Authors note – Hi! So, I'm back, after a decade, which is insane! Some of you may know me from my time writing 'Use Somebody', at a pretty turbulent time of my life. Well, I am now very settled lol. I have 3 beautiful boys, I did night school and became a fully qualified nursery nurse, and I finally got the love of my life – whom I am marrying on the 31st July this year (That's right, my Harry Potter themed wedding takes place on boy wonder's birthday! Lol)

So, while I'm supposed to be planning and getting wedding stuff done, I've decided to write a story – typical me! Let me know what you guys think – I have 3 chapters already completed and ready to go but will see how each is received individually rather than posting all 3 at once. The rest of the story is already in progress, with work done on each chapter already – I've been planning and making edits/notes since around October.

The fic is based on the Elton John song 'Don't let the sun go down on me' (The Taron Egerton version from Rocketman) as I feel it can be from either Harry or Draco's perspectives. Hope you all like it, lots of love Victoria xxx

Don't let the sun go down on me.

Chapter 1

"Mr Malfoy, Jake is eating the glue again!"

Draco sighed and closed his eyes, willing himself not to laugh. Bloody Jake would end up pooping out an ornament one of these days for all the materials he ingested! He opened his eyes and fixed them on the offending child sat at the back of the classroom, who was guiltily cradling a glue pot in one hand with a glue stick in the other, suspiciously close to his mouth.

"Jake, how many times do I need to tell you, glue is for sticking not eating." Draco chastised, an amused frown sliding onto his pale face. He couldn't bring himself to be angry, was far too fond of the child he was supposed to be berating. To be fair, he was fond of all the children in his class, and rarely actually told anyone off. Which was probably the reason children were so upset at the end of the school year when they had to leave, and why his class was the only one in the school that always had the highest attendance.

"But Mr Malfoy, it's like custard!" The young boy replied, his eyes watching the glue he had scooped up on the stick that was now dripping back into the pot, absolutely mesmerised.

Draco felt his eyes bug out of his head and he fought to keep a laugh from bursting out of his mouth, "Jake, I have no idea what custard you've been eating, but it shouldn't taste like glue!" he chuckled, he stood from his seat and made his way over to the child's desk. He crouched down and looked the boy in the eye, lowering his voice so only he could hear.

"Jake, are you hungry?" He asked softly, removing the glue stick from the boy's hand and placing it back into the pot. He watched as Jake's thick black eyelashes fanned open and closed a few times as he considered Draco's question before he nodded his head.

Draco smiled knowingly, feeling a wave of compassion wash over him. He slipped his hand into his blazer pocket and pulled out a breakfast bar he had stashed there earlier that morning and slid it across the desk, "Didn't you have breakfast today, buddy?" Draco asked as he watched the boy snatch up the breakfast bar and begin ripping off the wrapper.

Jake shrugged, "I didn't finish my cereal because the clocks said the wrong time and we were late." He replied around the food in his mouth, his expression pure innocence.

Draco chewed the inside of his lip thoughtfully, wondering if he should be concerned for the boy before him, "You enjoy that buddy, no more glue though, hey." He added, raising to standing position, ruffling the boy's hair before turning and making his way back to his desk.

Draco smiled to himself as he glanced around his classroom and not for the first time he thanked Merlin for the life he now had.

It had been hard after the war had ended, when Voldemort had gone and the Ministry had turned its attention on his followers. The Malfoys' had been severely punished, with his mother and father being imprisoned in Azkaban despite Narcissa's involvement in ensuring Harry was brought back to Hogwarts alive. Draco had been through a rough time and had set his sights on finishing his education and then disappearing from the wizarding world.

Which was how he'd gotten there, teaching 7 year olds in a muggle primary school, living a purely muggle life. And, ironically, Draco loved it! He had completely separated himself from the wizarding world and everyone in it, and promised himself that if he was going to start again from scratch he going to get by simply on his merits – just like every other muggle, with no wealth and no magic. Of course, in the beginning, he'd needed magic to create a muggle identity – he'd created a muggle birth certificate and passport, as well as an education history, however, other than that he had done things the muggle way. His wand had been locked in a safe in his apartment when he moved in and he had yet to find a reason to warrant getting it back out again.

