#booktopus writes

[thebooktopus]

@drarrymicrofic for the prompt “ace” - happy belated internatonal asexuality day! (350 words, T) CW for internalized acephobia. thanks to @crazybutgood for the beta - remaining errors are my own.

“Asexual.” Harry hissed the word as if it were Parseltongue. “But I like sex.”

“Yes.”

“And I like wanking!”

“Sure.”

Harry paced, his hands a commotion as they flew around him, running through his hair, worrying at his lip, wringing discomfort. 

“Maybe I just don't… need them?” He directed this towards the ceiling, unable to look Draco in the eye as he capsized their relationship. 

Harry filled the pervasive silence. “Like sometimes, I just want to cuddle and kiss and not have to have sex. And it's not like I don't think you're attractive, you're like… the best thing that's ever happened to me. And when we do have sex, I like it! It feels so good to be that close to you and–”

“Harry.” Draco's voice was quiet and sincere, but carried the strength to halt his ramble. Harry exhaled heavily before looking at him. 

Draco held out a hand and drew Harry to the sofa, rearranging his stiff limbs until they were entangled and facing each other. Harry swallowed thickly around the tears that threatened. 

“I'm sorry,” he choked. 

“Harry. Love. You have nothing to apologise for.”

“I do! I was just… leading you on! This is just another way I'm broken. Why would you want this when you could have someone new and shiny and…”

“Because I love you, Harry.” Draco brushed away his tears and kissed him gently. “And you're not broken.”

“Fine, I'm different.”

Draco chuckled. “I'm different, too. We all have things that make us unique; there's nothing wrong with you.”

Harry chewed the inside of his cheek. “And what about our sex life?”

“We'll talk about it. Like we do now.” Draco tipped Harry's chin up, forcing him to meet his eyes. “You're going to have to be honest with me. I can take care of myself. Plenty of allosexual people live happy, normal lives without sexual partners.”

“Allo–”

“Allosexual. On the opposite end of the spectrum from asexual.”

“And you won't – you're not leaving?” Harry's chin quivered. 

“Oh, darling.” Draco pulled him into a familiar embrace. “Wild hippogriffs couldn't drag me away.”

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[thebooktopus]

it's been a while! I've been working on a few things, but couldn't pass up today's @drarrymicrofic prompt, starfish. (T, 250 words)

On the nights that Harry was away, Draco had the option of sleeping in the middle of their king-sized bed, limbs akimbo, taking up as much space as possible. He could pile pillows on either side of him, so he wouldn’t have to drag one set with him when he inevitably tossed and turned midway through the night. The sheets were cool against his skin, the bed an absolutely perfect temperature for sleep without the furnace of Harry’s body occupying it.

It was something he talked about with friends, Hermione particularly understanding the joy of starfishing in a giant empty bed. 

But secretly, Draco hated it. The bed was too cold without Harry, too lonely without Harry. 

He much preferred to be crowded to the edge, grumbling, with one careless, heavy limb thrown over his chest, body half-in and half-out of the sheets even on winter nights to try and regulate his body temperature. He much preferred the security of having his husband between him and the door, keeping away mythical intruders. He much preferred waking up to Harry’s morning breath and soft, sticky kisses before either of them brushed their teeth, reminders of love and belonging his favourite way to begin any day.

So on those starfish nights, Draco stayed on his side, arguably a third of the bed instead of half. He piled pillows at his back, a rough semblance of Harry’s presence. He cast unnecessary warming charms.

And he waited for Harry to come home to him.

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[thebooktopus]

not sure why my brain went immediately to wedding vows when I heard this, but here we are. for the @drarrymicrofic song prompt "remedy" by Adele (350 words, T). thanks to @crazybutgood for the beta!! I took such an angsty, haunting song and went: "fluff? fluff." such is life.

“Merlin, we're married.” Harry collapsed onto the bed, holding out his hand to admire the gold band adorning his fourth finger.

“Never getting rid of me now.” Draco settled delicately at the head of the bed, lifting Harry's head into his lap.

“Your diabolical scheme worked.”

“Ah, yes. Finally, I have the Saviour just where I want him.” He withdrew his fingers from Harry's curls and tucked them inside his half-unbuttoned shirt, settling just over his heart. Harry rested his hand over top of it.

“I'm too tired to have sex,” Harry admitted.

Draco smiled at him. “Me too. Breakfast feels like a millennia ago.”

