Harry Potter and The Secret Keeper (BP2)
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
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32,292
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209
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0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
32,292
Reviews:
209
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Command Me
Chapter Number/Total: 14/44
Chapter Title: Command Me
Words: 4077 Words
They had finally finished with their shopping, and Harry was surprised that he had actually had a lot of fun, although he suspected that the terrific sex had a lot to do with it. He and Draco were now standing in front of the robe shop and Harry turned towards Draco and wrapped his arms around his waist like he had before. "Do you need anything else?" he asked.
"Didn't you want to go to the Weasley shop?" Draco smiled at him.
"Oh, yeah," said Harry. "They'll kill me if we don't go." He let go of Draco's waist and held his hand out for him to hold.
Draco took his hand. He kept his face calm and quiet, but his heart still beat fast to have Harry holding him in public. The looks people gave them were interesting.
Harry didn't care. He didn't particularly enjoy the stares, but he was sort of used to being stared at and it wasn't as if everyone didn't already know that he and Draco were together. He didn't let anyone bother him as he led them off to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and stepped inside the colourful building.
Draco allowed Harry to lead him, still floating on the feelings from earlier. He looked around the wild shop, shaking his head in amusement. These two had style, that was for sure.
Harry and Draco were in the shop for about five seconds before Fred and George both were bounding over to them.
George grasped Harry's hand and gave it a hearty shake before moving on to Draco. "Wonderful to see you, boys, absolutely wonderful to see you," he said, grinning from ear to ear.
Fred, also grinning, moved up behind them and put an arm around each of their shoulders. "Anything we can help you with?" he asked.
Draco's eyes widened. Fred and George's very physical welcome surprised him.
Harry smiled and laughed. "I don't know. What have you got?" he asked.
"Oh, everything, Harry. Everything," said Fred and he began listing off, indeed, everything. There were potions of almost every kind, and not just joke stuff. There were spell books the twins had written themselves, there were dark detectors and defence items and just everything.
"Oh, and there are also potions to heighten pleasure, if you know what I mean," added George with a smirk.
Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head.
Draco smirked. "Don't think we really need those." He glanced happily at Harry and flushed a bit.
Harry flushed a bit, too. "I'd have to agree with that," he said.
Fred and George laughed.
"So, can we help you with anything, Draco? Anything at all?" asked George, waggling his eyebrows.
Fred grinned mischievously.
Draco smirked. "You can show me around if you'd like." He glanced at Harry.
Harry rolled his eyes but smiled. "I guess I'll just go in the back, then," he said.
"Good man," said Fred.
"Don't tell him what to do or it won't count!" Harry shouted over his shoulder as he walked off towards the back. "And I'll be able to tell if you do!"
The twins laughed again and turned to Draco. "Have anything in mind?" asked George.
"Well," Draco drawled, "it has to be something that can be seen by others, so that the bet is confirmed. I don't want it to be anything that hurts him, or anyone else. Discomfort would be okay, bonus if it makes him blush."
"Oh, we have plenty of things just like that," said Fred, looking like Christmas had come early.
"Indeed, we do," said George. He threw his arm around Draco like Fred had and they marched him off to show him just what they had.
Quite a while later, they called Harry back from the defence section of the store, where he came out with an armful of items that he thought might come in handy.
"Find anything?" Harry asked, smirking.
"Not anything I am willing to discuss with you, Potter." Draco grinned. "What do you have there?"
"Oh, just some stuff I thought I might need later, you know, just in case," said Harry.
Fred rushed forward and happily relieved Harry of the items to take them over to the counter.
"So the back room is for defence supplies?" Draco asked. "I would expect that is where you would have the sex supplies."
Harry coloured. "You think I'd come back with that much sex stuff?" he asked, while Fred and George laughed.
"Well, one can hope." Draco smirked.
Harry shook his head. "Well, I might have got something," he whispered.
Draco reached a hand out and grabbed the front of Harry's shirt, pulling him forward and pressing his lips to Harry's.
Harry's eyebrows rose, but then he sighed and kissed Draco back.
There was a loud wolf-whistle from the twins and mad laughing.
Draco wasn't dissuaded; he licked and sucked at Harry's lips.
Harry thrust his tongue into Draco's mouth and wrapped his arms around Draco's waist.
The laughter died out as Fred and George stared at them with wide eyes, along with the other people in the shop. One woman covered her little girl's eyes.
Draco was lost. At first it had been about teasing Harry. But when Harry kissed him like this, he forgot everything else.
