Title: A Torturous Reminder
Chapter 17: The Calm before the Storm
Rating: M
Warnings: H/D SLASH, HBP SPOILERS
DISCLAIMER: We do not own Harry Potter! Characters (except those created by us) belong to the amazingly talented J.K. Rowling, WB, and the publishing companies. Don't sue us! We are just bored teenagers having a go at poor Harry and Draco!
Draco woke up the next morning, his arm rather stiff and his legs intertwined with someone else's. Looking down he saw the golden skin snuggling up close to his chest, blowing warm air onto him. He shifted to catch a better look at the boy and found himself being held even tighter in the hold of the boy next to him. Draco smiled softly and ran his free hand softly through Harry's hair. He saw the boy beginning to stir and two very green eyes opened, groggily staring up at him.
Draco leaned down and kissed Harry lightly. "Hello, love," he whispered into Harry's ear before pulling apart.
"Hello," Harry managed, his voice still sleepy.
"So…" Draco said, making small patterns on Harry's back with his free hand.
"So…" Harry said a little hoarsely.
Draco smiled in spite of himself and slowly began disentangling himself. Before the other boy could protest, he was making his way into the shower.
Harry stared at where Draco had been, and images of the night before came back to him.
He remembered Sean and his sudden over-possessive jealousy. He remembered practically pulling Draco away and the things he'd then done without consciousness of the people around them.
He inwardly groaned as he got up to put on the clothes he'd discarded the night before and picked up clean clothes from his newly filled drawers.
Once Draco came out, he practically ran into the shower, only just registering that the other had nothing but a towel around him.
A nice, long shower and a green button up shirt and black slacks later, Harry came out of the restroom, his hair already drying and going back to its normal, wild state.
"So how'd you sleep?" asked Draco as Harry walked into the kitchen. Apparently, Draco had gone home and changed, then picked up breakfast on the way back.
Harry smiled widely, " Good. Very little, but comfortable. You?"
"Oh, it was alright except my arm's circulation was cut off by a rather big head that someone mistook for a pillow."
"Awe, you know you're cushiony."
"Are you calling me fat!"
"No, you're just very comfortable," Harry said, sitting down and beginning to eat.
"Next thing you know, you'll be calling me cuddly."
Harry just smirked as he continued eating. Once done, both made their way to headquarters.
"Seems unnaturally quiet," Harry said as they both walked in.
Draco nodded, looking around at the empty desks. Both walked towards Mr. Bradford's room but stopped when yelling was heard.
It eventually died down and they heard a small pop before the door opened.
"Hello, you're late again. I expected this from you, Mr. Potter, but Mr. Malfoy, it seems you've picked up his bad influences," he said in a forced smile.
"Are you alright?" asked Harry.
"As fine as I'll ever be. By the way, have either of you seen Mr. Bloom? We haven't been able to find him since he went on a mission yesterday."
Harry and Draco shook their heads, both remembering what had occurred between them the day before.
"Oh well. Sit down then." Once Harry and Draco were seated, he began once again. "Well, you see, we've narrowed down the possibility of the location into somewhere around the Midwestern U.S., and ever further by narrowing it down somewhere here," he said indicating Texas' panhandle and a few other states above it. "We have wizards searching everywhere, at the moment, which is why it seems rather empty. There have also been some reported mishaps in a smaller area and I wanted to send you two to investigate," he said tiredly.
Both Draco and Harry nodded.
"I'd like you to apparate though. The sooner you get there, the faster the search can begin."
Harry sighed and shrugged. "If needed, I will," he said simply.
Draco looked over at him worriedly, and reached for his hand, giving it a quick reassuring squeeze, a gesture that did not miss Mr. Bradford's eyes.
"Gather your things and come back to the office around two in the afternoon. Some aurors will be there when you get there, they will tell both of you where you all will be staying. Don't mean to kick you out or anything, but I have some things to do. Show yourselves out," said Mr. Bradford hurriedly, and was out the door before Harry and Draco stood up.
"What's wrong with him? He's always so…calm," said Harry looking at Draco as they closed the door behind them, and walked out into the hall. "Do you think it's about the death eaters?"
"I don't know what's wrong with him, but yes, I think it has to do with the death eaters, unless…"
"Unless what?"
"No. nothing, never mind," said Draco oddly.
Harry looked at him through his glasses, "OK, then."
Draco nodded and walked into his office, gathering some papers as he sat down.
