We found Wonderland, and you and I got lost in it
And we pretended it could last forever, eh, eh
And life was never worse, but never better, eh, eh
It's all fun and games 'til someone loses their mind
By: Taylor Swift
Frozen in terror, Harry stands helplessly next to a foreboding stone arch, the cursed glow from Bellatrix and Sirius bouncing off its dark tiles like a deadly game of pinball. The Department of Mysterious is transformed into a twisted muggle nightmare, with spells of crimson and emerald flying back and forth between the two wizards. Their maniacal laughter cuts through the air like shards of glass, adding to the atmosphere of chaos and imminent danger. Despite his desperate longing to save his godfather, Harry's entire body seizes with fear at the thought that one wrong move could cost him his life. But as a curse narrowly misses his head, he can no longer stand by paralyzed, his trembling hand raising his wand in hesitation. In that split-second distraction, Sirius falters in his defence, allowing Bellatrix's next spell to strike him with lethal force in the chest. With a sickening thud, he is thrown back into the archway, disappearing forever from this world. The anguished sound of Harry's scream echoes through his ears, tearing at his heart with each agonizing cry.
Harry's eyelids flutter open, greeted by the memory of featherlight cool fingers running through his hair and the soft murmur of a soothing voice. His vision is blurry and unfocused with tears and his throat feels rough and scratchy as if from screaming, but he can make out the stark white ceiling above him. It's unfamiliar and unsettling, sending a shiver down his spine. Where is he? The last thing he remembered was pain. Intense, agonizing pain that seemed to consume every inch of him. But then, there was the worried face of an angel. A beautiful god with striking silve- no gold eyes and soft hands that were trying to soothe his pain.
Did that mean he is dead? Isn't that when angels appeared?
He frantically scans his surroundings, desperate for any hints of where he might be and how he ended up in this nightmare. But all he finds are floor-to-ceiling curtain walls that surround what appears to be the hospital bed he lays on. With all his strength, he tries to lift his arm but it is met with an unyielding force. He switches to his other arm, only to face the same resistance. With a surge of determination, he pulls with all his might, but a searing pain shoots through his body, reminding him that he is very much alive in this agonizing hell. The agony is unbearable; death would be a welcome release compared to this relentless suffering.
Voldemort, Harry realizes, closing his eyes against a surge of confusing and conflicting images of a skeletal man with red eyes and a giant snake. He must want to torture Harry slowly, using his powers to inflict maximum injury and then force him to heal like a helpless muggle before starting all over again. Fear grips Harry's heart as he knows he has to escape and find Ron and Hermione before it's too late. He strains against the straps, feeling each jolt of agony shot through his body from the last time Tom threw him across the room. Every second that passes brings Voldemort closer, taunting and relishing in Harry's suffering.
"Harry!"
"Harry!"
"Harry!"
A familiar voice cuts through his fear, but instead of bringing relief it only fuels the fire burning in Harry's chest. He struggles against the cool legs that pin him down and the icy hands that hold his wrists with a vice-like grip. When they prove useless Harry stops fighting and goes slack into the embrace hoping to catch the new attacker off guard. Instead, the voice turns warm and affectionate, their thumb softly caressing Harry's skin above the restraint.
"Where do you think you're going, you silly brave thing?"
Harry's emerald eyes blaze open with wild confusion as he locks onto Draco's piercing golden gaze. A mixture of amusement and concern sparkles in Draco's intense eyes, sending a shiver down Harry's spine. He leans in closer, their faces almost touching, feeling the coolness of Draco's breath on his skin like an icy fire. The electricity crackles between them as their expressions swirl in a dance of passion and uncertainty.
"Draco... we need to leave," Harry rasps, still trying to push himself up despite the restraints and the pain. "It's not safe Vol—Tom…Tom will kill us,"
Harry thinks for a second that a flash of fear shoots across his face, but before Harry can question it further it disappears behind Draco's impenetrable mask. Draco frowns as his thumb continues to caress him in soothing motions.
"The only thing that's not safe is you trying to be a hero with a broken leg, busted ribs, and bruises all over your body," Draco retorts, gently but firmly pushing Henry back onto the bed.
Harry falls back into the mountain of pillows that he now sees propping him up with a disgruntled sigh, hating the way they seem to support his injuries without hurting them. He doesn't want to be cuddled in a comfortable bed, he wants to be up and moving, even if it means more pain. He understands pain and trusts it. It keeps him alert, it keeps him alive. He is unsure what to do with Draco's soft touches and the wane look in his black eyes from spending long hours fussing over Harry's unconscious body instead of taking care of himself. Draco's white blonde hair, more unruly than Harry has ever seen it, sticks out at odd angles and his black veins bulge painfully against his pale skin.
"Relax sweetheart, you're in my room. You're safe." Draco purrs in a soft voice as his fingertips reach up and gently trace the path of his jaw.
Harry pants with exertion each breath sending a fresh wave of pain through his battered body. He fights against his urge to flinch at the sudden touch and the slight pain it brings but Harry knows Draco saw from the falling of Draco's face. Draco crawls off of Harry looking repentant.
"Then why the restraints?" Harry snarks, shaking off the strange sense of guilt he feels at not accepting the touch.
He attempts to lift his arms again, but they fall uselessly to his sides.
