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Chapter Text

Normally, Aunt Andromeda maintained a polite silence. She’d given up pretending to care about him. 

Normally, he’d arrive at her little house and make his way straight to the dining room, to eat. 

“How was your day?” Andromeda called, from the living room.

But then again, normally, he would have returned after his mandatory probationary session for lunch.

“Draco?” 

Today, he had not.

And normally, Draco would have returned again after his daily Azkaban visit to eat dinner before retreating to the guest room

Today, he had not. 

“Draco.” Andromeda appeared in the foyer, frowning at him. “I asked about your day.”

Draco hung his cloak carefully. That silly baby of hers had gotten awfully grabby, now that he’d figured out how to get about the house on his own. Anything left dangling would be yanked to the ground, rolled around in, and likely spit on. 

“It was fine,” Draco said. He stepped cautiously into the little building, wary of stepping on her grandson. “Where’s Edward?” 

“Harry took him to the Burrow,” she said. “Have you eaten?” 

The response was automatic, at this point. At the mention of Potter, Draco began occluding. 

“Draco,” Andromeda said. “Did you eat?” 

Occluding with family? Uncle Rodolphus had sneered. Bit rude, isn’t it? 

Draco took a deep breath, and forcefully lowered the shield.

You must be the perfect house guest for my sister, Mother had insisted. You know the rules, darling. 

“I ate,” Draco lied. “Thank you.” 

He maintained eye contact and perfect posture, hands clasped politely in front of him. 

“Draco-”

“Do you need anything, Aunt Andromeda?” 

Andromeda gave him one of her unsettling stares. 

Not like Bella’s, Draco thought. It’s biteless. Magicless. No Legilimency, no threat. 

Yet she looked so much like her sister, with those same eyes and hair… Draco would brace himself, automatically, his muscles tightening in anticipation. 

“I do need something,” she said, softly. 

Draco nodded stiffly. Perhaps she would send him on an errand. He maintained his eye contact, despite himself. He maintained his posture, and his manners, and resisted the urge to leave, as he had done every day since the trials had landed him in her home. 

“Will you sit and have tea with me?” Andromeda said. 

Draco blinked. 

Something was wrong. 

Twice was a coincidence. Three times was a pattern. This was the third anomaly he had encountered today. 

His occlumency shield went back up, full strength, and Andromeda noticed. 

This time, instead of politely turning away from him, as she’d typically done, she moved toward him. 

Draco stepped backwards, quickly and without thinking, until his back was up against the front door. 

Instead of pursuing him, she stilled, and she raised her hands. Palms up. 

Draco scrutinized the unfamiliar gesture. Was it to show him that she wasn’t holding a wand?  

“Please stay calm,” Andromeda said. 

“I apologize,” Draco said. “I don’t know what came over me.” 

Something was wrong, something was wrong, something was wrong.

But what was it? Draco kept his eyes on Andromeda’s open palms as he carefully resumed his polite position, hands clasped together in front, no need to grab his wand with family. 

She’s not really your family, Mother had said. But it’ll be politically expedient to ignore her disownment. There’s a plan, my darling, so just treat her as if she is family. Go through the motions. 

“Draco?” Andromeda said. “Did… did anyone talk to you today?” 

Twice. It had happened twice. How did she know? Was it her doing? Maybe Aunt Andromeda wanted to punish him. It was his fault her daughter and son in law had died, wasn’t it? 

He deserved to be punished. 

Andromeda turned her back on him. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s sit down, hmm? We don’t have to drink tea, but we need to sit.” 

Reluctantly, he followed her into her little kitchen. He sat. 

He gave up on eye contact, instead staring at his hands. 

“There’s no easy way to say this,” Andromeda said. “So I’ll just… I’m going to give you the facts, alright?” 

Draco nodded. He was afraid to speak at this point, sure that his voice would crack. It was silly to be afraid like this again. He knew it was silly. The war was over. Aunt Bella was dead. The Dark Lord was dead. All he had to do was wait for his parents to be released from Azkaban.

That was all he had to do. Simply wait. Wait, wait, wait. But the waiting was driving him mad.

If only Mother would explain her plan, it might be more bearable. 

“Harry let me know as a courtesy,” Andromeda said. “He wanted to warn you before you’d left, actually, but he hadn’t accounted for how early you start your days.” 

Draco frowned. “Warn me about what?” 

It had been a perfectly ordinary day, for the most part. He’d left at 7 a.m, as usual, and loitered in Muggle London until his probationary appointment at the Ministry, which was always at 1 p.m.

It was after that appointment that Percy Weasley approached him. He was acting oddly, so Draco made up an excuse and left after exchanging the expected niceties. 

The first unusual encounter. It had shaken him. Robbed him of his appetite. So, instead of returning to Andromeda’s home for lunch, Draco had gone back to Muggle London. 

Then he’d gone to Azkaban. It was Mother’s turn for a visit, because the guards never allowed Draco to visit both parents on the same day. It forced him to alternate between them, each day. 

“You don’t have to do this,” the guard had said. “You can leave them to rot. Both of them.” 

Then, for the third time that day, he’d gone to Muggle London.

In Muggle London, no one stared at him. In Muggle London, he could simply walk. For hours. Or he could sit on a bench. Or he could browse the shops. Sit in the public library and read their strange books. 

He’d never been there after sundown before. It had unnerved him, so he’d finally come back to Andromeda’s little house. And now this. 

Aunt Andromeda was letting the silence stretch out between them. Draco gave up on waiting for her to speak. 

“Warn me about what?” Draco repeated. 

He’d never seen Andromeda so uncomfortable before. She sighed. “During the trials, they collected memories from… from the accused.” 

“Alright,” Draco said, swallowing around the lump in his throat. “The coven found evidence against me? They're going to send me to Azkaban?”

“No,” Andromeda said. “You’ve been cleared of all charges. They’re going to end your probation soon. They’re ending it early.”

“What?” Draco said. “Why?”

Andromeda lifted a hand towards him and he flinched, reflexively. 

Aunt Bella loathed it when he flinched.  

“Please stay calm,” Andromeda said. 

“I apologize!” Draco said. 

He closed his eyes and braced himself. 

“What are you apologizing for, Draco?” Andromeda said. 

“I’ve been a rude house guest,” Draco said, as politely as possible. “I’ll accept my punishment.”

“Darling,” Andromeda said. “I’m not going to punish you.”

He opened his eyes and realized his Aunt Andromeda was crying. 

“Why are you crying?” Draco said. “Did I offend you?”

“No,” Andromeda said. “I saw the memories.”

“What memories?” Draco said. 

She shook her head and continued to cry. She reminded him of Mother. She cried like this too, silently, and she would smile in a similar way as she cried. 

“I don’t understand,” Draco said. 

“We aren’t going to talk about the memories,” Andromeda said. “But Harry thought you should be warned. The public was… was made aware of them.”

“Made aware of what?” Draco said. “Was I humiliated? Will there be more Howlers?”

“I don’t think we’ll be receiving any more Howlers,” Andromeda said. “If we do… I’ll deal with them myself. I’ll find the wixen sending you Howlers… and I’ll deal with them.”

Draco frowned at her, but then he quickly re-arranged his face into a polite smile. 

“That is… generous of you,” Draco said. “But we should be careful. That’s how blood feuds get started.”

“Oh Draco,” Andromeda said. “Will you let me hug you?”

“Of course, Aunt Andromeda,” Draco said. “You’re still grieving. I’ve been neglecting you, haven’t I? You may hug me whenever you wish.”

Andromeda covered her mouth with her hand, so Draco knew he’d said the wrong thing. 

“I apologize,” Draco said, quietly. “I shouldn’t speak of… I shouldn’t speak.”

“My darling boy,” Andromeda said. “You’re a kind soul.”

“Pardon?” Draco said. 

“I need a moment,” Andromeda said. “I’ll be in my room if you need me.”

She hurried away from him and Draco was left frozen where he was, heart pounding, half expecting her to come back and crucio him for speaking ill of the dead. 

But she didn’t return. 

Draco was left sitting. Was he allowed to go into his room or did Andromeda want him to wait for her moment of grief to pass? She hadn’t specified. 

Better to be safe than sorry. 

Draco remained where he was sitting.

Time passed. Not long. Perhaps an hour or two. 

Then the front door was opening. 

Andromeda lived in a small home. Draco was in the kitchen, but he could see the front door from where he sat. 

Without thinking, he ducked behind a counter, then cursed himself. 

Cowardly little dog, Draco thought. You’ve always been a coward and you’ll always be a coward!

It was too late to straighten up. Smarter to stay hidden, lest he embarrass his Aunt Andromeda. 

Harry Potter’s voice drifted over the room. “Andy? Are you here?” 

Circe’s beard! Draco thought. I can’t deal with Potter today!

It didn’t matter. Potter came into the kitchen, demanding to be dealt with. 

“Draco?” Potter said. “What are you doing down there?”

Draco straightened up. “I was… cleaning.”

Potter frowned at him. 

It was a ridiculous lie, but Potter didn’t call him out on it. 

“Where’s Edward?” Draco said. 

“He’s spending the night with the Weasleys tonight,” Potter said. “Are you… did Andy tell you what happened in court today?”

“Yes, Potter,” Draco said. “She told me. I’m afraid my aunt is indisposed at the moment. Will you come back tomorrow?”

“I came to see you,” Potter said, scowling. 

Draco gulped. 

“Dammit,” Potter said. “Look… will you come out with me?”

“Come out?” Draco said. “What are you asking of me?”

“Don’t you want to get out of the house?” Potter said. “For a bit?”

“I’ve been out of the house,” Draco said. 

“You like to hang out in Muggle London, right?” Potter said. “Have you ever been there after dark?”

“Yes,” Draco said. “It isn’t frightening.”

Potter smirked at him. 

“Fine,” Draco said. “I’ll go wherever you want.”

“Thanks,” Potter said. 

Potter gave him one of his classically heroic grins. The kind he would turn on for the photographers and weeping fangirls. 

“Don’t smile,” Draco said. “I hate it when you smile.”

Potter chuckled. He carried on smiling, of course. 

“Where are you going to take me?” Draco said. “Please don’t lead me to my death, Potter. Aunt Andromeda will mourn my loss.”

“She’s not the only one,” Potter said. “I’ll keep you safe. I’ll, um, I’ll be your knight in shining armor?”

Draco could feel his heart pounding again. He wondered if his fear was apparent on his face. Aunt Bella said she could smell it on him. That she didn’t need Legilimency to see it, smell it, and taste it on him. 

“Are we going on a quest?” Draco said, hesitantly. “I don’t have a wand, Potter.” 

“No,” Potter said. “There won’t be any magic. There won’t be any… anything dangerous.”

Is today the day? Draco wondered. Maybe he’ll lead me to a group of Gryffindor alumni. They aren’t allowed to burn me at the stake, but they can still string me up and cart me around as the town fool. 

“I’ll keep you safe,” Potter said. “You can trust me, Draco.”

Draco sighed. 

“Please?” Potter said. 

“Alright,” Draco said. “I’ll follow you. Go on.”

He preferred to be escorted that way. If the person escorting him was in front, Draco would see it if they touched their wand. 

If he was behind, Draco could see the set of their shoulders and what direction they were looking in. 

“Follow me?” Potter said. “What do you mean?”

Potter wasn’t the type to allow a courtesy like that. Draco should have known. 

“Beside you, then,” Draco said. “Will you go? I’ll do my best to stand beside you.”

“Thanks?” Potter said. “Um… are you alright?”

“Yes,” Draco said. “Where are we going?”

“A muggle garden,” Potter said. “It’s a public park. It’s open in the evenings. I thought you might like it, but you don’t have to come with me, Draco. You know that, right? You can say no.”

“I’m not a coward,” Draco said. 

They both knew he was lying. Potter smirked. The bloke just couldn't help himself.

“Shall we hold hands?” Potter said. “Will that make it easier?”

“Do I look like a child?” Draco said. 

“Honestly?” Potter said. “You’ve always looked like a child.”

“I’m a head taller than you!” Draco said. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Potter said. “Just hold my hand. Be a good wizard.”

Draco huffed. 

“Maybe it’ll help,” Potter said. “It gets crowded in the evening. If we’re holding hands I won’t have to worry about you getting lost.”

“Very well,” Draco said, imperiously. “You may hold my hand. For your piece of mind, Potter.”

“You’re a generous young master,” Potter said, chuckling. 

He held his hand out. 

Draco stared at it. 

“You don’t have to,” Potter said. “This isn’t a demand. It has nothing to do with your parole. I’m not an Auror.” 

“Not yet,” Draco said. “You will be, won’t you?”

“Maybe,” Potter said. “I haven’t decided.”

Draco huffed. 

Then he grasped Potter’s hand, tightly. He squeezed as tightly as possible. 

That’s what the muggle men would do, so Draco put as much strength into his grip as possible. 

Potter raised his eyebrows, but he didn’t flinch. 

He was muggle-raised, so maybe that was a sign of approval. 

Draco loosened his grip and raised his own eyebrow. 

“Okay,” Potter said. “Good. Um… thank you.”

“Your welcome?” Draco said. “Can we go now?”

Potter was flushed. Was it mortification or anger? Maybe it pissed him off that a Death Eater was actually touching him. 

He’s the one who told me to hold his hand, Draco thought. He can’t get angry about it!

“Y-yeah,” Potter said. “Let’s… um, should we talk to Andy before we leave? I don’t want to be rude.”

“She’s indisposed,” Draco said. “I already said that, didn’t I?”

“What does that mean, though?” Potter said.

“Do you need the dictionary definition?” Draco said. “Honestly Potter. Haven’t you had long enough to learn the English language?”

Potter laughed. 

Then he was tugging Draco towards the door. 

Draco allowed himself to be led. 

Potter led him through Muggle London, but he was a rubbish tour guide. He didn’t explain anything as they walked. 

He wasn’t an eloquent speaker either. Draco wasn’t surprised, but normally Potter could be trusted to keep up a steady stream of nonsensical babble. He would talk about stupid things, or stupid people, or Quidditch. 

Tonight, he wasn’t saying a word. 

He wasn’t looking at Draco either. He kept glancing around as if he expected one of the muggles to spring a wand on them. 

“There’s something you aren’t telling me,” Draco said. “What is it, Potter?”

“Nothing,” Potter said. 

“I have rights,” Draco said. “I’m still a wizard. I’m a dishonored wizard, but I’ve all the same rights as an ordinary wizard. Until they put me in Azkaban, I have… I have rights.”

Potter finally looked at him. 

“You aren’t going to be sent to Azkaban, Draco,” Potter said. “But your parents aren’t ever getting out, so you should-”

“Excuse me?” Draco said. “My parents are getting out. They’re going to win their trials! Or… well, not win, but they’ll figure out how to get their charges reduced. They’ll be sentenced with five years. Ten at the most.”

They were standing on a muggle sidewalk. There was hardly anyone around, but Potter kept scrutinizing the shadows. 

Like he was expecting a crowd to materialize out of thin air. Probably his friends. He needed to bring Draco to the apparition point they’d already agreed on, but Potter was too thick to remember which apparition point was the correct one. 

“They’re getting out,” Draco said. “We lost the manor, but we still have a chateau in France. When they get out, we’ll move to France.”

“They aren’t getting out, Draco,” Potter said. “I thought Andy told you. They were given life sentences in court today.”

“What?!” Draco said. “She didn’t say that!”

“Goddammit,” Potter said. “I’m sorry. I thought you knew.”

Potter was still looking at the shadows around them. His eyes darted around, nervously. 

“Are they late?” Draco said. 

Potter looked at him. “Huh?”

“Dumbledore’s Army,” Draco said. “Are they late?”

“The DA retired,” Potter said. 

“Sure they did,” Draco said. “What’ll it be, tonight? Will you lift me on a litter like Quasimodo?”

“On a litter?” Potter said. “What’s a litter?” 

“Haven’t you seen the muggle films, Potter?” Draco said. “I thought you’d at least seen the muggle films.”

“You mean the Disney movies?” Potter said. 

“Yes,” Draco said. “Shall we re-enact the Festival of Fools? It would be perfect.”

Potter blinked at him. 

“I suppose Gryffindors aren’t creative enough for that,” Draco said. “What did you cook up instead?”

“You think I’m trying to prank you?” Potter said. 

Draco finally found the courage to pull his hand out of Potter’s grasp, but when he tried to tug away Potter held him tightly. 

“Hold on,” Potter said. “We’ve been misunderstanding each other. For ages!”

“Let go of me, Potter,” Draco said, as coldly as he could. “I’m still Draco Malfoy. You’re still Harry Potter. I won’t let you… I won’t go down without a fight.”

“I don’t want to fight,” Potter said. 

He was holding on to Draco’s hand with both of his now, holding on for dear life. 

“A wizard’s duel is honorable,” Draco said. “Let’s get it out of the way.”

“That would break your probation,” Potter said, scowling. 

“All the better!” Draco said. “Let’s give the coven an excuse to send me away.”

“Do you want to go to Azkaban?” Potter said. 

“It’s where I belong!” Draco shouted. “I belong there!”

“No you don’t!” Potter screamed. “You’re innocent!” 

“You’re hilarious,” Draco said. “You’re out here for a lark, then? Let go of me.”

“I’m not letting go,” Potter said. “Please… can I hug you?”

“What?!” 

“Let me hug you,” Potter said. “You look like you’re about to burst into tears!”

“Shut up!” Draco said. “I’m not bursting into anything!”

His eyes were watery, but Draco blinked the moisture away and glared at Potter. 

“Please,” Potter said. “Draco… please.”

“Stop calling me that!” Draco said. “Why do you insist on calling me that, Potter?”

“Why do you insist on calling me Potter?” Potter said. 

“You’re Potter!” Draco said. “I’m Malfoy.”

“No,” Potter said. “Not anymore.”

“Just because the war is over-”

“Listen to me,” Potter said. “I didn’t want to do it like this… but it needs to be said.”

“Do what?” Draco looked towards the surrounding shadows. They were alone on the muggle sidewalk. There weren’t anymore muggle pedestrians. Potter had said it would be crowded. 

He should have known Potter was lying, but he’d been fooled by the Gryffindor reputation for morality and common decency. 

This is it, Draco thought. There will be a crowd of angry wixen. They’re about to apparate into this back alleyway. The muggles might notice eventually, but an angry mob won’t care about that. 

Potter squeezed his hand and Draco looked back towards him. 

“I love you,” Potter said. 

“Pardon?” Draco said. 

“I love you,” Potter repeated. 

“Have you gone mad?” Draco said. 

“Merlin’s tits,” Potter said. “I’m in love with you, Draco!”

“Am I meant to laugh?” Draco said. “This isn’t funny.”

“Please don’t laugh?” Potter said. “I don’t think I’ll be able to take that.”

“Is Rita Skeeter hiding under that cloak of yours?” Draco said. “Is this a mad Gryffindor scheme to save me from the gallows?”

“I don’t need to marry you to save you from the gallows,” Potter said, sighing. “You aren’t going to Azkaban, Draco. You’ve been cleared of all charges.”

“Sure,” Draco said. “Maybe they decided that today. Give it a year or two, Potter. I’m going to Azkaban.”

“Are you going to commit a crime?” Potter said. “You want to be sent there?”

“I won’t have to do anything,” Draco said. “It’s karma. Destiny. It’s-”

“Did you even hear me?” Potter said. “I said I’m in love with you.”

“I heard you,” Draco said. “I’ll ask my aunt to brew a cure for the love potion you were dosed with. Don’t worry, Potter. You’ll be right as rain in a few hours.”

“Parkinson was right,” Potter muttered. 

“I beg your pardon?” Draco said. 

“She told me you were always accusing everyone of being dosed by love potions,” Potter said. “When you were kids. Is it true? Were you accusing all of your friends of drinking love potions?”

Draco blinked. He’d forgotten about that. 

“That… was a long time ago,” Draco said. 

Potter sighed. 

“You’re saying you didn’t get poisoned?” Draco said. “You can’t prove it, Potter. The person who’s been infected by the potion won’t be able to tell. That’s a fact.”

“Fine,” Potter said. “Then we’ll ask Andy to brew an antidote. I’ll drink it… then I’ll tell you the same thing.”

“Sure.” Draco glared back at the shadows. “When will the Gryffindors arrive?”

“No one is arriving!” Potter said. “I wanted to be alone with you, for Christ's sake.”

Then Potter sighed and added, “For Merlin’s sake.”

“When have you ever wanted to be alone with me?” Draco said. “You do realize that your behavior tonight has been… disturbingly unusual?”

“Look,” Potter said. “I shouldn’t have waited this long, but there was a war. I was a bit busy with that.”

“You aren’t in love with me, Potter,” Draco said. “We’ve barely said three words to each other since first year.”

“We spoke to each other all the time!” Potter said. “Practically every day!”

“Slinging insults across the Great Hall doesn’t count,” Draco said. “You’re mad as a cow.”

“I sort of thought of it as aggressive flirting?” Potter said. “You didn’t think we were flirting?”

“Flirting?” Draco said. “You… is that a muggle way of flirting?”

“Maybe?” Potter said. “They have a lot of films about it. Um… yeah. It felt like we were the protagonists in a rom-com.”

“I’ve never heard of a rom-com,” Draco said. “I thought you despised me.”

“Sometimes I did despise you,” Potter said. “You drive me mad, Draco.”

“There you have it,” Draco said. “You aren’t in love with me.”

“Fine,” Potter said. “Um… I have a crush on you?”

“A what?” Draco said. 

“Nevermind,” Potter said. “Um… what’s the posh way of saying it?”

“Infatuation?” Draco said. “But… but you aren’t infatuated with me, Potter. Someone must have given you a love potion with my hair mixed in. Perhaps it was my mother’s doing.”

“Why would she do that?” Potter said. 

“You’re the savior of the Second Wizarding War,” Draco said. “You’re the most influential wizard in the country. In every country, in fact! I’ll bet she orchestrated this whole mess in order to manipulate you into speaking at my trial.”

“Draco,” Potter said. “That’s not-”

“You spoke on my behalf,” Draco said. “I thought it was mad! I see how she did it, now. She wanted to keep me out of Azkaban, Potter, but once you’ve been cured you’ll go back and you’ll-”

“No,” Potter said. “This isn’t a conspiracy, Draco.”

Draco tried to pull his hand away. Again. 

Potter stubbornly held on with both his hands. 

“Do I really need to drink an antidote for you to believe me?” Potter said. “You’re that paranoid?”

“Yes,” Draco said. 

“Then let’s go back to Andy’s house,” Potter said.

He started dragging Draco back the way they’d come. 

“Hold on!” Draco said. “You have to go without me!”

“Why?” Potter said. 

“The coven will assume I was the one who gave you the love potion,” Draco said, urgently. “Tell Andromeda that you’ve been poisoned. She’ll make the cure while I… while I go somewhere else.”

“No,” Potter said. “I’m not letting you run off in a panic.”

“Potter!” Draco said. “I’ll be hanged! They won’t bother to lock me up!”

“You won’t be hanged,” Potter growled. “I’m not letting anyone hang you!”

“You won’t give a damn once you’ve been cured,” Draco insisted. “Have mercy!” 

Potter stopped walking. 

“Damn it all to hell,” Potter said. “How did Merlin put up with stuff like this? Do you think King Arthur was as ridiculous as you?”

“Wasn’t he a muggle?” Draco said. “I don’t know anything about him.”

Potter squeezed his hand. Painfully tight. 

“I’m being too nice, is that it?” Potter said. “You need me to insult you?”

“What?” Draco said. 

“Someone on a love potion isn’t going to act like themselves,” Potter said. “They wouldn’t want to be rude to their lover, right?”

“Hold on,” Draco said. “Let’s not do anything hasty.”

Potter smirked. 

Then he pulled out his wand. 

Draco flinched, but Potter didn’t curse him. 

Instead, Potter apparated. 

A warning would have been nice. Apparition was unpleasant on the best of days, but being unexpectedly thrown into the squeeze of it was disorienting. 

Nauseating, even. 

It was over quickly enough, at least. 

They landed in a garden. Perhaps the one Potter had been wanting to go to in the first place. 

Then Potter was pushing him up against a brick wall that was covered in vines. 

“Would someone on a love potion be as rude as this?” Potter said, breathlessly. 

“I don’t know!” Draco said. “I’ve never been attacked by someone who’s actually been given a love potion with my hair in it!”

“You still haven’t,” Potter said. “What do I have to do for you to believe me, huh?”

“Drink an antidote,” Draco said, scowling. 

“Can’t do that, can I?” Potter said. “You think you’ll be hanged if I do that.”

“So what?” Draco said. “Maybe… maybe I should be hanged!”

“No,” Potter grumbled. “That’s rubbish.”

“You don’t know what I did, Potter,” Draco said. “I… I used the Cruciatus Curse. Multiple times.” 

“So did I,” Potter said. "And it doesn’t count that you did it. Voldemort had you at wand point.”

Draco groaned. 

“It doesn’t count,” Potter insisted. 

“Only foul people can manage it in the first place,” Draco said. “I managed it because I’m a loathsome little cockroach.” 

"I just said I used the Cruciatus Curse too," Potter huffed.

"Then we're both cockroaches," Draco muttered. 

“No we aren't!” Potter said. 

“I got that hippogriff killed!” Draco said. “A hippogriff lost its life because of me!”

“I saved Buckbeak,” Potter said. “The whole mess wasn’t even your fault, Draco. It was your father that insisted Buckbeak should be killed.”

“Because I was a rude little boy,” Draco said. “I didn’t show the proper respect and I-”

“Do you hear yourself?” Potter said. “You just repeat the things other people have said to you!”

Draco blinked. 

“You’ve always done that,” Potter said. “You’re like a sponge. You listen to everyone’s opinions. Everyone around you. And then you spit their opinions back out. Like one of those muggle recording devices.”

“You’re mad,” Draco said. 

“I want to know what you think for once,” Potter said. “What do you think, Draco?”

Potter was breathing in his face. He was a short wizard, but height didn’t matter. He was the most powerful wixen that Draco had ever met. 

He kept Draco pinned against the vines and the plants began to grow around them. It was wandless magic. 

Potter didn’t pay it any mind. 

Draco didn’t know what Potter wanted to hear, so he kept his mouth shut.

“Please,” Potter said. “Can you be honest with me? For once in your life?”

The vines were trapping them together in a cocoon. 

“Please don’t kill me?” Draco said, tentatively. “I’m… um… I’m too young to die?”

“I’m not going to hurt you,” Potter said. “Morgana’s toadstools, Draco. You treat me like a rabid dog.”

“You are a rabid dog,” Draco said. “You’ve always been a rabid dog, Potter! Your magic is leaking all over me!”

Potter huffed.

“Are you doing this on purpose or have you lost control?” Draco said. “You’ll trap us if you aren’t careful!”

“We won’t be trapped,” Potter said. “The vines will let us out when I want to leave.”

“You’ve done this before?” Draco said. 

“No,” Potter said. “But I’ve gotten used to the way my magic works. I don’t really have to think about it. When I want something… it happens.”

“Do you realize how powerful you are?” Draco said. “You talk about it as if it doesn’t even matter!”

Potter leaned closer and whispered, “I thought you liked powerful wizards.”

Draco blinked. “Wh-what?”

“Don’t you like power?” Potter said. “Isn’t that why you would walk around with Crabbe and Goyle? You liked how tall they were. You wanted to stand in between them because you thought you’d be safe with them.”

Draco scowled. 

“It’s true, isn’t it?” Potter said. “You liked Snape for the same reason. You liked how dark he was. You liked that he was a former Death Eater. You liked that the other students were afraid of him.”

Potter’s eyes were glowing. They shined with green light. 

Draco looked away and Potter grabbed him by the chin to turn his face back. 

“Do you still think I’ve been tricked by a love potion?” Potter said. 

“What do you want from me?” Draco said. 

“Can I kiss you?” Potter said. 

“Yes,” Draco said. 

Quick as a whip, Potter was pulling Draco down by the back of his head. He kissed like a virgin. Sloppy and aggressive. 

But everything Potter did was aggressive. He’d always been that way, hadn’t he? 

Maybe he was flirting with me for years, Draco thought. If that's true it was the most boorish flirting I've ever seen!

Potter was gripping onto his hair tightly. Like he thought Draco would try to move away. 

Draco didn’t fight it. He allowed Potter to kiss him, but he tried to guide it. He tried to slow Potter down. Gentle the kiss into something sweeter.

Potter was suggestable. 

He finally closed his mouth and there was less slobber. 

It was almost nice. 

When Potter pulled away, his eyes were wide. 

They weren’t glowing anymore, but his hair was curling. Tight little curls. There was static in his hair. 

“Are you thirsty?” Draco said. 

“What?” Potter said. 

“Didn’t you die in the forest?” Draco said. “Everyone knows, Potter.”

“What?” Potter said. 

“You can drink,” Draco said. “I’ll let you drink as much as you want.”

“Drink?” Potter said. “Drink what?”

“Don’t you know anything, Potter?” Draco said. “You died in the Forbidden Forest!”

“Um, yeah?” Potter said. “But it wasn’t really me that died. Uh… there was a piece of a Horcrux and… uh… it died instead of me.”

“Malarkey,” Draco said. “You’re clearly starving.”

“What?” Potter said. 

Draco sighed. 

“What are you saying?” Potter said. 

“I’m on probation,” Draco said. “I don’t have a wand.”

“I know that,” Potter said. “What does that have to do with-”

“You’ll need to use your wand,” Draco said. “Or you could use your teeth.”

“My teeth?” Potter said. “For what?”

“To take a drink,” Draco said. “You’re salivating.”

Potter wiped at the drool on his mouth with the back of his hand, like a savage, but everything about Potter had always been savage. 

“That’s uncouth,” Draco said. 

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, handing it to Potter. 

Potter was already blushing, but at the sight of Draco's initials on the handkerchief Potter's face turned as red as a Weasley’s head. 

“Huh?” Potter said. 

“Wipe your mouth, Potter,” Draco said. “If you don’t have the stones to take a drink… well. Your loss.”

“A drink?” Potter said. “You mean… you mean…?”

Potter finally took the handkerchief, but he simply stared at it. He ran his fingers over the initials.

“Blood,” Draco said. “Can’t you smell it? Does it appeal to you or would you rather drink from someone with light magic?”

“I don’t care about that,” Potter said. “But… wait. Are you telling me I’m a vampire?”

“That’s what the muggles call it,” Draco said. “We call it Veela.”

“What?!” Potter said. “Like Fleur Delacour?”

“I thought she married a Weasley?” Draco said. 

“Draco,” Potter said. “Are you honestly telling me that Fleur is a vampire?”

“Yes,” Draco said. “You didn’t know? I thought everyone knew she was a Veela.” 

The vines that had been encasing them suddenly shriveled up and died. 

Potter stepped away from him. He was still clutching the handkerchief. He held it tightly, as if it held the power of a wand beneath the cloth somewhere.  

“Are you trying to trick me?” Potter said. “You hate me that much?”

Draco squinted at him. 

“Jesus Christ,” Potter said. “You’re being serious?” 

It would be safer to stay silent, Draco thought. A Slytherin who’s been accused of lying is on his way to being a Slytherin who’s beaten into the ground. 

“Draco?” Potter said. 

“Yes?” Draco said. 

“Are you alright?” Potter said. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I’m not afraid of Veela,” Draco said. “I’ve dated plenty of them.”

“What?!” Potter said. “When did you date a Veela? You mean… you mean you’ve had people drinking your blood?”

“Yes, Potter,” Draco said. “It isn’t painful.”

“I don’t want to drink your blood!” Potter said. “What if I accidentally kill you?”

“That hardly ever happens,” Draco said. 

“Hardly ever?!” Potter said. “That’s not reassuring!” 

“Aren’t you thirsty?” Draco said. “I bet it's driving you mad.”

“I don’t know?” Potter said. “I… are you sure I’m a vampire? I don’t feel like a vampire.”

“You should ask Fleur Weasley to explain it,” Draco said. “I’m an ordinary wizard. I don’t know much.”

“Fine,” Potter said. “I’ll… I’ll do that. I guess.”

“Good,” Draco said. “Can I go now? Are you done?”

Potter sighed. 

“Or we can stay here, I suppose,” Draco said. “You wanted to show me the muggle garden. Shall we… take a stroll?”

“I’m not holding you at wand point,” Potter said. “If you want to go… you can go.”

“Are you really this thick or are you pretending to be thick?” Draco said. “You apparated me here! I’ve no idea how to get back to my Aunt Andromeda’s house, Potter!”

“Shit,” Potter said. “Merlin’s toadstools.”

“Morgana’s tits,” Draco said. 

Potter laughed, nervously. 

Once he started, he had trouble stifling the laughter. He just kept laughing hysterically. Like a frightened little boy. 

