August 25, 1975
The Wizarding World of France
The evening sun cast long shadows across the park as Draco and Luca sit beneath an old oak tree. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves above them, carrying the sweet scent of nearby flowers. Draco fidgets nervously, his usual confident demeanour replaced by an endearing awkwardness.
"I know it's early but I won't be here when it happens so…Happy birthday, Luca," Draco says softly, producing a small, neatly wrapped package from his pocket.
His pale cheeks flush slightly as he hands it to the dark-haired boy beside him. Luca's eyes widened with excitement as he carefully unwraps the gift. When he sees what is inside, he gasps.
"Draco! Is this the Helga Honeycrust figurine? How did you find it?"
Draco smiles, genuinely pleased by Luca's reaction.
"I may have called in a favour or two," he admits. "I know you've been searching for her for ages."
Luca cradles the figurine, watching in awe as the tiny Helga kneads the invisible dough.
"This is incredible, Draco. Thank you so much."
Draco's smile falters slightly as he reveals a small, slightly lopsided cake from behind his back.
"I, uh, I also made this for you. It's probably terrible, but I wanted to try..."
Luca's face lights up even more.
"You baked for me?"
He takes a bite of the cake with one of their discarded forks and, despite the cake's questionable appearance, his eyes sparkle with delight.
"It's perfect, Draco. I love it."
Draco relaxes visibly, relief washing over him.
"I'm glad you like it, but it's nothing compared to what you could make."
"You know, I started out with lopsided cakes too. Look at me now."
"You?" Draco asks.
A shadow passes over Luca's face.
"Yeah, I didn't always like to bake," Luca says with an evasive shrug.
Worry bubbles in Draco's stomach, but he doesn't push Luca to talk knowing how much he hates to have people do that to him.
"And I have something for you too," Luca says, reaching into his bag and distracting Draco from his thoughts.
Luca pulls out a figurine of his own – a figurine of a man in a strange-looking white hat and white coat that Draco remembers seeing on Luca's desk.
"This was the first baker figurine I ever got. My papa bought it for me when I first showed signs of magic though we didn't know what it was then. I want you to have it."
Draco's eyes widened in surprise. "Luca, I can't take this. It means so much to you."
"When you go back to Hogwarts... well, I want you to have something to remember me by," Luca says blushing.
Draco's fingers close around the figurine, his grey eyes meeting Luca's warm brown ones.
" As if I could ever forget you," he murmurs.
A bittersweet smile crosses his face as Luca presses the figurine into Draco's hand.
"You know," he says softly, "there's a story behind this figurine."
Draco looks at him curiously, encouraging him to continue. Luca's eyes grew distant with memory.
"When I first started showing signs of magic, it was... difficult. The other kids in our neighbourhood didn't understand. They teased me, and called me names. I came home one day feeling so alone, so different."
He pauses, running a finger along the figurine's tiny rolling pin.
"My papa noticed how upset I was. He brought me into the kitchen and let me help him bake. For the first time in weeks, I felt... normal. Happy,"
Luca's smile grows warmer.
"The next day, he came home with this figurine. He'd seen how much I enjoyed baking with him and wanted to give me something special. It's silly but I took it with me everywhere that year and somehow that magicless object seemed to ward off all the bad feelings their words should have caused me. It inspired my interests in the wizarding ones, but more than that, it was a reminder that I wasn't alone, that being different could be wonderful."
Draco listens, captivated by the story and the emotion in Luca's voice. It breaks his heart that Luca had to grow up without the knowledge of magic. He understands now why this small object holds such significance. It seems unfair that it was presented to him like a gift on a golden platter and muggle-borns are forced to stumble through life blind until they go to Hogwarts.
After a moment, Luca shakes his head as if to clear it and manages a small smile.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to tell you my entire life story, but you just make me feel so…comfortable and safe,"
Draco looks at him stunned. No one has ever said that to him before. He'd bullied his friends mercilessly, Theo especially. He doesn't blame them for not trusting him with their secrets.
"That's why I want you to have it, Draco," Luca continues. "To remind you that you're not alone either, even when we might feel like it,"
Draco's fingers closed around the figurine, its weight suddenly feeling much more substantial.
"Luca, I... thank you. I'll treasure it," he says, his voice thick with emotion, as he slips in his bag for safekeeping.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the park, the two boys sat close together, sharing Draco's imperfect cake and watching Luca's new figurines perform her baking routines.
Draco's heart races as he gazes at Luca, the fading light catching in his dark hair. Slowly, he leans in, his intentions clear. Luca's eyes widen, then soften.
But before their lips can meet, a cold voice cuts through the air.
"Draco,"
Both boys jerk back, startling. Lucius Malfoy stands before them, his face a mask of barely contained fury.
"Father," Draco stammers, jumping to his feet. "I-I can explain—"
Lucius's lip curls as he glances at Luca.
