Chapter 5 : Realization
Harry had never felt so calm and serene in a long while. The feeling was nostalgic and brought back memories from his childhood, back when Harry first discovered the mirror of Erised, one of the many mysterious treasures of Hogwarts. Through the mirror, Harry was able to see his parents for the first time, the feeling of happiness mixed with a hint of sadness and most important: safety.
Harry felt safe and the feeling had enveloped all of his senses throwing his body in a comfortable state.
Lazy emerald eyes opened half way to capture the sight of a familiar face. Harry could feel his feet moving tiredly. His whole weight was falling over the man next to him who supported him until they reached an apartment door that Harry recognized.
The door opened and Harry felt himself get dragged inside. It wasn't until he fell down on his bed that Harry realized he was in his own apartment. Malfoy had dragged him all the way back from the gay bar.
A severe headache shot pain through Harry's body. Harry groaned in distress and brought his hand to grip tightly his hair.
"Drink this."
The voice sounded familiar and Harry lift up his eyes to meet grey stormy ones. Malfoy was holding out a cup of water mixed with a strange substance.
"It's a hangover potion." Malfoy explained, noticing Harry's suspicious stare.
Harry didn't hesitate to grab the cup and drink the content in a whim, sighing deeply as his elbows supported him up.
"You're a mess." Malfoy remarked and Harry could see a slight frown form on his face.
"Sorry for dragging you into this." Harry let out a long sigh, feeling nothing but regret as tonight's events were still fresh in his memory. It gave him an irritating feeling.
Harry remembered how Zabini's hands groped him, how his lips forced themselves on Harry. Harry shivered in disgust.
"Feeling better?" Malfoy asked, reaching for Harry's empty cup. Harry slapped his hand away.
Only after Malfoy stepped back that Harry realized what he just did.
"Sorry, It's just…" He breathed out, not understanding why he did so himself.
"A reflex." Malfoy concluded and Harry nodded in approval.
Malfoy kept calm as his eyes drifted to catch a sight of Harry's bedroom. The long silence made Harry lift his eyes up and follow Malfoy's figure.
"Nice place." Malfoy said as his fingers travelled through the piles of books scattered over Harry's desk.
"Thanks."
Harry let out a faint smile. It was the first time that Malfoy gave him a compliment. Although it was about his room and not him, it was still better than nothing.
Malfoy's fingers caught an old picture of Harry and Ginny Harry had left on the bookshelf. Harry had tossed away all of the pictures of the two but that one.
"Didn't you get a divorce months ago?" Malfoy asked and Harry simply nodded. Harry looked away, awaiting Malfoy to make a hurtful comment or mock his situation. Harry was lonely and Malfoy would've noticed by now.
"You should be glad you left her. The bitch has been having an affair with Dean for months." Malfoy spoke, tossing the picture aside in disgust.
Malfoy's words made Harry's eyes widen in surprise.
"You knew?" Harry almost shouted and regretted afterwards when a faint pain rushed through his head.
"What if I did?" Malfoy responded, leaving the papers and books to face Harry.
"You could've told me." Harry rubbed his forehead as he spoke the lower possible.
"You wouldn't believe me if I did." Malfoy stated, cocking his eyebrow.
Harry kept his lips closed. Malfoy had a point. Even if Malfoy had told Harry about Ginny's affair, he wouldn't believe the Slytherin one bit.
"How come you knew?" Harry asked curiously.
"It doesn't matter now, does it?" Malfoy breathed out and slid his hands into his pockets. It wasn't until then that Harry noticed Malfoy had a blue suit on with a red tie. His coat was nowhere to be seen.
Once again, Malfoy has a point and Harry chose to keep quiet.
"Thanks, Malfoy." Harry finally spoke and Malfoy blinked. "If you weren't there earlier I don't even want to think about what could've happened to me." Harry sighed, disgusted with the simple reminder of it. Although they were rivals, Malfoy saved him, and Harry had to show his gratitude.
