Harry walked the rest of the way home in a daze, his mind replaying the scene in the car over and over again. He couldn't quite process what had just happened. It was all so sudden, and Lance had been so different.
Harry unlocked the front door and headed to the kitchen to sit on one of the tall bar stools. He leaned his elbow on the counter and dropped his head into his hand, clenching his fingers in his thick hair as he squeezed his eyes shut. He'd been with plenty of rough, uncaring men in the past but it was very different when the partner started out loving and gentle and then turned horrible and abusive. He'd always known that Lance was mentally unstable but he'd never treated Harry like that in their visits together before. Harry shook his head, feeling ill. He didn't know what to do, and this Saturday was going to be an absolute nightmare.
Harry lifted his head and opened his eyes, a spark of anger suddenly igniting in his chest. How could Draco plan a big house-warming party without telling him? Wasn't this his house too?
Anger was certainly a lot easier to handle then despair, so he held fast to his irritation while he cooked dinner and waited for Draco to come home from work.
"Mmm… something smells good."
Harry turned away from the stove-top where he was stirring some simmering pasta sauce to see Draco walking through the open doorway, loosening his tie as he went. Harry set the spoon down and leaned back against the counter, facing his boyfriend.
"How was your day? Did you visit with Weasley?" Draco asked as he walked over, about to kiss his partner's cheek in greeting. The blond stopped and frowned when he took in Harry's reproving glare. "What's wrong?"
"When were you going to tell me that you had planned a big party here this Saturday?" Harry demanded.
Draco's frown deepened at Harry's tone. "I was going to mention it tonight. Why? How did you find out?"
Harry's eyes flared. "How did I find out? That's not the issue here Draco. Don't you think the decision to have a party in our house should be a mutual one?"
"Of course I do," Draco replied, puzzled. "It's just that some of my co-workers asked if we were going to celebrate and I thought it sounded like a good idea, so I just said yes on the spot. I didn't think you would have a problem with it."
"Well I do!" Harry exclaimed.
Draco looked taken aback. "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing is wrong with me," Harry replied heatedly. "You think you're the boss in this relationship and I'm just your little pushover."
Draco scowled. "That's not true and you know it."
"Then why not consult me before inviting a hundred people over to our house?"
"It's not a hundred people, and would you have said no?" Draco asked.
"Yes, I would," Harry shot back instantly. "I can't stand parties."
Draco sighed, frustrated with Harry's random mood swing. "Well it's too late now. I've invited everyone and arranged the catering."
Harry ran a hand through his hair, feeling like he was about to explode. He was beyond furious and he knew the anger was misplaced but he couldn't help it. He needed an outlet and unfortunately Draco was it.
"Harry, talk to me," Draco implored, reaching out for him, trying to be reasonable. "What's wrong?"
"I don't like you doing things behind my back," Harry shot back, stepping out of reach and turning burning green eyes towards him. "I don't want to feel like I'm your coddled child."
"Look, I'm sorry about arranging a party without your consent," Draco answered. "But there's obviously something else going on. I've never seen you like this before Harry, tell me what's wrong."
Harry turned his back on Draco and stared down into the boiling pot of sauce, breathing hard. He suddenly felt as though he were about to cry, he could feel the hot prickles starting up in the backs of his eyes. He gripped the counter hard, trying to stave off the threatening tears.
Draco stepped forward and slipped his arms around Harry, holding him tightly to his chest. "Please tell me," he murmured into Harry's dark unruly hair. "I wish you would trust me."
Harry shook his head and clenched his eyes shut. "There's nothing to tell," he finally replied tightly.
"Look at me Harry." Draco turned him around so that they were almost nose to nose.
Harry reluctantly dragged his gaze up to Draco's eyes.
"You haven't been yourself for a while," Draco started. "If this has something to do with your past then we can work through it. If you can't talk to me then we'll find someone you can talk to."
Harry's anger instantly faded into incredible guilt.
"And if it's me then… hopefully we can work through that too," Draco finished uncertainly.
"Draco, I…" Harry stopped, unsure of what to say. Not only was he worrying Draco but he was also making the blond think that Harry's distance was somehow his fault.
