HOME IS WHERE HIS HEART IS

Chapter Ten


‘Hot tub,’ Harry was thinking when the truck rolled into the road of the ranch. He felt the muscles in his one leg tense – reminding him of the hit from the gate. He was surprised it wasn’t broken. Keith drove right up to Remus’ place, knowing that Remus would be able to heal Harry, not to mention Severus who could give him a potion or two.

“You need help there, Haze?” Keith asked.

“No,” Harry grinned, seeing Michael and Colby run up from the main house. “Hey squirts,” he greeted as he opened the passenger door to get out.

Michael saw Harry favor his one leg, and came to his side. He put his one arm around his waist. “Lean on me, Haze,” he said. “C.J., go open the door for us.”

Colby ran ahead as Harry let Michael lead him up the stairs. He wasn’t overly worried about putting too much on Michael as the wolf in him gave him more strength. “Thanks, Mikey,” Harry said. “Would you mind biking over and turning the tub on for me? Maybe bring Colby with you.”

“You don’t want him to see, do you?” Michael asked, glancing down to the gash in Harry’s jeans.

“No, not until Remus heals it up some. Bruises he’s seen, but the leg’s cut.”

“You want us to come back?”

“You can stay if you want, watch a movie or something. Remember though, not . . . ”

“To get into anything,” Michael finished.

“I’ll be there right away,” Harry smirked.

“Hey C.J., want to bike over to your place and watch a movie?” Michael called out as they entered Remus’s main living room.

Harry leaned on the door frame as he watched Colby come over. “You okay, Daddy?” Colby asked.

“Yeah. I’m good,” Harry replied, kneeling down, hiding the flinch of pain from his son. “I’ll be there soon,” he added, smiling when Colby hugged him. He looked over Colby’s shoulder to see Remus, Severus, and Draco. “Go, and be good.”

Harry waited until he heard the stomping of feet going down the stairs before slowly rising to his feet. “Well, this is a surprise,” he said, meeting Draco’s eyes. “Hello, Draco. Where’s Oliver?”

“No idea,” Draco shrugged.

“Strip and lay on the sofa Harry,” Remus instructed, coming over to Harry.

“I’m okay, just need a healing charm,” Harry said, bending down to unsnap his leather chaps from his legs. At Remus’s urging, he slowly pulled his T-shirt over his head, trying to hide the pain his shoulder was giving him.

Severus came over to look over the bruising shoulder. “Gryffindors,” he muttered, prodding the bruise after checking to make sure nothing was broken using a diagnostic spell. “Looks like you’ll live.”

“You still love me, Sev,” Harry smirked.

“Take off the jeans, Harry,” Remus said.

Draco sat still watching as Harry first took off his shirt, then his jeans. He liked what he saw – very much. Harry’s upper body was solid, not to mention the legs when they were revealed. His hands itched to touch the shifting muscles of that body. His eyes shifted to Harry’s boxers.

“Cute Potter,” he smirked, as he motioned to the horse patterned boxers.

“I like ‘em,” Harry grinned. “Colby gave them to me for Father’s day.”

“Are you still taking the boys to the carnival tomorrow?” Remus asked.

“Yeah, early afternoon after the chores,” Harry replied, shifting his shoulder. “Feels better. Thanks Severus.” He looked over at Draco again. “So, how long are you staying?”

“Not sure, “ Draco said, looking at Severus. “Severus didn’t tell me.”

“Two . . . three weeks,” Severus replied. “Remus suggested staying here for our holiday and I thought it would be relaxing for us.”

“Why don’t you take Draco to the carnival tomorrow, Harry,” Remus suggested, cleaning the gash at Harry’s thigh. “I was thinking of showing Severus around the place.”

“Only if you don’t mind, Harry,” Draco grinned. “I’ve never been to a carnival before, unless you’re taking someone else?” he hedged.

“No, just the boys,” Harry replied, trying to catch Remus’s eye who avoided looking up as he healed the cut closed. “I don’t mind, I guess. Just don’t expect too much,” he added.

“Thank you, Harry,” Draco smiled.

Harry slipped on his jeans and turned his back to Draco to look at Remus and Severus. “It’s not going to happen,” he whispered.

“Give it a chance, Harry,” Remus whispered back, handing Harry the leather chaps. “You were friends once, you can be again.”

