Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or anything in the HP universe. This is purely fan-fiction inspired by the beautiful work of JK Rowling, our queen.

(Sorry for how long it's been since an update! Life is crazy. Let me know what you thought, I'll be posting again soon!)

First Date:

To say that the Malfoy Gardens was breathtaking was an understatement; it was utterly, impossibly, and unbelievably beautiful. Harry was about to find that out, but he had expected nothing but the best from Narcissa Malfoy. She had begun the garden not long after her trial had finished, wanting to create something beautiful after living a life filled with so much ugly. The project slowly went overboard, but the end result left any viewer speechless.

The walk to the garden was a few minutes, Narcissa had decided not to attach it to the Manor. The garden was an escape from everything, including the Manor. The path was made from sparkling white rocks and tiny pearls, shimmering in the moonlight. The fireflies lit up the fields and the sparkling white rocks seemed to be lights as well, lighting the path. This was the best date Harry had ever been on, and it had barely even started. It felt strange to be the one taken out for a date and not be in control, but Harry was enjoying it. He was enjoying not being in control.

Harry followed Draco along the lightly lit path, feeling as though he was walking toward some sort of haven. His eyes widened as the garden came into view, mouth slightly dropped at it's glory, and Draco smirked at his reaction knowing that this place would have this effect on him. He had always been the sappy type.

The garden didn't have hedges or fences keeping it hidden or closed off, it was open and flourishing. It was grand in size and Harry already knew he was going to adore it. The path led straight into the garden, but changed from lit up rocks and pearls, to a soft glowing sand. Harry watched as Draco bent down and untied the laces from his shoes and slipped them off with his socks, gesturing Harry should do the same.

"What's wrong, Potter? Don't want to get your feet dirty?" He smirked at him.

"Didn't think Malfoy's liked getting dirty," Harry retorted. He kicked off his sneakers easily and grinned.

"Oh, Malfoy's like getting dirty," Draco winked, then carried on the path barefoot.

Night crawled up quickly, but the garden didn't seem to notice as fireflies swarmed all over, lighting up everything it their path, and large warmly lit up rocks were strategically placed to make everything just glow. Harry couldn't imagine seeing this place in the day time.

The garden was filled with great willow trees that swayed long wispy branches with the wind. All along the path had cherry blossom trees on either side, covering the soft glowing sand with pale pink petals. All around them had healthy green plants of all sizes, some had flowers, and some didn't. Harry recognized roses of all colours, daisies, sunflowers taller than himself, and found himself truly speechless.

"I know it's a bit much. Pretty sappy for a first date, pretty girly too I suspect," Draco mumbled, "But it's not the only reason I brought you in here, I have a surprise."

"No, it's great, really. It's extraordinary. What type of flower is this?" Harry pointed at one he particularly liked.

"Ha-ha, that's a snap dragon. My mother planted them all over just for me," Draco grinned, "Here, I'll show you some of my favourites."

Draco took Harry's hand hesitantly, feeling rather stiff. Harry smiled and rolled his eyes at the man in front of him and squeezed their grip firmly. It was a date after all. Harry couldn't help but feel grateful for the evening darkness, glad to have his blush hidden. Draco Malfoy was holding his hand. War truly changes people, and age has turned that snobby prat from school into a pure gentlemen.

"All over to the right of us, are chrysanthemums, and those over there are hydrangea flowers. If you've noticed it's a bit chillier over here, it's because it is. These are all Fall flowers so this area is magically altered to remain Fall all the time. Even in winter, this entire garden remains either Spring, Summer, or Fall, depending on the area you're in," Draco proudly explained to his date.

"Is this where you bring all your dates?" Harry teased, "It's definitely working on me."

"I haven't shared it with anyone yet," Draco mumbled quietly, "Oh, I think you'll like this area."

He pulled Harry off of the path and onto the grass, which felt like a soft squishy carpet under his toes, and he didn't think he'd ever want to wear shoes again. They ducked under branches and giant jungle leaves, until they finally came to a halt and Harry found himself surrounded with the most beautiful aroma. Fireflies filled what he then realized was a cave made from lily flowers. Lillie's. Copper crowns, coral butterflies, dreamland, ice caves, lemon stardust, mother of pearl, even tiara. Lillie's of all colours and sizes. It was a small little cave, and Harry looked up and could see the stars.

"I made this little spot for you," Draco admitted finally, "I asked my mother if I could help her build the garden and asked for my own small project area. When I was looking for inspiration, it was the same day I really noticed you for the first time. So I made it for you and hoped one day to show you."

