Ninth Cup

Self Growth

The Potters had their lunch at a bistro nearby. It was a cute corner place with wide windows to let in the sun and fairy lights stringing along the edges of the wall, as well as the regular lights hanging from slim lamps. They were sitting by a window, cups of water and their menus in front of them as an awkward silence filled between them. Harry shuffled in his seat, he didn't know how to talk to his parents or what to say. In order to avoid talking, he pretended to be very interested in the menu, reading over all the soups and sandwiches the bistro offers.

His mother cleared her throat and Harry looked up at his parents. "This is a cozy spot isn't it?" she smiled. "Strange name though, S&S, it took us walking in for me to realize it's called 'Soup and Sandwiches'… or is it Sandwiches and Soup?"

"I think it shouldn't be explained, Lily dear," James said. "Anyway Harry, do you see anything you like?"

"Huh? Oh yeah I do…"

Mr. and Mrs. Potter frowned. "Harry look, you know that we want the best for you," Mr. Potter said. "That man Krum was no good! Everybody could see it."

"I couldn't, guess that makes me an idiot, huh?" Harry muttered.

"Harry!" Mrs. Potter said, "You're not an idiot, you were just… a little blinded by love, that's all sweetie. It happens to the best of us."

"Yes blinded by not seeing what was fucking obvious to everyone else," Harry muttered.

"You do not speak to your mother like that Harry!" Mr. Potter said roughly, slamming his hand on the table. Harry winced "She is your mother and you will speak to her with respect."

Harry was silent for a long minute, looking between the both of them before returning to the menu. He could feel his mother and father's disapproval through the menu. This is why I moved out, he thought bitterly. Well meaning folks who always try to butt into my life.

"I'm just trying to say now that Krum is out of our lives, it'll only improve," Mr. said after an awkward silence. "You have to admit Harry that he did everything wrong to you—your mother and I never liked him."

"So what?" Harry demanded, slamming his menu down. His head was throbbing as he left out years of pent up frustration out. "So what? Do I have to do everything you two wants to? Do I have to date a boy that you two like and approve? This is my life Dad! Mine! So who cares if Viktor was rough, cruel, and sometimes he hits me? The sex was brilliant, and we loved each other! Yes, he was controlling, but at least I was away from you two and actually enjoy life for a change!"

"Don't you dare talk to us this way Harry," Mr. Potter yelled. Harry only noticed for a second the silence around them as the other tables all turned to stare at them. He didn't care.

"Why not?" he demanded. "We haven't seen each other in five years, five years, you could have come at any time while I was with Viktor but no. You've approached me now because what, you're visiting Sirius and Remus? Bullshit! You guys just knew that Viktor and I would be splitting soon and want to come in hoping to 'save me' well if that's the case then just FUCK OFF!"

There were gasps from their audience. Harry didn't know when he stood up but he suddenly realize how weak he knees felt and he wobbled back into his seat. His mother was crying, and the sight of that made him want to cry, tears already welling in his eyes. His father, however, glared at him with pure anger and disappointment.

"Sir… we would ask you to please leave immediately," a waiter said suddenly. Harry looked up at him and got up immediately.

"Sorry for our trouble," he muttered and walked straight past his parents without giving them a look. His heart felt broken, and tears were now freely falling from his eyes.

"Harry…"

He stopped at his mother's voice.

"It's not that we wanted to wait for a perfect moment… money has been tight, too tight, since I've lost my job," she said. Harry frowned. They never told me this. As though reading his mind, Mrs. Potter said, "We did not want you to worry about us… You're right that we should have visited earlier, much earlier, we wanted to but with our budget… it was hard with only one job supporting us…"

Harry sighed. "I guess money problems is just a family thing," he muttered to himself.

"Harry?"

Harry wavered, and then said, "Thank you Mum… I'll call you both when we're calmer… but not this weekend. I'm living with my friend Blaise for now. I'll give you the address later…"

"Son…"

"Please Dad, not now. See you."

And Harry left.