"I had hoped you'd come to your senses," he says coldly.
"But it seems I need to remind you of your responsibilities to our family."
Draco feels a surge of courage, fueled by months of experiencing the warmth and acceptance of Luca's family. He squares his shoulders and meets his father's gaze.
"I know my responsibilities, Father. And I love Luca."
Luca gasps softly behind him, and Draco feels a pang of regret that his first declaration of love has to happen like this.
Lucius's eyes narrow dangerously.
"Love? You know nothing of love, boy. You're a Malfoy. Your duty is to our bloodline, not to some... Muggle-born distraction."
In one fluid motion, Lucius raises his wand, pointing it directly at Luca. There is no incantation, but a jet of light erupted from its tip. Without hesitation, Draco throws himself in front of Luca, unaware of what spell his father has cast but unwilling to let any harm come to the boy he loves.
"Draco, no!" Luca cries out, reaching for him.
The spell hits Draco square in the chest. For a moment, he stands frozen, his eyes wide and unfocused. Then, slowly, his expression changes. The warmth and love in his eyes faded, replaced by confusion, then coldness.
Draco blinks, looking around as if seeing his surroundings for the first time. His gaze falls on Luca, and his lip curls in disgust. He stumbles backwards, away from the stranger
"Where am I?" Draco spats, his voice dripping with disdain as he eyes the hideous 'cake' on the ground.
He spies his father looking at him with a mixture of shock and horror.
"Father…?"
Lucius's expression melts away as he smiles coldly, placing a hand on Draco's shoulder.
"It's nothing, son. A momentary lapse in judgment," Lucius flicks his wand at the pathetic boy on the ground, his eyes going blank, "Now corrected. Come, let's go home."
"Who is that boy?" Draco asks feeling the strangest urge to wipe away his tears, but he shoves it away.
"Just a mudblood encroaching where they don't belong," Lucius sneers as he leads Draco away.
Draco stumbles over Hedwig, sitting in front of the window he just climbed through into Harry's room. The cat hisses at him giving him a suspicious look. Draco glares back at the cat as it stomps over to Harry's sleeping form and curls protectively into his side. The cat's eyes stay trained on him as if daring him to come any closer, when it appears Draco won't then she lays her head back down to fall asleep. Draco sneers as he adverts his eyes and settles into the worn rocking chair in the room, letting his thoughts wash over him.
The vision can't be true. It just…can't.
His father would never have erased his memories, even on accident. And even if he did he would have corrected the damage. Draco is sure of it. He is…
Not that it matters anyway, he would never have declared his love for a mug-mudblood. It is against his very nature as a Pureblood. He shudders despite not feeling the cold and stalks over to where Harry sleeps peacefully in his bed. His hair is like a dark ink stain on the pillow, not unlike Luca's. Draco smiles as he reaches to brush a dark strand out of his eyes.
Draco pauses halfway there and his hand clenches into a fist. Anger thrums through his limbs as he remembers himself. This place... is weakening him, diverting him from his original plan to kill Potter and save his parents. His father may not be perfect but loyalty to the family and their traditions trumps everything. Even if he did...but he didn't!
Potter is equally as loyal to his friends and that fool Dumbledore. He will betray Draco without a second thought without this spell influencing Potter's thoughts, he thinks, ignoring the feeling of unease this causes him.
The only thing the visions prove is that he needs to do everything in his power to finish this story and get back to where he belongs.
Even if it means acting like he is falling in love with Harry Potter.
After Harry wakes up for the first time he falls back into a strange restless sleep dreaming of wandering around a castle with moving staircases, ghosts, and a patrolling sentient cat. When he wakes again the morning sun shines in his eyes and he groans and tries to roll over but he is stopped by a hard unmovable object wrapped around him and a warm furry one around his neck. Hedwig he thinks… His eyes blink blearily, as Draco's pale white face comes into focus. Draco!
Harry's heart skips a beat as he takes in the sight before him. Draco lays still as marble, his porcelain skin luminous in the morning light. His platinum hair fans out on the pillow like spun silk, each strand perfectly in place. Harry marvels at Draco's flawless features - his aristocratic nose, high cheekbones, and soft lips slightly parted in repose.
Even in sleep, Draco looks immaculate. There is no trace of stubble on his smooth jawline, no crust in the corners of his eyes, and not a single blemish to mar his perfect complexion. Harry suddenly feels acutely aware of his own dishevelled state. He runs a self-conscious hand through his unruly hair, knowing it must be sticking up in all directions.
Draco's cool breath brushes across his face in soft and sweet puffs of air, carrying no hint of staleness. Harry's tongue feels thick and fuzzy in his mouth in comparison and he cringes imagining his sour morning breath. Harry fights the urge to cover his mouth or turn away, not wanting to offend Draco's sensitive nose when he wakes.