“I wasn’t trying to seduce you,” Draco said, carefully. “You don’t have to waste your first bite on me.”

“Circe!” Potter said. “Hermione was right!”

“Granger is generally right about most things,” Draco said. 

“She thinks you have a low self esteem,” Potter said. “Do you have a low self esteem?”

“Am I meant to know what that is?” Draco said. “It sounds… muggle.”

“Nevermind,” Potter said. “I’m going to escort you home like a gentleman, yeah? Can we walk or do you want me to apparate?”

“Whichever you prefer,” Draco said.  

“I’d rather walk for a bit,” Potter said. “But I don’t want to hold you hostage.”

“I’m not a hostage,” Draco said. “Let’s have a proper look at this garden.” 

With the vines dead, Draco could finally see the brick wall Potter had been pinning him up against. It looked old, but sturdy. Maybe they were in one of those historical places. Maybe the muggles had done something important here. 

If so, Potter wasn’t the one to ask. Granger would be the one to know, but she wasn’t around to give them a history lesson. 

So they walked in silence. 

After a couple of minutes, Potter grabbed his hand again. 

Draco kept his fingers loose this time. He didn’t squeeze, but Potter did now and again. 

I’ll make the antidote myself, Draco thought. Aunt Andromeda doesn’t need to know. After I’ve made it, I’ll sneak it into Potter’s tea. 

If Potter changed after drinking the antidote it would prove that Mother had meddled in order to rescue her son from Azkaban. 

If he kept acting like a besotted Veela… that meant Draco was his type. 

Draco didn’t know exactly how things worked for Veela, but he knew they would each be hopelessly attracted to the taste of a certain kind of magic. It varied from person to person. It was a matter of taste.

If Potter liked the smell of him… well. 

Circe and Morgana were finally smiling at the Malfoy family again. Draco would take advantage of the luck, but he knew he had to be careful. 

His parents were counting on him. 

He refused to believe they would spend the rest of their lives in Azkaban. No. Not the rest of their lives. A few years. A decade, even. 

He would repair the Malfoy reputation. He would get a job at the Ministry. He would kiss the arse of whoever’s arse needed kissing. 

Starting with Potter. 

So he gave Potter a big smile. 

Potter asked for another kiss. 

Draco said yes. 

Potter didn’t know how to kiss, but it would be easy enough to teach him. Draco was an excellent tutor. Everyone in Slytherin was always raving about his skill. 

Soon enough the Gryffindors would learn. Then the Hufflepuffs. Finally, the Ravenclaw alumni would learn that Draco Malfoy was the charming tutor they didn’t know they wanted.

The Ravenclaws were the most useful Hogwarts alumni, but Draco knew he would need to stay away from them for as long as possible. 

One mustn't be obvious when one is scheming, Aunt Bella would often whisper in his ear. You must be as suave and subtle as a mermaid, darling. 

She was dead now, but she was also the most powerful witch in his family. Had been the most powerful witch in his family. 

Father said he should do everything his Aunt Bella wanted him to do and listen closely to any words of wisdom she had to give. 

Potter was right about one thing. Draco would absorb the words of his betters like a… what had he said? A sponge. 

Must be a muggle device, Draco thought. I’ll ask a half-blood to explain it to me later. 

He planned these things out while Potter was kissing him, but eventually Potter pulled away and said, “What are you thinking?”

“Not a thing,” Draco said. 

“You’re always thinking,” Potter said.

“My head is as empty as a merman’s,” Draco said. 

“Are you being racist?” Potter said. “Could you… could you not?”

“Pardon me,” Draco said. “It’s an idiom… but I won’t use it anymore.”

“Sorry,” Potter said. “It’s not your fault.”

Draco tried to arrange his facial expression into something like polite contrition, but he’d never been any good at that. 

Potter sighed. 

“I apologize,” Draco said. “I’ll abandon dark magic. When I get my wand back… I’ll convert to the light side?”

“No,” Potter said. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I’ll do it anyway,” Draco said. 

“Can I give you a hug?” Potter said. “Please? You’re… I know it wasn’t fair. But I saw the memories, Draco. I’m sorry.”

“You can hug me, of course,” Draco said. “I still don’t know what memories you and my aunt are referring to… but I gather it was memories that my parents submitted during their trial?”

“Not just them,” Potter said. “But… yeah.”

“Don’t dwell on the war,” Draco said. “It’s over now.”

“Will I scare you?” Potter said. “Do you have PTSD?”

“PTSD?” Draco said. 

“Fuck,” Potter said. “I’m sorry!”

Potter stepped away and covered his face with his hands. 

“Why are you sorry?” Draco said. “You saved me, remember? You spoke at my trial. You saved me from the Fiendfyre, you saved me from the Death Eaters who'd mistaken me for a traitor... and then you saved me from Azkaban. Haven't you saved me enough, Potter? Give it a rest.”

“I should have saved you sooner!” Potter said. “I didn’t know what they were doing to you!”

“What are you talking about?” Draco said. 

“I thought your family loved you,” Potter said. “I knew you weren’t happy living at Malfoy Manor with Voldemort there breathing down your neck… but I thought you would be safe.”

“I was safe,” Draco said. “What are you carrying on about?”

“I’ll make sure no one hurts you,” Potter continued. “I’ll protect you from now on. Do you believe me?”

“I believe you,” Draco said. “Would you calm down?”

“I really want to hug you,” Potter said. “But, um, but Hermione said I have to be careful not to take advantage of you.”

“You’ve been discussing me with Granger?” Draco said. 

“Sorry,” Potter said. “Is that wrong?”

“No,” Draco said. “But I’m… I’m a bit confused? Granger confuses me.”

“She confuses me too,” Potter said. “But she usually knows what she’s talking about, so I try to listen to her about mental health and trauma.”

“Alright,” Draco said. “Then… are you going to hug me?”

“Do you want me to hug you?” Potter said. “Or will that insult you somehow?”

“It won’t insult me,” Draco said. “Why would it insult me?”

“I don’t know!” Potter said. “Purebloods have a bunch of confusing rules, don’t they?”

“Not about hugging,” Draco said. “They have rules about kissing, but we’ve already broken those.”

“We have?” Potter said. “I’m sorry.”

“The pureblood rules don’t matter anymore,” Draco said. “We can do whatever we want.”

“But what do you want?” Potter said. “What do you want? You’re driving me mad, Draco!”

“I want you to hug me,” Draco said. “I want you to bite me.”

“I don’t want to hurt you,” Potter said. “I’m too powerful, remember? I’m always losing control of my magic.”

“Have you ever harmed someone you didn’t want to harm?” Draco said. “Have you hurt someone that you liked?”

“No,” Potter said. “I’ve only hurt people that… that I wanted to hurt.”

“You don’t hate me anymore,” Draco said. “So… so I won’t be afraid of you.”

“I never hated you, Draco,” Potter said. “I’m sorry you thought I did.”

“I forgive you,” Draco said. 

Potter just stood there, looking as if that bloody hippogriff had just been decapitated in front of him. 

Draco realized he would need to be the one to hug him, so he did so. He tried to do it slowly and carefully. Potter was like a hippogriff himself. Draco half expected him to attack if he wasn’t shown the proper respect. 

But Potter didn’t attack. He returned the hug with enthusiasm. 

“Should I take you home?” Potter murmured. “Are you tired?”

“I don’t want to go back there,” Draco said. “Can we stay here? For a little longer?”

“You don’t want to go back there?” Potter said. 

“I... I apologize,” Draco said. “I’ll go back.”

Potter pulled away and studied him. 

“Do you like living with your aunt?” Potter said. 

“Of course,” Draco said, stiffly. “She’s family.”

“You don’t have to lie,” Potter said. “Would you tell me the truth?”

Draco frowned. 

“Listen,” Potter said. “I see the resemblance.”

“Pardon?” Draco said. 

“She looks like Bellatrix Lestrange,” Potter said. “They’re sisters. They look like each other.”

“My mother doesn’t look like them,” Draco pointed out. Uselessly. 

“I guess the Black genes skipped over her,” Potter said. “But… look. Andy told me she’s worried about you. She thinks you’re afraid of her.”

“I am not afraid of her,” Draco said, shuddering. 

“Why are you always lying?” Potter said. 

“Why are you always accusing me of lying?” Draco said. 

“Do you want to live at Grimmauld Place?” Potter said. “I inherited it from my godfather… but you were supposed to be the one to inherit it. It’s yours by rights.”

“Isn’t that where you’re living?” Draco said. 

“I can move out,” Potter said. “Maybe we should switch places? I’ll live with Andy and Teddy.”

“No,” Draco said. “I’m not going to make you move out of your house.”

“Would it be weird if we both lived there?” Potter said. “Is that… erm… uncouth?” 

“My, oh my,” Draco said. “You actually do have a brain under that wild hair of yours, don’t you Potter?”

Potter chuckled. 

“The pureblood rules don’t matter anymore,” Draco said. “Purebloods lost the war.”

“So what?” Potter said. “It’s still… um… your culture?”

“I don’t need that culture,” Draco said. “I’ll learn the muggle rules. I’ll adopt their culture.”

“What if we learn each other’s rules and mix them together?” Potter said. “Is that possible?”

“I suppose,” Draco said. 

“Do you want to come to Grimmauld Place with me?” Potter said. “Maybe just for tonight. Get a look at the place?”

“Yes,” Draco said. “Let’s… let’s do that.”

“You don’t have to,” Potter said. “Or… or if you want to be alone, I can spend a night at the Burrow?”

“No,” Draco said. “I don’t want to be alone tonight.”

Potter gave him a smile. It was a hopeful smile. Besotted. 

I need to make a love potion antidote as soon as possible! Draco thought. He’s driving me mad!

“Are you okay?” Potter said. 

“Yes!” Draco said. 

“What’s wrong?” Potter said. 

“I fear for my life,” Draco said. 

“You do?” Potter said. “I thought you said you wouldn’t be afraid of me anymore?”

“Not you!” Draco said. “The Weasleys are going to hang me!”

“What?” Potter said. “Why would they hang you?”

“They’re going to think I gave you a love potion!” Draco said. 

“No,” Potter said. “They know I’ve been crushing on you for ages.”

“What?” Draco said. 

“Everyone knows, Draco,” Potter said. “Or… I mean… I guess everyone in Gryffindor knows. They thought I was pathetic. Especially when the war got going. They thought I was… um… a pinning idiot?”

“You have witnesses?” Draco said. “There are wixen who saw you… saw you doing what, exactly? What made them think you were pinning?”

“I was following you around,” Potter said. “Don’t you remember?”

“I thought you were following me around because you knew I was trying to assassinate Dumbledore!” Draco said. “I thought you were smarter than you looked and that you… that you were using Legilimency somehow. I thought you figured out how to do it carefully enough that I wouldn’t be able to feel it and catch you.”

“I’m not smarter than I look,” Potter said. “I’m as stupid as I look.”

Draco laughed. 

It was his turn to laugh hysterically. 

“Please calm down?” Potter said. “No one is going to hurt you. No one. Not the Weasleys. Not the purebloods. No one.”

“Why would the purebloods want to hurt me?” Draco said. 

“You haven’t heard?” Potter said. 

“Heard what?” Draco said. 

Potter avoided eye contact. 

“Heard what Potter?” Draco said. 

“Erm,” Potter said. “There’s been some… uh. Politics.” 

“What does that mean?” Draco said. 

“Can we invite Ron and Hermione over to Grimmauld Place?” Potter said. “Hermione will do a better job of explaining it.”

“Then why should we invite Weasley?” Draco said. “What purpose does he serve in this grand plot?”

“Oh,” Potter said. “I guess he doesn’t have one? But I want to invite him anyway because he’s my best mate.”

“Fine,” Draco said. “Your friends are my friends.”

“You don’t have to be friends with them,” Potter said. “You don’t have to hang out with them.”

“I’ll need to get used to them if I’m going to live with you at the House of Black,” Draco said. “Might as well get started now.”

“I can hang out with them at the Borrow,” Potter said. “You don’t have to-”

“I want to talk to Granger,” Draco said. “Tell her to bring Weasley with her so you’ll have someone to entertain you while I’m talking to Granger.”  

Potter gave him another one of those besotted smiles. 

“Why do you keep smiling like that?” Draco said. 

“Because I’m happy?” Potter said. 

“Why are you saying that like a question?” Draco said. “Are you happy or aren’t you?”

“I’m also sad,” Potter said. “I’m angry. I… I’m really angry today.”

“Just today?” Draco said. 

“I’m angrier than usual today,” Potter said. 

“Why?” Draco said. 

“Because I went to your parents' trials!” Potter said. “I went to all of the Death Eater trials, Draco!” 

“I apologize,” Draco said. “I forgot.”

“I’m sorry,” Potter said. “I’ll never stop being sorry.”

“I don’t understand you,” Draco said. “You’re not the one who should be sorry. I’m the one who should be sorry for-” 

“No,” Potter said. “You’re not.”

“Potter-”

“I don’t want to talk about the war,” Potter said. “Sorry. Um… Hermione says it’s unhealthy for me to avoid talking about it… but I’m going to avoid talking about it.”

“That’s fine,” Draco said. 

“Let’s apparate,” Potter said. “Can we hug this time or does that make you uncomfortable? Some people like hugging, but some people say it makes them queasy.” 

“We can hug,” Draco said. 

This time Potter was the one to initiate the hug. Then he used his wand to apparate. 

They landed in front of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. 

Draco hadn’t seen the place in years. Not since he was a little boy. 

It certainly showed its age. The paint was peeling and the whole building seemed to sag in on itself. 

“Sorry,” Potter said. “It’s been neglected.”

“I’ll put it to rights,” Draco said. “I know how to take care of magical houses.”

“You do?” Potter said. “Thank Chr- th-thank… Circe.”

“Why are you doing that?” Draco said. “I won’t be offended if you curse like a muggle.”

“I’m trying to break the habit,” Potter said. “I don’t believe in Jesus.”

“It’s just words,” Draco said. 

“Mister Weasley says words are magic,” Potter said. “He says they gain power the more they’re repeated.”

“He isn’t wrong,” Draco said. “But-”

“I’m going to send a Patronus,” Potter said. “Sorry. Hold on. Actually… can you go inside? I don’t want you to hear what I’m going to say.”

“Alright,” Draco said. 

He went inside. 

It was tempting to listen at the door, but Draco didn’t want to listen. He didn’t want to hear what Potter was saying about him. 

So he went inside. 

The house rumbled as he walked through the halls. 

Draco went up the stairs. There were so many stairs. He kept going up the stairs and the house reacted to his magic. The portraits straightened themselves up. The house elf scrambled around with a broom, eager to sweep the dust away in front of company. 

“You’re too old for this work,” Draco told the house elf. “Where are your children?”

“Never had any children,” the house elf said. “Begging your pardon, Master Black.” 

“I’m not Master Black,” Draco said. “I’m Draco Malfoy.”

“Begging your pardon, Master Malfoy,” the house elf said. 

The elf continued to sweep and Draco continued to walk, keeping his eyes raised. 

He knew house elves hated to be looked down upon. 

“You mustn't address me as a young master,” Draco said. “You’ll offend your real master.”

“Bah,” the elf said. “Half-blood.”

“You’re being a rude elf,” Draco said. “Where are the other elves?”

“Gone,” the elf said. 

“Do you want to follow them?” Draco said. “Why did you stay behind?” 

“My poor mistress!” the elf said. “I can’t leave my mistress, no. I won’t leave my mistress.”

“Your mistresses passed,” Draco said. “She’s beyond the veil.”

“Her portrait remains,” the elf said. “She wails and weeps at the state of The House of Black.”

“There’s a new master,” Draco said. “His name is Harry Potter.”

“He’s no master!” the elf said. “No respect! The portraits weep!!”

“I’ll respect them,” Draco said. “Would you like to rest?”

“Yes,” the elf said. 

“You may rest,” Draco said. “I’ll care for the house. Entrust it to me. You’ve worked beyond your years.”

“Thank you, Master Malfoy,” the elf cried. “Thank you!”

The house elf vanished. 

Draco kept walking. He walked until he reached the attic. He ran his hands over the splinters on the walls. 

His skin was cut open. Draco left his hand on the wall and allowed a bit of his blood to seep into the wood. 

The room lit up. 

The whole house was probably lighting up in the same way. Potter would be pleased. He’d probably be relieved that the house elf was gone. 

Draco hoped he would be relieved, but if he wasn’t Draco would get a new house elf for him. 

This will be my new home, Draco thought. It’ll do nicely. For a few years, perhaps. 

He was tempted to remain in the attic, but that might disturb Potter.

So he went back downstairs, braced for a confrontation with Granger and Weasley. He knew how to behave himself in front of enemies. He would be cordial. He would be polite. 

School yard insults were for classmates, but none of them were at Hogwarts anymore. It was time to grow up. 

He was the last Malfoy standing. 

That’s what mother had said when he’d visited her at Azkaban. She said his father didn’t count anymore because he was imprisoned. 

You weren’t meant to inherit this responsibility so early, Mother had said. But you’ll do your best, won’t you darling?

Yes Mother, Draco had replied. I won’t let you down.

Chapter Text

Granger and Weasley were staring at him as if he'd just announced himself as the Queen of England. 

"How are you feeling?" Granger said, tentatively. "You're looking a bit... peaky." 

"I feel grand, Granger," Draco said. "And yourself?" 

"Rubbish," Weasley said. "The whole... the whole thing was rubbish." 

"What was rubbish?" Draco said. "The war or the fact that I'm not getting a Dementor's kiss?" 

Weasley winced and Draco cursed himself. 

He was meant to be civil, but instead he was being as petulant as a first year. 

"I apologize," Draco said. "I recognize that... the Dementors have been reclassified as... inhumane?" 

"That's right," Granger said, quickly. "No one will ever be sentenced to a kiss or guarded by Dementors ever again." 

"Rubbish," Weasley repeated. 

He looked nauseous. 

"Do you need... a potion?" Draco said, frowning at Weasley. "You're the one looking peaky, Weasley." 

"M'good mate," Weasley said, softly. "I'm... good." 

Granger chuckled nervously and gave Weasley a pat on the shoulder. 

Where the hell is Potter? Draco thought. Did he get lost in his own kitchen?! 

"So Harry told us you'll be living with him," Granger said. "I want you to know... um. You have options. You don't have to live here."

"I can go back to my Aunt Andromeda's house," Draco said, looking at his hands. "She'll probably give me a few weeks to... to sort out my affairs." 

"You don't have to live there either," Granger said. "You have options."

Oh, Draco thought. Granger is probably worried about little Edward Lupin. 

"I apologize," Draco said. "I'll move out on my own as soon as I'm able." 

"That's not what she meant," Weasley said. "You're welcome here, Malfoy. You... you're, uh, you're a... um." 

"What Ron is trying to say," Granger said. "Is that we aren't going to disapprove of your relationship with Harry." 

What relationship? Draco thought. We only snogged once. 

It was obvious that Potter had already told them about it. 

"Thank you," Draco said, giving them a polite smile. 

"Circe," Weasley said. 

"How are you feeling?" Granger said. 

"How are you feeling, Granger?" Draco said. "Did a curse breaker look at your arm?" 

"Yes," Granger said. "My injury was dealt with quickly and professionally. Thank you." 

Draco glared at his hands. "Did they... did it scar?" 

"Circe!" Weasley said. "Morgana and Merlin!"

"I apologize," Draco said, darting a glance at them and then losing his nerve. 

He frowned at his shoes, gulped and added, "It's no business of mine." 

"It didn't scar," Hermione said. "I was given a poultice that took care of it." 

Draco nodded at her and tried to straightened back up. It was impolite to avoid eye contact, so he kept his eyes forward. 

An approximation of eye contact was better than nothing. He observed the space in between their heads and tried to fix his facial expression. 

"Would you relax?" Weasley said. "You're acting like we're holding you at wand point!" 

"I apologize," Draco said. 

He'd over corrected his posture. He tried to relax, but it wasn't something he could force. 

"You don't have to apologize," Granger said. "Don't mind Ron. He's, um, he's nervous." 

"I'm not nervous," Weasley said. "I'm going barking mad. Stark raving mad!" 

"I'll leave," Draco said. "Will you apologize to Potter on my behalf?" 

"Don't leave," Weasley growled. 

Draco tried not to frown, but it was hard won. He had no idea what his face looked like.  

"Oh my goodness," Granger said. "I think... um. I think there's been a misunderstanding?" 

"Pardon?" Draco said. 

"This poor kid needs a bloody hug!" Weasley burst out. 

"What?!" Draco said. 

"He's the same age as us, Ronald," Granger said. "You shouldn't infantilize him!"

Draco stood up. "I won't leave, Weasley. I simply... I need the loo." 

Weasley was behaving just like his older brother Percy Weasley had when Draco had run into him at the Ministry. 

The way he was looking at Draco was... was odd! 

It wasn't pity. It was something worse than pity. Something much worse. 

Draco wanted to grab a broom and fly away, but his social standing was too precarious for that. So he stood in place and waited for them to acknowledge his departure. 

"You don't need permission, Draco," Granger said. "Please be comfortable. We'll stay here." 

Draco nodded. 

He left them in Potter's sitting room, but Potter caught him in the hallway before he could pretend to use the loo. 

"You alright?" Potter said, breathlessly. 

"What are you doing, Potter?" Draco said. "Were you loitering in the hallway?" 

"I didn't want to interrupt," Potter said. "It seemed like things were... erm." 

"Delicate," Draco said.

"Right," Potter said. "Delicate." 

"You need to tell me what happened at my parents trials," Draco said. "What memories did the Weasleys see? Why are they behaving like this?" 

"They're empathetic people?" Potter said. 

"What exactly are they empathizing with, Potter?!" Draco said. "They're acting as if I'm on my deathbed!" 

"Most of the memories involved Lestrange," Potter said. 

"Which Lestrange?" Draco said. "My aunt?" 

"Yeah," Potter said. "But there were also a few... um. Of her husband." 

"My uncle?" 

"He was foul," Potter said. "I think your mother picked the foulest memories she could think up." 

"My mother wasn't there!" Draco said. 

"She collected memories from other Death Eaters before the war ended," Potter said. "I think she knew Voldemort was going to lose. Or maybe she was hoping he would lose." 

Draco stared at Potter, blinking, completely speechless. 

Potter looked apologetic. 

Draco shook his head. 

"Do you want to go to one of the guest bedrooms?" Potter said. 

Draco nodded. 

"You can make yourself at home," Potter said. 

Draco nodded again, absently, but he was too busy thinking of his mother to wonder which guest bedroom he should use. 

Mother. 

His delicate mmother had seen what her son had done during the war. She'd seen memories of him... doing what exactly? 

Which memories? 

Which memories had she collected? From which Death Eaters? Did she have any memories that belonged to the man himself? 

I shouldn't have seduced my uncle! Draco thought. Father will never forgive me!

"Can I hug you?" Potter whispered. 

I should say yes, Draco thought. Potter loves a damsel, doesn't he? He's an Arthurian hero. 

But Draco couldn't bring himself to speak. 

He closed his eyes.

His mother had seen... why would she go looking for illicit memories? She had tortured herself with dirty memories in the hopes that, what, the memories would shock the Wizengamot? 

To distract them? Wixen loved a scandal, but this didn't make any sense. It didn't explain the Weasleys. 

Why were the Weasleys looking at him as if he were an injured dog?

"Draco?" Potter said. "Take a deep breath. Please? You'll faint if you don't breath properly."

Draco chuckled, bitterly. 

"Deep breaths," Potter said. "I'm going to hold your hand. Let's go sit down in a guest bedroom."

True to his word, Potter grabbed a hand. Draco kept his eyes closed until he heard a door opening. 

They were still on the first floor. The room they were in had no furniture apart from a nondescript bed. It wasn't a guest bedroom. It was a servant's room. They were probably behind the House of Black's family kitchen. 

Just as well, Draco thought. I don't qualify as a guest. 

"Um, maybe we should pick a different room," Potter said. "Most of them have chairs." 

"I'll just sit on the bed, Potter," Draco said. 

He pulled his hand away from Potter's. 

Potter allowed it. 

"Do you want to take a nap?" Potter said. 

"Do you want to take a bite?" Draco said. 

"Why do you keep asking me to bite you?" Potter said. "Is that something the Death Eaters taught you?" 

"No!" Draco said. "I'd never let them do that!" 

"You didn't let them do anything," Potter said, scowling. "They-" 

"None of them bit me," Draco said. "I'm a Malfoy. They wouldn't dare!"

Harry sighed. 

"Go back to your Gryffindors," Draco said, turning away from him. "Tell them I'm indisposed." 

"Is this one of those things," Potter said, slowly. "Where... where you don't want me to leave? Or do you want to be alone?" 

"Whichever you prefer," Draco said. 

"I want to know what you prefer," Potter said. "Tell me what you want me to do." 

"I won't dictate your actions as if I'm an authority," Draco said. "You're the master of the house."

"I don't want to be the master!" Potter said. 

"You inherited-" 

"I already said you're the one who should have inherited Grimmauld Place," Potter said. "Do I need to make it official? Should I sign it over to you?" 

"I'm not going to rob you, Potter!"

"It isn't robbing!" 

"It'll be seen as robary," Draco insisted. "My reputation is already in tatters. Do you want to make it worse? Is that it?" 

"Can we co-own Grimmauld place?" Potter said, scratching his head. "Should we talk to a solicitor?" 

"No," Draco said. "You're the master. I refuse to step out of my station." 

"Your station?" Potter said. "You make yourself sound like... like a house elf? When you talk like that?" 

Draco gestured at the servant's room they were in. 

Potter blinked. 

"You're too thick to function," Draco said. 

"I don't want you acting like Cinderella," Potter said, stubbornly. "I want to be equals." 

"We've never been equals," Draco said. "You're too powerful." 

"I can't control that!" Potter said. 

"It's a good thing, Potter," Draco said. "Why won't you allow yourself to enjoy it for once in your life? Enjoy putting me in my place." 

Potter shook his head. He was as stubborn as a mule. 

"Should I go back to my aunt's house?" Draco said. "Granger made a good point. I can get myself a place. Maybe a flat in Muggle London?" 

"No," Potter said. "It's not safe." 

"Because of politics?" Draco said. "Granger still hasn't explained what you claimed she would explain." 

"She was too busy worrying about Ron," Potter said. "I think we'll have to wait for another day?" 

Draco pinched the bridge of his nose.

Patience, Draco thought. You need to be a patient house guest! 

"Can we sit down?" Potter said. 

"No," Draco said. "You're neglecting your other guests. You have to go back." 

"They'll be fine without me," Potter said. 

"It's improper," Draco said. 

"Am I harassing you?" Potter said. "Do you want me to go back?" 

"I'm not holding you at wand point," Draco said. 

Potter had a way of looking at him sometimes with a crease between his brows. He would chew on his lip and even tap at his chin, sometimes, as if he were untangling an irritating puzzle. 

He wasn't tapping his chin this time, but he'd already started chewing on his lip. 

"Out with it, Potter," Draco said. "What's bothering you now?" 

"I can't tell," Potter said. "Do you want me to leave so you can be polite or do you want me to stay so you can be polite?" 

"Neither would be polite," Draco said. "My existence is impolite." 

"Fuck," Potter said. "I hate it when you say things like that." 

"I'll refrain from being petulant," Draco said, sighing. 

"Dammit," Potter said. "I wish you would speak clearly!" 

"I have perfect diction," Draco said. 

He decided to occlude and Potter straightened up as if he'd been cursed.

"I'm so sorry," Potter said, urgently. "I'll never scold you again!" 

Draco frowned. He lost his concentration and dropped the occlumancy shield. 

"Draco?" Potter said. "Can you hear me?" 

"I'm not deaf, Potter," Draco said. 

"Tell me what to do," Potter said. "Please?" 

"Pardon?" Draco said. 

"I need you to tell me what to do," Potter said. "I'm begging you. I mean it. Please." 

"You need someone to teach you?" Draco said. "Are you asking me to tutor you?" 

"Yes!" Potter said. 

Does he want to snog again? Draco thought. I suppose I should check.

"What subject?" Draco said, carefully. "I'm well versed in... multiple subjects."

"Um," Potter said. "Uh... what would you do with Parkinson? 

"Oh," Draco said. "You're worried about your Veela heritage?" 

"Right," Potter said. "I don't want to bite you. Is there something else we can do instead?" 

"Younger Veela prefer nesting," Draco said. "Just nesting. When they're too young for biting." 

"How do we do that?" Potter said. 

"We can hug each other on the bed," Draco said. "Cuddling and such? But it won't be effective on a bed like this." 

"Why won't it be effective?" Potter said, softly. 

Draco squinted at him. He looked for signs of thirst, but Potter wasn't salivating. Not visibly, at least. 

"Most Veela prefer to be sentimental," Draco said. "They want to bring their partner into their own nest. Their own bed." 

"Would that be okay?" Potter said. "My bed isn't... uh. Tidy." 

"It's better that way," Draco said. 

"It is?" Potter said. 

"It's cozier," Draco said. "But you don't have to do that with me, Potter. You can wait until you find a better partner and-"

"I fancy you, Draco," Potter said. "I lo... I like you a lot. You're the best partner I've ever... uh. Fancied." 

"Sure," Draco said. "But we can practice here. If you'd like." 

"Do you want to spend some time in my room with me?" Potter said. "You don't have to stay the night. You can, erm, stay as long as you like... and then excuse yourself when you like?" 

"Why are you and Granger talking like this all the time?" Draco said. 

"Talking like what?" Potter said. 

"Did I drink a youth potion or am I going mad?" Draco said. "I'm towering over the both of you, yet you and Granger speak to me as if... as if..." 

Worse than pity. Worse than pity. What word was there that was worse than pity? Granger had said something clever, hadn't she? It was a good word, but Draco had already forgotten it. 

"Sorry," Potter said. "I just... I'm nervous. How many Veela have you dated?" 

"I lost count," Draco said. 

"What?!" Potter said. 

"Rude of me, I know," Draco said. "I apologize." 

"Dammit!" Potter said. "Did you meet them at Hogwarts? Were they in the same year as us?" 

"Most of them were upper years," Draco said. "Why?" 

"Fuck," Potter said. 

"I was respectful," Draco said. 

"I know you were respectful," Potter said. "You're only an arse when you're preening for a crowd of Slytherins." 

Draco sighed. 

"Sorry," Potter said. "Can we go to my room? Did I kill the mood?" 

"We can go," Draco said. 

Draco held his hand out toward Potter. It was quickly becoming a routine. 

Potter was pleased by the gesture. He smiled in relief and happily held hands, giving a gentle squeeze, then led Draco back out into the hallway. 

They passed the sitting room Granger and Weasley were in and paused at the door without looking at each other. 

It sounded like Granger and Weasley were whispering to each other, but Weasley had never been the subtle sort. Draco could hear Weasley loudly whisper, "And Malfoy doesn't even know?!" 

Potter shook his head and kept walking, towards the staircase, then led Draco up to his room. 

When they arrived they both continued not looking at each other. 

Draco didn't even look at the bed. 

There was nothing to see anyway. The room was pitch dark.

Potter was hesitating, so Draco felt around for a blanket. 

At first he thought there wasn't one, but after feeling around he discovered a crumpled up ball at the foot of the bed. 

He shook the blanket out and got under it. 

Potter followed him. 

Then they were stiffly lying beside each other. 

Without touching. 

Should I initiate because he's a virgin? Draco thought. Or would Potter want me to keep my hands to myself because he's a virgin?

Potter solved the problem by reaching out for a hug. 

Draco returned the hug and closed his eyes. 

They remained like that for some time. 

It was obvious that they'd sent themselves to bed far too early, but Potter didn't complain. 

Maybe he needed a nap too. 

If so... it was a convenient arrangement. 

Draco fell asleep, despite himself. It was simply easier to do while nesting with a Veela. 

A nest was a safe place. It smelled like body oder and magic. 

It was warm too. Pleasantly warm. 

He didn't have any nightmares. 

Chapter Text

Trying to flirt with Potter was like trying to flirt with a Hogwarts portrait. You got the sense that you might end up in detention. 

"I like you," Potter said. "But, um, we don't have to do anything." 

Potter was staring at the scar on Draco's chest.

I should have done something to hide it, Draco thought. But how am I meant to cast a glamor without my wand? 

Draco cocked his hip and gave Potter a smirk. "It's better than yours, isn't it? Bigger." 

"I'm sorry," Potter said. "I shouldn't have started that wizard's duel." 

"I shouldn't have cursed Katie Bell," Draco said. 

"You did it by accident," Potter said. 

"Did I?" Draco said. 

"Don't do that," Potter said. "Why are you always doing that?" 

