The courtroom erupted in whispers, but Harry's voice cut through them, sharp and clear after minutes of sitting in silence, listening to people making accusations.
"He was a boy," Harry continued, gaze fixed on Draco—pale, chained, trying and failing to meet his eyes. "He was a boy, and he was scared. He did what his family told him to, what Voldemort told him to."
Everyone flinched, as if he would come back from the dead at the mention of his name. As if Harry hadn't walked to his own death to kill him.
"I know what it's like to be told who you have to be. To have no choice. Didn't all of you choose to hide behind me when it came to war? Weren't you printing wanted posters of my face when I was out there, searching for a way to end this? This trial might about Draco, but it was not he that chased after me with wands at the ready, it was the Ministry itself."
The Wizengamot shifted uneasily.
Harry's hands curled into fists. "If you punish him, then you punish me by extension. I stand here alive because he chose to come to my aid when it mattered. Right in front of Voldemort's eyes, knowing his own life could end in return."
Silence fell in the courtroom. Draco finally looked at him, something in his eyes Harry could not name from where he was. Gratitude. Anger. Maybe both.
----------
When you can't say "I'll kms if you throw my boyfriend in jail" so you go for a rational defense instead 😔✌
So I commissioned thomssbird_art (on Instagram) AND THIS MASTERPIECE WAS THE RESULT!
I’m currently working on a post-war Drarry fanfic and I wanted my vision of adult Harry and Draco to come true! So I took the oppurtunity and commissioned yet another artist. Tanya did an AMAZING job and I’m glad I got to work with her!
(Draco reference: Otto Seppalainen, yes this human EXISTS)
Anyway, enjoy my headcanon of adult! Drarry^^
+ Close ups (pls appreciate the Sectumsempra scars on Dracos neck, Harrys soft smile and their HANDS AHH)
I can't stop thinking about Post-War Harry making weekly visits to Godric's Hollow to lay fresh flowers on his parents' graves. He always sits with them awhile and talks to them about his week, even if he's not sure they can hear from the afterlife. He's apprehensive about bringing Draco, afraid he'll think he's mad for sitting and talking to himself in an old cemetary. But once they have been together for a year he decides to give it a try.
Draco shows up to his flat that day carrying two beautiful bouquets of lilies that he'd gotten from his mother's garden. Harry's reservations immediately diminish and he has to fight the urge to break down crying on the spot. When they arrive at Godric's Hollow, Harry leads the way through the kissing gate to their gleaming white tombstones and together they replace the flowers.
Harry sits cross legged on the grass and to his surprise Draco sits next to him and laces their fingers together.
"Hi Mum, hi Dad, I hope you don't mind I brought someone along this week. This is Draco, the one I've been telling you about all year. I just really wanted you to meet the man who changed my life." Harry says quietly, looking ahead and avoiding Draco's gaze just in case he really does think he's mad. His heart skips a beat when Draco clears his throat next to him before speaking.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Potter. Erm, I'm not sure how the afterlife works, I wasn't raised with any beliefs, but if you have been watching over Harry this whole time, then I owe you both an apology. I'm sorry for the vile things I said and did when we were younger, for the role I played in what he went through." Draco pauses for a moment and Harry bites his lip so forcefully he tastes blood as he tries to keep the tears that have welled up from spilling.
"I want you to know, though, I'm not that person anymore, thanks to your son. I know you'd both be so proud of the man he's become. He's the bravest, smartest, funniest and kindest person I know, and I promise you that I will take care of him and love him for the rest of my life." Draco finishes softly.
Harry let's the tears spill silently, overwhelmed momentarily by a mix of grief for his parents–wishing more than anything they were here to really meet Draco, to see how happy he finally is after a lifetime of misery–and immense amounts of gratitude and sheer love he feels for the man next to him. Draco reaches over and brushes the tears from his cheeks with the soft pad of his thumb and a sudden warm breeze whips through their hair, the scent of lilies surrounding them. Harry smiles, taking it as a sign from his parents, that they approve of Draco and know he's finally happy.
