"But I keep cruising, can't stop,
Won't stop moving
It's like I got this music in my mind,
Sayin' it's gonna be alright"
-Taylor Swift "Shake It Off
A couple days had past since Draco saw Harry and he could not decide on what to say in his letter about getting together again. He kept pacing which in turn made Winky very nervous and of course Narcissa found it quite amusing.
Narcissa finally decided to put a stop to the pacing. "Draco, darling, you really need to stop. I am sure whatever is on your mind you will figure it out."
Draco glared at his mother. "Mother, I do not know what to do. I know I should write to Harry but every time I start a letter it comes out wrong and then I just can't think of anything to say."
Narcissa smiled softly at her son. "Perhaps you should go to Grimmauld Place and tell him in person? Maybe that would ease some of the stress."
Draco stuttered to think of something to say. "I do not want to seem too eager because I will look like a daft fool. And you know I can not deal with that."
Narcissa smirked. "Darling, I hate to break it to you but you are being foolish and daft right now. You might as well just go to his place."
Draco blushed and huffed out a sigh. "Fine I suppose you are right as always, Mother. But what about the press? I do not want to be the reason why Harry gets assaulted by them. Can you imagine the article titles? I am sure they would use "Death Eater Corrupts the Wizarding World's Saviour" as a title or something very similar to it."
Narcissa huffed out a chuckle. "Draco, stop being overdramatic. It will be fine whether there is an article or not. Remember, Harry does not care what the press think of him. He has never cared all that much. I am sure that line of thinking still stands. He cares for you deeply and he would never allow anyone, especially the press, influence him otherwise. Just go to him and forget the potential consequences. I am sure it would be a happy surprise to see you again."
Draco nodded and sighed. "Of course you are right yet again. Harry has never cared for the press or their impression of him. I just want him to get hurt because of me. It would not seem right for him to get punished for my past." He looked down sadly.
Narcissa stood up and walked over to her son. "My dear, I understand why you are worried. But you deserve your own happiness despite your past and Harry makes you happy and that is all that should matter. Now, I order you to go see your Harry." She gave him a teasing smile.
Once again, Draco blushed and grumbled under his breath. "Seriously Mother quit teasing me over this. I will take your advice and see him as soon as I am presentable."
Narcissa chuckled. "That is my brave boy. I will see you when you return." She kissed him on the top of his head and walked away.
Draco finished his lunch and called for Winky. He told her to find his best casual Muggle clothing. Once he made his way up the stair to his bedroom, he showered and got dressed. Winky had left him black skinny jeans with a dark green t-shirt. A perfect Malfoy outfit that was appropriate for the Muggle world. He looked in the mirror to make sure he looked flawless for his Harry. He approved of his appearance and left his bedroom and made his way down the stairs.
As Draco left the Manor, he wished his mother and Winky a good day. After he exited the gate, he apparated to Muggle London. He remembered where Grimmauld Place was located because he had been there as a child. He arrived at the nearest apparation point to Harry's house. He got more and more nervous as he got closer and started to doubt that he made the right decision to visit Harry at home. He finally approached the front door and knocked. He heard Harry shout out "Hold on, I'll be right there!" and that's when he realised that he was trembling a bit.
Draco could hear Harry unlock the door. Harry looked a bit shocked to see who was on the other side of his front door but quickly recovered and ushered Draco inside.
Once inside Harry smiled at him. "Well isn't this a pleasant surprise! I thought you were going to send an owl, not that I'm complaining. I'm happy you're here. Let's sit. Would you like some tea?"
Draco smiled back. "Funny you should mention sending an owl. I had planned to do that but everything I wrote sounded wrong. Mother was getting annoyed with my pacing so she suggested that I should just show up in person rather than stress over a letter. And yes I would love some tea, thank you."
Harry chuckled at what he said. "Your mother is a wise woman. I'm glad you got the courage to visit. You're always welcome here any time. I really enjoy your company."
Draco, of course, blushed. "Honestly, I was not sure about a visit because of the press and I am still not sure if I did the right thing coming here."
Harry started walking into the kitchen and put water into a kettle for tea. "I hope you know that I really don't care what the papers say about me. I'm used to good and bad press. I don't have the Daily Prophet delivered anymore because I got tired of hearing about what silly gossip they had written about me. Now, I only read the Lovegood's Quibbler. And I'll always give Luna an interview without a second thought. I trust she won't make anything up or deviate off topic. Any other paper is just a load of bollocks when I'm mentioned."
