It had been a week since his encounter with Draco, and Harry was busy moving his furniture into his new flat.
He had gone to a different club every night for the past seven days, and enjoyed himself more and more each time, his self-confidence building as he found that he never lacked for dance partners or eager young men buying him drinks.
As much fun as he was having, he was still counting the days until he would see Ron again. He'd only talked to him on the phone once four days ago and he found that he was missing his best friend quite a lot.
"Harry, what are you doing?"
Harry snapped out of his reverie and blinked in surprise at Fred and George, who were leaning against the side of the van with Harry's furniture in it, smiling up at him in amusement.
"What does it look like?" Harry asked as he lowered his new leather armchair to the ground.
"It looked like you were off in another world," George said smugly.
"It must have been sexy thoughts," Fred added, "you had quite the dreamy smile on your face."
Harry blushed and wondered what they'd think if they knew he'd been thinking about their little brother.
"He must have been thinking of all his admirers from the last week." George smirked.
"You mean his conquests." Fred chuckled.
"Quite the little playboy now aren't you, Harry?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Would you mind helping me with this?"
"Sorry, we don't do the physical labour thing," Fred stated.
"Fine," Harry huffed, leaning over to pick up the heavy chair on his own.
"Don't be stupid, Harry." George sighed. He reached into his coat pocket and whipped out his wand. "Wingardium Levi-"
"No, George!" Harry hissed, reaching over and forcing George's wand down. "We're in the middle of Muggle London; you can't go around doing magic out in the open!"
"At least enchant it to make it lighter," Fred suggested.
"No." Harry shook his head. "It would look too suspicious."
Harry turned and lifted the chair with a grunt, his legs straining, as he started to walk awkwardly to the entrance of his new building.
Fred and George looked at each other and shook their heads. George lifted his wand and pointed it at the chair.
"Pennatus," he whispered, then quickly put his wand away and tried to look innocent.
Harry stumbled and turned around to glare at the two of them as he suddenly found his load much lighter. The twins merely grinned like cheshire cats and followed him inside.
Once inside Harry's flat, the three flopped down onto the couch and looked around.
"Very nice, Harry," Fred said approvingly, turning his head to look through the glass doors of the balcony.
"The perfect place to bring all your new boy toys," George added with a wicked smile.
Harry snorted and headed into the kitchen to grab a drink.
"Anyway, Harry," Fred said following him, "the reason we came here was to issue an invitation."
"To what?" Harry asked, holding an empty glass under the tap.
"To a special night at the club."
"What's special about it?" Harry asked, taking a sip of water.
"Only single males allowed."
"A singles night?" Harry said, wrinkling his nose. "I don't think so."
"Aw, come on," George urged. "You're single and alone, depressed, love starved..."
"I am not!" Harry retorted indignantly.
"No foreseeable relationship in the near future," George continued sadly.
"How do you know?" Harry retorted.
"Because we'd know about it," Fred answered simply. "You can't keep secrets from us."
"Well, it just so happens that there is someone I have in mind," Harry said loftily.
"Who?" Fred and George demanded immediately, eyes widening with curiosity as they leaned towards Harry over the marble countertop.
"That's none of your business," Harry replied.
"Yes it is," George said, looking offended.
"Who is this mystery man?" Fred asked eagerly. "Do we know him?"
"I think so." Harry chuckled.
"You're making him up," George accused.
"No, honestly I'm not." Harry smiled. "Look, I just don't want to say anything until I find out if he even wants to go out with me."
"Well, if he doesn't then he's a stupid git," Fred said seriously.
Harry laughed and drained the rest of his glass.
"You still have to come tonight, Harry."
"I don't know..." Harry sighed. "I'm kinda tired, it's been a long day."
"Then rest for awhile, it's only five o'clock," George said.
Harry placed his empty glass in the sink and chewed his bottom lip worriedly. The real reason he didn't want to go back to The Crush was because he was afraid he'd see Malfoy again.
"Come on, Harry," Fred whined.
"I'll think about it," he finally answered.
"Maybe your mystery man will be there."
"I doubt it." Harry smiled ruefully.
"Well, there'll be lots of other tasty dishes to tempt you." George smiled. "Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone better."
"That's not possible." Harry smiled as he walked the twins to the door.
"I have to know who he is," George pleaded desperately.
"Sorry." Harry shook his head.
"We'll pick you up at nine," Fred called as he pulled his brother into the hallway.
"Maybe," Harry warned.
Fred smiled at him knowingly as they walked away. Harry shut the door and ran a hand through his hair, he knew he would end up going, he never could say no to those two.
ooooooooo
Harry entered the club in trepidation, his heart hammering and his eyes darting around nervously.