“Do all old wizards turn meddlesome?” Harry asked. “Because you two are reminding me of another old man,” he added, thinking of Albus.

“But, Albus always had a reason to meddle,” Severus smirked. “Because he cared.”

“I gotta go,” Harry said a bit louder, walking to the fireplace to Floo home. “We’ll pick you up Draco, around two. The boys will probably wear you out, so enjoy the peace while you can.”

Severus handed Harry a vial of clear potion. “Put a couple of drops in the hot tub to help the swelling of the bruises.”

“Thanks, Severus,” Harry replied, giving Draco one last look, then stepped into the fireplace. “Suttons,” he stated clearly for him to disappear in the green flames.

Draco’s heart skipped a beat when Harry met his gaze, the brief look of longing mirrored in their eyes. “Remind me to hex you two when he rejects me again,” he quietly said, turning back on them. “I’m going to lay down.”

“Are we doing the right thing, Remus?” Severus quietly asked.

Remus stepped closer to Severus, and wrapped his arms around his back to draw him close. “Yes, they just need time together to realize they’re meant to be together.”

Severus leaned in to touch his lips to his lover’s. “Missed you, wolf,” he softly said.

“Maybe you should show me how much,” Remus smirked, stepping back from Severus’s arms to take his hand and lead him into the bedroom.

~*~

The next morning Harry was awakened by Colby who climbed on top of him and started to tickle him. “Daddy, wake up,” Colby laughed, then held on when Harry pulled him down to topple him to the bed at his side. “Does it hurt, Daddy?” He asked, gingerly touching the bruise on Harry’s shoulder.

“Not anymore. Hot tub helped last night,” Harry replied, glancing over to the clock at his bedside. “I can’t believe I slept in,” he muttered to himself as he got off the bed. He had been up late, his thoughts on the blond guest staying at Remus’s.

Harry followed Colby into the kitchen, wearing his pajama bottoms, and poured Colby his cereal. “So you going to help me feed the horses today?” He asked, pouring some orange juice for them both.

“Then we can go to the carnival?” Colby excitedly asked.

“After lunch. It will just be me, you, Michael, and Draco who will be going today.”

“Was Draco a friend of yours?” Colby innocently asked.

“Not at first. But later on he was.”

“Does he like rides?” Colby asked, after swallowing his cereal.

“He said he’s never been at a carnival before,” Harry smiled, spreading his peanut butter on his toast.

“Never?!” Colby exclaimed. “Wow. I thought everyone’s been to a carnival.”

“Well, we’ll have to show him how it’s done,” Harry smirked.

The two of them finished their breakfast, then washed up quickly so they could get to the ranch. Harry checked Colby’s backpack to make sure he had an extra change of clothes in case they got dirty from the horses, then poured some coffee in his mug to join Colby at their truck. He helped Colby in, buckled him in, then followed trying to stop the nervous fluttering in his stomach at the thought of seeing Draco again.


Draco sat on Remus’s veranda with his coffee in hand as he watched the ranch hands starting their day. He saw Michael and Doreen emerge from the house, heading towards the barn. He returned their greeting with a wave of his hand, then sat back, leaning his head back. He closed his eyes, his senses taking in the quietness around him and the fresh smell around the place. He heard a truck approach and opened his eyes to see it enter the yard.

‘Gods, he still looks good,’ Draco thought to himself as he watched Harry climb out of the truck in faded jeans and white T-shirt. Harry leaned into the truck again to get a hat that he put on his head, then reached in to pull his son out of the cab of the truck.

“Why don’t you go down?” Severus suggested, coming to stand beside Draco who was leaning forward on the railing. Both returned the wave when Colby looked up at them.

“He’s good with him, isn’t he?” Draco asked.

“Harry?” Draco nodded. “Colby’s good for Harry. They’re quite close,” Severus added.

“Seems like a good kid,” Draco said, grinning when he saw Colby try to pick up the pail of oats.

“Harry’s raised him well so far,” Severus said, watching Draco’s reactions towards Colby.

“I think I’ll go down,” Draco said, turning to find his shoes. “See if I can help with anything.”


Harry had taken the pail of oats and made his way to the horse’s stalls, Colby walking beside him. He felt Draco approach before he heard him. “What can I do for you, Dray?” Harry asked, not looking up from his task.

