..oo00oo..

Draco

Even though I was away from the entire world for most of the day I managed to send a word to Blaise that the party was on. After all, there is no real excuse to deny the poor sods of a good party, now is there? Besides, I was in a rather festive mood myself. After sorting out my life, there is only one slight problem with it at the moment and that is the fact that my bum is a bit sore- but far from me to complain about that.

When I sauntered into the common room late that night I was greeted by a huge banner spelling "Happy Birthday Draco" and a loud party well underway. I was aiming for being elegantly late, but it seems I've over calculated… a very drunk Blaise was swaying towards me on very wobbly legs, a huge grin plastered on his face and a bottle of firewhiskey firmly clutched to his chest,

"Dra… Dr… Buddy!" He cried happily as he launched himself on me, missing me by a couple of inches at the first try and only succeeding in hugging me on the third go, "Happy hic birthday, mate. We have party." I smiled politely and tried to pray him off me, since he was sweaty and smelled like a brewery, which wasn't too pleasant- to say the least.

"Blaise, I think you've had enough to drink, buddy." I said gently while trying to loosen his grip on the bottle, but he proved to be rather stubborn in his hold and instead he leaned forward, washing me with a very fragrant cloud of alcohol that nearly made my head spin,

"Nah, come on, dance with me."

"Not even if you were the last man standing." I told him and somehow managed to drag him over to the nearest sofa and dump him there. Blaise didn't really seem to notice and started singing loudly to himself, completely off-key and missing half the words of his song. I shook my head sadly, but didn't say a thing. Poor bloke's going to regret it tomorrow.

I made my way to the table where the food and beverages were set upon and managed to secure myself a bottle of butterbeer, oh, well, guess that's my punishment for being so late to my own party… but for my defence I can say I had a really good excuse for being late. It had to do with Oliver's mouth and a certain body part of mine, but that's all I'm saying!

"Happy Birthday, love!" I turned around just in time to catch Pansy's flailing limbs as she threw herself at me. She gave me a big wet kiss, smack on the lips and I tried to assess how drunk she was. I pushed her to arm length and looked into her merrily dancing eyes before I realized she wasn't drunk at all. Uh-oh, that can't be good. "So, I take it we can blame Mr. Fabulous for your tardiness to your own party?" She accused me with a sharp jab to my chest, and I tried to shrug noncommittally. "How did lunch with your parents go?" How indeed… I lowered my eyes and started picking on the label on the butterbeer bottle, refusing to meet Pansy's eyes. I wasn't really sure whether I wanted her to drop the issue or pursue it. But Pansy wasn't one to be deteriorated by such transparent actions and she unceremoniously dragged me to my room, shutting the door firmly on the noise from the party and shoved me to the bed before sitting herself crossed legged in front of me. "Spill." And I did, because I couldn't possibly refuse her and I really needed my best friend right now. So I told her everything, everything my parents said, did and what Oliver did for me afterwards. Her face was sympathetic and she didn't interrupt me once, just uttered soft noises of dismay or cooed in joy.

"So what did Oliver say when he heard you're going to be disowned?" She asked curiously and I smiled softly,

"He asked me to marry him." Pansy opened her soft brown eyes wide with astonishment,

"No way!" She cried and shoved me back, none too gently, "And what did you say?"

"I said no."

"Why?" I scuttled back on the bed, so that she couldn't hurt me even if she decided to, and wrapped my arms around my knees,

"Because I don't want him to do that only because he feels responsible, it's not his fault that my parents are such arseholes." It still hurt like a mother-fucker to think about my parents not loving me. The people you should be able to depend on and know that they love you unconditionally, no matter what you do. But I guess I've been around Oliver too long because I knew that my parents aren't the loving sort- I've known ever since I was about six and was forced to let go of the childhood fantasies of bedtime stories and hot chocolate mugs before bed. Still…

"But… what's going to happen now?" She asked with a confused expression. I bet she thought that if I said no to Oliver's proposal he'd ditch me again and she'd have to pick the shards once more, but I was mightily glad to prove her wrong,

"We're moving in together."

