mental sigh. The Dining room wasn't as crowded. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were talking with the Dursley's like they usually did at some point during the party. He could guess that Dudley was in the kitchen, either that or trying to find Hermione whom he had it bad for.
" Well, look who's decided to join us." Rose said, pulling out a baking sheet full of delicious looking cookies. " What do you need, sweetie."
" I was wondering when dinner would be ready." He said sheepishly.
" I'll call everyone when it's ready which should be soon." Lily said, checking on the turkey, the ham was already done.
" Oh, well in that case I'll just get three glasses of eggnog." He did just that. With the third glass, he put some strawberry syrup in it and mixed it up real quick. He took a sip and nodded in satisfaction before taking the three glasses and going back to the study.
" Here you go." He said handing them their glasses and taking his own strawberry mixed on. He sat back in Draco's lap and got comfortable, resting his feet in Hermione's lap. She glared at him and he smiled innocently. " Sorry there wasn't any orange juice to put in the eggnog 'Mione." He said after she took a sip.
" It's okay."
" Orange juice?" Draco asked curiously. Harry nodded as he nearly downed his whole cup.
" We usually put something else in our eggnog when we have it. For her it's orange juice, for me its strawberry syrup." He grinned, licking his lips.
" Can I have a taste?" Draco asked. Harry moved to give Draco his glass but instead, he kissed the smaller teen, his tongue tasting every inch of Harry's mouth.
" Er . . ." They broke apart to see Hermione blushing furiously into her glass. Draco grinned.
" You shouldn't be so embarrassed, 'Mione." Draco said. " With the way you and that Viktor guy were looking at each other . . ." Hermione lightly smacked him and blushed.
" We are only friends, END of discussion." She said when he was about to say something else.
" Whatever, Oh, can I have some more of that Strawberry eggnog? It's the most delicious thing I've tasted all day." Draco asked Harry.
" As long as you drink it from my glass." Harry blushed. " Not that kissing me is bad." Harry added.
" Yeah, I just don't want to see it." Hermione said grumpily. Draco wrapped his arms around Harry's waist.
" You're just jealous that you and Viktor haven't reached that stage yet." He teased. Hermione blushed again.
" Am not!"
" Sure, Herm."
~*_*~
Finally Christmas dinner was done and the whole party crowded at the table. It was a good thing that the Potter's dining room was so big. Not only was there the regular, long dining table but there was also a side table for the younger kids to sit at. Once everyone had said grace, the talking and laughter started up again.
Harry was sitting between Draco and Hermione. Across from them were Sirius, Remus and Romulus, Remus' brother. Draco was, unfortunately sitting next to Regulus who was looking pissed. Hermione, to her great despair was sitting next to Dudley who was pigging out on the food and sneaking glances at her at the same time.
Dinner went well with everyone talking. Every now and then Draco would discreetly reach a hand under the table and hold Harry's hand. Draco couldn't help but feel ecstatic about being able to spend Christmas with Harry, the man he loved. It was better than anything he could have possibly asked for and he thanked God for it.
~*_*~
It was now December 31st, around mid-afternoon. The Potters already had everything from Christmas put away and all presents placed neatly in their rooms or where ever they needed to be. Harry was sprawled out on his bed, admiring the ring Draco had given him. It was by far the best present he'd gotten that Christmas and every Christmas before then.
" Hey, Har." Jake poked his head in through Harry's door. Harry, who hadn't shown anyone the ring yet, dropped his arm back to the bed.
" Yeah?"
" Um . . .you see, Carmen called me the other day. She said she wanted to have a talk with me about something and--"
" You want me to go with you." Harry smiled. Jake pouted and nodded.
" Please?" Harry sat up and nodded. " Yes! Be ready in ten minutes."
~*_*~
Harry was ready and dressed in a yellow t-shirt with Sponge-bobs face on it and blue jeans. He pulled on his dark red, heavy winter coat and walked out to Jake's car.
