Harry took a long sip of water as he was introduced, and try to tamp down his nerves. He could do this.
Stepping up to the podium, Harry smiled at the warm reaction he got from the crowd, most people on their feet and applauding. His eyes scanned over everyone, seeing the Weasleys, friends from Hogwarts, friends from work, and many of the richest and most influential people he had come to know somewhat at various charity events in the last decade. Every seat was full, with people dressed in fine dress robes and full length gowns.
"Thank you, thank you...," Harry said, a Sonorus charm making his voice carry easily. "I am very pleased and touched at the wonderful turn out tonight, and I'm eager to share the concept for my new charity with you now."
He glanced down at his notes, trying to keep calm. It had been months since he had given a speech at a gala, and he felt a bit rusty. Plus, being his own cause, he was much more worried about doing well.
"Through my work as an auror, I took a small girl to St. Mungos Hospital." He described how he had found Sera, her horrible condition, and how well she recovered in the next few weeks. "Once it was time for her to leave the hospital, it became obvious that there was a gap in the system. She was a high risk child, who would need long term physical and emotional support to recover, and every program was full.
"Eventually, a placement was found for her and she is doing well. I visit her often and she has gained weight, and is running and playing like any happy girl should," Harry paused, as a smattering of applause broke out.
He continued once it had died down, his eyes finding the table with Tatsuo and many other health care professionals he had come to know. "Unfortunately, Sera is not that unusual. As I followed her case, I saw so many other children facing similar challenges. Those without families entirely, or with families who didn't have the time or money to support them the way they needed.
"I got to know one lovely, smart and caring pediatric nurse, and she told me about a wonderful type of art that her Japanese muggle ancestors started. It is called Kintsugi, and it involves repairing broken pottery with a strong resin mixed with gold powder. The repaired piece is functional again, but also a beautiful piece of art, the damage highlighted by the gold." Harry smiled at Tatsuo, and she returned it, looking flattered by his attention.
He lifted a large bowl, turning it so the bottom faced out to the crowd, and the jagged, gold seams were clearly visible.
"The kids I want this new charity to help are like Kintsugi, so that is what I am naming this charity. It will take a lot of care and attention to help the many children in need to become fully functional adults, but they will be worth it. It will make them stronger, and better prepared to take on other challenges in life. Overcoming so much at a young age will make them valuable, contributing members of our future," Harry said, his nerves falling away, the passion he had for this cause shining through with every word.
The crowd responded to it, surging to their feet with applause and cheers. He was in his stride now, getting them to sit back down and detailing the different phases of the charity, and how they were planning to partner with other non-profits to fill the gaps.
As he got to the end of his speech, Harry was feeling good. His eyes kept moving over the crowd, wanting his words to reach everyone, wanting to connect with them. Wanting them on his side.
His eyes were on a quiet table at the back, a mismatched jumble of people Clementine put together in her seating plan. And there, in a bit of shadow, was Draco.
Harry lost his train of thought, looking down at his speech and fumbling for a second before he carried on. Trying to look normal and just finish the speech strongly, when all he wanted was to look at Draco again. Make sure it was really him.
The end of the speech was a blur, and then everyone was applauding him. He numbly stepped away from the podium, and was soon swept into a gathering of powerful people. They were congratulating him, shaking his hand, and promising big donations to the worthy cause. Clementine was at his side, writing on a notepad and whispering people's names in his ear when he needed prompting.
He seemed to be pulled around the room, talking to everyone. It was just the kind of response he had been hoping for, but his attention was still drawn away.
Draco is here. Draco is here. He is here...
He had been so sure that Draco wouldn't come, he hadn't even considered what he would do now. If they talked, would they fight again? Would they cause a big scene? Could it a sour an otherwise perfect night?
Harry couldn't help but catching glimpses of Draco as he worked the room. He seemed to be dressed in a deep navy tuxedo, his hair still the longer, shaggy style he had been sporting since he opened the bookstore. He looked good from a distance, even though Harry was looking for the signs that he looked bad like Clementine had mentioned.
The band was playing music, and many people had enough networking for the night, pulling their partners on to the dance floor to sway together. Many others left, having made an appearance at a gala that was sure to be talked by everyone.
Harry was finally able to take a break, sitting at the table with Molly, Arthur, and George. Ginny was dancing with her date. Everyone welcomed Harry and Clementine to the half-empty table.
