Phase 6-A – One Month After
It was one fine Sunday in October, and the couple of the century had been bound for about three weeks now. The news of engagement between Harry and Draco had been considered as true without anyone confirming it. People were still whispering about them, about how they were seen together almost every time, and some students still expressed dissatisfaction about their engagement. However the situation in general, especially in Slytherin House, was under control. Snape and Blaise had assisted Draco in ensuring no one could openly taunt him about his relationship with Harry.
Harry had been true to his words, he had done a good job in repressing his excessive jealous inclination. He also didn't mind Draco visiting Snape's office alone, although Draco was suspicious Harry used his capacity in remote viewing to check him once in a while. About that scary remote viewing ability, Draco had emphasized that he would castrate Harry if the wandless magic specialist ever dared use it to spy on Draco. But he would never know, especially since Harry had that suppressed dodgy grin on his face when Draco mentioned it.
On another matter, Draco had grown used to Harry and their physical closeness. Emotionally, both of them started being more open in front of each other, especially Draco, who had also begun to be more honest with himself. Consequently Draco admitted, albeit half-heartedly, there were some positive things concerning his relationship with Harry.
For one, despite Draco's incessant envy, he saw it now that he held a respect for Harry even before the bonding. Not for the Boy-Who-Lived, but for the courageous and virtuous Harry Potter. It didn't mean he admired or much less felt proud of his fiancé – he believed pure Gryffindor rightness was disadvantageous and revolting. However nauseating it was, he couldn't help appreciating Harry's tough attitude and good heart, knowing they were rare qualities a person could possess. That was the reason why he couldn't accept when someone (Snape) insulted Harry that night the bond was revealed. He also had already felt associated with Harry that moment. Just like what he told Harry, when people scorned your fiancé, they indirectly scorned you too.
Draco wasn't lying either when he said to Snape he was lucky to be bound to Harry, as he was aware of how Harry protected those precious for him, apart from knowing the Head Boy's popularity. Many people were dead jealous of him, and this thought never failed to bring a smile to his face.
And then, although they had almost nothing in common, they could get along pretty well. Harry was very patient with Draco's swinging mood; it was apparent how Harry subdued his own explosive temper when dealing with Draco. Harry even loved spoiling his fiancé, and Draco would never waste a chance to manipulate Harry's attention. The Gryffindor was also a good conversing partner most of the time. Their opinions often clashed, but it deepened Draco's comprehension on various issues by looking at them from different point of view. When they had run out of conversation topic, Harry would resort to bodily pleasure. That pleasure was mutual, so Draco didn't complain.
They still hadn't kissed on the lips, but Harry kept kissing Draco on other parts of his face, like his nose, his cheeks, his forehead, and his temples. Harry also loved to kiss Draco's hands and fingers. Although he was always blushing whenever Harry touched him with his lips, Draco must admit that he enjoyed those caresses. Very much. He thought that living with Harry might be bearable after all.
In the present time, Harry was lounging on Draco's bed. He had just returned from his special two-month detention with Snape, Sunday included. Draco had seriously threatened him to pay more respect towards the Potions Master, and Harry had grudgingly complied. He would rather endure Snape's severe detention in submission than be deprived of touching Draco. But moreover, Harry truly regretted his improper presumptuous behaviour towards Snape. Although he did it in the name of jealousy, his own action reminded Harry of the shameful arrogance of his father against Snape in their youth.
The Head Boy lay on his stomach, lazily trailing his fingers over the silk sheet beneath him. Draco was sitting cross-legged beside him, a thick book on his lap. Harry's fingers wandered to the fabric of Draco's trousers, moving along his shin and up to his thigh. Draco looked up from his book at the sudden distraction and smiled to Harry, his cheeks growing pinkish. Harry smiled back and propped his body up. He removed the book from Draco's leg and replaced it with his own head.
"Harry, I have a test tomorrow," Draco didn't actually protest, and Harry knew it. He gave the blond a languid yet utterly sexy smile. He reached for Draco's right hand and started kissing and nipping at the long fingers. Harry had become addicted to kissing Draco in every chance he got. His kisses had never been chaste. They were gentle, but always firm and lingering. In contrast, Draco had just kissed Harry two times, both on the cheek, both less than one second.
Harry placed the last kiss on Draco's little finger before he gazed up at his fiancé and whispered huskily, "Let me kiss you."
In response, Draco squashed the Fluffy toy to Harry's face playfully, "Kiss them." Harry released his nose from Fluffy's canine teeth, put the toy aside, and sat up in front of Draco.
"Why don't you let me kiss you?"
"What do you mean? You've kissed me numerous times ever since we're engaged."
"You know what I mean. A real kiss. On the lips."
"Were you always this horny when you were with Chang?"
"No. She never made me thousandth as horny as you do." Harry leaned closer, placing his hands on either side of Draco's crossed legs. "Please, gorgeous, let me kiss you."
"But you know, Harry," Draco acted like swooning, "A kiss may ruin a human life."
"I can't believe you quoted Oscar Wilde!"
"I can't believe you even know Oscar Wilde."
"Oh please Draco, I'm not as daft as I look."
Draco grinned. "Yes, you are. Isn't that why you always look so adorable, Harry Potter?"
"You think I'm adorable?"
"You really are daft." Noticing the miserable look on Harry's face, Draco added, "I mean, of course I think so. And I like seeing your dejected face. It's absolutely adorable. Can you see now why I keep refusing you?"
