Mission accomplished – Falling in love
Returning to Hogwarts after New Year’s was a revelation for Harry in more than one way. He realized that he had missed Draco very much, because when he finally saw the blonde after two weeks of absence, he felt relief flushing trough him. Seeing Draco in person, hearing his snarky voice, and being able to be physically near him made Harry grin like an idiot. Somehow, he had anticipated their reunion, had craved to have the blonde’s attention on him.
When had the time he spends with the Slytherin become so valuable? When did Harry begin to look forward to annoying Draco, to make him laugh, to make him flustered and disgruntled?
He also realized his growing urge to touch Draco. The pale skin, the rosy cheeks, the lithe body became more tempting every day. Draco held himself with an easy grace. Even chopping Potions’ ingredients looked elegant with his smooth, aristocratically blue veined hands. The long fingers wrapped around his wand made Harry yearn to lick them.
Harry had never felt this way for anybody and was thus thoroughly shocked by himself. This flaming desire was new to him, and he did not know what to make of it. Being near Draco and casually touching him became a necessity for Harry to get through the day, lest he go mad.
Draco seemed to avoid further bodily advances, though, which left Harry somewhat crestfallen. They were already one week back at Hogwarts when Harry found out why Draco behaved that way.
Curtesy to Harry and Draco being a couple, the Slytherin’s and Gryffindor’s merged together some evenings – mostly, because Harry seldom left Draco to his own devices and their friends to cope when they wished to spend time with one of them.
Currently, Ron and Hermione, Blaise, Pansy, and Greg, Harry and Draco were huddled together on the couches near the fireplace. Ron was emerged in a game of chess with Blaise while discussing which foods was the best snack for watching a Quidditch game with Greg. Hermione and Draco read different books, perking up occasionally to leave a clever comment about the read theories. Pansy was painting her nails while Harry absentmindedly played with Draco’s hair, peppering his neck with kisses, and brooding over his feelings.
The domesticity was ruined when the food conversation suddenly turned into a heated argument about comfort food after sex.
“It’s definitely chocolate frogs!” Ron exclaimed outraged.
“Bullshit!” Greg yelled. “You just exercised and are spent. How’re you gonna chase after a bloody chocolate frog? Where’s the comfort in that? After coitus you would want something comforting and easily accessible. Like, wine gums.”
“Wine gums?” Ron asked incredulously. “That’s too straining for the jaw assuming you set your mouth to good use during doing it.” He blushed furiously, trying to avoid saying out loud anything directly related to the word sex.
Greg narrowed his eyes. “Better than chocolate frogs, though.”
Huffing, Ron called out to Harry. “Mate, what’re you eating after, you know, having a tumble in bed.”
Harry jolted slightly, being immersed in a little daydream about being intimate with Draco. He rubbed his neck, cheeks flaming. “Uhm. I wouldn’t know, mate. Didn’t do it yet.” Draco stiffened in his arms.
“Huh. Why not?” Ron asked. “I thought you were at it like bunnies seeing how you’re always attached at the hip.”
Before any of the boys could answer, Pansy chimed up. “Oh, Draco is very old-fashioned. He wants to save himself until marriage.” She examined her nails and blew on them.
“Really?” Ron frowned. Harry’s shoulders sacked. He really, really wanted to do stuff with Draco.
“That’s odd, isn’t it? Doing it is an important part of a healthy relationship”, Ron said with conviction and was promptly hit in the face with a heavy book.
The red-head was faced with a very irate Hermione. “Ronald Bilius Weasley. I hope for the sake of your own nether region that you know there are definitely more important things in a relationship. Like love and trust. Otherwise you will never feel physical pleasure ever again.”
The two of them began to bicker while the Slytherins snickered at them. Harry used the commotion to confront Draco. “So, no sex before marriage?” he asked, disappointment clear in his voice.
“Do you have a problem with that, Potter? Because if you have, we can end this relationship right now.” Draco spat, staring determinedly at the fireplace.
