Episode 6
A Different Universe (Seeds of Doubt)
Blaise had come by with a small group of Aurors a few days ago to repair the wards. Draco had been glad Dumbledore had been around, besides, he would've been continually asked about his father and a past he'd rather forget. He had to admit that Moody was the worse of them all, his electric blue eye whizzing crazily whenever Draco was nearby him. The sound of that evil clunk of wood signalled his presence. Moody had always spooked him, even in fourth year when he was turned into a ferret. Well, maybe it wasn't the real Moody; nevertheless, it had made an impression on him.
Draco had found out that Luna had taken up some sort of Muggle relaxation technique. He tried to recall the name of it. Yoga. Yeah, that was it. Draco thought it was an odd form of relaxation and exercise. However, when she took him to the place she worked out at; it was quite entertaining to see those beautiful bodies contorting in damn near impossible positions.
She had given him a tour, and he was shocked to find pregnant women performing exercises. When he inquired about it, she laughed and said there were various exercises pregnant women could do. She didn't know about his and Harry's plan for children just yet, but when she did find out Draco thought she would elated. Draco was enlightened to learn that it made labour easier and it was extremely healthy for the baby. When Narcissa told him of her pregnancy with him, she said she hardly ever moved. He'd never seen any of his relatives that happened to get pregnant exercise. In fact, exercising was almost not heard of in the magical world. Besides, wizards did have their wands.
He was now at home pondering how to go about dealing with his job. He couldn't think with Harry pacing in the living room. By the time he finally finished thinking, we'll be able to put a mote in there, thought Draco, as he got up to protest to Harry.
There he was, just as Draco pictured; Harry paced melodramatically, with his brow furrowed, while he bit his lip. Draco thought it looked very theatrical, however, at the moment he didn't feel like dealing with the walking deep, dark, bottomless pensive. Draco leaned against doorway with the hallway to his back.
"I am not putting a mote in here when you're done with wearing the floor through," drawled Draco, and it made Harry stop in mid stride.
Harry looked up and smiled, his eyes warming Draco's soul. Draco closed his eyes briefly and remembered when he had a good friend of his sing a song to Harry. 'Why do you look at me, with eyes that dance so free?' She was now famous and he hadn't seen in her in long time. Maybe he'd try to find her when things were calmed down.
"I just..." Harry looked around helplessly while he shrugged.
"Well, do something with yourself then," advised Draco, as he plopped down on sofa and bent his head back to look at the ceiling.
Suddenly, Harry's eyes brightened up in a way that alarmed Draco when he looked at him.
"What are you thinking now?" asked Draco cautiously.
"Be right back," murmured Harry, eyes alight with a strange excitement.
Draco sat up properly but didn't move. Whatever it was, he knew it would involve him somehow, some way. He just shook his head and leaned back again.
"YES!"
He heard the excited hiss from the bedroom and knew any moment-
"Guess what?"
Draco felt impending danger at the hungry glint in Harry's eyes. "...What?"
"Time to make good on those two bets."
"Fuck."
"We could do that afterwards."
Draco managed a weak glare and threw a pillow at him.
They had managed to get a small Quidditch pitch hidden behind their eccentric garden. It was a gift from the Ministry actually, Fudge was made to apologise to Harry due to Harry being publicly famous and popular. Fudge was a fat bureaucrat who only cared about votes, and who/what was the trend. Fudge was the government equivalent of posh girl trying to find the best fashions, what's in and what's out. Harry had smiled widely in Fudge's face when the rope was cut to the fresh, compact Quidditch pitch. Fudge didn't like Harry too much ever since then.
Draco breathed in the freshness of the air as he looked around. He was no stranger to the Quidditch pitch; however, it had been a while since he'd been on one. The thought was very disconcerting since Harry was a professional Quidditch player. Draco frowned as he tried to recall when he'd last seen Harry play. Draco found he couldn't remember attending any of Harry's matches recently.
His thoughts were interrupted by a thud at his feet. It was a fine broom. He raised an eyebrow as he looked up at Harry.
"It's been so long… Could it be ferret-boy has lost his touch with the skies?" teased Harry.
Draco looked up and inhaled deeply. He opened his eyes to see green ones staring back mockingly; he hadn't even realised he closed his eyes. Draco put his hand over the broom while never breaking eye contact.
"Up!" he commanded, and in a blink of an eye, the hard wood slammed into his hand. Draco slightly felt nostalgia well up in him from first year. "I can never lose touch with the skies." Draco surprised himself with the quiet tone.
