H.P.O.V.
"Ugh! What is that?!" Draco cried. We'd gone to the department store and were currently in the wild life survival section. Lots of heavy duty shirts and thick jeans; it's the perfect place to shop for hunting. I grabbed a few shirts for myself: one plaid with Gryffindor colors, a dark green button up, and a pack of black T-shirts. Alright so maybe I haven't done laundry in awhile…shut up. We were now trying to shop for Draco, but he insisted that his clothes were fine.
"I still don't understand why I need new clothes," He re-hung a red and white striped shirt.
"You look to funny to be kicking around Bobby's car lot, and I know I'll never hear the end of it if you ruin your precious trousers." I rolled my eyes at his distaste. He only huffed. A shirt on the large rack caught my eye. It was primarily black, with silver and dark green crisscrossing on it, "Oie look, it's perfect!" I pointed. Draco looked and didn't scowl at it. He drifted towards it, "This one's actually nice." I watched him pull it from the rack.
"You know I was kidding right?" Opting to ignore me, he stuck the shirt in the cart. I roll my eyes once more and toss in a pack of black T-shirts and another of white T-shirts.
"Now if I could find more like that," Draco pointed to the shirt, "I wouldn't be so adverse to this."
"Well if you didn't have such a fashionista's view, we could be done by now." I laughed when he stuck his tongue out at me. Apparently, something else caught his picky eye, because he drifted off. I headed to the pant section. A few minutes later, and armful of shirts landed in the cart. I looked up at Draco.
"What?" I shake my head and examine his choices: a red, white and cream plaid shirt, a solid black button up, a navy blue button up, and a chocolate brown leather jacket. I raised my eyebrows at him.
"Merlin, what!?"
"Nice choices." Since we had to be back by dinner, I throw four pairs of identical straight legged jeans, to pairs of black jeans and a pair of constructer's cargos into the cart. Steel toes boots and sneakers joined the pile before we went up to cash out.
"Afternoon sir, will this be all for you?" a perky young woman asked. I nodded and opened my wallet. I shuffled through until I found the credit card I wanted to use. The woman finished ringing everything up, "Your preferred method of payment please." I handed her the card and she swiped it. A few taps later she smiled and gave me my card and a receipt, "Please sign here Mr. Peters." I did so.
"Have a good day sir,"
"You too," I grabbed some of the bags, Draco getting the rest. It wasn't until we made into the throng of people did he ask, "Who the hell is Mr. Peters?"
I laughed at his expression before answering, "It's one of the names I use out here. Along with Parker, Jacks and Brown." Draco just stared at me.
"What? It helps me fly under the radar." I shrug. It wasn't that big a deal. All hunters had fake names, and credit cards – and F.B.I. badges. Yeah well…ah shut up.
Draco just shook his head. Soon enough, we were back at Darling. Draco watched as I opened the covered bed and tossed the bags in, myself stepping up to climb in. Shockingly enough, Draco followed. Thankfully, I had spelled Darling's bed with wizard space when I finished fixing her up. The room was pretty much like a hotel room, without a bathroom or anything else connected to water. She did have a queen sized bed, two large wardrobes (one for clothes, the other for hunting gear) and a chest with my Hogwarts memories filled to the brim.
Draco looked around before plopping himself on my bed, "Nice space. You live in here?"
"Only when I'm on the road. If not then I'm at Bobby's. Sammy and Dean were in my room last night hence why we were on the couch." I started putting his clothes in away, making my clothes wardrobe bigger to accommodate.
"Why not put them in the other one?" He pointed.
"Oh…that one's already got so much in it." I shrugged and added doors to keep our sides separate before closing the large door.
"We're wizards fool; we can make anything hold everything."
"I know," I say childishly. The blond prat just grinned and held his hands up, palms forward. Rolling my eyes at his snickers, I drop beside him on the bed. Not like there was anywhere else to sit. Once he calmed down I looked at him,
"You know it took a lot of balls to do what you did this morning."
"Did it? I figured someone had told him off by now." He shrugged and fell flat on the bed.
"People have, but they usually know the guy a year first. You'd only seen the guy for the five minutes." I looked at him, only slightly hovering over him.
"So?" Draco raised a pale eyebrow, "Didn't need to know him any longer to know he needed a reality check." I nodded in agreement. If he thought that it was that simple, then it was. I wasn't going to argue. It was entirely satisfying to see John put in his place though. Just remembering John's put off expression would make me smile to myself spontaneously for the next few weeks. A thought appeared – one that I really should have thought about earlier.