Harry watched him, getting bored just sitting down. He went to the window and looked outside, the beauty of the morning taking his breath away. The skyline of New York was amazing. The skyscrapers attracted Harry's attention, "Hey Draco, can we go to one of those big buildings?"
"Why would you want to?" asked Draco not looking up from his work.
"Maybe we can go all the way to the top and just looked at the city. Wouldn't that be nice?"
"As long as you don't turn Hufflepuff on me and proclaim your undying love for me, screaming it so the whole city can hear you, and then kissing me as the sun goes down…" said Draco dramatically, giving a big heartfelt sigh.
"No, Draco, I'm serious. I do want to go. Maybe not today, but sometime in the future, if you'll go with me…" said Harry, quickly glancing at Draco.
"Potter, you are the weirdest man I have ever met, hands down," said Draco still looking at his papers, "but if you want to go, then we'll go," he said, finally looking up to Harry.
Harry gave him a big smile, and Draco couldn't help but smile back.
"What time is it? We have to leave here around 11:00, get some lunch, and get our stuff ready. I'll drop you off at your apartment and pick you up around 1:15."
"It's 10:00, and yea we should do that."
"Good, I need to finish some things first, though."
Silence fell between them and Harry started playing around with a pen on Draco's desk, occasionally doodling on Draco's expensive stationary. He looked at Draco, trying to make him see what he was dong, 'He would probably have a fit about me wasting his top of the line paper,' thought Harry, 'that would be fun, at least he will say something.' However, Draco seemed too engrossed in his writing to even notice Harry mistreating his papers.
Harry stood up and walked to the door slowly.
"Where are you going?"
"Restroom," muttered Harry.
"OK," said Draco looking away from his papers and directing his glance at Harry.
Draco watched Harry go out of the door and almost got out of his chair to accompany him to the restroom. He didn't want to let Harry out of his sight when Bloom could be anywhere…but he wasn't at the ministry. Or so Mr. Bradford thought. 'Hopefully he isn't.'
Maybe he was paranoid but he couldn't focus on his work until he heard the door open and Harry stepped inside.
Draco looked at him closely, and noting nothing different, returned to his work.
"Why so tense, Draco?" asked Harry, walking to stand behind Draco.
"So much going on," said Draco tiredly. He hummed in contentment as he felt Harry's warm fingers massage his shoulders.
"It's 11:00, maybe we should go."
"Yea let's just leave…but…keep massaging me….oh Harry that feels good," Draco muttered, feeling the tension slowly leave him.
"You owe me a massage."
"Sure, yea, whatever," said Draco with his eyes closed.
"Well, let's go," said Harry removing his hands.
"Harry!" exclaimed Draco when he felt the hands leave him, "Fuck, fine, let's go," he said, getting up from his chair and grabbing some papers. Draco closed the door, placed a lock on it, and walked with Harry out of the building. They ended up taking Draco's car to a fast-food place, which resulted in Draco complaining about the 'horrendous food', and his 'uncooked meat', but he ended up eating everything. Afterwards, Draco drove Harry to his apartment, parking in front of the building.
"Remember, 1:15. Don't be late Harry, there's no knowing what I might just do if I find myself in your apartment at 1:15 and you are asleep," said Draco looking at Harry as Harry got out of his car.
"Maybe I want to know what you will do," said Harry, winking at Draco, and with a laugh, walked inside the building.
Harry opened the door and went inside. He smiled as he thought of last night. With a sigh, he flopped on his bed and turned on the TV. He didn't need that much time to pack anyways. Unlike Draco who would probably start packing as he got to his apartment, 'He's worse than a girl,' he thought fondly, although he wouldn't say that to Draco, he very much valued his life. He saw some pointless show and after getting bored, he turned it off. He got out of bed and took a quick shower, and then started to pack. Again. Draco had told him to take his new clothes. Harry had no idea why, it didn't matter. It wasn't like if they were going to go anywhere. Then again, Draco had gotten into the habit of going to clubs and bars lately.
By the time he was finished, it was 1:00, so he lay down on his bed and just closed his eyes. He had an odd feeling about where they were going. It lingered in his chest annoyingly, but nothing would happen. Harry would make sure of that. At promptly 1:15, a knock was heard, and Harry with a wave of his wand, tiredly opened the door.
Draco heard a small 'click' and he went inside. He went to Harry's room and leaned against the door, taking in the sight of his boyfriend sprawled on the bed, bringing pleasant memories to him.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Yes," said Harry, getting up from his bed and making his way in front of Draco. Taking his hand is his he whispered, "Draco, please be careful. Please."
