Title: Falls the Shadow
Chapter 8
Rating: M
Warnings: H/D SLASH
DISCLAIMER: We do not own Harry Potter! Characters (except those created by us) belong to the amazingly talented J.K. Rowling, WB, and the publishing companies.
A/N: Alright then. Update! Yay! Haha, ok. I apologize before for any mistakes that may have been made in the making of this chapter. Thank you for all of your reviews. They were greatly appreciated and actually helped us in developing this plot even further. It pretty much is developed already, but we've made a few alterations and things now seem to get more... complicated. Not in this chapter, but in the overall story. Haha, what happens in this chapter had already been planned : ) but yeah. Enjoy!
-8-
"I will see you tomorrow, Draco," Harry said as he stood up from the seat he had taken beside the lake and began moving back towards the castle, in order to make it to class.
Draco nodded, directing a smile towards Harry and moving his hand in a small wave as he watched Harry's retreating figure. Once out of sight, Draco sighed and turned back towards the lake, placing his chin on his knees as he drew them up and with a thoughtful expression on his face.
XXXX
"So," Seamus said as Harry entered their dormitory that night, "rumor has it Draco's found himself a new... playmate," he said with a mischievous grin on his face.
"Playmate? What are you talking about?" Harry asked in an angry, demanding tone, turning his full attention towards Seamus as he placed his bookbag besides his bed.
Seamus's smile grew wider as his guess was confirmed. He walked over to Harry's bed and sat down in it, patting the seat beside himself and indicating for Harry to sit down.
Harry only growled slightly before demanding that Seamus tell him what exactly he was talking about.
"Oh, something I heard out there today. You know how rumors start. Possibly untrue though," Seamus said, feigning a loss of interest in the subject.
"Seamus, you better tell me now or I swear to god I will...," Harry said, staring at Seamus with a ferocity that made him uneasy.
"It is you then," Seamus said as he got up from the bed and moved towards his own. "I suspected as much, but I wasn't so sure that the rumors were true, what, with Franz being as clingy and possessive as he is and all."
"Oh," said Harry, reddening slightly when Franz's information registered into his brain. "Wait, what do you mean clingy and possessive?"
Seamus stared at Harry, a concentrated expression on his face, before deciding to answer. "Well, the last boy he was with tried to get rid of him, but he wouldn't let them. Apparently, the decision of who goes with and leaves Franz is not up to the person, but up to Franz. He won't allow anyone else to make that decision for him."
Harry remained quiet, nodding in understanding before turning back to his own bed, thoughts of Franz intermixing with throughts of Draco and worry beginning to form in his mind.
XXXX
Harry looked around at all the tables again before comfirming that Franz was not in the room. He sat down and picked up his plate, sending a small smile in greeting towards Draco before piling food on his plate. Franz hadn't bothered them, hadn't really been near them in over three weeks. He had kept his distance and treated them like he treated most of the other boys in their school, as if they weren't there. Harry sighed, knowing that this should have calmed him down but, nevertheless, feeling a deep sense of apprehension.
"Harry, you alright there?" Seamus asked, looking at him curiously. "That fork has been suspended in the air for over a minute. Thought I should warn you that the air won't accept the food you try to feed it."
Harry looked up, slightly startled at being pulled out of his thoughts, and only nodded in response before placing his fork down and leaving the table, excusing himself on account of having to go pack up for his books.
Two grey eyes stared after him as he left the room before fixing themselves back on the breakfast before them, though the owner had no appetite for anything on the plate.
XXXX
Harry walked to his science class slightly late, knowing he'd have to pay for it afterwards. He made his way through the halls, books under his arm as he approached the lower parts of the castle their school was located in. He unconsciously pulled his coat tighter around himself as he continued walking, the air slowly growing colder with every step.
"Potter," a voice called out to him from an empty hallway. Harry turned, confused, until he saw familiar brown hair and hazel eyes.
"Franz," Harry said, his expression darkening. He faced the other boy but made no inclination to step any nearer than he had to. "What is it? I'm already late for my class as it is."
Franz looked at Harry with an odd expression before stepping forward slightly, then stopping, then stepping forward again until he was right in front of Harry. "I want to talk about Draco."
Harry sighed before turning away from Franz and heading towards his room. "Draco chose himself, Franz. If he doesn't want you, he doesn't want you. It's been..."
"Are you so sure he wants you, though?" Franz said, stepping in front of Harry and looking at him with a calculating gaze. "I've been watching you for a while and well...," Franz said with a devious smile, "let's just say things don't look so passionate from my perspective."
Harry stared at him with indignation, hands slowly turning into fists. "That's none of your business," Harry said, green eyes turning fierce. "And what are you doing spying on us? Draco doesn't want you. He never has," Harry said. "Deal with it. He left you."
Harry sidestepped Franz and went to his class, ignoring the taunting calls from Franz behind him, who was now smirking and in a good mood because he had managed to plant the little seed of doubt that was essential to getting Draco back.
XXXX
"Hello," Harry said, giving Draco a smile as he sat beside him. They had met each other the day before in the hallway, had stolen a kiss from each other, but hadn't met since then.