Draco looked back at Harry. "Is old Scar-head scared I might conquer him?" retorted Draco, feeling like his old self again.
"That last time was just luck," sniffed Harry. He pulled a small, velvet orange pouch from his pocket.
Of course, Lord Potter thinks he's infallible, thought Draco amused with Harry's huffiness.
"Oh really?" Draco glanced down at his Ozone 200. "I think I won the match on pure skill alone. You scared, Potter?"
Harry smiled challengingly. "You wish."
Draco landed roughly on the ground as he panted flushed from the match.
"That wasn't fair," stated Draco, at once. He glared jagged pieces of shiny steel at the smug Harry who had just landed serenely.
"How so?" Harry was flushed as well, his eyes bright with victory.
Draco glowered even more. "I hadn't the chance to break in my broom." He really hadn't; he'd maybe ridden it three times in all. Hell, two of those times were merely for transportation, thought Draco, peeved with himself.
"S'not my fault, now is it?" Harry's eyes twinkled.
Damn Gryffindors and their bloody twinkling eyes. This caused Draco to mentally conjure a scene of Dumbledore coaching a class of Gryffindors that patent eye twinkle. He rolled his eyes and sighed, defeated. Not all was lost however.
"Next match?" asked Draco exasperated, ready to get the match over with soon.
"Oh no," chuckled Harry, mischievously. "We have a little matter of me obtaining my winnings."
"Shit," sighed Draco.
Harry feigned a frown; he looked as though he'd rather laugh instead. "Come on, s'not so bad."
"The hell it isn't." Draco turned a new glare on Harry.
"We'll see after the match," expressed Harry, as he let the snitch fly off again.
"Whatever, Potter," mutter Draco, before he took off after Harry.
Draco slowly descended down to land beside Harry who wore a scowl.
"What a fine day for a Quidditch match," said Draco expressively. He revelled in feeling the tiny wings beat against his fingers.
"How did he make that turn?" muttered Harry, more so to himself.
"You were right, Potter," stated Draco loftily. "This does feel quite good."
Harry glared in a way that would send white bunnies running. "Oh, please could you at least attempt modesty?"
Draco laughed. "Why? You sure as hell didn't," accused Draco, with his arms crossed. "Besides, modesty is so overrated and boring. No fun at all."
Harry rolled his eyes exaggeratedly. "Well would you like to tell me what statement I'll be wearing?"
Draco smirked. "In a little bit. We need to go to the market for some milk."
Harry suddenly grinned.
Draco frowned at him. Why do I
feel impending doom? "What're you grinning for?"
"We
also need to go for some cappuccino." Harry smiled evilly.
"Shit."
Harry tugged at the tight yellow tee he had disgustedly. He looked up to see a cheesy smiled plastered on Draco's features.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Happy?"
"Very much," replied Draco happily.
Quidditch players do it with four balls. And I like playing with balls, was on the back on the shirt. On the front said, Broom Shagger extraordinaire. The sounds of snapping twigs turn me on. Draco had been so pleased with results. Harry himself had been horrified when they ran into a cluster of nuns in front of the Muggle supermarket. Harry shook his head and conceded that those nuns would personally make sure he rotted in hell forever.
"Well, look creamer and whatnot," said Harry brightly; he pointed to aisle of coffee and it's counterparts.
"Go ahead and get it already. My doom is unavoidable, so enjoy yourself." Draco looked askance at the whole aisle. Then he grinned again, which seemed like too much happiness for one day for Draco to Harry. "Merlin knows I'm enjoying myself."
Harry glared at him and went to gather the items needed for the glorious cappuccino he would give to Draco. Can't he ever stop gushing? Well, soon he'll be on the dark side with the rest of us, thought Harry, with a mental evil laugh. Cappuccino could sometimes have large amounts of caffeine in them, and it was highly addictive. Harry couldn't help himself when he snickered.
"What now, you bubbling clucker?" asked Draco, as he warily regarded Harry and his armful of products.
"Just thinking of my evil plans." He leered at Draco. "Muahahaha."
"Oh, Potter. I'm trembling in fear," mocked Draco. "Anyway, what are we doing today besides killing each other with addictive substances and humiliating phrases on our person?"
Harry almost laughed at Draco's morbid humour. He always had been the angsty half. "Well, it was when I talked to Sway to ask her if I could play the match against you. In addition," he plucked a mocha creamer up, "I asked her if we could come over. She said yes, and, I invited a few others as well." Harry was just waiting for the tide to swallow him completely as he dumped his key tools of evil in the shopping cart. He could feel the burn of Draco's gaze.
