Yay, it's time for Harry and Draco's dinner out!

Thanks to 19missybaker63, Marsh12, hidden shades, yulino76, just know i dream of Draco, littlesprout, and Minight51 for reading and reviewing!

All day long, Harry contemplated his conversation with Malfoy. Never once was the word date used by either of them. Malfoy specifically said he wanted to thank Harry. That was all. Ron had to be wrong.

And yet, if Harry was being honest with himself, he'd admit that he was flattered by the possibility that Draco was interested in more than paying him back or friendship. However, he wasn't even certain Draco was gay. He honestly hadn't paid much attention to the man since the end of the war.

At five on the dot, the clock in Harry and Ron's office chimed.

"What'er you going to do?" Ron asked.

"About what?"

"About your," Ron lowered his voice, "date with you know who."

"I'm not dating Voldemort. You don't have to say it like that." Harry snorted. "In fact, I'm not convinced he means it as a date at all. You know his family is used to posh restaurants. He probably thinks nothing of it."

Ron's head bobbed. "Yeah, you're probably right. What I consider fine dining, Malfoy might consider bog-standard."

"Exactly."

"I'm not sure if that was a jab at him or me," Ron mumbled.

"It wasn't a jab at either of you. I'm only saying that I agree with you. Malfoy probably doesn't think anything of going to an upscale restaurant. Speaking of which, I should be going."

"I still can't believe you're going out with Malfoy. Date or not, it's barmy."

Harry couldn't disagree.

When he got up to the Atrium, he saw Draco standing near the closest floo. Harry noticed the large tree was gone, replaced by the traditional fountain. The decor, while still festive for the upcoming New Year's Eve celebration, was devoid of hints of Christmas.

Draco looked his way, a trace of surprise on his face. Perhaps he was equally shocked as Harry that he'd shown up.

"Ron said the restaurant you chose is quite nice. I didn't have anything dressy with me. Is this all right?" Harry asked.

"I think you look fine. However, the restaurant has a strict suit and tie policy. If you would allow me." Draco took out his wand.

Harry shrugged, and Draco took that as permission to transfigure his clothing. Then he did the same to his own. Of course, Draco's suit was black. He held his elbow out for Harry to take. Reluctantly, Harry placed his hand on Draco's arm as they walked toward the floo.

In no time, they stood in front of what appeared to be a vacant storefront in the middle of London. Draco surreptitiously took out his wand and cast a quiet Revelio charm. The door to the restaurant shimmered into view. After taking a quick peek around, Draco opened the door and ushered Harry inside.

A hostess greeted them immediately. "Good evening. Have you booked?"

"Malfoy. Two."

"Ah, yes. The blue room. Please follow me."

Scanning the room and patrons as they walked through, Harry began to feel that he didn't belong. Several people eyed him as he went by, although a few nodded in recognition. Most of the customers were dressed in formal wear and Harry felt self-conscious until he walked past a mirror. The clothing Draco transfigured for him looked as good as anything in Twilfitt and Tattings. The suit was a deep plum, the shirt lavender, and the tie wide stripes in various shades of blue and purple. And it fit Harry like a glove.

They were seated at a table for two and given menus.

"Vanya will be by shortly to take your order. Enjoy your meal."

Opening the menu, Harry's brow furrowed. "This is in French. And there are no prices."

"I'll be happy to translate. And don't worry about the prices. I'm paying."

"But–"

"It wouldn't be much of a thank you if you had to pay," Draco said.

Harry scoffed, "I'm guessing that if you have to ask the prices, you can't afford them."

"I told you not to worry about it. Do you like wine?"

"Um, I usually stick to beer or ale. Occasionally fire whiskey."

"So, that's a no?" Draco smirked.

"Not necessarily. What kind do you like?"

"It will depend on what I order." Perusing the menu, Draco asked, "Do you enjoy seafood?"

"Yes."

"The stuffed squid is delicious. Or perhaps lamprey?"

Harry stuck out his tongue, then quickly retracted it. "Sorry. That was childish."

"Well, a wizard's brain doesn't fully mature until he's roughly twenty-six. So, your indiscretion is forgiven."

"Says who?"

