Chapter 12
A/N Just in case anyone thinks that I'm favouring any one pair over the other, I'm not. The vote is still coming and you can choose whomever you wish. There's just one event that I've wanted to include in this story since the beginning and I'm just dying to write it, after that I'll do the whole vote thing. Enjoy the rest!
Harry wiped the sweat from his brow as he jogged up the street to his flat. It was early Thursday morning and he was just coming home from a morning run to get his body warmed up for the game later that day. He called a breathless hello to his doorman and leaned against the side of the elevator as he was whisked upstairs.
He entered his flat and tossed his damp towel onto the coat rack as he made his way into the kitchen for some water. He pushed the flashing button on his answering machine and tilted his head back as he gulped down the cold water.
"Harry? It's Hermione. I was just wondering if it would be alright if Colin and I came over this afternoon. We'll be in your neighbourhood around one or so. Hope to see you later, bye."
Harry smiled and wiped the water from his lips with the back of his hand. He couldn't help thinking what a cute couple Hermione and Colin made. The answering machine beeped and another message played out.
"Potter?"
Harry felt his heart drop when he heard the quiet whisper. He leaned over the speaker and listened closely. All he could make out was someone breathing and some noise in the background, like street sounds and people talking. It must be a pay phone.
The machine clicked off, the message finished.
Harry put down his glass and rubbed his hand through his hair. He could've sworn that it was Malfoy's voice that he had heard. He played the message again with the volume turned all the way up but he still couldn't be sure it was him. The voice sounded too defeated and humble to be Malfoy, and yet...no one else called him Potter.
Harry shook his head and pushed the erase button on his machine. He wasn't in the mood for games.
He carried his glass back to the kitchen and glanced at the clock. He still had a few hours before Hermione and Colin would be showing up.
He grabbed his sweat-soaked towel and decided to do some weight training before taking a shower and getting dressed.
He had transformed one of his extra bedrooms into a make-shift gym, complete with a treadmill, bike, and weights. As he worked through his routine of lifting weights, sit-ups, push-ups, and bike riding, Malfoy was soon pushed out of his mind.
Harry switched off his television and ran to answer the knocking at his door.
"Hi" Harry greeted Hermione and Colin with a smile.
"Hi, Harry" Hermione hugged him briefly before removing her coat and entering the flat.
"Glad to see you're still keeping up your new look, Harry" Colin smiled approvingly as he saw that Harry had carefully styled his hair and was wearing dark jeans with a black sweater.
"Sure, now that he has a boyfriend he needs to always look his best" Hermione winked.
"How did you know?" Harry asked in surprise as he led them into the living room.
"Who do you think Ron called the minute he got home from your date to talk about the whole thing?"
"What?" Harry asked, half of him horrified to think that Hermione knew that they had kissed and the other half of him dying to know what Ron had said about him. Curiosity won out. "What did he say?"
Hermione sat herself down onto the couch beside Colin and folded her hands primly in her lap. "I'm afraid I can't tell you."
"What?" Harry cried in disbelief. "Why not?"
"Because I told him I wouldn't."
"Was it bad?" Harry asked, starting to feel nervous.
"No, don't worry" Hermione smiled. "It was all good."
Harry relaxed and leaned back in his armchair with a smile.
"The reason we came over, Harry," Hermione said, "was because we need to ask you two favours."
"Ask away" Harry grinned, still feeling pleased about what Hermione had told him.
"Well, the first is that we need someone to drive us to the airport in two weeks."
"The both of you?"
"Yes."
"Where are you going?" Harry asked curiously.
"France, well Paris to be exact. Colin is covering the fashion shows for work and he asked if I wanted to go along too" Hermione explained.
"Sure, I don't mind" Harry agreed easily.
"If you want you can drop us off in my car and then use it for the duration of my trip" Colin offered.
"Wow, that'd be great" Harry smiled, picturing himself in Colin's blue BMW. "What's the other favour you wanted to ask?"
"Actually, I needed to ask the favour" Colin said.
"What is it?"