"Yeah." Malfoy simply replied. His grey eyes traveled around the room.
Another wave of silence set up and Harry and Malfoy exchanged a quick gaze. Malfoy opened his mouth and Harry knew what he was about to say.
"Well, I guess I'll be heading out."
"Wait." Harry quickly protested.
Harry stood up and wobbled lightly before catching his balance. "It's already late. You should stay over." Harry offered. It was indeed late. The clock showed past midnight.
"You know that I can simply apparate back." Malfoy explained with a questioning gaze.
"Please." Harry insisted. "It's the least I can do."
Malfoy hesitated before stepping towards the door.
"You know that you don't have to do anything in return, Potter. You owed me one so now we're even."
Harry flinched at Malfoy's words.
Right. The reason Malfoy helped Harry was none other than Malfoy owed him back from helping Raff. There was no other reason behind it. Harry wondered why he felt slight disappointment at the conclusion.
Malfoy noticed the look on Harry's face and looked away. His legs stepped out of the room and towards the door of the apartment, ready to leave.
"Listen." Harry's voice started as he rushed out of his bedroom. Harry's hands landed on each side of the door to support himself. "About last time. I know you probably don't want to hear about this but…I'm sorry. You warned me and I chose not to listen."
Malfoy stopped right in front of the door and turned back to face Harry. To Harry's surprise, he wasn't angry.
"You're just stupid Potter. Let's just hope your stupidity is not contagious since I walked you all the way here." Malfoy mocked and for the first time, Harry actually laughed at his comment.
"Something funny?" Malfoy asked, raising an eyebrow, probably not used to receiving a similar reaction.
"You can be a jerk sometimes but I guess you have a nice side too." Harry finally managed to speak after taking in a deep breath.
"Way to call the man who saved your arse moments ago." Malfoy narrowed his eyes.
"About that Malfoy…" Harry's smile faded as his green serious eyes fixed Malfoy's.
"Why did you save me?"
"I told you, Potter. You owed me—"
"Are you sure that's the only reason, Malfoy?" Harry insisted and Malfoy's silence showed his hesitance.
The two men stared right into each others' eyes. Harry anticipated Malfoy's answer as many questions traveled through his mind in the few simple seconds that followed. To his disappointment, Malfoy turned his back to him and reached for the doorknob.
"I'm leaving. See you around, Potter." Malfoy's words made Harry react immediately as he rushed to grab Malfoy's arm. The man gave him a confused stare that grew even clearer after hearing Harry's following words.
"It wasn't disgusting." Harry suddenly spoke. Malfoy blinked, trying to understand what the Auror was all about.
"It wasn't disgusting because I was being touched by a man. It was disgusting because I was being touched by Zabini. How weird does that sound?" Harry suddenly confessed.
Harry understood how wrong this was. And telling Malfoy of all people was not the best decision one could make. But after tonight's experience, Harry discovered another part of himself that he'd been ignoring throughout his whole life. Be it Malfoy or anyone else, Harry had to tell someone.
The silence made Harry self-conscious but he didn't regret one bit telling Malfoy. The man would probably make a comment or two about it and leave Harry in anger just like usual.
Harry's hand was squeezing Malfoy's arm nervously. Their eyes were staring deeply into each other. Harry refused to break eye-contact until Malfoy decided to finally part his lips and speak.
"Potter." Malfoy called Harry and Harry's heart raced in anticipation.
"Are you gay?"
Harry was surprised by the sudden question. Out of all the funny hurtful remarks Malfoy could throw him, he didn't see that one coming.
"I don't know." Harry shrugged, answering honestly. "Are you going to run away in disgust knowing you've helped a man who is still not sure about his own sexuality?"
Harry's words came in as serious and confident as ever before. He expected Malfoy to mock him, to throw a disgusted glare his way, but again, he didn't.