Looking at Draco's serene face, Harry is struck by a pang of insecurity. How can someone so perfect want to be with him? Harry feels downright gross in comparison to Draco's immaculate beauty. He longs to freshen up before Draco awakens, but finds himself captivated, unable to look away from the sleeping vampire's ethereal allure.
A second later Draco's eyes blink open his gold luminous gaze taking him in, looking way too sober to have just woken up.
"You are awake," Harry gasps, causing Hedwig to sit up with a hiss.
She looks at Draco and growls, puffing up impressively as she arranges herself on Harry's chest.
"Hedwig, no!" Harry says harshly, pushing his cat off of him and into the bed.
Hedwig ignores him and continues to glare at Draco who seems all too happy to return the favor, with an animalist hiss of his own that sends shivers down his spine.
"She must be hungry," Harry says, untangling himself from Draco's limbs and climbing off the bed.
Hedwig is all too happy to follow him to her food bowl hidden in his closet as he opens a can of wet food for her. She purrs loudly as Harry strokes her white fur and scratches her cheek.
"Good girl," he murmurs in a soft voice, "Protecting me from the big bad vampire,"
"I can hear you complimenting that little monster," Draco growls, causing Harry to laugh.
After making sure to give Hedwig more water, scooping the litter, and opening the window so she can get out to hunt he settles back down by Draco. Draco reaches out and caresses his fingertips down the side of Harry's face.
"Do you ever stop taking care of other people," Draco asks in a put-out voice.
Harry raises his eyebrow at him.
"She is a cat, she can hardly do it herself,"
Draco gives the closet a stink face, "She's smarter than you give her credit for,"
Harry hums in ascent as he cuddles into Draco and breathes in his apple and spearmint scent, enjoying the novelty of waking up with him in bed.
"How long were you awake? You couldn't have just woke up, you looked too alert," Harry says.
Draco seems to pause before he answers as if he is measuring his words.
"I don't sleep," Draco says in a quiet voice as if they were discussing the weather.
"Ever?" Harry asks in shock.
Draco shakes his head, musing his hair against Harry's purple pillow.
"So what do you do at night then?"
Draco looks thoughtful for a moment before saying, "I read mostly, run through the forest…hunt,"
Draco shifts uneasily, his words like a dare hanging in the air.
Harry can almost see the mischief in his eyes, the way his lips would curve into a tempting smile as he lures a stranger away from the pulsing lights of a club and into a dark alley. He imagines Draco's fingers caressing their neck, pulling them closer until they're breathless and drunk with anticipation, only to sink his teeth into their skin at the last second. Do they scream in terror or surrender to the rush of pleasure like characters in vampire movies? And does Draco really kill them? The thought makes his stomach flip and raises questions about Harry's own fate.
Draco looks hesitant before he continues shaking Harry out of his thoughts, "Sometimes I like to watch you sleep,"
Draco says the last few words so quickly and softly that it takes him a moment to register them. When he does he freezes, stunned and unsure how to process them.
"You watch me sleep?" Harry asks in a dazed panicked voice, trying not to remember how Sirius teased him about his sleep-talking.
"Only sometimes," Draco says in a sheepish voice.
"Do you…umm…feed on me when I am sleeping?" he asks thinking of Carmilla and Laura.
Draco recoils away from him his body stiff as fresh cut stone.
"No," he breathes looking horrified that Harry would suggest such a thing.
Harry instantly feels bad for asking.
"I'm sorry," he squeaks, his face turning bright red.
Draco sighs, all of the breath seeming to spill out of him in that one sound. His limbs uncurl as he wraps an arm around Harry's waist and pulls him against his chest burying his head in the crook of Harry's shoulder. Draco takes a deep breath in, the smell of Harry seeming to center him before he whispers in a tickling voice against his neck,
"I wouldn't hurt you like that, Harry, when you are so vulnerable and unaware,"
Harry doesn't mention the large gap that Draco's words leave for all the other times that he can hurt him. Instead, he nestles deeper into Draco's cold embrace, unbothered that the heated blanket seems to have turned off at some point during the night.
"You left," Harry says changing the topic to something that has been bugging him for a while.
Draco raises his head looking at him in confusion before comprehension and guilt take over his expression.
"I only left briefly-" Draco starts to say but Harry cuts across him.
"You promised you wouldn't leave!" Harry says remembering Draco's words, one of the few clear things of last night.
Draco smirks at his offended expression.
"But I came right back, you didn't even miss me,"
Harry thinks about the hollow feeling he felt when he woke up the first time and noticed Draco, wasn't there, but feels too embarrassed to voice this.
"Where did you go?" Harry demands, the growl of his stomach weakening his indignation.
Draco smirks again, detangling his limbs from around Harry and picking up a white take-out box from the floor beside the bed. He places it in Harry's lap and Harry forces himself to sit up, though he feels like he could lay in bed with Draco for hours.
"To get you breakfast, you daft thing," Draco says leaning over and kissing his lips, then his cheek and finally his ear, leaving a chilly trail across Harry's face.