"I was wondering if you would be willing to let me publish the photos I took of you during your make-over in my magazine."
"Me? Why?" Harry asked in shock.
"Well, our readers love make-overs and yours really is astounding. You went from completely clueless to completely gorgeous, and this coming from a heterosexual guy."
Harry laughed and blushed slightly at the compliment. He still wasn't use to being called attractive.
"I just want to print the photos I took and maybe some new ones of you around your flat, maybe out on the balcony. Would you mind? The magazine will pay you of course."
"This is a muggle magazine right?" Harry asked.
"Yes, and we'll only print your first name" Colin assured him.
"I guess that would be okay..." Harry said uncertainly. "When would it come out?"
"In about two weeks. It's all set to go, we just need to add some new pictures and some quotes or something to fill it out."
"Quotes?"
"You know, little snippets of you saying what your hobbies are and what you look for in a relationship. All that kind of useless drivel."
"Can I say my hobbies include flying on a broomstick?" Harry grinned.
"Uh, I'm afraid not" Colin chuckled.
"Let's take the pictures now" Hermione interjected excitedly.
"Alright, I'll go get my camera" Colin said and walked to the front door to get his bag.
"Should I get changed?" Harry asked Hermione uncertainly.
"Hmm..." Hermione looked at him critically. "Let's go look through your wardrobe."
Half an hour later Harry found himself standing on his balcony, leaning over the railing and trying to look comfortable. Hermione had dressed him in his tan coloured trousers and white shirt; she said it looked casual yet sexy. Harry had simply snorted at that.
"Okay, Harry" Colin called as he held the camera up to his eye. "Look sexy and aloof, like you're at a party with tons of good-looking people who all want you and you couldn't care less."
Harry tried to bite his lip to keep from laughing but he couldn't keep it in and burst out into a peal of laughter.
He heard the camera clicking and immediately tried to look aloof for Colin's sake.
"Got it" Colin smiled as he lowered his camera. "Thanks, Harry."
Harry smiled and followed them back inside.
"I have to get ready for the game now" Harry said as he glanced at the clock.
"Okay, we'll see you afterwards then" Hermione said as she slipped into her coat. "We're picking up Ron on our way."
"I just need some quick quotes from you Harry" Colin said, taking out a pad of paper and a pencil.
"Like what?"
"Like do you like dogs or cats?"
"Dogs or cats?" Harry asked in confusion. "Erm, dogs I guess."
"What do you look for in a person? Romantically speaking."
"A good sense of humour, um...loving, I guess."
"Good. Blond or brunette?"
"Blond" Harry answered without thinking.
"Really?" Colin looked up in surprise.
"You should've asked blond or red-head" Hermione said.
"I guess we know the answer to that one" Colin winked. "One last question, what's your idea of a perfect date?"
Harry suddenly saw a brief flash of swing music and dancing, walking home hand in hand.
"Staying home and watching a rented movie" Harry answered.
"Okay, great" Colin put away his notepad and slung his bag over his shoulder. "Thanks, Harry."
"No problem" Harry shrugged, still a little rattled from his hair colour answer.
"See you tonight!" Hermione called.
Harry shut the door and walked quickly into his bedroom to get ready.
Harry grinned as his team-mates clapped him on the shoulder for another brilliant victory. He dressed quickly and waited for his friends outside the locker room. The storm of wizard reporters had already been ushered away and Harry only saw a crowd of fans hanging around. He signed a few autographs and talked politely to them as he waited.
As he reached for another scrap of parchment to sign for a young girl he looked up and saw a flash of silver-blonde in the crowd. He squinted his eyes and tried to follow the blonde's movements, but he could only catch brief glimpses of the person as they moved amongst the people. Harry hastily signed the paper and gave it back to the girl before taking off after the blonde.
He stood in the middle of the room and looked around. If it really was Malfoy then he wanted to talk to him, he needed to apologize again for his behaviour. He turned again and thought he saw another flash of blonde.
Before he could chase after it he was suddenly surrounded by Hermione, Colin, Fred, George, and Ron.