Malfoy let out a long heard sigh. Harry noticed Malfoy's eyes driving towards the door and Harry understood he was impatient to leave. No wonder he would, after what Harry just said.
"Do I have to wait a hundred years before you decide to get yourself to work on it?" Malfoy suddenly asked, a frown appearing on his face as he looked towards Harry.
"What?" Harry repeated, not sure if he was catching the drift of his words.
"The goddamn report, Potter." Malfoy replied. "This is my last warning. If I don't get it by tomorrow, count me out of this Boyfriend plan of yours." Malfoy rolled his eyes and snatched his hand away from Harry's grip.
Harry's eyes didn't hesitate to widen. He didn't manage to form an answer when he stepped aside to let Malfoy leave.
"I'm glad you showed up tonight, Malfoy. I really am." Harry quickly spoke.
Malfoy gave him one last stare before the door opened and closed leaving Harry alone in the apartment.
The following day, Harry woke up with an unusual feeling inside him. Something Harry couldn't explain. Harry felt light and happy. He didn't question it much since he had to rush to his office and work for the whole day long. A pile of reports was waiting for him on his desk.
Harry didn't forget to dedicate some of his time to work on every detail for the report he promised Malfoy. He made sure to write down all important points about his conversation with Hermione. The fact that the were supposed to be dating for over a month and that they go out for dates every now and then.
Harry still couldn't believe that Malfoy's offer was still standing. Especially after Malfoy explained that he and Harry were now even, Harry thought the Slytherin would simply walk away and care more or less about Harry's situation.
Harry's thoughts couldn't stop bringing back yesterday night's events. A part of him was ready to hex Zabini first thing next time he sees him, but another part of him wanted to believe that at least portion of what Zabini told Harry was true.
"I need to ask Malfoy." Harry came to conclusion as soon as he walked out of the Auror Department to head for his lunch break.
He hadn't run into Ron the whole morning which was quiet unusual, but Harry didn't give it a second thought. He had to find a way to get to Malfoy, give him the plan's report and ask him few questions about Zabini.
But the problem is: where to find him?
Now that he thinks about it, Harry didn't know much about Malfoy. Many years has passed since their rivalry ceased. After the war, Harry heard that the Malfoy Manor knew many attacks. The residents ended up surrounding their manor with many spells and charms that made it invisible for both Muggles and Wizards and Witches. Harry knew it was Lucius Malfoy's idea to protect his family before his death few years later.
If he doesn't know where Malfoy lives, how would Harry be able to send him a letter, let alone meet him?
Harry's question soon got answered when he walked back from his lunch. As he shut his office's door close, his eyes landed on a certain small black thing on his desk.
"Raff!" Harry exclaimed and walked instantly towards the owl.
The owl on the other hand, flied to land on Harry's shoulder, poking Harry's cheek repeatedly and Harry knew it was Raff's way to greet people.
"Did Malfoy send you to get the report?" Harry asked and he wasn't surprised when the owl nodded as an answer. It understood human language after all.
Harry quickly reached for the paper he had left on his desk. He folded it and slid it inside a white envelope before handing it to Raff.
"Here. Oh and…" Raff was about to fly but hesitated when Harry added something.
"Er, tell Malfoy that he needs to at least tell me where he lives. In case I might need to visit or send him an urgent letter." Harry explained and with a nod, Raff flied out through the open window and disappeared behind the buildings.
Harry let out a deep long sigh, his heart rate finally dropping. Since Raff came in, he had been holding back his breath for a reason he couldn't explain.
Since yesterday, Harry has been acting strange and he wondered if it had to do with what he told Malfoy.
Harry was still pretty drunk when he told Malfoy how he felt about what happened with Zabini, but he was more than sure he remembered everything that happened. Malfoy completely ignored his words, changed totally the subject and left Harry hanging there.
"Merlin, that was embarrassing." Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead before he sat back around his desk and continued his work.
"I'm not going."
"You can't refuse. If we don't show up together, Hermione would kill me!" Harry protested.
