Chapter 6: Last chance
It was Sunday, and Harry was getting ready for the dinner party at Hermione and Ron's place. He wondered what Hermione was getting so excited to announce. Harry has been receiving few more letters from her reminding him to be present.
Harry spent the whole morning trying to get some few hours sleep but failed miserably. He wasn't a morning person and that wasn't helping either. In order to distract himself he headed out to shop for some new clothes.
Later that evening, Harry was dressed in the black suit he bought himself after Malfoy's comment about his old navy one. Harry was struggling to put on his red tie. He had always wondered how after so many years with having Ginny put his ties on for him he still couldn't do it himself.
It was 7 o'clock, and Harry was going to be late. Not only his tie was hard enough to handle, but his hair couldn't stick in place either. It was just another bad day for Harry and he could clearly tell.
Harry slid on his warm coat, threw Malfoy's green scarf around his neck and headed out.
The small warm house was rather welcoming. As soon as he apparated, Harry noticed most of the rooms' lights were already on. The familiar faces of certain people were noticeable through the open windows and Harry was glad to see Neville who after catching Harry's sight, rushed immediately to the door to open it.
"Harry!" Neville called in a cheerful voice. "It's been a while! It's really good to see you after such a long time."
"Hello, Neville. It's good to see you too." Harry replied, giving Neville a quick handshake.
Harry smiled widely and stepped inside the house. The warmth was as welcoming as Harry thought. It reminded him of back when he would join the Weasleys for dinner at The Burrow. Gentle classical music played in the background and it just added a cosy mood to the small place.
Harry's eyes travelled around the wide living room. There was a lot more people than he actually expected and Harry couldn't recognize them all. Hermione must've been so excited that she invited all of their past Gryffindor friends.
Harry's eyes met Luna's and the blond woman rushed to share a hug with him. With the same old gentle smile she invited Harry for a drink but Harry refused politely, remembering how bad it goes every time he gets in touch with alcohol.
"So, Harry. Is it true that you have a lover?" Luna asked after snatching a glass of wine from the table and eyed it suspiciously.
Harry hesitated but nodded.
"We were together for—"
"One month." Luna interrupted. "Hermione told us in the invitation letter. Apparently, everyone present here today is more curious about the identity of your lover rather than Hermione's announcement, which is quite funny." Luna's eyes drifted back to the glass of wine, finally deciding on taking a quick sip from it, showing a pleasant smile afterwards.
Harry let out a sigh. He didn't expect Hermione to tell everyone without asking for Harry's approval first. After all, being gay was still something certain people prefer to be private about. But Luna's following words cleared up Harry's misunderstanding.
"I wonder who the woman is. After yours and Ginny's divorce you must've been quite pleased with your life. But to have someone pull you out of the single zone, she must really be special." Luna smiled warmly and Harry blinked at how much sense her words made. Except that it wasn't a woman but Malfoy, and they weren't dating but faking it.
"What about you, Luna? I heard you and Neville are together now." Harry decided to change the subject.
"For two years, five months and three days." Luna replied cheerfully. "Neville had been thinking of getting married but I think it's too early. I mean, people get married and divorce right after, figuring out it wasn't the right person for them. So why the rush?" Luna innocently explained.
Harry simply nodded, feeling kind of awkward at how Luna's comment hinted for his failed marriage with Ginny.
Talking about Ginny, Harry's smile immediately dropped when he spotted the redhead sitting beside a dark-skinned man that Harry quickly recognized as Dean Thomas. The woman's eyes met Harry's and he simply nodded as a greeting, receiving a small smile from Ginny who turned back to continue her conversation with Dean.
Luna pulled Harry to greet some few old Gryffindor acquaintances. Harry felt more cheerful than earlier. Meeting up with his old friends was definitely a good idea. They exchanged news about their lives, jobs, relationships and Harry had to excuse himself once the talk turned around divorced people which made Harry feel concerned.
It didn't take him long to meet the person he was looking for, when Harry heard his name being called from the other side of the room.
