Chapter 4 : Mistake
The sky was clear outside. Few clouds would pass by but there was no sign of rain. Although it was almost Christmas, snow wasn't about to fall any time soon.
It was past five of the evening at the Malfoy Manor. The wide living room was quiet, only the crisping sound of the fireplace could be heard. A blond haired man was sitting on the couch, a book in his hands, his eyes scanning the few lines of the page.
The man seemed to be caught in his reading, switching his crossed legs regularly while turning the pages every now and then.
With a snap of the man's finger, a house elf appeared.
"Anything I could do for Master Draco, sir?" The elf approached the man timidly, his wide blue eyes staring up at the face hidden behind the book which title was "100 Effective Spells for Wizards and Witches".
The book closed shut and Draco's face appeared behind. His silver eyes fixed the elf before putting the book aside.
"Fetch me my coat and wallet." Draco ordered and with the blink of an eye, the elf disappeared and reappeared with the said wallet and coat.
"Anything else, Master?" The elf asked, following up to Draco who stood up and put his coat on.
"If mother asks, tell her I'm out for dinner." Draco simply added before disappearing behind the door of the mansion, leaving the elf who, with a quick nod, disappeared.
Outside, Draco shoved his hands into his pockets, hissing faintly at the cold breeze caressing his face. Once he took few steps away from the Mansion, Draco instantly deapparated to reappear in a familiar alley somewhere in the middle of the city. He rushed into the closest restaurant where he was planning to meet Pansy Parkinson.
Draco would never consider Pansy a friend. Malfoys didn't need friends and Draco believed that. But the woman had been insisting on meeting up with him since they left Hogwarts and would always find a way to get him out of his house, using her old dirty tricks. After a while, Draco gave up on trying to ignore her when he noticed how much information the woman could provide him.
Pansy was Blaise's ex-wife. The two got married right after the war and it apparently didn't last long before Blaise came out as being gay. Pansy didn't seem to mind especially after receiving few Galleons to keep quiet about Blaise's private life.
Earlier today, Draco received a note from Pansy asking him to meet up at the same pure-blood bar of the neighborhood, Pansy's favorite. Of course, Draco's first reaction was to refuse, but then the man remembered Pansy was keeping few secrets about her ex-husband, things that Blaise himself was ashamed to show to the public. After the latest events with Potter and Blaise, Draco knew that in one way or the other, he would find that information useful.
Draco walked inside the bar, sighing in relief at the warmth the place provided him. His eyes searched around for the small figure of the woman, only to find her flirting openly with two young men at the bar counter.
Draco walked past the few Witches and Wizards who eyed Draco intensely. Draco got used to ignoring them. After the war, it seemed like he gained a lot of popularity although being infamous is far from what he looked for.
Draco took a sit by Pansy's side, receiving a clear glare from the two young men standing on each of her sides. Draco ordered a glass of expensive wine and waited for Pansy to walk the boys away and come back to join him.
"You were late, so I thought some company wouldn't hurt." Pansy explained with a small grin, receiving an indifferent shrug from the man.
"You know that I don't care, Pansy." Draco replied, nodding at the bartender after receiving his drink. "So, what is it this time?" He asked, his grey eyes fixing her.
Pansy narrowed her eyes, apparently not pleased with his answer. She took a sit next to him and ordered a glass of Firewhisky. She wasn't the kind of women to enjoy drinking but she knew that one sip or two wouldn't hurt.
"You're as unpleasant as always. You do realize that women flee you because of that attitude, don't you?" Pansy stated, sipping elegantly from her cup.
"Is this going to be about me again?" Draco sighed, loosing interest in the conversation before it has ever begun.
"Yes it is, Draco. See those two women by the door?" Pansy waved her head towards the door and Draco turned to meet the gaze of a dark haired woman who turned to giggle to her friend.
"They've been staring at you since you stepped into the bar. They're both single, pure-blood and have eyes for you." Pansy stared at Draco who met her gaze.
