Sorry it has taken me so long to get this chapter up. I feel like I say that every time I post. Been working five days a week lately, though the job should be finished before Christmas and then I'll be back to normal. It's been hard to get the ideas flowing because I've just been tired constantly.
Twilight Moon Beams
Hungover
o0o0o
It was early in the morning and the shop wouldn't be opened for at least another hour. There was a knock on the door before Verity could answer it George came rushing out of his office. "I'll get it." Unlocking the door, he saw a man with a large flat package. George signed for the parcel he had ordered. "Thank you." The delivery man floated the large box into the shop without a word, then left to continue his route.
"What'd you order?" Verity asked curiously from her position behind the counter. Usually, her boss only got potion ingredients on a regular basis. Or he got larger items that were shrunk down to a more manageable size. This package was at its full size, meaning it already had too many spells on it to risk casting anymore.
"I got another frame for Snape made," George answered while he cast wingardium leviosa on the box. Levitating it up the stairs to the second floor. After what had happened a few days ago he wanted to have more eyes in the shop. George decided to add another frame to the work room for Snape to occupy. Now the professor can watch Malfoy in both the apartment and the workroom.
George had also had a small frame delivered to his own apartment also. Installing a frame in his own bedroom, so that if anything happened in the middle of the night while George wasn't here Snape could come fetch him.
When George entered the work room he was surprised to see that the Slytherin wasn't already in there working. The blond was a true believer in the saying the early bird gets the worm. Checking the clock to see if George was earlier than he thought. No, it was definitely past nine in the morning.
Placing the box against the work table George opened it with a pocket knife. Sliding the frame out of the packaging to observe his order. There was a black unadorned frame surrounding a green background with potion-stool so that Snape would have somewhere to sit. It had been a rush order so it wasn't the most lavish frame or painting, but it will have to do.
After looking around, George noticed there was still an empty wall from when Draco had Snape hung there before. He knew that the Slytherin found his old potion masters commentary while he was brewing annoying and distracting, but he would just have to deal with it for now. Since the hooks were still in the wall, George just hung the empty frame in the same spot.
When George pushed the curtain aside to leave, his eyes immediately gravitated to the closed door to the apartment. Malfoy wasn't one to pop out for breakfast since he didn't like wondering Diagon Alley by himself if he didn't have to. He must still be in the apartment then. The Slytherin was usually an early riser so it was worrying to George that he wasn't in the work room yet.
Walking over George knocked on the apartment door. Hoping that the Slytherin was up and in hearing range. Listening for any movement on the other side in response to his knocking. Hearing no answer George took out his own copy of the key and swung the door open. Walking up the short flight of stairs to enter his old apartment. The kitchen and living room were empty so the only two places left where the bedroom and bathroom.
"Draco is still sleeping." Snape's cool voice informed him. The boy had not returned until very late the night before. The potion master wondered what had kept his ex-student out so late. Cursing his current inability to leave his frame in his head.
"More like hiding under his covers probably," George responded as he approached the portraits location. Ever since the surprise visit Malfoy had been acting jumpy and not himself. "I wanted to talk to you alone first anyway."
"What pray tell about?" Snape leaned forward in his chair with interest to hear what had actually been going on.
.0.
After finishing his conversation with Snape, George headed down the short hallway. When he entered the bedroom, Malfoy was lying face down on the bed with a pillow over his head. It appeared the Slytherin had heard him enter the apartment but had chosen to try and ignore the fact.
Stalking over George flopped down on the empty side of the mattress making the slender blond bounce. "Rise and shine." Receiving no response, he snatched the pillow away.
"Go away." The Slytherin groaned. Rolling so that his back was facing his boss. When that put him in a position to be facing the window. He squeezed his eyes shut in pain. Pulling the other pillow closer so that he could block the light.
"Come on. You can't hide under the covers for the rest of the day." George wrestled the second pillow away from the Slytherin's grip. Using it himself to prop his head on.
"It's too bright," Draco complained as the light rays hit his retinas. After climbing into bed late last night, he had forgotten to close the curtains. He pulled the covers up to block the light. Hiding from the sun.
There was something that was telling George that this was about more than just wanting to sulk in bed all day. Leaning closer to the blond he sniffed in his direction; Malfoy smelt strongly of fire whiskey. He wasn't sure if it was reassuring or worrying that the Slytherin was still in bed because he was suffering from a hangover. "Did you get drunk without me?" George asked with a slight pout. It was never good to drink alone.
