Title: Kiss the Cook (4/4)
Rating: PG13
Length: 7136 words, part 4 of 4:
Genre: Romance/Humor/Drama
Pairings: Harry/Draco and minor Ron/Hermione
Summary: Harry, Ron, and Hermione take cooking classes over the summer after fifth year. Draco starts thinking for himself, which doesn't go over well. Cooking, fire, loos, kisses, betrayal, and secrets.
Disclaimer: Not my characters, quotes, or even idea. : ( But my words!
Note: Written for humpday101 using the prompt 'I think I forgot' (fluff), andhpchallenge with the word 'banana.' The idea of the trio taking cooking classes to get away from things is credited to Remus's Nymph.
Last Part! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews!
Wednesday August 14, 1996
"What are you looking at?" Nashira asked, pointing the mixing spoon at Draco.
Draco jumped and stared at her, his eyes wide. He imagined he resembled a wizard caught at wand point. He mumbled "Nothing," and continued putting the ingredients into the fridge. That was the third time in the past half hour Nashira had caught him staring at Harry. But Draco couldn't help it. He was starting to regret what happened yesterday.
It still stood that Harry and him were so incompatible it wasn't even funny, but Draco wanted him. He didn't dare let the notion pass his mind that he had actual feelings for the brunette. There was no way that could happen in two days. No, it was more like getting a new toy and wanting to spend as much time as possible playing with it. Only, Harry wasn't simply a toy, and Draco had no clue to what he was trying to convince himself of.
He shut the fridge door with a snap and helped Nashira by using the beater to make the batter smooth. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Harry talking to Weasley, both their faces alit with excitement. Draco desperately wanted to know what they were talking about. And why wasn't Harry upset by the end of their relationship? Yesterday, he had wanted them to continue but now, now he was smiling and talking like nothing happened. It wasn't right that Draco couldn't stop thinking about it. Draco started to sneer in Harry's direction when -
"Oww, shite!" He yanked his hand away from the beater and cradled it against his chest. The bloody thing had caught his fingertips, starting to bring them around with it. Nashira rushed over and turned it off.
"What'd you do?" she asked crossly. Draco figured she was still mad about him not telling her what he'd been staring at all those times.
Anger etched his face and he spat out, "Me? It did that!" He waved his unhurt hand at the machine and silently cursed all things muggle.
Nashira rolled her eyes, and then Draco saw Dolly padding over. "You alright, dear? Run it under some cold water, you'll be fine." Draco scowled. He was going to do that but now that she said it, he didn't want to. He couldn't just do what she said. He huffed and waited for her to walk away before wincing from his red fingers.
"You really should put that under water." Draco looked up to find Harry had moved into the empty kitchen beside them. His green eyes were a mixture of concern and disbelief.
Draco sighed. Now he really couldn't hold it under water. Not after Harry told him to. He may be unable to stop thinking about the Gryffindor, but he wasn't about to do everything he said. Then he caught the sight of Weasley heading over. Maybe if he got Harry to understand why he didn't want people to know about them he would agree, and they could get back together in secret.
"You're not going to suck it better?" Draco pouted, recalling when Harry had sucked on his batter-coated finger.
Harry gave him a weird look that quickly changed to a wince when Weasley gasped.
Weasley tugged on Harry's sleeve and asked, "What's he mean by that, Harry?"
Harry allowed Weasley to pull him back to their kitchen, but not before giving Draco another weird look, that one mingled with hope.
"Yes, what do you mean?" Nashira's probing voice said from behind him. Draco turned on the faucet and stuck his hand under the flowing liquid to avoid talking. Luckily, by the time he stopped, Nashira had either given up or forgotten.
XxXxX
With an hour left in the class and their food done for the day, Dolly announced that they would be working on finding a recipe for the cooking contest and making sure all the ingredients were available. That was how Draco found himself in the library, squashed between narrow rows of bookshelves, looking at tomes of books.
The hair on Draco's neck riffled softly, and he could hear someone breathing behind him. "What do you want?" he asked irritably. He was still angry about getting his fingers caught in the beater.
"Same thing you do," Harry whispered into his ear. Draco almost jumped. The same thing? He wanted to get back together? And in private?
Draco couldn't contain a smirk as he turned around, his back pressed against the shelf. "In secret?" He had to make sure they were on the same page.
"Erm." Harry blinked. "Why would I want to get a cookbook in private?"
Draco frowned. "Never mind."