"Who did you invite?" There was an edge to Draco's voice.
"Ron, Hermione, erm, Fred, George, er…" Harry just knew before he even finished that Draco's mind was working furiously. "Luna, Blaise, Ginny, and erm… Well Sunny was indisposed."
"Uh huh."
Harry turned into a new aisle for the milk. Every sound of Draco's footfall sounded like the gallows preparing a new neck to sever.
"Is that all, Potter?"
Harry stopped a little nervous. "Well…" He turned around to a very vindictive looking Draco.
A pale eyebrow rose. "Yes?"
He walked in front of the milk and cheeses. "Carlo…"
"Did you really have to invite that caveman breeder!"
Harry winced at the tone. Draco always did this, but usually not in public places."Draco –"
"And plus Harry, it's not a get together, it will be a party! A fucking party with Magnus. A bloody disaster area with the Weasley twins. What were you thinking?"
Harry noticed that people were starting to investigate and he heard clicking sounds. He looked around and noticed just a few wary and curious other shoppers.
"Are you even listening to me?" barked Draco loudly.
"Will you shut it! People are staring!" hissed Harry, angry. "What's the big bleeding deal anyway? Carlo won't be the only person there!"
Draco's cheeks were coloured and he breathed roughly. "You know how he is Harry. You know I can't stand him." Draco gripped the handlebars of the shopping cart so tightly Harry saw the whites of his knuckles.
"Really Draco is it that bad?" argued Harry. Harry knew Carlo could be git but he didn't think he got to Draco that much. Obviously, he was severely mistaken from the way Draco reacted. "Look, we're all adults. Let's at least attempt to behave as such."
They were now in line to check their items out the store. Draco just stared numbly and nodded slowly. Harry thought, alarmed, that Draco seemed to be too uncomfortable even for words.
They made it back home in silence. Draco calmed down from earlier. He didn't know what it was about Carlo Magnus that got under his skin. He knew it was a familiarity and that didn't bode well at all. He rolled his eyes at his ridiculousness, he wondered if the potion that Poppy gave them had side effects of its own.
When the wards were rebuilt, Poppy had burst through the doors and shoved potions in Draco's and Harry's face. She scolded them for a while on the responsibility of checking the wards every so often. Harry took it all in stride while Draco wished the woman wasn't so worrisome. Although, Draco was a little bit peeved he hadn't kept up with the security checks. He and Harry came to an agreement when they moved in that they would take turns checking the wards. At first it was every two weeks they switched, now it was once a month.
Need to stop shirking off my job, thought Draco, as he finished dressing.
He parted his hair down the middle and combed down the sides, while he looked for his sliver cufflinks Harry had given him last year. Dread just wouldn't leave Draco when he put the final additions on his ensemble. Something is just not right.
"Ready?" he heard Harry call from their bathroom.
"Coming," resounded Draco, as he grabbed his dark blue jacket.
He walked out into the living room, and breathed in deeply. He never liked parties, even when he used to be the snot nosed brat. He never liked balls, dances, dinners, or any kind real social gatherings. It seemed that way when he was younger, but he only did it because his father said it was required of him. More like, he wanted to flaunt everything in everyone's face, thought Draco.
Harry came out of their bedroom looking particular delicious. In a snug dark orange tee with dark blue jeans. He even surprised Draco by wearing black sneakers that didn't clash with everything else. However, Draco was still slightly upset he invited Magnus to the get together. He knew though that he couldn't force Harry to be friends with whom he wanted; Harry never told Draco to stop being friends with Pansy even though he hated her. Damn chivalry, fumed Draco mentally.
"You all right?" asked Harry. He eyed Draco critically.
"Mash and kippers," replied Draco sweetly, with a fake smile.
"Are you angry about Carlo?"
"The thong chaser?"
Harry glared. "He's not that bad."
Draco glowered back. "Says who?"
Harry sighed exasperatedly. "What is it about him?"
Draco turned from Harry and gathered his thoughts. Something about Magnus just made his skin crawl, there was just something creepy about him Draco couldn't put his finger on.
"I don't know," he said, at last.
Draco could practically hear Harry's eyes roll.
"But it's something!" insisted Draco, as looked at Harry defiantly.
"Right," said Harry curtly. "Until you've figured it out, please don't whine."
"I don't whine, you fuc-"
Harry's cellular rung in their bedroom, it effectively interrupted Draco before he could say anything damaging. Harry turned back to look at Draco, with his eyes smouldering, and went to their bedroom to answer his phone.
