Hi! Just want to say that you taking this year off from the fest is completely understandable. I can’t imagine how much work and time goes into running a fest, and I know how insanely stressful uni can be. I’ve loved following this fest, thank you for making it happen in years past. I hope that in the years to come with the love and support of the community it can run again. In the meantime, take care of yourself, you’re worth it! Sending warm thoughts and much love your way! 💕💖❤️
I just saw this! Thank you SO MUCH, Anon! I appreciate the support immensely - I will definitely be back with more drarry love in the future. I promise. <3
Hey! Are you guys planning on running the fest again this year? I loved seeing it last year!
Hi! I have been getting this question a lot lately, and as it is around the time that I would be posting the Dralentine’s Day sign up post, it is time for me to address them.
There will not be a Dralentine’s Day this year. I am so sorry.
For the past three years, I have been at the helm of Dralentine’s Day, in all of its messy wonderfulness, and I have been overjoyed to spend year after year reading all of the wonderful things everyone sends in, and getting to share them all with you.
It is also extremely stressful, and as a person with a persistent mental illness, leaves me depleted for several days after February 14th has passed. Normally, I push through this, or I find help - as I did last year, in the lovely @julietsemophase - but this year, I am not sure that I have it in me. Even with help, most of the planning falls on me. I’ve spent all three past years locked in my room for the entirety of the day, just queueing posts and fixing any issues that come about, with my very little HTML knowledge. This year, I started university, which makes spending a whole day on Tumblr a huge set back in my studies.
Dralentine’s Day is my most beloved creation, my brain child, built from the ground up before “drarry squad” was even a term we used in this fandom. I love it dearly, and I know that it will live on, both on this blog in later years and through those who love it, but this year, I have to take for myself, and I hope that you will understand.
Still - I will be reblogging some Valentine’s Day fics that I see and enjoy, and please feel FREE to tag them as Dralentine’s Day fics!
And, of course, I’ll link below the master list to all of the past years, so that you can reminisce and read through all of them again.
I was just wondering if the author of library dates had revealed themselves anywhere? There's a lot of awesome fics in these gifts and i know some of the authors but i don't think i know the author of library dates and I'd love to check out more of their stuff!
Admittedly, anon, I’m not sure how long ago this came in, so I’m sorry if it’s very late! I checked with the gifter, and yes! It’s @alwaysalovestory! ❤
Hi! This is my first year discovering Dralentine's Day, and I wasn't sure exactly how we find out who did what. Do you do a reveal of the authors/artists, or is it just that they are now allowed to openly claim their stuff? Thanks for all your hard work putting this amazing event together! <3
Hi there! Firstly, welcome!! We won't ever do a reveal just in case someone, for any reason, would like to remain anonymous. Authors are now welcome (and encouraged!) to claim their gift and reach out to their giftee, but they may not! The reveal day post hasn't gotten much traction yet, though, so I'd give it a couple more days if your person hasn't revealed themselves yet. Otherwise, you can still enjoy your gift, and I encourage YOU to pop over to this year's masterlist and find some new friends anyway!!xoxo-S
What - no! Well...yes...BUT!!! It is ALSO the day everyone can claim their Dralentine’s Day projects!!!
As of tomorrow, you can do WHATEVER you like with your gifts! Post them on as many sites as you like, tag your Dralinetine to let them know their gift came from you, and just generally SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS!!!
We at D-Day HQ had such a lovely festival, and we’re looking forward to you all sharing you amazing work with the WHOLE WORLD!
SORRY! That’s my fault!! Sara has made it but Tumblr was being stupid so needed me to finish formatting it properly. I’ve had the craziest weekend and only just got back about an hour ago. Thank you for the reminder, I will see if I can finish it RIGHT NOW!!!
Happy Dralentine's Day!! The gifts are looking awesome and I'm loving all your cute little intros to them, this entire day is the best valentines gift to the fandom :) I'm also wondering if we're allowed to post our works on ao3 or other sites if they're under Anonymous, until reveal day? ^_^
Hi Anon!
Thanks for your message! I’m glad you enjoyed the day, we felt it went really well!
Okay, so I think we’d prefer if they weren’t posted anywhere else at all until March 14th, even anonymously. It’s just so people can enjoy all the gifts in one place for a month, and celebrate the Drarry community together :D
After that, you can go nuts and post it literally as many places as you like!! Shout it from the rooftops!! Confess to your Dralentine that their beloved gift was crafted by your hands!
As Dralentine’s Day 2017 sadly comes to a close, we at Dralentine’s HQ would like to extend our thanks to all of the gifters from this year. We got some AMAZING stuff - some of the best yet, I’d say. Special thanks to @well-done-draco and obviously @julietsemophase for being SO much more wonderful than I ever could have asked them to be. The support I received this year was astounding.
And to all of you - I hope that today was a distraction from your normal lives. I hope that it filled your soul, made your heart sing, was as close to a warm hug from the entire drarry squad as possible. When there is hate in the world, we love, and drarry will always, always be here to welcome you home.
Masterlist goes up tomorrow. Happy Dralentine’s Day!
Thanks so much for taking part everyone, it was such an awesome event!! I can’t wait to actually get the chance to READ some of these marvelous entries now lol!
MASSIVE shout out to @ourloveislegendrarry for pulling off another successful year. I agree, from what I’ve seen I think it was the best yet, and I am honoured to have been a part of it.
As Dralentine’s Day 2017 sadly comes to a close, we at Dralentine’s HQ would like to extend our thanks to all of the gifters from this year. We got some AMAZING stuff - some of the best yet, I’d say. Special thanks to @well-done-draco and obviously @julietsemophase for being SO much more wonderful than I ever could have asked them to be. The support I received this year was astounding.
And to all of you - I hope that today was a distraction from your normal lives. I hope that it filled your soul, made your heart sing, was as close to a warm hug from the entire drarry squad as possible. When there is hate in the world, we love, and drarry will always, always be here to welcome you home.
Masterlist goes up tomorrow. Happy Dralentine’s Day!
If either Scorpius or Snape saw this gift, there would be a lot of screaming. I think you’ll be screaming too, @scorpiusnape . But in the good way.
Our gifter says:
“Happy Valentines (Dralentines) Day!! I really hope you enjoy this little Drarry creation, I tried to add an appropriate amount of fluff, considering that’s the whole point of Valentines Day right? There is also a bit of smut too- and I hope that it suits your tastes!”
When You’re Young the World is a Ferris Wheel - Their cart moved up another spot with a nauseating creak. Harry looked like he was about to jump out of his skin in excitement. They were nearing the top and Draco was starting to wonder if now wasn’t a good time to take up praying, when Harry commented,
“Isn’t it beautiful up here? Just wait till we get to the top. I’ve never been up on one during the sunset, I’ll bet it’s brilliant,” he was beaming, cheeks and nose flushing pink from the chilly February air.
Draco gripped the metal bar in front of him with one hand, and Harry’s hand with his other. Just in case. The orange glow of the sunset was reflecting in Harry’s glasses- the soft light exaggerating the flush of his cheeks- and Draco thought that he had never seen someone so pure, and so real. 6k.
Tags: smut
Draco walked up the steps to #12 Grimmauld Place, shiny dress shoes clicking on the pavement, and knocked firmly on the door. He waited several minutes. Nothing. He knocked again, this time a bit louder and a bit longer. Several minutes later, he raised his hand to knock again when the door swung open and in the doorway stood a shaggy haired Harry, pyjama pants rumpled and eyes bleary. His face lit up when he realized who was at the door,
“Draco!” he smiled, and tackled him in a hug. Draco rolled his eyes and smiled in return, hugging him back and placing a kiss on the top of his unruly head,
“Were you sleeping?” he asked, exasperated. Harry looked up at him and shrugged, a sheepish look on his face. Draco let go of Harry and pushed his way past him into the house,
“Merlin Harry, it’s eleven am. You realize that, don’t you? You realize that functional members of society don’t do this,” Harry rolled his eyes, adjusting his glasses on his face,
“Happy Valentines Day to you, too. Is this why you came over? To insult me?” Harry called over his shoulder, making his way into the kitchen. Draco scoffed,
“Of course not, don’t be silly. Now go and get in the shower, we have plans,”
“Plans?” Harry’s muffled voice called from inside the cupboard he was currently digging through, “You made plans for us?” he turned his head around and threw a silly grin at Draco, before turning his attention back to whatever he had been searching for.
“What on earth are you looking for in there?” Draco asked, ignoring Harry’s inquiry. Harry ducked and grunted when a box fell out of the cupboard onto his head.
“I’m- ow- I’m looking for the coffee filters. I could have sworn I had more in here…” Draco sighed dramatically and drew his wand,
“I see you’ve once again forgotten that you’re a wizard…” he accioed the coffee filters and they came flying out of the cupboard next to the one Harry had been digging through. Draco caught them deftly, and strode over to the coffee maker in the corner of the kitchen,
“I’ll do this, you get in the shower,” he huffed as he measured out the water. Harry grinned and gave Draco a quick hug from behind and quickly headed for the stairs.
Draco was beginning to have doubts about his plans for the day as he made Harry’s coffee. He was sure Harry would love it- it was himself he was concerned about. He was starting to wonder if he had gone mad, volunteering to do muggle things. At this point it wasn’t even a matter of prejudice anymore, It was just that he felt like an idiot whenever they were around muggles, since he usually had no idea how to act. You’ll be fine, he told himself, it’s for Harry, he won’t mind that you’re completely clueless.
He tapped his fingers on the counter impatiently as the small coffee pot dribbled out the last cup. When it finished he filled a mug- added just the right amount of milk- and quickly carried it up the stairs. When he got to the top he could hear the muffled sound of water running in the bathroom, so he crossed the hall into Harry’s room to have a look through his wardrobe.
Draco let out a groan as he looked through Harry’s clothes. Not even being Harry bloody Potter and having piles of gold stopped the man from wearing baggy jumpers and ripped up jeans. He dug around in the back of the wardrobe until he found one of the nice sweaters that Draco had bought for him. It was a soft, slim-fitted cowl-neck in a deep maroon shade. As much as he disliked Gryffindor, he had to admit that maroon was definitely Harry’s color. He crossed over to the bed and laid out the sweater, smoothing out any wrinkles with his wand.
Just as he was about to return to the wardrobe for trousers, Harry walked in, towel wrapped loosely around his hips. His cheeks were flushed pink from the hot water and little droplets were falling from his hair and travelling down his chest. He grabbed his glasses from the nightstand and slid them onto his face. Draco handed him the mug, trying to avoid getting distracted by Harry’s bare chest.
Harry took the cup from him gratefully, and took a long sip before grinning at Draco,
“So you do love me then? I knew it,” his eyes had those little crinkles in the corners when he smiled, “wait-” he said suddenly, looking at Draco’s charcoal grey topcoat- not wizard robes- with suspicion, “are we going somewhere muggle?” Draco rolled his eyes at Harry; he looked ridiculous, and, okay, adorable- towel slipping down past his hip bones, his hair a wild, dripping mess, his hands clutching the coffee cup like a lifeline up by his lips.
A familiar warmth travelled down Draco’s spine. The earnest look in Harry’s bright green eyes never failed to bring a tightness to his chest, giving him that restless, fluttery feeling. Not that he would ever admit to that.
He strode forward and snatched the small mug from Harry’s hands, and setting it on the side table, he turned and pulled Harry to him. He brushed the wet hair from Harry’s face and leaned down to brush his lips softly over Harry’s.
Harry’s lips were soft and yielding, and the rich, bitter flavour of coffee lingered on his tongue. Draco swirled his tongue persistently against Harry’s, trying to get past the coffee and uncover the earthy taste of Harry that he so constantly craved. He felt an arm wrap around his waist, pulling him closer, and the clean scent of Harry’s freshly showered skin encompassed him. Harry pulled away- he felt a hot puff of breath on his lips- and then his lips were on Draco’s neck, sucking and scraping his teeth over that spot right behind his ear. He could feel the stubble- that Harry had left on his face just for Draco- rubbing against the skin of his neck and a shiver ran down his spine. He suddenly felt entirely too hot in his wool topcoat and scarf, and with that realization he remembered that they actually had plans that day, so he tugged gently on the back of Harry’s head,
“Harry,” he breathed, “stop distracting me! We have somewhere to be,” Harry popped his head up from Draco’s neck, green eyes narrowed,
“Me? You kissed me first!” he said indignantly, grabbing onto the lapels of Draco’s coat and pulling him down for another kiss. “Can’t,” he started to say between kisses, “we just stay here?” Draco groaned into Harry’s mouth,
“I suppose we could, but then you’ll miss out on the amazing plans made by the best boyfriend in the world. That’s me by the way,” Harry huffed a laugh into Draco’s shoulder, and pulled away reluctantly.
“Alright, alright. I should get dressed then. Did you set out my clothes for me, mum?” he teased with a crooked grin. Draco just rolled his eyes and headed back to Harry’s wardrobe,
“I was trying to, when you so rudely interrupted me with your naked, dripping body,” he pulled out the least mangled pair of jeans he could find and tossed them to Harry, who was eyeing the sweater Draco had laid out warily. He grabbed the jeans and stood up, about to pull off his towel when Draco promptly turned around,
“Aggh, I’m leaving. You get dressed! No more distractions!”
_____________
Harry shook his head with a laugh and sat down on his bed when Draco left. He grabbed his coffee cup, and after warming it back up with a quick charm, took a sip. He was incredibly curious about what Draco had planned, especially since it looked like they would be going somewhere muggle. Really, he hadn’t expected much of anything for Valentine’s day. They had only been ‘dating’ for about six months. Not that he would really call it dating, considering he was currently practicing being a hermit, despite Draco’s constant attempts to get him to go out and do something.
Harry felt like he had had enough of doing something to last him quite a while, and felt he deserved at least a year of just relaxing and trying to ‘find himself’- as Hermione had put it. At times he did feel a bit guilty about not joining the Aurors with Ron, as he had planned before the war. But he just couldn’t see himself doing that anymore. His fame had always been overwhelming to him, but now that he was the ‘savior of the wizarding world’ it was unbearable. He supposed that was what was so comforting about being with Draco, he knew Draco didn’t just see him as an icon, as a hero. He saw him as he really was- an average wizard with wrinkled robes.
Honestly, he had no idea what to do now. Harry had entered the wizarding world as a clueless child. He’d had no idea what he was famous for, and his life since then had been constant chaos. He had grown up under the pressure of saving the world, constantly under the threat of death, and now that things were calm he didn’t know how to live.
Draco had done so much for Harry, probably without even realizing it. The way that he would just say ‘come on, we’re doing this’ or- if he could sense it wasn’t a good time- would just come over and sit in silence with Harry, never acknowledging Harry’s sadness out loud. It meant so much to him. No one else seemed to understand that he didn’t want someone to fix It. It was just nice to have someone who he knew would be there for him as he worked through it on his own.
“Harry! What in Merlin’s name is taking so long??” he heard Draco’s shout from downstairs, and shook himself out of his rumination. He quickly put on the clothes that had been picked out for him, dried his hair with his wand-cringing inwardly at how unruly it must look- and headed down the stairs.
_________
“Ready?” Draco asked, holding an arm out. Harry nodded and Draco wrapped his arm around Harry’s waist, and apparated them. When the unpleasant tugging ended, Harry opened his eyes to crisp wintery air, and saw they were standing behind a large white tent. He turned to Draco, confused,
“Where are we?” Draco smiled and grabbed his hand,
“Come on,” he said, and led Harry around the tent. There were people everywhere; large tents and food stands and a Ferris Wheel…They were at a… fun fair? He definitely hadn’t expected this. He glanced over at Draco, who was looking uncertainly at the rides that were spinning people around in the air.