Harry cried alone in his room, that was how Blaise found him. "What happened?" Blaise asked, closing the door and sitting at the edge of Harry's bed.

Harry sniffled and wiped his nose with his sleeve before looking up at Blaise. "I blew up on my parents for not seeing me for years. I blamed them for just trying to control my life again… and pretty sure got us banned from S&S."

Blaise chuckled softly and smiled, "Well, did you mean those things?"

"No, I didn't."

"It was just said out of anger and frustration I take it?"

"Yeah," Harry sighed. "But… I feel like it needed to be said. When I was growing up, they were a little… too demanding, too controlling. Going away for college was like a breath of fresh air. Then I met Viktor and, well you know…"

"Sounds like you and your folks need to have a serious conversation about that," Blaise said. "But that can be later, much later if you want it. I don't want to overbear you."

"I told them that I'm living with you… and that we'll talk again when we're both calmer," Harry said in a monotone voice.

"That's good Harry, very good," Blaise smiled. "At least you didn't close the door forever in a moment of anger. They're your parents, you know, you'll always have them."

"That's true I guess," Harry sighed. He wiped his eyes clean and sniffled. "But I don't want to think about them tonight."

"Then don't and instead want to think about your date with Draco?" Blaise smiled.

"It's not a date, we're just going as friends," Harry said.

"Friends can have dates," Blaise said.

"That reminds me… how was your date? With… what was his name?" Harry asked, wanting to change the subject.

"Neville, and brilliant. The boy was shy cause he's a little chubby and couldn't believe that a stud like me would want him, but once I told him chubby boys are the best cuddlers, and better at sex, well, he fell for me one two three."

"And it worked?" Harry asked.

"Of course, have a second date tomorrow night," Blaise smirked. "Speaking of… why don't we forgot about your parents by getting you ready for tomorrow? Because I know where you're going."

"And where is that?" Harry asked.

"Not telling, Draco swore me to secrecy," Blaise said with a serious expression. "Come on, let's see what we have clothes wise."

He slipped off the bed and moved to Harry's dresser, Harry following him. After ten minutes of searching, Blaise closed the dresser and turned to Harry, "How about you borrow my clothes?" he asked.

"Uhh sure," Harry said, and the two left his room, and Blaise escorted him down the hall and into the master bedroom.

It was larger than Harry's. And more decorated. His bed was larger than Harry's, dressed in a dark purple comforter and what looked like satin pillows and blankets. There were two full dressers in the bed, all full of clothes that Blaise immediately went to. "I'm sure that there is something great in here that'll fit you," he said. "I have some smaller sizes when I want to show off… ahh! I think purple will look brilliant on you."

He produced a purple button-up shirt and gave it to Harry. "And with that matches…. Ahh black or purple jeans Harry? I have them both."

"Uhh black?"

"Great choice," Blaise said, giving Harry a wink. He took out a pair of nicely folded black jeans and handed them to Harry along with a simple belt. "Go and try them on and come back here," he commanded.

"Yes sir," Harry said automatically before blushing in embarrassment. Blaise laughed, and the sound of his laughter immediately destroyed any tension and embarrassment in Harry as he started to laugh too. Feeling merry, Harry went back to his own room and immediately changed into the shirt and jeans, surprised at how good they fitted him. Feeling a little awkward, and aroused, being in clothes that fitted him very properly, Harry returned to Blaise's room.

"You look brilliant in purple, I just knew it," Blaise smirked. "Now for some fixes…" He stepped up to Harry and immediately started to unbutton the top buttons. "You need to look casual, yet confident. You own the look, the look doesn't own you. Got it?"

Harry nodded nervously as Blaise continued to fiddle and fuss with his outfit. He fixed Harry's cuffs, relaxed the jeans, made sure Harry's butt was presented nicely, and tried his best to conquer Harry's hair. Harry winced at Blaise's tugs and pulls with the comb. "Ow, ow, ow, Blaise stop that," Harry said. "You're not going to do anything with my hair."

