"Something gave you the nerve
To touch my hand"
-Taylor Swift "It's Nice to Have a Friend"
Draco sat on the garden bench wondering how tea time would go with Potter. Again, his nerves were getting the better of him. He always wanted to be friends with him if he could not have more. Could not have more? In what world would Potter ever think of him as a friend, let alone more?
Throughout his childhood Draco kept hearing about The Boy Who Lived and he was always curious about the hero. His father was livid that Potter "defeated" Voldemort when he was a baby. Though it was really Lily Potter who defeated Voldemort since it was her ultimate sacrifice and love that kept Harry safe. Harry? Why did I just refer to him as Harry just now? What is wrong with me?
Draco was so lost in thought that he did not notice Winky had arrived. "Master Draco, Mr. Harry Potter has arrived for tea. Shall I escort him into the sitting room?"
He looked at Winky kind of confused. Then realisation set in and his eyes went wide that Potter was here, in his house, ready for tea. "Yes Winky please take him into the sitting room. Also, inform Mother of his arrival. I will be there momentarily." Draco needed to compose himself before entering into hell. He sighed and did a few breathing exercises to prepare himself. He had to remember to be on his best behaviour. Finally, he walked into his house.
As Draco entered the sitting room, he saw his mother conversing with Potter quite amiably. He smiled at the sight. He had not seen his mother this animated in awhile.
Narcissa noticed that her son entered the room. "Ah Draco darling. You finally graced us with your presence. Come sit." Her eyes were dancing with delight.
Potter looked at him curiously and smiled. "Hello Malfoy. It's been awhile. How have you been?"
Draco eyed him suspiciously. "Hello Potter. All things considered I have been doing pretty well. Thank you for your concern. How about yourself?"
He could see Potter's eyes light up when he actually was polite. Potter's smile got wider. "I'm glad you're okay, Malfoy. I've been doing pretty good considering. Thanks for asking."
Narcissa looked at both boys and smiled. "Who is ready for some tea? I certainly am. Winky, bring us some tea and sandwiches please."
Winky scurried and said "Yes Mistress Malfoy. It's my pleasure."
Narcissa looked at Potter. "Harry, I was wondering how the restoration of Hogwarts was going. Will it be ready for the coming school year?"
Potter's face soured a bit. "Mrs. Malfoy, it's slow going but it will be ready for the fall session. At least that's what Headmistress McGonagall has been saying so far. She's impressed by the progress everyone has been making. Actually, you and Draco should come by and see what we've been doing."
When Potter called him by his first name, Draco felt his face heat up a bit. He tried and failed to keep his mother and Potter seeing his reaction. "Malfoy, did I say something wrong?"
Narcissa chuckled softly. "Harry, I believe you embarrassed my son by calling him Draco. I do not think you ever called him by his first name." What his mother said made him blush even harder and he averted his eyes.
"Mother, why did you have to embarrass me even more? Can you not see I am already suffering?" Draco angrily said. He felt like he was going to cry but he had to calm himself. He already allowed Potter to see him vulnerable in sixth year. He could not allow it again.
Potter was about to say something when Winky returned with tea and sandwiches. "Here are your sandwiches and tea. I hope you enjoy what I've made Mr. Harry Potter." Winky bowed.
Potter smiled at Winky. "Thank you Winky. I appreciate it. And you may call me Harry if you'd like."
Winky smiled back. "You're very welcome, Harry." She popped out of the room.
Potter smirked. "Draco, do you have a problem with me calling you by your first name? I thought we were over childish antics." He took a huge bite out of his sandwich waiting for Malfoy's response.
Draco smirked back. "Harry, I did not know we got passed our differences. That is news to me."
Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Boys, please be kind to each other. Harry, I believe you came by for a reason?" She sipped her tea and took a bite of her sandwich.
Potter blushed a bit. "Oh right yes I did. Draco, I brought something that once belonged to you." He brought a long box out and placed on the table.
Draco looked at the box confused. "What is in the box, Potter? I do not want to touch something without knowing what is in it."
Potter chuckled and shook his head. "Draco, it's nothing bad. Please trust me when I say I don't want to hurt you. I just want to return something to you." He opened the box and pushed it in front of Draco.
Sitting in the box was Draco's wand that Potter stole during his ill fated visit to the Manor. "Potter, you really did not have to return my wand. Besides, its allegiance is to you now. I am sure you did not think about that little important fact."
Draco ate a sandwich and drank some tea while waiting for Potter's reply. He smirked smugly because Potter was still trying to figure out what he'd say back.
Narcissa watched both boys bantering back and forth. "I am sure Harry thought of that little fact, Draco darling."