"Looking for your mystery man?" Fred smirked at his side.
"No," Harry answered quickly.
Fred laughed and propelled him forward into the crowd. Harry allowed himself to be steered to the bar, his eyes searching for any signs of gleaming blond hair along the way. He let out a sigh of relief and instantly relaxed when he saw that Malfoy wasn't around.
"Want a drink, Harry?" George asked, turning around. The twins got free drinks for working there and always abused the privilege horribly.
"Sure, I'll have a beer." Harry smiled and looked around for a potential dance partner for the evening. He had never seen the place so packed.
"No way are all these guys single," Harry said to George as he passed him his beer.
"Why? Too good-looking to be single?"
"Well, yeah."
"You're gorgeous and single," Fred pointed out.
"No, I'm not." Harry frowned, looking at the toned bodies out on the dance floor.
"Sorry, my mistake." Fred smirked. "Yeah, you're ugly."
Harry smiled and shook his head. He still couldn't get over the fact that people found him attractive after being ignored for most of his life, except for the people that paid attention to him because of his fame. At least now he had a disguise and he knew people weren't after him just because of his celebrity status.
"Hey, Weasleys!"
Fred and George turned around and saw a short middle-aged man in a grey suit calling to them from farther down the bar.
"I'm not paying you to socialize, get to work," he called in annoyance.
"Sorry, Glen." George smiled, batting his eyelashes sweetly.
Glen rolled his eyes and walked away shaking his head and muttering to himself.
"That guy is in serious need of a vacation," George said.
"Well, duty calls." Fred winked at Harry.
"See ya later!" Harry said as they disappeared.
Harry took a drink and surveyed the room absently. What he saw at the entrance doors made him spit out his beer in shock.
It was Ron.
Harry hastily put his bottle down and began to push his way through the crowd towards him. He was about to wave at the red-head to get his attention when someone stepped in front of him, blocking the way.
"Hello, James."
Oh God.
Harry dragged his eyes up to Malfoy's penetrating gaze.
"Um...hi," he answered distractedly, trying to see around him.
"Remember me?" Malfoy asked.
"Yes."
"Well, I'm willing to give you another chance."
"What?" Harry asked in confusion, looking up at him.
"You made a mistake last time by turning me down, but I'm willing to let you have another chance."
"I haven't changed my mind since last time," Harry said firmly. "Now if you'll excuse me..."
Harry trailed off as he caught sight of Ron walking over to a table with Oliver Wood. Harry's mouth dropped open in shock and his green eyes clouded with hurt.
Malfoy turned to try and see what Harry was looking at.
"What's wrong?" the blond asked in concern.
Harry blinked. Did he just hear that caring voice come from Draco Malfoy?
"I don't feel very well," Harry said, his eyes glued to Ron and Oliver.
"Why don't you sit down?" Malfoy suggested, pulling out a chair for him.
"Yeah...okay."
Harry lowered himself into the chair and felt his heart break as Oliver and Ron laughed together.
"Are you alright?" Malfoy asked again, sitting down beside him.
"No." Harry shook his head as he turned away from the painful scene to stare down at the table top.
"Do you need something?"
"Why do you care?" Harry frowned, looking up. "You hate me."
"I never said I hated you," Malfoy replied in surprise.
"You do hate me, you just don't know it."
Malfoy tightened his hold on Harry's hand, stroking his thumb across the soft skin.
"I don't hate you, James," he insisted. "In fact, the only reason I came tonight was because I was hoping to see you again."
"Really? Why?"
"To be honest, no one's ever turned me down before." Malfoy smiled. "You intrigue me, James. I'm determined to win you over."
Harry smiled and couldn't believe the honesty in Malfoy's grey eyes, not to mention the friendliness in his tone.
This must be what he's like around his friends, Harry thought to himself. A whole other side to Malfoy that he didn't think existed.
If he only knew who he was talking to, then that kindness would disappear in an instant.
Harry shook his head and stood up. Malfoy held fast to his hand to prevent him from leaving.
"I think I need to go home," Harry muttered, staring at their clasped hands.
"Let me take you," Malfoy offered, rising from his chair.
"Oh no, don't bother." Harry smiled. "I'll just grab a cab."
"Don't be ridiculous," Malfoy scoffed. "It's no problem, my car's waiting just outside."
Harry glanced back at Ron and Oliver and felt jealousy clutch at his heart.
"Alright, thanks," he accepted, feeling bitter and resentful.
