Well, here we are, about 11 months after I first started this. And it's been about 8 months since I last posted. I apologize to Hufflehug for taking quite a long time to continue this. I also apologize to those of you that had this on alert, and now have to go back to the beginning because you probably forgot what happened. I promise I will not wait another 8 months to post again.

"Are you certain I look all right?" Draco asked, glancing down his own body. "Shouldn't I at least wear a tie?"

"You look amazing. And we regular blokes wear jeans or trackies outside of work. Consider yourself lucky I let you wear your suit trousers." Harry took Draco by the hand. "Ron and Hermione aren't going to care what you're wearing. They want to get to know you, the way I do."

Raising an eyebrow, Draco replied, "All right. But I really have no idea how to make Hermione cum."

Before Harry could react, the door opened to reveal the pair of Harry's friends smiling nervously. They looked to Harry, puzzled.

"Are you feeling well?" Hermione asked. "Harry, you look flushed."

"I-I'm fine," he stammered.

Without missing a beat, Draco held out his hand. "Thank you for inviting me."

Ron shook his hand first, assuming his fiancé wasn't ready for physical contact with the man who verbally tortured her throughout her years at Hogwarts.

"Uh, welcome," Ron said, though it came out sounding more like a question.

He and Hermione moved out of the way to allow Harry and Draco inside. Starting out rather stilted, it took the better part of an hour for conversation to flow fairly freely. And that was mainly thanks to Harry and Ron.

Hermione had prepared several types of starters for them to snack on while they watched an animated Muggle film. Harry smiled to himself as he observed Draco's wonder at the film.

"Are all Muggle films like this?" Draco asked at one point. "How do they get all of the drawings to move without magic?"

"The drawings don't actually move," Hermione explained. "The animators create thousands of drawings, then film them individually frame by frame. Then when the film is played, it looks as though the characters are moving. I believe it takes years to make a full length film like this one. Although, nowadays, they use computers to help with the animation."

"Computers. What are computers?"

The others laughed at Draco's ignorance, but Harry tried to describe the technology as best he could.

"This one's all right," Ron added. "But action films are the best. My favorite was The Fast and the Furious. I would love to be able to drive a car like that."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione said, "There are so many different types of films. You should let Harry take you to the cinema sometime."

"See?" Harry said to Draco. "Even they think you should go with me."

Giving Harry a side-eye, Draco confessed, "Perhaps it wouldn't be the worst thing you could drag me to."

Throughout the rest of the film, Harry's grin had nothing to do with the action on the telly. His friends and his lover were tolerating each other well, and Draco had practically agreed to go out to the cinema for a date. He even heard Draco compliment Hermione's cooking, which she graciously accepted.

After the film, Ron broke out the fire whisky, while Draco helped Hermione bring dirty dishes into the kitchen.

"I thought we'd need this a lot earlier," Ron said as he downed a shot.

"I think it's going very well. Don't you?" asked Harry.

"Considering."

"Considering what?"

Ron raised his eyebrows. "Considering how Malfoy used to be. You have to admit, Harry, he was a total prat." Pursing his lips, Harry couldn't quite disagree.

"But, for what it's worth, I think he has changed quite a bit. He's been nothing but nice. He even seems to have given you a break from teasing."

"I know. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop." Harry laughed. He glanced toward the short hall leading to the kitchen. "Do you think they're all right?"

"Hermione isn't one to take shite from anyone, especially not him, anymore. And I highly doubt she'd start anything herself. Come on, have a shot or two with me." Ron held out a filled shot glass.

They downed a few as they sat on the sofa, discussing George's proposal that Ron partner up with him. Ron confided that he hadn't yet brought it up to Hermione.

hdhdhdhd

"Thank you," Hermione said to Draco as he placed some plates and a bowl in the sink. "It's really not necessary though. You should go back to the sitting room with the boys."

"I will. But, first I'd like to talk to you."

Hermione turned. What could he possibly want to talk to her about?

"I wanted to say I'm sorry." He paused when she seemed to have no clue what he was apologizing for. "I treated you horribly when we were young. I just want–

"To apologize? Do you really think saying you're sorry makes it better?"

Draco blinked. "Well, I-I thought . . ."

"Do you have any idea how you made people feel?"

"I have some inkling."

She shook her head. "I don't think you do."

"Sorry?"

"Every time I saw you coming the opposite way, I'd brace myself for a comment. I'd worry you'd send a hex, however innocuous, my way. I had to listen to you belittle my friends. Harry was able to stand up to you. But not Neville, or some of the younger students."

"I know." Draco lowered his gaze.