Harry and Malfoy were sitting around a table inside a Muggle bar. Harry didn't want to redo the same mistake as last time when he met Zabini at a local pub and rumors started spreading. In order to avoid misunderstandings, he and Malfoy decided to meet Saturday evening at a far Muggle bar.
Harry never saw Malfoy this uncomfortable. He was having a hard time adjusting in the middle of many Muggles. It reminded Harry of how weird it felt when he was at that gay bar last time, in the middle of so many flirty men.
"Listen, Potter. Don't go thinking just because I am willing to help you in that little plan of yours that I don't have priorities." Malfoy muttered, speaking in a lower tone than usual. "I already have plans for this Sunday. Although it would be amusing to see the faces your childhood friends would pull when they notice the great Harry Potter is gay and his partner is none other than his old rival, I still do not plan on cancelling my appointment for the simple sake of it."
Harry narrowed his eyes while Malfoy simply sipped his wine.
"You know Hermione, Malfoy." Harry spoke after a short silence. "She would figure out something's going on if you don't show up."
"I don't remember owing you anything, Potter. I'm helping you out of pity, so you better not push your luck too far. Your and Granger's problems doesn't concern me." Malfoy's straight stare was enough for Harry to give up.
"But I'll try." Malfoy finally spoke and Harry quickly looked up. "Once I'm done with my appointment I'll be heading to that dinner. I can't promise making it in time so don't get your hopes up."
Harry let out a long sigh and simply nodded.
A long silence followed and each of the two males sipped his drink silently. Few women around were giving them intense stares and it wasn't until one blond-haired girl winked at him, that Harry understood he and Malfoy were attracting attention.
Harry's eyes set on Malfoy's face. The man's eyes were fixing the small paper in front of him which Harry owled him earlier. Looking closer, Harry noticed Malfoy was dressed differently. Instead of the suits he usual puts on, this time Malfoy had selected a dark blue shirt and a pair of jeans. Harry's eyes stopped at Malfoy's chest. His shirt had the two first buttons undone and his smooth skin was slightly visible.
Harry's heart skipped a beat at the thought of how soft it'd feel if he could ever touch it. His eyes refused to move away and his face began to gain a slight shade of red. It wasn't until Malfoy cleared his voice that Harry's eyes lift up to meet the silver ones staring suspiciously right back at him.
"Spacing out, Potter?" Malfoy's voice reached Harry's ear. Harry had never noticed how deep and smooth it sounded.
Compared to years ago, Malfoy had definitely matured. Harry already knew Malfoy's looks were all that was good about him back then. But right now, Harry admitted the Slytherin grew to be a fine handsome man.
Deep down, Harry wanted to believe that Malfoy's personality wasn't as bad either.
Maybe it was time to put the past behind and move on, Harry thought.
"If this conversation is over then I'd better be going." Malfoy suddenly stood up and Harry's hand unconsciously gripped his wrist.
Harry blinked when he realized his own action and Malfoy's stare was an impatient one this time. For some kind of reason, Harry didn't want Malfoy to leave.
"Er, don't you think we should spend more time together?" Harry suddenly spoke. "I mean, think about it, Malfoy. If we're going to pretend to be lovers, might as well get used to each other first. You wouldn't want people to notice we're faking it, do you?"
Harry had a point but that wasn't the reason he was stopping Malfoy from leaving.
Harry's hand began sweating slightly at the touch of Malfoy's skin. His heart started racing when he caught Malfoy staring right at him. Those dark silver eyes of his were so breath-taking. His face, features, hair, they never looked so…Perfect.
"Potter."
Once again, Malfoy's voice dragged Harry out of his thoughts with a jolt. Harry didn't release Malfoy's wrist but hoped his flushing cheeks weren't noticeable.
"Er, Never mind." Harry whispered faintly and apparently Malfoy didn't hear him as his answer was surprising enough.
