Captivation
Chapter 19: Breaking Free
Harry did not want to get up the next morning. He was so warm and content. The memory of Draco pulling the covers up over his shoulders (when the blond thought he was asleep) was still fresh in his mind. Draco, however, was very persistent in trying to get him up. When Harry did open his eyes, he saw the other boy was already dressed.
"Come on, Potter, get up," Draco said, tossing him his wand.
Harry smiled at the other boy. Although the blond still called him Potter, his voice was less cold. Of course at times he was still sarcastic but it was humorous and it wasn't at all like when he was closed up. Harry had finally broken through his barrier.
Stretching, Harry slipped out of bed. "I'm up."
Draco snorted as he began combing his hair. "It's about time. I've been trying to wake you up for the past ten minutes."
"Sorry," Harry murmured, smiling as he got up and waved his wand to get dressed.
Then he approached the blond who handed him the comb. Harry began combing his hair quickly and Draco made a sound in the back of his throat.
"Let me do that," Draco said, grabbing the comb.
Harry let go and the blond muttered a spell to help straighten his hair as Draco combed it for him. The blond tried to act like Harry needed help, but Harry could sense that Draco wanted an excuse to get close. So when the blond stopped, satisfied with his hair, Harry bent forward and wrapped his arms around him. Their noses were inches apart and Draco gazed at him silently.
"Thanks," Harry smiled. "Do I get a kiss now?"
Draco let an eyebrow rise slowly, but the blond bent forward and Harry met him half-way. It was a brief kiss, but Harry was satisfied. They broke apart and gathered their belongings. When they left the room a couple students looked up at them as they came out of the same room. Now for sure everyone would believe the rumors about them, but Draco didn't even seem to notice the stares (or he just didn't care). Harry smiled—the whole academy probably knew about them (not that he cared) and some families outside of the academy (and outside of Scotland) believed it too. Probably some were either disgusted or shocked that The-Boy-Who-Lived-Again was gay and with a Slytherin, but Harry didn't mind. Like he told Draco, it was impossible to please everyone so why bother? As long as he was happy, that was all that mattered.
Suddenly, Harry remembered about Draco's mother. He wondered how she reacted to Draco sending the gifts back. She hadn't believed the article about them, but what if Lucius Malfoy had seen it? What would he think? In fact, what if he were to get out of Azkaban, even with House Arrest? Would he try and convince Draco to come back? Would he find out about the two of them and if he did, would he try anything to separate them, even while being watched by Ministry authorities?
Harry shook his head of the thoughts. Of course there were going to be people who disapproved. At some point Ron and his family would find out and others, since Harry and Draco would be walking around together. Once the shock of it passed, though, the two could live their lives together in peace. But they weren't quite there yet.
By lunch time, Harry got Draco to sit with him, Lucas and Tavis (among others). The blond didn't seem to mind changing tables and he even became engrossed in a conversation with Lucas.
"I agree," Lucas smiled at Draco (referring to something about Quidditch that they had been discussing).
Draco took another bite of his food and Harry smiled at them. Draco was sitting between him and Lucas and Tavis was on Harry's other side (but he was caught up in a conversation with Nicholas). Then Lucas glanced in his direction.
"So Harry, what's your lady friend's name?"
Harry blinked, remembering he had to send an owl to Hermione after lunch. "Oh, her name's Hermione."
Draco turned to glance at him. "Granger? What about her?"
"Harry's going to hook me up with her," Lucas smiled at him.
Both of Draco's eyebrows rose. "What happened to the Weasel?"
Lucas gave them a puzzled look but Harry just shook his head in amusement. "They didn't work out. Say, Draco, would you like to meet me up at Hogsmeade after I introduce them?" Harry asked.
The blond shrugged. "Sure. When is this match-making day?"
"Saturday," Harry smiled.
Draco nodded. "I always knew the Weasel was a bad choice."
Harry just rolled his eyes. "Draco, you're bias."
The blond shrugged carelessly and Harry was too tempted not to kiss his cheek. So he did. Draco didn't seem to mind and Lucas just gave him a soft smile, signaling he was grateful it worked out between them.