"But you don't know," she said. "If you're going to apologize, I want you know what you're apologizing for. You and the other Death Eaters made our lives hell. I lost many friends. We almost lost Harry. You helped cause the destruction of Hogwarts. And you walked away unscathed because you switched sides at the last minute. But you did it to save yourselves."

"Unscathed? Do you have any idea what I went through? I lost one of my best friends, too. My home was taken over by The Dark Lord himself. I was forced to torture–

"You tortured someone? And you want to clear you conscience with an apology to me? Is it only because I'm Harry's friend, and you want to get in his good books?"

"No, I . . . I'm truly sorry."

Hermione turned away, gazing out the small kitchen window that looked out onto the London night sky.

"Saying you're sorry is easy," she said softly. "It's your actions, though, that give your words weight. I heard you sat languishing in Malfoy Manor until Shacklebolt called on you. You got a second chance and were content to waste it. So many good people won't get that chance–Fred, Sirius, young Colin Creevey, Lavender, Professor Snape, Professor Lupin, and Tonks, your own cousin. Gone, because people like you thought they were better than mudbloods. Every one of those people, and countless more, were important to someone. They're missed dearly by their families and friends. Teddy has no parents because of a purposeless war. Have you apologized to him? Do you even care that he's your family? That you're one of the few family members he has left? You have your parents safely in their Manor. You can see them anytime you wish." Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper. "I would give anything for Ron to be able to see his brother even one more time."

Hermione sighed deeply. She didn't intend to off on a tirade against Draco. She really did want to put the past behind her so Harry could be happy with the man he chose. Even if it was someone Hermione wouldn't have chosen for him. Her regret was short-lived as her diatribe didn't seem to evoke any response from Draco.

Turning to berate him once again for his insensitivity, she was surprised to find him struggling to hold himself together.

His face wet, he murmured, "I'm sorry."

Before she could say anything else, he disapparated.

"Wait!"

Hearing Hermione shout in the kitchen, Harry and Ron rushed in. "Are you all right?" Ron asked.

"Where's Draco?" was all Harry wanted to know.

"What did he do to you?" Ron demanded as he wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

"I'm sorry Harry. I didn't mean for him to leave," she said.

"Hermione, what happened?"

"He tried to apologize for bullying me at Hogwarts."

"Tried?"

"He did apologize," she admitted. "But it was too easy. I couldn't help myself. I told him just how he made me feel. But more than that, I wanted him to know the consequences of the beliefs that made him hate me. I wanted him to know the pain we felt, we still feel, from losing our friends and family, while he still has his."

"And what did he do to you?" Ron asked.

"Nothing. He simply listened. But when I turned around . . . I think he was crying. Oh Harry, I'm sorry. I thought, if anything, he would defend himself or try to justify . . ."

"Where did he go?"

"I don't know. He only said he was sorry, then disapparated."

"I've got to go," Harry said.

Ron grabbed his arm. "Mate, maybe you ought to give him some space."

"No. I've got to fix this. Why wouldn't you just let him apologize to you, Hermione? Why did you have to go and ruin it?"

"I didn't. I swear."

"You don't have to defend yourself, Mione," Ron said. "You had every right to speak your mind."

Harry threw his arms in the air. "I thought you wanted me to go out with Draco. Now you sound like you're happy Hermione ran him off."

"I'm not happy she ran him off. And it's not her fault that he can't handle the truth. If he's truly sorry for what he's done, he should face up to it. Besides, you said he said it was good to talk it out."

Placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder, Harry said, "Ron's right. It wasn't your fault. I shouldn't have blamed you. But I do want to go to his flat."

"I understand. I said things I've wanted to say to him but I never thought I'd have the chance. I suppose I sort of blindsided him when he was probably expecting me to accept his apology."

"But, will you?" Harry asked. "Will you ever accept it?"

She nodded. "I think I will. I think it's the only way to move forward."

Harry sighed and kissed her cheek. "Thank you."

hdhdhdhd

Draco either wasn't home, or simply wasn't answering. Harry tried to think of where else Draco may have gone. He might have gone to see Blaise, but Harry had no idea where he lived. On second thought, Draco described Blaise as a bit of a player. He would most likely be on the prowl on a Saturday night.

Harry could think of another place Draco was likely to go. And he briefly considered owling or even visiting Narcissa Malfoy. But in the end, he decided to take Ron's advice and give Draco some time and space–and hope it wasn't a mistake.

Sunday morning Harry awoke to an owl pecking at his bedroom window. Yawning, he got out of bed and retrieved a treat from the stash on his dresser. He had learned long ago not every delivery owl was completely tame. And it was better to have one of them nip at a treat than his fingers.

