This is written for the song “sanctuary” by origene from @drarrymicrofic
Word count: 170
Drarry microfic: okay
“I… I think I’m asexual.”
The words left his mouth in a whisper. He had been thinking about this for months, now. And even if it took him some time to finally admit it to himself, he was finally ready to share it with Draco.
Carefully, as if not to startle him, Draco took Harry’s hand, lifting it up to his lips and placing a soft kiss to the back of it. “Okay.”
“Okay?” Harry asked, confused. Was that really all Draco had to say?
“Yes,” Draco answered. His expression was soft, loving. It almost felt overwhelming. “I won’t judge you for that and I won’t stop loving you either. On the contrary, I think I love you even more.”
The smile that appeared on Harry’s face was so big he thought his face would split in half. He jumped up and engulfed Draco into a big hug, placing a tender kiss on his cheek. “Thank you,” he whispered as tears started to spill from his eyes. “I love you.”
Harry sat quietly, staring up at the stars and trying to ignore how overwhelmingly exhausted he was.
And not just the kind of exhaustion that came from having one too many things to do or from not getting quite enough sleep the night before. But the kind of exhaustion that came from seeing too much of the ugliness of the world; too much pain and hatred, too much unkindness and too little remorse.
He laid back in the grass and took a slow deep breath, pushing thoughts of all of the ways that his students mistreated one another, of their family situations, and all of the rest of the horrible things, out of his mind. And for just a moment, he closed his eyes.
He should have known that was a horrible idea, that closing his eyes when he was as tired as he was would make him fall straight to sleep. Still, he did it anyway, and within a heartbeat he was asleep. And he stayed asleep until he was startled awake by someone tripping over him and falling on top of him.
"What the fuck?" the offending person groused, "lumos."
Harry blinked, trying to adjust to the sudden change of light. "Hey, Draco."
"What the fuck, Potter? Why are you laying on the ground?"
"I was looking at the stars."
Draco raised an eyebrow at him, "Surely you heard me approaching. Couldn't you have warned me not to trip over you?"
"Well, I was looking at the stars," Harry corrected. "But then I fell asleep."
"In the grass?" he asked incredulously.
"I'm tired," he said, the truth of those words hitting a little too hard. "I'm tired," he repeated softly.
Draco looked at him for a long moment, then settled onto the grass next to him. "What happened?"
With a sigh, that was mostly relief at being allowed to talk about it, Harry launched into a detailed explanation of all of the things that had gone wrong in the past couple of days. Of all of the ways that the kids he taught had treated each other awfully, had hurt one another, "and it just feels like no one cares," he said, waving his hand hopelessly. "And I don't know how to stop all of the things that are happening."
Draco was quiet for a moment, then he said, "What if it isn't your job to fix it?"
"They're children!" he spluttered. "They deserve to feel safe, to feel loved, and cared for-"
"Yeah, you did," Draco said.
Harry froze, hardly even breathing while it felt like his heart might burst in his chest. "What?" he asked carefully, trying not to put a single ounce of emotion into the word.
Slowly and very intentionally, Draco said, "You deserved to feel safe, to feel loved, to feel cared for when you were their age."
"This isn't about me."
Draco tilted his head at him, "Isn't it?"
He wrapped his arms around his knees, drawing them up to his chest. "No," he said. "I mean, sure I don't want them to have to do years of therapy to understand the trauma they experienced here wasn't-"
"They know you care about them," Draco said. "They know that you see them, that you do your best to make sure bad things don't happen to them and then when they do, they know that you are going to set it right."
"I-"
"None of them are invisible to you. What you are doing right now makes a difference." He shrugged, "Kids are always going to be kids. By nature, they are pushing each other's boundaries and pushing yours. They are human, they are going to make mistakes. It's not your job to prevent them from happening."
"But-"
"It's not your job to prevent them from happening as long as it wasn't your negligence that caused it," he said.
Harry swallowed, "I don't know what to do with that."
He hummed and knocked his shoulder into Harry's, "Just admit that I'm right."
He huffed a laugh and looked up at the stars, "I just want to protect them."
"Yeah," he said softly. "You do. You just can't protect them from everything. They're whole people who get to make decisions and who get to make their own mistakes. All we get to do is help them recover and learn from them."
Harry sighed, "Thanks."
"You're not the only one who cares about them," he said softly.
"Sorry," he started, aghast, "I didn't mean to imply you didn't-"
"I know," Draco assured. "I just have to tell myself the same things a lot. They're going to be okay."
He nodded.
"What you're doing matters."
"Thanks," he said softly.
They sat in companionable silence for a long moment and Harry leaned over so their shoulders were pressed together.
"What were you doing out here?" he asked.
Draco laughed, "Looking for you, idiot. The bed was cold."
Harry hummed, "I knew there was a reason you keep me around."
"Harry," he said softly, always too adept at reading Harry's insecurities in his joking. "I love you. A lot," he said, "And I am always happy to listen to you after a hard day."
He hummed noncommittally, it felt like a burden, like he was too much; and if he wasn't careful, if he put too much on him, Draco wouldn't be able to stand it. "It's not your job-"
"I love you," he repeated. "I am happy to listen to you about the things that make you sad."
"They're not rational."
Draco shrugged, "They don't have to be. I like listening to you, I like reassuring you."
He didn't know what to say, didn't know how to believe him that that was actually true.
The other man wrapped his arm around his shoulder and pulled Harry into him, "It's okay that you don't believe me."
"I want to-"
"I know," he murmured. "I'm not going anywhere, though. I don't mind proving it."
He exhaled, "I love you."
"I love you too." Draco pointed at the sky and Harry followed the path of his finger, "Shooting star," he murmured.
"What did you wish for?" Harry asked, soft and a little sleepy.
Draco pressed a kiss to the crown of his head, "This."
for @hdcandyheartsfest 's prompt: Pillow
rated: G
CW: Werewolf Harry
He was stretched out across the couch, his face buried against the pillow. It was lumpy and misshapen, but it was all he could find. His muscles ached and his skin stung with the approaching moon. He could feel his body getting ready to change, as it always did around this time. Every week before the full moon, his bones would start to ache and fatigue would settle in, rendering him practically useless, as the pain only increased with the passing days. And now, the day before his transformation, he couldn’t even lift an arm without feeling as if he were tearing his muscles apart.
The blanket that was wrapped around him was light, and not nearly long enough, as his toes stuck out the other side. He was cold and miserable, and he wished Draco would hurry up and come home. He was supposed to be getting groceries, but he sort of hoped he’d just skip that and come straight back. They didn’t need to eat, right?
He burrowed deeper into the pillow, letting out a grumble, as he attempted to get some sleep, knowing he was going to need it. But his eyelids were sore, and he was far too painful to even hope to sleep.
After what felt like an eternity, the front door opened and Draco stepped inside, a row of grocery bags floating in after him, which were sent to their proper places with a flick of his wand. Harry watched him, trying not to look too impatient, while he silently willed him to come over and make him feel better.
Draco finally spotted him, his face softening. “Not feeling well, Love?”
He let out a muffled grumble, his face still smashed against the sorry excuse for a pillow.
Once he had crossed the den, Draco knelt down beside him, running a finger over his forehead and tucking a stray curl back into place. “Wouldn’t you be more comfy in bed?”