"Potter," Draco said. "I deserved my punishment. Why are you weeping over spilled milk?" 

"It was spilled blood," Potter said. "I thought you were going to die!" 

"I survived," Draco said. "Move on." 

There wasn't any point in flirting. That much was obvious, so Draco put his shirt back on. 

It was a shame. Kissing Potter would have been a nice start to the morning, but Draco wasn't the master of the house. 

It's not like it was up to him. 

"Um, do you want to borrow some clothes?" Potter said. 

Draco wrinkled his nose. "I wouldn't be caught dead in your clothes, Potter." 

Potter chuckled. 

"I need to talk to my Aunt Andromeda," Draco said. "I'll pack a bag while I'm visiting her." 

"Okay," Potter said. "Have a good day." 

"I'm not leaving yet," Draco said. "Unless... you need me to?" 

"No," Potter said. "Do you want some breakfast?" 

"Is there any?" Draco said. 

"Um, no," Potter said. "We could get McDonald's?" 

"That's a muggle restaurant," Draco said. "I've seen it. With the golden arches?" 

"Yeah," Potter said. "Have you ever had breakfast there?" 

"I've never had muggle money," Draco said. 

"Right," Potter said. "I've got plenty. So. My treat?" 

"A true knight," Draco said. "Your generosity knows no bounds." 

Potter blushed. 

Oh no, Draco thought. I forgot about the potential love potion. I still need to brew an antidote. 

But Potter had acted like his normal bumbling self when Draco had taken his shirt off. He'd been more concerned over a little scar than the potential to lose his virginity. 

He probably didn't need an antidote. 

Probably. 

"Listen," Potter said. "Can I get your clothes for you? You should stick to Muggle London for a few weeks." 

Draco sighed. 

"I'm going to ask Andy to stay somewhere else too," Potter said. "I don't think her house is safe." 

"Why?" Draco crossed his arms together. "Are you privy to Auror secrets, Potter?" 

"Sort of?" Potter said. 

"Is this about the Howlers?" Draco said. 

"Yes," Potter said. "That and... some other stuff."

"You're very mysterious," Draco said. "There isn't going to be an explanation, is there?" 

Potter winced, but he didn't deny it. 

"You're just like my father," Draco muttered. 

"What?!" Potter said. 

"Nevermind," Draco said. "I apologize." 

Potter reached out, placing his hands on Draco's shoulders. 

"I want to keep you safe, Draco," Potter said. "But there are some things I'm not allowed to say. To anyone." 

"You're not allowed to say them to a former Death Eater," Draco said, stepping back and away. "That's fine. I understand." 

"No," Potter said. "I'm not even telling Ron or Hermione. I can't tell anyone." 

"You haven't even begun training as an Auror," Draco said. "Properly training. You haven't, right?" 

"They think winning a war is good enough training," Potter said. "Plus... they don't want me in a uniform. They don't want me in a room with other trainees." 

"Are they grooming you as a Hit Wizard?" Draco said. 

Potter winced again. 

"You'll need to work on that," Draco said. "Everything you're feeling is apparent on your face." 

"Nothing your feeling is apparent anywhere," Potter said, bitterly. "You walk around without... without letting anything show." 

Draco allowed himself to Occlude. 

"I realized something," Potter said, scowling. "Whenever you're being loud... whenever you're whinging or posturing or flirting... you're very... uh. You act like those muggle actors." 

Draco tilted his head. 

"You know about muggle films," Potter said. "You saw the Disney films, you said?" 

"No," Draco said. 

"You said you did," Potter said. "Didn't you say that, Draco?" 

"I was hoping you had seen them," Draco said. "I haven't seen them." 

"Then how do you know about them?" Potter said. 

"One of my friends," Draco said. "A half blood. She told me about them." 

"You have a lot of friends," Potter said. "A lot of... um... friends you weren't meant to be friends with? So you were secretive about most of your friendship." 

Draco maintained his Occlumency shield. 

"Like Luna Lovegood," Potter said. "She said you helped her when she was a first year. The other Ravenclaw first years were bullying her." 

The shied remained in place, but Draco made the effort to give Potter a frown.

"She's worried about you," Potter said. "She's not the only one." 

"I made it worse," Draco said. 

"The war?" Potter said. 

"No," Draco said. "The bullying." 

"Huh?" Potter said. 

"I was a second year," Draco said. "And a pureblood Slytherin. They mistook us for cousins." 

"What do you mean?" Potter said. "Because you're both blond?" 

"I had no business being so friendly," Draco said. "They started rumors about us. Then it wasn't just the first year Ravenclaws bullying her. It was the upper years, as well." 

Potter was an open book. He always had been. He was still scowling, practically frothing at the mouth. 

"I didn't help her," Draco said. "And then, to add salt to the wound, I locked her up in the Malfoy Manor dungeons." 

"It wasn't you that kidnapped her," Potter said. 

"It was me guarding her prison cell," Draco said.

"She told me she was glad that it was you," Potter said. "She said-" 

Draco closed his eyes and Potter cut himself off. 

Then Potter was hugging him. 

For some reason, the gesture shattered the Occlumency shield. 

Draco gasped. 

"Let it out," Potter said. "You're allowed to cry!" 

"P-pardon?" Draco said. 

Cry. 

Right. 

He was doing that, wasn't he? Weeping like a damsel. 

"I'm sorry," Potter said. "I'm sorry." 

This is convenient, Draco decided. This is useful. 

He put his arms around Potter. 

Taking his shirt off first thing in the morning had been the wrong approach. Potter wasn't like Uncle Rodolphus. He wasn't horny. 

Harry Potter was an Arthurian hero. 

I won't forget the role I'm meant to play, Draco thought. I'll be a good damsel. 

"Let me take care of you," Potter said, softly. "I know you're frustrated. I'm sorry I can't answer your questions, but I want to keep you safe." 

That's enough weeping! Draco thought. That's good enough!

But the weeping continued. Draco was having trouble breathing around the feckless sobs. He wasn't able to respond. 

"Do you believe me, Draco?" Potter said. "I never wanted to be enemies. I didn't want you to be afraid of me." 

I have to hold my breath, Draco thought. It'll have to stop, then. I must hold my breath. 

"Draco?" 

It was a familiar battle, but it had been a few weeks since the last episode. 

"Breathe," Potter said. "Draco. You have to breathe through it." 

Draco shook his head. 

Potter didn't know what he was talking about. 

"Why aren't you breathing?" Potter said. "What are you trying to do?" 

Potter was an irritating audience. Draco lost his nerve and gulped in a gust of air. 

"G-good," Potter said. "You need, uh, deep breaths. Please?" 

Draco blinked at him. 

It was just like that day in Myrtle's lavatory. Potter was fussing as if Draco were bleeding out.  

"I won't let you down again," Potter said. "Will you stay here with me? Please. Hermione thinks it's a bad idea. She's going to try to talk you out of it. Will you ignore her? Please?"

"Y-yes," Draco said. 

"Thanks," Potter said. "Andy thinks it's a good idea, by the way. She thinks Hermione is wrong." 

They're discussing me as if I'm a withering house plant, Draco thought. It's always been that way, but this time it's the light wizards planning my life for me. 

The dark wizards had lost the war. It was just as well, wasn't it? A Malfoy should put himself into the hands of the winning side. 

Draco cleared his throat and Potter leaned in as if he were trying to catch the whispered words of a dying man. 

"I trust my aunt," Draco said. 

"Me too," Potter said. "She's a smart lady." 

"A good witch," Draco said, agreeably. "She's lived a respectable life. I'm sorry it... I'm sorry my family didn't treat her better." 

"They were terrible to both of you," Potter said. "But it's over now. You're safe." 

Draco sighed. 

"I won't let them get at you," Potter said. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

"Who are you talking about, Potter?" Draco said. "The angry mob?" 

"There's a group," Potter said. "They're calling themselves... um." 

"Don't tell me they're calling themselves Death Eaters," Draco said. "I thought all the Death Eaters were imprisoned?" 

"No," Potter said. "They're calling themselves Dragon Slayers." 

Draco frowned. 

"Your name," Potter said. "It means dragon, doesn't it?" 

"You're saying," Draco said, slowly. "There's a group of angry wixen hell bent on sending me to the chopping block?" 

"Yes," Potter said. 

"Me specifically?" Draco said. 

"You're the only Death Eater who isn't going to Azkaban," Potter said. "They say you've used your age as an excuse. They think you're going to grow up to be like Voldemort." 

Draco put his Occlumency shield back up and Potter looked at him as if he was watching a man tie a noose around his own neck. 

"Draco," Potter said. "You have to let yourself feel things!" 

"Do I?" Draco said. 

"Fuck," Potter said. 

"Maybe tomorrow," Draco said. "If you're up for it." 

"That's not funny," Potter said. "You're hurting yourself." 

"Am I?" Draco said. 

"Yes!" Potter said. "Stop using Occlumency all the damn time! You're over doing it!" 

"Under doing it," Draco said. "I'd keep it up at all hours if I had the magic." 

"Do I have to beg you?" Potter said. "That's how you did things in Slytherin, right? Or do I have to bribe you?" 

"Bite me," Draco said. 

"Fine!" Potter said. "I'll consider it a dare, shall I? You're daring me to bite you?" 

"Scared?" Draco said. 

Instead of replying, Potter went for the neck. 

The familiar sting knocked the Occlumency shield down and Draco was gasping again, but without the tears this time. 

He moaned. 

Potter was a virgin at this too. He was licking the bite wound like a lion cub instead of taking a proper drink. 

But his magic was reacting. His hair was puffing up and growing longer. 

Draco grabbed Potter's hair and used it to shoved his face against the wound. 

Potter growled. 

"You're terrible at this," Draco said. "Are you a Veela or are you a kitten?" 

Potter pulled away and glared at him. 

"Coward," Draco whispered. 

"I'm not letting you provoke me," Potter said. "I'm not letting you seduce me, either." 

"Why not?" Draco said. 

"Let's cuddle instead," Potter said. 

"We cuddled all night," Draco said. "That wasn't enough foreplay for you?" 

"We're going to cuddle all day," Potter said, angrily. "We'll cuddle every night and every day." 

"That's all well and good," Draco said. "But I'm not a virgin like you, Potter. I get bored easily." 

"Too bad," Potter said. 

"You're the master of the house, I suppose," Draco said, rolling his eyes. 

"You little brat," Potter said. "You think I'll give you what you want if you throw a tantrum?" 

Draco blinked. 

"Behave yourself," Potter said. "You're not going to provoke me. I'm un-provoke-able."  

"What are you even saying?" Draco said. "Do you hear yourself when you speak? Are you quoting a muggle film?" 

"I don't even know anymore," Potter said. "You're driving me stark raving mad!"

"I'm driving you mad?" Draco said, scoffing. "You've been driving me mad since first year, Potter!" 

"You've been driving me mad since the first moment you smirked at me in that robes shop!" Potter said. "I have dreams about carrying you off on a broom and locking you up in a tower!" 

"You're the darkest light wizard I've ever met," Draco said. "You're as powerful as a siren and half as sane." 

"No idea what that last part means," Potter said. "But if I don't kiss you now I'll lose my nerve!" 

"Kiss me, then," Draco said. "I dare you." 

Potter kissed him. 

Sloppy virgin, Draco thought. Why do they always insist on gaping their mouths open? It's like they're trying to eat me. 

Draco pushed Potter onto his own bed and forcefully controlled the kiss. He bit at Potter's lips to discipline him and Potter reacted beautifully. He bit back. 

Potter was the sort of partner who was eager to be led, but he was also eager to fight. He was eager to be pushed down, grabbed at
... smothered, even. But he also wanted to push back and smother his partner, in turn. 

They might have spent the whole morning like that, rolling around on Potter's bed, if it weren't for Granger. 

She knocked on Potter's bedroom door with enough urgency to alarm him. 

Potter sprang towards the door, slamming it open, and Granger gapped at his frizzled hair. 

"What's wrong?" Potter said. 

Granger continued to silently stare at Potter and Draco wished he could apparate. He remained frozen on the bed, waiting for her to look towards him. 

"Hermione?" 

Granger kept her eyes firmly on Potter. 

"Breakfast," Granger said, hesitantly. "I brought you both breakfast." 

She was empty handed. 

"You did?" Potter said. 

"I left it on the kitchen table!" Granger said, frowning on him. "Was I meant to bring you breakfast in bed? Get out of bed! It's almost noon!" 

"It is?" 

"You look like you've been electrocuted," Granger said. "What on Earth have you been doing?" 

"Electrocuted?" Potter said, touching his hair. "It was curling before. Now it's straightened and sticking up?" 

"What have you been doing?" Granger insisted. "Were you dueling?"

"No!"

"There's blood on your chin," Granger said, disapprovingly. "I thought you said you would watch your temper?"

"I didn't lose my temper," Potter said. 

"I'm not going to allow you to get into a toxic relationship," Granger said. "You can't let yourselves fall into old patterns." 

"Right," Potter said, glancing towards Draco. 

It was too painful to watch. Draco covered his head with Potter's blanket. 

I'm staying right here! Draco thought. I don't need breakfast!

"If you love each other," Granger said. "You have to be kind to each other, Harry!" 

"We are!" Potter said. "We're being really kind!" 

"You have a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms," Granger said. "It's not your fault, but the war is over. You need to-" 

"She's driving me mad!" Draco burst out. "I'd rather hang myself than stay here listening to this!" 

"Sorry!" Potter said. "You can go back to sleep!" 

He pushed Granger out the door, following her into the hallway as she squeaked in surprise, and closed the door behind him. 

Draco groaned. 

That wasn't the reaction he'd expected. 

He thought Granger would hex him or something. 

Maybe she would have, but Potter was too fast for her. 

He was an Arthurian knight. 

This isn't a tower, Draco thought. But it might as well be. 

It wasn't as if anything had changed. He was simply trading one knight for another. 

Uncle Rodolphus was in Azkaban. He wasn't around to protect Draco anymore. 

Was it so wrong to find a replacement knight? 

Rodolphus would say it was. He would say it was selfish and cowardly. Disloyal. 

He would find out, eventually. The press were obsessed with Potter. There wasn't going to be a secret affair. It was going to be the most public relationship Draco had ever been in. 

Everyone in Azkaban would find out. 

If they broke out again... 

Draco shuddered. 

The Death Eaters had broken out of Azkaban once already, hadn't they? It would be even easier this time. 

No Dementors. 

Those light wizards were as mad as a group of pillaging harpies. 

Draco put his Occlumency shield back up and closed his eyes. 

Left alone with a Weasley. 

A fate worse than death? 

Possibly. 

He was the dragon tamer. 

"Call me Charlie," Weasley said. "I'll call you Malfoy if you want me to, but you can call me Charlie." 

"I'm a dragon," Draco said, flatly. "Call me Draco."

"Hah," Weasley said. "That's... um. Did they already tell you about the Dragon Slayers?" 

"Yes," Draco said. "Potter told me." 

"It's not going to last," Weasley said. "It's a group of grieving people. They're just... blustering." 

"Yes," Draco said. 

"Listen," Weasley said. "I get that this is awkward. You don't know me. I don't know you." 

"Yes?" Draco said. 

"You don't have to talk to me," Weasley said. "I'm not... um." 

"A babysitter?" Draco said. 

"Right," Weasley said. "I was going to say I'm not an Auror. But... you understand what I'm saying?" 

"Do you want me to shut myself up in a guest room?" Draco said. "I'll remain there until it's time for meals?" 

"Of course not," Weasley said. "I'm only saying... erm. If you want to be alone... you can be?" 

"Alright," Draco said. 

It wasn't an indirect request. The Weasleys were a straightforward lot. That much was common knowledge. 

"Are you using Occlumency?" Weasley said. 

"No," Draco said. "Should I?" 

"No!" Weasley said. "Merlin. I just... are you alright?" 

"Yes," Draco said. "Are you?" 

"Huh?" Weasley said. 

"I apologize," Draco said. "It's not for me to ask." 

The Weasleys were grieving Fred Weasley, but they were doing it privately. 

That was common sense. 

"Sorry," Weasley said. "Um... I've been... I've been better." 

Draco nodded. 

"Look," Weasley said. "Percy wanted me to ask you something." 

"Ask," Draco said. 

"He thinks he scared you," Weasley said. 

Draco sighed. 

"Um," Weasley said. "He would probably have wanted me to try and ask in a Slytherin way, but I'm not like him. I don't want to mince words." 

"I'm not afraid of Percy Weasley," Draco said. "Why would I be afraid of him? He's a noble Gryffindor and a war hero." 

"I don't know why," Weasley said. "He didn't explain himself." 

"Tell him I'm not a frightened kitten," Draco said. "Tell him I'm perfectly fine." 

"Here's what he wanted me to ask," Weasley said. "Can he visit you here? Grimmauld Place is Harry's house, but Percy wanted your permission." 

"He doesn't need my permission," Draco said. 

"He said he doesn't want to harass you," Weasley said. "He said he doesn't want to... um... infringe on your... uh... I forgot how he said it." 

"Tell him to come here," Draco said. "He can say it to me himself." 

"I know, right?" Weasley said. "I already told him that, but he's... uh... well... he's Percy." 

Draco didn't know anything about Percy Weasley. He knew the younger Weasleys. Percy Weasley was a man that he'd never spoken to, before that day at the Ministry. 

"You know your probation is over, right?" Weasley said. "You can move to France if you really want to." 

Draco groaned. 

"Sorry," Weasley said. "Harry said you'd said something about having a house over there?" 

"I'm not going to France by myself," Draco said. "I'm going to wait for..." 

For his parents, he'd almost said. 

"I'm not going by myself," Draco repeated.

"Alright." Weasley scratched at his chin. 

They were sitting across from each other in the same sitting room that Draco had been in with Ron Weasley and Granger. 

"Do you like wizard's chess?" Draco said. 

"Love it," Weasley said. "Up for a game?" 

"Does Potter have a board?" Draco said. 

"No idea," Weasley said. "I'll just floo over to the Burrow and get the family board?" 

"Are you allowed to do that?" Draco said. 

"I'm not an Auror," Weasley said. "I came over because Harry is paranoid. The Aurors didn't want to assign a guard for you, so..." 

Weasley shrugged. 

"Why is Potter so paranoid?" Draco said. "He acts like I'll be assassinated while he's in the loo." 

"The Dragon Slayers have been protesting in front of the Ministry," Weasley said. "They're peaceful protestors, but their name is a bit aggressive... I suppose Harry has a right to be paranoid?" 

Draco sighed. Explosively. 

That was all he could do. Sit on his arse and sigh like a maiden in one of the Grimm Brother's fairytales.

"I'll go get a board," Weasley said. "You can come with me, if you like?" 

Draco shook his head. 

"I'll be right back," Weasley said. 

"Take your time," Draco said. 

Weasley went through the floo and Draco sighed again. 

The house rumbled. Insistently. The couch cushion he was sitting on shoved him off, forcing Draco to stand. 

"You're thirsty, at least," Draco said. "I'd rather feed Potter, but beggars can't be choosers." 

The lights flickered. 

Draco went into the kitchen to find a knife. It would be better to open a deeper wound this time. He didn't know how long he had before Weasley returned. 

The portraits were whispering amongst themselves. A few of them were giggling.

He was about to slice his palm open when Potter apparated into the kitchen. 

"Aha!" Potter said. "I knew it!" 

Draco sighed. 

"Put the knife down!" Potter said. 

"It's not what you're thinking, Potter," Draco said. "The house has been neglected. I just have to-"

"Nope," Potter said. "No. No, no, no." 

"It's a dark house, Potter!" Draco said. "It's starving!" 

"Let it starve!" Potter said. "Let it fucking starve!" 

"It's falling apart," Draco said. "If I don't feed it-" 

"I'll buy a muggle house," Potter said. "I have plenty of money!" 

They could hear the woosh of the floo coming from the sitting room. 

"Go back to wherever you've been," Draco whispered. "You foiled my evil plot. Congratulations. Go back, Potter. Now" 

"No," Potter said, crossing his arms together. "I've got to watch you at all hours, apparently!"

Draco threw the knife into the sink. The clattering attracted Weasley's attention. 

He came into the kitchen. 

"Harry?" Weasley said. "What happened?" 

"Draco can't stay here," Potter said. "The house is trying to eat him." 

Draco rolled his eyes. 

"What?" Weasley said. 

"He's a Black on his mother's side," Potter said. "It's my fault. I should have thought of that." 

"You're ridiculous," Draco said. "Potter-"

"Shut up!" Potter said. "I won't let you bleed yourself dry!" 

"I wasn't going to bleed myself dry!" Draco said.

"Yes you were!" Potter said. 

"Let's calm down," Weasley said. "It sounds like a misunderstanding." 

Potter scowled at Weasley. 

Then he did something unexpected. He pulled a necklace out from underneath his shirt collar. 

For a split second, Draco thought he was looking at a snitch on a golden chain. 

"This is a Time Turner," Potter said. "The last one." 

He was right. It was a Time Turner. It sparkled in his hands. 

"Blimey," Weasley said. "Did the Aurors give that to you?" 

"The Hit Wizards," Potter said. 

"Merlin's sweet baby snake," Draco said. "You're saying... no. You're exaggerating." 

"I'm not letting you die, Draco," Potter said. "You have to stay alive!" 

"Circe," Weasley said. "You... you saw him die?" 

Draco frowned.

"Take him to the Burrow," Potter said. "I need to buy a muggle house, but it's going to take some time." 

Draco reached for his Occlumency shield. 

"I'm sorry, Draco," Potter said. "It'll be awkward, but... um. Please tolerate it? Just for a bit." 

Draco nodded. 

"Is this one of those things," Weasley said. "where I'm sworn to secrecy?"

"Yes," Potter said. 

Potter hid the Time Turner under his shirt, tucking it away like a dirty little secret. 

"Draco," Potter said. "I know you think I'm an ignorant muggle-raised Gryffindor. I am, but I'm doing my best to learn about the Wizarding World. There's all this stuff that they never taught at Hogwarts." 

Draco nodded. It was true. 

"Will you tutor me?" Potter said. "I need you to tutor me. I need your help." 

"My help?" Draco said. "You could ask any of the Weasleys-" 

"They don't know anything about the dark side," Potter said. "They only know the light side." 

Weasley huffed. 

"Sorry," Potter said, to him. "Could you give us a minute?" 

Weasley left the kitchen without a word. 

"I wasn't going to bleed myself dry," Draco said. "You're lying. That's not-"

"I don't know when you started feeding it," Potter said. "Did you start as soon as you got here? Did you start before you'd even slept here?"

"How many times did you turn the dial?" Draco said. "How far back did you travel?"

"You don't have enough blood for this house," Potter said. "It's too greedy." 

"It's just a bit parched," Draco said. 

"No," Potter said. "It was neglected for too long. I don't know a lot about... about houses like this. But I know enough to know that." 

"Fine," Draco said. "We'll live in a muggle house." 

"Or we could move to your house in France?" Potter said. "I can connect the floo to the Burrow." 

"You'll spend your days working here," Draco said. "And then spend your nights with me in France?" 

"Yeah?" Potter said. 

"And I'll twiddle my thumbs in France like a fish inside a birdcage?" Draco said. "Do I look like a merman to you?" 

Potter groaned. 

"I'm not moving to France," Draco said. 

"Fine!" Potter said. "But... but will you listen to me?" 

Draco stepped closer to Potter. He crowded him, taking advantage of their height difference, and leaned down to whisper, "Why should I?" 

Potter glared up at him. 

"You want me to obey a master who refuses to call himself a master?" Draco said. "Then nest with a Veela who refuses to take a drink?" 

"I'll take a drink right fucking now," Potter growled. 

"No you won't," Draco said. "Not with a Weasley in the sitting room." 

"Fuck," Potter said. 

"You have plenty of money," Draco said. "Get us a hotel room. I'm not going to the Burrow." 

"Screw it," Potter said. "I'll tell Charlie we changed our minds." 

"You'll use a memory charm," Draco whispered. "Charlie Weasley never saw your Time Turner." 

"You don't trust him?" Potter said. 

"I don't trust anyone," Draco said. "If I had my wand I would use a memory charm on you as well." 

"And then steal the Time Turner?" Potter said. 

"No," Draco said. "I don't need a wand to do that, now do I?"

Potter squinted at him.

"I don't want your Time Turner," Draco said. "It's more useful in your hands." 

"You've always been like this," Potter said. 

"Yes," Draco said. "And you've always been the blustering hero. What in Crowley's name do you want with me, Potter?" 

"I just.. I just want you," Potter said. "I want you to trust me. I want you to feel safe with me." 

"That's like asking a unicorn to frolic on a muggle road," Draco said. "Is the unicorn meant to feel safe surrounded by those contraptions the muggles ride around in?" 

"Is this a test?" Potter said. "If I use a memory charm on Charlie... will I pass the test?" 

"No," Draco said. "We aren't at Hogwarts anymore, Potter." 

Weasley came back into the kitchen. 

"Would you do it already?" Weasley said. "The longer you take, the more noticeable it'll be when I wake up with a gap." 

"Shit," Potter said. "I'm sorry?" 

"You should be!" Weasley said. "You're a rubbish Hit Wizard. Pick a different career!" 

"I can't believe I'm about to say this," Draco said. "My father would kill me for saying this, but... I agree with Weasley." 

"Fuck," Potter said. 

"You need to erase his memories too," Weasley said. "Everyone thinks the Time Turners are gone. If the Hit Wizards want the last one to remain a secret... it better well remain a bloody secret, Harry!"

"There you have it," Draco said. "I'm going to be assassinated by Hit Wizards because Potter is an incompetent Hit Wizard." 

"This is surreal," Potter said. "Um, but you've both made good points. I'll join the Aurors instead." 

Then Potter began to cast a memory charm...

Granger was mental. 

"You have to eat breakfast," Granger said. "You have to get out of bed and eat breakfast." 

"Do I?" Draco said. "Who let you in here, anyway? You're like one of those... parrots. Flapping your wings and demanding crackers." 

"That's not going to work," Granger said. "I'm determined to help you. I'll help you even if you're acting like an arsehole." 

"Is this what it feels like to be a house elf?" Draco said. "Did they act like arseholes too?" 

"Yes," Granger said. "Some of them." 

Potter had bought a muggle house. It wasn't as big as Grimmauld Place, but it didn't need to be. 

It was just the two of them, after all.  

It was meant to be just the two of them, but Granger had moved in to spite them. 

"You're dangerously thin," Granger insisted. "You need to eat!" 

How does Weasley put up with her? Draco thought. Or is that why she's here? Did he refuse to put up with her fussing? 

"Are you anorexic?" Granger said. "I hope you haven't been taking those foul dieting potions." 

Granger was like Aunt Walburga's portrait. She would work herself up into a frenzy without any input from the subject of her concern. 

"You're very handsome Draco," Granger said. "I hope you know that?" 

Draco sat up to blink at her. 

She gave him a nervous smile. 

"You're a beautiful witch, Granger," Draco said, softly. "But I'm meant to be loyal to Potter." 

Granger's eyes widened. 

"Did Weasley offend you?" Draco said. "I'll set him right." 

"No!" Granger said. "I'm not flirting with you!" 

"Good," Draco said. "We can't shag." 

"Of course we can't shag!" Granger said. "I'm not asking for a shag!" 

"Would a hug be sufficient?" Draco said. "You can sit down with me. Do you want to lay down? I'll allow you under my blanket." 

"No!" Granger said. "I don't need a hug!" 

The poor thing looked like she would burst into tears at any second. 

"Hugging isn't the same as shagging," Draco murmured. "Weasley won't hold it against you." 

Granger blinked at him with wet eyes. 

"Are you asking for a hug?" Granger said. 

"I'm offering a hug," Draco said. "Does that offend you?" 

Granger sniffed. 

The muggles had a word for their paranoia didn't they? What was the word? 

"Draco," Granger said. "How are you feeling?" 

"Is it... sinful?" Draco said. "Hugging? Is cuddling in a bed with a bloke you won't be shagging... is it a sin?" 

"It isn't sinful," Granger said. "You're right. It... it isn't sinful." 

"I'm not hungry Granger," Draco said. "Am I keeping you from your breakfast? Do you need company while you eat?" 

Mother was like that. Her nerves would prevent her from eating without a companion. 

"Huh?" Granger said. 

"I apologize," Draco said, throwing his blanket off his legs. "I didn't mean to get in the way of your meal." 

Granger shook her head. 

"I'll accompany you," Draco said. "Did you want to eat in Muggle London? I'll escort you." 

"Wait," Granger said. "Um... I don't want to get into your bed. Can we hug standing up?" 

"Of course," Draco said. "It was sinful of me to-"

"No!" Granger said. "You aren't sinful!"

"It's alright," Draco said. "I respect your culture." 

Granger lost her composure. She began to cry freely and Draco stood up and tentatively opened his arms. 

She threw herself into the hug. 

Mother liked to be sang to when she was crying, so Draco sang her favorite song. 

It was in French. 

Granger might have hated it, but she was too polite to say so. 

Or too busy crying. 

It wasn't her fault. Everyone had been crying, on an off, since the war had ended. They were grieving. 

I wish I knew which Death Eater had killed Fred Weasley, Draco thought. I can't start a blood feud without knowing who I'm meant to be feuding with. 

At least he knew who had killed Aunt Bella. It had been Molly Weasley. They'd given her an Order of Merlin. 

They should have given her a seat on the Wizengamot as well, Draco thought. But I suppose the idea of having a witch on the Witch's Coven who is also on the Wizengamot was too much for them to handle. 

They were always blustering about separation of powers. They'd gotten it from the Americans, Father said, and from the muggles who were treating their queen like a show pony. 

They were doing the same thing to Potter. He wasn't a hero. He was a mascot. They paraded him in front of journalists and photographers and covered him in medals. Pretty soon he'd be doing tea ceremonies. 

Granger finished crying and pulled away from the hug. 

"You need to eat," Granger said. "You need to eat even when you aren't hungry." 

"Why would I eat if I'm not hungry?" Draco said. 

"Depression removes your appetite," Granger said. "You have to be careful not to lose too much wait." 

"I've always been thin," Draco said. "I'm not on the verge of starvation, Granger." 

It was her and Potter and Weasley who had been on the verge of starvation. They hadn't been eating properly during the war. 

Maybe that was why she was so obsessed with feeding people. 

"I want to go to McDonald's," Granger said, firmly. "You're coming with me." 

"Alright," Draco said. "Will you let me get dressed? I'm not going into Muggle London in my pajamas." 

She nodded and left the room. 

The wardrobe was the best thing in the muggle house Potter had found. It was a walk in closet. 

Malfoy Manor had been seized by the Ministry, but Potter had rescued the clothes. All the clothes. Not just Draco's personal wardrobe, but also the personal wardrobes in every room of the Manor. 

His parents clothes and his grandparents clothes. Clothes from his ancestors that dated back to Arthurian times, even, all of it was in the muggle wardrobe. Granger had created a permanent extension charm to hold everything. 

You had to be careful what you wore into Muggle London, but the muggles enjoyed being "retro" on occasion. When Draco wore old clothing they smiled at him and called him fashionable. 

Today, he wanted a waistcoat. He wanted a white blouse with ruffles. He simply wanted to dress like a posh aristocrat that the muggles would recognize from their old films. 

They wouldn't see him as a wizard. They would see him as a man who enjoyed being old fashioned. 

They wouldn't see him as rich. They would ask him which thrift stores he'd been shopping at and he would shrug and pretend to have forgotten. 

I'll live in Muggle London for as long as Potter wants to live here, Draco thought. But I'll do it with the grace and dignity of a Malfoy. 

Like his ancestors had done, before the International Statute of Secrecy had been enacted. Before magic had been divided into light and dark, good and bad. 

Just and evil. 

When he was done getting dressed he took Granger to McDonald's. She was a good companion. She was wearing a long pleated skirt and a button up blouse. She liked to look professional for her new job at the Ministry and the pair of them looked like office workers. 

She didn't have work on the weekends, but she carried on dressing professionally even when she wasn't going to work. It was Draco's favorite thing about her. 

Potter would have happily walked around in jeans and t-shirts if Draco had allowed it, but Potter was the sort who would wear any shirt he was handed as long as it didn’t itch. 

He would wear any trousers he was handed as long as they weren't too tight and he even accepted it when Draco transfigured his spectacles into a design that was more dignified. 

The Weasleys, on the other hand, weren't going to be fussed over. Draco never made any comment on their clothing choices. He knew it wasn't his place. 

Granger did the fussing for her own boyfriend, of course, and Weasley grumbled much like Potter, but accepted most of her advice. 

He was working at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes with his brother George Weasley. 

As for Draco himself... he would find a career. Eventually. He just had to learn more about the muggle career options. 

Potter didn't want him working in the Wizarding World. 

