Chemistry Partners

Harry Potter < – > Draco Malfoy

Harry Potter: I am sending this as a text because I will freeze if I try to say it in person. 

Harry Potter: I like you. Not in a friendly way, in the way I want to kiss you and hold hands with you. I like you, Malfoy.

Harry Potter: And I know you think my head is filled with rocks, but a part of me wants to believe that you feel the same way. My reasoning, because I know you will ask, is that you continue to jump to my defense. You care about me in a way I have never really felt from anyone.

Harry Potter: I’m rather rubbish at confessions, sorry. 

Harry Potter: If you want to use this as another way to mock and criticise me, go ahead. I am mostly confident in this, and I take pride in the fact that I actually sent these messages. So go ahead Malfoy, get all your jokes out.

Draco Malfoy: Open your window

Harry Potter: What?

Draco Malfoy: I’m outside

— 

Harry stared at the curtains from his bed, he had his blankets wrapped over him. He saw the screen light up on his phone from his peripheral vision. Another text from Draco. He bit his lip, contemplating his choices. There was a possibility Draco was outside his window with a handful of rotten tomatoes. 

He sighed as he brushed the blankets off of his lap, standing up and ensuring his steps were silent He grabbed his glasses off his nightstand, cleaning them off before putting them on his face. He took a deep breath, tugging at the sleeves of his red shirt, he looked down and adjusted the shorts he wore. If the tomato possibility came true, at least the tomatoes wouldn’t stain his shirt. 

He drew back his curtains and saw Draco sitting on the same tree from almost a week ago. He was closer now, as the branch almost pierced through Harry’s window. He was furiously typing on his phone and he looked nothing like the Draco he saw at school just a few hours ago. The gel was gone, allowing his hair to just fall wherever it wanted, he was in green plaid pants and a gray long-sleeve shirt. It only took one glance for Draco to realise Harry was standing there, staring in awe. No tomatoes in sight. 

They fell back into that habit– staring at each other, frozen in place as if time itself had stopped just for them. Gray eyes on green ones, the tension couldn’t be cut with all the force in the world. 

“I had so much to say and now that I’m here it’s all gone,” Draco said, just above his breath, looking off to the side.

Harry let out an airy laugh, “That’s why I text, much easier than in person,” He said, holding up his phone a little before putting it off to the side. 

“Texts are equivocal. They could never properly show the emotion and tone of a person’s words and–” He stopped himself from rambling, “Your stupid face made me forget everything.”

“According to you yesterday, I am beautiful,” Harry said, trying to hide the grin on his face. 

“Oh shut up,” Draco said, rolling his eyes. His eyes met Harry’s once again. It wasn’t a malicious glare or a petty glance. It was attentive, kind, and slightly skeptical. For a moment he wanted to fold in on himself and hide away from everything except for Harry. 

Harry tilted his head, “Why are you outside of my house?” He asked, “Again.” He added. 

“I needed to talk to you.”

“Is it about what I sent?”

Draco gave him a quizzing look, “What did you send?”

“You didn’t read it?”

“I was a bit busy climbing this tree,” Draco tapped this tree with his free hand. “Should I look?” He asked. 

“Probably,” Harry said, going back to tugging at his sleeve. 

Harry watched carefully as Draco pulled his phone back out, it felt as if hours passed by in the minute it took for Draco to read over the text messages. Harry felt his face grow warmer by the second, biting his lip in anticipation. Draco shoved his phone back into his pocket and blinked a few times. 

“This is bloody unfair,” Draco mumbled, “I came here to confess to you, I climbed a tree and everything. You just sent texts,” he said, letting out a dramatic huff. 

“You like climbing trees though.” 

“Not all trees, only this one. I'm not an animal.”

Harry felt his chest lighten, he let out a breath and started quietly laughing. Draco rolled his eyes for the billionth time before joining in on the quiet laughter. Being cautious to not wake the Dursleys up. 

“You could still say it,” Harry said, grinning from ear to ear and glancing off to the side. 

Draco tried to fight off a smile, mostly failing, “I guess I could,” He said, sighing dramatically again. Harry leaned his face on his palms, staring at Draco as he attempted to articulate his thoughts. He cleared his throat, “I, uh, like you too. Not in a friendly way obviously–” He glanced off to the side again, “Also in the holding hands kind of way. In the ‘I climbed a tree just to tell you I feel this way’ kind of way.”