"That was wonderful, Harry," Molly jumped up to give him a hug, beaming. She patted Clementine's shoulder as well.
Harry grinned, feeling relief to be around people who knew him well, and that he could just be himself with. "Clementine deserves most of the credit. She has done so much."
Arthur was holding one of the Kintsugi bowls that had been up for silent auction after the speeches, turning it over in his hands to examine the delicate work. "This must of taken a muggle artist hours and hours."
Clem nodded. "What we can fix with a simple Reparo, takes weeks. They apply the resin, let it dry two weeks, sand it smooth, then apply the gold dust mixed with resin. It has to dry another two weeks to be safe to use."
George moved to sit on Harry's other side. "I was thinking of doing a promotional product, with all the proceeds going to the charity."
Harry liked the gesture, but wondered what kind of product would pair with helping disadvantaged kids. U-No-Poo or Wildfire Whiz-bangs just seemed to send the wrong message.
"I'll drop by the store to discuss it, George," Clem leaned to peer around Harry to tell her cousin. It made sense. She was strong enough to keep George in line.
"Where are Hermione and Ron?" Harry asked, having seen them briefly earlier.
Molly looked to the other side of the large hall. "They went to get some dessert from the buffet."
Following her gaze, he saw the well-dressed couple holding small plates heaped with sweet treats, but talking avidly with someone instead of returning to the table.
Hermione stepped back, chuckling, giving Harry a better view. It was Draco, giving Ron a bemused smile as he talked. It looked friendly. Too friendly.
He hadn't even realized he had stood up until Clementine yanked on his arm. He looked down at her, and she gave him a long look that spoke volumes. A subtle reminder of where they were, and to not act so rashly.
He nodded, and pulled away. Walking towards them, his heart pounding, he could hardly even think.
"Harry!" Hermione said when she spotted him, giving him a one-armed hug, holding her plate out to the side. "We are so proud of you."
Ron had stepped closer, nudging Harry's shoulder, and giving him an approving look to show he agreed with Hermione's statement. It was a welcome change after months of disapproval and concern.
"Thanks. I'm sorry that I've seemed to have interrupted your cosy talk though," Harry said, shifting his gaze from his friends to Draco.
Up close, it was even more devastating seeing Draco. The navy tuxedo was beautifully fitted, enhancing Draco's tall, slim body. The rich color brought out his eyes, making them seem more blue than grey. His skin seemed a little too pale though, and there were faint dark smudges under his eyes.
His eyes were looking just as attentively over Harry, taking in his short hair, the well-trimmed scuff along his jaw, the black dress robes with ivory dress shirt underneath. Probably seeing that Harry was a bit pale and tired looking as well.
"Um, we are just going to head back to the table to eat this. Want to join us?" Ron asked, taking Hermione's hand with his free one.
Harry shook his head. "No thanks," he said, feeling his throat tighten. "I was just going to step on to the balcony for some fresh air. Want to join me, Draco?"
Draco's eyes widened in surprise, and then he nodded. If there was going to be a scene, better to be away from prying eyes as much as possible.
Hermione and Ron soon left them, although Harry could swear he saw a hint of a grin on Hermione's lips.
Grabbing a large bottle of mineral water and a couple glasses, Harry led Draco to the French doors. They opened on to a large balcony with pretty views of London. Pots of flowers and benches were positioned along the railing, making private dark spaces that many couple were taking advantage of.
Harry went to the furthest bench, sitting down and pouring out two glasses of the bubbly water. He picked one up, taking a long swallow to help with his suddenly dry mouth. He scoffed lightly. "I don't even know what to say to you, Draco. I'm still so confused."
He had been numb since the argument, and had pushed away thoughts of Draco every time they popped up. He had just focussed on the gala, working long hours with Clem, getting everything perfect.
Draco sipped his water, and then set it down. "How about we both say we are sorry and then go right to the make-up sex?"
He said it with his normal smirk, his brash bravado, but Harry could see how vulnerable he was under all that. "Isn't that what got us in trouble in the first place? Jumping right into sex? Not talking enough?"
"You are complaining with how it went?" Draco asked, arching a brow at Harry suggestively.
Harry was glad for the cover of darkness to hide his flushing face. "I'm not denying that the sex was fantastic, Draco."
