Draco walked into The Snitch the following Friday morning, keeping Lily company just until the store became busy around lunch time. He greeted the woman, taking up the stool she had conjured.
Lily smiled, pulling a marble chess set from under the counter. "I thought we could play some chess. My best friend was wicked good at it, so I picked up some tips."
"Bring it on, Black." He smirked.
"It's not Wizards Chess so you'll have to move the pieces on your own."
"I realize that, Ms. Black. Could you start before I grow a beard?"
Lily rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue childishly but moved her first pawn. The two continued on, occasionally pausing for Lily to deal with customers. After two hours, Draco had crushed Lily at every match. She pouted cutely, setting the board up again.
"Hey, Draco, there's something I," She was cut off when something started to ring and vibrate on the counter. It was the portable communication device Lily told him about the other day. A mobile phone, she called it.
Lily picked up the phone, clicked it open and placed it to her ear. "Hello. You've reached The Snitch. Lily Black speaking, how may I help you?" She said in a professional voice, grabbing a piece of parchment and a quill in case she needed to write something down. Instead, she dropped the quill and hissed, "What?"
Draco looked at her questioningly but she simply furrowed her eyebrows, opening her mouth to speak to the other person on the line.
"Yes, I understand, but I cannot simply leave my shop. I'm the only one who knows how to run this place and it's quite busy at the moment," she paused, listening angrily. "No. Can't you just keep him in the office until- Yes, I realize it's procedure for me to- You're not listening to me, Ms. Caldwell."
By now, the dark haired woman was gripping the edge of the marble counter so tight Draco thought he heard a crack.
She sighed, releasing the counter and pinching between her eyes. "Look, can I send someone to pick him up?...No, there is no other guardian besides me. Yes, I realize how irresponsible that is but there's no one else I trust with Teddy, alright? Just-"
Draco looked on a bit helplessly as the woman growled. "Ms. Caldwell! Teddy will know what to do, alright? He knows who he can tr-We have a system!"
She scribbled something furiously on the paper in front of her and thrust it at him. Draco looked down and grasped the paper that read: The Marauders live through me. He raised an eyebrow just as Lily clicked her phone shut, rolling her shoulders in an attempt to release some tension. She turned to him and gave a weak smile.
"I'm so sorry to do this to you, but could you go pick up my godson? He attends the school just three blocks down. I would do it myself, but, well, you heard me on the phone." She looked at him hopefully.
Draco nodded slowly and held up the piece of parchment, a question on the tip of his tongue.
"Oh! Yes, OK, Teddy will ask you for the password when you try to take him from the school. Ignore the bint with the twitch in her eye. She won't approve but she can't do anything about it," she ushered him out the door and gave him directions to get to the building. "Oh and don't heal him if he has any injuries!" She shouted, rushing back into the store.
Draco made his way to the small building, wondering why she had mentioned injuries. Had her godson gotten into a fight? He walked through the open doors and asked a little girl, who looked to be about five, to lead him to the Office. She lead him up a flight of stairs and to a light blue door that indicated it indeed was the school office. He thanked her and opened the door to be greeted by the secretary.
The elderly woman looked at him with a stern gaze then asked him in a gruff voice as to what his business was.
Draco cleared his throat. Lily hadn't told him what to say. He figured the secretary might have an idea if he just stated he was hear to pick up a child. The secretary grunted and pointed a wrinkly finger down the hall to the left, leading to another door. Draco raised his fist and knocked curtly on the frosted glass pane, receiving a high-pitched, "Come in."
Draco turned the knob of the door and entered the stuffy room, coming face to face with a slight woman with short auburn hair. She was glaring fiercely at him, a slight twitch in her left eye. "You must be Ms. Caldwell I've come to pick up Teddy."
"That will be a problem, Mr..."
"Malfoy. And why is it a problem?"
"Because, Mr. Malfoy. Theodore here has the audacity to beat up one of our top students," she gestured to the boy sitting in the chair facing the large wooden desk. Draco looked down and took in the sight of the boy. That would be a yes; he had gotten into a fight. He had a split lip, scratches on his face, a couple fingers bent at an odd angle, and his right cheek seemed to be swelling slightly. He brought his gaze back up to the irritating woman.