“I don’t wanna move.” He whined, knowing he sounded like a petulant child, but he didn’t care, as he was sore and tired and didn’t think he’d even be able to stand without falling over.
Draco smiled and bent down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against his cheek. “Okay. Can I get you a warmer blanket?”
He nodded, although the movement sent sparks of pain through his neck. “And a better pillow?”
“And a better pillow.” Getting back up, Draco placed a hand against his shoulder, before he pulled away to go and look for his blanket and pillow.
It didn’t take very long, before Draco returned with both. Once the pillows had been carefully switched out, and he was swaddled in his new blanket, Draco sat back down beside him. He glanced over at him, his eyes already growing heavy from exhaustion. “Thank you.”
“Of course, Love.” Draco placed his hand against his cheek, rubbing small circles over his skin. “Do you want a massage?”
He could feel his cheeks growing warm, so he turned his head, until it was hidden from view, and he was starting to suffocate against the pillow. “Yeah.”
“Okay. You just had to ask.” He could hear Draco shifting, as he moved closer and began to drift his hands around his shoulders, pressing against his sore muscles.
Draco was always incredibly gentle with him, somehow knowing exactly where to rub and how much pressure to apply, so he wouldn’t agitate his body more. It was something Draco always did for him before every full moon. He didn’t know how he would have gotten through them without it, as it was the only thing that cut through the constant pain. His hands were warm and helped to release the growing tension inside of him, as he worked his way over his back, avoiding any spots that were too tender to touch. Draco could always tell where the terribly sore spots were, even if he had no idea how. Maybe, he could feel the tension growing in his back. Or maybe, he was just magic.
All he knew was that it felt good, and it helped to distract him from the pain and discomfort. His breathing slowed, as he let himself relax, thoroughly enjoying the warmth that spread through his skin with every touch of Draco’s hand. Lips brushed against the back of his neck, sending tingles down his spine and eradicating any of the soreness that had been lingering there.
He tilted his head, so he could look up at Draco. “Thank you.”
Draco just smiled. “It’s okay. I like being able to help.”
For anon’s prompt, 800 words. TW for panic attack.
Forget cats and dogs, it was raining a bloody zoo out there; Harry had to swim rather than walk the half mile back, blind behind his glasses and deaf with the chaos. Dramatic weather for the dramatic whatever-it-was in his head; but not wild enough, not harsh enough, not… Finally home, dripping on the welcome mat, Harry leaned his forehead against the wall and just. Breathed. In. out. In, out. In in in. Out out out. In—
“Darling?”
Harry started, dropping the soggy bag on the floor, apples and lemons rolling. His breath came foggy up his glasses, painfully irregular, tearing his throat apart. He tried to control himself somehow, to stop scaring himself, stop scaring Draco.
It obviously wasn’t working. “Harry…”
Draco didn’t touch him; knew not to, by now. “I,” Harry mumbled, the best he had.
“Oh, love. Do you want to sit down? You’re trembling.”
“Mmph,” Harry shook his head, clinging to the wall like it could save him. There was some solace to it, something solid to ground himself on when he was so scared. Why was he always scared, why did everything feel so scary now, when it never used to before?
“Okay. Okay. Do you want me to leave?”
The sound tearing out of him now was half-whimper, half-mewl, but Draco understood. It made him so sad, to be understood. Why was everything so impossibly, irreparably sad?
“All right, I’ll stay. Staying. I’m right here.”
Harry wished the wall wasn’t so flat, that there was something to hold on to other than just smooth wallpaper. It was so quiet now, too quiet, and Harry needed—he gave a small, panicky wail, which had Draco come a step closer.
“What is it? You have to tell me, I can’t, I don’t know.”
“Just…” Harry blinked away hot tears, “talk, keep… just…”
“What? I—oh, all right, yes. Okay. I can keep talking. You know me, I practically never stop. I literally spoke a goblin’s ear off once. They banned me from Gringotts for a month.”
Harry laughed, he thought. He crushed his cheek against the wall, breathed slowly. Please. Just… please, he didn’t want to feel like this anymore, he didn’t want to be so scared and sad and wrong, he didn’t want this. Please.
“No, darling, it’s okay, because I keep all my money under my pillow anyway. You know that already, we sleep in the same bed. There’s some money under your pillow too.”
It was definitely a laugh now. Harry opened his eyes to a blurry, wet world.
“What? That’s not a joke. You should check the bedroom, there’s twenty Galleons and a hundred quid under your pillow. Ever since the whole… you know I don’t trust them, any of them. I won’t ever be caught so off guard again, and neither will you, because you have me. You hear that? You have me. And I have you.”
Harry groaned, burrowing into the wallpaper. God. He just wanted—that was all he wanted. To have, to be had.
“Oh, my darling.” Draco must have seen the look on his face. He was so close, Harry could feel him, warm and familiar. It made his chest ache so terribly.
“One day… One day we’ll take that money and go traveling. You said you wanted to see that world you worked so hard for? I’ll take you everywhere. Yes? Sounds like something you’d like?”
The miserable sounds coming out of him were ripping Harry’s soul apart, but Draco was stronger, closer to his heart, so he nodded, hanging onto every word. Please… please…
“My love. Oh, Harry, there’s so much good in your future, so much good yet to come. So much happiness coming your way, and love, and joy. Do you even know how ridiculously happy you’re going to be some day?”
He laughed when Harry shook his head. “That’s okay. It’s okay, because I know. I’m going to make sure of it. That you get all the love you deserve. Everything you need, all the… I’m sorry, am I saying the wrong thing?”
Draco must have been reacting to the way his crying just went up three octaves, but Harry’s never heard anything more perfect in his life. He turned, face scrunched, arms open, and Draco dove in between them like he belonged there and squeezed him tight. Harry cried on his shoulder, hysterical and grateful and overwhelmed. Draco stroked his hair, kissed his wet cheeks, whispered in his ear. His words were meaningless now, maybe not even in English, but the tone of his voice was so soft, was enough.
Harry let the downpour wash over him, rejoicing in the deluge, just as powerful as this whatever-the-hell in his head. Not harsh, stupidly dramatic, wild—but still contained. The perfect storm.
The story of Draco NOT being a disaster in the kitchen and how Harry fell in love with him for that
This turned out a lot longer than I thought but I’m actually really happy with it, so enjoy some Drarry with Draco&Hermione friendship!
I mean, come on, Draco was master at potions. You really think he would be a disaster in the kitchen??? Like ok, he might take a while to get used to the difference between the two, like how there’s no cauldron but that thing called an oven was kinda dope, but he would be a natural at it still. Especially the sweet kitchen. Baking and different desserts that require specific techniques would be right up his alley.
After the war when Draco was in house arrest (luckily not in Azkaban, thank you very much Scarhead) he had access to muggle books, and when he found a cookbook, he went a little overboard. So, for a whole year, he did nothing but baking and cooking and experimenting. And when his house arrest was up, he moved to muggle London for peace and quiet and opened a bakery. It was a success, and Draco was swamped with customers. See? He wasn’t a fucking disaster.