AO3 | Part one | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six
Thank you, everyone, for the lovely comments! Sorry, this was a bit rushed but I hope you like it nonetheless <3
The adrenaline they felt as they drove away from the diner slowly dissipated, leaving quiet awkwardness in its wake. Harry glanced over at Malfoy as he looked out of the trucks dusty window. Harry realized he hadn’t gotten a real good look at Malfoy, since he just now noticed how unkempt he was. His blonde hair was in disarray, jeans and shirt sleeves brown with dirt. It was a wonder that Harry recognized him at all.
“So, how long have you been out here?”
Malfoy didn’t answer.
“What? Already regretting you decision?” Harry forced out a laugh, but a small flash of panic went through his body.
Still no answer.
Harry leaned forward, trying to get an angle on Malfoy's turned face, before he grinned. The git was asleep.
“Guess all that walking was too much for him. Should have brought a broom, Malfoy.” Harry snickered, turning back to the road.
-
Draco awoke with a start, his face sliding from his hand and hitting the car's window. He sat up, his eyes shifting frantically around until he remembered where he was. Draco looked to his left, realizing that Potter wasn’t there. They were parked at a run down gas station, the only other car being a red, run down Mercedes, but Draco couldn’t see him anywhere. He sighed, leaning back into his seat.
“What are you doing, Draco…” He murmured to himself.
He knew running off to America was mad, but running off to America with Potter? That was… dangerous. He was lucky no one here recognized either of them. Otherwise, the situation could get complicated. And Draco had specifically come here to rid himself of complicated. But of course, he always seemed to find it with Potter, someone he just couldn’t run away from. So here he was, running along with him.
Draco jumped at the car door opened. Potter looked briefly surprised before smiling warmly at him.
“Hey. Morning.”
“Mm… Morning,” Draco mumbled, quickly averting his eyes towards the windshield.
“I got you some snacks. Wasn’t sure what you liked,” Potter handed him a plastic bag. Draco took it hesitantly.
Potter laughed, “You don’t have to eat anything if you don’t like it.”
Draco shook his head, “No, I just… I thought I was buying the next meal.”
“I wouldn’t call that a meal, Malfoy.”
Draco looked into the bag and silently agreed. It was filled with odd snacks and bubbly drinks. He tentatively took one out.
“‘Twinky’?” Draco said incredulously. “Are… Are they allowed to call food that?”
“What do you mean?” Potter gave him a funny look.
“I mean…” Draco blinked at the wrapper, “Is there a reason it’s named after twinks? I didn’t realize America was so open-minded about terms like that… Or is it a muggle thing?”
Draco turned to Potter and froze. He had doubled over on the steering wheel, his arms folded over his head so that they covered his face. His entire body was shaking.
“Potter?” Draco yelped, grabbing his arm. “What’s wrong?”
Potter shook his head, and a loud snort came out muffled from his position. Draco immediately flushed.
“Are you laughing at me?” He demanded.
Potter shook his head again, but it was unconvincing.
“Potter!”
"Y-you-" Potter croaked out from his hiding spot.
"What?" Draco demanded, furious now.
He finally raised his head, his face red and eyes teary. His mouth twitched as he tried to keep from laughing. "It's not based on... that, Malfoy. It's just a brand name."
Malfoy blinked, flushing. "How was I supposed to know? Merlin knows muggles are confusing!"
He turned away, crossing his arms. He felt so embarrassed he couldn't bear looking at Potter or his stupid face.
"But did you really think-?" He stopped short, a loud cackle leaving his mouth. He tried to suck it back in, but it left him in a wheeze.
"Ugh!" Draco lifted his arms and angrily slammed them down on his thighs. "I don't want to do this anymore," He opened the truck door and started to hop out. Potter's hand quickly shot out and grabbed him by the arm. Draco turned to see his head down, his hair covering most of his face. He was still shaking slightly, but he breathed evenly as if to calm himself down.
Finally, Potter cleared his throat and looked up. He was grinning so brightly it made Draco want to leave even more, what with the twisting in his stomach. Dangerous, dangerous, dangerous.
"Don't go, Malfoy. I'm sorry."