“A fun fair? How did you even know about this?” he questioned, and Draco looked at him and shrugged,
“I asked Hermione. She said I should take you here,” two pink spots appeared high on his cheek bones. Harry grinned and grabbed Draco’s face, pulling him in for a kiss.
“I can’t believe she remembered,” he started as he pulled away, “thank you, Draco, this is brilliant,” Harry gave him a bright smile, “We’re going to need muggle money though, I don’t think I’ve got any with me…” he trailed off, reaching into his pocket.
“I brought some, Harry, I’m not that clueless,” Draco huffed, and pulled a wallet out of a pocket inside of his coat, “Do you think this will be enough?” he asked uncertainly, showing Harry what he had brought. Harry’s eyebrows shot up at the several 100 pound notes Draco had pulled out.
“Erm, yeah. That’s like, way too much,” he laughed, and kissed Draco’s cheek. Draco put his wallet away with a sniff,
“Well how was I to know?”
“Also, you’re a bit overdressed for a fun fair you know,” he said with a pointed look at Draco’s outfit. He was wearing a dark wool topcoat and a black silk scarf over a light blue dress shirt and fitted black trousers.
“Harry,” he said disdainfully, “There’s no such thing as overdressed,” and smoothed his hair out dramatically. His sharp features had softened a bit in the last few years, but his face had somehow become even more aristocratic, as impossible as that seemed.
“Ponce,” Harry said, shaking his head fondly at Draco’s pompousness, “Come on, let’s go get our wristbands,” and he began to search for the ticket booth. Draco hurried to catch up,
“What’s a wristband?” he asked, glancing around at the muggles cautiously as he walked. Harry found the ticket booth and lead Draco to the back of the line. He looked around at all of the heart shaped balloons, large stuffed animals and snogging couples. He’d forgotten how cheesy and gimmicky Valentine’s day was.
“A wristband is a paper bracelet you buy so that they know you’ve paid to get in and ride the rides,” Draco just nodded at this, and by the look on his face, Harry got the impression that Draco was starting to regret his decision to go to the fun fair, just a little bit. Which made him all the more amazed by his thoughtfulness. Harry hadn’t been to a fun fair since he was primary school aged, and it looked just as magical as it had then- if not a bit smaller, and maybe a bit stickier- but regardless of that he was (almost embarrassingly) excited. Of course since then he had seen real magic, but there was something so innocently beautiful about the colorful lights and chatting crowd, and candy floss and spinning rides.
When they arrived at the front of the line Harry paid the grouchy man £20 from Draco’s wallet and got their wristbands. He helped Draco secure his band around his wrist with a laugh (after having to stop him from pulling out his wand in frustration),
“Well,” Harry said, gesturing to the tents and rides around them, “what should we do first?” Draco looked at Harry like he had grown three heads,
“Me? No, this is your day… I’m not even entirely sure what all of this is,” he gestured around them, looking distinctly out of his element. Just then Harry spotted something, and grabbed Draco’s arm excitedly, pulling him along as he hurried over to a small booth,
“Photo booth! We have to do this, I’ve never done one before!” Harry grinned, pushing Draco past the black drape, into the booth, and shoving in next to him. When they were right and properly squished together on the small bench Harry reached forward and started pressing buttons.
“Erm, I think we need money! Where’s your wallet?” He exclaimed and stuck his hands in Draco’s jacket, trying to reach inside the pockets,
“If you would just calm down for a second and stop pawing at me I’d get it for you!” Draco huffed, shoving Harry away from him, and attempting to get a hand inside of his jacket. After several moments of struggling, and nearly elbowing Harry in the face, he pulled his wallet out triumphantly. Harry quickly snatched it out of his hands and fed the notes into the machine eagerly, leg jiggling in anticipation.
“Okay, It’s about to start, just look at that circle there…” Harry scooted in closer to Draco, big goofy grin on his face,
“Would you stop that?” Draco snapped with a pointed look at Harry’s bouncing leg, “You’re like a dog,” and just as he said this-with a very haughty look on his pale face- the camera flashed, capturing a messy haired Harry, grinning like a loon, and a very polished Draco, looking down his snooty nose at the brunet,
“You’ve missed the shot!” Harry gasped, and shoved Draco with his shoulder, “get ready, here comes the next one. Smile this time you prat!” and with that Harry squished even closer, sticking his tongue out at the camera. Draco managed a small smile that time, but the look in his eyes was distinctly sceptical. Harry sighed dramatically,
“Do I have to tickle you? Hmm?” he then attacked the blond, practically falling on top of him, and the next shot captured the back of Harry’s shaggy head, and Draco with his head tossed back in -what he would later call undignified- laughter. “Last one!” Harry exclaimed, “Are you ready?” he grabbed either side of Draco’s face and kissed him like his life depended on it.
They emerged from the booth, Harry’s green eyes dancing with mirth, Draco with decidedly pink cheeks,
“Okay,” Harry said, “Now we wait, and the photos should pop out here,” he indicated a small slot on the side of the booth. They stood there, silent for a moment, and Draco quietly slipped his hand into Harry’s as he studied the photo booth intently, a vaguely puzzled look in his silver eyes. Harry’s heart felt suddenly snug and jittery all at once inside his chest as he thought about what must be going on in Draco’s mind. It was, for some reason, inexplicably adorable when he was all confused about how muggle things worked. Just as Harry felt the urge- yet again- to kiss Draco as enthusiastically as possible, the little strip of photos slid out of the machine. Harry leapt forward to grab them, and smiled delightedly when he saw the pictures.
He carefully separated the two strips at the perforated line and handed one to Draco,
“Here, you take one, and i’ll take the other,” Draco studied his photo strip with a strange look on his face,
“I still…. It still bothers me that they don’t move. It’s a bit morbid, don’t you think?” He shivered, and pocketed the photos. It looked to Harry as if he was trying to hide a smile. Harry then spotted the duck shooting booth and gasped,
“We have to do the duck shooting game, come on!” Draco gave him a horrified look,
“Duck shooting? What on earth…” Harry laughed,
“They aren’t real ducks! It’s not a real gun either, don’t worry…” and he began to pull Draco towards the booth,
“What in Merlin’s name is a gun?”
__________
“Well Potter, now what?” Draco asked, a bit wearily. They had just finished eating several different types of- might he add, grotty- fair foods, and he was feeling a bit like he needed to take a several year long nap. Harry had dragged him around the fun fair, making him humiliate himself trying to figure out the muggle games- it was particularly embarrassing when he couldn’t even figure out how to hold the fake muggle gun. He had then forced him to ride several spinning contraptions, and he was beginning to think that all muggles must be masochists, because honestly, this was their idea of fun??
Draco had then been about to suggest they leave and never come back when Harry insisted that they eat as much fair food as they could, and Draco had suggested that perhaps that was an activity better suited for a Weasley- but Harry apparently thought he had been joking and so they ate the burgers and chips and candy floss and all other kinds of fattening foods. And Draco had had to keep reminding himself that Harry was having fun and he shouldn’t spoil it.
The sun was beginning to set now, and he was sure they had done everything there was to possibly do, when Harry insisted they go on the ‘Ferris Wheel’,
“What’s a Ferris Wheel?” he asked, a bit frightened at the gleeful look in Harry’s eyes. Harry pointed, and Draco turned around to see the giant wheel, decorated in fairy lights, spinning slowly. Oh, for Merlin’s sake. He turned back to Harry,
“Ferris Wheel? More like ‘fiery wheel of death’…” he sighed, and Harry laughed,
“Don’t be such a drama queen! Come on, the Ferris Wheel is my favorite part…” he suddenly seemed quieter, and he started to chew on his lip in that familiar nervous way. How could he deny him when he looked like that? Draco groaned dramatically,
“Alright, fine, we can go on your death trap..” Harry grinned that voracious grin of his and gave Draco a quick peck before dashing off towards the giant wheel. Draco rolled his eyes and followed.
They climbed into the little bench seat together and Harry once again squished as close as possible to Draco. He was rapidly beginning to regret his decision to get on the contraption when he realized the only thing holding them in was a small bar across their waists. But it was too late- the Wheel was spinning so that people could get into the next cart. Harry must have sensed his panic because he put his hand on Draco’s knee and leaned in close,
“Hey, you’ve been on a broom a thousand times, you’ll be fine.” he frowned at Harry,
“Of course I’ll be fine, I’m a wizard,” he insisted, yet he was wondering how on earth this could possibly be Harry’s favorite thing- and then he remembered how Harry had said something about Hermione ‘remembering’. And now he was curious what she had remembered, and why she had suggested they come here. Their cart moved up another spot with a nauseating creak. Harry looked like he was about to jump out of his skin in excitement. They were nearing the top and Draco was starting to wonder if now wasn’t a good time to take up praying, when Harry commented,
“Isn’t it beautiful up here? Just wait till we get to the top. I’ve never been up on one during the sunset, I’ll bet it’s brilliant,” he was beaming, cheeks and nose flushing pink from the chilly February air. Draco gripped the metal bar in front of him with one hand, and Harry’s hand with his other-just in case. The orange glow of the sunset was reflecting in Harry’s glasses, the soft light exaggerating the flush of his cheeks- and Draco thought that he had never seen someone so pure, and so real.
“Harry,” he said when their cart made it to the very top, and they could see for what must have been miles- all tall city buildings and patches of green. “What did you mean when you said you couldn’t believe Hermione ‘remembered’? Why did she tell me to bring you here?” Harry turned and gave him a mischievous smile, before pulling out his wand and muttering something,
“What did you just do?” Draco asked, a bit unnerved at Harry’s expression.
“Just made the Wheel stop working for a bit, I want to sit up here a while,” Draco raised his eyebrows at that,
“Is that really a good idea?” Harry shrugged with a small smile. “Oh, and you never answered my question,” Harry looked out at the skyline, and said quietly,
“Well, it’s a bit silly, really,” Draco nudged him with his shoulder,
“Come on, tell me, I got on this death trap for you, lets not forget that,” Harry breathed out a laugh, and started to pick at a loose string on his jacket cuff,
“The first- and only- time I went to a fun fair I was, I think, nine years old? Anyways, the Dursley’s had planned on just bring Dudley as usual, but something went wrong with Ms. Figg- a cough, I think it was- and she wasn’t up to watching me. So they ended up bringing me, and they decided they couldn’t leave me alone in the car, in case I somehow destroyed it. And so they planned on bringing me into the fair, but not buying me any tickets, just having me stand around and watch Dudley have fun..” he trailed off a bit, and Draco was beginning to feel a horribly sickening feeling creep up on him,
“I was just happy to be able to be there and watch all the lights and the rides… and then I found a discarded ticket, just sitting in the grass, forgotten. And the only thing I could find in the whole fair that cost only one ticket was the Ferris Wheel. So I got on, by myself, and it was the most fun I’d had in my whole life at that point..” Draco’s heart leaped into his throat, and he squeezed Harry’s hand, unable to think of anything to say, when Harry continued,
“I think now, looking back, I had used a bit of magic unintentionally, because the Ferris Wheel ‘broke’ when my cart was way up at the top and I ended up being stuck there for at least a half hour, and I just remember feeling so free… Like I was up at the top of the world and nothing else mattered. I could see so far- I’d never had a view like that before. It was the only time in my short life I’d remembered having peace- there was no Dudley shoving me around, no Aunt Petunia shouting at me to finish the dishes, no Uncle Vernon calling me a freak. And in the months after that day, when I was in my cupboard, I would dream that I was back up on the Ferris Wheel, back on top of the world… And that memory brought me a lot of comfort during bad times… I promised myself then that when I was an adult and away from the Dursley’s, I’d come to the fair as often as I could, and I’d have all of the sweets that I wanted, and ride all of the rides that I wanted…. And then life got in the way and I didn’t keep my promise did I?… That’s just what happens when you grow up I suppose…”
Draco felt a hollowness then, in the pit of his stomach. He looked at the face of his lover, and tried to picture a smaller version of him, feeling so hopeless and alone. And his heart was breaking for that little boy. He held onto Harry’s quivering fingers tightly, and cleared his throat,
“I never knew… And then,” his voice cracked a bit, “you came to Hogwarts… And I was awful to you, and had I known, I…” he broke off then, and continued bitterly, “no, even if I had known I still would have treated you the way I did. That’s just who I was… Who I am.” and his heart felt like crumbling into a million little pieces when Harry whipped his head around and said quickly,
“No. I don’t blame you. I mean, okay, you were a git. But everything that happened…. We were all just kids, you know? I wasn’t exactly nice to you either, you know. And now… I don’t know what I’d be doing now without you. I think you’ve saved me from a lot of self sabotaging. Look at us… If you hadn’t planned this for us there’s no way I would even be out of the house right now.” Harry brought Draco’s hand up to his face and kissed each of his finger tips, before murmuring into his palm,
“You mean so much to me, Draco… Thank you for doing this,” Draco thought his heart might leap right up into his throat. They had talked about the war, and their earlier school years a bit before, but they usually seemed to avoid the subject, and just tried to enjoy each other instead. But in that moment it felt right, somehow, to say some things that needed to be said. He looked down at his lap then, and spoke quietly,
“Eight year, when we were back at Hogwarts… I never would have gone back if I hadn’t been ordered to by the ministry. Because I was so afraid of how people would look at me. How they would treat me, after everything I had done,” he felt Harry wrap an arm around him then, and softly kiss his neck,
“I knew I didn’t deserve to be back, just going to school, like everyone else. I was so afraid. And then you… You and your bloody Gryffindors were so nice to me. Like nothing had ever happened. I was in a really bad place, and you… I think you saved me from myself, a bit.” His whole body was trembling from the vulnerable position he was putting himself in. They rarely opened up to each other like this and fuck it was scary. He swallowed thickly and looked up then, and Harry was studying him intently, eyes soft behind his glasses,
“You did, you know,” Harry said, in a low voice, “Deserve it, I mean. You deserve everything…” and he grasped Draco’s hand and began to trace small circles on Draco’s palm with his thumb. Draco felt like all of the air had left his lungs. He’d completely forgotten his fear of the Ferris Wheel- all he could think about now was the man in front of him. The man who had such a kind and lovely and forgiving soul, even after everything that he had been through. He knew then that this was where he wanted to be, where he wanted to stay- on top of the world with the perfectly imperfect boy in front of him.
“I love you,” Draco whispered, barely audibly, and before he could properly realize what he had just said, Harry’s lips were crashing down over his, kissing him fervently. He grasped the back of Harry’s head, carding his fingers through the wild locks, pulling Harry roughly against him. Their lips moved together frantically, teeth clashing, fingers digging into skin. And just as suddenly as their kiss had started, sheets of rain began to pour out of the sky, drenching them instantly. Draco pulled away from Harry, chest heaving,
“My scarf!” he exclaimed, “this is expensive silk!” Harry just stared at him in disbelief for a moment, and then he threw his head back and barked out a laugh. He was beaming then, as the rain poured down his face, and he wiped his wet hair out of his eyes before attacking Draco with kisses again. All thoughts of his scarf vanished from his mind when Harry nipped at his lips, and whispered,
“I love you, too, you ponce,” and then Draco was laughing too, shoulders shaking, cheeks aching from the smile on his face. They must have looked quite a sight; two wizards soaking wet, laughing and kissing on top of a Ferris Wheel.
“Let’s go home,” Harry breathed through his laughter, “It’s bloody freezing up here,” and without warning he grabbed Draco’s arm and apparated them directly into the entryway of Grimmauld Place.
