Life Renovations

Chapter Seven

Running

Draco did contact Madam Pomfrey and she immediately made her way to Number Twelve to check on Harry. After a few tests, she told Harry, his friends, and a very worried Sirius that he was fine, he needed to eat, and then go back to sleep. Hermione and Ginny returned to the Burrow until the next day, when Hermione would move in. They hadn't had a talk yet, but Harry wanted Hermione near him anyway since it was quite clear she had not turned her back on him like Ron had said.

After the girls had gone, Harry sat with Draco and Sirius, and they were all trying to talk about a safe topic- which was harder than it seemed, especially in Sirius' case. So they were all relieved when Remus came limping into the room and immediately gave Harry and Draco a large block of chocolate. "Really Moony, is chocolate your cure for everything?"

"Of course not, Padfoot. I just find it's good for all sorts of occasions."

"Before I eat this I'd really rather have something more substantial to eat. Can we go to the kitchen?"

"I'll bring you something to eat," Remus said, but Harry stopped him.

"No, I want to go to the kitchen." There were looks exchanged around the room as Harry pulled back the blankets and stood up.

"You should stay in bed…" Draco came over and put a restraining hand on Harry's arm. Harry had to tilt his head back in order to look him in the eye and when he did this, Draco's grip tightened a bit. The force of the attraction was inexorably stronger now that they were standing face to face and both were slightly relieved they weren't alone. Sirius frowned at them and nudged Remus, who sighed and pat his best mate's arm in support. This was going to bring back some rather painful memories for his friend.

"I'll be fine," Harry said softly, pulling back from Draco and looking at the elder wizards. "I need to stretch my legs anyway." In fact, he felt like pacing around the house. He was anxious for Professor Snape to return, as insane as that sounded. And he knew he'd feel better sitting in the kitchen. "Has anyone seen my glasses?" Harry looked around; his eyes squinted, trying to see where the spectacles could be. And then he remembered. "Oh right." Destroying and burning Harry's glasses was the first thing Dursley did once Harry returned to Privet Dr. for the summer. Maybe it was time for him to do something about his eyesight anyway.

"Come on, pup. I'll fix you something." Harry allowed Sirius to throw an arm around his shoulders and steer him to the door.

"Thanks Sirius." They made it halfway down to the kitchen before Harry decided he couldn't hide his curiosity anymore. "So, Padfoot?"

"Hmm?"

"I heard when you were at Hogwarts you and my father had a lot of fun with Lucius Malfoy…"

Sirius would have fallen down the stairs in his surprise and shock if Harry hadn't been expecting it and was able to keep his godfather from breaking his neck. "Well? Are you going to explain you and Malfoy and my dad?"

"Blimey, Harry! What a thing to spring on a bloke!" Harry only grinned at him. "How did you find out about that?"

"You wouldn't believe me. And are you seriously going to worry about how I found out? I would like to know how that even happened." Harry and Sirius walked into the kitchen.

Sirius shrugged and headed for the counter, Harry right behind him. "It just happened, Harry. It's not like it was planned or anything."

Harry stared, he looked like a fish the way he was working his mouth. Remus and Draco entered the kitchen, Draco shooting Harry and Sirius a suspicious glare. Harry recovered himself and sidled closer to his godfather so that their heads were bent together. "How can you be so nonchalant about this? This is Lucius Malfoy we're talking about here," he whispered.

Sirius maintained the nonchalant look, when all he wanted to do was run away from this conversation. "Lucius wasn't so bad when it happened. We were seeing each other for some time. Your dad just jumped in a couple of times because he was curious and we didn't mind having an extra partner."

"You dated Lucius Malfoy," Harry said again as if repeatedly saying it would get Sirius to see how serious that statement was. But Sirius only shrugged and continued making the sandwiches.

