A/N: There's a quote at the beginning of the chapter which is highly referential to the film of 'Mansfield Park'. I couldn't resist.
"So," Draco began. He was determined to put the events of the past few minutes behind them and focus completely on dancing. "You remember what I just showed you?"
"Yes." It had only been a brief demonstration but Harry thought he had a fairly good grip on the basics. "But I thought you were going to have me dance the girl's part?"
Draco shrugged. "I decided to take pity on you."
Harry grinned. "Awfully nice of you, Draco."
The blonde noted Harry's use of his first name. Wasn't this a night of firsts. "I can be a gentleman sometimes."
"And you know the girl's part?"
A nod. "I've been taking dance lessons since I was eight." The expression on his face was rueful. Harry winced sympathetically.
"Sounds fun."
"Oh, totally." But though Draco didn't look upset, there was still something in his manner that suggested that he didn't really want to discuss his past. Harry wisely didn't pry.
"Well, you're damn good."
"Oh, a compliment? Stars above, he complimented me!"
Harry laughed. "I complimented your dancing, Malfoy, don't get your knickers in a twist."
Draco grinned. "Enough talk, Potter. Let's dance."
"Okay." The brunette took a deep breath and, hesitantly, stepped forward. Draco moved with him, gliding easily into the female's role, letting Harry guide him through the steps of the waltz. Harry immediately tripped over his feet, unsure, but Draco didn't mock him as he had expected; no, he simply offered up encouraging instructions.
"That's right….to the side. No, your other side."
Harry promptly stepped on Draco's foot. "Oh my God, I'm sorry!"
Amazingly, Draco only laughed. "I've had worse."
Harry couldn't believe the reaction. Messing up was one thing, but for Draco to not yell at Harry for stepping on him? That was beyond shocking. Then he had a horrible thought: what had Lucius done when Draco had messed up?
Draco's brow creased in a frown. "You okay?"
The Gryffindor forced a nod and a smile. "Fine."
"Good. Then keep going."
It was a very awkward waltz, the steps clumsy and hesitant, but it was a waltz nonetheless. Draco continued to offer soft corrections and encouragements. It was a completely different experience than the one Harry had expected, full of mockery. This lesson was completely genial. No, it was better than that. This was FUN.
Very quickly, Harry began to get the hang of things. It got a little more complicated after that, with Draco beginning to teach Harry how to not just step in place, but to move as he stepped, to move in little circles as the waltz was meant to be done. But after learning the basic box step itself, moving it in circles wasn't hard at all.
"Not bad." Draco was smiling. "Spin me, Harry."
Harry stared. "….what?"
The blonde rolled his eyes and, taking one of Harry's hands (after all this time of not touching, the contact shocked the Gryffindor) and ducked under it, twirling in a circle before releasing it and stepping in close again. Harry was momentarily too stunned to do a thing. "Like that. That's a spin. Now we pick up where we left off and dance like before."
"I…." Harry was dumfounded. "…okay."
"God, Potter, what's so difficult about this?"
Harry managed to shake his head. "Nothing, it's just…" He grinned. "Something about you twirling is really funny."
Draco rolled his eyes again but he was clearly trying to suppress a smile. "Mature, Potter. Real mature."
"Mm. I am the epitome of mature."
Biting back what might have been a laugh, Draco shook his head. "Stuff it, Potter." Harry couldn't help but laugh at the words. "Now let's try it again." The two fell into the waltz with ease and this time, Harry initiated the touch, taking Draco's hand. Draco still twitched slightly at the contact but he let Harry twirl him. At the end of the spin, he stepped right back into position, and they glided once more into the waltz.
Those grey eyes looked immensely pleased. "Great job."
Harry felt extremely proud of his success. Maybe this ball wouldn't be so bad after all. True, Harry would much rather not dance in front of an entire room full of people. It was much more fun dancing like this, with only Draco.
The thought hit him like a bucket of ice water. Dancing with Draco was fun. How the hell had that happened? He didn't want to open the ball with Draco!
Not like he could take Draco, anyway. What would people say?