_____________
“Merlin’s beard Harry! A little warning would be nice!” Draco exclaimed indignantly when they appeared in Grimmauld Place. Harry shrugged and pulled him in close,
“Sorry,” he said between kisses. He wasn’t sorry. In fact, all he could think about was how to get the soaking wet clothes off of Draco’s body as quickly as possible. And so they tumbled up the stairs, struggling out of dripping clothes, and nearly falling over several times, until finally, they made it into Harry’s bedroom.
“You still have so many clothes on,” Harry breathed, trying to get Draco’s belt undone, “How do you still have so many clothes on?”
“Mmm, just,” Draco breathed, pulling Harry roughly against him, “just stop talking and kiss me,” and they were doing that thing again where they kissed so hard that their teeth were clashing and Harry was slightly concerned that they might tear each other apart, but it felt so good that he couldn’t care.
He finally tore Draco’s trousers off of him, honestly, how can his trousers always be so complicated to get off? And reached down to feel the outline of Draco’s prick straining against the damp fabric of his pants. He broke away from Draco’s lips with a ragged breath, and pushed him down onto the bed, quickly pulling Draco’s boxers down his hips, and discarding them on the floor behind him.
Harry took a moment to appreciate the sight before him; Draco was laid out on the bed, chest heaving, delicate lips pink and swollen from Harry practically devouring his face. His damp hair was sticking to his forehead, curling a bit in the spots where it had started to dry, and Harry thought that Draco had never looked more beautiful in his life than he did in that moment. He leaned down and pressed his lips to the blond’s slender neck, kissing and licking his way down Draco’s body, stopping at his right hipbone- which caused Draco to groan impatiently.
Harry glanced up at the blond and smiled wickedly, kissing his thighs and pelvis, strategically avoiding Draco’s cock, which laid flushed and hard against his pale stomach.
“Would you stop teasing me, you bloody bastard,” Draco growled, and quickly sat up, grabbed Harry and reversed their positions. He pinned Harry down on the bed and quirked a blond eyebrow at him,
“Why is it that you still have trousers on, hmm?” he asked, and slid down until his face was pressed against the bulge in Harry’s jeans, and nuzzled it with his cheek. Harry groaned,
“Okay, okay, enough teasing. Can we skip to the sex part now?” Draco’s face popped up from Harry’s crotch, and he narrowed his eyes,
“Oh, now it’s enough teasing, is it?” Harry pushed Draco off of him and stood up, unzipping his jeans,
“Yes, it is, considering my cock is going to be permanently bent if I keep these jeans on any longer,” Draco rolled his eyes as he scooted into the middle of the bed, and started slowly stroking himself.
“Hey!” Harry exclaimed, as he fumbled in his nightstand drawer, “No starting without me!” he grabbed the little bottle of lube from the drawer and climbed up on the bed and onto Draco, straddling his hips. Their cocks brushed as he leaned down to kiss Draco, and they both groaned, grinding against each other.
“Fuck,” Harry breathed, popping open the bottle of lube, “I need you to fuck me,” He felt Draco’s hands slide down his hips and grasp his arse, fingers searching,
“No,” he said, pouring the lube onto his palm and grabbing Draco’s prick, “I want to feel you stretch me,” Draco’s nostrils flared at this, a dark heat flashing in his eyes, as he helped position Harry over his slicked cock.
Steadying himself with his hands on Draco’s shoulders, he slowly sank down, moaning at the heady feeling of being stretched and filled. Draco hissed and dug his fingernails into Harry’s hips as his cock was buried deeply inside of Harry.
“Uhhn, gods, are you ok?” he asked, looking up at Harry with heavy-lidded eyes. Harry leaned back, placing his hands on Draco’s thighs to balance himself, and lifted his hips slowly before roughly falling back down again,
“Yesss,” he hissed, and Draco’s grip tightened significantly on his hips. Draco moaned loudly,
“Fuck, Harry, do that again,” and Harry realized he had spoken in Parseltongue without even realizing it. He increased the intensity of his thrusts then, roughly impaling himself on Draco’s cock, and he hissed in parseltongue;
“I love you, Draco,” The blond growled beneath him and gripped Harry’s hips firmly and began thrusting up into him desperately,
“Fuck, yes, Harry,”
Harry could barely hold on, they were grinding so fervidly against each other, and his knees shook with every thrust. He was riding on the edge of release, and he kept babbling nonsense in Parseltongue until he couldn’t think straight anymore. He collapsed forward onto Draco when the friction became too much, kissing him deeply as he fisted his cock, spilling his release over the blond’s chest and stomach. Draco gripped him tightly, fingernails digging into Harry’s arse as he thrusted once, twice more, and shuddered as he came with a heavy groan.
They relaxed against each other, panting and twitching. After a few minutes Draco started to get up and Harry grabbed him around the waist and pulled him back down,
“No, don’t go,” he said to the back of Draco’s head,
“I’m all sticky, Harry,” Draco complained, trying to pull away. Harry sighed and felt around the bed, trying to find his wand. He found it- underneath his pillow where it usually was- then sat up and performed a quick scourgify on both of them.
“There,” he said happily, “now you can stay.” and he laid back against the pillows and grabbed Draco’s hand. They laid together in silence for a few moments, side by side on their backs, hands clasped together between them, looking up at the ceiling, as the rain tapped steadily against the window outside.
“What were you saying earlier?” Draco broke the silence, “In parseltongue,” Harry turned on his side to face the other man,
“I was reciting poetry. Very sophisticated stuff, really,”
“You were not!” Draco scoffed,
“Okay maybe not. I was mostly just saying random things that came to mind. It’s kind of hard to think straight while impaling myself on your cock, you know,” Draco snorted and scooted closer to him, laying his head on Harry’s chest and wrapping his arms around him.
“You’re ridiculous,” he murmured into the soft patch of hair on Harry’s chest. Harry nuzzled his nose against the top of Draco’s head, and looked out the window and the falling rain.
“I wish it would snow. I miss the snow,” he commented softly.
“Is this what you do with your friends?”
“What? Cuddle naked with them post-shag?”
“No. Just randomly blurt out every inane thought that passes through your mind.”
“Oh. No. I save that for you,” Draco laughed softly against his chest. “But really, I miss the snow. We should go to Hogwarts. Can we do that?”
“To play in the snow??”
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
“Really?” Draco groaned,
“If you shut up and let me sleep, yes, we can do whatever you fancy,” Harry grinned and hugged Draco tighter, pulling the blankets up over them, and setting his glasses on the nightstand.
“Hey Draco?” he whispered a moment later, and Draco looked up at him with a cocked eyebrow,
“What, Harry?”
“Thank you. For today I mean. And everyday, actually, but, especially today. No one has ever really done something like that for me before. And I know I sound really lame right now and I’m going to shut up, but thanks, and I love you..” He felt Draco go still in his arms and for a moment he thought maybe he had been revealing too much that day and Draco wasn’t ready for it and- but he sat up to face Harry and after a quick peck he said,
“You do sound really lame, actually. But I suppose I can forgive you, since it’s Valentine’s day. Now please do shut up and go to sleep, I’ve exhausted myself going on your muggle death traps all day,” and he flopped back on the bed with a dramatic sigh, throwing his arm over his face.
“You’re a prat.”
“Yeah, but you know you love it,” Harry grinned up at the ceiling. He couldn’t argue with that.
Want to see more? Check the “dralentine’s day” tag or head over to dralentines-day.tumblr.com!
@weird-sc0ut , good news! You won't need to scout out any more drarry for today. Your gift is right here!
Our gifter says:
“This is my first time participating, and I hope you like my fic! Draco's a bit of a snob, but eh, what can you do about that?”
Sunny Skies and Problematic Potters - Draco hardly has a care in the world. But along comes Harry Potter to stay at his resort, and his world is turned upside down in a matter of minutes. But will it really be so bad after all? 2k.
Tags: No smut or anything like that. Just good old fluff.
Blessings always came in the most uncanny of ways, Draco’s mother had always told him. She had held him to her chest as he clutched a lily in his hands, excited to see the flower a month before it was meant to bloom. She had told him it was a sign, but he hadn’t understood. He still didn’t understand, to this day. The strange appearance of the lily in October, especially a few days before Halloween, still baffled him. He had been seven, then, and now he was twenty two. He would’ve thought he could’ve figured it out by now.
But today, a blessing in disguise was to come to his doorstep. Or, as close to his doorstep as it could get. Out somewhere in the Galapagos Islands, Draco had learned that his family owned a beach resort. It was marvelous, and he had requested to take up permanent residence in one of the rooms. Of course, as he was the Malfoy heir, he got whatever he wanted. So now, he was living happily at Magna Lux, and helping to run the business, all from the comforts of his feather-down bed.
But, of course, all good things had to come to an end, eventually. Draco had been stepping out into the hallway, peering over the balcony below to do his daily lookover of the lobby. Lux was a popular Wizarding resort (upon that fact, Draco should’ve known what was to come), and spectacularly busy at times. Draco liked to admire from above before he went downstairs to check things out himself, but something that particular morning seemed to catch his eye.
“I know I have a room reserved!” the guest at the front of the line was complaining, elbows resting on the counter as he argued with the desk clerk. “Mind you, I didn’t make the reservation myself, but it should be there!”
Draco squinted down at the loud miscreant, so sure he had heard that voice somewhere before. But he couldn’t place it, and that frustrated him. It seemed he’d have to step in and take care of matters himself, so he headed for the elevators.
“Sir, we don’t have a reservation under that name.” the desk clerk was trying to explain as Draco exited the elevator and headed for the front desk. “I- Mr. Malfoy! Thank goodness. I think I require a bit of assistance.”
“Yes, Jeanette, I can see-“
There was a loud crash and a bang, and Draco’s head whipped around to glare at the source. The man in front of the counter had dropped his suitcases, staring at Draco openly. And now that Draco could clearly see his face, his jaw dropped.
Potter. Harry bloody Potter! And by the looks of it, Harry was just as surprised to see him.
“No! Absolutely not.” Draco seethed, pressing his palms on the countertop. “You aren’t allowed in my resort. Take your chosen arse, and your sad suitcases, and get back on the plane!”
Harry looked very offended, his green eyes burning brightly as he stepped ever closer to the front desk. Draco had hoped the man would go quietly, but it seemed that just wasn’t in the cards.
“Wait just one second, Malfoy. You own this resort? Hermione never said a thing.” Harry said, refusing to budge even then. “But I’m not leaving. I came here to have a vacation, and I’m going to have one. So, just give me my room key, and I’ll be on my way.”
“You dare to talk to me like that in my own-“
“Mr. Malfoy?” Jeanette interrupted. “Phone for you, she says it’s important. It’s, ah…actually regarding our guest here.”
Harry suddenly looked very smug, and Draco rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to slap the other in the face. He took the phone from Jeanette’s hand, holding it up to his ear as he faced the wall.
“Yes, this is Mr. Malfoy speaking.”
“Draco, darling.” Narcissa said, and Draco nearly dropped the phone.
His mother never called the resort, so it was quite a surprise to hear her voice on the other side of the phone.
“Mother.” Draco said, as calmly as he could. “Is there a problem?”
“Yes, actually. It seems Mr. Potter’s reservation somehow got lost in the system. If you could tell him that he’s in room 809, that would be wonderful.”
Room 809?! That was the room right next to his own! Was this some sort of sick joke that the world was playing on him? He couldn’t believe this. Nobody ever stayed in that room, per his own request.
“…alright. I’ll do just that.” Draco said, then quickly hung up the phone before his mother could make any other inane requests. “Potter, it seems your reservation got lost in the system. You’re in room 809.”
“Excellent!” Harry had that annoying grin of his pasted on his face, and his hand was held out for the key.
Draco ever so begrudgingly dropped it into the other’s hand, snatching his own hand back as soon as the deed was done. When Jeanette began to give out the usual welcome packet, Draco darted back off to the elevators as quick as anything.
Hopefully, he’d be able to avoid Potter during the other’s entire stay.
---
The day was sunny and warm, and it seemed like an absolutely perfect opportunity to go relax in the sun. Draco had pondered staying in his room the entire day (just in order to avoid Potter), but Harry would probably be doing the same thing, so he might as well go make the most of the recreational activities.
The sand felt heavenly on Draco’s bare toes, and the beach was nearly empty at this time of morning. It was a perfect time to relax before the afternoon crowds came in, and he’d be able to enjoy some peace and quiet. He set up his beach chair and umbrella (he always burned too easily) before finally removing his shirt and kicking off the foam flipflops that Pansy had insisted he get. Though he’d never be seen with the things in public, they were quite useful for the beaches.
A flick of his wand, and his radio was softly playing some instrumental tunes that he could doze off to. He relaxed on his chair, safe under the shade of his umbrella, and slipped on a pair of sunglasses. The only sound in the distance was of seagulls squawking, but even that hardly bothered him. It was just him, the beach, and the sound of-
There was a slight screeching from somewhere behind him, and the familiar snapping sound of flipflops. Draco raised an eyebrow, but decided it was nothing. Why would anyone want to be out here so early? But the screeching and snapping got louder, until it was right next to him. A beach chair was suddenly shoved beside him, hitting his own chair with a smack and nearly jolting him onto the sand. He raised his sunglasses, ready to chew out whoever would be such an annoyance, but the words died on his tongue.
“Potter.” Draco said flatly, lips pressed in a thin line. “Would you mind sitting somewhere else? This beach is quite large.”
“Oh, I know.” Harry had that stupid smile on again, and Draco averted his eyes to the water. “But I wanted to share the umbrella. Besides, it’s too nice of a day to be alone.”
“Maybe I want to be alone, did you ever think of that?”
“Nobody ever really wants to be alone, Malfoy. Even when you think so, a small part of you still craves company.”
Draco thought over that for a moment, and he was so occupied that he almost missed the shedding of Harry’s shirt. His eyes snapped over to where Harry sat, lifting his plain shirt over his head and tossing it to the side. Draco had never seen Harry shirtless (though, who had, really? Except his dormmates, Draco supposed), and though the Potter boy was a bit on the scrawny side, it was still a sight nonetheless.
“Like what you see?” Harry said teasingly, reclining on the beach chair and pillowing his arms behind his head. “I know I’m not much to look at.”
“You’re alright, I suppose.” Draco drawled, and they sat in silence for a moment before he spoke once more. “So, what brings you on vacation, Potter? Are the screaming girls too much for the precious savior?”
“I just wanted to get away for awhile.” Harry said with a shrug, slapping on some Muggle suntan lotion. “Isn’t that what everyone comes here to do? Why should I be any different?”
Because you’re Harry Potter, Draco wanted to respond. And why wasn’t Harry using a Sunscreen Charm instead? That was much easier than using slimy lotion, but the squelching sounds that it made on Harry’s skin somehow made his cock twitch in interest.
“Mm.” Draco crossed one leg over the other, not really sure what else to discuss. “Quiet must be hard to come by for you.”
“It is.” Harry nodded, putting the lotion bottle aside and stretching out on the beach chair. “What about you, hm? You’re missed back in London.”
“Shut up! Don’t lie to me.” Draco was suddenly up and out of his chair, eyes narrowed as he pulled his shirt back over his head. “I’m a filthy ex-Death Eater, Potter, and I’ll never be anything more. That’s the only reason that I’m staying here. At least I don’t get ridiculed every time I go outside my hotel room. That’s all they did to me back in London, you know. Even children were scared of me. You wouldn’t understand, Potter. You’re the hero. I’m the villain.”
Harry looked slightly hurt, rising from his beach chair. “Malfoy, that isn’t what I meant. I don’t think you’re-“
“Stay away from me, Potter.” Draco packed up all his things with a flick of his wand, and the umbrella snapped shut. “I don’t want to see any sight of you during your stay. Just…leave me alone.”