"I don't see why you're making a big deal out of it, Harry. Especially not with the way you and baby Malfoy are acting. I guess we both just have good taste, eh?" Sirius gently jabbed his godson in the ribs and grinned when Harry started to blush and make busy helping with sandwiches. Sirius looked over his shoulder and sniggered. "Look, he's glaring at me like he wishes I would die." Harry looked back and grinned. Sirius was right, Draco was glaring daggers at him.

What is that look for?

Draco sat back in his chair, startled. He'd been so intent on drilling holes into Black's head that he didn't see when Harry turned to look at him. He quickly composed himself and pretended to study his nails, his white blond hair hanging down over his eyes and hiding the creeping blush.

What look would that be?

Never mind. Harry grinned and turned back to the counter. "What happened between you and Lucius?"

Sirius sighed. "You're going to keep asking until you know everything, aren't you?"

"I'm sorry but yes."

Sirius sighed again and looked over his shoulder. "Did you tell Malfoy?"

"No. I wasn't sure if I should."

"You might as well. Moony already knows, and it will be worth it to see the look on Malfoy junior's face, if he doesn't know already. And maybe little Malfoy can use it to make his father uncomfortable," Sirius said as they brought the plates to the table where Remus and Draco were sitting. Remus had tried starting a conversation with Draco while waiting for Sirius and Harry, but the blond's attention was on no one and nothing but Harry. Remus thought it very amusing and hadn't been insulted in the least since it was clear to him what was going on. Draco couldn't help himself.

Must that mutt always be so near you, Harry?

Harry almost choked on a bit of sandwich, but recovered in time. Across from him, Draco was scowling at the table. Harry rolled his eyes and sent him a mental pat of reassurance. "Draco, do you know anything about who your father dated at Hogwarts?"

Draco looked up and shook his head. And then he narrowed his eyes. "I've only been told about Mother. Why?"

"So you never had any idea that your father and Sirius dated at one point and occasionally they had a threesome with my father?"

"You're not serious!"

"Why does everyone make such a big deal about it?"

"Because it's our fathers! Right, Draco?" Harry looked at his… well… Harry really didn't know what to call Draco. They weren't exactly friends, but they weren't enemies or strangers, if that makes sense. And they weren't really a couple, but there was obviously more between them then just a friendly attraction.

Those thoughts disappeared when he felt anger and betrayal coming off Draco in waves and the Slytherin's eyes had gone from warm silver to bright hot steel. He pushed back in his chair, muttered an excuse, and was out of the kitchen before anyone knew what to say.

Draco?

Harry's call remained unanswered and directly after he felt himself cut off from Draco altogether, which was more painful than when he had to let his parents go for the second time. He felt himself go numb and slide out of his chair to land on the ground in a heap of trembling limbs. Draco wasn't with him anymore. He couldn't feel any part of his blond counterpart, and Harry had never felt so alone. Somewhere in the house a door slammed shut and the symbolism seemed correct to Harry, as doors seemed to always close in his face. No one wanted anything to do with him. After a while, they always left.

"Harry? Harry, can you hear me? What's wrong?"

When Harry didn't answer, Sirius picked him up, prepared to take him back to bed. Harry couldn't understand why Draco cut him off…he'd never expected Draco to take the news quite like that.

"I'm going to get Draco. I have a feeling this has to do with whatever bond it is between them." Remus supplied.

"No," Harry whispered lowly. "Please, leave him alone."

"But Harry…."

"No, I get it. I should have listened. At least I have you two. I really couldn't ask or want more."

Remus nodded but he didn't quite understand. Did Harry think he didn't have Draco? That was ridiculous. Remus had seen what was going on between the two young wizards the moment Madam Pomfrey told him he was free to leave bed and Remus had headed straight for Harry's room. He'd been surprised to feel the two most notorious enemies of Hogwarts already emotionally bonded.

