On Hold
Draco woke up the next morning feeling surprisingly well-rested. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. He stretched lazily, a content smile playing on his lips as he remembered the previous night. Talking with Harry had been unexpectedly soothing, and Draco found himself reflecting on their conversation as he got out of bed.
He moved to the mirror and began his morning routine, brushing his hair with gentle, deliberate strokes. His long, platinum blond locks fell around his face in soft waves. Draco took care in styling his hair, tucking a few strands behind his ears and letting the rest cascade naturally. He liked the way it framed his face, giving him a delicate, almost ethereal look.
As he washed his face and applied a light moisturizer, Draco’s thoughts drifted back to Harry. He couldn’t deny the way his heart had fluttered when Harry smiled at him, or how he felt a strange sense of warmth whenever Harry’s eyes lingered on him a moment too long. It was confusing and exhilarating all at once.
Draco slipped into a delicate, cream-colored sweater, its soft texture a comfort against his skin. He moved gracefully, his actions deliberate and unhurried. In the quiet of the morning, he allowed himself to indulge in his thoughts about Harry.
Harry had changed so much since their school days. He was still brave and noble, but there was a gentleness to him now, a maturity that Draco found incredibly appealing. Harry’s green eyes held a depth of emotion that drew Draco in, making him want to know more, to be closer to him.
He applied a light touch of lip balm, feeling the soft texture on his lips. Staring at his reflection, Draco couldn’t help but wonder what Harry saw when he looked at him. Did he see the same changes, the same growth? Did he notice the subtle efforts Draco made to present himself in a way that felt true to his inner self?
Draco sighed softly, his thoughts a mix of hope and uncertainty. He wanted to believe that Harry saw him for who he truly was, that their burgeoning friendship could be the start of something deeper. But he also knew the importance of patience, of letting things unfold naturally.
With one final look in the mirror, Draco gave himself a reassuring smile. He felt a sense of readiness, a quiet confidence that today would be a good day. Stepping out of his room, he made his way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Teddy and Andromeda. Smiling slightly as he remembers that Teddy says he loves Harry’s pancakes.
Draco, Teddy, and Andromeda gathered around the breakfast table in the cozy kitchen, sunlight filtering through the curtains and casting a warm glow over them. Draco had made a simple yet delicious breakfast—scrambled eggs, pankcakes, and fresh fruit. Teddy was happily munching on a piece of fruit, his legs swinging under the table, while Andromeda sipped her tea, a content smile on her face.
“Uncle Dray, can we go to the park later?” Teddy asked between bites, his eyes bright with excitement.
Draco smiled fondly at the little boy. “I’m afraid I have to head back to the Manor today, Teddy. But I promise we’ll go to the park next time I’m here.”
Teddy’s face fell slightly, but he nodded. “Okay. I’ll hold you to that!”
Andromeda reached over and squeezed Draco’s hand. “You’re welcome here anytime, Draco. You know that.”
“Thank you, Andromeda,” Draco replied, his voice soft. “I appreciate it more than you know.”
They finished their breakfast in comfortable companionship, the conversation light and filled with laughter. But as the minutes ticked by, Draco couldn’t ignore the growing heaviness in his chest. The thought of returning to Malfoy Manor, with its cold, empty halls and memories of a painful past, filled him with a sense of dread.
After breakfast, Draco helped clean up, delaying his departure as much as possible. Finally, he knew he couldn’t put it off any longer. He hugged Teddy tightly, feeling the boy’s small arms wrap around his neck.
“See you soon, Uncle Dray!” Teddy said, his voice muffled against Draco’s shoulder.
“See you soon, Teddy,” Draco replied, his heart aching at the thought of leaving.
He turned to Andromeda, who pulled him into a warm embrace. “Take care of yourself, Draco. Remember, you don’t have to face everything alone.”
“I will,” Draco said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.”
With a heavy heart, Draco made his way to the Floo. He glanced back one last time, taking in the sight of Andromeda and Teddy standing together, their presence a beacon of warmth and love. Then, with a deep breath, he stepped into the Floo and spoke the destination.
“Malfoy Manor.”
The familiar swirl of green flames transported him back to the grand, imposing manor. As he stepped out of the Floo and into the vast, empty room, the silence was deafening. The house, once filled with the sounds of his family, now felt like a mausoleum, echoing with memories he’d rather forget.
Draco walked through the halls, his footsteps echoing off the marble floors. Each room he passed brought back a flood of memories—some bittersweet, others painfully sharp. He paused in the drawing room, where his mother’s favorite chair still sat by the window. The sight of it made his chest tighten, grief washing over him anew.
He continued to his bedroom, the only place in the manor that felt remotely like a sanctuary. He sat on the edge of his bed, burying his face in his hands. The weight of the manor’s history pressed down on him, a constant reminder of the losses he had endured and the isolation he often felt.
