Lowly Beginnings

DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter et al. belongs to JK Rowling

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AN: Yum… I am currently eating Marmite straight from the jar with a spoon… I pity any American (or other person) who has not experienced the delight that is Marmite! Although I'm sure that with the rate I'm eating it and the salt content in it, my blood pressure should be rising any time now. Recently, I've been on a school exchange trip to Holland, I've been to the beach with Geography to measure sand dunes (fascinating stuff…) and done 9 performances of the community pantomime… it's so fun and I've been going to rehearsals thrice weekly since November… lol, I have so much homework to catch up on now. Enjoy.

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Chapter 12: Rush Hour

When Harry arrived back, he figured he wouldn't tell Draco about seeing his father- he didn't think their relationship needed any conflict at this moment in time. Seeing Draco's car in the drive way, Harry assumed that Draco was already home.

He precariously balanced his shopping in one hand, jiggling the keys in another. Just as he was about to finally insert the key into the evasive keyhole he was fumbling with, the door opened and Draco stood there with an amused glint in his eyes.

'Having fun?' he greeted Harry.

'Oomph!' Harry let out a wheeze of air and he dumped the bags into Draco's arms, relieving himself of their weight. 'Were you watching me struggle you little git?'

'Look who's talking midget. I believe it's called revenge for this morning, and I'm telling you, Blaise won't be happy with you- he spends almost as long grooming as I do.' Draco responded smugly, his arms folded as he'd put the shopping down.

'Liar.' Grumbled Harry. 'Blaise is hygienic- you're obsessive.'

'Well, how would you like your hair messed up?' and to prove his point, Draco ruffled Harry's hair before standing back to observe. 'Hmm,' he considered, 'It doesn't actually look any different.'

'Shut up. And get those bags- I can't believe I'm wearing these stupid clothes.'

'Stupid? Clothes? Those clothes belonged to me and I'll have you know I looked dashing in them- as do you.' And before Harry could open his mouth in complaint, Draco hugged Harry, nuzzling his chin into Harry's hair. Harry shut his mouth and found himself relaxing… after all, shopping was pretty stressful. Stupid sales assistants. And crowded buses. And queues. He hated queues. In fact, shopping was very stressful Harry decided definitively.

Draco took Harry's bags upstairs as Harry quickly changed into some new clothes; a pair of uncharacteristically non-baggy jeans which were black and clung nicely to his upper legs before very gently flaring over the tops of his Converse. A dark blue T-Shirt that depicted 'The Ramones' in blinding white across the front adorned his chest, and he- as usual- favoured his black bangles and wrist bands.

Just as he had finished tying his laces, Draco walked down the stairs holding a large sheet of paper, looking at it with a confused look. He glanced down the stairs at Harry, who was still crouched in shoe-tying position and looking at Draco with an inquisitive look.

'What you got there?' he asked, straightening up and straining to see what Draco held.

'You tell me…' answered Draco cryptically. 'It's an outline map of the world, but it's got England and America shaded out. I found it in your drawers when I was putting your stuff away.'

'Oh.' Said Harry with a grin. 'That's my Map of the World! You know, like the song?'

Draco hesitated before answering, 'Um, no…'

'You know, the song, 'She's got a map of the world, it's pinned up on her wall, she's got a map of the world, she's gonna see it all, glistening and magical...'?It's a really nice song.' Said Harry eagerly, singing the lyrics is a soft tone.

Draco looked if possible, more confused, 'What's that got to do with this?' he gestured, holding up the map, walking over to Harry.

Harry pulled Draco down to kneel on the floor and he himself sat cross legged. He took the map from Draco and spread it out, removing any little creases. He indicated with a finger,

'See how England and America have been filled in? That's because they're the only countries I've been to, ever. I live in California and I haven't ever been to the Ocean in my life.' Announced Harry, almost wistfully. 'I never got a chance when I was younger to travel, and I can't afford it at the moment.' He looked up at Draco with determined eyes, 'But one day, I heard that song and for some reason I just felt- I just felt that one day I was going to see it all. The whole world!' He laughed, the noise bubbling out of his mouth. 'God, I sound like a cheesy film now don't I? Titanic or something, 'I'm the King of the World!''

Draco looked thoughtfully at Harry as if considering him. Measuring him. 'No. That's not cheesy or corny. If that's what you want, then you'll get it in the end if you work hard enough.'