There was also the fact that living a muggle life meant he could become anonymous - could shed all the awful things that came with the Malfoy name and start again with a clean slate. This also meant he was less likely to be found by anyone who would know of him or his family.

He'd gone to college and university, using student housing and working part time jobs to begin building a nice life for himself. Once he'd graduated, with honours, Draco had managed to save up enough money to buy a small apartment and had secured himself a job at a primary school. This had been 4 years ago, and at the age of 32, Draco had the life he'd worked so hard for since the war.

Shaking himself away from thoughts of his past, Draco continued to carry out duties in his classroom, mindfully keeping an eye on the glue-guzzler as his class continued to make Christmas decorations, and by the end of the school day, Draco was aware he'd had a glitter makeover. December was always messy in his classroom, even if it was the first day of it, and Draco adored seeing how much fun his kids had that he could never really reign them in too much – which never really boded well for his look, though he reasoned that he didn't much care what people thought of his look nowadays.

"Hey, Draco, your class is as orderly as usual, I see." An amused voice quipped from the door when the kids had gone home, and Draco glanced up from his desk, centring his gaze on the woman who stood in the doorway.

"Hey!" Draco smiled warmly, "This is year 2, Jo, it's meant to be chaos. I'll leave the seriousness to you in year 6," he quipped good-naturedly, standing from his desk and beginning to pack his things into his satchel.

"Do you fancy coming for a drink? A few of us are going…" Jo trailed off with a shrug. Draco, however, sensed the undertone - she had shown an interest in him from the moment he had joined the faculty and had gently tried to persuade him to spend time with her.

She was pretty enough, around 10 years Draco's senior, though tried to appear younger with the way she dressed and styled her hair. She had worn a wedding band when Draco had first joined the faculty, but it had disappeared a few weeks later. Draco wasn't sure if the marriage had dissolved and he felt it would be awkward if he was to ask. Though it didn't really matter – Draco wasn't actually interested either way.

He'd come to the conclusion quite early on that any type of close relationship with a muggle was a lost cause because even though he had chosen to live without magic, it didn't mean that magic didn't occur. Being a pureblood, Draco's veins were practically saturated with it and sometimes it burst its way out of him without much encouragement. This wasn't really conducive to a relationship with a muggle considering the statute of secrecy, though if Draco was really honest with himself it was because he couldn't ever see himself finding anyone he wanted to share his life with; muggle or not.

He paused whilst sliding a folder into his bag and cleared his throat, glancing at the woman before him and smiling before continuing to fill his bag, "Sorry, I've got plans tonight," he lied, careful not to sound too eager to blow her off, "maybe some other time though…" he added brightly.

He swung his bag on to his shoulder and made his way over to the door, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket as he went, and fished out a £20 note before handing it to Jo, "Get a round on me though." He smiled, winking cheekily, "but remember, it's a school night!" he laughed before walking past her and down the corridor.

He made his way out of the school and toward a local coffee shop, pulling his collar up as the December wind bit at his skin, and he dodged puddles as he weaved in and out of people making their way home. He smiled as the coffee shop came into view with the promise of a nice warm latte whilst sitting in his favourite tatty chair in the window of the shop. He liked this part of his day and it was a routine he'd had every day after work for a few years.

He practically tumbled through the door in his haste to get inside due to the snow that had just started to fall, cursing his luck that he hadn't brought an umbrella with him and hoped that his blazer would protect him enough on the way home now that it was snowing. He breathed in the familiar smell of coffee that hung on the air and he found himself smiling again.

He ordered his usual latte and chatted with the barista about the weather before turning to make his way over to 'his' chair. He frowned to himself when he noticed it was already occupied by another man. He swore under his breath as he begun to search for another alternative to the comfy chair when he froze; his body had made a connection and his brain was slow to catch up.