"The latest healer research apparently."

Harry stared for a moment. "Bullshite."

"I had you there for a minute." There was that smile again. "So, what are you in the mood for?"

At that very second, Harry was in the mood for something off the menu. Had Draco always had such a killer smile? Suddenly, Harry sort of hoped Ron was right about this being a date. He took a breath and had to physically shake the thought from his head. It was only that he'd gone far too long without a good shag that he was thinking dirty thoughts about his host.

Anyway, he had been on his way to ask out the cute bloke in the DME. That's who Harry was interested in. This was simply Draco paying back a kindness.

Harry looked up to see Draco looking at him expectantly, one eyebrow raised.

"Sorry, I missed that," he said.

"Am I so dull I'm losing your attention before we even order?"

"Of course not. I'm trying to make heads or tails of this menu."

"How about duck?" asked Draco. "Will you eat that?"

"Yeah. I'm really not all that fussy an eater. But squid and lamprey–isn't that an eel?"

Draco chuckled. "I'd wager if I didn't tell you what it was ahead of time, you'd adore it."

"Except you did," Harry pointed out, still reading the names of dishes. Some, he recognized, others were completely foreign.

A server, presumably Vanya, approached them with a smile.

"Are you ready to order?"

"Do you trust me, Potter?" There was a mischievous glint in Draco's eye. "I promise nothing too out of the ordinary."

The odd thing was, he did trust Draco. At least when it came to ordering food for him.

"We'll have the Coquilles St-Jacques starter, and bourride instead of salad. And we'll each have Magret de Canard as a main."

"Aubergine or spinach with that?"

Draco looked to Harry.

"Spinach please," Harry said.

"May we have a bottle of Bordeaux Chateau Latour as well."

"What year do you prefer sir?"

"Two thousand. And perhaps two glasses of mineral water."

"Certainly. I'll be right back with some bread."

When she left, Harry leaned forward and in a soft voice asked, "What did you order us?"

"Scallops on the half shell, a light fish soup, and duck. Satisfactory?"

Harry nodded. Now that the ordering was out of the way, a strained silence took over. Harry had no idea what to talk about. Obviously, their rocky past was off limits. The longer they sat, the less certain Harry was that the whole evening wouldn't turn out to be a disaster.

Even when the server came to place a small basket of bread on the table, the only thing either of them said was thank you. In an attempt to fill the void, Harry picked up his glass and drank. Then he finally came up with something to talk about.

"So, you said you'd like to transfer to Law Enforcement. Do you fancy being an Auror?"

"Oh, no. Certainly not."

"Then what is it you'd like to do?"

"Ultimately become a member of the Wizengamot. But I fear I'll have to settle for joining the Wizengamot Administration Service, being a former Death Eater."

Harry knit his brow. "I assumed the slate was wiped clean when Shacklebolt hired you, and the others."

"In a way. We're on sort of a probationary period."

"Oh. And then?"

"Then I hope to be treated as any other wizard. Do you enjoy being an Auror?"

"Sometimes. I could do without the paperwork though," Harry admitted. "But I get to work with Ron. And I like the idea of keeping the wizarding world safe."

"Yes, I imagine you would."

"Have you used the potion ingredients yet?" Harry was pleased that he thought of another question.

"Not yet."

Harry didn't think it was his imagination that Draco was uncomfortable talking about the gifts Harry gave him. The whole dinner was supposed to be an acknowledgement of them, so he couldn't see why they shouldn't talk about them.

"How about the tea? That particular kind is one of Hermione's favorites. I like rather plain tea myself."

Draco nodded. "It's very good. Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Why did you give me those things?"

"I was your Secret Santa."

"I know. But why those particular things? Most of the people in my office received generic items, such as boxes of sweets or candles. You could have done the same."

"Oh. Well, you had mentioned that you enjoyed practicing potions. And, as I said before, it was pointed out to me that I hadn't been very accepting or kind toward you. Kingsley suggested a little kindness went a long way." Harry snickered as he glanced about the restaurant. "I guess he was right."

Draco nodded. "Quite true."