Draco sighed in relief. "Well, hearing you say that makes me feel like I made the right call visiting you. I am just nervous about what they will say about you if you are associated with me. I do not want your precious fanbase to attack you for being my friend. I would feel terrible if I caused any harm being seen with you in public. I only want the best for you, Harry."
As the tea whistled, Harry stood in front of Draco and smiled encouragingly. "You really shouldn't worry so much. Everything will work out. Now let's have some tea, shall we?" Draco nodded.
Harry places two tea cups onto the kitchen table and got milk and sugar. He gestured Draco to sit. He poured the tea for them both and sat down next to Draco.
Once both prepared their tea, they waited for it to cool. "So, Draco what did you want to say to me that you were unable to say in a letter? Was it that complex?" Harry teased.
Draco blushed a bit. "Sod off, Potter! I just could not put it into words and still can not. I guess I just wanted to see you again. I enjoyed our tea time together but I wanted to see you without my mother and Winky spying on us."
Harry looked at him and shook his head. "Don't get your knickers in twist, Malfoy! You're that tongue tied about what you wanted to say to me? Colour me flattered! Honestly, I was telling Hermione about our time together. I couldn't help myself to share because I really enjoyed myself. Of course, Ron got huffy and left but Hermione couldn't have been more supportive and hopes that you two will bond over potions and become friends. And I really hope you two become close because you're literally my two favourite people in the world right now. I can't believe I got so incredibly lucky."
Draco turned so red at what Harry said about him. "I, um, do not really know how to respond to what you just said. But, Harry, you have an effect on me that makes my mind go blank and I think that is why I was not able to write you. Even though I am more nervous in person, I still can form the words and thankfully not just go catatonic. I am glad Granger, I mean Hermione, approves of our alliance. I do wish to get to know her more. I think she is quite brilliant but do not tell her that. She might tease me since I have said the opposite in the past. I am not surprised by Weasel's reaction. He can be quite the neanderthal when he wants to be. Though I do hope he has a change of heart. I would hate to think I am the reason you lost someone so important to you. As for my friends, Blaise already agreed to meet you and looks forward to it. Pansy will be another story I am afraid. She never liked you so it will be harder to win her over. Eventually, she will get her head out of her arse. She can be just as stubborn as your Weasel."
It was Harry's turn to blush ferociously. "Umm, I, uhhh, hmm, really didn't realise I had such an effect on you. I'm astonished that anyone would feel that way about me. Ugh, I wish we didn't have to wait to be more than friends. It's, uh, almost painful not be close to you. I can't believe just admitted that and I should learn to think before I speak. Now, I feel the need to hide and never be seen again. I really need to talk about something. Hermione will definitely be pleased that you'd like to get to know her and find her brilliant. As for Ron, I know he and his family aren't your favourite people in the world but thank you for hoping he has a change of heart. Though I'm not so optimistic but Hermione has said she'll talk to Molly about his behaviour. I guess we'll see what happens after Molly speaks with him. He hasn't always been the most loyal or there for me kind of friend but I'm so thankful I have Hermione's friendship. She's literally my rock. She truly is my best friend. And then there's you. Someone I've never imagined I could get along with. It was an instant connection. Of course there's still some teasing and the snark but truthfully I wouldn't want it any other way. I think, uhh, you're quite brilliant and lovely to be around. I never thought I'd say that about you but I have the tendency to judge before knowing someone and I am sorry about that. We were both foolish children back in first year. I'm happy to know we've moved on from our foolishness. As for your friends, I'm truly looking forward to getting to know Blaise but I'm slightly terrified of Pansy if I'm being honest. Our last encounter wasn't exactly awe inspiring as you recall." He chuckled a bit.
Draco smiled so widely at Harry. "Sometimes you can be such an oblivious idiot you know that?! I keep forgetting that you can be so barmy at times but then you always remind me by something you say. I can not wait until we can show our friends that we are a couple. Imagine Pansy's face when we tell her. That is something we need to film for sure. Blaise, I know, will be ecstatic for us and it seems Hermione will be too. I can not imagine Weasel is going to be pleased considering how he reacted to our friendship. I think I might have had a mini heart attack because I just realised that I also need to inform my father of our relationship at some point and it will have to be in person unfortunately. As you know my mother will be over the moon and sharing it with everyone she knows. And I will have to agree with you that Pansy can be quite terrifying so I do not blame you for being a bit anxious around her."