Being a werewolf allowed him to smell the extra magic of a forming bond swirling around. And their feelings for each other were already around before the bond; otherwise the power of it wouldn't have been so strong. So why did Harry think he needed to resign himself to being alone, or being without Draco? As soon as Harry was situated in bed, Remus went in search of Malfoy to find out what was wrong with him in order for the blond to put Harry at ease.

His search ended at the library. Draco tried to keep everyone out by putting a strong locking charm on the door, but Remus had easily disabled it and found Draco fuming in front of the large fireplace with a bottle of Firewhiskey for company. Remus wondered where Draco had found the drink.

"What do you want?" Draco didn't even bother to look up from the fire.

Remus moved a chair closer to Draco's and sat down. He snatched the bottle from Draco's fingers and took a healthy swig. "I hope you don't mind sharing with a werewolf."

"And if I do?"

Remus shrugged and passed the bottle back, "then it's really too bad, isn't it? You'll have to get over it, I suppose."

Draco looked sideways at him. "What are you doing here, Lupin? Did Harry send you?"

"And if he did?" Draco shrugged. "Sirius had to carry Harry to bed after you left."

Draco's eyes shot around to Remus. "What? Why? What's wrong with him?" he jumped up. "Did you Floo Madam Pomfrey? Why are you still sitting there, wolf?"

"I thought so…" Remus shook his head in amusement. "Harry's fine for now. Draco, why don't you sit down and tell me what happened when Harry told you about your father and Sirius. Surely it didn't make you that angry?"

"It did." Draco sat down again. Lupin wasn't so bad, even if he did dress like a beggar and turn into a dangerous creature every full moon. He was one of the few people who had stood by Harry.

"But why? You are, after all, attracted to Harry, aren't you? There's no difference."

"That's why I'm furious."

"I don't understand. Care to explain it to me?"

"No I wouldn't," Draco growled, and pushed from his chair. "I don't know you."

"This has to do with you and your father, doesn't it?" Remus ignored Draco's rude tones, as he knew they were only a defensive mechanism.

Draco's hands fisted at his sides, and his head was raised and he stood as Malfoys were supposed to stand. Draco suddenly looked up at the ceiling as if seeing through the floor and into Harry's room, and his stance relaxed. He grabbed the Firewhiskey from Remus, and threw himself back into his lounge chair. After taking a throat-burning gulp, he handed the Firewhiskey back to Remus and began speaking.

"I was in my fourth year at Hogwarts and it was during the first task of the TriWizard Tournament when I realized I was gay."

"You knew the exact time?"

Draco nodded. "Yeah, I didn't like this bloke, but I respected him by that point. But then I saw him compete, and he blew my mind. He didn't want to be there. It was clear as day, and yet he went out there and he just… it was amazing. I realized I really didn't want anyone else after that, boy or girl. I came to the decision, and it's never changed. Even when I tried to change it… Then I made the mistake of telling my father when I'd gone home for the summer. Father and I had never kept secrets before, I had always confided in him, so I didn't think twice about telling him. I thought he might understand, or at least come to terms with it, because I know he loves me.

"People seem to think differently, but they don't know what my father is really like…" Draco turned from Remus to stare at the fire. "Anyway, he didn't understand at all. He tried everything except beating the gayness out of me. He was totally against it; and before we were done and he was called away, his office was in ruins." Draco stopped and closed his eyes. "He hasn't gotten over it either. Sometimes when he looks at me I know he wishes he could have nothing to do with me…. He never told me about him and Black."

"And a Potter. Don't forget James was there."

"Thanks, Professor. That makes it so much better. It makes it so much easier when you find out that your father is a fucking hypocrite!"

"Ah. And that's what's really bothering you."

"Wouldn't it bother you too? He could stand there and say all that stuff to his son, when he's liked blokes all along!"

"You don't know that. He did marry Narcissa after all."

"It was an arranged marriage. And it doesn't matter. I'm not going to let anyone dictate to me how I should live my life anymore."

"That's good. You should tell Harry. I'm afraid he drew the wrong conclusion as to why you left the kitchen in such a rush."