He opened his legs and pulled his knees up and drew Harry into to be seated between them. Then he held the map in front of them,

'So, where would you go first? Where would you like to go most in the world?' he asked, stroking Harry's hair gently with one hand, the map flopping in the other.

Harry took the map from Draco's grasp and ran his finger lightly across Europe, until it landed on France.

'Right here. France. Or more precisely; Paris.' He said, smiling slightly as if reminiscing.

Draco smiled too, remembering all the times he had been to Paris. It was a shame Harry had never had a proper chance to travel; he'd missed out a lot on cultural experiences. He could just imagine though one day taking Harry to Paris. It would be perfect.

'Any reason for Paris?' he asked Harry.

Harry smiled a slow, sad smile. 'Yeah, it's where my parents met.' He walked over to the book case in the lounge and took off a framed photograph, looking at it before taking it over for Draco to look at. He knelt between Draco's legs, facing him this time.

Draco saw it was a photo of a very attractive woman with fiery red hair and Harry's green eyes, wearing simple jeans and a t-shirt, yet still managing to look stunning. She was standing beside a man that resembled an older Harry, but much taller than Harry would ever be, who had his arm wrapped around her slim waist. They were both grinning at the camera with a love struck expression, the Eiffel Tower looming over them in the background.

Harry ran his finger softly over the glass cover,

'It's the only photo I have of them. The rest got lost in the flooding of the basement that was going to hold all of my parents' possessions until I turned 18.' He paused. 'You know, I barely remember them; all I remember is their warmth and their voices.'

Draco ran his fingers reassuringly through Harry's hair, until he caressed Harry's forehead. Then he stopped, feeling a slight change in the feel of the skin. He pushed Harry's floppy mess back, and on his forehead was a very light scar in the shape of a lightning bolt. He traced it and asked,

'How did you get this scar?'

'My parents died in a car crash along with my godfathers…'

Draco paused in confusion, before comprehension dawned, 'You were in the car too?'

Harry nodded almost unnoticeably, 'But I don't remember much, I was young; maybe two years old. All I recall is screeching tyres and screams. But sometimes I just wonder what it would have been like if I'd died instead- if my parents were still alive… they could have had more kids…' Harry trailed off.

Draco's eyes widened and he held Harry's face, gazing intensely into Harry's emerald orbs, 'Don't ever say that Harry. You have every right to be alive… I know we haven't known each other that long, but I know- I know­- that my life would not be complete without you in it. Do you understand that Harry. I'm sure that wherever your parents are, they're happy, and I'm certain that they're proud of you.'

'What have they got to be proud of?' Harry murmured miserably, tears pooling in his eyes. 'I'm nothing special.'

'How can you say that Harry? You've got looks, you're pretty smart in most of your subjects, you've got loads of natural abilities... a lot of people would give a limb to have the talents you have.' Said Draco, and he meant it. 'Your parents would be so proud of you. Now, wipe away those tears.'

Harry rubbed at his eyes, and then, to get Harry's mind of the subject, Draco asked,

'So, where would you go after Paris?'

Harry smiled slightly less tearfully, and pointed out Italy, 'This country.'

'That country Harry?' Draco said teasingly. 'And here I was thinking you were smart.'

Harry folded his arms and pouted, 'Hey- I did arts and sciences… why the hell did I need Geography? It's a stupid subject anyway.'

'I was just joking mop head. Anyway, it's Italy, and one day we'll go there and see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and we'll go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower, and we'll go to Greece and…' Draco continued with his monologue, pointing out countries and their points of interest with Harry situated between his legs, whilst Harry listened with rapt attention.

'I want to drive around Europe though… no planes. I want to see everything!' Harry protested when Draco mentioned planes.

'Can you drive, Harry?' Draco asked doubtfully with a raise of one eyebrow.

'Not exactly- I was taking lessons before, but I gave up a little when the holidays started…'

'Were you any good?' Draco asked, surprised at this. It would make it a lot easier for Harry to get around if he could drive. 'I'll teach you if you want.'

Harry looked bashfully down at his hands, and let out a shy but sly grins,

'Honestly?' he asked and Draco nodded. 'I was awful. I always get left and right mixed up for some reason, and I'm not great at the multi-functioning between gears and the brake and the accelerator and that little pedal near the brake, you know, to use to change between gears-'

'The clutch?' Draco interrupted with horror. 'Harry, they let you drive a car and you can't name the clutch? What driving instructor trusted his life with you in the driving seat?'