"You are?" I swear, if her eyes got any bigger I'd have to scoop them from my bed, and that's just… EW!

"Yes, we're going to stay in his place in Montrose."

"Montrose, as in Scotland?" She narrowed her eyes, astonishment replaced with contempt, I nodded and she looked deflated all of a sudden, "But that's so far…" She complained loudly, and I shrug again. I know it's far but that's what floo is for. Besides, I think it'll be good for me to get as far as possible from Wiltshire. After next weekend when I go to pick up the rest of my stuff I don't plan to see the manor again and I bet my parents feel the same way.

"Yeah, well… So, what about you?" I asked in a desperate attempt to change the topic a little. I just had nearly 48 hours of nothing but thinking about what's going to happen next, I need a mental break.

"I decided I'm going to convince my parents to let me marry Stephen." She said proudly and I cocked a brow at her, "What? It's not like it's so farfetched… he's a pure blood and his family is quite wealthy. Not Malfoy wealthy of course, but then again neither is mine." That makes sense, I suppose.

"So, you're going to be Mrs. Pansy Cornfoot?" She grimaced slightly, much to my amusement and then nodded,

"I'm going to be Pansy Belladonna Cornfoot…" She mused and then tossed herself dramatically on the bed, burying her face in my shoulder, "I'm going to be Pansy Belladonna Cornfoot! Fuck that sounds like a bad Herbology assignment…" I couldn't stop the laughter that was bubbling inside me, poor Pansy…

"Well, at least you're not going to be Draco Alexander Snape!"

"Guess we're both screwed then…" We both nodded our heads at each other. Well, at least we're both in it together. "Are you going to be alright?"

"I guess I'll have to be." I said slowly, before taking a deep breath and plunging in, "Yes, I'm going to be just fine. I'm moving in with Oliver!" I said with a brave attempt of a smile but that nearly made me break down. What will I do if we can't make it happen? I mean it's a giant leap of faith from fucking regularly every weekend… this is living together! Being with each other day in and day out, having to learn each other's little nasty habits, sharing a small space… can I really do it? All I know is living in a giant mansion where you can days without seeing a soul, not to mention being able to hide whenever things gets too rough, but now I'm going to share a room, a bed and my life with Oliver and I'm bloody terrified!

"Hey, it's going to be fine. It was going to happen anyway, at least this way you're going to live with someone you're actually in love with." Yeah and that's what scares the shit out me, because if we fall out it'll be all the worse to bear.

"I'm scared, Pansy." I admitted softly, she wrapped her arms around me,

"I know baby, but it's for the best, you'll see." I nodded and hugged her back. For the best. We lay on my bed, arms around each other and talked for hours.

When I woke up the next morning I found her firmly wrapped around me, clutching to me possessively. It was really strange though, because it felt so different then waking up in Oliver's arms. For one thing she was snuggling to me, not the other way around, and she was much smaller and well, squishier… I slowly entangled myself from her, feeling my bones and joints creaking uncomfortably from sleeping in a rather unnatural position entwined on a bed that is barely big enough for one. While padding my way to the bathroom I heard Pansy stir and move around, slowly waking up.

"Good morning, Pans." I whispered to her, as to not to wake the rest of the room.

"What time is it?" She groaned and I peered at the bedside clock,

"Nearly eight." Her eyes snapped open and she sat bolt straight on the bed,

"Shit, we have to get to charms!" She cried before tossing her legs over the edge of the bed and rushing out of the room to get ready and still manage to grab breakfast. I smiled and moved to the shower to do the same. When I came back to the room I noticed there was little change in everyone's postures and decided it was my humanitarian duty to make sure all my dorm-mates made it in time for class so I grabbed the door handle and sent it closing shut in a loud, crushing bang. A chorus of pained groans answered my summoning and I called out cheerfully,

"Wake up, you lumbering lummoxes! You're going to be late for class." That same Greek chorus answered me in a song of 'fuck you' and 'leave me alone'. I only laughed at them and made my way out of the room.