Harry pounced at him, causing Draco to squeal delightedly. Harry tickled him and soon they both were rolling on the bed, laughing together. After a while, Draco became aware that Harry had stopped tickling him and that the playful mood had shifted, as well as the position of his body.
Both his hands were pinned down on either side of his head, and Harry was straddling him with a victorious grin. Those almond-shaped green eyes had been darkened by lust, and Harry looked down at his fair fiancé beneath him. Draco was panting, his mouth slightly open, the corner of his lips still curling upwards after his laugh, and his cheeks flushing. Harry felt his blood rush and following the powerful impulse, he slowly lowered his head. Draco stopped panting at once and squirmed. But Harry didn't release him and his panic grew as the face of his fiancé descended closer. He turned his head to the side, eyes scrunched shut. "Don't," it was a weak sigh.
Relenting, Harry reluctantly moved so he ended burying his face on the exposed crook between Draco's neck and shoulder. He heard Draco gasp. Harry inhaled the scent of the boy beneath him and placed a soft kiss below Draco's ear. He released his hold so he could entwine his fingers with Draco's. They stayed motionless for several minutes, Harry on top of Draco, the black-haired boy resting his head on Draco's chest and listening calmly to the frantic heartbeat of his beloved.
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This was embarrassing. 'Never knew I was born as a prude.' Born as a Malfoy had finally shown a definite shortcoming, with all the celibacy practice his parents – mainly his mother – had planted sternly during his course of life. Draco never thought that he was such a shy person when faced with physical intimacy. He didn't know exactly whether this bashfulness appeared because Harry was a boy or simply because it was Harry. He was always blushing and his chest was always in constricting pain, whereas Harry had not even kissed him on the lips. He couldn't imagine what he would become when the time had come for them to eventually have sex.
He could sense that Harry was disappointed by his constant refusal, but the black-haired boy appreciated him very much. It didn't make Draco feel at ease. Draco had grown to like him as a friend, and he liked Harry's physical beauty. Moreover, Draco thought he must bring their relationship to the next level very soon, because he didn't want to keep having a certain Head Girl disturbing his dreams every night. He wanted to kiss Harry and he had imagined it in his mind, yet he couldn't bear the nerve-racking shyness when the actual thing was going to commence. It was true he felt self-conscious whenever Harry touched him, but when it came to kiss-on-the-lips, the embarrassment level raised tenfold. In that height, it didn't stay as mere shyness any longer. It became fear. He became afraid, as if the kiss was equal to sex itself. Therefore nothing ever happened.
None the less, that was not the only reason he still didn't let Harry kiss him. No matter what, he refused to have his first kiss with Harry happening without splendour.
Harry was not the only perfectionist in their relationship. Draco was a Malfoy. A Malfoy always wanted everything he did, everything he had, and everything he experienced, to be perfect. So Draco wanted his first kiss to be perfect too. He didn't wish it to happen in Harry's or his own bedroom in Hogwarts. It was too easy and wouldn't make it a special circumstance. Besides, he hoped it would happen in a romantic place where they could always visit later for reminiscence. The Head Boy chamber and his room would belong to someone else after this, and it meant their sense of privacy for that place would be destroyed.
He also wanted his first date with Harry to be perfect. Actually he didn't really know what people did during their dates, since he had never dated anyone. At the end he left this matter to Harry, not telling him about his wish but just hoping Harry would know what he wanted. He figured that in their first date they were supposed to go on a romantic picnic at the side of a lake – not Hogwarts' lake with the giant squid, or went somewhere like a hill with fascinating view, or a private beach.
Therefore when Harry asked him to go to Hogsmeade as a date, he profusely refused. "I can go to Hogsmeade with you, but not, I repeat, not for a date. We go as friends." He thought Harry was a romantic person, judging from the way he sang a love song for him in front of public and the way he declared his love for Draco. But maybe those were just a fluke. If Hogsmeade was what he got for splendour, he'd rather never have a date at all. Harry and he had been engaged, so dating was like going backwards actually. But he didn't want to regret it in the future either, having no memory of youthful romance.
Ultimately they agreed to go to Hogsmeade as a date. Harry was so persuasive, not by words or reasoning, but by a pair of disarming puppy dog eyes. Draco had never seen a drenched puppy with emerald eyes, looking at him begging to be taken and patted on the head, and this sight broke his heart. When he said okay, he immediately swore he would never look at Harry's eyes ever again when they were having argument.
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At the first Hogsmeade weekend of the year and on the last Saturday in October, Harry and his two best friends were standing on the Entrance Hall. They were waiting for a certain Slytherin who had been late for 59 minutes from appointment hour. Ron tapped his foot impatiently, grumbling about a selfish, preening, vain blond git. Harry let it to Hermione to pacify the redhead. He fiddled his coat, feeling anxious about his first date with Draco. He had spent more time than he usually did in front of mirror, fussed over which was the suitable outfit since last week, and bugged his Gryffindor mates within the last minutes about any useful tips for his date.
Harry decided to dress in a sleeveless, plain black stretch t-shirt, beneath the finest blood-red shirt, and dark blue denim trousers. He also put on trendy black coat to fend off the chilly October wind. His hair refused to co-operate, but he succeeded in making it appear fashionably ruffled. Harry wasn't used to grooming, albeit he had long cast away his dowdy appearance. Nevertheless his effort yielded a simple result: Harry Potter appeared more devastating than ever. He didn't realize it of course, but Harry truly lived up to his status as Hogwarts Sex God.