"Yes, well..." Draco reluctantly closed the door. "I'll let it go this time. You're lucky it's your birthday."
Potter blinked, “You remembered my birthday?”
Draco sucked in a breath, thinking quickly.
"Why wouldn't I? The whole wizarding world won't shut up about it."
Potter nodded solemnly and Draco exhaled. He always remembered the git's birthday, but he didn't want Potter thinking he was more special than he already was.
"Are they… Angry with me?"
"What?"
"Are…?" Potter shook his head. "Never mind."
Ah. So he did still care about trivial things.
"They're divided." Draco shrugged, "Some say they're glad you're gone and imagine you off, living a quiet life. Others are more scared than angry. They hope you'll come back if anything serious happens."
Draco glanced at him, trying to read his expression. Potter's eyebrows furrowed, his stare locked onto the steering wheel. Draco sighed exasperatedly and leaned over, pushing a slender finger in-between his brows and smoothed the crease there.
"Stop that. You don't owe them anything." He said angrily, "You don't need to care about how they feel about you anymore. Neither of us does."
Potter's eyes were wide, staring at him incredulously. He reached up and grabbed Draco's hand, pulling it away from his face. Draco flushed, embarrassed by his own boldness, but didn't withdraw his hand.
"I mean it. You saved them. You don't need to do more for them."
They locked eyes, Potter searching his for something. Draco wasn't sure what he was looking for, but after a moment Potter smiled. He laughed, squeezing Draco's hand, "I was wrong about you, Malfoy."
"What do you mean?"
"You're pretty grown up."
Draco rolled his eyes, making a disgusted sound. Despite that, he could feel his cheek pinken. "I don't want to hear that while I'm well into my thirties, Potter. Especially since I'm older than you."
"You're older than me?" He said surprised. His hand dropped to his thigh, bringing Draco's with it. He didn't seem to notice, still peering closely at Draco. "You're lying."
"I'm not. My birthday was last month."
"When?"
"June 5th," Draco said smugly, tilting his head.
"One month is barely anything."
"Technically two. And it's enough."
Potter snorted, his grip on Draco's hand tightening. Draco glanced at them, noticing how Potter thumb subconsciously rubbed against his palm. Potter caught his stare and looked down as well. He smiled tightly, letting it go and resting his hand against the steering wheel. Draco narrowed his eyes at Potter, searching his face.
"What?" Potter blinked at him.
"Nothing, just…" Draco flashed a small grin, "You're different from when we were at Hogwarts."
"Not really," He shrugged.
"You just seem… freer."
Potter rubbed at his own cheek, looking embarrassed. "Yeah, well, unemployment and endless driving can do that to you."
"Hm," Draco made a noise in agreement. He stared out Potter's window absentmindedly.
"Besides, of course, I seem different. What would you know about me at Hogwarts? We hated each other."
Draco, still zoned out, murmured, "Not necessarily."
"What?" Potter looked startled.
"Ah-" Draco sat up straighter, quickly looking around the car for a distraction. "Where did you get this car?"
"Bought it. What did you mean-?"
"Wait, how did you learn how to drive?" Draco pushed.
Potter stopped, smiling suddenly. "That's a funny story actually."
"Yeah?"
"I met this guy who was fixing his car on the side of the road. I was hitchhiking for a bit, but I really needed lessons. So I told him if I helped fix it for free, he had to teach me how to drive."
"How'd you fix it?"
"What do you think? Magic." He winked.
"That's cheating," Draco laughed.
"Whatever. We both got something out of it."
Draco shook his head, "I still don't understand these contraptions."
"Hey."
Draco turned to him, eyebrow raised. Potter's grin stretched across his face, eyes twinkling.
"Want to learn how to drive?"
-
"Malfoy, slow down!" Harry yelled over the wind from the rolled down windows.
"How?" He bellowed, his nails sinking into the steering wheel as he leaned back into the seat. His eyes were shut tight.
"Open your eyes first! Use the break!"
They zoomed down the open road, dirt billowing in large clouds behind them. Harry tried to grab the steering wheel, but Malfoy's blind grip on it was immovable.