"Even though you seemed to feel dirty afterwards? Sullied by being with me?" His whisper had a sharp edge to it, peering at Harry through narrowed eyes.
Harry blinked hard, the feelings from that last morning rushing back. "I began to wonder why you wanted to be with me. Why you came here tonight."
Draco sighed loudly, tipping his head back to look at the waning moon. "You disappeared. I showed up at your house day after day, begging to see you, until your assistant finally took pity on me. Gave me this invitation. I had to come. Had to talk to you."
"Fine. We are here. Talk." Harry said, suddenly just wondering if they had anything left to salvage, or had the wreckage been too much? It hadn't been much of a relationship to start with.
The sharp words made Draco turn away, obviously surprised that Harry wasn't making this easy like he always had in the past, doing anything Draco wanted.
But Harry could sense that Draco was hurting just as much as he was, and if he didn't do something, Draco would be walking fast right out the door. He had put himself out there, coming to Harry's house all those times, and coming tonight. It showed he was still interested, still wanted to work things out.
"Want to dance?" Harry asked, grabbing at the first idea that seemed half-decent. At least it was a gesture back from Harry, if they couldn't talk yet.
Draco was really surprised again, but eventually nodded.
Harry stood up, and held out his hand. Draco took it, letting Harry pull him up and lead him back inside. On the dance floor, Harry pulled Draco close, knowing that everyone was watching them, but really not caring.
Draco, back in his arms, swaying with him to the music. Harry could feel the sparks of awareness between them, as strong as ever. All he wanted was to hug Draco tight, and never let him go. But the fight, those harsh words and hurt feelings, held Harry back.
He glanced at Draco, surprised to see that he did look a bit lost, sad, and Harry wanted nothing more than to take that expression off his face.
"I can't just go back to how it was before, Draco," Harry said softly.
He could feel Draco's hand clench against his shoulder. "So this is it then? We are over?"
His voice was so full of pain, Harry couldn't do anything but gather him close into a hard hug. Comfort him. Fuck it if people were watching.
Draco let out a surprised gasp, but hugged Harry back just as hard. Sunk into him, and let his head fall to Harry's shoulder, his face almost against Harry's neck.
Harry could feel his warm breath against his skin, and it brought up so many sense memories. All those fantastic times cuddling in bed, spent and panting, feeling so good. It was so easy when it was just the two of them, alone, together. The rest of the world far, far away. But that wasn't how the world worked.
Harry swallowed hard, gathering his nerves and hoping his mouth wasn't too dry to talk. His heart was thumping in his chest. "You know, I still have nine prepaid sessions with you."
Draco scoffed, not moving from his position. "I don't work at the brothel anymore. I'm not a dom, Harry."
"I know. But it seems a waste to not be able to use those sessions," Harry was talking more confidently now, pushing down the nerves and charging ahead. Gryffindor spirit surging up.
Pulling back, Draco gave him a withering look. "I'm sure Monique could find you a suitable replacement."
"No. As I told you before, I just want you," Harry said softly, and his heart beat faster at the way Draco's eyes lit up. "So," Harry rushed on, before Draco could say anything, "I would settle for nine dates with you instead. In public. I understand that you still have a 'no sex with clients' policy."
Draco's eyebrows lifted in surprise, and Harry could tell his Slytherin brain was working over the offer. "Nine public dates and no sex the whole time? That could take weeks. Months."
Harry felt a bit relieved that Draco was actually considering it, and hadn't just pushed Harry away and stomped off. His past work in the brothel was a sensitive topic for him, something he wasn't proud of. But he seemed a bit intrigued by the idea of the dates.
Catching himself staring a little too long at Draco's mouth, Harry gave a little shrug to lighten the mood. "We could have two or three dates a week, as it fits our schedules. It could take just a few weeks to have them all."
Draco's eyes were warming up, and his mouth quirked into a sexy smirk. "Or you could just come home with me right now," he said softly, and leaned in to whisper in Harry's ear. "Let me show you how much I missed you."
Fuck. The words made Harry instantly rock hard, and he was tempted to press right against Draco. Grind with him like they had in those clubs, drunk and horny, squeezed on a crowded dance floor. He wanted to apparate right to Draco's bedroom, strip him out of that gorgeous suit and drag his lips over every inch of his pale skin.