"Are you sure? It looks like he's the one that got beat up." He heard a scoff from the boy and a muttered "He looks much worse." Draco rose an eyebrow but ignored the comment for now.
"Ms. Caldwell, why can I not take Teddy back to Lily? She's extremely busy."
"Who are you to Ms. Black? I've never seen you before and I must discuss Theodore's punishment." She responded in a shrill, arrogant voice.
"You can discuss that with me." Draco sneered, taking the chair next to the boy. He crossed his legs elegantly, leaning back into the uncomfortable chair.
The woman spluttered and sat down at her desk, shuffling papers around before handing him a pink slip. Draco took the paper, reading carefully. It merely stated Teddy had a weeks worth of detention because it was a first time offense and a request to speak with Lily Black on the behavior of the boy. Draco narrowed his eyes at the script at the bottom, added on as an after thought, suggesting perhaps Lily Black was unfit to be a guardian for one Theodore Lupin.
Lupin? Draco thought. That was the name of his DADA professor so many years ago. Is this his son? He shrugged it off, folding the paper neatly in his hands.
"I assure you, Lily will get the message, but that cannot happen unless you let me take Teddy back to her. We will be taking our leave now, Ms. Caldwell," he spat, irritation dripping from every word. He walked out of the office, not looking back to see if the boy had followed him. A screeching of wood on linoleum told him he had.
Teddy rushed after the tall blond, matching his long strides with several hurried ones. As soon as they exited the office, the boy stopped. "Wait," he called out, shifting his backpack. "What's the password?" He looked determinedly at Draco, ready to run if he didn't say the right words.
Draco fingered the parchment in his pocket, turning to the small boy. "The Marauders live through me." He stared, waiting for the boy's reaction. He simply nodded and walked ahead of Draco. When they passed the school gates, the boy spoke up again. "Are you taking me home or to the shop?"
"The shop," he responded curtly. This boy seemed much too mature for his age. Perhaps he was the son of his late professor. He heard that he and his wife died during the war, leaving Teddy to his grandmother, Draco's aunt. An aunt that was disowned. Teddy nodded and headed off in the direction of the shop.
As they entered, Lily was finishing up with the last customer in the store. She rushed over and knelt down at the boy's level. "What the hell were you thinking?" She hissed, pulling him up onto the stool Draco sat in moments before. She checked him over and made sure all injuries were non fatal. She carefully moved Teddy's face in her hands so he was forced to look at her. "Well?" There was anger in her voice but was mostly over laden with worry.
"I'm sorry. I didn't-" he choked, tears welling up in his eyes. He shut his eyes tightly, squeezing out the salty liquid.
"Teddy," she began lightly. "What happened? What possessed you to beat up Thomas Jenkins? You know his parents already don't like me."
"I know," he hiccuped, wiping his tears with his jacket sleeve. Draco leaned on the counter and conjured a handkerchief for the boy. He took it with a mumbled thanks.
"He started it! He said my parents didn't love me and that they killed themselves to get away from me! And then he called you a wh-," he gagged, choking on his words. "He called you a whore and said that you were too busy se-selling yourself to be b-bothered with me." Teddy cried, gripping Lily's wrists tightly. "You said Dad and Sirius never backed down during the war! And didn't know what else to do."
Lily took a deep breath and releasing it to blow up at her fringe, a habit Draco had noticed. "Teddy, you know Remus and Tonks loved you and you know who I am. You can't let those things bother you, but yes, I'm glad that you fought back. But, Merlin, Teddy! Look how beat up you are! I thought I taught you how to fight properly."
"You did," he mumbled. He had stopped crying and was just sniffling. "Thomas had to be sent to the nurse's office. I broke his nose."
Lily's eye's widened, tugging the boy into a hug. "That's my boy. I can't heal any of your injuries or people will get suspicious but we'll get something for your pain when we get home. Did you break any bones?" She didn't seem to be angry anymore, but still overwhelmingly worried.
