“Hey dad, can I talk to you?”
It was quiet in the Potter-Malfoy household. For once they were given sunshine in between the dreary winter taking hold of London, and they intended to make the most of it. The huge French doors opened to let in golden sunlight, and the slight breeze swayed the leaves and flowers of plants Harry put all his mind into to keep alive. They had arranged a lovely sitting area in their balcony, since Draco had fond memories of their garden back when he was young, and Harry wanted to create new fond memories for Draco to look back on. Plush chairs, reminiscent of the Gryffindor common room, a small tea table, and windchimes gifted by Luna.
This is where they had their morning coffee and tea, where they talked about their troubles and joys, where they wanted a bit of quiet.
Currently, Draco was curled up with a book he was putting off. His tea went cold, neglected because of the thrill of the mystery he was currently solving. Harry had introduced him to Sherlock Holmes, and Draco could honestly say it was one of the reasons he loved Harry.
His concentration was interrupted by mini-Harry. He peeked up to find the boy nervously chewing his lips, a habit he inherited from Harry, and twiddling his thumbs, a habit he also inherited from Harry. James Potter-Malfoy looked so much like his dad and namesake, it was hard to imagine his surrogate mum was Ginny, although, she would fight back saying his love for charms and creatures came from her.
Right, now, however, James looked simultaneously as if he wanted the ground to swallow him up and the most determined Draco had ever seen him.
“Yes, definitely. What’s up?” He put aside his book, grabbing the teacup and spelling it warm.
“So, I would talk about this to papa, but we know he’s a bit.. hmm.. dim when it comes to matters like these, and well, I don’t know if I want him knowing about this before- before I’m sure myself-“ he rambled on, and Draco knew with experience that he wouldn’t stop unless someone stopped him, so he gently grabbed his hands, pulling the boy down on the chair beside him, and handed him his tea.
Chamomile calmed them both down. It was one of the rare qualities they had in common.
Taking a small breath and sip, James closed his eyes and sighed. He made himself comfortable, and looked at Draco with small eyes.
“I think, I think I’m pansexual.”
Well, that’s not what he expected. In all honesty, Draco had no idea what pansexual even meant. He thinks it has something to do with sexual orientation, since it sounded similar to bisexual, something Harry identified with.
“Could you explain to me what that is? So that I can support you better. Which I do. I will always support you, James, no matter who you are, or what you do, or who you want to kiss and maybe marry,” -that got out a giggle from James- “and I love you. So much.” He pushed his hand through his thick, dark, unruly curls, much like Harry’s, and dropped a kiss on his forehead.
James' eyes were sparkling, which could be because of the tears forming, or the immense happiness he was radiating. He sniffled a bit and put on his teacher mode. He and Harry liked to joke that James would grow up to follow his papa’s profession, but it was times like this when Draco knew it wasn’t just a joke. James would make an excellent professor.
“Well, it’s a bit like being bisexual. You’re attracted to multiple genders, it’s just that you’re attracted to people regardless of their gender. Like, it doesn’t matter to me. You could identify as anyone you want, and I would be, well, attracted to you. There are a lot of people on the internet who discuss about the difference between being pansexual and bisexual, but honestly, pansexual just sounds better to me. I know I don’t have to label, but I like it. So, uh, I’m pansexual.” He had a small, nervous smile, the chamomile tea clutched in his hands, and Draco nodded towards it so that James could take a sip.
He gave the small smile in return and positioned himself to mirror James, curling in one side to look at the younger boy better. He saw Harry leaning against the doorframe at the corner of his eye, but gave him no acknowledgment.
“Thanks for telling me, Jamie, but I know this isn’t the only reason you wanted to talk.”
“Uh, well,” -the boy even spoke like Harry- “I have a bit of a tiny massive crush on someone,” he blurted out, and a second of relief betrayed his eyes while panic consumed it. He started fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, and Draco put his hand on them to stop. He rubbed James’ hands to calm himself from the excitement building up in his chest.
“Oh yes? And who would that be?” he said, throwing off nonchalance. He had a feeling he knew, but he wanted James to tell him himself.
“Um, Teddy?”
YES.
“Jamie that’s wonderful! Have you told him yet?”
“Uh, no? You don’t sound surprised? Isn’t the fact that he’s 4 years older and raised as my brother put you off?” Oh, bless him, he sounded surprised. As if Draco and Harry weren’t secretly rooting for them.
James and Teddy never could form the brotherly bond Ted had with Scorp and Al. They were best friends above anything else, and now, finally, maybe something more.
He saw Harry punch his hand in the air, and smirked. “Darling, you and Ted are meant to be. It’s written in the stars or whatever sappy shit your papa says. You’re not blood-related, although if we try we can find some connection somewhere-“
“Don’t worry, we’re not going to do that,” he quickly said looking at James’s horrified face.
“So that’s not a problem. Also, I’m pretty sure Teddy’s half in love with you already, which, in hindsight, I shouldn’t have told you, but life’s short and we can’t have you two bumbling love drunk idiots dance around each other take up time,” he continued, ignoring the progressing red taking over James’ face.
“So, make your move when he comes home, and you can moon over each other openly now. Policy’s the same, the door has to be open when you’re alone in a room.”
“Dad!” James’ shout echoed, but a huge grin took over his face, and he leapt off his chair to jump in Draco’s, tightly hugging him. Both of them held each other, James arms around Draco’s waist, and Draco’s in James’ hair.
He hung his head and whispered, “I should tell you though, your papa’s been standing behind the door the past 5 minutes, and he looks about ready to burst if he doesn’t come in.”
James snorted in response, “I know, he isn’t as subtle as he likes to think.”
Beckoning Harry with a finger, Draco opened his arms for the love of his life to fall into, and the three snuggled in. Harry whispered love and affection and acceptance, something he didn’t get in his childhood, to James, and Draco hugged them both tighter.
He didn’t know how he was allowed this life after his sins, but damn if he wasn’t going to take every advantage of it. He is a Slytherin, after all.