For the rest of the day I felt rather good with myself, mostly because all the rest of the Slytherins were in shambles and I seemed to be the only one not walking around and grunting like a cave-man whenever someone said something too loudly. At the dinner table I got a note from Snape. I knew this would come eventually and I was really glad that he gave me some time to adjust after that fiasco on Sunday but on the other hand I was eager to have the godfather to godson-turned-main-responsibility talk over and done with as soon as possible.

When I reached Snape's door I was hit by a strong sense of deja-vu. Not two days ago was I standing before that same door dreading what to tell my parents, and when I entered the room itself the feeling got stronger and more foreboding. In Oliver's bed I could delude myself that everything was alright and nothing bad happened, but standing here in Snape's room I could picture it vividly and with live colours, where my mother sat, where my father stood, what they said to me, and what I said back. I gulped and shook my head trying to rid myself of the memories. They weren't important anymore, what was done was done and over with and now I have to live with the fallout of it.

I sat down, deliberately choosing a different chair than the last time and accepting the teacup that Snape offered me. I didn't know what to say, so I let him take the lead and start.

"How are you doing, Draco?" I shrugged, just to buy time really before answering to the best of my ability,

"I'm ok." Snape nodded and if he was disappointed with my flippant answer he didn't show it, instead he looked down at his teacup deep in thought, before lifting his head and fixing me with that famous Snape glare of his,

"Have you talked to Mr. Wood?" I blinked a couple of times, completely baffled, not to mention blushing despite my best efforts not to. Shit! What does Snape know of me and Oliver? Is he going to turn us in? Fuck, this can't be good… "Relax, Draco, I know that the two of you have been involved for the better part of the year."

"How?" I whispered, not daring to lift my eyes to his,

"I have my sources," He replied casually, picking at an invisible piece of lint on his sleeve, not meeting my gaze that made me feel like he was somewhat ashamed of his sources or that he was lying and my stupid reaction to the name Wood gave me away just now. "So, have you been talking to him?" I nodded, "And what did he say?" I had a feeling that Snape was rather annoyed by my monosyllable answers so far and I decided to indulge him,

"He asked me to move in with him."

"And what was your response?"

"I said yes." Snape took a deep breath and leaned back on the sofa,

"I see." For a long moment neither of us said a word, and we both pretended to be drinking our tea. This was really awkward, for both of us; because this was the first time we had an actual personal conversation. Severus Snape was never the sort of 'uncles' that brought me loads of gifts on Christmas and would give me sordid advices on my love life- as you might guess. But now he's basically all that family I have left. "Draco, if you ever need a place to stay, you know that Spinner's end is always open to you."

"No," I shook my head and lowered my gaze once more, "No, please Severus, I can't. You've done so much for me already I can't really impose on your hospitality…" I tried valiantly to dissuade him from scarifying too much for me, not that I would be able to get anywhere without his help. There was a strange sound that gave me a rather eerie feeling and it was only when I lifted my head and looked at Snape that I realized the sound was his chuckle, dry like raspy leaves and almost evil. Not a sound you want to hear on a daily basis.

