A/N: Thanks for the reviews. Next chapter is waiting to be absorbed.
Chapter Three
Draco remained in his room working on his potions project. Pansy popped her head in and said she was going out, to meet her boyfriend at some pub/club. Ron and Hermione ended up staying at the Burrow for dinner, and Blaise said he was going to meet Yuan again.
Draco's mood soured, it was Saturday night and he was all alone in the flat and studying.
He heard the front door close and wondered if Blaise and Yuan had returned so soon. The apartment block they lived in was a wizarding complex and each floor had an apparation point, so the residents would apparate to the floor their flat was on, and then use the front door.
A light knock came at his door, he frowned slightly and answered it. Harry was stood on the other side of the door, a takeaway bag held in his hand.
"Want some dinner?" he offered, smiling sheepishly at him.
Draco was starving and Harry was making the effort to be nice. Maybe they could talk, he could subtly ask how his coffee with bitch bag went.
Draco stepped aside and indicated for Harry to enter his room. Draco transfigured two lap trays and they ate the takeaway, talking about unimportant things.
"How's the thesis?" Harry asked.
"Like you want to know. You hate potions and you never bothered to ask me before." Draco said in answer.
"Yes I hate potions, but you don't and I want to know how it's going." Harry voice remained calm.
"It is a struggle, I know what I want to achieve, but it is finding a way to achieve that. I have a rough idea, but its trial and error. I will be experimenting with a batch of potions next week, hopefully I can make more sense out of it then. There happy!" He haughtily said to Harry.
"No. Not happy, no need to be a snarky git." Harry rebuked.
Draco sighed, "Well can you blame me? How did your date with the skank go?" he bit back.
"It wasn't a date Draco" Harry seemed uncomfortable. Ginny probably flirted with him or something and Harry was feeling embarrassed by it.
"If you say so. Must be nice being out in public and not having to worry about people seeing you together."
"We're just friends Draco. Ginny knows I am gay and she knows, or thinks we're…um that we're together." He explained.
"Well are we? Together?" Draco asked.
Harry narrowed his eyes at him and put his food on the desk. He wasn't hungry any more.
"Yes. Aren't we?" Harry countered
"Maybe. I wouldn't say it's officially over, but it's not exactly okay either. It can swing either way, once you make your decision, and then we will either break up or make up." Draco honestly answered, pushing his own food to one side.
Harry reached out and put his hand on Draco's thigh and Draco sighed at the comforting touch.
"Draco why can't we be together whilst I think it over?" Harry wanted to know. Why must they argue and fight. Why couldn't they just be as they were before until it was sorted?
"Because the end result might be us breaking up Harry and I don't want to be with you and prolong the strained relationship. It will only hurt more. You are only thinking of me changing my mind, or compromising so you don't have to come out and still get to be with me. You're not even considering what I want. I'm serious Harry, I won't give in after a few days of arguing."
"Okay. I will think about it, I need time. Can't we just be with each other whilst I have that time? Let me come to terms with coming out and then make a decision." Harry pleaded.
"No. Because you 'coming to terms' with coming out could be days, weeks, or years. I won't and I can't do that. Take all the time you want Harry, but I won't wait around forever."
"I feel pressured into declaring it. I hate feeling like I am being forced into something, I don't want to come out and regret it, or resent you for making me do it." Harry was trying to make Draco see sense, so they could talk about it.
"I don't want to pressure you into anything. But we have been together for two years and you have known you're gay for longer. That is plenty of time to deal with it. It's only the wizarding world – strangers. Screw them, why do you care so much?" Draco sighed.
Harry sighed too, "I need to think about this. I promise you I will. I just really miss you. Can I stay with you tonight? I don't sleep very well when you're not there." Harry sorrowfully announced.
Draco softened at Harry's confession. He missed Harry too and he also slept better with Harry next to him. "Fine. But it doesn't mean anything. I still love you Harry and I want to comfort you. So I will let you stay, but it doesn't change the fact that I gave you two choices and you need to pick one, and soon."
Draco and Harry finished their dinner and they both took separate showers. Then Harry did his case files and Draco worked on his thesis. At about 10:30pm, Harry poked his head around the door.