“And the whole throwing wine on your father kind of way,” Harry added. 

“Yes that too,” He said, letting out a breath.

“You know, Draco, usually most people who have feelings or need to talk to someone, they tell them over text or something, rather than climbing trees. Very stalker-ish behavior.”

“Well, I am not like most people, I am Draco Malfoy,” He said, moving closer to the window. 

“You are Draco Malfoy, and I am Harry Potter. We are strange people.”

“These are facts. Except for the strange part, that’s just you,” Draco said. 

“Climbing trees is very strange.”

“Maybe not climbing trees is strange,” They both laugh a little.

“Would you like to know another fact?” Harry asked. 

“Of course,” Draco said, thanking whatever deity there was for the massive branch as he moved even closer to the window. 

“I want you to be my boyfriend and I want to be yours.”

“Is that a fact or a question?”

“Can’t it be both?” Harry’s grin had yet to fade.

“Technically no, but I suppose in this scenario it can,” Draco said. 

Harry tentatively extended his hand, his fingertips grazing Draco’s face. Draco raised his hand and ran his fingers over Harry’s hand before moving it to the window seal to balance himself. They were inches apart. 

“So?” Harry said, a questioning look on his face. 

“So what?” Draco asked, a coy look on his. 

“Have a tad of common sense,” Harry mocked in a whisper. 

Draco huffed, “Ask me,” He said. “I want a proper asking out, Potter,” He said, letting the smile take him over. 

“You’re so dramatic,” Harry said, the smile almost hurting his face. Draco sat on the branch beaming with her arms in front of him to keep his balance on the tree. “Would you like to be my boyfriend, Malfoy?” He asked, enunciating each word carefully. 

“Of course, you dingbat,” Draco said, still smiling, Harry rolled his eyes at the playful insult. 

Draco moved closer and raised his hand to hold Harry’s face, pulling him out the window a little more. Their faces were mere centimeters apart once again, just as twenty-four hours ago. The same tension overfell them. 

“May I?” Draco asked. Harry nodded, wordless as his chest slightly rose and fell. 

Both of their faces were red and warm as they closed their eyes. Their lips connected, just briefly. They only backed away for a moment before Harry leaned in again, closer, feeling the gentle night air run over them, the cold, softness of Draco’s lips against his warm ones. Draco could feel the soft warmness of Harry’s face against his palm, he ran his thumb over his cheek as their lips stayed together. 

When they disconnected, Draco’s hand stayed there, they stared at each other again. 

“Did you really stalk me in year seven?” Draco asked. 

Harry scrunched his nose. “Did Hermione tell you that?”

“Pansy did,” He corrected. 

Harry rolled his eyes, “So they’re conspiring,” He said. 

“I wouldn't doubt it. It’s Granger and Pansy, they’re too smart for their own good,” He said, “What should we do about it?”

Harry looked off to the side, “I think we should kiss some more,” He settled. 

Draco laughed a little, “What would that help with?”

“Oh nothing, I just want to,” He said, pulling Draco close again before he could say anything else. 

– 

Pansy Parkinson  < – > Hermione Granger

Hermione Granger: Harry hasn’t responded for the past few minutes, has Malfoy answered you?

Pansy Parkinson: He told me that he is outside of Potter’s house

Hermione Granger: Is he in the tree again?

Pansy Parkinson: I wouldn’t put it past him

Hermione Granger: So they’re either killing each other or confessing?

Pansy Parkinson: Those are the only two options really

Hermione Granger: Spectacular. 

—--

Two bisexuals and their favourite redhead

Harry Potter: Guess who has a boyfriend 

Ron Weasley: oh you didnt die yay

Ron Weasley: will it be less awkward now 

Ron Weasley: is he still going to act like a git toward us

Harry Potter: I asked and he said it’ll take time 

Harry Potter: We also decided to keep it from my family for obvious reasons and he said he might tell his mum later, once we’re both more comfortable. 

Hermione Granger: I’m happy for you, Harry.