"I can see that now," Blaise huffed. Putting his hands to his hips, he frowned at Harry's hair. "I mean… if you want I can try and stylize it Harry, make it look good…"

"I like my hair the way it is, thank you very much," Harry said. "And as much as I love you Blaise, I don't want you messing with my hair."

"Not even once?" Blaise frowned. "Cause I can make you super sexy and irresistible with your hair, Harry." His frown gave way to a huge grin which made Harry roll his eyes. "Alright, alright, I swear not to touch your hair for now. But that aside, you look really good Harry. Like I would date you if you'd let me good."

"Thanks… but I think we should be just friends," Harry blushed.

"That works," Blaise said, still grinning. "So what do you think?" he asked, taking Harry's shoulders and pulling him towards a full length mirror.

Harry stared at his reflection wearing the dark purple shirt and black jeans. He had to admit that he looked good, very good. He felt a growing excitement for tomorrow the more he stared at his figure. A smile graced his face and he turned to Blaise, pulling him into a hug. Blaise was caught off guard but quickly wrapped his arms as the two shared a friendly hug with no words needed to be said.

For the rest of the night, they've just hung around the apartment in pajamas. Harry's anger from lunch was long forgotten with hanging out with Blaise. His parents texted him a quick apology, asking to talk later, and he responded with his own apology and he'll tell them later when he is ready to talk. When he went to bed it was a smile on his face as he became aware of how oddly eager he was for his outing with Draco the following day.

Harry busied himself throughout the day, cleaning the apartment and furnishing his bedroom, moving what he could around as the hours passed by going closer to his outing with Draco. He didn't know why he was nervous but whenever he thought of it, butterflies flew in his stomach. Blaise tried to calm him down, however the butterflies in Harry's stomach refused to rest. Soon it was an hour to when they were supposed to meet and Harry hopped into the shower. He made double sure to clean everywhere, using scented soap and shampoo that Blaise suggested that smelt like spice and cinnamon. Afterwards he dried and checked himself in the mirror before dressing in the dark purple button-up, leaving the first three unbuttoned like Blaise told him too, and the black jeans.

Blaise came in to do the little details with Harry's clothes, fixing his cuffs just so to look a little ruffled but casual, his shirt is opened just so, and his shirt collar perfectly down.

Draco came around seven. Blaise was already dressed for his date and was waiting for Harry to leave safely with Draco before going. He answered the door and called out for Harry. Harry walked in and stopped to stare at Draco.

Draco was wearing an outfit similar to Harry's, only with a silver shirt that seemed to shine in the light as though a heavenly glow was always around him. His hair was stylized and stubble trimmed neatly as he stood by the doorway, his silver eyes staring fully at Harry with a mixture of pure happiness and relief. "Hello," he said. "I'm happy to see you're doing well Harry… you look great."

"Thanks… you look great too," Harry said.

For some reason he couldn't move. He was all too conscious of the thumping in his chest, however. His cheeks became red with blush, his eyes greedily stared at Draco as a feeling he haven't felt for a long time began to rise within him. No, he groaned, please no, it's too soon… Yet it continued to grow the more the two stared at each other. Blaise interrupted, clearing his throat loudly and saying, "Yes, yes we both look great, I look sexy, but can we move on please? I don't want to be late for my date."

"R-Right, sorry," Harry stuttered, flustered. Draco just nodded and licked his lips, "I'll be uh driving us there Harry… Blaise didn't tell you where we're going, did he?"

"No, he didn't," Harry said. "I hope it's alright but… I had a small dinner while I wait… Blaise insisted on it."

"No that's good, really good," Draco said, "because we're not going to a restaurant… although there will be food there if you want…" There was an awkward moment between the two. "Let's just go," Draco said and he turned around and left.

Blaise sighed but said nothing as he held the door for Harry. "Be safe Harry, call me if you need to get home," he said. "Have fun." Harry gave him a small smile as he walked out the door following Draco.

The two were silent until they've gotten into Draco's car. "Sorry about that awkwardness, I just didn't know how to… you know," Draco tried to explain.

"It's alright," Harry said. "Just… we're going to wherever as friends. That's what I'm reminding myself."

