Life Changing

Harry was nervously sitting in the kitchen waiting for Draco to come down. He didn’t know how the potion would take effect. He tried to remember Draco at 11. He was pompous and arrogant. He was spoiled and rotten. Harry hoped that some of what they went through when Draco was 5. He was sure that he would remember the incident on the train though. Harry gritted his teeth.

Draco came in a few minutes later. “Hullo Harry.” He greeted him.

Harry looked at him inquisitively. He wondered how much he remembered. “Good morning Draco. Would you like some breakfast?” He really wanted to ask him how he felt, but didn’t want to push Draco too far too fast.

Draco nodded. “Yes please.”

They ate in relatively awkward silence. “How come you didn’t accept my hand?” Draco finally asked after eating.

“Draco, you have to understand that I didn’t know much of the wizarding world when we first met. You had insulted the first friend I ever had, and I remembered you from Madam Malkin’s insulting Hagrid who had told me about the being a wizard, he was the first adult that had shown me any sort of kindness. I do still wish that we can be friends now, and in the future.” Harry replied honestly.

“Oh. I didn’t know that. I was brought up thinking that you would be glorified because vanquishing the Dark Lord. I do remember my time with you at 5 years old. It is strange to remember that and everything that has happened between when I was actually 5 until now.” Draco said.

“I can see that. Do you have any other questions?” Harry inquired.

“Can we see my mother and go visit Uncle Sev?” Draco asked.

“Of course. Which do you want to see first?” Harry asked.

“I would like to go visit Uncle Sev first. He should know that the potion worked.” Draco replied.

Harry nodded. He opened the floo, to firecall McGonagall.

“Headmistress,” He greeted “can we come through? Draco wishes to talk with Professor Snape.”

“Of course Harry. Come on through.” She replied.

They stepped through. “Can I go see him by myself?” Draco asked.

“Of course Angel.” Harry replied.

Draco blushed and went to see his Godfather.

“Tea?” Headmistress McGonagall offered.

“Sure.” Harry said taking a seat in front of McGonagall’s desk.

“Harry, I know this must be difficult for you. You and Draco were not exactly friends. Especially at his age now.” McGonagall said.

“It is. He seems to be taking all this quite well. I am sure he needed to speak with Snape to ease his mind about things. We will also be visiting his mother. I wish to help him in any way I can.” Harry replied.

“Of course you do. You are an honorable young man Harry. I do wish I could entice you to come work here. The children would benefit from your knowledge and you are great with kids, as I can see it with Teddy and now Draco. You did well teaching the DA during fifth year.” She said.

“I know. I like my job though. I am unsure if I could leave Ron there by himself.” He responded.

“Well, if you ever change your mind, please let me know.” She said.

“Thank you I will.” Harry promised.

When Draco came back up, he had tears in his eyes. Harry took him home.

“What happened?” Harry asked.

“I talked to Uncle Sev. I thanked him for trying to help me with Father. He tried to protect me. He also told me he wished he had done more and that he was proud of me.” Draco said.

“Oh angel, I am glad that you got the chance to talk to him. Anything else?” Harry said.

Draco blushed again. “How come we aren’t friends now?”

Harry sighed. “The truth is we were rivals in school. We didn’t like each other much. We fought a lot. It is hard to get over such things. I wish to try though.”

“I’d like that.” Draco replied.

“Do you still wish to visit your mother?” Harry asked.

“Can we do that tomorrow?” Draco asked.

“Anything you want angel.” Harry replied.

“Are you still going to call me that when I turn 17, or 23?” Draco asked.

“If you want me to. I can stop if you like. I do not wish to embarrass you.” Harry replied.

“No, I don’t mind it.” Draco replied.

Harry smiled. “What do you want to do for the rest of the day?”

“Can we go flying? I want my own broom this time.” Draco requested.

Harry laughed. “I do not have a second broom, but I don’t mind you borrowing mine, if you wish to go flying.”

“Really?” Draco asked.

“Of course.” Harry replied.

Draco flew for several hours while Harry just admired Draco in the air. Harry smiled at the ease Draco flew with. He knew how talented he was on a broom. He really did appreciated Draco’s technique and flying abilities.

The next day they floo’d over the Manor to visit Draco’s mother.

“I wish to speak with my mother alone.” Draco told Harry.

Harry nodded.

“Why don’t we go speak in the gardens, while Harry can wait here? I wish to speak with him as well.” Narcissa said.