Ron was playing with a small yellow ball to drive out his boredom. He missed catching the ball again when he tossed it too high in the air. The ball fell on the floor, glided fast past Harry, and bumped somebody's boot. That person bent down to pick up the ball. Harry had already known who it was even with his back still facing the person and before the person straightened up, but his friends didn't. Ron approached the person to retrieve his ball.
"Oh, thanks… Ferret??" Ron couldn't believe his eyes.
"Yes, Weasel? Stop gaping, I bet you haven't brushed your teeth after breakfast this morning."
Harry breathed in relief since he didn't forget to brush his teeth after breakfast. He turned with a ready smile to greet his beloved fiancé. But when he caught the vision which had rendered Ron agape, his smile turned into another fellow gape.
There he was, the normally neat aristocratic boy, now became a breathtakingly sultry young man. His hair wasn't in usual immaculate style. Instead he had arranged it so the short hair appeared messy and a bit damp, making it shine another hue of platinum. He was wearing all black, from chic turtle-neck top to tight trousers and dragon-hide boots, including the elegant long leather coat. Nothing was applied for his eyes, but somehow the twin silver orbs looked prominent, and Harry was reminded of the colour of Unicorn's blood under moonlight. Having spent two hours grooming, Draco Malfoy could make any sighted living person dirty him or herself with one of the seven deadly sins – lust.
Harry couldn't help muttering, "Wow…" His eyes widened and his mouth watered. Ron whistled appreciatively. Hermione clamped her mouth with both her hands.
She stepped closer and gushed, "Draco, oh wow… you look marvellous! You weren't mobbed when you were walking on the hallway??"
"I've made three Hufflepuff faint on the way here. The others were just too stunned to move," the blond smirked.
"Uh, well, if this is the outcome of you being late for an hour, I can't complain," even Ron was stupefied. The other two nodded in agreement.
Hermione dragged Ron, who couldn't stop staring at Draco, to leave the two engaged boys. She winked towards Draco, gesturing him to look at the dazzled Harry Potter. The two boys stood in front of each other in the quiet Entrance Hall. Two fifth year girls who were passing the Hall stopped to admire the looks of not one, but two hottest guys in Britain.
"Well?" Draco raised an eyebrow, waiting for Harry's opinion of his new look. Harry opened his mouth, closed it again, and eventually spoke out hoarsely.
"You're… arousing."
Draco stepped back. "Is that just a warning? Or a threat?"
Harry laughed and pulled him closer, tenderly brushed his knuckles along Draco's cheek to his jaw. "Don't worry, love. I'll try my best to rein in from jumping you with my indomitable self-control. I'll stake my Gryffindor honour for this." He added in lower, husky voice, "But really, you're human's greatest temptation."
His fiancé smiled and punched him lightly on his chest. "You don't look too bad yourself." Harry grinned in delight, knowing very well that in Draco's language it meant he looked absolutely gorgeous. He kissed the back of Draco's hand before slipping his arm round Draco's waist and they walked out together. The two girls behind them fainted.
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"You're ravishing."
Draco tossed his head lightly and checked his watch. "Fourteen. With this the average rate is twice per minute."
"I can't help it. You're ravishing."
"Fifteen. Now shut it or I'll gag you."
"I'd prefer if you kiss me."
"You wish."
Harry moved to sit beside Draco inside the carriage that brought them to Hogsmeade. "If you always dress this stunningly in our date, I'll take you out for a date every day."
"If you always treat me this lewdly in our date, I'll drown you in the lake and then you can date the squid."
"Lewd?! I didn't do anything!"
"You kept telling me I'm ravishing. That conjured up obscene image in my mind."
"But, but, it doesn't mean I'm going to ravish you! ('I want to, but…') And you really are! Ravishing…"
"Sixteen. Horny dog. I should've made you pay me every time you say that word or something similar. Honestly, who are you? This isn't the Harry Potter I know."
"I'm always horny whenever you're near, you know that." Harry sighed happily and placed his hand on Draco's knee, kneading gently. "You keep becoming more beautiful each second I look at you. I'll do anything you ask me to, even if it is to bring down the moon."
"What am I going to do with the moon – sell it? Hey, let's not go to Hogsmeade," Draco suggested.
"But I've planned this since last mo... week. I have prepared a surprise for you there."
"Surprise? In Hogsmeade? Wow, it must be really big! More importantly, how could you prepare it before? Did old Bumblebee give you special daily permission to go outside?"
"Don't be so envious, sunshine. I organized most of the things at school beforehand, and just yesterday I got permission to go to Hogsmeade for an hour. I didn't want to waste our separation time." He leaned closer and added, "In Hogsmeade doesn't mean the whole Hogsmeade knows. I won't let anyone else see it. It's only for you."
Draco chewed his lips while frowning, and Harry gulped to prevent himself drooling openly at the sight. Unaware of his fiancé's laborious endeavour not to ravish him on the spot, Draco turned to face Harry. "I fail to see why Hogsmeade of all places. If you dare bring me to Madam Puddifoot's, be prepared for Fluffy's kiss."
Harry looked affronted. "I'd rather kiss the real Fluffy than bring the love of my life to Madam Puddifoot's."
"Yeah, I'm sure you would," Draco sent him a dubious face.
"There are so much better places for a date within Hogwarts environment than that inane teashop," Harry reasoned.