After a few years he had completely left the wizarding world. Why would he stay? Muggles were nice, the treated him well, unlike 99.999% of the magic people. So, time moved on and he finally opened a second bakery downtown because the first one was so successful. He still personally ran his small shop in the outskirt of London.
He hadn’t seen any wizards in years, except his mother, Pansy, Blaise and his therapist, which was exactly how he wanted it.
So, when a certain Hermione Granger popped in a Saturday morning with a toddler by the hand, he was torn. Granger seemed torn and confused, glancing back at the door as if considering to leave, but of course, she striked up a conversation about what a small world they lived in because she was Granger.
But Draco knew she was just doing it to be polite and fill the tense silence. He saw she was visibly uncomfortable, eyes scanning nervously around the room and the way she held her child just a little bit closer, but he understood and rolled his sleeve down when the young girl looked a little too close. He owed her that much.
(His therapist has told him to embrace the compliments from the muggles who just saw a tattoo, not a dark mark, so he had made a habit of rolling his sleeves up to his elbow even if he hated it at the beginning. Now, he only had them rolled down on bad days)
He saw Granger’s eyes linger on the movement, on his arm and her polite, uncomfortable smile disappeared. His own polite smile vanished as well. Draco was expecting her to pay quickly and leave, if not just storm out, but Granger shut down the polite small talk conversation and asked him how he was. Asked him how he ended up in muggle London, how he discovered his passion for baking. Asked him everything he didn’t think he would ever be asked again. Least of all by an old classmate.
Taken back, he told her. Told her how his dad, even though in Azkaban, disowned him when he moved to muggle London. Told her how he didn’t care and how his mum still supported him. Told her about his new best friend, a muggle girl who lived across from him called Laura and about his two cats called Lupin and Minerva, named after his favourite teachers at Hogwarts (her eyebrows almost left her head when he told her this and it felt nice to surprise). And even though he talked about things that really didn’t matter, she listened.
"How long have you been living here?" She asked, embarrassed. "You know, in muggle-"
"6 years." He smiled.
(More under the cut)
(Or read on ao3)
Granger went home with her kid with a promise to return because Draco's chocolate raspberry cupcakes were just that good.
Life moved on all the same, except Granger, who slowly became Hermione, visited every Saturday morning on her way to the Weekly Weasley Saturday Lunch. Apparently, his cakes and pastries were essential now.
But Draco knew she didn’t tell them where she bought them. And even though the thought stung a bit, he didn’t think that them knowing they ate sweets and cakes from a death eater every Saturday would do them any good.
That idea was then ruined when one day Granger (Hermione) brought her lovely husband along.
Draco was nervous. He knew that Ron knew that Hermione got that awful scar on her forearm on the floor in his childhood home. He hadn’t forgiven himself for that even though Hermione showed him the cover-up tattoo of sunflowers she got a few years back. She had recommended the place she went to, made him write it down even.
Ron eyed him up and down, jaw tense when Hermione dragged him into the shop. Draco ducked his head, greeting Hermione and Rose as usual and nodded his head short at Ron. He didn’t know if Ron would like it if he spoke to him.
Ron had Rose placed on his hip, frown still present on his face when he saw his young daughter call for Draco, laughing when the blonde asked her where she got her pretty dress from.
Draco could sense the tension coming from Ron and turned away from Rose to ask Hermione what he can do for her.
The small talk was the same as always. Hermione asked him how the shop was holding up and Draco asks about the problem at the Ministry that gave her sleepless nights.
It wasn’t until Draco reached over the counter to give Rose her usual free chocolate biscuit that Ron spoke.
He took a step back, pulling Rose away from Draco’s hand, which the toddler was already reaching for.
“No thank you.”
Draco flinched back and retreated his hand. Rose started crying.
“Ron,” Hermione snapped, “Don’t be ridiculous.”
She had that look in her eyes that made Aunt Bellatrix look almost nice.
“No, you might trust him but I sure as hell don’t.” Ron snapped back and Rose cried louder.
“It’s okay, Hermione-”
“No, you’ve been nothing but nice to me and Rosie,” She said, louder this time and Draco’s eyes softens. “you're my friend," she said sharply at Draco, "and you are going to apologize and go wait outside." She turned to Ron this time.
Ron scowls and sighed but opened his mouth either way.
But Draco was faster.
"It's okay, Weasley, I understand."
"No, it's not okay, Draco-"
"Please Hermione, it really is, I understand and it's no problem." He looked at Ron, who tightened his jaw once again, nodded and turned around to leave, Rose still crying silently on his hip. She didn’t get her biscuit.
Hermione was left staring at him with angry eyes. Draco sighed and stared back.
"I'll talk to him."
"No, you won't. He didn't do anything wrong."
Hermione huffed, walking around the counter to stand across from him. She had been behind the counter a number of 4 times now. "Didn't do anything wrong?! Draco, you shouldn't-"
Draco held up a hand. "My family hurt his family."
Hermione went silent, turning her frustrated gaze downward.
"I hurt his family." Draco brushed a lock of bushy dark hair behind her ear and frowned. "I hurt you, didn't I?" Hermione reached out and took his hand. "It's perfectly understandable that he didn’t like or trust me. Let alone to give free treats to his child."
When Hermione looked up, she had glistening eyes. "But you apologized and you've changed. You don't deserve this." She sniffled and Draco pulled her in for a hug.
They stood there for a long time until Hermione pulled away and said; "Come to my baby shower, please?"
"Baby shower?"
"It’s a muggle thing you host when you’re pregnant."
“Yes, I know what it is, it’s just-” Draco cut himself off and smiled, pulling her in for a hug once more. "Darling, that's amazing! Congratulations," Hermione laughed wetly.
"So, you'll come?" She said, looking up at him. “I want you to be there.”
Draco sighed, glancing outside at Ron who seemed to be rocking Rose back and forth still. He turned back to Hermione. "I don't think that's a good idea," the smile on her lips disappeared. "But I'll make you a cake, your favourite." He said instead and she sighed but nodded at him.
"It's a boy." She said.
"I'll make it blue then."
"No, make it yellow, it's more neutral.”
“Of course, you can stop by anytime and we’ll have dinner to celebrate okay?”
Hermione smiled. “Okay, Draco.”
And then life went on. And Hermione got more and more pregnant. She still stopped by in the shop and by now also showing up unannounced on his doorstep when she needed a break from the world or when Ron got in that “protective husband/father mode that’s kinda sexist but not really because he means well” as Hermione called it. Draco knew she felt bad after she said stuff like that because Ron was the most perfect husband and father she could ask for.
It wasn’t until she was about 8 months along that the routine broke again.
It was a Sunday morning and Draco was up early to finish a fresh load of blueberry tarts. It was 07:35 am and he was not opening for another hour or so, but then there was a knock at the door.
He considered ignoring it, but as it continued he realized he probably couldn’t.
So he walked to the front, dishtowel thrown over his shoulder and apron tied around his waist. He had flour all over him and his semi-long hair, which normally rested just above his shoulders, was tied into a bun. He didn’t really desire any human interaction right now but he didn’t seem to have a choice.
He regretted his decision not to ignore the knocking as soon as he saw who was standing on the other side of the see-through glass door.
Harry Potter, looking 7 years older since Draco last saw him, was standing outside his bakery, hands stuffed into his pockets and shoulders high. He looked cold.