Despite the pain, Draco knew he had to face it. He couldn’t run from his past, no matter how much it hurt. But the thought of returning to Andromeda’s warm, welcoming home gave him a glimmer of hope. There, he had found a new sense of belonging, a family who accepted him for who he was.
As he sat in the silence of his room, Draco allowed himself to dream of a future where the past no longer haunted him, where he could build a life filled with love and acceptance. And perhaps, just perhaps, that future included someone who understood him better than anyone else—Harry.
Draco woke up in the quiet, cavernous room of Malfoy Manor, the morning light filtering through the heavy curtains. The silence was almost oppressive, a stark contrast to the warmth and laughter he had experienced at Andromeda’s house. He sighed, sitting up and stretching, the weight of the manor’s history pressing down on him.
He slid out of bed and padded over to the mirror. His reflection showed a delicate, pale face framed by soft, platinum blond hair that fell in gentle waves. Draco took his time brushing it out, enjoying the soothing rhythm of the strokes. He applied a light touch of moisturizer to his skin, followed by a hint of blush to give his cheeks a healthy glow. A soft pink lip balm completed the look, making him feel a bit more like himself.
Draco chose his outfit carefully, selecting a soft, silk blouse in a pale lavender shade that complemented his complexion, and a pair of tailored trousers that accentuated his slim figure. He added a pair of delicate silver earrings and a touch of cologne, the light floral scent bringing a small smile to his lips. He liked looking pretty; it was one of the few things that brought him comfort in the vast emptiness of the manor.
As he got ready, his thoughts wandered to the day ahead. He worked at Flourish and Blotts, the quaint bookshop in Diagon Alley. It was a job he enjoyed, surrounded by the smell of old books and the quiet hum of customers browsing. It was a stark contrast to the grandeur of his home, but it was a place where he felt useful and appreciated.
Despite this, Draco couldn’t shake the feeling of loneliness that clung to him. The manor, with its echoing halls and memories of a painful past, felt more like a prison than a home. He often found himself longing for the simple, warm moments he shared with Andromeda and Teddy.
Today, however, he had something to look forward to. He was having dinner with Andromeda and Teddy, and the thought filled him with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Teddy’s infectious laughter and Andromeda’s kind, understanding presence were a balm to his lonely soul.
With one last look in the mirror, Draco took a deep breath and headed downstairs. The emptiness of the manor was palpable, but he pushed the feeling aside as he stepped into the Floo and transported himself to Diagon Alley.
The bookshop was already bustling with morning customers when he arrived. Draco slipped into his role with ease, greeting customers with a polite smile and helping them find the books they were looking for. The routine was comforting, a welcome distraction from the loneliness that lingered in the back of his mind.
As the day wore on, Draco found himself thinking more and more about dinner with Andromeda and Teddy. He imagined Teddy’s excited chatter, the way Andromeda would smile warmly at both of them, and the delicious food they would share. It was a small slice of happiness, a beacon of light in his otherwise lonely existence.
Draco was arranging a display of new arrivals when the familiar tinkling of the bell above the door caught his attention. He glanced up and saw Luna Lovegood entering the shop, her dreamy expression and whimsical attire making her stand out in the crowd. Today, she wore a flowing dress adorned with colorful, fluttering patterns that seemed to shift with her movements, and her radish earrings dangled cheerfully from her ears.
A genuine smile spread across Draco’s face as he watched her approach. Luna had a way of brightening even the darkest of days, and he was grateful for her friendship. They had grown close over the past few years, finding solace and understanding in each other's company.
“Hello, Draco,” Luna said softly, her voice carrying the same ethereal quality as always. “I was just thinking about you. How are you?”
“Hi, Luna,” Draco replied, his smile widening. “I’m doing well, thanks. It’s good to see you. What brings you in today?”
Luna tilted her head slightly, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. “I was looking for a book on the migration patterns of the Crumple-Horned Snorkack. I thought Flourish and Blotts might have something on the subject.”
Draco chuckled softly. “I’m not sure we have anything quite that specific, but let’s see what we can find.”
They moved through the shelves together, Draco leading the way to the section on magical creatures. As they searched, Luna’s presence was a comforting balm to Draco’s otherwise lonely day. Her gentle, accepting nature always made him feel at ease.
“How have you been, Luna?” Draco asked, genuinely interested. “Any new discoveries?”
“Oh, always,” Luna replied with a serene smile. “The world is full of wonderful things waiting to be found. Just last week, I discovered a new breed of Fwooper with feathers that shimmer in the moonlight. It was quite enchanting.”
Draco couldn’t help but be captivated by Luna’s stories. Her ability to see the magic in everyday life was something he admired deeply. “That sounds amazing. I’d love to see one someday.”