He ignored Harry’s loud protests from behind him, stalking off with his canvas bag in hand. He was sick and tired of Harry Potter popping up in his life, and he was putting a stop to it right that instant.
---
Draco should’ve known that it wouldn’t be the last time he’d run into Harry. The resort was only so big, but he managed to avoid the other for two days. But as he was heading toward the elevators, he bumped right into Harry.
“Malfoy! Good to see you.” Harry was smiling like nothing had even happened, and Draco was somewhat infuriated. “Were you heading out?”
“Yes.” Draco said through gritted teeth. “I suppose you are as well?”
“There’s a Muggle fair nearby that I want to check out.” Harry said happily. “You should come! It’ll be fun. Besides, you’ve probably already done everything at the resort, yeah?”
Draco gave a drawn-out sigh, crossing his arms. He eyed Harry, raising an eyebrow.
“I thought I told you to stay away from me?”
“Look, I’m just being nice. I don’t care about our past right now, I just care about enjoying myself on vacation.”
Another sigh and an eyeroll, and Draco finds himself nodding. Harry looked like someone just gave him a puppy, and he went to hug Draco, but stopped himself at the death glare he received.
“Let’s just go, shall we?” Draco started walking off toward the elevator banks, leaving Harry to run along behind him.
As it turned out, the fair wasn’t that far from the hotel. Draco wondered why he’d never heard about it before, but perhaps it was because he never dared to venture away from the Lux’s property. He and Harry didn’t exchange a single word on the way there, which the blonde was grateful for. It wasn’t like he wanted to talk to the Boy Wonder, anyways.
When they reached the fair, Harry had pure delight on his face, trying to drink everything in with hungry eyes. Draco couldn’t help but to snicker, but he was quickly dragged through the fairgrounds in Harry’s excitement.
“I’ve never been to one of these before.” Harry said, pausing near a photobooth. “I mean, my cousin did, but they never took me. C’mon, this looks like fun. Let’s take pictures.”
Draco opened his mouth to protest, but he was pulled behind the curtain before he could say a single word. He was now squished onto a seat with Harry, hip to hip with the other. Harry was scrolling through a few options on the tiny screen, then slung his arm around Draco’s shoulders like it was absolutely normal.
“What’re you doing?” Draco hissed.
“We’re taking fun pictures, Malfoy, lighten up and at least smile for the camera.” Harry replied.
Draco made a horrified face, but at a jab in the side from Harry, he forced a smile onto his face as the camera went off. They took about four more pictures, and by the end of it, Draco was smiling naturally, and actually enjoying himself.
Stepping out into the sunshine, Harry swiped the strip of photos from the slot, grinning as he looked upon them and tucked them into his pocket.
“Why can’t I see?” Draco complained.
“It’s a souvenir for me, of course. But, perhaps I’ll let you have a little peek at them later.”
As they walked farther along into the fair, Harry was drawn to one of the dart games. There was a rather large stuffed snake, and Harry gave Draco a pleading look.
“I bet you’re a better shot than I am. Win it for me?”
Draco sighed and rolled his eyes, but the look on Harry’s face was worth it as he stepped up to the booth. Harry slipped some tokens into his hand, and he slapped one down on the counter. He was handed darts, and summoned all of his concentration.
Pwhip! Pwhip! Pwhip!
“We have a winner!” the guy running the booth said, a smile on his face. “Pick your prize.”
Draco reached for the giant snake, taking it into his arms before he walked over to where Harry stood. He offered it wordlessly, and Harry hugged it to his chest. A strange sort of hissing quietly flowed from his lips, and Draco oddly felt himself turned on.
“Did you just-“ he tried to ask. “I thought you lost that ability after the war.”
“I did.” Harry shrugged. “But I still remember a few words. It isn’t like I use it that often.”
Draco shook his head, and they walked on.
---
Draco had never been on so many Muggle rides in his life (or any, for that matter), and the thrill of it all was quite exhilarating. Harry seemed pleased that he was having so much fun, convinced that he had done his job well.
When the end of the night came, Draco was left with cotton candy specks smudged across his lips, and hair that had been ever so gently tugged out of its usual neat state. He had accidentally grabbed Harry’s hand in the fun house earlier, but a blush across Harry’s cheeks told him that the other didn’t mind.
“I had fun.” Draco said, as they reached their rooms. “I haven’t had that much fun since…forever, I guess. Thanks for showing me that fair.”
“You’re welcome.” Harry replied, rocking back and forth on his heels like he had something else to say. “Look, I- I had a lot of fun with you too, Draco. Almost more fun than I have with my real friends. I’m actually checking out tomorrow, I’m being called back to London for a ceremony or something like that. I wanted to say thanks. I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed that as much if I was by myself.”
“You’re checking out?” Draco was a bit disappointed. “Damn Kingsley and his ceremonies.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with you there.” Harry laughed. “But, there was something I wanted to do before I went, and I really hope you don’t mind.”
And suddenly, Harry’s lips were upon his own, and he was kissing back like no tomorrow. His mind was screaming at him to stop, but he hardly listened. Somehow, some way, Harry Potter had wanted to kiss him. And that was something he didn’t want to give up.
“Mph.” was all Draco was able to get out, pressed against the wall with the sheer force of the kiss.
“Sorry.” Harry stepped back, his cheeks bright red. “I’m sorry if you’re not- you know, gay. But I just wanted to see what you tasted like. If you still tasted like that cotton candy from all those hours ago.”
“Bisexual, Potter, I’m bisexual. And I didn’t quite mind at all, really. I’ve always wondered how kissing you would feel like.” Draco smirked at the astonished expression on Harry’s face. “Now, should we make your last night one to remember?”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Want to see more? Check the “dralentine’s day” tag or head over to dralentines-day.tumblr.com!
@vickyvic92 , this gift is SICKYSICK - in the best possible way.
Our gifter says:
“Hello, dear! This is a short smutty fic; I had a bit trouble coming up with something that would fit the prompts at first, but ended up really enjoying writing this and I hope you enjoy reading it. Have a lovely day, no matter who you spend it with, whether that is yourself, friends, family or a special someone...”
Untitled - It's Valentine's Day and Draco is ready to go out with Harry, but then he stumbles upon some pictures... 2k.
Tags: smut
Draco stepped out of the bath feeling fresh and ready to spend the evening with his gorgeous lover. Harry had reserved tables at Draco's favourite French restaurant: Le Magicienne Gourmand. He was going to get back home from work at any minute now, to take Draco out for their Valentine’s Day date. Draco would never admit it, of course, but he loved these kind of sappy things and Harry was amazing at making him feel incredibly special in these occasions.
So it was happily humming that he strolled into the bedroom to get dressed, towelling his wet hair with the hood of his bathrobe, searching through the drawers for that one shirt he knew Harry loved. After a few minutes of unsuccessful research, though, he started wondering: where could it be? He was sure that he had put it back in its usual place… oh, but Harry had borrowed it for that charity ministry event!
Draco sighed and went to Harry's side of the closet, opening a few drawers before finding the shirt. He took it out, smiling at the prospect of having Harry all hot and bothered because of how nice he was looking… in doing so, however, he nudged something hard and small, that fell off the drawer onto their immaculate parquet, leaving a dent and spreading its contents everywhere.
Draco cursed, immediately bending to pick it up and inspect the damage to his beloved mahogany, but stopped dead in his tracks, realising what the small thing, which appeared to be a box, had contained. They were pictures. Draco didn't mean to look at them – it was clearly something that Harry hadn't wanted to share with him, at least not yet –, but it was impossible not to do so in collecting them to put them back inside the box.
Most of them were pretty old, featuring people who Draco guessed were Harry's parents and their friends; in some he could spot professor Lupin and even a 1-year-old Harry. He smiled fondly at the little baby, he looked so happy and carefree. There were also a few more recent ones, mostly of Harry, Ron and Hermione, but then… Draco picked up a long and narrow string of pictures, frowning.
They were small, but not so much that Draco couldn't make out the people in the shots: Harry and Ginny, making silly faces at the camera. These ones weren't moving, which made Draco suspect that they had been taken with a muggle device, but what struck him wasn't the stillness of the photos, it was how blissful they seemed. All of a sudden, he saw what everyone else had seen: Harry Potter, the hero, and Ginny Weasley, his best friend’s sister, the perfect couple of the wizarding world.
It was like a monster had risen from his guts and taken residence in his stomach. Why had Harry kept those pictures with his ex-girlfriend? Did he miss her? Was he unsatisfied? Did he secretly wish that he'd have stayed with her? Was he ashamed of his relationship with Draco? These and another million venomous thoughts ran through Draco's mind in the span of a minute, while he paced back and forth, pictures in hand.
Right at that moment, he heard the key turn in the keyhole and the door swing open, just before Harry's shout of: “I'm home!” came to his ears. Draco didn't reply. He heard footsteps headed towards the bedroom, then Harry's head peered in, swiftly followed by the rest of him.
“Draco… ?” he asked in confusion, glancing from him to the box, still on the floor, and then finally noticing the string of pictures in Draco's hand. Draco's blood was boiling; how dare he look so innocent, with his rumpled hair and wide eyes, staring at him like that? “Oh,” murmured Harry, stepping closer. “I had forgotten that I still had those… ” he said, holding out a hand as if expecting Draco to just give him back the string of pictures like it was nothing.
“Had you?” enquired Draco, moving his hand a little more out of reach.
“Oh, no,” replied Draco, sarcasm dripping from every syllable. “You just keep pictures of your ex secretly hidden with those of your family and friends!”
“Secretly hidden?” mumbled Harry, more to himself than Draco. “Draco, I didn't mean to hide them from you, it's just that I'm a very private person and… ”
“And what?”
“And nothing, look, I'm sorry that I never showed them to you… I just… ”
“You just what?!” exclaimed Draco, jerking back as Harry made to touch his shoulder.
“… didn't think you would want to see them,” mumbled Harry, barely audible, looking down at his shoes.
Draco's heart contorted painfully. “Because I'm a shallow prat who doesn't care, is that what you think of me?” he shrilled.
Harry looked up, a genuine expression of surprise and concern on his face. “No, because most of those people are dead. I didn't want to put that on you,” he said, looking like he meant it.
A scornful voice in Draco's head, however, made him snap: “So you don't think I would be able to bear it? I'm sure you showed your perfect little girlfriend all of them, though, had a good cry on her shoulder… ”
“Is that the problem?” asked Harry, blinking. “Ginny? Draco, I never showed her those pictures, in fact, I've never shown them to anyone. I thought… Draco, are you jealous?”
Draco felt blood rush up to his cheeks and averted his gaze.
“Draco,” he heard Harry murmur, followed by a tentative footstep in his direction. “You silly git. I didn't hide those pictures from you because Ginny is in them. I didn't hide them at all… I just never showed them to you because I didn't want to sadden you when it wasn't necessary. Like I said, I had forgotten that I still had that photo booth string.” Another footstep. Draco would've asked what the hell a photo booth was, but his voice didn't seem to be working at the moment. “Draco, look at me,” Harry whispered, slipping one finger underneath his chin.
Draco slowly lifted his head and…thump! They both landed straight on the bed, Harry on top of Draco. Harry let out a hiss in parseltongue (he was probably cursing), which went straight to Draco's groin. “What the hell, Harry?!” protested Draco, staring at him in disbelief.
“Sorry,” he giggled, “I tripped.” He snickered some more. “It's not how I planned this to go,” he said, “but definitely how I wanted to end up,” he added, wiggling his eyebrows. Draco huffed like an annoyed cat and glared, despite the sudden departure of the monster in his stomach. "Draco," called Harry, taking his chin between his thumb and forefinger to lock their eyes. "Is everything okay now? You know that you don't have to be jealous of Ginny, that relationship was very naive and it just didn't work. We're still friends, though, so I didn't throw the pictures away. I'm a very private person, like I said, and you know it full well. I didn't see a reason to show you those pictures, simple as. There wasn't any malicious thought process behind it. Do you believe me?" Draco muttered something that could've been interpreted as a yes. “Now,” continued Harry with a mischievous grin. “Is that your wand that I can feel pressed against my thigh or are you just happy to see me?”
“I hate you,” muttered Draco under his breath, but a small dimple forming at the corner of his lips betrayed him.
“Love you too,” countered Harry, placing a small kiss right on the insubordinate dimple. Draco's lips quirked up of their own volition, which was all the invitation Harry needed to capture them for a deep kiss. Draco let out an involuntary sigh of discontent when Harry's mouth parted from his own, but the feeling of it on his jaw immediately shut him up. Harry worked his way down from Draco's neck to his collarbones, hands expertly skimming down Draco's body to untie his bathrobe. Draco was now left nearly naked under a fully clothed Harry and this, he thought, was most unfair.
He flipped them over in one rapid movement, Harry now laughing underneath him and letting his gaze linger over Draco's exposed figure unashamedly. Draco's fingers found the buttons of Harry's shirt and made short work of those as well as his belt. He pushed Harry's trousers and boxers down to his knees and Harry did the rest, shimmying them off. “Now, that's better,” declared Draco, letting himself drop on the bed next to Harry, who wasted no time in climbing on top of him again, hungrily kissing, biting and licking up his torso, one hand wandering down to tease Draco's erection. He drew in a sharp breath when Harry's fingers gently wrapped around the base of his cock, lightly brushing up the length with torturous slowness.
Draco's own fingertips found Harry's hair down around his cock and curled up in there, just the way he knew drove Harry crazy.
The other reacted immediately, tightening his grip around Draco and starting to slide his hand up and down his shaft. Draco obediently responded in the same way, flicking his thumb on the tip, eliciting a delicious sound from Harry, which he soon devoured in a heated kiss.
His free hand roamed up Harry's back to tangle in the hair at the nape of his neck, while Harry gripped the sheets next to Draco's head with a low moan. No words were needed as Harry backed away and reached for the lube in their nightstand. He soon returned to Draco, offering the little jar with a smirk. Draco smirked back, opened it and dipped in two fingers, casting a quick wandless warming spell.
Harry's head nestled in the crook of Draco's neck as he carefully inserted a finger inside of him, then another one. He curled them a couple times, recognising Harry's squirm when he found his prostate. When Harry's panting turned to whimpering, Draco knew that he was ready. He gently slid into Harry and the other was soon rocking back against him, small pleas of: “More, harder, faster,” mixed with parseltongue escaping him at certain points. Then Harry propped himself up on Draco's chest, eyes closed, starting to stiffen.
Draco observed the wonder that was his boyfriend, shamelessly riding him like that, biting his lip every time Draco hit that spot inside of him. “Like that, Draco, just like that,” he cried and opened his eyes. Emerald melted into silver.
“Harry, ” squeaked Draco, tensing... and then they were both coming, chanting each other's names and producing inarticulate sounds of pleasure.
___
“Mister Malfoy, mister Potter,” said the concierge, showing them to their table.
“Thank you,” replied Harry, holding out the chair for Draco to sit on. “And once again sorry we're late, I… uhm… got held up at work.”
“No worries,” reassured the man. With a slight bow he was gone.
“I got held up at work,” mocked Draco, grabbing Harry's hand and intertwining their fingers.
“Git,” bit back Harry, caressing Draco's hand with his thumb. “Would you rather I tell him what we were actually doing?”
“I wouldn't mind,” replied Draco, one eyebrow arched. Harry gave him a light kick under the table. “Watch it, you insufferable prat!”
“Aww, I love it when you call me names!”
“Is everything okay?” asked a concerned waiter, holding out a bottle.
“Yeah,” tutted Draco.
“Don't mind us,” added Harry, politely accepting the wine. He poured some to both himself and Draco and raised his glass. “Ferret,” he said.
