Author Note: First, if I started a Yahoo Group would anyone join? Second, I'm sorry I took so long but someone very close to me just died and it's been really hard. Well, I knew I wasn't going to be posting for a while, so this chapter doesn't really add to the plot, it's more of a review since I know it's been awhile and most of you don't have the time to go back and reread everything. Anyways, there is only one more chapter before they return to school and things go down hill, because one more important thing has to happen first, and trust me you're all going to love it. I hope to have the next chapter up sometime this weekend. Wish me luck!
Chapter 11 – Wish Upon a Star
Draco sat quietly on the bathroom floor struggling to get Harry's birthday present contained within the small satin box that sat in his lap. The tiny snitch, with it's silver wings and golden body engraved in silver with the words 'I LOVE YOU', struggled violently to pull free from Draco's hands, as he sneezed and nearly let it go. It was the latest model: the Silver Wing; it was smaller, faster, and harder to see than the previous model, and Draco's only hope was that Harry would like it.
It had been one month since he and Harry had become a couple, and one month since he'd told Tom about Harry. Tom hadn't exactly given him the reaction he had expected. He'd thought that after finding out he had been hiding the boy-who-lived in his room, while the rest of the wizarding world was in an upstart, Tom would have been furious or shocked or at least insisted on flooing Dumbledore immediately. But he hadn't done any of those things. He'd in fact promised to keep Harry a secret. Tom had sat there quietly and patiently until Draco had finished telling him everything from the moment Draco had first opened the door until the previous night when he and Harry had burst into the Leaky Cauldron dripping wet. (He had, off course, left out what had happened after they went up stairs.) Tom had then asked him if this was why he was hiding out from his father. He'd said no and then worked up the courage to tell Tom the real reason. Tom had then said something that Draco still thought about even now. He'd told Draco that he had made the right choice and that he would always be welcome to stay here.
With one final tremendous effort: Draco threw the tiny ball into the box and slammed the lid shut. He coughed quietly as he tied a big red bow on the top and then set the box on the floor next to him. Sinilu hopped off the counter and perched herself on Draco's shoulder.
It was around six in the morning on July 31st and Draco had spent the entire night with Sinilu decorating the room with streamers and banners and balloons. Harry was still asleep, but would be waking up in the next hour or so.
Draco coughed again and sighed as Sinilu nuzzled his cheek in a concerned manner. He had snuck out late last night after Harry had gone to bed. It was the only way he could think of to keep Harry's gift a secret, because there was no way he would have been able to hide it in the room with Harry being stuck there 24/7. Draco sneezed again.
"I think I might have caught a cold", Draco sniffled to Sinilu as he picked up the tiny satin box and held it tightly in his hands. The past month had been heavenly for Draco. He was so glad now that he had finally accepted Harry's offer. Draco sighed. He'd never seen this side of Harry before. He wasn't sure if he should call it his sensitive side or his vulnerable side, but whatever he called it, he loved it. Harry was so sweet and loving to him that he didn't think, no, he knew he could ever live without Harry, and even more, Harry needed him as well. He understood him like no one else could and it gave him a purpose worth having. The confinement was getting to Harry though. He hadn't been out since their date to the muggle world. Draco blushed. That's why this birthday surprise was so important to Draco. He wanted Harry to know how much he loved him and how glad he was to be stuck here with him.
Draco let out a hacking cough as he slowly stood up. Sinilu glanced worriedly at him before nuzzling his cheek again.
"Don't worry, I'm ok." Draco sneezed and Sinilu practically rolled her eyes at him.
"Oh come on", Draco whined. Sinilu had taken on an almost motherly nature to Draco and Harry, and both of them thoroughly enjoyed it, since neither of them had ever had a true mother before. Harry's mother had been killed when he was just a baby and his aunt had ignored him so thoroughly he wouldn't be surprised if she still hadn't realized he was gone. Draco's mother never had a maternal bone in her body. She had him merely in order to please Lucius with an heir. The house elves had taken care of him since before he could remember.
