A/N: Ah…okay I know its been a VERY LONG time since I've updated. And hopefully you guys haven't lost interest in this story…yet. Yes it DID take me a very long time to finish this chapter, but the good thing is I'm done writing it! Yay! So continue on and read, and I hope you guys will like it! I added in an extra part into Chapter 3, so you should probably read the part where Harry starts to explore the house over again, to be able to understand the first bit of this chapter. Don't forget to leave a comment by pressing the review button.

Previously: Harry's heart pounded faster and faster, to the point where he thought he couldn't breathe. Reminding himself to take a deep breath, he forced his mouth open to reply. What was supposed to be an answer to the man's question, formed into a 2-syllable word.

"Draco…" Harry gasped feeling lightheaded.

Harry could not believe it, and yet here he was standing in front of his old lover. His mouth was now so dry he could barely make a sound. Draco smiled and his eyes brightened up. It was complete bliss seeing Draco again, like a dream come true.

"I-I've been wondering where you've been," Draco spoke softly, walking towards him.

Harry tried to force his vocal cords to work, but it wouldn't cooperate with him. Great! Just when he really needed to use it, he couldn't talk. Instead he made a 'guh' sound.

"I missed you," Draco murmured, putting his hands on Harry's shoulders, and squeezed it gently. He leaned in forward and whispered in his ears. "It has been too long…"

Harry closed his eyes at the feeling of Draco's breath against his skin. He loved it. He gulped and savored the feeling before it could slip away. What was odd though was that suddenly Draco was shaking Harry's shoulders.

"Wake up!" Draco's voice sounded distant now, as if it was floating away.

"Wha-What?" Harry was confused.

"Wake UP!" came a more rough voice, unlike Draco's gentle tone.

Harry groaned and his eyes slowly fluttered open. He was met with Snape's ugly face, peering down at him with great dislike.

"Is this a habit of yours? Fainting every 5 minutes?" Snape said coolly.

Harry sat up and quickly looked around remembering whom he had seen, but there were no sign of the blond man. Harry's heart sank. It was all a dream, a very nice dream. But how did he end up here? He remembered he had woken up.

Snape, noticing Harry's confused look, spoke, "You were on your way out when you decided to look around and explore, something you apparently still like to do. Emmick left his toy broomstick on the ground, you tripped andhit your head. I hope you do realize you're almost completely naked."

So it was a dream! That means Draco is…Harry didn't want to think about it. There was only one way to prove that it was a dream. Harry got up from the floor, steadying himself before racing down the hall. He was feeling better, though there was still a hint of dizziness threatening to overtake him; but he's not going to let that happen, he must find out.

"POTTER GET BACK HERE!" Snape yelled after him. "POTTER!"

Harry ignored him, instead he focused on the dream. Which way did he go? He remembered faintly that there was a large door. That didn't help much, the house had many large doors. Snape was trailing after him, stomping like a mad bull, and yelling himself hoarse. Harry didn't care though, it only made him speed up. After running around trying to find the room, with no luck, Harry was about to give up. The house was clearly too large. Even if Harry was willing to spend hours searching, he knew it was impossible; there were too many rooms. He slowed down, ready to stop the search until he noticed another hallway. Pictures of Emmick were hung up on the walls in fancy golden frames. Slowly, Harry walked down the dimly lit hallway, ready to be disappointed when he finds out it was just a washroom; but it wasn't. It lead to the large doors Harry had seen in his dream.

Snape finally caught up just as Harry was about to make a move towards the door. He put a hand on Harry's shoulder, forcing him to turn around. With a slightly flushed face from the running he had to do, Snape opened his mouth to start yelling at Harry, but Harry was faster then him.

"Where does this door lead to?" Harry asked.

Snape closed his mouth and glowered at him. For a split second, Harry had thought Snape wouldn't answer him, but he did the opposite of what Harry had thought.

"It's Emmick's bedroom," Snape responded. "Now see here Pot-"

"You're lying," Harry said.