"Of course, since nobody knows Hogwarts better than Harry Potter. I was surprised you didn't take me for a date in Hogwarts. Imagine, Harry. A date at school, isn't it romantic?"
"Hmm, you should've told me beforehand. Maybe next time then. My original idea was to bring you to a picnic on Quidditch pitch if not in the Room of Requirement."
"What?? Why not in Forbidden Forest altogether? I was kidding when I said I wanted us to date in Hogwarts!"
Harry chuckled. "I was aware of your sarcasm, baby. I've told you I'm not that daft."
Draco pouted, "You're not funny." Then suddenly he became aware that Harry's hand had been wandering to dangerous territory. He promptly removed the hand from his thigh. "Behave yourself, Potter."
Now Harry pouted. "It's your own fault, you know. I've told you I hardly can restrain myself from jumping you on normal occasion, but now you dressed to kill. You're like my wet dream coming true."
Draco lifted his chin in a huff. "Well, pardon me for wanting to make up for this date. Although the place is not perfect, at least the person is!"
"Yes, my love. Personally I think you're always perfect even without any special touch. Besides, I promise you're going to like this even though the place is in Hogsmeade." Harry took Draco's hand and squeezed it. "This is going to be very special, Draco. Trust me, this date will be perfect."
Harry brought the hand up and kissed the pale knuckles. He looked up and fingered the silver buckle attached to Draco's turtle-neck. He realized that the turtle-neck was actually a high open neck clasped by that buckle. He unfastened the buckle swiftly and exposed the long pale neck.
Draco wasn't thrilled. "Hey! Who said you may undress me??"
Harry shushed him and promptly nuzzled his bare neck. He squirmed but Harry held his upper arms securely. Only a few seconds later, he had given up struggling. It wasn't bad, he discovered it soon. The feel of Harry's face buried on his sensitive body part was thoroughly overwhelming. Draco thought he knew now how it felt to be burnt alive and have thousand spiders crawling all over his body. Harry pulled him closer and he ended up sitting on the taller boy's lap. Giving in to the sudden desire and pushing aside his nervousness, Draco wound his arms round Harry's neck and laid his head on the broad shoulder. He had known that Harry smelled good, but today Harry smelled really good.
"You smell good." Draco startled. He didn't think it aloud, did he? No. It was Harry's voice.
"I know you always smell sweet like vanilla," Harry inhaled deeply and added, "but today, you also smell like… peach, and neroli."
"Thanks for the information, who taught you the knowledge about fragrance?" Draco said weakly, the feel of Harry's face pressed on his neck didn't help him to sound as sarcastic as his words.
"Can you inform me then what I smell like?"
Draco tried to identify that fabulous scent of his fiancé. It was easy, but he was rather distracted by the source of the smell. He said breathlessly, "Musk. Sandalwood… and a bit apricot."
"Mmm. Correct."
Harry pressed his lips on Draco's neck and started trailing sensual kisses through the length of the pale exposed skin. His hands glided up and down Draco's torso beneath the leather coat. Draco tried to detach himself from Harry, but he couldn't muster enough strength to do it. He felt suffocated. He couldn't help wondering if this meant he had as well lost his first kiss in this level; it was such an intimate contact. When Harry nipped his neck, he obtained back the lost power and forcefully pushed Harry away before hastily moving across the black-haired boy, trying to regain his breath.
"I'm so…"
"Don't!" Draco calmed down and after re-buckling his turtle-neck he continued, "Don't say you're sorry if you don't mean it." He stopped Harry's protest and said, "You keep saying sorry, and yet you keep repeating doing things like that. If you want to apologize, do it only when you're sure you will never repeat the same mistake." Harry didn't reply, and Draco watched him closely. Quietly the blond added, "Also, I don't think it was a mistake. Do you?"
Harry smiled and shook his head. "I don't think I will never repeat it either. I'm sorry, Draco, because I frightened you. I won't make you scared like that again." He slowly stretched out his hand. Draco watched the movement of his hand warily, but didn't flinch when Harry eventually rested it on top of his own hand. Harry said with a soothing voice, "I'm such an over-eager, impatient prat. Being so close to you makes me lose control easily. But I've promised you to restrain myself. Don't worry, I love you too much to force myself on you."
"Well… at least that means you appreciate my appearance."
"Gods, yes. You're just too beautiful. I… I want to devour you. All of you."
His tone sounded sincere and rather desperate instead of lustful. Harry wanted him so much, adored him so much. Draco bit his bottom lip to suppress a smile.
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A short time later the carriage arrived in Hogsmeade. After getting out, Draco stroked the thestral which pulled their carriage. Thestrals had become his favourite magical creatures ever since he was able to see them after Harry killed the Death Eater in front of him. Those creatures apparently loved him too, and the horse he was stroking nuzzled his palm. Harry smiled affectionately at his beloved – although he thought Draco would look better with a Unicorn, he couldn't deny that a thestral accentuated the devilish charm of a pure Slytherin like Draco Malfoy.
Ron and Hermione had been waiting for them. Ron rolled his eyes at Draco whom he thought was wasting time with the thestral, and it was an odd sight since only Harry and Draco could see that creature. Impatiently, Ron grabbed Draco's wrist and dragged him away from the horse so they could start their Hogsmeade visit straight away. They had arranged to meet up with Fred and George Weasley in Hogsmeade after Ron suggested it yesterday. The Weasleys maintained a good relation with Draco in the present time. Although the Slytherin couldn't stop thinking that Weasleys were beneath him as a Malfoy, he had considered them as good acquaintances. He was not quite on friendly terms with Fred and George, but they were no longer enemies and they hadn't met for quite a long time.