'That's not fair… I know what the clutch is; I don't need to name it. And I can drive, I just happen to stall a bit more often than most. But now you mention it…' Harry added thoughtfully, 'I did get a different instructor every week. You think that was because of me?'

'Harry, Harry, Harry,' Draco sighed. 'Get outside, get in the car, and we'll see if we can get you your licence. I'll teach you myself.'

'Really?' Harry squealed. 'Right now? That rocks!' and before Draco could dim his enthusiasm, he was out of the door, grabbing the keys on the way out.

Draco sighed, what in the world had he let himself in for?

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'Left. Left! LEFT!' Draco shouted as Harry swerved in the parking lot of a deserted store. 'Now indicate- no, not right, LEFT! Turn, turn, TURN!' Draco slid in his seat as Harry made a sharp left, relaxing only slightly when Harry drove in a straight line.

'Now, pull over here- no, mind that bin, oh, and that trolley. No, Harry, the trolley! The TROLLEY!'

Harry turned the wheel again; so far he hadn't hit anything, he was actually using the right gears and right controls, he just wasn't doing it in any recognisable order as far as Draco could tell. Draco didn't fear for any pedestrians, inanimate objects or innocent passing animals- Harry seemed to have an instinct to avoid these at the last possible second… he was more concerned for himself.

Finally, after multiple, 'No, not that left, the other left!' or similar outbursts from Draco, Harry pulled over into a parking space, cut the engine and turned to Draco with an expectant smile,

'So, how did I do?'

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One week later found Harry, Draco, Blaise and Josh in the car together, ready to go out clubbing for the night, and were all dressed to kill in their own unique fashion; Harry looking punk and hot, Draco and Blaise going for the sexy, toned look and Josh, well, in Draco's opinion, Josh looked like a tall, slutty jock.

He hadn't wanted to invite Josh at all, especially with his evident attraction to Harry; he also disapproved of Josh's father- he was a well off man, but it was mostly inherited and he invested it well, and had recently donated money to a hospital but it had been rumoured that he'd had conditions that were a bit shady. Like Father, like Son, Draco thought. Tom Josh Marvolo Riddle- who used their middle name unless they had something to hide?

Unfortunately, there was nothing Draco could do about it- he had invited Harry and Blaise out when at Harry's work, and Josh had all but invited himself along and Harry, being the naïve little angel that he was –thought Draco sarcastically- had encouraged Josh whole heartedly. And so, here they were.

After a week of lessons, Harry's driving had improved to the point when Draco deemed Harry safe to drive on the street. Draco rode shot gun and Harry took the driver's seat. It seemed that Harry was taking this very responsibly, and although Draco could understand that Harry wanted to be a safe driver considering how his parents were killed, he didn't think it would hurt Harry to drive above 15kph!

'Wake me up when we're there would you Draco?' Blaise requested loudly from the back seat, but he was looking pointedly at Harry rather than Draco.

'Shut up Blaise, I'm trying. You're just jealous.' Laughed Harry, and he indicated left.

'Come on Harry, I'm sure you can pump a little more gas than that. Go! Harry, it's a green light- you don't need to slow down just in case it turns red; that's what the amber light's for.' Blaise cried in frustration in the back. 'Step on it… at this rate I'll be old and grey and these pants won't look nearly as good on me anymore!'

Blaise and Draco both laughed, Harry sticking his tongue out at them both.

'Come on guys, cut it out.' Josh defended Harry. 'He's just learning… I'm sure there's plenty of other things he's a, ahem, natural at.' Josh added with a smirk which Draco caught in the rear view mirror. He growled as Josh caught his eye and winked.

Blaise, detecting the tension, lightened the mood by letting out a massive fart. For a few seconds, all was silent save for Blaise's hysterical laughter, then,

'Ah, God- you flatulent bastard Blaise!' coughed Harry as the smell diffused through the car.

Along with Harry's complaint came other choking noises as Josh and Draco got their say in, 'That reeks!' and 'How the hell do you turn that smell off? Holy hell- take Blaise's batteries out!'

'He he. Better out that in, I always say.' Blaise said without remorse. Indeed, he seemed to enjoy the reaction that his display of toilet humour via his bodily functions seemed to evoke. 'On a scale of 1-10, how would you grade that for volume, duration and… odourosity?

'You're a sick man Blaise, you know that?' Josh said, his voice muffled through his coat sleeve which he was using to filter the air to his mouth. 'A sick man.'