"Are you?" I ask him suddenly. He jumped as if he'd almost fallen asleep. "Am I what?"
"Gay."
He gave me a world class bitchface, "How do you not know? Yes you dolt." He closed his eyes again. Oh. I did not know that. The memory of Draco pillowed on my chest his morning made my face flare red.
"So this morning…" I trailed off.
"Meant nothing. My body's reaction to sleeping next to something warm." He didn't even so much as flinch, his face remaining serene. How he managed to say it with a straight face I didn't know. I found out later that it was the first night in a long time without nightmares. It was nice to finally fall asleep no problem. "Oh," was all I said. Draco peeked opened one eye, "What? Disappointed?"
"No. Not even surprised. I was just wondering." I couldn't quite tell, but his face seemed to close off the tiniest bit. He nodded. We just sat there – well actually he laid, I sat. Only the rumble of my stomach broke the silence. I punch Draco on the shoulder as he rolled off the bed laughing. I scowled at him before thinking of something, "Wait, today is Sunday right?"
"Yeah, why?" He fixed his hair and sat up. The prat. I grinned and got out of the bed, headed for the cab. Draco popped his head out before jumping out as well, "What's so special about Sunday?"
"My favorite café is open today." Jumping up in Darling's cab, I started her up, "Come on, hurry up!" I bounced – which I will deny till the ends of the earth – while I impatiently waited for him to get in.
"Are you bouncing Harry?" I stopped immediately, "No. Now come on!" I swear to Merlin he was going as slow as possible just to piss me off. Finally – finally! – he was in the cab and we were off.
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Darling rolled up in front of the burnt orange café, the sign proclaiming its name proudly, Fall Mischief. It was a small place, enough for a few tables and small booths. I loved the place. Every Sunday, no matter where I was, I came here for lunch. I remember once being in Florida for a ghost and made the drive here in a day. Course Ellen and Bobby had taken turns ripping me a new one before sending me back to finish the case. Yeah the place was that awesome.
Totally forgetting about my companion, I jump down from the cab and stroll into the building. Most people would hurry into a café to escape the cold, but this place was not the place to go. To go with its name, the café was kept at a crispy thirty-five degrees year round. Something shivered beside me and that's when I realized that Draco had come inside as well.
"Ah, its bloody cold in here," he griped. I roll my eyes – I was doing that a lot today wasn't I? – and walked towards the booth I always used when coming here.
"No seriously, would it kill someone to turn up the heat some?"
"Oh quit your bitching; it's part of the theme." I say not even bothering to look at the simple menu left on the table. I pushed it to him instead.
"Freezing ones nards off is its theme? And did you tell me just to quit 'bitching?' What does that even mean?" He took the menu and flipped through it. I laughed at his question, "Dude, have you never been to the States before?"
"Nope. All over Europe and Asia, yes. The States? Never."
"You're hopeless." A waiter came over then. It was one of the owner's kids.
"Hello Harry. The usual yeah?" I nod, "Yeah thanks Joseph. Tell your mom I said hello."
"Will do. What will you be having sir?" Joseph turned to Draco, running his gaze over him. Probably to go blab to his twin sister Alice. I had to snicker at that. Been down the road, I knew it would end in embarrassment for both parties. Draco merely ignored the completely obvious check out and ordered. Joseph smiled and nodded, blond curls bobbing as he went.
"So," Draco tilted his head to the center of the room where a large paper machete tree stood, "what is that and why?"
"Well this is a family run joint. Our waiter's sister made that several years ago for a project when this place first opened. Every year on November 1st they add a new layer. It's a big deal to all the regulars. Every year, whoever comes in is welcome to add to the tree and help it grow." He was observing the tree as I talked. The paper leaves were colored in various shades of red, brown, orange and yellow; some colored by children, others cut from construction paper. There was one branch I had found that held leaves signed by couples, another by highschool and college graduates. There was even a leaf shaped wedding invite from a few months ago. The tree was like a little history book for the people who came here.
When I look at him, he was smiling slightly.
Joseph came back with our orders. He set in front of me a slice of pumpkin pie and an Irish cream coffee. Draco had gotten and apple spice muffin and hot coco. Part of the reason for the name was because if ordered, the drinks contained theme alcohol. Joseph walked off with a wink thrown at Draco.