That night without any question, after Quidditch practice, Harry went with Draco to his room. They didn't have sex, but Harry made sure to wrap his arms around the blond as they slept.
The week went by nicely. For the most part, Harry made it a habit to sleep in Draco's room. There weren't very many parties since the new semester had just begun and most of the time Harry was too exhausted to go to one anyway. Hermione owled him back agreeing to the meeting on Saturday. Harry didn't know how Ron would react to it so he thought it best to keep it quiet for a little while.
Saturday morning Harry got up from his own room (since Draco wanted to sleep in a bit) and after dressing he went to meet Lucas in his common room. The two went out to meet Hermione at nine at a somewhat new restaurant called The Dragon Lair. Harry had never been there before because it was on the other side of Hogsmeade but when they got there he saw it was very nice. Dragon scales glistened above tables or against walls while illusions of full, live dragons floated around, sometimes roaring at customers who would get so startled they'd spill their drinks (but then be served new ones).
Hermione was punctual as usual and the moment Harry approached with Lucas she blushed and stood up quickly, smoothing her skirt.
"It's nice to meet you," she said, looking down as she held out her hand.
Lucas smiled and grasped her hand gently. Instead of shaking it firmly, he used it to pull her into a soft embrace.
"It's a pleasure," Lucas said.
Hermione's whole face turned beat-red and she nervously tucked a strand of curly brown hair behind her ear. Harry just smiled at the exchange and sat down with them, making sure Lucas sat directly across from Hermione so they could glance at once another with ease.
"So Hermione, as you know this is Lucas. I suppose you two can start by way of introductions. I'll just stay here until you finish so you don't lapse into awkward silences until the ice is broken a bit," Harry smiled. "Lucas, why don't you go first?"
"Alright," the boy smiled, raking a hand through his wavy black hair. "I'm nineteen and I'm planning to become a famous Quidditch player, much like Harry is. My father is the announcer for the Quidditch championships and my mother passed away during the war."
Hermione's face immediately contorted with sadness. "Oh, I'm so sorry! That must be so hard."
Lucas shrugged. "We've been doing alright. What about yourself?"
"Oh, well I'm younger, er, eighteen," she started nervously, fiddling with her napkin. "And I actually got accepted to a sorcery academy. And the best part is that it's in England, so I don't have to leave my home country. Actually, interestingly enough the castle in which the school has been created is in Cheshire, England atop what they refer to as 'Merlin's land'," Hermione explained, seemingly less nervous now.
"Merlin?" Lucas asked, blinking with wide, curious eyes.
"Yep. They say that when Merlin took in Arthur, the legendary knight that there was a cave inside what was called the Edge where Merlin took the knights to sleep or train or whatnot. Anyway, they built the castle in that town because they say that much of Merlin's powers rooted there, as in he practiced quite a lot. But anyway, they call it Merlin's land because he stayed in that area for a while, practicing magic while helping out Arthur and his knights during their times of war. So it supposedly is in a place where there's lots of spiritual magic. It's a beautiful place and I was told practicing magic in a place where powerful sorcery was done makes it easier to access the powers necessary to learn it," Hermione said, her eyes brightening as she passed on her knowledge. "So I'll be learning sorcery right in a place where the great Merlin once lived!"
"How fascinating!" Lucas exclaimed, smiling at her.
Hermione smiled back and the two stared at one another. Harry knew it was the perfect time to leave. A conversation had been opened up and it seemed the two of them were hitting it off fairly well. Slipping away quietly, Harry exited the place (since Draco wouldn't meet him for another ten minutes) and decided to take a walk. The moment he stepped outside, however, Harry caught sight of something that made his heart jolt. Ron was heading toward the restaurant, almost as if he knew Hermione would be there. Only it seemed as if he was lost in thought and he didn't appear to be on any vendetta. Harry immediately ran up to him, not wanting him to see Hermione with another guy.
"Ron!" Harry exclaimed.
The other boy's head jerked up in surprise and his eyes brightened. "Hey Harry. How's it goin'?"
"Fine. Er, what are you doing here?" he asked casually.