"What are you getting at?" Draco stared intensely at her, seeing right into her intentions.
"You already know what I'm getting at." She showed a fine grin.
"And you already know that I have no single interest in women." Draco answered dryly.
Pansy rolled her eyes in annoyance and sighed deeply.
"You've been saying that for the past few months, Draco. Are you sure you're not gay?" Pansy eyed him suspiciously.
"Do you want to be hexed in the middle of a pure-blood bar, Pansy?" Draco shot her a glare and Pansy shrugged.
"My bad. I just can't help finding it suspicious, especially after that whole thing with Potter." Pansy chuckled, noticing how Draco nearly choked on his drink.
"Didn't I tell you not to bring that up again?" Draco muttered, clearly annoyed by the simple reminder of the situation with Potter.
Draco regretted telling Pansy yesterday. After that confrontation with Potter at the Auror department, Draco ran into the woman on his way back to the Manor and she invited herself in. Draco was simply angry and needed to let it all out and Pansy was the one to hear all of it.
"Oh come on, Draco. You just feel bad because he chose Blaise over you." Pansy interrupted Draco who had opened his mouth to protest. She crossed her legs and rested her back against the counter. "But it's kind of understandable, this whole thing with him seeking a man to play the role of his lover in front of Granger. That woman can be a pain and I feel sorry for him."
Draco finished quietly his glass of wine and ordered a second one.
"I didn't come here to discuss this." Draco opposed.
"Are you sure? I thought you wanted to discuss this which is why you're here." Pansy clarified.
Draco threw her a suspicious look.
"What does that mean?"
"You think I didn't notice, Draco?" Pansy declared, a proud smile upon her face." You don't usually reply to my invitations quickly, and I'd be too dense not to notice how much you've been looking forward to this meeting." Pansy noticed a small frown appearing on Draco's face and chuckled." You're here to find out more about Blaise, aren't you?"
Draco didn't think he could be seen right through that easily. Well, it was Pansy after all, and he had to admit the woman had sharp senses. Most women had sharp senses, which is one of the reasons Draco didn't last long with his past wife.
Draco took in a deep breath and nodded. He hated to admit it, but if being direct can get him the information he needed about Blaise, then he might as well be.
"I need you to tell me about Blaise Zabini's affairs." Draco honestly spoke, facing Pansy whose face brightened with triumph. Draco hated that look on her face, it never was good news.
"You do realize that I can choose to tell you only if I want to, right, Draco?" Pansy's evil smirk said it all and Draco rolled his eyes.
"What do you want, Pansy? Don't you have enough Galleons to last your entire life?"
"What I need is certainly not gold, Draco." Pansy replied and Draco arched an eyebrow.
"You see, Draco, I have a really bad habit of wanting to know everything. And this time it has to do with you." Pansy hummed in a rather pleased mood. She put the empty glass down after drinking the last drops of firewhisky and faced Draco who wore a frown that Pansy learned was his way of stepping into the defensive side.
"Why do you care so much about Potter, Draco?" Pansy leaned closer to whisper, her eyes full of thirst to know more.
"Care?" Draco repeated with a displeased look. "Watch your mouth, Pansy. I never mentioned caring about the Scarhead." Draco spat, receiving an impatient stare from the woman.
"You already know that I owe Potter one. If he didn't help my owl that day–"
"Yeah, yeah, I know that Potter's fetish of helping out everyone was the reason you kept your divorce confidential from the press and avoided a whole giant mess in your life because Malfoys don't divorce. But the Boy-who-lived refused your help, Draco, so why do you keep insisting? The old Draco I know would simply curse him and ignore him for the rest of his days…Which you didn't do."
Draco's eyes averted away from Pansy's dangerous gaze to fix his half empty glass.
Pansy has a point and Draco has honestly never thought about it. The first reason behind his letter was to help the stranger from the situation he was in no matter how awkward it sounded to show the person his gratitude from keeping his personal life matters away from the press. But once that stranger turned out to be Potter, Draco immediately changed his mind. That until Blaise showed up.