"Hello," Draco said, moving forward slightly as Harry sat down. As soon as Harry was seated, Draco leaned over and pressed his lips softly against Harry's, receiving a gentle pressure on his own lips from Harry before breaking apart.
"So...," Harry said, "how have you been?"
"Alright, I suppose," Draco said, looking over at Harry before turning and staring out at the lake they were sitting in front of. Over the past few weeks, they had apparently made that spot their own, sitting there whenever they had free time and taking advantage of the fact that trees surrounded them and hid them from view.
"Christmas vacations are coming up," Draco said, looking over at Harry with a smile and wondering when they had become so awkward with one another. "I'm wondering what it is you want."
Harry looked at Draco before looking down at the ground, brow furrowing in deep thought, creating a smile to form on Draco's face once again. "I'm not sure," Harry said, knowing that what he wanted was a better relationship with Draco and wondering, just as Draco had, when they had become so awkward and aloof with one another.
A few seconds of silence ensued in which Draco turned to face Harry, studying his features, his gaze lingering over Harry's lips. He found himself closer to Harry than he had before been and suddenly found his own lips on Harry's, pressing against his gently, yet roughly, with the unsatisfied lust that he continued to keep at bay for Harry's sake.
Harry responded to the kiss, letting his arms entangle themselves around Draco's body, one hand running itself through Draco's hair and pushing their lips closer together. His mouth opened, allowing Draco entrance and he felt himself moaning slightly at the feeling the kiss brought on.
Hands wound themselves around Harry, tracing small patterns on his back and slowly making their way lower, itching to get under his shirt and trace the hard muscles found there, but before it could continue Draco pulled back with a last quick kiss.
"I just remembered, I have a meeting with Snape," Draco said, lips red and hair toussled. He had an anguished look on his face that seemed more deceptive than honest but before Harry could get a word out Draco had given him one more quick kiss and was heading back towards the castle.
XXXX
Harry and Draco walked towards their coach, things in hand when Franz walked up to them.
"Draco, can I talk to you please?" he asked, ignoring Harry completely.
Draco looked at him with a confused look on his face while Harry looked on with indignation. "Sure," Draco said, facing Franz and waiting for him to continue.
"Would it be alright if I asked to talk to you in private?" Franz asked, directing his stare at Harry and making it obvious who he wanted to leave.
"Oh, er, sure," Draco said, casting a quick look at Harry before placing his bags down and heading off to the side with Franz. Harry watched as rage took over and a slight pang seemed to hit his heart. He wanted to turn away but couldn't and found himself glaring at the two figures as they retreated out of sight. He sighed and turned, telling himself that he should trust Draco, believe that Draco wouldn't do anything to hurt him. He walked towards the coach, making two trips when Draco didn't come back and carrying his things to the coach to wait for him.
XXXX
"What do you want, Franz?" Draco asked, not missing the look of anger and hurt Harry had shown when he had agreed to talk to Franz.
"I just wanted to know how you're doing... how your relationship with Harry's doing?" Franz asked, looking at Draco with a sly smile.
"We're doing just fine, Franz. Now if you please, I have to get back," Draco said.
"Oh really," Franz said, grabbing Draco's arms and stopping him in his tracks. "It doesn't seem that way from my perspective. Just as things start heating up they seem to... fall apart..."
"What do you want, Franz?" Draco asked, now annoyed that the problem he felt with Harry was being told to him and noticed by none other than Franz.
"Nothing. In fact, I was going to ask you that very same question. What do you want, Draco?" Franz asked, a seductive and predatory look on his face.
Draco though, had a frown on his face and pushed Franz away from him. "Nothing from you, that's for sure," Draco said, leaving Franz behind when Franz, once again, got a hold of him. "Don't touch me," Draco said but his voice was soon muffled by two lips that had forced their way onto his own.
Draco pushed him away, wiping a sleeve against his lips as a gesture to show how disgusting he felt the kiss had been and how much he wanted to forget it. "Don't you ever," Draco said with a furious look in his eye, "do that again." He turned around and quickly walked away, leaving behind a shocked, but nonetheless satisfied Franz.
XXXX
"So... what did Franz want?" Harry asked, looking over at Draco inquisitively.
"Nothing, he was just being annoying," Draco said with a slight frown forming on his face.
"Oh," Harry said, feeling something like disappointment settle deep in his chest and turning around.
Draco took in the look and decided that telling Harry would probably be the best way to go. "Well, he told me something idiotic about our relationship," Draco said, "then he tried forcing himself on me and..."
"He kissed you?" Harry asked, turning to look at Draco as the coach jolted slightly.
Draco nodded as he saw anger fly through Harry's eyes. "I pushed him away though and told him not to come near me again," Draco said.
Harry smiled slightly and leaned forward, giving Draco a proud peck on the lips before slipping back into his seat. Eventually, they both fell asleep, though Harry wondered why they weren't taking the opportunity, like most other hormonal teenagers would, to kiss or something of the sort. He looked tentatively over at Draco, who seemed to be having a somewhat peaceful sleep and sighed, hoping that things would hopefully get better over their Christmas break.