This owl, however, was patient, and gently took the treat from Harry while he untied a small scroll from its talon.

Harry unrolled the parchment and read.

"I don't think it's going to work out. Sorry. D."

He crumpled up the paper and tossed it.

"Is that what you think?" he said to no one. "I'm not going to let you off that easy."

Quickly changing into jeans and a fresh t-shirt, Harry patted his hair down as best he could, then disapparated to Draco's neighborhood.

He looked up at the building wondering if he should go in and knock on Draco's door, or simply try to apparate in. Thinking Draco may not appreciate the intrusion if he was doing something . . . private, Harry opted to go the old-fashioned, Muggle route.

He knocked several times before calling out.

"Draco, are you there? Let me in."

Harry listened carefully with his ear pressed against the door. There were subtle shuffling sounds that could have been an owl in a cage. But then he was certain he heard footsteps creaking on the wooden floor.

"Open the door, Draco. I can hear you in there."

There was an audible, resigned sigh just before the door opened.

"Didn't you get my owl?" Draco asked.

"Of course. That's why I'm here. You don't seriously think you're going to get rid of me that easily, do you?"

"I'm not getting rid of you. I'm trying to do the right thing. It's been pointed out that I haven't always done that."

"By Hermione?"

"Among others."

"What happened?" Harry asked.

"I'm sure Granger already told you."

"I want to hear your side."

Draco's brow furrowed. "Oh, I assumed you would take her word as the truth."

"I do," Harry said. "From her point of view. I want to hear your point of view. So tell me what happened in the kitchen. What made you leave and think you and I should break up?"

Draco stood a moment, then opened the door wider for Harry to enter. He gestured to a small sofa. After Harry sat, he did as well.

"I apologized to Granger for the things I said and did to her when we were at Hogwarts. But she wouldn't accept it. Not that I truly blame her for that. But then she told me I couldn't possibly understand what she, and the others I tormented, had gone through."

"She was only airing out her feelings," Harry told him.

"She was right," Draco said. "How can you expect her to accept me as a friend after the way I treated her?"

"Hermione is a very forgiving person. It's been over three years since the war. And she works with two former Death Eaters."

"Harry, I know you want to believe she can forgive us–me in particular. But the irony of the Muggle film we watched wasn't lost on me."

"What do you mean?"

"Please," Draco rolled his eyes, "don't feign ignorance. It was a metaphor. I'm a beast. And you're the beauty that I've inexplicably won over, and don't deserve."

"That's not true. That film just happens to be Hermione's favorite. And besides, if either of us is a beauty, it's you–impossibly shiny hair, alabaster skin, lithe body. And absolutely perfect pink cock."

"You exaggerate. Except my cock. That is perfect."

They both laughed a little, even though they both thought it was true.

"And I think you missed the point of the story. Everyone may have thought he was a beast, but he had a heart of gold deep inside." Harry took one of Draco's hands. "In all seriousness though. You can't tell me you love me one day, then cut me loose the next. Hermione will come round. And Ron has already made it clear that he supports us being together. He may not completely understand it, but he wants me to be happy."

"He wants you to be happy."

"Believe it or not, Ron gave me a bit of shite for stringing you along. He said you deserved to be treated fairly."

"He said that?"

"More or less. Anyway, it's partly thanks to him that we're together. So, he doesn't want to break us up. Neither does Hermione. It just may take her a while to get to the point when she can call you friend."

"That's more than I could hope for."

"It shouldn't be. You've changed and you deserve the same as everyone else." Harry leaned forward to kiss Draco. "So, no more talk about this not working out before we even give it a real chance. In fact, no more talking at all."

Harry tugged at Draco's shirt until they ended up falling into bed and making love straight through lunch.

hdhdhdhd

Monday seemed much the same as any other Monday. Harry arrived at work, chatted Ron up for a bit, then got to some paperwork. Come lunch time, they sat at their usual table in the canteen with Hermione, Mathilde and Robert. Harry glanced at over to see Draco with his own established set of table mates.

"You patched things with Draco I assume?" Hermione questioned.

Harry nodded. "He tried to break it off, but I told him I wasn't giving up that easily. I may have hinted that you would see your way clear to forgive him eventually."

She pursed her lips, but she had already told Harry she would forgive him for Harry's sake.

"He's coming over," Harry whispered.

Draco nodded a greeting at the table. "Supper tonight, Harry?"

"Uh, yeah, sure."

"Brilliant. The Leaky Cauldron?"

Harry blinked. "Oh, okay."

"See you at the floos after work. Enjoy your lunches," he addressed the rest of the table, nodded again, then walked away.