Potter looked at both Malfoys. "Actually I did think of that Malfoy. Believe it or not. I know what you think of my intelligence. I talked to Hermione about that little fact of allegiance and she found a way to counteract what happened. She found a potion that you have pour onto the wand. It made the wand revert back to its original owner status. It was quite brilliant." He smiled thinking about how Hermione found a way to rectify what he did.
Draco's eyes went wide. He never heard of such a potion before but he knew Granger could and would find something like that. "I really do not know what to say, Potter."
"I had a feeling you'd say that. A simple 'thank you' would suffice I believe." Potter said smugly.
Draco glared at Potter. "Thank you, Chosen One. I so appreciate such a grand gesture." He said sarcastically.
Potter rolled his eyes once again. "There's no need to be nasty about it. I just thought I'd return your wand to you and see how both you and your mother were doing. I want to start over with you, Draco. Why can't we just get along? The war is over and we're not longer enemies. I thought that much was obvious when I spoke at each of your trials on your behalf. I actually want to be your friend or at the very least get to know my ex-rival. Would that be so horrifying for you?" Harry looked hurt that Draco was not responded how he had hoped.
Draco felt bad about how he reacted to such a nice gesture on Potter's part. He sheepishly looked at him. "Harry, I am sorry. I am just not used to nice gestures from people aside from my mother. I apologise for my abhorrent behaviour. I would like to start over with you as well." He tried to smile at Potter.
Narcissa observed their interaction. She finished her tea and sandwich. "Boys, I am going to take my leave. I believe you have a lot of issues to suss out. Enjoy and do try to be kind to each other." She nodded to Harry and left the room.
Draco watched his mother leave and suddenly realised he would be alone with Potter. That thought just made his face heat up once again.
As Draco was about to say something to Potter, his ex-rival stood up and came around to his side of the table. Potter held out his hand to Draco. "Hello my name is Harry Potter. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Draco stood up and took ahold of Potter's hand. "It is nice to meet you as well, Harry. My name is Draco Malfoy." He gave Harry a genuine smile.
Both seemed to realise they were still holding each other's hands and awkwardly let go and stood in front of each other not knowing what to say or do.
Draco really liked holding Harry's hand. Very soft and gentle Harry's hand was. He never wanted to let go. Ugh again with ogling Harry and having inappropriate thoughts about his Saviour.
As Harry returned to his seat across from Draco, he also thought he did not want to let go of his ex-rival's hand.
Once both boys were seated again, they tried to avoid eye contact with one another. Though quite unsuccessfully. Both finished their tea and sandwiches in silence.
After what seemed like an eternity, Draco observed Harry. "Potter, I mean Harry, does this mean we are friends now?" He asked nervously.
Harry smiled at him. "I believe so. But what do friends usually talk about?" He eyed Draco curiously.
Draco chuckled a little. "You act like you have never had friends before. It is a little bizarre if you ask me. Though to answer your question, friends usually talk about their interests to one another."
Harry blushed once again. "No one asked you. Oh wait I did ask you. We could talk about quidditch? That's the only thing I know we have in common." Harry fidgeted nervously.
"Yes we do have quidditch in common. We should have a seekers game sometime if you ever return to the Manor. As for interests, I could start with what I do in my spare time. I have been playing piano since I was a child. I always found peace playing. Especially during the darker time living in the Manor. I needed the distraction sadly." Draco said softly.
Harry stared at Draco in wonder. "Actually I'd love to come by for a seekers game. It would be nice to make more pleasant memories here. The piano? How am I not surprised you play. Would you ever play for me? I always liked the sound of the piano. I have to agree that it's peaceful." He said hopefully.
Draco smiled a bit too widely at Harry's response. "Harry, would you like to go out and sit by the garden? I know you were only going to stay for afternoon tea but it is pleasant being around you." He blushed a little.
"Really?! You want me to stay longer? I really didn't want to overstay my welcome. I'm pleasant to have around?" Harry said astounded. He kept on staring at staring at Draco wondering what he was thinking about.
"I mean you do not have to stay if you rather not. I just thought we could get to know each other more. I mean we are trying to be friends. I thought it would make sense if you stayed awhile longer. I am sorry it was a silly idea. Forgive my forwardness." Draco rambled nervously.
Harry giggled softly. "You're kinda cute when you're nervous." He blurted out. He then felt his face heat up quite a bit. "I mean to say I'd like to stay longer. I enjoy your company surprisingly."
Draco stood and started walking to the terrace. "Are you coming? Just follow me."
Harry awkwardly stood up and followed Draco out to the terrace and down the stairs to the garden. They walked side by side to the bench in the garden. As they walked, their hands brushed. Both felt shocks which was unknown to the other. They finally got to the bench and sat next to each other in silence.