“Thought I might lend a hand,” Draco replied, smiling at Colby who was looking at him.

“I do still need to work with the Colten horse,” Harry said, finally turning to face Draco.

“I could help Colby feed the horses,” Draco suggested.

Harry looked down at Colby who was nodding in agreement. “You just want to get it done faster, don’t you?” Harry smirked.

“Well, yeah Dad,” Colby grinned. “Faster we get done, quicker we can get on the rides.”

Draco came closer and took the pail from Harry. “Colby can tell me what to do,” He smiled, letting his hand stay on Harry’s.

“Right,” Harry drawled, feeling a warmth run up his arm from Draco’s touch. He let go of the pail. “Be good,” he said, running his fingers through Colby’s messy blonde hair.

“Always, Dad,” Colby grinned.

“We’ll start with Dad’s horse,” Colby said, leading Draco to the last stall.

Draco looked up at the black stallion. “He’s beautiful.”

“His name is Nix. Silly name, but I guess Mikey named him when he was littler. He was an ornery horse before Dad tamed him. He’s the only one that can ride him, well, except when I’m on with Daddy. Do you ride horses?”

“I know how to ride, but it’s been awhile,” Draco replied, watching as Colby scooped some oats into the trough. “I know your name is Colby, but I heard Michael’s mom call you C.J. How come?”

“‘Cause that’s my name. Colby James Sutton,” Colby grinned. “What kind of name is Draco? I never heard a name like that before.”

“Short for Draconis. Means dragon. My family all had weird names,” Draco grinned. “So, you go to school yet?”

“I’m in kindergarten. I go on the bus with Mikey in the mornings. We learn all kinds of things.”

“Magic too?” Draco asked, following Colby to the next stall after picking up the pail to follow.

“We learn about magic, but we haven’t done anythin’ yet. I do magic mostly by accident. Daddy says it’s normal though.”

“So this carnival – you must be looking forward to it?” Draco said.

“I love the carnival. This will be my second year. Last year I was only allowed on the baby rides. Dad said I prob’ly won’t be allowed to go on the big rides yet,” Colby sighed.

“I’ve never been to a carnival,” Draco said, moving to the next stall.

“It’s fun. There’s the rides, games, lots of different kinds of food and a mechanical bull that Dad always rides to get a prize. Last year, he won me a big dragon. Hey, you’d prob’ly like my room. It’s all dragons. Maybe you can come see it later?” Colby asked.

“I’d like that,” Draco grinned.

“We can also go swimmin’. Dad put a rope up so we can swing into the water . . . ”

Draco listened to Colby ramble on, slipping in a few questions between breaths. After they were done feeding the horses, they went out to the corral where Doreen, Remus, and Severus were watching Harry work with a chestnut horse. Draco noticed the patches of hide scraped and scratched.

“What happened to it?” Draco quietly asked, as he watched Harry stroke the nose of the horse, talking quietly to it.

“There were a couple of horses brought over from the next county from an owner who is very attached to their horses. The barn caught fire. This one and the mare in the other corral couldn’t get out like the others did. They kicked their way out of the barn. Harry’s working with them so they can be ridden again,” Remus explained.

“We’re also treating the burns and scratches with a salve that Harry made. They look a lot better than they did,” Doreen said.

They all watched Harry carefully place the bridle over the horse’s head, stroking its neck to calm it as he did. He took the reins and stepped back, slowly leading the chestnut to walk the perimeter of the corral. When he was near the others, Doreen handed him an apple to give the horse, then Harry kept walking with the horse. After the third time around, Harry placed a blanket on the horse’s back, standing still and reassuring the animal as he stroked the side of its neck. A few moments later, Harry gingerly took the blanket off.

“That is the first time since the fire Harry put the blanket on,” Doreen said. “It looks like the horse doesn’t mind it.”

Harry nodded to Keith for him to come over and handed him the reins, after giving the horse the apple, then walked to the others. “He’ll be okay I think. I’ll most likely be able to ride him within the next week,” Harry grinned, seeing the horse nudge Keith for more apple with its muzzle.

“Are ya done, Daddy?” Colby asked.

“Yes. Ready to go?” Harry asked. The boys jumped off the rail and ran for the truck in response. “I’ll take that as a yes,” Harry laughed, opening the gate to walk through. “Are you sure you want to go?” He asked, looking at Draco.