Harry avoided Draco's gaze by sipping at his last bit of tea. He cleared his throat before speaking again. "I need to tell you something and it's a bit personal but it needs to be said. I told Hermione about our kiss and how it made me feel like fireworks went off in my head. I've never had that incredible feeling before. It was so exhilarating and can't wait for a repeat. Honestly, all of my intense feelings have always involved you whether they were negative or positive. I never thought I could feel so much for one individual. Now I know how my parents felt for each other. Sirius told me a bit about their relationship in the early years. I always thought that kind of love would never happen for me but now I realise I may have been wrong. I'm sorry if I'm getting too serious. I don't want to scare you off. I really can't lose you, Draco." He looked at Draco tenderly.
Draco was in shock and wasn't sure how to respond. He kept opening and closing his mouth trying to form the appropriate words. "I can not lose you either, Harry. You have always been a fixture in my life. I do not want to imagine my existence without you. Until now I never believed in the phrase 'there is a fine line between love and hate' but you challenged my belief and I am glad that you were the one who opened my heart to forgive and move on from my past. I also never thought this kind of connection could exist because of how I was raised. I mean look at my parents. My mother keeps informing me that my father was much different in the beginning of their relationship but it is a little hard to picture my father actually happy and at ease. My mother was the only one who really showed me love. I know that sounds insensitive considering your upbringing with the dreadful Dursleys. But you also had the Weasleys and they are the very definition of a loving family. I can see that now after experiencing such terror in the Manor. I still feel uneasy in my family home. No matter how many renovations my mother has done to it, I will never feel safe there. It is forever broken. But then I reconnected with you, and I feel safe once again. Like everything is going to be alright. I feel like I have a bright future and it, of course, involves you. I finally look forward to living again. I have you to thank for that because you defeated Voldemort and you gave me another chance. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming. I know that sounds silly but it is the truth." He smiled fondly at Harry.
It seemed that Draco left Harry speechless for a bit. It looked like his eyes glistened as if he had tears in his eyes. Harry made a watery sigh and took both of Draco's hands in his which startled Draco. "I never felt I had a home until Hogwarts and the Weasleys but you have proved to me that a home can also be just one person, not just a place or a big loving family. So thank you. Deep down I always knew there was something extraordinary about you. When I was younger, I was in extreme denial but the end of the war changed me so much. It's why I contacted you. I wanted to make things right between us and hoped something more than friendship would happen. I have to tell you I regret never shaking your hand. I keep wondering if I had, things would have turned out differently but at the same time I can't go down that rabbit hole of guilt. I'm just relieved that you were open to speaking with me. You have no idea how delighted I am that you're in my life but in a positive way."
He squeezed Draco's hands and watched as Draco processed what he said.
Draco held onto Harry's hands just tightly. "Boy Potter you are a soppy sod! Even if I feel the same as you do. I think I have reached my capacity for the sharing and caring portion of this conversation. I know that sounds quite Slytherin to you I am sure."
Harry chuckled. "And you're quite the mood killer, Malfoy! Though I do agree, we've been nattering on about our feelings for quite awhile. By the way, the Sorting Hat almost placed me in Slytherin but negotiated myself into Gryffindor. I know the shock, the Saviour of the Wizarding World almost ended up in Slytherin. The press would have had a field day with the information. And imagine if that actually happened. Everyone would think I was the next Dark Lord to rise. Though, after fellow students hearing me speak in Parseltongue, it started the rumour that I was the next powerful dark wizard. One of the worst moments in my Hogwarts days. Everyone was being so ridiculous. Such abhorrent behaviour in my opinion."
Harry smirked at how shocked Draco looked. "You can not possibly be serious about the Sorting Hat wanting to put you in Slytherin! That is complete rubbish I reckon. You think I am that gullible to believe that the hat thought you belonged in my house. There is just no way it is true. Anyway, I do remember our duel and how you spoke to the snake I conjured. I was quite astonished and impressed. How were you able to speak in Parseltongue? And do you still have that ability?"
Harry rolled his eyes at Draco. "Most definitely not rubbish for your information, Malfoy. Some day I'll show you the memory if you need proof your Saviour was almost a Slytherin. You can also ask Hermione as well about my almost snake status. Regarding my ability to speak in Parseltongue, I had become an unknown and unintentional horcrux the night Voldemort murdered my parents which meant I had a part of his soul in me. That's why I had some dark abilities and was able to see into his mind and experience his activities through his eyes in my dreams. It was quite disturbing. And yes I still have the ability to communicate with snakes but that's the only ability that remained. I'm actually glad I retained Parseltongue because I enjoy speaking with snakes. Strange, I know but ever since I frightened my cousin Dudley at the zoo by speaking with a snake, I've come to love the language and snakes."