Holy shit, what was he even thinking? He wouldn't take Draco if he could! He would take someone like Ginny!
Harry felt a tiny swat to the side of his face. Draco had noticed his preoccupation. "Hey, pay attention, Potter. You almost tripped just now."
"Sorry."
"You'd been doing so well, too."
Harry smiled, pleased. "Really?"
Draco returned the smile. "Yeah. You're starting to get pretty good at this."
Harry flushed happily, pleased at the words. "Yeah?"
"Definitely." Draco guided Harry through another twirl. "And now, into a tango. Please throw your leg over my hip."
"WHAT?!" Harry would have been horrified at the way that one word came out in a halting, high-pitched squeak had he not been so shocked already.
Draco grinned. "Just kidding, Potter."
"Oh." Harry's shoulders sagged a bit at this news, though whether out of relief or disappointment he couldn't tell (and was afraid to even think about). His heart was trying to pound a hole through his chest and he felt like he couldn't breathe. The mere thought of being that close to Draco had him unable to think straight. He wanted it but he didn't, he shouldn't want it and yet he couldn't not want it. Being so deliciously close, their bodies rubbing together, so hot oh GOD so hot, and yet he was afraid of the feelings that would appear if it happened. Still, he couldn't help a glare. "Bastard."
Draco laughed. "You're just too much fun to tease."
"I'm going to get you, you just wait."
"Mm…" Draco looked at Harry from beneath his lashes, and fuck, it suddenly felt about ten degrees warmer in there. "Please do."
This time, Harry actually DID trip, mouth open as he stared at Draco. There was no mistaking the look in those eyes. But Draco must be teasing, he had to be.
A sudden noise behind them interrupted the moment and both boys turned to face the doorway. Magda had returned. "How are you boys coming along?"
"Great, thanks." Draco stepped away from Harry, leaving the brunette feeling empty. Had he just imagined that encounter?
"Good. Well, the bar will be opening in a few minutes, so I'm afraid I have to cut your practice off."
"It's okay. Thanks for letting us use the space at all. Besides," and Draco glanced at Harry with something almost like pride in his eyes. "He's doing great." The words made Harry blush.
"Will you boys be staying?"
Harry opened his mouth to say that no, they would be heading back to school, but the expression on Draco's face stopped him. "How about it, Harry? You want to stay for a bit?"
It was clear that Draco wanted to stick around. He had told Harry that he came here often, and when they first arrived, Magda had said it had been a long time since he had been there. And after all Draco had done for Harry tonight? There was no way Harry was going to deny him.
He nodded. "Yeah. Let's stay." The look in those grey eyes told him he had made the right choice. They filled with happiness, a smile spreading across Draco's face.
Magda nodded. "I'm off to open up." And she vanished from the room.
"Thanks, Harry," Draco said softly.
Harry shook his head. "You don't have to thank me. You helped me so much tonight. I'm the one who should be thanking you. Besides," he looked around the bar. "We can probably get in some more practice, yeah?"
Draco stared at Harry. "….Harry, what kind of club do you think this is?" Harry cocked his head, clearly not understanding. "There's no way there will be any kind of music we can waltz to here. It's all club music."
Club music…..
OH.
Harry swallowed. He hadn't thought about that, hadn't realized what he was getting himself into when he had agreed to this. "Ah."
"Yeah."
Then something else occurred to him. "You…." Harry began disbelievingly, a huge grin spreading over his face. "You can fast dance? Since when?!"
Draco arched one eyebrow. "I've got moves you've never seen," he drawled. Harry opened his mouth to protest, but before he could, Draco began moonwalking across the dance floor, and Harry couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Oh my God. Oh my God, I can't even."
"Shut up, Harry, you're just jealous."
"Oh, I am. You hit the nail on the head."
Draco opened his mouth to retort but people had begun pouring into the room. Magda had opened the doors to the club. Any and all private conversation was done for the night, unless they removed themselves to one of the aforementioned darkened corners.
Actually, that was sounding more and more tempting by the moment.
Harry was looking at all the people, examining faces. "Draco," he whispered, sidling closer. "This isn't a wizard's club, is it?"