D.P.O.V.
I sputtered on my hot chocolate when the waiter winked at me. Gay I may be a slag I am not. Harry – the prat – was chuckling to himself. Once I could breathe without coughing again, I take a bite of my muffin. It was entirely delicious. Despite what I had complained about earlier, I actually really loved the idea of this place. The tree was a great personal touch. Each leaf was unique to itself. I could definitely see Harry's appeal of the place. It was entirely easy to be comfortable here even with Harry across from me – and flirty waiters.
I was content to munch on my muffin when Harry started talking about this and that…I wasn't really paying attention. That seemed fine by him, as he didn't demand answers to keep on prattling while eating his pie. It was nice, as I was thoroughly surprised.
"So," I start, and watch as Harry paused his rambles, "What part of car salvaging is saving people?" I smirk as at first he gave me a confused look then a spark as he realized what I meant.
"Oh," He laughed quietly, "that's not what I do. My job is way more special than fixing up cars." By the look on his face, I would guess that he hadn't meant to say that. Almost like he wanted to lie, but the truth slipped out instead. Interesting. I sipped my coco. I'd be damned if this wasn't the best hot chocolate aside from Dobby's. A small hum escaped me and Harry looked at me.
"What?"
"Did you just hum?"
"Yeah, what of it?" I raised a pale eyebrow. So what if I had, it wasn't my fault/
"That good then?"
"Very." The two of us were silent after that, devouring the food we'd ordered. Best. Muffin. Ever. I was glad to find that it complimented the coco nicely. It was definitely a place I could see coming back to. Was it bad that I wanted to have a leaf up on that tree? I don't care what for, just to have one.
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The drive back to Singer's place was a short one. Didn't really stop Harry from screeching his lungs out to whatever tape he put on. Steven's Band? The Millar's? Something to that effect. It was a good song I suppose if a little repetitive. Definitely catchy…dammit. I found myself quietly singing along by the third chorus. Harry grinned at that and sang louder. I could only laugh at the dark haired dork. By the time we pulled up to Singer's house, everyone was chilling on the porch a beer in the hands of those old enough.
Dean and Jo were currently wrestling over a CD player and one set of headphones, "Come on! It's my turn!" Jo growled at Dean.
"Suck it up sweetheart, you've had it all morning." He held the player just out of reach, even as Jo climbed in his lap to get it. Harry rolled his eyes and plopped next to Sam, who had all manners of books and parchments laid out in front of him. The entire corner was covered in it. I went and plucked the player from Dean's hands, earning twin 'hey!'s. I paid no mind and pulled out my wand. Two quick words later and I handed the player back, two ear buds dangling. It was something I'd seen in the airport for a new product. I toss the small machine into their laps, "Now share."
Their stunned silence was interrupted by Ellen's laughter, "Oh you are just too good there Draco. I don't think I've ever heard them quite this long before." The two turned glares at her, Jo sticking out her tongue.
The seven of us fell into easy conversation well into the night, not even thinking of going inside until nine that evening. I don't think I've talked or laughed this much ever. It was nice to know I was accepted here; Harry too. Inside the pull out bed was put away, Harry claiming that we were going to sleep in the truck. Since it was so late, we settled on simple sandwiches for dinner.
Out of nowhere, a howl sounded through the night. Every one's head snapped up except mine. It was only a wolf, what was the big deal? They had wolves in South Dakota right? I didn't miss them all exchange looks; Dean and Harry apparently coming to a silent agreement.
"Do we need to-" Dean started. Harry shook his head, "I've got some in the truck." They both went for the door. I didn't have time to ask questions as Ellen herded me into the kitchen, claiming it was my night for dishes – no magic allowed. I shrugged and did as asked. It was odd seeing everyone on edge, as they were usually so carefree. It was just a wolf! No need to freak out. It howled again, this time closer and a second added its call. That had Singer climbing the stairs.
Once I finished the dishes, I turned…just in time to see Jo tuck a knife in the waistband of her jeans, Sam hiding one up his sleeve. Odd. Singer had just come back when a shot very close to the house rang out followed by a pained howl. To say I hit the floor would be an understatement (I'm pretty sure there'd be a dent there tomorrow.) I didn't even have time to swear before someone was hauling me off deeper into the house. Somewhere in the back of my hearing, Ellen and Singer were yelling and the sounds of struggling started. Another shot, this one apparently hitting the wall.
