Time Travel 101

“There you are, Draco!” Harry bloody Potter said eagerly. Except this Harry was different than the one Draco thought he was with. Harry still had the same messy hair, but he seemed happy instead of brooding. He also appeared to be well-fed rather than underweight, he filled his uniform, his Slytherin uniform, rather nicely. As Harry approached Draco, Draco noticed the lightning scar spread down Harry’s face to his cheek. “You’ve been missing for like two days. Fred nearly tore the school apart looking for you. Regulus almost contacted your parents. Where were you?” Harry was acting like they were friends… why?
“What are you talking about, Potter? And why are you wearing Slytherin robes? And why the hell does Fred care where I’m at?” Draco retorted, causing Harry to tilt his head.
“After the quidditch game, you know where you got sick after we won? You puked then said you were going for a walk and poof. No one has been able to find you, and you know I’m a Slytherin, we’ve been roommates since first year. Did you hit your head or something?” Harry took Draco’s hand and started walking him towards Gryffindor Tower. “Fred has been absolutely frantic. He thought you died or something. He really loves you, y’know?”
Draco frowned, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He said simply. “And why Fred of all people?”
Harry stopped walking when he heard that, “Someone must have wiped your memory or something… Fred is your boyfriend, you guys have been dating since second year…”
“What do you mean?”
“Okay, so we gotta see Regulus, he’ll know what to do, to restore your memory, I mean. But you started paying the twins to prank people since first year. Fred asked you out second year. Don’t tell him you don’t remember this… it’ll break his heart.”
Draco paused, “no one knows I’m gay.” He pointed out. “And Regulus is alive?” Draco and Harry fucked up time… pretty intensly, but maybe this future isn’t too bad. He’s always thought the twins were pretty funny, and he did have a small crush on Fred second year. He just admired the recklessness and passion. The twins would have thrived in Slytherin.
Harry shrugged, “Only the twins, me, Blaise, and my dads and uncles know. I mean you usually spend summers with us.” He pointed out. “And of course Reg is alive. No one else could have destroyed six Horcruxes before they turned twenty… Draco, what do you remember?” He tried, “I mean, you called me Potter. We only go by last names for dueling club and quidditch.”
Draco hesitated, “This is going to sound batshit crazy… but I think I just time traveled and changed a bunch of stuff… because I remember you being a Gryffindor, hating me, I merely had a crush on Fred, but we never dated, and Regulus was dead and the dark lord was revived or something…” He rambled.
Harry stared at him in shock, “You probably just passed out and had a weird dream, your memory is just scrambled. Once we get Fred, we’ll take you to Regulus. Besides, I could never hate you, you’re my best friend.” Now that shocked Draco, but maybe being the Golden boy’s best friend wasn’t so bad… “Maybe you just had a bad dream, because Voldemort would never come back to life, but… uh don’t tell Fred you don’t remember dating him, please?” He tried.
“Also, I never told you, I finally asked out Luna. We’re going out on our next Hogsmeade trip. You know I love blondes.” He gushed.
Draco nodded slightly, “I won’t tell Fred… and that’s great.” Well, if they’re friends, Draco may as well get used to this new reality. At least Draco doesn’t have to become a death eater.
Harry shook his head, “Reg will know what to do, he always does. That’s probably why they made him the potions professor.” He commented as the twins came down the hall.
“Fred, mate, he’s back.” George nudged his twin brother.
Fred’s head immediately shot up as Draco turned around. Fred rushed to Draco and pulled him into a hug. “Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick, little dragon.” He said quickly before pulling back some to kiss Draco. Draco was a bit surprised. He’s only kissed Theo once, and that was a dare. He leaned into the kiss though. It felt really nice, but it was over all too soon.
“I think I just passed out somewhere, hit my head pretty hard. My memory is all over the place, darling.” Draco didn’t know where that came from, but it seemed right. Plus with the look Fred was giving him, Draco couldn’t help but want more.
Fred frowned, “Oh merlin,” he whispered, kissing Draco’s head, “I’ll take care of you, I promise.” He soothed, “Come on, lemme carry you, no one else is here, everyone’s in class. I’m gonna take you to my dorm.” Fred was so loving. No one’s ever treated Draco like that, ever. Draco rather liked it… it seems he has no intention of going back to his proper reality.
“Thank you, love. You can carry me-” Fred didn’t need to be told twice as he scooped Draco up bridal style. “But things may be a bit off for a few days, I feel like I lost my bearings.” He tried,
Fred shook his head, “You’re alive, that’s what matters.” He soothed.
Harry spoke up, “I’m going to get Regulus. He may know how to fix Draco’s memory.” He commented, but George put his hand on Harry’s shoulder.
“Wait till lunch.” George said as Draco was carried away.