Still sitting in silence, both observed one another. "So Harry, what would you like to talk about? Interests? Relationships?" Draco inquired.
Harry looked Draco in the eye. "Relationships? What do you mean? Like who we have dated or want to date? That's a bit too personal for new friends, don't you think? I thought you just wanted to know about my interests."
Draco looked away embarrassed at what he asked Harry. "I am sorry. I did not mean to pry. You do not have to tell me anything too personal if you would prefer."
"I was just teasing you, Draco. As you know I was with Ginny." Harry informed his new friend.
"I recall. Wait, what do mean 'was'? I thought you two were forever or something." Draco said.
Harry contemplated what to say next. "Funny story. It turns out when we were separated during the beginning of the war she became interested in Luna Lovegood. Like you, I thought we were forever or something."
"Oh my. I am sorry to hear that. I really did not mean to pry." Draco said awkwardly.
"It's fine, Draco. Really it is. After everything I'm just happy for her and Luna. To be honest, I was a bit surprised though. How about you? Dating anyone? I always thought you were with Parkinson." Harry said.
Draco started laughing. "Pansy?! She is just my best friend much like Granger to you. She is actually dating Blaise Zabini. And truthfully she is not my type. Well, more like not the gender I am interested in."
Harry's head whipped around in shock and stared at Draco. "She's with Zabini? I wasn't expecting that. But I'm glad she found someone. Hold on, did I hear you correctly? You're not into women?"
Draco's face turn a bit red in embarrassment at his confession. "I did not mean to be so forthright but yes you heard correctly. I am not into women. I figured out that was the case during fourth year while the Triwizard Tournament was going on actually."
Harry actually smiled. "Let me guess Victor Krum was your tipping point?" He chuckled.
Again Draco laughed. "Actually, no. Though Krum is very easy on the eyes."
Harry's eyes went wide. "Really? You had a thing for Cedric Diggory?! Imagine a Slytherin getting hot and bothered by a Hufflepuff. That's just wow. If your father ever knew, he'd have a coronary." He said surprised.
Draco was not sure how to respond. "My father would be upset to know I was not into women in general since he wanted to continue the Malfoy name. He always said he did not raise his son to be an abomination. He wanted to force me to marry a woman and have, at least, have one child with her. I guess I should thank you for not helping him during his trial. Otherwise, I would not be able to live my life the way I want to. My mother never took issue with my sexual preferences. She just wanted me to find love and be happy. And it was not Diggory either. Though he is also easy on the eyes." He said at ease.
Harry smiled. "You're very welcome then. I didn't know he was that strict but I'm also not surprised. I'm happy your mother is much more accepting. Wait if you weren't into Krum or Diggory, the only other guy was me. You couldn't possibly have had a thing for me! We were rivals and you absolutely despised me! Or am I completely wrong? I'm extremely confused."
"I am also pleased to know my mother has no problem with me being gay. I am just happy I am no longer under my father's thrall. I enjoy being free of him actually. And have you not heard of the boy pulling a girl's pigtails because he likes her? Plus I did not want to like you that way and it is embarrassing to admit you like your supposed enemy. I could never tell anyone. It is almost a relief to tell someone even if it is the object of my affection." Draco looked down at the ground embarrassed.
Harry slid closer to Draco and gently entwined their hands together. "Draco, another reason why I wasn't so upset about Ginny liking someone else was because I also had a thing for someone else. And that someone was actually you. When you invited me for tea I got really nervous and wasn't sure if I could come and spend time with you. I haven't told anyone about who I'm interested in and my friends won't be so thrilled about who it is. But I thought we could be friends and see where it goes from there. That way each of our friends could get used to us being around each other. I really hope you understand what I'm trying to say to you." He looked a bit panicky.
Draco nodded in understanding. "You like me too? I never in my wildest dreams I would have thought this was ever true. And it makes sense we let our friends get used to us getting along and see that we can be friends. I am not upset by your idea of being just friends for awhile. Surprisingly I agree. It would be just weird that we are suddenly dating after despising each other for the last seven years. It is better to ease them into the idea of us being together." He blushed again thinking about dating the great Saviour, Harry Potter.
"Yes I do like you too. You better start believing it because it's definitely true. I wouldn't lie about something like this. It's not a joke, I swear. I really do like you and want to be your boyfriend at some point in the future. As for our friends it would be too shocking for them to understand if we were together right away. I think we should all get together sometime. You, me, Hermione, Ron, Blaise and Pansy I mean. I want to get to know your friends. I hope they will eventually accept me into your life." Harry said wistfully.