He turned back to the shelf and didn't acknowledge Harry anymore, though he could feel a prickling at his neck, notifying him that Harry was staring at him.
Harry cleared his throat. "Are you saying you want to date?"
"Yes," Draco whispered, not turning to look at him. It was easier to say something truthful and embarrassing like that when you couldn't see the other person.
"But you don't want anyone to know?" the brunette questioned, his fingers curling on Draco's right shoulder.
"Yes." He jerked his shoulder forward, making Harry's hand fell off.
There was a long silence. Draco figured Harry wasn't going to say anything. He grabbed a book and stood, turning to walk away. Harry was directly behind him, blocking his way.
"I want us to get back together, too," he whispered.
"But," Draco prompted, spotting the regretful look in Harry's eyes.
"I don't want to hide it."
With his hands placed on Harry's chest, he shoved him away. As Draco headed back to the cooking class, where most everyone was, he called softly, "What was the use of bringing it up if wasn't because you changed your mind?"
He heard Harry curse quietly from the bookshelves and smiled. At least Harry was suffering from their choice too.
Ten minutes later, Draco watched Harry walk back into the cooking room, a book folded in the crook of his arm. He headed straight for Draco, where he stopped and sat the book on the counter. Draco gazed at him from his perch on a stool, his eyes narrowed in curiosity.
Harry shot Nashira a look that clearly said 'Leave.' Draco was intrigued.
Nashira grumbled but wondered away.
"Fine," Harry growled. He looked very unhappy. "It'll be in secret. No one will know. Happy?"
Draco was. It was what he wanted so much more than he understood. He looked into the sour face of Harry, his Harry that had wanted it so much he agreed to what he wanted. Draco couldn't contain a wide grin. Nor could he stop himself from slipping off the stool and meeting Harry's eager lips with his own.
Someone gasped; Draco wasn't sure which of them, and then their mouths were open, tongues tussling together. Draco's fingers rubbed the soft skin at the waistband of Harry's jeans, eliciting a small shiver. He felt Harry's hands making their way up to his hair. Draco couldn't allow that. He'd spent lots of time working on his hair that morning as it wouldn't cooperate.
Draco bit down on Harry's bottom lip, not hard enough to cut but hard enough to catch his attention. Harry's mouth opened wider and he purred. It just figured that he would like it rough.
Hands dug through Draco's hair and he felt Harry mutter "So soft," against his lips. The puffs of air felt so very good against his wet mouth.
"Harry!" someone yelled, astonished.
Draco jumped away from Harry. Oh shite! And Harry had just agreed to tell no one about them. Draco cursed his lack of self-restraint.
"Well?" Granger demanded, walking over to them. She stopped before them, her foot tapping impatiently. Weasley rushed over behind her. His eyes were wide, mouth gaping, and ears red. Draco thought he looked hilarious.
"Erm," Harry started. Draco looked at him to find he had a slightly dazed look on his face. Was he like that the last time they'd kissed? Draco couldn't remember. "Well, we're dating. I think."
Draco couldn't help it; he laughed. It started out as a small rumble in the back of his throat then burst out softly until he was bent over, clutching his stomach. The situation was so awful. Nashira had ties and the ability to tell Lucius. Weasley and Granger were going to strangle him…and maybe Harry if he went by their expressions. Lucius was going to kill him. And it was all Draco's fault; though, he decided he was going to blame it on Harry too. He just had to say that when there were people around instead of at the library.
Concerned hands pulled him up straight. Draco was laughing so hard tears were pooling in his eyes. He hoped he wasn't actually crying. That would be beyond embarrassing, though he supposed if he was he could let it slide, because he really was royally screwed.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked apprehensively. Draco buried his face into Harry's chest, his laughter slowing down and coming out in odd bursts. He felt arms encircle him, holding him there. Despite the situation, Draco couldn't help but love it.
He needed a plan, and quickly. Forget about Weasley and Granger, he had bigger problems. Nashira. He had to talk to her, convince her. He pulled away from Harry and looked around. Nashira was near the window, staring at them, her face clearly depicting surprise. Draco wished he hadn't been so mean to her today.
"Harry, why?" Granger asked. Draco looked between the Gryffidnors, trying to decide if he wanted to stay or go to Nashira. But then Harry's hand closed over his own, and he decided that talking to Nashira could wait a bit.
"I don't know. We just…did." Harry shrugged.
Weasley gurgled, his harsh gaze pinned on Draco. "What'd you do to him?" he roared, launching himself at Draco, who gaped in surprise and was, thankfully, yanked behind Harry.