But as fantastic as he knew that would be, Harry pulled back to look at Draco. He had to stay strong. "I won't deny that I'm very tempted. But I can't go back to how we were before, Draco."
He would just be drawn in, lose himself, and would feel worse and worse about himself every day. They had to break out of the old patterns. It was hard standing up to Draco, when he had tried so hard to please him in the past. At the brothel, as his submissive, but also the past few months. Dressing to please him, going to the restaurants and clubs he preferred, hanging out with his friends.
Draco seemed to be a bit hurt by Harry's refusal, but he was still here. Trying to read Harry's expression, trying to understand what Harry really wanted. "Platonic dating," he said finally with a scoff.
The song ended, and Harry took Draco's hand, drawing him away to a quiet corner. "Please, please say yes, Draco."
He knew everyone still at the gala was watching them, and probably had been since they went to the balcony. Knew everyone had watched as they had danced. Cringed internally at what would be in the papers tomorrow.
But the only thing that mattered was Draco and the next few minutes. If he refused, Harry knew they would be over. Knew he would be a mess, and hopefully be able to escape home without causing too much of a scene before he lost it. He bit his lower lip, his heart thumping in his chest, staring at Draco and willing him to say Yes.
"Fine, Potter," Draco finally said, tilting his chin up to a haughty angle. He dropped Harry's hand, crossing his arms across his chest. "Owl me to organize the first date."
He said the word sarcastically, contemptuously, but Harry could only give him a wide smile in return, his relief palpable. He was tempted to yank Draco forward to plant a big celebratory kiss on his lips, but that would hardly be platonic, would it? It would all too easily lead to going back to Draco's bed tonight.
Draco rolled his eyes at Harry's happy expression, but the corner of his mouth gave an amused twitch. "Goodnight, Potter."
With that, he spun away, walking quickly to the floo and disappearing into the flash of green flames.
Clementine was at Harry's side, guiding him back to the Weasley table. "That went well?" she asked softly, her hazel eyes hopeful.
Harry could only give a quick nod, too full of emotions to really speak about it.
She chuckled. "Why don't you go home? I think you are done in for the night."
"But the guests...the gala...," Harry sputtered, glancing around the half full ballroom.
She patted his hand. "People are just socializing now. Having a good time on your dime."
Harry looked around and could tell she was right. The most powerful and rich people had already left, likely going to many of these galas each month. The remaining people were friends, old co-workers, people from various agencies he and Clementine had worked with. Tatsuo and other hospital staff.
He saw Neville and gave him a little wave, but he didn't seem to notice. Harry realized that his attention was solely on Clementine. At the same table sat Seamus, who seemed to be glaring at Neville for staring at Clementine.
Grinning, Harry looked back at his assistant, dressed in a lovely teal gown with her auburn hair twisted into an elegant updo. She was involved in a conversation with Ginny and George, but kept shooting quick, coy glances towards the men at the other table. Not so willing to give up on men entirely, it seemed.
Saying his goodbyes to Hermione and the Weasleys, Harry didn't feel at all guilty about leaving. It had been a great night. A warm, enthusiastic response to the charity, lots of donations, lots of networking. It couldn't have gone better.
But as he slipped off his dress robes and crawled into bed, his thoughts were full of Draco. Ideas for the upcoming nine dates had him smiling to himself in the darkness.
Nine dates to truly get to know Draco. Nine dates to see if they really got along. Nine dates to see if there was more to 'them' than their past and great sex.
It could fizzle out. Be horrible and boring. Did they even share any interests outside of the bedroom?
Fears and doubts warred with excitement. Either way, Harry would be spending time with Draco, and at this point, it was enough. It felt right.
...
-A/N: The boys are frankly awful at talking about their problems, but hopefully the dates will help them with that.
-Kintsugi: 'The Japanese art of kintsugi teaches that broken objects are not something to hide but to display with pride.' The name comes from kin meaning 'golden' and tsugi meaning 'repair', and is thought to be over 500 years old. 'The kintsugi technique suggests many things. We shouldn't throw away broken objects. When an object breaks, it doesn't mean that it is no more useful. Its breakages can become valuable. We should try to repair things because sometimes in doing so we obtain more valuable objects. This is the essence of resilience. Each of us should look for a way to cope with traumatic events in a positive way, learn from negative experiences, take the best from them and convince ourselves that exactly these experiences make each person unique, precious.'