“Scarhead,” responded Draco, clinking the edge of the glasses. Harry chuckled. "To us," he toasted.
"To us," echoed Draco. They both took a sip.
"Happy Valentine’s day," said Harry, delicately kissing Draco's knuckles, where their fingers were still intertwined. His gaze dropped for a split second, caught by the sparkling of their matching rings.
Want to see more? Check the “dralentine’s day” tag or head over to dralentines-day.tumblr.com!
'I'm sober!' Draco lauched himself forward, blindly trying to snatch the Firewhiskey bottle from Harry's hands. 1k.
Tags: It's sfw, with kissing and fluff, drunk drarry, auror drarry partners, mentions of domestic drarry (they share a flat). Ron makes a quick appearance at the beginning.
'Enough, that's- that's enough... Draco!'
'I'm sober!' Draco lauched himself forward, blindly trying to snatch the Firewhiskey bottle from Harry's hands.
The crowded pub made it easier for Harry to just get up from their table and pull Draco with him without getting much attention from their coworkers, most of them already as drunk as Malfoy. The blond fidgeted in his arms, mumbling something Harry couldn't understand or barely hear.
'We're going home' the unintelligible words shushing Draco immediately. He'd learnt parseltongue was useful for those times Draco wouldn't listen to him. Harry hooked one of Malfoy's arms around his shoulder, doing his best not to bump into too many people on his way to the door.
'Harry!'
Fuck. He turned around with some difficulty, Malfoy breathing on his neck while trying to balance his weigh on his legs without bringing both of them down.
Ron walked towards him, his expression quickly changing into one of concern as soon as he recognized the blond head.
'Where are you going?' Ron squinted his eyes suspiciously, darting them from Harry to Malfoy, who hiccuped and giggled, the sound muffled by Harry's hair where his face was now buried. Ron didn't even bother to hide his disconfort, his cheeks a dark shade of red Harry knew couldn't be blamed only on Firewhiskey.
'Home' Harry rolled his eyes, giving Ron a small smile to try and ease the tension a bit.
'Why? You're not his mother! Just leave him here, I'm sure he can-' Ron gesticulated towards an almost unconscious Draco like he was trash Harry was taking outside.
'And then what? I'll have to open the door for him later anyway.'
Ron sighed, searching for help and noticing no one cared if they were leaving or not.
'It's friday and you've just finished a fucked up case. You don't deserve this, Harry'
It's not that bad, Harry thought, the words now common in his vocabulary when talking to Ron, Hermione, or any of his friends. Being paired with Malfoy after their Auror training two years ago may have angered him a bit - quite a lot, actually - and finding out they'd have to share a flat, which was protocol for new partners in order to 'strengthen the bond' didn't sound like the best of options, but after all, it really wasn't that bad. Malfoy was organized and surprisingly quiet. He could be nosy, childish and bossy but most of the time, it was manageable.
A drunk Malfoy, however was another story. Needy, cuddly, demanding. It shocked Harry the first time the blond got himself pissed on a Friday night and let his head fall on Harry's shoulder in the middle of the bar.
'Let's go home, Harry' he giggled in his ear, Harry's own name resonating in his head.
After that he'd tried his best not to let Malfoy drink too much.
Malfoy hiccuped again and Ron let out an exasperated sigh.
'It's fine. See you Monday, yeah?' Harry turned around before Ron could say anything, his own mind a bit dizzy from the alcohol and the noise.
***
'Harry'
The cold breeze hit them square in the face the moment Harry opened the door. He let it close behind him, the noise gone the second it clicked shut. Malfoy shivered against him, curling himself on Harry’s side. The sooner they reached their flat the better. The safer, Harry thought.
'Harry' Draco breathed in his ear. Fuck, Harry hated how Malfoy always said his name, how could Harry mean something completely different than Potter coming from the same person?
'Yeah?' Harry stopped, his mind still too slow for him to remember where was the nearest apparition point.
'I'm hungry' Draco nuzzled his nose against Harry's dark locks, inhaling like that was the most natural thing to do.
'What? No, we're going home, Draco' He said firmly, deciding for a random direction.
'Please, I'm really hungry...' Harry let out an exasperated groan, the weigh and the cold doing nothing to improve his mood. He took a look around, spotting a small convenience store not far from them on the other side of the street. They had no food at home, he was tired and, if Draco was indeed that hungry, he woudn't be too picky about it.
They crossed the street, Harry sitting Draco on the closest bench outside the store as soon as they reached it.
'Stay here. I mean it, Draco, stay'
''m not a dog, Potter'
Potter. Good, he was not that drunk.
Harry turned around, rolling his eyes, and opened the glass door.
Water, some noodles. An aspirin since Draco forgot to brew hangover potion. Hmm, chocolate, since Draco would be in an awful mood tomorrow-
Harry stopped shortly. Merlin, they sounded so... domestic. Harry shivered, avoiding the cashier's eyes since he knew his cheeks were probably bright pink.
He headed for the door noticing through the glass that Draco wasn't where he'd left him.
'Fuck' He stormed out of the store, his wand already firmly secured in his hand.
'Draco?'
'Hmm?' Harry jumped, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Malfoy was stading not far from him, his hand placed on a huge cabin right by the door.
'A photobooth cabin?’ Harry's voice startled the blond, who darted his eyes towards him.
'Photo what?'
Harry remebered the first time Dudley got home with one of those stripes, his ugly face splashed in tiny squares all over it. When he'd asked aunt Petunia if he could take one too the woman told him those things were for people with friends. And Harry had none.
'You take photos in these' He stared at the ground, the grip on the plastic bags tighter than necessary.
'Let's go'
'I wanna try it'
'What?' Harry stopped, not believing what his ears were telling him.
'Come on, Potter, it can't be that bad' Draco took a step forward, lifting the black curtains and peering inside, curiously.
'You're aware this is a muggle thing, right?' Harry said, taking a step forward. He had no idea why a muggle photobooth cabin was standing outside of a convenience store on a wizard neighborhood. He checked the money entry, noticing it was modified to accept wizard money. An image of Mr. Weasley appeared in his mind instantly. Right, there were wizards who collected stuff like that.
Harry dropped two knuts inside the machine, Draco already getting inside.
It was small, smaller than he'd expected, with only one old black stool. Harry sat awkwardly at the edge, almost falling while doing his best to avoid touching Draco more than needed. The blond seemed too distracted with a big black screen in front of him to notice or even worry himself about it, letting his knee touch Harry's carelessly. Harry pressed the only button under the screen, the countdown starting in front of them.
'What's happening?' Draco reached for his wand but Harry stopped him before he could take it out of his pocket.
'Look there, and...'
The first picture was taken, Harry only having a few seconds to pull a funny face. He couldn't help laughing when he realized Draco was just frowning at the camera.
'Are you stupid, Potter?' He turned to stare at Harry, reminding him of how close they were.
'Why?' Harry gulped, looking everywhere but at him.
'That's your idea of a funny face?' A crooked smile formed in Draco's lips, paired with something wicked in his eyes. Before Harry could stop him, Malfoy reached out and grabbed his glasses, putting them on his own face.
Another picture was taken while Draco tried to impersonate him. Harry couldn't help bursting out laughing, Malfoy so unrecognizable wearing his glasses the whole thing seemed too absurd to be taken seriously.
Tears still streaming down his face, Harry opened his eyes to find a small smile on Draco’s lips. The black old frames constrasting with his bright grey eyes and blond hair looked almost... innocent. Harry shouldn’t be thinking that, he shouln’t even be there in that small cabin with him, but the second the blond burst out laughing too, the sound covering Harry’s loud heartbeat, he forgot why Draco Malfoy couldn’t be something else for him.
Another picture was taken before Harry pulled the man towards him and kissed him on the lips.
It took Draco a few seconds to kiss back, his eyes falling shut and lips opening to allow Harry to deepen it. It was, in some way, like a first kiss, the wamth radiating from Draco’s mouth reaching the bottom of Harry’s belly, warming every inch of his body.
They parted, eyes still closed.
‘Harry’ Draco whispered, his tone low and needy.
Harry gulped again, licking his lips which were still millimiters from the other’s. ‘Let’s go back to mine’
‘Did you forget we live together?’
‘I’m trying to flirt here, you git’
Harry chuckled, holding Draco’s face between his hands and kissing him again, softer this time.
‘Let’s go home, Draco’
Want to see more? Check the “dralentine’s day” tag or head over to dralentines-day.tumblr.com!
@vicki-potter-malfoy , your gift is much like your last names - why not have both?
Our gifter says:
My Dear, Sweet Dralentine,
I hope you that you enjoy your gift! I had SO much fun creating it for you, and I’m looking forward to officially meeting you soon! Even though we’re ~secret~ Dralentines, I’m already stoked to know you and see the wonderful work you’ve created as well. May your day be full of chocolate hearts (or frogs, if you’d prefer), your favorite flowers, and Drarry, of course.
Cheers,
Your Dralentine ♡
Click - “What in Merlin’s name is that?” Draco asks, wrinkling his nose at the colorful, boxy fixture they were passing.
Harry glances to the side, following Draco’s line of sight. “It’s just a photo booth. Never seen one before?” he asks, slowing mid-step, amused by the curious tilt of Draco’s head. 1k.
“What in Merlin’s name is that?” Draco asks, wrinkling his nose at the colorful, boxy fixture they were passing.
Harry glances to the side, following Draco’s line of sight. “It’s just a photo booth. Never seen one before?” he asks, slowing mid-step, amused by the curious tilt of Draco’s head.
“I don’t think so. Looks a bit like a phone booth,” he says absently, pausing fully to observe it over his shoulder.
“Well, a booth is a booth regardless of what’s in it,” Harry jokes, earning an indignant scoff from his company. He begins walking towards it, and Draco trails behind him.
“I was just saying, because I thought we might be able to take it back to Diagon Alley,” he snaps, brows creased in annoyance. “I’m getting tired of this muggle shopping center.”
“Oh,” Harry says dumbly. “Probably not.” He skims over the instructions to the left of the curtain before pulling it back. “Want to check it out?”
“Not particularly. What’s it for?”
Harry snorts. “What do you mean ‘what’s it for’? It’s for taking pictures.” He slides in to the far side of the bench and begins making faces at what appears to be nothing.
“What the bloody hell do you think you doing?” Draco asks, staring at Harry incredulously. “You look ridiculous.”
“I never got to try one of these as a kid,” he says, ignoring Draco’s insult, scrunching his nose and grinning. “Dudley and Aunt Petunia used to take them, and I’d have to stay outside with my fat-arse uncle ‘cause he couldn’t fit. Not that they’d have wanted me to take any with them.” He shrugs and glances up at Draco with a half-smile. An angry flash of red flares behind Draco’s eyes.
“Come on, then!” Harry exclaims, patting the space next to him. “Do it with me.”
“Not in there,” Draco quips with a smirk. Harry rolls his eyes.
“You’re filthy,” he scolds, but his grin betrays his words.
“That’s filthy,” Draco points, eyeing the splotchy stains and faded wear along the curtain.
“It’s not—what are you on about? Just sit down.” Harry makes a show of dusting off the seat next to him and pats it again, quirking his brow. “Better?”
Draco frowns, effectively annoyed by Harry’s display, but pokes his head through the door to get a better look at the inside.
“You just sit in here,” Harry says, impatiently grabbing Draco’s hand and yanking him down next to him. He ignores the “oomph!” and consequent glare from his left and points forward. “And there’s a camera sat right there to snap a few photos that come out the other side.”
Draco looks up and sees himself and Harry on the screen in front of them. He’s startled by both the compact camera (it was hardly visible!) and the fact that he’s never actually been able to see himself as a photo was being taken. Sure, wizard photographs moved, but they always had to be taken by other wizards—the cameras far too cumbersome to ever fit into a booth without a Diminuendo charm. He moves from side to side, tracking his face before noticing Harry chuckle at him. He stops immediately, cheeks reddening in slight embarrassment.
Harry reaches across Draco to pull the curtain closed. Draco fiddles with the buttons that zoom in and out and add stickers and decide the number of photos to be taken and printed.
“I have to put the money in first, you git,” Harry laughs, swatting his hand away from the slot he was obscuring. He seemed giddy, already breaking into a smile that took up his entire face.
And then Draco heard a click!
“W-? Was that it? I wasn’t even ready!”
He turns to Harry, flustered, only to be greeted by a rather unattractive face.
“Oi! Put that bloody parseltongue of yours back in your mouth! You look like a prat—,”
Click!
Harry gives him a bored look, shaking his head slightly before leaning in for a kiss.
Click!
Draco is surprised, eyes wide in persistent confusion with the contraption and unexpected kiss from Harry. Draco can feel him smiling against his lips, and his expression softens as he kisses back. It’s a brief one, chaste and sweet.
Click!
They pull apart, resting their foreheads together and smiling.
Click!
“I bet those turned out brilliant,” Harry beams, giving Draco another quick peck before turning excitedly. He opens the curtain on his side, reaching around and bringing a small, thin strip of paper back with him. A burst of gleeful laughter explodes from his chest.
“Well don’t be greedy, Potter, let me see!” Draco says, reaching for them.
“We look so f-funny in the first ones!” Harry exclaims, holding them out of reach, laughing so hard that tears prick the corners of his eyes.
Draco snatches the strip from his hand, leaving Harry to wipe at his eyes and regain his composure.
“I—,” he pauses, scrutinizing the pictures. “I wasn’t ready in any of these! I look so angry in the top ones,” he chuckles, Harry’s boisterous laughter threatening to infect him. He bites his lip to quell it, shifting his focus to the last two photos. He grazes them with his fingertips as Harry jokes, “Nah mate, you always look like that.”
Harry leans on Draco’s shoulder to look at them together.
“They don’t move?” Draco asks, still tracing his fingers along the edges of the last two pictures.
“Of course not. They’re only muggle photos,” Harry responds. “I still think they’re quite nice, though. Just what I imagined.”
“Like you imagined?”
Harry nods against Draco’s shoulder, wild hair tickling the side of Draco’s nose and cheeks.
“Like I imagined it’d be like to be in a photo booth with someone you fancy. Fun and silly. Really capturing your true self,” he quips, pointing out Draco’s grouchy features.
“Sod off,” Draco laughs, brushing Harry’s hand away. “I just wasn’t ready. I do want to try again, though.”
“Really? Brilliant! I wanted to as well,” he grins, already pulling out his billfold.
As soon as Harry inserts the money, Draco pulls him forward and kisses him deeply. They pay no attention to the five subsequent click!s as their hands and tongues and teeth travel for the next few minutes.
“Can’t wait to see how those turned out,” Draco huffs into Harry’s mouth, a cheeky grin playing at the corners of his mouth.
Harry lets out a breathless laugh.
“Filthy.”
Want to see more? Check the “dralentine’s day” tag or head over to dralentines-day.tumblr.com!
@julietsemophase , you loving this gift will be so much more than just a phase!
Our gifter says:
“Hello dearie! I have definitely stalked you extensively on Tumblr (since I stalked literally everyone who entered) so I know for a fact you are a wonderful human being and a truly incredible addition to the Drarry squad. I so hope you like this; I had a lot of fun making it for you, and thank YOU for putting so much time and effort into your addition to make Dralentine's fun for everyone involved. You are loved and cherished by all of us, 100%. Have a WONDERFUL Dralentine's Day, love <3<3<3<3″
In Draco’s opinion, the best part of the small flat in which he and Harry lived was the bulletin board next to their front door. Harry had insisted on hanging it up when they moved in, saying Hermione had one in her bedroom when they were younger and it helped to keep life from getting too messy. Draco wasn’t sure what he’d meant by that (Harry was the messiest person he’d ever met), and although he found it tacky and strange (as he found most muggle inventions), Harry put it up on the wall.