"Ron!" Harry yelled. Granger sunk her nails into Weasley's hand, which, oddly enough, calmed him. "Look, I know it's hard to believe. I can hardly believe it. But I like Draco, and I know you don't, but I'm not asking for your permission."
A gag resounded from the other side of the room. Draco looked over, his face flushing at the sight. He had completely forgotten other people were in the room. Dolly was behind her desk, her hands frozen in front of her, a cup of tea in them. She was giving them a peculiar look. April and Mary were giving them disgusted looks and whispering together. Carmen was the one gagging, and Oliver was smiling from beside her. When Draco caught Keiko's eyes she blushed and turned back to her cookbook.
"His parents are Death Eaters," Granger hissed.
Harry bit his lip, and Draco was interested to hear his reply. "He's not his parents, is he?" Harry said.
Granger rolled her eyes but nodded grudgingly. "But does he want to be?" She shot him a scrutinizing look.
Draco sneered and said, "I don't see how that's any of your business." Granger bristled and Harry passed a hand over his face.
"But Harry," Weasley whined. The three of them looked at him, slightly surprised that he had said something. "You said no one in their right mind would fancy Malfoy."
"You did say that, you know," Draco smiled and poked him in the side.
Harry grinned. "I did, didn't I? Well, I'm not in my right mind." Draco pretended to be hurt by that, but he couldn't because really, he didn't think he was in his right mind either.
"I'm going to go talk to Nashira," Draco said, cutting Granger off before she could say something. Harry gave him a desperate look, but Draco walked off anyway. Making sure Nashira told no one was much more important than trying to get Weasley and Granger to not die from the absurdity of it all.
Nashira turned and looked out the window when Draco strode over. He really wished he had been nicer to her today.
"Hello," Draco said.
"So, you're gay?" she asked, her voice hard. Draco didn't answer straight away. Was he?
"I don't like to use labels," was all he said. Then he didn't have to think about what it meant, dating Harry.
She huffed and swiveled in her chair to face him. "But why him? You said you hate him."
"I do. Did. Oh, not anymore. Everything changed. Look," he rested his fingertips on her leg and waited until she looked him in the eye. "Are you going to tell anyone? Because if David's told you everything, like you said, you know I would be in so much trouble. My father would probably try to kill me. Please?" He hid a scowl; he hated saying please to anyone. He despised having to put so much faith in someone else.
Nashira sighed. "Fine. But only because I like you." She stared out the window, over the city. "I won't tell anyone. Definitely not David."
Draco patted her knee and kissed her cheek before striding back to the Gryffindors. They were now conversing in the corner. When he stood next to Harry, they all fell silent.
"Nothing you can say will change my decision," Harry said. His eyes were pleading with them, and Draco deduced that it was eating him up inside not to have his friends backing him up in something.
Granger nodded reluctantly. Weasley glared at Draco. "I hate you."
Draco snorted. "I hate you too."
Weasley looked away and folded Granger against his chest. Draco pushed his foot against Harry's, not comfortable showing anything else besides that. But Harry smiled wearily at him and pushed back against Draco's foot. Maybe it would all be fine.
XxXxX
The walk back to the Burrow had been a very tense affair. As had the hours spent in the Burrow. Ron wasn't talking to him and the very few times he would it was to try to reinforce his take on the whole situation: that Draco had done something to Harry, making him feel that way. If Harry heard the words 'love potion' one more time he figured he might flip. Hermione was more mature about it, as was to be expected. Only, Harry wasn't. He didn't want to sit down for hours discussing with Hermione the pros and cons of dating Draco Malfoy. He didn't want to talk about it period.
"Hey, you lot!" Ginny beamed, tugging her bag through the door into the living room. "Luna's was so much fun! Her dad's as barmy as her. I think I split my side from trying not to laugh aloud at them." She chuckled and flopped onto the couch between Ron and Hermione. Harry watched her from the armchair.
Slowly, her delighted face morphed into confusion. "What's wrong? Did you two have a big fight, again?" She glanced at the people on either side of her. Ron huffed and Hermione shook her head. Ginny looked to Harry, but he diverted his eyes.
After a silence, Ginny prodded Ron's arm. "What's going on?"
Ron slouched into the cushions and glanced at Harry before looking back at her. Harry braced himself, knowing he was going to tell her. "Harry's got a boyfriend," he informed her in a neutral voice. It sounded so strange to Harry's ears.