"You're such a sappy wanker." Harry blushed again slightly, but managed to grin despite himself. He squeezed his grip on Draco's hand once more and pulled him close and pressed his lips lightly to Draco's. Then he let go of his hand and turned away to admire the little hiding spot.

"Is this what you wanted to show me?" Harry asked him.

"Yes, and no. I have something else to show you as well."

"Lead the way," Harry offered, smiling grandly. Harry held out his hand to Draco, entwining their fingers together. This really was the best date of his life.

As they made their way back to the path, Harry was constantly looking in all directions, trying to see everything. It was impossible, as the garden was so vast. Eventually Draco came to a halt and Harry bumped into his back before getting his attention. And so before them, was a small little home.

It was indeed small, with white clay covering the outside, with a few windows but no glass covering them. There was a yellow door, and a red bench just next to it, all lit under a porch light. Ivy covered the roof and one side of the little home, it was like a home a child could dream up.

"What is this place?" Harry whispered, as if he had to.

"It's mine. I gave my flat to Blaise after I finished building this place. After the war I moved out of the Manor, not able to live in it ever again. After I saw the garden finished, I took the opportunity to add one last finishing touch and made a Manor of my own, only the size of a shack in comparison."

"Can I have a look?" Harry grinned, looking excited.

Draco bowed down and held an arm out in the direction of the home, "Go ahead."

Harry hurried forwards and opened the yellow door, sticking his head in before the rest of his body. The room lit up and the inside was larger than he expected, although still small. The walls were old bricks, and the floor was rich old wood and it all had a very vintage feel. There was a set of stairs that led up to a loft large enough only for the king sized mattress and nothing more. Under the stairs was enchanted to be a walk-in closet.

"I built this place so every inch is used for something, it can be no smaller and doesn't need to be any bigger." Draco explained, "Although I could add more."

And he was right. The main wall was a book shelf covered in books of all types (Hermione would die at the sight) and there was a desk in the middle of it, covered in work papers. Under a window had a day-bed that was perfect for reading or napping, with a tiny table in front of it with a tea set and had boxes of tea leaves underneath. There was shelving anywhere it could fit, filled with knickknacks, or office supplies.

The kitchen was absolutely tiny but efficient due to all the shelves. There was a window above the sink, with the shelves all on the sides, filled neatly with stacks of plates, bowls, and cups. There was a small area for food prep next to the sink, and a cupboard underneath to store magically cooled fruits and vegetables.

Draco watched as Harry explored all the secrets of the home. He found all the storage hiding places, amazed with how small Draco had managed to make the home.

"Why did you make it so small?" Harry questioned.

"I wanted to live in the exact opposite of the Manor," He shrugged in reply.

"Mission accomplished mate," Harry grinned, "It's perfect."

"It's getting late now, I should walk you back to the apparation point and get you home," Draco insisted.

"Or I could just stay? I mean, you slept beside me easily enough the night I left for the glimpses." Harry blushed as soon as he said the words, "Sorry, I don't mean to intrude, let's go."

"Would you like some tea?" Draco offered, defusing Harry's stuttering.

"Er- Yes." Harry nodded.

Draco gestured toward the day-bed, sitting on one end and preparing the teapot by hand.

"I don't want you to feel pressured. I've known I was gay for a long time but you..." Draco started.

"I don't feel pressured," Harry said firmly, because it was the truth, "I'm just new at this whole thing."

Draco nodded and smiled a little, pouring them each a cup of tea.

"Since you may or may not sleep here, and I do mean just sleep, you owe me a goodnight kiss. You've deprived me of it." Draco frowned teasingly.

Harry blushed again, he cursed himself for it, but he was a Gryffindor and they didn't back down from anything. He put his tea cup down and surprised Draco by pulling him close and kissing him full on the mouth. This was their third kiss, and it was the best of them all. It wasn't soft or hard, it was perfect and warm. Their lips lingered, tasting each other and getting to know the feel. Draco took control as he was the one courting Harry, and pushed back, deepening the kiss. He finished the kiss, only to start another, flicking his tongue on Harry's lips begging for entrance. Harry obliged and opened his mouth just slightly, but that's all Draco needed. He put his hand on the back of Harry's neck to pull him closer if even possible, but then stopped, putting his forehead on Harry's. He didn't want to get carried away.

They both laughed lightly, thrown by the weirdness but also by how easy it was to be together. They were partners in the department for years, neither of them could believe where they were now. Seeing the glimpses made things so much easier for Harry to grasp all the changes.