Draco's sassy demeanor returns as he watches Harry struggle, a more familiar taunting look crossing his face. Draco's fingertips return to his jaw and tighten their previous hold as he forces Harry's face to tilt up.
"Maybe I like to see you all tied up and at my mercy, Swan," he croons, his cool minty apple breath blowing once again into Harry's face and scrambling his thoughts.
A tendril of of fear goes through him as remembers Tom's touch on him last night. Draco's nose wrinkles as he catches the scent and he drops his hand again as he frowns looking away from Harry.
"You were tossing and turning last night, I was scared you were going to injure yourself worse than you already were," Draco mutters, a dark look crossing his face as if he is remembering the scene, "Do you remember what the dream was about?"
Harry feels pain shoot through his head as he tries to remember what his dream was about.
"Hey, you okay? Need more pain meds? Water?" Draco asks his face transforming into the picture of Madam- a concerned nursemaid.
Harry shakes the half-formed lingering images of an aquarium full of floating brains and an apple and spearmint-smelling fountain out of his mind and focuses on Draco.
"I'm fine," Henry grumbles, already fidgeting with the bedsheet, "How long do I have to stay here?"
Draco rolls his eyes with affection as he climbs off the bed.
"Seriously? You just woke up from being a human punching bag, and you're already planning your great escape?"
"I can't just lie here," Henry protests, his eyes darting around the room restlessly. "I need to—"
Harry suddenly remembers Sirius, the giant wolf and Tom. He doesn't even know if he is dead or not.
"You need to heal," Draco interrupts, his tone brooking no argument.
"Unless you want those ribs to puncture something important or that leg to heal crooked. Then, by all means, go ahead and do your action-hero routine."
"What about Sirius? Is he okay? And Tom? Did you kill him? And the giant wolf or was that a figment of my imagination?"
"Your godfather is alive. He is just in another room of the house recovering. I'll bring him along later after you have gotten an adequate amount of rest. Tom is dead, Luna thoroughly enjoyed ripping off his head. And as for the wolf…I'll allow the wer-your godfather's fiancé to explain that one to you,"
Harry processes that information as best as his cotton-filled head can but his brain snags on one important detail.
"What do you mean later? I feel fine now," Harry snaps glaring at Draco as he tries once again to sit up, but the action is somewhat diminished by the wince that follows.
Draco's smile is full of satisfaction as he watches him, "That's what I thought.
"Fine," he mutters, laying back down "But I want these restrains removed and I'm not staying here any longer than necessary."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Dray replies with a smirk as his nimble fingers undo the straps. "Now, are you sure you don't want some water? Or maybe should I go find Severus to tranquillize you?"
Harry's glare intensifies, but a small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.
"Water," he concedes. "And maybe... maybe a little more pain medication."
"There's hope for you yet," Draco says, reaching for a glass on a side table Harry is just now noticing.
"Just don't get any ideas about using the IV stand as a crutch. I've got my eye on you, Houdini."
Draco's trembling hand reaches out to close the door to Harry's room, the weight of his actions heavy on his shoulders. He leans against the wooden frame, eyes squeezed shut as waves of guilt wash over him with relentless force as he hears the first placating words to Harry fall out of the werewolf's mouth in answer to Harry's desperate questions of worry.
It seeps through every inch of his body, from his tense shoulders down to his clenched fists. His entire being shakes with silent sobs, tears refusing to fall but the pain still churning inside him.
The creak of a stair beneath someone's foot startles him out of his breakdown and he looks up in surprise at Blaise and Pansy standing across from him, concern etched onto their faces. They take one look at him before wrapping their arms around his shoulders and leading him down the hallway to Luna and Theo's room. It's hard to let himself be pulled away but Draco doesn't want to hover while the werewolf explains how Sirius came to be kidnapped by the goons that Tom turned for that exact purpose.
Luna and Theo lay sprawled on the bed, each engrossed in a book. Draco distracts himself by noticing that Luna is reading about Zodiac signs while Theo reads about law. Pansy and Blaise use their combined strength to pull Draco onto the oversized king bed and force him to lie with his siblings. The comfort of their presence eases some of the weight off his chest as they sit in silence, offering support without judgment. Draco lets himself relax into the bed, but it is not enough to stop the invasive thoughts that plague him no matter where he tries to escape in the house.
Harry's dreams were…worrying. He remembers his father describing the night in the Department of Mysteries in great detail to him during one of his nights of 'celebratory' drinking. From Harry's mutters of 'floating brains', 'love potion fountains' and his cousin's death he says Harry remembers a fair amount of it in detail. Draco always assumed that Harry's restless sleep was part of the character he played and that his random snatches of confusion were just a temporary thing, but less and less time seemed to pass before Harry 'awakened' to his true self.
What happens when he remembers the real Draco Malfoy?
"We have an announcement," Blaise says in the usual dramatic way of his.
Draco looks up at him dully knowing whatever he has to say will probably be another attempt to distract him out of his funk. All his siblings were trying to be there for him in his way. It was touching but nothing would cheer him up until Harry felt better again.
"We do," Pansy seconded.
"Well, don't hold us in suspense, " Theo drawls.
"We are breaking up,"
Blaise announces, a bemused smile playing on his lips. The words hang heavy in the air, catching Draco, Luna, and Theo by surprise. Pansy's eyes flicker with a mixture of emotions - sadness, and a hint of relief.