XXXX
After a long trip filled with silence, both boys woke up right as they arrived back to the manor. The icy wind hit their faces as they walked towards the doors and they wrapped their coats tighter around them. Narcissa had greeted them at the door, but had left quickly claiming that she had preparations to do for the annual Christmas ball that would be held at the manor.
Draco let the servant take his belongings to his room as he followed him. He turned to see Harry arguing with the servant to let him help out with his things, and a small smile made its way to Draco's face.
"Harry, let the servant do it."
"But I am quite capable of doing it myself…"
"Harry," said Draco warningly. "Let him do it." He gave one look at Harry and nodded his head. "I will be in the library."
Harry, taking the hint, let the servant take his belongings, and after a few seconds, followed Draco to the library.
XXXX
Harry entered the library and immediately felt the warmth of the fireplace surround him. He walked towards where Draco was at, and wrapped his arms around his waist.
"Is the door locked?" murmured Draco as he leaned back and rested his head in Harry's chest.
"Yes it is. What is it that you need to speak with me about?"
"Honestly, Harry. I just wanted to spend some time with you."
Harry hummed lightly. "But Draco, we had the whole coach ride alone, and you did not do anything. You fell sleep." He felt Draco stiffen slightly at his words. "Why?"
Draco detached himself from Harry's arms reluctantly and turned around to look at him. "It was a long day, Harry. I was extremely tired. We have the holidays to spend as much time together as possible," he said lightly.
He noticed that Harry did not look convinced so he leaned into him and gave him a soft kiss. "Do not be angry at me, Harry," he said after breaking apart. He took his hands and placed them around Harry's neck. "Let us head back to our rooms before mother catches us out at this time."
Harry nodded and hugged Draco tightly to him. He walked towards the door, unlocked it, and shut the door behind him.
As soon as the doors closed, Draco sat down in a chair near him. 'Oh Harry, I am doing this for you,' he thought as he looked straight ahead at the fireplace with unwavering eyes.
Harry closed the door behind him and closed his eyes, leaning his head on the door. Was Draco rejecting him? Why didn't he want them to spend more time together and do what they were supposed to do? They had been together for a short while, but he could feel the passion dwindling in Draco, and he did not know what to do about it. Maybe Franz was right. His mind went back to the conversation he had with Franz, and that doubt that now clouded his mind surfaced again. He had to do something before he lost Draco completely.
XXXX
"Draco, Harry, our guests will arrive very soon. I expect both of you on your best behavior and to be courteous to all of our guests. Oh, and Draco dearest, Pansy will be here, I expect you to be especially attentive to her."
Draco nodded, and Harry scowled at the mention of Pansy coming to the ball.
"Harry, take that awful look off your face. That is not a look for you to have to greet our guests. Now, I have to consult Marie on something. Remember what I said." She gave a smile to both boys and left them by themselves in the drawing room.
"I detest balls. They are awfully boring, and Pansy will be here. Oh that is just horrible," Harry said as the door closed.
"Her and her brother Blaise. I do not need that girl hanging on my every whim. You would figure she would get the hint that I am not interested in her."
"You better not be," Harry said teasingly, sitting down on the sofa. "Better rest up. I doubt your mother will let us sit throughout the evening."
Draco smirked and suddenly dropped himself on Harry's lap. "Well my mother will not let us do anything else throughout the evening…," Draco whispered into Harry's ear. He pressed himself harder against him. "What if…"
"Oh, Draco," groaned Harry. "We cannot do this right now. Are you out of your mind?"
"Why not?"
"Someone might see us, and with Pansy roaming the manor…"
Draco sighed and left Harry's lap. "As you wish then," he said bitterly as he walked towards the door. "We must go since company is arriving."
"Draco, do not be angry at me!" But Draco did not hear him for he had already walked outside. Harry took a deep breath and followed.
XXXX
"Draco, darling, meet Lord and Lady Claire. Oh, and their beautiful little girl, Amelia."
Draco shook Lord Claire's hand and bowed to Lady Claire and her daughter. "It has been a honor to meet you."
"Oh, Narcissa! What a nice-mannered young man you have! Pity my Amelia is too young."
Draco smiled tightly and took his leave; his eyes searching for Harry across the room. He looked past the crowd of people in elegant dresses gliding across the floor for he knew Harry would never be among them. The servants had done a great job in decorating the manor for the event. The ballroom looked exquisite. He finally spotted Harry sitting by himself near the window, but a tap on his shoulder stopped him from proceeding.
"Getting away from me, Draco?" said Pansy sweetly.
"Of course not, Miss Zabinson," said Draco forcing a smile on his face. "I would do no such thing to avoid your lovely company."
"Oh, Draco, you know what to say to a young lady, and please, call me Pansy," she purred.
Draco winced and detached himself from Pansy. "I see Harry sitting by himself. I will go see how he is doing."