" Why do you need me to go with you anyway?" Harry asked after they left the house.
" Well . . .she likes you, right? So maybe she won't yell at me or anything with you there." Harry rolled his eyes and adjusted his glasses a bit.
Carmen lived in a nice little suburban neighborhood in London, she had sold her and Jake's old house and bought a new, smaller one. It took quite a while to get there since it had snowed pretty heavily all week, once they did get there they noticed two cars in the driveway.
" Wonder whose car that is." Jake said, narrowing his eyes a bit. He parked in front of the walkway and hopped out, Harry just behind him. The door opened before Jake could knock and a woman, who wasn't Carmen, opened the door.
" Hey, Jake." She drawled. She was 5'8 with blonde hair, pulled up into a ponytail and dark brown eyes. She wore a pink, long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans.
" Hey, Claire." Jake greeted, relieved that it wasn't Carmen's new . . .anybody. She was Carmen's older sister.
" Carmen's been waiting, oh hey, Harry. Haven't seen you in a while." She said as they walked in. Carmen was in the kitchen looking a little nervous. She was the same height as her sister with chin length blonde hair that sort of flared out at the ends. Her dark blue eyes looked up as they entered and she seemed to be even more nervous. Jake and Harry took off their coat and set them on the back of the chairs at the kitchen table.
" Hey." Jake said uncomfortably, sitting down across from Carmen. She smiled a bit.
" Hey." She said softly. Harry and Claire both sighed impatiently. It was obvious that Carmen had asked Claire over for the same reasons that Jake asked Harry to come.
" Jake . . .do you remember the, er, night in August, after the party?" Carmen said nervously.
" Yeah . . ."
" Well . . .um. You see . . ."
" Oh just tell him already." Claire said impatiently. Carmen glared at her. " What? You're only stalling and I have somewhere to be soon." Carmen sighed and looked into Jake's curious eyes.
" Jake, I'm pregnant."
There was a deafening silence after that one sentence in which Harry gaped and Jake looked like he had died sitting up.
" Jake?" Carmen said meekly.
Jake fell over in a dead faint.
~*_*~
" Well that went well." Claire said sarcastically.
" I didn't think he would faint!" Carmen said. " Oh, he must hate me." She whined.
" Jake doesn't hate you." Harry said. " He probably didn't expect it. I bet you he's really happy." Harry said reassuringly. Jake was knocked out on the couch at the moment while the other three were in the kitchen.
" Yeah and besides, why do you care what he thinks of you? You're the one who wanted to divorce him because of something so stupid." Claire said.
" It was not stupid. I felt like we were falling apart! He was always at parties when he wasn't boxing and when he was home he was training. He never had any time for me anymore and I felt like I wasn't important. "
" Well if you ask me then I think you're just being selfish." Claire said. " He loves you but you never told him how you felt about everything. You, once again, did something without thinking." Claire sighed. Carmen burst into tears upon realizing that her sister was right. Claire rolled her eyes and Harry felt helpless.
" What's all this noise?" Jake mumbled stumbling into the kitchen. He blinked upon seeing a crying Carmen, his brother and his ex-wife's sister then his memory of that Carmen had just told him came back to him. Carmen moved from her seat and pulled Jake into a tight hug and sobbed into his shirt.
" I'm sorry!" She wailed. " I'm so stupid!" Jake looked dreadfully confused but pleased that he got to hold the woman he loves again.
" I'll take Harry home, why don't you and Carmen talk." Claire said quietly. Jake, who was comforting the crying woman, nodded.
~*_*~
When Harry got home he was immediately swept up into the arms of Draco who seemed extremely happy for some reason.
" Harry I'm so glad you're back, I have something to tell you." Draco said, still holding Harry.
" Do you want me to pepper spray him?" Claire said, getting out of the car. Harry laughed.
" That's okay, Claire. He's my boyfriend." Harry explained.
" Oh? That's sweet. Listen; tell your parents I said hi. I'm going to be late for that meeting." She said. " Bye, Har." She got back in the car, muttering about still having to change clothes.