Draco groaned. "The idiot Gryffindor thinks I abandoned him too, didn't he?" Remus nodded. "I should have realized he'd think that when I put up my shields. But I did it to keep him from feeling all the rage I was feeling towards my father. I'll talk to him." Draco stood up, but Remus put out an arm, offering the Firewhiskey back.

"Stay. He's already asleep. Sirius is coming down and as Harry's father figures we want to have a chat with you, Draco."

Just then, Sirius loped into the library with another bottle of Firewhiskey and a maniacal gleam in his eyes. Draco wanted to run. He wanted to run far, and away, and as fast as humanly possible.

"Sit, Draco!" Sirius pushed Draco back into his chair. "Let's have a toast!"

"I'd rather go."

"Too bad!" Sirius' laughter echoed throughout the house, and Draco curled up in his chair by the library fire, afraid and wishing Harry was down to protect him from his crazy self appointed guardians.

Sirius hadn't planned on making the situation between Harry and Draco get any worse, but unfortunately that's the way it turned out. Draco planned to go back to the room he shared with Harry to sleep, but never made it. Draco, Sirius, and Remus were up to nearly dawn in the library, discussing things, mainly the war and their growing mistrust of Dumbledore, all the while filling themselves with Firewhiskey. Thanks to Sirius, who happened to keep pulling bottles of Firewhiskey out from behind his back throughout the night, Draco got so sloshed that he couldn't have moved from his chair even if there had been a fire consuming all of Twelve Grimmauld Place.

And so, when Harry awoke it was to an empty room. There was no sign of Draco having ever been in bed the night before. And Professor Snape had not returned either. Harry lay back again and closed his eyes. He felt the sting of disappointment pricking his eyes and pushed the heels of his palms against them. There was nothing worth crying over, was there? He shouldn't have expected anything good or special to come from the connection he and Draco shared. It was the Wizarding World after all, and things like their bond happened all the time. Right? He was sure there had to be some way to disconnect whatever it was that bonded them together the way they were. Even as he tried to push the pain from that thought away, he knew his heart would be left an empty shell if and when that was to happen. But maybe this was for the best. It was too dangerous to depend on someone other than himself.

Harry jumped out of bed and quickly dressed himself. The sun was hardly up, so he knew the occupants of the house were still asleep. There weren't many people at Headquarters anyway at the moment, so he was able to sneak out without being noticed. He wasn't certain where he was going, especially since he couldn't see very well, but he had his wand, a small sack of Galleons, and a bit of muggle money. Harry shrugged. He didn't care where he was going. He just wanted to walk, to get away, to distance himself.

Aware of the risk he was taking, leaving the headquarters like this, he kept his wand up his sleeve as it was too warm for a coat, and he didn't wear robes to keep from being overly noticed walking down muggle roads. He knew they would all be worried, and they would all most definitely be angry that he put himself at such a risk. That's right... Mustn't let our Savior, the Boy-Who-Lived be senselessly murdered on the side of the street before he's able to take out the big bad Dark Lord. Perish the thought!

Yes, Harry was quite bitter by now. And if Snape were there when he got back and tried to stick his beak nose into it, Harry would not restrain himself from cursing the greasy haired git. Harry shoved his hands deep into his pockets and stared at his toes as he walked. He tried not to think of Draco, but he was always there, occupying his every thought, even with a shield up blocking thoughts. It was weird. Even when they shielded their thoughts and emotions, Harry could still feel Draco deep in his soul; there was still a part of the blond in his head. A warm spot, thrumming with life…

What he needed was a distraction. Harry decided to go to Diagon Alley. He knew getting there safely and before tomorrow afternoon would be distraction enough. Especially when he planned to get there the muggle way. By foot. Mood lightened by his determination and the mission he'd given himself, Harry stood straighter and walked with a confident stride down the sidewalk and away from Number Twelve Grimmauld Place.

