A longish chapter for you lovely people ^^

Couldn't help the cliff hanger though...they just show up :-/

Anyway, enjoy! And thank you for your lovely reviews

Draco was on the verge of a panic attack.

He had spent the last day and a half alternating between sulking moodily in the gardens andIncendioing portraits of family members who annoyed him. Great Grandfather Abraxas was a prick anyway.

Now it was nearly four in the afternoon, and he had just received an owl from Potter reminding him about that blighted dinner. There was no doubt his 'fiancé' was going to show up as promised. Which was seldom a problem for Draco. It was simply a matter of evicting said fiancé by means of death threats, force and in one memorable case - killer peacocks from the garden.

Except that Potter was barking mad and clearly not to be trifled with.

Draco kicked at a side table angrily. How could his own father have tied him down with that lunatic? Potter was insane! He rode dragons and battled Dementors and eliminated evil dark wizards intent on taking over the world without so much as a by your leave! Who did shite like that? A sane man would run for his life when assaulted with hexes and flying furniture. A sane man would bolt out the door at once and never come back. A sane man would most certainlynot nick his wand and hold him to ransom with it! And kiss him on the cheek as if he were some sort of starry eyed girl! The nerve! The absolute audacity! The… the… GAAAH!

No. No, this had to end. He could not, absolutely not see Potter again. It didn't matter how fit the bastard was or how his eyes flared when he looked Draco over or… or…

DAMN IT!

Resolutely, Draco marched out of his quarters and over to Father's study.

He couldn't handle Potter's mind games a second longer. Not without complete losing what was left of his sanity.

"Take it back."

Lucius resolutely kept his gaze on his Gringotts statement, refusing to meet eyes with his sulking son. "No," he replied simply.

There was a resounding huff of indignation and Lucius smirked. He was sure Draco was pouting. He always resorted to blatant manipulation when his tantrums didn't work. "Just call the Prophet and tell them it was a mistake," he demanded petulantly. "Or that Potter died in a fiery accident. I'll even arrange for it to happen so you don't look like an arse. Just make itstop."

"Draco, it is not my place to tell Potter how to treat his betrothed."

"I am not his betrothed!" Draco snapped. "Will everyone stop saying that?"

"Well, he seems to think so. As do I. Frankly, I don't really see the problem. Why don't you just incapacitate him like all the others if he displeases you so?"

"Because Potter refuses to be incapacitated!" Draco argued. "He doesn't play fair!"

"What you mean is he won't roll over and play dead for you."

"He stole my wand! And he won't give it back unless I go to dinner with him."

"The horror," Lucius drawled. "How will you ever survive such a calamity?"

Draco responded with a curious noise - somewhere between a shriek and a snarl - and started pacing. Lucius could hear his footsteps echoing as he ricocheted around the study. "He's insane!" he ranted fretfully. "A sodding lunatic! I'm going to report him. Yes, that's what I'll do. I'll just call the Auror department and…"

"And say what exactly? That you're being harassed by the Saviour of all Wizardkind? Good luck fighting those odds."

Draco stopped pacing and slammed a fist on the desk. "Why are you doing this?" he demanded. "And how did you get Potter to agree to this? I know you did something."

Lucius abandoned the parchment and met his son's gaze steadily. "I merely did what any concerned father should have done. You are erratic and unhappy and you need a life partner to calm and balance you. As it happens, that man is Potter. He feels so, I feel so and in time, you will see that it's for the best."

Draco's grey eyes blazed. "Do I look calm and balanced?" he snarled. "I told you once and I'm telling you again - I will not go through with this charade!"

"You most certainly will. I am not opposed to cutting you off from your opulent lifestyle. Disinheriting you, if necessary."

Draco's jaw ticked, but the subtle threat held good. "So its blackmail then, is it?"

"I am merely trying to do what is best for you. For Merlin's sake, boy - you're not being married off this second. Just get to know the man."

"I do know him! He's an arrogant, conceited, obnoxious Gryffindor with a hero complex the size of Dover!"

"And you're a spoilt, petulant child throwing a temper tantrum in his father's study. We all have our flaws. Now go to dinner with your fiancé and leave me be."

He suppressed a wince as Draco emitted a howl that would have done a Mandrake proud and stormed off.

He could only hope that Potter knew just what he was getting into.

Andromeda smiled warmly as her nephew slinked into her room, looking distinctly put out. He didn't say a word. Instead he settled on the floor next to her and put his head on her lap, silently demanding a petting. The witch shook her head fondly and carded a hand through Draco's blond locks.

"Having a bad day, are we?"

"Horrible," Draco grumbled, curling against her like a cat. "Make Potter go away."

"Oh now, it can't be that bad."

"It is. He's awful and I hate him."

Andromeda couldn't help it. She laughed. "It's funny," she explained, petting her pouting nephew again. "That's exactly what your mother said when she first met your father."

Draco stared at her. "You're not serious," he blurted. "Mother said that?"