Ginny nodded then gasped. She gazed at Harry in horror. Harry offered her a half smile. "Not - not Malfoy?"
Harry bit his lip and looked at the floor. Apparently that was all she needed for she gasped again, clasping her hands over her mouth.
"Yes!" Ron growled. He slouched even more and propped his feet up on the coffee table.
"How'd you know?" Hermione questioned. Harry figured she was upset Ginny guessed it when she hadn't.
"You never said anything about you liking him back," Ginny wailed, her eyes shining in hurt. "And Malfoy? That's such an insult." Harry didn't get how fancying Draco was an insult. An insult to whom? But he shrugged lightly and peered past the couch so he wouldn't have to look at them.
"Ginny," Harry started. He looked her in the eye, figuring she deserved that much. She had listened to him talk about Draco and gave him that nifty spell, after all.
"Why didn't you owl me?"
Harry chewed on his tongue. "I didn't - he - we didn't want to tell anyone. Look, I know it's surprising. But I care about him and he cares about me -"
"He's a Malfoy, Harry," Ron groaned, staring incredulously at him. "Are you sure you didn't drink anything weird from him?"
"I'm sure!" Harry snapped. Why couldn't his friends just trust him? "I didn't take any love potions or get hit by an insane curse. Okay!"
Ginny poked Ron in the arm, making his mouth fall shut. Hermione sighed and turned her head to look out the front door Ginny had forgotten to shut.
"Are you sure he cares about you?" Ginny asked. Hermione looked in interest at him.
Harry's gut twisted unpleasantly. He was pretty sure. Draco had wanted to get back together, and it couldn't be just for physical gratification or Draco would have tried more than simply kissing and touching. "Yeah, I'm sure."
"Oh." She tried to look impassive but Harry could see her bottom lip trembling softly. He felt guilt rise up in him, for what he didn't know. Soon after that, Hermione escorted Ginny out of the room.
XxXxX
Draco was about to turn in for bed when a house elf popped in front of his door.
"Move!" Draco commanded. The bloody things were always getting in the way.
"Sorry, Master. Master Lucius is telling me to fetch you." She rang her hands in the pillowcase draping pathetically off her shoulders.
Draco scowled. "Well, where is he?"
The grungy elf jumped and squeaked, "The ballroom, Master. Sorry, Master!"
With a shake of the head, Draco headed down the steps and into the ballroom. It was Lucius' favorite room so Draco was not surprised to hear he was in there. When he walked through the doorway he found his mother and father arguing. Lucius was waving a letter around angrily while Narcissa looked frightened.
Draco cleared his throat and said, "You called." Their talking ceased, and they stared at him. Lucius' face was swathed in disgust.
"Come here, Draco! You - I want en explanation and it better be a damn good one!"
He couldn't make his feet move. Had they found out about Harry and him? How? Nashira must have told, he decided. At the sight of Narcissa's disappointed stance, his feet, thankfully, moved. He stopped in front of his parents, making sure to let no emotion show on his face.
"Yes, you should be scared, Draco," Lucius crackled. Draco couldn't suppress a shiver. Maybe he wasn't so good at hiding his emotions.
Draco mustered the courage to look into Lucius' flashing eyes. "What did I do?" he asked.
The letter crinkled as Lucius spread it out and handed it over. As Draco read it he knew his reactions would be readable on his face, but he couldn't help it. That bitch! She'd told about everything. About Harry and him, them snogging, seemingly caring for each other. He felt utter betrayal. He had liked Nashira. He said bloody 'please' to her.
"It's a loud of bull. None of that's true." He looked both of them in the eyes. "You know me better than that. Honestly," he scoffed and shook his head, feigning amusement.
Lucius ignored him to instead muse, "It all makes sense now. Why you're leaving us for their side." He gave Draco a hard look. "It's because you're fucking Potter. I'll have you know this will not be handled lightly." And then he drew out his wand, pointing it at Draco.
Draco was frozen to the spot. Lucius had never used a curse on him before. He watched the wand and saw it was shaking slightly. He liked to think it was because Lucius couldn't do it, but a glance at his face showed the truth; he was consumed with fury.
"Mother," Draco beseeched, hating himself for doing so, but he had no other choice; he'd left his wand upstairs. Lucius was going to kill him! "I didn't. I - you." He was shaking so hard and trying to look anywhere but at the threat in front of him.
"Pleading will do you no good, Draco," Lucius said, his voice low and evil-like. Draco had never heard that tone from him before. He was starting to see why others feared him so. "Would you like a crucio? Or should I just finish you off here and now?"