"Is it okay if I come in, get ready for bed?" he asked, unsure if Draco had changed his mind.
Draco smiled, "Sure, I'll join you in a moment."
Harry walked over to Draco, who was leaning over his desk, writing something. Harry placed a kiss to the back of Draco's neck and then walked over to the bed. Draco closed his eyes and savoured the kiss. It was nice to know that Harry still missed him, wanted him and loved him. But he didn't want to slip back into how they were before their argument. Hiding and pretending it was all okay.
Draco waited until Harry was settled in his bed, then he climbed in next to him. Even though they were arguing, Draco loved Harry very much and he didn't want to act hateful towards him. So he snaked his arms around Harry and pulled him close to his side.
Harry sighed in contentment and snuggled up closer to Draco. They both led holding on, clinging onto the lovely feeling of being in each other's arms – but both were running all the issues and troubles through their heads.
Nothing was said, as they were worried that anything said, would be twisted and turned and things would get nasty. Draco didn't want to argue, so he stayed silent and just appreciated the physical closeness to Harry.
Soon they were both asleep. Draco woke really late, he checked the time and noted it was 3am. He huffed and then smiled. Harry was pressed up against his back, no gaps, he was as close as he could possibly get. Draco must have turned on his side, and Harry had spooned him from behind.
He could feel Harry's erection pushing against the small of his back and ass. Draco knew he shouldn't, not when they were fighting and everything was uncertain – but hell he was horny and really wanted sex.
So he pushed his bottom backwards and rubbed against Harry's erection. Harry moaned and pushed forwards.
Draco grabbed Harry's hand off his stomach and placed it over his own erection. Harry stirred in his sleep, woke up and mumbled something against Draco's shoulder.
Draco pushed back against Harry in answer.
"Mmm Draco I want you." Draco heard him murmur.
Draco could feel heat wash over him and all the blood rush south, he was now fully erect. Just the mere thought of sex with Harry had gotten him excited.
Draco rolled over so he was facing Harry. Harry stared at him through sleepy eyes. Draco moved forwards and captured Harry's lips in a tentative kiss. Harry's arms latched onto him in a death grip, afraid that Draco might try and leave. The kiss intensified and they were soon panting and desperate for sex.
It had been almost a week since they had sex. They stripped naked and Draco wasted no time, he latched on to Harry's nipple. Sucking on it, feeling it stiffen and become erect, he swirled his tongue over Harry's sensitive nipple.
Harry moaned and gripped onto Draco's ass. Harry didn't want to wait and have foreplay for hours, so he located his wand under his pillow and cast a lubricant spell.
"Draco, finger me." He demanded, voice low and husky.
Draco continued to lick, suck and nip Harry's nipples, but his hand caressed Harry's stomach, his balls and perineum. Before his fingers began massaging his slick lubricated hole.
"Fuck I've missed your talented fingers." Harry exclaimed as Draco worked in a long slender finger.
Draco moved his head upwards and passionately kissed Harry, swallowing Harry's low level whimpers.
Draco inserted another finger and proceeded to finger fuck Harry to the brink of insanity. Harry arched his back, trying to tempt Draco further. Harry's body was positively vibrating with need.
"You like that?" Draco teased Harry, as he used his other hand to trace Harry's lips with his thumb.
"Yes. Fuck yes." Harry answered.
Draco moved down and licked the head of Harry's cock, sucking on it slightly.
It was official…Draco is attempting to drive me insane. Harry thought. As he scrubbed his hands over his face, clenching his teeth as he tried to ride the undulating wave of tight, aching need building in his gut.
Fuck, I can't stand it any longer. Harry decided.
"Draco?"
"Mm…hm?"
"Draco….please." He begged. "I need you to fuck me already." He pleaded.
Draco smirked down at Harry and pulled his fingers out. He picked up Harry's discarded wand and cast another lubricant charm on Harry and one on himself.
Draco stole a kiss from Harry, a tingle of pure warmth spread through him at Draco's kiss.
Draco chucked the wand away and lined himself up, as Harry gripped his own legs and pulled them up towards his chest. Draco didn't mess around, he pushed in, in one firm and smooth thrust.