" Who was that?" Draco asked, letting go of the smaller teen.
" Jake's ex-wife's older sister, Claire West." Harry said.
" Oh, anyway. Mother just told me that Father is going to be away for the next month or so and she's going with him. I know we've been spending an awful lot of time together already but she says, if your mom thinks it's okay, that I could stay with you until she gets back. She's only going to be with him for a week or two before coming back." He said.
" Draco, you know I don't mind spending time with you. This is great!" Harry said with a broad grin. " When are you coming over?"
" Well my mother's speaking with your parents right now so we'll see."
Later that day, Draco had two weeks worth of clothes packed. He knew he could always come back to the house to get more things if he needed it since he had a spare key but he figured, why go through al that trouble? Lily and James were a bit reluctant to let Draco share Harry's room but the guestroom was being remodeled and they didn't want Draco passing out from the paint fumes. They set up one of those inflatable beds for Draco to sleep on. It wasn't that they didn't trust the two to sleep in the same bed. It was just that they didn't trust two teenagers to sleep in the same bed. Especially when they were dating.
" Does your family celebrate New Year's?" Draco asked while playing around a bit on Harry's new keyboard.
" Yeah. As you could tell from Christmas, our family is the real partying type and half of them get drunk." Harry grinned. " It's quite funny actually. I think me and my mum are the only ones who never really get drunk." Draco raised an eyebrow.
" They let you drink?"
" Only on New Year's eve but I rarely drink then anyway." He said.
" Hm . . .we've never celebrated New Years. Father wouldn't allow it. He said it was a pointless thing." Draco said.
" Well, I don't think it's pointless. It's celebrating a New Year, you know? Another whole year you've survived life but then again, your father doesn't seem like the life loving type of person, no offense or anything." He said the last part hurriedly. Draco laughed.
" Don't worry. I say the same thing all the time." He told Harry. " Hey, do you think you could play something for me?" Draco asked, looking over at the boy on the bed.
" Um . . .okay." Harry said getting off the bed and walking over to the blonde. " Just anything?"
" Yup. " Draco slid off the leather stool Harry used for his keyboard and let Harry sit. The dark haired boy let out a breath of air, trying to decide what to play.
" I don't know what to play." Harry said, laughing nervously. He had never actually played for anyone besides his mom who taught him how to play in the first place.
" Hm . . .how about you play me something you wrote." Draco said. Harry thought a moment before complying. He was glad he had the full keyboard because now he could play the full song.
It was a pretty tragic song played slowly and beautifully mournful. It gave Draco the chills and he shivered as if the room temperature really did drop. He felt his breath get harsh as the piece escalated into a faster pace but still in that melancholy tone that reached out to Draco and wrapped him around in it. He watched Harry's expression of bliss and could tell that the boy had put so much feeling into this song and Draco had to wonder what spurred such a song like this. It was . . .simply deep.
The song would grow loud at some points sending more chills through him and then it would get soft and peaceful and then almost angry and all the while it still managed to remain sad and tragic. It made him feel like he knew what the song was saying and then suddenly, it changed so fast that he didn't know what to think. It was the most magnificent thing he'd ever heard or experienced and he doubt that an adult could possibly capture the essence of a song quite like his Harry could. Damn was he proud.
When the song was over, Draco stood in awe, still hearing it in his head. Harry looked up at him nervously, hoping he liked it.
" Harry . . .that was the best thing I've ever heard in my life." Draco breathed. Harry blushed at the compliment. " Where did you learn how to play like that?" He asked as Harry stood again.
" My mum started teaching me when I was 3. She said that every kid needed to learn how to play an instrument and I've always had a deep love for music so . . .It wasn't hard to learn." He told the blonde.
" Harry, you play better than most people I've heard. Have you ever thought about getting a record deal or something?" He asked as they sat on Harry's bed.