"Great." Malfoy smiled. "Follow me."
Harry held onto the Slytherin's hand as they headed for the door, half hoping that Ron would look up and see them, but apparently he was too engrossed in his conversation with Oliver to even notice.
The two stepped outside and Malfoy waved his hand at a sleek black limo parked down the street. Harry smiled and shook his head as the car glided to a stop and Malfoy opened the door for him. He climbed inside and settled himself into the grey leather seat. Malfoy sat across from him in front of the glass window separating them from the driver.
"What's your address?" he asked, pushing a button to lower the glass barrier.
"The Fairmont building on Sussex Boulevard, London."
A shadow passed over Malfoy's face. "Muggle London?"
"Yeah..." Harry said, watching him.
Malfoy considered him for a moment then turned to his driver. "Did you get that, Davis?"
"Yes, sir," the driver replied with a nod.
Malfoy closed the window and sat back, crossing his arms over his chest and staring at Harry thoughtfully.
"Are you a Muggle?" he finally asked.
"No."
"Good." Malfoy sighed in relief.
"Would that matter?"
"Of course."
Harry frowned and wondered what the hell he thought he was doing sitting in Malfoy's limo with him. The blond hadn't really changed after all, he was still caught up in the same old issues and prejudices.
"Are you Muggle born?" Malfoy asked, interrupting his thoughts.
"You mean a Mud-blood?" Harry asked, his cheeks flushing in anger. "Let me out."
"What?" Malfoy asked, looking taken aback. "Why?"
"Because I don't associate with prejudiced bastards."
"So you are Muggle-born."
"Actually, I'm not. But I don't care about people's blood types or family history because I don't believe that pure-bloods are any more superior than Muggle borns, unlike some people."
"You don't know me," Malfoy said quietly.
"Yes I do, I know you very well," Harry said vehemently. "As a matter of fact, I..."
"What?"
Harry turned away to look out the window. "Never mind, it's not worth it."
They rode along silently as the car weaved its way through the dark London streets, each consumed in their own thoughts as they stared through the rain-splattered windows. Harry recognized his street and shifted in his seat, eager to get out of the car.
They pulled to a stop outside Harry's building and Harry grabbed the handle and pushed the door open before Malfoy had a chance to say anything. His feet touched the pavement and he turned to slam the door but Malfoy's hand was braced against it.
"James, wait."
Harry backed up and sighed. "What?"
Malfoy got out of the car and stood in the rain with him.
"I'm sorry, I just...I'm not..." He stopped and sighed. "I'm still learning. I know that doesn't make any sense-"
"Actually, it does," Harry said slowly.
Draco smiled tentatively and put his hands in his pockets. "So, can we start again?"
Harry regarded his former nemesis thoughtfully, rain droplets running down his pale skin and dropping off the end of his nose, his blond hair plastered to his head with a few wet strands hanging over his eyes. He looked so young and innocent standing there.
Was he really trying to change? Did Harry want to stick around to find out? Maybe he could help him...
"Yes."
Draco smiled in relief.
"There's something I have to tell you though..." Harry started hesitantly.
"It can wait." Draco smiled. "You're going to become even more ill standing out here in this weather."
"But-"
"It can wait, go on inside."
"Alright," Harry relented. "Goodnight."
"Wait!"
Harry turned around.
"Can I see you tomorrow?"
"I... Sure, why not?" Harry smiled, blinking the rain from his lashes.
"How about dinner? I could pick you up at six."
"Okay, see you tomorrow."
Draco smiled and Harry was again taken aback by the pure sincerity of Draco's happiness.
Harry returned the smile and watched Draco climb back into the limo, his green eyes following it as it sped away into the wet night. He turned on his heel and ran to the shelter of his building.
He chuckled in disbelief as the lift carried him upwards - he had just made a date with Draco Malfoy.
Harry entered his apartment and threw his keys onto the counter. The red light on his answering machine was blinking rapidly and he pressed it as he walked past to grab an apple from the fridge.
"Hi Harry, its Ron."
Harry froze and listened, his heart flip-flopping as he heard the familiar voice.
"I got back into town early. I'm at the airport and I was kind of hoping that you could pick me up. I guess you're out, that's okay though, I'll try Hermione next. If it's alright I thought I would come over tomorrow afternoon to see your new place, I'm dying to see what it looks like. Hermione said it's really nice. Well, that's it I guess. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, Harry."
Harry smiled and replayed the message over again.
I've got to win him back from Oliver, Harry thought with new determination.
With that he walked off to watch television, all thoughts of Draco Malfoy forgotten.