Draco turned and strode angrily into the kitchen. He really felt like kicking something. A pity he valued his shoes too much to do so. Harry could be… such a… a bloody headache! Draco thought vehemently. He just placed his palms flat against the counter trying to curb his anger. He even was so angry as to contemplate putting on Harry running shoes so he could kick something. He visualised pushing his anger out his palms by pushing forcefully against the counter.
A few minutes later, he felt significantly better. Besides, Harry had made sacrifices on his behalf as well. Just being associated with him in the first place was a sacrifice. People still viewed him with suspicion and believed he had dark powers that made he and Harry friends. Only a small percentage of the public knew or believed he and Harry were couple. Teen Witch Weekly still thought Harry was straight and that he and Draco were best friends now like he was with Ron. People either found it odd or didn't believe it at all. Not unless there was dark magic and bonding spells involved.
Draco let out a chuckle surprising himself, but it was funny what the masses would and wouldn't believe. He knew Wizarding kind was easily influenced by pretty much anything, and Draco really felt sad about that. The Muggles are far freer than any witches or wizards are as far as having a mind of their own. Wizards were like angry mobs, easily controlled depending on the control substance. Draco almost felt he wasn't doing the world any good by giving out much needed fashion tips suddenly. He felt like he was just going along with the mob and doing nothing about it.
He sighed. I'm turning into Harry with all this thinking, he thought to himself. He turned from the counter at the sound of Harry's footsteps. Harry's face was solemn and that definitely made Draco walk over to him. Draco noticed Harry still held his cell phone in his hand.
"What?" asked Draco.
"I got a call from Del," replied Harry sighing. Del was the nickname he used for Delinda.
Draco breathed a small laugh, even though nothing was funny.
"I got to consult her for my case against the Applebee Arrows," continued Harry. "They still haven't set a date for my case yet. You know, legal stuff."
"Yeah, legal stuff," imitated Draco, feeling just a bit suffocated.
"Think you could still go to the party and give Olimpi my–"
"Yeah, I'll be sure to give her the sugar coated version of your excuses you've made to me."
Harry's face frowned. "Hey! What's with animosity?"
Draco clapped mockingly. "Bravo, Potter. A very big word, wanna try acrimony?"
Harry flushed with anger and for some reason that felt like home to Draco. "What the fuck is your problem?"
"We haven't spent any time together lately!"
"I've been busy working and almost getting killed to pay bills!"
"Pfft! Pay bills Potter? We don't even have to work! We could just lay here and lounge. We already have enough money saved up!"
"Lounge? When have I ever lounged? You're only working to give your life purpose!"
Draco held back angry tears. "I love what I do, and I have time for you. But you seem to always avoid me!"
"No wonder, you're always, fucking, bitching." Harry walked off and out the door that led to the porch. Draco heard a slam that was the front door.
Draco trembled from rage and the inner pain Harry caused. He nearly couldn't choke back a sob. He wanted to run to Harry and demand that he apologise while Draco apologised himself. He didn't move and his tears slid down his face.
What Draco didn't know was that directly outside their door, Harry stood there and he wantedo cry, to hold Draco and vow to do anything to take back the words he said. To say sorry, to love him like he always did. Harry didn't turn back, he Apparated.
They both made a huge mistake.
Draco sat there and smiled at the conversation, added his input when it couldn't be evaded, all the while he avoided Carlo. Ron, Blaise, and Luna all seemed to be a conversation about whether the Ministry should be moved or not. Carlo, Sway, and the Weasley twins were in a very loud conversation about the structure of the Ministry building. Draco just drifted in and out of all the conversations as inconspicuously as he could. He listened to larger group conversation now.
"I mean, just think of it, everyone could have equal sized offices," said one of the twins enthusiastically.
"You only say that so we can hide more things in Percy's office," replied the other.
"See? It's good all around!"
Everyone laughed, so did Draco albeit a little weakly. Draco felt his skin crawl and knew someone watched him. He snuck a peek upward to find Carlo distracted by something Sway was saying. He looked around to make sure he wasn't losing his mind.
Merlin…
It was the all-knowing Granger. She was right up there with Dumbledore. Another image of Dumbledore training Gryffindors in an 'all-knowing' class flashed through his mind. Draco breathed out and tried to smile at her, but from her fixed inquiring expression, it wasn't going to fly. He looked back at his teacup as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.
"Draco, tell everyone the big news!" gushed Sway, looking very pretty with her bright eyes.
"Er?"
"You know, what you, Harry, and I discussed."