What did he want? How did he know Draco was here? Had Hermione told him?
Last night was one of the bad ones (the ones where he lies awake because he keeps reliving everything he didn’t want to remember every time he closes his eyes, so instead he tabs his fingers on the walls or cleans or cries into the fur of his cats. It’s the nights where he only manages to dose off in the bathtub, despite the risk of becoming sick again because no warming spell can heat up water for a whole night. It’s also the nights he came up with his greatest recipes because baking was the only thing not reminding him of everything he used to be. But most of all, it’s the nights where he covers his mirrors with sheets and hides his wand in the back of his closet) and he couldn’t handle being yelled at or told off right now.
So, he straightened himself, dusted his hands off and walked over to open the door. Only cracking it open for his head to poke out.
“How can I help you?” He said, like it isn’t The Boy Who Lived Twice standing outside his shop.
Potter snapped his head up in surprise. His hair was still a mess and his glasses look the same, only these ones had a golden frame instead of the familiar silver. Somehow over the last 7 years, his eyes had become greener. Maybe it was the gold.
“Malfoy,” He breathed, and his cheeks are pink. “Hi.”
“I’m not open yet,” Draco said because he didn’t know what else to say. He didn’t want to talk to Potter.
Potter looked down at his boots. “Er- yes I know, but uhm-” He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of parchment. He skimmed it and looked up again. “Well, ‘Mione isn’t feeling all that well, you know, with the pregnancy and all, morning sickness I think, though I’m not really sure-”
“She sent you?” Draco interrupted Potter’s rambling, confused and concerned at the same time.
Potter still looked stunned. “Yes, she did.”
Draco’s frown deepened. “Is she alright? She could’ve called me.”
Potter tilted his head. “Called? You have a- ?” He shook his head, cutting himself off. “Nevermind. Yes, she was alright, she was just really tired and can’t really get up or put her shoes on anymore, so she sent me since Ron was on a mission right now-”
“Yes, I know, he should be back next Friday.”
Surprise spread on Potter’s face. “...Yes exactly.” He said, glancing between Draco’s face and his apron. Draco just wanted this over with.
“What does she need?” Draco sighed, thinking of Hermione and her big round belly and how she whined all the time because her feet were cold, and pulled the door open. he was doing this for her but she was still paying for it later when she was a lot less pregnant.
Potter stared at him in confusion before snapping out of it and following him inside the bakery. “How do you-”
“Sweet or salty?” He said, walking around the counter.
Potter followed, looking down at the parchment again. “Sweet, I think? Something with fruit. That’s all she was written.” He looked at the display with all the different cakes and pastries before pointing at the peach cobbler. “She likes peach, so maybe-”
“No, she’ll bloody throw up in ten seconds. Honestly, Potter, do you even know your best friend?” Draco snapped before he can regret it. Flashbacks of Hogwarts filled his mind and he pushed them aside. he was not the hissing bully anymore, he should have known better. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t snap at you. Her preferences change all the time.”
Potter seemed frozen for a few seconds as Draco cursed himself for falling back into old habits he’d long wanted to forget. But then he scratched his head and shrugged. “That’s alright, you probably saved my arse from a scolding from a pregnant Minister.” He chuckled awkwardly. Uncomfortably. “What do you suggest then?”
Draco sighed, looking at what he had displayed and thought about what he had ready in the back.
“I’ll be right back.” He said, walking into the back room where the baking happened. He picked up two blueberry muffins because he knew they are easy on her stomach. He also picked one piece of the freshly baked blueberry tarts and two Nutella filled croissants. Then he walked back out.
As he wrapped it all up in brown paper bags, he spotted the chocolate biscuits in the corner of his eye. He grabbed three of them for Rose, adding them to the bag.
When he was done, he looked up at Potter who just seemed to be stuck in a confused, frozen gaze.
Draco pretended he didn’t see it and continued. “If you pass a grocery store on the way pick up some fresh apples. Green, not red. She’ll thank you later.”
Draco then handed over the brown paper bag filled with his baking. He held it for a good 5 seconds before Potter’s head snapped up and reached out to take it.
“Uh- great, thanks,” Potter muttered to the walls. “Uhm, right, how much do I- ?”
“No, Hermione eats for free here, you’re not paying for anything,” Draco said firmly. “Tell her I said hi and that I’m looking forward to our dinner next Thursday.”
Potter cleared his throat. “Right, yes, I will, uhm, good day to you.” He said then walking back to the door.
Draco smiled weakly. “Good day to you too, Potter.”
Potter returned the small smile as he opened the door. he was almost out of the shop when he held the door open, peeking his head inside and said; “it was good to see you, Malfoy.”
And then he was gone, leaving Draco confused and tingly.
It was weird though. Because he came back. A lot. Always on Hermione’s request. Which isn’t that weird because Draco spoke on the phone with her and it was true, she really couldn’t move, and Ron was still working a lot. Draco had no idea what Harry did for a living to be able to pick up Hermione’s favourite cakes every other day at shit o’clock in the morning.
So, Draco slowly got used to seeing Potter in the early hours of the morning before he was even open. Their exchanges were quick because Draco usually already had a bag ready with what he knew Hermione wanted and he still refused to let Potter pay. But they still saw each other often.
But about two weeks before Hermione was due Potter showed up late. It was 10:23 and Draco had been open for almost an hour and there was still no sign of the other man.
He considered calling Hermione when the door swung open, a flushed panting Potter standing in the middle of his shop. By now, the tables around the bakery were filled with people enjoying their morning coffee and they all looked up at the newly arrived guest.
Pretending nothing had happened Potter walked casually over to the counter where Draco was in the middle of taking an order from an elderly woman. Draco ignored him until it was his turn.
“You’re late,” He mumbled.
“Sorry, was that a problem?” Draco was just about to snap back when he realized Potter was being genuine.
Clearing his throat, Draco turned around to get the bag filled with cheesecake this time. “Uhm- no, sorry, let me just go get the bag-”
But as he turned his elbow hit the tip jar on the corner of the counter, sending it straight to the floor where it cracked. Coins everywhere.
Draco groaned, reaching down to start collecting the little tip that had been in the jar, careful not to cut himself, when he saw Potter in the corner of his eye taking his wand out. He jumped to his feet.
“No don’t!” He whisper-yelled at the shorter man as he grabbed onto his wand and pushed it downwards. “Are you crazy?!”
Potter stumbled back, away from Draco and frowned. “What? I was just trying to help, I don’t know what-”
“You are surrounded by muggles, you idiot!” Draco whisper-yelled again.
Genuine confusion crossed Potter’s face. “What?”
“This was a muggle bakery, Potter.” He said under his breath. “I don’t allow magic in here so if you can please put your wand away.”
“You don’t- “ Potter paused. “What?”
Draco groaned, crouching down to clean the mess up. “What part of that didn’t you understand?” He said, annoyed. "Didn't Hermione tell you?"
Potter stood still for a while before he too crouched down to help. "No," he muttered mostly to himself. "But then how do you bake?”
Draco shot him an offended look before answering. “How do you bake without magic? It’s not that fucking hard, Potter.”