Harry sighed, tightening his arms around the rigid blonde. “No, that’s alright. I want to be with you. If that means being abstinent, then so be it.”
Tentatively, Draco turned in Harry’s arms. At the sight of Harry’s kicked-puppy-look he suppressed a small smile. He leaned in and gave the Gryffindor a little peck on the lips in consolation. “It’s not like I want to wait until marriage in particular. I just want sex to mean something. I don’t want to fuck but to make love. And I’m not quite there yet. But if you can wait for me, maybe someday…” Draco trailed off, a blush blooming on his pale cheeks.
Harry perked up. He was a bit frustrated, still, but there was a chance to have all of Draco. “I can wait”, he whispered. “It will be worth it.” Harry was surprised he meant it.
Draco smiled softly. Then he grinned devilishly at Harry. “There’s lots of sexual stuff we can still do, apart from intercourse. Meet me in the showers?” Then he got up and went out of the room.
After a few seconds of sitting in a daze, Draco’s words registered in Harry’s brain. The Gryffindor scrambled after his boyfriend hastily.
Happily humming to himself, Draco made his way to the library to meet up with Hermione. Earlier, Harry had thoroughly snogged him along with other exciting things. He greeted a few Hufflepuff first years cheerfully and chuckled at their incredulous and frightened expressions. Then he stopped dead in his tracks.
What in Merlin’s name was he doing? Normally, he would have sneered at the first years and pushed them put of the way. He touched his face and jolted when he felt his mouth was spread into a sappy smile. Oh, shit.
He ran the last few yards into the library, halting in front of Hermione. “Do I look happy to you?” He asked, gasping for air.
Frowning in confusion, Hermione examined her friend’s expression. Then, she smiled and said solemnly, “Disgustingly so.”
“Oh, fuck, no.” Draco muttered and slumped into a chair. His mind was reeling. The last weeks had him feeling all cozy and warm inside, and Draco couldn't help but attribute this feeling to Harry. His stomach began to flutter, his chest constricted with joy as he thought about how the Gryffindor made him feel.
Harry was still an annoying prat, irritating the hell out of Draco. But Harry was also very gentle and caring, surprisingly intelligent, witty, and Salazar, was he talented with his mouth. Draco felt safe in Harry’s arms, like he belonged there; like he could stay there. This was something long-term. Somehow, the black-haired menace had managed to worm his way into Draco’s heart and before he knew it, he was head over heels for the prat.
“Uhm, Draco”, Hermione spoke to him, concern lacing her voice. “Are you alright?”
“No, I’m not. I’m in love with Potter!” Draco moaned and buried his face in his hands.
He felt his shoulder being patted. “There, there. But isn’t it a good thing, you finally realized it?” Hermione asked softly.
Draco looked up. “What do you mean, finally?”
“Well, it’s pretty obvious, in my opinion. You both stare at each other with those lovestruck expressions, it makes you look incredibly stupid, but also cute.” Hermione cooed at him.
The blonde groaned pitifully. “Great. What am I supposed to do now?”
“You need to do nothing, Draco. But you could tell Harry how you feel.” She said but earned a skeptically raised eyebrow in return.
“Honestly, Draco” Hermione huffed, then her expression softened. “Expressing your love and receiving love back is the greatest thing in the world. Believe me, it feels amazing.”
Draco nodded thoughtfully, the sappy smile returning onto his face. “Okay. I’ll tell him soon.”
“Harry, mate, how’s it going?” Seamus asked and slung an arm around the black-haired boy who greatly startled because he was absorbed in staring dreamily at his boyfriend.
“Everything’s fine” he replied, glancing briefly at his fellow Gryffindor before returning his gaze firmly onto Draco again.
Seamus considered him for a while, before shrugging. “I see you’re observing the enemy quite thoroughly. Listen, I thought you could do some grand romantic gesture since Valentine’s Day is coming up, soon. You know, to knock him out of his socks.”