"Harry? Oh, yes, him!" she said turning to look at Harry still sitting. She made a grimace, and scoffed. "I do not see why Blaise is so taken with him. He was wondering if Harry would be here…"
Draco's head snapped back. "Blaise…taken with him?"
"Yes, dear, it is rather obvious. I know his choice of partners. Such a dreadful thing you know? It is just a little bad habit of him. I am sure he will grow out of it. Just do not tell anyone about it," she whispered urgently to Draco.
"I'm sure," Draco said bitterly, his face turning stony and he spotted Blaise walking towards Harry. He saw him say a few words to him, and sit next to him.
"Let us join them, Pansy."
"But…I want to dance, Draco!" she whined.
"I said let us join them, Pansy," snapped Draco.
Pansy pouted but followed Draco to where her brother and Harry were sitting at.
"Pleasure to see you, Blaise," said Draco forcibly.
"Ah, Draco! Just the man we were talking about, weren't we Harry?" He said turning to the young man next to him and giving him a bright smile.
"Oh?" inquired Draco, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes! On how you will probably be engaged to someone at this time next year!" he said, his eyes glinting.
Harry's lips were pressed thinly, and his eyes looked everywhere but at Draco and Blaise.
"What lucky lady she would be!" said Pansy giving a wink to Draco.
"I have some things to attend do. I hope you enjoy yourselves," said Harry in a polite voice, giving a small bow to Pansy.
Draco saw his boyfriend leave his seat, but not before noticing the look Blaise had directed at Harry as he walked past the dancing crowd.
XXXX
Harry hated balls with a passion. He was only there to please Narcissa and Lucius, but he had made his presence known. There was no need to stay watching the insufferable Pansy be with Draco.
He entered a room that was usually used for guests and sat down in one of the chairs. He stared moodily at the wall, and was starting to doze off when he heard the voices of Lady Narcissa and Lady Zabinson at the door.
"Narcissa, I need to speak with you. It is very urgent."
"What is the matter? Is everything alright?" asked Narcissa in a worried tone.
"It is about my Pansy. She is getting older, and her father and I believe she must get married soon!"
"Ah yes. Lucius and I have discussed Draco's marriage also. How soon they grow up!"
"Well about Draco…" she dropped her voice lower. " Do you recall our conversation many many years ago about Draco and Pansy getting married?"
Harry stifled a gasp and his eyes went wide. Surely Lady Narcissa would not marry Draco off to such a girl?
"Yes, I do remember that."
"It is a very favorable connection to both of our families. It would be a magnificent marriage and the talk of everyone in England. The combination of both our estates would result in an abundance of wealth! Pansy is already very taken with Draco, and I am sure she would adore it if her wish of marrying Draco will come true."
'I bet,' thought Harry darkly, his hands forming into fists, and a jealous rage forming deep inside him.
"I do agree that it is a very favorable connection and very convenient. Although I wish for Draco to find someone without our help…"
"Narcissa! How can you say that?" cried Lady Zabinson. "In our society there are many opportunistic wenches that want to marry for money!"
"That is true," murmured Lady Narcissa. "In any case, it is Lucius wish to marry Draco with Pansy."
"Oh! Such joy you bring me!" said Lady Zabinson, delighted. "I knew I could count on Lucius for this!"
"Discretion, Rachel. I do not want this news getting to all the gossipy women."
"No! Not at all!"
"Come, our husbands must be waiting for us."
Harry heard Lady Zabinson giggle before both women left the room.
He got up from his seat and kicked the case that was on the floor. How could he be so idiotic as to believe Draco would always be with him? He had to marry Pansy, but then what about him?
He felt a deep pain in his chest as he walked across the room. Draco would have to leave him soon, and it would only be better to break things off before he got too attached. 'But what if I am already attached?' he thought. His mind whirled with many confusing thoughts and many emotions. He could not believe he had not thought about it before…His heart was going to be broken. Again.
"Harry?" said a voice tentatively.
Harry turned to the voice and cursed to himself. "Hello, Blaise," he said, surprised that his voice was even.
"Why did you not stay with us?" he said coming closer.
Harry shrugged. "I am not fond of balls."
"Ah me either! They are dreadful, are they not?"
"Yes."
"Harry," said Blaise, moving closer to him. "I've been thinking about you. Ever since your competition."
Harry looked at sideways, and moved a bit farther away from him. "Oh, I see," said Harry starting to get uncomfortable.
Blaise placed his hand in Harry's cheek. "I am interested in you, Harry but not as a friend. You understand?" he whispered, his eyes glinting.
Harry stepped back and let Blaise's hand drop from his face. "I am not interested Blaise," he said, his voice turning cold.
"It is not wrong, Harry. If that is what you are thinking you are mistaken. You have nothing to be afraid of…" he said once again stepping closer to Harry and taking his arm. "What do you say?" he asked as he placed his hand on Harry's waist.
"Zabinson, what are you doing?" asked an angry voice behind them.
"Asking Harry if he is interested."
"Well he is not, so please take your hand off his waist and leave this room immediately."
At that, Harry moved away from Blaise and looked at the angry blonde that was in front of him.