"Just tell me Harry," Draco pleaded quietly. "Do you… do you still want to be with me?"
Harry felt as though his heart was breaking. How could he hurt Draco this way? He wasn't protecting Draco by agreeing to Lance's arrangement; he was just making things worse. He was single-handedly ruining their once perfect relationship.
The ringing of the doorbell interrupted the thick tension in the room.
Harry's eyes dropped from Draco's as he turned away and returned to the sauce.
Draco sighed and dropped his arms back to his sides. He stared at Harry's tense shoulders a moment before turning to stride off to the front door, angry at the interruption. He swore to himself that he wasn't going to let it go this time; he was going to force the truth out of his stubborn, pig-headed lover if it killed him.
Draco flung the door open, ready to glare at the intruder, and then stopped short. "Oh shit…" he swore upon seeing the little house elf waiting on the stoop.
"Master Malfoy?" the male elf inquired politely.
"Uh yes, look, could you possibly come back next week?" Draco asked in a rush.
"I is in your service Master Malfoy, from today until I die," the elf replied fervently. "You and Master Potter."
"What the…?"
Draco braced himself as he turned to see Harry behind him in the foyer. "Er… look Harry, I completely forgot to uh…"
Harry's eyes hardened. "Ask me?" he supplied incredulously.
"I thought it would be a nice surprise," Draco replied lamely.
Harry turned on his heel and went upstairs, slamming the second bedroom door shut with a bang.
Draco sighed heavily and held the door open for their new house elf. The little guy smiled joyfully and practically skipped into the house.
Draco blinked in surprise as the elf ran straight for the kitchen to attend to the forgotten dinner that was now burning away on the stove. Draco straightened his shoulders and took a deep breath before marching upstairs. He wasn't going to allow Harry to brood in silence this time.
He knocked on Harry's door and pushed it open without waiting for a reply. Harry looked up from where he was sitting cross-legged on the bed. "Harry, I'm sorry about the house elf but you need help while your arm is healing and I wanted the two of us to spend less time doing chores when we were together. He will also be helping out with the party on Saturday. I know you haven't grown up with one so you're not used to it but the elf doesn't have to be treated like a slave. I chose a very friendly one that is eager to please and we can give him holidays and time off as much as you wish. And if you still don't like it once your arm has healed then we can free him."
Draco hesitantly stepped forward and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I'm sorry about making decisions without your input, it's not that I don't care about your opinion or that you don't matter, it's just that I've been so busy at work that I just didn't stop to think about it properly. I've been single for so long that I'm not used to consulting with someone else for personal decisions."
Harry chewed his bottom lip, considering. "Draco, there is something I need to tell you but I'm not sure how. It's… it's something that's just gotten completely out of hand and… and I don't know what to do."
"You can tell me anything Harry," Draco encouraged, reaching for Harry's free hand and holding it tight.
Harry took a deep breath and exhaled shakily. "I don't want to hurt you but I'm afraid I will if I tell you."
Draco gave his hand a gentle squeeze and waited, trying to remain calm as a horrible sense of apprehension swept over him.
Harry kept his eyes downcast. "I…"
He could feel his resolve to tell Draco everything suddenly crumbling. He should be trying to deal with this on his own before involving Draco. He would just tell Lance the next time he saw him that it was over. That his blackmailing wasn't saving Harry's relationship with Draco, it was destroying it. They would have to sell their beautiful new home and live in poverty but at least they would be together and free from pain – that is, if Draco still wanted him after all that.
"Harry?" Draco prompted, unable to stand it any longer.
Harry looked up at him, emerald eyes swimming with barely contained emotion. "I can't tell you yet," he replied reluctantly. "I promise that I will tell you everything. There's just something I need to do first."
Draco nodded in disappointment, not meeting Harry's pleading gaze.
"Just know that I love you."
Draco glanced up sharply. "It's not… you're not sick or anything are you?" he asked in trepidation.
Harry couldn't help but laugh, feeling slightly hysterical from the crazy rush of emotions and anxiety over the last few hours. "No, I'm not dying."
Draco's face relaxed as he exhaled with relief. "Okay." He rubbed the back of Harry's hand with his thumb. "As long as you're not in imminent danger then I suppose I can wait."