The blonde swallowed and he could feel the coffee in his hand sloshing about inside the cup as his hand trembled. His eyes darted toward the man in his chair and swept over his strong stubbly jaw-line, sloppy posture, and mop of unruly, raven coloured hair, and Draco wondered how a person could look so different yet so unchanged.

Panic swallowed him and he felt his entire world shift from its axis. He wasn't sure why he felt such fear, after all he wasn't a wanted criminal or anything, but the idea that the perfect little life he had created for himself could be invaded by his past was a terrifying prospect. Draco made the decision to turn and leave before he was spotted, however, emerald green eyes glanced up and connected with his own silver orbs and the shock he was currently experiencing reflected back at him.

"Malfoy!" Harry Potter all but choked. He'd felt someone watching him, eyes burning into the side of his head and he'd innocently turned expecting to make eye contact with the pretty little barista who had flirted with him when he'd ordered. The last person he'd expected to make eye-contact with was Draco frigging Malfoy!

Draco's eyes were wide, his expression portraying nothing but disbelief. Harry blinked several times, taking in the man before him. He did the maths in his head and worked out it had been at least a decade since he'd last seen the blonde, and he sighed internally how that decade didn't show at all on Draco Malfoy's face. He looked different but Harry couldn't quite put his finger on why he looked different. Of course, he realised a big factor was probably the fact he was dressed in trendy muggle clothing, and his hair was styled in a side parting as opposed to being pushed back. There was also the fact he appeared to be covered in glitter!

He cleared his throat and stood, "Malfoy." He repeated as a greeting, hoping this time it sounded less like a swear word. He approached the blonde, extending his hand to shake Draco's. A voice inside his brain wondered why the hell he would shake Malfoy's hand, however he'd have to commit or risk looking like a complete idiot.

Draco's right eyebrow slid up and he appeared to be thinking the same as Harry as his gaze flickered to his outstretched hand. He shifted his cup to his left hand and extended his own, shaking Harry's once before retracting it again. He was struck by the memory of the handshake he had snubbed when they had first met at Hogwarts.

"Potter." Draco breathed, his eyes glancing around the café. Harry couldn't be sure if he was gauging whether any muggles were in earshot or if he was looking for a way to leave. Harry noticed how civil his tone was, there was no trace of malice or superiority as there had always been at school.

"Never thought I'd see the day you'd be amongst muggles." Harry commented, glancing around the coffee shop himself before centring his gaze back on the former Slytherin's face. He was surprised to see him scowl.

"I never thought I'd see the day I'd be shaking Harry Potter's hand but there we are." He retorted, hitching his bag up onto his shoulder.

Harry breathed a small laugh and scratched at the hair at the base of his neck, "Well yes, I suppose that's true." He admitted. "I'd heard you'd disappeared; you're living as a muggle?"

Draco shifted his weight and glanced around, obvious discomfort radiating from him. "Look Potter, as lovely as this is, I have somewhere I need to be, so…"

"Oh, sure, yeah, sorry." Harry nodded,

"Bye." Draco said quickly before making a hasty retreat, hoping against all hopes that he'd never land eyes on The Boy Who Lived again.

Harry pondered the brief encounter with Draco Malfoy as he made his way home that evening. He had felt exhilarated by bumping into his former enemy, and the nostalgia of his youth gripped him as he thought about all the times they had sparred as they had grown up.

It had been a long time since the war, and though Draco hadn't necessarily fought, or appeared to want to fight, he had been dragged down by his family's ties to the Death Eaters and had paid a heavy price. Harry had heard that Draco hadn't been seen for a few years but had never given the blonde much thought as the years had passed.

Harry had spent much of his youth obsessed by the comings and goings of Draco Malfoy and had made a conscious effort to put him as far from his mind as possible. However, bumping into him in the coffee shop had thrown Harry straight back into the weird place he was back in 6th year when he'd stalk the blonde to see what he was up to. Though, he conceded, this time it had nothing to do with any potential threat the blonde posed.