Potter stayed silent after that, stiffly helping Draco pick of the shards of glass. He fetched a coffee cup and put the remaining coins in it and placed it on the table.
Draco stood up, dusted himself off and went to pick up the cake Potter came here for in the first place.
"Er- I'll tell her you said hi," Potter said and moved towards the door.
"Great, yes- great," Draco said, glancing outside. It's raining a lot now. He looked at Potter again. Bloody idiot, only wearing a denim jacket over a T-shirt. "Wait a second," he interrupted Potter grabbing the door.
He ran to the back, picked up his umbrella.
When Draco handed it over to him, Potter just stared at him.
Groaning, Draco grabbed his forearm, guiding his hand to take the umbrella. "Take it, you'll get soaked in minutes."
Potter glanced down as if he only just realized he was holding Draco's umbrella. He snapped his head back up. "No, really it's fine-"
"Merlin, just take it, Potter."
He blinked. "Okay." And then he was out the door.
It only took a week before Draco got a phone call from a very panicky Hermione at one in the morning, stating that she was very much in labor.
It wasn’t the first time Draco had gotten such a call, but this time he knew it could actually be serious.
Ron was out of town for two days, because the baby wasn’t due for another week. Hermione had been anxious but had sent her husband off despite his protests. She knew how much they both valued work and thought it would be fine.
It clearly wasn’t.
Draco was already putting on his jacket, phone held by his shoulder and pressed to his ear. “Hermione, I’m coming over, okay? Maybe it’s nothing, last time it was just Braxton hicks, remember?”
Over the phone, Hermione clearly wasn’t agreeing with him because she was crying (She did that a lot recently).
“No! This feels weird, Draco. Weirder than the other times, I know this was it, I can feel it.” She said, sniffling. “Oh god, and Ron isn’t back until tomorrow night, he was supposed to be here! And Rosie was sleeping and I can’t-”
“Hey, Hermione, calm down,” Draco said. “I’ll be there in 15 minutes and I’ll take you and Rose to the hospital okay? We’ll get you checked up and it’s all going to be fine.”
Hermione sniffled again. She was adorable. “Okay, please hurry, I’ll call Harry.”
Draco paused for a moment but quickly swallowed his surprise. Harry was Hermione’s best friend, of course, she was gonna call him. “Yes, do that, we’ll take care of everything, okay?”
An hour later, Draco and Harry were walking along the hospital corridor, Hermione holding both their hands. The Weasleys had picked up Rose and Harry had called Ron, who apparently was on his way, but wouldn’t arrive until a few hours.
The doctor said walking helped the process along, so here they were, the three of them, just walking.
“This was awful,” Hermione said, clenching his hand harder than painless. “Why isn’t Ron here yet?”
“He’s doing everything he can,” Said Harry, who had been avoiding Draco’s gaze since they arrived at the hospital. “He’ll be here in a few hours, he promised.”
6 hours later little Hugo was born. Ron arrived on time, Hermione was asleep. Everything was fine.
Except Draco who hadn’t slept since he picked up the phone in the middle of the night. He was exhausted, both from lack of sleep and crying alongside Hermione because Hugo was just so cute, even with red hair, and he was so proud of her. But now he needed to go home.
He was walking to his car when a voice stopped him.
“Malfoy!” He turned around, watching Potter jogging across the parking lot. “Hey wait up.”
Draco leaned against his car, fighting his eyes. “What was it, Potter? I’m very much looking forward to going home now.”
Potter smirked. “Yes, I can see that. Which was why I’m driving you.”
Draco paused, eyes widening. “Excuse me?”
“Well, Ron said you looked like dead weight and asked me to drive you home, so you didn’t crash and die.” He said with a chuckle.
Draco continued to look baffled. “Ron said that?”
“Yes.”
“Why aren’t you too tired to drive?” Draco said, sceptical.
Potter shrugged. “Never been much of a sleeper, I guess.”
Draco considered it for a moment. He was too tired to drive, no doubt about it. But it was Potter.
“How will you get home then?” He asked.
Potter smirked again. It was getting annoying. “I assume there’s an alley I can apparate discretely back to my own place.” He said casually.
Draco paused. “Right, magic.” He deadpanned. “Haven’t done that in years. Does it still feel horrible? Like a rollercoaster?”
The other man stared for a second. “You haven’t appareted in years?” He said, clearly confused.
“I’ve lived in muggle London for years, Potter, did you forget?” He teased. Bloody hell, he was tired. “Why do you think I have a car?”
Potter kept staring at him, seemingly stuck in his own head. Until he said. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
Draco slept all the way home. He was gently shaken awake by Potter, who had parked his car outside his apartment building.
“Come on, Malfoy, we’re here.” He said, helping out of the car. Merlin, that was horrifying. Potter helping him out of the car because he hadn’t slept for 24 hours.
“Right, thank you,” Draco said, thinking that was it.
But Potter helped him all the way up to his front door.
“Good work today,” He said, awkwardly tripping outside of Draco’s door. “Hermione really appreciated you being there.”
Taken back, he said; “Well, I sure hope so, we’ve been friends for more than a year and a half now.” He looked away. “But thank you, Potter. I’m glad you accepted me being there. You took it better than Weasley did at first.” Draco chuckled drily.
Potter’s eyebrows furrowed for a second. “You’re harmless, Malfoy. If you’re friends with the minister of magic, you’re as much of a thread as a bowtruckle. ‘Mione didn’t just befriend anybody.” He said with a smile.
Draco was baffled. “Thanks...” Was all he could say. Was Potter being reassuring? Friendly?
Potter chuckled. “And don’t mind Ron. He still didn’t even trust me when I’m speaking parseltongue.”
Draco, still speechless, said nothing. Just stared at the other man until he coughed awkwardly.
“Well, I’m gonna let you sleep now. Goodnight Mal-”
“Wait here, Potter,” Draco said before he could regret it and darted into his apartment. He returned with a brown paper bag. He handed it to Potter with a shaky hand.
Potter eyed it sceptically. “What was this?”
“It’s breakfast.” He said, shaking his head a little. “Well, and a couple of muffins I think. It’s from the bakery.”
When Potter didn’t say anything Draco continued. “As a thank you. And because you need breakfast.” He shot him a nervous smile, wondering if it was too much. If Potter would think it was weird.
But the man just smiled and took the bag. “Thank you, Malfoy.” And again, he was out the door.
They didn’t see each other again until 3 weeks later when Draco was drinking tea with Hermione. Well, he was drinking tea. Hermione was breastfeeding Hugo.
“Does it hurt?” He blurted out, making Hermione chuckle.
“What, you wanna try?” Draco grimaced, placing his teacup down. “No, it doesn’t. It just feels weird, honestly. Nothing like Ron-”
“Oh no, shut it. Don’t wanna hear about your sex life, that’s disgusting.” When Hermione laughed Hugo whined a bit, making the attention go to him immediately.
“Don’t be so sensitive, Draco. I’ve heard plenty about yours!” She said, smiling when Hugo calmed down again.
“What, my non-existing sex life? Haven’t gotten laid in months, darling.” He mumbled bitterly. He hadn’t gone clubbing with Laura in a while because of everything that had been happening, which meant no one night stood in a long while.