"Well, she was very opposed to an engagement with a man she barely knew and Lucius wasn't exactly… what she had in mind. And then your father mentioned that he wanted… what was it? Ah yes, 'four strapping sons to ensure that the Malfoy name lived on' or some such nonsense."

Draco snickered as Andromeda grinned at the memory. "Your mother of course, reacted like any proper, pureblood lady of her upbringing would have."

"She hexed him?"

"I believe the younger crowd calls it a 'Bat Bogey' these days."

Draco burst into laughter. "She didn't! Merlin, she must have been pissed."

"Oh, she was. Ranted and railed about it for days. She even vowed never to speak to 'that blight on humanity' again."

"Then what happened?"

"Well, eventually your father apologised and she calmed down. It took a lot of patience and persuasion on his part, not to mention three years of courting - practically unheard of in those days - but eventually, she said yes." She smiled softly. "I've never seen two people more in love."

Draco sighed and settled down in her lap again, uncharacteristically quiet. Andromeda's heart clenched. She knew how much he missed Narcissa… perhaps more than all of them.

"It's never perfect, Draco" she said softly. "But you have to open yourself to the possibility that things might work out."

"Not like this," he murmured softly. "And certainly not with… him."

"You're overthinking it, love. You'll be okay, I promise."

He grumbled something about sanctimonious, overbearing Gryffindors and she grinned mischievously. "Of course, no one ever said you shouldn't make him work for it."

Draco let a grin break out on his face. "You know I love you, right?"

"And I love you, Dragon" she replied, kissing his forehead. "Try not to destroy this one though, okay?"

"I never make promises I can't keep," Draco smirked.

Andromeda sighed. In her experience, neither did Harry Potter.

Later that evening…

It was quiet. Too quiet.

Harry frowned and approached the Manor cautiously. He had seen neither hide nor hair of his new fiancé ever since yesterday's catastrophe and he was sure Malfoy would try to get even. There had been no reply to his note, but passive aggressive was not Malfoy's style. Harry had expected at least a Howler or two.

The silent tension of it was getting to him. There was no way Malfoy was going to go easily.

"He has to be planning something," Harry muttered. "But what?"

"Well, for one thing there's that Devil's Snare patch you're standing in," a cheerful voice pointed out. Harry yelped as he realized that a green tendril was in fact wrapping itself around his leg. Zabini stepped out of the shadows and cast a quick Incendio. The plant retreated and Harry scowled at the grinning Italian.

"Must you be everywhere?" he demanded.

Zabini shrugged. "Well, I figured you'd need a little help getting through Phase One on your first try. Of course, if you'd rather tackle the grand piano hanging precariously from the ceiling, the Venomous Tentacula and the vampire bats on your own…"

Harry frowned. "He's got vampire bats?"

"Did I mention there's also a Phase Two and Three?" Zabini grinned. "He really doesn't like you."

Harry groaned. "Must he always be so dramatic? I'm not even inside yet."

"I think he plans to keep it that way," Zabini snickered.

"Oh you're funny," Harry snapped, stomping over to sulk under a tree. Zabini cocked his head curiously and followed. "Can I ask you something?"

"Can I stop you?"

"Why are you putting yourself through this? I mean, I get that the World Cup is important and Merlin help me, it'll be fun to have a little competition if you lot can actually make it through the semi-finals this time…"

Harry froze. "You know about…?"

"It was my idea," Zabini smirked. "I didn't think you'd go for it though. So again I ask Potter, is it worth the hassle?"

"I don't know," Harry shrugged. "I think so. Plus it makes Malfoy go spare so that's a bonus."

Zabini laughed. "Potter, a strong breeze makes him go spare. And you're going to commit to spending the rest of your life with that. Exactly what is your plan?"

Harry clenched his fists. Honestly, it was questions like this that unnerved him. He couldn't explain any of it. The way Malfoy was suddenly in his dreams and fantasies, the way his blood flared at the sight of him, the reason he felt alive around him… it was all rather disorienting. And he couldn't say it out loud… especially not to Zabini. Harry shook his head firmly. Besides, it was all just nonsense. Obviously, all he needed was to shag Malfoy silly and get him out of his system. Then he could concentrate on important things again. There, internal crisis handled. He turned to address the Slytherin once again.

"My plan is to beat your ass and win that damn Cup."

"I see," Zabini smirked. "Well, no one can fault you for commitment to the cause, Potter. But as official best friend and president of the Hurt My Malfoy And I'll Kill You Committee it's my duty to inform you - hurt my Malfoy and I'll kill you."

"Hurt him?" Harry snapped. "I'm not the one waylaying passers-by with Devil Snare traps! Hell, he won't even let me in the damn door."

"Oh stop being a baby, Potter. All you have to do is scale the wall and get in through that window right there. A simple Levicorpus should do it. I'd recommend Apparating but you might end up in Lucius' bedroom. Trust me; he gets very cranky when that happens."

Harry pinched the bridge of his nose and counted to ten. "Anything else I need to not know about ever?" Zabini shook his head. "Thank Merlin," Harry muttered. "Think you can do aLevicorpus without dropping me on my arse?"

