Day 1

The next morning, Harry was already at breakfast when Ron and Hermione came in. They sat down across the table and started filling their plates. "How was your night?" Harry asked.

Ron choked on his eggs. Hermione smacked him on the back and gave him an annoyed look. "It was great," she said, with an overly bright smile.

Harry rolled his eyes, figuring he didn't want to know. He looked down when an owl dropped a small package in front of him. He just stared at it instead of reaching for it. He knew better than to touch packages or letters from unknown people. He looked at Hermione with puppy eyes.

Hermione rolled her own eyes. "Fine, Harry. I'll check it, but you really need to learn these charms yourself." She waved her wand in a few complicated movements, muttering under her breath. "There's no spells, charms, or potions on it. It's perfectly safe."

Harry reached over and picked up his package. He pulled at the wrapping and opened it up. A snitch fell out. It wasn't like any ordinary snitch. It was still golden, but it had swirls of color that seemed to move and pulse. He also noticed his initials delicately carved into it. It was absolutely gorgeous.

"That's really pretty," Hermione said. "Wait, there's a note."

Harry looked up and grabbed the letter from her, ignoring her sputtered "Hey!" He read the note.

Dear Harry,

I know how much you enjoy Quidditch. It's one of the few things that allowed you freedom to enjoy your life over the years. I've always loved watching you play. You're always so peaceful while you're waiting to spot the snitch. What I love most, though, is the excitement and determination in your eyes when you're chasing it. It takes my breath away every time. This snitch was given to me when I got my first broom. I've had it for 12 years. My father always wanted to play Seeker even though he was never very good at it. He hoped that I would be if I practiced from the time I was a small child. I played with it every day until I came to Hogwarts. Then, I played with it every day I was home during breaks. I've charmed the colors on it, and they react to you. The happier you are, the brighter the colors will be. I'm terrible at the spell for inscriptions, so I had a friend do that for me. This is the first of many gifts. You can think of it as part of my apology. I'm hoping you will, one day, give me a chance to explain. I had my reasons. I will tell you when you're ready to hear them. Consider this fair warning; I'm not giving up. I will continue to send you gifts and letters until I get a real chance.

Love,

Draco

Harry drew in a shaky breath. He looked over at the Slytherin table and saw Draco watching him. Draco gave him his favorite smile. Harry grabbed his things, including his gift and letter, and left the Great Hall.

Draco gave a sigh, but he wasn't too disappointed. He knew Harry wouldn't forgive him right away. Honestly, he wouldn't really want Harry if he gave in too easily.

Day 5

Harry sat at breakfast, trying not to fall asleep in his eggs. He didn't get much sleep the night before. He had been thinking too much about everything. Draco was sending him a gift and letter every day. He secretly loved the letters. They always had some small tidbit about Draco's childhood and showed a different side that he had never seen before. He still couldn't forgive him, though. He knew that Draco would eventually give up as long as he didn't acknowledge the gifts. That was his new plan. He would just throw anything that Draco sent him away. He was just starting to nod off and was 2 inches away from his plate when Hermione nudged him.

"Harry, wake up. You need to eat. We have class soon."

"I'm just so tired, Hermione," Harry whined.

"Don't whine. It's unbecoming," Hermione said, absently.

Harry started muttering under his breath. "Can't a guy whine without everyone having a problem with it? 'A Malfoy does not whine, Mr. Potter.' 'Don't whine. It's unbecoming.' I'll whine if I want to. I'm a grown man now. I can do what I want."

Hermione hid a smile. Honestly, Harry was too adorable sometimes. "Oh, look, Harry. You got something."

Harry looked up to see another package. This one was a little bigger. Without thinking, he grabbed it.

"Really, Harry. That could have had a spell on it."

"We both know who it's from. Now, it's getting destroyed."

"Harry, no! He went to the trouble of getting it for you. The least you can do is see what it is."

Harry glared at Hermione, but she just stared back until he sighed and opened it. Out came a slice of treacle tart and another letter.

Dear Harry,

I've watched you across the Hall for the better part of 6 years. I know this is your favorite. You might be surprised to hear this, but I'm rather good in the kitchen. Who would have thought? My mother loved cooking and baking when I was younger. I used to join her to spend time with her. My father wasn't very happy about that, but my mother refused to let him interfere. She taught me everything she knew. I've been learning since I was 4. I don't care if it sounds arrogant, but I guarantee this is better than anything the house elves can make. It has a preservation spell on it, so you can eat it now or later. I hope you like it. I've never made anything for anyone other than my parents.

Love,

Draco

Harry sat there for a few minutes after reading the letter. He was slightly amused that Draco went from being confident that it was better than the food they got from the house elves to seeming insecure about someone trying his food. This still didn't make up for anything that happened, though. Without looking at Draco, he got his stuff together and left the Great Hall.