Blaise raised his eyebrow. "How do you not know if he is interested? Is there a lovely young woman?"
"No," said Draco angrily. "There is not, and I for sure know he is not interested. Leave before I call someone to escort you out of the manor."
Blaise laughed mockingly and looked at Draco while Draco glared back at him. "Hiding something, Draco?" he asked, looking at Harry and then back at Draco. "Is the heir of the Malfoy fortune not…capable of going with the family line?"
Draco pressed his lips and his eyes flashed dangerously.
"Did I hit a sore spot?"
"Leave, now Zabinson. I will not be responsible for my actions."
Blaise smiled evilly. "Well he is quite a looker and must be excellent in…"
Draco took a step forward but Harry grabbed his arm. "Draco…don't"
"I will be leaving now, Master Draco…" said Blaise, laughing. "Maybe next time, Harry? I am ready when you are."
It took all of Harry's strength for Draco not to jump in front of Zabinson. Draco glared at the closed doors.
"Bastard! Who does he think he is propositioning himself to you? Such indecency! You are mine and not his! How…" Draco stormed into the adjacent room and came back holding a glass of water, shaking furiously with jealousy. "He will not get near you! I will make sure of that! What is he talking about…why is he bringing family heirs…the nerve."
"Draco, we need to talk."
Draco stopped in mid rant and looked at Harry uncertainly. "About what?"
"I overheard your mother and Lady Zabinson speak about you marrying Pansy. It seems your father wants it to be that way."
Draco looked at Harry, his mouth opened but unable to form words.
"I am not marrying her, Harry," he finally said. "There is no way…impossible."
"Your parents will seek that you marry her, Draco! You have no choice!"
"I said I am not marrying her, Harry! Trust me, I will not marry her!"
"Draco, you cannot get what you want every time! This is serious!"
"I have you!"
"That is not enough and you know it! Do you think this is acceptable between us? What will your parents say? What will everyone say, Draco? Think!" cried Harry. "They will make you marry! What of me then?"
"Harry," said Draco, coming in front of Harry and taking his face in his hands. "I will not loose you. Not to Pansy, not to everyone. I love you. Can't you understand that?"
"But…" said Harry looking up at him, his eyes filled with anguish. " Your future…"
"This is my future," he said signaling to Harry. "You are mine," he murmured, his face coming closer.
Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I do not want you to marry anyone."
"I won't," whispered Draco before his lips descended on Harry's. They kissed softly before the kiss turned rough and the passion that had seem to dwindle came back in full force.
"Let's go to my room," said Draco into Harry's ear.
Harry nodded and Draco grabbed his hand. They ignored the sound of the ball still continuing and rushed upstairs. Draco threw open his door and let Harry inside. He went inside and locked it, feeling suddenly nervous.
He wrapped his arms from behind Harry and took in his lover's scent. He noticed that Harry stiffen and he raised his face.
"I need to speak with you about something before this goes any further, Draco."
"What is it?"
"I have noticed that you have been cold and have stopped what we do before things get too far. Why, Draco? Do you not feel those feelings you told me about anymore?"
"Of course I do!" said Draco in astonishment. "I have stopped because I was afraid to scare you in going too far. I was waiting for you to give me a signal…anything."
"Is that it?" asked Harry.
"Yes!"
He felt Harry relaxed against him and he started placing small kisses along Harry's neck.
"Draco?"
"Hmm…?"
"Do not stop."
Draco smiled and continued his ministrations.
XXXX
"Mr. Malfoy, there is an urgent letter awaiting you in the headmaster's office," Mr. Filch said before exiting the room.
Draco looked up at Professor McGonagoll and, after receiving a nod, stood up and left the room, puzzled as to why he was needed. He walked with a quick and sure step up several flights of stairs until he reached the tower where the headmaster's office was located in. He looked over at Mr. Filch, who gestured for him to step inside. Draco opened the door slightly and stepped in, looking around with curiosity before his eyes landed on the Professor Dumbledore who sat behind a desk filled with odd trinkets of all sorts.
"Mr. Malfoy, it seems there has been a grave accident," Dumbledore said. He stood up and indicated for Draco to sit down on one of the chairs before handing over the letter to him.
Draco gave his headmaster one last look before beginning to read, his face fighting back emotion as he got to the last sentences. He put the letter down and remained still for a while, his head down and hands curling into fists. "But… how….," was all he managed to say as he continued to look down with an empty gaze.
"You have my deepest sympathies, Mr. Malfoy. It is hard when someone this close to you dies, but we can all hope that he is now in a better place," Dumbledore said, placing his hand on Draco's back lightly as a consoling gesture.
Draco looked up at the headmaster, though his gaze and voice were now both empty. "It says I'm to be leaving Hogwarts as well…," he said, avoiding the mention of his father's death.
"Yes, I am aware of that, Mr. Malfoy. Both you and Mr. Potter will leave the school at once, to attend the funeral and so you can take your place as heir to the Malfoy Estate. Professor Snape will be escorting the two of you, seeing as he was a great friend of Lucius and the closest thing to a relative you have here."