Draco wasn’t sure what it was for, exactly, but for some odd reason it seemed to make Harry happy, so he never took it down. For the first couple of weeks, there was a singular picture of Ron and Hermione with a cactus sticker Draco’d won in a claw machine at the pizza parlor for Teddy’s birthday. He finally began to catch on after a bit and the board became the place on which they hung and stuck the things with which their most positive memories were tied.
Pinned in the middle was a photo strip, taken in a booth at Hermione and Ron’s wedding with a muggle camera. Draco wasn’t sure how it worked and was still confused to this day as to why the picture wouldn’t move. He didn’t like the way his face was frozen in that stubborn frown before Harry shut him up with the next flash. That night was full of drunken dancing and karaoke, and at one point, Draco had an epic duet with Ron to a muggle song neither of them knew the words to.
Harry had a knack for finding some of the most humiliating pieces of Draco’s past and pinning them permanently to the board with magic when he wasn’t looking. He’d dug through Draco’s old trunk and found the Pro’s and Con’s list Draco had made regarding his feelings for Harry sometime during fifth or sixth year. He’d also somehow kept the drawing Draco had folded into a paper crane and blown to him like a kiss during their third year in school (the ridicule for that one never truly seemed to end) along with his very own “Potter Stinks” badge he’d acquired during fourth year. They were all big hits during dinner parties with their old schoolmates.
When they first started dating, Harry had insisted on taking Draco to the reptile house to check up on the snakes because he hadn’t been since he was a kid. Draco turned his head for what seemed like five seconds and when he looked back at Harry, he’d gotten a large snake out of its enclosure. According to Harry, it hadn’t been the first time he’d done it (Draco still had questions about that) and Draco snapped a picture of Harry and the friendly python, deeply entrenched in what seemed to be a simply enthralling conversation, with his disposable camera. The flash startled the snake and he ended up escaping amidst the screams of the other zoogoers. The picture was up on the board the day the photos came back from the developer.
The board next to their door was a shrine of the best things: Pride buttons, a necklace Teddy had given Draco for Christmas, notes left around the house, all little tidbits of their tangled timeline. Each addition was a new milestone; a reminder that they didn’t need to leave every part of their past behind them, because not every part of their past was full of negativity or hatred, and their future didn’t have to be, either.
Want to see more? Check the "dralentine's day" tag or head over to dralentines-day.tumblr.com!
I can't SEE myself ever FINishing this gift - because I never want it to end! @seefin , good thing it’s for you!
Our gifter says:
“HAPPY DRALENTINE'S DAY!!!
I hope you have an absolutely fabulous day and that you enjoy my little gift. I got the idea from a Tumblr post about how the OP's grandparents met. I tweaked it a bit and it kinda ran away from me! Anyway, it's silly, fluffy and fun so I hope you like it!
Loads of Love! xxx”
Did I Say That Out Loud? - Muggle AU. When Draco runs into his Aunt and cousin on the way to work he doesn't expect the encounter to end with him somehow accidentally scoring a date with quite possibly the hottest guy on Earth. 9k,
Tags: no smut, some innuendos and heavy petting
Draco checked his watch as he turned the corner into Hyde Park, sweeping his blond hair out of his eyes and pulling his grey-knit scarf tighter around his pale neck. It was early, just gone nine am, so it wasn't as if he needed to take the shortcut but he liked to enjoy the scenic route, especially on days like this when the morning air was crisp and the weak winter sunlight seeped through the hazy clouds.
He knew Pansy would already be waiting for him with a hot, freshly brewed vanilla latte and all the gory details from the previous night, where she had been subjected to yet another ridiculously over the top dinner party thrown by her parents for no other reason than they wanted to. Pansy had tried to get Draco to go with her, but Draco preferred to hear about these things rather than experience them himself. He was sure it would offer some amusement to his otherwise bland Saturday morning.
He had just strode past the kid's play area, which was already teeming with shrieking children running all over the place, apparently not deterred by the brisk February breeze, when a familiar voice called his name. He turned and saw an older woman with greying hair pulled into a loose bun, wrapped against the cold in a dark green overcoat, wave at him.
He smiled in surprise and they met at the edge of the play-park where she folded his taller frame into a warm hug.
"I thought that was you." She said cheerfully, pulling back to gaze up at him.
"Auntie." He replied warmly. "How are you?"
Andromeda Tonks was a stately woman. Sharply dressed, with an air of respect that had you instantly standing straighter, she wasn't one to be trifled with.
"I am very well, thank you. Enjoying the sunny weather." She returned, smoothing back the wayward strands of hair that caught the gentle wind.
Draco smiled inward. Only in England could temperatures of four degrees and a slight glimpse of the sun be considered 'sunny'.
"How are your parents?" She asked.
"Mother is well." Draco responded carefully.
She raised an eyebrow. "And your father?" She continued gently.
Draco winced and glanced away, staring out over the dewy grass.
"He is much the same."
Andromeda patted his arm sympathetically but did not say anything, which Draco was grateful for. What does one say when one's father is in a terminal coma after being brutally attacked by unknown gang members for a business deal gone wrong.
Draco didn't like to linger on such thoughts and quickly cast about for a distraction, which arrived in the form of a small bundle of energy in a bright yellow anorak and an eye-wateringly turquoise bobble-hat jammed over his sandy hair. The little boy shouted out with glee and threw himself at Draco, almost knocking them both to the ground with the force of his enthusiasm.
"Teddy!" Andromeda scolded as Draco let out a surprised huff of air and instinctively threw out his arm to steady himself, grabbing hold of his aunt's shoulder.
"It's alright," Draco assured her, patting the top of the child's wool covered head. "No harm done."
Andromeda hummed, unconvinced as Teddy smiled sheepishly up at his grandmother, but let the incident go.
"How are you Teddy?" Draco asked the exuberant child. He didn't feel especially comfortable around children, never knowing what to say to them, but with Teddy's eager personality and infectious grin it was hard not to like the bouncy six year old.
"I'm great!" He beamed, and held up his hand to show them the little green leaf, his words tumbling out fast in his excitement. "Look what I found! Harry says its a four-leafed collver! No, clover. They're lucky!"
But before either adult could respond, and with the mental dexterity only children possess, Teddy turned to his grandmother, his mind already on the next order of business.
"Nanny, can I have an ice-cream?" He asked hopefully, his honey-gold eyes wide and pleading. He pointed to an ice-cream truck parked on the other side of the play area, where a small crowd of children hovered nearby. "Harry said I could have one if I asked nicely and if you said I could. Please?"
A low chuckle sounded from behind them, and the voice that followed was warm and rich, sending a shiver of heat down Draco's spine.
"Shameless you are, Teddy-bear. I said it was too cold but he kept insisting, so I told him he had to ask you."
Draco turned and froze.
Because holy shit!
Surely this was a god amongst mortals?
Like Draco, the man was tall, lean and probably around the same age as Draco, but that's where the similarities ended. Where Draco was pale and delicate, this man was the exact opposite; vibrant colours and strong angles, with warm, golden bronzed skin, wide pine-green eyes framed with thick lashes, a jaw that could cut glass covered in the most sinful five o'clock shadow, and a shock of ebony hair that defied gravity. He was wearing a leather jacket and a pair of faded, dark blue jeans which hugged his thighs like a second skin.
Draco wasn't sure what expression was on his face in that moment, but it must have been just as slack-jawed as he felt because the man - Harry, the tiny part of his mind that wasn't completely blank supplied helpfully - met his wide-eyed gaze with his own amused grin, his eyes flitting appreciatively over Draco's form.
Draco shuddered, barely suppressing a whimper. Oh, fuck me.
Teddy giggled and clapped his hands over his ears, beside him Andromeda pressed her fingers to her mouth to hide her sudden smile, and Harry's eyes widened a touch before he grinned cheekily.
"Only if you let me buy you dinner first?" He said, tilting his head forward, his hair falling over his eyes.
Draco frowned, confused for a moment, before realisation dawned and horror seeped in. His eyes slid shut in mortification and he prayed to every deity or celestial being who might be listening to make the ground swallow him whole.
It didn't work.
"Please tell me I didn't say that out loud." He whispered, feeling a flush spread over his skin.
"Unfortunately, you did." His aunt replied, failing to hide the mirth from her voice.
Draco opened his eyes, wishing he could hide and never show his face ever again. Obviously, the lack of caffeine coupled with an insanely attractive man was enough to reduce him to a drooling simpleton.
"You said a bad word, Uncle." Teddy sniggered delightedly.
"Uncle?" Harry sounded confused, but Draco didn't dare meet the gaze he could feel burning a hole in his temple. "I didn't know Tonks had siblings."
Andromeda huffed at the use of her daughter's maiden surname name rather than her given, but answered Harry's implied question.
"She doesn't. Draco is my nephew, Narcissa's son." She smiled warmly at Draco.
Draco took strength from his aunts encouraging expression and turned to Harry. Drawing himself to his full height, he ignored the blush still staining his cheeks and held out his hand.
"Draco Malfoy. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Draco winced internally at the posh accent that coloured his voice when he was stressed or nervous.
Harry smirked at the overly polite tone and clasped Draco's outstretched hand, his palm warm and calloused.
"Harry Potter." He returned, then grinned brashly. "And the pleasure is all mine, I'm sure."
Draco felt his blush deepen and took a quick step back glancing at Andromeda. She was smiling, her expression so like her daughter's impish grin Draco did a double-take.
“Come Teddy, lets get you your ice-cream.”
Teddy whooped with joy and took off towards the van, ignoring Andromeda's call to wait and throwing a quick “Bye, Draco!” over his shoulder.
Andromeda sighed and shook her head.
“Well, I'll see you soon I expect, Draco dear.” She said, pulling Draco into a quick hug. She nodded to Harry and followed her exuberant grandchild.
“We'll be just over there.” She called to Harry as she walked away.
Draco watched her leave, and feeling Harry's gaze, he looked up, meeting his vibrant green eyes.
“That was subtle.” Harry chuckled, taking a step closer.
Draco swallowed, forcing himself not to step back. “I apologise for my earlier words. It was inappropriate.”
“That's a shame,” Harry murmured, talking yet another step closer. He was close enough now that Draco could smell his woodsy, cedar cologne. “I was actually sincere in my offer of dinner.
At that, Draco stepped back in surprise. “You've only just met me.”
Harry smiled charmingly, his lips curving crookedly, a dimple winked at Draco.
“Then all the more reason.” He closed in, his hand reaching to curl gently around Draco's wrist. Draco started at the contact, his eyes darting down to where Harry's fingers were pressed against his skin. He blinked rapidly, wondering if Harry could feel his pulse racing.
Judging by Harry's smile, he could. “I would like to get to know you.”
Harry's gaze was intense. Draco had never been looked at like that, like he was the sole focus of another person. They were surrounded by over-excited children and everyday Londoners, but somehow Harry made him feel like they were the only two on the planet.
“Why?”
Harry straightened, tilting his head. “I'm intrigued.” He said simply.
Draco glanced away, his eyes resting on Teddy who was pointing at one of the pictures on the side of the truck. It wasn't that he was unaware that he was attractive, he was quite used to both male and female attention in that regard – although the latter wasn't always entirely welcome. It was just he had never been pursued so intently.
Draco could feel Harry's gaze on him, waiting for his answer. To say he was flattered by Harry's attention was an understatement, Harry was just his type; tall, dark and mysterious – as cliché as that was – and Draco couldn't deny his interest.
His gaze slid back to Harry, who was watching him, his expression so cautiously hopeful Draco had to bite his lip to stop his laughter from bubbling out. Harry's eyes flickered quickly to where his lip was caught between his teeth and Draco couldn't hold back his smile any longer.
“Okay.”
“Yeah?” Harry's voice was full of barely suppressed delight.
“Yeah.” Draco nodded, laughing slightly when Harry's face lit up at Draco's acceptance.
“Okay, Great!” He beamed, his hand reaching up to rub the back of his head, causing his hair to fluff up further. “Awesome! That's really, really awesome.”
Draco grinned and Harry coughed, a blush appearing on his face. “Or something, you know, a little less over-enthusiastic.”
Draco smirked at Harry's embarrassed demeanour. Gone was the suave, confident man who had seemed so assured of himself, and in his place was a man who was just as nervous as he was. Draco was glad he wasn't the only one affected by the other's proximity.
“I'm okay with enthusiasm.” Draco smiled, lowering his lashes demurely. Harry licked his lips and Draco's eyes followed the movement, heat curl in his belly. Their eyes met and the air felt thick, only the sound of screaming children stopped Draco from pouncing on the darker man.
He took a step back and sucked in an unsteady breath, closing his eyes against the intensity of Harry's stare.
When he spoke, Harry's voice was rough. “Tonight? At eight?”
Draco's eyes slid open slowly and he nodded, noting that Harry had also moved back.
“Where?”
He didn't care if it sounded eager, in his opinion eight was too far away. But he supposed he should be grateful for the opportunity to take a breather and get his head back on straight.
Harry pulled out a sharpie from his pocket and a scrap bit of paper that looked like it had been torn from a notebook and quickly scribbled a name and address and handed it to Draco. His handwriting was fast and spiky, and leaned to the left suggesting quick thought and creativity. Draco didn't recognise the name of the pub, but the address was familiar and he knew he would be able to find it.
Draco looked back at Harry who snapped the lid back onto the pen with a sharp click and stuffed it inside his pocket.
“Is that okay?” He asked, nodding to the paper in Draco's long fingers. “Its a great place. The ambiance is nice and the food even better.”
“It sounds great.” Draco assure him, folding the piece of paper carefully into his pocket. “Shall I meet you there?”
“If you prefer.” Harry nodded.
It was something Draco usually insisted on for the first two or three dates. One never knew when a date could go sour and having a reliable getaway was a comfort. He seriously doubted, however, that he would need to with Harry, but it was always better to have a just in case.
Their conversation was broken by a child's voice calling out to Harry. They both turned to see Teddy waving impatiently at Harry.
“I'm being summoned.” Harry laughed. He was more relaxed, the cheeky smile back in place now he had Draco's confirmation. “I should probably go before his Highness gives himself an aneurysm.”
Draco nodded, smiling internally at the exasperated fondness in Harry's voice.
“Alright.” Draco's voice was amused without him giving it permission to be so. “I'll see you tonight.”
Harry nodded and took a step back, and then another, backing up slowly. He gave Draco a strange half wave and promptly turned around, his pace quickening. He'd only gone a few paces when he abruptly turned back around, a cocky smirk quirking his lips.
“That blue looks good on you.” He called, gesturing to Draco's powder blue jacket with one hand, the other running once more through his already dishevelled hair. He ignored the other parents and children around them, the corner of his eyes crinkling in a way that was far to adorable for a grown man, for God's sake. “It brings out your eyes.”
And with that he turned back around. Draco stared at his retreating form, not even bothering to pretend he wasn't watching Harry's arse in those snug jeans, feeling the side-ways looks he was getting and not caring one bit. He smiled as he watched Harry pick up a giggling Teddy, hoisting him up from under the shoulders and placing him on his own. Teddy shrieked with laughter, his fingers tangling themselves into Harry's wild mane for balance as Harry bounced playfully on the balls of his feet, gripping Teddy's ankles. Beside them Andromeda laughed, one hand instinctively reaching up to hover behind Teddy in case he fell.
Draco took in the happy scene for a moment, letting it fill him with a warmth that could not be touched by the February cold. Then, burrowing down into his scarf, he turned and pushed his fingers into his pocket, felling the edges of the paper crinkle against his skin.
_____---_____---_____
“For the last time Pans, I said no.”