"Oh yes. Fuck Harry. Yes." Draco cried out as unbelievable heat and tightness sounded his throbbing cock.
Draco gripped onto Harry's legs and adjusted his stance, increasing his pace and ferocity of his thrusts. Banging hard into Harry's tight warmth. The sound of their bodies slapping together, mixed in with grunts and moans of pleasure.
"Harry," Draco moaned out, slamming harder and faster.
Harry shifted so his ass raised up a bit more and Draco plunged in deeper.
"Harder….fuck Draco. That's it…fuuuuck." Harry felt pure pleasure and ecstasy.
Fuck he missed this. Missed being filled with Draco's cock. Harry's mind reeled.
Draco released a string of moans. This felt so good. How he missed pounding into Harry.
Draco's entire body was quaking. Draco moved forwards reaching for Harry's face, his mouth enveloped his. He kissed Harry passionately, the kiss was urgent and furious; desperate.
Draco was getting close and by the sound of Harry's rapid breathing, he was close too.
Draco moved his head to Harry's ear, wrapped a hand around Harry's cock, stroking him as he whispered, "I want you to come."
"I'm close," Harry replied.
After a few more firm strokes, Harry did just that. He came shooting endless mess between them and over Draco's hand.
Draco released Harry's cock, met Harry's gaze and licked the streams of come from his hand.
"Fucking hell Draco that's so hot." Harry said voice gruff.
Harry reached up and brushed his hands up and over Draco's chest, pinching his nipples. Draco grunted and pushed roughly into Harry. A few more thrusts and Draco was crying out and climaxing. His orgasm so intense and pure undiluted bliss washed over him.
Harry wrapped his legs around Draco's waist and Draco collapsed on him. Not kissing, moving or speaking – just coming down from his staggering high.
After what felt like an eternity, Draco was capable of speech and movement. He kissed Harry's forehead and pulled out. Harry unwrapped his legs and looked over at the fantastic sight of Draco, post orgasm.
For tonight only all their problems were forgotten, they just held one another and soaked up the euphoric calmness washing over them. They fell asleep loosely holding on to each other.
When they woke late morning, they had sex again, this time Harry topped. Then Draco left to shower, leaving Harry lounging in his bed.
Draco finished showering and sauntered to the kitchen, it was Sunday and everyone else was either out or in their rooms. Draco set the coffee machine going and then noticed the delivery owl at the window. He opened the window, took the newspaper and fed the owl a treat. It swooped out and Draco uncurled the paper, as he waited for the coffee.
What he saw on the front page made fury simmer up inside him. Coffee forgotten, he stormed to his room.
He pulled the quilt off of Harry. "Get the fuck out!" He screamed.
Harry scrambled up, and back up against the headboard, trying to get away from the obviously furious Draco.
"What?" Harry squeaked out.
"I said…Get. The. Fuck. Out." He seethed, accentuating each word.
Harry climbed out of the bed, not wanting to annoy Draco any more than he already was. Draco eyes were deadly and his face was firmly set, jaw twitching as he clenched it.
Harry was confused and unsettled, he had no idea what he had done to cause Draco ire.
Harry frowned, "Draco?" he tentatively asked, not risking saying anything other than his name.
Draco threw the newspaper at Harry's feet.
Harry's frowned deepened as he bent to pick up the paper from the floor, where it landed at his feet. He opened the Daily Prophet and blenched.
Shit! Shit! Shit! Harry's mind repeated.
"Draco. It's not what it looks like. I can explain." Harry tried.
"I don't want to hear it. Not at the moment I am too angry. Now get out, before I resort to physical violence." He spat out through gritted teeth.
Harry took one look at Draco and knew he wouldn't get through to him at the moment. So he left, but vowed to return later to try and explain.
He tried to find Hermione or Ron, but they weren't in. Probably at the Weasleys for Sunday dinner. So he went to Pansy's room, she answered but looked annoyed and she only had her head out the door.
"Harry go away. I am naked and just about to fuck Zach senseless – get lost." She said as she slammed the door.