Day 5 Draco POV

Draco was very nervous about giving Harry something edible that he had made. No one even knew that he could cook other than his parents. He knew he was really good at it. Despite his initial concern, his father loved for Draco to cook for him. His father had never been very generous with praise, but he had been genuinely amazed the first time he tried something that Draco had made. There was always the chance that Harry wouldn't like it, though. He looked up as he realized that there was an owl for him. It was a letter from his father.

Dear Son,

News had reached me about your situation. I will be coming to the school tonight to meet with you. Meet me in Severus's quarters at 7.

Love,

Father

He figured his father had gone along with the scheme to make sure nothing happened to him. He didn't know how his father would react to knowing the whole thing had been a lie. There was no way he could get out of it. He would just have to deal with whatever his father wanted.

HPDM

Draco was standing outside of Snape's rooms. He still had a few minutes so he took a couple of deep breaths before knocking. Snape opened the door and stepped back to let him in.

"I'll leave you two alone. I have a meeting with Dumbledore anyway. I'll be back in an hour."

Draco watched Snape leave before turning to his father.

"It's good to see you, Draco."

"You, too, Father."

"Come now, Draco. You're not in trouble. There's no need to be so formal."

Draco grinned. "I missed you, Dad."

"I missed you, too, Son. Have a seat. We do need to talk."

Draco sat on the couch while Lucius sat in the armchair.

"What do we need to talk about?"

Lucius smirked. "Your split from Potter. Do not lie to me. I know that you never lost your memory. I know it was all a lie. I know that he found out, and he is no longer speaking to you. I want to know why you lied."

Draco breathed deeply. "Do you remember when I was 7? Mum had those ladies over for a visit. She had made peach cobbler for them."

Lucius smiled. "Ah, yes. You asked the house elves for something sweet. They didn't realize the cobbler was for the guests, so they gave it to you."

"Mum was furious with me. She demanded to know why I was eating the treat she had made for her guests. I was in tears and trying to tell her that the house elves gave it to me when you walked in. Do you remember what you said?"

Lucius gave a Draco a knowing look. "I told you that a Malfoy owes no one an explanation for their behavior."

Draco smirked. "Precisely. So, you will understand when I tell you that I won't explain why I did it."

Lucius sat in silence for a few moments. "I just want to know if this was a prank or if you want him. I need to know what to expect in the future or if I should do damage control."

Draco didn't say anything at first. He finally said, "I want him."

Lucius gave a small nod. "A Malfoy always gets what he wants. He is an acceptable choice. I thought you really had lost your memory. You certainly had me fooled last time I was here. When you got your memory back, I was going to do my best to get you to agree to marry him."

Draco looked confused. "Why? He's not a pureblood and he's a man."

"He saved you and your mother. He's very powerful and influential. Honestly, he's a better match than any woman we could hope for. Severus has already started looking into a potion to allow Potter to carry a child."

Draco blushed. Slowly and nervously, he said, "What if I wanted to carry the child?"

Lucius blanched. "Tell me you're joking. You're a Malfoy. You are not meant to be a bottom."

Draco blushed harder. He mumbled, "I wouldn't mind."

Lucius looked closely at his son. "You've already been a bottom?!"

Draco looked away. "It was just once."

Lucius growled. "Potter told me you hadn't had sex. That lying, little-"

"No, he was telling the truth! We hadn't done anything at that point. We did it the night before it all went to hell."

"I told him a Malfoy is always a top. Why didn't he listen?"

"Dad, it's okay. I didn't want to be top. I, er, wanted him, um, inside me."

Lucius groaned. "Why? Why must you always destroy my plans?"

"Dad, your plans are just that. Your plans. This was about me, so I did what I wanted. You just said earlier that a Malfoy always gets what he wants."

"And I want a son that is a top."

"We're done talking about this."

"No, we are not."

"This is embarrassing! I'm not talking to you about this anymore. I have a plan to get Harry back. I'm working on it. Leave it to me. I messed up. Big time. I'm going to fix it."

"I'm proud of you, Son. A Malfoy always acknowledges his mistakes. You'll make a fine man."

"Thanks, Dad."

Day 12

Harry hadn't been able to ignore the gifts. Hermione wouldn't let him. She always made him open them. They were all things he had liked. What he liked most was that Draco wasn't flashing his money about to try to impress him. Everything he sent Harry was something he had made, he already had, or something that didn't cost much. It seemed like he was actually taking time to put thought into all of the gifts. He was keeping everything in this beautiful carved box that Draco had sent him on the 7th day. Apparently, it had been a gift from Draco's grandfather. He had bought it for Draco to keep Quidditch memorabilia in and had told Draco it would be a good gift for his intended. Harry was pretty sure that Draco's grandfather had never thought his intended would be a man. Draco had placed an extension charm on it so it would fit anything that Harry wanted into it.

Harry was actually looking forward to his gifts now, even though he never said it or showed it. He kept an eye out and soon an owl dropped a package. He picked it up and opened it. Just a letter came out. He was confused. There was always a gift. He ignored his disappointment and read the letter.