Ron Weasley: me too

Harry Potter: Hermione, quick question 

Hermione Granger: Yes?

Harry Potter: What have you been telling Parkinson?

Hermione Granger: What makes you think I talk to Parkinson?

Harry Potter: Hermione. 

Hermione Granger: She calls it conspiring, it was just us making sure you two use your brains and communicate the obvious.

Hermione Granger: We are both simply really good friends to you and Malfoy. 

Ron Weasley: you talk to parkinson?

Hermione Granger: Once in a while.

Ron Weasley: how come I didnt know?

Hermione Granger: You never asked.

Ron Weasley: well it’s not something id assume 

Hermione Granger: it’s not a huge deal, Ron.

Harry Potter: Regardless, what exactly have you told Parkinson?

Hermione Granger: Just things concerning you and Malfoy.

Harry Potter: What kinds of things?

Hermione Granger: Well, it’s not important now because you two are together 

Harry Potter: Okay Hermione, whatever you say

Ron Weasley: my mum says congrats 

Harry Potter: Tell her I said thank you

Ron Weasley: she also said to “bring him over for dinner sometime because he is probably not well fed” okay mum

—- 

Harry Potter < – > Draco Malfoy

Harry Potter sent an attachment 

Draco Malfoy: I am well fed thank you very much

Harry Potter: She means it in a loving way

Draco Malfoy: Whatever you say, Potter

Harry Potter: You can call me my first name Draco

Draco Malfoy: Whatever you say, Harry

Harry Potter: You should go over for dinner with me one day

Draco Malfoy: A house filled with Weasleys? No thank you

Harry Potter: You’re going to have to get used to Ron and his family if you’re going to date me

Harry Potter: Hermione, Ron, and his family are my family

Draco Malfoy: I know, I know

Draco Malfoy: I am sorry

Draco Malfoy: I think that is a big step

Harry Potter: I know, I meant in the future 

Draco Malfoy: That would be better

Harry Potter: Of course

Harry Potter: Are you busy next weekend?

Draco Malfoy: Not that I am aware of

Harry Potter: Want to get some lunch together? I know a good Mexican food place

Harry Potter: It’s not very fancy but also not very popular

Draco Malfoy: As long as you don’t get sick before then, I’ll go with you

Harry Potter: I will try my very best

—

An Extra snippet for you <3

Four months later.

Draco stood next to Harry outside the door of the Weasley home. It was extremely tall and resembled a farmhouse, held together by wood, stones, and brick. Draco had worn a green sweater with one horizontal silver stripe across his chest and black bottoms, while his boyfriend wore a plain red shirt with simple cargo pants. 

Harry reached down and squeezed his hand, “Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked. 

Draco nodded, “They are your real family. Unfortunately, you have already met mine, and it’s only right I meet yours,” He said. “Besides my mum knows, so I’m not hiding you from anyone, especially the Weasleys,” The way the name came out of his mouth was much kinder than the previous years. 

A week ago, Draco brought up the idea of meeting the Weasleys. Harry, being a Potter, asked a million questions to ensure it was really what Draco wanted to do, to which all of them were met with firm yeses. 

“I know and your mum was very kind to accept us. But if you’re not ready-”

Draco reached up and knocked with his free hand. “I decide when I am ready,” He said. “And I have decided,” He squeezed Harry’s hand back as they waited for someone to answer. A smile formed on Harry’s face as he stared at the red door. 

“Someone get the door!” They heard from inside. 

“I’m busy!” Another voice said. 

“No you're not, Ron!” A third voice now.

“Yes, I am!”

“I’ll get it! Calm down, stop shouting!” A fourth voice said. 

The door opened and Hermione stood there, still in her pajamas. Her hair was placed in two braids, likely done by Ginny Weasley, who stood close behind her. 

“Hermione?” Harry questioned. 

“I spent the night last night with Ginny,” She said, 

Ginny crossed her arms, “She was supposed to go a while ago but her parents got caught up with some stuff, so mum said she could stay the night again,” She smiled. Harry nodded.

“Hello, Malfoy,” Hermione said, looking him up and down before opening the door and allowing them inside. 

“Hello Granger,” He said, walking in behind Harry. 