It wasn't until noon when the Weasley twins arrived, loudly, and everyone gathered in the kitchen bleary eyed and hung over, did they realize Harry had left. Draco stumbled into the kitchen looking exactly as if he'd been sleeping on one of the library tables. He glared around the room, mostly in Sirius' direction, and promptly asked, "where's Harry?"

The others shrugged.

"We just got here, mate," Fred said as he took the initiative and tried to scrounge some coffee up.

"Haven't seen Harry yet." George was putting the kettle on. Draco stumbled back out of the kitchen without another word, and could be heard making his way up the stairs.

"Oi! What's up with you two and Malfoy?" George asked, taking a seat and passing a basket of scones around, courtesy of Molly Weasley.

"Sirius thought it would be a good idea to loosen Draco's tongue with Firewhiskey, so we cornered him in the library after Harry went to bed," Remus said, clutching his skull. He was trying to remember where Sirius kept the potions. It was obvious Sirius wouldn't be in working order until the coffee arrived.

"Too bad the prat can hold his alcohol," Sirius croaked out. "He certainly doesn't get that from Lu—his father."

"But did your mission succeed in any way?" Fred asked eagerly coming back to the table with the coveted coffee.

"Not really." Remus gave a thankful smile to Fred as he passed the coffee around. Then he grinned at Sirius, who was gulping at his coffee, regardless of the heat; he knew a grand healing spell for his mouth after all.

Draco burst back into the room suddenly and skidded to a halt in front of the table. He looked frantic.

"Harry's gone! He's not in the room, he's gone!" The words burst out of his mouth in rapid succession, allowing no gaps for a breath.

"Calm down, Draco," Remus said while standing up, but Draco started shaking his head. Remus smiled, "I'm sure he's in the bathroom or something. There are a lot of rooms here."

"No, I checked. And it wouldn't matter where he is, but I can't hear him either. He's built a wall to keep me out. I can feel him, but I can't communicate at all. And he's not here! He's gone somewhere."

Draco wasn't making much sense, but everyone got the message: Harry was not in the house, and Draco apparently needed Harry to stay sane. Remus believed pandemonium would have broken out, and Dumbledore would have been called had Severus not shown up then.

"Quiet!" Surprisingly, everyone listened. "Draco, go upstairs and get cleaned up. We are going out. As for the rest of you, do not worry. If Potter has indeed gone out you can be assured he will not be harmed by any of the Dark Lord's followers."

"But how can you know that?" Draco demanded. Severus cast one impatient glare at his godson and Draco was wise enough to do as he was told.

"He's right, Severus. How do you know that?" Remus said, placing a restraining hand on Sirius' shoulders.

"That is the decision the Dark Lord has come to regarding Harry Potter until such time he deems it necessary to focus back on Potter. Until then he and his followers will be busy playing other more important games. The Dark Lord has ordered a cease fire on Harry Potter."

"What?" Sirius jumped to his feet and approached Severus. "And why should we believe you, Snape?"

"Padfoot, calm down."

"Yes, you diseased mutt, go find your muzzle," Severus spat, and then left the kitchen in search of Draco.

"Well that was cheerful!" Fred said.

"What are we going to do about Harry?"

"I can't imagine Severus thinks he can actually keep Draco from searching for Harry. Their bond is too strong, too new right now for him to do otherwise."

"What are you talking about?" George asked. "What bond?"

Before Remus could answer, a rumbling noise started to come from the fireplace.

"Uh oh! You're going to …"

"Have two squealing, crying, hysterical girls for…"

"Guests in a minute."

"Now really isn't the time for this," Sirius said, but Remus was shaking his head.

"No, I think Severus may have an idea where Harry will end up. And Ginny and Hermione might know of places he might have taken himself."

"Oi, that's a great idea, mate!" Sirius grinned as the girls tumbled out of the Floo, followed by some luggage. "I knew there were more than ninety-nine reasons why I keep you around!" Sirius exclaimed patting his friend on the back. Remus chuckled and helped the girls up.