"I'm man of my word, Pansy." Draco finally spoke after a long silence. "And I promised the person who saved Raff to help them with anything. The fact that Potter turned out to be that person doesn't give me the right to break the promise, especially after Blaise stepped into the whole scene. And you and I know more than anyone else what Blaise is truly capable of." Draco seemed thoughtful as he spoke those words.
"Oh my, I've never knew you could be such a gentleman, Draco." Pansy teasingly chuckled and Draco gave her an annoyed look. "So, from what you said I conclude that although Potter refused totally your help and since he's too dumb to realize it himself, you're willing to divulge the truth about Blaise in order to save Potter from him, am I right?"
"Quite right, I guess." Draco replied seriously and to his surprise Pansy burst into laughter. Draco gritted his teeth in irritation.
"My bad. I can't help but find this awfully hilarious." Pansy breathed out after a good laugh, wiping off the drops of tears that cornered her eyes. "No matter how much I think about it, it still sounds like you really care about Potter, Draco."
"Don't you start that again." Draco sighed.
"You know it's true."
"It isn't, just quit it."
"Don't you feel sorry for him?"
"That's different."
"How is it different? You want to help him."
"I don't want to help him. I have to."
"You don't have to if you really think about it."
Draco opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out.
"Potter himself said he didn't owe you, but your owl and he has a point. You can choose to walk away and leave him be and he won't blame you. But you didn't, Draco. You chose help him."
Pansy's words made clear sense in Draco's mind but deep down the man hated to admit she was right.
"What are you getting at, Pansy?" Draco muttered, swallowing dryly.
"You like Potter, Draco, and you want him to choose you over Blaise." Pansy chuckled.
Draco threw her a bitter look and this time, slammed his hand against the counter, attracting the attention of the few people around.
"Pansy Parkinson." Draco spat the woman's name in exasperation. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Now, if you don't mind, I have more important matters to attend to." Draco grabbed his coat and stood up, clear bitterness covering his face.
"Aw, come on. Don't be like that, Draco." Pansy bit her lip, repressing her laughter. She took a grip of Draco's arm before he could dismiss.
"I'm just teasing you. Moreover, didn't you come here for a thing or two about Blaise's affairs?" Pansy hinted with a wink.
Draco's stormy eyes pierced Pansy with intensity.
"Make it quick."
Harry had never felt as uncomfortable as he was right now. Arms on the counter, Harry's eyes were traveling around the crowded place. Men and only men were dancing, chatting, flirting around. Harry closed his eyes briefly and tried remembering how he ended up in a gay bar out of all places.
Few hours earlier back in his Auror office, Harry received a note from Zabini asking to meet him urgently and claiming he had some news for him. When Harry headed to the familiar pub of the neighborhood, Zabini was there waiting for him.
The two men had a drink or two and Harry found himself complaining to Zabini about his whole situation with Hermione, the reason why he lied to her and how Malfoy offered to help. Zabini was indeed a good listener and Harry felt much better after letting it all out.
Later on, when Harry asked Zabini about the urgency of the note, Zabini's face changed from a relaxed to a worried one and Harry concluded he was in as much trouble as him and Harry offered to lend him an ear.
"You must've heard about the articles written about me lately, right, Harry?" Zabini had explained and Harry confirmed with a nod." After my divorce with Pansy I realized my sexuality is a thing that even I cannot change, so I've been trying to discover it. I gave myself the chance to meet up with men who showed interest in me. I have to admit it felt so right and that's when I understood that I've been neglecting an important part of myself."
Harry narrowed his eyes, focusing on Zabini's words. Zabini looked down and let out a sigh.
"But lately…Things went a bit too far." Zabini wore a hurtful expression. "One of the men I dated turned out to be a reporter for a famous magazine. After the break up, he divulged all information about me to the press and you know where that lead." Zabini forced a short smile on his face. "Now, the only way out of this is for me to make appearance with a new lover and show that reporter that I moved on."