"Harry!" Hermione called and her figure rushed to reach Harry for a tight hug. A bit tighter and Harry might suffocate.
"Hermione." Harry exchanged a quick kiss on the cheek with his best friend.
"You're late. And…" Hermione frowned, eyeing Harry's side as if she was expecting someone to appear right there. Harry understood what she was getting at.
"He couldn't make it. He had an appointment planned." Harry shrugged and Hermione gave him a sorry look. Harry questioned it.
It wasn't until the table was set and all the invited guests sat around it that Harry started feeling uncomfortably lonely. He had just then realized that all his friends had brought dates except for him. He threw Hermione a frown for not telling him earlier but the woman was apparently too happy to notice.
"Alright." Hermione cleared up her voice. After the food was set, she stood up elegantly, looking stunning in her crimson dress and shined a wide smile at everyone around the table.
"I'd like to thank every single one of you for accepting my invitation for today's dinner. It's such an amazing day for me to actually announce this to all of you that I have had considered and still consider as friends. The reason why I called each one of you to assist this dinner tonight is because..."
Hermione took in a deep breath and everyone's attention was drawn towards her.
"I am pregnant, and it's apparently twins." Hermione's words came out softer than usual and Ron's face brightened as he heard them. Ron stood up and took Hermione's hand before sharing a warm kiss with her.
A wave of claps surrounded the room and some few guests left their sits to share a hug with the couple, congratulating them. Harry's smile was the widest and he didn't hesitate to show his happiness to his best friends, wishing them the best of luck.
"Thanks for not telling your best friend earlier, Ron." Harry frowned yet smiled and Ron pointed at Hermione.
"She'd murder me if I did." Ron shrugged and everyone laughed.
Harry sat back on his chair along with everyone else and the meal had finally begun. Hermione's words repeated in his mind. It was quite the announcement and Harry hasn't seen that one coming. Of course he was used to Hermione announcing her promotions and job-related matters but this time, it was totally different and it kind of bothered him.
A part of Harry was happy for his best friends. He wished them all the happiness in the world and for them to live the most joyful life as a family. But another part of him was lonely, left off. Harry felt more and more distant from them and the feeling scared him.
The meal was appetizing and Harry was wondering how Hermione managed to cook so many meals without the help of any house elves. Harry dipped some steak in a moderately spicy sauce before tasting it. He closed his eyes and let out a faint groan at how it deliciously melted in his mouth. Although he had to quickly reach for a bottle of water afterwards. The spicy sauce was a big too strong for him.
"You cooked all this alone?" Harry asked with surprise, staring at his right where Hermione was sitting.
"Of course not, Harry." Hermione answered, quite busy feeding her husband. "Ron and some of our friends helped. Including Neville, Luna and Ginny."
It made more sense. This amount of food was impossible to be the work of one person alone, Harry thought. At Hermione's answer, his eyes lift up to set on the couple he wanted to look at the least right now. Ginny and Dean.
In the same romantic mood as the rest of the couples around the table, Ginny was feeding Dean small portions of grilled chicken and Dean was apparently too busy enjoying the food to return the favour.
Harry's eyes looked back down at his plate. A lonely pea was rolling on there. He was happy to see that Ginny had moved on, that she made her life the way she wanted it to be. Dean had always been the one for her and she just failed to realize it earlier. The thoughts made Harry feel used but he wouldn't blame Ginny since thanks to her, now Harry knows he has a thing for men. More like, he has a thing for Malfoy, but that again was another story.
Harry jolted back from his thoughts when the most unexpected person called him.
"Harry Potter. I heard you've got yourself a partner. How come we haven't had the pleasure to meet her yet?" Dean's deep voice announced and everyone's chatting ceased, their attention drawn towards Harry.
Harry looked around, his eyes landing on Hermione who gave him a worried look. Everyone's eyes were on him and he felt nothing but uncomfortable.
"Er…" Harry hesitated before meeting Dean's gaze. "Like I have told Hermione, they couldn't make it." Harry responded shortly.