Draco was staring at Harry. "I was just teasing you about your potential house placement. I did not realise how intense your connection to Voldemort was. Sounds quite beastly, if I am being honest. It is unfortunate you had to endure that. Living with Voldemort was unpleasant enough. I can not imagine seeing inside of his ghastly mind in my dreams. At least you were able to keep the snake language after defeating Voldemort. That is amusing visualising you terrifying your cousin and anyone else who realised what you were talking to. Have you thought about getting a snake as a pet? Then your Parseltongue would never get rusty. It is just a thought."
Harry smiled fondly at Draco. "I'm just relieved that the whole Voldemort ordeal has ended and we can all move on with our lives. Ever since I lost Hedwig, I haven't been able to think about getting another pet. I still miss her terribly. But I do think my next pet will be a snake. It'll give me someone else to chat with. I know that makes me sound mad but I always enjoyed my conversations with snakes."
Draco bumped Harry in the shoulder playfully. "I am relieved that the war is over and the good guys won as well. I am sorry you lost your pet. I am sure you will know when you are ready for your next pet. Actually, I wish I had the ability to talk to snakes."
Harry nudged Draco back. "Thank you. I'm sure I'll find an appropriate time to get another pet. Funny you should mention learning Parseltongue because Ron knows some from me talking in my sleep so I think it's possible to learn it like any other language that exists. I could teach you if you would like."
Draco huffed out a laugh. "Of course, the Saviour talks in his sleep. How am I not surprised? Why don't you start teaching me after you get yourself a snake? That way I could practice properly."
Again, Harry rolled his eyes and looked out the window. "Of course have you laugh at my expense. Whenever I do buy a snake I'll be sure to give you lessons. But of course the high and mighty Malfoy needs to practice properly."
Draco scoffed at him. As he was about to respond, the floo chimed and Hermione poked her head out. "Sorry for the intrusion but you might want to look out your front door, Harry. Though that was not the real reason for my visit. It appears that Ron still has not changed his tune about you and Draco sadly. And this is after Molly scolding him for his behaviour. He is being so unbelievably stubborn and unreasonable about this. I just thought I would warn you about the nonexistent progress regarding Ron. Ohh sorry for my rudeness, hello Draco! It is nice to see you again." She smiled warmly at Draco.
As Draco and Hermione chattered a bit, Harry decided to see what Hermione was going on about. He got up and went to his front door. He gasped in surprise, every reporter from nearly every paper was there on the pavement. He blinked hoping he was hallucinating but sadly they were real. He knew what this meant. Someone from the wizarding world told the press that they had seen Draco Malfoy enter his home.
As Harry returned to the kitchen, Hermione gave him knowing look. "Uhh, Draco I don't know how to say this but it seems that the press are camped out waiting for you to emerge from my home. I'm really sorry. You could use the floo to get back to Manor." He smiled reassuringly at Draco.
Draco gulped and eyed the front door. "Our floo was disconnected after the war. The only way I can leave is by going out the door unfortunately. I knew this was going to happen. I do not want you to get into trouble with the press because of me. It was silly of me to come here and put you in danger." Draco was panicking.
Hermione looked at him sympathetically. "Here is an idea. Draco, you could come with me and use my floo. And from there you could apparate."
Draco was about to respond but Harry interrupted. "Draco I've told you I don't care about how the press or anyone thinks of me. I can be friends with anyone. I'm the one who saved all their sorry arses from death or slavery. They should just sod off with their opinions. I could care less what they think of me. Please Draco believe me and trust me. I don't want to hide our friendship from anyone. It'll be worse if we conceal our alliance. I know I could speak with Luna and she could write an article about our new found friendship. She'd love to help us. And I think you should just leave through the front door. Hermione and I will make sure you're safe and are able to apparate to the Manor. Draco, do you trust me?" He smiled encouragingly.
Draco looked between Harry and Hermione and gave them a nervous smile. "I trust you, Harry. Honestly, I am just nervous and I am not sure how to proceed."
Hermione reached out and squeezed Draco's shoulder. "It is going to be okay. I promise we will not let anything to you. You are safe with us." She smiled softly at him.
Draco nodded. "Let us get this over with. I hope you know what you are doing."