I couldn't see where Sam was leading me but I did almost trip as I realized I was being pulled downstairs. I didn't know this place had a basement. Behind us, Jo stopped long enough to shut the door. The noises hadn't yet stopped and I could faintly hear that Harry and Dean had joined the fray.
"Go on Ice Prince, in you go." Though she used my nickname, she was dead serious. My eyes caught up with my brain and I could see her ushering Sam and trying to get me in some sort of room covered in tons of symbols.
"What is this?" I planted my feet in the doorway. I wouldn't move until I had some answers. Above us, the ceiling groaned and…was that a growl? What was going on up there?
"Don't fight me on this, just get in!" This was probably a bad time but it slipped, "You sound like your mother."
"Shut up!" That's when the ceiling came down, raining on us. Before I could blink, I was shoved on my ass, Jo jumping backwards. Whatever had fallen through was coming to its senses and stood with a deep growl. It turned to Jo, who had pulled her knife at some point. It looked pathetic against the giant creature. As I stood, I pulled my wand quietly and kept Sam behind me. Jo was inching back keeping the creature focused on her. I'd never seen anything like it. It was tall, and covered in dark fur. Harry came down the steps, holding a handgun. He looked at me then Jo, "Hey, get away from my sister you furry sonofabitch!" He cocked the gun and fired. The beast snarled and lunged, the bullet missed.
Harry saw that and rolled just in time. He went to fire again and the gun clicked: empty.
"Harry! How do I kill it?!" I shouted wand poised at the thing.
"Silver to the heart!" The beast charged him and he ducked again. Jo had stood and ran next to him, cutting the creature in its side. It howled and grabbed hold on her hair. She went down with a yell and Harry slashed at it with a knife pulled from nowhere.
I stalked directly behind the thing, careful not to get stepped on as Harry drove it away from Jo. Once it was close enough, I kicked behind its knee. Not two seconds after it hit the floor, I pressed the tip on my wand just over its heart,
"Argentum Sectumsempra!" Merlin I hoped this worked as I had only gotten it to do so once before. It must have done the trick because it fell forward, dead with a six inch deep cut in its chest.
Slowly, I came back from wherever my mind had gone and saw both Harry and Jo panting, as Ellen, Singer and Dean all came down the steps.
"Draco what was that? That wasn't normal Sectumsempra." Harry couldn't look at me, doubtless remembering the time he used the hex on me.
"Severus taught me an alteration of it, in case of-" I stop my explanation cold and looked at the creature at my feet. It features slowly melted into those of a man. Tonight. It was a full moon wasn't it?
"Werewolves." I finish quietly. Even though I knew they could hear me, they didn't answer. I looked at Harry, "Did I just kill a freaking werewolf?!"
"Yeah boy, you did." Singer spoke up, "Some nifty spellwork there kid."
"Don't change the subject! Potter what the hell is going on here?"
He had the grace to look sheepish, "Uh…hunting?"
"You call man slaughter hunting?"
"It wasn't a man, it was a monster!" Singer started. His face was red, though I suppose my would be too if someone insulted my life choices, "What we do is hunt monsters that kill people."
"Well forgive me if the 'monster' I just killed turned into a man and I have some empathy! You mustn't know what it's like to kill real people do you?" Every word dripped of stinging sarcasm.
Unsurprisingly, everyone glared, Potter coming forward and shoving me hard, "You think you're the only person to kill people? You know damn well that isn't true! If you think I can't tell monster from man, then you need to get something checked!"
"Maybe you should! How can you kill them? Especially after Lupin…"
Potter growled and shoved me again, "Don't you dare use him against me! You know nothing about him!" I almost felt bad about actually saying that, but I was too mad to care. I knew the rest of them must have been confused at who I was talking about, but that was up to Potter. As he said, I didn't know anything about Lupin's situation to talk.
"Killing monsters…heh, something you're good at huh? Hell, you're little 'family' all do it don't they?"
"Don't make them apart of this."
"Why not? They brought you into this!"
"I chose this!"
"Bullshit Potter! I knew how much you wanted a normal life. No way would you have given that up; not for this." Turning the conversation on him was a low blow I knew, but I still did. Potter looked down; apparently I had hit a sore spot. He shoved the empty gun in Dean's hands and stomped up the stairs. The others in the room looked at me, then Potter's retreating back, shocked. Oh, so he didn't tell them of our past huh? Some family.