"Wh-at?" Harry stutters as the tip of Draco's tongue curves around the shell of it.
He's not used to such displays of affection, especially not romantic ones. Malcolm and he were always more…efficient and hurried. Everyone else he had been with had been one-night stands. Draco pulls away with a sweet expression on his face, it makes Harry melt a little.
"Eat your rock cakes, darling, before they get cold." Draco says picking up a plastic fork and tucking it in Harry's hand.
"Rock cakes?" Harry asks confused.
"Mmm hmm," Draco hums as he kisses Harry's Adam's apple, it bobs under the feather-light touch, "They were the house special at Grawp's Growling Stomach,"
"Hagrid's brother?" Harry asks, apparently only able to state the obvious this early in the morning.
Or when a literal god is ravishing his skin in bed.
Draco hums again in assent as he licks up the line of Harry's neck, causing him to shiver.
"Yo-u seem v-ery…affectionate?" Harry chokes out, his fingers tightening into a fist around the fork.
Draco's lips descend on the sensitive spot behind his ear, eliciting a sharp gasp from Harry. But instead of stopping there, he nips at it, leaving a stinging pain that only heightens Harry's pleasure.
"I'm just reminding myself of your scent after being away," Draco murmurs, teasingly dragging his teeth along the pulse point in Harry's neck. "It helps if I do this after absences. Does it bother you?"
Harry doesn't mention that Draco was only gone for a couple hours, he isn't one to complain.
"N-no..." Harry moans, unable to form a coherent thought as Draco teases him.
In fact, he wants Draco to leave him more often. Didn't they say absence makes the heart grow fonder? But then again, were they even together?
"Eat," Draco reminds him, snapping Harry out of his daze.
With trembling hands, Harry picks up his fork and cuts into the 'rock cakes'. They are warm, buttery, and bursting with the sweet taste of chocolate candy rocks. Three strips of bacon sit enticingly on the side. At the first bite, a groan escapes Harry's throat and he devours the stack in record time before moving on to the bacon.
The combination of flavors explodes in his mouth, making him moan in ecstasy. And as he savors each bite, he can't help but wonder how Draco always knows exactly what he needs. Draco's eyes flash with desire as he watches Harry greedily devours the last piece of bacon. His lips curl into a pout,
"I'm not sure if I should be insulted that you reacted more to the food than you did to my mouth or not."
Harry chuckles, a mischievous glint in his eye as he teases, "I guess you'll just have to step up your game."
With an accessing look he leans closer to Harry on the bed and sniffs the air, a smirk growing on his face. With a possessive gaze, he reaches down and pulls back the covers to reveal Harry's neglected erection. The pride in Draco's expression is palpable.
"Is that so?" Draco whispers hotly into Harry's ear, sending shivers down his spine.
He leans in even closer, his lips almost touching Harry's ear before moving down to his neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.
"Do you want me to take care of that, love?" He purrs.
"Dursleys," Harry chokes out, his breath leaving his body at the same moment as three car doors slam outside the window.
Draco raises an eyebrow at him as they listen to the car start and drive away.
"They don't seem to be a problem anymore,"
Harry swallows. Draco reaches down and boldly brushes his fingers against his bulging pants. A deep groan escapes Harry's lips, the first touch he's felt in what seems like ages. The media had been relentless in their attacks, tearing apart every aspect of his life since his decision to take a break from Gryffindor and the Order of the Phoenix. He was left with no solace, no escape from the vicious scrutiny.
As Draco continues to stroke him, unabashedly pressing down harder, Harry can't help but let out a sharp yelp. With a sly smirk, Draco's other hand moves up to unbutton Harry's shirt, revealing his pale and toned skin underneath. Straddling Harry's waist, Draco begins to kiss and nip at his chest.
"Did I tell you I love these pyjamas?" Draco asks between kisses, "They make your eyes look so green,"
"I'll be honest I don't remember much of last night" Harry says, sounding a little breathless.
"Damn shame," Draco says.
Draco's lips descend upon Harry's exposed chest, his tongue flicking over hardened nipples that send electric shocks through Harry's body. A deep growl escapes from Harry's throat as Draco sucks and bites, leaving a trail of blemishes in his wake. Harry makes a kneeing noise in the back of his throat. He only manages to respond with an interested,
"Hmmm,"
"I can't bite you, so I'll make do with what I have." Draco purrs as he continues to tease and pleasure every inch of Harry's skin.
Harry moans and gasps, unable to form words as Draco marks him as his prey with each touch and kiss.
"I'll make you feel so good," Draco whispers, tracing a hand down to Harry's waistband and tugging it down achingly slow.
Draco's fingers grip onto Harry's hips, leaving red marks as he pulls him closer, their mouths crashing together. Harry writhes under him, feeling the sharp sting of pain mixed with pleasure.