Harry was left with Blaise and well, that wasn't an option. Blaise would laugh and side with Draco. Harry retreated to his room and paced for a bit and then sat down. Then paced some more and then went to take a shower.
Ron and Hermione returned and Harry grabbed Hermione the moment she stepped through the door. He pulled her by the hand to his room, then dropped her hand and started pacing.
Hermione knew what was bothering Harry. They had all seen the paper at the Burrow.
"Have you seen it?" He asked, with too much of a sharp tone.
"Yes. Ron and I had a hard time convincing Mrs Weasley that it wasn't true." She sighed.
Harry grimaced, "Oh great. Draco and I had a lovely evening last night and I even stayed in his room. Then this morning he saw the paper and went apocalyptic. He chucked me out and he hasn't come out of his room since. Can you go speak with him? I swear it's not what it looks like." Harry whined.
Hermione could see why Draco would still get upset, even if he knew it wasn't real. "So what happened?" Hermione asked.
"So I can relay it to Draco if he asks." She added.
Harry picked up the paper and smoothed out the front cover. "These photos are real photos, but they are taken of innocent moments and then they have printed them to look like it's more."
Harry jabbed his finger at the first photo, "This is me just being polite and pulling out Ginny's chair for her. The next photo, is when Ginny put her hand on my thigh, I told her immediately to remove it and she did. But I guess they want to spin it that we are back together, so they only printed the thigh touching one and not me scolding her."
Harry scowled at the photos, "Then this one, is Ginny being pushy as always. She wanted me to try her cake and I said no. But he forced the fork in front of my face and I just ate it, to appease her. It looks like were on a date and she's touching me up and feeding me."
Hermione looked at the front page, "I think they picked the photos very carefully. They have managed to avoid the photos where you would be frowning or glaring at her."
"Yeah I know. Then she started telling me about another boyfriend that dumped her and she started crying. You know me I can't deal with crying women, so I hugged her. They had to print that too. Bastards."
Hermione looked torn, "I know Harry, but how do you explain the kiss?" she pointed to the last photo. The biggest on the front page. Ginny and he were kissing outside the coffee shop.
Harry huffed, "Ginny again. Argh this is all her fault. I walked her out and said goodbye and she pounced on me. I didn't return the kiss, but she wouldn't get off and she held my head in a death grip. I finally pushed her away and screamed at her. But they didn't take that photo, they only publish what suits them."
Harry started pacing again, "I told Ginny I was gay and I love Draco. She apologised and said she just had an urge to kiss me and it wouldn't happen again. I told her I wasn't happy with her, but what could I do? I didn't know we were being photo'd."
Hermione gripped his arms to stop his pacing and looked him in the eyes, "You know what will fix ALL of your problems, your Ginny problem, this ridiculous story, and Draco. You come out Harry, you admit you're with him and that's that. The wizarding world will know the truth, Ginny will back off – she thinks because you haven't come out you're not sure you are really gay. Then Draco would be happy and that will fix it all."
"I know. Maybe I should. I want to make up with Draco, but he's really mad at me. Please go talk to him Hermione, before I go out of my mind." He pleaded.
"Okay, but I can't promise it will make it any better, but I'll try." She gave Harry an encouraging smile and left.
Draco was livid- absolutely fucking livid. Front page for the whole wizarding world to see, his boyfriend snogging Ginny fuckface Weasley. With lots of other photos of them caressing and acting all coupley. With a huge headline declaring Harry and Ginny were back together, maybe even talking of marriage.
He threw Harry out, not wanting to look at his fucking face. They had a perfect night last night and this morning. Harry had asked to stay in his room for the familiar comfort, knowing full well he kissed Ginny and he didn't even tell Draco it happened. Yes it may be a misunderstanding, but Harry could have just confessed to him. Told him Ginny kissed him, Draco would have listened and been pleased that Harry was honest with him.
Instead he said nothing, he let Draco sleep with him and cuddle him as they fell asleep. Then Draco had to read it in the damn paper. He decided he needed a few days away from everything, away from Harry, away from this flat that felt like a prison and away from his crumbling relationship.
So he began packing a bag, just for a few things. Enough for a few days, he will go to Theo's, or Greg's, hell even his parents.