Intrigued, Harry perked up. “What do you reckon?”
“I’m thinking chocolates, candles, and roses. Lots of roses. Maybe a poem?” Seamus explained excitedly.
Harry grimaced. “No poems!” he said firmly.
Seamus held his hands up defensively. “Alright. I have to cancel Ginny’s help, then.”
“Better is”, Harry snorted. “But I think I could confess to loving him. That would be romantic, no?”
Seamus grinned mischievously. “I like the way you're thinking, Harry. Leave it to me, I’ll make some preparations.”
With a thumbs up Harry dismissed his friend. Making a romantic love confession on Valentine’s Day had Harry’s heart racing. As time has gone by, the endearments and compliments he gave Draco fell easily from his lips. Especially after their progressing physicality, Harry could not help but to express his adoration. He had to admit that he had to hold his tongue, lest he slipped up and said something stupid like “I love you” before Draco said it to him.
But Harry’s resolve was crumbling. He really wanted to say those three magical words to Draco. He had realized his feelings for what they really were and was surprised how he wasn’t bothered by it in the least. Valentine’s Day would be the perfect time to man up.
Admittedly, he’d forgotten about the plot for revenge altogether, too caught up in the relationship bliss. He knew he had to tell Ron and Seamus eventually that he wouldn’t follow through with the plan and that he wanted to stay with Draco. But right now, he had more pressing matters to attend to, like wooing Draco some more. And Seamus proofed to be useful for that.
On Valentine’s Day, Draco was a little bit nervous. He had struggled the past days to confess to Harry but hadn’t had the courage. Today, though, he felt he could maybe tell Harry about his feelings.
Speaking of the devil, out of nowhere a hand grabbed him by the shoulder and shoved him into an alcove. Before Draco could shriek in protest, chapped, warm lips wrapped around his own and he was met with a familiar scent.
The lips descended down his jaw, his neck, and Draco giggled. “Harry, that tickles.”
“Good”, Harry murmured against his skin, not stopping in his ministrations. “I like it when you laugh.”
Draco blushed and shoved his boyfriend away. “Come on, Potter. We’re still in public.”
Harry pouted slightly, but soon turned his lips into a mischievously grin. “Do you know, what today is, darling?” he purred.
Draco put his forefinger onto his lips, seemingly in thought. “Hmm, no idea. Remind me?”
Harry’s eyes sparkled joyfully, and Draco’s breath caught. Merlin, he loved that man. “It’s Valentine’s Day. So, I was hoping to ask a very important, smart and sexy person to be my Valentine.” The Gryffindor batted his eyelashes.
“Oh? And who is this unfortunate person of your affections?” the blonde inquired, knowing that the answer would be 'you'.
“McGonagall!” Harry exclaimed cheekily and ran from the alcove. Momentarily flabbergasted, Draco stared after him. Then, irritation flared, and he chased after his idiot boyfriend. “You little shit”, he muttered while trying to trip Harry with a jinx.
The chase lasted until Harry finally slowed down on the seventh-floor corridor. Slithering, Draco came to a halt and crashed into Harry who wrapped his arms firmly around the blonde’s waist and kissed him on the nose.
Draco huffed and stuck out his tongue. “Don’t pout, baby. I had to lure you here for your Valentine’s surprise” Harry said apologetically.
By the mention of ‘surprise’ Draco perked up. “Well, then. Get on with it!” he demanded haughtily.
Chuckling, Harry opened the door to the Room of Requirement. He pulled Draco in who gasped in astonishment. The room was full of red and pink roses sticking out of every corner und from the ceiling, petals covered the entire floor like a carpet. Candles were floating in between, creating pretty lights and a romantic atmosphere.
Harry led Draco to the blanket with fluffy pillows in the middle. When they sat down, Harry took a deep breath and Draco narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
“Potter”, Draco said warningly, “don’t you dare recite a poem, now.”