" No . . ." He said slowly. " I don't know if I want to pursue a career in music. I mean, I love it and I'm sure it would be wonderful but I want to see if there's anything else out there before I set my future." Harry said. Draco nodded in understanding.
" So . . .what was that piece called?" Harry smiled his emerald eye's twinkling.
" Weeping Dragons."
~*_*~
That night, New Year's eve, Harry and Draco had permission from Harry's parents to go down to London to celebrate New Years. James didn't want his son going down there because people got a little out of hand during New Years but Draco assured him that if anyone dared to touch Harry, they'd find themselves missing a few essentials. That was all James needed to know.
" I think we should go to a club to celebrate. There's this really good one called Skin Deep. I know the owner and everything so I'm sure he'll let us in." Draco said. Harry nodded. He figured that Draco would take him to another club and decided to dress in a pair of low riding black jeans that Draco had bought him and a sleeveless, tight black shirt that had a picture of a dagger piercing a heart which had a snake coiled around it. Draco wore black jeans as well, slightly baggy, and a medium gray, short sleeved, button up shirt.
The club had a pretty long line of people waiting to get in when the couple got there. Draco sneered at it before grabbing Harry's hand and dragging him to an alley where a back door was. Draco knocked twice and the door opened to reveal a bulky black man wearing tight black pants and a tight white t-shirt with the club name on it. Harry was pretty sure that shirt should have ripped by now. The man was way too bulky.
" Hey, Ryan." Draco greeted. " Can you let us in?" Ryan smirked.
" Sure, little buddy. Don't get too freaky in there. Your 'friend' looks like he might freak if you do." Harry blushed a bit as Ryan laughed. Draco rolled his eyes as the two walked in. Immediately the sound of music pumping through the air assaulted them, louder than it was outside. They made their way through the dark hallway, occasionally lit by the flashing lights above the dance floor, and then out to the dance floor where they almost danced the night away.
~*_*~
" 10 . . .9 . . ." The count down had begun and the dancing had stopped but only for this moment. Almost everyone had a glass of something to drink in his or her hands. " 8 . . .7 . . ." Harry and Draco were wrapped in each other's arms, each with a glass of something but they weren't really paying attention to that. " 6 . . .5 . . . " They were lost in each other's eyes again, glad that they were together for things like this. " 4 . . .3 . . ." It was times like these that they hoped they were together long enough to see 30 Christmas' together and 30 new years. " 2 . . ." Whatever the world threw at them . . ." 1 . . ." They could care less as long as they went through it together.
" HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!" everyone bellowed. People downed their glasses and others got in long, fiery kisses with their lovers.
" I think I like bringing in the New Year with a kiss." Harry said, grinning as they parted from their kiss and everyone started dancing again.
" Oh yeah." Draco grinned.
~*_*~
" Ah, back to school." Harry sighed. It was two days after New Years day, the day that every child dreaded. It was back to school and learning.
" Don't sound so, glum." Hermione said from the back seat of the car. " You should be happy you're going back to school."
' Says the bookworm to the musical prodigy." Draco said. Harry blushed. Ever since Draco heard him play, he's been calling him a genius and other such things. Harry really didn't think he was a prodigy just talented.
" Oh be quiet." Hermione glared. " Just because I happen to like passing all of my classes doesn't mean I'm a bookworm."
" Sure Herm."
" Ugh! Boys."
~*_*~
They made it to school safely, glad that the roads had been salted. As they made it to their lockers, Harry was glad to see that he was invisible once again. There were no more rumors floating around and no more jocks being stupid.
" I really can't wait until we can graduate." Harry said, stuffing his coat in his locker.
" I hate to break it to you, Har but the world of adults is no different from high school." Hermione said from her locker. " A matter of fact, the world is just like a giant high school only you get paid for lying, cheating and generally being bastards." She said, grabbing all of her books. She was wearing a baby blue sweater and khakis.
" You have a point." Harry said, shutting his locker. He was wearing another hoodie only it was white with a black Nike check on the left breast. He also had denim jeans on. His hair was a bit longer than usual and tied back.