Draco looked at him blankly, he saw Harry's concerned eyes and gave a tug to his hand.
"I'll be fine Harry. After all, you're my human shield, remember?"
Harry nodded, his lips quirking upwards. Grabbing his suitcase, he followed Draco out the door and into his car.
They drove to headquarters in silence. Harry with his worried eyes, and Draco contemplating what was wrong with Harry. Harry never seemed to worry, but now he was worried, and just the thought was frightening.
Draco parked near the entrance to the office, and was about to get off when a hand landed on his shoulder.
"I love you," whispered Harry looking directly into the silvery eyes with so much sincerity and emotion that Draco felt himself getting lost into the green depth. "I know that…we have been together…for a very short while, but…I…Draco…"said Harry exasperatedly , trying to piece together his emotions.
"I love you too," said Draco, looking at Harry in the same way Harry was looking at him. They looked at each other for a while, and then Harry kissed him. Slowly and with so much love that Draco felt he was drowning.
They broke apart and with small smiles got out of the car, and headed to Mr. Bradford's office.
"Glad to see you're on time," Mr. Bradford said, not even bothering to look up as both entered the room.
Harry and Draco stood silently with their suitcases, observing the aging lines that seemed to be multiplying on Mr. Bradford's face.
"Well, if you two are ready," Mr. Bradford said, getting up from his behind his desk, "Stand apart and concentrate on this place. The other aurors should be waiting," he said, his eyes almost dull. "Good luck, I'm afraid you'll need it," he said gazing at them with unmistakable pity and walking behind his desk.
Draco turned to Harry, and gave him a meaningful look, "Sure you want to do this?" he asked Harry.
Harry smirked, pushing down the fear swelling on his chest, and apparated before Draco.
Draco gave a small smile, and apparated after him, not noticing the Mr. Bradford's eyes as he left to meet Harry.
Mr. Bradford sighed in his room after both boys had left and went back to his work. Thinking of all that might come.
Draco met up with Harry, who as already talking absentmindly with one of the aurors, apparently still tense from the apparition.
"Hello, love," Draco said, purring into Harry's ear as he drew near.
"Hello," Harry said, "This is Anne, she's taking us to our room."
Draco turned to a red haired girl in front of them, and smiled in greeting.
"Well, if you will both follow me," Anne said to the two men towering over her. She led them out of the place and through a variety of streets. The place was a town, rather alone and secluded.
Draco and Harry looked around until Anne finally spoke, "It's not too empty. There's a place downtown where you can amuse yourself. That's the tourist area. I mean, sure it isn't you big city, but it's nice, you know, living in a quiet, rural area, away from all that smog and the noise," she said, continuing her chatter on how the country was while Draco and Harry exchanged amused glances.
"Well, here you are," Anne said. "There was only one room left. I know, 'who would want to come here in the first place!' but it's true. Apparently there's some sort of convention going on around town. What it is, no idea, but..."
Draco coughed and stopped her, growing tired of her garrulous self.
"Do you think we could go to our room?" he asked, looking toward the small hotel.
"Oh, sure. Here you are," Anne said, beaming at them both as she drew away, "Oh, and sorry, there weren't any other rooms," she said before leaving them alone, and to their relief, in silence.
Harry sighed and looked over at Draco who was mirroring his exact expression.
"Well, I'm glad that's over," Draco said with a sneer in his voice. "Really, I would've chosen Bloom coming to greet us rather than her," he said before turning around and heading to their room.
He put in the key and they both entered the room. Harry switched on the lights and they were met with a rather small room with only…
'One bed?' Harry thought, casting a look over at Draco who seemed to be smirking.
"I claim the bed!" Draco said.
"What! Why do you always claim everything!" Harry whined.
"Because, I'm faster. Of course, I'm always willing to extend an invitation…," Draco said, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
Harry laughed, picking up a pillow and hitting Draco hard on the face.
"Don't be a git, but I accept your offer."
"Too bad, offer expired. Now, there's a condition."
"What! Just because I hit your face?"
"My face and beautifully placed hair."
"Oh please."
"Suit yourself, sleep on the floor."
"Fine, what's your condition?" asked Harry eying Draco warily.
"You're bottoming," Draco said, smirking as Harry blushed.
Harry mumbled and placed his suitcase on the bed.
"I guess you've accepted. Excellent," said Draco with enthusiasm.