Draco's mind races back to the countless times he had heard about the tumultuous relationship between Blaise and Pansy. Threats of breaking up were nothing new, but it had never come to fruition. This time was different, though. The finality in Blaise's voice leaves no room for doubt.
Luna sets her book aside, her eyes shining with emotion as she reaches out to grasp Pansy's hand in silent support. Theo raises an eyebrow, his usual composed demeanour faltering for just a moment before he schools his features into a neutral mask.
"What will you do next?" Draco asks, curiosity lacing his voice despite the heaviness in his heart.
Blaise tilts his head and chuckles lightly, his dark eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, maybe I'll, follow your lead and start dating a human," he quips, earning an eye roll from Pansy and a snort from Luna.
Draco can't help but crack a small smile at Blaise's attempt to lighten the mood, even if it's just for a moment. The weight on his chest eases ever so slightly as he looks around at his siblings, once again feeling grateful for their presence. He doesn't know how he would have survived this story without them.
Blaise clears his throat, breaking the tension that settled after his announcement. "I'm starving, who is up for some lunch,"
Pansy nods in agreement, her grip on Luna's hand tightening almost imperceptibly, "Sounds perfect,"
Harry lays in bed, his wild black hair splayed across the pillow, green eyes wide with confusion and concern. His godfather Sirius sits beside him, looking surprisingly calm given the circumstances.
"But how?" Harry croaks, his voice hoarse, listening as the heart monitors by his bed beeps increase in speed.
"How did Tom's goons manage to kidnap you?"
Sirius sighs, sharing a pointed look with Remus, who stands in the corner with his arms crossed.
"Well, cub, it's like this," Sirius begins, his tone casual despite the gravity of the situation. "I wanted to pick up this vintage jazz record I've had my eye on. The shop was having a midnight sale."
Remus raises an eyebrow, his expression a mix of exasperation and lingering worry. And love. Always love.
"I told him not to go," Remus interjects. "Practically begged him to stay put."
Sirius waves a dismissive hand.
"Yeah, yeah. Hindsight's 20/20 and all that jazz." He turns back to Harry.
"Anyway, I'm browsing the aisles, right? Next thing I know, bam! Jumped from behind by three of Tom's vampire lackeys. Didn't even see 'em coming."
Harry's brow furrows.
"But why would Tom want to kidnap you? I thought he just hated dad and father?"
Sirius shrugs, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Guess he couldn't resist my charming personality."
Remus snorts, shaking his head. "Or maybe it's because you and James sabotage all his secret dates with your brother,"
Sirius sighs with a happy expression that is a touch sad, "Yes, the good old days,"
"Wait I want to hear this story-"
"Ah ah," Stan cut him off quickly. "Let's not get into all that right now. You need to rest."
Harry tries to sit up, wincing. "No, I want to know. What aren't you telling me?"
Sirius gently pushes him back down. "Another time, lion cub. For now, just focus on getting better. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."
"That's what Draco says," Harry pouts as he looks down at his cast-covered leg.
"Hey, none of that. At least you have lover boy taking care of you and not greasy old Snivellus, I swear that man holds some kind of grudge against me," Sirius groans.
Remus smiles, "I do not doubt that it has something to do with your inability to listen to a single thing he says,"
"But I feel fine, Moony! It was just a little sprained ankle and a broken wrist," Sirius argues.
"Which he specifically told you not to walk on," Remus reprimands.
"Yes, I know Mom," Sirius shoots back.
"What about the wolf? Draco said you guys knew something about that?"
Remus looks very uncomfortable and starts to scratch his scruffy brown hair behind his ear.
"Harry…" Sirius begins, "There are many things about this world that you don't understand. Your vampire is just one of the many hidden parts of the world. There are others out there. Others like Remus, who can transform into a wolf,"
Harry looks at both of them in shock.
"You know that Draco is a vampire?"
Sirius barks out a laugh.
"It was a little hard to miss when the little blonde one ripped Tom's head clean off," Sirius says with a chuckle.
"Speaking of vampires Harry, are you sure, it is safe for you to be dating someone like Draco, creatures like us tend to confuse lover and prey," Remus says in a serious voice.
"Super strong person, Moony not creature," Sirius hisses.
Remus gives Sirius a tired look filled with love.
"Yes, well Draco is showing the same tendency of super strong people to be a bit obsessive," Remus says in a worried voice.
Sirius's brow furrows and he says in a tense voice, "Yes, he rarely leaves your side,"
The beeping from the machine goes crazy as Harry feels his hands clenching into fists. He feels anger overwhelm him at the implication that Draco would bite him. He tempers it knowing that Remus's worry comes from a place of love and worry not hate for Draco.
"I love Draco, Remus. I don't care what he is. And he wouldn't hurt me. He's the one who saved my life in that alley and again when Tom lured me into his trap." Harry's voice is firm, his conviction unwavering.
"He loves me. I can see it in the way he looks at me, the way he stays with me when I am hurt. He wants to protect me."
Remus studies Harry's determined face, seeing the truth in his words. He sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair. "I know you love him, Harry. But there are things we don't understand about vampires that could potentially harm you or others."