"But… my father… how…," he said, his eyes hollow and looking up at the headmaster with a questioning and hopeless glance, a glance the headmaster had hoped never to see again.
"It happens to the best of us, Mr. Malfoy."
XXXX
"Draco, where have you been all day? I've been searching the whole castle for you and here you are out here. You haven't even gone to most of your classes… here I am thinking you were sick. And there's this nasty rumor going around about a death in the family… you're going to have to set it right… Draco?" Harry said as he came near to their spot on the lake.
Draco sat with his arms around his knees and his chin resting on top of his knees. His empty gaze looked out over the lake and his features showed off an incredible sadness that seemed to have taken a hold of him.
"Draco… what's wrong?" Harry asked as he came up to Draco, looking down at him with worry.
"The rumors are apparently true," Draco said, his voice slightly bitter.
Harry, taken aback by this news, did not notice the bitterness in Draco's voice. "But… how… we just saw him… he was extremely healthy…."
"It seems he died from a fever in London. Died while away on a business trip. Mother was informed of this two days ago and Aunt Bellatrix is already there consoling her."
"But… how… I still don't get it…," Harry said, trying to put words and thoughts together.
"What don't you get, Harry? The fact that my father's dead? He's gone, okay, gone forever and nothing can bring him back. I don't want you here if all you're going to do is stutter around like some idiot just asking why he's dead. The fact is he's dead and I've already accepted it," Draco said, though with a shaky voice. "Now leave me, please. I have to figure out and prepare myself in order to take care of the estate and all other things I will now need to see to."
Harry stared at Draco after his outburst, completely confused as to what had caused it and hurt that Draco didn't think he'd be useful at the moment.
"But… Draco…," he tried again, overlooking the anger Draco had just demonstrated and understanding that it was a defense mechanism for the depression he was currently undergoing.
"I said I don't want your help. I don't know how you can help me now, Harry. Maybe bring my father back from the dead? Unlike you, I haven't experienced so many deaths to the point where another one evokes no feeling in me," Draco said, eyes going wide at the last outburst he had said.
Harry also stared at him, eyes slightly wide before they narrowed down and stared at Draco. "I'm sorry I've gone through so many deaths then, Draco. I'm sorry for having both my parents die on me. I'm sorry for having the only other parent figure I ever had die on me as well. I'm sorry it's turned me into such a cold hearted bastard that I don't seem to feel anything for your father, Draco. You're right, I can't help you," Harry said before turning around and walking back towards the castle, seething with anger.
"Harry, wait," Draco said, holding on to Harry's wrist and not letting him go. "I'm sorry… it's just…."
"Just what, Draco? I'm offering to help here, to console you. I want to know what's wrong and you insult me," Harry said, anger still evident in his voice.
"I know," Draco said, dropping his hold of Harry and his expression going empty once again. "I know."
Harry stared at Draco, his anger slowly going away as he took in Draco's battered, tired, and miserable figure. "I'm sorry, Draco. I'm sorry you had to go through this," Harry said, kneeling down and wrapping his arms tightly around Draco, his hands forming soothing patterns on Draco's back.
Draco shook slightly and did what he had needed to do ever since he had heard the news. He shed tears for his father.
XXXX
Harry, Draco, and Severus Snape sat in the coach, an awkward silence around each of them. They had tried conversing earlier on, but no one really felt in the mood to talk with such heavy hearts. All three stared absentmindedly out the windows as the carriage ride continued until they finally pulled up to familiar gates.
Draco walked in and was disturbed by the eerie silence that surrounded the manor. He walked in as the servants took the bags and made his way towards the drawing room, where a few muffled noises that sounded like sobs and talking seemed to come from. He opened the door tentatively, Severus Snape and Harry behind him.
"Mother?" he said, his voice shaking slightly as he took in his mother's shattered, yet composed state. A few tears ran down her face but other than that, she seemed to be in complete control of her character, until Draco showed up.
"Draco, darling," she said, immediately getting up and embracing him, placing her head against his neck.
"Mother, are you alright?" Draco asked, hugging her back and making his way over to the sofas where she sat down, once again.
"I'll be better soon, dear," she said, eyes brimmed with tears. "Hello Harry, Severus, it's a great pleasure to see you two again," she said with a slightly shaky voice and even managed to stand up and shake both of their hands.
Harry stood in awe as he took in Narcissa's state. She had been able to compose herself, pushing away the sadness and remembering proper behavior when it had been needed. He stood transfixed when another voice bore into his mind.
"Welcome Draco and Severus," said Bellatrix as she stood up to greet the two. She looked over at Harry with contempt and a sneer and chose not to say anything to him at all. "It is a shame, what has happened," she muttered, her voice taking on a shaky form that sounded practiced.
"Indeed," Severus said with obvious dislike before dismissing himself and heading towards the guest room he was being given.
"My, Draco, how you've grown," she said, making Draco stand up for her. Harry didn't think it the right time for those kind of comments, nor the right time to be greeting people. A funeral was soon to be under procession and here she was, acting like nothing had happened and greeting them like she had every other time she had been there. Like Lucius hadn't died at all.