"I needed to get out of the house. Charlie suggested this new place here—said they had amazing food and that their decorations were really wild."
"Er, well it's not that special," Harry said quickly, trying to direct him away. "Why don't we go somewhere else and talk?"
The red-head's eyebrows furrowed. "Well, actually I really wanted to check this place out."
Harry felt his stomach clench, but he forced a smile. "Alright, I know the best spot! Come on!"
Quickly, he dragged Ron inside but to a far away table from where Hermione and Lucas were seated. Ron sat down a bit hesitantly and looked around, watching as an illusion of an ice dragon came slithering past.
"Wow, this is a nice place," he commented.
"Yeah, it is," Harry said shrugging. "So how have you been?"
Ron shrugged. "Alright, I guess. Did Hermione tell you she broke up with me?"
Harry nervous swallowed. "Er, yeah, she did. You're not mad are you?"
"No, it's fine," Ron waved it away. "It's just…I don't know. I know Hermione and I fight a lot, but I still didn't expect her to break up with me."
"That's true…but neither one of you seemed any different when you dated. I mean, it's not like you two seemed to be really in love, you know? I mean, maybe you were," Harry said quickly. "But at the same time, you sometimes fought even more than you did as friends."
Ron nodded slowly. "Yeah. Mostly it was about stupid things, I guess. I mean, she just got so pretty and I was afraid that some other guy would sweep her away. And since I had wanted to date her for so long, I thought it'd be perfect when we got together."
Harry nodded. "Can I give you my honest opinion?"
The other boy nodded uncertainly.
"You did have a crush on her since fourth year, but honestly because we're all such good friends I think it was more of a protective reaction than love or anything. If you think about it, before fourth year we never had to protect Hermione from guys. No guys really surrounded her and she didn't have a boyfriend or anything. Then Krum came along and I think you weren't only jealous that he seemed better and he was trying to impress her, but you were probably worried he was going to take her away. You know, since we three have been inseparable since our first year. I think it was more of the fear of somebody taking her away, you know, like us being replaced somehow. Plus, we both didn't want anybody to take advantage of her kindness or break her heart because we cared about her. We were all like siblings just as a much as we were best friends.
"I mean the moment that Hermione began dressing like a girl and hanging out with Krum more, I think you started to get jealous and afraid that she might go with him and we'd never see her again. So then there was probably this possessive feeling that urged you to impress her so that she would stay with us. Am I making sense?" Harry asked, feeling a bit embarrassed at his ranting.
Ron thought for a second and nodded. "I do understand. Er, it makes a little sense. I mean, I know I didn't want her to get hurt. So I might have convinced myself I was in love just to protect her. Maybe I thought if she was with me no other guy could harm her—that we could make sure she was protected."
Harry nodded. "That's what I think too. But Hermione can handle herself, Ron. And if you think about it, not being with her…I mean, it doesn't like make you feel like you need her beside you all the time, right?"
"Yeah, it just feels like another normal fight like when we were friends," Ron shrugged.
"Then you're probably not in love with her. If your heart's not completely breaking and she's not always on your mind, I don't think it's romantic love. I think you were just concerned for her safety and you thought she'd be safe if she remained with you. But you have to remember, she'll always have us, even if another guy is in the picture," Harry smiled, knowing Lucas was a very good guy for her.
"You have to trust her judgment and let her go—let her grow up and be a woman. I know before we never thought of her as a woman—a real woman who goes out, dates and dressed up—because we never saw that in her. She was always just our friend—the smart, bushy-haired girl who helped us solve difficult puzzles. She's an adult now. Even when she met Krum she was probably more grown-up than either of us realized."
Ron sighed heavily and nodded. "You're right, Harry. I definitely see it now. Now that you mention it, I can see that I was only trying to protect her. You think she'll still want to be friends?"
"Of course! Like I said, we're inseparable," Harry grinned.
The red-head gave him a small smile. "Thanks Harry. I'm, er, glad we talked. I feel much better. I'll be right back. I just have to go to the bathroom."
"Okay," Harry said, as Ron stood up and walked away.