Luna nodded enthusiastically. “I’ll have to take you to the forest where I found them. It’s a truly magical place.”
They continued to search for the book, eventually finding one that covered rare magical creatures in general. Luna seemed pleased with the find, her eyes lighting up as she flipped through the pages.
“This will do nicely,” she said, looking up at Draco with a grateful smile. “Thank you for helping me, Draco.”
“Anytime, Luna,” Draco replied, feeling a warmth spread through him. “You always manage to make my day a bit brighter.”
Luna’s expression softened. “And you do the same for me. It’s wonderful to have a friend like you, Draco.”
Draco felt a pang of gratitude and affection for Luna. She had been one of the first people to truly see him for who he was, beyond his family’s name and past. Their friendship had been a source of strength for him, and he cherished it deeply.
As they walked back to the front of the shop, Draco glanced at the clock. “I’m actually heading to dinner with Andromeda and Teddy later. Would you like to join us?”
Luna’s eyes sparkled with delight. “I’d love to. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with you all.”
“Great,” Draco said, feeling genuinely happy. “It’s settled then. I’ll finish up here, and we can head over together.”
They spent the next hour chatting and laughing as Draco finished his tasks. Luna’s presence was a reminder that even in the midst of his struggles, he had friends who cared about him and brought joy into his life. As they left the shop together, Draco felt a sense of contentment, looking forward to the evening ahead with Luna, Andromeda, and Teddy.
That same day, Harry strolled through Diagon Alley, the bustling crowd and familiar shops filling him with a sense of nostalgia. He was on his way to meet Ginny Weasley for coffee at the small café they used to frequent. He spotted her sitting at a corner table, her bright red hair unmistakable even from a distance. She waved enthusiastically as he approached.
“Harry!” Ginny greeted, standing up to hug him. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too, Ginny,” Harry replied, hugging her back. “It’s been too long.”
They sat down, and a waitress quickly appeared to take their orders. Harry opted for a black coffee, while Ginny chose a latte.
“So, how’ve you been?” Ginny asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Busy with work, as usual,” Harry said with a shrug. “And trying to navigate the whole dating scene, which hasn’t been going great.”
Ginny raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Tell me more.”
Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I went on a date with a girl named Emily recently. Hermione set it up. She was nice, but we just didn’t click. It was awkward, to say the least.”
Ginny chuckled. “Dating can be tricky. I remember a few disasters of my own before I met Dean. But I uh… I might have a solution to your problem.”
Harry raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“There’s a friend of mine on the Holyhead Harpies,” Ginny began, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Her name is Lila. She’s a fantastic Chaser, funny, smart, and single. I think you two would hit it off.”
“Really?” Harry asked, intrigued. “What’s she like?”
Ginny grinned. “Lila’s great. She’s got this amazing energy, always positive and up for an adventure. We’ve been teammates for a few years now, and she’s become one of my closest friends. I think you’d really like her.”
Harry considered this, feeling a dread beginning to grow in his stomach. “She sounds wonderful. Do you think she’d be interested?”
Ginny nodded enthusiastically. “Definitely. I’ve mentioned you to her before, and she seemed interested. I could set up a casual meet, maybe a group outing so it’s not too intense.”
Harry smiled, feeling a bit more optimistic. “That sounds like a good idea. I’d like to meet her.”
“Great!” Ginny said, clapping her hands together. “I’ll arrange something and let you know the details.”
They spent the next hour catching up, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories from their lives. Harry felt a sense of comfort and warmth being around Ginny, grateful for her friendship and support.
As they finished their coffees and prepared to leave, Ginny gave Harry a reassuring smile. “I have a good feeling about this, Harry. Lila’s amazing, and I think you two could really connect.”
“Thanks, Ginny,” Harry said, hugging her again. “I appreciate it. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Anytime, Harry,” Ginny replied, giving him a playful wink. “Now go out there and charm her with that famous Potter smile.”
Harry laughed, feeling a little hesitant toward the whole idea as he walked away. But he knew that no matter what happened, he had friends who cared about him and were willing to help him find happiness. And that was something truly priceless.
The next day Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat in the bustling Auror office, paperwork and enchanted maps spread across their desks. The walls were adorned with wanted posters and magical photographs of past cases. They had taken a break from their work to catch up, and the conversation had inevitably turned to Harry’s recent date with Emily.
“So, how did it go?” Hermione asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.
Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It was…awkward. Emily was nice, but we just didn’t have much in common. There were a lot of awkward silences.”
Ron snorted, trying to suppress a laugh. “Sounds like a disaster. Good job, Hermione.”
Hermione shot Ron a mock glare. “I was just trying to help! Emily seemed like a good match on paper.”
Ron grinned, nudging Harry. “You know Hermione and her books. Everything has to match perfectly in theory, but real life’s a bit more complicated.”