“Yes, I know, I’m trying to change tha-”
The front door opened, interrupting both of them.
A caught off guard Potter paused, looking at them. “Oh, sorry Hermione, am I interrupting?” He glanced at Draco.
Hermione smiled, returning her attention to Hugo. “No, not at all, come on in. Ron should be home in an hour or so.”
She was sitting in the only armchair which meant the only place to sit was beside Draco on the couch.
He sat down heavily. “What were you guys talking about?” He said, coughing weirdly.
“Draco’s sex life,” Hermione said unbothered.
Draco could feel his face heat up. “Hermione!”
She looked up at him, surprised. “Oh, was it a secret?”
Shaking his head, he placed his hand over his eyes. He didn’t want to watch The Chosen One making fun of him.
Sure enough, a chuckle left Potter.
“Sounds interesting.”
Draco moved the hand from his eyes. “Shut it, Potter.”
He looked over at Hermione who was buttoning her shirt, trying to stifle her own laughter. “I keep trying to set you up, but you don’t want to!” She mocked.
Pointing a finger at her, Draco leaned forward. “That’s because you keep making it a blind date, and last time I checked wizards don’t want to date an ex-death eater.”
Potter’s eyebrows shot up, but Draco ignored him. As did Hermione.
“Oh, don’t be so judgemental. John wouldn’t have minded, he voted for you at your trial.” She said, adjusting Hugo in her arms.
Again, Potter sat silently confused.
“Doubt it, darling.” As he leaned back he noticed the staring. “Is something wrong, Potter?”
Potter sputtered. “No, uhm. No, sorry.”
Hermione giggled again. “Harry, calm down, I’m not gonna set him up with one of your co-workers.”
He leaned forward, making his dark hair an even worse mess. “No, it’s not- uhm, I just didn’t know he- well, you were...”
“Gay?” Draco finished. “Surprise, Potter. All death eaters suck dick.”
Potter’s cheeks darkened as Hermione snapped; “EX-death eater.”
He rolled his eyes and she further scowled. They’ve had that conversation multiple times. It often starts with Draco saying something self-degrading about his past and Hermione getting mad at him for speaking ill of himself. Then it progresses to Draco arguing her that he really was a death eater scumbag, and Hermione saying he was just a child with no other choice. And it usually ends with Draco mistakenly blurting out some of his secret self-hate and Hermione getting upset and/or crying (usually crying but only since the pregnancy) and Draco pulling her into a hug, apologizing for upsetting her.
“Don’t get me started Draco, I just had a baby.” She said, sternly shooting him warning daggers.
“Oh, darling, like that would stop you.” He teased, winking at her.
“You’re right, I could still kick your arse.” She smirked and Draco pretended not to see the spark of worry in her eyes.
He then realized Potter was still watching them like they had grown two heads all while being very warm in the face.
There was an awkward silence until Hermione stood up with Hugo announcing she would put Hugo down for a nap.
He stared at Potter who was still silent with furrowed brows.
He decided to take pity on the guy. “You want tea?”
Potter rubbed his hands on his jeans. His hair really was getting out of hand. It wasn’t as long as Draco’s, but it was still long enough to look like a bird's nest.
“Uhm, yeah, sure.”
Draco got up, making his move to walk towards the kitchen.
But hands snapped around his wrist. He turned around.
“Wait, you don’t have to make it,” Potter said, suddenly letting go of his wrist as if it had burned him. His hand was placed behind his neck instead. “I thought you would just... you know.” Draco didn’t understand until Potter took his wand out of his pocket.
“Oh.” Draco glanced at it awkwardly. “Well, I don’t have it with me, I was just going to make it myself.”
“You don’t have your wand with you?”
“I think it’s in a drawer at home somewhere.” He wondered.
Potter’s eyes widened and he froze. Draco was just about to demand to know what the hell he was staring at when he shook his head laughing, looking away. He then took off his glasses and wiped a hand over his face, letting it settle there for a moment.
Draco scowled. He felt made fun of.
“Please do tell what you find so amusing, Potter.” He spat. Draco had felt he and Potter had been friendly enough to be in the same room, which couldn’t be said about Hermione’s husband, but now he thinks that his fear of Potter only being civil with him because of Hermione was true.
Potter didn’t say anything for a moment, just let out a tiny snort.
Then he opened his mouth, wiping a tear from his eye, still chuckling. “Sorry, really, I just didn’t expect to ever see Lucius Junior making tea by himself.” There was a smile on his face, and though it didn’t feel hateful, it still mocked him.
Draco pretended it didn’t hurt as much as it did and scowled one last time, then turned around and went for the door.
“Tell Hermione I had an emergency.” He said, trying to make his voice cold.
“No, wait, Malfoy-”
Draco spun on his heels as Potter once again grabbed his wrist. They were face to face now and Draco felt his mouth run dry. He had forgotten how much taller he was than Potter as he looked down on the other man. Funny how the chosen one made him feel 2 inches tall even though he stood almost a head taller.
“I will not use my time on being made fun of, Potter.” He said, snatching his hand away and behind his back. “So please, let me be on my way without trouble.”
Potter looked confused and shook his head, again. “No, Malfoy you don’t understand, I wasn’t making fun of-”
“Oh, sure, Potter.” He snapped. “Nobody forced you to hang out with a death eater, there’s no need to be cruel.” Grabbing the doorknob, he pulled it open.
“I wasn’t making fun of you! God, Malfoy, I knew you were self-centred, but this is ridiculous. You’re as dramatic as you were in school, for Merlin’s sake. What about Hermio-”
Turning his head over his shoulder, Draco bit back; “You know nothing about me.” He felt his face get red with anger. And hurt, too.
Potter looked taken back, stepping a single step backward. “I-”
“You know Draco Lucius Malfoy. But you know nothing about Draco Malfoy.”
And with that, he stormed out the door.
The days after that were Bad.
It had been a long time since he had gotten multiple of those in a week, and because of that, he decided to take a day off at the bakery. He knew his staff could take care of it for a day by themselves, so he wasn’t worried.
It helped when Hermione visited.
She came in the morning, having left Hugo with Ron back home.
He didn’t tell what happened in detail because he knew she would go straight to Potter, yelling his head off and demanding he apologized to Draco.
He didn’t want that. He wasn’t mad anymore. Not even sad. Just disappointed mostly. Disappointed he screwed up a possible friendship (friendship? Really?) and because he thought Potter would have been more understanding. But then again, Potter didn’t know his story. Clearly, Draco had been mistaken when he assumed Hermione had told her best friend his whole background. But Hermione cursed at him and said she wasn’t someone who spilled secrets to her best friends just because they were best friends. And then she said Draco was also one of her best friends. Draco may have cried.
But the next week he was good as new back in his bakery. It was an hour after closing and he was in the middle of mixing a fresh batch of chocolate scones for tomorrow to bake so they could be warm for when the first customers would arrive. They sold better that way.
Just as he wrapped the dough and left it to rise a loud knock was heard at the front door.
Draco’s blood ran cold. Only Potter did that.
He contemplated ignoring it, but he also knew if it was Potter he wasn’t going to stop until he opened.
He turned off his music, wiped his hand in his apron and went to the front of the store.
Sure enough, the birds nest stood behind the glass door, lit up from the lamp post.