Harry glanced over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't walking in Hermione's direction. Thankfully, he wasn't. Sighing, he felt relieved for a brief second until a familiar face came into sight.
"Draco?" Harry's eyes widened.
"There you are! Hermione said you stepped out so I was trying to find you," the blond said, sitting down.
"Draco, Ron's here," Harry said quickly. "He's in the bathroom and he'll be out in a second."
"What? What's the Weasel doing here?" Draco hissed in annoyance.
"He just wanted to check this place out, but thankfully he didn't see Hermione. And now I think he realizes that he didn't love her—it was a protective, possessive feeling he had, thinking that he could protect her from the world. Mainly guys," Harry said.
Draco rolled his eyes. "Must run in the family."
"Oh no!" Harry exclaimed, glancing over his shoulder. "Malfoy, he's coming. Quick, get under the table or he'll see you."
"What? I'm not—"
"Do you want him to find out about us this way?" Harry quipped hastily.
Draco gave him a glare and angrily ducked under the table as Ron approached.
"Alright, now what should I order? Hmm…Dragon meat pie, dragon talon crisps, dragon brew…interesting stuff here. Lots of dragon specialties," Ron shrugged.
"Yeah, they, er…have other things," Harry said, feeling Draco's back up against his legs.
"Well, let's see," Ron shifted.
"Ow!"
Ron's head jerked in surprise and Harry's eyes widened. "Ow…," he said, trying to cover up the fact that Draco had spoken from under the table.
Furrowing his eyebrows, Ron gazed at him curiously. "Er, was that you? I could've sworn…"
"No, it was me," Harry said, smiling nervously. "When you moved, you er, you kicked me."
"Really? But I thought we had plenty of space," Ron said, beginning to bend down to check under the table.
"No, it's fine!" Harry said quickly, forcing him to look back up. "Really. Actually, you know maybe it's a good idea if you go out and…you know, go back home to owl Hermione."
"Er…don't you want to eat?" Ron asked, puzzled.
"Not really. I just actually came from here. I already ate earlier with…erm, Lucas," Harry smiled. "But, you know why don't you Owl Hermione so you can explain to her that everything's fine and you want to make sure she's not still upset. Tell her you want to be friends and you want to put aside the awkwardness."
"But, er, I was going to try the talon crisps," Ron said, pointing at it.
"You, er, can always come back later," Harry said quickly. "But you should really do this so you're not worrying about it all day."
"Well, I guess I'm not that hungry right now," Ron shrugged. "I just wanted something to do. You know, maybe instead of spending the money mum gave me on food, I'll go buy myself something for that Firebolt you gave me for Christmas!"
The red-head's eyes brightened when he thought of that and Harry nodded. "Good idea."
"Yeah, I'll do that. You want to come?" Ron asked, standing up.
"Er, sorry I've got some homework to do. But maybe tomorrow I could stop buy for a game of Quidditch or something," Harry suggested.
"Alright, sure," Ron nodded.
Harry realized Ron would walk right by Hermione and Lucas so quickly he stood up. "Er, I'll walk with you out of here. I have to apparate back to school anyway."
He quickly took the red-head's arm to lead him out and he glanced back over his shoulder to see a disheveled and grumpy-looking Draco slipping into the booth. Harry caught his eye and gave him the 'one-minute' signal. The blond glared but nodded and Harry immediately began pushing Ron out. He had to get on the red-head's left to make sure he didn't see Hermione and Harry distracted him by pointing out the various floating dragons. Finally, once outside, Harry felt more relieved as they walked.
"Well, er, I guess we'll part here," Harry said once they were at least ten feet from the restaurant.
"Alright. See you tomorrow then," Ron waved as he walked away.
Harry watched him leave and finally breathed out a sigh of relief. He felt much more relaxed, or he did until he turned around and just about walked right into someone.
"Watch where you're going!" Narcissa Malfoy huffed.
Harry gapped open-mouthed and immediately her eyes narrowed upon recognizing him.
"Harry Potter," she hissed, crinkling her nose as if his very name gave her a bad taste in her mouth. "Don't think I'm not aware of your sinister plots, Potter."