Teddy held up his right hand, two fingers bent oddly. Lily sighed and muttered an Episkey. She helped him off the stool and ushered him up the stairs. "Get Ryder to bandage you up for now and then finish your homework."
Lily turned around and sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "I'm so sorry, Draco. I hope that old bat didn't give you too much trouble."
Draco scoffed. "Nothing I couldn't handle. Although, she did give me this." He handed her the pink slip of paper.
Lily took the paper and proceeded to glare at the words. "I am fit to care for Teddy! That insufferable cunt faced bint," she growled.
Draco reached up and gave a comforting squeeze to her shoulder. Lily turned to him and gave a small smile, hugging him briefly. "Thank you. For everything. If there's anything I can do for you," she trailed off.
"Go to dinner with me. Tomorrow night," he blurted out.
Lily's eyes widened as she chuckled softly. "Yeah, OK It's a date," she smiled.
Draco returned the smile with one of his own.
Harry desperately needed to tell Draco. He needed to tell him who Lily Black really was. He needed to tell him the truth. He needed to find his damn boots!
He rummaged in his closet and exclaimed in triumph when he gripped his favorite combat boots. He tugged them on and laced them up over his formfitting black pants. The material had a bit of a shimmer on it and bunched up behind his knees. He gripped the silver belt, looping it through the holes and buckling it loosely. After pulling on his dark red blouse, Harry turned to the full length mirror in front of him. He looked semi-formal, just like Draco had said the restaurant would be. Luckily, it was run by Wizards so he had plenty of time to get ready. After all, it only took a couple seconds to apparate. Draco had owled him earlier that day, telling him the details of the place as well as sending the coordinates of the apparition point.
Harry smudged the concealer over his scar and dabbed nude coloured gloss on his lips before deciding he needed to do something about his hair. Harry picked up the comb and grabbed sections of his hair to french braid on each side of his head. He gathered his hair and tied it loosely to one side, exposing the ride side of his neck. He smiled lightly at the paw prints made their way across his skin to rest under where his long dark curls lay.
Teddy was sent to stay overnight with Bill and Fleur like he had been for the past few Saturdays. Fleur would be sending the little monster back through the floo at about 9 tomorrow morning. By then, Harry would have barricaded his house so Draco couldn't come kill him for lying to him. He grabbed his silver blazer and apparated to the restaurant as soon as he pulled it on.
Draco was standing just to the right of the entrance when Harry apparated in. He made his way over to the other man.
"Draco, you look as handsome as ever," he smiled.
"Lily, you look as beautiful as ever," he greeted with a smile of his own. "Shall we?" He held out his arm for Harry to loop his own through.
They moved through the large glass doors together and Draco spoke to the waiter in French, most likely ordering for them since Harry had no idea what to get. He smiled as the waiter came back with a vintage red wine, pouring them each a glass then leaving the bottle in the center of the table.
"What's the occasion?" Harry voiced, swirling the wine lightly, watching at the liquid clung to the side of the crystal. It'll be sweet. He thought with pleasure. Those etiquette lessons with the Malfoys paid off. He looked up into those cool silver eyes he'd come to love. They looked happy, truly happy. There was no trace of his usual mask. Maybe this was what Narcissa was talking about. He broke eye contact when Draco raised his glass.
"To friendship," he spoke, surprising Harry.
Harry grinned, touching the tip of his glass with Draco's. "How Hufflepuff of you, my dear sweet Slytherin Prince."
"Would you like to toast to something else?" Draco said, pausing in smelling the fragrance of the wine.
Harry shook his head, looking into the burgundy liquid as he swirled it again. "Friendship is just fine," he assured the other, sipping at the fruity alcohol. Perfectly sweet.
Throughout the meal, the couple had conversed like normal, occasionally joking about people from Draco's office, then pointing out who was staring in the restaurant. The lovely lady to their right had been drooling over Draco all night and Harry was slightly jealous. Only slightly, if that dull burn in his chest was anything to go by.
By the time they finished eating, Harry had finally noticed the light touches and glances Draco sent his way. It wasn't just his imagination; Narcissa was right. When is she not? It didn't seem like Draco was trying to hide it either.