Draco relished the newfound proximity. "No." He made his voice extremely low so that Harry had to lean in even closer to hear him, their faces nearly touching. Oh yes, that was lovely. "So far as I've been able to tell, I'm the only one who comes here. At least, I've never seen another witch or wizard here in all the times I've come, and that's a lot."
"Good."
The music kicked in suddenly, loud, blasting rock music. Draco was pleased, not just because he loved the house music and was looking forward to dancing, but because it meant Harry was going to have to remain close if he wanted to be heard.
"Come on," he said, reaching for Harry before catching himself and pulling away. The movement did not go unnoticed by the brunette. "Let's head to the bar."
"The bar?" Harry looked skeptical. "Do you really think you'll get served?"
Draco shrugged. "Probably not. But it's always worth a shot."
Shaking his head in amusement, Harry followed Draco to the bar. Magda herself was serving, and she rolled her eyes when she saw Draco. "For the last time, Draco, I am not serving you alcohol."
"Oh, come on, Magda, darling," Draco wheedled. She simply shook her head.
"No."
Draco gave his best pout. It was ridiculously attractive. Pouts shouldn't be attractive. "You're so cruel." He was flirting shamelessly, and the older woman could obviously tell. From the look on her face, this was an act Draco had pulled many times in the past.
"Yes, I'm horrible." Magda slid a glass towards him. "There. You can have a mock-tail."
Harry's brow furrowed. "Mock-tail?" he echoed.
"A mock-cocktail," Draco explained. "Tastes similar but has no alcohol in it." He raised the glass towards Magda and then Harry in a miniature salute. "Cheers."
Harry found a glass being pushed his way as well. "You can have one, too." Magda smiled at him. "On the house."
"Oh, no, I couldn't," and he began fumbling in his pockets for cash, but the woman shook her head.
"Any friend of Draco's is welcome to at least one. And it's been so long since I've seen this one," she tossed a fake glare Draco's way, "that it calls for a celebration."
"I'm sorry!" Draco protested. "I haven't had a chance!"
But the woman merely laughed. "Don't worry about it, love. Just…try to come more often? I do miss you."
The Slytherin smiled somewhat sadly. "I miss you, too."
"Glad to hear it. Now, I've got other customers to attend to." The woman gave the boys a little wave of her arms, as if shooing them away. "Go, have fun! Dance!" And she headed off to see to some other patrons.
Harry sipped at his mock-tail. He had to admit, it was very good. After a moment, he realized that Draco was watching him with a smile. "….what?"
The blonde shook his head. "Nothing. Are you going to dance?"
Harry looked at the dance floor, already full of people. What he saw made him feel lightheaded and weak in the knees. The other dancers were moving like a single mass, a solid knot. Wet, smooth, sexual.
"Ah….I don't think so." There was no way he could do that, no way at all. Was Draco going to do that? A mental image of Draco moving that way hit him with all the force of a brick wall and he felt faint.
Draco looked disappointed but he shrugged, forcing an air of uncaring. "Suit yourself." And, throwing back the rest of his drink, he slid from his stool. "I'll see you in a little bit, then, yeah?" With that, he headed to the dance floor.
The brunette watched, waiting. Draco's beautiful eyes slid shut and then, he began to move.
Harry's jaw dropped; he stared. All day he had seen various facets of Draco that he had never seen before. He had come to realize that Draco was kind, and funny, and could even be sweet. But this? This he had not expected. Watching Draco dance now…
Draco was pure sex in motion.
This was completely different from the graceful way the blonde had waltzed. Draco's body still moved fluidly in rhythm with the music, but now it was rough, sexual. His hands roved over his body, head tossing. His hair was a mess, flying about him as he moved.
And just like that, Harry no longer wanted. He needed.
Without really registering what he was doing, Harry was slipping off his barstool and heading onto the dance floor, no hesitation as earlier that evening, making his way straight to Draco's side. As though sensing Harry's presence, Draco turned that silvery gaze in the brunette's direction. He looked surprised. "Harry…"
Harry found his mouth incredibly dry. "….do you want to dance?"