Sirius tries to intervene, "Maybe we should just let him get some sleep, Remy,"
"No Sirius, this needs to be said. We know that Draco doesn't intend you harm cub, but vampires are different from werewolves. They are drawn to human blood by their nature, it would be easy for him to confuse you for a deer during a moment of umm…passion,"
Before Harry can respond Draco strides through the door his tense golden eyes finding Harry's and seeming to melt with relief when he sees Harry unharmed. Draco stops by Harry's bed and without even acknowledging Remus and Sirius, cradles the back of Harry's head with gentle hands and delivers the softest kiss to his lips. When Harry finds his breath again, Draco gives him a sweet smile and asks in a soothing voice,
"Are you okay, love?"
Harry drowns in Draco's golden eyes for a moment before he manages to respond with a shaky, "Yes,"
"Good," Draco says in a firm voice, his fingers playing with the curls at the back of Harry's head.
Draco turns to glare at Remus and Sirius, "I think it is about time that you left,"
Remus opens his mouth to protest, but Draco cuts across him, "He is never going to heal if you keep getting his heart rate up and hindering his sleep,"
Remus sighs looking defeated as he leans against Sirius's wheelchair.
"We will see you tomorrow, Harry," Remus says in a tired voice.
"Sleep well, my lion cub," Sirius says as Remus wheels him out of the room.
Draco lowers Harry's head carefully to the pillows as the door shuts behind him, morose bleeding over his face as his eyes dart over Harry's body.
"You know he's right," Draco choked out, "Your injuries are all my fault,"
Harry gives Draco a sharp look.
"Enough, I am sick of everyone placing the blame of my injuries on you," Harry hisses, "Instead of where it belongs, on Tom. He was planning on killing me whether or not you fell in love with me Draco. It was just the cherry on top of his revenge plan against my parents that I would leave someone behind who would miss me,"
Draco gives Harry an intense look as he gathers Harry's warm hand in his cool one.
"You would be more than missed, sweetheart, your death would rip my heart out. I don't know how to live without you anymore Harry,"
"And you won't have to because you saved me," Harry says with finality, "Please just accept that,"
Draco looks at him with love-filled eyes tinged with something else, something conflicted.
"If you say so love, but if for whatever reason…say you find out something about a part of me that is less than ideal and you want me to go away, I will. I'll do anything you want me to do Harry,"
Harry looks at him in disbelief.
"There's never going to be a part of you that I don't love. You are perfect just the way you are Draco," Harry says in a soft voice.
Draco's grip on Harry's hand tightens, his fingers digging into flesh as if he fears that letting go will cause him to float away. His gaze is filled with an intense love that holds more weight than any force of gravity.
Epilogue
The grand staircase in Draco's family home curves elegantly downward, its polished wood gleaming under the warm light of the chandelier. At the top, Harry takes a deep breath, his fingers brushing nervously over the smooth fabric of his emerald green suit. The color brought out the vibrant green of his eyes, making them shine like jewels against his skin.
As Harry began his descent, a hush fell over the small gathering at the foot of the stairs. Sirius stands front and center, his weathered face breaking into a proud grin. Beside him stand Remus, Dr. Cullen and Lily. A complicated expression seems to be playing across Dr. Cullen's face as if he can't seem to quite believe the scene that is happening before him. Draco's siblings with varying degrees of disgust-Pansy and Theo and excitement Luna and Blaise.
"Now that," Sirius declares, his voice carrying easily through the foyer, "is how you make an entrance, kids."
He turns to Dr. Cullen, puffing up slightly.
"See that impeccable style? That's all from his godfather. Taught him everything he knows about looking sharp."
Dr. Cullen sneers, "The suit is one of Za-my son Blaise's and my daughter Luna was the one to tailor it to fit, Mr.P-Swan,"
Lily shoves into Dr. Cullen at the same time that Remus shoves Sirius.
Lily looks disappointed as she frowns at him, "What Sev, is trying to say is that our children our greatly inspired by your sense of style,"
Blaise, bounces on his toes, unable to contain his excitement.
"Sirius Dwyer likes one of my suits" he whispers to Pansy, his eyes shining with admiration for Harry's godfather.
Sirius's eyebrows shoot up, and he gives Blaise an appraising look.
"Well, well," he chuckles, "looks like we've got ourselves a budding fashion expert here. You've got a good eye, kid."
Blaise beams under the praise, while his siblings react in their ways. Pansy rolls her eyes good-naturedly, Theo raises an eyebrow, and Luna nods approvingly.
Throughout all of this, Draco stands slightly apart, his yellow eyes wide and fixed unwaveringly on Harry. His usual sass and quick wit seem to have deserted him, leaving him speechless as he watches Harry's descent which is slightly hindered by his cast.
Harry, for his part, feels his heart hammering in his chest. The weight of everyone's gaze makes his cheeks flush, adding a rosy tint to his complexion. His wild black hair, for once tamed into a stylishly messy look with the help of Draco, contrasts beautifully with the emerald of his suit.
As Harry reaches the bottom of the stairs, Sirius steps forward, enveloping him in a warm hug.
"You look fantastic, lion cub," he murmurs, his gruff voice thick with emotion. "Your parents would be so proud."
Harry swallows hard, returning the hug tightly.
"Thanks, Sirius," he whispers.
When they part, Harry's eyes immediately seek out Draco. Their gazes lock, and for a moment, the rest of the room seems to fade away. Draco's awestruck expression sends a flutter through Harry's heart.
Luna, ever observant, nudges Draco with her elbow. "Might want to pick your jaw up off the floor," she teases in a stage whisper.