"Yea, I'm at your disposal."
"You don't seem so depressed about it."
Harry smirked, "Sleeping next to that pretty arse of yours, and messing up your hair. Why would I be depressed?"
Draco rolled his eyes and took out his clothes from the suitcase, using his wand to produce an ironed effect, and then placing everything in the small closet.
"Where the hell is my stuff going to go?"
Draco shrugged, "Leave it in your bag?"
"Asshole."
Draco smiled sweetly at him and went to the restroom, taking with him a bag filled with shampoo and soap.
Harry was trying to fit in some clothes in the closet when he heard a yelp, a squeal, and light coming out of the bathroom.
"Draco! What happened!"
Draco opened the door, revealing his face slightly paler. He stepped away from Harry and beckoned him inside.
Harry, worried, went inside the restroom, and when he looked at the floor, burst into laughter.
"What the fuck is so funny!" yelled Draco, getting annoyed by Harry's incessant laughter.
"You got scared by a rat?" said Harry, laughing, "You should have heard your scream!" How incredibly girly of you!"
"Girly! Potter, I have you know that I am not girly! And what do you mean scream! I did no such thing," said Draco snobbishly.
"Yes, you did," said Harry, laughing even harder whenever his eyes fell on the rat.
"Well, take it away Harry!" snapped Draco.
"You do it, if you're not afraid."
"But Harry!" whined Draco.
"I'm not taking that thing out, you do it," said Harry, still laughing and exiting the bathroom.
"Potter, come back here!"
"Potter?...POTTER!"
'Bastard', thought Draco, and looking at the rat with a sour face, started removing it.
He came back to find Harry on the bed, watching TV.
"You're so lazy."
"Do you see anything better to do?"
"You could be cleaning this….clean the bed."
"It is clean!"
"I am not sleeping in that thing. It's not properly clean."
Harry rolled his eyes, and with a wave of his hand, cleaned the bed.
"Happy?"
"Oh , yes," replied Draco, taking off his shoes and laying down.
"Harry, take off your shoes."
"Why?" asked Harry, his eyes leaving the TV.
"You're dirtying the bed."
"But…"
"Do it"
"Yes, dear," mumbled Harry sarcastically, taking off his shoes
Draco smiled at him, and went back to watching TV.
A loud knock got them out of their daze, and seeing that Draco made no move to get up, Harry got up from the bed and answered their door.
"Hello, Mr. Potter. My name is Joseph Bates, and I am heading the search in this area. I came here to talk to you and Mr. Malfoy regarding the information we have."
"Oh! Come on in!" said Harry, moving to the side to make way for Mr. Bates to pass through.
Draco sat up and stood up, walking closer to Harry.
"In the past few hours, our sources have been building on this area. According to them, Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange are in this part of town."
Draco stiffened but calmly spoke, "Won't they leave? If they know we are here?"
Mr. Bates averted his gaze, "Well according to our…sources…they know you are here, and won't leave until they see…you."
Harry sat up straighter, and took Draco's hand in his, "Then why did you bring Draco here? He is in danger!"
"Mr. Malfoy's presence allows the death eaters to not move from this area, making it easier for us."
"So, Draco is the bait!" yelled Harry, standing up.
"No, of course not! His well- being concerns us!"
"Bullshit," snapped Harry.
"Harry…sit down," whispered Draco, his tone forcing Harry to sit down without a question.
Draco placed his arm around Harry, drawing him closer, "Don't worry about it. We're here already, might as well catch them. Who knows when we will have the opportunity."
Harry looked darkly at Mr. Bates but seemed to calm down his anger, "So where are they?"
"It's believed they are in the outskirts of the town, if both of you can come with us and check out the place. See what we'll find.
Draco nodded, "Sure, Mr. Bates, Harry and I will go with you, just give us a couple of minutes."
Mr. Bates nodded and excused himself, not wanting to be in the presence of a fuming Harry Potter any longer.
"Are you seriously going to go through with it!" Harry said, practically yelling as the door closed with a click.
Draco winced slightly but didn't draw back. Instead, he resiliently stared at the man in front of him, challenging him to go against his wishes.
"But why! It's too… dangerous, Draco. I don't want you to go! I don't want you to…. Get hurt," he said, his voice dying down as he uttered the last part. Harry walked over to Draco and wrapped his arms around him, shocking Draco as he was put into a tight hug. "I don't want to lose you," Harry said at last in a voice barely above a whisper, his face leaned into Draco's neck.