He sighed and turned the lock.
Only poking his head out, he waited for Potter to speak. He might not blame Potter in any way for his actions, but he knew that technically Draco wasn’t the one who should apologize. Even though he felt the need to.
Potter looked away from his eyes, tripping back and forth on his feet as he rubbed his hands together. It was rather chilly out.
“Uhm...” He started and Draco said nothing. “Can I come in?”
Draco scrunched his nose in confusion before pulling himself together. “Why?”
Potter had seemingly expected the response because he immediately responded with; “Because I want to talk to you.”
Draco paused, sighed again, then pushed the door open enough for Potter to slip inside.
Deciding that Draco would feel better on his turf he immediately walked through to the back, into the main bakery. He felt jittery and wanted to do something with his hands. It would also give him an excuse not to look The Chosen One in the eyes.
As he figured, Potter followed him. He was hesitant and paused at the ovens to look around. Draco smirked. At least he could still surprise.
Draco pulled out the bowl of strawberries that needed to be prepared for the tarts he had planned for later. It was only 8 pm but he wasn’t leaving for another 2 hours.
Draco cut the strawberries with precision and speed after having done it a million times before. Potter was still silent, just out of his vision to his left. Draco sighed and decided to speak.
“Any day now Potter, I have work to do.”
Potter coughed awkwardly beside him.
“Yes, of course.” He sounded uncomfortable. “I want to apologize. For last week at Hermione’s.”
Draco paused his knife and turned his head. “Did she put you up to this?”
Colour rose to Potter’s cheeks as he fumbled with his words. “No! No, really, no, uhm it’s all me.” He shot Draco an awkward smile and he turned back to his strawberries. Potter’s smile was distracting. “She only told me when you’d be here.”
“Oh.” He said. “Well, uhm. It’s okay-”
“No please, just-” Potter paused again. Coughed. Shuffled on his feet. “I’m sorry. For last week. For what I said. It was uncalled for and rude. I’m genuinely sorry. You’re clearly not the same bloke you were in school.”
Draco felt his fingers shake.
“And I’m sorry for the Lucius thing,” Potter took a step closer. “I didn’t know you changed your name.”
Draco placed his knife on the cutting board. “There was no reason you would know. It’s alright, Potter. I understand where it came from, you don’t have to apologize for it. I understand.”
There was a pregnant pause before Potter breathed in loudly.
“Hermione said you might say that.” Draco locked his eyes on the red strawberry juice left on the cutting board. “And yes, I do need to apologize. I was rude and hurtful. That’s something to apologize for, don’t you think?”
His voice had gone soft and Draco sharply turned his head. Potter was closer than before, only a small space between their feet.
He didn’t know what to say. Potter was genuinely apologizing.
“I would love to get to know you. Start over, you know. What do you say?”
The question shook Draco out of his thread of thoughts, and he looked into bright green eyes.
“Uhm, well.” He said, knowing how nervous he sounded. “I’m not really that exciting of a person. Just less of an arse, honestly.” He tried to snort casually, but he knew it sounded awkward.
Potter laughed though and Draco smiled.
“I’m not too sure,” Potter said. “Hermione wouldn’t be friends with you if you weren’t interesting.”
Okay, that might be true.
“What do you say, Draco?” He said, holding out a hand.
Potter’s voice had dropped, and Draco gave in. He shook his hand, embarrassed that his own was sticky with strawberry juice.
“Okay, Harry.”
And Harry’s smile was blinding.
“Thank you for forgiving me.” He said, and Draco could tell he was honest. “And I’m sorry for interrupting your work, I can go if-”
“No!” Draco practically shouted. “No, please. It’s really fine, I’m just preparing for tomorrow.” He said, returning his eyes to the cutting board.
“Can I help?”
Draco’s head snapped up. “What?”
Harry shrugged. “I want to see you cook.” He grinned. “Or bake, or whatever it was you do.”
Draco snorted, thinking it over. He then looked over at the apples that needed peeling and pushed them towards Harry.
“Peel them. And don’t touch anything without asking.” He snickered, wondering why it was so easy to just fall into casualness with Harry.
Harry smiled brightly and began right away.
By the time it was 9.30 pm Draco called it a night. They had made a bit of a mess after Draco tried to show Harry how to make the perfect pie crust, and Draco was tired enough to tell himself he would deal with it tomorrow.
They now stood outside the front door as Draco locked up.
“How do you get home?” Harry asked, zipping up his jacket.
“I walk. It’s only 7 minutes from here.” He said, fumbling to get the keys in his bag. When he looked back up Harry was staring at him. Something he had been doing quite a lot since Draco ran into him for the first time since school.
“What?” Draco said, wondering if it was his hair. It was still in a ponytail, most likely not pretty anymore as it had been in the morning.
But Harry shook his head slightly. “It’s just so weird seeing you without magic.” He said with a soft smile. Draco ducked his head as he felt his face get warm. “The baking, muggle London, the no-wand thing, your transport. It’s interesting. It’s new.”
Draco tucked a strand of hair behind his ear and looked at Harry’s shoes. “I just don’t need it anymore.” He said, quietly. “Sometimes magic does more damage than good.”
Harry nodded. “I understand that.” There was an underlying tone of deeper understanding and Draco’s hands felt warm. “Then let me walk you home, at least.”
He sniffled in the cold but nodded. “Alright.”
They walked in silence and when they finally stood outside Draco’s apartment, he felt misplaced.
He was about to say goodnight when Harry interrupted him.
“So uhm.” Harry ran a hand through his hair. “I have a confession to make.”
Draco studied his posture, feeling himself filling up with nerves. “Oh?”
Harry laughed awkwardly again. “Yeah well, I guess it’s no secret I’ve been kind of taken by you lately.”
Draco’s eyes narrowed. “What?”
Harry’s eyes were now glued to the sidewalk. “And Hermione kept bugging me for visiting your bakery so much. And then she practically ripped my ear off when I told her what I said to you. And I felt really bad because I never wanted you to feel like I was making fun of you.”
Green eyes met silver. Just for a moment.
“I was frustrated I didn’t know what to talk to you about. And I snapped because I thought that fighting was what we were good at, so that must be it, right?” A sour grimace showed on Harry’s face and Draco wanted to smooth it out with his thumbs and lips. “But of course, that was stupid to assume. And I really am sorry. I just wanted to talk to you, and I didn’t know how.”
Draco was stunned. Frozen. Utterly confused.
“But...” He started. “Why did you want to talk with me?”
Harry snapped his gaze up to meet his, and for the second time, Draco felt chills go up to his neck. “Because...” Harry paused. “Well, because Hermione talked about you all the time. About how great you were. I wanted to get to know that person as well. I always felt sad that we didn’t become friends in our 8th year.” His eyes flickered again. “And because when I first saw you, I thought you were gorgeous.”
Draco’s breath hitched. That couldn’t be true. Harry was supposed to hate him. Or just really dislike him. It would only make sense. Draco was stunned enough that Harry had wanted to be friends. But this? How?
“Of course, I’m not expecting anything from you. I know we have our past and there’s probably a lot to talk about.” Harry took a step forward. “But I think I would like to take you out on a date. With me. If you’re interested.” His gaze was confident now, truly Gryffindor.