Draco slowly opened the bathroom door; flinching with every creak it emitted. He peeked out and sighed in relief at Harry's still sleeping form.
"Shhh…" Draco said to Sinilu as he pressed a finger to his lips. Sinilu flew silently and gracefully up to the beam she had taken to sleeping on since the first time Eddy had been there. Sinilu didn't like him in the least, and she made her feelings known at every opportunity: including pecking him violently if he came too close to Harry or Draco.
Draco couldn't blame her though. He wasn't very fond of Eddy either and if it wasn't for the fact that he had saved Harry's life and that Harry seemed to like him, he wouldn't even let him in anymore. Eddy visited quite often, always bringing news of the wizarding world's search for Harry and occasionally some sweets. Draco knew that Harry enjoyed the conversations between himself and Eddy because he was alone a lot. Draco had been out constantly because of his planning for Harry's birthday; Sinilu couldn't exactly give him a two way conversation; and Tom hardly even had the time to stop by for a minute, what with running the Leaky Cauldron all day.
Still, there was something familiar about Eddy, something that gave Draco an uneasy feeling. He couldn't quite place it, but he was sure he'd seen him somewhere before. Come to think of it, he was almost certain he had seen Eddy's brother, Nicolas, before as well.
Draco froze in the doorway; watching breathlessly as Harry shifted in his sleep, but did not wake. He tiptoed noiselessly to the bed and sat the tiny satin box on the dresser beside Harry's glasses, before tiptoeing to the other side of the bed and lowering himself gently beneath the covers, careful not to jostle Harry and wake him up. Draco leaned on his elbow and stared lovingly at the raven-haired Gryffindor beside him.
That's right…Gryffindor.
It was bad enough that he had betrayed his father and Voldemort, but being the boy-who-lived's lover! How would his fellow Slytherins react? The vast majority of them were openly loyal to Voldemort and despised anyone who wasn't, but would they go so far as to physically harm him? Draco wouldn't put it past them. He sighed deeply as he held back a sneeze.
Harry had promised to protect him no matter what, but could Harry stand a chance protecting him from the whole of Slytherin house? Had Harry even considered this? Then again, had he considered how his own housemates would react? He'd said he didn't care what anyone thought, but how true was it? After everything Draco had done and said to Harry's friends, he seriously doubted that they would accept this relationship.
Draco carefully wrapped his arm around Harry and pulled him close. Harry shifted and snuggled deeper against him to fit perfectly into the curves of his body, but didn't wake. Draco pulled his arm out from under his head and buried his face into Harry's neck.
Draco knew it was a bad thought, but he couldn't help but be glad about what the Dursleys had done to Harry. If it hadn't been for them, Harry and he may never have gotten to know each other like this and become a couple. Draco felt guilty about thinking this way and thought that perhaps he should say something to Dumbledore when they got back to Hogwarts. The Dursleys deserved to be punished, but then again it would look less obvious when he killed them, if nobody knew about the abuse.
Dumbledore? That got Draco thinking. Harry had told him that he was sure that Dumbledore would protect him once they'd explained everything. He even offered to go with Draco to back him up. Draco was still worried though. He had a feeling that this protection was going to be vital.
It brought him back to the conversation between his father and pet death eaters that he had overheard. They had mentioned needing both himself and Harry. For what, he had no idea, but he was certain that it was nothing good. And what was with the full moon deadline?
This was another thing Draco felt guilty about. He had yet to tell Harry about what he had heard. Harry had been though a lot and the last thing he needed right now was another mysterious plot by Voldemort to end his life.
Draco yawned at this and, within a few moments of closing his eyes, was fast asleep.
Harry slowly opened his eyes and let out a small yawn before noticing Draco's arm draped around him. He'd never thought he could be this happy, but something about being with Draco just seemed to blur everything else until the only thing that was any thing was Draco. Even now as he lay here in Draco's arms, he still couldn't believe that this was the same pompous git that barely over a month ago had been his biggest rival.