Fred cleared his throat. "Eh-eh, you're scaring the customers," he said, sounding amused and a bit dumbstruck.
Harry grinned and finally pulled away from Draco.
Draco was breathless and glassy eyed, looking at Harry with adoration. Being able to kiss him anywhere like this -- it was amazing.
Fred chuckled. "I must say, hardly anyone can shock us," he said. "You two have my respect." He handed Harry his stuff.
Harry laughed and took his things from Fred and fished around in his bag for money.
Draco blinked, flushing a bit. He glanced around the shop to see who was there.
Harry didn't even take any notice of anyone in the room. He was smiling from ear to ear. He handed Fred his money and then took Draco's hand again. "I guess we'll get going," he said. "When'll you guys be home?"
George shrugged. "I don't know. Around dinner. See you guys later, and thanks for stopping by."
"No problem. See you," Harry said, grinning.
Draco smirked at the customers who were staring at them, hearing the name "Potter" being whispered. He happily picked up the bag Fred handed them.
Harry smiled and waved to Fred and George as he walked out of the shop. He turned to Draco once they were out on the street. "Ready, love?" he asked.
Draco pulled him close. "Always." He smirked.
Harry wrapped his arms around Draco's waist again and pressed the side of his face against him. "Let's go," he said, smiling. He found himself thinking that maybe Apparition wasn't so bad.
Draco Apparated them to the Burrow's garden and then leaned in to continue their kiss where they had left off.
Harry kissed Draco slowly, still smiling like a fool.
There came another wolf-whistle like Fred and George's from the kitchen window, but once again, Harry didn't care.
Draco pulled back, rolling his eyes. "The Robe Shop was more private," he whispered.
Harry snorted. "Unfortunately, very true," he said, letting Draco go.
Draco pulled his attention back from Harry and looked up to see who was teasing them now.
Ginny was standing at the sink in the kitchen, washing dishes and shaking her head. "Can’t you two keep your hands - and mouths - to yourselves for even five minutes?" she asked teasingly.
Draco raised an eyebrow but didn't answer, carrying their packages inside.
Harry snorted. "Don't act like you don't like watching it," he said, teasing right back as he followed Draco inside.
Ginny laughed. "Whatever you say, Harry."
Once in the house, Harry was practically attacked as someone with lots of brown hair came flying at him.
"Hello, Hermione," he choked out with her arms around his neck.
Draco pressed himself against the wall to avoid getting flattened by the woman.
She finally pulled away from Harry. "Oh, I wish I could've been here to help with the Ministry and everything else!" she said.
"Yeah, you told me in all of your letters," Harry said, rubbing his neck.
"Oh, I know, but - oh, Draco! Hello," she said, noticing the boy she had run past.
Harry raised an eyebrow. Hermione, while usually very emotional, wasn't usually this frantic and … excited.
Draco shook his head and made his way out of the kitchen to take the packages up to the room they shared.
Harry made an attempt at following Draco, but Hermione began talking to him again.
"How have things been here? I see that Draco got a new arm, of course, I already knew that he had a new arm. How's that working out for him? Oh my goodness, when I heard about what happened in that Muggle park! I was so worried! Did you guys get good stuff today? What do your dress robes look like?"
Harry was overwhelmed with all the questions. "Slow down, Hermione!" he said, eyes wide.
She grinned. "Sorry, I just haven't seen you in a while and so much has happened!" She was smiling widely and Harry had the feeling that something had put her in a very good mood.
Draco dropped off their packages and made his way back downstairs, looking around to see if anyone else was there.
There were people all over. Mrs Weasley, Bill and Fleur were in the living room. Charlie was in the kitchen with Ginny, and Ron walked into the kitchen right when Draco did.
Harry moved over toward Draco immediately. He hadn't wanted to leave his side since the night that had come to be known as "The Floo Incident."
Draco ran his hand around Harry's waist, pulling him against his hip. He nodded and said, "Hello," to the room in general.
Ron looked at Draco and Harry and seemed to concentrate for a moment before he moved over to Hermione and stood slightly in front of her right side so that it was obscured. He, obviously trying to hide it and be subtle, held her hand.
Harry's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open just the tiniest bit. So that was what had Hermione so happy.
Draco didn't visibly react, but he did squeeze Harry's waist a little tighter. "So our packages haven't arrived yet?" he asked.
Ron shook his head no. "Why? Do you have more things?" he asked.
"Um, yeah," said Harry very seriously. "A lot more. Someone went a little mad picking stuff out," he said teasingly.