Draco felt red like the strawberries he had cut and his hands as sticky. He locked his eyes with Harry and forced himself to speak. “Uhm.” He said taking a deep breath. “Yes. I-I would like that.”
Harry beamed. “I was hoping you would say that.”
Draco snorted nervously and looked down at Harry’s lips. He wanted to kiss him.
Harry seemed to read his mind because he stepped even closer, so close their chests were touching, tucking a strand of hair behind Draco’s ear and asked;
“Can I kiss you? I have I read the sexual tension all wrong?”
Draco broke out in a smile and decided to just lean down, at the same time as Harry leaned up.
Their lips met. It was soft and short. Sweeter than anything Draco had ever baked, and more addicting than any dessert.
They broke apart. Draco felt warm.
He felt even warmer when Harry smiled and said; “Hermione was going to be so happy I finally got my head out of my arse.”
Hello! I wa hoping you might do the fluffy/ angst prompt of #25 what the hell were you thinking? With Scorpius/James Sirius with a side of Draco+Harry Friendship thanks so much 💜
Scorpius/Albus is just Drarry 2.0 aksjsksk, hope you enjoy and thank you for waiting!
Just for reference, the boys have just left hogwarts and are 17 nearly 18
———
“What the hell were you thinking?!” Scorpius screeched as he entered his bedroom.
His bedroom that used to look like a normal teenage boys room, that was now covered in roses and boxes of chocolates and gifts and a huge “Happy Valentine’s Day!” banner.
In conclusion, his stupid boyfriend had far too much access to his dad’s bank account.
“Its romantic!” Albus replied defensively, it had taken ages to put the new bedsheets on- they were silk and a deep shade of pink, the pillows reading “my valentine”.
“It’s tacky, Al” Scorpius smirked.
Albus rolled his eyes as he made his way over to his boyfriend.
“You love it” he teased as he pulled Scorpius by his waist into a hug.
“Yes, you’re right, I do” Scorpius smiles back at him. They swayed slightly as if they were dancing.
“I love you” Albus said quietly. Scorpius’ face flushed red, they’d been together just over 6 months and that’s the first time that either of them had said it.
“I love you too” Scorpius replied, beaming.
Albus pulled him into a kiss and walked him over to the bed.
Scorpius sat on Albus’ lap as the kiss gained speed and hands started to wander. Scorpius was just about to suggest they ramp it up a bit when there was a sharp knock at the door and the handle clicked to open.
“Dad!” Both boys cried at the sight of their respective fathers in the doorway.
“Oh, sorry kids! We’ll leave you to it!” Harry chuckled as they turned back out of the room.
Scorpius was now bright red and leant his head on Albus’ shoulder in embarrassment.
“I can’t believe you didn’t lock the door!” He cried as Albus chuckled into his chest.
——
“They could’ve at least locked the door!” Draco laughed as he and Harry walked back down to Draco’s living room.
“Yeah well, you remember what it was like to be a horny teenager” Draco shrugged his shoulders.
“True, at least Blaise and I knew how to use warding spells!”
Harry made a disgusted face and waved a laughing Draco away.
“Gross, too much information, Malfoy”.
They smiled at each other as they sat down in the living room, laughing together as they heard Albus cast a Silencio.
Can I have more Autistic!Harry pls??? Especially with him trying to be with Draco.
Draco figuring out Harry has autism earlier than Hermione does (although she did suspect) he confirms it
Harry being confused and just thinking it was another part of his "freakness"
Hermione having to explain it to him but she sucks cause its all big words and mishmash
Ron explaining it simpler because one of his family members has autism
Maybe his dad??? Charlie's also a possibility (other than being asexual but thats another story)
Draco sticking by Harry's side after he has a sensory overload on top of a panic attack with all this new information
Hermione pitied him until Ron pulled her aside and basically chewed her out for it
Harry slowly coming to terms with what he has
Him becoming comfortable with his dark skin after realising that the Dursley's just didn't like him in general
Fred and George creating toys and potions to cater to autistic needs (they had a few before for their dad (or Charlie I'm still torn))
They just give whatever new product they make to Harry
Harry always gives them detailed feedback
But they always keep in mind that everyone is different
So they ask Luna to try them too
She's very generous in her feedback if just a bit aloof (the twins appreciate it nonetheless)
Her and Harry become close friends, bonding over they're newfound similarity (not that they weren't already friends, they just got closer
Luna is with Ginny so it all just comes full circle
Once word got out about Harry's autism Ginny threatened everyone (a fourth year decided to still taunt Harry bit he was sent to Madam Pomfrey soon)
Give me Snape (the slimy git he is) helping Harry out in potions when Draco isn't available (some smell to strong for his nose, a few ingredients don't feel right in his hands)
Draco goes to his friends for help when he needs a break (bc this boy only focuses on Harry and doesnt take care of himself cause he's a lovesick fool (not bc Harry is a handful and that stereotype against people with autism needs to be squashed))
Blaise helps him calm down by hugging him (who knew he could be affectionate (spoiler: Ron did))
Pansy braids his hair and talks to him in a soft voice, lulling him to sleep after staying awake for too long (way too long)
Theo doesn't do much but he's always willing to listen (he listens to Neville all the time so why not) and gives advice based on what a friend (coughNevillecough) tells him about Luna
Crabbe and Goyle are always by Draco's side, holding him up and catching him before he falls asleep on the floor (or in his cauldron)
Hermione finds out what Draco is doing (from Pansy) and immediately tells Harry
Harry is outraged and spends 3 hours scolding him all the while Draco just sits there with a small smile
Harry asks him what is so funny (bc this is serious Draco wtf)
Draco just says I love you and pulls Harry to him
Harry can't be mad anymore bc he's in the arms of the boy who will do anything for him (and he's incredibly greatful for it)
McGonagall finds them like that after a couple of complaints from other student about yelling (she only smiles and tucks them into Harry's bed, fixing the toys on the bedside table)
When they graduate Hagrid is the first person they see (they visited to pet any creature he could find (surprisingly always soft ones)) and he gives them a puppy (one with super soft fur but a weird green tint) as a farewell
Harry and Draco move in together (Draco becomes a healer and Harry becomes a part of the Wizard CPS)
(Unsurprisingly Hermione and Pansy move in together) (along with Blaise&Ron)(Theo and Neville)(Ginny and Luna)
And they're happy
Harry's happy and he has a bunch of friends he can call him family (until Harry and Draco adopt these adorable twins that were put in the system)(and then many more)(eventually they're great foster parents too)
And his autism doesn't define him or hurt him in the final battle (if anything it brought a lot of previous dark young wizards to his side after all they went through in the years before)
And I just want more Autistic!Harry in love with Draco
Read it (and the rest of the collection) on AO3 or by itself on FFN.
Rating: M (for language)
After the Second Wizarding War, life didn't go the way Hermione had expected. She's stuck at a mediocre desk job, her personal life is in shambles, and her coping mechanism is making it all worse. It seems no one has been in her corner for so many years. But if that's true, then why does Draco Malfoy keep bugging her at work?
Written as a gift for @party-lines as part of a lovely collection.
Everyone: read, enjoy, and remember that you deserve love.