“Yeah, Colby told me some of what to expect,” Draco replied.

“I bet,” Harry grinned. “They’ll wear us out from all the excitement and sugar, then fall asleep as we head home in the truck.

Remus and Severus watched the two of them laughing as they walked towards the truck.

“That’s him, isn’t it?” Doreen asked, seeing the way Harry and Draco seem to glow when they were together.

“Yes,” Remus replied.

“I’ve never seen Harry’s eyes smile like that – not since Cheyanne,” Doreen said.

~*~

Once at the carnival grounds, Harry took the boys to the side, and squatted down to look them in the eye. He waved his hand over them, charming them to stay close to them. “Now, what do you guys need to do?”

“Not to run off,” Michael grinned.

“Not to talk to strangers,” Colby said.

“No magic,” Michael added.

“And be good,” they both chorused.

“Perfect,” Harry laughed, getting up. “So, what first?”

“Swings?” Colby asked, seeing the ride ahead.

Harry led the trio to get their ride tickets, then followed the boys to the line. Colby stood at the height line, and frowned when he saw that he was a couple of inches too short for the ride. Harry saw, then whispered a spell.

Draco watched Colby sprout a few more inches from Harry’s spell, then smirked as Harry was rewarded with an armful of his son.

“Thanks, Daddy,” Colby whispered, then reached for Draco’s hand. “Come on, Drake, don’t be scared.”

Harry grinned as the two blonds went ahead, one babbling on what the ride does, the other looking at the swings flying vertical above him with trepidation. His heart warmed seeing the two of them together. He could see that Draco was not faking with his attention towards Colby.

Harry sat on the outside of the row of swings beside Colby, and looked over at Draco. “Scared Malfoy?” He smirked.

“You wish,” Draco replied, grinning over at Harry.


Over the next two hours, the four of them went on all the rides, some of them two or three times. Draco had never been on the metal contraption the ride operator called ‘The Scrambler’ before, but after several minutes being repeatedly thrown against Harry, he decided that it wasn’t too terrible. The same thing happened when they rode the circular sleigh ride whose gaudy sign proclaimed ‘The Himalaya’, and Harry made sure to put one arm around Draco - and one around Colby just in case, when they rode the swinging ship. Draco returned the favor by shamelessly groping Harry’s knee on the Ferris wheel while the boys were in a separate car. Harry and Draco took turns going on the bigger rides with Michael, while the other two stayed and watched. They left one ride last as it would leave them wet, the Tidal Wave.

“This is why the boys have extra shirts with them?” Draco asked, seeing the people on the ride literally get soaked to the skin when they splashed down at the end.

“Yep,” Harry smirked. “I’ll buy you a shirt before we start playing the games.”

“I can buy my own,” Draco replied.

“I know, but I want to,” Harry said.


They patiently waited in line, Harry, Michael, and Colby talking to the people that they knew in line. Once it was their turn, Draco sat in the back, then Harry, Michael, and Colby at the front. Draco felt the water seep into his jeans from the seat and knew this was going to be very wet. He felt Harry’s hand on his thigh as he pushed back against him.

The ‘log’ that they were in slowly went around the first curve. “Ready?” Harry asked, turning his head to look at Draco.

Draco put his arm around Harry’s waist to pull him against his chest, his body very aware of the man sitting between his legs. He leaned forward, closer to Harry’s ear. “More than ready,” he quietly said, feathering his lips against the side of Harry’s neck.

Harry shivered from the soft touch, then felt Michael lean against his chest as the log was ascending up the first slope. He turned his head to lock heated gaze with Draco. His eyes followed Draco’s tongue as it came out to lick dry lips. He reached up, their warm breath mingling, then . . .

~SPLASH~

Harry turned away, laughing at the look on Draco’s face. They had splashed down the first slope and were already quite wet. Draco smiled back at him, then tightened his arm around him as they rounded the second curve.

At the last grand splash, the four of them were laughing and were very wet. The boys climbed out first at the platform and waited for Harry then Draco to climb out. Harry thanked the ride operator for holding onto their backpack, then led them to the exit.

“We should go on that again,” Colby excitedly said.

“How about I treat you all to dry shirts,” Draco laughed.