"Oh." Draco wasn't ready to tell everyone yet. Especially, with Ginny being discreetly blended in with the background. "Um, maybe for a better time." He tried to convey a look of 'I'm going to wait until the time is right'.
She seemed to have received it and looked sheepish. "Sorry, it was such good news that I… I'm sorry, Draco."
He smiled genuinely at her. "It's okay. We just need a little more time."
"Okay."
"Hang on! What this big news?" asked the Weasley twins in unison.
"It's not my news to tell," replied Sway, as he gave Draco an apologetic smile. As far as she's known the Weasley twins, which could be all of three hours, she knew that they would be very persistent in finding out. And so did Draco.
In unison again, their red heads swivelled toward Draco. Draco gave them both a glare and they looked away… For now anyway.
"Anyone want some more tea?" asked Granger suddenly.
There were agreements murmured and Granger got up. "Draco?" she said brightly, making it an obvious invitation. Or more like an order.
Might as well get it over with, thought Draco. As he passed he noted how the twins had speculative expressions, Blaise, Luna, Ron had confused expressions, and Ginny and Carlo just had curiosity. Too many trains of thought to follow for Draco to think about.
Draco stepped through the kitchen's magnificently crafted wooden doors and awaited Granger's inquiries. It was when they had filled everyone's cup and had them placed on the serving tray that Granger spoke.
"Draco, I know we're not the best of friends," stated Granger slowly.
Draco thought that that was another correct assumption of Granger's. He stared down at the tray unable to look her in her eyes.
"But the way you've looked all evening… It's enough to make me worried."
Draco felt surprise and his eye brows raise of their own accord. "The All-Knowing Granger is worried about me?" sneered Draco. It must be too good to be true.
He saw Granger's hands go to her slightly round hips and could damn near hear her scowl.
"I would prefer to be referred to by my Christian name, Draco."
He looked up to find that she was quite serious. "Sorry… Hermione," relented Draco.
She smiled softly. "Thank you. I only wanted the same courtesy I extended to you."
Draco couldn't help but smile at her frankness.
"So, what's going on?" asked Hermione. "You've been looking like you've attended a funeral instead of a pleasant social gathering."
Draco laughed briefly. It was just like Hermione to see through his façade. "Me and Harry… It's just… We haven't been spending any real time together. Only little brief, limited time only sort of time."
"Relationship stress, eh?" commented Hermione. She went into the fridge and got out two butterbeers. Hermione handed one to Draco and popped the cap to her own. She then leaned against the counter and knocked one back. Draco smiled behind his bottle and wondered what Ron would think if he saw his girl now. When Hermione made sure she wasn't going to burp obscenely, she raised her bottle to Draco's in a silent "Cheers."
"Ron doesn't have a hard time being with me," admitted Hermione, puzzled.
Draco considered it. "Harry's more famous than Ron. People love poking about in his life just because knocked off old Voldie."
Hermione smiled at Draco's reference to Voldemort and then frowned back to the conversation. "Well, I guess his ultra-celebrity status would be damning." She jugged back another gulp. "It seems there needs to be some compromising."
Draco put his bottle down and sighed. "I know, but Harry wants to please everyone."
Hermione chuckled. "There needs to be compromising on both ends."
Draco whirled around to face her. "But-"
"No buts," advised Hermione, crisply. "It takes two to make it work and it takes two for them to let it fall to shambles."
Draco looked in amazement at Hermione Granger. She was truly a catch. Ron doesn't deserve you, thought Draco, still blending the girl he used to tease at school with the woman standing before him.
Hermione chuckled. "His brothers always say that."
"Oh!" Draco hadn't realise he spoke his thoughts. "Sorry I didn't mean-"
"It's all right," amended Hermione. "You're not the first to say that. But I truly love him." She smiled dreamily and Draco just knew that soon an engagement announcement between the two would be eminent.
"Hermione."
Draco looked over to see the person he'd been avoided the time. Carlo Magnus. Hermione smiled at him and Draco wished she didn't like him.
"Hmm?" sounded Hermione.
"The mob out there demands their tea," smirked Carlo.
She laughed. "Oh no! A mutiny!" She gathered the tray and looked at Draco.
"I just need a word with him for a second," said Carlo.
"I don't want a word with you thong chaser," huffed Draco, as he tried to sidle past Carlo.
Carlo let Hermione past and blocked Draco's means of escape. "We really need to talk."
"Does it look like I want to talk to you?" Draco spoke condescendingly, and attempted to hide the slight prickle of fear. He hoped Carlo couldn't hear his heart beating a million miles per minute. Draco did not feel comfortable alone with him.