“Mmh, I wasn’t going to, but now I want to, just to spite you” Harry grinned, Draco slapped him in the chest.
Laughing, Harry pulled Draco into his lap and reached around. “Close your eyes” he said imploringly.
Draco just stared at him. What was his boyfriend up to, now?
“Come on, Snickerdoodle” Harry whined. The blonde rolled his eyes at his boyfriend’s antics, secretly loving the rubbish endearments, and closed his eyes.
“Open your mouth”, the Gryffindor whispered.
“That better not be your cock, Potter”, Draco sneered when something brushed his lips.
Sighing, Harry unceremoniously shoved a chocolate into Draco’s mouth. “And for once, I want to be romantic!”
Surprised at the taste of chocolate, Draco hummed pleased. “More!” he demanded and opened his mouth again.
Harry fed him a few more pieces, but then he could not resist anymore and kissed the blonde, licking into his mouth. Quickly, the kiss grew heated and both boys were frotting frantically against each other. Harry was about to reach down when Draco gasped out “Wait!”
“There’s something I have to tell you.” Draco ground out urgently, backing away from Harry to calm himself down a bit. He needed to confess now because he wanted to take things further with Harry.
“Draco, you’re frightening me. Is everything alright? Are we alright?” Harry asked, slightly hysterical.
“Everything’s fine” Draco reassured, but his voice was shaking slightly. “I just need you to know that I–“ he took another shaky breath, grabbing Harry’s hands. “I love you.” He breathed out and chanced a look at Harry who stared at him with wide eyes.
“You–you don’t have to say it back, obviously. But I’ve been thinking it for quite some time now and I just had to tell you. I know, we’re not that long in this relationship yet, and maybe this is all a bit rushed, but I can’t help the way I feel, Harry. I–“ Draco’s rambling was cut off with a scorching kiss from Harry.
“Godric, Draco, I love you, too. I love you so much,” the Gryffindor whispered softly against Draco’s lips. He kissed him again and again, reverently mumbling “I love you” between each kiss.
Joy spread through Draco’s body like fiendfyre. Hermione had been right, as always. Love felt absolutely glorious when spoken aloud. He soaked each whisper and kiss up, basking in the love Harry was gifting him. Then he remembered his bodily desires.
“Harry, Harry!” he laughed as he tried to halt Harry in his ministrations. “I want you to make love to me.”
Harry stilled and looked up to Draco heatedly, hope and awe evidently in his eyes. “Do you mean, you want to go all the way?”
Draco nodded, flushing as pink as the petals surrounding them. “Take me to your bed, Harry.”
And Harry did just that.
Harry looked dreamily at the blonde head resting on his chest. His hand stroked Draco's pale shoulder, drawing circles with his thumb. Draco snored softly, exhausted from their previous activities.
Making love to Draco was beyond anything Harry had ever imagined. He felt like the luckiest man in the world. He felt like he could move mountains. He felt like he desperately needed to go to the bathroom. The need became more and more urgent, so that Harry could not ignore it. Even though he didn't want to leave the warmth of the bed and Draco, Harry got up and put on a shirt and pants.
After relieving his bladder, he toddled back into the dorm intent to lie back with Draco and doze for a bit. In the room, however, Ron and Seamus were standing in front of his bed, heads stuck together and whispering conspirationally.
"What are you doing?" asked Harry.
"Oi, Harry!" Ron shouted. "We were just wondering why your curtains were drawn in the middle of the day."
“Well, well, well, Harry! Look at you, you’re positively glowing! And look at that bed hair” Seamus exclaimed, smirking.
“Yeah, you look like you’ve had fun in bed”, Ron grinned. “Come on, mate, tell us! Did you do it?”
Harry blushed; a smile plastered on his lips that still felt swollen from kissing every patch of Draco’s body. “Yes.”
„So, he’s in love with you?“ Ron crowed.