"Malfoy, let go. Lift your feet up. The car will slow on its own."
"I hate you, I hate you, I hate you," He yelled frantically, still frozen in place. Suddenly, sirens blared behind them as a cop car appeared through the dust.
"Shite," Harry said, turning toward Malfoy desperately. "Malfoy, please. Look at me."
Malfoy shook his head, looking pale and scared.
"Draco," Harry repeated, his voice softer. "Look at me."
He gulped thickly, turning and squinting his eyes at him. Harry gently put a hand on his cheek to keep him in place.
"Breathe. Let go. Lift your feet."
Malfoy nodded slowly, doing as he was told until the car started to slow down.
"Now put your foot on the left pedal, slowl-"
The car screeched, weaving slightly as Malfoy tried to control the wheel until it abruptly stopped at the side of the road. They were jostled by the sudden movement, but otherwise unharmed. The police parked a few feet behind them, turning off the sirens before a woman hopped out of the car.
"Okay, Malfoy, just let me do the talking, alright?"
He merely nodded, still shaking slightly. Harry put a gentle hand on his shoulder, squeezing slightly. "It's alright."
Malfoy glanced at his hand then at him, turning quickly away and nodding again. "I got it, Potter. Merlin."
"How you doin', boys?" The officer appeared at Malfoy's window.
"Ah, hello," Malfoy smiled awkwardly.
"Hi-" Harry started.
"Wait a minute, Harry?" The officer suddenly smiled.
"Oh, Officer Johnson. Hi again…" Harry said sheepishly.
"You need to stop getting' in trouble with the law, son." She chastised good-naturedly.
"Sorry. I was just teaching my friend how to drive."
"Teaching…?" She raised an eyebrow at Malfoy. "Boy, you don't know how to drive yet?"
Malfoy straightened, looking haughty for a moment. Harry internally groaned. "No. I don't."
Johnson shook her head, not noticing his change in tone. "You Brits are odd, aren't ya? Well, nice to see you still keep this truck up in good shape. I'll let you off with a warning, Harry. But you better practice off the major roads, ya hear?"
"There's no one else but us on this road!" Malfoy said.
"Excuse me?" Johnson narrowed her eyes at him and Harry quickly grabbed his shoulder, pulling him away slightly.
"Yes, ma'am. We'll practice in a safer location next time. Thank you."
She glanced between them before nodding. "Be safe now."
After she walked away and drove off, Harry sighed. "What's wrong with you?"
"Wrong with me?" Malfoy turned on him, "You force me into this contraption, barely bother to tell me how to use it-"
"I did tell you how to use it!"
"-And then suddenly the policewoman pulling us over is your good mate! How am I to blame right now?"
Harry sighed, exasperated, "Draco."
"Don't do that." He was pouting.
"What?" Harry blinked at him. "I can't call you your name, now?"
"You only use it when you think I'm being an idiot."
"That's not-"
"Prove it, then." He challenged. He looked so upset, it was almost cute. Harry snorted at the thought. Which only made Malfoy look even angrier.
"Okay, now I'm really leaving." He swung open the door and slammed it shut, walking to the back for his bag. Harry hastily jumped out of the truck, running around it to grab him.
"Wait, Malfoy, I'm sorry-"
"No, you're not." He shook off Harry's hand and started walking down the road.
"Where are you going? There's nothing out here for miles, you know!"
"As long as you're not near me for miles, that's perfectly fine with me."
Harry groaned, trotting after him, "Malfoy, come back. What do you want me to do? I said I was sorry-"
"It doesn't matter."
"Why not?" Harry demanded, stepping in front of him and putting a hand on his chest. He froze when he saw Malfoy's face. It was contorted oddly. Like he was on the verge of tears.
"Why would it? Why would you saying sorry matter? Why would this matter? Why-" He stopped, almost choking on his words.
"Why are you so upset? Was getting driving that scary?"
"Not as scary as this," Malfoy growled.
"As what?"
"Being here! With you. I was supposed to come here to be alone. Alone and free and-" He took a deep breath, "I wasn't supposed to find you, Potter. I wasn't supposed to find anyone."