Snape glared, "And I would lie because?"

"You don't want me to go in that room."

"I didn't want you to come in this house, and you're talking about a bloody room?" Snape said incredulously.

"I was just curious."

"Too curious for your own good, now-"

"Can I go in?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"It's Emmick's room! Why would you want to go in?"

Should he tell Snape about the dream he had? It will only cause more trouble, plus, Snape would think Harry had made the whole thing up just to go inside. But what was behind that room must be Draco's, despite what Snape had said. Even if Harry knew Draco did not live here, he still had the mad urge to check.

"I just want to see, I won't go inside," Harry said calmly.

Snape flared his nostrils and studied him. Harry met his gaze, feeling as if Snape was looking right through him, examining every thought that goes through Harry's mind.

"Fine," Snap said at last," But like you said, don't go in."

Harry felt the huge weight in his heart lift. He could have hugged Snape right then and there, but the ugly expression on his face told Harry not to. He moved towards the door and placed his hand on the shiny handle, and turned it. He pushed the door open and peered in. The room was furnished exactly the way it was in his dream. The only slight difference was the many toys scattered all over the floor. Harry stared disbelievingly. The happiness he had felt was slipping away, leaving Harry feeling cold. So it meant that Draco's…

"Are you done yet Potter?" Snape drawled.

Harry gave the room one last look before nodding silently, and quietly letting Snape lead him to the laundry room to retrieve his clothes.

Harry pulled his shirt over his head and pulled his pants up. While trying to zip the zipper, in which it didn't seem to want to move, Snape dragged him out of the laundry room. He gave up trying to zip it up, since he almost tripped down a flight of stairs as Snape was leading him. Still feeling a bit on the tipsy side, he slowed down, but only to get startled when Snape barked at him to hurry up.

"Grouchy old-"

"I'm not deaf, I can hear you."

Harry remained quiet as he followed Snape. They stopped near the front doors. Snape looked at him with the same expression Harry had seen for 7 years at Hogwarts. The loathing showed in his cold, dark eyes, and Harry didn't expect the look to change.

"I'll see you tomorrow, perhaps I'll meet you at your place. Since you have a knack of distraction here. Or are you always like this?" Snape said, growling a bit.

"At my place is fine," Harry, muttered. He was not going to lose his temper; for this might be the last chance he could snag a job.

"Where do you live?"

"Currently at the Morning Hillside Hotel," Harry said, turning pink.

Snape looked at him oddly, "No seriously. Don't play any jokes Potter."

"I'm not!"

"Are you su-"

"Yes!" Harry almost yelled, but remembered to keep his temper in check. "I decided to move out of Ron and Hermione's house."

"Did the Weasley's house get invaded by their kids?" Snape sneered at the thought of his old students.

"No," Harry muttered through gritted teeth, reminding himself to calm down.

"So, your telling me that you cant afford a simple small flat?" Snape said a little too joyfully.

"No," Harry lied. The truth was, he still had some money left in Gringotts, but he didn't want to spend it all; he wanted to make more, and maybe put some galleons in his bank to make it seem fuller; he had used a lot already. By being able to do that, he had to make it seem like actually had no money at all, maybe Snape might even feel sorry for him.

Snape's gleeful expression didn't change, it only turned into a nasty smirk of amusement.

"Well now I guess your future is now in my hands," Snape said, delighted.

Harry snorted, "I'm sure it is."

Snape frowned, "Do you want the chance or not?"

Harry closed his mouth and listened as Snape told him the time he will be arriving. He nodded and silently left.

As the main gate snapped shut and locked itself behind him, Harry couldn't help feeling the un-easiness in his stomach. Maybe a cup of coffee would calm him down?