He was a paranoid Auror, so Draco agreed to attend a muggle university. He would learn about every possible muggle career and then he would build a muggle reputation and live a clandestine life as a secret wizard. 

It was even legal for two men to get married. The muggle government didn't see any problem with it, but Potter said they were too young to be thinking about that. He said they should wait a few years. 

Draco would wait. He would do as he was told and he would... he would become a Potter. 

Or maybe Potter would become a Malfoy. 

It wasn't something they had discussed, yet. 

Father wasn't pleased with the idea, but he agreed that it was politically beneficial. 

Mother, on the other hand, was constantly weeping about the end of the Black bloodline. 

Potter said he shouldn't visit them in Azkaban anymore, but Draco continued to visit them. Less often than he had been, previously, as a concession to Potter's irritation. 

Now, Draco only visited them once a month. 

If Mother persisted with her weeping, Draco might change the schedule to once every three months or so. 

He was tired of her insistence that he marry a Greengrass sister. 

Draco didn't want to marry a Greengrass sister. Why would he marry a Greengrass? 

Daphne was nice enough. She had been a classmate and a good friend at Hogwarts, but she already had a wizard that she fancied. 

Her sister Astoria was pretty, polite, and boring. At Hogwarts, she had blushed like a virgin bride whenever Draco looked at her and she would often hide her face behind her bangs. 

Like she couldn't bare to be looked at. 

No, Draco thought. I won't marry a Greengrass. 

Potter was handsome, and powerful, and aggressive. He was overprotective, which was irritating, but it was also reassuring. 

Draco didn't care about the Black bloodline anymore. He didn't care about the Malfoy bloodline either. To hell with them both. They'd had long enough to flourish, hadn't they? 

Out with the old, in with the new. 

It was a motto worth living by. It was a motto that the Dragon Slayers had enjoyed chanting in front of the Ministry, but they'd lost their teeth. 

"I am the new," Draco had told them. "I'm half the age of the wixen who are half your age, you old crones!" 

Most of the Dragon Slayers were witches who had lost grandchildren in the war. 

One of them tried to hex him when he'd said that, but Potter had been there to put up a shield. He'd growled at them with glowing eyes and they'd gasped and lowered their signs. 

Potter was like a watch dog. As fierce as Merlin himself had been while guarding King Arthur. 

"I'll crown you myself," Potter liked to say. "You're my king." 

It felt good. Being a king. When Draco was a boy he'd aspired to be Minister of Magic, but he saw now that the role was as empty as the role of the muggle queen. 

There was no power in it. 

"What are you thinking?" Granger said. 

She'd finished her food, so she started wiping her hands with the napkins.

McDonalds never failed to shower them with grease. 

"Nothing," Draco said. 

"I'd like to be friends," Granger said. "Proper friends. Eating in silence doesn't bother me, of course, but you can say anything you'd like to say." 

Draco put a chicken nugget in his mouth and chewed slowly. 

Granger sighed. "Aren't they going to get cold?" 

After he finally swallowed his nugget, he scoffed at her. 

"Right," Granger said. "Charms... fine, you can warm them back up, but why do you eat so slowly?" 

"Why do you eat so quickly?" Draco said. "You'll hurt yourself one of these days."

"No I won't," Granger said. 

"If you eat too quickly," Draco said. "You aren't giving your stomach time to digest. You aren't giving your brain the time to tell you it's had enough. You might accidentally over eat and then, perhaps ten minutes after you've finished eating, you'll have a stomach ache." 

"Did you learn that at uni?" Granger said. "That sounds accurate. Ron is constantly giving himself stomach aches." 

"Yes," Draco said. "I learned it at uni."

"But you mustn't over correct," Granger said, smiling softly. "If you keep giving yourself small meals, your stomach will shrink. Later, when you try to eat properly, you'll vomit." 

"Did that happen to you?" Draco said. 

"Yes," Granger said. 

"Alright," Draco said. "I'll eat bigger meals." 

"Thank you," Granger said. "Eat your fries." 

"Aren't they bad?" Draco said. "They... what is it called? They have empty carbs." 

"Potatoes are good," Granger said. "They have good nutrients. It's better to eat them properly, instead of frying them and covering them in grease, but they aren't empty carbs." 

"On the internet-"

"You have to be careful on the internet, Draco," Granger said. "It isn't regulated." 

"What do you mean?" Draco said. 

"Some of the information," Granger said. "Is meant to manipulate you into buying products." 

"I read an article that was asking me to do the opposite," Draco said. "It said I shouldn't buy McDonald's." 

"Yes," Granger said. "Because McDonald's is popular. If you aren't buying McDonald's you'll be more likely to go to a supposedly 'healthy' restaurant, which is in need of customers." 

"You're saying McDonald's fries are a healthy food?" Draco said, raising an eyebrow. "Should we eat here everyday, Granger? Or should you check your sources?" 

The smile Granger gave him was fond. 

She'd never smiled at him like this before. She usually directed it at Weasley or Potter. 

"Granger?" Draco said. 

"Sorry," Granger said, chuckling. "You're right, of course. We should stop eating at McDonald's." 

He was tempted to reach for his Occlumency shield, but he knew Granger would throw a fit if he did that, so he restrained himself. 

"Draco?" Granger said. "Are you... are you worried?" 

"Worried?" 

"About Harry?" Granger said. "His work is... it's often dangerous." 

"He's a powerful wizard," Draco said. 

"Yes," Granger said. "But even powerful wizards get injured. They make mistakes, just like any other wizard." 

A muggle at the table next to them glanced in their direction, but Granger didn't care. 

She said the muggles would assume they were joking or LARPING and that they could say whatever they liked whenever they liked. 

Draco took a deep breath and tried to keep his eyes on Granger. 

"I'm full," Draco said. "Can I take the rest of my food to go?" 

"Of course," Granger said. "Let's go home." 

The muggle house was Granger's home as well as Draco's. Her parents were still in Australia, she said, and they were happy there. 

Lovegood also spent a lot of nights in a guest bedroom that was essentially her bedroom. 

Longbottom had some of his clothes in the coat closet by the front door. So did Ron and Percy Weasley. 

Draco suspected it was Potter's paranoia. He wanted one of the old DA members to play the role of a knight whenever he was at work. 

Luckily for him, Draco had been raised to be a host. 

A Malfoy wizard was a host for his witch's coven. He was a knight for his witch's king and a politician for his witch's cause. Even if he married a light witch, he would spill blood at her alter and worship her like a goddess. 

It didn't matter that Potter wasn't a witch. He was more powerful than the most powerful witches. He was better than them. 

Out with the old, Draco thought. In with the new.

Chapter Text

"We're being followed," Potter said. 

"Is that so?" Draco said. "A fan of yours or a journalist?" 

"A fan of yours," Potter said. "A muggle woman."

"I don't know any muggle women," Draco said. 

"You met her at uni," Potter said. "Take a look. You'll recognize her when you see her." 

Potter lightly grabbed him by the elbow and pulled him towards one of the shops they were walking by. 

They didn't go inside. They lingered under the sun-shield, in front of a window display of the goods inside the shop. 

"Look," Potter whispered, pointing across the sidewalk. "There she is." 

Several people where walking across from them. Several women and a man. 

Draco sighed. 

"You see her?" Potter said. "She fancies you." 

"I don't recognize any of them, Potter," Draco said. "They haven't noticed us."

"Don't you pay attention to the people in your classes?" Potter said. "You really don't recognize her?" 

"How would you recognize her?" Draco said. "Have you used your cloak to spy on my classes?" 

Potter didn't answer. He was glaring at two women who had lingered on the sidewalk to chat with each other. 

"Even if I share a class with one of them," Draco said. "That doesn't mean we've been followed." 

"You've been getting muggle post," Potter muttered. "You have an admirer."

"How do the muggles send their mail?" Draco said. "And why is this the first I'm hearing of it, Potter?" 

Potter growled, eyes flashing brightly green, and the women he was glaring at finally took notice and hurried away. 

"You're thirsty," Draco said. "Why are you depriving yourself?" 

Potter blinked, relaxing his stance. "Huh?"

"If you keep putting it off," Draco said. "Your temper will get worse." 

Potter kept blinking like a befuddled little boy. 

"Didn't Fleur Weasley explain anything?" Draco said. 

Now Potter was avoiding eye contact. 

"You never asked," Draco said. 

"I didn't want to bother her," Potter mumbled. "She and Bill have their own... stuff... to deal with." 

"Must I do everything myself?" Draco said. "She'll know more about her own kind than I can guess at!" 

"That's just it, isn't it?" Potter said, stubbornly jutting out his chin. "You guessed. You might be wrong about me." 

"I'm not wrong about you," Draco said. "Take action or don't. It won't change what you are." 

Potter sighed. 

"What are you waiting for?" Draco said. "You aren't a child. You've matured with barely a sip. Putting it off is like beaching a whale, you know. The whale is a mammal, but it still belongs in the ocean." 

"Do the merfolk walk around sometimes?" Potter said. "They have legs, right? Or would they suffocate on land?" 

"Potter," Draco said. "You need a drink."

"It... it doesn't feel like I need a drink?" Potter said. "I feel normal." 

"You've been clinging to me because you're thirsty," Draco said. "You're paranoid and jealous... because you're thirsty." 

"Or," Potter said. "You walk around dressed like gold and then pretend you're surprised when people drool over you." 

"No one is drooling," Draco said. "Except for you, Potter."

"Yes they are!" Potter said. "I can smell them drooling!"

"That doesn't make any sense, Potter!" Draco said. "Drool doesn't have a scent!" 

"It doesn't?" Potter said. "I'm pretty sure it does." 

The door to the shop they were in front of opened and two men stepped out and briefly glanced at them. 

Potter scowled at them with the ferocity of a territorial animal. One of the men laughed in surprise.

"G'day?" He said. 

"Have a good day," Draco said. 

"I'm his boyfriend," Potter said. "We're boyfriends." 

"Good for you, mate," the man who hadn't laughed said. 

"Cheers," his companion said, putting his arm around his fellow and winking. 

They walked off. 

"Potter," Draco said. "You're the most ridiculous person I've ever dated. I hope you know that?" 

Potter sighed. 

"I can't even say you've gotten worse," Draco said, thoughtfully. "But why would you wear an invisibility cloak to my classes? You could have sat next to me. Did you sit next to me? You can visit any class, whenever you like, without hiding." 

"I can?" Potter said. "I thought you would tell me not to." 

"Of course you can," Draco said. "Why would I tell you not to?" 

For some reason, Potter was blushing. The strangest things would set him on fire. Draco never knew what it was that got him going, but he could always see when he was going.

"Hermione is at the Ministry," Potter said, fidgeting with the buttons on his shirt. "You... um.... did you have plans with the Slytherins?" 

Draco did have plans with his friends, but they would forgive him. 

"Let's apparate," Draco said. "We can go into a bathroom stall and-"

"Let's just hide behind a dumpster," Potter said, breathlessly. "Let's just-"

"Go on, then," Draco said. "Find a dumpster!" 

Potter grabbed him by the elbow again to lead him. He loved grabbing elbows. Or the whole arm, sometimes, and Draco would attempt to show him the proper way to walk arm in arm, but Potter didn't cooperate with manners. 

When they were out of sight, Potter picked Draco up by the waist just before apparating. 

Then they were on his bed. 

Potter still hadn't lost his virginity. 

Maybe he was waiting for marriage. 

It was fine. There were plenty of ways to have fun with a bloke without taking his virginity. 

"You really dress like gold," Potter said. "You just get handsome-er and handsome-er. Every day. I'm glad you've gained weight, but you've gotten too handsome!"

Draco laughed.

Potter was carefully unbuttoning Draco's waist coat. 

"That's your thirst talking," Draco murmured. 

Potter shook his head. He unbuttoned the blouse under the waist coat and ran his fingers over the scar he'd left during their duel. 

He used to shy away from it, but even while he'd been avoiding it he was fascinated. These days, he was obsessed with stroking and kissing it. 

Maybe that was when it happened for him, Draco thought. Because Potter was exposed to so much of my blood? 

It didn't matter how. It was Ginny Weasley's loss and Draco's gain. 

That being said, it was time for a creative approach. Draco didn't want to risk losing his Veela. He had to act before their bond faded. 

He used his wand to create a thin cut across the scar on his torso and Potter panted, groaning.

"Lick it," Draco said. "Now."

For once, Potter didn't hesitate. 

He chose to lick the wound like a lion cub once again, but Draco had expected that. 

It was because Potter was inexperienced. 

It's fine, Draco thought. Potter will learn how to take a proper drink... later. I shouldn't push him just because I'm horny. 

Potter was horny too, but he was also paranoid. He thought he would hurt his mate. It was obvious. He thought Draco was fragile and he was being a Gryffindor about the whole thing. 

It was maddening, but to be expected from a wizard like Harry Potter, The Savior of the Wizarding World. 

One day, Draco thought. One day Potter will lose the battle with his carnal desires. He'll release his savagery. 

Perhaps it was too much to hope for, but Draco was feeling optimistic these days. Things had gone surprisingly well for him since the war had ended. 

Father said Draco had done well for himself, considering. Draco thought his bitterness was unbecoming, as well as petty. 

"Make sure to have a bastard," Father had said. "At least one. Your mother will cry herself into an early grave, otherwise." 

Draco pretended to agree to the idea, but he knew even attempting such a thing would be impossible. 

Maybe that was the real reason Potter kept tabs on his lover. He didn't trust a Malfoy to end his bloodline without a fight. 

What good does a bloodline do me, in the end? Draco thought. What do I care about children or grandchildren or great grandchildren? It's not as if I'll ever enjoy more than pretend kingship. 

Potter certainly worshipped his king. He worshipped more feverishly than any of the wixen Draco had dated at Hogwarts.

Not only that, but he admired Draco more than the Slytherins had done when they'd praised his supposed courage for getting the Dark Mark. 

Potter's attention was as addictive as an aphrodisiac. 

A lover's worship is still worship, Draco told himself. A kingdom with one subject is still a kingdom. 

That's what he continuously told himself while squirming under his own self restraint. Potter licked and teased without biting. 

Potter enjoyed teasing above all else. He smirked when Draco was squirming and laughed when Draco complained. 

"Stay still," Potter whispered. "I want to try something." 

"Alright?" Draco said. 

Potter unbuttoned Draco's trousers. 

Draco grinned. 

"Can I?" Potter said. 

"Yes," Draco said, panting. "Now." 

Potter still wasn't biting, but a Veela didn't need to take a bite to please his mate. 

At least Potter knew that much. 

"That woman is looking at you," Potter whispered. "Look, the one in the romper. She's staring at you. I can hear her heart picking up." 

"You can hear her heart?" Draco said. "From across the room?" 

They'd just arrived at the World History class. Most of the students were chatting because the professor wasn't around. 

"Isn't it a Veela thing?" Potter said, pulling a chair out for his mate. "It's my instincts?"

"I have no idea," Draco said, sitting down. "This is the first I'm hearing of it." 

Potter sat as close as he was physically able to do. It bordered on indecent, but Draco knew the students wouldn't think so. They did similar things with their own lovers. 

Another woman, who'd sat herself down next to them, said, "Do you guys play DND?" 

"Yes," Draco said. 

"No," Potter said. 

"My group needs more players," she said. 

"Players?" Draco said. 

"No," Potter said. "We're gay." 

"Huh?" she said. 

"She's not asking you on a date, Potter," Draco said. "She wants to invite us to a social club."

"A social club?" 

The girl laughed awkwardly. "I didn't mean to confuse you. DND stands for Dungeons and Dragons."

"Sounds marvelous," Draco said. 

Potter snorted. 

The professor walked in, but the girl wrote down some information on a piece of paper and gave it to Potter. 

Hmm, Draco thought. I hope he doesn't throw that away. 

Or worse, set fire to it. 

He'd done that once when a man had given Draco a slip of paper with numbers written on it. 

Then he'd refused to explain what the numbers stood for, but Draco figured it was to do with the internet. Like email, somehow. A way of courting a potential lover.

He didn't know the exact methods, but Draco understood that there were significant cultural differences between wizarding and muggle communication that he was still in the process of untangling.

He was beginning to realize that Potter was almost as ignorant as him about these cultural differences. He knew a lot about the muggles because he'd been raised with them, but he was caught by surprise almost as often as Draco was. 

Like when a couple at a bar had asked them if they were "swingers" and Potter had said, "What would we be swinging at?" 

The couple had laughed, looking at each other conspiratorially. Then the woman had said, "We usually pick up women, but my boyfriend is bisexual too." 

When Potter caught on his eyes had started glowing. The couple had abruptly turned themselves back around to walk away. 

Ever since, Potter treated women like rabid animals. As if they would tell their husbands to tie him to their bedposts. 

Even the professors were cause for suspicion. Potter said they thought Draco was intelligent and charming despite being a bit too sheltered. 

"Watch our for the TA," Potter said, when they left the class. "The TA fancies you." 

"Which one is the TA?" Draco said. 

"You don't even know your TAs?" Potter said. 

"As I understand it," Draco said. "A TA is an older student who does work for a professor... but they aren't that much older, are they? How am I meant to distinguish older students from younger students?" 

"He was sitting in a desk facing the rest of you," Potter said. "Down next to the professor's podium! How could you miss him?" 

"I was listening to my professor," Draco said. "Why would I care about anything else while I'm in a class?" 

"It's not like you were writing notes," Potter said. "You... you were looking around? Your eyes wonder all over the place while you're listening." 

"Sure," Draco said. "But I'm not looking at what I'm looking at." 

"That makes no sense," Potter said. "Are you messing with me?"

"Yes Potter," Draco said, rolling his eyes. "I'm trying to prank you." 

"I'm sorry," Potter said. "It's just... how can you not notice people who are spending the whole class looking at you?" 

"No one was looking at me," Draco said. "Do I need to take you to an eye doctor? Have you been using magic and only magic to repair your spectacles?" 

"I can also smell it," Potter said. "I could smell the TA, as well as that woman. There are several women, but she's the worst one. She... she really wants you."

"Is this about your obsession with drool?" Draco said. "Normal people drool for different reasons than you, Potter. They might be hungry. Hungry for an ordinary lunch." 

"It's more than that," Potter said. 

"Of course," Draco said. "It's also about the sound of heart beats?" 

"You said you've dated Veela before," Potter said. "They weren't like me? See, that means I'm not a Veela. This proves it."

"Or maybe they kept their paranoia to themselves," Draco said. "It would have been impolite of them to be accusing their classmates of having heart beats that were beating too loudly." 

Potter frowned. 

"Get a grip, Potter," Draco said. "You're the only one drooling over me. How many times do I have to-"

"I'm not the only one," Potter said. "I can't explain it in a way that'll make it easy to understand. It's not as simple as calling it a smell or a sound... but I have a sense." 

"A sense," Draco said. 

"I can tell," Potter said. 

"Uh huh," Draco said. 

"I can see it," Potter said. "It's almost like I can taste it. Anyone in the room. Anyone standing within a few feet of us. If they find you attractive, I know."

"You act as if there's an army," Draco said. "As if there's a large crowd in every room." 

"There is a large crowd in every room," Potter said. "It feels like I have to beat them with a club to get their eyes off you!" 

I should ask Pansy about this, Draco thought. Potter is losing his mind to thirst. 

"I'm sorry," Potter said. "I don't want to scare you." 

Draco rolled his eyes. 

"I'll control myself," Potter said. "Maybe I should stay away from your university." 

"You might make it worse that way," Draco said. "Don't fight your instincts." 

"I have to fight them!" Potter said. "I'm not going to attack people like a caveman!" 

"Fight those instincts," Draco said. "But don't fight the instinct to be near your mate. I won't tire of you. If you'd like, I can invite you to dinner with my friends as well." 

"Erm," Potter said. "I'd rather stay under my cloak for those dinners. I hate the idea of... um... of talking to them." 

Draco huffed. 

"Sorry," Potter said. "I forgot to tell you I... erm... I've been following you." 

"Why haven't the Aurors fired you?" Draco said. "Do they see you? Ever?" 

"They just need me to wear the uniform at press events," Potter said. "I'm not a real Auror." 

"When were you going to tell me that?" Draco said. "I thought you were fighting crime!" 

Potter grinned. "Were you worried about me?" 

"I'm not going to dignify that with a response," Draco said. "Are you a Gryffindor or a Slytherin? You... I don't know what to make of you, Potter." 

"Actually," Potter said. "The Sorting Hat wanted me in Slytherin. Originally. But I insisted on Gryffindor." 

"Of course you did," Draco said, smirking. "I'm amazed, but I'm not shocked."

Potter was smiling at him one second and the next he was glaring at a group of students who were walking towards them.

They're just walking in the opposite direction, Draco thought. But Potter acts as if they're charging at us with wands in the air. 

Potter curled his arm around Draco's waist and nuzzled his face against Draco's neck. 

Draco gave him a pat on the head and tried not to be embarrassed by the public display. 

Or at least not to look as if he was embarrassed. 

The female students in the group giggled and Potter growled softly. One of the boys scoffed and Potter stiffened, muscles as tense as a horse that was about to jump into the air. 

Draco gave them an apologetic smile. 

They kept walking. 

When they were gone Potter said, "All of them!"

"No, Potter," Draco said. "That's unlikely." 

"All of them," Potter insisted. "Every single one of them!" 

"You're thirsty," Draco said. 

"I'm not thirsty," Potter said. 

"Why are you so stubborn?" Draco said. 

"Why are you so handsome?" Potter said. 

"I'm not as handsome as you think I am," Draco said. "You've confused a good flavor with good looks."

"No," Potter said. "You're practically blind. You really don't see the way people look at you?"

"They look at me like they always have," Draco said. "I'm a man who dresses well. I'm a man who-"

"If you wore your pajamas in public they would still smile at you," Potter said. "When you wear an over sized t-shirt and leggings they still call you fashionable." 

"That was one time!" Draco said. "I was just running to the store!" 

"Your arse is too perfect!" Potter said. "Everyone could see your arse!" 

"You're driving me stark raving mad," Draco said. "Would you let me take your virginity already, you daft Gryffindor?!" 

"Not yet!" Potter said. 

"Do I have to marry you first?" Draco said. "I won't survive the engagement."

"No," Potter said. "I just... I'm stronger than you. I might crush you."

"You aren't that strong," Draco said. "Your paranoia isn't cute. It's rude! It's... it's arrogant. How dare you?" 

"I'm sorry?" Potter said. "Can you just give me some time to figure out my... whatever I am?" 

"We already know what you are," Draco said. 

"We have a guess," Potter said. "I might be something else." 

"Then talk to Fleur," Draco said. "Or talk to Pansy. Talk to someone."

"Parkinson would sooner set my hair on fire," Potter said. "She wants you to get back with her." 

"No she doesn't," Draco said. 

"She salivates all over you," Potter said, squeezing Draco tightly. "You have to believe me. She really does." 

Draco sighed. 

It was possible. She was an ex girlfriend. But it wasn't her fault if her body was reacting to a former mate. 

"Do you want me to stay away from her?" Draco said. "I'll stop attending the alumni dinners." 

"No," Potter said. "Keep going." 

"I can maintain a polite distance," Draco said. "Is there anyone else concerning you?" 

"Greengrass," Potter said. "And Nott." 

"I'll maintain a polite distance," Draco said. 

"Zabini is confusing me," Potter said. "He wants something from you, but I can't tell what he wants. He doesn't, um, he doesn't... salivate. But he... he's confusing me." 

"Should I ask him?" Draco said. 

"No!" Potter said. "He might get the wrong idea. Don't say anything."

"Alright," Draco said. 

"I'm sorry," Potter said. "I know I'm... I'm unreasonable. I can't help it." 

"You aren't unreasonable," Draco said. 

"Yes I am," Potter said. "I'll work on it. I'll stop following you."

"Keep following me," Draco said. "Without the cloak. How am I meant to enjoy your company if I can't see you?" 

Potter gave him a bashful smile. It was adorable. 

"You shouldn't assume I'll be upset," Draco said. 

"But you should be upset," Potter said, nervously. "My behavior is... um... upsetting?" 

"Did Granger tell you that?" Draco said. 

Potter avoided eye contact. 

"Don't listen to her," Draco said. "She isn't right about everything." 

"She says you shouldn't have to tolerate it," Potter said. "She said, um, that my possessive behavior is going to drive you away from me." 

"It isn't driving me away," Draco said. 

"It irritates you," Potter said. "You never believe me when I tell you-" 

"Potter," Draco said. "Let's say you're right. Let's say there's a large crowd of people who find me attractive. What does it matter?" 

"They want you," Potter said. "Of course it matters!" 

"I don't want them," Draco said. "Therefore... it's inconsequential." 

"Draco," Potter said. "I can also tell which of them you find attractive. Whenever you're... in a mood. I know." 

"Is that so?" Draco said. "Then... that's all the more reason for me not to look, isn't it? Stop pointing out my potential lovers." 

"Is that why you avoid people?" Potter said. "Out of... um... courtesy?" 

"It's common sense!" Draco said. 

"Hermione said I'm treating you like, um, like religious men treat their wives," Potter said, frowning at his feet. "She says I need to be careful to, um, to make sure you have freedom?" 

"I have plenty of freedom," Draco said. "Stop discussing me with Granger." 

"I need her help," Potter said. "Or I'll lose my mind!" 

"I hope Weasley isn't privy to your fussing?" Draco said. "He'll lose his mind." 

"We don't talk about you when he's around," Potter said. "He said... erm." 

"I don't want to know," Draco said. 

"I think he agrees with you?" Potter said. 

"What does he agree with me about?" Draco said. "I never thought we would agree on anything. Are you sure you haven't lost your mind already? It's because you're thirsty." 

"I'm serious," Potter said. "Maybe he's right. He thinks that Hermione is overbearing and that she's going to be the one who drives you away." 

"I'm not being driven away!" Draco said. "Haven't I been a good boyfriend?" 

"Yes!" Potter said. "I'm the one who's a bad boyfriend!" 

"You're also a good boyfriend," Draco said. "You... you're... Potter, would you believe me if I said you're the best boyfriend I've ever had?" 

"I'm the only boyfriend you've ever had," Potter said, rolling his eyes. 

Draco chuckled. 

Potter frowned. 

"Aren't I?" Potter said. 

"Yes, yes," Draco said. "Of course." 

"He doesn't count," Potter growled. "He wasn't a boyfriend." 

Potter didn't like to say Rodolphus's name. 

"I dated wizards while I was at Hogwarts," Draco said. "Briefly, but I did date them." 

Potter groaned. His arms tightened and Draco pinched him to get him off. 

Potter hastily stepped back. 

"I didn't mean to upset you," Draco said. "Let's forget it." 

"Wait!" Potter said. "Did you date Theodore Nott?" 

"Briefly," Draco said. 

"Did you date Zabini?" Potter said. 

"Briefly," Draco said. 

"How many Slytherins did you date?" Potter said. "Those alumni dinners are filled with your ex-lovers?!"

"I'll stop going," Draco said. 

"You said you dated some upper years," Potter said. "Were they Slytherin upper years or did you ever date people from other houses?" 

"It's in the past, Potter," Draco said. "It doesn't matter." 

"Tell me," Potter said. "Please?" 

"You wouldn't even recognize the names," Draco said. "You never socialized with upper years." 

"Sometimes I did!" Potter said. "I dated an upper year too, remember?" 

"You did?" Draco said. 

"Cho Chang," Potter said. "Um... briefly." 

"I had no idea," Draco said. "I knew you had dated Ginny Weasley, but I thought she was your only girlfriend." 

"My only proper one," Potter said. "But that was also... um... short lived." 

"The war got in your way," Draco said. "If it weren't for the war you'd still be dating her." 

"That's not true," Potter said. "I've been obsessed with you. For years." 

"Why are we talking about this?" Draco said. "If you would simply allow yourself to take a drink-"

"I'm going to do research," Potter said. "But I've never done research on my own, so... I need some time." 

"Why are you doing it on your own?" Draco said. 

"Hermione would separate us if she knew half the things we've been doing," Potter said. "And, um, Ron is from a light family. I don't think his parents know about Fleur." 

"Everyone knows about her, Potter!" Draco said. "Her condition is public knowledge and so is her husband's!" 

"But the public doesn't know the details," Potter said. "If they knew... no. It has to be... they... what the hell. There's just no point talking about things like this." 

"Fine," Draco said. "I'm late for my next class. I don't want to go anymore." 

"Sorry," Potter said. "I didn't mean to-"

"It was my last class," Draco said. "I'm going home early." 

"Do you want to be alone?" Potter said. 

"No," Draco said. 

"Are you lying?" 

"Wouldn't you know?" Draco said. "The sound of my heart should tell you." 

"I'm not a lie detector," Potter said. "I can only sense... um... attraction." 

"Let me help you with the research," Draco said. "There's a library at Grimmauld Place." 

"We can't go there!" Potter said. 

"Why not?" Draco said. 

"It's a dark house," Potter said. "It will... it wants you." 

"So?" Draco said. "It won't trap me inside. It's a house. It can't prevent its masters from leaving. That's not the point of a house." 

"I'll think about it," Potter said. 

"Have you been using the library on your own?" Draco said. "Or did you take a trip to Hogwarts?" 

"I haven't started my research yet," Potter admitted, sheepishly fidgeting like a naughty school boy. "Sorry. I procrastinated." 

"Why do you put everything off?" Draco said. "Are you telling me you spend all your time doing charity events for the press and absolutely nothing else?" 

Potter shrugged. 

"What are you doing with your time, Potter?" Draco said. "Those events are few and far between." 

"I like staying close to you," Potter said, blushing. 

Draco frowned at him. 

"S-sorry," Potter said. "It's not about the Dragon Slayers anymore!" 

"Then what is it about?" Draco said. 

"Um... thirst?" Potter said. 

"You said you don't feel thirsty," Draco said. "Which is it?" 

"It doesn't feel like thirst," Potter said. "It feels like I'm evil." 

"You aren't evil," Draco said. 

"Right," Potter said. "Because I'm trying to fight my instincts." 

"That's the problem," Draco said, sighing. 

"I want to be a good boyfriend," Potter said, urgently. "I don't want you to run away." 

"You keep saying that," Draco said. "Why do you think I'm going to run away?" 

"Because I'm a lunatic!" Potter said. "I'm following you like a stalker!" 

"You're my boyfriend," Draco said. "It isn't stalking this time!"

"This time," Potter echoed, scoffing. "As if anything has changed since we were at Hogwarts?" 

"If you want things to change," Draco said. "Stop wearing your cloak all the damn time!" 

"Hermione says you deserve freedom to socialize with whoever you want to socialize with," Potter said. "She says you won't be able to socialize if I'm growling at everyone or if I'm-"

"You aren't growling when you're under your cloak," Draco said. "I don't think you are, anyway. I would have heard it?" 

"I use a silencing charm on myself," Potter said, throwing his hands up. "Otherwise you would hear it!" 

"Is that it?" Draco said. "You can't mind your manners without doing ridiculous things like that?" 

"Apparently not," Potter said, running his hands through his hair. 

It was sticking up again. It was always running wild. As wild as Potter himself. 

"I'm going to bite you," Draco said. "If you keep this up... I'll... I'll bite you and then I'll find a knife and I'll-"

"I'm sorry!" Potter said. "Please don't do that!" 

"Let's go home," Draco said. 

"I'll start the research," Potter said. "Let's go to Grimmauld Place?" 

"Now?" 

"Unless you need space?" Potter said. "Do you need privacy?" 

"I need a bed," Draco said. "And handcuffs!" 

"Huh?" Potter said. 

"I'll tie you to the bed posts with the sheets if I have to, Potter," Draco said. "And then I'll-"

"Wait!" Potter's face was on fire. He looked half crazed, half panicked, and he kept nervously running his hands through his hair. "I'll lose control, Draco, you have to-"

"I want you to lose control," Draco said. "And then I want you to-"

"Fuck it!" Potter shouted. "Take my virginity!" 

"Gladly!" Draco said. "Take me home!" 

Students were looking at them, but Potter grabbed him and apparated in plain sight. He would pay for that later, perhaps, but neither of them gave thought to the Statute of Secrecy. Not just then.

We have more important things to worry about today, Draco thought. Today Potter is finally going to lose his virginity if it's the last thing I do! 

Potter hugged him with the urgency of a man who was dying of hunger. He held on and whispered, "I'm sorry" at least a thousand times, but Draco ignored the apologies. 

Draco might have been gentle, with someone else, but Potter was too aggressive for that. 

When Potter finally got on top, he did things the way he did everything. 

With a boorish enthusiasm that bordered on savagery. 

Finally! Draco thought. Thank Merlin, Morgana, Circe and even King Arthur! Maybe the Christian god is answering prayers! 