What Draco was expecting when he got to Fred’s dorm was vastly different from what he gor. First, Fred gave Draco a change of clothes, Fred’s Weasley sweater, and some joggers. Second, Fred gave Draco snacks and water. Third, Fred sat back against his bed as Draco laid on him. It made Draco’s heart flutter. Draco did not have any complaints regarding this Fred Weasley. It’s a shame he didn’t try this in his original timeline. Fourth, when Draco seemed calm, Fred started kissing him., innocent at first. Well, Draco had never had a snog as wonderful as that. Fifth, Draco had no complaints when Fred’s mouth went further down his body, when Fred took him down his throat. Draco thought he may die. Fred truly did take care of him. Draco was not giving that up, especially when he had a choice for once. He was actually happy. Someone wanted him, wanted to take care of him. Fred didn’t want him for money, it was so obvious with how Fred was giving him love eyes.
However, Draco’s little bubble of happiness had to come to an end when Regulus came in during lunch. Fred was kicked out of the room and Regulus questioned Draco. Draco told him
everything. Then Regulus showed Draco a portable pensieve. He dropped something in it, allowing Draco to experience these memories. Draco’s memories.
The first one was the sorting ceremony. Where Harry and Draco shook hands and became a dynamic duo.
The second one was of Draco offering the twins money to prank Lockheart… then the memory swirled into Draco, Harry and the twins discussing pranks. George and Harry had left the room in search of some prank object, and young Draco was blushing. Like blushing. They had a small conversation then kissed.
The third memory showed Draco and Harry starting a snowball fight and Fred joining Draco’s side as George joined Harry’s side.
The fourth showed Draco and Fred outside the Yule Ball. Dancing alone. It seemed lovely.
Draco is selfish sometimes, more often than not, and he was not about to go back to his miserable life when he had Fred Weaskey. He sent Regulus away, trading him for Fred. No one wanted to disturb what was happening in their dorm. Draco’s first time was that afternoon, but he doubted it was their first time together.
Alas, they had to leave the room eventually. This is where Draco noted the key differences in this reality: Granger and Weasel were close to Longbottom, George and Fred were wrapped around Draco’s finger, Regulus was Hogwarts’ potions master and was very much in a relationship with James Potter, who appeared to be a substitute professor of sorts. Lupin was the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Sirius had a healthy glow to him, looking his age. Sirius never experienced Azkaban. Slytherins weren’t as shunned as they once were, but they did intimidate. And Harry Potter, the boy who lived, was best friends with Draco Malfoy and was interested in blondes.
Despite all of these vast differences, Draco made himself at home in this reality. He watched his boyfriend graduate, the twins had Draco help them with fireworks when the Graduation ceremony was over. Draco watched as Harry and Luna fell in love; Draco always thought Harry would date Granger or Weaselette. Draco didn’t mind in the slightest, having Harry for a friend, well it was amazing. Harry never minded Draco’s touchy tendencies, laying his head in Harry’s lap, grabbing his arm and escorting him, putting his feet in his lap. It was nice. It felt like home. Draco never realized his friendly feelings towards Potter were a little more than friendly. He just thought that this is how everyone feels towards their best friend.
And as Draco’s best friend, Harry encouraged Draco to become a healer instead of some ministry drone. Draco joked the twins would need a healer around, but Draco wanted to help people, just like how the twins help people laugh. Besides, Draco is amazing at potions and healing charms, why not do something he enjoys? Well, aside from Fred that is.
It was nearing the end of Draco’s seventh year, he only had the last term to go. He was out at the three broomsticks with Fred, George, Angelina(who is currently engaged to George), Harry and Luna. It was a lovely night. Fred was so supportive of Draco’s endeavors. Draco couldn’t believe how happy he was. He excused himself to the restroom. As he was washing his hands, Fred walked in.
“Marry me.” Fred said simply.
Draco turned to Fred, “What?” He laughed softly.
“Marry me. I don’t have a ring yet, but I want you to marry me. We can use one of those magical altars if you want, but I just want you to be my husband.” Fred explained. “I want a family with you, even if it’s your kid biologically. I have a friend who would love to be our surrogate. Draco,”
“Fred, relax, darling.” Draco walked over to Fred. “Of course I’ll marry you, but you need to get me a ring, and I expect an over the top proposal, preferably not in the loo.”
Fred laughed, taking Draco’s hands, “I’ll do my best to give you everything you want, little dragon.” He whispered. “I adore you.” He kissed Draco’s knuckles. “But what do you say about having a baby? My friend, Astoria, you’re in her sister’s year, she offered to be our surrogate. She’s been helping at the shop some, and we had a talk about our futures. The only future I want is one with you, and I would love to have a baby. And she wants a baby, but she wouldn’t be able to care for one full time. What do you say?”
Draco thought for a moment. He’s always known he was meant to have an heir; he used to dread it. A baby with Fred, though? That sounds wonderful. “I would love to have a baby with you, darling… but who will be the biological father?”
Fred thought for a moment, “You should. Soon enough there will be plenty of Weasley babies running around, I mean Fleur is pregnant.”
