Author: Gryphnwng
Title: Gryphon Baiting
Rating: R (NC-17 at my yahoo group and adultfanfiction.net)
Status: Work-in-progress
Pairing: Harry/Draco, some mentions of others.
Note: This is SLASH! Meaning male/male pairing. If you don't like, I'm not forcing your eyes to this page to read. I've had enough readers ask for this pairing in my Prophesy of the Serpent story that I decided to write a short, one shot, no plot included fluff piece to appease them. At least, that was what it was supposed to be. Now, it's turning into a story in it's own right, with a plot! So help me, how do I get into these messes?? Well, I hope yall enjoy! Hmmm…now we get to the beginning of the romance…heh heh heh…. But who to give Sirius to? Ah well. ^_^
Summery: 7th year AU ficlet- Ron and Hermione are worried about Harry, and his still seeming innocence to the way the world works. Worried for his safety, they follow him to a midnight rendezvous with Draco, and get an eyeful.
Archive: Please do! Ask for permission first though ^_^
Chapter 4
~Previously"What are you doing here?" Both young men exclaimed at the same time.
Sirius glanced between the two young men, a slightly bemused expression on his face. "Well, that was unexpected…"~
~Back in the common room~
The group of Gryffindors gathered around where Harry and Draco sat laughed, especially since Harry and Draco mimicked the expressions they wore that night. Some unknown from the back of the crowd crowed out in amazement, "Draco Malfoy, working?? I never thought those two phrases would ever be in the same sentence!"
Draco rolled his eyes and gave a theatrical sigh. "Neither had I! Of course, it was all my fathers fault, ya know…"
~Back to story~
~Draco POV~
Ever since the end of fifth year and the fall of Voldemort, my life has been horrible. Even though I was fighting on Dumbledore's side, the MoM say fit to confiscate all of the Malfoy's holdings and monies. Which left me without home or income. Figures. Damned either way I suppose. If I had not turned my back on my father, and became a Death Eater like him, I'd be a zombie in Azkaban like him. So there I was, end of term, and no home to go to. What meager belongings I was allowed to keep, after they were thoroughly searched of course, I packed up and headed off into the Big scary world on my own.
Wisely, I had my own bank vault at Gringotts, which held enough for my last few years of tuition at Hogwarts, but precious little else. If I wanted to eat and have shelter, I needed a job. There were few places in England that would have me however, all thanks to my father. Eventually, down to my last few galleons, I found myself in the French Riviera. It was there I finally found a position; a waiter in an upscale establishment that I remember having dined at once before. Working wasn't quite as bad as I had thought it would be. And since it was such an expensive place, I got great tips. Enough that I was able to get a small flat, and start saving up some money. It was a Muggle restaurant though, so I had to open an account with a Muggle bank. That was a bit nerve-wracking to tell you the truth. I mean, honestly? What's to stop a couple of determined thieves from stealing your money? There isn't any magic or dragons or greedy goblins guarding it!
Still, it seemed to do all right. My first day off after my first paycheck I spent trying to exchange the damn thing for actual money, then looking for the French equivalent of Diagon Alley. I still needed to buy supplies for the coming school term, as well as some new clothes. It was quite depressing though, having so little money. I actually had to get some items from the second hand stores. After that, I vowed never to make fun of the Weasley family again. At least, not as much. I was, after all, still a Malfoy, however impoverished.
The next few weeks fell into a predictable routine. Wake, have a quick meal, dress, and head to work. Work my shift, and more if covering for others. Eat my dinner in the kitchen, go home, and fall into bed exhausted. Wake, repeat. Though the routine was the same, the people I served made each day unique. It was hard at first, when faced with a rude diner, not to snap back at them. I needed the job to badly to be kicked out for rude behavior. It became easier though, with practice. Only once did I crack, but I had a good reason. It was my second week serving, and a large group of businessmen were in from a conference. The table I had from that group consisted of four mid-aged men dressed perhaps a bit better then the rest. I suspect that they were the higher-ups. I was taking their orders when the first incident happened. One of them had the nerve to run his hand up along the back of my thigh! Needless to say, I was quite shocked and affronted. It would have been one thing if he had been young and attractive, but, eww! He was fat, old, and in desperate need of new deodorant! Unfortunately they were in one of the more secluded areas of the restaurant, and I would not be able to do anything in retribution. If the manager had seen, it would have been permissible, and they would have been kicked out. They seemed to know this fact too, as the others at the table smirked when I jerked back from the groper.