Zabini explained, his hazel eyes slowly looked up to meet Harry's green ones.
"Harry, the fact that you came here today means that you chose my help over Malfoy's, and I am more than glad you took the right choice." Zabini smiled tenderly and Harry blinked. He has been found out.
"What exactly can I help you with, Zabini?" Harry asked curiously.
Zabini's hand landed on top of Harry's and Harry jolted in surprise.
"I need you to come with me to a bar tonight, Harry. You will play the role of my boyfriend and when the reporter man shows up, I'll introduce you to him and we'll leave. That would be more than enough for him to stop harassing me."
Harry hesitated at first. He was more than willing to help Zabini but Malfoy's words kept haunting his mind. What if Malfoy was right and Zabini was only trying to lure him into a trap? Harry looked thoughtful, but his hesitation vanished when he noticed he was asking for the same think from Zabini in return.
Hermione's invitation was for this Sunday. If Harry shows up alone, he might be in big trouble and Hermione might've suspected something by now.
If Harry helps Zabini tonight, Zabini won't refuse to appear at the dinner night. It was only a fair trade and Harry nodded at the thought.
"Fine. But I have one single rule." Harry answered and Zabini's face lightened up with a smile.
"Anything."
"You… Please avoid any kind of flirting. It makes me feel uncomfortable." Harry felt embarrassed for asking such a thing but Zabini replied with a simple smile, retrieving his hand back.
"I promise."
Harry let out a long sigh, relieved that this situation turned out for the best.
Harry only regretted his decision an hour later.
Zabini did mention going to a bar, but Harry didn't think it would be a gay one. As soon as they walked in, Zabini rushed to the bathroom and Harry found himself standing alone at the counter.
A long sigh escaped Harry's lips and he began wondering if he really took the right choice.
Malfoy did mention something about Zabini sleeping around with famous wizards to get his name known but Zabini's story made a lot of sense.
Harry quickly shook his head. This was the best chance to figure out the man's intentions. Whether Zabini's story was true or a made up lie, Harry will eventually find out.
"Hey, handsome." A smooth voice spoke and Harry snapped out of his thoughts to look at his right. A man leaned closer to Harry, a wide seductive smile on his face.
Harry didn't recognize the man. He was taller with dark hair and a tanned skin. Blue eyes fixed Harry and he felt himself flush for a strange reason.
"I'm Sam, is it your first time here? Haven't seen a beauty like you around." The called Sam bit lightly his bottom lip and Harry's heart skipped a beat.
Yes, the man was handsome and Harry admitted that. But to think a lame pick-up line would set his heart aflutter. Harry has to quickly do something.
He remembered the advice Zabini provided him earlier when they first walked into the bar. In case he got hit on, Harry has to only explain he's already with someone and the person would step away.
"Um… I'm…" Harry stuttered, his emerald eyes meeting the ocean blue ones and he found himself at a loss of words.
"You're got such beautiful eyes. I can even see myself in them." The mysterious man licked his lips briefly and leaned closer to Harry's face. Harry cursed his body for refusing to move. He was too anxious to act.
"Step aside, Sam. Harry's already with me." A familiar voice spoke and Harry felt relieved to see Zabini.
"Oh, my bad. Should've known a beauty like this would only be yours, Blaise." Sam smirked and stepped back, giving Harry a quick wink. "Harry was it? If Blaise gets bored of you, you can come to me anytime." Sam patted Zabini's shoulder, and walked away.
Harry took in a deep breath, finding himself panting as if he ran a mile. He never found himself in such a situation before and he wished he never again will.
"Sorry about that, Harry. People around here can be a bit too pushy." Zabini apologized and leaned against the counter, two drinks in his hold. "Here, have this."
Harry eyed the glass Zabini held out to him and took it, nodding with a faint smile.
"It's not your fault. I just feel uncomfortable around here." Harry sighed deeply, feeling less anxious now that Zabini was around.