That seems to snap Draco out of his daze. He blinks, a hint of his usual smirk returning.
"Well," he drawls, sauntering over to Harry, "looks like Sleeping Beauty cleans up nice after all."
Harry rolls his eyes, but can't hide his smile. "Careful, Draco. Keep staring like that and I might start to think you like me."
"Only in your sweet dreams," Draco shoots back, but the softness in his yellow eyes belies his words.
As the group makes their way towards the garage, the air is filled with excited chatter and a sense of anticipation. Harry feels a warm glow of belonging wash over him as he basks in the presence of Sirius's pride, the siblings' acceptance, and Draco's barely concealed adoration. It is like being surrounded by a second family, his own chosen one. He ignores the tense look that passes between Remus and Draco, noting how Draco pulls him closer and fights to bare his teeth in a growl. Harry feels confident that they will both come around given time.
As they enter the school gymnasium, it is like stepping into a fairy tale wonderland. Twinkling lights hang from every surface, casting a soft glow over the room. Shimmering decorations adorn the walls and tables, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Couples grind against each other on the dance floor, lost in their worlds as the thumping beat of a pop song plays over the speakers.
Ginny and Neville twirl by as they dance around a swaying George and Astoria. Parvati and Lavender make out together while Fred and Padma stand awkwardly together to the side seeming to be making forced conversation with each other. Further away Hermione and Ron argue with each other, Hermione looking increasingly upset as her hands bunch up in fists and tears shine in her eyes. She storms off and Harry pulls his hand out of Draco's to hobble after her, but Draco puts a hand on his shoulder as Hermione enters the girls restroom. Draco shoots a pleading look at Pansy.
She huffs in annoyance and screws her face into an annoyed look, but eventually sighs, "Fine, I'll go comfort the nerdy little crybaby so, you can have your fairytale moment, but I expect you to pay me back,"
Blaise bids them goodbye as he saunters over to where Hermione left a confused-looking Ron, a predatory look on his face, while Luna and Theo dominate the dance floor with complicated moves that Harry knows he will never be able to replicate even with hours of practice.
At the edge of the crowd, Harry shifts uncomfortably, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his emerald suit jacket. He hates the whispers and stares that started the moment he and Draco walked through the door or all of the glances at his cast. Rita of course caught wind of his accident and the fact that Draco was there when it happened complete with pictures of Draco carrying Harry out of the ballet studio, though how she managed to is beyond Harry. She ran a story talking about how Draco was abusive and caused the injury. It was only Sirius's statement saying that Draco was a fine stand-up man and he completely supported his godson's relationship that managed to stop a media massacre on the Cullens.
He can't help but feel a twinge of envy for those caught up in the magic of the moment, wishing his life could be that simple.
"You know, standing here isn't exactly the point of prom,"
Draco's teasing voice cuts through Harry's thoughts. The blonde looks dashing in a perfectly tailored suit that brings out the amber flecks in his yellow eyes. Harry glances down at his leg, still encased in a bulky cast.
"Yeah, well, I'm not exactly dressed for dancing," he mutters, a hint of bitterness in his tone as he lifts his heavy cast.
Draco's expression softens.
"Hey," he says, gently tilting Harry's chin up.
"Since when has a little thing like a broken leg stopped you from doing anything?"
"This is different," Harry protests weakly, his green eyes betraying his vulnerability, "I can't... I don't want to look foolish out there."
A mischievous glint appears in Draco's eyes.
"Well then, lucky for you, I have a solution."
With a sudden burst of determination, Draco takes Harry's hands and expertly weaves through the sea of people surrounding them. They pass Hermione, her tear-stained eyes wide with surprise, being dragged by Pansy out onto the crowded dance floor. Pansy gives Hermione's confused face a condescending sneer before she yanks her into her arms. Across the room Blaise smirks as he maneuvers a nervous Ron in a slow dance, his sharp eyes never leaving Ron's face. Without breaking their stride, Draco pulls Harry towards the rear doors and they step outside onto a well-lit path. The air is cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of flowers and earth. They walk along until they reach the greenhouse, tended to with utmost care by Luna, Neville, and the rest of the garden club. The glass walls of the greenhouse shimmer in the moonlight, giving off an otherworldly glow. Draco steers Harry inside, where they are enveloped by the peaceful sounds of nature and the sweet smell of blooming plants all around them.
"Draco, what are you—" Harry starts to protest, but Draco silences him with a look as he opens the door and pulls Harry inside.
Inside the greenhouse, Harry's eyes widen in wonder at the sight that greets him. The air is thick with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the moonlight filters through the glass walls, casting a serene glow over everything.
Draco leads Harry to a small clearing in the center of the greenhouse, that looks like it was created for the specific purpose of dancing. Plants hang from every surface, their vibrant colors adding to the magical atmosphere. Fairy lights twinkle above them, illuminating the space as if it were touched by starlight.
As Harry takes in the beauty around him, Draco moves to a speaker in the corner of the greenhouse and turns it on. The bubbling melody of the song Draco wrote for Harry fills the air, wrapping them in its enigmatic embrace.
"Trust me," Draco says softly, holding out his hands to Harry, a silent invitation written in his eyes.
"Now, put your feet on mine."
Harry blinks in surprise. "What?"
"You heard me, Hop-along. Put your good foot and that stylish cast of yours right on top of my feet."