Someone knocked at his door, he ignored it. They knocked again and called,
"Draco? It's Hermione. Can I come in?" She asked hesitantly.
Draco needed to tell someone he was going away for a few days, it might as well be her.
"Sure," he answered in a flat tone.
She walked up to Draco and hugged him. Draco hugged her back. Well that answered the question if she had seen the paper. Draco thought.
She stepped back and smiled sadly at him. "Oh Draco, this is such a big mess. All of it, not just the article today."
Draco nodded, "I know. That's why I am going away for a few days, to get space and some perspective. I can't stay here, I just can't. I will end up saying lots of hurtful things and then our relationship may not be salvageable. If I go now, I can calm down and think things over. Then when I return, I will be calm enough to sit down and talk with Harry, without risking lashing out." He reasoned.
She smiled, "I think that is very wise. I feel bad that it has come to this, but it's for the best. You'd better come back though Draco – I will hunt you down and drag you back if you don't return. Even if you decide not to stay with Harry, you are our flatmate and we want you here."
Draco suddenly felt emotional, so he pulled her into another hug and whispered a quiet, "Thank you."
She pulled out of the hug, "Harry asked me to talk to you about the photos. Shall I bother or are you not in the mood?" she gave him the choice, he was her friend too.
Draco frowned and sat on the edge of the bed, "What did he say?"
Hermione looked like she was trying to remember his words, "Um. The one with the chair, he was being polite and pulling the chair out for her. Ginny's hand on his thigh..."
Draco screwed up his nose.
"Harry said as soon as she touched him, he snapped at her and told her to remove it. But they already had the photo they needed."
She took a breath, "Then um something about cake…"
Draco scoffed, "Harry ate damn cake from her fork, which she was feeding him, like a fucking loved up person would!"
"Oh right. Well Harry said he said no, but you know Ginny, she's very pushy and wouldn't take no for an answer. So he just ate the cake to shut her up, the photo doesn't show the whole picture."
She tapped her chin, "Oh and the photo of them hugging, apparently she been dumped again and she been crying. You know Harry he hates tears. He's useless with me or Pansy when we get teary. He asked Pansy the other day when she was crying, if it was because it was her time of the month. I mean honestly. So he hugged her to comfort her or something."
Draco laughed and then stopped himself, he was mad at Harry, he shouldn't be laughing at him and his shit handling of Pansy and her tears.
"Then I think the other one was the kissing one." She concluded.
"Yes, what does he say about that? No excuses there. They are clearly kissing!" he snapped.
"Well he said Ginny pounced on him. Grabbed his head and wouldn't let go and he didn't kiss her back, but couldn't push her off, he didn't want to push too hard, didn't want to hurt her- physically I mean. He said he laid into her about it, screamed at her that he was gay and that he loved you. But the photo had already been taken."
Draco knew it would be a case of the papers twisting it, he knew that. It didn't stop the pain and hurt he felt at seeing Harry kiss her. The fact that the whole wizarding world would think Harry was with her, and that they would be delighted about it. If they knew he was with Draco, they would hate it. That was what stung, that Draco and Harry will never be accepted and that Draco could never just kiss Harry like that in public – they had to stay a secret.
Draco voiced another concern, "Last night he came to me and he stayed in my bed Hermione and not once did he mention that Ginny tried it on. He could have been honest with me, he could have just told me. I think that's what I am upset about."
Hermione agreed with Draco, Harry doesn't help himself sometimes.
"I know. I told him he could fix all of this by coming out, he said he knows. Harry has always hated being forced into things. He was expected to do a lot during the war and ever since it's been over, he hates being told to do something that he isn't sure about. So the more we push him to do it, the less likely he will. We need to back off and let him decide. Maybe a few days with you away, will help him realise that."
Draco agreed and finished packing his bag. "Right Okay. Bye Granger." He said and went to walk out.
"What. Aren't you going to say goodbye to Harry?" She asked.
"Why would I?" He deadpanned.
"Because he would be upset if you leave without saying goodbye." She explained.
Draco snorted, "Oh we mustn't upset the great Harry Potter. He didn't think about me, and upsetting me, so why should I give him a second thought."