"I'm sorry I didn't invite you to Potter and I's spontaneous drink fest," Draco answered, rolled his eyes as he sat up in bed. There was a slight rolling of his stomach at the movement.
"Oh, Harry was here?" George wiggled his eyebrows, which he received a pillow in the face for. George wasn't sure where the Slytherin was getting all these pillows from. He was sure there was only two in the bedroom originally.
"Yes, he was." Draco threw the covers off and attempted to climb out of bed. The room seemed to spin as he sat on the edge of the mattress. Waiting for it to stop before he stood to get dressed.
"How much did you drink last night?" George asked propping himself up on his arm, as the usual graceful Slytherin stumbled over to the clothing cabinet.
"Too much," Draco replied as he closed the drawer. He made his way behind the dressing screen. Not surprisingly he had fallen asleep in his clothes last night. Draco was surprised though that he had the sense of mind to actually take off his work robe before climbing into bed. Taking off his shirt Draco noticed a bruise on his elbow; remembering how Potter had pushed him. He was so glad that George couldn't actually see him or he would be prying out of him how he got the injury.
"Missy!" George called, he noticed what a bad state the Slytherin was in. The house elf apparated in front of him with a curtsy. Leaning down so he was closer to her height. "We need some strong coffee and a hangover potion." He had a feeling the blond wouldn't be able to keep anything down if he tried. Deciding to ask just in case. "Do you want anything to eat?"
The blond groaned loudly in response. Even the thought of eating anything turned his stomach. Pulling on a clean shirt and jeans, Draco felt a little better.
"That will be all for now. Bring it to the living room." George dismissed the house elf. With a wave of her wand, Missy was gone. She had great showmanship for a house elf.
Sniffing at his work cloak, Draco discovered it too carried a strong scent of alcohol. He must have spilled some on it. Deciding it was a lost cause he threw the maroon robe into the clothing hamper. Draco grabbed one of the plain black ones he had used some of his pay to buy. Every wizard required at least one plain black robe in their wardrobe.
George escorted Malfoy out of his bedroom. He'd experienced many hangovers himself over the years. Especially after the war for a very good reason. Friends and family had to monitor him after a night in the pub so that he didn't choke on his own throw-up. After losing his other half, it had caused George to fall into a downward spiral and it was only recently he had managed to pull himself out of it.
As he waited, Draco sat heavily in his favorite blue chair with his eyes closed. The popping noise Missy when she returned made Draco jump. His head was already pounding as it is. He felt a cool class vial being placed in his hand. Deciding to bite the bullet he chugged the hangover potion. Making a sour expression at the horrible taste.
"Serves you right for drinking too much." Snape sneered at the foolish boy from his frame as he crossed his arms in disapproval.
"You're one to talk. After every day of teaching, you used to have a finger of scotch." Draco replied defensively. Remembering catching the man a few times when he dropped in for a visit after classes were done for the day.
"You expected me to deal with all you cretins without having a drink or two," Snape replied remembering the headaches the children would cause him. Draco and Potters's rivalry played a big hand in that too. "I can also, actually hold my alcohol consumption. " Snape looked down his nose at the insolent boy. Giving himself credit for having plenty of personal restraint, since he stuck to the once glass after having to deal with those ghastly children all day.
Not even caring about putting sugar and cream in. Draco chugged the coffee black just to get the sour flavor out of his mouth from the hangover potion. It wasn't the best tasting coffee, but it was better than the potion.
"Ok, you are taking the day off," George exclaimed as the blond almost spilled half his coffee down the front of his robes. If the Slytherin couldn't even drink a simple cup of coffee without spilling, what would happen when he was dealing with volatile potion ingredients? "You've had trouble concentrating lately as it is."
There was no way Draco could deny that. His mind had been on other things. "What time is it anyway?" Draco asked as he squinted at the clock on the mantle.
"It's ten to ten," George replied after looking at his watch.
"The shops going to open any minute now then." Groaning as Draco sat back in the cushions of his chair.
"Just take the day off." George stood from the couch to get up to leave. "That's an order." Using his boss voice for once. It would not look good if he let one of his employees get blown up.
"So you dragged me out of bed for nothing?" Draco complained petulantly. He got dressed and everything.
"Well, originally it was to do your job. I wasn't expecting you to be completely sloshed." George replied sternly.