Hesitantly, Harry does as he is told placing his hands in Draco's as he helps him up, feeling ridiculous but unable to resist the warmth in Draco's eyes. Draco wraps one arm securely around Harry's waist, holding him steady.
"There," Draco murmurs, beginning to sway to the music. "Now we're dancing."
Harry feels his cheeks flush, painfully aware of how close they are.
"This is... beautiful," he mumbles, even as he finds himself relaxing into Draco's embrace, "You didn't have to go through the trouble for me,"
Draco gracefully guides them in a slow circle, correcting Harry's statement. "Of course I did," he says with determination. "I will prove to you just how important you are to me. No matter the difficulty or length of time it takes, I will show you in every way I can."
Despite himself, Harry gasps, "Draco,"
"You deserve nothing less, sweetheart," Draco murmurs placing a single kiss on the top of his head, somehow not messing up a single curl.
As they move together, Harry finds himself getting lost in the moment, in the gentle sway of their bodies and the warmth of Draco's arm pulling him increasingly closer.
"Look at you" Draco murmurs after a while. "Who says you can't dance with a cast on?"
Harry looks up, meeting Draco's gaze. The usual sass is still there, but underneath it is something softer, something that makes Harry's heart skip a beat.
"Thank you," Henry says quietly. "For... for this. For everything."
Draco's smile is gentle. "Anything for you, sweetheart,"
As another song comes over the speaker, they continue to sway, lost in each other. And if anyone notices a boy with wild black hair and a cast standing on the feet of his blonde partner through the greenhouse windows, well... they just smile and look away, leaving the couple to their dance.
Draco is lost in Harry's scent and the feel of his warm body pressed up against his when Severus's thoughts flow into his head.
Draco, I require your presence in the forest, we must talk before my time here runs out. I suggest you make your excuses for your ill choice of a paramour, this is not a conversation for Potter's ears.
Draco stills as his thoughts rush about in a confusing swirl. Only the real Severus from his time would know to call Harry, Potter.
"Draco, are you okay?" Harry asks, looking up at Draco with confused eyes.
Draco bends down and drops a kiss on Harry's forehead gently lifts him off of his feet and sets him on the ground.
"Everything's fine, sweetheart," he lies smoothly, "Severus just needs to speak with me privately for a few minutes. He is just outside. I won't be gone more than a few minutes, just wait for me here."
Draco leads Harry over to a stone bench in the greenhouse and sits him down so the pressure will be off his healing leg. He gives Harry a chaste kiss on the lips and then blurs out the door.
Severus waits for him in the shadows of the trees with a deep frown on his face. Draco notes the differences that he missed when he was too absorbed in Harry's recovery to notice something as simple as wearing mismatched socks. The hunched shoulders, the calculating glimmer in his eyes, the bitterness, stark in every line of his face, despite the ageless vampire facade.
"Mr. Malfoy," Severus drawls in a disdainful English-accented voice and Draco almost collapses in relief, because he thought he would never hear it again, "Why don't you tell me what you got yourself involved in now,"
So Draco does.
He tells his godfather about the impossible task that the Dark Lord set up for him, though Severus already seems familiar with it. He tells him about his growing desperation and how the Room of Requirement gave him what seemed like the perfect ritual at the time to deliver Harry to the Dark Lord.
"Liber Memoriae," Severus mutters to himself, his black eyes narrowing, "I told the Headmaster years ago that room should be dismantled,"
Draco goes on to tell him about how he botched the ritual and managed to suck him and Harry into the book. How he managed to keep all of his memories of their world and how Harry did not. Severus looks at him intently when he says this.
"You said that only a drop of your blood fell in the potion, while a whole vial of Potters went in?" Severus asks, Draco nods even though he wonders if it makes a difference if it was his blood-soaked handkerchief instead of a vial, "The spell runs on memories to keep the victim trapped in the book, feed on them, so they can alter the story itself to better fit the victims real life each time to story ends, creating endless possibilities of fantasy worlds to keep the victim's attention,"
He talks about how he started the book playing his part perfectly, intent to kill Harry, but somewhere along the way, he lost sight of his goal and well…
Severus scoffs.
"Foolish boy, did you not bother to read the very story you planned on trapping Potter in? Your character was never meant to kill the human protagonist, you were supposed to fall in love with him. Almost instantly," Severus says with a sneer, "How have you failed to figure that out after all the iterations of the story you have gone through?"
Draco looks at Severus in confusion.
"This is the first one," he says.
Severus curses, using some that Draco has never even heard of.
"Potter," Severus spits his voice so full of vitriol it makes Draco bristle.
Severus notices and sneers in a cruel voice, "How quickly you've changed Mr. Malfoy, from the boy intent on harming him to the boy who aims to protect him. What would your father think?"
Draco thinks about the two times his father obliviated him, about the boy who shared so much of Harry's strength and bravery that his father killed, about Luca who looked at Draco with such love and then such horror.
"I don't particularly care what my father thinks of it," he says in an uncaring voice.
A slow smirk spreads across Severus's face, "Then you just might survive this yet. Though you don't have much time, Potter's magic is unlike any myself or the Headmaster has come across. It's wild and creative and fights against all illusions. A ritual like this wasn't meant to hold someone like Potter long and it's already showing signs of failing from the dreams he's been experiencing to the large deviations in the storyline,"
"What do you mean deviations, Severus? You said I was supposed to get with Harry?"