"Erm- Can we go to bed? Merlin that sounds weird... But we have work in the morning, we should probably head in." Harry awkwardly pointed out.

Draco nodded, banishing their tea to the kitchen and led Harry to the walk-in closet.

"Pj's are in here, grab whatever you like. I'll hit the shower quickly and join you,"

"There's a shower? I didn't see one in the loo," Harry raised an eyebrow.

"There's a waterfall style shower outside in the back of the place, for all to see," Draco wriggled his eyebrows suggestively, teasing Harry. Harry rolled his eyes and picked out a pair of pj's as Draco left.

He quickly picked a pair of pajama bottoms, a soft cotton pair. He made his way up the stairs and couldn't believe he asked to stay the night on the first date. Granted they weren't sleeping together, it was still baffling to him.

The king sized mattress was impressive. It was made from memory foam and fit Harry perfectly. There was more than one blanket, so they wouldn't have to share one. Harry wondered if he wanted to share, but then shook the thought from his mind quickly. He got comfortable and smoothed his pillow until it was just right.

"Shove over, how can you possibly take up the whole king sized bed!"

Harry looked up and laughed at Draco, then moved over to give him plenty of room. Too much room.

"Hey now, I don't bite," Draco smirked.

Harry scoffed, and got comfortable again, glad it was too dark to see Draco. The scent of a fresh shower filled the loft, it made Harry's mind go in overdrive and he turned over to face the wall, hoping to clear his nose of such a magnificent smell.

~*~HPDM~*~

That morning, Harry finally saw the garden in the sunshine. It was bright green and colourful, healthy and bountiful. He could get used to the scent of the flowers, even the scent of Draco...

Harry shook his head, making the thoughts go away. He didn't want to go too fast; fall too fast.

He had woken up that morning with one of Draco's arms draping his waist and cursed how wonderful it had felt. He left the bed before Draco, at the crack of dawn and took the opportunity to take a shower. The waterfall shower was really refreshing, and even liberating. He closed his eyes as the water poured down over his body, listening to the birds around him as clear as day. The view was amazing, he had never had such a great shower. He felt as though he was living in a dream world, hoping desperately he wouldn't find out this was just another glimpse.

After his shower was finished, he found an outfit in the closet that was so casual he couldn't believe Draco even owned it. A pair of jeans, and a plain salt-N-pepper coloured t-shirt. When he walked passed the kitchen, he saw Draco making morning tea and magically preparing an oversized fruit platter for breakfast.

"I call all the pineapple," Harry announced, making his presence known. Draco looked up and rolled his eyes.

"You would find that outfit," Draco teased, "By all means, keep it."

"Good morning to you too," Harry grinned. Draco pulled Harry by the shirt and stole a quick kiss.

Harry took a seat across from Draco, still smiling, taking the Daily Prophet from the windowsill and skipping right to Quidditch.

"As an Auror, I thought you'd want to read the headlines to see if anything has happened. But no, you just skip right to sports," Draco smirked, "Take that to go, we're going to be late for work."

Harry folded the Prophet and stuck it under his arm, taking a handful of pineapple with him to eat on their way back through the garden to the apparation point.

"You should get a fireplace so you can Floo places," Harry suggested.

"I like having to walk through the garden every morning," Draco admitted, "But you're right. It has been inconvenient once or twice."

"Good morning gentlemen," A beautiful Narcissa Malfoy greeted at the entrance to the garden, "Little early for a visit, wouldn't you say?"

"I suppose you would be right, if we had just arrived. But as you can see, we're actually heading out. To work," Draco said bluntly.

"Oh come now, Draco. Is that any way to greet your mother?"

He looked irritated but Harry had no idea why. He knew Draco and his mother were very close but that didn't seem like the case at the present time.

"Well, as we both hate side-along apparating, I'll see you at work in a few seconds," Draco half-smiled at Harry, then disappeared with a crack.

"Don't mind him, he's not very happy with me right now," Narcissa admitted. Harry hadn't spoken to her since he defended her at her trial many years ago, confirming she had saved his life by lying to Voldermort in the forest, saying that he was in fact dead. He hadn't planned on talking to her now either, but she seemed to think otherwise.

"And why would that be?" Harry asked, unsure of what else to say.

"Well you see, the other day I pointed out that two men cannot produce an heir to the Malfoy name. Which is something he will eventually need to do," Narcissa said simply, as if it were obvious.

"Oh, I see. Well, don't want to be late..." Harry finished, before apparating to his office.