"Fred and George will drop by Hogsmeade this weekend. They've been dying to meet you and Draco in person, Harry. You won't believe how they exulted after hearing about your engagement, especially since you gladly consented to it. They created a special Love Parcel and organized weekend sale at Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes to celebrate the news."
Harry had sent a letter to the Burrows immediately after their engagement was made public, explaining the whole thing excluding the soul bond. He had also talked with Arthur and Molly Weasley through Wizard fireplace, telling them that he truly loved Draco, had loved him for months. Arthur and Molly were shocked at how deep Harry's feeling for Draco was, but they whole-heartedly supported him. The other brothers of Ron also gave positive reaction, apart from advice for Harry warning him to be more careful.
As the quartet walked down the busy street, Harry was aware that every person they encountered would look long with appreciation at Draco and him, sometimes accompanied by a gape and many of them even drooled. Draco was cool with all those attentions; it was his intention since the beginning after all. He wouldn't spend 2 hours just to impress Harry, although that was still his main objective. With the natural arrogant grace he had possessed since born, the Malfoy heir strutted like a king past the common peasants sending lascivious gaze towards him as they ought to do.
However Harry wasn't as confident as his fiancé, and he blushed whenever those people shot him a lustful stare. Not only that, Harry was greatly displeased by anyone who ogled Draco, although they had good reason behind that action. He linked his hand with Draco's possessively, but it was of no avail. They kept becoming staring target. Those people mostly were just stunned by the two gorgeous boys without realizing that it was the Boy-Who-Lived with his fiancé.
Surreptitiously, Harry also checked his surroundings for any unwanted presence. Dumbledore had suggested that he would assign another Advance Guard to watch over Harry and Draco during their visit in Hogsmeade. Harry had coldly refused the offer, even explicitly told the Headmaster to keep his nose out of his relationship or any private occasion with Draco. He could look after Draco and himself, thank you very much. Dumbledore shook his head in disappointment but he conceded Harry whatever the boy wished. He knew Harry regarded his privacy as an invaluable matter, especially now that it was connected to Draco. This time, the old wizard would let Harry have his happiness by overlooking his security.
"When will I be able to see the surprise, Harry?" Draco's voice snapped back Harry's attention.
Smiling broadly, Harry answered, "Later in the afternoon. Our date would start as a dinner."
"And now?"
"Now we're socializing. Before we meet Fred and George at two, we just come round some places here and have fun." His fiancé put a disdainful face.
Ron smacked his best mate's back. "Harry, we should check out the new trick at Zonko's my brothers told us. Even Fred and George are impressed, it must be quite extraordinary." Harry nodded, but the next moment Hermione stepped to walk beside Draco and tugged the sleeve of his coat.
"Hey, Draco, let's go to that newly opened bookshop while Ron and Harry go to Zonko's."
"We can go together to that bookshop," Harry replied before Draco opened his mouth.
"The bookshop is in opposite direction from Zonko's. Maybe Mione and Draco would enjoy themselves there but not we, Harry," Ron complained, "Let these two bookworms worship the books while we do our deeds at Zonko's."
Harry showed a small smile though his eyes were clearly unhappy. But with one look at the disappointed eyes of his fiancé, he made up his mind. More than anything, Draco was hurt because Harry didn't trust him. "Okay then, we should part here. You two can take care of yourselves, right?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Draco scowled.
"Harry's just worried about his girl." Ron grinned with glee as Draco glowered at him. "And I mean Mione, Ferret, not you."
"I didn't mean anything by that, Liebling. I just don't like being away from you," Harry kneaded Draco's shoulder fondly. "But Ron's right. Zonko's is not for you any more." Draco nodded. He still loved putting on pranks, but not as enthusiastically as a couple of years before, and his pranks presently didn't involve childish items like those things at Zonko's.
The four of them separated, Draco and Hermione walked to the opposite direction than the other two. Hermione glanced back and said, "Harry is too protective towards you, Draco."
Draco spontaneously turned his head, only to see Harry's back in the distance. Hermione told him that she had seen Harry watching Draco with a frown as they parted. Shrugging, Draco replied, "I guess it's inevitable. With our condition, you understand what I mean, don't you?"
She nodded. "He's by nature a protective person, that hero. But for me it seems that he is possessive as well." Not knowing whether he should affirm or deny it, Draco only gave an almost inaudible grunt.
They walked in silence before Draco suddenly blurted out, "What about you and Ron?"
"What about you and Ron? Eh, me and Ron?" Hermione repeated the question, blushing deeply.
He wasn't pleased at her blush, but quenched that feeling forcibly. Draco smiled neutrally, "I asked you. When are you and Weasel going to confess each other's endless love? We're starting to rust here waiting for you two to have some real action."
Trying to look nonchalant, she replied, "Oh, I think you guys have caught the wrong impression about Ron and me. We're just best friends. Like Ron and Harry. Like you and me."
Draco was tempted to pull his wand and Crucio any passer-by. He satisfied himself by raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, if you insist. Not likely that I can win against stubborn Gryffindor. I rest my case. You may rest your face too; it must be hurtful, that even I can feel the heat." Hermione giggled and punched his arm.