"How unfortunate." Dean replied with a rather sarcastic pouting face and Ginny chuckled. "But then who the mysterious person could be? A lot of us here are pretty curious about it."
Harry's guard rose up when his eyes caught the gazes that fixed him with intensity. He didn't know at first that this conversation would turn around his lover. Especially after what happened yesterday, Harry was not even sure if he should be revealing this plan to anyone anymore.
Harry's eyes met Hermione's in a cry for help and he let out a sigh of relief when Hermione stood up and announced with a wide smile.
"Dean, Ginny. Could you both please help me to serve the desserts?" Hermione asked with a simple smile that Ginny and Dean couldn't refuse. With a nod, the three of them left the table.
Harry's eyes looked down at his plate, refusing to meet anyone else's gaze. He felt concerned and begged for nothing but this night to end as quickly as possible.
But how wrong he was, the night has just begun and the worst was to happen.
The table was once again set, dessert was served. Ginny and Dean took seats in front of Harry and shared suspicious looks that Harry knew were those of two people planning for the back-up plan to get Harry reveal his lover's identity.
Harry had never eaten his dessert as slow as he did this night. Each bite was followed by a dry swallowing that left off a harsh chocolate flavour down his throat.
He felt Ginny and Dean's eyes on him, waiting patiently for Harry to finish his meal. Harry was full but asked for a second serve. He felt his stomach about to burst but continued pushing food down his throat. A cold sweat dropped down the corner of his forehead as his fork hit the bottom of the empty plate in front of him.
Harry had finished his meal.
"Such delicious cakes, right Harry?" Dean stated with a faint smirk and Harry nodded.
"Indeed." Harry smiled. "Hermione is quite the cook." He turned the conversation around cooking and began talking about how he enjoyed Hermione's meals whenever he would come over for lunch or dinner. But Harry was wrong to think it was enough for Dean to give up.
"So, Harry, about the previous matter..." Dean started and the door suddenly opened.
Harry's sigh of relief was clearly heard.
All the eyes that previously fixed Harry turned towards the open door. Hermione stood up, wondering who the late guest might be. She didn't bother inviting them in, when the male walked few steps into the warm living room, turning the curious stares on people's faces into shocked ones.
Hermione's eyes widened, Ron stood up right away. Their lips parted, about to say a word or two when they got interrupted abruptly.
"I apologize for the late coming. The appointment took longer than I expected. Made you wait for too long, Harry?"
Harry's eyes were fixing the figure of the man in awe. His voice, smoother than he ever heard him talk in before, surprised him as well as the other guests whose eyes switched back and forth between Harry and him. Malfoy's sudden appearance was enough for Dean to give up on finishing his sentence and for Harry to start wondering if the boyfriend-plan was still on, and if yes, what was he supposed to do.
"Malfoy..." Calling him by his last name was all Harry could do, which was a big mistake when he received Malfoy's glare.
Why? Why was Malfoy here? Why after what happened?
Harry didn't need a second reminder that he kissed Malfoy the night before, without the man's approval and for no reason whatsoever. The idea of him showing up tonight was out of question in Harry's mind, and thus Harry forgot about the plan and put it aside. But the problem is, there he was, Malfoy was right in front of him and now Harry had to improvise.
Harry took in a deep breath and relaxed his expression. His eyes met the gazes around him and nervousness took over once again, turning his whole body into a shivering mess.
"Well, well. I guess we need a little explanation here?" Seamus, who had taken a sit next to Dean spoke and everyone seemed to suddenly regain their senses.
"Why is Malfoy here?" Ron asked, throwing a suspicious stare at Hermione who Harry could hear whisper an "Calm down, Ron." Back at him.
"Have you been properly invited or did you invite yourself in?"
"Are you here to ruin this party? Who invited him?"
Questions kept getting asked here and there, and Malfoy who showed up in his usual elegant gray suit didn't seem to bother answering any of them. His eyes were fixing Harry and it wasn't helping calming Harry's trembling hands.