"Thank you, Aunt Bellatrix. And you look as dashing as ever," Draco said, more out of habit then because he wanted to, no smile on his face.
"Well, you do know how to please an old maid," she said, giving Draco a sly look before going back to her sister's side. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we must mourn for Lucius, Draco. It is a great pity that he had to die. Such a great man, no one expected it," she said, tears forming out of nowhere in her eyes as she sat down.
Draco only nodded, anger and bitter resentment making themselves slightly visible in his face before excusing himself and leaving the room. Harry excused himself, received an answer only from Narcissa, and left the room.
XXXX
"May he rest in peace," the priest said at the end of his speech. Eight men began lowering Lucius's casket with great care into the spot that had been reserved for him in the family cemetery lot. A headstone had been made and was placed above his grave, indicating where he was located. The crowd that had come to witness the event began murmuring, several with tears, other with consoling and sympathizing glances.
Draco stood by his mother's side, Harry next to him. He held his mother's hand in his own, comforting her as they went through the procedure. He lifted his gaze and looked at the crowd in anger, mentally yelling at them and telling them he did not want their pity, but only visibly glaring at them before looking down at the burial site with a depressing look.
He felt something in his stomach stir, felt himself growing slightly nauseas as it all ended. He felt like things were about to change and he was starting to feel the burden of the new responsibility that would now be placed on his shoulders as the only heir of the Malfoy estate. Of course, he wasn't legal yet, and wouldn't be for a two more months. He would be legal once June came and then, he knew, his life would change forever. He sighed once again and looked up at Severus Snape. He would be handling their financial and all other transactions until Draco turned of age, as Lucius had asked in his will. To their satisfaction, nothing but the cottage house had been left to Bellatrix, 'although she doesn't even deserve that,' thought Draco before snapping back to reality. Once done he let go of his mother's hand and walked back towards the manor, where some guests were already walking.
Narcissa greeted every guest, looking stunning in a simple black gown and veil, her pale hair in a bun. She wanted to get away from the pitying looks in her guests eyes, but once every while she saw eyes that sympathized with hers, that knew what she was going through and that offered her real comfort, and for that, she remained.
Harry watched the whole procession, a deep feeling settling in his stomach, though one of remorse and sadness, not anticipation as Draco's had been. He had never gotten to know Lucius, but Lucius had always been kind to him. There was nothing Lucius had ever done wrong and he remembered the time at the race, when Lucius had looked at him with the proud eyes of a father. He bit back tears that threatened to spill over, wondering why it was that when he finally found someone they seemed to die. He pushed back thoughts of Sirius and instead turned and looked at Lady Narcissa, who stood with her back straight and comporting herself like she should. She had also been nice to him, not exactly a mother figure, but not distant either. He smiled slightly and hoped that she wouldn't leave anytime soon before he was interrupted by a voice near his ear.
"I'm sorry," a voice said and Harry turned around, startled slightly with the proximity of the voice. When he turned around though, he found Blaise a good distance away from him, but looking at him with burdened eyes.
"For what?" Harry asked, momentarily forgetting himself.
"For… well… for the death," Blaise said, his voice falling to a whisper as Harry came back.
"Oh… well, thank you," Harry said, unsure how to respond to this new and baffling Blaise, one that seemed to carry a deep burden and sadness in his heart. He felt like moving forwards and comforting Blaise, but he knew he couldn't, not after Blaise's proposition. It might mean too much if he did.
Blaise only nodded, standing slightly away from Harry and staring off when he spoke up once again.
"My Uncle…," Blaise said in a slightly choked voice, "when I was 12… we were close," he said, smiling slightly. "He understood me. We could talk and he didn't judge me like a lot of people do…"
Harry looked at him with confusion that didn't go away when Harry understood it was his uncle that had died. "Why are you telling me this?" Harry asked, suddenly wary.
Blaise shrugged. "It's just one more thing we have in common. We both know the sadness of losing the one we love the most," Blaise said, looking up at Harry with honest eyes that Harry had no choice but to believe this was true. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Harry turned around, looking everywhere but at Blaise. Once he heard footsteps retreat he felt at ease again, though his mind was going over the new information Blaise had just shared with him.
"Harry," two voices he recognized said to him and looking up, he saw both Hermione and Ron, both offering him sad and comforting smiles, the true smiles of friends who've come to take a burden off their friend. They all sat down, Harry in the middle, and he felt a hand on his arm. Turning, he found Hermione had placed her hand on his arm and was giving him a reassuring smile.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Ron asked. Harry nodded a yes in response, rather overwhelmed by the comfort he was able to receive from these two. "I'm sorry this happened… I mean… as much as I hated the Malfoys… this still shouldn't have happened," Ron said, his blue eyes shining with a sad light and Harry could only nod, understanding the sincerity and the honesty behind Ron's comment.
"Thank you," Harry said, giving his friend a smile.
"We were worried about you once we heard the news, Harry," Hermione said.
"We?" Harry said, catching on to the plural use in that sentence.