"Good afternoon, Hermione, Ginny."

"Good afternoon, Professor Lupin. Sirius."

"You don't have to call me that anymore. Remus or Moony is fine. And I should warn you before Draco returns and works up another panic, Harry has left the house and is now missing." The girls' mouths dropped open, but he continued before they could say anything. "But Severus has reported You-Know-Who retracted his orders to kill or capture Harry, and I tend to believe him on this subject."

Hermione was nodding her head. "Yes, Professor Snape wouldn't lie about this, especially when it comes to Harry's life. I wonder what Voldemort is thinking?"

"I'm not so sure that we should automatically trust Snape with this," Ginny began uncomfortably.

"Thank you for your vote of confidence in me, Miss. Weasley. Rest assured Harry will be quite safe, and we'll return with him before nightfall. I will send word when we find him." Severus nodded at them all then led panicking Draco out of Number Twelve, leaving behind a growling Sirius, a speculative Remus, and four gob smacked youngsters. Ginny was the first to recover.

"So we missed a lot. Care to fill us in, Remus."

"Is it true, Severus? The Dark Lord no longer wants Harry?" Draco asked as he followed his godfather out of Order headquarters and past the wards so they could Apparate.

"Yes."

Draco only had a few seconds to be amazed before he was pulled into an along-side Apparition. They arrived outside the wards of Spinner's End. "Have you forgotten I'm still a target for going against the Dark Lord? They'll find me the moment I pass through your wards! You said You-Know-Who is constantly watching this place because of your personal relationship with me. "

"No, Draco. Your life debt was also released. Technically it was released the moment the Dark Lord thought he killed you when he invaded Harry's mind. Fortunately for you, his killing curse wasn't able to work. Voldemort is convinced you and Harry do not pose a certain threat to him at the moment."

Draco said shaking his head; he didn't understand how any of that had come about. He would ask for a detailed explanation later. "Are we at least going to find Harry? He shouldn't be out walking around! He needs more bed rest! Stupid idiot Gryffindor!"

Severus turned and sneered at his godson. "Where has your control gone, Draco? And yes, we are going to find him, but first I must speak with someone before we go to search for the nuisance."

Draco jumped forward and growled in a feral manner. "Never call him that!" he snarled.

Severus was momentarily startled. That growl had been all animal and Draco's pupils had dilated into slits like a cat's with the irises literally glowing silver. It lasted only a moment before Draco reverted back into himself. Severus recovered from his shock quickly, mentally filing away the incident. Another clue into what was happening to Harry and Draco.

"Apologies. I forgot you prefer the term idiot Gryffindor."

"Yes, that's better. Severus… can you please tell me something. Anything about what's happening between Harry and me? Please?"

Severus paused just inside the house to face his godson. "Draco… as far as I can tell it's looking like soul mates. It would explain everything. Even your behavior towards each other as young boys. This is all I can say at the moment. More research is in order."

"Soul mates," Draco whispered in awe.

Severus nodded and remained there, watching and allowing Draco a moment to compose himself. He was surprised when a wide smile graced Draco's face a moment later. He hadn't expected his godson to take to the idea so quickly. Then again a bond like this just doesn't happen overnight. It grows and strengthens over time. And since Harry is approaching his seventeenth birthday, it will get stronger and eventually demand to be consummated.

"That explains so much," Draco breathed.

"How so?"

"I've had this… I've had this ache, mind and body. Since last November."

Severus nodded. "It would have gotten worse. Especially since you and Potter stopped speaking and stopped laying hands on each other." He rolled his eyes when Draco blushed. "I meant in a violent capacity, nitwit."