Zabini patted Harry's shoulder. "I appreciate you helping me with this situation, Harry. I really do." Zabini gave Harry an honest smile.
"Don't mention it." Harry nodded and took a sip from his glass, flinching slightly at the strong alcoholic liquid.
Harry never thought that one day he would find himself in such great terms with Zabini. Back at Hogwarts, The Slytherin had a bad reputation for being a Death Eater and Malfoy and him were in Harry's list of people to never trust. But there he was, although Harry still doesn't fully trust Zabini yet, he knew that he wasn't as much of a bad person as he used to be.
"So, where's the reporter bloke?" Harry asked, his eyes scanning briefly the place. More men walked in the bar and the place was getting crowded.
"Not here yet." Zabini replied, a worried look on his face. "If he doesn't show up, I'll have to deal with having a bad reputation for a longer while." Zabini sighed and Harry felt sorry for him.
Harry wasn't the only one with worries and misfortunes. Zabini was in an even worse situation and he wished they could help each other out of it. With that in mind, Harry gulped down the whole liquor that figured in his glass and let out a heavy sigh, feeling the alcohol burn down his throat.
"Wow, Harry. You sure were thirsty." Zabini teased with a grin and Harry let out a faint laugh.
Zabini did indeed keep his promise and Harry felt bad for not asking him earlier. After that small chat back in the pub, Zabini made sure not to flirt with Harry in any kind of way and that made it easier to be comfortable around him.
"Let's get you another one." Zabini offered and Harry quickly shook his head, he didn't hold his liquor well and it was best if he didn't push it too far. "I insist. It's my treat." Zabini's seductive smile was enough to make Harry reconsider.
Two glasses full of firewhisky were ordered and Zabini and Harry drunk their worries away. Zabini volunteered for a third then fourth round but Harry was already at his limit.
Few minutes later, Harry found himself laughing uncontrollably at Zabini's lame jokes. The two men were hilariously drunk but Zabini seemed to hold his liquor quite better. He kept the same elegant posture and spoke in the same seductive and smooth tone.
"Shit, I've got to use the bathroom." Harry suddenly warned as he stood up, feeling uneasiness form inside his stomach. He hadn't drunk in a long while and he was expecting something like this would eventually happen.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Zabini rushed to hold Harry's arm but immediately discarded. "Sorry, can I…" Zabini hesitated and Harry understood he was considering the promise.
"Can you give me a hand?" Harry asked, knowing that if he walked alone in this state, he'd only trip and fall in the middle of the place.
With a decisive nod, Zabini put his arm around Harry's waist and pulled Harry's arm around his shoulder. "Hold still." Zabini had to walk through the dance floor, slide through a good amount of men before he could lastly reach the bathroom.
Zabini was about to push the bathroom door open when Harry tripped and almost fell, only to land in Zabini's hold.
"Careful!" Zabini's shout was almost heard over the loud music that played in the dance floor.
"It's alright, I'm fine." Harry lazily spoke, his low voice was suppressed by the loud beats.
Harry's body refused to fully obey him but with Zabini's help he managed to support himself against a wall.
Harry lazily opened his eyes to notice the worried look on Zabini's close face. He had never seen him like that before and Harry started regretting misjudging Zabini. Maybe if he gives the man a chance, Zabini could turn out to be a good friend.
"Sorry about that, Blaise." Harry sighed, regretting his behavior towards the man from the very beginning.
Harry closed his eyes and bit his lip at the pain his headache shot into him. The long silence alarmed him and a strange feeling rushed through his body when something poked his lips. It wasn't until Harry opened his tired eyes when he realized Zabini was kissing him.
Harry's face turned pale and anxiousness won over him. His body was drunk but his mind was still clear. He knew that this was wrong and Zabini was taking advantage of him. He knew that he had to stop it.
With a lazy push, Harry managed to part his lips from Zabini. He turned his face away from him and tried to shout but only a faint "Stop" escaped his mouth.