And maybe Potter's friends had the good sense to leave his house as soon as they heard what Potter was up to. 

If anyone had been in the living room or any of the guest bedrooms when they'd apparated into Potter's bedroom... well. 

It would be common sense to use a silencing charm, but Potter didn't think to cast one. 

Draco didn't want to cast one. 

He wanted to be heard. 

I hope a Weasley is listening, Draco thought. I don't care which one! They ought to know Potter will never marry Ginny Weasley! He's mine now!

"We should buy rings," Potter said, breathlessly. "We don't have to get married, but I'll buy you a ring with my initials. Will you wear it?" 

"Of course I will," Draco said, quickly. "I'll also buy you a ring with my initials and I'll never be disloyal." 

Potter was hugging him as if Draco would fly off on a broom if he weren't being held down. 

"I want to keep you," Potter whispered. "For the rest of my life." 

"We'll get married when we're older," Draco said. "Consider it a long engagement." 

"Really?" Potter said. 

"Yes," Draco said. "Bite me." 

Potter did so. 

He finally took a drink. 

It strengthened their bond. It tied them together with blood magic. It was the best way for two dark wixen to become family. His bloodline would intertwine with Potter's and then it would strengthen Potter's magic. That's why half the dark wixen in the U.K were Veela. Perhaps more than half, by now. Soon they'd have to resort to marrying light wixen, the way Draco was going to, in order to carry on with blood magic. 

Potter was already powerful. With Draco's power added on, he would be the most powerful Veela in the country. 

No one will ever stand up to your magic, Potter, Draco thought. You've got a jewel in your bed, you lucky man! 

Even if Potter didn't know it on an intellectual level, his instincts knew. He could smell it, taste it, sense it. 

Power attracts power, Mother had always said. Your witch will be worthy of you, darling. 

Mother hadn't known to account for Potter. 

"Are you dizzy?" Potter said, wiping blood from his mouth. "You okay?" 

Draco nodded. He was hard again and Potter noticed. He grinned and offered to take a bite below the belt. 

Draco laughed, "Yes!" 

Potter was more worthy than any witch could ever hope to be. Mother would come around one day. She would hear about Potter's power when he was more mature and she would see the wisdom in the marriage Draco had chosen. 

One day, Potter would wield his power with confidence. He just had to guide Potter like Severus had done for him when Draco was a boy. 

I really do need to learn more about Veela magic, Draco thought. Maybe I should be the one to talk to Fleur Weasley. Or I could ask Zabini. He'd probably cooperate with an interrogation. 

He would plan those things later. Potter was distracting him, at the moment. He was doing something creative with his tongue, so Draco closed his eyes and tried to clear his thoughts. 

He wasn't allowed to use Occlumency to clear his thoughts anymore, but it was possible to do it without magic. 

There would be plenty of time for planning. Later! He would clear his thoughts. 

They were still young. Too young for marriage, Granger insisted, and too young to assume they'd be together forever. 

Granger didn't know any better. It wasn't her fault. Blood magic wasn't common knowledge and neither was Veela ancestry. Potter didn't want her to know, so Draco would maintain the secret. 

I'm a good mate, Draco thought, squirming under Potter's hands. I'll be the best mate Potter has ever had!

Potter wouldn't leave him if Draco was the best mate. He wouldn't sniff at other wixen if Draco was perfect. 

So Draco would be perfect. 

He could squirm and complain because Potter liked that. He could bite and wrestle because Potter liked that too, but Draco knew he had to play the part of the wizard. Potter wanted to act like the witch when they were in bed together. 

Draco was a bratty wizard, so it was lucky that Potter liked brattyness so much. They were compatible and Granger was wrong. 

They would get married. They would! 

"Draco?" Potter said. "What are you thinking about?" 

Draco threw up his Occlumency shield and Potter growled, biting him again as if it were a punishment. 

The shield cracked apart and Draco moaned. 

"Stay with me," Potter whispered. "You're mine." 

"Yes," Draco said. "You're mine too. You're mine, Harry." 

"I'm yours," Potter agreed. "I'll always be yours. I'll buy you a ring and I'll buy you jewelry. I'll buy you clothes and I'll, um, I'll buy you... watches?" 

Draco chuckled. 

"Just point," Potter said. "And I'll get you whatever you want. Just say the word." 

"I will," Draco said. 

Then he pointed at Potter, smirking. 

Potter laughed. 

They spent the rest of the day in bed. 

Chapter Text

"Hear me out," Ron Weasley said. 

Percy Weasley and Ron Weasley insisted he should use their given names, but it felt like breaking the rules of magic. 

He wouldn't use their given names. He would not. 

However, when the brothers insisted on being in a room together Draco had no choice. Still, he normally refrained from addressing either of them out loud. 

"What is it?" Draco said. 

"He just wants to say something," Percy Weasley said. "From a place of concern and good intentions. Don't take it to heart, Draco." 

"You're already turning me into an idiot, Perce," Ron said. "Would you shut up?" 

"This is about Potter," Draco said. 

"That's exactly what I'm talking about!" Ron said. "Why are you still calling him Potter?" 

"It's not our business, of course," Percy said. "But I hope you know you don't have to date Harry in order to be... um." 

"Are you afraid of the dark wizards?" Ron said. "You can tell us. We won't tell Harry." 

"Why would I be afraid of the dark wizards?" Draco said. "You think I'm a traitor that... what? Is hiding behind the Savior?" 

"That's exactly what he thinks," Percy said.

"I won't hang you for it," Ron said. "I just think you shouldn't play with Harry's heart, alright? He likes you. He thinks you like him too." 

"I apologize," Draco said. "You want me to leave?" 

"That's not what he's saying," Percy said. 

"Look," Ron said. "Just hear me out. It... it isn't your fault? You shouldn't have to pretend you fell in love with Harry." 

"What would you have me do instead, Weasley?" Draco said. "Should I fall in love with your brother Percy? Would you prefer that?" 

Percy blushed and sputtered.

Ron rolled his eyes. 

Then the door to the living room burst open and Potter was standing there, growling at them with his usual savagery. 

"No," Potter said. "I'm not letting you leave me for Percy!" 

"I didn't mean to flirt with him!" Percy said. 

"Calm down!" Draco said. 

"Bloody fucking hell," Ron said. "Everyone shut up!" 

"I'm more powerful than Percy," Potter said. "He's smarter, but I have more magic!"

"I'm not a home wrecker!" Percy said. "I never thought-"

"You're always salivating all over him!" Potter said. "You think Draco is fit!" 

"For Crowley's sake!" Draco said. "I was joking! I'm not going to seduce him!" 

"But you thought about it!" Potter said. "You thought about it!"

"I'm just... I can't deal with this," Ron said. "We should leave, Percy." 

"Not until we sort this out," Potter said. "Percy looks at Draco like a forbidden fruit and Draco looks at him like a juicey steak! They're driving me mad!" 

"I can't help it when someone is handsome!" Draco said. 

"Y-you think I'm handsome?" Percy said, eyes widening. "You think I'm handsome?" 

"I told you, Draco," Potter said, triumphantly. "Do you believe me now? Percy fancies you!" 

"I don't fancy him!" Percy said. "I have a boyfriend!" 

"There you have it, Potter," Draco said. "He has a boyfriend." 

"What?" Ron said. "When did you get a boyfriend?"

"He's muggle," Percy said. "I didn't think there was any point in saying anything." 

"Mum will want to meet him," Ron said. "Da will want to-"

"I'm not letting our father meet anyone!" Percy said. "He'll treat my boyfriend like a shiny new muggle toy."

"Is there really a boyfriend?" Potter said, squinting at Percy suspiciously. "Or... are you trying to trick me?" 

"No one is tricking you, Potter," Draco said, glancing at Ron. "Except for me, of course." 

"I'm not going to hang you for it," Ron said. 

"He isn't tricking me, Ron," Potter said. "I've always known I like him more than he likes me." 

"That isn't a good relationship," Percy said. 

"Hey!" Draco said. "When did I say I like you less than you like me?" 

"You didn't have to," Potter said. 

Ron sighed. "It's so bloody obvious." 

"Painfully obvious," Potter said. "But I just need to work harder to-"

"No," Draco said. "You... you think... wait, work harder to what?" 

"We should leave them alone," Ron said, to his brother. "Let them dump each other in privacy." 

"No one is dumping anyone!" Potter said. 

"I won't let you dump me!" Draco said. 

"I won't let you dump me either!" Potter said. "Just tell me how to be smarter and I'll be like Percy and Hermione!" 

"What?" Draco said. 

Percy and Ron Weasley hurried out of the room. 

"I'll read more," Potter said. "I'll, um, I'll study and I'll-"

"Is this about your heritage?" Draco said. "We've already been studying it." 

"I'll study everything else too!" Potter said. "Give me time to get good at studying!" 

"What are you on about?" Draco said. 

"You like blokes like Percy," Potter said. "You like witches like Hermione and Astoria Greengrass!"

"They don't have anything in common, Potter!" Draco said. "What are you even talking about? Do you hear yourself?" 

"They're swotty," Harry said. "You like swotty people. You even like the swotty muggles!" 

Draco blinked. It was true, but he hadn't realized Potter would be paying attention to something like that. 

"I'll be swotty," Potter said. "I'll do my best. I'll read and I'll-"

"You don't have to read," Draco said. "You don't have to-"

"I want you to like me!"

"I already like you, Harry!" Draco said. "I like you as much as... I like you a lot!" 

"I know exactly how much you like me, Draco," Potter said, sighing. "You like Percy more. I can smell it! You think he's fitter and smarter and... and better!"

"I don't-"

"I can tell," Potter said. "Zabini dumped you because he could tell too! He could tell that you didn't think he was good enough for you!" 

"I beg your pardon?" Draco said. "You've been talking to Blaise about me?" 

"I've been harassing every Slytherin I can get my hands on," Potter said. "They really kept it a secret? I thought they would tell you." 

Draco put up an Occlumency shield and frowned thoughtfully. 

"Sorry!" Potter said. "I'm very sorry!" 

"I apologize as well," Draco said. "I didn't mean to salivate over Percy Weasley." 

"It isn't your fault," Potter said. "He's your type." 

"You're my type," Draco said. 

"No, I'm not," Potter said. "All your exes-"

"Pansy isn't swotty," Draco said. 

"She's the only one who isn't swotty!"

"Blaise isn't swotty either," Draco said. 

"That's why you left him for Nott!" Potter said. "Nott is swotty!" 

"Blaise dumped me," Draco said. 

"Because he could smell how much you liked Nott," Potter said. "He decided to bow out gracefully, or some rubbish like that. I'm not like him. I've never been graceful." 

"If you dump me I'll... I'll..." Draco floundered about for a suitable threat. "I'll ask Greyback to turn me into a werewolf?" 

"What?!" Potter said. 

"Actually, that's too extreme," Draco said. "Hold on, I'll think of something more suitable." 

"Did Greyback touch you?" Potter growled. "I'll kill him!" 

"Rodolphus kept him off me," Draco said. "But I thought about making a switch. I thought it might be convenient to be a werewolf." 

"You wanted to be a werewolf?" Potter said, paling. "You... you were really scared." 

"I wanted to be powerful," Draco said. "I thought-"

"I'll share my magic with you," Potter said. "I'll figure out how and I'll-"

"The war is over," Draco said. 

"I'll be better than Percy," Potter persisted. "I'll be better than Nott and Greengrass." 

"You aren't competing with them," Draco said. "They don't want me." 

"But you want them," Potter said. "They'll want you too once they realize. They think you love me, so they-"

"I do love you," Draco said. "I love you very much!" 

"Draco," Potter said. "I know I'm not... erm..." 

"Articulate?" Draco said. "Hedonistic?" 

"I was going to say I'm not fit," Potter said. "What is hedonistic?" 

"Nevermind," Draco said. 

"Is it a pureblood thing?" Potter said. "Will you teach me?" 

"Yes," Draco said. "Can we go to your room?" 

"Yes," Potter said. 

"I'm a little bit concerned," Granger said. "Don't tell Harry, but... I think he's being a bit... um. Concerning." 

Draco sighed. 

"Harry is my friend," Granger said, jutting her chin out. "But so are you!" 

"Thank you," Draco said. "But I'm not concerned."

"You can be honest with me," Granger said. 

"I am being honest," Draco said. "I'm not concerned." 

"Harry is at a press event," Granger said. "I double checked. He isn't using his cloak to spy on us. Not right now." 

"My answer remains the same," Draco said. "I'm not concerned." 

"You should be!" Granger said. "Harry hasn't been himself since the war ended." 

"None of us have been ourselves," Draco said. 

Granger lowered her voice. "He told me he died in the Forbidden Forest." 

"I know," Draco said. 

"He's having symptoms," Granger said. "I told him to go to St. Mungo's."

"Did he go?" Draco said. 

"He refused," Granger said. "He said he feels fine. He's lying." 

"Isn't that his right?" Draco said. "He doesn't want the light wizards poking him with their wands." 

"Was it dark magic?" Granger said. "Did his mother save him with dark magic, the first time? Did Harry use the same magic?" 

"Do you want a book?" Draco said. "There's several at Grimmauld Place that you might find... illuminating." 

Granger scrambled for her purse and pulled out a quill and parchment. 

Draco gave her the names of several books. A few of them were about Veela, but most of them weren't. 

He would let Granger puzzle it out on her own. 

Potter would prefer it that way. 

"You're my king," Potter said. "You're my king and my... um... you're also my prince?"

"What are you doing?" Draco said. 

"Seducing you?" Potter said. "But this time... seducing your heart?"

"Pardon?" Draco said. 

"I don't know," Potter said. "I'm bad at flirting." 

Draco put his arm over Potter's shoulders.

"Flirting?" Draco said. "Why would you bother?" 

"I want you," Potter said, nuzzling his face against Draco's neck and inhaling deeply. "I want you, Draco." 

"You have me," Draco said, softly. "You're my king too. You're my prince too." 

"I want to keep you," Potter said. "For the rest of our lives!" 

"I'll stay right here," Draco said. "You can chain me up." 

"I want you to stay without chains," Potter whispered. "I want you to stay even if I give you a broom." 

Draco shivered. 

"I want you to feel safe," Potter said. "I want you to trust me." 

"I do," Draco said. 

"Not yet," Potter said. "It's my fault. I'm... I'm too powerful?" 

"That not something you can do anything about," Draco said. "You were made with power when you were a baby." 

"I would give it all to you," Potter said. "I will. I'll give it to you. My mother gave me her power didn't she? I can give it to you." 

"No," Draco said. "She sacrificed herself." 

"I'll sacrifice myself too?" Potter said. "I already did, when I thought I had to in order to win the war. I can do if again?" 

"No!" Draco said. "Stop it. I'm not going to leave you." 

"It's like I kidnapped you from your aunt," Potter said. "She gave me permission, but it's still kidnapping isn't it?" 

"I agreed to move in with you," Draco said. "I agreed to-"

"Hermione says-"

"She doesn't understand blood magic," Draco said. 

"She's been reading about it," Potter insisted. "I admitted that we've been... I told her what we've been doing." 

"And?" Draco said. 

"She said a Veela captures a mate with saliva," Potter said. "My saliva makes you horny?" 

"It's an aphrodisiac," Draco said. "What's your point?" 

"It's like I'm holding you hostage!" Potter said. 

"No," Draco said. "Granger misunderstood." 

"I think you're the one who misunderstood," Potter said. "But I'm evil, so I'm just carrying on-"

"You aren't evil," Draco said. "The light wizards misunderstood. All of them misunderstood." 

"I don't think they did," Potter said. "It's the dark wizards who misunderstood." 

"You want to abstain?" Draco said. "You're going to starve yourself?" 

"That's a myth," Potter said. "I won't starve." 

"You'll starve emotionally," Draco insisted. "And magically. The light witches want the Veela to live as celibates, but that's... that's not fair." 

"I think it is fair," Potter said. "You should marry Greengrass and-"

"I don't want her!" Draco said. "I want you." 

"Your mother is weeping over it," Potter said. "And your father-"

"Now you're visiting my parents in Azkaban?" Draco said. "I thought you hated them?" 

"I do hate them," Potter said. "But you love them, so I thought I should-"

"No," Draco said. "Don't talk to them." 

"Your father said I've taken advantage of your precarious social standing," Potter persisted. "He thinks-"

"He's trying to manipulate you," Draco said. "He wants you to allow me to father a bastard." 

"Huh?" Potter said. 

"They want grandchildren," Draco said. "At least one." 

Potter blinked. 

"We can raise Edward Lupin instead," Draco said. "He deserves to inherit the House of Black. I'll give him the House of Malfoy too and we can-"

"Wait!" Potter said. "We're too young, we can't raise Teddy!"

"My aunt is already helping us," Draco said. "I won't infect him with my parent's ideals. I'll let you raise him the muggle way." 

"I'm not his parent," Potter said. "I'm his godfather, but I sort of saw that as being an uncle. Just one of many uncles, cause Ron and his brothers see themselves as uncles too."

"Then I'll be an uncle," Draco said. 

"You can be an uncle," Potter said. "You don't have to give Teddy the Malfoy inheritance." 

"I don't care about my inheritance anymore," Draco said. "Ignore my parents!" 

"I'll ignore them," Potter said. "But I still think-" 

"Ignore Hermione Granger," Draco growled. "Ignore the Weasleys!" 

"Andy also thinks you've been traumatized," Potter said. "She thinks-"

"Why are you gossiping about me with every wixen under the sun?" Draco said. "What does it matter what they think?"

"They're worried about you," Potter said. "Everyone is worried about you, Draco." 

"Is this about those blasted memories?" Draco said. "I need to see them." 

"You don't need to see them," Potter said. 

"I demand to see them!" Draco said. 

"I don't have them," Potter said. "You think I have them bottled somewhere?" 

"You saw them at the trial, didn't you?" Draco said. "Show me your memories of that, then." 

"I don't have a Pensieve."

"Then get one!"

"Alright!" Potter said. "Where do we get one?" 

Draco huffed. 

"You don't know?" Potter said. 

"They aren't sold at any old store," Draco said. "I'll ask my father where we can get one." 

"Maybe we should wait," Potter said. "Maybe we should-"

"Wait for what?" Draco said. 

"I don't want to traumatize you," Potter said. 

"You lot act as if I'm the only one who's been to war," Draco said. "You have more trauma than me, Potter. You were actually fighting in the war. I was just standing around, meanwhile, and waiting for the whole thing to blow over." 

"Sorry," Potter said. 

"I'll see those memories eventually," Draco said. "I'll ask everyone to show me until someone cracks." 

"I'll show you," Potter said. "I've already cracked." 

"Have you?" Draco said. "I think you're putting me off."

"I'll show you," Potter said. "Will you show me the books you told Hermione to read?" 

"She can show you herself?" Draco said. 

"She won't tell me which books she's reading," Potter said. "She doesn't trust me to read them by myself."

"That right there," Draco said. "is the reason you never learned how to study, Potter!"

"Sorry?" Potter said. 

"Do I need to sit Granger down for a scolding?" Draco said. "Will she hex me if I scold her?" 

"She won't hex you," Potter said. "She's fond of you now." 

"What do you need me to say to convince you?" Draco said. "What can I do to convince you that I'm not running or flying or swimming away like the little merman?" 

"Help me be swotty," Potter said. 

"No," Draco said. 

"Help me learn about your culture?" Potter said. 

"I'm learning your culture," Draco huffed. 

"You're faster than me," Potter said. "I want to learn about your culture too. You're learning to fast!"

"You're treating it like Quidditch?" Draco said. "There won't be a House Cup at the end of the matches." 

"Instead of a House Cup," Potter said, hesitantly. "There will be... a wedding?" 

Draco grinned. 

"That wasn't a proposal," Potter said, looking panicked. "I'm sorry!"

"Yes it was," Draco said, smirking. "Where's my ring?" 

Potter snapped his fingers and caught a box out of the air. 

Draco laughed and pulled a ring out of his own pocket. 

Potter's was in the posh little box. 

Draco's was wrapped in an old handkerchief with the Malfoy crest. 

Potter's eyes darted around the room. 

"Are you looking for a spy?" Draco said. 

"I feel like I'm committing a crime?" Potter said. "Like I tricked you into-"

"Did you hold me at wand point when I went to the jewelry store?" Draco said. "Did you Imperio me into buying a ring?" 

"No," Potter said, chuckling nervously. "But... erm." 

Draco grabbed Potter's hand. "Take the bloody ring, Harry." 

Draco put it on his ring finger.

Potter didn't waste time admiring his new ring. He raced to get his little box open and dropped it. 

Then he tried to use magic to levitate it, without a wand, and it shot up and through the ceiling like a Quaffle. 

"I'll get it!" Potter said. "Accio, Firebolt!" 

Draco laughed. 

Then broom flew in from the kitchen and then Potter was disapparating outside and flying off without bothering to get his invisibility cloak. 

"The neighbors will be famous at this rate," Draco muttered. "They'll be the muggles that discovered magic." 

It was unlikely. Granger was a talented witch and she'd made memory charms into her specialty while working for the Department of Mysterious. 

She claimed she was a Curse Breaker, but she was a rubbish liar. Everyone knew where she worked. 

Draco sat himself down. Potter would lose his head if he returned and Draco wasn't where he'd been left. 

After a while, Percy Weasley came back in. 

"What happened?" 

Draco shrugged. 

"I wasn't flirting with you," Percy said. "I really do have a boyfriend." 

"I wasn't flirting either!" Draco said. "I was joking!"

"G-good," Percy said. "Glad that's sorted." 

He backed up towards the door, chuckling awkwardly, so Draco called after him, "Fetch Granger! I need her assistance with... with muggle university!"

"I'll tell her!" Percy said. "Um, have a good day!

"Thank you!" Draco said. "You as well!" 

Percy bumped his back against the doorframe on his way out, blushed, and hurried away. 

Potter apparated into the room seconds later and shouted, "I'm going to marry Draco Malfoy! We're going to get married!"

Draco could faintly hear Percy Weasley shouting back, "Congratulations!"

Then Potter was hugging him, apparating again, and smothering him against the bed sheets in their bedroom. 

"The ring," Potter said, urgently. "I rescued it." 

"Ten points to Gryffindor," Draco said, holding his hand out. 

Potter kissed it. 

Then, with his eyes glowing a fierce green, he put the ring on Draco's finger. 

"There," Draco said. "We're married." 

"Engaged," Potter said, looking at the ring on his own hand. "We're engaged." 

"How much does a muggle wedding cost?" Draco said. "I heard they have a party with cake." 

"It's going to be a really long engagement," Potter said. "Years and years."

"We can have a cake anyway?" Draco said. 

"You like chocolate and vanilla mixed together, right?" Potter said. "In that, um, moose thing?" 

"Forget about that," Draco said. "We can go to the muggle grocery store and we can-"

Potter kissed him. 

We'll eat cake later! Draco thought, biting Potter's lips. 

Potter nipped back and then they were wrestling, tussling, rolling around like the school boys they still were. 

It had been ages since they'd left Hogwarts, hadn't it? 

It had been ages... but not really. 

"I love you," Potter said. "Do you believe me this time, Draco? I love you. I love you." 

The words were easy to say. 

"I love you too," Draco said. 

Potter gave him a sad smile. 

"I love you," Draco repeated. "I love you. I... I love you, Harry." 

"I love you more."

Chapter Text

The blankets had turned themselves into a fort. 

It wasn't a blanket fort. 

It was a fort. A fort with satin sheets for walls. 

"I know it was me," Potter said. "But I don't know how to... erm... I suppose it was transfiguration? I wasn't good at that one, back at Hogwarts. I'm still not." 

"I can't transfigure them back," Draco said. "Not without knowing what spell you used." 

"I didn't use a spell," Potter said, poking at the satin wall.

"Where's your wand?" Draco said. 

"I dunno," Potter said. 

Draco checked his pockets and groaned.

"Where's yours?" Potter said. 

"I must have dropped it," Draco said. "Before we apparated. Weasley might have found it by now. Maybe he'll come to return it." 

"I wouldn't if I was him," Potter grumbled. "If I was him... I wouldn't dare."

"It's not a glass slipper," Draco said. 

Potter growled and licked his lips. 

"You're a dog," Draco said. "Maybe you're a werewolf." 

"Ugh," Potter said. "Sorry. I'll be nice to Percy."

"He's your friend," Draco said, slumping against the satin wall to test its durability and finding it rather bouncy. "You can be as rude as you like." 

"He's more like family," Potter said, thoughtfully. "Like a cousin. He's much nicer than my actual cousin, but we don't have anything in common."

"This better not be permanent," Draco said, kicking at the blanket fort. "We'll suffocate in here if it's permanent!"

"I won't let you suffocate," Potter said. "Um... when was the last time you ate, by the way?" 

"I'll starve to death," Draco said. "You'll be fine because I'm your meal, but I'll starve and then you'll starve after I've died." 

"You aren't a meal," Potter said. 

"Is this a heat cycle?" Draco said. "I read on the internet-"

"There's nothing about magic on the internet," Potter said. "Nothing true."

"Are you losing the battle with your carnal desires?" Draco said, smirking. 

Potter smirked back. 

By the time Granger dismantled the blanket fort, she was mortified. 

She said she'd cast a silencing charm on them, several times, because it kept expiring before she was done reading the transfiguration book she'd used to rescue them. 

"How much did you hear?" Potter demanded. 

Draco was going to suffocate on his laughter. 

"It takes a few seconds to cast a silencing charm, Harry!" Granger said. 

"Why didn't you say anything?" Potter said, pulling at his hair. "You could have said!"

"I did!" Granger said. "You couldn't hear me!" 

Lovegood let herself into the bedroom. 

"You saved them," she said, politely clapping. "Good job." 

"I'm never saving them again!" Granger said, stomping out the door. 

Lovegood opened her arms for a hug. 

Draco glanced at Potter. 

Potter nodded his permission. 

Draco gave Lovegood a quick hug. 

"Let's go to the cinema, Draco," Lovegood said, after he hastily stepped back and away from their short hug. 

"With who?" Draco said. 

"Whoever you like?" Lovegood said. 

Draco glanced at Potter again. 

"Y-you can go by yourselves," Potter said. "I'll be... um... playing Quidditch at the Burrow?" 

"Good job, Harry," Lovegood said. "They miss their seeker." 

Potter winced.

"You can come with us," Draco said, quickly. "We can invite Weasley too." 

"Which Weasley?" Lovegood said. 

"Any of them will do," Draco said. "Though... perhaps not Percy Weasley." 

"We can invite Percy," Potter said, sighing. 

"That would put him in an uncomfortable position," Draco said. "Unless he brings his boyfriend. Oh! Can he bring his boyfriend?" 

"Can I bring Neville?" Lovegood said. 

"Can she bring Longbottom?" Draco said. 

"You don't need my permission." Potter closed his eyes. "Don't let me get in your way." 

His forehead was wrinkling. Knowing Potter, he was having heroically tortured thoughts. 

"I've got it," Draco said. "We invite Ron Weasley and Longbottom."

"Can we invite Pansy?" Lovegood said. 

"Do you fancy her?" Draco said. 

"No," Lovegood said. "She knows a lot about merfolk. I want to bribe her into sharing Folk secrets."

Draco grinned. 

"There he goes," Potter said. "He's already scheming." 

"Wonderful," Lovegood said, clapping her hands again. 

It was the exact same speed of absent minded polite clapping that she had displayed for Granger. 

"You're losing your touch," Draco told her. 

She smiled at him as placidly as she could manage. 

"Erm," Potter said. "Do you two want to be alone together? I didn't mean to... um." 

"Let's go to the cinema," Lovegood said, entwining her arms with the both of them. "We'll bribe Pansy later." 

Potter had gotten into the habit of skipping apparition points with regularity, but he allowed Lovegood to walk them to the nearest apparition point like a good witch. 

They saw a film which was animated. It was the first animated film Draco had ever encountered as well as being his new favorite muggle invention. 

After that, Potter made a habit of inviting him to the cinema with various friends. 

Sometimes it would be just one friend, but it was usually a group of two or three. 

Sometimes it was a strange mix of Slytherins and Gryffindors awkwardly attempting to chat with each other. 

Both groups are scheming like meddling godfathers! Draco thought. Next thing I know they'll be burning every Pensive in the country. 

If they hadn't already. 

"You're Malfoy, right?" a muggle student asked. "Draco Malfoy?" 

Draco could picture Potter growling, even if he couldn't hear it. 

"Yes?" Draco said. 

"We have Astronomy together," the student said. "I'm Samuel." 

"I'm Malfoy," Draco said, stupidly. 

Samuel already knew who he was. 

"Can I help you?" Draco said. 

"You're really good at Astronomy," Samuel said. "Can you help me out? I can, uh, I'm good with computers. We also have that class together."

Draco blinked at him.

"Sorry," Samuel said. "You stand out. And you're having trouble with the computer class. Right?" 

It was a straightforward offer. Father would have approved. 

But Potter wouldn't have.  

"I apologize," Draco said. "I don't think-"

Then Potter was sprinting around a corner, shouting, "I approve!"

"Potter!" Draco said. "I don't need your approval!"

Potter was out of breath. "I'm giving it to you anyway!"

"Huh?" Samuel said. 

"I'm his boyfriend," Potter said. "We aren't swingers! I'm not giving approval for that." 

"Mer- god!" Draco said. "H-heaven's sake, Potter!" 

"Um," Samuel said. "I... what's a swinger?" 

"N-not us," Potter said. "No one. Nevermind that." 

"I... okay, look," Samuel said. "I'm not a stalker, but I heard neither of you have phones?" 

"I have a phone," Potter said. 

Draco frowned. 

Potter had been holding out in him. 

"You can text him with my phone," Potter said. "We live together."

Samuel looked at Draco. "Is that okay with you?" 

"Of course," Draco said. "I need help with computers." 

And phones, Draco thought. I want one.

So Potter gave Samuel the code to his phone and then Samuel walked away from them. 

"I don't want you to be afraid to make friends," Potter said. 

Draco sighed. 

"You can have as many friends as you like," Potter said. "Please?" 

"Alright," Draco said. "But what did you smell?" 

Potter grimaced. 

"I think there must be something wrong with your nose," Draco said, thoughtfully. "Or else... hmm.... something wrong with your brain. But you were dropped as a baby, weren't you?" 

"I'm sorry," Potter said. "I'm trying to... erm... behave."  

"Good job, Potter," Draco said, rolling his eyes. "Samuel will ace Astronomy thanks to your nobility." 

"You don't like him?" Potter said. "You... I can tell you want something from him, but I can't tell what." 

"I thought we already established," Draco said. "That your sense of attraction is... skewed." 

"I've been talking to Parkinson about it, actually," Potter said. "She thinks the books at Grimmauld Place are full of misinformation." 

"So now every book you disagree with is misinformation?" Draco said, scoffing. "What will you lot come up with next, Potter? Misandry?" 

"I actually know that one," Potter said. "Um... are you saying you feel like I'm too rude to men?" 

"No," Draco said. "You're rude to everyone." 

"I'll be nicer from now on," Potter said. "I'll... erm... I'll take anger management classes?" 

"I'm going to be late," Draco said. 

Potter nodded. He disapparated.

Edward Lupin was a baby. Aunt Andromeda claimed her grandson had a good temperament, but Draco couldn't read his emotions. 

Edward would smile, but it was a blind smile. He would make sounds, but they were nonsensical. 

Still, Draco got the sense that Potter liked seeing his mate holding a baby. 

So Draco learned how to hold Edward. Andromeda emphasized the delicate nature of little Edward's head, the soft spot, and showed Draco how to support the infant while his head was too heavy for his baby shoulders to properly support. 

"You're a natural," Andromeda said. "When you have-"

She cut herself off, glancing at Potter.

"W-we might," Potter offered, weakly. 

"We might," Draco agreed. 

"Pardon?" Andromeda said. 

"There's science," Draco said. "It's like brewing a potion and giving it to a woman who... who is willing. But the child will be mine. Then we could brew another potion and the second child will be Po- will be Harry's." 

"Brilliant," Andromeda said, looking relieved. "Though... you two are much too young to be thinking about this, of course." 

"Of course," Draco said. 

"Um," Potter said. "Is Teddy hungry? He's drooling." 

"He doesn't have any teeth," Draco said. 

"It's normal for a baby to drool," Andromeda said. "Don't worry, Harry." 

Edward was waving his arms, trying to grab Draco's bangs. 

Draco carefully leaned slightly away to prevent him. 

Edward had a painful grip, for a baby. 

"He wants something," Potter said. "He wants... Draco's hair?" 

"He thinks it's interesting," Andromeda said. "To him, it's a brightly colored toy." 

"To me it's a painful potion," Draco muttered.

Andromeda laughed, daintily. 