“Too right.” Harry kicked off his shoes. “Come lay with me.”

They arranged themselves into a familiar mirrored position on their sides, noses within nuzzling distance. Grey met green.

“Will you read your vows again? The ceremony went by so fast and…”

Harry grinned, nodding.

“I promise to make you tea every morning — two sugars — and cook for you every night.

“I promise to keep you well-stocked in French hair potions and silk pyjamas. I promise to rub your feet after every shift at the hospital.

“I promise to always indulge your imagination, even when it means another full-scale renovation.

“I promise to be a good dad to Furdinand and any other children we have, furry or otherwise.

“I promise to remind you of the man you have become when you forget. I promise to hold you when the nightmares keep you from sleeping.

“I promise to protect you, so you’ll never feel unsafe another day in your life. I promise to remedy any situation that brings you pain or unhappiness. I promise you joy.

“Draco, I promise to spend every moment of my life loving you, nurturing you. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Draco leaned forward and kissed him then, just like he had that afternoon. “You memorised them.”

“They’re written on my heart.”

“Sap.”

“You love it.”

“I love you.”

Draco knew it, even without his husband having to say so. Theirs was a forever kind of love.

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[thebooktopus]

for the @drarrymicrofic prompt "playing with fire" - this one is dedicated to the lovely and talented @bluebutter-art! happy happy birthday, blue! Liv's list this morning reminded me of your absolutely fab artwork of dragon tamers drarry and this was the result. I hope you're having an amazing day!! (T, 375 words)

Harry did some quick mental maths, calculating his speed against the distance between him and the Snitch, as well as Norberta’s incoming velocity and likelihood that she’d singe him. 

“Potter, don’t you dare!” Draco called out behind him. Harry could hear a hint of fear, but that hadn’t ever stopped him before. 

One quick barrel-roll and a lot of faith in his favourite dragon on the reserve, and Harry was holding the Snitch overhead, grinning back at Draco. “Don’t be a sore loser, Malfoy,” he teased.

Draco glared at him before heading for the ground. 

Harry groaned. “We’ll play again tomorrow, ‘Berta, promise.” He thought he caught a look of sympathy from the docile predator. 

Throwing his broom in the equipment shed, Harry chased after Draco, who was stomping towards the row of cabins. “Draco, come on!” he called, jogging up and reaching for him.

“Don’t touch me.” Draco jerked away. 

“Draco,” Harry pleaded. “I knew she wasn’t going to blast me. We were having fun, weren’t we?” 

Draco spun, his eyes full of the fire that Norberta had held back. “Fun? We were having fun until you decided that catching the Snitch was more important than your own life!” He shoved Harry.

“Draco—” Harry caught Draco’s arm and ran his hand down the leather of Draco’s armour.

“Don’t ‘Draco’ me, you arse,” Draco snapped, but he didn’t pull away. 

“I’m sorry I scared you.” Harry linked their fingers together. “I promise next time I’ll forget the Snitch.” 

Draco scoffed, but let Harry pull him closer. “Whatever, Potter.”

“Oh, so I’m ‘Potter’ today?” Harry tentatively pressed a kiss to the side of Draco’s mouth.

“Until I’m done being angry with you, yes.” Draco’s words didn’t match his tone, though, and he accepted another lingering kiss from Harry. 

“Okay, darling,” Harry said, squeezing his hand. “Do you still want to catch the sunset?”

Draco looked up, as if assessing the pinks and oranges and determining their worth. “Yes. But from the porch, not from our brooms.” 

Harry nodded, picturing how he’d pull Draco into his lap so they could share the rocking chair, how Draco would fuss but ultimately settle his long limbs and nuzzle into Harry’s neck. 

There were worse ways to spend an evening.

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[thebooktopus]

for the @drarrymicrofic prompt 'Still Into You' by Paramore (M, 425 words) CW: brief, non-explicit sex

“Remember when I was fit?”

The question startles a laugh out of me, which I choke back when Harry whips his head around to glare at me. 

“Harry,” I say placatingly. He grumbles, turning back to the mirror and kneading at his doughy midsection. 

I sigh quietly, throwing off the duvet and marking the place in my book with the photo of us from James and Teddy’s wedding. I stand, my bad knee protesting, thinking it was done supporting me for the day, and press my chest against Harry’s back, wrapping my arms around his waist. 