Harry found a small, and rather cozy coffee shop not far from where the Anderson's lived. He ordered a large cappuccino and sat down, enjoying the warm drink. He was about to get up and leave, until his eyes traveled and stopped at a man with red hair, covering his face with an upside down magazine. Harry found this a bit strange, for the man peeked above from the magazine to check if Harry was looking. When he found out Harry was, he quickly ducked behind the magazine again.

Harry left a tip and quickly walked out, hurrying back to the hotel as fast as he could.

It's strange how time passes so quickly when you don't pay attention to it. You could sit around and stare at the clock all day, and the minute hand would not move; and yet, when you preoccupy yourself, it's like the clock fast forwards itself. It is strange how time works. This was how Harry felt; time went too fast. The last thing he remembered was getting interviewed with Snape. During the interview (which was more sane this time, and it didn't involve anyone fainting), Snape had asked questions in which Harry had to come up with a quick and witty answer for.

The interview was half an hour long. In the end, Snape politely shook hands with him -grimacing- and told him he'd call in the next few days. Thus the waiting began again. Harry had started to dislike clocks no matter how useful they are, but in a few days, just like what Snape had said, he called with some rather good news. Snape told Harry he got the job, in a rather glum and disappointed voice. Harry couldn't feel any happier. Ever since then, the dream Harry had had completely slipped his mind; which was a good thing, for Harry wanted to keep his mind free of thoughts. Though it was only during nighttime, when Harry was haunted by memories of the war.

It has been a month since Harry had started tutoring Emmick, who turned out to be quite a nice kid, despite how chatty he was, but Harry put up with him and managed to be-friend the 9-year-old. Snape remained as nasty as ever, but has grown nastier as he found several white hairs growing on his head. Every time Harry entered the large house, he could hear Snape grumbling about his aging hair. Harry would come over to the Anderson residence and tutor Emmick in his room, but had moved to the dining room. Emmick got distracted too easily. All in all, Harry enjoyed being around the kid.

December rolled around the corner and soon the house was decorated with festive ornaments. Stockings were hung by the fireplace. In every room, you would find a large Christmas tree. But they weren't nearly as tall as the one in the living room. As Harry wondered in one day, he could only gawk at the nicely decorated tree, with the piles after piles of presents around it. He has never seen so many presents in his life.

A fireplace, spreading warmth through his body every time he entered, lighted the dining room. The flames and warmness would only make him all drowsy. Harry had actually fallen asleep once, and woke up with a start when Emmick kicked him.

"If you fall asleep again, I'm telling Uncle Snape," Emmick warned.

That made Harry wide-awake. The worst time of the year for Snape (besides Valentine's Day) was Christmas. He was extra moody, walking around snapping at Harry whenever he sees him.

"Mr. Potter?" Emmick said casually, putting down his quill.

They were inside on a cold snowy afternoon.

"Yes? Didn't I tell you to call me Harry?"

"Uncle Snape told me –"

"Just call me Harry."

"It's impolite."

"You're never polite around me."

"That's because your not."

Harry sighed, "Go on."

"My birthday is this Thursday, December 25th, and my father and uncle are hosting a party for me." He beamed. "And I was wondering if you wanted to come."

"Oh!" Harry said, taken by surprise. "I don't know…"

"Please?" Emmick pressed on. "Please…Harry?"

Harry looked at his pleading blue eyes and gave in.

"All right."

Emmick grinned happily, "Good! I want you to meet someone!"

Harry checked his reflection in the rear mirror of a cab. He dressed casually, unsure whether the part was formal or not. The cab pulled up at the large house, and Harry got out. He paid the driver and walked up to the gate which opened by itself. Balloons were tied to strings all over the place. As he approached the doors, it opened and 5 kids ran out, each carrying a toy sword of their own. Snape appeared looking as if the world was about to end. The expression only deepened once he noticed Harry had arrived.

"Ah good, the fun just keeps coming doesn't it?" Snape said dryly.

Harry didn't know whether to laugh or comment, instead he just shrugged. Snape eyed him for a minute, a thought suddenly occurring him.

"Who invited you?"