Draco, although personally agreeing with Josh on this issue didn't add a comment, not wanting to be seen as being similar to Josh. Instead, Harry spoke,

'I'd give it an average of 7…'Again, silence reigned until, 'Aha, we're here.'

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'You know it was more than a 7 Harry. An 8.5 or 9 at the very least!' Bargained Blaise as the four of them entered the club.

'Sorry Blaise, can't agree with you there.' Harry disagreed shaking his head. 'Oh, I love this song!' he cried, grabbing Draco's hand and pulling him into the club. It was a club that had something for everyone, the music constantly changing between rock, dance and R'n'B.

The lights glared down and shone upon the all the dancing people below. A rock song was pumping through the speakers and the lights were flicking on and off alternatively, giving people a sharp edge as they danced.

Harry pulled Draco onto the dance floor, and started dancing, thrashing his limbs out wildly but gracefully. He looks great, Draco thought. Clearly, other members in the club thought so as Draco caught them eyeing Harry up and so he pulled Harry towards him possessively, grinding and moshing into him.

He leaned in towards Harry's ear,

'I love you…' he almost shouted due to the excessive noise around them. Harry smiled and they danced together for a good hour or so, before Draco took Harry to the bar to order a drink.

'What'll you have honeys?' drawled a woman with fake blonde hair from behind the bar.

'I'll have a Martini, and Harry will have a…' he trailed off, leaving Harry to answer.

'A beer.' Harry filled in. Draco lifted his trademark eyebrow,

'Ah, a beer drinker. I'm more of a wine or spirits kinda guy. All right, how much will that be?' he asked.

The woman winked at Draco,

'For you sweetie, it's on the house.' And she passed them both their drinks.

Harry and Draco made their way to the seats that Blaise and Josh were seated at. Blaise looked slightly drunk, but was still chatting perfectly amiably to Josh. They both held drinks and were sweating slightly from their dancing. As the couple approached, Josh looked up and Blaise greeted them.

'Harry- a fellow beer drinker. Duuuude!' Blaise said, words slightly slurred. He was in the 'happy' stage of drunkenness. 'So, what's up? You two having a good time?'

'Yep.' Replied Harry. 'It's great- right Draco?'

'Yeah,' agreed Draco, 'But I'm gonna have to sit this one out. I need this drink and a chance to relax… and anyway, this song doesn't sound all that great. Go ahead and dance without me. What is this song anyway?'

Harry looked slightly put out,

'I'm not okay.' He said.

'What?' exclaimed Draco, confused and a little worried.

'I'm not okay- I promise. The song-' he paused to correct himself, 'The song is called 'I'm not okay- I promise'. Aww… was 'ickle Draky Wakey worried?'

'Shove off and dance Harry…' Draco said affectionately, but also relieved that it was just the name of the song.

'But I don't want to dance alone…' Harry whined, stamping one foot. 'Come and dance with me Draco!'

Draco shook his head and held up his drink, and to emphasise, he took a large gulp,

'I'm drinking. I'll dance later.' He replied. There was silence- well, besides the extremely loud noise of the music and people dancing- until Josh said,

'I'll dance with you, Harry.' He snuck a side glance at Draco and saw him scowling and gave an internal grin.

'Okay.' Harry said happily. Despite Harry having a good radar for emotions of people, he wasn't nearly so apt at recognising emotions when they involved emotions directed towards him. This was clearly shown by his ignorance of the fact that Josh was smugly holding out his hand to dance, nearly gleeful in his victory over Draco and that Draco was almost snarling into his own glass, unable to suddenly decide to want to dance with Harry again without being accused of jealousy or paranoia.

Harry took Josh's hand and Josh led him to the dance floor, where they started dancing together.

Draco grasped his glass and downed it, before signalling for another. Blaise frowned,

'Don't worry Draco, Harry's not that sort of guy.' He reassured.

'I just don't like Josh- I don't trust him. Look at him!' He glared.

Harry was dancing, again his limbs weaving to the music, but Josh seemed to be more intent on working his way closer and closer to Harry, until he stood behind Harry, and rested his hands on Harry's hips. Draco was nearly about to stand up and pull Josh off Harry, when Harry politely removed Josh's hands from his waist and gave a look over to Draco. He smiled when he caught Draco's eye.

He signalled with his hand for Draco to come and join them, but Draco just gave a forced smile back as the song changed and ordered another drink. By this point, he was alone at the table, Blaise having gone off to dance with some girl.