After that, conversation became easier. Harry explained what he knew of the other branches in his department, Wizengamot Administration in particular. And Draco shared his limited knowledge of Magical Transportation. They talked about their respective Christmas holidays. Draco couldn't imagine the chaos of a household of people as he normally spent Christmas with only his parents, and occasionally his father's cousin's small family.

Throughout the meal, as Harry relaxed more, their discussion grew a little more personal. Draco was becoming an individual to Harry, more so than before. He was beginning to think of him less as a Death Eater, or an abstract idea of one. And he was finding it easier to be kind. Draco had been charming and attentive all evening.

"Would you like pudding and tea?" asked Draco. "They serve a wonderful dried apricot and fig clafoutis."

"I have no idea what that is, but I think I'm too full," Harry replied.

Nodding, Draco signaled the server for the bill. He insisted on paying for everything, even when Harry asked if he could at least leave the tip.

"Have a good evening," hostess said as they left the restaurant.

Once out on the sidewalk, they stood awkwardly. Neither seemed in a hurry to leave.

"Thank you," Harry said. "It was a really fantastic meal. Although, I'm quite certain you paid more for it than I did for all the Christmas gifts combined."

"My pleasure. I do enjoy broadening others' horizons. But I am disappointed I didn't get you to try the lamprey."

Harry chuckled. "Maybe next time."

"I'll hold you to that."

Pausing at the implication that they might go out together again, Harry simply said, "Well, good night then."

"Good night."

Before he could register what was happening, Harry noticed that Draco was closer than he had been a moment ago. Soft lips covered his, and though it was chilly on the outside, warmth spread from his mouth to the rest of his body. The kiss was quick, almost chaste, and gentle. Harry didn't even have time to close his eyes.

Draco stood back, calmly at first. But Harry could practically see the moment in Draco's eyes he realized what he'd done. Draco's mouth dropped open, then he blinked a few times, and finally, he blushed furiously.

"Oh my God," he whispered. "I'm sorry. I, uh . . ."

Harry didn't give him a chance to finish his sentence. He leaned forward and kissed Draco back. Only Harry didn't give him a quick peck on the lips. He curled his fingers around the back of Draco's head to hold him there.

It wasn't necessary. Draco returned the kiss with vigor.

The last thing Harry expected to happen was to find himself snogging his formal rival on the streets of Muggle London. In the back of his mind, he knew it was a bad idea. But Draco's lips were soft and pliant–and oh, so willing. They tasted of wine with hints of herbs and garlic. Harry didn't mind. He had enjoyed the taste of the food. Somehow, it tasted even better on Draco's lips.

They pulled apart, gazing at one another. Draco's skin was flushed, and he was gasping as though his breath were taken away. Harry imagined he was in a similar state.

"Did you mean to do that?" Draco questioned, prompting Harry to laugh.

"I don't think it's possible to accidentally snog."

"I know. But I mean, is that what you really wanted to do?"

A wicked smile grew on Harry's face.

"Well, in public, it is."

"And in private?"

Rather than answer, Harry merely looked Draco up and down. The man had filled in a bit since his days at Hogwarts. He was looking fit in his black suit and tie, and Harry couldn't help wonder how he looked without them.

Without warning, Harry was disapparated away. Disoriented at first, he found himself in a small flat, presumably Draco's.

Immediately, he was pushed up against a wall, Draco's lips on his, and a tongue pushing its way inside his mouth. And Harry thought the lips had tasted good.

Even as he mused how strange it was to be snogging a man who previously used his mouth to spew insults at him, Harry allowed Draco to press against him. The feel of Draco's hard cock digging into his hip aroused him to the point beyond caring about their contentious past. It had been a long time since he'd been in a position to get off with someone other than his right hand.

With that notion, Harry's hand traveled down to the fly of Draco's trousers. Swiftly unbuttoning, then unzipping, he palmed Draco's cock through the fabric of his pants.

Draco moaned into his mouth. "Fuck, Potter. I had no idea you'd be so bold. But if I may be bolder . . ."

Draco quickly undid Harry's trousers, but he didn't stop there. He reached into Harry's pants. Frustrated by the lack of maneuvering room, he tugged the pants and trousers down to Harry's thighs.