"Thank-you," Harry said with relief. "I'm sorry I'm being so cryptic, and I'm sorry about exploding earlier, I'm just…stressed, I guess."
Draco smiled tiredly and stood up, pulling Harry with him. "Come on, let's go eat dinner."
Harry's eyes widened in panic. "Oh shit! I forgot about dinner!"
Draco stopped him before he could sprint for the stairs. "It's okay Harry; someone is taking care of it."
Harry frowned in confusion for a split second before remembering. "Oh," he said, then, "I suppose an elf could be a good thing. For a little while," he stated reticently.
Draco smirked as he followed Harry down to the dining room.
. . . .
Harry stood under the hot shower with his head bowed and eyes closed, the steam rising up around him and filling their large ensuite. He had thought about not attending the party but he didn't want to upset Draco any further than he already had. He figured Lance wouldn't make a scene with all the people around; the man was very conscientious when it came to his public image.
Harry opened his eyes and glanced over at the suit that Draco had hung up for him on the back of the door. He hated wearing formal attire but Draco loved it and the blond loved dressing Harry up as well.
Harry would complain except every time Draco laid his eyes on Harry in a suit it always led to great sex.
Harry smiled and attempted to wash his hair one-handed; his right arm was still encased in white bandaging but it was due to come off on Monday.
Harry finished washing and turned the water off. He stepped out into the cool air of the room and quickly dried off before slipping into his perfectly pressed suit. He frowned a little as he found that the fly on his trousers was a lot harder to zip than the last time he'd worn them.
Draco walked in then, already dressed, and walked over to the mirror to fuss with his shining hair. He shot an appreciative smirk at Harry through the mirror. "Looking good, Potter."
Harry looked up at him as he buttoned his white shirt. "This is going to sound really girly, but… am I getting fat?"
Draco snorted with laughter and turned around to look at him. "What makes you say that?"
"It's not funny," Harry said while trying to suppress his own grin. "My trousers are tight."
Draco chuckled and walked over to him, eyes roving downwards. He slid one hand up Harry's thigh and around to squeeze his firm backside. "Feel s alright to me," he purred seductively.
Harry smiled, arousal instantly clouding his emerald eyes as Draco pressed their groins together.
"Mmm… I wish we had more time," Draco said breathlessly, leaning in and smelling Harry's damp hair before gently kissing his pale throat.
Harry's eyes fell shut as he let out a hushed moan and tilted his head away, encouraging Draco for more.
Draco smiled against Harry's shower-warmed skin and slowly kissed his way up Harry's neck to his jawline and then to his parted lips. He kissed him achingly slowly for a moment before pulling away.
Harry reluctantly dragged his eyes open and looked into Draco's soft grey depths.
"Later," Draco vowed, placing another soft kiss to Harry's lips. "I promise."
Harry smiled in response as he stepped back and reached for his suit jacket.
Draco stepped up and straightened Harry's collar, looking over his shoulder at the two of them reflected in the mirror. "Beautiful," he murmured into Harry's ear once the brunette was dressed.
Harry flushed in embarrassment and looked away from their reflection.
"You're just missing one thing," Draco mused thoughtfully.
Harry raised his brows questioningly as Draco ducked back into their bedroom and took something out of his wardrobe. He returned quickly with something in his hand and Harry's eyes widened when he saw that it was a black velvet ring box.
Draco smiled, looking a touch nervous. "Harry," he said with quiet fervour. "I know we are already bound by the Grevillea bracelets, but I want us to be bound by something more." Draco paused to open the ring box. "I love you more than anything on this earth. Will you marry me Harry?"
Harry swallowed, staring at the simple white gold ring nestled in the black velvet box. "Wow…" he breathed in shock. "I… I had no idea you wanted to get married," he said, raising his eyes to Draco's face.
Draco smiled softly. "I want to marry you," he said. "I know you have some big secret that you're dealing with so maybe this isn't the best time for me to propose but… maybe that's what makes this the best time. I want you through thick and thin Harry. I love everything about you and I can't wait to spend every single day with you for the rest of my life."