“You didn’t tell me she’s pregnant!” Draco playfully smacked Fred’s chest.
“They’re announcing it at Sunday brunch, which I hope you’re attending. Plus, they didn’t want to step on Angelina’s toes when they announced their engagement,” Fred explained. “Anyway, I do think you should be the biological father. Your family expects an heir, and I could care less if it’s mine or yours as long as we raise it together.”
Draco nodded, “When I graduate, we’ll make plans. I do expect a ring by then though.” He teased before kissing his fiance’s cheek and leaving the loo.
Draco made the right choice.
Draco knew he made the right choice even more when he met his little cousin. Teddy Lupin. The boy was adorable, even if he was causing Remus and Sirius to lose out on sleep. The pair adored their baby, and that little boy was so loved by everyone. This little one, the first of the new generation, was very likely the reason for the new generation. Well, aside from Fred and Draco’s baby and Bill and Fleur’s first born. Angelina and George had their first, Fred II, three months after little Scorpius was born. Little Scorpius was only a few months younger than Victoire, Bill’s daughter. And of course, there were some surprises: Angelina did not mean to get pregnant so soon after her first, but she has a lovely little girl, Roxanne, now.
But Harry? Unlike at least the Weasleys, Harry was in no rush to get married and start a family despite how much Harry helped with the little ones. Harry never really discussed proposing either, and Draco understood. They were young, and it scared Draco shitless that he had a little one so early. But even then, Draco was shocked when Harry came to him for advice.
“Dray, I don’t think I’m in love with Luna. I mean, I love her, but I just, it’s more of a friendship. You know? I mean I enjoy doing friend stuff with her, and I mean our sex life is fine… there’s just no spark… what am I supposed to do?”
“You can’t string her along, Haz. You know this. If you’re not in it, it’s unfair to her.” Draco pointed out as he watched Fred walk through the hallway of their flat into the kitchen. He was holding a little blonde baby. Their baby.
“You’re right…” Harry muttered. You always are….” He complained. “Well, enough about me, I already told you everything-”
“You did not, you haven't even told me about your auror training!” Draco reminded with a smile. “But fine, my healer training is going great. They want me to focus on pediatrics actually,” he commented. “So I’m very excited, and Fred’s also over the moon for me. Now tell me the dirty deets of auror training.”
Harry laughed at Draco’s rushed update of his work life, “Fine, since you’re oh so invested, it’s going great. I’m actually top of the class right now, and Shacklebolt says I have a chance at being head auror later down the line. I was also paired with Ron for a lot of training stuff, so that’s not too bad. He told me he’s marrying Hermione, but they’re not sure if they should hold off on their wedding because all his brothers have babies.”
Fred walked into the sitting room, holding Scorpius who had a bottle in his mouth. “Ron said they also have decided to hyphenate their last names, but Hermione doesn’t want to be known for being Ron’s wife. She wants to defy the patriarchy.”
Draco snickered, “Sounds about right. Seems like she’d get along with Percy.”
Harry laughed softly, “As if you haven’t become best friends with almost all Fred’s brothers.” He pointed out.
Fred shook his head, “My lovely fiance and Charlie think it’s absolutely important to ignore everyone else to talk about dragons.” He said dramatically as he sat down. “My own blood, stealing my partner.”
“You’re just jealous he invited me to Romania before you.” Draco hummed. Fred just sighed dramatically in response.
Domestic bliss. Something Draco didn’t think would happen for him in his original timeline. No arranged marriage in sight. Just Draco and Fred, and their baby. What more could a guy ask for? Besides, Draco seems to have luck that Harry just does not have, especially when Harry floo’d to Draco and Fred’s house out of the blue.
Draco was just finishing changing his son’s diaper while Fred got ready for work. Fred was the closer at the shop that night, so he was going to be gone until around 9-9:30 that evening. Draco looked up as the floo roared to life.
“Draco… I need your help.” Harry said as he stepped through, dusting floo powder off his clothes, “So you know how I broke up with Luna two weeks ago? She’s pregnant. She’s keeping the baby, but she wants to co-parent, and I don’t know what to do.” he said helplessly.
Draco sighed, “Deep breaths, Harry. It will be okay.” He motioned Harry to the couch and flicked his wand so tea was being prepared. “I’ll help you, so will your dads. It’s scary I know, but see what the plan is. And take her to appointments.”
That Harry did. Draco had calmed them, Draco just had a way with Harry. That was one thing that Harry disliked. He’s into his best friend who has a kid with another man, but at least Harry has Draco in his life. And Draco agreed to help Harry with his surprise baby. Yet the surprises kept on coming; he and Luna were having twins. A boy and a girl. But Luna let Harry name them. So in the spring the following year(1999), Harry and Luna introduced Lily Luna Potter and James Sirius Potter into the world.
But this was the first of many changes in Draco and Harry’s lives.