Both Harry and Hermione ushered him into the hallway. Harry reached out and held his hand. Draco looked nervously at Hermione. She looked at their joined hands and smiled at them both. "Come on you two lovebirds. Let us get Draco safely to the apparation point."
Both Harry and Draco blushed and nodded at her. Hermione carefully opened the front door. Thankfully, the protective barrier prevented the press from getting too close to the house. Both Harry and Hermione sandwiched Draco between them as they started to descend the stair to the pavement. There were lots of flashes and people bombarding them with questions. All three ignored their questions and walked by them. Thankfully none of the reporters tried to invade their space while they were walking by. As soon as Harry, Draco and Hermione crossed the street they sprinted to the apparation point. It seemed no one followed them. As they arrived at the apparation point, Hermione kissed Harry on the cheek. "Thank you Hermione for helping us out." She nodded and they waved at her as she vanished.
Draco reached for Harry's hand. "You do not have to apparate with me. I can go alone, you know?"
Harry chuckled. "I want a proper goodbye and I feel we will not be able to do that here. I do not want any unwanted guests interrupting us." He blushed a bit.
Draco bit his lip and blushed. "Let us go then." They held onto each other's hands and apparated outside the gate of Malfoy Manor.
Once they recovered from apparating, Draco pulled Harry closer to him. "So where is my proper goodbye? And what does it entail?" He teased.
Harry blushed furiously. "I thought we could hug and possibly repeat what happened a few days ago. But only if you're comfortable with doing so."
Draco softly chuckled and pulled Harry into a hug and whispered into his ear. "I am certainly comfortable with repeating what we did before." He felt Harry shiver into the hug.
Slowly, they both pulled back from the hug and stared at each other for a moment before moving forward. As their lips touched, both wrapped their arms around each other to deepen the kiss. This kiss was much longer than the first and had a bit more passion to it. Both moaned softly into the kiss. Neither wanted to end it, so they carried on until they both needed to breath. As they parted, Harry and Draco had wide happy smiles plastered on their faces.
Harry held both of Draco's hands and smiled. "I'm really happy you took a risk by coming to Grimmauld Place. I know that things will be a bit more difficult but I don't regret anything that happened today. Now everyone will know you're associated with me. And we'll combat any trouble that's thrown our way, I promise. I was serious about being public with you and how I can't lose you, Draco." He kissed Draco's forehead gently and gave him a quick peck on the lips. He smiled when he saw a blush run across Draco's face.
Draco was finally able to speak again. "If you do not regret anything, neither do I. I am looking forward to the insanity that we just caused across the wizarding world. This also means I need to pay my father a visit far sooner than I had originally planned. I hope you are up for travelling to Azkaban. I can not do this alone. I need you there with me, Harry." He looked at Harry hopefully.
Harry nodded. "Whatever you need, Draco. I'll be there whenever you decide to go. I would never abandon you. I promise." He smiled.
They were about to talk a bit more but Winky interrupted. "Mistress is waiting patiently for Master Draco to come inside. Dinner is ready." She popped back to the Manor.
Both chuckled at the house elf. "I had better get inside before mother herself comes out here. I had a lovely time with you once again, Potter." He smirked.
Harry hugged and kissed him once more. "Until next time, Malfoy." He smirked back.
Harry watched as Draco disappeared through the gate. He apparated back to Muggle London. As he approached his street, he noticed the reporters had left much to his relief. He slipped into his house quickly and quietly. Once inside he prepared his dinner. He leisurely ate once it was ready. As he finished his meal, Hermione popped in.
Hermione walked into the kitchen. "So how did the 'proper goodbye' go? Tell me everything." She teased.
Harry filled her in on what happened after she left. Hermione looked positively pleased at what she heard. She hugged Harry tightly. "I am so happy for you both! Truly I am."
Harry smiled. "Thank you. You're always the best, Hermione." He hugged her back.
Hermione pulled away. "I need to get going. I just wanted an update. Good night, Harry. I love you." She kissed the top of his head.
Harry kissed her cheek. "Say hello to your parents for me. Good night, Hermione. I love you too." He waved goodbye as she disappeared into the floo.
Once he was alone again, Harry headed upstairs to get ready for bed. Again, his thoughts drifted to Draco. He really couldn't wait to see him again. Every time he saw him, his heart fluttered. Harry wasn't able to refrain from thinking of their second kiss. It was longer and more passionate than the first.
As Harry slowly fell asleep, all his senses were consumed by Draco.