"Really?" Draco hisses through gritted teeth, a smirk playing on his lips.
"What?" Harry manages to gasp out, his body trembling as Draco's nails drag across his skin.
"Superman pants? Swan?" Draco taunts, laughter bubbling in his throat.
"What's wrong with Superman?" Harry retorts, trying to hide the vulnerability creeping into his voice.
"Nothing, it's just so….you." Draco replies, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and adoration.
Harry looks at him in confusion, unsure of what he means.
"Because of the glasses and the black hair?" Harry asks, already anticipating the answer.
Draco's gaze softens as he takes in Harry's features.
"It's not just that," he says softly. "It's your hero complex. The need to save everyone. The constant hiding from your public image,"
"I don't-" Harry begins to protest but Draco silences him with a tender kiss.
His eyes hold a deep sense of admiration and longing.
"You came here for your godfather, you constantly hang out with your friends to make them happy. You are always using your connections and name to help people," Draco says, tracing patterns on Harry's chest with his thumb.
"Anyone would do those things," Harry shrugs modestly.
Draco shakes his head in disbelief, running his fingers through Harry's unruly curls.
"All the money you donate from your ballets and motorbike shows. You hardly keep any for yourself. Not just anyone would do that," he says, his voice filled with awe.
Harry buries his head against Draco's neck, feeling embarrassed by the attention.
"I'm not trying to be a hero," he mumbles into the crook of Draco's neck.
Draco pulls back gently, cupping Harry's face in his hands and forcing him to meet his gaze.
"I know," he says, his eyes doing that mesmerizing thing they sometimes do. "And that's what makes it all the more heroic."
Harry's mind goes blank as he feels himself drift away, his entire being consumed by the sensation of Draco's cool hands moving away from his face and gripping his boxers.
"What are you doing?" Harry manages to gasp out, his breath catching in his throat as Draco's dark eyes lock onto his.
"I am hungry," Draco responds with a predatory grin, "and unlike you, I haven't eaten yet,"
He lowers his head and nuzzles against Harry's erection through the thin fabric, leaving behind wet spots that make Harry shudder with desire. Desperately trying to suppress any embarrassing noises, Harry bites down on his tongue careful not to draw blood. But Draco notices the intensity of his gaze only increasing as he continues to tease and please Harry with his skilled mouth.
"Sing for me, love. I want to hear every gasp and moan." Draco whispers against Harry's skin, placing featherlight kisses along his aching shaft.
Desperate to resist, Harry shakes his head stubbornly.
"Suit yourself, but until then, I'll leave this fabric between you and my mouth," Draco smirks, seeming to pleasure in Harry's torment.
Draco continues to gently lick and suck at him, creating just enough pressure to drive him wild but not enough to bring him to completion. Something inside of Harry snaps and he surrenders, a low moan slipping past his lips.
"That wasn't too difficult now, was it?" Draco taunts in a patronizing tone that only makes Harry scowl.
Harry wants to push Draco away in irritation, but then Draco pulls down his boxers and takes him fully into his mouth. Draco's sucking starts off slow, teasing Harry's head with lavish licks of his tongue, but soon he picks up speed as he devours more of Harry's length, his tongue gliding delicately along his perineal. Draco alternates between fast and slow, keeping Harry constantly on edge and driving him mad with pleasure. Harry digs his fingers into the blankets to keep from tugging on Draco's hair. Before long, he feels himself reaching the brink of orgasm and tries to push Draco away, but Draco refuses to relent, glaring back at him with determination.
It's while glaring into Draco's eyes that Harry feels the orgasm and hits him with a shout, spilling his release into Draco's mouth. Draco swallows looking up at him like he…cares about him. Draco pulls off of Harry with a wet pop and licks some cum hanging on the corner of his lips, looking at Harry with hot eyes.
As Draco leans in to kiss him, Harry can taste himself on Draco's lips. It's a moment that will stay with him forever.
Draco settles onto his lap, encircling his legs around Harry's waist and arms around his neck. Harry nuzzles into the coolness of Draco's skin. His body quivers against Draco's solid frame, finding comfort in his embrace. Harry's back presses against the smooth headboard, his voice carries a curious lightness.
"Have you done this before?"
It takes Draco a moment to answer as if he needs time to recover. When he finally speaks, his voice is rough and deep.
"I've done it and had others do it for me," Draco said, his fingers tracing up and down the sides of Harry's neck in a soothing motion.
"Men... women... non-binary?" Harry asked, wanting to know more about his preferences.
"I only go for men," Draco replies with conviction.
Harry nods, taking in this new information about Draco with acceptance.
"I've done it before," Harry confesses. "But I've always felt like it was too intimate to let someone do it for me. The level of trust just wasn't there with my past partners."
Draco leans in to kiss the spot where Harry's shoulder meets his neck. "I'm honoured."