"I really don't care, you can just listen to me talk," stated Carlo easily.
"Don't care for that either." Draco tried to roughly push past but Carlo pushed him hard making him stumble back and hit the counter. The kitchen was large but Carlo had him cornered between the counter and the refrigerator.
"What do you want, Magnus?" breathed Draco, as he hoped he didn't seem to be panicked. He didn't really feel like cursing the bastard to keep Carlo from beating him like Muggle.
"It's about Harry," answered Carlo, as he backed up a little. "I just wanted you to hear me out; you don't even have to reply."
Draco stood up a little shakily. "All right, spit it out."
Carlo regarded Draco warily, as though Draco would sprint at any minute. He then crossed his arms. So fucking straight, thought Draco.
"Harry has been lonely lately you know," began Carlo. "Even though there aren't any more games for the year, we still need to practice and-"
"I know how Quidditch works," interrupted Draco. "I used to play myself."
"All right, then you know what Harry does. He misses you and sometimes he gets these surges of hormones… And well, you're never around. You know what he does?"
Draco shrugged not knowing where the conversation is headed.
"He wanks." Carlo looked at him steadily. "He questioning whether he should just actually stay in a relationship with you."
Draco didn't believe that. "You're lying."
Carlo smiled. "Oh really. He says when he comes home you're always complaining about something. Says he wanted something more to your relationship than just what you have to offer. He thinks it's not enough."
Draco tried to even his quickening breath. "Whatever, Magnus. Our personal life is none of your business."
"Harry confides in me. You should already know that. He doesn't talk to Ron because he knows he'll get Hermione involved. He doesn't like her worry. Besides the lack of sex, he says you rarely ever talk about your feelings or even your life. As long as you two been together he says you're holding back information. Harry can't have just a little bit. You know it's all or nothing with him."
Draco felt something twinge inside of him but pushed it firmly down. "Why do you care Magnus? Thought you hated me."
Carlo frowned. "Harry is one of my best mates. And I don't hate you. I actually think you can do better. I know how Harry can be clingy. He also keeps plenty of things to himself if he's not sure he's right. He second-guesses himself a lot. He's not sure about you."
Draco closed his eyes and leaned back against the refrigerator. "So what should I do?"
"I don't know; maybe try to talk to him… But you can do way…"
"Way?" mocked Draco.
"Better."
Then someone kissed him. Not someone. Carlo. Carlo Magnus. The thong chaser. Carlo leaned full flush against Draco so that Draco could actually feel the huge hardness between Carlo's legs. The surprising soft tongue played with Draco's obviously hinting more. It was then Draco opened his eyes and pushed Carlo roughly.
He looked at Carlo, who had lust and something else in his eyes. Draco looked down to find that his was correct in feeling that Carlo was huge, because he was. Draco slowed his breathing as best he could.
"What the fuck are you doing Magnus?" panted Draco, as he tried to glare his best at Carlo.
"Demonstrating you can do better," said Carlo, as he licked his lips. Draco mentally smacked himself for noticing the lip licking in the first place. "Now I don't mean distinctly me, but someone else. Besides, he knew what your occupation was and did nothing to compromise his schedule to spend time with you. He expects a little housewife, I guess."
"I'm a bloody man, not a bird." Draco thoughts were hazy; he thought it was probably from the unexpected kiss.
"Tell that to him," instructed Carlo. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go find something cold."
Draco's eyes inadvertently went to Carlo's crotch and felt an unexpected and shameful twinge of arousal.
"Hmm," sounded Carlo amusedly; he obviously caught where Draco's eyes wandered. He turned and walked up the stairs to the bathroom.
Draco let out the panicked breaths he'd been holding in earlier and looked down.
"Damn."
He had his own arousal to take care of. He went to go find the other bathroom.
Harry sighed as he just finished going over his case against the Applebee Arrows. All that paper work, describing events, twisting words around, and a hint of exaggeration. Delinda was an extremely good deal for a manager, lawyer, and publicist. Harry rolled his shoulders and felt the tension in them. He smiled at the thought of taking a hot shower once he got home.
"Tired?" asked Delinda, across from him.
They were in her private office, which looked more like a lounge area than office. Harry sat in a leather reclining chair while Delinda was strew across the leather sofa. The papers and notes that had gone over were on the large glass table in the middle of the room. It sat between them too.
"Very." Harry rolled his shoulders again.
"Let me help you." Delinda got up and waved the papers and notes into order. She then walked behind Harry and started to massage his shoulders.
"Mmgh," sounded Harry.