By the time the next song had passed, a significant amount of empty glasses and shots were littered on Draco's table, and his head was beginning to spin. Suddenly, it seemed unacceptable that Harry was dancing with Josh. He sought them out with his eyes again in the crowd of people; they were dancing, and it was a song to which people would bump and grind. God, he thought, Harry's fucking cheating on me. Look at him, dancing there with Josh. Of course, by this point, Draco's thinking and memory were enough impaired not to recall it was his fault that it wasn't him dancing with Harry, and his state of mind was also exaggerating the extent to which they were dancing- true, Josh looked like he wanted to get much closer to Harry, but although Harry was dancing near Josh, he was more dancing by himself. To Draco, they may as well have been humping right there on the dance floor. I bet he's not even a virgin! Draco thought angrily, and a vicious surge took over him.

He stood up and stormed over to where Harry was dancing, pushing his way through the masses.

Harry gave a turn in his dancing, and came face to face with an angry Draco. He smiled widely, showing off teeth that glowed in the ultra violet light, and opened his mouth to speak, but before a word could come out, Draco had grabbed Harry harshly by the wrist and pulled his outside, into the cold air.

'What the hell are you doing Harry!' he shouted in Harry's face, spraying spit in a very un-Malfoyish way.

Harry looked at Draco, eyes wide in genuine confusion,

'What do you mean, baby?' Harry tried to placate Draco, putting hand on his shoulder, 'I was just dancing.'

Draco shook the hand off his shoulder, pacing, feet shifting in restrained drunken anger,

'Get in the car Harry. We're going home. Now!' he growled.

'Now? But I'm having fun…' Harry was quite scared now. 'Are you drunk?'

Draco didn't reply, instead grabbed the keys from his pocket and made his way over to the car park.

'Draco, you can't drive, you're drunk!' Harry admonished with fear in his voice.

'Then you drive.' He sneered.

Harry reluctantly took the keys from Draco's hand, making sure not to touch Draco. He looked apprehensively at Draco before opening the car, and climbing into the driver's seat. Draco glared at him before seating himself in the passenger spot.

'How are Blaise and Josh going to get home?' Harry asked rationally. Draco didn't answer and the whole journey back was spent in icy silence.

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They both entered the lounge of the house, and Harry sat down on the sofa with Draco towered above him. Harry felt very ill at ease- this was far too reminiscent of his Uncle's behaviour than he cared to think about,

'Well?' Asked Draco, staring stonily at Harry's impassive face that was masking his fear.

'Well what?' Harry asked timidly. He wasn't sure what he had done wrong, he had just been dancing; granted it was with Josh, but it hadn't been flirtatiously and he had kept his distance.

'You're a god damn slut Harry!' Draco screamed, grabbing a whiskey glass from the cabinet and throwing it against the wall where it shattered. Harry let out a cry and leapt from the couch, sprinting to the door, but Draco was too quick and shut it with a bang. He grabbed Harry's wrist hard, and slammed him back down into the chair.

Tears by this stage had started running down Harry's face,

'Stop Draco, you're drunk. Stop! Please stop. Uncle, stop!' he shrieked and he twisted to get away.

'Comon Harry,' Draco baited, not even hearing let alone registering Harry's reactions caused by his harsh ministrations. 'Are you using me? Is that it?' Draco's anger suddenly disappeared, and he sank down to the floor one his knees, and asked pitifully, 'Are you just using me? Am I just to pass your time while you sleep with other people like a whore?'

Now that Draco's initial temper was gone, Harry took a few calming breaths feeling more secure, but much more angry,

'A whore? You big headed bastard! You think everything's about you just because you're a Malfoy! A god damn Malfoy! Your entire family hates me! I haven't been with anyone and that's more than you can say! How dare you call me names and drag me out of that club?' Harry was now furious; his tears were now those of anger rather than fear. 'What about all your ex-boyfriends? Are you just using me?'

At Harry's anger, Draco's drunkenness immediately began to dissipate, and was replaced by sobriety and shock. Suddenly, the night's events sunk in and he realised his massive misjudgement. His eyes widened in horror at what he's accused Harry of; he had just been dancing, pretty innocently at that.