He pauses before gathering up his courage, some of his partners had been less than accepting after Harry's confession in the past, thinking he would be more likely to cheat or had strange kinks,
"And... its umm... all for me,"
Draco smiles into his skin, one of his hands dropping down to trail along the side of his chest. Harry shivers a little from the cold but also from the acceptance of the touch.
"Okay,"
And that's all that needs to be said.
A week later the sky looks overcast as Harry, still bleary-eyed, stumbles out of the Dursleys' house, his backpack slung haphazardly over one shoulder. He sighs as he resigns himself to another day without Draco. Draco explained the last morning that he saw him that Luna who apparently can see the future, saw sunshine for the next week. This for some reason that Draco rushed to explain meant he and his siblings couldn't come to school. Draco said they were going to take advantage of the weather and go hunting.
Harry's heart skips a beat as he sees Draco's sleek Volve pulled up to the curb.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asks in surprise, sliding into the passenger seat.
His stomach growls audibly. Draco smirks ignoring his question as he reaches into the backseat.
"Breakfast?" He asks as he offers a paper bag.
The smell coming off of it makes Harry's mouth water. His eyes widened as he peers inside. Two large double chocolate muffins lay on top of a container he finds filled with scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes.
"You made all this?" he asks astonished.
"Who do you think makes your lunches," Draco shrugs, pulling away from the curb.
"I thought it was your mom," Harry says in confusion.
"She just taught me the basics. I learned everything else myself through experimentation," Draco says with a hesitant smile.
Harry's eyes grow big as he thinks about Draco's graceful hands that look like they are made for creating beautiful works of art, lowering themselves to make food for him.
"Oh…Draco…that's so…thank you," Harry says unable to fully express the gratitude his simple gesture fills him with.
Draco looks a little embarrassed, but his smile grows wider. As Harry devours a perfectly crafted meal, he studies Draco's profile.
"So, about the whole vampire thing," he begins hesitantly. "Does garlic really bother you?"
Draco snorts.
"Hardly. Though I'm not fond of the smell," Draco seems to think for a moment, "Or the smell of any human food for that matter,"
Harry feels another spark of gratitude knowing Draco stomachs the smell of cooking just for him.
"What about mirrors? Can you see your reflection?"
"Of course I can," Draco scoffs as he rolls his eyes.
"How else would I style my hair?"
Harry pauses, considering.
"What's the weirdest part about being a vampire?"
Draco's expression turns playful.
"Probably the constant internal monologue. When you live forever, you tend to overthink things,"
"Like what?"
"Oh, you know. The nature of existence. The impact of our choices. Whether I remembered to record the latest episode of The Great British Bake Off."
Harry chokes on his juice. Draco laughs, it sounds like a musical instrument. Harry could listen to it all day.
"You watch baking shows?"
"I may be undead, but I'm not uncultured," Draco sniffs.
As they near the school, Harry finishes the last bite of his breakfast.
"Thanks for this," he says softly.
"I'm not usually much of a breakfast person, but this was really good,"
Draco's eyes flicker to Harry briefly before returning to the road.
"I noticed. I am taking it upon myself to change that because it's important for... humans."
Harry raises an eyebrow.
"That's not controlling at all,"
"Just eat the food, Swan," Draco snaps.
"Harry," he corrects automatically, they are dating after all.
Or are they? They never really discussed it that first morning. Harry pushes the thought aside not brave enough to bring it up right now in case he doesn't like the answer.
Draco gives him an odd look like he can sense his thoughts and Harry wonders once again if he lied about not being able to read them.
"And speaking of food, what do you eat? I've never actually seen you eat anything," Harry says taking the last bite of his eggs,
A small smirk plays at the corner of Draco's mouth.
"That's a conversation for another time. We're here."
As Draco parks the car and opens his door, Harry can't shake the feeling that there is so much more to learn.
The morning air is crisp as Draco and Harry make their way across the school parking lot. Harry can't help but notice the stares and whispers from their classmates, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"Everyone's looking at us," Harry mutters, hunching his shoulders slightly.
Draco glances around, seeming unconcerned. "Let them look," he says, his voice low and confident.
Sensing Harry's discomfort, Draco casually drapes his arm over Harry's shoulders, pulling him closer. The heat of Draco's touch sends a shiver down Harry's spine, surprising him.
"You're warm?" Harry asks temporarily forgetting about the crowd.
Draco looks embarrassed as he takes a pack of hand warmers from his pocket.
"I might have had Luna sew tiny pockets into my clothes to hold these," Draco says with a shy smile, "I don't want to be the reason you are cold any more,"
Harry's face goes slack as he stares at Draco, his heart beating a mile a minute. He can't believe that Draco is willing to change so much of himself just for Harry's comfort.
"You okay?" Draco asks, his grey eyes searching Harry's face in worry.
Harry nods, relaxing slightly into Draco's side.
"Yeah, I'm not used to all this…care and attention," Harry says in a small voice.