Harry met Draco's tender gaze and couldn't help but smile in return. "Yes."
Draco's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Harry laughed, suddenly feeling excited. "Yeah, did you think I would say no?"
Draco laughed as he plucked the ring from its cushion. "I hadn't planned to ask you right at this moment so I wasn't really prepared for anything."
Harry chuckled as Draco slipped the cool metal ring onto his left hand. Once the ring was in place, Harry hugged his boyfriend – now fiancé – hard. "I don't deserve you," he murmured into Draco's neck.
"I feel the same way," Draco responded ardently.
Harry pulled back and shook his head, too overcome with emotion to speak. Draco had done so much for him; he'd saved his life in more ways than one.
Draco smiled and took Harry by the hand. "Come on love, let's go greet our public."
Harry followed the tall blond out the door towards the foyer, feeling as though he were walking on air. He held fast to Draco's hand as they walked down the steps towards the milling people chatting and drinking champagne. Draco smiled easily, introducing Harry to a few people from his office that he hadn't met before as they weaved easily through the gathered guests. Harry nodded in greeting, glancing every so often at the new ring on his finger with a contented smile.
"Hi Harry."
Harry turned in surprise. "Ron," he said, a pleased smile stretching across his face. "I didn't know you were coming."
Ron grinned. "Malfoy invited me."
Harry looked at Draco in disbelief. "Thanks," he said appreciatively.
Draco smiled. "I know you hate socializing so I thought a friendly face would help."
"Knew I was marrying you for a reason," Harry smirked.
"Huh?"
Harry laughed at Ron's dumfounded expression.
"Mind if I network for a bit love?" Draco asked, smiling in amusement at Ron's gobsmacked silence.
"Go ahead."
Draco kissed Harry quickly on the lips before moving off and leaving the two Gryffindors to talk.
"Are you and Malfoy engaged?" Ron asked, finally managing to unglue his tongue.
"He just asked me a few minutes ago - and I said yes," Harry replied happily.
"Wow, that's big news. Congratulations."
Harry smiled and glanced over at Draco who was busy talking to a wealthy looking older woman in a long purple dress. "Thanks, I can hardly believe it myself," he replied. "I'd never even thought about marriage but… it makes sense for us. We enacted the Grevillea Agreement out of necessity, not really knowing what the future would hold or whether we could live together or not, or whether we could even build a real relationship together. Now I know that he loves me and I love him," Harry finished simply.
Ron smiled. "As much as it's hard for me to comprehend this new Malfoy, I'm glad he makes you happy. You deserve it Harry."
Harry tried to not let his smile falter. He'd almost forgotten about Lance in all the excitement of the proposal, but Ron's words brought it all crashing back – including the fact that the twisted blond wizard would be attending the party tonight. He didn't really deserve to have Draco in his life but he hoped to make up for it by ending things with Lance and starting over. Hopefully Draco would still love him after Harry destroyed his career.
Harry swallowed, suddenly feeling ill. Maybe he should have said no to the proposal, or at least put it off for a while until Draco knew all the facts and the dust had settled.
"You okay Harry?" Ron asked, peering closely at Harry's paled expression.
Harry blinked and forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just hungry I think."
Ron grinned and looked around. "Yeah me too, let's go find the snacks."
The two boys wandered into the large kitchen.
"Master Potter!"
Harry smiled at the little elf. "Hey Pinkles, do you have any snacks? We're starving."
The elf's large brown eyes doubled in size as he nodded with excitement. "Yes Master Potter." He immediately turned around and levitated a huge platter of finger food over to them.
Ron glanced at Harry. "A house elf?" he said out of the corner of his mouth.
Harry rolled his eyes at the redhead. "Yeah, Draco's idea. The little guy is pretty handy to have around but I'm trying to get him to just call me Harry. No luck so far. Thanks Pinkles," he said in a louder voice as the elf watched them take some food.
"I won't tell Hermione," Ron sniggered before stuffing a warm stuffed pastry into his mouth.
"Mmm… this is delicious," Harry said blissfully around a mouthful of red pepper and cheese pastry.
Pinkles danced on his toes with happiness as he watched them enjoy his cooking.