" Of course I do." Hermione grinned. They met up with Draco halfway to homeroom. The blonde was wearing a long sleeved blue shirt and jeans.
Homeroom was a boring thing and they were glad that it was over. While Hermione went over to her class, Harry and Draco went to art as always. Draco and Harry grabbed their projects and sat at the table way in the back, next to the one Seamus and Dean were at.
" You know, if you become a musician, you could always become an artist." Draco said after getting a look at Harry's art project. Mr. Black had them working on watercolors for this project. They were to draw a house, leave room for some sky and the landscape. Watercolor was suppose to be a pretty tough medium to use but Harry made it seemed almost easy. He already had a rather simple looking house, situated on a hill. There were a few trees scattered around and the sky, which was already painted, was colored to look much like a sunset with pinks, reds and oranges. It was done using a method called wet on wet. He first wet the paper and then painted the colors over it to make it seem as if there were layers of clouds instead of puffs. The simple tan colored house with the brown roof somehow managed to have some highlights from the sky, as did the part of the grass that Harry had done.
" It's an idea but Art's like a hobby to me. I doubt I'd want to make a living off of it." Harry said. " You're not so bad yourself, you know. Why don't you become an artist?" Harry asked, getting his art supplies out.
" It's an idea but I'd prefer a career in photography." Draco said as he began painting, sitting across from Harry.
" Really?"
" Yup. I should show you some of my pictures sometime." Draco said. " I think I have some from Christmas too."
" When did you get the time to take pictures! I didn't see you taking any." Harry said, confused. Draco grinned wickedly.
" I had plenty of opportunities. Like when I went to use the bathroom, I got my camera and sneaked around taking pictures. It was quiet funny, really."
" Well you'll have to show me them, sometime." Harry smiled.
" Of course."
~*_*~
It wasn't until Lunch break that Harry realized that Ron wasn't there. He was sure the redhead was supposed to be back from that detention center by now. Harry had spoken too soon though because almost immediately after he spoke, Ron showed up. Draco, who was standing next to him, tensed and was about to say something as Ron walked over to them.
" Wait." Harry told his boyfriend. There was something different about Ron. He looked paler and grimmer. There were no traces of anger or hatred in his eyes. All Harry could see was a tint of jealousy and a bit of sorrow and regret.
" Um . . .can we talk?" Ron asked quietly. " He can come too." He added hurriedly, after seeing the murderous glint in Draco's eyes.
" Fine, we can go to the art room." Harry said.
" Har--" Draco started. Harry glared at him briefly before leading the way to the art room. Draco sighed heavily. He couldn't understand why Harry would even talk with the bastard who had picked on him for almost his entire life and put him in the hospital as well. What he had to say couldn't possibly be worth it, could it?
Once they reached the Art room, Harry asked his godfather to leave for a while. The man reluctantly left but did. Harry hopped up on one of the tables and patiently waited for Ron to speak.
" Harry, I want to say sorry for beating you up and tormenting you." He said slowly. " It was uncalled for and wrong and I'll never do it again."
" Sorry doesn't work all the time, Weasley." Draco said, glaring. Harry smacked him lightly causing a pout to rise from the blonde. Harry rolled his eyes.
" Why?" Harry asked. " What was the purpose of beating me up?"
" I guess . . .I was jealous." Ron said. " You didn't have a lot of friends but the one friend you had was possibly the best friend a person could have. Hermione is . . .perfect! She's nice, smart and everything. Ever since I first met you two when we were little, I wanted her as a friend. I tried everything, you know? And she never paid attention to me. It was always you." He said bitterly. " I got so angry at you, I think I started to hate you. I beat up on you because I wanted her to see how weak you were."
" That's got to be the stupidest reason I've ever heard." Draco said bluntly.
" Draco!" Harry scolded.
" What! It's the truth. If you wanted to be Hermione's friend then you should have tried being nice." Ron began to blush.