The two friends spent some hours browsing the bookshop. They met Harry and Ron past noon, but before they went to The Three Broomsticks where they had appointment with the Weasley Twins, Ron wanted to buy a quill and Hermione decided she needed one too. So they went together, leaving Harry and Draco as they decided to meet straight in the pub at two. Before they walked long, Harry suddenly gasped and informed Draco that he had left his money pouch at Zonko's. "Go fetch it then. I'll wait here," Draco said. With an apologetic smile, Harry turned to hurry back to the joke shop.
It was in a quiet and narrow alley where Draco decided to wait for Harry. Pulling a new book he had just bought, he started reading leisurely to kill the time. He was turning a page when he heard the first, then the second approaching, familiar voice of his house mates: Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson.
The boy and the girl were walking together, but Pansy was a couple steps ahead, talking to Nott in uninterested tone and without looking at him. Draco was pretty certain that Nott indeed had a crush on Pansy, but he hadn't seen his Quidditch team's Captain make any move to court the Slytherin Queen. He tried to move stealthily before his house mates could see him alone in the alley, but it was too late. The other two Slytherin had spotted him and recognized him at once. Draco maintained a cold façade to mask his awkwardness. He didn't mind Nott, but Pansy was the last person from Hogwarts he expected to meet right now. In this public place, he had a very ominous idea of what she could do to him. He was far from looking forward to a clash during this special occasion.
Nott nodded curtly at him, but Pansy simpered and approached him. She ran her fingers over her hair after a breeze blew over it, some sandy blonde strands flying astray in front of her lovely face. In an objective point of view, the aesthetic sight could make a man weak on his knees. But in Draco's point of view at present, anything about Pansy was identical to wicked vengeance. He gazed carefully at her, preparing for the upcoming strike.
"Draco Malfoy, surprise, surprise. What's a cute gentleman like you doing here in a deserted alley, standing all alone? Waiting for… a client perhaps?"
"I'm afraid that's not your business, milady."
"Don't be so hostile. I was once your fiancée after all."
"Of course you were. Don't make me recall that painful moment in my life. And I still have good memory. I remember the time you tried to transform me into a laurel."
"Oh, yes. I was inspired by the Greek legend, where the fair, chaste nymph Daphne was pursued by a very enamoured Apollo. In fear the maiden called for help and Gaia changed her into laurel tree. Can you see how fitting the legend is with your predicament?"
"In every aspect, only I fail to see how you could identify yourself with the wonderful Gaia."
Pansy had a beautiful smile, but when people looked closely at her eyes, they could only make her out as a snake. "You know how, Draco. I bet you've dreamt a lot about me. Boys are the same everywhere."
"Sometimes I dreamt of killing you in a slow, painful way. Then the next morning I would be in my best mood."
"Understandable. Isn't it how a boy loves a girl? Pretending to hate but deep inside wanting to shag senseless?" Draco couldn't help smiling; it was Pansy who had taught him the phrase long time ago.
"It's also applicable to how a girl loves a boy. I still have the impression that you pine for me despite my pathetic little traitor reputation."
"Poor Draco, so full of vain hopes. Maybe that Potty Potter would be glad to – just to maintain his silly Sex God status, but I would sooner shag Crabbe or Goyle than touch your stinking pants."
"Still, his stinking pants are a lot better than your mucky mouth, Parkinson."
Draco sighed at the arrival of his least-favourite Weasley. Ginny stepped into the alley and stood beside him, all the way scowling at Pansy. Draco was a bit uneasy to have Ginny defending him, it sounded like imminent doomsday. Maybe she was greatly peeved by Pansy after the Laurus Spell which struck Harry.
"My bad day it is, encountering a Slytherin pariah and a member of skimpy family side by side. You both reek of castaway, the worst smell ever," Pansy scoffed.
"Yes, I suppose you can't stand the smell with that pug's sensitive nose. Explains why you suddenly develop more wrinkles in that nose roll."
Draco almost whistled at Ginny's remark, but the Slytherin Queen didn't share his appreciation. Ginny and Pansy glared at each other, and Draco was certain if a creature passed between the two girls, it would die instantly stabbed with numerous invisible daggers.
Turning towards Nott who was standing a few feet behind Pansy, Draco motioned his Quidditch captain to come nearer and bring Pansy away. Nott nodded and gently coaxed Pansy to leave alone the two lousy outcasts who were beneath contempt and clearly not worthy of her time. Pansy brushed off his hand when he tried to take her arm, but she eventually turned her back after sending malicious comments and glare towards Draco and Ginny. Nott smiled weakly at them before walking away to Pansy's direction.
Ginny moved to stand opposite Draco. "She's absolutely detestable, almost as bad as you were. I'd actually feel sorry for you if you were still engaged to her."
"At least she has decent looks."
She sneered, the expression which in Draco's opinion was very inappropriate for her face. "You're not serious."
"You can't blame a 17-year-old boy's appreciation of beauty. But frankly, I'd rather marry you and spend the rest of my life in poverty than live with her."
Draco was surprised to see her smile, even though it was a very faint smile. However the smile didn't last longer than a second, and was replaced by that unsuitable sneer again. "If I were forced into that, I couldn't decide whether to choose to be your bride or You-Know-Who's."
The Slytherin only smirked, having seen his reinforcement approaching them from behind her. "Draco's not that bad, Ginny."
Harry walked past Ginny and reached to hold hand with Draco. Perceiving Draco's peaceful expression, Harry assumed that nothing went awry between the Slytherin and the Gryffindor girl. He turned towards Ginny and asked in a warm tone, "Where's Dean?"