I knew my lips were twisting back in a snarl, though I tried hard to keep that from being shown. The man laughed and decided to taunt me.
"Now boy, it would be in your best interest to behave, or I'll have you out on your ear, hear me?" What could I do but force myself to nod. I needed this job. But, with an inward sneer, I promised myself that it wouldn't be me who found themselves out on their ear this night! Oh no, I wasn't a Slytherin for nothing!
After taking the rest of their dinner orders, and enduring more of their disgusting hands on my sacred person, I went to the kitchens. First, to drop off the orders with the cooks, and then to see my manager. Lucky for me, we had both hit if off when I first started working there. Of course, he wouldn't take my word on just my say-so, but he was willing to play the part of the spy. The rest of the night turned out quite funny. Jean (my manager) set up station where he could observe the gentleman (add sarcasm here) but they couldn't see him. I delivered the main course to that particular table, and they responded with their usual lack of manners. Only this time, it was worse. I was pulled into the lap of one of them, and was propositioned. I was to be the desert, take out of course. I would be recompensed of course. What they hell did they think I was? A French whore?? Needless to say, the manager saw it all, as well as the threats to keep quiet or they'd have me fired. He came charging in and had them thrown out so fast their bums must have been on fire! He told the rest of their group, and judging by their expressions, there would be new management come the morning. All in all, a good night. Especially as I got paid some extra for having to endure sexual harassment!
That little episode had happened nearly a week and a half ago. Luckily, nothing like that had happened again, though I did find myself on the receiving end of some innocent flirting. I mean, who can blame them? I am rather hot.
~Draco POV, 3rd person~
That night was shaping up to be another busy night, and he had already worked a shift covering the luncheon rush. Draco's mantra as he busily worked was a countdown of the hours until he was free. He was currently at '2 more hours, just two damn more hours until freedom' when he was asked to cover another table for a fellow waiter who came down sick. Everyone had to take on a few more tables because of this, and Draco could only thank Merlin that he had only the extra one. Ducking past the front desk he grabbed a new pad and scribbled the table number on it, and headed off to get their drink orders.
They must have been quite rich, or famous, as they had one of the best tables in the house. Coming from the angle that he did, he could only see one of the two men seated, but he was HOT. Long black hair, deep blue eyes, and expensive tailor made clothing. Draco thought he almost looked familiar, but shrugged it off. His companion was black haired as well, but that was about all Draco could see. Smoothing his face into a vapid smile, he was about to rattle off that nights drinks specials when he stopped mid-sentence. He'd finally gotten a good look at the young man in front of him.
Tousled black hair.
Piercing emerald green eyes.
Devil-May-Care smile.
Lightning bolt scar on forehead.
"Malfoy??"
"Potter??"
Well, that clinched it. His life was officially ruined. By the time he got back to school, they'd all know that a Malfoy had been working as a menial all summer, thanks to mister Golden Boy himself.
~End POV's~
Beyond that brief exclamation, neither one spoke until Sirius cleared his throat and took the burden of breaking the silence.
"Well, that was unexpected."
Both boys whipped their heads around and stared at the man. Harry knew for sure he'd have a stiff neck in the morning. Sirius watched them both, a slightly amused smile on his face.
"What? It was. I for one never expected to meet someone I knew on this trip, and I know for sure you hadn't either Harry. Much less you, Mister Malfoy."
Draco scowled; his customary sneer trying to make it's way onto his face as he was once more faced with his childhood archrival. About ready to come out with one of his famous retorts, he was halted dead in his tracks by Potters rather confused voice.
"What are you doing here, Malfoy? Why aren't you at home enjoying the summer hols?"