Sobs suddenly erupted from beside them. Both males looked to the source of it. Narcissa had buried her face in her hands, and tears were leaking through the cracks between her fingers. Lucius seemed momentarily stunned, and Draco was looking in morbid fascination. He had never seen his mother cry except for when Lucius was put in Azkaban.
"Lucius!" she croaked when he turned back to Draco, his wand moving for a spell. "My son! Our son. Our only son." Her sobs consumed her, restricting her vocal cords.
Lucius swiveled his head at her. "Narcissa! Stop that foolish crying this instant. It's not fit for a Malfoy."
Narcissa garbled something between her tears that sounded like 'is a Black.' Lucius laughed coldly. "You were a Black. Now you are a Malfoy, and we punish those who betray us. Draco has made an ultimate betrayal."
Draco jumped back when Narcissa launched herself in between them. "I will not let you k-kill him, Lucius. Why," she hiccupped but luckily, her sobs stayed down. Draco was glad, because having someone sticking up for you when they were crying was embarrassing. "Why not inform the Dark Lord in the morning?" She glanced at Draco, her gaze watery. "He can decide what to do with Draco."
Draco gasped loudly. He betrayed them? What was Narcissa doing? She wanted him to not be a Death Eater! This was all her fault. If she hadn't implanted the thought in his brain - but Draco knew that he hadn't thought anything about getting with Harry so he would have protection. Hell, he hadn't even decided if he wanted to be a Death Eater, though he supposed this sealed his choice.
Lucius looked in delight at the fear in Draco's eyes. "Fine. The Dark Lord can do with Draco as he wants. After all, It was him he betrayed most of all." Narcissa grabbed his hands, kissed his palm, and murmured her thanks. Draco looked away. It reminded him too strongly of Narcissa pleading to get Lucius out of jail. "But you do realize Draco will most likely be killed."
She pulled away and turned to Draco. "I know." She gave him a tearful smile and cupped his face. She let her fingers trail down his cheeks, and then walked out of the room. Draco could only stare in horror at her back.
"You'll get what you deserve. Trust me. It will not be pretty." The cloak his father was wearing brushed against Draco's leg as he walked past, causing him to shudder. "You're to go to your room and stay there."
Draco allowed himself to breath once he heard Lucius' footsteps falling away with soft thuds. Then he heard Lucius' cloak flutter and the word, "Crucio!" yelled through hated lips.
The blinding pain didn't last long, but he ended up lying on a heap on the floor, one eye cracked open, watching for Lucius to walk out and shut the door behind him so he could relax.
Thursday August 15, 1996
When Harry arrived at the cooking class Thursday it was with an excitement to see someone who wouldn't look at him as if he had gone insane. Someone who would be happy to see him. However, that person wasn't there.
For an hour and a half, Harry blundered through making what he did not know with Ron and Hermione. The three of them were unusually quiet. But Harry didn't notice because of what had happened to Draco. Why wasn't he there? What if Lucius and Narcissa had found out some how? Harry wasn't sure how they could find out, though.
He dumped a plate in the sink and started scrubbing at it with the sponge. Maybe they could do legimency and had simply read it from Draco's mind.
"Harry," Ron said. "Using water would help."
Harry nodded absently and turned the water on. He spared a single thought that the food really did come off easier when water was added, but then he was back to worrying about Draco. Who knew what they would do to him.
Hermione tapped his arm. "Harry, he was supposed to be here today, wasn't he?"
Harry looked at her and nodded. "I don't get it."
Ron turned off the water and stood on Harry's other side.
"His parents might have found out. Unless that was the plan all along." Harry glared at her for even thinking Draco would do that. "Sorry, Harry. But why did he even go to these classes?"
"I-" Harry broke off and frowned. "He never told me."
"He refused to say?" Hermione's eyes were wide as she said that. Harry could practically hear the cogs turning in her head, but that wasn't how it was.
"No. I think I forgot to ask him." He tossed the sponge into the sink. "This is insane! We have to rescue him. What if they try to kill him?" Frantically he tugged at the hair brushing against his ear.
"Why do you care so much?" Ron spoke up. "I mean, you said you two only got together on Monday. Well, that's not that long ago."
Harry frowned and shook his head wildly. "I don't know, okay. All I know is that it matters what happened - is happening - to him. I'll get him with or without your help." He squared his shoulders and started developing a plan. He had his invisibility cloak, so that would come in handy.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione whispered. "Look, if he's not here tomorrow, we'll let the Order know. They can do something. And it won't be reckless like a plan of yours would be. You don't even know where the Malfoys live. He could just be sick, Harry."