" I don't really want her as just a friend." Ron mumbled. Harry's eyes widened.
" Oh, um . . ."
" I was so happy when I found out you were . . .that way. --"
" What's that suppose to mean?" Draco sneered.
" -- And I thought I might have a chance with her but then I saw her dancing with that guy and could tell that I'd never have a chance and then I lashed out at you." He said sadly. " While at that detention center I did a lot of thinking and that's when I decided to stop this and apologize. I really hope you can forgive me because I think that the best way to solve this and stop it completely would be to become friends, if you want, and get to know each other." Ron said hesitantly.
This shocked Harry because it seemed as if Ron had become a completely different person from the malicious teen who would probably kill him if he had the chance. He wasn't sure about the whole friend thing. They had been enemies for so long.
" I'm . . .not really sure, Ron. We can't just be friends out of the blue like this but we can work our way up to it, I guess." Harry said just as hesitantly as Ron had suggested it. " About forgiving you . . .you'll have to earn that forgiveness. You've done to much to me for me to be so forgiving." He told the taller boy. Ron nodded in understanding.
" I'll do my best, Harry." Ron smiled a little before leaving with a slight nod to them.
" I can't believe you're really giving him a chance." Draco said annoyed. He stood in front of Harry with his arms crossed over his chest. Harry rolled his eyes.
" Silly boy." He grabbed Draco by the waist and pulled the standing boy to him, between his legs. Draco stumbled and had to brace himself with his hands against the table, pushing Harry back to the table's surface with Draco's hands on both sides of Harry's head. " Draco, everyone deserves second chances, right?" Harry asked, Draco's eyes softened, remembering the second chance Hikari, his deceased friend had given him.
" Yeah." He said.
" Then leave it, please." Harry whispered.
" Kay . . ." Draco breathed before kissing the boy beneath him. Harry brought a hand up to caress Draco's cheek.
" HEY! No sex on the art table!" Draco cursed and let go of his lover's sweet lips. He turned around to glare at Harry's cackling Godfather.
" Sirius!" Harry blushed with a slight frown on his face.
" It was just to good to pass up." Sirius laughed. " Sorry 'bout that but seriously," He snickered again. " People need to use those tables. " Lunch is almost over anyway, go to your next classed." He ordered with a grin. The two teens left, glaring at the laughing man.
~*_*~
Later that night, after a satisfying school day, Harry and Draco were in Harry's room (Narcissa wasn't back yet) getting ready for bed. The inflatable bed was still out with pillows, sheets and a comforter for Draco. Draco had stripped from his school clothes and left his blue silk boxers on. It was pretty warm in Harry's room anyway. Harry wore a plain white t-shirt and a pair of black boxers with little yellow smiley faces all over them.
" Well isn't that the most interesting pair of boxers I've ever seen." Draco said, causing a blush to rise from Harry.
" Be quiet or I won't let you sleep in my bed." Harry said. Draco stopped folding his other clothes and looked at Harry quizzically.
" You're really going to let me sleep in the same bed?" Draco asked.
" Well . . .If you don't mind." Harry said shyly. Draco dropped all of his folded clothes into his bag and walked over to the bed where Harry was sitting.
" Only if you don't mind, Har." Draco said. Harry shook his head.
The both of them climbed into the bed, Draco on the side closest to the door. Harry cut the bedside lamp off, the only light on in the room and settled into the bed, his back facing Draco. It was tense for a few moments before Draco shifted a bit and scooted closer to Harry. He wrapped his arms around Harry and spooned into the smaller boy. It was amazing how well they fit together, a sign that they were the perfect couple, at least that's what Draco thought. Harry placed his hand lightly over one of Draco's, his head was resting on his other arm.
" You don't mind?" Draco whispered in Harry's ear.
" No." Harry whispered back. " Goodnight, I love you." He said.
" Love you too. Goodnight."
~*_*~
A/N: Please Review, not much to say here, really. I hope you enjoyed it.