Before walking through the front door to his home, Harry took a deep breath and tried to clear his mind of Draco Malfoy. He opened the door and strolled into the kitchen to find Ginny sat at the table, play books and other Quidditch related text books spread out around her. She didn't look up as Harry walked in.

"Hi." He murmured, and without looking at the redhead, he made his way over to the kitchen cabinet and pulled out a bottle of fire whiskey and a glass. He busied himself by pouring a measure before throwing it back in one gulp. He then refilled it.

Ginny murmured in response but made no effort to greet her husband. She simply continued to read through player stats, occasionally reaching across and taking noisy slurps of her tea. Harry cringed at the sound, and picked up the bottle and his glass, "I'll be in my room if I'm needed." He muttered, knowing full well he wouldn't be disturbed by his wife.

The marriage was an absolute joke, and he and Ginny only kept up the charade to please everyone else. Truth was they barely even looked at each other nowadays. He and Ginny had stopped sharing a room around 3 years previous and the red head spent more time away with Quidditch than she did at home anyway. Harry was also more than aware that Ginny had affairs. In the beginning, he had been crushed; afterall, he had prepared himself to spend the rest of his life with her and they'd been happy to begin with. Ginny was thrilled with the celebrity that came with being married to Harry Potter and had bathed in the glow of it. However, the shine soon wore off, and she became disenchanted with The Boy Who Lived.

Harry reasoned that he wasn't really husband material. He didn't seem to have that thing within him that made him passionate. Ginny had called him boring, and Harry, loathe to admit it back then, reasoned that she had a point. He didn't want to do the things she wanted to do, and sex between them had become routine to the point it had ceased altogether – it wasn't long after that Harry discovered the first affair, and when he'd begun to question what it was he actually wanted.

They stayed together purely because it saved them having to explain to the world why they weren't. Harry spent every day at the Ministry being their mascot and every evening at home, drinking himself into a dreamless sleep. He was merely going through the motions.

Tonight, however, was different. After seeing Draco Malfoy, Harry sensed an opportunity to uncover the mystery that surrounded the disappearance of the blonde. He collapsed onto his bed and turned on the t.v for background noise. He propped himself against the wooden headboard, tugging at the pillows for a few moments until he was comfortable, before tilting his up to face the ceiling, his drink cradled against his chest. He laughed as he remembered the look on Draco's face when he'd turned his head and made eye contact, and he found himself intrigued. The blonde had wanted to get away from Harry, that much was glaringly obvious, and he found his curiosity stoked by his reaction. As he lounged on his bed, occasionally knocking back the firewhiskey in his glass, Harry devised a plan. He would go back to the coffee shop and try to 'bump' into Draco Malfoy again; He'd use the opportunity to uncover what exactly he'd been up to during his decade in exile. And with that plan in place, Harry drifted off, unaware that as he fell into a dreamless sleep, a small smile pulled at his lips.

The next day, Draco was still on edge after his run-in with Harry. He'd barely slept the night before; his body had fallen unconsciously into a fight or flight mode causing his heart to race and his palms to sweat, and he found himself constantly replaying the short conversation they'd had, wishing he'd acted differently. He was more than aware of how awkward he'd probably come across as, and he kicked himself for letting Harry Potter, of all people, see him with his guard down.

He made it through his day at work on autopilot, and thankfully besides being splattered with some red painted that had slightly tinged some of his hair, no serious calamities had occurred. The paint, which even after he'd tried to wash out in the staff toilets, still looked like a pink streak through his almost white hair and he rolled his eyes knowing it would take a few washes to get rid of it.

After attempting to tidy his classroom, Draco gave it up as a bad job, and decided to call it a day. He made his way out of the school, being sure to avoid conversation with any of the faculty, and, following the routine he'd had since he'd started his job, made his way down the road towards the coffee shop. For the first time all day, his mind focused on something other than Harry Potter as the beginnings of caffeine withdrawal kicked in. He reasoned that a day had never needed to be lamented over with latte like today.

