Life Changing

The next morning, Harry made tea for them both. He didn’t make breakfast. He would not be able to stand the smell right now. He was too anxious. He felt sick. When Draco came in looking even more beautiful before, Harry gaped and took all of his strength not to run to him and snog him right then and there.

“Good morning.” Harry said.

“Good morning.” Draco replied.

“So, I’m sure you are anxious to get out of here. I made tea. I couldn’t cook. Wasn’t feeling right this morning. I made sure that your shop was rebuilt and I replaced all the items that got destroyed. The incident was officially declared an accident.” Harry said.

“That’s good. I do wish to check on my flat and my shop. Is Astoria okay?” Draco asked.

“Oh yes, she had a few minor injuries, but she is fine. She said she’d be willing to come back to work for you when you came back. We told her you needed to be away for some time. No one knows the specifics except those you’ve met. I didn’t think you would want everyone to know. We’ve been able to keep it out of the Prophet.” Harry related.

“Thank goodness for that.” Draco responded.

“I can help you move back into your place, you don’t have much here, but you can keep everything that I got you.” Harry said.

“Thanks.” Draco replied.

Harry helped shrink the items that belonged to Draco and moved them into his flat. Draco’s flat was modern, but sparse. He always thought Draco would live in luxury. Draco didn’t. He lived above his Apothecary shop, which was also restored thanks to Harry.

“What will you do now?” Draco asked.

“I’m not quite sure. I thought about volunteering somewhere. I don’t think I want to be an Auror anymore. I haven’t been happy in quite some time. I think I am going to take some time to figure it out. Owl me. I’d still like us to stay friends. We should hang out sometime after you get your life back in order.” Harry replied.

“Alright. I will.” Draco promised.

Harry nodded and left for home. He sunk to the floor as soon he crossed his threshold. He immediately regretted letting Draco go. He had to though.

He cried himself to sleep for days. He missed Draco. He was miserable without him. He put in his resignation to Robards, who reluctantly took it. He chatted with Ron and Hermione about what he should do now. He was confused.

He accepted McGonagall’s offer for the DADA position for the next year. In the meantime he got out of his funk by spending more time with Teddy, and Ron and Hermione. He volunteered at an orphanage. He wasn’t quite happy, but he knew he couldn’t have complete happiness.

Months went by. No word from Draco. Harry was depressed, but moving on sort of.

“I don’t understand Harry.” Hermione said during their next Sunday dinner together. “You are moping and miserable without him. Why can’t you tell him how you feel?”

“I can’t ‘Mione. It’s just… He doesn’t like me like that. It will never happen. I don’t want to lose his friendship.” Harry said. “I just need you to help me get over him by dating again.”

“No. Harry. I won’t do it. You need to man up. Tell him how you feel. This is ridiculous. You are pining after him like a sad puppy dog. This needs to stop. I am inviting him over next week. You better come up with a way to tell him.” She chastised him.

“Yeah alright.” Harry muttered.

The next week flew by way too fast for Harry’s liking. He didn’t know what he was going to say to Draco when he saw him again.

Sunday arrived and Harry was pleasantly surprised Draco showed up.

“Hey.” He greeted him.

“Hey.” Draco replied.

“I’m glad you came.” Harry admired.

“Me too.” Draco said.

They all sat down and ate. They talked about their lives. Harry telling them about his new job. Hermione and Ron talked about the baby and the excitement of becoming parents.

“I was just telling Harry here that he should find that special someone.” Hermione said.

“Oh?” Draco asked.

“Yeah, he seems to think he needs to get back out there, and I agree.” She insisted.

Draco glanced at Harry. “Mother has been saying the same thing to me for a while now. Wanting me to settle down. She keeps asking about Astoria.”

“She’s a pretty girl. I’m sure she’d make a lovely wife.” Harry said. Trying to keep the jealousy out of his voice.

“True, but she isn’t who I want. I told my mother I was interested in someone else.” Draco urged.

“Really?” Harry exclaimed. He tried not to get his hopes up.

“I think I’ve love them for years, but just finally realized it. When I did. I made all these plans. I ended my contract with my flat and store. I moved in with my mother for now.” Draco said.

Harry gathered all of his courage for what he was about to say next. “Draco, I have to tell you that I love you and I want you to come live with me. I know it might be fast, but I miss you and I don’t want to waste any more time. Please tell me I’m not too late. Please tell me I’m the one you’re talking about.”

“Of course I’m talking about you, you oblivious idiot. I love you too. I would love to move in with you. I miss you too.” Draco gushed.

Harry smiled brightly. He crossed the distance and stopped right in front him. Giving Draco time to back out. He smiled again, which Draco returned. “You should do that more often.”

“What?” Draco asked.

“Smile.” The smile he got in return was breathtakingly beautiful. He crashed his lips onto Draco’s. Draco’s lips were warm and pliant underneath his. Draco wasted no time returning the kiss. It was everything Harry had hoped for. Harry buried his hands in Draco’s hair, deepening the kiss. Draco pulled him in closer at the hips and moaned into his mouth.

“Let’s go home.” Harry murmured against his lips.

“Let’s.” Draco replied.

“Finally.” Ron muttered.

“Shut up Ron.” Yelled Hermione, Draco and Harry.

They all laughed. Harry and Draco went home and fell asleep in each other’s arms ready to face their future together.