Draco felt bad since George had been the only one willing to give him a chance. The shop relied on having a constant supply of potions to restock its shelves and ship out for owl orders. If Draco started to fall behind on those, what good was he? "It won't happen again."
"It better not." George felt like he'd used too harsh a tone. He knew that Draco was going through a harsh time right now. "I'm just worried about you," He said in a politer tone.
"I'll be fine once I sleep this off." Draco placed his empty coffee mug back on the tray. Standing to return back to bed since he was no longer required to work that day.
"Your hangover wasn't what I was talking about," George replied with exasperation. It was like the Slytherin didn't know how friendships actually worked. Once you came to care for someone you worried about them all the time. Not just about what was currently plaguing them but things in their past too.
"You're a good friend George." Draco looked at his boss with affectionately over his shoulder. He'd never had a friendship where the person didn't want anything in return. Even Blaise wanted favors now or then. "Probably the best one I ever had."
"Just get some sleep. I expect you back to brewing bright and early tomorrow morning." George replied on his way out the door. He had a shop to run.
o0o
Kreacher poked the unconscious body with his foot. "Master?"
Harry groaned as he sat up from his spot on the floor. Yes, you heard him right, the floor. In the middle of the night, he had to puke and had not quite managed to make it back to his bed.
"Kreacher can you get me a hangover potion?" Harry asked as he propped himself up against the wall. With a glare, the elf went to retrieve the potion. The house elf seemed really unimpressed with his master's undignified actions.
When the elf returned, he dropped the potion in his lap instead of actually handing it to him. Kreacher had his ways of showing his master when he disapproved of something. "Thank you," Harry grumbled to the elf's retreating back. Pulling the cork out, he drained the small vile. When Harry drank the potion, he gagged at the horrible taste. He put a hand over his mouth to try and keep it down.
Once he didn't think the potion was going to make another appearance, Harry tried to stand up. Most of his symptoms disappeared but not all. Luckily Harry had the weekend off.
Now that his head was clearer Harry noticed how disgusting his mouth tasted. He had to brush his teeth before he did anything else.
Making his way back down the hall to the washroom. Opening the medicine cabinet he retrieved his toothbrush and squeezed some toothpaste onto the bristles. He quickly scrubbed his teeth clean, trying to get rid of the taste of alcohol, sick, and hangover potion.
While Harry was looking at himself in the mirror, the events of the night before started to come back to him. Spitting out the toothpaste into the sink, Harry leaned his hands of the rim of the sink.
Remembering what he had done the night before Harry covered his face with his hands. Harry couldn't believe he had actually ended up kissing a boy last night. Not just any male, though, it just had to be Draco Malfoy.
.0.
Sleeping for a couple hours to get over his hangover, eventually Draco woke up feeling close to normal. After showing and having something to eat, he felt like he was finally ready to start his day. Since George had commanded him to take the day off work, Draco had nothing better to do than climb back into bed.
After laying across the covers, staring at the ceiling unable to fall asleep Draco sighed with frustration. Draco had never been good at doing nothing. He quickly grew bored if there wasn't anything to entertain him. After sleeping for hours on end, Draco needed to actually accomplish something today.
It had already grown dark by the time Draco decided to sneak out of the apartment. It wasn't too late though since it was the winter, so the sun went down a lot earlier. The joke shop was already closed, and George appeared to have gone home already.
The work room was dark when Draco pushed the curtain out of the way. Quickly lighting the candles. He shuffled across the room towards the supply cupboard.
"What are you doing?" Severus's voice asked out of nowhere.
Draco squeaked in fright at the sudden voice. Placing a hand over his heart. He whipped his head around to see where it came from. He spotted where there had been placed a new frame holding Severus Snape in the room. "When did that get there?"
"Yes well, the Weasley twin is worried about your safety," Snape gestured to his new frame. "Hence my presence in here."
Now that the potion master pointed it out, Draco realized it wasn't the same ornate frame. "Here to disturb my work once again."
"Exactly." Snape smirked at the boys unenthusiastic look.
"George isn't a twin anymore. You know that Fred passed away, right?" Draco wondered if Snape had even heard about the people lost in the final battle, being a casualty himself.
"I have noticed there is only ever one at a time recently." Snape rolled his eyes at the stupid question.