If Draco had looked surprised before, it was nothing on how he looked now. "You….really?"
Harry nodded. "Really."
The surprise faded from Draco's eyes, replaced by a soft smile. He gave a little jerk of his chin, gesturing Harry closer. Somehow, Harry managed to hear him over the blasting music of the club as he softly ordered "c'mere." And that's when Harry began having second thoughts.
"...really? I mean, do you really want to? Are you sure we should-"
"Come on, Potter. Its time to show you what I've got."
Harry couldn't help but smile at that, though his heart was pounding and he felt dizzier than before. I am about to fast dance with Draco Malfoy. I am about to fast dance with Draco Malfoy.
Harry swallowed with some difficulty and wiped his palms on his thighs. Taking as deep a breath as he could muster, he reached for Draco. The blonde didn't move away, but shook his head, small smile on his face. "No touching."
Harry's eyes widened. "...but...but then how do we...?"
If possible, that smile grew a bit more seductive, turning into a smirk. "...use your imagination."
It was as if the two of them were in their own world. Everything around them seemed muffled. Harry gave a tiny smile and stepped closer to Draco. He slipped an arm around Draco's waist the same as in the waltz, not touching, and looked to the boy, a question in his eyes. Draco swallowed with difficulty, and nodded. Then the two began to move.
It was a strange imitation of the dancing all around them. All the movement was the same, only not quite close enough to touch. Then Harry dared to step a little closer, one leg between Draco's, and their bodies brushed ever so slightly. He felt rather than heard Draco gasp. But the boy didn't pull away. Harry decided to see how much farther he could push things.
His arm still around Draco's waist, he let it slip, fingertips brushing ever so slightly against Draco's lower back. This time, grey eyes looked wildly up at Harry. Immediately, he withdrew, breaking the touch. Draco relaxed but he didn't pull away; his breath was coming heavily.
Harry didn't break eye contact, simply looked into Draco's eyes, willing Draco to trust him. Slowly, the boy seemed to calm. Then, impossibly, it was Draco who pushed, leaning even further forwards, and Harry felt Draco's groin against his thigh as the boy stepped even closer, grinding against him.
Harry gasped. Draco's eyes were wide as if shocked at his own actions. Harry was stunned. He had barely ever slow danced before….this was like nothing he had ever experienced.
Harry dared to move his hand closer, trying to touch Draco again, but the boy shied away. That was still too much. He settled for slipping his fingers into one of Draco's belt loops. Draco allowed it, calming once more. Harry's leg was still between Draco's, the blonde leaning in to him. Tentatively, he pushed back. Draco bit his lip, clearly holding back a whimper. Oh yes, that was lovely. It was barely a touch, but the fact that Draco trusted him with even this much was amazing. And it felt better than it had any right to.
Then Harry felt those graceful hands at his waist, catching the bottom of his button-down. They twisted in the fabric, clutching handfuls and pulling Harry even closer, reeling him in until their chests were nearly touching. He could feel the heat radiating off of the Slytherin. But the boy was no longer looking at him, his face buried in the curve of Harry's throat. Harry could feel warm breath ghosting over his flesh. "Draco," he managed.
What he got in response were hips rubbing against his thigh, hard and insistent, and was that—no, it couldn't be—yes, it was. Draco was hard. Harry felt dizzy at the realization. Draco wanted him. Fuck the belt loops; both hands clutched the waistband of Draco's pants, searching for something that would ground him but still not scare Draco off. Apparently he had chosen right, for the Slytherin didn't shy away.
And suddenly there was Draco's breath, warm against Harry's ear as he whispered "so...mind if I whisk you away to a dark corner, Harry?"
Harry's breath caught in his throat. "Not...as such," he managed.
A breathless chuckle, barely audible despite Draco's proximity. Then Draco was pulling away, tugging Harry by his shirtfront, dragging him across the dancefloor. They weaved their way between the other dancers until they had made it to the far side of the room.
Harry swallowed nervously when he saw their destination. The corner certainly was darkened, a couple of worn but incredibly soft looking chairs with a small table beside them. Someone had abandoned their drinks on the table, probably to go and dance.