He turned away and headed down the small hallway. Draco followed his godfather through the tiny disgusting house the size of a shack, scrunching his nose up in disdain. He was quite glad Severus had had some financial sense and started making Galleons off his Galleons and was now able to live far more comfortably and move out of this filth. Severus only kept this decrepit house as a place to hide out if the need arise.

The very short journey ended in the kitchen. It wasn't anything special either. The sink looked like it had never been used. The counters were covered in filth, stains, and nicks. There was a small table in the center big enough for two people. One of those seats was filled. "Ah, my guest is here already." Severus moved aside allowing Draco to see who awaited them and he froze.

"Uncle Sev?" Draco glanced between his father and godfather, wondering if he had just been betrayed.

"Stop cowering and come sit with me, Draco. We have things to discuss."

"A Malfoy never cowers; unless your name is Lucius and you cower at your Dark Lord's feet! Stop ordering me around, father. I'll not let you ruin my life by making me like you, fucking hypocrite!"

Lucius' grip upon his snake cane flexed but he gave no other indication that he was bothered by his son's disrespectful tirade. He coolly gazed at Draco until his son had to look down at the floor. Lucius smirked.

"My, my, my. Draco seems to be in a frightful state today. I thought I instructed you to see that he isn't harmed in any way, Severus." Lucius eyed his friend, while Draco looked wide eyed between them. Severus shrugged and leaned against the dirty counter. Both Malfoys winced.

"Draco has become very attached to my nephew, and vice versa. And now my nephew is missing. Draco is, of course, concerned about his whereabouts."

"Now that you are here, Father, Severus' nephew will have to wait a moment. Perhaps you could clear up some confusion on my part."

"Of course, Draco. What do you want to know?"

"Explain your relationship with Sirius Black and James Potter during Hogwarts." Draco took great pleasure in seeing the color drain from his father's face.

"Did you do this?" Lucius hissed at Severus.

"No, it wasn't me. Black must have told him."

"Black told me nothing. It was Harry who found out."

"Harry Potter?"

"Who else would it be, Father?"

"How in Merlin's name did he find out about it?"

Severus kept his mouth shut, but he knew Harry received that information the same way he'd received word Severus was his uncle

"That's not the important issue, Father. Why don't you explain to me why you were a bastard to your son when he confided in you about something he kept secret from the rest of the world? You blew up in my face. You tried everything to straighten me out. You looked at me like I was a muggle… and all the while you were being a hypocrite!"

Lucius looked pointedly at Severus, who took the hint and quickly and happily left the two Malfoys alone. Lucius looked at his cane a moment and took a deep breath. "Draco, I don't have an excuse. But I am sorry."

"Pardon?" Draco's eyes practically bugged out of his head. Did he just hear his father, Lucius Malfoy, bastard extraordinaire, apologize?

"I wasn't thinking like a father. I let the Dark Lord overwhelm all my good senses and judgment, and even though it is not a worthy excuse, the Dark Lord was expected back in a few months time when you told me. I didn't want to have to deal with that at the time. I should never have made you think you were anything less than a Malfoy. I never did think that."

Draco wasn't sure what to say. "Err…"

"Draco, about Sirius and Potter…"

Sirius? Draco eyed his father. That relationship must have meant something to his father to let that slip. Draco smirked. "Let me guess. Grandfather forced you to marry the wrong Black." Lucius stared at his son for a minute, and then smiled. It was a small, stretched too thin smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"I'm glad to know my son is no fool. Very good deduction, Draco."

Draco was kind of stunned despite his calm demeanor. "So… if given the choice, you would have picked Sirius Black to marry?" Lucius didn't verbally answer, instead stood up in search of Severus, which was answer enough for Draco. Following his father he asked, "what would you do if I came to you with the request to marry my soul mate, which happens to be a boy?"

Lucius stopped and looked down, eyes cast to the side. "It sounds like you've already found him."

Draco slowly nodded. "I have."

"And how do you feel about that?"