Harry immediately glared in response. "I don't have any sinister plots. That's your family's job, isn't it?"
Narcissa's eyes narrowed instantly and she gave him a sharp look. "I don't know what you've done to my son, Potter, but I know you did something. And that article better not be the truth. If I find out you've seduced my son to get some sort of control or satisfaction over my family—"
"Oh please!" Harry exclaimed angrily. "I didn't do anything to your son! The only thing that's changed is that he's free—free from your strict, unloving rule, that's what! He got sick of you planning out every step of his life—he had no freedom!"
"Stop talking like you know him, boy!" Narcissa snapped quite ferociously. "My son is none of your concern and if you know what's best for you you'll stay away from him!"
"Or what?" Harry challenged, stepping forward. "Is that a threat?"
"It's a warning!" she hissed back, challenging him with her own gaze. "A warning to stay away from my family and if you are in any way involved with Draco's recent, inexcusable behavior I'll find out! He is first and foremost my son and family ties are much stronger than any magical control out there, Potter!"
"Do you really think I'd go through so much trouble to put some sort of spell on him? What the hell would I gain from that? And don't you think the school would detect the foul play?" Harry countered angrily.
Narcissa sniffed hotly. "Well, I daresay you're too famed for your own good. You could probably get away with murder."
"I'm not the one who would commit murder!" Harry hissed angrily, glaring daggers. "But your family did quite a lot of it! And I'm sure Draco wants no part of your tainted name!"
"Don't you dare talk about my son as if you know him!" she spat, seemingly revolted.
"I do know him! I know him way better than you do! And I know he's a lot happier at the school and away from you!" Harry snapped.
Narcissa's face contorted into fury and she opened her mouth. Before any foul words or a retort could come out, her eyes suddenly widened.
"Draco! There you are!"
Harry wheeled around and caught sight of the blond with crossed arms and a grim look on his face. He was approaching them quickly, probably having come out to see what was taking him so long. Harry's chest immediately tightened. How was he supposed to act around the other boy in front of her? Did Draco want him to pretend they weren't friends?
"What was the meaning of the gifts?" Narcissa demanding, approaching within five feet. "If you're worried about the deadline, I'm sure that I could help broaden your search for a pureblood girl. You know I have connections, son. I can look all around the world for one."
"Mother, I'm not interested. Quidditch is my main focus and I want a career in it. Marriage would only get in the way," Draco stated coolly.
Harry stayed where he was, letting them talk but he didn't want to leave in case Draco was suddenly brainwashed by his mom. He had to make sure everything would be alright. Narcissa glanced over her shoulder at him and then whipped her head back around.
"Is Potter the one brainwashing you? Are you two actually friends now Draco?" Narcissa asked with disgust lacing her tone. "You know what he did! He destroyed…," she trailed off, glancing around at the other people before inhaling sharply. "I'll give you one more chance, my son, because I want you to make both your father and I proud. He's getting out of Azkaban, you know. He's coming home and while the annoying Ministry has to keep watch over him for many years, he'll still be there. And he saw the article, Draco. He was not pleased at all…not at all. Your father's angry now, but if you come back home, if you make this agreement to try again, he'll be proud of you once more.
"Now, I'm giving you a chance. Right now, your name has been temporarily removed from our vault but it will be permanently removed from most records, as well as the family tree, if you don't agree to come back at least. I'm sure we can make a slightly different deal, Draco. I know how much you were looking forward to your inheritance and it can be put back there under your name. This is the last chance. If you want to come back and make your family proud—uphold your name and status in the world—then you will go to Gringotts and write me a private letter that will be given to the goblin in charge of our family vault. I will then go to Gringotts the next day to check for it—I'll give you until tomorrow night by eight to decide—and then your inheritance will be right back in its place," she gave him a cool smile.
"This is the road to choose Draco. As much as you love Quidditch, and it is a fine talent, marriage is vital. I can extend the deadline for you, my dear boy, and help you find a wonderful suitor. We'll hold parties every night and you can meet pureblood girls. And if we can't find a pureblood—since they are very rare these days—we can at least find a well-bred, upper class Slytherin girl for you. That is the new deal. But you must come back home to make the agreement, after leaving me the letter. So once I see you've left the letter in agreement, I will then arrange for parties and such and you can come home and on weekends and make me proud. Of course I'll let you finish up at your Quidditch school," she continued, smiling down upon him not with love, but desperation—desperation to uphold her own status.