Severus looks at him like he is talking to a particularly slow child.
"I'm sure you have noticed despite not having bothered to read the book that none of the original characters are in the book. Potter's backstory doesn't even closely match the original one nor do most of the events that followed after I did some research about what's been going on in this cursed place. Not that such a flimsy story could ever hold someone like Potter," Severus reluctantly admits, though it seems to pain him to compliment the boy.
Draco on the other hand feels a glow of pride that his boyfriend is so powerful.
"You said we don't have much time? What did you mean by that?" Draco says his voice tinged with worry.
"Potter's waking up, you don't have much time before the entire story collapses on itself, trapping you both in here forever," Severus says in a grave voice.
Draco feels conflicted, part of him doesn't want to return to the real world where Harry hates him and they are on different sides of a war, much like the one where Theo fought when he was human against the Nazis. Though Draco knew his side was more like the Nazis than the Allies, both were brainwashed to unquestionably fight against each other and never question their own beliefs. He wanted a different end than the one with so much death that he read about, but he didn't know how to achieve it.
"Your mother needs you Draco," Severus says as if sensing your hesitation.
Draco feels a spike of worry and guilt shot through him. He hadn't thought of her in a long time, his every waking thought now consumed with Harry.
"Is she alright?"
"She is safe as she can be with that monster living in your house. I am doing everything in my power to keep her out of the Dark Lord's notice, but I do not know how long my efforts will pay off,"
Typical Severus guilting you to get his way.
"What do I need to do to break the spell?" he asks.
"You need to find the magical anchor. Whatever magical object you centered to ritual around should be hidden somewhere in the story, influencing its progress and affecting how events play out. What object did you use,"
"I am not sure exactly, it was a ring that the Headmaster dropped when I was following him, I decided to pick it up and keep it because of the power I sensed on it. I thought that maybe it would be useful later down the line," Draco says.
Severus's eyes widen and he asks in a measured voice, "Did this ring have a black stone crack down the middle with an etching of it,"
Draco thinks for a moment trying to remember what the piece of jewelry looked like.
"Yes, it was a triangle I think, with a circle in the middle and another line through it. It looked familiar but I can't remember why,"
A look of absolute horror and terror crosses Severus's face and he starts to say, "The Hollows, Draco you must-" before cutting off his face going blank.
Severus blinks several times and looks about himself as if confused. His eyes focus on Draco, once again wise and kind, with only lingering traces of bitterness and wariness.
"Son, do you have any idea why I am here?"
Draco feels his heart sink in disappointment, his one connection to his world gone.
"You wanted to check up on Harry, father," Draco lies in a smooth voice, "You warned me not to let him stand on his feet too long. Don't worry I have been following your advice,"
Severus seems to accept this lie with a small nod.
"Speaking of Harry, I should probably be getting back to him. I'm sure Mother is wondering where you are as well," Draco says.
Severus smiles at the mention of Lily and as if in a daze, "You are right son,"
He blurs away and Draco once again feels a sense of loss as the familiar weight of responsibility falls on his shoulders. Even when surrounded by others he is still alone. He sighs as he makes his way back to Harry hoping that he listened to his advice and stayed put. He smiles as he sees Harry's familiar form sitting on the stone bench, Ginny standing across from him keeping him company. It turns into a frown as he gets closer, smelling the unease coming off Harry in waves and the tense smile on his face.
Why doesn't he see what I do? See what monsters the Cullens are?
Ginny's thought cut right through him as he opened the greenhouse door and the faint smell of wet dog, that he dismissed as his imagination grew in strength. Draco grits his teeth. One werewolf hanging around Harry is bad enough, but two?
"Ginevra," Draco says in a curt voice, "Where has your date run off to, I don't see him anywhere,"
Or smell him, he thinks bitterly, though he can't hope to smell anything over her ghastly smell clogging his senses anyway.
Ginny glares at him, looking like she would like nothing more than to throw a bat-bogey hex at him. Draco is thankful she doesn't have her magic hear. Though he doesn't like the idea of claws growing from her fingers.
"Cullen," Ginny growls, baring her teeth.
"Ginny, don't be rude," Harry scolds the little fool.
His little fool.
Draco quickly makes his way across the room, positioning himself behind Harry, possessively leaning over him and covering him with Draco's scent. All put shielding him from the werewolf's view. Harry leans back against him, his heart increasing in speed as Draco wraps his arms around Harry's narrow shoulders and rests his head on top of Harry's.
"Sweetheart?" Draco purrs in Harry's heart, feeling a satisfied grin creep over his face as Harry shivers and blush crosses his face, "Are you ready to leave?
"Yes, Draco," Harry breathes.
Ginny all but snarls as Draco helps Harry up and guides him out of the greenhouse.
"Don't forget our chat Harry," Ginny growls after him, "Your boyfriend is not all he seems,"
Harry looks back to glare at Ginny despite Draco's attempts to drag him out of there.
"And remember what I said, Ginny. I will love him no matter who or what he is. He will always be Draco to me,"
Ginny's eyes flash gold and that is when Draco scopes Harry into his arms and carries Harry to his Volvo, ignoring Harry's protests. They barely make it a few miles down the road before he hears the lost cry of a lone wolf, howling at the cruel night sky.