"What?" Potter said. 

"Edward accidentally gave Draco a bald spot," Andromeda said. "I helped him re-grow the hair." 

"The potion was painful?" Potter said. 

"Losing the hair was painful," Draco said. 

Edward grabbed his nose and Draco froze. 

Potter tickled Edward, fondly whispering, "You can't have his nose, Teddy. He needs that." 

Edward let go, collapsing into a baby bundle of giggles. 

Draco sniffed. 

The baby never harassed his grandmother. Only his cousin. Like little baby revenge for being made into an orphan. 

Potter took Edward onto his own lap and gave him a hug. 

Edward grabbed his glasses, making Potter laugh. 

Draco rubbed at his nose. 

"Would you like some cream?" Andromeda said, pointedly. 

"No thank you," Draco said. 

Potter rescued his glasses.

"I'll get you some cream," Andromeda said. 

"Don't trouble yourself," Draco said. 

"M-maybe we should get going," Potter said. 

"What's wrong?" Draco said. 

"You're hungry," Potter said. "Fuck! I mean I'm hungry." 

"I made sandwiches," Andromeda said. 

"He can't eat when he's anxious," Potter said. 

"I'm not anxious!" Draco said. 

"I see," Andromeda said. "Shall I walk you boys to the door?" 

"No," Draco said. 

"Yes," Potter said. "Sorry. Um, I just... I'm not good at lying to be polite?" 

"Don't worry, Harry," Andromeda said. "I understand." 

Draco stood up. "What's there to understand? That I'm a snobby house guest?" 

Potter had that pained look on his face again. "You aren't-"

"Harry," Andromeda said. "Will you leave me alone with my nephew?" 

Draco threw up his Occlumency shield. 

Potter held Edward tenderly and slowly walked over to the day crib. He put Edward down. 

Draco had expected Potter to take the baby with him, but he supposed the baby wouldn't have articulate memories in need of erasing. 

He stood still, with his hands clasped politely, and waited for Potter to leave the room. 

But Potter didn't leave. 

"I know you have good intentions," Potter said, to Andromeda. "I know you care about him, but I'm not leaving you two alone. He's afraid of you." 

Andromeda was Occluding too. She stared at Potter without expression. 

"It's Bellatrix," Andromeda said. "I'm not like Bella." 

"I apologize," Draco said, promptly. "I never-"

"Stop," Potter said. "We'll come back another day." 

Slowly, ridiculously slowly, Potter approached Aunt Andromeda. 

He gave her a hug, but she wasn't moving. She didn't even blink.

Then he walked towards Draco. 

It was the same thing, but Potter lingered with the hug and ran his fingers through Draco's hair. 

Draco closed his eyes. 

Then Potter apparated. 

They landed in Lovegood's bedroom, which was empty. 

"Wait here," Potter said. "I'm going to look for Luna." 

"Why?" Draco said. 

"She's neutral," Potter said. "Teddy isn't her godson." 

"Pardon?" Draco said. 

"I know how you think, Draco," Potter said. "I don't qualify. I'm not... safe." 

"That's the most ridi-"

"I'll be right back," Potter said. 

He disapparated.

"The cheese balls are lovely," Theo said. 

"They're Cheetos," Longbottom said. 

"The Cheetos are lovely," Theo said, placidly. 

"Give it a rest, Theo," Draco said. "We all know you can't stand the Cheetos." 

Theo made a face. 

Draco handed him a napkin and Theo tried to get the sticky cheese crumbs off his fingers. 

Longbottom chuckled. 

"Use your wand," Draco said.

"And cover my wand in the stuff?" Theo scoffed. 

Draco picked up his own wand and scrubbed Theo's hands clean. 

"There's also Doritos," Longbottom said, still chuckling. 

"Don't listen to him," Draco told Theo, solemnly. "It's a trap." 

Theo snorted. 

Lovegood came into the sitting room with a tray of colorful cupcakes. 

"Where's Potter?" Theo asked her. 

"Harry is at work," Lovegood said, setting down her cupcakes with a mindless smile.

She was the one who had properly taught him how to Occlude. Draco could never tell when she was doing it. That's how good she was. 

"Where is he, really?" Theo said. 

"She said he's at work," Draco said. 

"Should we play wizard's chess?" Longbottom said. "Or can we just... um... chat?" 

"We've been chatting, haven't we?" Theo said. "Let's carry on chatting. I loathe wizard's chess." 

"Have you ever played muggle's chess?" Lovegood said. "It's quite refreshing." 

"I hate all chess," Theo said. "It's... it is a mindless show of carnage and violence." 

"He hates losing," Draco said. 

"Carnage and violence," Theo repeated. 

"We have a telly," Longbottom said. "We could put a movie on?" 

"I love cartoons," Lovegood said. 

"Sure you do," Draco said. 

"Alright," Theo said. "This has gone on long enough." 

"I agree!" Draco said. "These Gryffindors are insufferable!"

"Luna is a Ravenclaw," Longbottom said.

"Potter is a bad lover," Theo said. "I'm putting a stop to this." 

"No he isn't!" Draco said. "I thought you would be on my side, Theo!" 

"I'm always on your side!" Theo said. "That's why you have to dump Potter!" 

"I don't think you're wrong," Longbottom said. "But-"

"He hasn't done anything!" Draco said. "I'm the one that's evil! It's always been me, everyone knows that!"

"Neither of you is evil," Lovegood said. "You're both good boys trying to be good." 

"I can't believe I'm about to say this," Theo said. "But I've decided Hermione Granger really is the brightest witch of our age." 

"Hogwash!" Draco said. "Malarkey!"

"Wow," Longbottom said. "Okay... I think... um... all of us have... trauma." 

"We certainly do," Lovegood said. "Let's therapize each other." 

"Go to therapy without me," Draco said. "I'm leaving." 

"Not without your escort you're not," Theo said, acidly. "May I volunteer myself, my liege?" 

"Fuck off!" Draco shouted. "You can all fuck off! I'm not a child!"

Lovegood clapped her hands. 

Longbottom and Theo disapparated. 

Draco blinked. 

"They won't remember," Lovegood said. 

"Of course," Draco said, faintly. "I was rude." 

"No," Lovegood said. "That's not why." 

"Why, then?" Draco said. 

"I'm mortified," Lovegood said, without expression. 

"I'm the one who is mortified, Lovegood!" Draco said. "Stop being such a... a... a mad empath! You'll frighten Potter and he'll-"

"He gave me his approval," Lovegood said. "He trusts me." 

"I'm going to his room," Draco said. "Tell him to meet me there." 

"No," Lovegood said. "You're going to Hermione's room." 

"Granger doesn't want me, Lovegood!" Draco said. "Granger is going to marry her Weasley!" 

"Daphne Greengrass and Hermione Granger are waiting," Lovegood said. "They want to give you platonic affection." 

"Platonic affection?" Draco scoffed. 

"Platonic affection," Lovegood repeated. "You will march yourself up those stairs and then you will politely accept their platonic affection?" 

"Potter will go mad!" Draco said. "He'll-"

"He won't go mad," Lovegood said. "He said neither of them find you attractive." 

"I find Granger attractive!" Draco shouted. "I'm a disloyal wizard!" 

"I see," Lovegood said. "Then you'll politely ask her to excuse herself and you'll... hmm." 

"I can't be alone with a Greengrass," Draco said. "It's improper." 

"I don't qualify," Lovegood said, thoughtfully. "This is a pickle." 

"Why don't you qualify?" Draco said. 

"I've fancied you since I was a first year," Lovegood said. 

"I thought you fancied Pansy?" Draco said. 

"I fancy her too," Lovegood said. "I also fancy Neville. I also fancy Ginny Weasley and-"

"Alright," Draco said. "Forget platonic affection. I will... I will politely... have a shower." 

"You're upset," Lovegood said. "You're having a panic." 

"Let me panic!" Draco said. "You people act as if I'll jump off a building without a broom!"

"Please don't do that," Lovegood said. "I love you. Hermione does too. Daphne and Pansy and Theo and-"

"Stop it," Draco said. "Stop." 

Lovegood disapparated. 

Draco waited for someone else to show up, but no one did. 

He kept his eyes on his watch. 

After three hours, he deemed himself safe. 

He took a shower and used a silencing charm, in case anyone was using an Extendable Ear to listen. He kept the lights in the bathroom off, because a Patronus was incapable of stopping itself from glowing, and he set a timer on his new phone to prevent himself from staying in the shower for longer than fifteen minutes. 

Then, after the shower, he went to Granger's room. 

It was empty. 

He decided to take a nap. 

Chapter Text

"Don't make eye contact," Blaise said. 

They were sitting next to each other at a café, on a bar that was facing the baristas. 

Draco took a sip from his coffee and kept his Occlumency shield firmly in place. 

Blaise bumped their knees together. 

"We're chatting about Quidditch," Blaise said. 

"Ginny Weasley is a fantastic seeker," Draco said, flatly. 

"Whenever you were alone with a Death Eater," Blaise said. "You spoke filthy." 

Draco stirred his coffee. 

"That's all," Blaise said. "You spoke filthy. The light witches think you were trying to prostitute yourself."

"A Malfoy would never do such a thing, of course," Draco said. "But my parents thought the mistake was politically expedient." 

"Everyone knows Potter is a better seeker than Weasley," Blaise said. "But the bloke is an Auror. He doesn't have time for flying, these days." 

"A shame," Draco said. "Maybe I should talk to him." 

"Like I give a toss?" Blaise said. "The Slytherin alumni would love it if he never flew again. We'd win every match." 

"You want to lose your matches," Draco said. 

"It would be convenient," Blaise said, smirking. "We want to throw every match, but Weasley says we would obviously defeat an amateur seeker like her." 

Potter sat down next to them. "Would you two stop it?" 

Draco chuckled. 

"Stop what?" Blaise said. "Jerking you off?" 

"I'll play more Quidditch," Potter said. "Everyone can play Quidditch whenever they want! Jesus fucking Christ!" 

"You think this is about you, Potter?" Draco said. "This isn't about you. It's obviously about me."

"It's about both of you," Blaise said. "The coven treats you both like sickly wolf cubs!"

"I'm not sickly!" Draco said. 

"Me neither!" Potter said. "I just have PTSD!" 

"It's not an illness," Draco agreed. "It's a mood disorder." 

"Um, it isn't a mood disorder," Potter said. "But... uh... close enough." 

"You queers need to get it together," Blaise said. "Or I'll go mad!" 

"Theo loves you," Draco said, quickly. "He thinks you're more handsome than me because you're taller and, um, you aren't a diva like me and-" 

"Shut up!" Blaise said. "Don't pep talk me in front of Potter!" 

"I apologize!" Draco said. 

"The Slytherins are driving me mad," Potter said. "Tell them they need to... they need to... dammit. They need to do something about the Gryffindors!" 

"We're bloody trying!" Blaise said. "I can smell your Gryffindors from the other side of Muggle London!" 

"What do they smell like?" Draco said. 

"They smell like parents!" Blaise snarled. 

"Who's parents?" Potter said, blinking. 

"They just smell like parents," Blaise said, sighing. "Like anyone's. They've turned into mother bears." 

"It's undignified," Draco said. "I caught one of them using Polyjuice potion!"

"They better not have used one of my hairs," Potter snarled. "That's practically assault!"

"They were using Weasley's hair," Draco said. 

"Which Weasley?" Blaise said. 

Draco shrugged. 

"Not Percy?" Potter said, scowling and standing up. "Please tell me they weren't using Percy's face to try and seduce you into-" 

"No!" Draco said. "Ronald Weasley's hair!" 

"Oh," Potter said. "Was it Hermione?" 

"It doesn't matter!" Draco said. "Sit back down!" 

"Shh!" Potter said. "We were followed." 

Draco was about to protest, but Blaise put a hand of warning on Draco's shoulder. 

He then stood and firmly put his other hand on Potter's shoulder while whispering, "Trust your Quidditch captain?" 

He walked off toward a booth further into the café. Perhaps he wanted to get away from the windows. 

Draco and Potter made eye contact. 

Potter shrugged. 

Draco nodded. 

Potter nodded back. 

They followed Blaise to a table and sat across from him. 

"Good," Blaise said. "Potter... you'll be the one drinking Polyjuice this time." 

Potter groaned. 

"Who?" Draco said. "Why?" 

"We were followed by a Weasley parent," Blaise said. "Potter needs to disguise himself as Theodore." 

"I knew they were Weasley," Potter muttered. "But can you tell...?"

"Which one?" Draco said. 

"A parent," Blaise said. "Or maybe the married one... or maybe the dragon tamer?" 

"Do you think they'll come in here?" Potter said. "Pretend to order a coffee?" 

"No," Blaise said. 

"They're probably eavesdropping," Draco said. "I doubt they'll come in."  

"Shh!" Potter said. 

"I already covered us with magic," Blaise said. "It really does sound like we're chatting about Quidditch." 

The door to the café opened and Arthur Weasley walked right towards them. 

"Fuck!" Potter said. "I mean... hello!" 

Weasley smiled at Potter and said, "You're Theodore Nott, of course?" 

Potter blinked. 

Blaise frowned. 

Draco reinforced his Occlumency shield. 

Weasley pointed at his ears, then sat down next to Blaise. 

Blaise nodded. 

"P-pardon?" Potter said. 

"Listen," Weasley said. "When three wizards love each other very much they need to allow an elder to sit them down for the brooms and the bats." 

"The brooms and the bats?" Potter said. 

"Birds and bees," Draco whispered. 

"Huh?" Potter said. 

"For Morgana's sake, Theo," Blaise said. "You lived a sheltered life, didn't you?" 

Potter huffed. 

"Now you listen here, boys," Weasley said. "If you decide to live in a polyamorus marriage I'll give you my approval, but-"

"No!" Potter growled. "Don't give approval for that."

Blaise kicked him and accidentally kicked Draco on the backswing. 

Or Draco assumed it was an accident, but he subtly frowned at Blaise in case it wasn't. 

Potter didn't even react. He was too focused on Weasley. His eyes were glowing. 

Blaise raised his eyebrows at Draco. 

"Nott is terribly embarrassed," Draco said, politely. "Nott is a private wizard. Our affairs are our affairs." 

Weasley smiled at Potter. It was sheepish and apologetic. 

Potter frowned at him in confusion. 

Draco put an arm over Potter's shoulders. "Don't mind him, Mr. Weasley. He's had a bad morning." 

"The brooms and the bats," Weasley said, hesitantly. "Are... are very important." 

"Go on, then!" Blaise growled. 

"A Veela, a wolf and a merman," Weasley said, quickly. "Can live very happy lives, but their courting rituals contradict each other." 

"Aha!" Potter said. "I knew I was partly werewolf!" 

"You aren't a werewolf, you daft Gryffindor!" Blaise shouted. "You're a fucking vampire!" 

"Is Draco a werewolf?" Potter said. 

"Of course not!" Draco said. 

"He's a Siren," Blaise said. 

"We don't use that word," Weasley said, sighing. "It's very rude, young man." 

"Who gives a toss?" Draco said. "I am a siren." 

"You're a merman?" Potter said. "I thought Luna was joking!" 

"The coven is concerned about your courting rituals," Weasley said in a hushed rush. "You boys need to read up on your ancestry." 

Then he chuckled nervously and stood back up, dusting off his trousers. 

"Molly sends her love," Weasley said. "And she would like me to remind everyone that we're hosting Quidditch matches on Sundays." 

"I'll be there," Potter said. "And, um, I'm inviting Slytherins this time. Is that allowed?" 

"Of course," Weasley said. "The more the merrier." 

"Cheers," Blaise said. 

Weasley gave them all polite nods, then left the café. 

"Are you in love with Nott, Draco?" Potter said. "Is Nott the werewolf?" 

"I'm the bloody werewolf!" Blaise said. 

"So is Theo," Draco said. "So is-"

"I thought you were like me?" Potter said, giving Blaise a wounded look. 

"I tricked you," Blaise said. "You're gullible." 

Draco laughed. 

"I... why am I always surprised?" Potter said. "Your House's scheming tendencies are right in the Hogwarts song." 

"We lean into it," Draco said. 

"It's sexier that way," Blaise said. "I've seduced so many Hufflepuffs by being a very obvious schemer." 

"Comedically obvious, some might say," Draco said. "I still remember the look on-"

"Not in front of Potter!" Blaise hissed. 

"... that Hufflepuff's face," Draco continued, smoothly. "When you told her you were a ghost who would never age." 

"You can't touch ghosts!" Potter said. 

"Not without blood magic, you can't," Blaise said, grinning like the wolf he was. "But with a steady supply of blood from a beautiful virgin who only practices light magic-"

"You naughty dog," Draco said, fondly. "You ought to be thrown in the Hogwarts lake." 

"Your mates will rescue me," Blaise said, chuckling. "And then they'll-"

"Stop flirting!" Potter said. "He's my boyfriend, Zabini!" 

"I'm his boyfriend, Blaise," Draco said, giggling. "How dare you flirt with me, sir?" 

Blaise spilled his coffee while laughing. 

Potter huffed. 

"Stop pouting, Potter," Draco said. "Haven't I been a loyal wizard?" 

"You have been," Potter said. "I'm sorry, alright? I can't help it when he's sat there salivating over you like a... like a..." 

"Like a dog," Blaise whispered. "Like a horny dog." 

"Your sense of smell is confusing you," Draco told Potter, reassuringly. "You're not smelling what you think you're smelling, Harry." 

"Fine!" Potter said. "Alright!" 

"Glad that's been sorted," Blaise said. 

"Nothing has been sorted," Potter said. "I'm confused about... erm..." 

"Everything," Blaise said. "You're confused about everything?" 

"I suppose I'm a bad tutor," Draco said. "But Granger is also a bad tutor. She only knows how to do someone's homework for them, not with them." 

"Percy is an even worse tutor," Potter said. "And, um, Mr. Weasley failed to explain the brooms and the bats? He didn't explain anything!"

"You have to read after all, Potter," Draco said. "I'm sorry for your loss." 

Potter sighed. 

"Daphne is an excellent tutor," Blaise said, conversationally. 

"No!" Draco said. 

"Why not?" Potter said. 

"She's too attractive!" Draco said. 

"I only find you attractive, Draco," Potter growled, scowling at them both. "I'm not a horny bastard like you lot!" 

"A likely story," Draco said. "I'm beginning to suspect that you're hornier than I could ever hope to be, Potter." 

"You're both horny," Blaise said. "Would you settle down? Just the smell of you both is enough to-"

"I'd like to go home," Draco said. 

Potter immediately grabbed him by the hand and apparated. 

Blaise probably made sure to cast a Notice Me Not before they left. 

Probably. 

If he hadn't, perhaps Mr. Weasley had cast one at some point.

If he hadn't... someone at the Ministry would be casting a lot of memories charms. 

If they weren't already. 

Chapter Text

Lovegood wanted to have a karaoke night. 

"I said I won the world," Lovegood sang. "At a carnival..."

"But she could never catch me," Draco sang. "Cause she could never match me!" 

It was meant to be a duet, but Pansy unexpectedly climbed the stairs to the stage they were standing on. 

The muggle men cheered because Pansy was wearing a blood red dress that clung to her like blood to a beached mermaid. 

"Flower gleam and glow," Pansy sang. "Let your power shine." 

Draco frowned at her. 

"Make the clock reverse," Lovegood sang. "Bring back what once was ours."

"Heal what has been hurt," Pansy sang. "Change the fate's design. Flower gleam and glow. Let your power shine." 

Draco examined the muggles in the room. They were grinning up at the stage expectantly.

"Make the clock reverse," Lovegood sang. "Bring back what once was ours."

"Heal what has been hurt," Pansy sang. "Change the fate's design." 

The woman who was playing the piano was slow to change the melody of the song, but when she did Draco recognized it. 

His mother usually sang it in French, but he could sing it in English too. 

"When will my life begin?" Draco sang, hesitantly. "Does my mother know best?" 

"He held the world up on a string," Pansy sang. "But he would never hold me." 

The piano woman abruptly changed the melody back to the original song he'd been singing with Lovegood and Draco huffed. 

"I said I won the world at a carnival," Lovegood sang. "But I never won Draco. Cause I could never catch him!" 

"Wait," Draco said. "Are you singing a spell?" 

Then the woman on the piano was quickly singing, "Flower gleam and glow. Let your power shine." 

"Make the clock reverse," Pansy sang. "Bring back what once was ours."

"Heal what has been hurt," Lovegood sang. "Change the fate's design." 

It only takes three witches, Draco thought. Curse my mother and all of my meddling aunts!

But Draco wouldn't leave Potter without a fight. He tried to hold onto the lyrics of the song Lovegood had usurped. 

"I held the world upon a string," Draco sang, angrily. "But I will never hold them." 

"Spun the stars on your finger nails," Pansy sang back, smirking. "But it never made you happy." 

"Cause she couldn't ever have me," Draco sang, in a sharp falsetto. 

Then all three witches sang, "We won the world... at a carnival..."

"But she could never win me," Draco sang. "Cause she couldn't ever catch me." 

"I know why," Lovegood sang. "Because when I look in his eyes I just see the sky." 

"We just see the sky," Pansy sang. "Fly, boy, fly. This world was not made for you." 

"What?" Draco said. 

The piano woman changed the melody again. 

"Fly boy fly," Lovegood sang. "They're trying to stop you." 

She held her hand out and a broom materialized in her hands. 

The drunk muggles hooted and whistled. 

"Run boy run," the piano woman sang. "This world is not made for you." 

"Come fly with me," Pansy sang. "Let's fly, let's fly away!" 

"Pick a song!" Draco said. "You'll muddle the spellwork!" 

Then Potter apparated on stage with his own broom. 

The muggles didn't cheer this time. They looked confused. 

"No time to explain!" Potter said. 

"Falling through the hourglass," Lovegood sang, eyes glowing a sharp blue. "Do you think they'll ever make it back?" 

"Can't the future just wait?" Pansy sang. "Can't the marriage come fashionably late?" 

"If I could push every goal back," the mysterious woman sang. "Would I still hate his stupid face?" 

"Who is that?" Draco said. "Is that Granger or... or a Weasley?" 

"It doesn't have to be me," Potter said. "But you have to trust someone. Anyone! Who do you trust, Draco?" 

"Severus is dead!" Draco shouted. "There's no one left to trust!" 

"Don't go breaking my heart," Lovegood sang. 

"I couldn't if I tried," Pansy sang. "But honey if I get restless-"

"I'm the forgiving type," Potter sang, hesitantly. "But why do you build me up... erm... Buttercup?" 

"Just to let you down," Draco said, softly. "You... let me mess you around?"

With more confidence, Potter sang, "I'm having sex with a ghost. Cause she knows I'm alone." 

Draco gaped at him. 

"She's a freak in the sheets," Pansy sang. "Myrtle knows what I need." 

"What?!" Draco said. "Is this about those fucking memories? Just obliviate yourselves like good witches, Pansy! And be done with it!" 

"I'm having sex with a ghost," Lovegood sang. "Cause she knows I'm alone." 

Draco angrily threw up his Occlumency shield. 

"She's a freak in the sheets," the piano woman sang. "Cause Snape knows what we need." 

"Stop it," Draco said. "It wasn't Myrtle's fault, for Crowley's sake. She was just-" 

"Yes it was, Draco!" The mystery woman shouted. "I was too old for you!" 

Draco blinked at her.

"Oh," Draco said. "Pardon me. I was being thick, wasn't I? It's always a pleasure to see you, Myrtle." 

Myrtle began to softly weep, as she often did. 

"It's okay," Potter said. "Do you trust her? Still?" 

"No," Draco said. "I chose my spouse, Harry. I chose you."

"If he were a vampire," Lovegood sang. "He'd never eat your heart." 

"He just wants your soul," Pansy sang. "He just wants your soul. Cause he wants you." 

"Is this it?" Draco said. "Is this a muggle wedding?" 

"No," Potter said. "I have to ask you a question, Draco." 

"Alright?" Draco said. "What's your question?" 

"What year did you lose your virginity?" Potter said. "Was it Snape?" 

"Third year," Draco said. "I know the muggles think virginity is very important, but I thought you said-"

"I feel it deep within!" Lovegood sang. "It's just beneath the skin!" 

"I must confess that I feel like a monster," Pansy sang, eyes glowing a fierce red. "I feel like a monster!" 

Myrtle banged aggressively on her piano. 

"What kind of spellwork is this?" Draco said. "We never learned anything about music while we were at Hogwarts. Father said it was forbidden magic." 

"I'll kill him myself!" The woman possessed by Moaning Myrtle shouted. "I'll find the ghost of Severus Snape and kill him a second time!" 

Potter closed his eyes. 

"Why?" Draco said, frowning thoughtfully at Myrtle's captured body. "Because he wasn't meant to have fun without you?" 

Potter opened his eyes. They were as gold as a galleon and as tantalizing as the snitch. 

"Please tell me the truth," Potter said, softly. "When did you feel safest with me?" 

"On the back of your broom," Draco said, absently. "I knew you wouldn't leave me in the fire, Potter. You're too noble to give into your carnal desires." 

"And after that?" Potter said. 

"You're like Lovegood," Draco said. "I knew I would remain safe if I was good." 

"Okay," Potter said. "I'll fix it." 

"Fix what?" Myrtle scoffed. "You'll murder the Malfoy parents? I demand a blood feud, Potter. You'd better kill them slowly and painfully." 

Draco tried to frown at her as politely as possible.

"I won't kill anyone, Draco," Potter said. "I'll save everyone." 

He pulled a Time Turner out of his pocket. 

"Are you daft?" Draco said. "What will that solve?" 

"Flower gleam and glow," Pansy sang. 

"Please sing along?" Potter said. "I can't sing during this part." 

"Alright?" Draco said. "That's easy enough.

"Flower gleam and glow," Lovegood sang. "Let your power shine." 

Draco cleared his throat. 

Then he, and Lovegood and Pansy, sang, "Make the clock reverse. Bring back what once was ours."

Myrtle decided to sing as well. They all sang, "Heal what has been hurt... change the fate's design." 

Potter was glowing with purple light and the entire crowd of Imperiused muggles began to sing along.

"Make the clock reverse," everyone sang. "Bring back what once was ours. Heal what has been hurt. Change the fate's design." 

Potter shrank. He looked exactly as he had when he was a first year, but his spectacles were the new ones Draco had made for him. 

His clothes were too big for him, so Draco used his wand to shrink them. 

"Thank you," the eleven year old Potter said. "Third year, you said? When exactly, Draco?" 

"Hmm?" Draco said. "What does that matter?" 

"When?" Lovegood said. 

"It doesn't matter," Draco said. 

"When?" Pansy said. 

"Yule," Draco said. "My parents invited him to Malfoy Manner for Christmas that year." 

"I'll make sure you spend your Christmas at Hogwarts," Potter said, scowling. "Every year, in fact, just to be sure." 

"My parents would never allow it," Draco said. "The Yule tradition states-"

"He'll figure it out," Pansy said. "Won't you, Potter?" 

"I'll figure it out," Potter said. 

Then he vanished. 

"He didn't even turn the dial," Draco said. "Was that a fake Time Turner?" 

"He'll need to consult Hermione," Lovegood said. "To make sure he turns it the correct amount." 

"A pride is not a pack," Pansy scoffed. 

"A peacock is not a mermaid," Lovegood retorted. "But here we are, rescuing kidnapped mermaids."

"Draco is a mer-man," Myrtle huffed. "Don't insult his man-hood!" 

Draco sighed. 

Then everything in the room was glowing. Gold, then green, then red, then blues and violets and even shades of pink. 

Draco wondered if he should lower his Occlumency shield. 

It's what Potter would have wanted. 

But his parents would weep if he allowed magic to alter his mind in such a drastic way. 

Wouldn't they? 

I suppose it no longer matters, Draco thought. No one will hear them weeping from Azkaban. 

He lowered his shield. 

Chapter Text

There was a mermaid tapping on the glass in the common room. Perhaps because everyone else was asleep. 

"Yes?" Draco said. 

She grinned at him, showing off her sharp teeth. 

"Scary," Draco said, chuckling. 

The mermaid closed her mouth and pouted. 

"Are you thirsty?" Draco said. 

She nodded. 

"I'm a second year," Draco said. "Father says I'm not old enough." 

She blew bubbles. 

"He says I need to wait for fifth year," Draco said, apologetically. "But you're very impressive. You look powerful." 

The mermaid trilled sharply, then abruptly swam away. 

I must have insulted her somehow, Draco thought. Maybe Severus will know why. 

But Severus was asleep too, doubtless. 

Everyone slept at Hogwarts for so long. They spent ages sleeping. Draco had no idea why they wasted so much time with it, but Father said it was impolite to disrupt someone's sleep cycle. 

Father never wanted to wake Mother while she was sleeping. 

He said Draco would need to be just as polite at Hogwarts, but the nights dragged on and on and on.

The nights were rather dull.

So Draco would read in the common room while he waited for everyone to move about. 

Usually the windows into the Great Lake would remain empty, but these nights there were occasional visitors. 

About an hour after the first mermaid left, there was another one. She was twice as big and twice as aggressive. 

She sharply knocked on the window, cracking it, and Draco hastily repaired it with his wand. 

"Don't flood the common room!" Draco said. "I'll get expelled!" 

The mermaid blew a lot of bubbles. She looked like a snorting dragon. 

"I'm not old enough to feed you," Draco said. "Um, I can ask my godfather to feed you? When he wakes up?" 

The mermaid banged her forehead against the window, snarling. 

There were more cracks, which Draco quickly repaired. 

"I didn't mean to insult you!" Draco said. "But I don't want to be expelled!" 

The mermaid stilled. 

"Please?" Draco said. "Erm... will you forgive me?" 

The smaller mermaid re-appeared and swam at the bigger one, tackling her in an aggressive hug. 

Draco wondered if he should cover his eyes. Mother would probably want him to, but he didn't understand what the big deal was. 

His curiosity got the better of him. He kept his eyes on the mermaids as they swam around. 

It reminded him of the ballet classes he'd taken. They were swimming around in a rhythmic way. Like they were doing... underwater ballet. 

They were singing, too. Then they were glowing... 

Then Snape was pulling him away from the window, "Close your eyes, boy!" 

"Huh?" Draco said. 

"You're too young," Snape said. "Stay away from the windows at this time of night." 

"But-"

"Do as you're told," Severus said. 

"Fine!" Draco said. "But I'm bored! Why did you take so long to wake up?" 

"Apologies," Severus said, tonelessly. 

Draco huffed. 

"Sleeping Beauty's Curse," Severus said. "Dream a Pleasant Dream."

Potter was an arrogant prick. He insisted that he should fly on the hippogriff first because he had been the school's youngest seeker in his first year and was therefore the best flyer. 

"Draco is the better flyer!" Blaise shouted, snarling like a rabid dog. "He's been flying for longer!" 

"Yeah," Goyle said, absently. 

"Best flyer," Crabbe said, agreeably. 

Draco rolled his eyes at them. 

Not to be out done, Theo shook his fist at Professor Hagrid and said, "Draco should go first. He's been flying all his life!" 

It was true that Malfoy Manor housed domesticated hippogriffs, but Hagrid's beast looked wild and proud. 

"I-I'll show you how it's done, Potter," Draco said. 

He had no choice. Blaise and Theo were watching. 

"It'll be easy," Draco said, smirking at Potter as fiercely as possible.  "I'll bet I can-"

"Nope," Potter said. "I'm going first." 

"Go on then, Harry," Professor Hagrid said. "Nice and slow." 

Potter didn't go slow. He strode over to the hippogriff quickly and aggressively. The beast nipped him on the arm, but Potter didn't flinch. 

Draco frowned at the scent. Potter's blood was like lightning. It almost... burnt.

"Yer alright there, Harry?" Professor Hagrid said, nervously. "Want ter go ter the hospital wing?" 

"No thanks." Potter licked his wounded forearm. 

Draco stared at him. 

Potter smirked back. "Like what you smell?" 

Draco blushed. 

"What did you just say?" Blaise sputtered. "H-how could you-"

Theo covered Blaise's mouth and Blaise nipped at him, Theo yelped, and Professor Hagrid carried on chuckling jovially.

How does Potter know about blood magic? Draco thought. Everyone says he was muggle raised...

"As I were sayin', class," Professor Hagrid said, cheerfully.  "It's better ter go nice and slow." 

The hippogriff huffed. 

Going to the hospital wing would be the perfect excuse not to take a ride, Draco thought. But I'd need an injury that looks bigger than Potter's. Else I'll look weak in front of Theo and Blaise. 

He made eye contact with Pansy. 

She frowned at him. 

Draco pouted at her. 

Pansy huffed. "What do you want?" Her lips didn't need to move for him to hear her. 