"Something wrong, Harry?" Hermione rested her hand on his arm.

His brow furrowed. "I guess I was expecting him to try and apologize to you again."

"Maybe it isn't the sort of thing he wants to do with an audience."

"You're probably right," Harry agreed. "But when he does, you'll accept it this time, right?"

"Of course."

Harry bit his lip. "I want this to work. I want it more than I've wanted anything in a long time. It won't work if you all don't get along."

"You can't force it though," Ron said.

"I know. I just . . . maybe we could plan another evening together."

Ron and Hermione looked at each other.

"Do you think that's a good idea, mate? I mean, you don't want him to feel coerced. Give him some time."

Nodding his head, Harry knew Ron was right. He glanced at Robert and Mathilde across the table and blushed. He hadn't meant to sound so desperate in front of coworkers. At least they had the decency to pretend Harry wasn't acting like a besotted school girl.

hdhdhdhd

"Is your food unappetizing?" Draco asked Harry.

"Um, no. It's fine. Why do you ask?"

"You're awfully quiet."

"Oh."

"Is something wrong?"

"No." Then Harry realized his brow was drawn. He made a conscious effort at a pleasant expression. "No, nothing's wrong. What do you want to do this weekend?"

"Oh, I don't know. Do you have anything in mind?" Draco cut a piece of his beef roast and placed it in his mouth.

Trying to sound casual, Harry said, "You said you would go to the Muggle cinema with me sometime. Maybe we could, um, double date with Ron and Hermione. How about Saturday?"

"Saturday evening perhaps. I have plans during the day."

"What? What plans? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't think you'd want to go."

"Well, I do."

Draco snickered. "You don't even know where I'm going."

"I don't care."

"I'm going to see Mother and Father," Draco told him. "Still want to come?"

"Oh."

"Don't worry. I won't hold you to it." Draco smirked. "But really, Harry, I feel that something is wrong. Or at the very least, you're distracted."

Harry put his fork down. "You're going to try, aren't you? With Ron and Hermione, I mean."

"Of course. If you'll recall, I did try. Why are you questioning my motives now?"

"I'm not questioning your motives. But I can't help worry that if the three of you don't come to some sort of understanding . . ."

"And what about my friends?"

"Which friends? The ones you sit with at lunch? I'd be happy to meet them."

"No, I mean Blaise and Pansy.'"

"Blaise and Pansy?" Harry hadn't particularly given them any thought.

"Will you make an effort to be friendly with them? There may be occasions for you to be social with them."

"Like what?" Harry asked.

Shrugging, Draco replied, "Balls, coming out parties, holidays, weddings."

Harry stared at him blankly.

"I may have turned my back on the notion that purebloods are better than Muggle borns, but my family is still upper class. My parents, having been overtly involved with the Dark Lord, are no longer invited to such events. I, however, am expected to attend. Preferably with my handsome beau by my side, as well as Pansy and Blaise."

"Oh, I didn't realize. Of course I'll go with you to those things, if you really want. I suppose it's only fair. I'd probably need new robes, though. What are you grinning about?"

Draco reached across the table to take hold of Harry's hand. "You have no idea what it means to me that you're willing to attend endlessly dull and stuffy galas for my sake. But I was joking. I don't want to attend those things, as you put it, any more than you do. Weddings can't be helped. Most of my cousins and second cousins on my father's side are of marrying age."

"Then, were you also kidding about Blaise and Pansy?"

"No, I'm afraid not. Actually, there's quite a bit of inter-marrying among purebloods. Pansy, Blaise and I all share multiple family members. Besides, they're fun. I think you'd like them if you got to know them."

Harry pursed his lips. "Pansy was ready to throw me to the wolves during the Battle of Hogwarts."

"And I did and said horrible things to Hermione and Ron, and you. You forgave me." Draco paused and frowned. "Haven't you?"

"Yes, but . . ."

"Then I'm certain you'll find your way clear to forgive Pans."

Narrowing his eyes at Draco, Harry said, "You tricked me with that one." But then he smiled. "I guess I've been so concerned with you getting on with my friends, I haven't considered how I'd get on with yours."

"Imagine the scandal when our friends all get together," Draco teased.

"It'll happen eventually. I hope. So, are you really visiting your parents on Saturday?"

"I am. But I'm available later that night. And Sunday. Why don't we have a late supper and you can take me to that Muggle cinema."

"All right."

Harry picked up his fork and started eating again. Ron was right earlier, he couldn't force his friends and his lover into a friendship. He hoped it would happen soon. In the meantime, he would enjoy Draco's company instead of obsessing over their future.