"But you did. And when I asked you to come with me, you wanted to! So why are you regretting it now?"
"I'm not-"
"Then what's the problem?" Harry practically yelled. He felt like he was going crazy.
"Why do you want me here? Why did you ask me to come?" Malfoy screamed back.
They were both quiet then. The emptiness of the desert seemed to envelop them as they stared at each other.
Harry finally answered, saying it slowly, "I… want you… here. With me."
"Why?"
"I don't know! I just do." He combed a hand through his hair, looking angrily at the ground. "Maybe I'm sick of being alone."
Malfoy closed his eyes slowly, breathing evenly. Harry thought he imagined a red flush crawl up his neck. "Again," He said through gritted teeth, "Why? Because you still need a sense of adventure? Still need someone to hate?"
Harry shook his head, stepping closer to his and gripping both of his shoulders. "No. Because you get it."
Malfoy blinked at him, his expression finally blank.
"Everyone else… They got over it. Not immediately, mind you. But… Eventually. And I still can't shake it, Malfoy. I still can't forget everything. I think you feel the same. That the war will always be a part of you. That's why you ran, isn't it? Just like me, you're not running to forget, but to let yourself grow with this permanent…" He closed his eyes, "Pressure inside you?"
Malfoy was silent, and when Harry opened his eyes he saw tears streaming down his cheeks. He gently used his sleeve to wipe them away.
"Am I right?"
Malfoy nodded, his head falling into Harry's chest. When he spoke, his voice came out muffled. "How could they do it, Harry? How could they just forget it so easily. How can they move on when it still feels so real?"
Harry slowly wrapped his arms around Malfoy's back, letting his chin rest on the back of his head. "I don't know."
After a moment, Malfoy pulled back, wiping his eyes and looking slightly embarrassed. "Alright, fine."
Harry blinked. "What?"
"I'll run away with you. For real, this time."
Harry grinned, tightening his grip around Malfoy's waist. "No take backs?"
Malfoy rolled his eyes, "No take backs."
He chuckled, a warmth spreading throughout his body.
"But, there's a condition."
"What?" Harry eyed him suspiciously.
"You have to call me Draco, alright? And I'll call you Harry."
"Okay? Why?"
"If we're gonna do this, we can't be how we were in school. No more fighting irrationally. Just… starting over. Okay?"
Harry smiled and nodded. "Of course. Draco."
Malfoy blushed, turning his head away, "I'm the only one here, idiot. You don't have to say it constantly."
He laughed, letting Malfoy go as he lead them back to the truck. "Okay, Draco."
"Merlin, stop."
They hopped back into the truck and Harry started the ignition, glancing at staring out of the windshield.
"So?" He prompted.
"So what?"
"Where are we off to?"
"Anywhere as long as you drive."
"That's a given." Harry grinned at him, "Come on, you don't have a place in mind?"
Draco shrugged, smiling softly and leaning back into his seat.
Draco discovers Harry before he sacrifices himself to Voldemort during the Battle of Hogwarts.
Draco sat at the edge of the castle. The walls crumbling behind him, people tending to the injured and dead inside. He'd never heard the grounds be so quiet. Suffocatingly silent. It had taken all his strength to move towards the forest. He made it outside at least. Maybe this was for the best. How fitting, once again Draco Malfoy was stuck -literally- in the middle of a war.
He sighed, letting his head fall in between his knees. He only stirred from his position at the crunch of trainers to wet grass.
Draco looked up, seeing nothing at first, then an odd shimmer near the ground and a light splatter of dirt moving in the air.
“What are you doing?” Draco jumped up. He was met with silence. "I know it's you, Potter. Stop taking the piss and reveal yourself."
Potter sighed, suddenly appearing before him, much closer than expected. Draco took a half step back.
"What are you doing?" He asked again.
"You know what I'm doing, Malfoy."
Draco shook his head, not wanting to believe it.
“You can’t do this to us, you’re supposed to be the only one who can stop this. You’re supposed to be the one who saves us. And you’re giving up?" Draco tried to look Potter in the eye, but he was focused on the grass beneath them. "If you can’t do this…. Who can?”