Ron plucked a mini sausage roll from the silver platter and tossed it into his mouth just as the kitchen door opened and a girl with light brown hair and cat-eye glasses poked her head around the corner.
"Ron?"
Ron turned around and motioned her inside as he chewed. "Sorry Madeline," he said after swallowing. "Come in, I want to introduce you to Harry."
Madeline walked into the kitchen, smiling shyly at Harry as she approached. "Hello Harry…Potter," she said, looking slightly awestruck.
Harry smiled as he shook her hand, glancing at Ron for further information. "And… you are?" he asked as Ron just smiled at her adoringly. It was pretty obvious who she was in his life.
"Oh sorry," Ron said, snapping out of it. "She's my girlfriend. We're moving in together in a couple of weeks."
"Congratulations," Harry said sincerely as he smiled at her. "I hope you're prepared to put up with his messy habits."
She giggled as she looked at Ron. "I think I'm just as disorganized as him so we won't be a very good combination."
"Might have to borrow your house elf," Ron joked.
"If Master Potter wishes then Pinkles can help Master Potter's friends."
Harry looked over, having completely forgotten that the elf was there. "That's okay Pinkles. Oh and you can put the tray back, we can help ourselves now that we know where it is. Thanks again."
Pinkles smiled and bowed before levitating the heavy tray back to the kitchen counter. He then returned to busily preparing what looked like a very tempting assortment of desserts.
"So Madeline," Harry said, turning back to Ron's girlfriend. "Do you work at the Ministry too?"
She nodded, pushing her glasses back up her nose with one finger. "Yes, in the Department of International Magical Cooperation."
"Wow, that sounds interesting," Harry said, impressed.
"She'll be head of the department soon," Ron said proudly. "Once the old wizard who runs the place retires, Madeline will be promoted."
Harry raised his brows. "But you're so young."
Madeline just smiled self-consciously as Ron linked their hands together. "Yeah, but she's the cleverest one there."
Harry chuckled. Ron obviously had a type - and cute and intelligent was it. "Well, I suppose we should get back out there," Harry said reluctantly, not wanting to join the throng of strangers in his house just yet. "Draco will wonder where I am."
"Harry just got engaged," Ron said to Madeline as they walked over to the double doors.
"Oh congratulations!" she replied brightly.
"Thanks," Harry answered as he pushed through the doors and searched for his social butterfly fiancé.
The group of guests seemed to be gathering in the formal living area off of the foyer. The three walked over and hung out at the back of the crowd and Harry spotted Draco in the centre making a speech.
Harry just smiled as the blond aristocrat thanked everyone for coming. He was in his element.
"Where is the loo Harry?" Ron whispered.
"Down the hall on the left," Harry said, pointing in the general direction.
"We'll be right back."
Harry watched the two of them leave for a moment before turning back to Draco.
"…and we hope to have many more gatherings here as the years pass," the blond was saying, somewhat grandiosely.
Harry smiled and shook his head.
"Ah here you are Harry."
Harry flinched as Lance's oily voice breathed into his ear. He glanced sideways at the man, trying not to draw attention to them. "I was hoping you wouldn't show up," Harry muttered darkly.
Lance merely smiled and took a sip of champagne. "And miss this special occasion? Never."
Harry narrowed his eyes at him. "Maybe you've come to apologize for your behaviour then?"
Lance's pleasant smile slipped slightly as he turned to look at him. "I have nothing to apologize for dear boy. I own you."
"I don't believe you do," Harry sneered before casually raising his left hand and gazing pointedly at the shining engagement ring sitting on his finger.
Lance's eyes widened in silent outrage.
"Harry?"
Harry turned to see Draco, and consequently the rest of the room, looking his way.
"Will you join me for a moment?" Draco called out with a smile.
Harry smiled easily and nodded in acceptance. "It's over by the way," he whispered aside to Lance before deftly walking forward to join his partner.
Draco clasped his hand as soon as Harry was close enough and Harry tried to keep the heat from rushing to his cheeks as he suddenly became the centre of attention.