"He...He's with me." Harry finally spoke.
The few guests who stood up, ready to push Malfoy out of the place sat back down and Malfoy threw a smirk of victory that they hated. At this point, everyone was fixing the two men.
"My. Such manners. Can't even let Harry's date in without making a fuss about it?"
Malfoy confidently stepped in, passing by the alarmed guests and taking a sit right by Harry's side.
It wasn't until Malfoy leaned over, reached Harry's face to plant a small kiss on Harry's cheek, that Harry snapped back to reality and regained his senses.
"Sorry for making you wait, dear." Malfoy soothingly whispered, loud enough for the others to hear.
Harry hated to admit it, but he knew Malfoy was putting an act and he had to play along with it. Malfoy was giving Harry a third chance and if he screws up once again, Malfoy would probably never lend him a hand ever again.
Harry gave Malfoy a simple smile then stood up.
"I apologize for the late introductions." Harry spoke in a confident tone, his hand landing on Malfoy's shoulder. "Everyone, this is Draco Malfoy, my current boyfriend."
It turned worse than Harry had ever imagined. Everyone around the table grew suddenly quiet. Ginny's mouth was agape. Dean was shaking her shoulder in vain. Neville and Luna were staring at each other, as if they were communicating through simple stares. Ron frowned at Hermione who innocently waved her hands as in having no idea about the matter.
"Well, it's...Um, really nice to see you again after all this time, Malfoy." Hermione stated with a forced smile. "Let us have some drinks to celebrate once more." She quickly improvised and left the table.
Hermione gave Harry an intense stare and Harry understood. He immediately excused himself and walked after her, to the kitchen.
Hermione took out her wand and whispered a spell. Harry watched as all the stored drinks around the kitchen lined up on top of the counter. Harry noticed mainly Firewhisky, butterbeer and some other Muggle alcoholic drinks.
Followed by the bottles of drinks, Hermione lined up the glasses. Harry watched as she whispered another spell that Harry recognized as useful for clearing up the table. All the dirty plates showed on the counter. Hermione then used the same spell to make the drinks and glasses disappear and a warm laugh was heard in the living room, the guests certainly pleased at the sight of the so-awaited drinks.
Once done, Hermione turned back to face Harry who stood silently there, waiting for her reaction.
"Malfoy, huh." Hermione stated with a brief sigh. "Is that the reason why you've been hiding it from me all these past few months? You thought I'd be angry if I knew? You thought I wouldn't accept it?"
Hermione was trying to speak calmly but her tone gave her off. She was angry.
"Harry?" She repeated, not content with the current silence.
"...Yes." Harry replied with a long sigh. He knew there was no way for him to tell her the truth. Not right now at least.
Hermione's expression softened. She moved closer and wrapped her arms around Harry who jolted slightly.
"You're wrong Harry. You've always been wrong." Hermione's reassuring voice sighed. "I've always accepted you for who you are. I don't care if you like men or women, if your lover is your old enemy. I don't care as long as you're happy. Because that's the only thing I care about, Harry, your happiness and nothing else." She showed a gentle smile. Her hand went to rest on Harry's chest.
"You might've not seen it yourself, but for the past few months after your divorce with Ginny, I noticed you've gotten gloomier, sadder. You were distant, Harry. Even Ron could tell." Hermione explained. "I wanted to change that. As your best friend, I wanted only your happiness. I don't want us to be separated. So I took the matter into my hand, and started seeking the woman that would bring back the smile on your face. I knew it was a hard task, epecially after the divorce, but I couldn't just let Ginny's mistake ruin your life, Harry!"
Harry's eyes widened at Hermione's words.
"You knew... About Ginny?!" Harry immediately asked and Hermione looked aside, showing a small nod.
"So you knew. Just like everyone else." Harry bit his lip then let out a faint laugh. "I'm always the last one to know, after all. I bet you all pitied me while she spent her nights with Dean when I thought she was at your place. Even Ron lied to me... Just...Just great!"