He said nothing for a moment. They could hear muffled cries behind them. Draco grimaced. Another injured must have died.
“Why are you here?” Potter was looking at him now.
“… I… I have to go to them. Find my parents, be on their side but-“
“No one said you had to be on their side, Draco.”
Draco took in a short breath at Potter using his name. He continued, “It was never said, but… it was also never a choice.”
“We always have a choice.”
“If that's the case, then don’t go." He grabbed Potter's shoulder. "Choose us.”
Potter looked pained for the first time. “I am.”
Draco stared at him, tears threatening to break through and stream down his face. He shook his head, willing them not to.
“I don’t understand.”
Potter laughed at that. “I don’t think I do either. I just know it’s right.”
Draco watched his feet, caked in the dirt beneath him, letting his arm fall dumbly at his side, “I guess you’d know.”
Potter was silent for a long moment, making Draco look up, worried he was gone. Potter looked thoughtfully into the Forrest. “If you could go back and change anything, what would you change?”
Draco blinked at that, “I… I wouldn’t know where to start.”
Potter nodded solemnly, and they didn’t speak for another beat, but it felt like days. Draco cleared his throat, “What would you do differently?”
Potter turned to him, a sad smile on his lips. “I’d shake your hand.”
Draco’s breath hitched, but before he could say anything, he was walking again. Draco wished he could stop him, grab him, anything. But all he could do was stare, watching the only light they had fade into the darkness of the forest.
—
The war was over. It had been for many years. They all finished their last year and moved on. Draco was working in a wizard shop part time as he studied as a Healer. He did mundane work, sweeping, working the register, all that. It never compared to his time at Hogwarts, but it was calm. And most days that was enough.
Draco was organizing a corner in the shop when the bell tinkled and a door shut.
“Be right with you!” Draco called, wiping his hands on his apron. He scurried around to greet the customer, stopping short when he saw Harry Potter.
“Welcome to-”
Potter grinned sheepishly, “Hey. I, er, saw you in the shop and thought I’d say hi.”
Draco blinked before shaking himself back to the present. “Oh?”
He grinned, the rough stubble on his face moving to accommodate his singular dimple. His glasses were different. Still round, but bigger and silver. His hair was long and wavy, tied up in a messy bun. He was almost unrecognizable, except for his eyes. Bright and green and crinkled at the edges. A familiar warmth that Draco hadn't felt in years coursed through him.
He realized he was staring and frantically started to make an excuse, but stopped short once he realized Potter was doing the same.
"Well," Draco said, a sudden confidence washing over him, "Seems you're taking your second life in stride."
Potter blinked at him, seemingly coming back to the present, before laughing heartily. "You could say that, sure. What about you?"
"What about me?" Draco sniffed.
"You're taking your freedom in stride as well, yeah? I mean, studying for Healer can't be easy-"
"How do you know that?"
Potter's eyes widened, "Oh, er-"
"Have… Have you been following me, Potter?"
"No! No, no, no." His cheeks flushed as he pulled out his wallet and flashed an Auror ID at him. "I just happen to be at St. Mungo's a lot."
Draco took the wallet into his hands gently, looking over the badge. "Still saving the world then?"
Potter laughed. "Barely."
Draco glanced up at him, taking in his features again. He looked so different, but it was comforting to know he still acted the same. He was about to say something when Potter's badge started blinking in his hand.
"Shite, sorry. I didn't mean to…" He quickly thrust it back, but Potter merely shook his head and tapped it. The blinking stopped.
"Don't worry about it. Just means I have five minutes left to get back to the office."
Potter awkwardly took a step backward towards the door, nodding as if to say goodbye, but he stopped short. An odd glint sparked in his eyes and he stepped closer, extending his arm towards Draco, a hopeful smile barely visible in his expression.
“See you again?”
Draco stared at the hand, his heart pounding in his chest. He took it, looking up with mirrored hope, and shook.
I made a post war Drarry playlist that doubles as a Tombraxas angst playlist depending on what mood you’re in when you listen. Link below if anyone else out there is in need of something this incredibly specific (or you just ship one or the other):