Draco pulled away slightly, though still held Harry in his arms. "You're not going to lose me, Harry. After all, I'll have you there with me, won't I?"
Harry looked at him, unsure, but shrugged. He pushed his way out of Draco's arms and went to sit by the bed.
"Come on, Harry. It's not going to be the end of the world," Draco said, going over and sitting by Harry.
"But they're using you as bait! You! Why couldn't they have told us that from the very beginning! We could've come up with a better plan, but no, they have to draw us out here and put us in mortal danger," Harry said, exclaiming wildly with his hands. "Stupid… ministry…," he mumbled, his fury just getting wilder and wilder.
Draco flinched and he was sure he heard a vase crack. "Harry, calm down before you make the whole building explode. We don't want them to know where we're residing," he said, putting an arm around Harry. "Plus, maybe it's better this way. At least, now we know we're going to face them."
"You mean you're going to face them," Harry said.
Draco shook his head. "I'm not going without you," he mumbled, pulling close and nibbling on Harry's ear.
Harry shut his eyes. "That doesn't mean they're not going to hurt you," Harry said, his voice raspier than usual. "They're going to try everything they can to hurt you," he continued with difficulty as Draco traced a trail of hot kisses down to his jaw line.
"Don't worry, Harry. No one can hurt me as long as I'm with you," he said, his lips still pressed against Harry's skin.
"But… Draco, that's just it. I want to be with you. This may be the last time… I knew I had a bad feeling about the whole thing, something wasn't right, and it still isn't," Harry muttered in a shaky voice.
"Sh…" Draco muttered, "just relax." He pushed Harry back onto the bed, straddling him as he placed kisses on the boy's neck, slowly inching toward his collarbone.
Harry moaned slightly, slowly beginning to relax against Draco and other thoughts beginning to fill his mind.
Draco came up and placed a sweet kiss on Harry's lips, which opened to admit a tongue in for exploration. He felt throaty vibrations enter his own mouth as one hand unbuttoned Harry's shirt and began to explore and feel every inch of his body.
Harry's own hands began to work on Draco's shirt, trailing a line from his shoulder blade down to his lowerback, sending chills down Draco's spine until they reached the place they desired and pushed Draco forward.
Draco groaned as he felt himself being pushed up against Harry. He pressed down on the boy harder, rubbing themselves together and creating friction in a very necessary place. He pushed himself up when he was immediately turned over, his shirt opened wide and a mouth traveling its way lower and lower on Draco's chest.
Draco moaned deeply as Harry began encircling his erection, amounting his pleasure to an all-time high. The sensation of pleasure was settled in his groin and he felt all his muscles tense in one spasmodic moment, then release as a wave of satisfaction settled into him. Turning, he saw his lover had not yet been relieved of his problem and he turned the boy over, settling himself between his legs.
Harry gave a start but didn't try and stop anything Draco was about to ensue. He closed his eyes as Draco's mouth met his own erection that had escalated during his doings and began moaning loudly.
Draco teased Harry at first, almost getting aroused by the boy's groans and erotic phrases. He soon gave in though, and began moving up and down Harry's member as Harry clutched the sheet beneath him. With a thin sheet of sweat covering Harry's chest, he finally released, giving one last moan before a certain blonde's lips settled on his own.
"Well, that was nice," Harry said as his breathing regulated itself. "But don't think I'm still not angry with those bastards from the ministry."
Draco gave Harry a wide grin. "Oh, I know. I just wanted to make sure you weren't mad with me."
"Hmm… so this is your way of apologizing?"
"Apologizing! What would I have to apologize for?"
Harry shrugged, getting out of bed and cleaning himself quickly before changing. "Maybe for actually accepting."
"Oh, come on, Harry. It's not like this was our last time."
"I really hope it isn't," Harry said, too quietly for Draco to hear but with a heavy feeling in his heart.
Draco cleaned himself up, too, and changed before drawing up to the door. "Well, let's go then," Draco said, opening the door to where a very red Mr. Bates stood.
Harry looked at Mr. Bates and, as realization dawned on him, began to blush too. Draco only laughed and closed the door once Harry was through.
Harry walked behind Mr. Bates, his hand in Draco's and with butterflies in his stomach, not knowing that the boy with his hand intertwined with his own was also mirroring his own feelings.
A/N: Well, a short scene. But nonetheless, needed for oncoming chapters and well… really it's the… third time. Their relationship has to… grow, hehe. Anyways, hope it was enjoyable.