Harry turned his back to Hermione and tried to hold back his anger. He didn't know any of this. He didn't want to believe it. His friends knew about Ginny's affair with Dean but didn't say a thing about it. Even Malfoy knew. Who knows how many others do. Harry felt pitiful.
"Harry, it's in the past now! You've gotten over Ginny. It doesn't matter anymore! That's why... That's why I invited her tonight." Hermione calmly explained. "I wanted her to see that you moved on as well, that you've found your happiness, Harry."
Hermione's words calmed his boiling anger. The reason why Hermione invited everyone tonight and told them about his lover was for everyone to see that Harry had moved on. But had he really?
Did Harry move on?
After the heart aching separation with Ginny, Harry almost Obliviated himself. He wanted to forget that part of his life. He wished he could just live without the bad memories who'd come haunting him every single time. So Harry decided to simply forget and he succeeded. But his heart was nothing but an empty shell. But with Malfoy's arrival in Harry's life, everything changed.
"So that was it..." Harry finally concluded.
"Harry?" Hermione looked worriedly at her friend.
Harry gave her a faint smile. "There's something I need to tell you, Hermione, but it'll have to wait a bit more until I'm ready. Please be patient until then."
Hermione showed a confused look but she soon nodded with a smile.
"Let us join the others for a drink. You wouldn't want to make your boyfriend wait, would you?" Hermione teasingly nudged him and stepped ahead back towards the living room. Harry trailed after.
Right as he walked out of the kitchen, a hand wrapped around Harry's waist and the man felt himself getting pulled towards the living room.
"Where have you been all this time? Making your lover wait. Now where are your manners?"
Malfoy's small smirk was so close that Harry felt himself holding back his breath until they reached an empty couch. Few other couples were sitting around the place, eyeing the two men as if they were the centre of attention. Malfoy's squeeze around Harry's waist was a signal for Harry to play along.
Dean and Ginny were sitting right in front of the two and Harry wanted Ginny of all people see that he moved on, so Harry didn't hesitate to put on his perfect act.
"My bad. I guess it cannot be helped now, can it? How about I make it up for you?" Harry showed a quick grin full of confidence. He had never felt so sure of himself.
Malfoy's slight surprise was clear on his face but he quickly managed to get his flirty attitude back. He leaned closer until his breath was slightly caressing Harry's cheek.
"I would love to see that." Malfoy whispered in the most seductive tone. Harry's heart skipped a beat.
Harry looked down at Malfoy's lips and yesterdays' kiss reminded him of how delicious and soft they were. He wondered if kissing and touching was part of the plan. He wondered if he could kiss Malfoy, just one more time, and get away with it.
To Harry's surprise, it was Malfoy who leaned close to claim Harry's lips. The smooth tender caress of his lips against his was enough for the Auror to forget about all his current worries and focus on the moment.
Sadly, it ended as quick as it started. Malfoy pulled slowly back and Harry's half-lidded eyes almost caught a hint of desire in the man's gray stormy eyes that immediately went to fix the cups of Firewhisky on the table. It might've been his imagination, Harry thought.
Harry noticed the clear shock on Ginny's face. He wouldn't blame her since he was himself shocked. But this was all part of the act and Harry had to keep reminding himself that.
"Would you like some, Harry?" Malfoy asked, handing over the glass of Firewhisky.
"Thank you, Draco." Harry wanted to refuse but found himself smiling and gladly accepting the glass. He sipped some of the Firewhisky and caught the sight of Malfoy who drank slowly the content of his own glass. His lips parted slightly to receive the liquid into his mouth. He was so elegant and gentle that Harry had to quickly look away before it becomes an addiction.
Now that he thought about it. Harry knew little of Malfoy's current situation. He hadn't asked about Malfoy's personal life. Well, he tried once and got strictly rejected. Malfoy didn't seem the kind of person to reveal his personal information that easily. But if he tries right now, Harry thought maybe he would be more responsive.