He knelt down in front of Harry on the sofa in a begging position, not expecting forgiveness, but desperate for it all the same; he couldn't be without Harry,

'God Harry, I'm so sorry Harry. I don't know what came over me. I-I-I was just jealous, and I had drunk too much and you know I would never- I would never-hurt or cheat on-'

In the middle of Draco's sentence, the beep of the answering machine went off, and Draco's voice instructed the caller to leave a message. Draco's apology was cut short when the beep sounded and an undesirable message was left,

'Hey, it's me Draco. Theodore. It's been a while. Yeah, I know you're probably thinking 'What's he doing calling?' but I've been thinking and sure we had our problems, but wasn't the sex great? What do you say to a no-strings attached, mad, wild, whatever adjective you want, sex session? You, me and whoever and whatever else you want, if you know what I mean. Well, see ya hot stuff, - you know where to call me to take me up on my offer. See ya soon. Toodles.'

Draco shut his eyes tightly, praying that this was just a dream, just a nightmare he would very soon wake up from. He didn't think it was possible to have received a message with any worse content or timing. He opened his eyes and looked pleadingly up at Harry who was stock-still on the couch, looking at Draco as if he'd never seen him before.

'We've been together a month... but I don't even know you Draco, do I?' Harry asked in a small voice, as if pleading to be proved wrong.

Draco hesitated, trying to plan a reply that wouldn't implicate him further. Harry mistook his hesitation and released one more tear that trailed down his cheek, before standing up to leave, whether permanently or not, Draco didn't know but he couldn't let Harry walk out of him like this. Not because of this.

'No, Harry! I swear, I know I wasn't perfect before, but even I had higher standards and more morals than that message!' he pleaded, gesturing towards the answering machine. 'Even before I wouldn't have taken up on that offer. I love you Harry. I love you! No one else. I over reacted tonight, I made the worst choice possible, and I acted so irresponsibly… I know I can't make that up to you, but let me try. Please.' Wide eyes looked beseeching into green ones that held volumes of mistrust and scepticism.

Harry shut his eyes and sighed. He had a choice to make.

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Three quarters of an hour later, Draco and Harry lay in bed together. Harry still wasn't sure whether he's made the right choice. Nearly an hour previously, Harry had sighed, smiled a small lopsided smile and gone over to Draco. Draco had nearly cried in relief, and had hugged Harry so hard some of the air had been crushed out of his lungs.

'Are you going to call him back?' Harry had asked, looking at the answering machine.

'Don't be stupid baby.' And as if to prove this, Draco had wiped the message from the phone permanently. 'Are you still going to share a bed with me?' He had asked.

Harry had smiled weakly, but at least he was making an effort which, Draco knew, was more than he deserved, 'Can I trust you?'

'100 percent.' Draco had replied with certainty.

And so it had happened that Draco had led Harry up to bed. They had changed into their night clothes, and had fallen into the mattress, Draco spooning Harry, hugging him as if he's disappear if he let go. Draco had fallen asleep almost immediately, but Harry had lain awake for a while longer. He felt insecure and insignificant, and Draco's arms didn't feel as welcoming as they normally did. With Draco asleep, Harry detangled himself from Draco's arms, and curled into a small foetal position, silent tears running down his face despite his earlier determination to not cry. If Draco had been awake, he would have heard a weak, childish voice speak into the dark room,

'Promise I'll be good uncle. You're hurting me. Don't shout… promise…good…uncle…stop. Please…please…'

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A/N: Um, angst anyone? Yes? No? Was it OK? Chapter was long-for me. I was going to make it two, but the first half was a little too happy, and I know the story needed angst and an advance in the plot- I just find it hard sometimes to leave Happy Harry and Draco behind because I always want them to be happy. Sorry. Hope you enjoyed anyway. W00t! Got my English Lit and Psychology exam results back- 119/120 and 94/100 which are both A's so I am tres happy, especially since the English was on Poetry and 'Translations' which I though I did so bad on! Um, now I'm in Cyprus and just got another pair of Converse... I have to bid farewell to my old trusty battered pair... I miss them already. Uh, I'm typing on a lap top and the mousepad bit is really sensitive s when I type and brush the board by accident I find myself typing in the middle of a previous paragraph... it's very annoying. Well... reviews:

Marauders-Lover- Aw... you liked the ending? That's awesome! Lucius will meet Harry eventually.

SnakeTalker- Thanks for reviewing and enjoying the plot... I'm sad (yet incredibly cool) and even have a plot sheet to prevent me going off course or forgetting where I'm going.

Xanthofile- Yes, it's a big coincidence they're on the same bus... but it worked for my idea, so I'm glad you liked it. I shall NEVER desert this so I'm ashamed of you that you gave up hope! Sob, sob, etc.