"Just before I let you return to the party," Draco said to everyone. "I wanted to make a quick announcement." He glanced at Harry questioningly and Harry gave an imperceptible nod of consent. "Earlier today I asked this young man to marry me - and he actually said yes!"
A cheer rose up from the gathered guests and a round of applause broke out as Draco kissed Harry soundly on the lips. Draco pulled back and laughed as Harry's face turned impossibly red with embarrassment, but his emerald eyes were sparkling with joy none-the-less.
"Alright, go enjoy the food and wine!" Draco proclaimed loudly.
Harry searched the room for Lance as some of the guests came up to congratulate the happy couple personally. He couldn't spot the tall man anywhere and hoped that maybe he had left.
"Do you need a drink Harry?" Draco asked once it was just the two of them.
"Yeah, that would be great," Harry replied gratefully.
"You didn't mind about the announcement did you?" Draco asked quietly. "I know you hate that sort of thing."
"And you love it," Harry chided with a grin. "I put up with a lot for you Malfoy."
Draco smirked and kissed Harry's left hand, glancing at the engagement ring. "Looks good on you love," he said approvingly before ducking off to get him a glass of red wine. Harry smiled affectionately at Draco's retreating back.
Harry glanced over as Ron and Madeline walked back into the room and he quickly waved them over. They got to him just as Draco arrived with their drinks.
"Draco, this is Madeline… sorry I don't know your surname," Harry said.
"Spinnet," Madeline supplied promptly as she shook Draco's hand.
"Oh, are you related to Alicia?" Harry asked, recognizing the name from Hogwarts.
"Yeah, she's my younger sister."
"Oh so do you play quidditch as well?" Draco asked, remembering her sister from the Gryffindor team.
Madeline laughed. "No, not at all; she was the co-ordinated one in the family and I have two left feet when it comes to anything physical."
Harry took a sip of wine and then cursed when a large amount of red wine somehow escaped from his glass and splattered on his white shirt.
"Can't take you anywhere Potter," Draco said, watching Harry swipe uselessly at the spreading stain with his one good hand.
Harry sighed and handed the glass back. "I'll be right back," he said in irritation.
"Don't be long," Ron called as Harry turned to run upstairs. "Pudding will be out soon!"
Harry jogged up the stairs to the master bedroom and quickly strode over to his wardrobe to grab a clean shirt. He was halfway through unbuttoning his stained shirt when he felt as though he were being watched.
Harry swung around just as Lance came up behind him and placed a hand on either side of the wardrobe doors, pinning Harry in place.
"What are you doing?" Harry demanded, not liking the wild look in Lance's blue eyes.
Lance leaned in and smelled Harry's hair. "Ah… you smell delicious my love."
"What is wrong with you?" Harry hissed, placing his left hand on Lance's chest and pushing him back. "Get away from me. I told you, it's over."
Lance grabbed a hold of Harry's hand and peered at the shining engagement ring. "What about our little deal Harry?" he asked menacingly, eyes still on the ring.
Harry frowned as the strong smell of alcohol wafted over him. Lance was obviously past the point of caring about appearances. "It's off," Harry replied carefully. "I don't care what you do, I can't live like this anymore."
Lance's eyes flashed. "It's not up to you Harry," he replied threateningly. "I'm not finished with you yet."
Harry glared, suddenly furious. "Get it through your head; I don't want to see you ever again so fuck off!"
Lance blinked, his eyes attempting to focus in their intoxicated state. "But… you love me Harry and I love you. You can't deny it."
Harry gaped. The man was beyond deluded.
Lance licked his lips as his eyes roved up and down Harry's body, taking in the half open shirt and the smooth planes of Harry's chest. "How about one last deal?" he suggested eagerly. "Let me have you one last time, right now, and then we go our separate ways? I won't ever tell Malfoy a thing."
Harry paused, considering it for a split second before shaking his head. "No, I love Draco and I won't do this to him anymore. Now get your hands off of me."
Lance's eyes narrowed furiously and Harry didn't have time to react before the man grabbed his shirt front and spun him around, shoving him so hard that he fell backwards onto the king-sized bed.
Harry gasped as Lance quickly straddled him and trapped him by leaning all of his weight onto his upper body, causing Harry to cry out as he pressed against his bandaged arm.