Lucius and Draco stood facing each other in the darkened hallway of Severus' mouse hole, their gazes, almost identical, never wavering from each other. Draco smiled and his father looked startled. He hadn't seen Draco with such a bright look on his face since he was a little boy. "It's terrifying; my stomach gets unsettled so much that I might get sick. There is a connection between us, which has forced us to act on our attraction to each other, yet if the connection weren't there, I know that we would have ended up the way we are now anyway at some point. I worry that it couldn't possibly be worth it at times. But then I can feel him in my head, in my soul, and it's the greatest feeling in the world. And I've… I've loved him since I was fourteen," he admitted softly.

"Obviously your time with this person has made you soft, Draco. You must not let him weaken you."

Draco's eyes flashed like molten silver, and for a second it seemed Lucius was looking at a dangerous stranger. "He makes me want to be better," Draco hissed. "I'm already stronger because of him. I wanted your blessings, Father, but I will not care if I do not get it."

Draco turned to leave and was stopped when Lucius grabbed his arm. "I give my blessings. As you said, I wouldn't want to be a fucking hypocrite." Draco blushed and Lucius laughed. "Oh yes. I must meet him. A pureblood, I hope?"

"Luckily for you, he just found out that he is."

"Oh? Do I know him? It's not Zabini is it? You two are rather fond of each other."

"First, you've just welcomed the vilest pictures into my head. Thanks. And no, it's not Blaise. Merlin, he's like my brother."

"Well I assume it's this nephew of Severus' then. He dropped enough hints. Though I'm certain Severus is an only child and couldn't possibly have any nephews."

"He's a Gryffindor."

"Draco, tell me it's not true!"

Draco smirked. "Yes, it's true. He's also due to receive his inheritance left by his deceased parents in less than two weeks, and his wealth almost rivals ours."

"That is good news. Hmmm, a wealthy pureblooded Gryffindor... it can't be Weasley, thank Merlin! Not Longbottom?" The fear was so great that his father forgot his mask and revealed exactly how devastated and traumatized he would be if it turned out to be Neville Longbottom. In revenge for having suggested such a despicable thing, Draco was going to let the silence stretch out, and leave his father to think such a thing could be true. But Severus chose this moment to pop up again.

"Oh for Merlin's sake, Draco! Tell your father who my nephew is already."

"Yes, Draco. Do go on and tell me your soul mate is not Neville Longbottom. I'm begging you…."

"You should have guessed it when Draco told you about the boy's Inheritance, Lucius. Which must mean the boy is about to have a birthday."

"As I recall, Longbottom's birthday is coming up," Lucius responded as he looked blankly back and forth between his son and friend. The only thing going through Lucius' mind was, please not Longbottom. Anyone but Longbottom…I'd give my blood for anyone but Longbottom…

"My soul mate is not Neville Longbottom." He smirked when Lucius let out a relieved sigh. "It's Harry Potter." Yes, father, that's right. The-Idiot-Boy-Who-Lived-To-Be-Gorgeous.

Lucius snorted in a most unMalfoylike manner. "Figures. Fate is always drawn to improbabilities. At least you picked someone with potential and the looks to go with it. The Potter men have always been lovely."

"Fate has gone many steps further and has decided Draco and Harry will host a soul mate bond."

This did surprise Lucius and his eyes gleamed. The possibilities of such a union were endless! "So you really are soul mates," he breathed. He then cleared his throat and studied Severus. "And Harry Potter is actually your nephew?" Severus nodded. "You must tell me the story, old friend. And if that's true, then I know exactly where your nephew is. Or at least where he was twenty minutes ago."

"Where? Where is he?" Draco demanded.

"Diagon Alley was where I last saw Potter. We were told to stay away from him, but I was curious as to why the boy was traveling alone, apparently with no care in the world—Draco? Where do you think you're going?"

Draco looked up from the Floo powder jar, a frown marring his face. "Where do you think I'm going? To get my idiot Gryffindor."

"No son, I have a better idea."