"Great game!" Ron exclaimed as he hugged Harry tightly.
"Thanks" Harry smiled absently, tearing his eyes from their search of the crowd.
"You okay?" Ron asked, noticing his distracted gaze.
Harry shook his head and looked directly into Ron's brown eyes. "I'm fine."
He reached out and hugged Ron again, this time pressing a chaste kiss to his lips as they pulled back.
"Aww..." Fred cooed. "Isn't that just darling?"
"Don't they just take your breath away?" George added.
"Cut it out you two" Hermione warned. "Ready to go, Harry?"
Harry linked hands with Ron and nodded, shooting a death glare at the twins.
The group made their way towards the exit, laughing and talking. Harry looked around one last time as they left, but couldn't see the blonde anywhere. He shrugged his shoulders, figuring it was just his imagination.
The group left the stadium and headed for their favourite pub to celebrate.
Draco Malfoy stood hidden by the locker room, a look of regret on his face as he watched Harry leave with Ron.
Harry flipped on the windshield wipers as he drove through the pouring rain to the airport. The headlights pierced the dark night and illuminated the wet pavement in front of him.
"Thanks again for doing this, Harry" Colin said from the front seat beside him.
"Sorry that you have to drive all the way in this weather" Hermione added from the backseat.
"That's okay," Harry smiled, "I just hope I get some good weather while you're away so that I can actually drive around with the top off."
"I just can't picture you cruising around in an expensive car and looking all smug and snooty" Hermione laughed.
"Are you saying that I look like that when I drive?" Colin exclaimed indignantly.
"No" Hermione blushed and looked out the window.
Harry laughed and steered them into the drop-off area. Harry helped them lift their bags from the boot and set them on one of the airport trolleys.
"I guess I'll see you in a month" Harry said, hugging Hermione goodbye.
"Goodbye, Harry" she whispered. "I know you won't be lonely. Take good care of Ron."
"I will" he promised.
"Oh Harry, I almost forgot!" Colin suddenly exclaimed. He delved his hand into his bag and took out a large manila envelope. "Here. It's the magazine with your pictures in it."
Harry took the envelope from him and looked down at it nervously.
"Don't open it now" Colin said. "Do it later at home. You can tell me what you think some other time."
Harry smiled in relief and tucked the envelope under his arm. "When did it come out?"
"Today actually, soon you'll be famous in both worlds."
"Great" Harry rolled his eyes.
"We'd better get going" Hermione interrupted.
"See ya, Harry!" Colin called as he started pushing the trolley away.
"Bye, Harry!" Hermione called over her shoulder.
Harry waved until they were inside the airport. He turned and ducked back into the car, speeding all the way home. He loved the feel of the fast little sports car and couldn't wait until the weather was actually nice enough test out its real capabilities.
Harry parked in front of his building and ran to the front door to get out of the rain. He noticed with a frown that his doorman wasn't at his station. He used his key and rode the elevator up to his flat, as he stepped out into the hallway he immediately noticed someone huddled on the floor by his door. A blonde someone.
Harry stopped in shock. Malfoy was sitting with his knees drawn up and his head resting on top of them. His clothes and hair were soaked through and there was something clutched in his hands.
Harry approached cautiously and laid a gentle hand on Malfoy's shoulder.
Malfoy jumped and looked up blearily. "Ish that you, Potter?"
Harry straightened up and sighed. Malfoy was drunk.
"Come on, let's get you inside" Harry said quietly.
He reached down and grasped Malfoy's elbow, he lifted him to his feet where he swayed dangerously. Harry held onto him with one hand as he removed his keys and unlocked the door to his flat.
He pushed open the door and started to lead Malfoy inside.
"I can do it!" Malfoy exclaimed angrily, stumbling across the threshold and trying to see through the darkness.
Harry gripped the blonde's arm and flipped on the lights. Malfoy covered his eyes with one arm and moaned, a nearly empty bottle of Scotch dangling from his hand. Harry led him into the living room and sat him on the couch, removing the bottle from his hand and putting it aside. Malfoy didn't even notice.