“Then we’ll get something to eat,” Harry finished. “You don’t need to buy us shirts, Dray. We brought some extras,” he quietly added.

“I know,” Draco shrugged, leading them to the souvenir stand where they sold shirts. “I just want to do this. Thank you for letting me come today.” Draco then glanced at Harry’s shirt that clung to his upper body. “Although – that is a very good look for you,” he huskily added.

“You too,” Harry returned, looking at the way Draco’s shirt clung to him also. He looked closer. “You still have a ring?”

“Yeah,” Draco said, inwardly groaning, seeing Harry’s eyes darken at the sight. “So, what color shirts do you boys want?” He asked, turning away to come up between them to ‘cool’ down.

Draco smoothed out his blue carnival T-shirt in the men’s bathroom while the boys changed. Harry magically dried their jeans after checking no one else was around. They left the changing room to head to the food stands. They all got hot dogs, chips, corn on the cob, and drinks, then sat down under a large tree to eat.

“So, why bring a change of clothing, when you could have just magically dried them off?” Draco asked, handing Colby a napkin.

“I actually don’t use magic that much, at least not as much as when we were in school. I don’t want the boys to always rely on magic,” Harry grinned, then magicked Colby to his original height, the red T-shirt hanging a little looser around the small body.

Draco sat and ate food he never had before, enjoying the constant chatter of the boys and the relaxed atmosphere around them. Michael and Colby went to the nearby kids petting zoo to feed some of the animals, while Harry and Draco stayed sitting under the tree.

“You know – I’ve missed this,” Draco quietly said, watching as a goat nudged Colby on his backside.

“Missed what?” Harry asked, leaning back on his hands.

“Missed hanging out with you, being friends with you. I never realized how much until today.”

“I ruined it that night, didn’t I? Your friendship meant a lot to me back then. You were there for me in the training and the loss of ‘Mione and Ron. That night was very special to me, and I’ve never forgotten it.”

“Me neither,” Draco softly said.

“I probably shouldn’t have, but my feelings for you were overwhelming. I knew if my plans to defeat Voldemort failed and I died, I wanted that one night; one night to feel loved like that once in my life.”

“What about now? Do you think we could have that again?” Draco asked, meeting Harry’s eyes.

“I don’t know, Draco. I don’t want to make any promises. I thought my feelings for you faded away, then I see you sitting in Remus’ living room yesterday, and I was floored. There’s feelings there, but we’re different people now, different lives.”

“You mean Colby and your life here?” Draco asked.

“Colby is my life, Draco. The ranch is another part of my life. I love it here. I don’t know if I would be willing to give that up.”

“It is nice here, so much different than London.”

“So, what happened between you and Oliver? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“Oliver was there to pick up the pieces after you left. I was hurt and angry when you left. I loved you, Harry, then you walked out of my life like I wasn’t anything to you. I realize now why you left, and I probably would have done the same thing in your place. Oliver and I became friends, then lovers. One day, we decided to get married. It was good the first year. He was home a bit more. His Quidditch career came first, as did my job at the Ministry. We just sort of drifted apart. The divorce was finalized just a bit ago. He knew he wasn’t the one for me,” Draco sighed.

“I’m sorry, Dray,” Harry softly said.

“Forget it,” Draco shrugged. “Friends?” He asked, holding out his hand.

“For now,” Harry replied, taking Draco’s hand. “Let’s take it slow, huh?” He added, stroking his thumb over Draco’s knuckle.

“I still want you, Harry, very much, but we’ll play it your way,” Draco smiled.

“Would you like it here?” Harry asked, getting up and heading towards the boys who were coming out of the animal pen.

“Haven’t been here that long, but it seems nice – quiet.”

“You do realize what Remus and Severus are trying to do, don’t you?” Harry grinned.

“A little too obvious,” Draco laughed. “How long do you think they’ve been together?”

“Since school, off and on, I think,” Harry shrugged.

“Ready for the games, Haze?” Michael asked, stopping in front of them.

“Why do some people call you Haze?” Draco asked, walking beside Colby to go back to the midway.

“When I was tending bar when I first came here, there was a customer who always called me that. Other customers started, then it just kind of stuck.”

“And Sutton?” Draco asked.