"Just checking." Draco held up his hands to show he meant no harm by the question. Deciding to go back to what he came down here to do. Flipping open a book of common potions, Draco scanned the ingredient list. Opening the ingredient cupboard to retrieve the ones listed.
"Work, is also something you are not supposed to be doing right now. What was so important you couldn't wait until the morning?" Snape asked the boy, who was clearly trying to brew after being told not to for the rest of the day.
"I was bored out of my mind, so I decided I was going to trying to make a better hangover cure," Draco replied as he turned his attention back to the contents of the ingredients cupboard.
"Better men than you have tried and failed." Snape sneered and crossed his arms.
"By that, do you mean you?" Draco asked with suspicion. The only reaction to his question was a slight twitch of an eyebrow. "Judging by your lack of a response, I am guessing that I'm right."
"Shut up and I won't report you to your boss." Snape sneered, turning his nose up. It had been one of the only failures of his career as a potion master.
"Deal." Draco nodded readily in agreement for now, since he planned to bring it up later. Pulling out the regular ingredients for a hangover potion. He figured he would start with the original recipe and then start to tweak it.
o0o
Draco found it strange not to have Potter hanging over his shoulder all the time. The workroom seemed empty without the Gryffindor's presence. He hadn't even gotten the chance to tell Potter about Badrik's little visit.
It had been a couple days since he had actually seen him. Potter was avoiding the shop and the surrounding area ever since that night. He had asked George what Potter had been doing, but the redhead hadn't seen Harry either. He suggested that Harry was probably just really busy with Auror training. Draco doubted that strongly since it was too much of a coincidence with the timing.
He wondered what had possessed Potter to kiss him, what had made Draco kiss him back? He could make an excuse that they were drunk, but he knew there was more to it. There had been an attraction growing steadily between them for months now. He just never expected something to ever come of it.
Draco wasn't sure how he felt about Potter's reaction. He wasn't angry or really hurt.
It had probably not ever really occurred to Potter before to think about being attracted to the opposite sex. Draco thought that the gay factor is what was freaking out the Gryffindor the most. For a couple years he thought Potter was going to end up marrying the Weaslette and have children. When that relationship fell apart when they tried more than kissing Potter should have realized something was off.
Draco had always been open with his sexuality. If he found someone attractive Draco didn't question it, even if they were male. It didn't happen very often though since he was so picky. He considered himself to be bisexual. Though Draco knew once he was older, he would have been expected to settle down with a witch of good breeding and high standing in society to provide an heir. With his family standing now in the dumps, Draco was free from that obligation.
Things had not started out amenable between them. Draco hadn't encouraged Potter's presence in his life at first. Day after day the Gryffindor kept showing up and over time, Draco had grown used to his presence. He was sure it was the same the other way around too.
Draco decided he would wait for Potter to come crawling back to him. For now he would go about his life as best he could without his other half.
At least this gave him something else to think of.
o0o
For the first time in a long while Harry was home at a decent time. It felt strange to sit in his chair while it was still light out. He had nowhere better to be since Ron already had plans.
"Master Potter is home early," Kreacher exclaimed as he dusted the mantle.
"Yeah." Harry sighed morosely as he stared into the fire vacantly. His eyes scanned the items lined up along the mantle. His eye caught the broken porcelain figurine of a dragon on the mantle. Ginny had thrown it at his head when he'd broken up with her.
After the final battle, everything had seemed great between them. Then they finally had sex with each other which was when Harry had realized something had been missing. His mind kept weighing the pros and cons of staying together. It took him weeks to get up the guts to finally end things.
After much contemplation, Harry had finally realized he wasn't attracted to the parts of Ginny that he was supposed to be as a straight man. He still hadn't accepted fully what that meant. Harry knew now why he had never felt tempted by any of the women that threw themselves at him. Ginny had gotten past that because of her boyish figure.
Harry had been in full denial of his sexual orientation and he still was in most ways. He had never gotten up the courage to actually try his hand at picking up a guy to confirm it. The kiss with Malfoy had been his first experience with a male partner.
It just confirmed what he had always suspected about himself.
Maybe Harry was just attracted to Malfoy. Their eyes had gravitated to each other in the great hall amongst the hundreds of students. The Slytherin had always gotten under his skin. Malfoy constantly had since the moment they met and always will probably in the future.
It was just a happenstance that the figuring that Ginny had thrown at him was of a pale whitish blue dragon with gray eyes. Harry suspected it was supposed to be of a Swedish short-snout but over the years the blue glaze had worn away. The fact that it was a dragon was one of the reasons he couldn't bring himself to actually throw the figurine out.