Harry's wrists got firmly grasped and terror rushed through him when his hands got pinned strongly against the wall. Zabini's body was pressing against him and soon he was starting to feel his neck suffering from kisses and bruises.
What is going on? What is happening? Harry had no idea what to do or how to react. He couldn't free himself nor reach for his wand. And what's worse, his body was starting to respond to it, to enjoy it. But Harry hated this, he didn't want this, he didn't want to be used this way.
Harry's mind started getting foggy. He could only hear Zabini's voice whispering a "Sorry" now and then as he touched Harry's body all over. Harry couldn't do anything, He was helpless.
He was helpless and he hated himself for that.
Harry's mind blacked out for a mere second and memories of his life, his friends and himself came back to him. After the war everyone turned their backs to him. Although they swore they would always be there for each other, Harry found himself alone.
Ginny was the first one to turn her back to Harry. She cheated on him. Yes, Harry hated to admit it, he hated it to the point he lied to himself and made himself believe he just lost interest in her when he haven't. She broke his heart painfully and the only way to end it was for Harry to ask for a divorce.
Then, there was Ron and Hermione. When Harry went to them for comfort, the freshly married couple was too busy enjoying their new life they didn't give Harry much time. But Harry didn't blame them, he never did. They were no longer kids and Harry knew it was time to put a distance.
When Harry opened his eyes to the new life before him he realized he was alone. He had always been and will always be. His parents left him early, the close ones turned their backs to him and he was left alone.
Harry tried to appreciate his new life, to see the bright side of it. He was free and could do anything he wanted and whenever he wanted. But deep down, Harry knew he was alone.
He was alone and lonely.
A groan escaped Harry's lips when the feeling of a hand rubbing over his crotch drove his body to react. He felt pure disgust and wished for it to end. He wanted it to end quickly and Harry would act as if it never happened. As if he never met Zabini and as if he never accepted helping him. He cursed himself for believing Zabini was a good man and thinking he had changed when it was the total opposite.
Harry was such a fool. Why does he even bother putting up a fight? It wasn't like anybody was waiting for him back home, and of course nobody was wondering where he was right now either. Whether he came back home or ended up in Zabini's place, nothing would change.
Because nobody cared about him.
No one ever did.
"What in hell do you think you're fucking doing, Blaise?" A familiar voice was heard over the loud music playing in the background and although Harry's state of mind was in a haze, he recognized it.
"Draco?" Zabini's surprised and hateful voice spat. Harry never heard him speak so angrily before.
"I came here to have a word or two with you, Blaise, and what do I find? You, throwing your pathetic self on a wasted man. I knew you could be a disgrace but this, this is honestly the lowest you'd ever get."
Harry could barely hear the words shared between the two men when he was trying to support himself against the wall. His half-lidded eyes caught a furious look on Malfoy's face. Harry never felt so glad to see him.
Harry's eyelids got heavier.
"Shove off, Draco. This doesn't concern you." Zabini muttered.
"You shove off, Blaise. If you don't want your whole disgusting affair with the Minister to come out to the public, you better get your fucking hands off Potter and never get near him again." Malfoy's tone was calm yet Harry could sense he holding himself from throwing a punch right into Zabini's face.
"You fucking… Who do you think you—"
"Pansy told me everything about your scandalous affairs. If I was you, I'd get my sorry arse out of this place before it gets fucking kicked."
Zabini opened his mouth and shouted something before walking away but his voice sounded too far to reach Harry's ears.
Malfoy's blurry figure approached. Harry felt strong gentle arms wrap around him, supporting him up. The faint sweet scent of the man's cologne enveloped Harry's senses.
"You're a fucking idiot, Potter—"
Malfoy's voice soothingly murmured few more words that Harry couldn't manage to catch. Malfoy's fast heartbeats were the last thing Harry heard before his body and mind fell into an instant state of unconsciousness.
For the first time in a long while, Harry remembered how it felt like to be safe.