"Someone has taste." Draco smirked. "We needed new clothes."
Harry smiled. "True, I suppose," he said, giving Draco a peck.
Ron, for once, didn't do anything. Hermione grinned widely.
***
It was a couple hours after dinner and Harry was filled with thoughts. He'd been thinking about telling Draco about the Horcruxes since being in Fred and George's shop and buying all of those things. He'd really bought everything in preparation for the journey he'd be taking to find all the Horcruxes.
Everyone had gone to bed already except for Ron and Hermione, so Harry thought it was a perfect opportunity to tell Draco now. They were all sitting in the living room, much like they had been when they'd been in the Gryffindor common room. Harry and Draco were sitting very closely together on one couch and Ron and Hermione were sitting sort of close to one another, but they were holding hands now. Crookshanks was curled up at Hermione's feet, playing with what looked like it might be string, but Harry couldn't be sure.
Harry had refrained from teasing, thinking that it could wait a while.
"Hey, guys?" he spoke up suddenly.
Ron, Hermione and Draco looked at him.
Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. "You guys know what I'm talking about if I say I'm going to be busy finding things this year," he said.
Ron raised an eyebrow and nodded. Hermione nodded too, a thoughtful frown on her face.
Draco looked down at Harry, shaking his head and looking between the others.
"I think I really need to tell Draco," Harry continued. "He'll be an amazing help with it and he'll be coming with me, so I have to tell him anyway. I'd tell him even if he weren't coming."
Ron and Hermione both stared at Draco for a moment.
"Tell him, Harry," said Hermione.
"Yeah, you should," said Ron.
Harry nodded and looked at Draco. "All right," he said, "I have something very important to tell you. It's a huge secret, so, even though I know you won't tell anyone, I'm going to tell you not to tell anyone anyway. It's that important that this doesn't get out - to anyone. Ron and Hermione are the only other people who know; not even the rest of the Order knows."
Draco looked between them and then nodded. "I will tell no one without your permission."
"Okay, have you ever heard of Horcruxes?" Harry asked, his voice hushed now.
Draco thought for a moment. "No."
"Well, to put it rather simply, they're objects that hold torn pieces of a soul. It's extremely dark magic, since the soul only tears if you've killed someone, and to take it out ... well, I'm sure you get the picture," said Harry.
"Oh," Draco said, quietly. "I know the concept, if not the specific term."
Harry took a breath. "Well, Voldemort has Horcruxes; seven pieces of soul scattered around - or at least, he had seven of them. A few have been destroyed. Do you know what that means? What it means for me if Voldemort has Horcruxes?"
"It would mean that he really is a soulless bastard," Draco said with a sneer, then sighed and nodded. "And it would mean he used it to come back from the dead."
"Exactly," said Harry. "Which means I can't kill him until I've destroyed the Horcruxes. He'll never be gone if I don't."
Draco went still and quiet. His heart sped up and he was thinking furiously. Finally, something he might actually be able to help Harry with.
Harry sighed. "That's where I went with Dumbledore that night, to destroy a Horcrux, only, it wasn't there. It was a fake."
"A fake? How do you know where to look? How do you know about them in the first place? How many have you found?" Draco's mind was suddenly going full tilt.
"Dumbledore told me about them. I'd been going to meetings with him all last year looking at old memories of Voldemort's life in Dumbledore's pensieve. We found the fake Horcrux in a cave that Voldemort had tortured some Muggle children in when he was a kid himself. It was supposed to be a locket that belonged to Slytherin, but all that was there was some fake locket with a note from some R.A.B. inside."
Draco had been frowning, but his head snapped up at the last bit. "Black. Regulus Arcturus Black," he said quietly.
Harry was suddenly sitting up very straight, as were Ron and Hermione. "What?" he asked quickly. "Sirius's brother?"
"You didn't know?" Draco asked, taken aback.
"I knew his name was Regulus, but I didn't know his middle name." Harry's heart was pumping now and he could feel that old determination and excitement coming back to him. "You think that's who it is? I thought he was a Death Eater before he died."
"Yes, he was," Draco said. "But he ... defected."
"Sirius said he got scared and tried to leave, but was killed ..." Harry said slowly, thinking. "How would he have known about Horcruxes? Surely Voldemort wouldn't tell just anyone ...."
Draco tried not to flinch every time Harry used the name, but it did bother him. "I don't know how, but the name fits," Draco said. "And he did do something that made the Dark Lord angry."