"Get off of me!" Harry roared, feeling impotent with one useless arm and Lance's heavier frame holding him down.
Lance reared back and slapped him hard across the cheek, causing stars to flash in front of Harry's eyes. "Shut up! Just be quiet and it will all be over soon."
Harry blinked in shock at the pain that seared across his cheek. He turned his head away and whimpered as Lance roughly reached for the zip on his trousers. "No…" he pleaded, suddenly desperate. "Don't."
Lance sneered as he slid his right hand to Harry's throat and squeezed ominously. "I said be quiet," he warned.
Harry cried out again as Lance leaned on his fragile arm and the bone gave way with a sickening crack. "Get off of me!" Harry screamed ineffectually, screwing his eyes shut against the nightmare that was playing out.
Lance's eyes gleamed wildly as he shoved Harry's trousers down to his knees. "Now be a good little whore and spread your legs," he commanded.
A flash of green light exploded in the room followed closely by a loud thunk. Harry opened his eyes and saw Lance pinned to the far wall, held up by green bands of light. Harry turned his head to see Draco standing in the open doorway; wand out and pointed and a ferocious look on his face.
"Draco…" Harry gasped with relief, the trembling in his body keeping him from attempting to sit up.
Draco seemed to come to at Harry's voice and he quickly lowered his wand as he dashed over. "Harry, are you alright?" he asked urgently, looking him over.
"I think he re-broke my arm," Harry replied through gritted teeth.
Draco's grip on his wand tightened at Harry's words and he immediately got up and strode over to Lance. "What the fuck did you think you were doing Waverley?" he demanded forcefully.
Lance opened his eyes, still trying to catch his breath from being slammed against the wall. He eyed Draco with a sneer. "Just taking what's mine Malfoy," he replied breathlessly.
"Harry is not yours," Draco shot back vehemently.
"Harry was once everyone's though wasn't he?" Lance said mockingly.
Draco glared venomously, wondering how the man knew about Harry's past.
Lance's eyes flicked over to Harry lying on the bed. "He's just a whore Malfoy."
Draco instantly pressed the tip of his wand into Lance's throat just under the jawline. "Don't ever say that again."
Lance smirked. "You may have dressed him up and given him back his sight but he's still the same slut that serviced me for months Malfoy."
Draco kept his wand in place as he narrowed stormy grey eyes. "It doesn't matter what you know about his past Waverley, you're still going to prison for this."
Harry slowly sat up, cradling his injured arm to his chest and watching the heated exchange with trepidation. "Draco, let's go," he said weakly. "We don't need to listen to this."
Lance smiled malevolently, his eyes flicking to Harry for a moment. "It's not his past Malfoy, it's his present."
Draco glared. "Rape doesn't count as consensual you piece of shit," he growled.
"Draco…" Harry tried again, getting unsteadily to his feet.
"Perhaps he grew a backbone today," Lance replied smoothly, "but for the past two months it was most definitely consensual."
Harry swallowed; feeling as though the floor was suddenly dropping out from beneath him.
"You're a fucking liar," Draco replied acerbically.
Lance smiled. "Ask him."
"I don't have to ask him."
"Draco, let's go," Harry said, desperately wanting to get him away from Lance.
Draco glanced over his shoulder.
Harry nearly winced at the doubt that suddenly clouded those grey eyes upon seeing his expression.
The Slytherin turned back to Lance and removed his wand. "I'm calling the authorities now Waverley. Your life is over."
Draco turned and walked over to Harry. "Come on love," he said, taking Harry by the left elbow and leading him out of the darkened room.
Harry refused to look back at Lance as he allowed Draco to steer him away and out into the hallway. "Where…?" Harry said in confusion as Draco led him into the second bedroom and sat him on the edge of the bed.
"I'll be right back," Draco said reassuringly. "Wait here."
Harry nodded mutely and watched as Draco left the room, closing the door behind him. Harry tried to calm his racing heart and slow his accelerated breathing. Draco suspected something wasn't right. How could he tell him now? It seemed so much worse in reality, so much more hopeless. He was going to lose everything.
Harry closed his eyes and tried to keep the threatening panic attack at bay.