Instead, Harry had placed the one wing dragon on his mantle where he could see it all the time.
o0o
Since everyone who mattered already knew Draco worked at Weasley Wizard Wheezes. George decided to let him work a shift on the floor. Leaving Malfoy cooped up alone in the workroom didn't seem like the best idea at the moment.
With all the extra time Draco had between brewing that used to be filled by Potter, he decided to help out with the shop a little bit more. He'd never actually had the chance to interact with any of the clients before. Draco enjoyed watching the children's faces light up at the smallest thing. Remembering nostalgically when he was a child himself. Draco wished he had the innocence he had back then. The world held no wonder anymore for him.
After fifth year, when his father had ended up in Azkaban, it had felt like the world had fallen in around him. Slowly Draco had been steadily recovering from his experience in the war. After having to sell Malfoy Manor and all the interior furnishings to have enough money to support himself he had hit a slump. After George had come to his rescue though everything had slowly been falling back into place. Potter had been a salve to the injury on his soul somehow.
Verity showed Draco how to work the till. He had no problem understanding the contraption. The problem was most of the children's parents were too wary to actually come near him. Since they were the ones with the money it was a big problem.
Being out on the floor only depressed Draco even more because a lot of the parents gave him suspicious looks. His hair was a dead giveaway of his identity; it was a color that many didn't poses unless it was out of a bottle. When parents steered their children in the other direction from where he was standing it made his mood drop a little more. Draco wished he could wear his hat inside, but it would only make him look more suspicious.
With his disposition even drearier Draco retreated back to the work room. Where no one gave him dirty looks. Except maybe Severus but he was already used to those.
o0o
Harry slumped at his desk. He had volunteered to fill out the paperwork for their latest case to keep him from going to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Of course, Taylor accepted with enthusiasm since it took the responsibility off his shoulders.
It had been one of the longest weeks of Harry's life. He tried to throw himself in Auror training, but it didn't seem enough. As Harry got deeper into his training they had started to move him up from the insignificant cases to the harder ones. He hardly found the time to stop in at the shop. His day strangely didn't feel complete lately till he saw Malfoy's pointy face. Didn't help that he was currently avoiding the Slytherin. There always felt like something was missing.
Even Taylor had noticed that something was off.
"Your still here?" Taylor said like he was surprised. Checking the clock to make sure it was passed training time. Usually as soon as Potter was allowed to leave he was rushing out the door. Of course, Taylor knew who that reason was.
"I have to finish this," Harry replied, not removing his eyes from his parchment.
"Right, you do that. I'm going home because it was quitting time, oh, half an hour ago." Taylor said as he pulled back his sleeve to look at his wrist watch. He had stayed late to socialize with some of his classmates for a bit before he went home. Potter though had been sitting at his desk alone like an outcast. It should have only taken Potter only ten minutes to fill in the paperwork for the shitty assignment they had that day.
Something was actually bothering Potter it seems. Taylor had his suspicions of what was wrong. Deciding to test the waters. "Maybe I'll stop in to see Draco on my way home," Taylor stated loudly so that Potter couldn't block out what he said.
There was an immediate reaction, Potters' fist tightened so that his quill broke in half. Burning eyes finally looked up from the report to glare heatedly at him. This is the first time they had a disagreement since the retreat two weeks ago. They had been getting along surprisingly well. "Would you fuck off Taylor, and leave Malfoy alone."
"Ok ok." Taylor quickly stood and left before he destroyed all the progress he'd made in their partnership. He figured out that Potters strange behavior had something to do with Draco and that was good enough for him.
Sighing when his Auror partner practically fled from his presence. Harry took off his glasses and held his head. He was so high strung right now.
When Ron saw that Harry was still sitting at his desk he sighed. Something had seemed off with his friend the past week. Walking over Ron gripped his friend's arm. "Get up."
"What?" Harry looked up from his report with a dazed expression.
"We're going out for a drink," Ron ordered instead of suggesting. Taking Harry's cloak from the hook on the wall. He pushed it into his friend's arms.
"I really need to finish this report," Harry replied stubbornly. Truthfully he'd finished it ages ago but just couldn't get the energy to actually get up from his chair.