Harry chuckled. “To be fair, Hermione, I appreciate the effort. It’s just that sometimes you can’t predict chemistry.”
“True,” Hermione admitted, looking a bit sheepish. “I just thought she might be a good fit. She’s smart, ambitious, and kind.”
“I’m sure she is,” Harry said, trying to soften the blow. “But I don’t think she’s the one for me.”
Ron leaned back in his chair, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Remember the time Hermione set you up with her cousin’s friend? What was her name? Charlotte?”
“Oh, Merlin, yes!” Harry laughed. “That was a disaster.”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Okay, okay, so maybe I’m not the best matchmaker. But I’m just trying to help you find someone who makes you happy, Harry.”
“I know, and I appreciate it,” Harry said sincerely. “I’m just trying to figure things out, see what feels right.”
Ron raised his mug of butterbeer in a mock toast. “To figuring things out and not dying of boredom on awkward dates!”
Harry and Hermione laughed, clinking their mugs with his. “Hear, hear,” Harry said, taking a sip.
“So, what now?” Hermione asked. “Do you want me to stop setting you up on dates?”
Harry shook his head. “No, it’s fine. I just think I need to approach it differently. Maybe something more casual, less pressure.”
Ron nodded sagely. “Yeah, no more Hermione-approved dates. Just go with the flow, mate.”
After their laughter died down, Harry took a sip of his butterbeer and leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
“Speaking of matchmaking,” Harry began, “Ginny’s at it too. She’s trying to set me up with one of her teammates from the Holyhead Harpies.”
Ron raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Really? Who’s the lucky lady this time?”
“Her name’s Lila,” Harry said. “Apparently, she’s a fantastic Chaser and really fun to be around. Ginny’s convinced we’d hit it off.”
Hermione smiled. “That sounds promising. Ginny knows you well, after all.”
“Yeah, maybe,” Harry said, shrugging. “But I’m starting to think all this matchmaking is a bit silly. I mean, I appreciate everyone’s efforts, but it feels like there’s a lot of pressure to find someone just because it seems like the right thing to do.”
Ron nodded, his expression turning serious. “I get what you mean. Sometimes it feels like everyone’s in a rush to pair you off. But you don’t need to force it, mate. The right person will come along when the time is right.”
“Exactly,” Hermione agreed. “It’s important to take your time and find someone who truly makes you happy, not just someone who looks good on paper or seems like a perfect match.”
Harry smiled, feeling reassured by his friends’ words. “Thanks, guys. I just needed to hear that. I guess I’ll go on this date with Lila and see how it goes, but I’m not going to stress about it.”
“Good plan,” Ron said, raising his mug again. “To not stressing about dates and enjoying the journey!”
As the day wore on, the hustle and bustle of the Auror office showed no signs of slowing down. Harry diligently completed his tasks, his mind occasionally drifting to the evening ahead. It was Tuesday, and he was looking forward to dinner at Andromeda’s. While he told himself it was because he enjoyed the family atmosphere and playing with Teddy, deep down he knew there was another reason he was excited: seeing Draco again.
Harry glanced at the clock on the wall. It was still a bit early, but he had finished most of his work and figured he could slip out without causing too much of a stir. He gathered his things quietly, trying not to draw attention to himself.
As he made his way towards the door, Ron, who had been immersed in paperwork, looked up just in time to catch Harry trying to leave.
“Oi, Harry!” Ron called out, causing Harry to freeze mid-step. “Where do you think you’re going? It’s not even quitting time yet.”
Harry turned around, attempting to appear casual. “Oh, just thought I’d head out a bit early. Finished up my tasks for the day.”
Ron’s eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of suspicion creeping into his expression. “On a Tuesday? What’s the rush?”
Harry shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. “I’ve got plans. Dinner at Andromeda’s, you know. It’s sort of a weekly thing now.”
Ron raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. “Right, dinner with Andromeda and Teddy. Sounds nice.”
Harry nodded, feeling a bit of heat rising to his cheeks. “Yeah, it is. Teddy’s a great kid, and Andromeda’s been really kind.”
Ron studied him for a moment longer, then a small smirk appeared on his face. “Alright, mate. Just don’t make a habit of sneaking out early, or Kingsley might have a word with you.”
Harry laughed, relieved that Ron didn’t press further. “Got it. See you tomorrow, Ron.”
As Harry exited the office, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. His heart beat a little faster at the thought of seeing Draco, even though he wasn’t quite ready to admit how much it meant to him. He hurried through Diagon Alley, the anticipation building with each step.
When he finally arrived at Andromeda’s, he took a deep breath before knocking on the door. The familiar sound of Teddy’s excited footsteps and Andromeda’s warm greeting made him smile. But it was the sight of Draco, waiting just inside with that gentle, welcoming expression, that truly made his heart skip a beat.