"We're going to my place." Malfoy quickly answered and Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You said you wanted to know where I live, didn't you? Now get moving before I change my mind."
Malfoy slipped his hand from Harry's hold and walked towards the bar's exit. It took Harry few seconds to understand the situation and rush out to join him.
"Raff told you." Harry stated, breathing faintly fast and hoping Malfoy didn't notice his excitement. It was cold outside and he buried his hands into his coat while walking right after Malfoy.
"Of course he did. He's grown rather fond of you. How troublesome." Malfoy responded calmly.
Harry's eyes followed Malfoy's back as he walked ahead of him. Not only his face but also Malfoy's body matured. His shoulders were wider and the nape of his neck was slightly visible. Few blond hair straps fell over his white skin and if Harry could describe him in one word it would be "Beautiful."
Harry kept trying to deny the fact that he found Malfoy attractive all the way until they reached a small dark alley. Harry suddenly got pulled in.
Malfoy's hand was wrapped around Harry's forearm and Harry noticed the small distance between their faces. Harry's breath hitched but before he could ask what was going on, a weird feeling enveloped him and the whole scenery changed under his eyes.
Harry looked over the few trees now figuring on top of him instead of the gloomy buildings. The night sky was clearly visible and the wind was colder and stronger.
Harry's eyes looked over the landscapes. A manor stood on top of a near hill and Harry got a flashback. Back in the war, Harry remembered how they brought him into the manor along with Hermione and Ron and if it wasn't for Malfoy's denial, they would've ended up dead all three of them.
"The Malfoy manor." Harry whispered.
"Now that you know where it is, you'll have no problem getting here by yourself next time you come by." Malfoy's words were as faint as a whisper but didn't fail to reach Harry's ear.
Was that an invitation for Harry to come by next time? Harry bit his lip in anticipation.
He quickly shook his head. What was going on with him? Each word Malfoy would speak and each way he would act throws Harry's mind into a complete haze. Harry's heart refused to stop racing.
This was starting to bother Harry.
Once the two men stepped into the manor, a small elf appeared at Malfoy's finger snap. Malfoy gave him his wallet and coat and ordered for dinner. The elf then disappeared.
"Don't make me invite you in, Potter. Grab a sit until dinner is ready." Malfoy spoke to Harry whose eyes were traveling all around the wide living room.
"You live alone in here?" Harry curiously asked and took a sit on a chair next to the fireplace. Harry put his coat aside and his body relaxed at the warmth of the place.
"Are you here to get us to know each other or to throw me an interview?" Malfoy muttered and Harry stiffened in his chair.
"I was just wondering. It's pretty big around here. It'll be lonely if you lived by yourself." Harry explained.
Harry regretted talking more about the matter, and decided to remain silent. Malfoy didn't seem to mind his explanation.
"Mother visits often although she's mostly in France with her new husband."
Malfoy seemed rather calm as he poured himself some water and drunk it. Harry's eyes watched as Malfoy's lips touched the edge of the glass.
Harry sighed, forcing his eyes to look away. "I thought you were married. The press made quite the big fuss about it." He continued. He heard a small silence followed by a coughing sound and looked back to notice Malfoy had almost choked on his drink.
Malfoy cleared up his throat, threw Harry a glance then put the glass back down on the table.
"Not like it is any of your business, Potter." Malfoy muttered, clearly displeased with the way the conversation went.
"So you're also divorced?" Harry asked curiously.
"Don't put me in the same line as you. I chose to divorce for many reasons. Unlike you, she didn't cheat on me." Malfoy's words were strict and short.
Harry flinched at Malfoy's words. He wanted to believe that Malfoy had a good side but this irritating attitude of his would never fail to tick Harry off.
An elf appeared right at Harry's feet and Harry jolted in surprise. With a snap of the house elf's finger the table was served. All kind of food Harry had never seen before appeared right under his eyes. The smell of freshly cooked meals reached Harry's nose and the Auror started feeling his empty stomach twist in hunger.