"Yeah, friends," Draco nodded. "Thank you, Harry, for calling me that."

"Your welcome Draco," Harry said. "And… you're welcome for the second chance," he smiled slightly, "I don't want you to thank for that because it might be too embarrassing."

"I… sure," Draco said, looking a little relieved. The two smiled as Draco started to drive. "So," Harry said, "Where are we going if it's not a restaurant?"

"Hmm? Oh a nightclub," Draco said casually. "Somewhere where you can just relax, have fun, dance a little."

"Ohh that's nice," Harry blushed. "I've actually never been to a club before. It's all been bars and pubs for Viktor and… wherever he went, I followed."

Draco frowned at the mention of Viktor and Harry panicked a little, "But I'm very excited to try it out," he said quickly.

Draco smiled, "Really?" he asked.

"Yeah, I always wanted to go to a club," Harry nodded. "It just was never Viktor's scene…"

"Well you'll love this one, it's a gay club with great music," Draco smiled. Harry relaxed in his seat and felt his excitement returning. "It's all pretty sane, however, I've decided to save the crazier clubs till later… if there is a later."

"Crazier?"

"Yeah like drag shows, some naughty bits, stuff like that… it's all in good fun but I admit it can get a bit squeamish. Especially the adult shows," Draco said. "But people like it so…" he shrugged. Harry chuckled and nodded.

"Like kinks I guess," he sighed. "Anyway, what is this club called?"

"The Purple Hole," Draco said. "No thoughts on the name but it builds a reputation for itself."

Harry nodded as Draco turned on the radio to fill in any silences between themselves. "I know I shouldn't ask," Draco said, "but how was your lunch with your parents yesterday?"

"Well we got kicked out of a sandwich shop," Harry sighed. "It just seems too much too soon and all unexpected, you know, and I know they didn't directly cause me and Viktor breaking up but…"

"You can't help but blame them," Draco finished.

"Yeah…"

The Purple Hole was a bit of a drive away, but luckily they somehow did not get caught in traffic or red lights. It was a discreet looking place, a regular black-bricked building with a fancy-looking door and an sigh in cursive saying the name. There was a long line in front of it, gays and girls all dressed for dancing and showing off. Draco rolled his eyes at one person who was wearing nothing but fish netting. "Some boys are just that desperate, no class about them," he sighed.

Harry chuckled and couldn't help but say, "Viktor would call him a naked harlot…well he would use another name for harlot."

"He basically is," Draco said. "It's easy to tell who comes here to have a good time and who comes here just looking for sex. It's disgusting really, but that's our world nowadays. Come on." He parked the car in a spot with a sign in front of it with the initials DM. The two got out and Harry thought they were going straight for the line when Draco escorted him directly towards the hulking bouncer standing at the door who was checking I.D.s. "Hello Malfoy," the bouncer said. "You have a follower."

"This is Harry, my friend," Draco said.

"That case, can I see your card?" the bouncer asked, his hand out at Harry. Harry pulled out his I.D. and gave it to him. "You seriously Twenty-Three? Look like a kid."

"I get that a lot," Harry said, looking embarrassed as he couldn't help but notice all the glares he was getting from the long line.

"He works at Sirius's place," Draco said.

"One of Sirius's boys huh? Good enough. Have fun you two," the bouncer said as he opened the door for Harry and Draco.

The two walked in and Harry was immediately assaulted by the blaring of dance music, the smell of sweat mixed with alcohol and some freshener, and purple. Red and blue and purple lights zoomed about the place, covering the walls, furniture, and dancers, creating a strangely intimate mood between all as in the center was a mosh of people grinding and moving their bodies together in a sexualize erotic ritual that Harry guessed sufficed for dancing nowadays. Draco led Harry towards the bar area and they've sat down in a curved booth that had high backs to give them both privacy. The music was still loud, however it wasn't ear-throbbing and Harry could hear Draco perfectly. "Do you want anything to drink? Soda? Water? I know you don't drink alcohol."