Ron nodded and touched Harry's elbow. "I don't like him, you know that. And I don't like that you're…dating him. But I'll help you. Just wait." Ron awkwardly removed his hand. Apparently he thought what he had said was too mushy for he chuckled and said, "Won't you feel stupid when he comes in tomorrow and says he just skipped out?"
Harry agreed to wait. It was, after all, his rash decision at the end of last year that resulted in the tragedy of Sirius. He wouldn't let that happen again. But if Draco didn't turn up tomorrow, there was going to be hell to pay.
Friday August 16, 1996
The light wasn't even slinking around the corners of his thick curtains when he roused that morning. He blinked and rubbed at his eyes. Usually he didn't wake so early.
"Draco," someone whispered into the dark. He recognized the voice of Narcissa. Well, that explained why he had woken up. He sat up in his bed, his muscles panging slightly, a reminder of what Lucius had done to him the night before.
"Mother?" Draco whispered back coldly. It was she who had given Lucius the idea to hand him over to the Dark Lord. And Draco had always thought she liked him.
She muttered "Lumos," and soft light filled the room. Draco took in the sight of her. Her eyes were red and puffy, as if she had been crying all night. Her hair was rumpled, and she was wearing an elegant nightgown filled with creases. "Come, Draco."
"Where are we going?" he asked, climbing out of bed and slipping a shirt on.
She looked sadly at him. "You're leaving. Pack what you want. But silently. We mustn't let Lucius hear."
Draco nodded and looked around his room. He couldn't believe it. Narcissa was helping him. Perhaps this had been her plan all along. He still didn't understand why, though. As he collected his clothes and more personal possessions, he asked, "Why are you doing this? Why don't you want me to become a Death Eater?"
Narcissa sighed heavily. "The world is a dangerous place, Draco. I want you to be safe. I'm your mother and I may be a Malfoy, but I love you, darling. Oh," she gasped softly. "I can't remember the last time I've said that. You were so little."
Draco turned around to collect his money. He hoped she wasn't going to start crying again.
Quietly, they crept through the house until they reached the door. Narcissa muttered a spell, passing her wand over it and then opened the door, walking out with him. She explained, "Lucius put spells on to notify him if you tried to sneak out." She grabbed his shoulders, staring into his eyes. "You screwed yourself over. You know, when I told you to get in with Potter I didn't mean literally."
Draco went to speak but Narcissa shook her head and stroked his hair. "But that doesn't matter now. Draco, I want you to promise me something. Promise me you will go to your Potter and tell him what happened. He can help you, him and his Order. Okay?"
Draco stared into his mother's hopeful face. He nodded. There was nothing else for him to do anyway. And Harry would be glad to help him. He had a saving streak a mile long. "I promise." Wait…He looked at her. "Won't you get in trouble for helping me?"
Narcissa waved her hand absently. "Not if they don't find out, and I don't plan on that. Just go. Go now, before an elf makes its check on your room and tells Lucius you're not there."
Draco's eyes widened at that information. He hadn't even known the elves were checking up on him. "Wait. Do you know why Nashira told?" He was still smarting about that. He couldn't believe he had liked her and she went and did that.
"Oh, once we were told about Potter being there, Lucius had her watch you." She bent forward and placed a kiss on his forehead. "Be safe, my darling."
Draco was boiling was rage. She was spying on him! He grabbed his broom and jumped on harshly. He heard Narcissa sniffle, and he looked at her. "Don't cry," he said, grimacing slightly.
She dabbed at her eyes. "Don't get caught. Go straight to that class." She held out a bag, which Draco took. "It's some muggle money for a cab. Your vault key is also in there, so you have money. I have a copy of the key, so if you ever want to send me messages don't owl it. It'll be too dangerous. You can put it in your vault, and I'll find it. I'll do the same for you." Her smile was watery and Draco felt guilty.
He opened his mouth then closed it. "I love you," he whispered into the night air between them. Narcissa drew in a sharp breath then smiled brightly.
"Thank you, Draco. Now go. I want a letter in the vault by Monday so I know you're alive and well."
Draco nodded and flew off into the cold air. He tried not to look behind him but he did. It was dark in at the doorway but he could still see her white-blonde hair, mussed from the night. His heart clenched painfully. Who knew it would be so hard to leave your home of sixteen years, headed to where you didn't know.