"Don't be foolish, boy," He said while leaning forward to capture my gaze and make sure he had my undivided attention, "I am your godfather, and being your godfather means that once your parents removed their protection from you, you became my responsibility. I'm your carer now, despite you being 18 years of age. And as your carer I'm telling you that my house is your house should you ever need one." I gulped and felt myself go warm all over,

"Thank you." I whispered and despite myself felt warmth seeping inside me. I contemplated what to do next when the door pushed open and I lifted my head to see professor Lupin standing in the doorway,

"Oh, I didn't know you have company, professor Snape," He blurted out, rather uneasy and fingered the doorknob, as if not certain what to do next, "I'll just… be on my way then." He said with a soft smile but before he could close the door behind him, Snape rose to his feet and called,

"Wait." Both professor Lupin and I looked at him with bated curiosity, waiting to see how this will unfold, Snape pulled himself to his full height and took a deep breath, almost as if this was causing him pain, "Draco, I want you to meet my…" I sneaked a peek at Lupin, who looked far too amused by the whole situation, and returned my gaze to Snape who's grown several shades paler in a space of two seconds, "Lover, Remus Lupin." He finally spat out the word, and I blinked. Was that a 'meet your new dad' moment, right there? Lupin walked into the room and came to stand by Snape, who looked ragged and exhausted like he's been running the marathon,

"Wow that must have hurt." Lupin said cheerfully as he seated himself comfortably on the sofa and poured Snape a cup of tea. Snape rolled his eyes and sat next to him, and I tried to hide my smile. "So, have you talked to Oliver yet?" again I was left feeling rather embarrassed with myself, because while having my godfather know that I'm gay and involved with a teacher having his… Lover know that is a little less favourable… so I tried my best to shrink into the upholstery of the armchair, much to professor Lupin's delight, "Oh, come on Draco, I know you and Wood been shagging like minxes almost every weekend this year!" Oh, joy… "Who do you think told Sevvy about you two?" At that I lifted my head to see the widest grin on Lupin's face and the darkest scowl on Severus'. I'm not sure what pissed him off more, the fact that his 'sources' had been revealed or the fact that Lupin called him Sevvy in front of me. Almost at its own accord I felt a smile tugging at my lips, I never actually knew that Lupin had a sense of humour, but I can defiantly see what Snape sees in him, not physically- I mean… he is Sevvy's boyfriend and there is no way I'm going to lust after him! Wait, what am I on about? Lupin is a teacher! Er, just hexed my own foot with the last one, didn't I? Just forget it, I don't know what I mean, but this is the first time I actually feel comfortable around professor Lupin so I guess that's a real progress for me…

"Did you tell him?" Lupin leaned close to Snape and all but whispered in his ear. I could see Snape's frame tense from the closeness but from the fleeting glance he sent my way I deduced that it was more because I was there than real discomfort, before he gave a small nod, and Lupin again looked at me, "You know you're always welcome to stay with us in Spinner's end."

"Us?" I asked, a little confused, and tried very hard not to notice the little patterns Lupin was tracing on Snape's thigh, because the more I sit here with the two of them, the more they look cute and sappy. And the last thing I need right now is to think of them having sex, any kind of sex and this is exactly where my thoughts are going… Damn!

"Yes, we've moved in together about three years ago," Lupin informed me happily. I could see that Snape was crumbling under the pressure and already his eyes were glowing warm rather than cold obsidian and if he's not careful he might actually smile! "Of course it's only a summer house, because we're stuck in this castle most of the year but if you ever need to have some time off from Oliver, you're more than welcome."

"Thank you." I said quietly and Lupin nodded absently to me, already fully absorbed in Snape, and I contemplated the fastest, least obtrusive way to slink my way out without them knowing. I started off by putting down the teacup, while keeping a weary eye on the pair, whose gazes could lit a bloody fire when Snape's voice literally caused me to jump,

"Draco."

"Yes?"

"Get out." Yes, yes, thank you. I jumped up to my feet and fled the room as fast as if a hex was aimed at me. This time I didn't even linger to rest against to wall to let my mind catch up with me, I didn't know what's Snape's policy of silencing charms was (though I bet you 100 galleons (that I don't have anymore…) that it's quite strict, otherwise everyone in school would have known about the two of them by now…), but I didn't linger around to find out first hand. The only thing that could make my feverish mind forget what I've witnessed right now would be through shag from my boyfriend, school night be damned!

A/N: This is the chapter before last. Hope you like it.