She sighed, "By leaving without talking to him, you'll only cause more misunderstandings and hurtful feelings. You need to communicate for a relationship to work – ease the pain before it flourishes into full on hurt and hate."
Draco frowned, "Since when were you a relationship counsellor. I'm not saying goodbye to him because I'm not going away permanently, I will be back. Besides, if I look into those fucking green eyes, I will crumble and stay. They are my weakness and I have to go, for me." He honestly told her.
She softened at Draco's words, "Fine I'll break the delightful news that you've gone." She hugged Draco, "Bye, see you soon."
He smiled down at her, "Bye. See you maybe Wednesday or something."
Draco left the flat and apparated away, he went to Theo's first. He lived on his own and had a spare room that he could crash at.
Hermione sighed, left Draco's room and locked his door with a spell. She returned to Harry's room, silently cussing Ginny all the way there.
Harry jumped off the bed as soon as he saw her enter.
"How is he? Is he mad? Does he hate me? Does he believe me? Where is he?" Harry rushed.
Hermione frowned, "Harry! Too many questions at once. Sit." She ordered.
He sat on the edge of the bed, his leg bouncing with nerves and impatience.
"Yes he's mad. He knows that the photos chosen were very clever and that they don't show the true story. But he's mad that you never admitted last night that Ginny kissed you and that she gets to be seen in public with you like that, yet he doesn't. He's jealous of Ginny and her ability to be close to you without any issues."
Harry frowned, "I don't know why I didn't tell him last night. I got us food and I planned on telling him, but I didn't want another argument, I wanted one night of just us, how it used to be. I planned on telling him today, obviously the paper beat me to it. He knows why we can't be affectionate in public and that's a whole other problem. Shit I've fucked up Hermione – I really have."
She sat on the bed next to him and slung an arm around him, "Hey. It will sort itself out eventually. But Harry your losing him, you really need to sort your shit out."
Harry smiled at her, Hermione rarely swore and it sounded funny.
"The wizarding world can sod off, if you want to be gay and love Draco Malfoy – so what! Just come out, and get your man. Before he decides he can't take it anymore and leaves."
Harry looked panicked, "Did he say that? Is he leaving? Oh god Hermione I can't lose him, I can't."
Harry jumped up, "I'm going to tell him, I'm going to make him see that we can't give up on us."
Hermione pulled at his sleeve, "He's gone Harry." She quietly said.
Harry pulled his arm free and turned to face her, "What?" he asked confused.
"He's gone. Not for good, don't worry. Just for a few days. He said he needed the space and time to think."
"What. No. He can't Hermione, he can't. What if he uses these few days to think and decides he doesn't want us, doesn't want to be with me. Why did you let him go?" he shouted as he kicked his desk leg.
"I don't think he will. He loves you Harry, I mean really loves you. He just feels trapped here and he wants to give you the breathing space to sort through what you want, without anyone else pressurising you to come out. No distractions from him or no petty arguing. You two will just fight and lay into each other, and that just causes ill feeling, it won't fix your real issue. Just makes it worse."
Harry knew it made sense, but it fucking hurt. He left without a goodbye, he has no idea where he was and he just really wanted a Draco hug and kiss to make it all better.
"Fucking Ginny!" he seethed.
"Yes Ginny was out of order. But the real issues is you two hiding your relationship, don't pass the blame on. Besides Ron laid right into Ginny. In front of all the Weasleys, Ron defended Draco and you, and made Ginny cry. Ron told her that you were in love and in a relationship, and what kind of tart goes and kisses a taken man. He said that Draco was a friend…"
She smiled at Harry's response, "I know, he actually admitted it out loud. He said Draco was a friend and that you two were very much in love. He said she should be ashamed of herself and that she wasn't welcome at this flat for a long time."
Harry smiled, "Good old Ron. I knew he was a good friend."
Hermione smiled, "Right well speaking of Ron, I've been gone for ages. He's probably having withdrawal symptoms." She laughed.
"You going to be oaky on your own?" she asked.
"Hmm yes – well no, but I'll cope. I will use the time to think Hermione, I promise."
She hugged him and left. Leaving Harry to his fucked up mind and feelings.