Midnight Ryder- Aw, thanks so much dude! I'm telling you now, I never get bored of being complimented on my writing since, um, I'm not a writer. Yay- I made you like a Dominant Draco fic (personally, I can't read dominant Harry... quirks, huh:D) You rock, like, a, like a, um, rock garden!

Lai- Lol- you gotta be a fan of irony... it's great! Hope you continue to enjoy.

Moi- Glad you like the irony and think its funny... I'm afraid of making this a total angst fest. Harry and Lucius shall meet eventually and then you shall find out what happens. Muahaha... you need more? Good. My work here is done.

Yana5- My updates should be pretty quick for a little while. Glad you liked Harry and Lucius' 'interaction'.

TeeDee- Oh uh- now I need to keep impressing you or I'll be a failure... that bites! Hey- they're cheap clothes, not bad quality! Lucius' reaction will be explored in chapters to come... Hope you continue to enjoy.

Emma- Updates should be a lot faster for a while. Glad you thought it was funny and enjoyed the ending.

Mistress Vamp- Hope you don't find this fic too angsty... I try to keep it light in places (Key word: try). Uh, enjoy :D.

Lampshadesrgreat- Lol- lazy git! (although 9/10 times, I can't be bothered to sign in either. Whoops?) Glad you liked the chapter... good stuff to come. Yay... lots of people like irony (which is fortunate for me).

Evilscorpian- Aw, you love this fic? Then I love you (in a platonic way). Yeah, Lucius is a caring father... he wants the best for Draco, but sometimes, people need to make their own choices as Lucius is now finding out. Lol... continue to enjoy.

Lady Slone of Snow Mt- Lol... lots of people want that meeting of Harry and Lucius... and you will get it- eventually. Enjoy.

Canadian Anime Princesses- Yay! You liked. Glad you like humour, although there may be a little more angst from now on... sorry? Lol... you are a wee bit crazy... but I know what late nights can do to you! Continue reviewing, I continue writing.

Ak-alterego- Lol... or does Lucius know and is just pretending not to know to double bluff my readers? Or not. He doesn't know (just to clarify). Lol- those Pjs are so cool... got lots of comments... even the guys liked them. :D.

HecateDeMort- Thanks.

Theflamingphoenix- Nope...a rather mild phone call it turned out to be... no one's dead (yet... although now I could be trying to double bluff you... or maybe I'm not.) Glad you though the last part was funny, yet also believable... I do want this story to be good.

The Ripper- W00t W00t... you liked the bus bit? Good good! Harry is nice... glad you think so too.

Wonderclam- Yeah, it is pretty bad. Her memorial service was the worst since her daughter had written a speech and I think it made everyone cry. She's was such a lovely, funny person, so down to earth and all. Really? This is becoming one of your faves? Wahey... I'd better keep writing then to keep moving it up. Lets hope I don't die in a freak yachting accident (you watch Blackadder?) Aww... thanks for complimenting my writing as I try hard... when this is done, I will get it betaed or whatever.

xhappyxpeoplex- Yeehaw! Well, I hope you keep on enjoying each coming chapter more and more. Um, if you did jump up and down it would make me happy, so... go ahead- but watch your head.

Chaeli.meep- Glad you like it... and think I'm a good writer. Ah, you gotta love irony!

Swampthang- Sorry, Lucius and Harry won't meet, for, oh, a while. Thanks a lot for reviewing.

Miaka- Lol... I used a translator. I knew I should have made them speak German! At least I know German, damn it. Thanks for telling me, I'll change it later. Lol, thanks for reviewing!

Shola- Glad you liked... it makes my day when people review and say they like it. Lol, glad you like the irony in Lucius and Harry meeting. Have a nice day (as Americans say). Cheers!

Driven to Insanity- Cute. :D. You rock.

Orlin- -Big happy cheesy grin from me!- You liked? Woohoo. I was going to have them speak German (coz I can kinda speak German but I've never done French) but I figured French is more elegant... well, Harry needed his revenge, slight as it may have been. You actually laughed? That's just too cool, like, arctic cool! Lol, I understand what you meant... Lucius approves of Harry... in a sense. Well guessed who rang... can you guess what's going to happen in the rest of the story though? (God, I hope not!) Yeah, Blaise isn't a main character, but he's good for a little laugh and relief here and there. Hmm... I almost couldn't tell you were hyper, but I'm glad you like how he's written. Aw... I'm so flattered you read my fic to cheer you up. I love you! (in a possible platonic way).