The elf bowed gently and disappeared at Malfoy's signal. Malfoy eyed Harry and simply nodded. Harry understood he was inviting him to eat and didn't hesitate to do so.
The meal was delightful. It took Harry longer than usual to decide his stomach was filled and that he could no longer have another bite from the delicious cheese filled meat figuring in his plate.
Harry's fingers reached for the glass of wine and sipped from it. A soft sweet savor spread through his mouth and turned into a strong burning flavor once the liquid slipped down Harry's throat.
With a long sigh, the glass of wine landed on the table and Harry has finished.
Harry only remembered Malfoy's presence when their eyes met. Apparently the man had finished his meal a while ago and was sipping his wine calmly while waiting for Harry.
"Do you starve yourself to death, Potter?" Malfoy asked with a rather serious expression. Harry felt embarrassed, regretting eating that much in front of him of all people.
"I haven't had a decent meal in ages. Unlike you, I don't have a house elf so I have to cook myself." Harry responded with a satisfied sigh. He rested his back against the chair.
Malfoy finished his glass of wine and with a snap of his finger, the half-eaten meal disappeared along with the cheese filled meat that Harry craved a bit more of. Under Harry's eyes, plates filled with sweets, fruits and all kind of desserts appeared. Harry's appetite was once again open.
"Malfoy." Potter called the man's name as his eyes landed on a chocolate covered cake with a cherry on top of it. "Don't you think we should start using our first names in public?"
Malfoy tasted a bit of his apple pie and served himself more wine. He was elegant even when eating.
"I guess it is an inevitable matter." Malfoy responded. "How far are you planning to go with that plan of yours, anyway?"
Harry swallowed the piece of sweet cake and let out a short sigh of satisfaction.
"A week or two. Time to meet with Hermione and…" Harry's lips closed shut as he remembered the Christmas party Ron told him about. He almost forgot about it and Malfoy would certainly not be pleased to hear that it'll make their fake relationship go public.
"And?" Malfoy repeated, arching an eyebrow. He had left his pie and his eyes fixed Harry.
Harry bit his lip nervously. He put his fork down and grab a tissue to wipe the cream off his mouth, buying himself time to think for an appropriate answer. Which he failed to find.
"Well, since it's soon Christmas as you know, the Minister invited us for a party next Saturday. Apparently I'm invited without my approval, so…" Harry's eyes looked hesitantly up at Malfoy who calmly stared back.
"Invited without your own approval?" Malfoy repeated. "Must be nice being the Chosen One." Malfoy mocked and Harry looked away.
"So, you're asking me to join you in that little party of yours and let everyone else know that Harry Potter's lover is a Malfoy?" Malfoy finally stated and Harry looked back at him, ready for his disapproval.
"Are you sure about this?" Malfoy asked. "You do realize that the word would spread and in one night the whole Wizardly World would know of Harry Potter being gay. Is that what you really want, Potter?"
Malfoy's words came out as serious as his stare. Harry hesitated, not being able to tell if it was sarcasm or Malfoy was really being honest.
The only left option for Harry was to nod. Malfoy rolled his eyes and sipped the rest of his glass's content.
"Fine, whatever." Malfoy simply said.
"Really?" Harry asked, surprised by Malfoy's answer.
"Not like my reputation can get any worse than it already is. The one's reputation who's going to suffer is none other than you, Potter."
Malfoy's words made sense and Harry understood why he was so calm and smooth about this matter.
Harry never cared about his reputation much. He never chose to be famous to begin with and now that he came this far with his plan he wasn't ready to resign.
"I know." Harry said.
Malfoy showed slight confusion but it soon dissipated. He called the house elf once again and the table was clear. Harry hadn't had the chance to finish his chocolate cake but his slight stomachache was signaling him to stop a while ago.
The two men had few more drinks afterwards. Malfoy requested more details about the Christmas party and Harry had to tail him last year's party with his date Ginny. Although he hated mentioning his ex-wife's name, he didn't seem to mind when it was Malfoy who heard him out.