Draco parks the car in the garage, glad that his family's hidden away from prying eyes in the dense forest and his cousin and fiancé are still out sharing a dinner with Severus and Lily at The Hog's head, building new bridges.
Frantic and desperate, Draco rushes Harry up to his bedroom, his undead heart pounding with a feverish mix of desire and concern. The confusion and arousal emanating from Harry, swirl around Draco like a tornado.
With expert precision, he lays Harry on the bed, carefully considering Harry's injuries. But his eyes are wild with desperation, every fibre of his being craving to consume the vulnerable human in front of him. He fights against himself, fixating instead on the raw hunger and longing radiating from Harry's face.
As he hovers over Harry, Draco's touch is electric, tracing every line of his face with a burning intensity. The moonlight filters through the window, casting an otherworldly glow on Harry's skin. A surge of protectiveness and possessiveness overtakes him as he inhales the intoxicating scent of Harry's desire.
"What do you want?" His voice is barely audible as he leans in to kiss Harry before pulling back abruptly, leaving him breathless.
"Only you," gasps Harry between heavy pants, his passion bright on his face.
Draco smirks as gently tucks a lock of Harry behind Harry's ear.
"Where?" Draco asks though he already knows the answer, he just wants to hear Harry say it.
Harry hesitates as his face grows warm with embarrassment.
"En moi," Harry murmurs in a bashful voice.
Draco pretends to tilt his head in a questioning look.
"Try again, maybe in English this time sweetheart," Draco says.
Harry's blush grows darker and Draco's mouth fills with venom at the delicious smell coming off his precious skin.
"Inside me," Harry whispers in a voice only a vampire would hear.
Draco's smirk turns feral as he growls in response, carefully flipping Harry over and relieving him of his clothes with nimble fingers. As Harry moans in pleasure and pain, Draco slowly trails his way down his body, leaving a trail of bites and scratches. When he reaches Harry's throbbing cock, he devours it with his mouth, sucking and teasing until Harry is practically begging for release.
With a wicked gleam in his eyes, Draco flips Harry over, exposing him completely. He spreads Harry's trembling thighs watches the and watches with satisfaction as Harry's heart pounds erratically with anticipation. Then, without warning, he dives his tongue into Harry's puckered hole, causing Harry to cry out in ecstasy. Each lick and suck drives Harry closer to the edge until he can barely form coherent words. Taking advantage of Harry's pleasure, Draco expertly inserts one finger into Harry's slick entrance. He searches for that sweet spot inside him, knowing exactly how to make Harry writhe and beg for more. He feels himself growing harder with every thrust of his fingers.
"Please...more..." he pleads desperately.
"Since you asked so nicely, sweetheart,"
Harry whimpers in response as Draco coats his fingers in lube and adds another two, then three fingers with ease. The feeling of fullness mixed with intense pleasure has Harry gasping for air, under him. With a wicked smile, Draco pushes a fourth finger inside Harry making him cry out loudly. Soon enough, they are both panting with desire as Draco prepares Harry for what comes next.
With a fierce intensity, Draco leans down and whispers hoarsely in Harry's ear, "Are you ready?"
Harry responds with incoherent nonsense, lost in the moment. But Draco demands a clear answer, his tongue tracing the curve of Harry's ear as he asks again.
"Yes," Harry chokes out a cry, unable to resist Draco any longer.
"There's my good boy," Draco croons, his voice thick with affection as he carefully turns Harry around. Placing a pillow under Harry's hips, he pulls his legs onto his shoulders and lines himself up.
Draco places a soft kiss on Harry's cast before plunging into him. With each thrust, he breaches Harry's warm, wet heat until they are both lost in ecstasy.
"Draco," Harry groans, stiff and tense beneath him.
"I know it hurts, but you're doing so well," Draco reassures him as he eases deeper inside.
Finally bottoming out, their mouths meet in a desperate kiss.
"Are you okay?" Draco whispers across Harry's mouth.
In response, Harry tightens his grip on Draco and gives him a determined look, showing his determination to push through the pain.
"Move," he growls out, his voice laced with a dangerous edge that sends shivers down Draco's spine.
He sets a punishing rhythm, fueled by the raw emotion of Harry crying out his name. Draco watches in awe as the walls of Harry's famous facade crumble and his once impenetrable green eyes become glazed over with pleasure, all because he let Draco unravel him. It's a sight that fills Draco with both awe and guilt, but he can't bring himself to look away.
"Draco, I-I'm close," Harry stutters, his voice breaking most exquisitely.
His vulnerability only makes him more irresistible to Draco. Without hesitation, Draco reaches down between them and strokes Harry's cock with skilled movements, pushing him closer and closer to the edge.
"Go on then, sweetheart, come for me," Draco urges in a low whisper, his desire reaching its peak.
Harry cries out as he climaxes, covering his stomach with a heady treacle scent that drives Draco wild. Amid Harry's release, Draco follows suit, pounding into him until they're both spent. As their breathing slows, Draco gently lowers himself onto Harry's sweat-drenched body, meeting his cloudy gaze.
"Harry, you were incredible," Draco murmurs in a hushed yet sincere tone.
In this moment, there is nothing else but them. Harry's eyes clear as they focus on him, but instead of the love that Draco expects hate rushes into them, hitting Draco like a Crucio.
"Malfoy?" Harry sneers, his voice as hate-filled as Potter's, as his disgusted green eyes bore into him.
To Be Continued…