"Haven't you have a massage lately?" questioned Delinda, putting wonderful ministrations to work on his shoulders.
"Not really," answered Harry.
"Draco slacking off?"
"He's busy."
"I see… It'll be better if you lay on the sofa."
Harry already drowsy mechanically got up and walked over to the sofa. He fell face first into the sofa. He heard Delinda chuckle and felt the sofa creak as she straddled his legs. He thought somewhere fuzzily that this was unprofessional, but it faded as she kneaded his back.
"Draco should be taking care of you Harry," pointed out Delinda.
"He has responsibilities."
"So do you. But you need TLC like everyone else."
"Well, he tries."
"When was the last time he even watched you play?"
"Hmm…"
"Exactly. I mean, I don't want to get too personal but when was the last time he took care of your physical needs really good?" She kneaded his lower back and it felt so good Harry moaned.
He could feel himself blushing but answered her question. "He gets tired."
"You get tired too. But sometimes don't you want to feel loved and just be held?"
She had a point…
"I mean if you're both tired all the time how is the relationship going to work?"
"Umm…"
Something didn't sit well with Harry about the conversation, but Harry shoved the feeling to the side. Delinda gave really great massages.
"You should have someone with a stable schedule Harry. I mean Draco's always running somewhere. Plus, he doesn't even try a lot of time to communicate his feelings. Do you even know about his past?"
Harry didn't and some times, it made him feel like Draco didn't trust him. Harry got him to open a little over the years but Draco was still a closed book. It was starting annoy and frustrate Harry.
"See Harry, you can do so much better. Turn over." She got up.
Harry was too caught up in the major flaws of he and Draco's relationship to think about what he was doing. He snapped back when Delinda straddled his hips and started to massage his chest.
"Er?" mumbled Harry, trying to shake himself from his haze.
"Harry? Draco isn't trying to make the relationship work. Can't you see?" said Delinda, as she put more force into her massage.
"Um…" Harry felt something wasn't right.
Delinda suddenly grinded against him and Harry looked up in shock. She was a dark beauty sitting there with her curls askew wearing the peach dress. It had long cut sleeves, a slanted cut bottom and clung to her like a second skin. She leaned down, which seemed like it was in slow motion, voluptuous breasts coming into view, and kissed him open mouthed.
Her textured tongue, that tasted faintly of the wine they sipped earlier licked and fondled his. She kissed and grinded against him, which almost sent Harry into a state of blind arousal. He could feel her breasts and hard nipples pressing against his chest. His hands almost went to her legs and he felt wrongness strike him hard.
He pushed her off him and she landed in a graceless heap on the floor.
"Del… W-What…" Harry couldn't even get a sentence out. His head spun so fast.
"I was only showing you that you should either keep trying to get through to Draco, which seems like a lost cause or find someone else."
"You?" breathed out Harry, as pointed at her.
"I didn't mean me. I only meant to show you that you shouldn't be tempted in the first place if everything was going fine with you and Draco."
Harry blinked and fixed his skewed glasses. His thoughts were in a confused mass of frenzy.
"If your relationship was really strong, it wouldn't even had gotten this far. See? You and your body crave attention. See? You didn't even notice. Draco has spent too much time away from you. I apologise for doing it in the first place. It's just you look so depressed sometimes. I only care about you as a great friend."
Harry ingested the words slowly. Panic reigned supreme in his being and felt his needed to go home. To hold Draco and sleep.
"I… I gotta leave," said Harry.
Delinda nodded sadly. "I know."
Harry got his coat but Delinda calling him made him pause.
"He won't be there."
Harry walked out steadily but completely unsure of anything anymore.
Draco had left the gathering early to Hermione's concerned look. He came to an empty home and being restless he went for walk in Harry's old neighbourhood. Surrey was a little boring but the cool autumn air refreshed him. Draco was glad he brought his cell when it begun to ring.
"Draco Malfoy speaking," he answered.
"Hey." It was Sharky.
"Where have you been?"
"I was looking for you at Terry Boot's do the other night."
"I was there," smiled Draco.
"Hey, was it you that had anything to do with that food fight?"
"Hmm… Maybe…"
"I knew it! Did you see a Roux's picture in the Daily Prophet? She looked terrible!"
"It's only a reflection of what she is within," stated Draco curtly.
"Oh! How philosophical," teased Sharky.
"Did you bring your girlfriend there?"
"Cecilia?"
"What other girlfriend could I mean? Of course her."
"I wanted to, but she said she couldn't make it."
"Blast, she would have had fun," joked Draco, just imagining what most of the guest would've thought of her rock/punk attire.