Draco and Narcissa walked out to the gardens. Harry waited in the sitting room. He had tea and thought about what Draco and Narcissa might be talking about. He hoped that whatever she said would not upset him. He really did care for Draco. The more time he got to spend with him, the more he was going to miss him when he turned back to 23. He knew Draco had his own life. He would no longer want to be with Harry all the time. He was anxious about it. He knew he would have to let him go and get use to not being with him. He hoped that they could be friends and that he would still be able to see him after all this. He really wished for a chance to know Draco at 23.

When they came back in, Narcissa told Draco to wait there, while she had a chat with Harry in the gardens as well.

“Now, Harry, I know that he will be 11 during the upcoming holidays, and I wish for you to come spend it with me. I am all alone here and I love Draco. I wish to see him for Christmas. I know that he would follow you wherever you go. He cares for you. I can see it. My son was a difficult child, but I can see that you do well with him. He seems much calmer than he was.” Narcissa said while they were walking.

“I care for him as well. It seems that what happened while he was 5 after the incident has affected him. I am glad for it.” Harry replied. “I had not thought too much about plans for the holidays. Usually I spend them with the Weasley’s, but I do not wish to keep your son from you. So, Christmas dinner here with you, Draco, Andromeda and Teddy would be great. Unless you do not wish to see your sister, I am unclear of your relationship with her.” Harry replied.

“That sounds wonderful. I had thought about inviting them as well. Andromeda and I have talked a lot lately. I reached out to her after the war. I have met young Teddy. He is an adorable child. Thank you Harry.” She said.

“I am glad to hear that.” Harry replied.

“I am guessing you will also spend time with the Weasley’s?” She inquired.

“Yes, most likely I will bring him to the Burrow on Boxing Day. They all know about the situation with Draco, they also know to keep it a secret. I trust them. They are my only family I have.” Harry said.

“Of course, I meant no offense. I was curious because I wish to send an apology and Christmas gift with you when you go.” She responded.

“I am sure they would appreciate it.” Harry said surprised.

Draco and Harry went home soon after. They spent the rest of the day reading. Harry gave him some more appropriate books and transfigured all of his clothes, so they fit. They spent their days reading, or talking. Harry showing him some spells, that Draco picked up quickly as Harry gave him back his wand. Draco would spend afternoons flying in the backyard. They visited Snape and Narcissa often. Andromeda and Teddy came over for dinner as well once. They spent Sundays with Ron and Hermione.

Harry took Draco shopping in Diagon Alley for Christmas. He let Draco go shopping by himself because Draco wanted to get some gifts for Harry and his mother without Harry hovering over him. Harry also wanted to get something for Draco. He got Draco a figurine of a Hungarian Horntail, a practice snitch, some chocolates, and the newest racing broom. He got Teddy some new books about werewolves, a wolf figurine, some chocolates and a training broom replica of the new model. He got Narcissa a beautiful blown glass narcissus and a jade dragon necklace. He got Andromeda pair of diamond earrings and a gilded frame for a picture of him and Teddy together. He also got a book for Hermione, and chocolates for Ron. He knew the other Weasley’s wouldn’t want him to get anything for them, so he would always give a donation to an Orphanage in Fred’s name.

Christmas morning found Harry and Draco sitting together opening gifts from a large tree Harry had gotten to decorate his home. They had decorated it with silver ornaments and fairy lights. Draco opened his presents first. He loved the Hungarian Horntail. Saying it would look great in his room. When he opened the wrapping to the broom, he was flabbergasted.

“Harry, thank you so much! I cannot believe you got me a broom! This is the newest model too! It must have been expensive. I don’t know what to say!” He rushed over and hugged Harry.

“Your welcome angel. I am glad you like it. I know you said you wanted to fly with me, and now you can. We can go flying for a bit before we are expected at the Manor.” Harry said.

“I want you to open your presents first.” Draco responded.

“Okay.” Harry said. He opened the first gift it was some chocolate frogs. The second gift was a beautiful green scarf and the third gift was a book on constellations and stars. “Thank you Draco. These are wonderful. How about we go flying now?” Harry asked. He put on his new scarf, grabbed his Firebolt and they walked outside.

“What about a seeker’s game?” Draco asked.

“Sure.” Harry said. They both took off. They flew around chasing the snitch. Draco was fast on his new broom. He did well against Harry. Harry easily caught the snitch twice and Draco caught it once.

“Did you let me win that time?” Draco asked as they landed.

“No. I wouldn’t do that. You won fair and square.” Harry replied. “We have to get ready to go to the Manor.”

Draco nodded. They washed up and dressed for Christmas dinner at the Manor. Draco wore light gray robes that brought out his eyes, and Harry wore black dress robes.

