Chapter 5
**Malfoy Manor, A Few Months Later**
*The large mirror in the corner of Draco’s room reflected a different version of him—one that he had only begun to fully embrace after his father’s death. He had always felt like he had to fit into a mold, one his father had crafted for him. But now, with the weight of Lucius’s expectations lifted, Draco was slowly starting to find himself again.*
He stood in front of the mirror, fingers lightly tracing the fabric of the delicate lace cuffs of a shirt he had chosen—something light, elegant, and undeniably soft. His usual sharpness had softened, and now he was experimenting with gentler, more fluid movements, admiring the way the fabric flowed with each movement. He hadn’t worn something like this before, not in front of anyone, and certainly not in front of his father. But in the privacy of his room, it felt... right.
Draco smiled softly at his reflection, feeling a little more at peace than he had in a long time. His hair, usually slicked back with an almost aggressive precision, now fell loosely around his face in soft waves. It was different, but it felt good. His heart felt lighter. He wasn’t trying to be something he wasn’t anymore.
Suddenly, the sound of a knock broke his reverie, and he quickly turned toward the door, his heart skipping a beat. *Of course it’s him.*
“Draco?” Harry’s voice called through the door. “You in there?”
Draco took a breath, quickly smoothing his shirt and running his fingers through his hair before he opened the door. Harry stood there, his usual look of concern and curiosity written on his face.
“Yeah?” Draco asked, trying to keep his voice casual, though his heart was racing. He wasn’t sure how Harry would react to this side of him.
Harry’s eyes flicked to Draco’s outfit, his gaze lingering just a little longer than normal. There was a softness in Harry’s expression as he took in the change—something that Draco couldn’t quite place.
“You look…” Harry hesitated, his eyes still fixed on Draco, “different.”
Draco stiffened slightly, the old familiar nerves creeping up. “Is that a bad thing?” he asked, trying to mask the insecurity in his voice.
Harry shook his head, a small, fond smile tugging at his lips. “No,” he said softly. “It’s not a bad thing at all.”
Draco’s heart fluttered at the sincerity in Harry’s voice, and for a moment, he felt exposed—like Harry could see right through him. He had spent so long hiding who he truly was beneath layers of expectation and pride. But here, now, with Harry’s gaze on him, he felt something shift inside of him.
“Do you like it?” Draco asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. It was a question he had never thought he would ask anyone, least of all Harry Potter.
Harry stepped closer, his eyes softening as he studied Draco. “I love it,” he said, his voice low but full of warmth. “I love everything about you, Draco.”
Draco blinked, stunned by the honesty in Harry’s words. He had expected something else—perhaps awkwardness, maybe even confusion. But instead, Harry’s admiration was palpable, and it made something stir inside him. He had never felt so seen before.
Harry reached out, his hand brushing lightly against Draco’s, and for a moment, Draco didn’t pull away. Instead, he leaned into the touch, letting himself relax into the moment. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt comfortable in his own skin.
“Thank you,” Draco murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t know if I could... I didn’t know if I should be like this.”
“Why not?” Harry asked, his voice full of tenderness. “You’re allowed to be whoever you are, Draco. And if this is you, then I want to see it. All of it.”
Draco swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat. For so long, he had felt the pressure of being someone else—someone his father would approve of, someone who fit the mold of what a Malfoy should be. But now, with Harry, he didn’t feel that pressure. Instead, he felt like he could finally breathe.
As Harry’s hand gently cupped his face, Draco leaned into it, his heart racing. “I never thought I’d get the chance to explore this side of me,” Draco admitted, his voice barely audible. “Not with my father always looming over me. But now... I feel like I’m finally allowed to be myself.”
Harry smiled softly, his thumb brushing against Draco’s cheek. “I’m glad you’re letting yourself be. I’ll be here, Draco. Through all of it.”
The warmth in Harry’s voice, the gentleness in his touch—it was enough to make Draco’s chest tighten. He didn’t need anything else. He didn’t need validation from anyone but himself, and with Harry by his side, he felt like maybe, just maybe, he could be the person he had always been too afraid to become.
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**Later, That Evening**
*The two of them were sitting by the fire in the sitting room, the soft glow casting shadows on the walls. Draco had dressed in something even more delicate than before—a long, flowing robe with intricate embroidery, the fabric soft and luxurious against his skin. Harry had kept his distance at first, his gaze lingering on Draco, but now, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off him.*
“You look incredible, Draco,” Harry said quietly, his voice full of awe. “Like... like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”
Draco flushed, but there was a warmth in his chest that made him feel giddy. “Thanks,” he replied, trying to keep his tone light, but inside, he was practically glowing from the way Harry was looking at him.
Harry’s hand rested on the arm of the chair, fingers brushing against Draco’s in a way that felt almost natural now. “You know, I think you should wear stuff like this more often. It suits you.”
Draco smiled, leaning into Harry’s touch. “Maybe I will,” he said softly. “Maybe I’ll start wearing whatever I want.”
“I think you should,” Harry said with a grin. “Because, as I’ve said before, I love everything about you, Draco.”
Draco’s heart swelled in his chest, the words taking root inside of him. In this moment, with Harry’s affection and acceptance, he felt like he had finally found a place where he could truly be himself—feminine, delicate, and unapologetically free.
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*As the night wore on, Draco and Harry continued to sit close, their bond growing stronger with every passing moment. For Draco, this new chapter of his life wasn’t just about finding comfort in his identity—it was about finding someone who could love him for every part of who he was, inside and out.*