Time passed by quickly and before Harry could notice, it was getting late and he had to leave.
Harry stood up and reached for his coat. He turned back to face Malfoy who stood up as well.
"Well, I guess it's time for me to head back." Harry announced, although he wished he could stay a bit more.
Malfoy walked Harry to the door without a word and Harry started regretting rushing his leave. Harry put his coat on and as the door opened his eyes widened.
Outside, the landscapes and trees were covered with a faint layer of pure white flakes. The earlier clear sky was now covered with dark clouds and the view was beautiful in its own way.
"Snow." Harry affirmed. Harry was about to step outside when Malfoy's grip stopped him.
"If you're stupid enough you'll leave with your neck uncovered." Malfoy explained, narrowing his eyes. "Hold on."
Harry stepped back inside and waited patiently by the door while Malfoy went back in. Harry's heart picked up its pace for the same strange reason Harry ignored. Or rather refused to accept.
Since he met Malfoy today, he had been strangely nervous and excited. Of course Malfoy hasn't changed one bit, except he revealed to be more helpful with Harry's plan. But somehow, Harry managed to not feel offended by any of his remarks. Instead, he was too busy fixing each part of the Slytherin's body, wondering why it looked so beautiful.
Harry jolted out of his thoughts when he heard footsteps walk back his way. Malfoy appeared with a long olive green scarf. He handed it to Harry.
"You didn't have to." Harry hesitated, but ended up accepting the scarf.
"I might be cold-blooded but it doesn't mean I'd let you catch a cold at the end of the day, Potter." Malfoy almost whispered in a smooth tone and Harry noticed he was faintly drunk, which of course was hard to notice on a person like him.
Harry's green eyes fixed the silver ones. A cold chill rushed through the door but Harry's body was fired up, burning inside. He wondered if it was the wine's effect, although he made sure to drink moderately this time.
Malfoy stood right by the door, waiting patiently for Harry to leave but Harry refused to move. Something. Something was holding him back. Just one step. One single step and he'll leave the place but Harry's feet refused to obey him.
Malfoy didn't seem to mind the long wait. He shared silent stares with Harry whose heart was beating so fast he hoped it wasn't obvious. Harry's green eyes traveled down Malfoy's face to land on his lips. They looked smooth just like the rest of the man's body.
Harry remembered few days ago at the bar when Zabini forced himself on him. He could vaguely remember the unwanted kiss he shared with him and right now, Harry was wondering what it would've been like if it wasn't Zabini but Malfoy who kissed Harry.
Harry's heart throbbed hard enough it was almost painful. His breath was getting distinct, clearly heard in the silence.
He had finally figured it out.
"Potter?"
Malfoy's deep voice reached his ear and before Harry could think twice, he found himself leaning forward, closing the distance between him and Malfoy.
A shiver ran down Harry's spine and his mind soon went into a haze. All he could think of was how right he was about Malfoy's smooth lips. They tasted sweeter than he imagined. It must be the taste of Malfoy's favorite wine, Harry concluded.
The moment lasted few seconds but appeared to last an eternity. Finally Harry pulled back to meet the silent, shocked gaze of the man he had just kissed.
Harry's lips parted to find an excuse, but words failed to come out. He had never seen such an expression on Malfoy's face before. The man looked both shocked, terrified and confused.
Harry's lips closed shut and before he could let the man speak a single word he stepped out of the house and ran away.
Back to his apartment, Harry slammed the door shut and let his body fall on the couch. The green scarf Malfoy landed him covered half of his face as he sighed painfully.
"Good job on fucking everything up…" Harry gritted his teeth, hating himself for acting on a whim. He felt guilty, so guilty inside.
That night, Harry couldn't get any sleep. The kissing scene with Malfoy repeated itself over and over again in his mind until the dark clouds lighted up and morning came.