As he walked, he found himself sighing with relief that yesterday's snow hadn't settled, though he'd been sure to wear his most prized possession; his designer winter coat, that had cost a small fortune, over his sweater to avoid the wintery wind that had seen fit to linger over the country.

He walked into the coffee shop and thanked Merlin that there was no queue. He ordered his usual latte, glancing around the shop whilst he waited for it to be made, and he sighed with relief when it appeared luck was on his side and the shop was, once more, a Potter-free zone. He took his drink over to his favourite seat and fell into it with a content sigh.

He settled into the chair, awkwardly removing his coat without having to stand, and smoothed out the wrinkles of his soft-knit navy coloured sweater, before reaching into his satchel and pulling out one of the many exercise books along with a red ballpoint pen, and he began marking his children's work.

Draco was really quite impressed with ballpoint pens. They were so neat and convenient after having to spend years battling with messy ink and overly extravagant quills, and he'd taken to secretly collecting them.

So engrossed with his marking, Draco failed to register when a pair of emerald eyes began watching him; observing the blonde as he would randomly shake his head or scoff at whatever he was doodling, his face open and amused. Every now and then, Draco would run a hand through his hair and then rub at his eyes in what could only be interpreted as a tired gesture.

Harry could feel the magic radiating from the blonde. It was faint, appearing to drift out into the atmosphere when the blonde wasn't paying attention, and Harry frowned as he considered what that meant; it was usually a sign of supressed or unused magic. His curiosity regarding the former Slytherin spiked, and he could no longer merely observe the other man.

"Hello again, Malfoy." Harry greeted, approaching the blonde, though misjudging the distance and bumping into the table. He cursed under his breath and wondered, not for the first time, how he ever become an auror when he was so useless on his feet.

Draco froze upon hearing Harry's voice, his pen hovering over the book balancing on his knee, and he slowly lifted his head, his eyes as confused as they had been the day before. He glanced around the shop suspiciously, his posture becoming more defensive. "Potter." He said stiffly, and Harry noted, once again, the magic he could sense fizz slightly, like static. "Am I being monitored or something?" Draco added, a hint of fear in his tone.

Harry's eyebrows shot up into his fringe as evident shock crossed his face. He hadn't considered that Draco would suspect he was there on Ministry business. Harry shook his head slowly, "No, I was just…" He shrugged, not really knowing how to finish the sentence; he could hardly say he was intrigued by the blonde and wanted to unlock the mystery surrounding him, "Just in the area and fancied a coffee." He lied.

Draco eyed him suspiciously, "Right." He answered, doubt dripping from the single word, "Well, enjoy your coffee." He added before turning his attention back to the exercise book on his lap. He appeared to level his gaze at the page, but Harry could tell the blonde was still watching him out of the periphery of his vision.

Harry hovered, unsure what to do. He had been dismissed, that much was clear, however he was beyond intrigued now. He pulled a chair around and drew it up to the table in front of Draco. The blonde glanced up as Harry sank into the chair and he shifted uncomfortably in his own. "Was there something you wanted, Potter?" He asked, his tone shifting from suspicion to something harder.

Harry smiled and breathed out a small chuckle, "No." he answered simply with a shrug, his eyes lingering on Draco's hair, "Do you know you've got something pink in your hair?" he asked, taking in the pink streak across the front of the parting.

"Yes, I know…" Draco replied with barely concealed irritation colouring his tone. He rubbed his hand across his face and then through his hair in what appeared to be an attempt to distribute the pink streak evenly. "it's paint." He added tiredly.

"You were covered in glitter yesterday." Harry observed and took a mouthful of his coffee, watching the blonde over the rim of his cup. His interest piqued when he noticed the former Slytherin's cheeks begin to colour.

Draco shifted uncomfortably and began gathering his things together, "I'm not really sure what the deal is Potter, however whatever it is, I'm not rising to it." He admitted waspishly, his expression resolute.

"There's no deal, Malfoy. I'm just interested," Harry shrugged, placing his coffee on the table and rising to his feet when Malfoy did.