Draco blinked, which effectively ruined his sneer, before recovering and laying down the cold hard facts.
"What home, Potter? The precious ministry took everything away on account of my father. Our manor, our money, everything! It didn't seem to matter to them that they left me high and dry, even though I fought for them, against my father! If it weren't for the fact that I've had my own separate account at Gringotts, I'd have nothing! As it is, I suppose I'm lucky thy left me that much!" He had tried to remain calm, but his voice wouldn't comply, and by the end of his speech he was almost yelling this at poor confused Potter.
This wasn't good, as it had attracted the attention of several other patrons, as well as the Manager, Jean. He came running to find out what the disturbance was, and sighed when he found his favorite waiter Draco in the middle of it. He could only hope it wasn't like last time. Approaching the table he clasped his hands in front of his chest and enquired if there was a problem. Mentally he braced himself for the accusations to start flying.
He was quite surprised when that hadn't happened though. The younger of the two gentleman seated instead explained in a calm voice what had happened.
Harry was startled, and dismayed when he heard what had happened to Draco. Sure, they guy had been an utter prat in the past, but still! No one deserved to have that happen to him. Harry took a good look at his former adversary, and was surprised by what he had seen. Perhaps due to the tough times he'd been living through, he had become slimmer. His face had lost whatever softness it may have once held, exposing the delicate, elfin features more prominently. Two spots of color stained his cheeks, whether from embarrassment or anger Harry wasn't sure.
When the manager came around to ask about the disturbance Harry smoothly interceded.
"No, everything is fine, thank you. I was merely surprised to see a schoolmate of mine working here, see. We both come from very wealthy families, so you can imagine my surprise. Draco was just telling us of how misfortune had struck his family after we left for summer hols." He shot a warning glare at Draco to keep his mouth shut, as it looked like the blonde was about to protest. He subsided, almost pouting, letting Harry continue.
"I'm sorry if we had gotten a little emotional, but we both had felt strongly about his parents, and I was startled to here of what had happened." Harry inwardly rolled his eyes. 'Yeah, felt strongly all right. Hated Lucius near as much as ol' Voldie.'
Jean nodded, looking at Draco. "Ah, I see. Is that so Draco? I had wondered what had brought you to us. In that case, I do hope you enjoy your dinner, Masseurs. Draco, carry on." He left, feeling no little relief at not having to deal with irate diners, and a bit of sorrow for the misfortune of the young man. That was soon forgotten though as the crisis in the kitchen needed his dealing with.
Draco watched his boss leave before turning to Potter and hissing in a cold voice. "I don't need your pity, Potter. I especially don't need your help. What makes you think that…"
He was cute off mid-tirade by an equally pissed Harry. "Hey, don't bite my head off! I'm just keeping you from losing your job, is all! And who said anything about pity?"
This might have continued in a similar vein if Sirius hadn't decided to cut in and bring things under control. "Calm down, both of you. We don't need a repeat of what just happened earlier. Now, Draco, Harry didn't do that out of pity, and Harry, think of how Draco feels in this." He nodded to Draco, giving a twisted half smile. "No doubt he thinks you are going to ruin in rep at school by telling everyone you saw him working."
Both boys blinked then backed off slightly from the other, and watched Sirius, Draco wearily, Harry with curiosity.
Now, I think there may be a way that we can get this whole fiasco fixed. You'll have to hang tight, though Draco, it may take all summer.
"What do you mean?" Both Harry and Draco asked, both boys curiosity piqued.
"I have an idea."
TBC….
Uh oh…Sirius has an idea, all tremble in fear! Heh heh heh, it's a good on, I think, but then again, who knows? Anywho, here is yet another chapter to what was once a one-shot. I hope you're all pleased. Thank you so much to all my lovely reviewers! You are my life! I think I may be taking a short hiatus from Prophesy to write this. I'm kinda stuck on that story, oh well. It will be finished though! *Says this in a desperate chant in head* Well, that's it for now, coming soon, the "IDEA", shared hotel rooms, and cute attorneys. ^_^
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~*~Gryphnwng~*~