XxXxX
The cooking contest was going well. Mainly, the only people that actually had a chance to win were Hermione, Oliver, and Nashira. Harry, angry about Draco not arriving at the class again, had simply dipped a banana in chocolate and tossed it in the freezer. Ron, following Harry's example, had slathered peanut butter on his and was spending the rest of the time using a knife to carve a face and hair into the peanut butter.
Harry's eyes were glued to the clock. Why was the class going so bloody slow?
"Harry, the more you look at the clock, the slower it'll go," Ron said.
"Oh, shut it and go back to making faces in your bloody peanut butter," Harry snapped.
Ron frowned and set his knife on the counter. Hermione bustled by them with more eggs, dropping one so that it fell to the floor and cracked. "Oh, crap!" She looked around for Dolly then said, "Oh well." And went to her mixing bowl.
Ron raised his gaze from the egg to look at Harry. "I can't believe I'm going to say this but I really hope Malfoy shows up soon. You're so crabby."
Harry glared at him, but then the door opened and Draco walked in. His hair was a mess, and he looked dead tired. Hermione gasped and stopped her frenzied cooking for a second. Harry felt like he could kiss Ron. Right when he said that Draco had walked in. But instead of kissing Ron, which didn't appeal to him, he ran across the room to Draco.
"No," he said, pushing his hand out, his eyes focused on the other side of the room. Harry stopped and stared at him. What the heck? But then Draco was crossing the room heatedly, heading straight for Nashira. Harry followed after.
"You bitch," he growled and before Harry or Nashira knew it, Draco's hand connected with the side of her face.
She gasped and clutched at her cheek. "Draco! I - oww."
Harry grabbed his arm and held it back for he was going to hit her again. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"Look, Draco! I'm really sorry. I like you - I do. I was just angry and hurt." She pouted and Harry saw Draco's hard eyes didn't waver. "I actually fancy you. That's why I was angry. I'm really sorry."
Harry looked between them, not understanding a thing. "Draco?" he questioned again, pressing his fingers into Draco's wrists.
"She told my parents about us," he said, eyes never leaving Nashira. Harry's confusion turned into anger. So Draco had been held at his house because they knew. He glared at Nashira. There was no way she could get away with that.
He leapt forward, Draco's laughter at his motions in his ears, but Dolly bustled over, screaming at them to stop.
"There will be no fighting in my class! Stop this instant!" She gave them a stern look Harry didn't even think she possessed. "I want you two away from her. Yes, back to your kitchen, Harry."
As they walked back, Harry could feel everyone's eyes on them. Draco was still chortling beside him. Once they reached the kitchen with Ron and Hermione, Harry could hold back no longer.
He kissed Draco with all he had, shoving all his fear, anger, and worry into it. Draco returned it with equal passion. When they parted, their lips red and breath short, Ron squeaked then said, "I take it back. I'm not sure if I want him here now."
Hermione shoot Harry a quick half-smile before turning back to her banana cake.
"So, where were you?" Harry asked, threading his fingers through Draco's mussed hair. Ron looked back over, and Hermione slowed in her working to hear.
"Bloody muggle cabs. They're so slow. And I didn't know how to get one to stop," he scowled, his fingers skittering under Harry's shirt, running over his stomach.
Harry frowned. "Why'd you come in a muggle cab?"
Draco took a deep breath before saying, "It's a long story." After being encouraged by Harry and his friends, he started.
Harry was horrified to find out Draco had been crucio'd and that they were going to hand him over to Voldemort. As Draco said that Harry had scooted his stool closer and clasped Draco's hands in his own. He was surprised about Narcissa helping him, but he reasoned that he had never really met her except at the Quidditch world cup and that was briefly. He decided he was going to have to send her a thank you note for getting Draco out. Only, that would sound a bit awkward.
After Draco told about flying until he got to a muggle spot then trying to find a cab, Ron walked over to Hermione, where they had a whispered conversation while they waited for her cake to be finished in the stove.
Harry and Draco had simply sat on the stools, close to each other. Harry was content to just have Draco close and know he was safe.
"How come you went to these classes anyway?" he asked, remembering the conversation with Ron and Hermione yesterday.
Draco sighed, his breath ghosting over Harry's lips. "My father was mad when I said I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a Death Eater. So this was my punishment. And I was supposed to find information on you." He smiled softly. "I sucked at that part."
Harry smiled and pressed their lips together chastely. They spent the rest of the class talking softly and stealing kisses every now and then until Dolly announced that it was time for the judging.