"The only time you've been interested in me is when you've tried to get me in detention or Azkaban!" Draco pointed out before a thought seemed to occur to him, "Are you on drugs, Potter?" he asked, mock concern colouring his tone.

Harry genuinely laughed out loud, holding his hands up in a display of surrender "Guilty." He quipped, a smirk sliding across his face. It felt good sparring with Draco Malfoy; it was like he was back at Hogwarts and his life wasn't utter shit.

Draco blanched, faltering in his movements, "Really?" He asked, his eyes sweeping over Harry's face looking for any signs of drug dependency. There was none.

"No, of course not!" Harry laughed, rolling his eyes, "I honestly am just interested." He shrugged, doing his best to look as honest as possible.

Draco rolled his eyes and begun buttoning up his coat before shouldered his bag. He then stepped closer to the brunette and lowered his voice to a harsh whisper, "Well, please stop being interested, because I've worked hard for the life I have now and I'm doing nothing wrong. So, tell the Ministry to leave me alone."

Harry's eyes widened as the blonde hissed towards his ear. He was close, closer than what was deemed socially acceptable, and Harry breathed in Draco's scent. He smelled clean with a hint of aftershave that was beginning to wear off after a long day, and Harry swallowed as his mouth watered.

Draco stepped away, and without even glancing at Harry, made his way towards the exit, and the former Gryffindor made the decision to follow him out, "Look, Malfoy, the Ministry isn't after you." He said quickly, doing his best to sound as non-threatening as possible. He stumbled out the door of the coffee shop in his haste, "Well, not as far as I'm aware." He added.

Draco stopped walking causing Harry to almost bump into him; the brunette swore under his breath and scrambled to side step the other man. The blonde rounded on the former Gryffindor; his expression stormy.

"You're the head of the Auror department, Potter!" Draco bit roughly releasing a deep breath, "Why else would you be following me?"

Harry shifted uncomfortably, a frown pulling at his eyebrows. He didn't like the fear that kept injecting itself into Draco's tone, nor the fact that it was caused by him who was simply being nosy. "I'm not following you, Malfoy."

Draco made a face that told Harry how much he believed him. Harry smiled and shook his head, "I'm being honest." He added in a small voice. They held eye-contact for a moment and Harry was sure he saw something shift in Draco's expression as he appeared to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Hello Mr Malfoy!" came a voice from behind him, and Draco's face dropped, his eyes closing briefly in what could only be described as embarrassment. His eyes opened and he arranged his face into a bright smile.

"Jake!" Draco greeted warmly, smiling at the young boy who had stepped around Harry. He was no older than 7, clad in a school uniform that looked as though it'd seen better days. He was a scrawny child with a mop of jet black hair that looked as though it needed a good cut, though he wore the brightest smile that seemed only for Draco.

Harry felt his eyebrows shoot up into his hair as he watched Draco's demeanour morph from mild irritation to enthusiastic man-child, and he observed with interest as the interaction with a young muggle child unfolded.

"I'm shopping with my sister whilst mummy is at work, we're having chicken nuggets for dinner!" the young boy spoke excitedly, and Harry watched Draco's facial expressions, searching for any hint of disdain. He found none.

Draco glanced very quickly at Harry before replying to the boy, he seemed to decide to pretend he wasn't there. "Wow, chicken nuggets are my favourite!" he replied holding his hand out for a high-five. Harry physically felt his jaw slacken.

The young boy slapped his hand against Draco's, his face positively beaming "They're my favourite too!" he exclaimed as though he found this news unbelievable. The boy then seemed to become aware of Harry. "Who are you?" he asked candidly.

Harry felt his eyes widen before looking to Draco, "Er…I'm Harry." He said simply with a small smile at the boy.

"Are you a teacher, too?" Jake asked Harry, completely oblivious to Draco's heart sinking as he revealed a part of his secret life to the one person he least wanted to know. Harry glanced at the blonde, his eyes surveying the man before him. He didn't miss the look of disappointment that passed Draco's pale features.