"Emmick did."

"Where's your invitation?" Snape leered.

"He didn't give me one, am I supposed to get one?"

"Yes, guess you can't come in," Snape said joyfully. "More scotch for me!"

At that precise moment, Emmick appeared from behind Snape, hearing Harry's voice.

"HARRY!" Emmick yelled excitedly.

Harry smiled and handed him his present, "Happy Birthday! You're how old now?"

"10! I get to start school next year at Hogwarts!" Emmick exclaimed proudly. "Uncle Snape is still teaching there. He's the Potion's Master."

"Yes, well since you're here already Potter, why don't you come in?" Snape said feeling very bored.

Harry walked inside and almost crashed into another kid. The kid looked at him weirdly, but was dragged away by Emmick almost immediately.

"Tsk, tsk, crashing into children, you must be even more drunk than I am," Snape commented.

"I'm not a alcoholic."

"Always the wild and crazy one hmm?" Snape said sarcastically. "I think not." Then he walked tipsily out of the main entrance.

Harry followed not knowing what to expect, but within more then 5 feet away from the living room, he could hear the sounds of many, many kids shouting. Snape almost fell over as 2 kids ran out, jabbing each other with the toy swords. He muttered to himself and sat down on an unoccupied couch. Harry spotted a large group of adults watching the children play, and decided to sidle over to them. A waiter came up to him and offered a glass of champaign, in which he took. Taking a sip of the cool beverage, he wondered what he was going to do for the next few hours? Should he stand here all alone, or try talking to one of the adults? He didn't want to seem too lonely, and chatting to someone sounded good. Craning his neck, he looked around the room for someone he knew, or at least looked familiar; but he recognized no one in the room. Harry sighed. Maybe it was better if he leaved instead. Emmick came running over just as he was about to leave.

"Going somewhere?" Emmick's eyes narrowed.

Harry wondered how Emmick knew he was going to leave.

"Look Emmick, it's your party and you should go enjoy yourself. It won't make a difference whether I leave or not. You have all your friends here to keep you company," Harry said, hoping Emmick won't throw one of this famous tantrums.

Emmick looked crestfallen, "But I want you to be here. Besides, I only know 2 kids here, the other's are the children of my father's friends."

"Hey," Harry said sternly. "Don't look so glum. You're lucky your father planned a party for you. When I was a kid, no one had ever planned a birthday party for me, not even once."

"Why not?" Emmick asked, looking truly surprised.

Harry felt his insides boil as he remembered the Dursleys, "Let's not talk about it."

Emmick looked at him curiously but stayed quiet. Harry sighed and took another sip of the wine. Emmick ran off later with a dark haired little boy, leaving Harry with nothing to do again. He finished his 2nd glass of champaign, and he still haven't talked to anyone else. He was starting to want to leave, but he knew Emmick would spot him making his getaway. Finally arguing with himself on whether to make a quick leave or not, he decided to stick through the whole thing, despite the fact that he knew no one there.

"More wine sir?" A waiter asked.

Harry shook his head and glanced behind him, his eyes widened. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Standing just about a foot away was Blaise Zanbini, drinking a martini, deep in conversation with Pansy Parkinson. Harry's eyes widened. What were they doing here? Did they know Sean Anderson too, or are they Emmick's tutor as well? Or maybe Snape invited them, but if he remembered correctly, Snape was never that close with the pair. Pansy looked over and her eyes settled on Harry. She mumbled something to Blaise, who turned around. Harry didn't know whether to wave or not, but Pansy answered the question for him. She waved and raised a skinny eyebrow at him. She muttered something else and Blaise made his way over.

"Looking good Potter," Blaise said. "Where have you been for the past few years?"

Harry shrugged, "Around."

"Married?"

"No, you?

"No, but I am dating," Blaise took a long drink from his glass.

"Out of curiosity, but just who are dating?" Harry asked casually.

"That's a secret," Blaise grinned.