Hermione blushed slightly. "Well, Ron and me."
Harry looked from one to the other, his expression asking for an explanation.
Ron gave him a small smile. "Maybe now's not the best time," Ron said, "but we're engaged. We… remained friends while you went away to school and well… Her mum and dad aren't too mad about it. In fact, if I didn't know any better, I'd think they were ecstatic."
"My father and mother don't put much importance into class, Ronald Weasley. They care about character," Hermione said.
"And they want to see their daughter happy, I bet," Harry added, his smile growing slightly now. "Thanks for being here," he said in a slightly more serious tone, his expression softening slightly as he looked from one to the other.
"That's what friends are for, Harry. Don't you dare think we wouldn't be here. We'll be by your side whatever happens," Hermione said.
"Of course," Ron added. "Anything you ever need, Harry, we'll be right here."
Harry nodded slightly as they slowly engaged in conversation, his spirits lifting up considerably.
XXXX
"Well, I'm glad to see you enjoyed yourself," Draco said that night once all the guests had left. Harry looked up at Draco, a confused look in his eye as Draco kept talking. "First Blaise, who put on a fine act, and then your two beloved friends, who had you smiling the whole time and people looking at you from every direction, wondering if they were at a party or wishing their sympathies and being morose for the death of my father."
"Well, I'm sorry, Draco," Harry said. "Tell me, what did you do all evening?"
"Oh, nothing much. I was mercilessly followed by Aunt Bellatrix, who, I believe, if she was younger, would try and propose herself to me just to get her hands on some money," he said with a disgusted face before continuing. "Oh, and I had the privilege of talking to Pansy. We cuddled in a nice corner and talked for hours and hours."
Harry hit Draco slightly, though he couldn't help the slight jealousy that found its way forward. "I don't want you talking to her," Harry said with an angry look. Draco looked at him and chuckled slightly.
"Don't pout, Harry, though it does make you look rather cute," Draco said, giving Harry a sly smile as they both walked upstairs.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Harry asked as he entered his bedchamber, Draco behind him.
Draco looked away before turning back his gaze to Harry. "I'll be alright. The shock's worn off, at least," Draco said, smiling a little.
Draco stood their, his hair slicked back in the usual style it had always been and the style he usually used at social gatherings. An all black suit, tailored to perfection, shaped his body and contrasted against his pale skin. Harry stood slightly taken aback by the beauty he was looking at, the grey eyes that looked slightly clouded over with sadness that in time, would heal, and the pink lips, tempting him and drawing him forward.
The next thing he knew, Harry had placed his lips over Draco's and was drawing him towards the bed, arms encircling and removing articles of clothing from Draco's body. Draco responded, pushing back into the kiss and running his hands through Harry's hair before unbuckling and unbuttoning Harry's clothing.
Article by article came off as they both fell onto Harry's bed. Harry trailed his mouth to Draco's jaw, grinding his body against Draco's. He placed light kisses on Draco's neck before slightly nipping at it, causing a shudder to course through Draco's body. Harry made his way down Draco's chest, placing kisses and caressing Draco's nipples, hardening them and making Draco writhe slightly under him. He allowed his hands to move slightly lower, teasing the bottom lining of his pants and then trailing over Draco's arousal. Draco made a whimpering noise and pushed forward, wanting pressure there. Harry, though, had removed his hand and had instead gone to pulling down the pants until Draco's member was revealed.
Kisses ghosted their way over his stomach and a tongue dipped down into his navel, sending Draco's senses into overdrive. Draco emitted moans of pleasure as Harry continued on his way down, his breath falling over Draco's arousal. Draco suddenly came back and looked down at Harry. Though he had to use most of his will, he looked at Harry with unsure eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this, Harry?" Draco asked. Harry looked up at him and green eyes met grey with reassurance.
"For a long time, Draco," Harry said before enveloping Draco with his mouth, tongue trailing the underside of Draco's crotch. Draco felt himself go into euphoria at the new sensation. He had never felt anything like it and didn't want it to stop. He wanted more and pushed his hips slightly forward.
Harry, taking this as warning, placed his hands on Draco's hips and held him still as he worked his mouth over Draco's member. At Draco's insistence, he took more in and began to move slightly faster, grazing his teeth slightly over Draco's member and receiving a loud moan of gratification and pleasure from Draco. Draco felt himself reaching his peak but before he could warn Harry, he came. Harry, to his surprise, did not sputter or do anything of the matter but instead, made his way up and gave Draco a kiss once again.
"It's your turn, Draco," Harry said, his green eyes heavy with lust. Draco noticed the arousal pushing against Harry's pants and onto his thigh and smirked slightly, thoughts of sadness and his father's death, the burdens he would soon have to deal with, and the impending question of his marriage with a worthy girl in order to continue having an heir gone momentarily from his mind.
A/N: And that's it for now! Hope it was enjoyable and hope you all had a fun read. The next chapter will be updated as fast as possible! Haha. And well, yes. Thank you, once again, for your reviews and well... all we can do now is wait for what lies next : )