Draco studiously ignored The Boy Who Lived, focusing on the young boy, "No Jake, he didn't pay enough attention at school," he said with mock regret, shaking his head and arranging his face into a sad frown.

Harry glared at the blonde, "No, I'm a policeman." He smiled at the young boy. He was aware how loosely the term applied to his job, but he could hardly say Auror.

"Mr Malfoy said the right way to say it is police officer" Jake retorted, looking to Draco for confirmation.

Harry also looked to the blonde, though his expression was incredulous. Draco on the other hand seemed delighted by his young charge's recall.

"That's right, we don't discriminate based on gender," Draco informed, "silly Harry." He gently scolded, smiling slyly at the boy. Harry's eyes widened at the former Slytherin's use of his given name, though he recovered before Draco glanced at him.

"Silly Harry!" Jake reprimanded which actually coaxed a light laugh from Draco. Harry was struck by how pleasant the sound was and attractive the blonde looked when he genuinely smiled.

Draco bid the young boy goodbye with the promise he'd see him tomorrow at school before waving until Jake disappeared around a corner. His warm smile slid abruptly from his face as he centred his gaze back at Harry.

"Don't say a word." Draco warned, holding his finger up to emphasise his point, a hard edge to his tone.

Harry, however, was not going to let the interaction he'd just witnessed pass without a comment. "Are you a teacher, Malfoy?" he asked, shock evident in his expression.

Draco's stomach clenched painfully tight, "Yes, I'm a teacher. I'm doing nothing wrong and I've worked hard to get to where I am, so I'm going to ask you one more time – what do you want?"

Harry's eyes swept over the blonde's face, taking in the tightness around his eyes and mouth. The fear Draco had tried to hide earlier presented itself to Harry again and he allowed his own expression to soften, he cleared his throat, and decided to be honest.

"I don't want anything, honestly. Yesterday really was just us bumping into each other." He said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"And today?" the blonde asked, deciding to believe the former Gryffindor…for now.

Harry squirmed slightly, "I don't know." He said simply, his eyes flickering away from Draco's face and back again.

Draco felt his eyebrows rise as he tried to read Harry's expression. The Boy Who Lived seemed to be uncomfortable with the route the conversation had taken, though Draco detected no dishonestly in his reply. Despite himself, Draco was intrigued. "Right."

Harry swallowed and glanced around the high street they stood on. It was cold and people were rushing from shop to shop in an attempt to stay warm. Harry, himself, was bloody freezing which was made worse by the fact he'd chosen a jacket instead of a winter coat. The light was slowly fading as the wintery nights closed in so much earlier this side of Christmas, and it made it feel all the more colder as a result.

"Look, Malfoy, I know this is…weird," Harry said, and Draco's expression agreed with the sentiment. He continued on before he lost his nerve, "but we're not kids anymore. Do you fancy getting a pint and…I don't know, just talk, like civil grown-ups?"

If Draco's expression had been disbelieving before, it was now downright incredulous. The blonde spluttered as though he couldn't find the right words to portray how ludicrous Harry's suggestion was, "You really are on drugs, aren't you?"

Harry laughed and shook his head, "No. I just want to get off this street before my balls ascend into my body!" he replied, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets and shifting on the spot.

Draco blinked in absolute bewilderment, at a complete loss of how to proceed. His whole being screamed that socialising with Harry Potter was the most bizarre suggestion he'd ever heard and no good could come from it. Unfortunately, Draco's mouth engaged before his brain. "Will you leave me alone if I say yes?"

Harry, who had been glancing up and down the street, centred his emerald gaze back onto Draco and appeared genuinely surprised that he'd agreed. "Deal!" he said quickly, as though his response had a time limit and if he dithered, Draco may rescind his offer. "Let's go." He added and began walking in the direction of the pub down the street.

Draco remained where he stood for a moment, attempting to work out what the hell was going on as he watched Harry Potter walking off ahead of him. He shook his head and felt his feet carrying him down the street behind The Boy Who Lived for the weirdest pint he'd surely ever have in his entire life.

To be continued…

A/N – Please review and let me know what you thought xxx