The blonde sleeping silently beside him was now his lifeline: the only holding him to sanity and reality. This was truly what love was all about. Even though he felt like curling up beneath a rock and letting someone else deal with Voldemort and his death eaters, he didn't. And why? Because Draco was counting on him: counting on him to keep him safe, and to love him unconditionally, and Harry could never bear to let him down.
Harry carefully wriggled his way out from under Draco's arm and sat up before swinging his legs over the side of the bed and reaching onto the nightstand for his glasses. His hand brushed by something fuzzy as he found his glasses and put them on. Looking back to the nightstand he noticed a small satin box with a large red ribbon adorning the top. Harry picked it up and turned it over and over in his hands before finally realizing that today was his birthday. Only now did it occur to him that this was the first birthday that he had not sat up all night counting down the minutes until midnight. Truth be told, he hadn't even thought about it at all.
Harry turned to look at the young blonde's still sleeping form and then back at the small box in his hands. He couldn't believe that Draco had remembered his birthday, or even known for that matter, since he couldn't remember ever having told him. Harry's fingers gently graced the bright ribbon when he realized that the entire room was decorated with banners, and streamers, and balloons. He starred in joyous awe for a moment before pulling the ribbon entirely off the box and removing the lid. Harry rolled the tiny ball out onto the palm of his hand.
A smile burst across Harry's face as he read the words engraved on its golden little body and gently closed his hand as the snitch's beautiful silver wings slowly unfurled themselves.
Harry whirled back around to find Draco starring up at him wide-awake. Draco smiled.
"Happy Birthday, Harry!"
"Oh, Draco!" Harry shouted as he lunged at Draco: wrapping his arms tightly around the blonde's neck and burying his face into Draco's chest. Draco wrapped his arms tightly around Harry's waist and pulled him as close as he could.
"You're welcome." Draco whispered gently into Harry's ear. They stayed that way for a moment before Draco noticed the strange way Harry's body was shaking. Draco pulled him away a bit and lifted his chin. Harry had tears slowly making their way down his cheeks, yet he was still smiling.
"Harry, what's wrong? Are you ok?" Harry quickly wiped away his tears and nodded.
"You don't understand how happy you've made me." Harry mumbled out.
"I think I could probably guess." Draco joked trying to lighten the mood.
"No, you don't understand. This is the first time anyone has ever celebrated my birthday with me. I've always been alone. Back at the Dursley's, I'd sit up all night counting down the minutes until midnight and then spend the entire day out doing chores and being ignored like always. I've always been alone."
Harry lowered his head and stared longingly at the tiny struggling snitch in his hand. Draco sighed and gently lifted Harry's chin: staring lovingly into Harry's bright green eyes.
"Well, now that you've got me, you won't ever have to be alone again…I promise." Draco whispered lovingly.
"I love you, Draco." Harry whispered back.
"Now, as part of your birthday present, we're going to go where ever you want to, my treat. We'll just disguise you like last time and…" Draco let out three consecutive sneezes and then sniffled a bit before continuing. "…and no one will ever know." Harry looked concernedly at Draco for a moment. "What?"
"Are you ok? You don't sound too good." Draco dismissed him with a sweep of his arm.
"Of course I'm fine." Draco coughed out. Sinilu flew down from the rafters and perched herself on the nightstand as she began making indignant squawks: obviously trying to express how wrong Draco really was. "I'm fine, just go get dressed Harry."
Harry carefully placed the tiny snitch back in its box on the nightstand and set the lid on top. Draco pulled himself over to the side of the bed and then carefully steadied himself on two feet. His position lasted all but ten seconds as his head began to swim and he collapsed into Harry's arms. Harry started to panic as he lifted Draco back onto the bed and laid his hand on Draco's head. His hand recoiled almost immediately.
"Draco, you're burning up."
"I am not: I'm perfectly fine." Draco tried to get up again, but Harry pushed him back down and pulled the covers over Draco: tucking him in tightly.
"I think that perhaps we should stay home today", Harry said as he went into the bathroom.
"No, I'm fine…honest", Draco whined as he made to get out of bed, "We're going to celebrate your birthday right." Harry reemerged from the bathroom with a damp cloth in his hand and pushed Draco back against the bed.