I meet his stormy eyes in the mirror. They’re no less brilliant than the first time I saw them decades ago, even though they have more lines around them now. 

“You’re still quite fit, old man.” I run my fingers through his salt and pepper hair, still full and curly, unlike my own receding hairline. 

“Am not. Should’ve never taken a desk job.” 

I resist the urge to snort. “Head Auror is not exactly ‘taking a desk job,’ love.”

He grins despite himself. 

“There’s Witch Weekly’s award-winningest smile!” I kiss his neck playfully, leaving my lips pressed against his warm skin.

“Stop!” He protests, but his arms tighten around mine. 

“Why don’t I show you all the things I still love about you?”

I take the way he relaxes against me as consent and wrestle him over to the bed. We fall in a mess of limbs, rearranging ourselves into a familiar position, our heads nestled together on a pillow. 

I trace my thumb over his laugh lines. “Proof we’ve shared a happy life.”

I skim my fingers over his paunch. “Proof that one of us finally learned how to cook.”

I bring his hand to my lips, kissing the knuckle below his wedding ring. “Proof that you’re mine.”

I brush a greying curl away from his forehead. “Proof we’ve survived, against all the odds.”

I cup my hand over his cock, which is getting hard. “Proof I still do it for you.” 

He presses me back against the mattress, kissing me in a way that still steals my breath.

“Would it make you feel younger if we rutted against each other like teenagers?” I tease, rolling my hips up. 

“Maybe.” He smiles against my lips. 

“Let’s see that legendary stamina.” 

When he collapses against me, my body limp and sated, he whispers, “Thank you,” so quietly I almost miss it.

I just hug him tighter, this legend of a man that I’m so lucky to call my own.

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[thebooktopus]

for the @drarrymicrofic prompt "shock" (T, 400 words) for @bluebutter-art, whose gorgeous artwork may have kickstarted this whole thing.

At the stroke of midnight on June 5th, everything changed. One moment, Draco was swirling the ice block in his drink around, laughing at Harry's impersonation of the Head Auror, and the next he'd gone feral, clawing at Harry, rambling “mine” and “take” and “mate”, his eyes swirling pools of molten lava. The massive pair of silvery wings that sprung from his back obliterated his expensive dress shirt. The last thing Harry saw before Hermione apparated them away was Draco tossing Blaise aside, watching Harry like a hawk.

Hermione wrestled Harry's wand from him so he couldn't apparate back to the pub, then locked all the exits. She disapparated from Grimmauld with a loud pop, her “forgive me, Harry,” whispered into the silence. The grandfather clock read 12:03 as Harry collapsed onto his sofa in a state of shock.

When Hermione returned with his wand the next day, Harry refused to speak to her, setting off instead for St Mungo's, then Draco's flat. Malfoy Manor. Blaise’s, Pansy's, Theo’s, Greg's. No one answered.

He found Narcissa at Andromeda’s, but she escaped through the Floo with a guilty backwards glance. “What the actual fuck is going on?” Harry erupted, spewing his frustration at Andromeda.

“It's complicated,” she started, the window panes rattling with Harry's temper.

With no help from anyone, Harry treated Draco's disappearance like a case, losing himself in order to find Draco.

By the time he breached the wards of a small cottage on the cliffs of Dover, more than three weeks had elapsed. He nearly blew the door off with his unhinged Alohomora.

Draco sat on a window seat, shirtless, cupping a mug in his blackened, clawed fingers. He'd lost weight—too much weight. His wings drooped, and there was a ring of sad, discarded feathers pooled around him.

Still, he was the most beautiful thing Harry had ever seen.

Draco sighed. “Surprise, Potter.” Even his voice lacked its usual acrimonious tinge.

“What happened?”

“Well, apparently Malfoys aren't as pureblooded as previously advertised,” he scoffed.

“Why have you been hiding from me?”

At this, Draco turned, that ire back in his eyes. “I've been trying to protect you. But no, Harry Potter can't leave well enough alone, can he?”

Harry refused to back down. “Don't push me away.”

Draco laughed cruelly. “Push you away?” He stood, his limp wings attempting a menacing height.

"Potter, you should be running."

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[thebooktopus]

for the @drarrymicrofic prompt "heartstopping" (T, 400 words) for @coffeedrgn87, who requested that this "heartstopper business" be "drarrified for [their] reading pleasure so [they] can have a meltdown over gay crisis harry" I hope this works. 💖

Harry checked that none of their classmates were around before hovering his hand over Draco's upturned one. His magic gathered in his fingertips, reaching out for Draco's. It sparked, energy sizzling between them and waking Draco.