"A soda would be good, thanks," Harry said.

"What kind?"

"Diet-Coke if they have it," Harry said, smiling. He hadn't had soda in a long time. Draco nodded and left Harry to himself. Harry relaxed into the booth, it's purple cushions comfortable underneath him. He hummed along with the music as he waited for Draco to return, looking around at the others in the club. There were couples and groups of friends, lovers sitting close together, their hands all over the other and friends who laughed and cheered each other on over drinks and food. It made Harry feel lonely.

"Here we are," Draco said, and he came back with two sodas. "I don't want to make you feel awkward by drinking alcohol," he said, taking a sip of his own diet coke. "Besides, this tastes better anyway."

"You didn't have to do that for me," Harry blushed, "but thank you." He took a sip and smiled. "So how long do you go here?"

"I try once in a while," Draco said, "I like to mix it up with the clubs I go to, to unwind. Sometimes I go here, other times I go to one of the more… explicit and kinkier ones."

"Sounds like fun," Harry hummed, "and you always go by yourself?"

"Yeah, or with a friend when our schedules align," Draco said. "But for tonight Harry it's all about you and me. I'll be honest. I want a relationship with you, however I'm no asshole and I know that now is not the time to putting you through that so… can we try to be friends and see what happens from there?" He looked nervous, his cockiness and confidence gone in a moment of weakness. For the first time Harry saw Draco was opening himself fully to Harry.

Harry examined his drink as he thought about it. Around them the music played, the friends and couples continued their lives laughing and kissing, and the loneliness in Harry couldn't help but try to reach out. Draco waited silently and finally, after what seemed like an eternity, which in actuality was only a couple minutes, Harry raised his glass to Draco and smiled, "To friends and seeing what happens," he said.

Draco raised his glass, "To friends and seeing what happens," he said. The two toasted and took a swig of their drinks before putting their glasses down, Harry slamming his cup a bit rougher than Draco's. The two looked at each other, smiling fondly.

Suddenly, Draco stood up and held out his hand to Harry, "Come on, time to dance!" he said. Harry stared at the hand for a moment and took it in his own, smiling at the feeling of his friend's heat on his hand. He stood up and allowed Draco to pull him away from their booth, both friends smiling, both friends having a strange euphoria surrounding them as they joined the masses, becoming intimate yet separate as Harry followed Draco's lead, and soon their innocent laughter and screams joined the crowd as Harry allowed his body to be taken control by the music and sway with Draco Malfoy.

A/N: If I have to guess, we have around 3 chapters left. This was always supposed to be a small story.

Savannah99: OK SO FIRST OFF… a LOT of you guys were yelling and angry "OMG DON'T MAKE THIS A HARRY/BLAISE" when I just said that I've became more interested in their friendship. …Two gays can be friends and nothing more lol. I'm not putting you on the spot or blaming you but since you're the most recent to mention it, might as well put it here. I'm not angry, seriously I'm not, but I am just a tiny bit peeved.

Angel Rose Potter: Hello Angel my old friend!

Yaoi-For-Life-100: I'm happy you've enjoyed this.

AnnaMerteuil: Imperio? But there's no such thing as magic! *slids shutter close*

Ern: Love ya and yeah Harry needs Blaise right now more than he needs Draco funny enough. For while Harry and Draco might become an item… at times like these he need a friend to stick through thick and thin.

Lurveseunot: EXACTLY! Harry is not in a place or mindset that he can just jump into another relationship! He needs time to recover, time to reflect, and time to figure out how he wants to move on. If he and Draco were to get with each other in this chapter then it would seem rushed and unhealthy.

Patronussnitch: I have no idea how to react to this tbh

AnimeMerodi: Rude.

Chris: Rude.

Lunacorn: SHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh no spoilers XD (that's the plan)

Fifespice: It's very good that he has Blaise, isn't it?

SerpensPrincess: Rude.

Shadow and Moonlight: how is it lining up when all I said was I wanted to focus on their friendship? It's not in the tags so I'm not gonna do it lol I would never lie in there.