"I don't have anything!" Draco said. "It doesn't really matter, does it?"
Ron snorted while he watched Hermione trying to perfect the frosting on her cake. "Give him half of your not frozen banana."
Harry smiled and tore it in half, the still liquidly chocolate getting everywhere.
"I think it's my turn to suck something off you," Draco said slyly, a predatory look on his face. Harry shoved him away and sucked on his own fingers. Dolly was walking over, and he didn't want her to see that. However, it sure sounded appealing.
Dolly gave Harry and Ron's bananas a look, her eyebrows quirking as she tried not to smile. Draco was already eating his. His mouth was opened wide around it, his cheeks hollowing out as he sucked the chocolate off. Harry could only stare.
In the back of his mind, he heard Dolly's sounds of delight as she tried Hermione's. But then Draco was licking the tip of the banana teasingly, sending tingles through Harry's body.
"Ugg," Ron grumbled, pulling Harry's head away from Draco. "I'm sitting next to you. Don't do anything like that. And just eat the bloody banana!" for Draco had deep-throated it, his lips curling into a smile around it. "I hope you choke," Ron muttered.
Draco laughed and tossed the banana in the trashcan, the bag rustling from the movement. "I just wanted the chocolate," he explained to Harry.
A few minutes later Dolly stood in front of Nashira. "And the winner of our little cooking contest is Nashira. Although it was a very close one with Oliver and Hermione very close behind her. Congratulations!" She handed her a gift card for a restaurant and continued with some speech about how she was going to miss them all and hoped they had a fun time.
Hermione looked sourly at her cake, which Ron was already digging into. Harry grabbed two slices and handed one to Draco. "Mmm," he said through a mouthful. He swallowed and said, "This is good, Hermione. Much better than that coffeecake."
"Ouw shout ave on," Ron said, crumbs spilling out of his mouth as he spoke. Harry grinned and Draco grimaced.
Hermione shook her head wearily at him. "Don't speak with your mouth full, Ron."
"I said, you should have won." He smiled at her and she grinned back sadly, eyes darting to Nashira.
Draco bumped his elbow against Harry's and said to Hermione, "Nashira's a bitch. She probably cheated. Besides, I have to say, this is pretty good, for a muggleborn." Hermione smiled wryly at him. He smirked back.
Harry looked between the two of them. Maybe they could get along eventually. When they got back to school, he hoped everything would be the same as this summer, as right now.
"So, where are you staying at now?" Hermione asked. Draco frowned.
Harry bit the cake off Draco's spoon while he wasn't looking. "Do you have anywhere to go?" Harry asked, his fingers tracing circles on the underside of Draco's wrists.
"Well," Draco started, turning to face Harry and away from Ron and Hermione. Harry stopped tracing on Draco's wrist, interested in whom Draco was staying with. "My mother has this absurd idea that you and the Order can help me."
"Absurd is right," Ron said, shoveling more cake into his mouth when Hermione hit him to be quiet.
Harry didn't dare get his hopes up but it was an idea. There would be a lot of convincing but Draco could stay at the Burrow with them. He looked over at Ron and Hermione.
"I thought you'd want that. You would have to talk to Mrs. And Mr. Weasley, though." She looked at Draco. "And you'd have to be…tolerable."
"What do you say?" Harry asked eagerly. He wasn't sure if it would be good or bad for their quick progressing relationship but if it kept Draco safe, he was willing to risk it. Plus, he just plain wanted to have Draco around.
Draco sighed and looked at everyone. Harry noticed that Ron was looking confused. "I guess. If they let me," he muttered the last bit.
Harry beamed and reached across the distance between them when Ron spoke up. "Wait. I'm confused. Where's he staying?"
Hermione muttered, "Honestly," then said, "At your house, if your parents let him."
Ron opened his mouth to object then looked at Harry and Draco. Harry gave him a pout and Ron sighed. "Mum might say no, you know."
Draco smirked at him. "Stop lying, Weasley. Your parents adore me. It's you who's the strange one."
Harry laughed and pulled Draco to him, ignoring Ron's groan and Hermione's weary sigh. Draco licked Harry's lips, making him moan. He was sure Mrs. Weasley was going to let Draco stay. Especially after they explained. It wouldn't be a great summer. Not with Draco under a house of Weasleys, but it was sure to be interesting.
Harry pressed their lips together slowly. What was the rush? They were going to have the rest of the summer. They now had the time to do it right.