"I did tell her how it went actually. She laughed herself silly. She really is sweet."
"I'm glad you've finally found someone to keep you busy so you can stay out of my personal life," ragged Draco playfully.
"She's so cool and sexy as hell."
"Yeah, she is quite attractive… You didn't pay her did you, Sharky?"
"Hey! Hey! She likes me for who I am, you git. It isn't impossible!"
Draco knew that and knew he was only teasing. They talked more and caught up on what went on since they last spoke.
He wasn't there.
Harry looked around and to his severe dismay; Draco was nowhere to be found. Harry silently undressed and showered. He was feeling too sulky to eat, and waited a little in the living room for Draco. He watched the television hoping Draco would be there soon.
One hour.
Two hours.
Harry threw the remote down in frustration and manually turned off the television. Ever since he left Delinda's office, Harry couldn't help but start to think that maybe she was right. If the relationship was already fractured, wouldn't a child actually break it? He didn't want his child to be shifted back and forth between its two parents. No his child would need some stability and consistence. He and Draco would have to somehow resolve their problems.
He stalked to his bedroom and lay in the cold bed. Cold house. Not a home.
Draco got home around eleven thirty and felt more connected with Sharky once again. He looked around at the dark house and felt cold. Draco checked the heat level in the house and turned it up some. He looked around the kitchen and wondered if Harry was home yet. There no signs of any food being made prior to his arrival.
He walked into their bedroom to find Harry wide-awake in the dark. An all too real memory, complete with image, sounds, smells, and sensations of Carlo hurled toward him. Harry looked odd, and Draco felt odd. Draco went into the bathroom without a word and showered.
He got into bed and stayed firmly on his side. Feelings of shame and confusion warred within Draco. Had their lives really come to this stand still?
"Where were you?" Harry's voice echoed in the darkness.
"I should ask you the same question," retorted Draco.
"I waited for you."
"When I came home you weren't here."
"Did you even stop by here?"
Draco sat up quickly. "I did! Are you accusing me of lying?"
"Seems that way doesn't it?" Harry sat up too.
"Well fuck you too, Lord Potter! I came looking for you!"
"And where have you been because I know the party didn't last that long!"
"I left early!"
Damn, last thing I should've said.
"Oh really? And went where?"
"Out walking in Surrey," answered Draco. He somehow knew Harry wouldn't believe him.
"Walking? In Surrey? For hours? Ha! What do you take me for?"
"Yes. Walking. In Surrey. For hours. I take you for my boyfriend if I'm not mistaken. Where's all this distrust coming from?"
"I never see you anymore and the sex is starting to get weak!"
Draco almost fainted from rage. "Weak? I should ask you what you do while you're away for long periods of time. Like days or sometimes weeks. You're the most obviously distrustful one."
"You should be here when I come home!"
"I'm not a fucking bird who makes the house pretty! I work! I don't need you smothering me!"
"Get the hell out my bed!"
"Your bed?" repeatedly Draco loudly.
Harry yanked the covers off Draco and snatched the pillow from under him. "Yes, my bed," hissed Harry slowly.
Draco stared at him long and hard waiting for his apology. When he noticed Harry was serious and didn't intend to apologise, Draco smothered his hurt with his anger. "Fine. Fuck you." He got up strode heatedly to the door.
"No, fuck yourself. You do such a good job of it and I'm sure not getting the good end of the bargain."
Draco's hand froze on the doorknob. "It ever occurred to you, that I prefer something better than you? Since I do such a better job myself." He swung the door open and slammed it. He all but rampaged while he walked through the living room, the hallway, then finally to the guest room.
Draco had to calm down before he incinerated the room with his wild magic. He breathed deeply and sat on the end of the bed. Draco pulled the covers over himself and rolled to his side. For the first time in years, since Voldemort and Lucius were gone, Draco cried. He sobbed and felt something break inside him.
Both Draco and Harry dreamed that night. They dreamed of the possibility of being with other people. Draco dreamt of Carlo and Harry dreamt of Delinda. The dreams were so real and made them hope. However, their love for each other lingered.
Miles away, having been taught the dark Dream Connection spell, Delinda and Carlo did their best to break Draco and Harry's bond. They felt everything went perfectly. That soon they would have their loves.
Both parties would be severely disappointed for there was a higher source that controlled their fates with a cold hand. One who only thought of themselves and what they wanted. One who would do and give almost anything to have what they so dearly coveted.
However, in this world, one can be so easily mistaken. All five people would get what came to them. The fruition would come sooner than they thought. For everything.