„Shh, don’t talk so loud”, Harry hushed him but couldn’t help grinning like a loon, because he felt elated. “Yes, he said he loves me.”
Ron and Seamus gave each other a high five.
„Haha, I can’t believe it worked!” Seamus exclaimed. “You did it, Harry! You made the git fall for you!”
“No, it’s not–“ Harry tried to desperately to shut his friends up, worrying for Draco to wake up, but was interrupted by their exclamations again.
“Was it okay, fucking him?” Ron asked, brows furrowed in concern for his friend while Seamus waggled his eyebrows, crying “Did you have hot hate sex?”
“It was not hate sex,” Harry tried again.
“Right. Because Malfoy’s in love with you!” Seamus gave Ron another high five and they laughed.
“Guys, you’re not listening!” Harry cried. Then there came a rustling sound from his bed, and Harry paled.
Draco emerged from behind the curtains, his face set into a cold mask. Only his eyes betrayed his feelings of hurt and betrayal, shining with unshed tears. Though he was only clad in his pants, the remaining clothes clutched tightly in his hands, he held his head high.
He marched towards Harry while Ron and Seamus laughed, cajoled and cat-called at him. Draco dug his wand into Harry’s throat. The black-haired boy closed his eyes in anticipation of being hexed or beaten. When nothing came, Harry opened his eyes only to see Draco’s heart breaking right in front him as an expression of sadness, confusion, anger and hurt marred the features Harry had come to love. Without a word Draco nodded as if confirming something to himself and rushed out the room, unknowingly taking Harry’s shattered heart with him.
Harry stood frozen, unable to quite grasp the situation. He felt very empty and as if ice was piercing through him, while a continuous loop played in his head of how broken, hurt and betrayed Draco had looked at him. Though he knew exactly how he ended up like this, he couldn’t believe that he went from the luckiest to the unhappiest man in the world in merely 5 minutes.
He did not know how long he stood like that when Hermione frantically barged into their dorm. Draco had passed her in the common room, trembling and barely holding himself together. She went to find out what had put her friend in such a terrible state.
“I’ve just seen Draco. What happened?” she asked, panicked.
“We broke his heart” Ron answered smugly.
Hermione frowned, “You, what?”
“Remember how Malfoy insulted us, especially you in the Hogwarts Express at the beginning of the school year?” Hermione nodded, frown deepening. “Well, we decided to teach him a lesson. Seamus overheard the Slytherins saying that Malfoy had a crush on Harry, so Harry pretended to like him and make Malfoy fall in love with him, and then break his heart. And, well, just now we have reaped the fruits of our labour.” Ron grinned proudly. “Malfoy confessed to Harry and slept with him. We successfully broke Malfoy’s icy heart.”
Shocked, Hermione turned to Harry. “Is that true?”
Harry nodded, wishing he would just drop dead a third time as guilt and embarrassment choked him.
“Aren’t you proud, ‘Mione?” Ron prodded.
Tears began to fall from Hermione’s face. She shook her head in disbelief, and then stormed out of the boys’ dorm. Puzzled, Ron went after her. He made to grab her hand, but she whirled around and slapped Ron, hard.
“How could you”, she screamed.
Bewildered, Ron held his cheek. “We did all this for you.”
“You have no right, Ron.” Hermione sobbed. “You have no right to justify your petty revenge by victimizing me. It is my decision to forgive him or not, but you just assumed you’d had to avenge me. I can’t believe how cruel you are. It’s like I don’t know you anymore.”
Ron paled further and stretched out one trembling hand. Hermione slapped him away, continuing with wavering voice, tears streaming down her face. “Draco is my friend and you hurt him a lot. I don’t think I can be friends, let alone be a girlfriend to someone who did such a horrible thing on purpose behind my back.”
Hermione wiped her eyes and turned away, determinedly running towards Draco’s dorm. Ron looked like he had been slapped again.