"And it'll be great on your record. I'm sure your father can get you a wonderful job down in Knockturn Alley—special jobs like what Bella's father used to do. You know, arranging meetings, making new clients, selling offers, but most importantly being successful. Become a business man and make us proud. Remember, this is your last chance," her tone turned colder. "Otherwise your name will be erased, Draco and I don't want to see that happen. Make the wise choice."
Narcissa's eyes fell back onto Harry and she glared. "People like him will only befriend you to keep you at their level. But you can rise higher, my son. Much, much higher. I'll be awaiting that letter."
She tapped her finger under his chin—supposedly a caring gesture—and then walked away without even taking another glance at Harry. Once she left completely, Harry quickly approached his boyfriend looking concerned.
"Hey," Harry said quietly, putting a hand on his arm.
Draco kept his gaze ahead, looking grim and Harry patted his arm gently. "Let's go inside and get something to eat."
Without saying anything, Draco turned and went inside. Immediately, they sat down and ordered something. Harry glanced at him from time to time, but the other boy stared down at his food. Harry didn't know what to say—he didn't know how Draco was feeling and he was afraid to ask. He didn't want the other boy to choose the other road—the road with no freedom, no happiness and a future already planned out and expected of him.
"I need that money," Draco said bluntly, after some time had passed between them.
Harry leaned forward, staring at him seriously. "Draco, you don't need it. I know it'd be a big help, but…you can't let her bribe you into going back to that life. They'll never let you go! I mean, they'll probably force you into a binding Unbreakable Vow or something."
"This loan isn't going to last forever. It's just for school, Potter," he said angrily. "Which means I have no money to spend on new clothes, or gifts or just fun things. And I may not get a career once I leave the school—maybe not right away. What will I do if I can't pay off the loan right away? And don't you understand what she was saying?" Draco's head jerked up as he stared at him with anger, but it wasn't directed toward him.
"If she wipes me from the family tree it's as if I don't exist! No one but the Ministry will ever have a record of me being their son, or them having a son at all. Whoever knows me of course will figure out what happened, but it'll be like my name means nothing! I'll be a nobody forever!"
"That's not true," Harry retorted firmly. "You can make your own name for yourself."
"I'll always be a Malfoy!" he exclaimed. "And with that name people will automatically always think rich, well-bred, Slytherin and evil! My whole family will not speak to me and with the same last name they'll probably make it impossible for me to do anything! Being disowned leaves a curse—a stain—upon the person!"
Harry stared at him with wide eyes. "Draco, you're not going to be happy. And we'll have to…"
The other boy just stared down at his plate and hurriedly Harry climbed over to his side to six next to him.
"Draco, please," Harry pleaded, feeling the need to show him that he didn't want the blond to leave. "Wait! I've got it!"
Draco turned to him, still looking grim and angry, but Harry clasped a hand on his shoulder.
"Maybe being erased from the family tree is just what you need."
"Excuse me?" Draco drawled.
"No, listen. Your mom said you're temporarily taken off the vault account, right? So that means you can make your own account."
"I can't do that with the same last name unless I can prove I'm not related. And since I'm related it'd have to be through my family vault that I get my own, but of course my parents will see that doesn't happen," Draco said, narrowing his eyes.
"Right, but what if you take on a new identity," Harry said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Change your surname! You can legally, and magically, do that once you turn eighteen, right? And since you don't exist at Gringotts anyway, you can easily change your name everywhere! Of course you'll have to go to the Ministry and go through a process or whatever, but it'll be worth it, Draco! And once the Ministry realizes you have no connection to the family anyway, because of your being disowned, they can't deny you a new name! Because you'd technically not exist anyway, er…well, you know what I mean. You do exist, but your name means nothing, which means you can change it.