Draco wove through the different exhibitions, making a note on his clipboard of what was already being showcased. They were going to have a new shipment over the weekend and he needed to make sure he was ready to deal with it come Monday morning.
Something that was becoming increasingly difficult to do with his so called best friend hounding him since he made the mistake of revealing why he had been late to work.
“Oh, spare me Draco.” She huffed, tucking her alarmingly razor-straight black hair behind one ear.
“What part of No do you not understand?” He questioned, his eyes on his clipboard. He didn't need to see her face to know she was rolling her eyes at him.
“You are going to say yes.” Pansy stated, tapping her immaculate fingernails on his clipboard to get him to look at her.
“I'm really not.” He dismissed, turning to walk back to his office.
He heard the click of her heels against the polished oak flooring as she followed him. She'd obviously realised she was getting nowhere with this and tried a different tactic.
“Please?”
He rolled his eyes, safe in the knowledge that she couldn't see him. “No.”
He dropped the clipboard onto his assistant's desk as he walked passed, tapping it meaningfully in a way that told her it was to be done immediately, and with meticulous care. She nodded quickly, her ponytail bobbing.
“Why not?” Pansy whined, sounding a lot like her teenage self rather than the successful young woman she had come to be. “You know you'll have more fun! Let me help.”
“Its just a dinner date. I'm not going to go through my entire wardrobe.” He didn't bother closing the door as he walked into his office, knowing it wouldn't slow her down in the slightest.
Pansy scoffed, crossing the threshold and muttered under her breath, “Because that would take months.”
Draco glared at her as he sank onto his high-backed leather office chair at his black monochrome and glass desk. She sniffed, unperturbed by his chilling expression, and settled onto the side of his desk, crossing one leg primly over the other.
“It's not just a dinner date though. I've never seen you like this. You've been distracted all morning, dropping things and forgetting stuff.” She peered down at him, concern and confused wonder in her eyes.
“He must be something else.” She murmured.
Draco blushed under her scrutiny and glanced away, his eyes falling on his assistant typing diligently at her computer. Pansy suddenly sat back abruptly, her expression of concern melting back into its usual upturned look.
“Please?”
Draco groaned, leaning back in his chair and throwing his arm over his eyes. “For God's sake, No!”
“Please!”
“No.”
“Please!”
“No!”
“I can do this all day, you know.” She threatened.
Draco ignored her, pinching the bridge of his nose with his long, slender fingers.
“Okay!” Draco cried, giving in, sitting up and throwing his hands up to stop her mid-flow. “Okay, damn it! Fine!”
“Yay!” She squealed triumphantly, clapping her hands together. She leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. “I'll be there when you get home.” She promised, hopping down from the desk and ignoring his half-hearted protest.
“Ciao, darling.” She called over her shoulder, grabbing her – fake, of course – fur-lined chocolate brown coat from the coat-rack as she passed. He heard her call out a chirpy farewell to his assistant, pleased to have gotten her way once more.
Draco collapsed back against his chair, barely suppressing a groan and wondering fervently if it was too early to break out the whiskey.
A stifled giggle broke through his contemplation. His assistant was standing by his door, a black folder in her hands and a badly concealed grin on her face.
“What is it, Myrtle?” He sighed, feeling a headache start to brew behind his eyes.
She managed to control her expression into a much more professional smile.
“Your two o'clock is here, sir.” she said, adjusting her glasses and hurrying forward to place the thick folder on his desk. He glanced down at the embossed script on the front of the folder and sighed again. He couldn't reschedule this one.
He stood and adjusted his waistcoat. “Alright,” he nodded, “Show them in.”
____---____---____
Draco peered out of the windscreen at the establishment across the street, Pansy sat in the driver's seat after insisting (and once again winning) to drive him over. Draco hadn't had the energy – or the mental concentration with every minute that slid by – to argue with her.
She was quiet for once, letting Draco gather his thoughts. His mind flitted back to that morning, wondering if Harry really was everything he remembered. Surely his caffeine deprived brain had exaggerated most of it. No-one could have eyes that green, right?
“If you're thinking about backing out, I will personally kick your skinny arse, Draco Malfoy.” Pansy stated, obviously getting tired of the silence.
“I'm not.” Draco muttered, running a hand through his silken tresses.
“You better not.” Pansy said darkly. “This guy sound far to good to be true.”
Draco tilted his head back against the headrest. “Exactly.”
He could feel Pansy's gaze boring into the side of his temple, but did not turn to meet it. That was until her hand shot out to slap him across the chest.
“Ow!” He yelped, sitting bolt upright and rubbing his torso. “What the Hell was that for?”
“Don't you dare start getting maudlin! Malfoys do not do insecurities. They do not mope or sulk, and they definitely do not let something great and potentially life changing pass them by!” She declared sharply.
He stared at her.
“You've been spending far to much time with Mother.” He muttered under his breath.
She smirked at him.
“Come on Drey, put on your big boy panties, march in there and knock that guy's socks off.”
“You know I hate it when you call me that.” He glared at her.
She raised a perfectly arched eyebrow at him before silently pointing at the pub, a wordless order to get the hell out.
He chuckled internally at her expression, but opened the door. She was right, he was being pathetic.
He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her soft cheek, watching her soften as he murmured a quiet, “Thank you, Pansy. Where would I be without you?”
“I shudder to think about it.” She giggled. “Now, go blow him away.” And waggling her eyebrows suggestively added, “And if you're lucky, actually blow him.”
Draco groaned, “That was awful, Pans. Truly.”
He climbed out, shivering slightly in the winter night. He heard the driver door open and glanced back to see Pansy's head pop up over the roof of the car, a mischievously coy expression on her features.
“I mean it, Draco. I better not see you in the morning. I will be most displeased.”
Draco shook his head in amusement.
“I'll keep that in mind.” He drawled.
He turned towards the pub as she slid back into the car, the door slamming and the engine humming to life. He glanced up and down the car-lined road before crossing to the other side, jogging slightly as he reached the door, his body craving the warmth that emanated from the pub.
Inside was cosy and rustic with exposed brickwork and low-hanging beams. The interior was furbished with browns, reds, and golds giving off a homely and welcoming feel. Draco spotted Harry almost immediately amongst the crowd, lounging carelessly against the bar chatting to a busty red-headed barmaid. Before he could make any conscious decision on how he felt about that, it was rendered moot as Harry straightened, a grin splitting his face wide as he noticed Draco walking towards him. Draco pushed away the fluttery feeling in his chest at the sight and couldn't help his own grin from curving his lips.
Apparently his memory was not only intact, but also woefully understated. If anything, Harry's eyes were somehow greener than he remembered. How on earth was that possible?
“You came!”
Draco shivered at the low baritone of Harry's voice. Could this guy get any fucking hotter? Like Draco he'd obviously changed clothes for the date. His leather jacket was folded over a nearby barstool, his legs clad in charcoal grey, thigh-hugging jeans, and a dark green button down with the sleeves rolled over his elbows was taunt across his broad shoulders.
“Of course.” Draco replied, shrugging off the coat Harry had complimented that morning. Pansy had insisted he wore it. “Why wouldn't I?”
Harry's eyes followed the movement; taking in the snug, white turtleneck and sharp, black slacks, before snapping back to meet Draco's. Draco smirked internally, vowing not to tell Pansy she had been right. She didn't need her ego fluffed any further.
“I had kind of convinced myself you were just humouring me.” He shrugged, his fingers curling around the neck of a beer bottle sat on the bar-top, his thumb circling the rim.
“But still you came?” Draco questioned curiously, pushing his own sleeves up to his elbows.
“Well, if there was a slight chance you might turn up, I would have kicked myself if I had missed you.” Harry chuckled quietly. His eyes slid once more down Draco's form, taking his time and evidently not caring if Draco caught him.
“What would you have done if I hadn't showed?” Draco asked, mimicking Harry's relaxed pose against the bar.
“Nursed a large glass of whiskey before heading home to brood.” Harry flashed him a smile and bringing his beer to his lips, “Speaking of which, what are you having?”
“Same as you is fine.” Draco nodded to the bottle in Harry's hand, noting the abrupt change of subject, but letting it slide.
Harry gestured to the woman he had been talking to earlier, who quickly pulled out another bottle, expertly popping the lid off and placing it in front of Draco. He nodded his thanks and she smiled at him flirtatiously, before turning to Harry.
“You want me to put that on your tab, Honey?” She asked, already typing up the addition.
“Thanks, Rosmerta.” Harry threw her a smile as she walked away to tend to other patrons.
“Come here often?” Draco queried teasingly, lifting his bottle to his lips.
“Sometimes,” Harry acquiesced, his gaze following the movement, “Two of my friends own this place.”
Before either of them could say any more, a dark-skinned girl approached them wearing a uniform of dark jeans, a plain black t-shirt, and a small apron. She smiled professionally and greeted them politely.
“Your table is ready now, Mr Potter.” She motioned for them to follow her.
Harry grabbed his jacket and his half-drunken beer and gestured for Draco to go first. Draco wondered if Harry was just being polite or if he was using the opportunity to check out his arse. He found he didn't really mind if that was the case.
The waitress led them out of the main room towards the back of the adjoining lounge where it was quieter. The lighting was dimmer, more intimate, the background music softer. She stopped at square booth in the corner and waited for them to get settled before asking if they wanted any more drinks.
Harry glanced to Draco who nodded. "Another beer, please." He smiled, "And a Coke for me, Romilda."
The girl quickly wrote down the order on her mini jotter, ducking her head slightly in an attempt to hide the blush that spread across her cheeks at Harry's use of her name. Draco shot Harry a look, who rolled his eyes slightly but showed no other sign that he had noticed.
Romilda lifted her head, her professional smile back in place, "Okay, I'll be right back with those and I'll take your order." She pulled out two menus from her apron pocket and handed them over before taking her leave.
"A coke?" Draco asked, watching Harry drain the last of his beer, his eyes lingering on the way Harry's lips curved around the rim of the bottle.
"I'm driving." Harry said by way of explanation. He set the bottle down and met Draco's gaze. Draco admired the way the soft lighting fell across Harry's cheekbones, feeling his throat go dry as he realised once more just how attractive Harry was.
Harry looked like he was having similar thoughts, if his expression was anything to go by and Draco took a hasty sip of his drink, willing himself not to blush.
“How did you get here?” Harry asked, leaning towards Draco across the table.
“A friend of mine drove me over.” He said, tracing the rim of the bottle with the tip of his pointer finger. “She was rather, uh... enthusiastic about this.” He admitted.
Harry chuckled softly. “Will she be driving you back?” There was no mistaking the question in Harry's eyes.
“Well, that depends.” He answered archly, smirking at Harry and laughing internally when his eyes widened as he understood what Draco was implying.
“Okay then.” Harry coughed, diverting his attention back to the menu. Draco smiled inwards, Harry was cute when he was flustered.
Draco took his cue from Harry and dropped his eyes to the menu, but he'd gotten no further than scanning past the starters when Romilda popped up beside them and set down their drinks. The both started, having been engrossed in the little bubble they had created, but Romilda gave no sign she had noticed.
“Are you ready to order?” She asked, pulling out her jotter and a pencil.
Draco gestured for Harry to go first, having not had enough time to pursue his choices.
Harry scanned the menu quickly before sighing ruefully.
“I'll just stick with my usual, I think.” He said, handing the menu back to Romilda, who tucked it under her arm and turned to Draco expectantly.
Draco glanced back down to his menu but nothing seemed to jump out at him.
“I'll have what he's having.” He said, holding the menu out.
“That's bold.” Harry said in surprise as Romilda headed back to the kitchen. “How do you know you'll like it?”
Draco shrugged, “I trust you.”
Harry's eyebrows rose but he smiled, pleased.
Draco leaned towards him, resting his arms on the table and cocking his head to one side. “So, how do you know my Aunt?”
“I'm Teddy's godfather.” Harry replied, his eyebrows pulling together in confusion as he too leaned across the table. “No-one told you?”
“I knew he had a godfather, I just didn't know it was you.” Draco explained. “You're younger than I expected.”
Harry chuckled, “I'm twenty-seven. That's not that young any more.”
Draco raised an eyebrow, ignoring that last comment. “Considering you were about twenty-one when Teddy was born, that's quite young to become someone's godfather.”
“That's true.” Harry laughed, taking a sip of his drink. “I was completely hopeless at first, I was so worried I was going to drop him. He was so small.” Harry smiled down at the table, his expression fond as he remembered. “Remus was very patient with me, Tonks just laughed at me.”
Draco chuckled, seeing it clearly in his head. “That sounds like Nym.”
He'd only seen photos of Teddy as a baby, having only met him when the child was four after his mother decided that she wanted to get back in touch with her older sister. Harry seemed to sense Draco's next question because he continued without needing any prompting.
“Remus was one of my dad's best friends, he's basically an uncle to me.”
Draco could hear the fondness in his voice, the obvious respect and affection that coloured his words as he spoke of the older man, but something about the way Harry held himself – or maybe the look in his eyes - told Draco that family was a sensitive subject. He couldn't explain how he knew, he just did.
“Well they obviously made a good choice, you're very good with him.” Draco stated, attempting to steer the conversation towards safer grounds and remembering the easy manner Harry had with the little boy. “He clearly adores you.”
Harry flushed at the praise. “Well, he's a brilliant kid. I don't have any siblings, but I imagine this is what having a nephew or a little brother is like.”
“I wouldn't know,” Draco responded, “I don't have either of those.”
“Teddy is technically like your nephew, in a manner of speaking. And he does call you uncle.” Harry pointed out.
“True.” Draco conceded with a nod. “But that could just be because 'Cousin Draco' sounds strange to a child.”
“There is that.” Harry nodded, smirking slightly.
Draco licked his lips, feeling something warm wash over him. He felt comfortable with Harry, they talked easily and the chemistry between them was obvious. He felt like he'd known Harry for years despite having only met the man that morning. It surprised him in a way that didn't surprise him at all.
Their conversation was halted by the arrival of their food – which turned out to be a deconstructed gourmet beef burger on top a bed of salad leaves, the buttered seeded buns propped on the side, and a basket of thickly cut, golden chips to share between them.
“Dean!” Harry cried, getting up to embrace the dark-skinned man who had brought over their food. “I thought you were still in Bristol?”
“I got back a few days ago.” The newcomer – Dean – said, pulling back from Harry and clapping him on the shoulder. “Everyone got sick so I came back before I could catch it.”
He glanced down at Draco, who was watching the exchange with interest, his eyes appraising.
“I let Romilda take her break.” He said, looking back at Harry, and his voice turned pointed. “I wanted to meet your friend.”
Harry laughed at the man's tone. “Dean, this is Draco,” he introduced them, “Draco, this is Dean, an old friend from school. He and his husband own the place.”
“Nice to meet you.” Draco held out his hand for Dean to shake.
“Likewise,” Dean grinned, “Harry hardly ever dates, I was curious to see who caught his eye.”
Draco raised an eyebrow, wondering if he was being tested.
“Don't be a prat, Dean.” Harry said good-naturedly, shoving his friend lightly on the shoulder.
“Sure thing, Saviour.” Dean replied, smirking when Harry groaned.
“Seriously? Will you please stop calling me that?” He sounded as if they'd had this conversation many times before. Draco shot him a quizzical look.
“Stupid high school nickname.” He muttered.
The name sounded vaguely familiar to Draco, and it took him a moment to place it.
“As in Godric's Saviour?” he questioned.
“How did you know that?” Harry asked, whilst Dean laughed in delight.
“Because I played for Salazar Academy. We had a game with you every year.” Draco responded, remembering the times he had played against Godric High, as well as Ravenclaw Institute and Hufflepuff Secondary school.