Harry dimmed the lights and lifted Malfoy's arm away from his eyes.
"Harry?" Malfoy slurred as he opened his eyes.
"Since when is it Harry?" Harry asked.
"I hate you."
"Then why are you here?" Harry asked with a sigh.
Malfoy shoved something into his hands.
Harry looked down and saw a copy of Vanity Fair. On the cover was the picture of Harry on his balcony that Colin had taken. Harry looked back up at Malfoy in confusion.
"How did you get this?"
"I'm not telling" Malfoy swayed as his eyes struggled to focus on Harry's face.
"I'm going to make you some coffee" Harry decided.
He left Malfoy and quickly set about brewing a pot of strong coffee in the kitchen. After he had got out a mug and some milk and sugar, he went back to join the Slytherin in his living room.
Malfoy watched Harry approach with apprehension. "Are you throwing me out?"
"No, I'm not" Harry said quietly as he settled himself down in the chair opposite the couch.
Malfoy eyed him warily.
"If you're not going to tell me how you got the magazine then at least tell me why you're here?" Harry asked.
"I...I needed..."
"Yes?" Harry prompted.
"I think I'm going to be sick..."
Harry jumped up and rushed Malfoy into his bathroom down the hall, sitting him in front of the toilet and turning away as he threw up. He passed Malfoy a clean face cloth and watched as the blonde wiped his mouth tiredly.
Harry grabbed a bucket and led Malfoy back to the living room, sitting him back on the couch as he went to get the coffee.
"Here, this'll help" Harry said, holding out the large mug of black coffee.
Malfoy took it and took a sip, closing his eyes as the hot liquid trailed down his throat and started to clear his fuzzy brain.
Harry took the opportunity to grab the bottle of Scotch and dispose of it in the garbage. When he returned, Malfoy had regained some control and was not swaying precariously anymore.
"Feel better?"
"A little...thanks" he mumbled.
"Your welcome" Harry smiled slightly.
He watched silently as Draco drained the coffee and set the mug down on the table with a sigh.
"So are you going to answer me now?" Harry asked.
"What?" Draco replied defensively.
"Why are you here?"
Draco sighed and looked down at the magazine sitting on the floor. "I don't know..."
"Were you at my quidditch game two weeks ago?"
Draco glanced up sharply. "You saw me?"
"I wasn't sure at the time" Harry admitted. "It was you though, wasn't it?"
"Yes" Draco admitted quietly.
"And on my answering machine?" Harry probed.
"Yes" he practically whispered.
"I'm glad you're here" Harry said. "I wanted to talk to you again."
"You did?" he asked in surprise.
"Yes, I wanted to apologize again for what I did. It was stupid, and unfair to you."
Draco took in the sincerity of Harry's words and nodded. "It's not like I didn't do plenty of horrible things to you during school anyway."
Harry smiled. "So we're even?"
"I guess" Draco started to smile.
Harry took Draco's empty mug and returned it to the kitchen as he thought about what to do next. He returned to the living room and saw Draco lying down on the couch with his eyes closed.
Harry knelt down next to him. "Draco?"
Draco stayed fast asleep, apparently passed out from a mixture of exhaustion and alcohol.
Harry made a snap decision and went to his linen cupboard to fetch a blanket and pillow. He returned to the slumbering young man and carefully lifted his head to slip the pillow underneath then laid the soft blanket over his body. He tucked it under Draco's chin and knelt back to look at him.
He looked so young and innocent as he slept, like an angel. Harry pushed a few errant strands of hair back off of Draco's face and let his fingertips drag gently across the pale cheek.
Draco smiled in his sleep.
Harry leaned down and very lightly touched his lips to Draco's. Draco sighed and snuggled into the blanket contentedly.
Harry pulled back and ignored his brain as it demanded to know what he thought he was doing. He yawned and stood up, glancing at Draco one last time before padding off to his bedroom.
Draco opened one eye and smiled at Harry's retreating back. He watched him until he was gone before closing his eye again and letting sleep overtake him.