But then Potter moved so that he was standing in front of Pansy, blocking the view. His scent was still wafting everywhere. 

It was making Draco salivate, so he scowled at Potter. 

Potter grinned, showing off sharp canines. 

Draco blinked. 

Blaise was growling loudly enough for Professor Hagrid to notice. 

"Yer alright Mister Zabini?" Professor Hagrid said. 

"He needs to go to the hospital wing!" Theo said. 

"No I don't!" Blaise groused, huffing through his mouth. 

To avoid Potter's scent, Draco thought. It smells too wild for him to handle. 

"I'll take him there myself," Draco announced. "Come along, Blaise."

"Circe," Blaise said. "I do need to go to the hospital wing, then." 

"No!" Potter said. "I'm the one who was injured!"

"Then I'll take you to the hospital wing, Potter," Draco said, throwing his hands up. "I don't give a toss!"

"Honestly," Granger said. "If you use a simple Episkey you could-"

Weasley shushed her. 

"Yer can go," Professor Hagrid said. "Sorry yer were hurt, Harry!" 

"You should be, Professor!" Theo shouted, dramatically, while Blaise growled and snarled like a mad wolf. "It's unprofessional!" 

Draco grabbed Potter by the scruff of his robes and started dragging him towards the castle. 

Once they were inside, he let go. 

Potter was smiling at him with his lips closed this time. 

"Let me see your arm," Draco said. 

Potter rolled up his sleeve. 

There wasn't a scratch. 

"Veela?" Draco said. 

"Yes," Potter said. 

"You're thirsty?" Draco said. 

"No," Potter said. "I'm not old enough." 

"True," Draco said. "We're only third years." 

"But I will be," Potter said. "Probably in my seventh year?" 

"What are you saying?" Draco said. 

"Will you wait for me?" Potter said. 

"Of course not," Draco said.

Potter grinned, exposing his canines again. 

"Are you sure you're not part wolf?" Draco said, frowning at Potter's teeth. "Most Veela aren't this.... toothy." 

"No idea," Potter said, closing his mouth to frown. "But nothing happens to me during the full moon." 

"Not even hyper activity?" Draco said. 

"Not as far as I can tell," Potter said. "Why? You like wolves?"

"I thought you were muggle raised?" Draco said. "Who started that rumor?" 

"What does it matter?" Potter said. 

"What do you know?" Draco said. "I thought you were a light wizard!" 

"Professor Lupin is a light wizard," Potter said. "But he says we can still-"

"Shut up, Potter," Draco hissed. "Someone will hear."

Potter shook his head. "No one is listening." 

"Someone's always-"

"I would have smelled them," Potter said. 

"The portraits don't have a scent you daft lion cub," Draco said. "Watch your tongue." 

"Lion cub?" Potter said. 

Draco smirked. "You're just a kitten, Potter." 

"We're the same age," Potter said, huffing. "Just cause you've been flying all your life and swimming and doing bloody ballet that doesn't mean-"

"I'm leages ahead of you," Draco insisted. "I can sing too. I know the classics. Do you, Potter? Do you know any classics?" 

"Um," Potter said. "I... erm... I know the Disney songs?" 

"Disney?" Draco said. 

"The Grimm's fairytales," Potter said. "Um, sort of. The children's version."

"Children's version?" Draco said. "Do they say the Mage's Princess didn't kidnap Snow White? They do, don't they? Father says the light wizards like to pretend she didn't kidnap him." 

"Merlin," Potter said. "Um... in the children's version they say she rescued him." 

"I knew they would do something like that," Draco said. "Father says the light wizards are obsessed with sanitizing the past." 

"And the present," Potter muttered. 

"Pardon?" Draco said. 

"Should we go back to class?" Potter said. "I can't go to the hospital wing." 

"We can ask for a blood replenishing potion," Draco said. "We'll say you bled out and that I used an Episkey, but that you lost a lot of blood before I managed it." 

"It was a tiny little scratch," Potter said. 

"I want the potion for later," Draco said. "It's smart to save a stock of it for later use."

"For seventh year?" Potter said, hopefully. 

"For me to use with someone else," Draco said. "I'm not waiting for seventh year."

"No!" Potter said. 

"My father said I only have to wait until fifth year," Draco said. "So I'm picking someone by fifth year!" 

"Fine!" Potter said. "Pick me."

"Why should I?" Draco said. "You're some kind of hybrid." 

"So what?" Potter said. 

"I'm too good for you," Draco said. 

"You fancy Theodore Nott?" Potter said. 

"No," Draco said. "I'm not telling you who I fancy." 

"Because you don't want me picking a fight?" Potter said. "I won't pick a fight." 

Draco scoffed. 

"Wizard or witch?" Potter said. 

"What's the difference?" Draco said. "Wixen are wixen." 

"Why can't it be me?" Potter said. 

You're too arrogant, Draco thought. 

"You're too short," Draco said. 

Potter scowled. 

"I want a bloke that's taller than me," Draco said. "Taller and... and smarter."

"Pansy is the shortest girl in Slytherin!" Potter snarled. "But you were eyeing her like-" 

"I like my witches tiny," Draco said, shrugging. "And my wizards tall." 

"Of course you do," Potter said. "Why do I ever get surprised?" 

"I'm not sexist," Draco said. "My preference is simply my preference!" 

"You like your witches powerful," Potter whispered. "And your wizards weak." 

Draco blinked. 

"I'm more powerful than the witches," Potter said, grinning sharply. "You'll see." 

His hair was curling. The air buzzed with lightning. 

Potter's magic was certainly loud.

"F-fine," Draco said. "Show me." 

Potter's hair flattened. 

He closed his eyes, groaning. 

"I'm not telling you to bite me," Draco said, hastily. "That's not what I meant!" 

"You smell confusing!" Potter said. 

"So do you!" Draco said. "What are you?" 

"I think I'm a Veela," Potter said. "But I'm an orphan, so nobody knows for sure." 

"Control your magic!" Draco said. "Right this instant!" 

Potter disapparated. 

"Morgana's bloody bones," Draco said. "Most wixen can't apparate inside Hogwarts." 

Maybe Potter was more powerful than he smelled. Draco could still smell him. His magic lingered in the air like a blazing fire. 

"What do you think he is?" Draco asked a portrait. 

The batty old witch cackled. "He's obviously part Siren." 

"Can't be right," the younger witch that shared a frame with her said. "He doesn't look like merfolk." 

He doesn't smell mer either, Draco thought, frowning. But maybe he's animagus. A reptile animagus? Something that can swim...

No, a bird. He did smell almost like a Veela, but not quite. A cousin of the Veela, but not quite a Veela. 

"He doesn't look Veela," the older witch said. "He doesn't look like anything." 

"He's definitely a hybrid," Draco said. "His parents must not have been... the same... as each other." 

"Most creatures share blood these days," the younger witch huffed. "It's disgraceful!" 

"It's only natural," the older witch said. "Let the cubs have their fun while they can." 

"They should use a potion to prevent children," the young witch said. "When I was a girl, everyone knew they had to-"

"Have a good day," Draco said, walking away from them. 

The older witch followed him down the hall, hopping through different frames, but she didn't say a word. 

Draco gave her a polite smile and she beamed at him. 

"You're Fae," the old witch whispered. "Aren't you, child?"

Draco shook his head and maintained his polite smile. 

The witch giggled girlishly and sat down with a knight in an Arthurian painting, waving goodbye. 

Draco went to the hospital wing and asked for a blood replenishing potion, claiming he was fetching it for Potter. 

Then he stored it at the bottom of his trunk with the others. 

They would be useful, one day. 

"Who are you taking to the Yule Ball this year?" Lovegood said. 

"You're not old enough," Draco said. 

"I am old enough," Lovegood said. "My father said-"

"My father said I should take the same witch every year," Draco said. "So I have to keep going with Pansy."

"That isn't fair," Lovegood said. "I wasn't a student when you went to your first Yule Ball."

"It is fair," Draco said. "Can't you find someone your own age?" 

"Can't Pansy go with someone else?" Lovegood said. "I heard she likes Zabini." 

"We agreed to go together every year," Draco said, frowning. "Did she tell you she's going to ask Blaise this year?" 

"Yes?" Lovegood said.

Draco scoffed. "I'll ask her myself." 

"The witch is supposed to be the one to ask," Lovegood said. "Since I asked you first, I win." 

"You don't win," Draco said. "I'm saying no. You have to ask someone your own age." 

"Why does that matter?" Lovegood said. 

"It's proper," Draco said. "You don't like any of the boys in your year?" 

"I'm going to ask Theo," Lovegood said. 

"What's wrong with the boys in your year?" Draco said. "Are they bullying you?" 

"No," Lovegood said. 

"What did they do?" Draco said. 

"Nothing," Lovegood said. "I simply find them immature. Did you know women age faster than men?" 

"That's a muggle myth," Draco said. "You aren't aging faster." 

"Fine," Lovegood said. "I'm going to ask a Hufflepuff." 

"Do I need to talk to Professor Flitwick?" Draco said. 

"No," Lovegood said. 

"I'm going to tell him his House is full of bullies!" Draco said. "I'll say-"

"Please don't," Lovegood said.

Draco sighed. 

Lovegood gave him a kiss on the cheek and hurried off. 

Then Potter appeared, removing his invisibility cloak and smiling sheepishly. 

Draco glared at him. 

"C-can I take you to the Yule ball?" Potter said, breathlessly. "Please?" 

"I have to go with Pansy," Draco said. 

"Do I have to disguise myself as a witch?" Potter said. "Maybe I can-"

"I have to go with Pansy, I said!" Draco said. "Her parents and my parents both agreed that I'm spending all seven winters with Pansy." 

"Is she your fiancé or something?" Potter said. 

"No," Draco said. "We'll publicly end our relationship just before graduation." 

"Then what's the point of it?" Potter said. "I don't get it." 

"None of your concern," Draco said. "It's pureblood business." 

Potter pouted. 

Draco squinted at him. 

Potter glanced around. 

Draco tilted his head. 

There weren't any portrait frames within view. 

Potter lifted his invisibility cloak and raised his eyebrows. 

Draco approached, quietly, and whispered a silencing charm. 

When they were under the cloak, they hugged, and nothing more. 

"You're so soft," Potter whispered. "Your hair and your skin and your scent. Everything is... soft." 

"You smell like smoke and burnt meat," Draco said. "Like a thunderstorm." 

"Like flowers," Potter said, nuzzling his cheek against Draco's cheek. 

"Like dragons," Draco said. 

"Like merfolk," Potter whispered. 

"Are you part dragon?" Draco said. "Is that why you smell like a bird but also like a snake?" 

"I speak Parseltongue," Potter said. 

"Don't let the basilisk eat you, Potter," Draco said. "It loves to eat small reptiles." 

Potter hugged him fiercely, arms tightening in... fear? 

"I'll protect you from everything," Potter said. "We'll keep it a secret." 

"That's enough," Draco said. "I have to go." 

Potter released him from the hug. 

They both paused to listen for... for anyone. 

Potter lifted his cloak and Draco fixed his hair and stepped out. 

Then Potter vanished. He wasn't disapparating like Draco had first thought. Potter simply walked around with his cloak hidden in his robes. 

It was a useful cloak. 

Blaise was growling at Pansy again. 

"Get a grip!" Pansy said, smacking him. "Behave yourself!" 

"Yeah!" Theo said. "Behave yourself!" 

Blaise grunted in annoyance.

"Tell him to behave himself, Draco," Pansy said. "He only listens to you."

Draco waved a hand at Blaise, gesturing for him to sit, and Blaise sat beside him. 

"I want to be the one to take you to the ball this year," Blaise said. "Tell them, Draco!" 

"Behave yourself, Blaise," Draco said, absently. 

He was trying to read a novel, but his friends kept squabbling like school children. 

"He's going with Chang," Pansy said. "Get a grip!" 

"Why does it have to be a witch?" Blaise said. "Just because the muggle borns will throw a hissy fit? Let them! I don't give a toss!"

"This year is more important," Theo said. "The Triwizard Tourna-"

"The foreigners won't care if two wizards go to the ball together," Blaise said. "They don't have any muggle borns in their schools!"

"This is an important year," Pansy said. "Draco is going with Cho Chang and that's final. Leave it alone, Blaise!" 

"Why can't she go with Diggory?" Blaise said. 

"Daphne is going with Diggory," Draco said. 

"She's too young for him!" Blaise snarled. 

"She insisted," Theo said. "Just leave it be, Blaise." 

"Fine!" Blaise said. "I'm going to seduce Lovegood!" 

"She'll love that," Draco said. "Go ask her right now. Before she finds someone better looking." 

Blaise leaned towards Draco and whispered, "As if anyone at this school is better looking than me?"

Draco gave him a pat on the head, smiling fondly. 

"Who should I ask?" Pansy said. 

"Ask me?" Theo said. "No one has." 

"Excellent," Pansy said. "We have a plan."

"Ask him properly, Pansy," Draco said. "Be romantic."

Pansy tossed her hair over her shoulder and then dramatically got down on one knee in front of Theo. 

Theo chuckled. 

"Would you do me the honor, sir?" Pansy said, giggling. "Um... you are the fairest in the land, of course." 

"Blaise is the fairest in the land," Theo said, smirking at Blaise. 

"Don't be rude to your witch," Blaise said, laughing. 

Pansy gave up on kneeling and sat on the floor, laughing herself silly. 

"Can't a man read in peace?" Draco said. "I wanted to read this novel before the homework gets piled on us!" 

"You heard the wizard," Theo said, wagging his finger at everyone. "No more laughing." 

That made Blaise and Pansy laugh more loudly. 

The upper years started growling and Blaise immediately barked at them, yipping like a dog that was deep in his cups. 

"Have you been drinking?" Draco said. "Is that what happened?" 

"It's you, Malfoy," a seventh year shouted. "You're driving us all mad with your scent!"

"I am?" Draco said. 

"Get out of the common room," a fifth year prefect suggested. "Just for a little bit?" 

"Fine!" Draco said. "I'll read somewhere else." 

"Let me go with you," Blaise said. 

"No!" Theo said. "Stop hounding him." 

"Stop hounding him, Blaise," Pansy said. "Can't you see the man wants to read in peace?"

Several witches were glaring at them, now. 

"I'm going," Draco told them. "Pardon me."

"Let me escort you," the prefect witch said, smiling awkwardly.

"Let me escort you," Blaise said. 

"I don't need an escort!" Draco said. 

"You smell like the fountain of bloody youth, Malfoy." A wizard Draco didn’t recognize was leering at him. "What are you?" 

"None of your business!" Pansy shouted. 

"You rude fucker!" Blaise said. "Just try and taste him and I'll start a blood feud!" 

"No one is starting anything," Draco said. "Theo, let's go to the library." 

Blaise huffed. 

Theo followed him out of the common room. 

"Where have Crabbe and Goyle gotten off to?" Theo said. "They used to be loyal."

"I told them to stop following me," Draco said. 

"They were good knights, weren't they?" Theo said. "Why would you-"

"I don't need knights anymore," Draco said. "I'm strong enough to defend myself. By myself." 

"People won't believe that," Theo said. "They certainly won't believe I'm a good knight. They'll attack me." 

"I'll defend you," Draco said. "I'll defend us both." 

"Good boy," Theo said. "I'll hold you to it." 

The truth was, he didn't need Crabbe or Goyle with Potter hanging around. 

Potter was always nearby. 

Plus, Crabbe and Goyle had done something that was upsetting Potter. 

Ending the partnership was common sense. 

But he still helped them with their studies, on occasion, because Mother promised their parents that he would. 

A Malfoy was a man of his word. 

"It's not that you smell weak," Theo said. "You're not like me." 

"You don't smell weak," Draco said. "You smell... domestic." 

"You smell wild," Theo said. "But the sort of wild that grows in a lake. A small lake." 

"Shut up, Theo," Draco said. 

"I'm only saying," Theo said. "We should be careful with those foreigners around. They might... well, might'n they?" 

"What?" Draco said. 

"Pansy thinks you'll be preyed upon," Theo said. "And Daphne says-"

"Why are you lot always discussing me like a house cat?" Draco said. "Do I look like a pet to you?" 

"Yes," Theo said, smirking. 

Draco huffed. 

"Maybe you should talk to Chang," Theo said. "Ask her to let you go to the Yule Ball with Daphne instead." 

"Daphne wants Diggory!" Draco said. 

"She wants you," Theo said. "She thinks you want Chang, so she-"

"What?" Draco said. "Why would I want Chang?" 

"You said you like seekers," Theo said. "You weren't talking about Chang?" 

Draco blushed, then he scowled. 

"Ooooh," Theo said. "Were you talking about Diggory?" 

I can't tell him the truth, Draco thought. My parents would lock me up if they knew I've been flirting with Harry Potter. 

"Diggory is handsome," Draco said, carefully. "It's impossible for two wizards to go to the ball together, so I didn't expect to." 

"Brilliant," Theo said. "I'll tell Daphne and Chang that they can switch." 

"Good," Draco said. "Don't tell anyone but them that I fancy Diggory. Only tell the two of them, do you understand?" 

"Pansy will want to know," Theo said. 

"Don't tell Pansy!" Draco said. "Or Blaise. Don't you dare tell Blaise!"

"Cross my heart and hope to die," Theo said, chuckling. 

They reached the library. 

"Go back to the common room," Draco said. "I want privacy." 

Theo gave him a sarcastic bow, then walked back towards the dungeons while Draco went in and looked for a quiet spot to sit. 

Potter materialized once Draco sat himself between the shelves in the Ancient Runes section. 

"You do fancy Diggory, don't you?" Potter said. "He's fit." 

"Shut up, Potter," Draco said. "Sit down." 

"He is fit," Potter insisted. "And he is a seeker." 

Draco rolled his eyes. 

Potter sat down on the floor across from him. 

"Sorry," Potter said. "I'm going mad." 

"The muggles have a word for it," Draco said. 

"Puberty?" Potter said. 

"Sounds right," Draco said. "You need to tell yourself that you're being silly. Calm yourself down." 

"Zabini never calms himself down," Potter said. "One of these days he's going to maul Parkinson. Or Nott. One of them is going to get mauled." 

"That's their business," Draco said. 

"Listen," Potter said. "Can you do me a favor?" 

"Yes?" Draco said. 

"Tell your father there's something wrong with Professor Moody," Potter said. "He smells... wrong." 

"I'll tell him," Draco said. "I'll write a letter." 

"Tell him Moody smells like Polyjuice potion," Potter said. "Tell him that... that something might have happened to the real Alastor Moody." 

Draco blinked. 

"You can say it was a werewolf with a strong nose," Potter said. "Or you can say-"

"There's no werewolves with noses that strong," Draco said. "Is this a lark?" 

"He really does smell like Polyjuice," Potter insisted. "Trust me." 

"There isn't a way to smell Polyjuice," Draco said. "Did you catch Moody drinking it?" 

"He keeps a flask on him," Potter said. "He drinks every three hours." 

"I'll tell my father," Draco said. 

"Thanks," Potter said. "Dumbledore didn't believe me." 

"That old man is as batty as a unicorn," Draco said. "He's a useless Headmaster." 

"He kind of is, isn't he?" Potter said. "He's always obsessing over the Wizengomot. I suppose he's too busy to run Hogwarts." 

"McGonagall would have been a better Headmaster," Draco said. "That's what my father says." 

"Maybe he's right," Potter said, avoiding eye contact. 

"What is it?" Draco said. 

"Moody is in the library," Potter whispered. "He's been following me around since the term began." 

"Let's talk to Severus," Draco whispered. "He'll protect us." 

"No," Potter whispered. "Let's go to Flitwick." 

"Neither of us is a Ravenclaw?" 

"Shh!" Potter grabbed Draco's hand and led the way out of the library.

Draco spotted Moody chatting with Madam Pince on their way out. 

But Moody quickly followed them out into the hallway. 

"What are you doing with a Malfoy, Potter?" Moody snarled. "The Malfoys are filthy Death Eaters!" 

"Leave us alone," Potter said. 

Draco allowed Potter to keep hold of his hand. He wanted Moody to think they were close. 

Moody looked about ready to start flinging curses. 

"Your parents would be ashamed," Moody shouted. "They would-"

"You think I give a toss?" Potter screamed. "I never met them!" 

Madam Pince came out into the hallway.

"What is the meaning of this, gentlemen?" Madam Pince said. "Everyone in the library can hear you shouting!" 

"Malfoy is working dark magic on Potter," Moody said. "He ought to be punished." 

"Touch him and you'll be punished," Potter snarled. 

Moody cast a curse. 

Draco knew it had been directed at him, but he couldn't see.

What had been done?

His robes were in his face. 

Then he felt Potter hugging him. Carrying him? 

Moody must have shrunk me, Draco thought. Why would he do that? 

Draco sniffed at himself. 

Ferret. 

Moody turned me into a bloody ferret! Draco thought. He ought to be fired for this!

Potter left him trapped in the robes, but it was just as well. 

Better not to let anyone see, in a situation like this. 

Potter was dutiful. He quickly carried Draco to the hospital wing and Madam Pomfrey let them use her Floo after she reversed Moody's curse.

"I have urgent news, Father," Draco shouted. "Come to the Floo at once!" 

A house elf assured him that he would fetch Father. 

"Good," Potter said. "Don't forget to mention the Polyjuice." 

Draco nodded. 

Mad Eye Moody, the real one, had been captured by a Death Eater. 

Severus was furious with him. 

"You're meant to be the best Auror in the country," Severus said. "And yet... you let yourself be defeated by a boy." 

Draco kept his hands politely clasped in front of him while they argued. 

"I'm over due a retirement," Moody grumbled. 

"You're over due a grave," Severus said. "I'll poison you myself. But first I'll give you night terrors. You will sleep walk into the lake and then you will-" 

"I'd like to see you try," Moody said. 

"Draco was cursed because of you," Severus said, pointing at Draco. "Apologize to my godson." 

Moody rolled his eyes. 

"I don't need an apology, sir," Draco said. "I'm glad Father rescued you."

"Apologize to my godson," Severus repeated. 

"I'm very sorry your highness," Moody said. "Did you bruise your little ferret body while wriggling around like a panicked coward?" 

"Apologize properly!" Severus snarled. 

"I'd like to go back to the common room," Draco said. "May I go?" 

"Dismissed," Severus said. 

Draco hurried out of Severus's office before Moody could curse him. 

"I'm glad I'm not old enough to be in the tournament," Potter said. 

"Me too," Draco said. 

"Do you think Diggory will win?" Potter said. 

"I'm going to make buttons for him," Draco said. "The Slytherin fourth years all agreed to wear them. We want to be friendly with the Hufflepuffs, alright? Don't get jealous." 

"I won't get jealous," Potter said, frowning at his lap. 

"I don't fancy Diggory," Draco said. "I fancy you." 

Potter smiled at him. It was one of his sad smiles.

"Why won't you believe me?" Draco said. 

"I believe you," Potter said.

"What's wrong?" Draco said. 

"I might be busy next week," Potter said. "I have something I need to do... erm... outside school." 

"Can't it wait for the holidays?" Draco said. 

"It can't wait," Potter said. "It's important." 

"Is it about your godfather?" Draco said. "Is he alright?" 

"He needs my help with something," Potter said. "Something important." 

"Are you going to skip classes?" Draco said. 

"No," Potter said. "I'll still go to classes. But I won't have time outside of class. For a little bit." 

"Alright," Draco said. 

"Can you forgive Crabbe and Goyle?" Potter said. "Or can you ask Zabini and Parkinson to walk with you?" 

"Why?" Draco said. 

"I won't be using my invisibility cloak," Potter said, apologetically. 

"So?" Draco said, crossing his arms together. "You think I'm weak?" 

"You're not weak," Potter said. "But you smell... um... you're making a lot of creatures salivate." 

"They wouldn't dare-"

"Please?" Potter said. "If you don't want Zabini and Parkinson... maybe the Greengrass sisters can walk with you?" 

"Fine," Draco said. "I'll ask them." 

Daphne Greengrass was an excellent dancer. 

She was an excellent dancer, but Potter kept distracting him. 

Potter was dancing with Ginny Weasley. He'd chosen Ginny Weasley as his date. 

Again. 

"I thought you told him to bring a witch?" Daphne whispered. 

"He could have picked Granger," Draco said. "Or he could have picked-"

"Stop staring at Potter," Daphne said. "You're too obvious." 

Draco pouted at her. 

"Keep your eyes on me," Daphne said, smiling at him prettily. "Or else I'll break the windows to the great lake while everyone sleeps tonight." 

Draco shivered. 

"Be a good boy," Daphne said. "Astoria is watching." 

Draco gave her his most charming smile and held her close. 

She gave him a kiss on the cheek. 

They danced. 

Luckily, Draco was also an excellent dancer. 

When everyone else was asleep, Potter snuck into the Slytherin common room. 

They spent their Yule night together, but Potter refused to allow them to lose their virginity. 

"You told your parents you would wait for fifth year," Potter said. 

"We're almost there anyway," Draco said. "Just one year-"

"We're going to wait," Potter said. 

"But-"

Potter kissed him. 

Draco gave up. One year was just one year, he supposed. 

"Don't be afraid," Potter whispered. "I have to tell you something... stay calm." 

"What is it?" Draco said. 

"Bellatrix Lestrange," Potter said. "She and a bunch of other Death Eaters broke out of Azkaban." 

"How?" Draco said. 

"Someone used an Imperius curse on the Dementors," Potter said. "They think it might have been your mother." 

Draco frowned. 

"I wanted to warn you," Potter said. "This school year will be... different." 

"I'm a Prefect this year," Draco said, blinking at his feet. "My father said... I suppose it doesn't matter, now, but he said..." 

"What did he say?" Potter said. 

"Nevermind," Draco said. "Go back to your compartment." 

"Can I stay in your compartment this time?" Potter said. "I'll leave before we get to Hogwarts." 

"No," Draco said. "Your friends will notice."

"I can go and tell them," Potter said. "Then I'll come back and-"

"No," Draco said. "Stay in your own compartment." 

"After dinner," Potter said. "Meet me in the  Room of Requirement." 

"Yes," Draco said. 

"Draco?" Potter said. 

"Yes, Potter?" Draco said. 

"Are you... will you promise me something?" Potter said. 

"Sure," Draco said. 

"Stay close to the Greengrass sisters," Potter said. "Both of them." 

"Alright," Draco said. "Blaise and Theo began flirting over the summer, you know." 

"You can stay close to them too," Potter said. "Stay in crowded places." 

Draco gulped. 

"My godfather knows her well," Potter said. "I'm not trying to frighten you, I just-"

"Of course he knows her well," Draco said. "They're cousins."

"He thinks she wants to start a blood feud with the Malfoys," Potter whispered. "He thinks she'll target you." 

"Of course," Draco said, absently. "My parents are blood traitors." 

"They are?" Potter said. 

"They pretended to be Imperius'ed during the first war," Draco said. "That's disloyal. Mother always said her little sister was wrathful." 

"Can I stay in your compartment?" Potter said. 

"No!" Draco said. 

"I'll stay under my cloak," Potter said. 

"Your friends will notice!" 

"I'll tell them I missed the train," Potter said. "I'll tell them-"

"If you don't go back to your compartment," Draco said, quietly. "I'll lose my... head." 

Potter sighed. 

"Go," Draco said. "I'll be fine!" 

"You'll be fine," Potter echoed. "Of course. Why wouldn't you be?" 

"I'll be fine," Draco growled. 

"I'm going!" Potter said. 

Draco threw the cloak over Potter's head. 

Potter hugged him with invisible arms. 

Draco shoved him off. 

Then he opened the compartment door and stuck his head out. 

Blaise and Pansy were pretending to kiss in front of the door, but they were kissing each other's cheeks. 

"Give it a rest," Draco said, calmly. "Come inside."

They both made a show of slowly and painfully parting from each other with as much theatrical regret as they could muster. 

It gave Potter time to walk past them. 

Then they came in and sat on either side, tense as guard dogs. 

"Have you been talking to Potter?" Draco said. 

"Of course not," Pansy said. "What would I want with that speccy freak?" 

"Snape told me Potter is from a rotten family," Blaise chimed in. "And my mother asked me to avoid Gryffindors like the plague." 

"She thinks the lions will eat him," Pansy said, snickering. 

"Lions love snakes, don't they?" Blaise growled. "They love to swallow the snake whole and then-"

"Yes, yes," Draco said. "The lion parents will be so disappointed in their cubs." 

Pansy smirked. "Not if the cub is an-"

"Pansy!" Draco said. "My godfather might be listening!" 

"Why is he spying on you?" Blaise said. "What've you done now?" 

"I'm a saint," Draco said. 

"The patron saint of blood sacrifice," Pansy muttered. "May you live long and prosper."

"I want to read my book in peace!" Draco said. 

"Don't let me stop you," Blaise said, crossing his arms together. 

"Are you going to sulk all year?" Draco said. "Or are you getting it all out ahead of time?" 

Pansy smacked Draco on the thigh and Blaise sighed. 

"I apologize, Blaise," Draco said. "You have every right to sulk." 

Blaise closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. 

"Take a nap, darling," Pansy said. "Dream of brooms and bats." 

Blaise chuckled. Bitterly. 

Draco pulled his book out of his luggage. 

None of them spoke for the rest of the ride to Hogwarts. 

Theo never showed up, but it was safe to assume he was in a carriage with the Greengrass sisters... who were also sulking. 

Maybe if it weren't a Gryffindor, Draco thought. Maybe I should have chosen a Ravenclaw... 

But it was too late to change his mind. 

He was a fifth year, now. 

It was time for his life to begin. 

Chapter Text

Three Weasleys were blocking the way to the Room of Requirement. 

It was the twins and their little brother Ron Weasley.

"Good evening Malfoy," one of the twins said. "How're you doing?" 

"How are you doing, mate?" the other said, grinning widely. "You're looking a bit peaky, Malfoy. You alright?" 

Ron Weasley just stood their scowling. 

"I knew this would happen," Draco said. "Is this about Potter?" 

"Yes!" Ron Weasley said. 

"No," one of the twins said. 

"Sort of?" the other twin said. "It's also about Hermione." 

"Granger?" Draco said. 

"What other Hermione would we be talking about!" Ron Weasley shouted. 

"I've never socialized with Granger," Draco said. "Or Potter, of course. I see him during the Quidditch games. That's all." 

"A likely story," a twin said. "But we're on to you, Malfoy." 

"I won't let you seduce them with your hedonism!" Ron Weasley said. "I won't let you use them in your dark rituals!" 

"I'm not being a hedonist!" Draco said. "I chose to be loyal to my.... to my witch!" 

"Which witch?" a twin said. 

"Parkinson?" his twin grinned. "Or Greengrass?" 

"You can't have orgies whenever you want!" Ron Weasley insisted. "It... it's rude!" 

"And selfish," the twins both said, simultaneously. 

"I'm not having orgies!" Draco said. "I'm not that sort of dark wizard!" 

"A likely story!" Ron Weasley said. "But Harry thinks he's in love with you and if we're not careful you'll capture Hermione too and then you'll... you'll..." 

"Have wicked threesomes!" one of the twins announced, looking delighted by the idea. "And, um, and sacrifice unicorns in the woods!" 

"And turn us all into vampires!" the other twin said. "And then bleed us dry!" 

"No, George," his brother said. "He's going to turn us into werewolves." 

"You already turned all the Slytherins into werewolves!" Ron Weasley said, in a full blown panic. "We're onto you, Malfoy!" 

His older brothers giggled at his panic. 

Draco huffed. 

Then a door materialized on the wall behind them. Ron Weasley spun around to gape at it, but his older brothers didn't react... except to smile knowingly at each other. 

The door slammed open to reveal Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter. 

They were trying to pretend that they were together, the same way Pansy had always done for Draco and now for Blaise, but they were both rubbish. 

The twins were laughing loudly enough to wake the dead. 

They'd mused their hair too much. It looked as if they'd both used balloons on their heads. 

"Wh-what are you lot doing here?" Ginny Weasley said, crossing her arms together. "That map of yours is an invasion of my privacy, you know!" 

"Come off it!" Ron said. "We know you've been shagging Dean Thomas, Gin. You're not with Harry."

"I haven't been shagging anyone!" Ginny said. "But I've been snogging Dean Thomas... as well as Harry!" 

"I approve of this threesome," Draco said, tonelessly. 

George Weasley (or the twin that Draco thought must have been George Weasley) threw his arms around his younger brother and shouted, "They're as hedonistic as the Salem witches! This is great!" 

"Come off it," Ron said. "Stop laughing, George! It's not funny!" 

Fred Weasley held his hand out towards his sister. She frowned at him, but shook his hand. 

Then Weasley held his hand towards Draco. 

Tentatively, Draco shook his hand. 