“Closed my eyes, and pointed to the name in a phone directory,” Harry smirked. “It’s my actual name now.”

“And mine,” Colby added.

“Yes, yours too, squirt,” Harry laughed.


The boys played a few games on their own, getting some smaller prizes, gradually working up to bigger. Harry and Draco played a few, with Draco stubbornly trying again and again, commenting on the games being fixed: like knocking over the bottles; smashing the plates; or the ring toss. Harry had to laugh when Colby handed Draco a small stuffed dragon he had won on the ring toss game where Draco couldn’t win.

“Hey Haze! Ready to ride?” A voice called out from the side.

“Hey Rick,” Harry greeted, reaching out his hand to the blond man who was manning the mechanical bull.

“Congrats on winning first on the bronco yesterday, and second on the bull,” Rick smiled, pulling on Harry’s hand to steal a brief kiss on the mouth.

“Thanks, Rick,” Harry said, pulling away. “I’d like you to meet a friend of mine from back home, Draco Malfoy,” Harry smiled, reaching out to take Draco’s hand in his.

“Lucky guy,” Rick smiled, seeing the other blond give him a glare in warning. “Should I just let you have your pick now, Haze?” He asked Harry, motioning to the large stuffed animals hanging above their heads.

“No, I’ll ride it out, fair and square,” Harry laughed.

“You’ve known Haze long?” Rick asked, standing beside Draco as they watched Harry settle on the mechanical bull.

“Since we were about eleven. Are you and him . . . ”

“Together?” Rick grinned. “No, not anymore. A few years ago we tried it, but we were better as friends. How about you? Are you two together?”

“Working on it,” Draco grinned, then smiled down at Colby who came to stand closer to his side and took his hand.

Draco watched Harry slowly rock with the bull, parts of his body coming to attention at the sight. He could easily imagine Harry straddling his hips and riding him like that. The bull’s movements grew faster, and he saw Harry adjust to the speed and hang on tighter. At each level, Harry had to spend a certain amount of time to win the prize. The longest ride – at the highest speed wins the biggest prize.

“So which one, C.J.?” Rick asked, as he wound down the bull.

“The wolf,” Colby smiled.

“Not the dragon?” Harry asked, hopping down onto the mat from the bull.

“No. The wolf. It looks like . . . ” Colby began before being nudged by Michael at his side. “Cuddly,” Colby finished.

“Looks like what Colby?” Draco quietly asked as they walked away.

“That’s what Mikey looks like when he’s all wolfy,” Colby whispered back.

“Cuddly?” Draco asked, grinning after seeing Michael’s face flush pink.

“Let’s try to win you one, Mikey,” Harry laughed. “How about darts? We haven’t tried that game yet.”

Harry and Draco tried their luck at the darts. After a couple of tries, Draco cockily handed Michael the mid-size black panther while Harry had a small snake in his hand.

“Thanks, Draco,” Michael smiled, accepting the stuffed animal.

“A hidden talent?” Harry teased.

“I have a dart board hanging in my office,” Draco smirked.

“Well, a reward for you,” Harry grinned, handing Draco the stuffed snake.

“I don’t know, it’s not very big, is it?” Draco laughed, taking the snake.

“Git,” Harry laughed. “The fireworks will be starting soon. We’ll grab some popcorn, then find a place to sit in the park while we wait.”


Draco couldn’t believe how fast the day went. He sat with his legs stretched out, the ankles crossed, leaning back on his hands. The four of them talked until the first ‘pop’ was heard of the fireworks, then all watched the sky light with the different colors and shapes.

“Having a good time?” Harry asked by Draco’s ear.

Draco turned his head. “Yeah, thanks for today,” he smiled.

“I’m glad you came,” Harry quietly said, leaning in to place a brief kiss on Draco’s lips, then leaned back to watch the fireworks again.

“Me too,” Draco softly said, smiling at Colby who had seen the kiss. He was relieved to see him smile back at him in response.


As Harry predicted, the boys were soon snoring softly in the back seat of the truck on the way back to the ranch.

Note: It was noted by PW - my beta, that the Tidal Wave type of ride is not seen at too many carnivals. It goes by many names in Canada – The Niagara being one. Tidal Wave is most likely a name for it somewhere. Wanted to put it in the story, just because I like the boys wet, clothes all clingy and what-not.

tbc