When their main dishes was cleared away, Draco asked him if he wanted anything for desert. Harry resisted bouncing excitedly in his seat and settled for a giant grin and a whispered "Yes."
Draco chuckled and called the waiter back over to order something in french. A few minutes later, the waiter came back with a single ramekin that looked to be filled with rich dark chocolate pudding topped with a tiny dollop of whipped cream. He placed the dish in front of Harry and took away their wine glasses.
Harry practically squealed. He looked up at Draco and frowned slightly. "Did you get anything?"
Draco shook his head with a smile, thanking the waiter as he brought the check and an espresso.
Harry was about to pull out his wallet when Draco stopped him.
"Just eat your dessert. Dinner is my treat."
Harry opened his mouth to protest but Draco was quicker, picking up a spoonful of the warm pudding and shoving it in Harry's open mouth.
"Eat," he said firmly, smirking as the waiter took the check and money.
Harry swallowed the pudding with a quiet moan. It was sweet and bitter at the same time, the best kind of dark chocolate. There was a touch of espresso in the dessert that Harry didn't care for, but the overwhelming taste of chocolate was worth it.
Draco sipped at his espresso before catching Harry's eye. "So, about that secret?"
Harry nearly choked. "Excuse me?"
Draco smirked. "You owe me a secret for winning that Seeker's match last week."
Harry swallowed nervously. "Ah, yes."
"Have you thought of one? You've had a whole week, Black." He chuckled, taking the last sip of his after-dinner drink.
"Hmm, yes. I can cast a Patronus Charm non-verbally, and have not produced one since I was 17." It was true, seeing as he had no need for it and no one knew he could do it non-verbally. It was a sign of a very powerful Wizard, seeing as not many can produce on in the first place.
Draco raised an eyebrow. "I suppose that will do. Are you finished? It's quite late and I wouldn't want the princess to be home past her curfew," he smiled.
Harry smiled back, and wiped his mouth. He took the hand that was outstretched to him as they exited the warm building. It was chilly outside and Harry quickly slipped his arms through his coat. The thought of telling Draco who he was had completely slipped his mind as the two walked, arm in arm, away from the restaurant.
Harry turned to the other man to say goodbye and how lovely of a night he had when he was interrupted by the blond.
"You have a bit of chocolate," he said, pointing to his own mouth with a smile.
Harry flushed slightly and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He looked up at Draco expectantly and was greeted by a brilliant smile. "What?"
Draco continued to smile and simply said, "Still there." He licked his lips subconsciously and Harry couldn't help but follow the movement with his eyes.
Harry raised his hand to wipe at his mouth again but Draco's hand stopped him by gripping his chin lightly.
Draco leaned down, touching his lips softly to Harry's and licking lightly at the chocolate just below his bottom lip. Harry's eyes widened, as he pulled back.
Draco opened his eyes in alarm. "Sorry," he mumbled.
Harry shook his head. "I'd really like to go out with you, Draco, but there are some things you need to know. Important things. Things I'm almost reluctant to reveal to you." He looked down at his boots, reminded of the urgency of his secret.
"If," he looked up into those steel grey eyes that looked hurt for a brief moment. "If you'd like to still date me, come to this address tomorrow, when you get off work. If, you don't," he trailed off. "If you'd like to stay just friends with me, owl me. If you'd like to have nothing to do with me from now on, tell me now." Harry swallowed, biting at his bottom lip.
He heard Draco take a deep breath and felt the other man place a kiss on his forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Harry nodded and watched as the man disapparated before doing so himself. He opened his front door, changed into his pyjamas and muttered the counter spell. He padded to the cabinet in the drawing room and took out the Firewhiskey and a crystal glass. Harry grimaced as the burning sensation flowed down his throat and warmed his stomach. Spelling the glass clean, he crumbled onto the suede couch, pulling his knees to his chest. Harry buried his face in his knees, playing idly with his toes.
Going to dinner with Draco Malfoy had been a bad idea. Befriending Draco Malfoy had been a bad idea. Talking to Draco Malfoy at that Ministry function was a bad idea. But he did it anyway, under the disguise of a woman, no less.
What the hell was I thinking?