"So, Draco. How was the appointment?" Harry asked and noticed Malfoy who almost choked on his drink. That's when he knew he shouldn't have asked.
It took Malfoy a while to set the empty cup down on the table and sit back next to Harry before he could speak.
"Well, good I guess." Malfoy shortly replied. "Why the sudden question? Did you miss me?" Malfoy's smirk set Harry wondering if he could really step over the line or not. Harry shrugged and asked anyways.
"Who have you met?" Harry said and Malfoy sighed.
Harry wondered if he would ever receive an answer. To his surprise, Malfoy's arm wrapped around his neck and he leaned closer to whisper low enough for only Harry to hear.
"You're quite the nosy prat today, aren't you, Potter?"
Harry bit his lip, and looked aside. He knew he had pulled a string he shouldn't have touched, but his interest towards Malfoy has been growing admirably for the past few days. Harry wanted to know more about him.
Malfoy crossed his legs and comfortably turned to face Harry.
"I met with my ex-wife to plan for an official divorce." Malfoy spoke in a rather calm, clear tone. It was loud enough that the few couples around turned back to face them.
Harry's eyes shot open in the most surprised way.
"I thought you were already divorced!" Harry's voice rose up unconsciously. His glare pierced Malfoy's and for a second he forgot this was all an act.
He really had thought Malfoy was divorced. Last time he was at the manor, Malfoy had told him he wasn't with his wife anymore, that he was single, just like Harry. Was it a lie?
More of the guests' eyes turned towards the two men and Malfoy quickly stood up. He grabbed Harry's wrist and pulled him out of the living room.
"Excuse us for a second. We need to catch some air." Malfoy simply stated with a wide smirk before he headed towards backyard, pulling Harry after him.
Harry's anger took over him and he immediately snatched away his hand.
"What the hell was that, Potter? Are you trying to mess everything up?" Malfoy's real attitude came back, tossing aside his sweet gentle act.
"You lied to me, Malfoy! You said you were divorced when you weren't!" Harry shouted.
"I was, It just wasn't official. Now quit it, will you? It's not like my personal life concerns you in any kind of way."
Harry took in a deep breath and let his body fall against the wooden backdoor. Malfoy was right. It doesn't concern him. This was all an act and it will end sooner or later. How harsh the reality could be.
"Quit acting like an annoying git and let us head back in before they could suspect a thing." Malfoy stopped right in front of Harry who blocked the door. Harry redressed himself back up, took a grip of Malfoy's collar and flipped them over to slam Malfoy against the door.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, Potte—"
Malfoy couldn't finish his sentence when Harry's lips forced themselves on his. Harry nibbled on Malfoy's bottom lip, barely hurting it. Malfoy hissed. Harry's tongue travelled over the bitten lip and sucked off the drops of blood. The kiss was rougher than usual and reflected Harry's current temper. Malfoy simply stood there, without kissing back nor pushing Harry away from him.
The kiss lasted a whole minute before Harry decided to pull back. He met Malfoy's astonished gaze and simply retreated.
"This isn't an act now, is it?" Harry spoke one last time before holding the door open. "You shouldn't have showed up, Malfoy."
After those last few words, Harry disappeared behind the door, leaving Malfoy alone in the backyard. Malfoy's fingers trailed over his bottom lip, hissing faintly at the small cut.
Harry ignored the eyes fixing him around the living room and rushed to get his coat. He put it on as well as his green scarf and headed out of the house.
The night was freezing cold but Harry decided to walk the whole way back home. The chilling breeze might clear up his mind a bit, he thought.
"This is it, huh..." Harry let out a long sigh and looked up at the dark sky.
Harry laughed faintly at his miserable situation and walked the lonely road back to his gloomy apartment. His heart was broken and nothing could be fixed now...
I should deeply apologize for this extremely late chapter. I had a lot going on these past week and I wasn't in any mood to write. I am glad my mood came back now, so I'll make sure to write this story through. The ending is near...!