"You've been staring at it blankly for the past hour." Ron pointed out since he had taken notice while doing his own report. The content of his report had been the last thing on Harry's mind. "Put your cloak on. We're going to the Leaky."
Reluctantly Harry slipped his winter cloak on. It had grown even colder lately. Winters in Britain were always brutal and this year was no different.
It was easy for them to grab a lift since most of the ministry workers had gone home. Not many departments had to stay open past six. The Auror office was always busy because it had to be run twenty-four-seven. Since it was passed eight o'clock already the night shift workers had already arrived.
When they got to the atrium it was basically abandoned. No one wanted to hang around after working hours at the ministry if they didn't have to. The lights were dimmed since technically the ministry was closed. People could only get out and not arrive unless they had the proper clearance.
Stepping into one of the communal fireplaces, they both pronounced "Diagon Alley" clearly. Since the Leaky only had one fireplace that wasn't in one of the guest rooms upstairs they ended up closing off the floo in the main room once it had been clogged once too many times by ministry workers wanting a drink before heading home. Several people would try and floo in at once and they would get squished by other patrons.
When they arrived at the closest floo station to the pub the cold wind immediately hit them. "Brr, it is frickin' cold out," Ron complained as tugged on a knitted cap his mother had made him. All Harry could do was tug his robes collar up to try and cover his ears. "Where's your hat?"
"Forgot it." Truthfully Harry just hadn't gotten around to replacing the one he had given Malfoy. He would have to dodge questions why he wanted Mrs. Weasley to knit him another one. "Let's hurry up and get out of this cold." Harry speed walked off to avoid any more questions.
When they stepped through the door to the Leaky Cauldron they were immediately hit by a wall of heat. They started to strip off their gloves and hats. Even though the tavern was busy they managed to grab a booth quickly from a pair that were just leaving.
Hanging their heavy cloaks on the hook on the outside of the booth they slid onto opposite sides. It wasn't long at all before Hannah Abbott who was working as a waitress came to take their drink orders. Ron asked for just a butterbeer because if he came home smashed Hermione would kill him. Harry though went straight for the hard liquor and asked for a fire whiskey.
Once their drinks were sitting in front of them, Ron got straight to the point. "Did you have a fight with Malfoy?"
Harry almost spit his drink out at the sudden mention of the Slytherin. "No." He coughed and cleared his throat.
"Just, I've noticed you've been mopey all week," Ron explained he suspected it had something to do with Malfoy. "-and you haven't been slipping off to the joke shop at every possible moment."
"We didn't have a fight," Harry answered, taking a sip of his drink so he didn't have to talk about the subject anymore. It was the truth that they had not had a verbal or physical fight. It could be defined as a misunderstanding maybe.
"But something happened?" Ron asked even though he was sure he was right. "Whatever you did just apologize already," Ron suggested since it seemed whenever the two had a disagreement Harry was miserable. Ron had half a mind to go down to the shop himself and just ask Malfoy.
"What makes you think I'm the one that needs to apologize?" Harry asked defensively. As his best friend Ron was supposed to be on his side.
"Because if it was Malfoy at fault you would have just come out and complained to me about it already," Ron replied with a roll of his eyes. "But this seems more like that first argument you had. Where you mope around and worry about how to make it up to the git."
"Guess you're right." Harry sighed in defeat. He did feel guilty about how he reacted to the situation. Just because he wasn't ready to accept his sexuality doesn't mean he had to make Malfoy seem in the wrong. They had been getting along so great recently. Harry was afraid he had ruined it by his actions.
"What did you do anyway?" Ron asked curiously. They communicated by making fun of each other most of the time so it wasn't just any old argument. When Harry's face turned a deep red he narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Judging by your reaction..."
"We were drinking fire whiskey a few days ago together-" Harry decided to answer before Ron came up with something crazy. "I may have kissed him and then run off." Fiddling with his drink as he waited for his friends reaction.
"You did what?" Ron gawked at his best friend.
Harry closed his eyes and prepared to be punched in the face.
Thinking about all the times that Ron had caught Harry staring intently over at the Slytherin table at Hogwarts. All the stalking and name dropping. How it was impossible for Harry not to mention Malfoy at least once a day. "You know what, that actually makes sense."
"What do you mean?" Harry opened one of his eyes.
"You having the hots for Malfoy…it explains so much." Ron shrugged as he thought it over. "How you two could never leave each other alone."