Idamonae- Lol, yep... those are my favourite films... they're so great! You clearly have good taste in films! I actually think on the that Shawshank was voted the 5th best film of all time. It deserves it... although I think Lord of the Rings beat it, and I HATE Lord of the Rings films with a passion (so sorry if you like them... they're well made, well done, well acted, I just hate them!) I think crying is completely the best pain relief in the world... I know I'd cry. Glad you like... I'll get this story betaed and corrected after it's all completed if I can find someone gullible enough to do it for me.

Ura-hd- I love irony... to the extent I'll include it in my stories. Possible name a character 'Irony'? Nah. I like caring Lucius too... and then I read canon and weep. Oh well. Well, Harry tried to refuse the money, and Draco's rich enough; it's a multi billion company his dad owns. And Draco likes to spoil people. And Harry only spent 100 of it. Harry doesn't have very much money- he works in a café, and Draco has so many spare rooms, it's not like Harry's taking up needed space. Um, yeah, that's my justification. Glad you like Blaise. Thanks for reviewing... you make my day.

Lena- Yep, here I am. Glad you never lost faith, even though it's been... uh... a long time. I know exactly what you mean... you find a good story, get all excited, then you never ever find out the ending (ever read the Warlock on fanfiction? It's awesome, got up to chapter 6, then stopped... I was devastated!) Lol... I could listen to you compliment me all day. Yes, the famous 'writer's block' or 'the muse' is particularly irritating for me when authors use that as an excuse... I don't give a damn!... get your muse back or else don't post unless you're sure you'll continue! To be honest, since this story is basically completely planned out, I don't get writers block or a loss of 'muse'... I just need the internet and some time. Glad you can imagine a reaction between Lucius and Harry. I love it when people offer their seat to old/pregnant/etc people... it restores my faith in humanity

Riku-Paupue-Sora- Lol... I'm feeling the long review! Lol... wow, guilt tripping now. Sorry I kept you up, but on the other hand, really glad you read the story. You really laughed out loud during my fic? Now that is a compliment and a half! (Sorry I made you walk all the way to the bathroom though. Would you have disturbed someone in your bedroom if you'd laughed there?) Lol, the famous 'Dun Dun DUH'... gotta love it... sorry I haven't written any other stories though. I have a 3 chapter story idea I may get out after this, then I don't have a clue what else to write. Yeah, 'goth' and 'punk are not the same... I have a lot of goth, punk, preppy, popular, smart and funny groups of friends and they are all distinctly different people in the way they dress and act. Um, you rock anyway.

BratPrincess-187- I think I may just have fainted... you reviewing my story is the ultimate compliment! Aw... I made your day? Well, that doesn't even come close to all the days you've made for me by updating your stories (especially Infatuations... I've reviewed that before and I love it! Update that soon!) Lol, it's kinda Shakespearean to have characters meet but not meet and I like that idea. Lol... my point exactly... some people told me in reviews that Draco would have turned Harry away when he told the truth and then they tell me to keep writing. I mean, what would I write if I had done that? Uh, Draco told Harry to take a hike, Harry was devastated and moved to Tibet to live out the rest of his life...as a goat. The end. Whoah- get off your knees... I'm not worth it... but you are. Hell, I'd send you Harry in a box if you'd update. I'm so (x infinity + 1) happy that you liked the story. Cloud 9 really exists!

Burnt Reflections- Best for last, eh? I have a few chapters already written so some updates may be quick (although I think you may need some cough drops... bit of a cold you seem to have going on there). Ai... the wonders of spell checker, but don't worry because eye fink spell cheque is were king. I like dramatic irony too; I'm a big fan of Shakespeare. I love Converse... so comfortable... I just threw my beloved battered pair out for a new pair today. Lol, I don't get chocolate for Easter any more... I got Converse, perfume, a leather bracelet and some other bits and bobs. Although, rather than chocolate, I have been eating a lot of Marmite recently... you either Love it or you Hate it. You're in 12 Angry Men... that's sooooo cool! It's my 3rd fave film (after Shawshank and Green Mile) and I love it. I love acting too... I was just in the pantomime –Dracula: the Panto- and it was sooo fun and relaxed. Ah, yelling is always fun... good luck in it! Careful with that caps lock though, fun as it may be. Lol... so glad you liked the bus scene... keep reviewing.