"He went to Honeydukes with Seamus and Neville."
"Leaving you to assist me against my ex-fiancée, remind me to thank him later." Answering Harry's questioning glance, Draco explained how brave Ginny was when she faced Pansy to rescue him from the pug's bite. "I thought my knight in shining armour would be you, Harry. Never knew it turned out to be Miss Weasley."
Harry grinned at her, then asked if she would like to join them as Draco and he were going to meet up with her twin brothers. Ginny smirked at Draco, sensing his discomfort despite the casual façade, before she graciously refused the offer and left to meet her boyfriend. Before she walked out the alley, Ginny and Draco exchanged goodbye.
"I still hate you, Mr Ferret."
"I thank all gods for that, Lady Weasel."
Harry smiled at the words, knowing the enmity was still there yet not as violent as before. He could trust Ginny to act mature. Feeling a tug on his hand which was holding Draco's, Harry turned from his steady gaze at Ginny's back to look at his fiancé. Draco was scowling at him.
"Enough checking out her arse. Neither of you is available now."
Harry sniggered before he pulled Draco closer and clasped his hands behind the slim waist. With a seductive voice and smile, Harry fastened his eyes on the silver orbs in front of him and said, "Hers doesn't interest me in the slightest way. How could it? You still have the best arse in the world, and I'm free to have it all for myself." Draco couldn't hold back his smile and smacked Harry's cheek playfully.
"Harry?"
Extricating himself from Harry, Draco turned and he stifled a gasp. Yet he couldn't prevent the sudden acceleration of his heartbeat. There on the entrance of the alley was a black-haired girl with Asian look standing beside a timid-looking boy about their age. It was the same extremely pretty girl with the one who once regularly haunted his dreams at night. Beside him, Harry reached to link their hands together. The green-eyed boy smiled warmly and greeted her.
"Hello, Cho. What a surprise. I thought you were not in this continent."
"Hello, Harry. I've just returned from China a fortnight ago."
"I see. This is your boyfriend?"
Cho giggled with the dulcet voice which once became Draco's favourite sound. "No, silly. Don't you see our resemblance? He's my younger brother, you two are in the same age. He went to Muggle school, though." Draco eyed the implied squib and noticed the boy blushing under his naked scrutiny. He couldn't help smirking.
"So, how's you day? Having fun back here?"
"Quite. It was shocking for me; when I returned to England, the first news I heard was: 'Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy! Aren't they the couple of the century?' I didn't believe it immediately, but they said it was Lucius Malfoy himself who gave the information to Daily Prophet. Now that I've met both of you in person, hand in hand, I don't know what to say."
"Congratulate me if you like. I'm now the happiest man in the whole world." Harry's words could be mistaken for sarcasm, but not with the glow gracing his face and the radiant air from his whole posture.
Cho didn't miss it either. Her expression turned icy, and so did her tone. "Oh. I should've seen."
Draco bit his lips to repress a grin. Cho must've thought that Harry was gay. But that wasn't what she thought apparently. Still in the cold tone, she spoke, "Tell me, Harry. Was Malfoy the reason you broke up with me? I thought you had better taste."
Draco was rather surprised that Cho would say it right to his face. The girl wasn't as delicate as her outer appearance. Overcome by his past feeling, he had almost forgotten his intent to curse this girl for taking what was supposed to be his right, but now he just got another better reason.
"He doesn't. That was why he went out with you in the first place."
Black and silver clashed, and Harry thought he heard a thunder boom from distance. Cho's brother fidgeted awkwardly behind his sister.
"It doesn't matter how good or bad my taste is; I like Draco for who he is. But Cho, you should admit that Draco is very attractive anyway. And yes, I broke up with you because I fell for him."
"I thought Malfoy liked Hermione." This girl was a dangerous species in the eyes of Draco.
"You thought wrong. I like Harry." 'You're lucky I didn't bite my tongue with that, bitch. Otherwise, you'd be dead by now.'
She narrowed her eyes, but Draco maintained a cool façade. After half a minute, she spoke up, "If that's so, I think I really should congratulate you, Harry. And you too, Malfoy."
Cho moved to hug Harry, who went rigid in her arms. She didn't touch Draco, instead she offered him a beautiful smile and said, "Your story is like a fairy-tale, two lovers from two polar backgrounds who eventually got together after you overcame many ordeals. I wish you two would live happily ever after. For a lifetime."
"Thanks for the blessing. Before this we weren't so positive we could preserve our love for a lifetime…" At Draco's mocking drawl, Cho's face became serious.
"Never treat this matter light-heartedly. I let you know I've learnt a lot of things, Malfoy, some the hard way. One of them is this: mortal affinity doesn't last."
"I know that. I bet you didn't realize it, but Chang, I was once infatuated with you. Yet it lasted no more than a fortnight." Actually he needed much longer time to get over his crush on her, not that Cho needed to know it, of course.
Cho only let out a slight flush on her face. "My, you were very good in hiding it. I would have never guessed." She smiled with a twinkle in her eyes, "I hope that two-week period wasn't within the time I still dated Harry."
"Fortunately no, otherwise I wouldn't have lived to endure it." 'Five lies in a row within less than five minutes, my new record. The tip of my tongue must've forked.'
"Good thing for you. You should have said something, who knows I was also attracted to you?"
"I didn't want to break your heart afterwards." 'But I'll gladly do that now.'
"Break my heart? Are you sure?" Both Draco and Cho threw a challenging smirk towards each other.