"We can celebrate my birthday perfectly fine right here", Harry argued as he placed the cold cloth on Draco's forehead, "Right now, all that matters to me is making you better."
"No, that's not how it's supposed to go…I'm supposed to pamper you today", Draco mumbled angrily. Words of retort died on Harry's lips with a sharp knock on the door.
"Boys, it's me, Tom. Open up." Harry gave Draco a stern stay-in-bed look before going over and opening the door.
"Happy Birthday, Harry", Tom announced as he stepped inside and handed Harry a huge chocolate cake with the words 'Happy Birthday Harry' written in white icing on the top.
"Oh Tom, you didn't have to", Harry said as he set it on the nightstand next to his gift from Draco.
"I know, but I wanted to do something and…what's wrong with Draco?"
"He's sick", Harry replied as he sat on the side of the bed.
"I am not", Draco growled out, followed by a rough hacking cough.
"He's also in denial", Harry added jokingly. Tom chuckled as he pulled a chair up beside the bed and sat down, but his face soon turned serious.
"I hate to be the barer of bad new, especially today, but it's official", Tom declared as he pulled out a copy of today's Daily Prophet and tossed it on the bed. Harry picked it up to give Draco a better view. Starring back at them from the moving black and white photograph was a picture of Lucius Malfoy and Draco sitting beside him. It looked as though it had been at the Quidditch World Cup last summer. Above the picture was the title 'Malfoy Disowns Runaway Heir' and below it was an in-depth article claiming that Lucius had disowned his son after Draco had stolen money from him and run away.
"But that's a lie", Draco shouted, "a complete lie!" Draco started coughing uncontrollably. Harry sat Draco up and rubbed his back in a comforting manner as Tom conjured up a glass of water. Only after Draco had gulped it down, did Tom speak.
"We know Draco, but the rest of the wizarding world doesn't. That's why I think it would be best if you didn't leave your room anymore. Some of the folks, who have seen you around this summer, already have the suspicion that you are staying here. We don't want to confirm that."
"But…" Draco didn't even get the chance to argue as Tom cut him off.
"No buts. I don't think you realize how serious this is. While you can't be sent to Azkaban or anything like that, you could still get sent back to your father since you're under aged and that's the last thing we want." Tom's voice easily showed his extreme worry and concern. Draco sighed.
"I know. At least I'll be stuck here with you Harry."
For the second time that morning, there was a sharp knock at the door before Harry could say anything in reply. Tom was on his feet in an instant and his wand was immediately pointed at the door. They all waited in silence for a minute listening for anything to let them know who was there. When no reply came, Tom made to open the door.
Tom wasn't even given a chance to move out of the way as Eddy came barging into the room.
"Stop right where you are!" Tom said firmly as he pointed his wand at Eddy's heart. Sinilu let out a worried squawk and Harry was on his feet immediately.
"Tom, wait! This is Eddy." Harry quickly explained. Tom slowly lowered his wand and closed the door.
"So this is Eddy…" Tom replied in a less than polite tone. His opinion of Eddy had already been laced heavily with bias from Draco's explanation. The two men regarded each other before Eddie finally broke contact and turned to Harry.
"I'm afraid I can't stay today, but I wanted to wish you a happy birthday, and give you this", Eddy said as he handed Harry a small blue vial, "just thought it might come in handy eventually." Harry looked down at the label and realizing what it was, quickly stashed it in his school trunk.
"Thanks, hopefully I'll get the chance to use it soon." Harry smirked. Draco, Tom and Sinilu all looked on in confusion, but nothing more was said of it.
"I see you've already gotten the news", Eddy said as he picked up the newspaper that was still lying on the bed. "As I'm sure Mr. Over-Protective here has already told, I think it would be best if you stayed inside from now on Draco." Tom gave an indignant huff.
"As a matter of fact, Mr. Barges-in-uninvited, I did tell him that", Tom rudely remarked. Sinilu made a sound that was oddly similar to a laugh.
