Chapter 9
“So, how would you like to come with me to the burrow for dinner with the Weasleys?” Harry asked casually as he leaned against the wall, watching Draco measure ingredients for his latest potion batch. Causing Draco to freeze, toad livers in hand. “I.. I don’t think that’s a good idea..”
“Why not? They already know. And Molly wants to, and I quote “meet this new Draco. He seems like quite the man”
“YOU TOLD THEM?” Draco all but shrieked, dumping his handful into the cauldron and spinning around to face Harry. “Uh.. yeah. I’m sorry I didn’t think you wanted it to be a complete secret..” Harry trailed off running a hand through his hair, messing it.
“No it's not that. Harry, they hate me. I almost killed the twins, Fred was in a coma for fucks sake. I’d never want that person near my family again.” Draco sighed, absently rubbing his mark. “Honestly Harry. No one is going to like having me around. I’ve just come to accept it. Even if they are your family.” he paused “I mean You do realize this right? That as long as we are.. Together-” he stumbled a bit with saying that “people will always look down on me. And it will start causing problems for you. Even if you don’t care now, what about your job?”
“Oh Draco'' Harry sighed. ``The Weasleys already got over it. Yeah they were.. Shocked. At first, but they came around. They see how happy I am. It’s the same when Percy married Roxana, Molly may not have liked her at first, but now i swear she loves her more than him” He coughed “and I frankly don’t give a fuck what anyone else has to say about it. I - we all gave enough to the wizarding world. The rest of society can frankly shut the hell up.”
Draco finished adding ingredients and set a timing charm on the cauldron, finally turning around to look at the man who was now sitting on his counter “Harry get down” he sighed tiredly, looking around his shop.
It was quite nice for something he alone operated and cared for, dark oak for most of the wood, a fireplace crackling in the corner, he had a stock of cauldrons, with some rudimentary herbs, for anyone who was looking to make something simple, or just stock up. And shelves that looked like rope ladders hung all throughout to house his brewed potions. The walls were decorated with simple tapestries and parchments depicting different herbs and magical creatures. He had a small selection of bottled wood smoke from various sources presented on a shelf that was made to look like a tree, the branches being the shelf. He worked tremendously hard on every aspect of his shop, it was his pride and joy and when Harry had decided to stop by in his free time to just be around him, and had started
To help around a bit. Nothing much, and he tried to keep out of sight of any customers, so he was in the back or sweeping or anything he could come up with on a moment's notice so as to not garner attention. Last thing he wanted was to make Draco’s life difficult. It was nice. Just Harry and Draco, working in his shop and sharing small touches in the shadows.
“Penny for your thoughts” Harry murmured, walking over to duck his head against Draco’s. In the time they’ve been spending time together Draco has just gotten used to Harry's muggle phrases. “No, just. I want to. I want to make you happy. To ‘meet’ the family so to say. But not everyone will see me as you do. Hell. this shop used to get attacked when it first opened, I guess they just got bored when I’d just clean it every morning”
“Love, I promise you. You are going to be treated the same as any other partner one of us brings home. The only one who might say anything is Ron, but even he knows how happy you’ve made me.”
“I guess I’m just anxious. And I don’t think it will go away. Especially when I have to face more people who have every right to hate me.” Draco murmured.
“But they don't. None of us have it in us to hate anymore. And I think I mentioned it to you before, but Hermione put us in place about you in eighth year. And she's delighted to see you, she knows all about this place and I'm sure she can keep you occupied until you feel more at ease.”
The door chimed as a customer walked in, Harry quickly jumping away and turning to pick up a crate and walk to the back. Draco greeted the woman and her young daughter “hello The Soul Apothecary! Do you need anything specific?” the little girl ran up to the counter and shoved a scroll into his hands “ Yes! It's my first year at Hogwarts and I need everything,” she said proudly. The mother sighed “I wouldn't go that far but yes we’re here for her things.. Forgive me I’m not exactly magically inclined but she begged me to be the one who took her.” Harry stuck his head out watching the interaction, Draco laughed “oh don’t worry. I can explain everything in this shop so well you'll walk away feeling like you attended Hogwarts yourself” Draco walked around the counter, looking at the list, and pocketed his wand, deciding to show off a little magic to the girl. He led the two around the shop, charming each item they picked to float to the counter. As they walked up to the counter she saw some of the sweets and gave her mom a pleading look “Mom look magic candy!!” she reached towards the bowl but her mother stopped her, “no River. We still have to get more things”
Draco smiled, “if I may ma’am its on the house, if this lovely witch will make me a promise.”
“Momma please!” she pleaded, looking towards her mother “oh fine. Enjoy!” She laughed.
Draco grabbed a chocolate frog and knelt down to be eye level with the girl “promise me this. No matter what house you go to. Know you are all the same. And everyone needs a friend. Try to mingle with the other students, alright?” he smiled and patted her on the shoulder giving her the chocolate. “Thank you for stopping by you two! Enjoy your classes!” he called to them as they left.
Harry came out from the back to approach Draco. “That.. was really sweet Draco.” causing the other to blush. “She's a first year, i remember how excited I was, the preparation was so exciting” he muttered ducking his head. “And this is my favorite time of the year at the shop. Seeing so many students come through. They all have so much hope in them.” he turned and headed to the register, Harry on his heels. “Anyways, its evening now, they were probably the last of the day. So I think I’m gonna close early. Would you like to come with me? I plan on getting a glass or two at the leaky cauldron and heading home.”
“Absolutely. If you agree to come with me to the burrow on Sunday”
“You're not going to drop this are you?”
“Nope!”
“Ugh. fine. Ill do it just to show you some bridges cannot be un burnt.”
“Thank you. Draco I promise you, it’s not going to be as bad as you’re thinking.”
“Better not be” the blonde grumbles but still leaned into Harry’s chest. Draco went to work closing his store, putting stasis charms up and turning the lanterns off. ushering Harry out the door he followed locking it. “Alright lets go”