Draco was so happy to hear that Harry felt the same way. "All of us hanging out is a lovely idea actually. Anyways umm, it is getting late and I do not want your friends to worry I have kidnapped you or something."
Harry casted a tempus charm and was astonished at how late it had become. "Ohh my you're right. Wow I've been here for hours. But it didn't feel like it at all. Time flies when you're having fun, I suppose. Don't worry about my friends regarding my time with you. When I left the Weasleys, none of them were worried knowing I was coming for afternoon tea. Believe it or not."
Draco looked surprised by how the Weasleys weren't concerned. "I am relieved to know they trusted me with your well being. Blaise is one of the few very open to meeting you. He always wanted to be friends with you and admonished me for being awful to you and your friends. He will be happy that I made amends with you. And yes I agree time flies when you are having fun. I do not remember the last time I lost track of the time when spending time with someone. It is refreshing. Thank you for coming by for afternoon tea with Mother and I. I really enjoyed spending time with you. We should do this again sometime."
Harry squeezed Draco's hand gently. "My friends trust my judgment. They know I spoke on your behalf during the trials for a reason. And that surprises me to hear about Blaise but he was never nasty to me. And the only people I've lost track of time with were just the Weasleys. Well until today with you. I really enjoyed this afternoon with you and your Mother. I'm glad I sent you an owl last night. It's one of my best decision and as you know there aren't a lot of those. I agree we should get together again soon." He smiled at Draco.
Draco squeezed Harry's hand back. "I am glad we both enjoy each other's company. Next time we should have a seekers game. Let me walk you out." He reluctantly released Harry's hand. He stood up and started walking back to the terrace with Harry following behind.
Both boys walked through the sitting room and noticed Narcissa reading. "Boys I do hope you enjoyed your time together. It was a pleasure having you around Harry. Do come over again sometime." She smiled.
Harry smiled back at her. "Thank you for having me this afternoon. It's been surprisingly a lot of fun. I do plan to visit again. Draco and I plan to have a seekers game at some point."
Draco watched their interaction and was pleased that his mother and Harry got along well. His father would not approve of how friendly he was with the Saviour of the Wizarding World.
"Mother, I am going to walk Harry out. I will return shortly." He ushered Harry to follow him.
Narcissa waved. "Be sure to say hello to Andromeda for me the next time you see her. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
"I'll be sure to do that the next time I see Andromeda. Enjoy the rest of your day as well." He waved back and followed Draco to the front door.
As soon as they were out of Narcissa's sight, they entwined their hands once again. Draco opened the front door and walked down the stairs with Harry trailing behind. When they reached the gate where Harry could apparate back to the Weasleys, they looked at each other.
Harry stepped closer to Draco and kissed his cheek. "I truly did enjoy today. Thanks again. You're pretty amazing once given a chance. Hope to see you soon."
Draco turned bright red when Harry kissed his cheek. "I enjoyed today as well. Thank you again for returning my wand. I really appreciate it. I have missed my first wand quite a bit. I will owl you about getting together again. Goodbye Harry." He stepped forward and hugged Harry tightly. As he released Harry, he started to kiss Harry's cheek but his ex-rival turned his head which caused him to kiss his lips. Harry softly kissed back. When they stepped back from each other, both boys were blushing.
"Bye Draco." Harry said as he apparated away.
Draco walked to the front door and went back into his house. He noticed his mother in the entryway.
"Mother, you startled me." He jumped.
"Draco darling I hope you enjoyed your time with Harry." Giving him a knowing smile.
"I most certainly did. I am glad he contacted me. And why are you smiling like that? You are making me nervous." Draco said.
Narcissa stepped forward. "I saw how you were looking at him. Does he feel the same? I just want to protect you my darling boy." She kissed the top of his head.
"Believe it or not he does feel the same but we are going to just be friends for now. At least until our friends accept our friendship. We are taking it slow. We both think that is best." Draco said thoughtfully.
"That is wonderful to hear my darling. I am truly happy for you. Slow can be good. It will give you a chance to get to know one another. Have you made plans to see each other again?" Narcissa smiled at her son.
"I told him I would owl him. I have never been this excited except when I am flying or playing quidditch." Draco said happily.
"You certainly deserve some happiness my darling boy. Anyway, I am going to take a nap before dinner is ready." His mother said.
"I hope you sleep well, Mother." Draco smiled at his mother as she gracefully went up the stairs.
Draco walked back to the sitting room and approached the bookshelf. He choose his favourite book, Dracula by Bram Stoker. He sat down and attempted to read the book but was unsuccessful due to his thoughts. He could not stop smiling. All his thoughts about Harry Potter kept distracting him from reading.