If Harry had been someone else watching from the side, he would have thought they were old friends getting acquainted again.

"They why are you here if none of these crazy kids running around are yours?"

Blaise's grin turned into a frown, "I can't tell you." And then he grinned again. "That's a secret too."

"Why not?" Harry asked, quite taken back. Why was he being so secretive?

Blaise finished his drink and settled it on a nearby table in no hurry.

"You see, Potter, we're not exactly what you call 'friends' and it's not very likely I would tell you, but you know what the word 'secret' means don't you?"

"But-" Harry was cut off as Snape entered the room and announced that the desert was ready.

"Time for cake," Blaise said airily and walked back to Pansy.

Harry followed the crowd out of the living room, up the stairs, and into the dining room, where plates after plates of assorted biscuits were piled upon the table. A large cake with blue frosting caught everyone's attention as soon as they walked in. Waiters came in with plates and more glasses of champaign.

Snape stood on a small platform that was built, and made a small speech. In the middle of it, he looked as if he was about to pass out, but he kept talking, clutching his glass of brandy rather tightly. Emmick stood by him, looking very disappointed.

"And now since Emmick's father, Mr. Anderson, could not make it here today, we will go ahead and let Emmick blow," Snape stopped and let out a uncharacteristic giggle. "Out the candles."

Snape and Emmick got off the platform and stood in front of the triple layered cake. 'Happy 10th Birthday' was written out of chocolate, as 10 candles were stuck in it around the words. Emmick took a deep breath and blew out all the candles. Everyone clapped and the kids jumped up and down, starring hungrily at the cake. Snape helped cut the cake and hand out plates. To Harry, it was the best cake he has ever tasted. The insides were filled with chocolate ice cream, with 3 thin layers of hot fudge. It was no wonder a lot of people looked as if they were in heaven as they took the first bite. Harry found Blaise and Pansy talking quietly again in a corner.

He finished the cake and looked around one last time. Deciding he could probably leave now, he pushed his way through the crowd. One woman glared at him as he accidentally stepped on her white shoes. She huffily stalked away with her nose in the air muttering, "How rude." He was about to leave the room when he heard Emmick calling for him.

"HARRY!" Emmick yelled out loud, pushing through the crowd roughly.

Harry turned around and smiled, "Hey kid."

Emmick beamed, "I want you to meet someone."

"Who?"

"Just someone really special."

"Well, all right then, but I have to leave soon."

"That's okay, but I really want you to meet him, I told him all about you."

"So where is he?" Harry asked looking around, wondering who the person was.

"Follow me," Emmick said and darted back through the crowd.

Harry followed carefully, he didn't want to step on anyone else. He spotted Emmick push through a small group of men that were talking, and re-appearing with a huge grin plastered on his face.

"Harry, I want you to meet my father," Emmick said, tugging on a man's suit.

The man turned around and looked down at Emmick. His blond hair covered his face, so Harry couldn't see. Something about the man made Harry's heart start beating faster.

"It's my tutor, Mr. Potter," Emmick explained to his father.

He finally looked up and noticed Harry. He smiled and extended a hand.

"Hi, thanks so much for tutoring Emmick. I would do it myself, but I'm busy most of the time," he explained.

Harry stared at the man before him. This better be real, but how could it be? Did he pass out again? Harry blinked and when his eyes focused on the man once again, he knew this was in fact very real. His breath got caught as he stared.

"Umm…" the man was starting to look uncomfortable as Harry continued starring.

Emmick nudged Harry hard and he finally took his eyes off him. He looked confused and Emmick decided to help out.

"Shake hands," Emmick ordered.

"Oh!" Harry's cheeks turned pink and he quickly shook the man's hand.