He turned around, but halted as a firm hand gripped his shoulder. "I mean it, Potter," Zabini said quietly. "If he ever finds out about your little… arrangement with Lucius, Draco will be the least of your problems. It's me you'll have to worry about."

"Understood," Harry replied as sincerely as possible. "I'll play ball, Zabini. You've got nothing to worry about. Now will you please fly me up this window so I can meet my fiancé?"

"I swear this place just keeps getting weirder and weirder," Zabini muttered, pulling out his wand. Harry laughed as his feet lifted off the ground.

Draco jumped as he heard the noise. It sounded like something was scrabbling outside his…window? The blond's eyes widened and immediately darted towards the clock.

7:15

No. Oh Merlin no. He couldn't have gotten past the… fucking hell; it had taken him hours to get those traps ready! The next second two hands appeared out of nowhere at the window and were immediately joined by an atrociously familiar mop of hair.

Draco made a sound like a strangled cat and backed away at once.

"Sorry I'm late, lovely," Potter grinned as if this were an everyday occurrence. "Got caught up with your pet plant. I think he likes me." He pulled himself up and slipped in the window with casual grace.

"Nice room," he added, looking around. "Can't say I'm crazy about all the green though. Oh well, plenty of time to redecorate when we're married…"

Draco gaped, momentarily unable to form a coherent sentence. "You… but… how?"

"Now, now," Potter grinned predatorily. "You didn't think a little foliage would keep me from my beautiful boyfriend, did you? And if I may say so…" His eyes travelled down Draco's body with ill-concealed interest. "It was completely worth it."

The blond swallowed and backed away. He had never intended for Potter to make it this far. Those traps were impregnable! And yet, here he was… without so much as a scratch on him.Merlin, Draco hated him! "You… you're leaving right now," he stammered out.

Potter's eyes darkened. "I really don't think so. I've played your little games and I've put up with a lot to come see you tonight. We've done it your way, Malfoy. Now it's my turn. You're going to come out with me and have a nice dinner or I swear to Merlin, I'll make you. Your call."

"No!" Draco screamed, somewhat hysterically. He was completely panic stricken. "I told you I won't go and I meant it! You're not going to make me!" Potter's eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened with stubborn determination. He took a step towards the frantic blond at which point, Draco completely lost it. He bolted.

"Damn it!" Potter snarled, giving chase. Draco practically flew towards the door, trying to wrench it open. Potter's hand was around his waist in an instant and he was yanked back roughly. "You are not running from me again," he growled.

Draco struggled like a maniac, trying to twist out of the iron grip but Potter's hold was too strong. He was manoeuvred around roughly and Potter's hands planted themselves around his slim waist. Draco snapped and snarled, howling and cursing and screaming bloody murder until…

"Enough!"

The shout rang out, echoing across the room. Draco ceased his struggling, momentarily shocked. Emerald green eyes blazed at him, making him feel distinctly uncomfortable. Draco cringed. Damn, Potter was angry. He was glaring down at him - being at least a head taller than Draco (when had that happened?) - and his jaw was clenched tight. It was also broad and slightly dark with stubble and… and… NO! This could not happen again! Particularly when Potter looked like he wanted to strangle him.

"You spoilt, cossetted brat!" Potter snarled. "You will stop acting like a nightmare this second or there will be consequences. Do you understand?"

Draco flinched, but scowled stubbornly. Potter growled and shook him, almost violently. "I asked you a question," he hissed. Draco flinched as Potter's hands tightened around his waist. It wasn't painful… but there was no doubt that Potter was strong. And pissed off.

"Yes," he gritted out reluctantly.

"Yes what?"

"Yes, I understand!" Draco snapped. He hated this!

"Good," Potter praised, his tone suddenly soothing. Draco scowled and bit down the urge to say something scathing. The man was a maniac. It would be prudent not to antagonize him more than necessary. He seemed satisfied for now. The hands around his waist shifted to his back, tracing soothing patterns against his tense muscles. Draco's breath hitched and his eyes widened. Potter smirked.

"Breathe, gorgeous" he whispered. "We're just getting to know each other, that's all."

Draco muttered something about not wanting to get to know Potter but kept still. The adamant prat shifted closer and traced his shoulders soothingly. His fingers traced Draco's neck, hovering at the pulse point for a moment before slowly tracing their way up his face. The blond blinked in surprise and stiffened but Potter shushed him gently, still mapping his features under his calloused fingers. Against his will, Draco found himself relaxing into the touch. It felt… well, not terrible…

"So pretty," Potter murmured speculatively. "It's a shame you've got such a mouth on you." His finger dipped to trace Draco's lips and the blond shivered, parting them ever so slightly. "Then again," Potter husked. "Maybe it's not all bad. Silver lining and all that…"

Draco hummed and closed his eyes. Potter's voice was low and husky and his fingers were warm against his heated skin and it wasn't so bad really… odd perhaps, but not…

Suddenly Potter's arms tightened around him and Draco gasped as he felt the all too familiar tug of apparition. The bastard had tricked him.

DAMN IT!

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