"Alright, alright…well I've got to be going anyways. I'm sorry I can't stay", Eddy said sincerely. He really did wish he could stay, but with circumstances as they were, it would be impossible.
"It's alright. I understand. I'm just glad you stopped by", Harry said sadly. Eddy came over and gave him a hug. Harry tensed, but didn't pull away. Other than Sirius and Mrs. Weasley, no adult had ever hugged him, so it just wasn't something he was used to.
"Now stay safe…both of you", Eddy said as he made to leave.
"We will", Harry replied. Eddy quietly opened and closed the door behind him.
"Annoying bloke, isn't he?" Tom said, more as a statement than a question.
"I concur", Draco answered anyways and Sinilu chirped in agreement. Harry sighed, but didn't say anything. It would be no use trying to convince them any different: they were three of a kind and stubborn as mules.
"Well, I've got to get going as well", Tom said suddenly, "You two stay safe."
"We will, and thanks for everything", Harry replied. Tom nodded and then quickly left. Harry climbed into bed beside Draco and wrapped his arms around the blonde. Draco starred sadly into Harry's eyes for a moment before looking away.
"I'm sorry", Draco whispered.
"For what?"
"For being so much trouble."
"Trouble! You mean for being sick!" Harry asked slightly shocked. Draco merely nodded and Harry couldn't help but sigh. He slowly raised Draco's chin until their eyes were once again locked.
"You will never be too much trouble. I love you and I always will, no matter what."
"I know, but…" Draco was cut off mid-sentence as Harry pressed his lips firmly against the blonde's. When Harry pulled back a moment later, Draco looked shell-shocked.
"Now you're going to get sick", Draco blurted out. Harry gave Draco a Malfoy-worthy smirk.
"Good and when I do you can take care of me, but until then…I take care of you." Draco smiled shyly before snuggling into Harry as the young Gryffindor pulled him close.
"I love you Harry", Draco mumbled into Harry's shirt.
"I love you too…my little Dragon."
…S…T…O…P…S…T…O…P…S…T…O…P…S…T…O…P…S…T…O…P…
Yoko-obssessor: I'm glad you liked it. Sorry I took forever!
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Princesspepper: Wow, glad you liked it. I'm trying not to go overboard on the fluff, but when they get back to Hogwarts things are going to go downhill so I thought I'd fluffen it up a bit right now. Actually, I've been basing a lot of Harry's character off of my own boyfriend who's quite the romantic. (Boy did I get lucky. Quickly checks to make sure he's not gay) Oh and don't forget, I put in my summery that it's rated R for rape not molestation. You'll find out Draco's reason for not liking Eddy in a few chapters. And yah, Eddy, Nicolas, and the S.T. Seller, all have a bigger role. And there will be a couple others that I will introduce, but not until later. Oh and sorry I took forever to update.
MooseDeEvita: I'm glad you liked it. Oh and Draco has been pouting in the corner all day. What a boy toy! I heard that!
Zoomaphonethepirate: You're welcome, but you deserved it. I'm glad you liked it and you'll find out eventually how Sinilu did all those things. Trust me, she ain't no ordinary Starling.
Goldensong: I'm glad you liked it. Sorry I took so long to update. Oh and no, no one had told me what a seme was. Thank you so much, without you I never would have know. You know what, just for that, I'm going to dedicate this chapter to you.
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Yui: I'm glad you liked it so much and you're welcome. Sorry I took so long to update. Slash huh? Well you're just gonna love the next chapter than.
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Wolf Maid: I'm glad you like it and sorry I took like an eternity to update. I'm trying to keep Harry and Draco in a believable relationship, but I think I over did it with the fluff, what do you think?
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Charl1e: Glad you liked it and sorry I took so long. Sorry, but Harry's taken and yah well, I'm trying to make Harry into a romantic though I might be overdoing it. Hmmm?
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Flammy: Glad you liked it and sorry I took so long. Glad you're all caught up. Trust me, Draco's not as fragile as you might think. He's not going to let himself be entirely dominated.