“Well this is nice,” Ginny said, glancing around the house she was raised in as if it was her first time there. “Mum, your favourite kid is here!” She said, her voice echoing through the house.

Mrs. Weasley walked in, a smile appearing on her face as she saw Harry. She immediately hugged him, “Harry’s not my favourite, Ginny, I love all of you equally,” She said.

“I like to think I’m the favourite,” Ron said as he walked down the stairs. 

“In your dreams, Ron,” Ginny said. “What were you busy doing?”

“Laundry,” He said, adjusting his loose shirt that was definitely one of his older brothers. Evident from the “P” that was drawn in Sharpie on the sleeve. 

Mrs. Weasley shushed her children and turned her attention to the two, specifically Draco, “You must be Draco, I’ve met your aunt before,” She said. 

“I apologize for that,” He said. “Any interaction with my aunt is unpleasant, to say the least,” Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hermione shiver. 

She smiled, “Thank you and I am very aware, not your fault though.” She said, “Feel free to get comfortable in the dining room, I hope you like bangers ‘n mash,” She turned around.  Draco turned to Harry, a slightly confused look on his face. Harry shrugged and squeezed his hand again. 

“It’s good, I promise,” He whispered only loud enough for Draco to hear. 

They followed behind Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Mrs. Weasley into the large dining room. Already sitting were Mr. Weasley, Fred, and George, who were all in a conversation about their newest invention. Mr. Arthur’s eyes immediately fell on Draco, his brows furrowed. 

“You look so much like your father,” he commented. Before Draco could reply, Mrs. Weasley swiftly smacked the back of his head.

“Where are your manners?” She said. “Ignore my husband please, his mouth runs before his brain,” She glared at him before walking off to the kitchen. 

“Malfoy is the boy you’re dating??” Fred asked, he and George tilting their heads in unison. 

“Yeah,” Harry said, pulling out a chair for Draco to sit. Ron sat next to Harry, then Ginny next to her father, and Hermione sat next to Ginny and across from Harry. 

“Unexpected,” George says, turning to Fred. They communicated something silently. 

The Weasley mother came out holding multiple plates of food, to which Ron, Fred, and George immediately helped her with. She placed the plates in the center of the table and took a seat next to her husband. Draco grabbed a few things, mimicking Harry’s movements. 

Draco stayed silent as they ate. He had convinced himself saying nothing would be better than accidentally saying something offensive. Harry had disagreed and insisted he joined in conversation when they talked before the dinner but Draco obviously didn’t listen to that. 

The Weasleys were talking about Fred and George’s newest invention, which then turned into a conversation about how Ginny was the designated point guard on varsity on their school’s girls’ basketball team, and then about Ron’s past position as a guard on the boys’ basketball team the previous term. A few joking comments about Ron’s position compared to Ginny’s were made by Fred and George but were quickly shut down by their mother and father. 

“So, Harry, how did you and Draco begin dating?” Mrs. Weasley suddenly asked, taking a sip of her water. Draco froze mid-bite, as he was simply just listening in on the Weasley Family’s hobbies. He glanced at Harry who simply smiled. 

“Oh, well we’ve known each other for about six years?” Harry said, turning to Draco for confirmation, who was still chewing his food. He nodded. “We weren’t very kind to each other for a long time,”

“And he wasn’t very kind to us–” Ron added, being cut off as Hermione kicked him from under the table. 

“But he has been, lately. He even apologised to us. Isn’t that right, Ron?” Hermione said, a smile on her face, giving Ron the look. 

“Right, right,” He said, taking a long, long drink of water. 

Harry‘s smile hadn’t faded, “We were paired as chemistry partners a while back, everything just evolved from there,” He said. Draco nodded, a small smile was on his face now, holding Harry’s hand from under the table. 

“So chemistry started this?” Fred asked, looking over at George, as they both chuckled a little. 

“Weren’t you and Hermione partners in the project,” Ginny asked, turning to Ron. 

“I hate your memory,” Ron muttered. 

“Our chemistry project did not lead to a relationship,” Hermione said artlessly as she placed her fork back down. 

“Dating from a chemistry project is very ironic,” Ginny noted before taking a bite of food. 

“Oh extremely,” Hermione said, grinning as she nudged Ginny.