Dear Harry,

I hope you're not disappointed that your gift did not come out. There is a reason for it. Your gift today is actually not allowed at Hogwarts. You mentioned once that Hedwig was your first and only pet. I got you another. Severus breeds snakes for their venom. Snake venom can be expensive and Severus uses it quite a lot for potions. He's managed to acquire quite a few of them. Due to the breeding, sometimes he finds himself with more than he can handle. He has agreed to let me give you one of the newest hatchlings when they are ready. They were hatched last night. Since they are not allowed, Severus will keep the one you choose with the rest of them until we are out of school. You can visit whenever you want. All you have to do is go to Severus and ask him to show you where they are. He's planning to go to them after breakfast so I would suggest you ask him quickly. I was there when they hatched, and they're adorable. I've been there for almost every hatching since I was 8. It's amazing to watch. I would love to show you one day. I know you would enjoy it.

Love,

Draco

Harry was in shock for a few moments. He couldn't believe that Snape had agreed for one of his snakes to go to him. He loved snakes. They were simple creatures and were rarely as dangerous people thought. They usually left people alone unless they felt threatened. He looked up to see Snape walking towards the door. He jumped up and ran after him. He caught up to him outside the Great Hall.

"Professor! Professor, wait!"

"Oh, were you talking to me, Potter? I just assumed you were talking to someone else since you actually used a term of respect."

"I'm sorry, sir. Draco sent me a letter about your snakes, that you agreed to let me have one."

"That is true. I was on my way now, if you would like to join me."

Harry stared after him in confusion. That was way too mild for Snape. He hurried after him as Snape walked down to the dungeons. He turned a few corners and ended up in front of a door he had never seen. It was right across from the Potions classroom but he could have sworn it wasn't there before. He looked at Snape who smirked.

"Did you think I would allow for all students to know the location? No one can even see the door unless I make it so. I have several rare breeds. I cannot risk them coming up missing."

Harry followed Snape inside. There were tanks all over the shelves. He had never seen so many snakes in the same place. "Do they stay in there all the time?"

"No. I allow them to roam free. There is a small magical doorway in the corner. They can go though it to get outside and they come back when they're ready to rest. I don't close the tanks so they don't feel trapped. They're very well trained. They don't try to squeeze, bite, or eat anyone. Some of them aren't very friendly and just tend to stay away from people and other snakes. Only the new hatchlings stay in the tanks. They're not ready for the outside yet. They need a little more time. Come, their tank is over here."

Harry followed him over to a shelf. Snape carefully slid the tank off the shelf and sat it on a table. "Why didn't you use magic to get it out?"

"It's not wise to use magic around hatchlings. It tends to spook them. The other snakes will teach them that there is nothing to be afraid of, but I don't use magic around them until they are a month old. I would suggest not picking them up yet since they are not even a whole day old. You can touch them, though. Let me know which one you want."

Harry moved closer and noticed that there were 7 baby snakes in the tank. They were so small and cute. He reached in and slowly slid his finger over one. It slid away from him. He hunched down to look through the glass. One snake slid over and got eye to eye with him.

"Hello," Harry hissed.

"Hello, who are you?" the snake hissed back.

"My name is Harry."

"Are you my mother?"

Harry chuckled. "No, but I am looking for a companion."

"I would make a good companion. Will you take me?"

"I can't take anyone yet. All of you are too small for me to take. I'm not allowed to have a snake in school, so I have to wait until I'm done. I get to choose, and I will come by for visits until I leave school."

"Will you choose me?"

"I think I will. What is your name?"

"I do not have one."

"I will pick a name and see if you like it. I need time to pick one, though."

"That is fine. Will you come back soon?"

"I will come back in a few days."

"That is acceptable."

The snake slithered away. Harry looked up at Snape whose eyes were wide. "I'm sorry, Professor. I tend to forget that people don't like when I talk to them."

Snape cleared his throat. "I am not afraid or disgusted, Potter. Just surprised. I didn't know you could still talk to them. "

"Yeah, that ability never went away. I want the one I was just talking to. She seems friendly. She said she wanted me to choose her."

"How did you know it was a 'she'?" Snape asked, curiously.

"I'm not really sure. I can always tell when I talk to them if it's a boy or girl."

"Interesting. I'll put her in a tank of her own so there is no confusion. You can come back whenever you like to see her. You won't be able to bring anyone with you, however. I've added your magical signature to the approved list so feel free to come and go as you please."

Harry was still surprised at how civil Snape was being. "Thank you, Professor."

"Please do not speak of this room to anyone. I don't need students trying to find it."

"Of course not. I'll probably be back in a few days. I told her I needed time to come up with a name."

"That is fine. Have a good day, Mr. Potter."

"You, too, Professor.

Harry left the room and headed to his common room, never noticing Draco standing at the end of the hall. Draco smiled and headed to his own common room.