"That's all you're going to say?" Harry asked stunned. He had known Ron for the past ten years and thought he knew all of his reactions.
"I've thought about it and decided to just accept it." Ron shrugged as he sipped his drink.
"Really. You've changed." Harry shook his head in admiration. "Hermione really has been a good influence on you."
"What, you were expecting me to go on a rampage. I'm not fifteen anymore." Ron exclaimed as he sipped at his drink. Over the past few weeks, he noticed how close Harry had grown to Malfoy. They were strangely perfect for each other.
"Maybe." Harry shook his head in amazement as he sipped at his drink.
"So are you too embarrassed after kissing Malfoy to face him or something?" Ron inquired as he sipped at his drink. "You said you kissed him first."
"Not exactly." Harry rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I may have attacked him with my lips, then when he reciprocated pushed him away and made a run for it." He had played the whole scene over in his head a couple times. Harry was definitely the instigator of the whole thing.
"So you made the first move and then acted affronted when he responded positively to your advances if I got this right?" Ron replied with a furrowed brow.
"Basically, and I'm mortified by my actions. I may have been completely sloshed, but it is no excuse to act like that." Harry replied hanging onto the edge of the table. "My brain was in two different places. One was doing what it desired and the other was panicking. I'm just confused."
"So this is more about you denying your sexuality than not being interested in Malfoy?" Ron picked up on the word 'panic' in his friend's description. "I would suggest that you figure out your sexuality before you approach Malfoy again."
"I know." Harry sighed as he sipped his drink.
"I've got to get going. Hermione doesn't like it when I stay out too late." Ron shuffled out of the booth. Grabbing his robe off the hook.
"It's like you're married already." Harry teased lightly.
"It's called a relationship, you should try it sometime." Ron punched his shoulder in a friendly way. Tying his scarf. "See you later mate, don't drink too much." He exclaimed over his shoulder, as Ron shouldered his way through the crowd, out of the pub.
When Ron mentioned a relationship the image of Draco Malfoy flashed in his mind. Harry took another long gulp of his drink before he knew it his glass was empty. Since it was only him now he decided to move to the bar. Slipping onto a recently vacated stool. "Can I get a refill?" Harry asked the young bartender.
The blonde took his order and then poured him another fire whiskey. As he sipped at his drink, Harry checked out the bartender who couldn't be much older than him. He was blond and slender which made him think of another blond. Apparently Harry had a type.
After Harry finished his third glass he requested another but the boss put his hand on the blonde's shoulders. "I have to cut you off, Harry." Tom denied him his request.
"Come on, I haven't had that many." Harry tried to hide the slur in his voice.
"Go home," Tom said with conviction. Plucking his glass off the counter and washing it.
"Fine." Harry snapped, he slid off his stool and stumbled out of the door.
.0.
The joke shop was closed for the night. It was quiet and dark, so much different than in the light of day. Draco was having a lot of trouble sleeping lately. There was too much on his mind. He took to wandering the shop floor at night.
Draco was spending some time organizing the shelves just to pass the time. Children always had to pick stuff up, but they never put it back in the right place. It was just his luck that he was a perfectionist so small things like that bugged him.
The shop door banged opened surprising Draco since it should've been locked. He dropped down to hide behind one of the displays. George had already gone home for the night so it couldn't be him. If he forgot something the redhead would use the floo. His heart pounded nervously as Draco peeked over the banister.
Draco saw a silhouette of messy hair and the moonlight caught the reflection of glass lenses. Instantly Draco felt relieved. Potter, of course it was Potter. The man had a key being part owner.
Standing up straight so that he could be seen. "What are you doing here? It's close to three in the morning." Draco asked making his way to the bottom of the stairs. He observed as Potter stumbled towards him. "Are you drunk?"
"Shut up Malfoy." Harry snapped as he continued to stalk towards the Slytherin. The bartender had made him think about Malfoy so he felt like he just had to see the blond suddenly.
Before Draco knew it he was pinned against one of the shelves. He could smell the fire whiskey on Potter's breath. "Definitely drunk," Draco said to himself.
"I don't like you." Harry slurred as he pinned the slender man with his body.
"Hate you too," Draco replied with his patented sneer.
Harry lunged forward and smashed his lips against Malfoy's. Pushing his tongue past the thin lips. Hardly noticing when Malfoy's fingers gripped his hair. He tugged at the silky blond hair in return as they aggressively kissed.