Harry gasped as he sprang free. Draco gripped him firmly and pumped slowly up and down.

"Oh, that's nice," Harry mumbled.

"Nice? I don't want it to feel nice. I want you to feel fucking amazing."

Rubbing his fingers over Harry's slit, he gathered some precum to use as a lube. Then he pulled himself free in order to massage their cocks together. While he glided his hand over them, he kissed Harry again.

It was too soon, but Harry was approaching the edge. He couldn't have stopped himself if he wanted to. He decided to try and take Draco with him. His hands wandered to Draco's chest. Even through the soft cotton fabric of his shirt, Harry could feel Draco's hard nipples. Draco stopped kissing long enough to gasp.

"Fuck, I'm gonna cum soon."

"Not without me," Harry breathed. He fondled his own nipple in the same rhythm as Draco's.

Draco's hand sped up until they were both on the verge of hyperventilating. Harry was the first to burst, and he cried out. Draco soon followed with a long moan.

Draco rested his forehead in the crook of Harry shoulder where they stood for several minutes, unmoving.

With the heat of the moment past, reality began to set in for Harry. He opened his eyes. The hair on the head leaning on him was indeed the blondest he'd ever seen. Draco Malfoy had just wanked him senseless. He was speechless.

Picking up his head, Draco eyed Harry with a hint of a smile. "That was fucking amazing."

"Yeah," Harry agreed. "But you don't think it's a bit strange? After all, we've been complete arses to each other."

Draco straightened up, his expression hardening slightly. He pulled his wand from his secret pocket and cast a cleaning spell on them both. They tucked themselves in silently.

Harry was confused about Draco's change in mood, until he spoke.

"There's something I need to tell you."

Draco had said those words to him earlier, at the final gift exchange on Christmas Eve.

"All right."

Draco took in a deep breath, then let it out. "I didn't expect to enjoy this evening as much as I did. I didn't expect–well, I certainly didn't expect you to respond to me in such a positive manner."

"Me neither," Harry snickered.

"I'd like to do this again. All of it," Draco said softly.

Harry smiled. "I think I would as well."

"But first, I have to tell you . . . it was me. I was the one who sent you those . . . accessories."

Frowning, Harry began, "What access–you mean the sex toys? You sent those to me? How? Why?"

"I took the ones Maeve left and replaced them," admitted Draco. "I thought it would be funny. It was meant to be payback for the way you treated me when you found out I was working for the Ministry."

"I didn't treat you that badly. I'll admit I was a little rude, but can you blame me? I spent years fighting the Death Eaters and then you all get a free pass."

"Not a free pass. A second chance. I've cooperated with the Aurors and the Wizengamot. I've renounced the Death Eater ways. Surely you know that."

Harry's mouth became a hard, thin line. "And was tonight more payback?"

"No, it was supposed to make up for what I'd done to you. But I never intended to tell you it was me."

"Then why did you?"

"For one, I didn't want you to think badly of Maeve. She had nothing to do with it. But mainly, I wouldn't feel right lying to you if we were to continue seeing each other."

Harry scoffed. "Do you really think I'm going to go out with you now? You completely embarrassed me. Some of the other Aurors have taken to calling me inappropriate nick names."

"I didn't mean for it go so far."

"Yes, you did. I saw you smirking at me that night. I didn't know why until now. You're only sorry because you want to have sex with me."

Draco lowered his head. It was partly true. "But I am sorry."

"Finite Incantatem." Harry's clothing reverted back to his own. "I can't believe I let you dress me up. I can't believe I fell for the all the flattery and expensive food." He clenched his fists. "I can't believe I let you touch me that way."

"Now who's backpedaling? You enjoyed it at the time. And you admitted that you would like to do it again."

"That was before I found out your true motives."

Harry stomped toward the door. He was feeling conflicted, and angry–taken for a fool. All the while he was walking out, then slamming the door behind him, he half expected Draco to continue pleading his case. But the man let him leave without another word. Once out of the block of flats, Harry disapparated home.

At least he could take comfort in the thought that his instincts were correct. The evening was a total disaster.

Next chapter: Harry tries to ignore his feelings toward Draco