"Is it too much? Do you need me to back off?" Draco asks in a tight voice his arm beginning to slide off Harry's shoulders.
Harry's nimble catcher's arm flashes out and grabs Draco's hand, stilling his reluctant retreat.
"No," Harry says in a fierce voice, "You are perfect,"
Draco's eyes widen imperceptibly and his mouth forms a tiny o. Then he shakes his head and the expression disappears.
"Then what's the matter?" Draco asks pulling Harry close once again, his head dipping down so he can meet Harry's eyes.
"I just need some time to get used to it. I've never had anyone focus this hard on making sure all my needs are met. It just feels a little overwhelming," Harry says nuzzling his head into Draco's chest, the warmth feeling amazing on his chilled skin, "And while I appreciate the gestures I don't expect you to change for me. I like you the way you are, cold and all,"
Draco looks thrown by Harry's words, but he remains silent as the whispers rage around them. Harry has no doubt that a picture of them will make its way to Skeeter.
As they reach the entrance of the school, Draco's steps slow to a stop. He turns to face Harry, his golden eyes lock onto Harry's emerald ones. His hand reaches up and traces the sharp line of Harry's jaw, following its curve with delicate fingers, causing Harry's breath to hitch at the unexpected touch. Without warning, he cups Harry's face in his strong hands, pulling him closer. Their lips meet in a tender kiss, each movement deliberate and soft.
Harry's world narrowed to the feeling of Draco's cool lips against his, the sounds of the parking lot fading away. When they finally break apart, Harry is breathless.
"See you at lunch," Draco murmurs, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.
Still dazed, Harry nods and watches as Draco saunters off. As he turns to head to his first class, he notices the stares have intensified, but somehow, he finds he doesn't mind as much anymore.
"Alors, toi et Draco, c'est officiel maintenant?" Luna asks as he drops down into his seat next to her in AP French.
Harry shrugs, fiddling with his pencil on the desk.
"Je... je ne sais pas vraiment. C'est compliqué."
Astoria pokes her head between them surprising Harry. She smirks as she asks, "You know everyone can understand most of what you are saying, we aren't all that behind in class,"
Harry blushes as he remembers that everyone is paying close attention to him today.
Hermione comes to stand next to his desk and glares at Astoria, "Si vous voulez bavarder, faites-le au moins dans la langue de la classe,"
Astoria groans but complies with a devilish smile.
"Comment ça, compliqué? Il t'a embrassé devant tout le monde ce matin,"
Despite herself, even Hermione looks interested as Harry opens his mouth to answer.
Harry blushes remembering the feel of Draco's cool hands on his face, "Oui, mais on n'a jamais vraiment parlé de ce qu'on est l'un pour l'autre."
"Tu l'aimes bien, non?" Luna asks looking like already knows the answer.
"Bien sûr que oui. Mais Draco est tellement... mystérieux. Parfois j'ai l'impression qu'il me cache des choses." Harry says.
"Peut-être qu'il a peur de te faire peur s'il te dit tout." Astoria says.
"Peut-être. Je voudrais juste savoir où j'en suis avec lui." Harry says with a sigh.
"Tu devrais lui en parler. La communication, c'est la clé, tu sais." Hermione says in a serious voice
"True, when George asked me to the dance we had a very productive conversation about what we enjoyed in bed and how far we had gone with our previous partners, Astoria says with a lovesick expression on her face.
"Langue!" Hermione scolds seeming more concerned that Astoria spoke in English than the fact she mentioned sex in class.
"You and George are dating?" Harry asks surprised, wondering how he missed it.
Astoria grins, "Yes, it happened last week during lunch, but you were too busy moping about Draco's absence to notice. You really have one track mind when it comes to him,"
Harry feels a rush of guilt run through him.
"I'm so sorry, Astoria-" Harry starts to say.
Astoria laughs as she walks back to her seat with Hermione, "Don't apologize it is just what it feels like to be a teenager in love,"
Harry opens his mouth to say he isn't in love, but at that moment Mrs. Babbling walks in and starts class.
Harry walks nervously toward the cafeteria, lost in thought. Out of nowhere, he feels an arm drape across his shoulders.
"Hey there," Fred says with a flirty grin. "Mind if I join you?"
Harry tenses, uncomfortable with the familiarity of the touch. With Draco being gone, Fred had been getting increasingly comfortable with getting closer to Harry as if he thought he had a chance now that Draco was out of the way.
"Um, sure," he mumbles not wanting to be rude.
As they walk, Fred leans in closer.
"So, what's the deal with you and the Draco? Saw you two getting cozy this morning."
"I'm... not really sure yet," Harry replies hesitantly, not wanting to give too much away.
Fred's expression darkens.
"Well, be careful. The way he looks at you... it's unsettling. Like he wants you to be his next meal or something."
Harry lets out a startled giggle, at how close to the truth he is.
Fred gives him a shocked look as Harry pulls away from him.