Harry gave Teddy his gifts first, who was overjoyed at the wolf and broomstick. Andromeda just muttered about a broomstick not being a suitable gift. Harry ignored her. He gave Andromeda and Narcissa their gifts, who were pleased by his thoughtful gifts. Harry received new gloves and some elven wine from Narcissa. He also received some chocolates and a new wand holster form Andromeda. Narcissa got Draco his favorite chocolates and new gloves as well. Andromeda also got him chocolates and a new cloak. They had a quiet dinner and talked about many things. After dinner, they all made their way to the gardens to gaze at the night sky while sipping on hot chocolate.

The next day, Draco and Harry went to the Burrow.

Hermione got him a book on defensive skills. Ron got him chocolate and jokes and fireworks from Wizarding Weasley Wheezes. Mrs. Weasley had knitted him and Draco a new Weasley sweater. His was emerald Green with a black H on it and Draco’s was a midnight blue with a white D on it.  Hermione got Draco a new book on dragons and Ron got Draco some chocolate and a book on Quidditch. Luna and Ginny gave them tickets to see a Quidditch match and a book on magical creatures. They had a quick Quidditch match with Charlie, George, and Draco on one side and Harry, Ginny and Ron on the other side. Harry’s team won.

Dinner was a loud affair with all the Weasley’s and their respective partners, and children. Ron and Hermione announced that Hermione was pregnant. Mrs. Weasley was overjoyed. Harry congratulated them. He was truly happy for them. He knew he would never have children of his own, being gay, but he could always adopt.

After dinner, Draco and Harry retired home to read their new books. Harry was going to save the fireworks that was a part of the gift Ron gave him for New Year’s Eve.

On New Year’s Eve Harry set off the fireworks in his backyard. Ginny, Luna, Hermione, Ron, and George and his wife Angelina Johnson came over to watch them. They were spectacular. Harry was a little sad that he had no one kiss at midnight. He longed to have that special someone in his life. Draco quietly sat next to him when midnight rolled around.

“Why don’t you have anyone?” Draco asked after everyone went home. They were sitting in the den, Harry letting him have a drink of wine.

“I tried dating, but no one wants me for me. They all want the fame or the idea of being with the savior. They all think I am a hero, and I am not that. I want someone who wants just Harry. It’s hard to find it.” Harry replied.

“Oh. I thought you liked the attention. I thought you enjoyed your fame.” Draco said.

“You would, but I don’t. Most days I hate it. Nothing in my life is private. Whoever I date has to be prepared to be on the front cover of the daily Prophet. It’s difficult when you are gay and the guy you are dating isn’t ready to come out yet.” Harry said.

“You’re gay?” Draco asked.

“Yes. Is that a problem?” Harry asked.

“No, I just thought you would always end up with some girl and lots of Potters of your own. I guess being gay doesn’t help in that regard. Anyways being gay isn't something you can choose. Wizards are more open with homosexuality than muggles are. That is one of the reasons my father didn't like them. They can be so hateful. I know it is ironic. My father followed Voldemort mostly out of want of power and hatred of muggles.” Draco replied.

“True, but I would hope that whoever wanted to be with me for the long run would want to marry me and adopt a few kids.” Harry said.

“I hope you find the guy your looking for, and that by this time next year you will have someone to kiss at midnight.” Draco said.

“Thank you.” Harry replied. He honestly did hope that too.

Over the next few weeks they fell back into a routine. They would fly together, read together, eat together, play with the joke items that Harry received for Christmas, and got to know each other a lot more.

When it got close to the next dose of the potion, Harry was even more nervous than the last time. This time Draco was going to turn 17. He remember Draco at 17. It was a difficult year for both of them. Would he remember the Rectumseptra? Would he remember trying to kill Dumbledore? Would he begin to hate Harry again? These were questions haunting Harry as they neared the date to take the next dose.

That night when Draco laid in bed, Harry stroked Draco’s hair. “What is going to happen this time Harry?” Draco asked.

“You will turn 17 overnight. I want you to remember that I will still care for you. I want you to remember that we were not friends, but we will be. I promise to make you my friend when you turn 23. You might hate me when you wake up. You might be angry with me. We fought a lot during our years at Hogwarts. I just want you to know that you are my angel and still will be when you turn 17.” Harry said.

“Okay Harry.” Draco said. “I think I’m ready.”

Harry handed over the vial and Draco gulped it down. “Goodnight angel.” Harry said.

“Goodnight Harry.” He replied before falling fast asleep.

Harry smiled. Stroked his hair back, and kissed him on the top of his head. “I love you.” He whispered.