Chapter 5
After much trial and error Harry discovered that the only place where his mirror charm would hold long enough for more than a 10 second conversation with Draco was half-way up the Abbesses metro steps.
White snow was turning into grey slush as he was buffeted by harried commuters, one man muttered about the “idiotic English” and Harry was, miserably, forced to agree. Wrapping an arm around the railings and casting a hasty Notice-Me-Not, Harry squinted into the mirror. It was still foggy but at least he could hear Draco’s voice.
Impervious to Harry’s inability to find a decent connection for the mirror, Draco was still in full flow about all the various ways in which Harry’s three week stint at the Parisian Auror HQ was a waste of time, money, energy, and;
“-the best years of my life, squandered for the sake of your narcissistic career ambitions and-”
“Yeah I appreciate that Draco, but could we re-engage with reality for a second?” Harry sighed, trying to ignore the tension headache that was creeping up on him. “I’m already late and I-”
“Oh! Oh do forgive me!” Draco interrupted, “how selfish of me to dwell on the prospect of yet another cold and lonely night while the man I love cavorts around Paris. Please, run along to your party.”
“So dramatic,” Harry marvelled, waggling the mirror around as the picture, finally, began to come into focus. “A work dinner to meet the new team is hardly cavorting, or at least it better now be. If you’re cold put the the heating on and if you’re lonely come and join me, you ridiculous human.”
“I’m ridiculous?” Draco’s lovely, outraged face appeared in the mirror. “The person who is able to say “no” to farcical demands that he spend Christmas away from his partner is ridiculous while… while…” his voice trailed off and he peered into the mirror, squinting at Harry. “Is that my hat?”
“What?” Harry raised his free hand to play with the soft wool that was struggling to contain his riotous curls. “Um… yeah, I didn’t think you’d mind.” Draco continued to squint in silence and Harry felt a niggle of unease as he rushed to explain, “I’ve just been missing you, a bit, and I like how it fits. It’s like the top of my head is being hugged and…”
A soft pop terminated the connection and Harry gave a shout of annoyance, waving the mirror back and forth. He tried to call for Draco again but was met with silence and then…
“Do come along, Potter.” Draco was standing at the top of the metro steps, a warm smile betraying his haughty words.
“You… you’re here?”
“Indeed, excellent observation skills, you’ll be Head Auror within the year and-” whatever Draco was planning to say next was interrupted by Harry’s warm, insistent mouth.
Needless to say, they were very, very late for the party.