"Voldemort doesn't know that the Horcrux is gone ... or else the fake one wouldn't have been there ..." Harry said, thinking furiously. "Well have to go to Gr- Gri-" he growled with frustration. "Damn it!" he cursed. "I can't take you where we could find so much stuff to help us."
"The Black house?" Draco asked, remembering that was where they had got the books from.
Harry nodded. "It's Order Headquarters and Dumbledore was the Secret Keeper for it. Now that he's ... I can't tell you."
Draco looked at the other two. "Well, Granger here is good at research," he said, acknowledging her with a nod, "but she doesn't have a background in the Dark Arts. I do."
Hermione nodded. "Everything would be so much easier if you were there. I'd find things eventually, but I wouldn't know what to look for, and it's not exactly like you can make a list for me like last time."
Harry was frowning. "I wish there was some way to change the Secret Keeper or something. You could find so much if you were there."
Draco was thoughtful for a minute. "So we have three areas of research that need to be done. One, how to change the Secret Keeper on your headquarters. Two, how to change the conditions of our binding promises. And, three, the location of these Horcruxes. That's a lot to handle."
Harry took a deep breath. "Yes, quite a lot," he said. He sat back against the couch and slumped slightly. "And I have no idea where to begin."
"We begin with the house then," Draco said. "If the place is important, then you need control of it."
Harry nodded. "Are there any ways to change Secret Keepers after one has died?" he asked.
Hermione frowned. "I've never heard of that," she said.
"Neither have I," said Ron, "but I've never seen a Secret Keeper die before, either."
"It might be possible," Draco said. "I will have to know everything about the history of the place and any books you can find on warding magic like the Fidelius Charm." He yawned. "But tomorrow, I think."
Harry nodded again. "Yeah, all right. We have our work cut out for us," he said, shaking his head.
Draco looked fondly at Harry, then at the other two. He stood up and then reached his hands out, pulling Harry up, too. "Good night, you two," he said, then teased, "Don't do anything we wouldn't do." He led his sleepy lover up the stairs to their room.
Harry snorted at the looks on Ron and Hermione's faces.
"That means they can do just about anything?" Harry said once they were in their room.
Draco's eyebrows rose in mock innocence. "Are we such perverts?"
"Well, I know I am," said Harry without an ounce of shame as he pulled his shirt off.
"Oh, yes." Draco smiled. "That you are, my love." He began to strip as well, watching Harry as he did so.
Harry snorted and dropped his pants and underwear and then kicked off his shoes and socks. He stretched, reaching his arms up as high as they would go before heading over towards the bed.
Draco sucked in a breath, watching Harry's naked body as he walked toward him. And Harry trusted him. He'd told him something no one but his two closet friends had been told. He trembled at the power of this young man and how much he wanted to please him.
Harry smiled and placed a hand on the back of Draco's neck, bringing him down for a kiss before climbing into bed and patting the space beside him.
Draco eagerly slid into bed with him. He had been tired downstairs but now he was suddenly very awake.
Harry wasn't aware that Draco was wanting anything and slid an arm around him. He wasn't feeling super tired, but he was moderately sleepy and certainly comfortable.
"Thank you," Draco said quietly, trembling slightly as Harry held him.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "For what?" he asked as quietly as Draco.
"Trusting me," Draco said. "You didn't even use the command. Did you realise that?"
Harry smiled and shook his head no. "I never realise it when I do use it, but I wasn't commanding you. I trust you with everything."
"I won't fail you, Harry," Draco said softly. "I promise. But I think it might be better to command me. That way I couldn't tell even if ... if something bad happened."
Harry winced. "I'll make sure that nothing happens to you ... but maybe you're right. Do you want me to command you?"
"Command me not to reveal what I know about the Horcruxes to anyone other than you, Ron or Hermione unless you tell me otherwise," he said carefully.
"Draco, I order you to not reveal what you know about Horcruxes to anyone other than me, Ron, or Hermione unless I tell you otherwise," Harry repeated. "Even though I trust you," he added.
Draco could feel a shiver of the compulsion as it took effect and relaxed. He was a blood-traitor, and whether or not Harry wanted to believe it, he was now a target for any Death Eater wanting to win favour with the Dark Lord. At least this would keep Harry's secret safe.
Harry sighed and kissed Draco's hair. "This won't be easy," he said seriously. "It'll be the hardest thing I'll ever have to do in my life. I have to kill him, you know. No one else can do it."
"Why?" Draco asked, a cold chill down his spine.
"Do you know about the prophecy between us? Voldemort and me, I mean?" Harry asked.