"Sister," Cho's brother spoke up timidly, "We'll be late for the appointment if we don't leave now."
His sister looked tenderly at him and replied, "Surely, Chen. We can't make Uncle and Auntie wait." Turning to Harry and Draco, she said, "We must go now. It's nice really to see you again, Harry. We'll be still in touch, right?"
Harry nodded. "See you later, Cho."
Draco again stared intently at Cho's brother, amazed at how different these two siblings were in personality. He also revelled in the deep blush he'd brought to the flustered boy's face, feeling much more confident now that he wasn't the shyest person in Britain.
"Let's go, Chen. Oh, and Malfoy," Cho turned to him. "I lied when I said Harry had a bad taste. You look ravishing today." She winked at Draco, who winked back though blushing slightly.
After the Chang siblings left, Harry couldn't repress his chuckle. "Seems that someone agrees with me."
"It feels different when said by a pretty girl."
Shaking his head with a smile, Harry pulled Draco by his hand and led them both out of the alley to the main road again. They resumed their walk towards the rendezvous point with their friends. Harry said casually, "I was surprised you told Cho about your crush on her."
"It's not something embarrassing. She's what I call a real stunner."
Grinning, Harry replied, "You must've lied unashamedly in front of her. No more than a couple of weeks, what kind of infatuation it was? If everyone could get over their crush with your speed, the number of suicide would decrease drastically."
"I'm not the type of person who dwells on unrequited love." 'Damn, I've lost my touch. Better shut your trap now, Malfoy…'
Harry kept looking ahead and replied in relaxed manner, "I am that type. I can never forget such a strong feeling like love, even if it's unrequited. But seriously, I'm glad we didn't have to compete for her affection back then." He added with a broad grin, "Although I'm quite sure I could win against you if it really happened."
Draco snorted. "Didn't you see how she winked at me? I need not work hard if I want her, now or ever."
"I say it's her brother who was more affected by your charm. That poor boy looked red enough to rival my Gryffindor underpants."
"Hey! I didn't want to know that!"
"Too late, baby. But you should've guessed, and I know Slytherin also have their official pants. Emerald green, like my eyes. I'm honoured." Draco elbowed his fiancé playfully. They still walked peacefully, Harry holding his hand securely, and a thought crossed Draco's mind.
'Mortal affinity doesn't last.' He closed his eyes and smiled at that, feeling the warmth from Harry's hand seeping into his body. 'She and I could've become an excellent couple. But that was before I turned seventeen. And above all before that hellish Friday the week after...'
TBC
---- Extra A/N:
---- Für Mon2: 'Wrong' feeling? Hmm, maybe. Maybe not. Bwahaha… Stay tuned!
---- Für texasjeanette: Whoa, I once shared the same opinion about canon-Ginny (Percy is obviously a loser), but after reading essays about her at The HP Lexicon, I changed my mind. She is horribly jealous AND rather vindictive in my story, but because she cares for Harry.
---- Für R.: Wow, your review really made up for your name :P. Love you anyway. Thanks, you've just opened my eyes; I've been neglecting people's expectation of H/D action for the sake of angst. Nahh, this story isn't about D/Hr. It's just for the plot. For a few other things: Harry is selfish (everyone is) plus rebellious in my POV, so I can picture him turning against everyone because he loves Draco the most. Someone said to me u need no reason to love somebody, that's the way H loves D and D loves Hr. Isn't puppy love is when only/mainly physical attraction involved? And it's all about physical attraction Draco has for Harry right now, plus a little respect and care, and this is what Harry must win from Draco. With effort. Frankly I like it more when Harry is trying to court Draco. There are too much Chasing-Harry & Draco-wants-to-jump-Harry fics out there (For me Draco is an unwilling bottom!). Eh? Was I rambling?
---- Für Sade: Let's see… Harry is a hero, Draco is a git. That's how some people see them, moreover they used to be enemies. Hence it's odd for those people that Harry simply loves Draco. I thought about showing more git qualities of Draco, but since I've noticed you're quite taken by him, I desist. :)
---- Für kt: It's me who's supposed to say thanks! A devoted fan… Yay! Hope I can live up to your expectation. And I think I'll update every 2-3 weeks, in case you're wondering.
---- Für BelEllen: No, that's not my style –offended- :P. What I wanted was a scene to end the ELL spiel process, so H/D can move on (Trust me. I've tried to put off purple stuff as u suggested, but I failed…). Hmm, the too-powerful-and-at-the-same-time-showing-off Harry… hehehee XD… isn't that normal for the famous Harry Potter? Even canon-Harry is cocky I say. He was boastful, of course, to impress D. And did u mean teachers stand back and watch was in the Pansy incident? Again the answer: famous Harry Potter (there was no Dumbledore, McGonagall, or Snape present that time). I don't wanna make him less powerful –whine- Otherwise Voldie would look stupid (or he is?). Then about the Sue-ish Harry and the too-forgiving Draco, uh, never mean it like that. Can u see D was likely to bitch-slap H if G didn't show up? Afterwards, I saw no point for D to stay angry. R was a saviour, and anyway D was actually flattered. 'sides, Harry's trouble because of his jealousy would come later. You're right, though. Harry shouldn't be given too much lenience. Honestly, I should've made you my beta reader, you critical devil! Or co-writer!
---- Für claire sayers & Stardrops: Glekh, I wanted to cry myself after reading your reviews. I was touched with your appreciation since I actually didn't think that scene was worth a tear… -weep-