Harry was so sure and yet the man didn't seem to recognize him at all. Harry wanted very much to throw his arms around him, whispering words into his ear on how much he missed him. And yet…he was afraid this was a dream, and he would wake up if he made a single mistake. But as their hands touched, memories came flooding back in a tidal wave. But this was wrong! It couldn't be right! He died many years ago. Could it be possible that someone had pulled him out of harm's way during the war? Maybe he forgot about Harry afterwards because it has been so long. What bothered Harry was the fact that he might have forgotten about him, even though Harry had not. Harry would spend every night thinking about him, and it hurt now knowing that he hadn't done the same. Everything was coming so quickly, and it was hard trying to focus on one thought. His mind was buzzing as he went back to staring at the gorgeous man. It just…couldn't be possible. But Harry had felt something when they shook hands; it was the same feeling he would experience every time they held each other. Harry didn't know whether to hug him and sob into his shirt, or stay where he is. One thing was for certain; he had to make sure the man was who he thought he is. The only way to do that was to say…

"Draco?" Harry murmured quietly.

"I'm sorry, what?" he raised an eyebrow.

It was the same smooth voice, just in a deeper tone. Those gray eyes remained as sparkly as ever; but only the face had showed any sign of difference. His face was sharper and it didn't show any sign of the 17-year-old self Harry had remembered. He looked more mature, and business-like, especially in a suit.

"Are you…I mean, well…it's just that you- are you sure your name isn't Draco Malfoy?" Harry asked desperately, searching for any hint that showed that he remembered who Harry is.

"I think I know my name, I don't need to double check," the man answered coolly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to--"

Before he could move away, Harry's hand shot out and grabbed his wrist.

"You're lying, you must be. How could you not be Draco?" Harry said softly, ignoring theattention he was starting to attract.

"I'm telling you, I'm not! My name is Sean, now will you be so kind to let go of me—"

"NO! You're-lying!" Harry said through gritted teeth, he squeezed the man's wrist. "You must have forgotten me, I can accept that later on, but how could you forget something as important as your own name? What happened?"

"What are you talking about?" the man was starting tobecome a little scared. "I've never met you in my life! I know my name! It's Sean, not…not whatever it was you said! Let GO of me!"

"Father?" Emmick said timidly. "Harry let go of my father! You're hurting him!"

"Go get your uncle," the man said, without taking his eyes off Harry. Anger was starting to build up and Harry noticed it in his gray eyes. "I'm going to tell you one last time to un-hand me."

"You don't get it!" Harry said feeling very frustrated. Tears were beginning to sting his eyes. "We went out before, and we're probably still going out now! We never broke it off! We went to school together at Hogwarts, we met in Diagon Alley at—"

"POTTER! LET GO OF HIM, NOW!" Snape cam striding over, apparently sober now.

Emmick hid behind Snape as Harry sent Snape a death glare. In the end, Harry dropped his gaze and let go of the man, feeling very much defeated.

"Into Emmick's bedroom now, both of you," Snape indicated to Harry and the man.

"What about me?" Emmick asked anxiously.

"You're staying here, I'll be back in less then 10 minutes, make your speech."

Emmick pouted and stomped off to do what he was told. As soon as the young child disappeared back into the crowd, Snape turned towards them, and pushed them out of the dining room. He dragged the silence pair into Emmick's bedroom and made them sit on the bed.

Harry's heart pounded, his mind still distracted on what the man had said earlier. The confused and angry look Harry had seen made him never want to come back again. But he knew he couldn't run away, there had to be some sort of explanation, a good one too.

Snape was pacing around the room, looking as if he was deciding whether or not to tell them something. What seemed like forever, Snape finally looked up.

"It's time for me to explain everything. I have stalled enough time."

Harry held his breath and waited with anxiety for what was to come.

TBC

A/N: Bet that gave you a bit of a nasty shock at the beginning huh? Ah, damn! I left you guys hanging on yet another cliffhanger. You're probably sharpening your knives right now, heh. But the good thing is I'll have the next chapter up next Saturday or Sunday. Unfortunately, I can't make any promises. I'm assuming I can finish it by then. The next chapter wont probably be as long as this one.