Draco released Harry and flopped back into a chair. He looked from the brunette to the chair next to him and then back again. "Well?"
Harry sat down somewhat nervously. He wasn't sure exactly what was going to happen next. Draco was acting so casual now, but on the dance floor, he had appeared interested in Harry….beyond interested, if the hardness Harry had felt against his thigh had been any indication. He risked a glance in Draco's direction. The boy was sprawled almost bonelessly in his chair, legs splayed, and Harry couldn't help it, he couldn't…his eyes immediately flew to Draco's groin. Sure enough, his pants were tented.
Then, the boy shifted. Harry looked up, panicked, and yes, his attentions had been noticed. Draco's brow was arched in amusement. "Looking for something, Harry?"
"I…" Harry couldn't speak, bright red in embarrassment. But then Draco was sliding from his chair and into Harry's, crawling right into the Gryffindor's lap. Harry sat too stunned to move.
"Because on the dance floor, you seemed more than interested. Or did I read you wrong?"
Harry was shocked speechless. This went beyond Draco's no touching rule. Though honestly, Draco wasn't touching all too much, simply sitting in his lap. His hands weren't doing much more than tangling in that green button-down again, holding on as if to center himself.
Somehow, Harry managed to shake his head. "No. I mean….interested. I'm definitely interested."
Draco let out a breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. "Oh, good." And, leaning in, he pressed a kiss to Harry's throat, just below his ear. "I was rather hoping you were." He delighted in the way Harry's breath caught at the action.
"Draco—"
"Mm?" The blonde didn't cease his actions, laying kisses down Harry's throat.
"….fuck." Harry, normally extremely loquacious, was finding it extremely difficult to string even two words together. "That….feels good." Draco chuckled, the noise low and throaty, and it sent a shiver down Harry's spine.
"Good. It's supposed to."
Harry had no idea how they had reached this point from earlier that day when he had turned up at the door to the Potions classroom to ask for lessons. Not that he was complaining. Learning about Draco, seeing his true nature….all of that had been amazing, and he wouldn't trade it for anything. And this? This he could safely say he would never have expected in a million years. Would he trade this?
Draco gently nipped, and Harry mewled, immediately flushing in embarrassment.
…no. He would never trade this.
Still, he was at a complete loss for what to do. He just sat there, not touching Draco, too afraid to make a move. Draco, smiling, took Harry's hands and put them on his hips, immediately going back to what he was doing, nuzzling his way along Harry's throat. It felt better than it had any right to. Hesitantly, Harry began to touch, running his hands over Draco's hips, his ass. After a moment, he slid a fingertip beneath Draco's shirt to tease over his belly.
Draco's breath hitched. Encouraged, Harry slipped a whole hand under there, rucking the fabric up to get to more skin. The resulting moan sent a shudder through the blonde. Harry's free hand gripped the waistband of Draco's pants and tugged hard, pulling their bodies into closer contact.
That's when his sleeve got caught in Draco's zipper.
Draco gasped, hips automatically canting forwards. "Fuck, Harry! A little forward, aren't we?"
"Draco, my hand is caught in your zipper!"
There was a snort of laughter. "Seriously, Harry? If you didn't mean to do it, you can just say so."
"No, really, Draco, my sleeve is caught in your zipper!"
Draco looked down and saw that this was true. "...oh." A moment later, he glanced up, a wicked gleam in his eye and an evil smile on his face. "...well, while you're down there, can you move your hand just a little to the left?"
Harry immediately turned a brilliant shade of fuchsia. "….Draco…" For he didn't NOT want to touch Draco like that. Just…. "….not here."
He could feel Draco stiffen. The boy pulled away to look Harry in the face. His eyes were surprised; they searched Harry's face as though trying to determine how serious he was. "…..really?"
Harry swallowed. He was finding it incredibly difficult to speak. But looking into those beautiful grey eyes, those eyes that he found himself falling in love with, he knew there was only one answer he could give. "Yes."
Draco looked shocked. At last, he nodded.
"Then let's get out of here."
~tbc~