"I'll keep that in mind," Harry says fighting back another giggle.
He quickens his pace, eager to reach the safety of the crowded lunchroom, as Fred stomps his way to the cafeteria line. His eyes light up as he spots Draco already sitting with their friends, engaging Astoria in some verbal battle that seems to involve a lot of hand movements. As Harry nears the table Draco's eyes find his and Harry feels himself melt a little under Draco's soft gaze.
He slides into the seat next to him and smiles as Draco pulls Harry's chair closer to his own.
"Hello," Draco croons, his cool breath washing over Harry's face as he leans in closer than even Fred did a few minutes ago.
"Oh, hi," Harry says in a breathless voice, his senses frazzled by Draco's close proximity.
Draco's lips curve into a sly smirk as he closes the distance between them, his tall frame hovering over Harry. In one smooth movement, he leans down and presses his lips gently against Harry's, sending a jolt of electricity through him. Harry's mind seems to short circuit, unable to process the sudden rush of sensations. As his brain slowly regains its function, he hears Draco's voice whispering in his ear, sending shivers down his spine.
"Luna told me about your conversation today," Draco says in a soft voice, his gold eyes seeming to search Harry's face.
Harry now knows that's a lie for the benefit of those around them. He is almost sure he heard the conversation in her mind or the mind of one of their classmates.
An uncomfortable frown twists across Harry's face.
"We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," Harry says in a nervous voice, his hands wrestling in his lap, aware of his friend's eyes on them.
"Sweetheart, I thought my actions were making it fairly obvious, but I can use my words if I must," Draco says with exasperated affection, "Would you do me the honour of being my boyfriend,"
Harry feels like every ounce of air has been sucked out of him as he chokes out the word, "Yes,"
Draco beams looking like the sun shines out of his golden eyes and Harry finds it impossible to look away.
The soft scratching of pencils on paper fills Harry's small bedroom. They had gone out with the group for dinner at Alberforth's where Ginny relentlessly made fun of Harry for not realizing Draco's intentions towards him. Draco was no help seeming to only egg her on by providing her more details of all the times thought he had clued Harry in. Ron and Hermione had sat awkwardly next to each other until out of nowhere Ron seemed to work up the courage to ask her to Prom. She said yes, to no one's surprise. What was surprising was Neville standing up and walking over to Ginny to ask the same question. He looked like he had been about to fall over with nerves, but Ginny had given him a kind smile and said yes. Draco complained loudly that they just wanted to steal his moment, but he looked happy nonetheless as he held Harry's hand under the table.
Now Draco sits at Harry's desk, claiming it to be undignified to do homework in bed, effortlessly breezing through Trig problems, while Harry sprawls on his bed, a history textbook open in front of him.
"Hey, Draco?" Harry asks, breaking the silence.
He has wanted to ask Draco more questions about his vampire nature for a while, but couldn't with his friends around. Now that he finally has him alone he doesn't want to waste his chance.
Draco sighs, not looking up. "Yes?"
"If you're a vampire, how can you go out during the day?"
Draco doesn't look up, still looking focused on his work, he says in a distracted voice,
"Sunlight doesn't hurt us. It just makes us... more noticeable."
"What do you mean by that? You've never explained it,"
Draco purses his lips for a moment and puts down the quill he still writes with despite Harry insisting that pens are easier to use, then says, "It would be better if I showed you, when the weather gets warmer,"
Harry nods trying to hide his excitement as he returns to his book. A few minutes pass before he speaks again.
"You said you live with Severus and Lily, right?"
This time, Draco turns to face him, his expression guarded.
"That's right."
"What happened to your real parents?" Harry asks softly.
Draco is quiet for a moment. "They died... from a disease. The same one that was killing me."
Harry's eyes widen.
"He knew I wasn't going to make it so he turned me. He saved my life. Or... gave me a new one, I suppose."
"Do you miss them? Your parents?"
"I don't really remember them," Draco admits. "It was a long time ago."
Harry frowns, sensing there is more to the story.
"But surely you must have some memories?"
Draco's eyes meet Harry's, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them.
"Memories can be... complicated. Sometimes it's easier not to dwell on the past. To pretend like it is something separate from who we are now,"
"I guess," Harry says, not entirely convinced.
"It's just... there's so much I don't understand about you."
Something softens in Draco's expression. "What do you want to know?"
Harry hesitates, then asks, "Do you ever wish you were human again?"
Draco is quiet for a long moment, his eyes seeming to travel to another world.
"Sometimes," he admits, his voice sounding impossibly sad,
"But it's wasteful to wish for things that can't come true,"
Harry nods, mulling over Draco's words. As he turns back to his textbook. He can't help but feel sympathy for Draco and his family, who may live forever but are unable to truly touch life. The night wears on, and Harry finds himself stealing glances at the vampire, wondering what other secrets might be hiding behind those enigmatic yellow eyes.