“S-sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep.” He yawned, looking soft in the glow of the fire, so cuddly. 

“It's okay,” Harry managed, swallowing around the confession that had been caught in his throat for weeks. 

“You missed out on all the party games.” Draco pulled his hand back, picking at the chipped black nail polish on his thumb. 

“I didn't want to play anyways.”

“We could play something, just us?” He looked up hopefully at Harry. Merlin, I am so gone for this boy.

“Sure.” 

“Truth, No Dare?”

They started out tame, skirting around heavier topics, until Harry recognized the opportunity for what it was and gathered his courage.

“Your turn,” Draco said. 

“Okay, erm. Do you have… a crush?” Harry stared into the flames, nervous to hear Draco's answer. 

“Yes,” Draco whispered. 

Harry whipped his head around. “Who?” 

“Not what you asked.” Draco smirked. 

“No fair!” Harry jumped on Draco, tickling him through the ratty t-shirt he'd stolen from Harry the week prior. 

“No, Harry! Please!” Draco begged, giggling. 

Harry stopped, realising that he was straddling Draco. They were both breathing heavily. 

“Which… girl do you have a crush on?” Draco asked quietly, staring up at Harry. 

“Who… said it was a girl?”

Draco's eyes widened. “Boy?”

Harry’s breath hitched. No going back now. “You?”

“Is that a question?” 

“No, I mean… you. I have a crush on you.” 

Draco froze. 

Fuck. Harry scrambled off Draco's lap. “It's stupid, forget I said anything—” 

Draco cut him off with a kiss, cupping his cheeks so he couldn't escape. Harry reciprocated after only a moment's hesitation, Draco's lips soft and sure against his own. 

Draco pulled away. “I like you, too, idiot. I didn't know if you were gay.”

Harry's mouth curled up on one side. “I think I've slowly been coming to terms with maybe… being bisexual? There's this blonde git—”

Draco swatted his chest. “A very handsome blonde git, I’m sure.”

“Very handsome,” Harry agreed. He paused, staring too long at Draco’s smile before deciding fuck it and leaning in to kiss him again. He could’ve sworn a breeze kicked up in the room, swirling around them, pushing them closer together. Magic.

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[thebooktopus]

for the @drarrymicrofic prompt “rewrite the stars” (350 words, M) - I'm going to have this song stuck in my head for days.

Waking up to Harry Potter in his bed was something Draco knew he’d never tire of. Fingertips traced patterns on his lower back, Harry’s heartbeat a steady rhythm in his ear.

“Morning,” Draco murmured, placing a kiss on the tattooed lilies that adorned Harry’s chest. 

“I don’t want to hide this anymore.” Harry’s voice was gruff, as if he’d been steeling himself for this admission. 

Draco pressed up, searching out Harry’s eyes with a frown. “I thought we said—”

“Fuck what we said, Draco. That was two years ago, when we were just fucking. This hasn’t been just fucking for a long time, and I’m tired of the secrets and the lying. I love you. No one else gets an opinion.”

“Except they do, Harry. Your family, the public. Everyone will have an opinion.” 

Harry pulled him in closer. “Why do you care so much about them?”

“You think I don’t want this?” Draco shook his head, arching away from the familiar heat of Harry’s body. “It’s easy within these walls. We’re just Harry and Draco here. But out there? You’re their Saviour, and I’m the Death Eater. They’ll never let us be happy.”

“They don’t get to dictate our happiness or our future, Draco. We write our own stories. And I want you in mine. Main character.” Harry’s eyes were bright and unrelenting.

Draco felt tears stinging his own eyes. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to burrow into Harry’s arms or run screaming for the hills. “They’re going to scare you away,” he whispered. 

“Draco, no.” Harry tilted his chin up and kissed him, holding his gaze. “I know who you are, all the darkest parts of you, and I love all of it. I know all of the mountains you’ve had to climb to become the man you are today. I’m not letting go of you—not now, not ever.

“Trust me,” he said, kissing Draco again. 

Draco exhaled shakily. “Merlin, okay. I do trust you. You’re going to have to be brave for the both of us, though.”

“I won’t let you down.” Harry grinned. “I promise.”

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