Draco put all of his frustration into the kiss. This man was so infuriating. Potter says he hated him but kissed him instead.
Somehow Harry managed to get Malfoy's outer robe unbuttoned. Tugging at the fabric till he could slip it off the long limbs. Flinging it around them to land on the floor. Stripping the Slytherin till he stood in just a t-shirt and jeans. It surprised him not to find a dress shirt and slacks underneath. He supposes that Malfoy couldn't afford to dress like that anymore.
Harry was beginning to work on his own robes, but he kept missing the buttons. His fumbling hands were suddenly pushed out of the way. Malfoy efficiently unclasped all the buckles on his Auror training robes with impatience. The robes hit the floor not soon after to mingle with the fabric of the potion robes.
Feeling the metal of Potter's glasses dig into his face, Draco threw the frames away. They slid across the floor. Silencing the brunette's complaints by sticking his tong in Potter's mouth. The Gryffindor moaned and fought Draco's tongue back into his own mouth. Nibbling at Potter's lips, he sucked at the probing tongue with enthusiasm.
Draco leaned his head back against the wall to try and gasp for air. He could feel Potter attach his lips to his throat. Clutching at the Gryffindor's back as he pushed his hips up again and again into his own. Hissing nonsense as he frantically rocked his hips into Potter's hand.
Grabbing at Malfoy's hips to keep them still he ground his erection against the corresponding one.
"Bedroom." Draco gasped between kisses.
"Need you now." Harry grabbed Malfoy's behind and hoisted him up so that his legs straddled his waist. The blond threw an arm around his neck for support. Harry felt his hair tugged at aggressively.
Draco's back was supported against the wall of candy. He could hear the sound of the jars tinkling together as Potter thrust against him. Moaning at the intense sensation. Draco wished they had less clothing between them. He slid his hand down Potter's back and breached the rim of his jeans. His hands cupped the naked flesh of Potters behind. Laughing in his head because Draco realized he was essentially,dry humping with Harry Potter.
"Want you…" He murmured between trying to unbutton Malfoy's pants while kissing his neck at the same time. Malfoy arching up against his mouth as he nibbled at his clavicle. Once he had the jeans open enough he slipped his hand inside.
When Potter's and first touched his cock without any clothing in the way Draco couldn't help but let out a little whine. His hips started to move in and out of Potter's fist as the Auror tried to follow the rhythm he was setting.
Kissing down Malfoy's neck Harry gasped "So close." Against his cheek. Malfoy's eyes were squeezed tightly shut and his face was flushed. Harry couldn't help kissing at the high cheekbones which made the blond shudder. Moving his attention downwards, he sucked harshly at the pale skin of the blonde's neck. Harry bit down harshly on Malfoy's pulse point as he came.
The pain sent a jolt of pleasure through Draco's system and his release followed swiftly afterward with a loud moan. His limbs felt like a rag dolls that couldn't support his body weight anymore. His legs slid off their place on Potter's hips back to the floor. He collapsed back against the shelf exhausted.
The Slytherin stood braced between the Gryffindor's arms. Their only points of contact were their foreheads resting against each other. They stood still, panting from their actions.
Removing his hand from Malfoy's trousers now that the moment of passion had passed. Things that seemed so right when your hormones were rushing often seemed awkward and wrong once you came down from the high.
"I think I'm bleeding." Malfoy's voice snapped Harry back to reality. He backed away from the blonde. Stumbling over their robes in his haste to get some space. Malfoy looked disheveled. His hair was so different from its usual perfection. The strands were sticking up all over the place. His lips were red and swollen. He had red hickeys all over his neck… that Harry had put there himself.
Noticing Potter's dumbfounded expression Draco sighed. "You are going to freak out again and leave aren't you." He crossed his arms and leaning back against the shelves they had previously been humping against.
"I don't know what I'm doing." Harry grabbed his hair appalled at his actions.
Draco rolled his eyes at Potter's predictable reaction. When someone had thought themselves to be straight all their life's only to find out differently, it was hard to accept. Coming from a pureblood family, Draco knew better than anyone. It was only natural that Potter was freaking out a little.
Looking at the floor, Draco leaned down and picked up Potter's glasses. "Find me when you know what you want," Draco said as he put the frames in the Gryffindor's hands. Retreating upstairs to his apartment. "Lock the door behind yourself," Malfoy called back down then disappeared inside his apartment.
…TBC