"I approve of this threesome," Fred Weasley said, solemnly. "Now it's time for the brooms and the bats." 

Ron and Ginny Weasley groaned. Draco gave them all a polite smile, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

"When three wixen love each other very much," George Weasley said, cackling. "They... they..." 

He was laughing too much to go on. 

"They go into the bloody Room of Requirement!" Fred Weasley said. "Amen! Merlin, Morgana, and Circe will smile in their graves!" 

"We aren't having a threesome!" Potter shouted. "Stop calling us hedonists!" 

"Are you sure?" Ginny Weasley said. "I always wondered..." 

She smirked at Draco. 

Draco gave up on restraining himself. He rolled his eyes. 

Potter grabbed Draco's elbow and pulled him into the the room with him. 

"I would never let Ginny-"

"Shut up, Potter," Draco said, unbuttoning his shirt. "Let's pretend the Weasleys were never there."

Potter shook his head. "Keep your shirt on." 

"Why?"

"Let's just... you know," Potter said. "Like we usually do?" 

"It's fifth year," Draco said, plaintively.

"We have all year," Potter said. "We just got here." 

"It's fifth year," Draco repeated.

"I'd rather just give you a hug?" Potter said. 

"Fine," Draco said. "What are you waiting for?" 

"Are you using Occlumency?" Potter said. 

Draco shook his head. 

"That's okay," Potter said. "You don't have to talk. Do you want me to sing?" 

Draco shook his head. 

"Let's take a nap," Potter said. "I mean... let's nest."

Draco sighed. 

"You don't want to?" Potter said. 

"Why are you acting like this?" Draco said. 

"Because... um... I like you?" Potter said. 

"Everyone knows, Potter," Draco said. "Every at Hogwarts knows. You... you did something. What did you do?" 

"It was an accident," Potter said. 

"What did you do?" Draco said. 

"I had a wizard's duel with Snape over the summer," Potter said. "Sorry... he, um, he wanted me to stay away from you."

Draco groaned. 

"I don't think everyone knows," Potter said. "Just... um... just some people?" 

"My father is going to disown me," Draco said, regretfully. "My mother will probably talk him out of it, but then he'll-"

"I'll duel him too, if I have to!" Potter said. "I'll be a loyal knight and I'll-"

"You'll be a loyal dog," Draco said. 

Potter knelt, smiling up at Draco with one of his guileless smiles.

Draco huffed. 

Potter picked up Draco's hand and kissed it. 

Draco blushed. 

"We don't have to mate for life," Potter said. "We don't have to lose our virginities. We don't have to plan a wedding or-"

"My parents want me to pick a witch by sixth year," Draco said. "They want me to choose from-"

"What do you want?" Potter said. 

"I want you to bite me!" Draco said. "For snakes sake!" 

"I'll bite you," Potter said. "But not today, okay?" 

"Before sixth year," Draco said. 

"Okay," Potter said. "Should we make an Unbreakable Vow?"

"No," Draco said. "Shut up. We... we're going to take a nap." 

Potter nodded. 

He remained knelt on the ground. 

Draco sat down next to him. 

Potter slowly, cautiously, leaned forward and kissed Draco's nose. 

"Kiss me properly, Potter!" Draco said. "You're driving me mad!" 

Potter chuckled and shook his head. 

"What is it?" Draco said. 

"Call me Harry," Potter said. 

"No," Draco said. 

Potter smirked. "Then... I won't kiss you properly." 

"Tosser!" 

"Prat."

"You're... you're uncultured," Draco said. "You're speccy and... and you're not as handsome as you think you are!" 

"You're more handsome than you think you are," Potter said, grinning toothily. "You're the prettiest person at Hogwarts." 

Draco scoffed. 

"It's easy, Draco," Potter said. "I'm Harry. You're Draco." 

"Fine," Draco said. "I want you to kiss me properly... Harry." 

Potter beamed. 

Living with Potter's friends was strange, but it wasn't intolerable. 

"My parents are in Australia," Granger said. "So being flatmates makes sense." 

"My parents are driving me mad," Ginny Weasley said. "So... I'll be a good flatmate. Please don't kick me out." 

"My parents are driving me mad too," Draco said. "They wanted me to permanently move into Malfoy Manor now that school is done... as if I ever could?" 

"Right?" Ginny said. "I couldn't stand to live at the Burrow for longer than a summer vacation.... and even that feels too long now! After a week I was ready to-" 

"You can't drop out like Fred and George did," Granger said, disapprovingly. "You have to go back to Hogwarts when the summer ends." 

"Seventh year doesn’t matter, does it?" Ginny said. "Right Draco? Tell her it doesn't matter." 

Granger glared at him.

"Respectable wixen stay for all seven years," Draco said, shrugging. 

"Good thing I'm not respectable," Ginny said, chuckling. 

"Ginny!" Granger said. "You can't drop out!" 

Potter finally came back into the muggle house they'd rented. He was struggling to keep one of Draco's trunks from flying off, so Granger used her wand to bring it nearer it's normal weight. 

"You over-did the weightless charm," Draco said. 

"You put too much strength in your magic, Harry," Granger said. "You need to-"

"Can we discuss magical theory later?" Ginny said. "I was promised a seekers game!" 

"Sorry, Ginny," Potter said. "There's still a lot of stuff to move." 

"I'm going to play with Draco," Ginny said, wagging her finger at Potter. "I'll make him into a better seeker than you. Just you wait." 

"I haven't agreed to this?" Draco said. "I have to help Potter with the-"

"We all know Prince Malfoy isn't lifting a wand around here," Ginny said. "Fly with me before I lose it." 

"You can fly with her, Draco," Potter said. "I'll finish up." 

"No!" Granger said. "You can't treat yourself like his servant!" 

"Yes he can," Draco said. 

"Yup I can," Potter said. 

"It's a kink for them," Ginny whispered, loudly. 

"What?!" Granger said. 

"I'm going flying," Draco said, quickly. "Come along, Weasley!" 

Potter was blushing and avoiding eye contact with everyone. 

Granger was blushing too, now, sputtering indignantly. 

The last thing Draco heard, before he escaped with Ginny Weasley was Potter resignedly saying, "Do I have to give you the brooms and the bats?" 

Ginny was just like her older brothers. She was laughing, cackling with glee. 

"Are you proud of yourself?" Draco said. "You've confused Granger." 

"She didn't look confused," Ginny said, still giggling. "She knew exactly what I meant." 

"You're savage," Draco said. 

"Almost as savage as you, would you say?" Ginny said. 

"Maybe some day," Draco said. 

"I'm going to catch the snitch," Ginny said. "Will you cry?" 

"I'll cry with dignity and grace," Draco said, rolling his eyes. "And then, while you're distracted with the display, I'll catch the snitch." 

"Nah," Ginny said. "But you can try." 

Their brooms were still on the lawn. Potter was pretending to move everything without magic for the sake of the neighbors. 

Or attempting to. 

If anyone had noticed him lugging Draco's floating trunk with a belt wrapped around it... well... it would certainly make for a great first impression on their muggle neighbors. 

This is fine, Draco thought. Everything will be fine. 

Everything was not fine. 

Something was wrong with Potter. 

They were visiting Sirius Black and Andromeda Tonks, at her muggle home, and Potter was gripping Draco's hand as if he feared death by estranged cousin would be the end of the Malfoy bloodline. 

"Harry," Black growled. 

"He's just nervous," Tonks said. 

"He'll be fine," Draco said. 

"Um... I'll be fine," Potter said. 

"What have the two of you been doing?" Black said. "Have you-"

"We're not discussing that!" Draco said. 

"Stop it, Sirius," Tonks said. "You're making them self conscious." 

Black scrutinized Potter. 

Potter gripped Draco's hand more tightly. 

Draco threw up his Occlumency shield, so that he wouldn't flinch. 

"Let go, Harry," Black said. 

"Huh?" Potter said. 

"Loosen your grip, Harry," Tonks said. "You'll break his hand at this rate." 

Potter let go and sprang away, looking horrified. 

"Don't over exaggerate," Draco said, frowning at them both. "He's just-"

"You need to tell me when I'm hurting you," Potter said, scowling. "You have to say something, Draco. You have to-"

"It didn't hurt," Draco lied. "Calm down and-"

"If you can't be trusted to alert your partner," Black said. "You can't stay as you are." 

Potter groaned. 

Draco sighed. 

"It's alright," Tonks said. "You'll both learn to-"

"Wait," Potter said. "We... we have to go." 

"You're not going anywhere," Black said. 

"We haven't even had dinner yet," Draco said. 

"I'm sorry," Potter said. "We have to go." 

He grabbed Draco by the elbow, as gently as if he were holding into an antique broom, and abruptly apparated. 

"You're the one who wanted me to meet them," Draco said, after they'd landed inside the new muggle house. "And now you're so ashamed of me you-"

"I'm not ashamed of you," Potter said. "Why would I be ashamed?" 

"They both converted to the light side," Draco said. "They think I'm-"

"Don't worry about what they think," Potter said. "They're just... they're just cousins."

"Just cousins," Draco scoffed. 

"They're my family," Potter said. "You don't have to-"

"I'm your family too!" Draco said. "I have to-"

"You're more important to me," Potter said. "You're more important than-"

"They think I'm ending the Potter bloodline," Draco said. "They think I've ruined your-"

"No," Potter said. "Your parents are the ones who think like that. And didn't we say we could always talk to muggle doctors if we want kids?" 

"I'll behave myself," Draco said, stiffly. "Let's go back."

"I'm the one who misbehaved," Potter said. "I couldn't control myself. I'm sorry." 

"Did I do something?" Draco said. "What was I doing?" 

"It wasn't your fault," Potter said. "It was... there were a lot of nerves. Not just you. Everyone's. It... it was too much."

"Did I smell anxious?" Draco said. "I was trying to-"

"No," Potter said. "You were fine. It was me."

"We have to go back," Draco insisted. 

"I don't want to," Potter said, pouting. 

"Fine!" Draco said. "I'll never go back!"

"Don't say you'll never go back," Potter said. "We can-"

"If we don't go back right this instant," Draco said. "I'll never be able to show my face there without being mortified by the spectacle you made of us!"

"Okay," Potter said. "We'll go back... but... can I... erm..."

"Yes," Draco said. "But be quick and then-"

"Yeah," Potter said. 

Potter gave him a hug, nuzzling his face against Draco's neck. 

He didn't bite, simply took several deep breaths. 

"We have to go back," Draco whispered. 

Potter nodded. 

They went back. 

It wasn't a smooth family dinner, by any means, but it went better than the dinner at Malfoy Manor. 

Mother had thrown the soup in Potter's face. 

Compared to that disaster... things went fine. 

Was it too much to ask for some privacy while enjoying a morning cup of tea?

Apparently.

"Listen, mate," Ron Weasley said. "I'm not blaming you, but there's something wrong with Harry."

"I'll leave." Draco put his cup of tea down, but Weasley gestured for him to remain seated at the kitchen table.

Draco remained where he was, twitching with barely repressed rage. 

"I'm not blaming you," Weasley said. "It's got nothing to do with you."

"You want me to leave," Draco said. "I'm not accepting any wizard's duels. I'll leave and I'll-"

"Would you calm down?" Weasley said. "Sirius says it's because of Harry's mum. She... she was the one who was... whatever Harry's other half is."

James Potter had been a Veela and an Animagus. They knew that now, but no one had any idea what Lily Potter had been. 

"What should we do, then?" Draco said. "I'm clearly the one who activates his base instincts."

"Yeah but it's not your fault, mate," Weasley said. "Even if you leave... I suppose he'll do the same thing to another bloke?"

Draco scowled. 

"Though he says he'll follow you if you run," Weasley said, wincing. "He says he'll, uh, that he wants to mate for life or whatever."

"I'm not going to run," Draco said, scoffing. "I'll simply... take a small vacation?"

"That would probably make it worse," Weasley said. "Hermione says you should... uh... she thinks you should both take marriage counseling, but, uh, without getting married?"

"What nonsense is that?" Draco said. 

"Couples therapy," Weasley said. "She thinks-"

"As if we could explain anything to a therapist," Draco said, shaking his head. "That's a terrible idea. We'd have to use a memory charm at the end of every session and we'd have to-"

"Maybe we can find someone in the wizarding world?" Weasley said. 

"We don't have that profession," Draco said. "Wixen are sensible enough to know that one mustn't needlessly discuss one's feelings!"

"We'll think of something," Weasley said. "But... would you let me know if anything happens?"

"What do you lot think is going to happen?" Draco said. "You act as if your Gryffindor hero is going to turn into He Who Must Not Be Named."

"Just let me know, you bloody prat," Weasley growled. "If anything makes you nervous... just tell me!"

"I won't tell you a thing," Draco said. "If anything makes you nervous why don't you tell me?"

"I will!" Weasley said, scowling. 

"Good!" Draco said. 

"Fine!"

Potter apparated into the kitchen with his toothbrush still hanging out of his mouth. 

"Wh-what's wrong?" Potter said, hair sticking out all over the damn place. "Are you okay, Draco?"

"I'm fine!" Draco said. "Finish brushing your teeth!"

Potter dropped the toothbrush, eyes wide, and said, "I'll help you!"

"I don't need help, Potter!" Draco said. "I'm fine!"

"Calm down!" Weasley said. "Both of you need to calm down!"

"What're you doing to him, Ron?" Potter said, eyes glowing. "What are you doing?"

"He isn't doing anything to me," Draco said. "He... was only offering me... company."

Potter blinked. 

"We're mates," Weasley said. "Right Malfoy?"

"Mates," Draco agreed, smiling nervously. "We've bonded over Wizarding Chess."

Potter clenched his fists, closed his eyes, and took a few deep breaths. 

"Platonic mates," Draco emphasized. "Every Weasley is boorish and ugly, of course."

"Hey!" Weasley said. 

"C-can I..." Potter clenched his jaw. "Can we...?"

"Yes," Draco said. "Weasley... leave."

"Wait," Weasley said. "This is-"

"He asked you to leave, Ron," Potter said, opening his eyes. 

He finally looked like himself again. He gave Weasley an apologetic smile. 

"Fine," Weasley said. "You'll come to the pub tonight, right Harry?"

"Maybe," Potter said, avoiding eye contact. 

"We'll be there," Draco said. 

"Fine," Weasley said. "See you later."

Unlike Potter, who liked to apparate all over the place, Weasley was a sensible wizard. He left through the Floo they'd set up in the living room. 

As soon as he was gone, Potter fully relaxed. 

"Erm," Potter said. "I'll... I'll go back to brushing my teeth?"

Draco picked up the toothbrush he'd dropped, cleaned it with magic, and gave it to Potter. 

Potter gave him a kiss on the cheek, then disapparated. 

Should I get a divorce? Draco thought. We aren't even married yet... 

No. It was too late for that. He'd made his decision. 

They would simply carry on like they'd always done. 

Everything would be fine. 

Chapter Text

"This is an intervention," Granger announced. 

"Oh joy," Draco said, dryly. "I've always wanted one of those." 

"Shut up, Draco," Theo said, smirking. 

Blaise simply sat there, sulking, and Potter growled at him. 

"This is exactly what I'm talking about, Harry," Granger said. "You're instincts have gotten wildly out of control!" 

"They certainly have," Theo said, smuggly. "Both of you have been very naughty."

"When have I been naughty?" Draco demanded. 

"He never did anything wrong," Potter said. "It was me! I'll admit it." 

"What are you admitting, Potter?" Blaise said, raising an eyebrow. 

Potter glowered at him. 

"Let's all stay calm," Granger said. "I've been doing research on intersectionality among magical creatures-"

"No," Draco said. "Don't say another word, Granger. I'll lose it." 

"Excuse me?" Granger said. 

"Those books are bullocks, Hermione," Potter said, apologetically.

"They are," Theo said. 

"Complete rubbish," Blaise agreed. "I'm not going to lose my head whenever I smell a bloody nymph or a-"

"But it's true that you've all been disrupting each other's..." Granger trailed off, looking between them all with uncertainty. 

"Each other's what?" Potter said. 

"Sex lives?" Theo offered. 

"Sanity?" Blaise said. 

"My sex life is just fine," Draco said. "Would you all give it a rest?" 

"I won't give it a rest until we sort this out," Granger said. "The two of you are walking a dangerous path!" 

"Wh-what dangerous path?" Potter said. 

He was holding himself carefully, every muscle taunt, and breathing through his mouth. 

"You have to go," Draco told Granger. "Now."

Potter nodded, looking pained. 

"Wait," Granger said. "What about-"

"We have to go," Theo said. "We have to leave right now, Granger. Right now!"

Blaise nodded, clenching his jaw at the stench of Potter's fear and barely suppressed panic. 

"Why?" Granger said. "What happened?" 

"We'll talk about it later," Draco said. "Pause the intervention." 

Blaise and Theo ushered Granger out of the room with haste and Potter closed his eyes and shook his head. 

"I'm sorry," Potter whispered. 

"They're gone," Draco said. "Do you want me to sing?" 

"You don't have to," Potter muttered. 

His hands were twitching, like he couldn't decide what to do with them. 

Draco gave him a hug, ran his fingers through Potter's hair, and whispered, "The danger is metaphorical." 

"Metaphorical?" Potter said. 

"Your instincts have exaggerated," Draco said, softly. "There isn't any... physical danger. There isn't an enemy." 

"There isn't an enemy," Potter repeated, keeping his eyes tightly shut. "There isn't an enemy." 

"There isn't any danger," Draco said. 

"But there is," Potter said, opening his eyes. "There always is." 

"What is it this time, then?" Draco said. 

"Your family has enemies," Potter said, frowning. "They... if they catch us-"

"They don't care about us," Draco said. "I've been unofficially disowned." 

"Maybe we should make it official," Potter said, huffing. "Maybe if you were officially disowned-"

"A blood feud is a blood feud," Draco said. "It doesn't matter if I'm disowned... but we're in the middle of Muggle London. We're safe here." 

"What if-"

"Potter," Draco said. "Granger is concerned for your.... your mental health." 

"I know," Potter said, impatiently. "But I'm concerned about you." 

"There's no need," Draco insisted. "You have to fight your protective instincts." 

"Right," Potter said, glaring at the ceiling. "If I'm not careful... I'll smother you."

"I'll smother you," Draco said. "In your sleep. With a pillow." 

Potter chuckled.

"Most of them are in Azkaban," Draco said. "Those that aren't... well, they wouldn't want to risk getting caught and sent right back." 

"What if they think it's worth the risk?" Potter said. "What if-"

"What if you drive yourself mad chasing your own shadow?" Draco said. "You've got a nose that mistakes nervous energy for abstract terror. You've-"

"Alright," Potter said. "I'll get better at telling the difference. I'm sorry I keep, um, overreacting to your nerves." 

"I'm sorry I have so many nerves," Draco said, shrugging. "It's never been an issue... before...?" 

"I think I wasn't as aware of what you were feeling," Potter said. "Now I can taste everything. Immediately. From a mile away I can feel it when you're afraid-"

"Nervous," Draco emphasized. "Not afraid. Socially anxious. It's not the same." 

"It's not the same," Potter echoed, dutifully. "You're right. It's not the same."

"We'll sort it out," Draco said. "And I'll talk to Granger. Her fear is setting you off, isn't it?" 

"She thinks I'm going to hurt you," Potter said, miserably. "She wants to carry you off. She'll take you away from me and I'll have to-"

"No one is taking me anywhere," Draco said. 

"She wants to," Potter said. "All of them want to. They think-"

"No," Draco said. "You're paranoid." 

"They want to protect you," Potter said. "But they're going to smother you too. I have to protect you from them, and from Lestrange, and from myself, and from-"

"Potter," Draco said. "There isn't going to be a war." 

"It doesn't matter," Potter said. "It already started." 

"What did?" Draco said. 

Potter shook his head. 

"You've just had a few nightmares," Draco said. "You need to look at the reality in front of us. In our waking lives." 

"Can we go to bed early?" Potter said. 

"Yes," Draco said. 

"Draco?" Potter said. 

"Yes?" Draco said. 

"I'll still protect you," Potter said. "You don't have to pretend to love me. We don't have to go to bed early. And you don't have to-"

"Shut up, Harry," Draco said. "Take me to bed."

"But-"

"Now," Draco said, pulling on Potter's hair. "Or you'll have a bald spot, hmm?"

Potter apparated. 

He hugged Draco like a precious pet. Like a father might hug a son. Like a dragon might fondle a pile of gold. 

Like a Veela would hug his favorite meal and a wizard would hug his chosen mate. 

Draco kept his hands in Potter's hair. 

He also kept his Occlumency shield down. 

There was no point in raising it. Potter would sneak through without even trying and he'd be alarmed that he even had to. 

It took concerted effort, these days, to keep his guard down. 

But he needed to be relaxed. Relaxed, comfortable, muscles soft and smile... existent. 

Failing that, Draco knew he had to mind his breathing. 

Potter reacted to short breaths in a way that sent them both spiraling. Drowning. 

When Draco lost his composure he brought Potter down with him. 

So he wouldn't lose his composure. 

Failing that... there were ways to mitigate the damage. 

Potter began to softly sing. It was the same French song Mother had always favored. 

Potter didn't try to pronounce the words. He sang the melody. Hummed it. 

But Draco could hear the words in his own head, in Mother's voice. 

She'll forgive me one day, Draco thought. I'll see her again. She'll break down and let me into the house. She will. 

Or maybe Father would crack first. 

"I love you," Potter whispered. 

"I love you too," Draco said. "I won't leave." 

Potter flipped them around, pinning Draco down with his weight, and said, "I won't chase you if you leave." 

"I won't leave," Draco repeated. 

"I'll forgive you if you come back," Potter insisted. "You can take a holiday in France. With your parents. Didn't they want to take you on holiday?" 

"They want me to elope with a French witch," Draco said, flatly. 

Potter blinked. 

"She's older than me," Draco said. "Six years older. Desperate for a pureblood husband. Willing to look the other way if I have... a dalliance." 

"What?!" Potter said. 

"Mother thought it was a reasonable compromise," Draco said. "I disagreed." 

"Why didn't you tell me?" Potter said. 

Draco shrugged. 

"Is that why you... okay," Potter said. "Nevermind. You don't have to explain yourself."

"Good," Draco said. "I won't explain a thing." 

"You don't have to," Potter said. "Thanks for... erm... saying what you did say even though you didn't say much?" 

Draco sighed. 

"I know Hermione is worried about my mental health," Potter said. "But she's also worried about yours." 

"All of them are," Draco said. 

"I just worry that you'll, erm... that you might..." 

"Might what?" Draco said, placidly. 

"Can I ask one question?" Potter said. 

"Ask," Draco said. 

"The blood magic," Potter said. "When did they teach it to you?"

"There's more than one type," Draco said. "There are... there are a variety of rituals which... which strengthen Malfoy Manor." 

"How old were you?" Potter said. 

He was looking at the ceiling. 

Expressionless.

It was likely that his Occlumency shield was up. 

"It doesn't matter," Draco said. 

"Please," Potter said. 

"Fine," Draco said. "I was six." 

Potter closed his eyes again. 

There was static in his hair, so Draco quickly rolled away and held himself still. 

They both remained motionless for a few minutes. 

Or maybe a few hours. 

It was hard to tell, at times. 

"Draco," Potter finally said. "Did your parents abuse you?" 

"No," Draco said. "The light wizards have misunderstood our rituals." 

"Are you sure?" Potter said. 

"Did your relatives abuse you?" Draco said. 

"Yes," Potter said. "They did." 

Draco huffed. 

"I think," Potter said. "That we both... uh... we had very different childhoods." 

"Yes," Draco said. "Because I wasn't abused."

"It was different for you," Potter said. "But... I think you... um..." 

"I wasn't abused," Draco insisted. "My parents love me." 

"Maybe they think they love you," Potter said. "But love shouldn't... it shouldn't be the way it is." 

"Next thing you know," Draco said. "You'll call yourself an abuser every time you take a drink." 

Potter winced. 

"It isn't abuse," Draco said. "I enjoy it." 

"I know," Potter said, bitterly. "You don't have to remind me how much you enjoy it." 

"You don't have to remind me how much you resent my enjoyment," Draco retorted, just as bitterly. "You don't have to tell me how disgusting you think I am." 

"No," Potter snarled, sitting up and moving away. "That isn't-"

"I'm done talking about this!" Draco said, sitting up as well. "I'm going to Pansy's house." 

Potter's magic reacted, as if often did, by creating a magical cocoon out of the blankets. 

Potter covered his face with a pillow and screamed into it. 

Draco sighed, explosively, and gave the pillow a resigned and friendly pat. 

They would likely be inside the cocoon for a few hours. 

It didn't matter if they both had wands, and magic, or if they even had the entire Hogwarts library inside the cocoon with them. 

Whenever one was created it would remain as it was for as long as it wanted. 

It would loosen up sooner if they relaxed themselves sooner, so Draco stretched back out and considered asking Potter to force him into a magical nap. 

Before he could ask, however, he realized Potter was weeping under the pillow. 

Draco froze.

Potter never cried like this. Not usually. Not... like this. 

Should I remove the pillow? Draco thought. Should I give him another hug or will he growl at me? 

Potter had never growled at him, not properly, but things had gotten erratic after they'd moved into the muggle house. 

Things had gotten erratic after they'd left Hogwarts. 

Maybe it was a kind of home sickness. Potter never wanted to finish school. 

Maybe if he went back as a professor, or even a grounds keeper, Potter would regain his happiness. 

But Draco would have to go with him, wouldn't he? 

A condo in Hogsmead could be nice, Draco mused. Or a flat in a nearby Muggle neighborhood. 

Potter regained control of himself and quieted. 

"What should I do, Harry?" Draco said. 

Potter didn't respond. 

"My godfather is going to retire soon," Draco said. "There will be an opening for a new Potions Master at Hogwarts." 

Potter put down the pillow. 

His eyes were red and his cheeks were stained. 

Draco grabbed Potter by his cheeks, sort of gently squeezing his sad little face, and gave Potter an encouraging smile. 

"What?" Potter said. 

"I want to go back to Hogwarts," Draco said. "I'll be the Potions Professor." 

Potter frowned. 

"You can be the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor when Lupin retires," Draco continued. "He'll retire soon enough, won't we? Maybe he'll retire early if we ask him." 

"Why would you want to work at Hogwarts?" Potter said. "I thought you wanted to be Minister of Magic?" 

"I also wanted to be a Dragon Tamer until I met Charlie Weasley," Draco said. "When I saw the state of that man's callused hands I knew the profession was not for me." 

Potter gave him a nervous smile. 

"It's something we could try," Draco said. "Temporarily? We could quit if we hate it." 

"What about this place?" Potter said, gesturing at their surroundings. 

"Granger can continue living here with Weasley," Draco said. "I heard Lovegood needed a flatmate as well. Granger can live with her too." 

"They can take over the rent," Potter said, thoughtfully. "They'd probably let us spend holidays here in the summers." 

"They probably would," Draco agreed. "We can visit more often than that, with the Floo we're going to install." 

"Is Snape really retiring?" Potter said. 

"He will if I ask him to," Draco said. 

"I don't want you to owe him," Potter said. "He likes to hold your debts over your head."

"He's old enough to retire," Draco said. "He'll be happy to do it." 

"Okay," Potter said. "I'll ask Remus for an opinion."

"Thank you," Draco said. 

The blanket cocoon suddenly burst, collapsing into blankets that fluttered down to the floor. 

"Oh," Draco said. "That was... fast?" 

"I suppose talking helps?" Potter said. "Maybe we should talk more?" 

"If that's the case," Draco said. "I'll never stop talking." 

Potter smiled in obvious relief. 

Draco squinted at him. 

"You don't have to work at Hogwarts," Potter said, raising his eyebrows. 

"I want to," Draco said. 

"Do you?" Potter said. "Or do you think I'm the one who wants to?" 

"I want to," Draco said, stubbornly. 

"Hmm," Potter said. "Then I'll tolerate being a DADA professor." 

"Tolerate it?" Draco scoffed. 

"I'll follow you," Potter said. "If you wanted a job as a professor at Beauxbaton's Academy of Magic I would follow you there too." 

"And teach what?" Draco said. "Quidditch?" 

"If that's the only job opening," Potter said, grinning. "Yeah. I'll teach Quidditch."

"You could teach it at Hogwarts," Draco said, frowning. "Would you prefer that? No essays to grade." 

"Is Madam Hooch suddenly retiring?" Potter said, chuckling. "Wait... let me guess... she will, when you're through with her?" 

Draco huffed. 

"Maybe I'll open up a broom shop," Potter said, thoughtfully. "In Hogsmead, so that I'm close to Hogwarts." 

"Let's move to Hogsmead," Draco said, cautiously. "I'll open up a potions shop?" 

"You could have just said you don't like Muggle London," Potter said, reaching out to fondly stroke Draco's hair. "You could have-"

"Fine!" Draco said. "I can't stand Muggle London! The people look at me as if they want to burn me at the stake!" 

"They look at you like sex on legs," Potter said, sighing. 

"What?" Draco said. 

"You think you're this horrific monster to them," Potter said. "But they don't see a monster, Draco. They see a handsome bloke." 

"I don't look like them," Draco said. "I don't talk like them. I don't fit. They'll find out what I am. It won't matter if they think I'm handsome once they find out I can-"

"Draco," Potter said. "I'll move to Hogsmead. It's fine." 

Draco threw his Occlumency shield up and then quickly shattered it, but he wasn't quick enough. 

Potter noticed, held himself still with his jaw clenched, and waited for Draco to say something. 

"H-habit," Draco said. 

Potter nodded. 

"I apologize, sir," Draco said. "Circe! I mean Harry."

"It's okay," Potter said. "I'm not offended." 

Draco jumped out of the bed before another magical cocoon could trap him. 

"I'm going to fly," Draco said. 

"By yourself?" Potter said. 

"I'm going to apparate to the Burrow," Draco said. "Don't follow me."

"I'll stay here," Potter said. 

"Have a good day," Draco said, stiffly. 

"You too," Potter said. "Um... have fun." 

Draco nodded. 

He didn't bother to find his broom. 

He didn't apparate to the Burrow. 

He went to the Parkinson estate. 

Pansy wasn't home, but her parents let him in and told him to wait in her room. 

Draco sat at her vanity and allowed his Occlumency shield to wash over him. 

Potter might notice, even from the other side of London, but Draco couldn't keep it down any longer. 

Pansy found him like that. 

Sat there, silently, staring at himself in the mirror. 

She didn't say a word, but she pulled him towards a couch. 

They sat next to each other and she pulled his head onto her shoulder, petting him like she'd done since they were kids. 

He kept his eyes open, half expecting Potter to show up and accuse her of being a seductress. 

But Potter never appeared. 

"Do you want to spend the night?" Pansy said. 

"Better not," Draco said. "Potter would worry." 

"I could call him," Pansy said. "I got myself a mobile." 

"No," Draco said. "I've wasted enough of your time." 

"You aren't wasting my time," Pansy said. 

"Have a good evening," Draco said. 

"Fine," Pansy said. "Bye then." 

"This is the last time I'll say this," Potter said. "I just... I have to say it." 

Draco sighed. 

"I'm not going to punish you," Potter said.  "You don't have to... I know it's a habit, but you shouldn't... um... I'm not like your parents."

Draco clasped his hands in front of him, realized Potter wouldn't like that, and stuffed them in his pockets instead. 

"Draco," Potter said. "I think your fear... I mean... your nerves... um..." 

"I'm not afraid!" Draco said. 

"You didn't know it was fear," Potter said.

"No," Draco said. "I'm not... Mother has nerves too. I got it from her." 

"I'll never punish you," Potter said. "I'll always forgive you. I'll never leave you and I'll-"

"I won't leave either," Draco said. "I won't. Don't make me leave." 

"I won't make you do anything," Potter said. "I want you to feel safe." 

"I do," Draco said. "I am. We're both safe." 

"You can have as many friends as you want," Potter said, with a strange desperation. "There isn't a wrong sort and a right sort. I won't punish you for having too many friends or for... or... uh... for going anywhere without telling me." 

"Where is this coming from?" Draco said. "What are you saying?" 

"I want you to have freedom," Potter said. "You enjoy meeting people, don't you? When we get to Hogsmead will you... um... will you feel more comfortable making friends?" 

He hates my friends, Draco thought. I need to spend less time with them and make new ones. 

"Wait," Potter said. "Did you understand me?" 

"I understand you perfectly," Draco said. "We should move to Hogsmead." 

"We can do that," Potter said. "I promise we will. Are you alright?" 

"Yes," Draco said. "Let's go to bed early." 

Potter agreed to go to bed early. This time, when they got into the bed and the blanket cocoon formed around them, they both pretended it wasn't there. 

Neither of them slept, that night.