"Once you pick out whatever last name you want, you go to Gringotts and make your own account! Draco, please do this! I know it's a lot to ask—to give up your own family—and it's easy for me to tell you that it's no big loss because they didn't really love you, but it is a big loss. Losing all that money, your status and everything you were born with," Harry said, as Draco stared at him silently.
"But think of it! You could create a whole new status with no murder or evil stain on your name. You could be completely a famous Quidditch player and you could tell everyone you're an orphan, like I am. Lots of papers love writing about orphans—it makes people more sympathetic. And no one but a select few people who knew you growing up and survived the war, plus your family and the Ministry, would ever know your original identity, but there'd be no way for anyone to make the connection since you'd magically change your surname. It could be a fresh start, Draco! You could make a name for yourself, a career and become rich! And you wouldn't have any responsibilities to anyone but yourself!"
The blond stared at him for several minutes and then glanced down at his plate. Harry's smile faded and he knew it was too much. Of course Draco couldn't give up everything he grew up with—he wanted to be rich, he wanted to be well-bred and he probably wanted to make his parents proud. Harry let go of the blond's arm and turned to stare ahead silently. He didn't want to show just how upset he was about possibly losing him. Of course he wouldn't cry, but his heart was aching painfully.
Suddenly, Harry felt Draco shift next to him and he turned, giving the boy a weak smile to show that it was alright that he wanted to go back to his mom. Draco stared back at him with his bright, silver-grey eyes with blond bangs ghosting over his forehead. The blond gave him a shrug and tilted his head, curling his lips a bit.
"So, what do you think a good surname would be?"
Harry couldn't explain the happiness that flooded inside of him. He couldn't stop himself from throwing his arms around him and kissing him straight on the lips.
"Whatever you want, I don't mind. Just make sure it's something that's not common—maybe a family name that's died out or something so no body ties you to anyone," Harry said, feeling his heart pounding ecstatically.
He couldn't stop smiling widely nor did he want to unwind his arms from the blond anytime soon.
"We should probably go to the Ministry now then. Hopefully it won't take more than a few hours," Draco spoke up.
Harry pulled away to stare at him and the blond stared back. He was trying so desperately to read his mind, but not being an expert in Legilmency, Harry could only sense that Draco didn't love his parents enough to go back. And maybe…maybe he cared for Harry even more. Smiling, Harry embraced him tightly and he felt the blond's arm wind slowly around his back. As he pulled away, Harry placed a small kiss on his cheek and then unwound his arms from around him, his forest-green eyes shining brilliantly.
"Okay, let's go."
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's Story note: Well, finally things are looking up. It is getting closer to the end, unfortunately. HistoryGirl2005 asked me about a sequel so I'll have to think on that! I'll let you know by the end of this!
To Reviewers:
Walking Through Shadows: Lol! Yes, I think our combined bopping worked wonders. So let's hope it stays! Hehe!
Tiger Eye2: Lol! I'm glad you're hooked so I'll try not to make you wait too long. Unfortunately since school has started again, it could take me a little while longer to get chapters up. But definitely no more than an extra day or two.
Lollylover: Hehe! Yeah, it's finally getting cute, isn't it? Lol! I bet you've been waiting forever. Well, at least it finally happened!
MoonlightGoddess08: Hehehe! I'm so glad you liked the last chapter. Hopefully this one was still interesting! I know there wasn't a lot of romance, but there's still more to come!
Smurff: Hehe! Yeah, darn school! It might take me a little longer to update at times, depending on the amount of homework, but I'll make sure it won't be more than an extra day or two. Haha! I'm glad you liked the last scene! It was nice to write too!
The Earth Mystic: Oh, happy birthday! Wow, 21 huh? I just recently turned 20. Lol! Oh yes, the tattoo idea will come up a little later. Hehe!
Danithegirl: Thanks for the energy bar! That really helped, especially since a few days ago I got food-poisoning, which is NOT fun. Being in the bathroom all night…argh! I felt horrible. But I'm all better now! And I promise more cute-scenes to come too!
ItsaMiracle: Haha, thanks!