He clenched his left hand into a fist in his lap, trying to keep it from shaking. The reality of what had just happened settled in quickly. It had been so long since someone had tried to assault and rape him, it was so much more terrifying when it was unexpected and when it was in his own home, where he felt safe. It was like his two lives were trying to merge into one and everything was exploding in his face.
What felt like hours later, Draco re-emerged through the door, closing it softly behind him. He kneeled in front of Harry and pulled out a small vial of pain reliever potion.
"Here take this," he instructed, unstoppering the glass bottle and placing it in Harry's hand. "Sorry I was so long, I had to tell everyone that the party was over, call the Ministry and get Weasley to watch over Lance."
Harry swallowed the potion quickly and set the bottle aside, awaiting his verdict.
Draco searched his face a moment before sitting back on his heels with a sigh.
"Draco…" Harry started, unable to stand the silence any longer.
"Is it true?" Draco interrupted, his gaze not quite meeting Harry's.
Harry took a deep breath and exhaled. "Yes. Sort of."
"Was this your big secret?" Draco asked tonelessly.
"Yes, but it's not what you think," Harry hastened to reply.
"How could you…" Draco shook his head and lifted pain-filled eyes to Harry's face. "Why Harry?"
"I had no choice," Harry said miserably. "He… he blackmailed me."
"What do you mean?"
"He was going to ruin your company if I didn't do it," Harry said, biting his lip. It sounded so ridiculous out loud.
Draco frowned. "How could he possibly do that?"
"You once said that Lance Waverley could make or break you in this business, I didn't want you to lose everything you'd worked so hard for just because of me."
Draco stood up, suddenly looking angry. "There's no possible way that he could cause me to lose all of my clients but even if that were true, I would never ever want you to be in that position for my business Harry. Gods, I'd rather be out on the street then make you… do whatever it was you were doing with him."
Harry swallowed and absently swiped at a tear that had leaked out onto his cheek. "Don't you think that I know you'd say that? That's why I couldn't tell you. After everything you'd done for me, I couldn't ruin your life like that. I figured that if I could help sustain this lifestyle that we dreamed of then I was contributing too. It's not like I hadn't done it before, it wasn't new to me."
Draco's eyes flared. It was the wrong thing to say. "You're not a prostitute anymore Harry. You have a new life, with me, why would you want to go back to the way your life used to be?"
"I didn't!" Harry protested.
Draco paced the room, unable to contain his aggravation. "You say you did this for me but you had to know that the idea of it would kill me." He stopped and turned to face Harry. "It makes me sick to think of him touching you, being with you like that behind my back. Did he come to our house? Was he in our bed while I was at work?"
Harry looked away, emitting a distressed sob that he couldn't contain.
"Oh my god…" Draco breathed in disbelief. "He did, didn't he?"
"Draco…" Harry spoke brokenly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen. I didn't know what else to do."
Draco covered his face with his hands and Harry was horrified to see tears beneath his slender fingers.
Harry stood and walked over to place a comforting hand on Draco's arm. "Draco-"
"Don't touch me!" Draco cried, practically jumping away from Harry's touch.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise; he felt as though he'd been slapped.
"Just… don't touch me," Draco repeated evenly, keeping his distance. "I can't stop imagining him with you. I just… I think I need to be alone."
"Draco please," Harry cried, stepping towards him as the blond reached for the door.
"Leave me alone Harry," Draco repeated dully, not bothering to turn around.
Harry watched Draco wrench open the door and stride out, leaving him alone in the empty room. Harry turned and sat back on the edge of the bed. His entire world was collapsing before his eyes and it was all his fault. He should've said no from the beginning. He was so worthless, he never should have left Borgin and Burkes, he wasn't fit to live in the outside world, he wasn't fit to be with Draco. Draco hated him; Draco now knew how worthless and pathetic he really was.
Harry looked down at his engagement ring, his heart breaking with the memory of Draco's expression, the loathing that the blond now had for him.
Draco didn't deserve to be put through this.
Harry slowly removed the shining ring from his finger and placed it on the bedside table. He looked at the empty doorway for a moment before quickly Disapparating with a loud crack.