“Well this is an interesting turn of events.” Dean laughed. “I'll leave you two to it, I think.” He turned to Harry and punched him lightly on the shoulder. “Don't be a stranger, Mate.”
“Course.” Harry replied.
Dean smiled at Draco who nodded back.
“Oh, and Seamus said this is on the house,” Dean held up his hand, anticipating Harry's protest and waving it away. “We insist.”
Harry grumbled as Dean walked away and Draco couldn't help but laugh at his expression.
“My friends are idiots.” He huffed.
“Why?” Draco asked, picking up a fluffy chip and taking a delicate bite. He chewed it thoughtfully. It was good, lightly seasoned, crispy on the outside and softer than air on the inside. “For giving us free food?”
“It sounds reasonable when you put it like that.” Harry sighed, taking a bite of his own food. “So you played in High School?”
“Midfielder,” he nodded, “Then as Striker during Sixth Form.”
Harry frowned in thought. “I don't remember you.” he said apologetically.
“I didn't make the main team till year ten, and I was three years behind you.” Draco explained.
Harry's eyebrows shot up. “You're twenty-four?”
Draco smirked at Harry's surprise. “Yes.”
Harry sat back in his seat. “I thought you were older.”
Draco stilled.
“Does that change things?” he asked carefully.
“No.” Harry shook his head. “Unless it does for you?”
Draco relaxed. “Definitely not.”
The two men shared a smile as the unspoken words hung in the air. They returned to their food, their conversation flowing easily. They spoke further about their school days, Harry explaining (very reluctantly) where his nickname had come from. He had transferred to Godric High when he was fifteen and was recruited to the team when their captain saw him sprint to the bus one afternoon. He had been made striker immediately, and as well as being very fast, he was ruthless in his determination and attempted moves that others would not.
From school they moved on to friends. Draco was very careful not to pry into anything Harry seemed reluctant to talk about. It was only their first date after all, it wasn't as if they had to spill their entire life story in one go. Harry told Draco about Ron and Hermione, his best friends, who had gotten married the previous summer. Harry's love for his friends was obvious, and they were clearly very close. Draco felt an irrational flash of jealously flair up as Harry recounted stories of adventurer and drama.
In turn, Draco talked about Pansy, his very best friend, practically his sister, and how they had known each other since before they could walk. He talked about Blaise and Theo from school, and Luna who he'd met at University. She was an artist and Draco explained how he had liked to study by the lake. One day, during the autumn term, he had sensed someone sitting next to him and looked up to find a pale, blonde girl wearing paint splattered, off-white overalls over a thick-knit pink and yellow stripped jumper, with odd matching socks and green wellington boots sat cross-legged across from him. She'd had a huge sketch book propped on her knees, a necklace made of corks and beer bottle caps and was drawing Draco in oil pastels, her fingers covered in different colours. Her hair had been in a messy bun, most of it falling down over her shoulders, with a paintbrush and a pencil stuck in it. She had seemed unconcerned at being caught by her muse, and Draco had been so shocked he had stared at her for a full minute before asking her what the hell she thought he was doing.
Harry had been in stitches over Draco's description of Luna and their bizarre friendship that still bemused him to that day. Talk of Luna had led to Draco mentioning his Art Gallery and their current showcase of local artists. He explained how he wanted to support the local art community and give new and unknown artists a chance to showcase – and perhaps sell - their work. He sometimes rented out unused space to the nearby Universities and schools who wanted to put on an 'end of year' show for their students.
Harry talked about his own students, boisterous, rambunctious six and seven year olds who were far too shrewd for their own good. He expressed amusement at Draco's surprise over his career choice.
“You don't think I'd make a good teacher?” He'd asked as Romilda took their plates away.
“It's not that, I just didn't image you as a teacher.” Draco replied. “I was thinking something more along the lines of law enforcement.”
Harry laughed loudly at that, causing the few nearby to turn their heads.
“It's funny you should say that.” He chortled, his eyes dancing in the low lighting. “That was my first choice.”
“Really?” Draco leaned towards Harry. “What happened?
Harry shrugged, “Turned out it wasn't really my thing.” He chuckled then, “Apparently, I'm not very good at taking orders. I left after a few months.”
“What happened then?”
“I floundered for about a year. I did odd jobs here and there, but nothing seemed right.” Harry gazed thoughtfully down at his fingers, which were intertwined on the table-top. “Then Remus got really sick and Tonks had to take time off work to take care of him. She was struggling with both him and a three year old Teddy, so I told her I'd take care of him when she needed a break. I took him to school and back, went grocery shopping with him when Tonks was to tired. I started helping out at the nursery that he went to and realised I love being around kids. I started looking into teaching, talked to Teddy's Headteacher about what I would have to do. I didn't tell anyone until Remus got better and Tonks went back to work. Everyone was really encouraging and three years later, here we are.”
“And you enjoy it?” Draco asked, although it wasn't really necessary as anyone with half a brain could see just how much Harry loved it.
Harry's answer was enthusiastic and he spent some time recounting some of the more wild shenanigans his students had gotten up to.
They talked well into the night, neither of them noticing just how much time was passing by, too caught up in each other. Draco couldn't believe how much they had in common, or just how easy it was to talk to Harry. It was so comfortable, like slipping into a hot bath at the end of a long day. And that was not to mention the underlining stream of delicious tension that fizzed and hummed every time their eyes met. Draco couldn't help but watch the way that Harry's lips moved with every word they formed, or the way his throat worked when he threw his head back and laughed. Draco couldn't ignore they way that Harry's voice made him feel, or the flair of heat in his stomach whenever Harry ran a hand through his unruly locks. He knew that Harry was watching him in the same way and the knowledge that Harry found him just as attractive, just as distracting, only made his desire burn hotter.
It was only when – hours later – a blond man with a lilting Irish accent threatened to kick them out, friend or not, that Harry suggested they make a move.
“So... have I earned you the right to drive you home?” He asked, his expression endearingly hopeful.
Draco hummed thoughtfully, dropping his eyes to the table top and running a finger over a knot in the wood.
“That depends,” he murmured, remembering Pansy's words as she kicked him out of the car. Slowly, he raised his eyes to gaze at Harry through his lashes. “How far away is your place?”
____---____---____
The interior of Harry's basement flat was open and welcoming, with a miss-match of old and modern furniture that somehow worked harmoniously together. The kitchen was along the side of the flat and along with the dining and living rooms was open plan. There were two doors at the back which Draco assumed lead to the bathroom and bedroom.
Harry walked into the kitchen calling out to Draco to make himself comfortable. Draco puled of his coat and draped it across the back of one of the armchairs, looking about himself in interest. His eye caught on a wall absolutely covered in an array of framed photographs, canvas' and paintings. They were arranged in a fashion Draco couldn't make sense of but was somehow aesthetically pleasing.
He moved closer, taking in all the different colours and memories. His eyes lingered on a strip of photos, like the kind you get at a photo booth, depicting a younger Harry smiling widely with a laughing red-headed man and a grinning dark-skinned girl who were obviously (from the description Harry had given him) Ron and Hermione. Draco smiled at the happy scene, the strong bond between them evident even in print. Draco searched for them in the other photos and found that they featured in most of them, along side a whole host of red-headed people that Draco understood to be the Weasleys, Ron's family, and a few other familiar faces that Draco recognised as Dean and Seamus, Remus, Tonks, and Teddy. There were a few Draco didn't recognise; a chubby teenager holding a frog, a blond boy with a camera, and a handsome, dark haired man leaning against a sleek black motorbike.
Draco felt Harry walk up behind him and turned, smiling as he accepted the glass of wine Harry held out.
“Thanks.” He murmured, turning back to the photo of the dark haired man. “Who's that?”
He had a feeling he knew who the person was, but wanted Harry to confirm it.
Harry smiled when he saw who Draco was referring to. “Sirius Black, my godfather.”
Draco nodded to himself. He recognised the name of course, and marvelled internally at just how interwound his and Harry's lives already were. How had they not met before then?
“He died, didn't he?” Draco didn't want to push, but he was curious.
Harry nodded, “When I was nineteen.”
Draco winced, “I'm sorry.” The words felt lame, but there wasn't much else he could say.
Harry was quiet for a moment, his index finger reaching out to brush the frame.
“He was my dad's best friend.” Harry said, pointing to another picture, this one faded, of four boys, around fifteen or so, grinning widely at the camera. Sirius had his arms around a much younger Remus and a boy who looked the spitting image of Harry. On the doppleganger's other side was a small mousey looking boy who looked awed and excited to be included.
Draco pointed to Harry's look-a-like, “Your dad?”
Harry nodded, “James Potter,” he pointed to another photo where an older James had his arm around a laughing red-headed girl with Harry's green eyes, “And my mum, Lily.”
“You have her eyes.” Draco remarked. “And her smile.”
Harry laughed, gazing at the photo of his parents. “Everyone says that. Usually its preceded by, Wow, you look so much like your dad!”
“Well, people often go for the obvious in lieu of original thought.” Draco stated, feeling warm when Harry laughed.
“We should toast to that, I think.” Harry grinned, holding up his glass.
Draco chuckled in agreement, “To the obvious.”
“To the obvious.” Harry echoed, clinking his glass against Draco's.
They held each others eyes as they drank, and Draco felt a shiver of heat slide up his spine. Harry's gaze was liquid hot and Draco had no delusions about where this was headed. He took Harry's glass gently from his fingers and set it down on the coffee table with his own. Harry's eyes were fixed on him when Draco turned back around and they widened when he stepped closer, closing the distance between them. Their fingers slid together and twined and Draco's breath caught in his throat at the feeling something as simple as holding Harry's hand caused. Harry's eyes fluttered closed at the touch.
“Do you...” he murmured, opening his eyes lazily and licking his lips. “Do you want to see my snake?”
“What?”
Draco took a step back, his eyes wide at Harry's words.
Harry's jaw went slack an he jumped forward. “Shit! Did I say that out loud?”
“Yes, you did.” Draco wasn't sure whether he should laugh at Harry's panicked expression or not. “And that was by far the most awful come-on I've ever heard.”
“Shit, I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that, I swear!” Harry said vehemently. “You make my brain go mushy. I meant an actual snake. I have a pet snake.”
Draco softened slightly. “What's wrong with a cat? Or a dog?”
Harry looked relieved when Draco made no move to leave. “Where's the fun in that?”
“Where indeed.” Draco murmured, but gestured for Harry to lead the way.
When Harry opened the door to what was clearly his bedroom, Draco raised an eyebrow.
“Not exactly making a case for yourself, Potter.” He teased, following Harry into the room.
Harry grinned at Draco's tone and crossed the room to a large glass tank in the corner. He reached inside and after some soft coxing, lifted out a beautiful pale yellow snake with faint white coils about two foot long. Draco approached carefully as the snake curled its body around Harry's arm. Harry seemed to be talking quietly, but when Draco got close enough he could hear the soft hissing sounds Harry was making. The sibilant sounds sent shivers running over Draco's skin, and not in an unpleasant way.
As Draco approached, Harry turned to face him, “Draco, this is Kalia.” He said, his voice soft, but not whispering. “She's a California King snake.”
“She's beautiful.” Draco said, taking his cue from Harry and keeping his voice soft. He reached out to stroke her back, but hesitated, waiting for Harry's nod before touching her.
“She's not venomous or poisonous, but she does have a pretty powerful bite.” Harry explained, sound for all the world like he was talking about a normal pet.
“Would you like to hold her?
Draco's eyes widened and he shook his head forcefully.
Harry chuckled, “Scared, Malfoy?” he teased.
Draco's eyes hardened and he smirked. “You wish.”
Harry carefully lifted Kalia and set her on Draco's shoulders, demonstrating how to hold himself so Kalia could move freely. Draco tensed when he felt Harry's hand slide down his back in a soothing manner, coming to rest at the base of his spine.
He eyed Harry shrewdly, almost forgetting that there was a snake slowly winding her way down his arm.
“If this was just a ploy to grope me...” he trailed off, unsure how to finish that sentence because, lets be honest, he wouldn't be adverse to some groping... or any form of touching really.
“Do I need a reason to touch you.” Harry asked quietly, his eyes like two pools of liquid jade.
Draco shivered slightly at the intensity of Harry's gaze. Neither man was paying any attention to the snake any more, far to caught up in each other.
“Do you have any idea how hot you look right now?” Harry breathed.
Draco's eyes darkened. “You like me touching your snake, do you? He murmured. Harry smirked at the continuation of the awful pun.
Draco carefully stepped away from Harry and gently lowered Kalia back into her home. He slid the lid shut and flicked the latch to lock it before turning back to Harry.
“I'm sure there's much more fun things we can do with your other snake.” And with that he pulled Harry into a bruising, heat-filled kiss that left them both reeling, desperately craving more.
Harry groaned into the kiss, his hands flying to grip Draco's hips, tugging him closer. Their mouths moulded together and Harry's tongue traced Draco's lips, sliding past into the heat of his mouth when they parted.
Draco slid his fingers up over Harry's broad shoulders and into his unruly hair like he had been wanting to do since that morning. The strands were softer than Draco imagined and he tugged on them softly, needing to be closer to Harry than physically possible
Harry gasped into Draco's mouth, the sound hot and filthy. He twisted them around and shoved Draco forcefully into the wall, pressing the entire length of his body against Draco's in the most delicious way possible and sliding a knee between Draco's thighs. Draco moaned into Harry, arching, seeking more. Harry rocked their hips together, feeling their cloth covered arousals press together desperately.
Draco couldn't think, his mind filled with nothing but Harry, Harry, Harry!
He gasped out loud when Harry tore himself away from Draco's lips, tugging down the neck of the turtleneck he's still wearing for some inexplicable reason, and latched onto his pulse point, sucking hard.
Draco wasn't aware any more of the noises he was making. Harry made him feel like his skin was on fire, like there was something needy and wild inside him desperate to get out. No one has ever made him feel like this. No one has ever kissed him like this. Like he's the last breath on earth, the final ray of the sun.
When Harry tugged his earlobe into the wet heat of his mouth and whispered and husky, desperate, “Stay.” Draco pulled his lips back to his hungrily.
He had no intention of leaving.
____---____---____
Monday morning finds Pansy sat impatiently on top of the reception desk, her polished nails tapping a quick beat in the monochrome surface, ignoring the young girl behind her, quietly tapping away at the keyboard.
It was ten to ten and Draco's usually arrived by nine thirty at the latest. This coupled with the fact that she hasn't seen or heard from him for the entire weekend since she kicked him out of her car has her restless and eager for information.
Just then, a sleek black motorcycle pulls up outside the gallery, and through the floor to ceiling windows Pansy can see quite clearly as the tall man wearing a powdered blue coat disembarks from the bike, pulling off the helmet as the leather wearing driver does the same.
Pansy's jaw drops when Draco's admirer comes into view, because holy fuck! Draco has really stepped up his game.
The glass prevents Pansy from hearing what's being said, but it does nothing to stop her from watching the dark haired man throw his head back and laugh, before pulling Draco into a kiss so scorching it would have melted her brain had she been the one to receive it.
Hours later – or more precisely, a few minutes later – they break apart, smiling at each other in a way that tells Pansy the date went very well indeed, and that there will definitely be more dates – and kisses – in the future.
Pansy watches as Draco steps back and his lover bends low over the bike-handles, zooming off down the road. Draco turns around and enters the building, running a hand through his hair, the smile on his face one that Pansy will definitely be teasing him about mercilessly later.
He must sense her presence because his head snaps up, his eyes filling with horror as he watches Pansy hop down from the desk, cackling gleefully.
“Tell me everything!”
END.
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