Branwen777: Yay! I'm so glad you said that! That was my goal of this story—to keep it in Harry's P.O.V. but slowly he starts to figure out Draco from what he observes and senses. That way you don't know exactly what Draco's thinking, but you can sense what he's feeling and how he cares about Harry through what he does. I'm very glad you saw that! I'm so very glad you love this, thank you!
Person: Aw, thank you! I'm so glad I'm keeping Draco in-character—that's always very important when doing fanfiction (I've noticed). And I shall continue the quick updates (despite annoying school stuffing me with assignments already—argh college is a nuisance, lol!)
DesitnyEntwinements: Oh not long at all! In fact, keep that in mind for next chapter! Just a hint…tehehe!
Kendra1117: Aw, thanks a lot! I'm so glad you like this! And I'm glad I'm still managing to keep both Harry and Draco in-character—that was my goal! Hehe! And yes, I'm definitely a happily-ever-after kind of person. Hope that doesn't spoil anything, lol! But I shall continue to update quickly (despite school which has decided to load me with work already—ARGH!)
Skittlelove: Hehe, I'm glad you thought it was cute! There will be more romantic scenes bordering (and being swallowed by) cuteness! And despite school, I will continue to update frequently, lol!
LadyDragonWolfKnight: Hehe! Yeah, it sure is! Though Draco hasn't said it yet, I think he's very much proven he likes Harry by now!
Kayla: Hehe! Yep and finally they're together to stay!
Chosen-one4: Thanks! Haha, yeah more cute scenes to come too!
Saiyou-the-lover: Lol! I'm very glad you liked that chapter! There will be more cute-ness/romance to come! Oh yes, I very much am looking forward to writing Draco's piercing. Lol! You're very welcome! Thanks for the wonderful reviews! Don't worry, I'll keep updating quickly!
C.Khafre: Oh good! I really hope you won't mind Hermione/Lucas—hopefully it's a little better now. And there will be plenty more Harry/Draco, lol!
Narcoleptic86: Lol! Don't worry, Harry wasn't planning on leaving the blond out.
Goddess Bless: Thanks! Oh yes, it was already out in the school and stuff, but I meant like everyone outside of school and back in England seeing them walking around with each other.
Sinful Sakura: Glad you liked it! More sweetness to come:-)
wIthOUt A nAmESorry about your computer troubles. I'm very glad you liked the chapter though! Lol! I'll update shortly!
GoddessMoonLady: I'm glad you liked it! And there's more sweetness to come! Hopefully there was enough Lucas/Hermione in this to understand where that's going, hehe!
Ghosthly-Shadow: Hehe! I'm so glad you thought it was cute! Thanks!
GreenEyedCatDragon: Lol! Yep, Draco's not a cuddler. I'm glad you liked it! Oh yes, Harry got bold, lol! Still more sweetness to come!
HistoryGirl2005: Aww, don't think about the end. I thought about what you said about a sequel and I'll definitely look into that. The only thing I'm worried about is that if I get a good idea (because school has started up) and I post it, I may not be able to update as frequently as I have with this one. So I'm afraid it might go un-updated for a while and I hate that when my stories get neglected. So we'll see!
Shakespeares Whore: Aww, thanks, I'm very glad you liked the mild-sappiness. Hehe! Still more sweetness to come! Lol! Well, the ear piercing is a definite and the tattoo idea will come up later, hehe! Thanks for the suggestion, lol! I do have something already in store, but actually it does give me an idea! Thanks:-)
tgkur: hehe! Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
Shoozie: Hehehe! Yep, they're together now! It's not quite over yet! Hehe!
Jeje: Hehe, danger? Well…it depends on what you mean. If you mean, will Harry's life be at stake…well, just know that I'm a happily-ever-after kind of person, despite what other hardships may come. So, don't worry!
Kari-Sama: Lol! Yes, poor Draco and Harry with their sexual molestation. It's a good thing they have each other now!
Shinna: Aww, thank you! I'm so glad you really like this! Thanks a bunch:-)
InuAce: Hehe! Yep, very true! Even a blind wizard could sense their love, right?
Cath: Yeppers, his shell has finally begun to open—all thanks to Harry! Hehe!