Draco did wince then. "I know there was one and that he wanted it."
Harry sighed. "It said that the one Voldemort chose as his equal would be the one who could kill him. He chose me. ‘Neither can live while the other survives;’ that's what it said."
Draco shivered again. He didn't like the sound of that. He' been afraid it was something like that. He lay there thinking for a minute, holding Harry against him. He supposed it should make him worried that if Harry died, he died, too. But it didn't. It made him feel safer to know he wouldn't have to live without him.
Harry held Draco tighter. "I have the advantage. He doesn't know I have the Horcruxes. He'll think he still has them when I'm finally ready to kill him. I can't wait to see the look on that fucker's face when he finds out I've got him."
Draco loved the confidence in Harry's voice but it still scared him to think of Harry facing that monster. "I wish I never had to see his face again," Draco said quietly.
Harry frowned sadly. "You won't have to. I'm doing it alone that final time. I could never forgive myself if he - if he got to you or Ron or Hermione. I have to do it alone."
"No," Draco said, sitting up. "No, you are not going without me."
Harry looked at Draco for a second and then sat up himself. "I can't let you go with me for that," he said. "Anything could happen."
Draco looked at him, his eyes narrowing. "You promised. You said you are mine, too," he said. "That means we do it together."
Harry closed his eyes. "What if something happens to you?" he asked. "What'll I do then?"
"As long as you win," Draco said. "That is all that matters. The Dark Lord will not be alone. And neither will you."
Harry bit his lip and opened his eyes again. They burned with forming tears that he tried his hardest to hold back. "I'd kill myself if you died. I'd kill him and then I'd kill myself, and I don't care what you say."
"I understand," Draco said. "And I will die if you do. But this isn't just about us. He needs to be defeated, no matter what it costs."
Harry took a shaky breath and then nodded. "I'll kill him," he said, sounding like he was stating a fact.
Draco wrapped his arms around him, pressing his face against Harry's. "Remember, you promised me that and no matter what, you said, you keep your promises," Draco whispered.
Harry smiled sadly. "I wasn't lying," he said, hugging Draco tightly as well.
"I am yours," Draco whispered. "Always yours."
"And I'm yours," Harry said. "Forever."
Chapter Title: Command Me
Words: 4077 Words
They had finally finished with their shopping, and Harry was surprised that he had actually had a lot of fun, although he suspected that the terrific sex had a lot to do with it. He and Draco were now standing in front of the robe shop and Harry turned towards Draco and wrapped his arms around his waist like he had before. "Do you need anything else?" he asked.
"Didn't you want to go to the Weasley shop?" Draco smiled at him.
"Oh, yeah," said Harry. "They'll kill me if we don't go." He let go of Draco's waist and held his hand out for him to hold.
Draco took his hand. He kept his face calm and quiet, but his heart still beat fast to have Harry holding him in public. The looks people gave them were interesting.
Harry didn't care. He didn't particularly enjoy the stares, but he was sort of used to being stared at and it wasn't as if everyone didn't already know that he and Draco were together. He didn't let anyone bother him as he led them off to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and stepped inside the colourful building.
Draco allowed Harry to lead him, still floating on the feelings from earlier. He looked around the wild shop, shaking his head in amusement. These two had style, that was for sure.
Harry and Draco were in the shop for about five seconds before Fred and George both were bounding over to them.
George grasped Harry's hand and gave it a hearty shake before moving on to Draco. "Wonderful to see you, boys, absolutely wonderful to see you," he said, grinning from ear to ear.
Fred, also grinning, moved up behind them and put an arm around each of their shoulders. "Anything we can help you with?" he asked.
Draco's eyes widened. Fred and George's very physical welcome surprised him.
Harry smiled and laughed. "I don't know. What have you got?" he asked.
"Oh, everything, Harry. Everything," said Fred and he began listing off, indeed, everything. There were potions of almost every kind, and not just joke stuff. There were spell books the twins had written themselves, there were dark detectors and defence items and just everything.
"Oh, and there are also potions to heighten pleasure, if you know what I mean," added George with a smirk.
Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head.
Draco smirked. "Don't think we really need those." He glanced happily at Harry and flushed a bit.
Harry flushed a bit, too. "I'd have to agree with that," he said.
Fred and George laughed.
"So, can we help you with anything, Draco? Anything at all?" asked George, waggling his eyebrows.
Fred grinned mischievously.
Draco smirked. "You can show me around if you'd like." He glanced at Harry.
Harry rolled his eyes but smiled. "I guess I'll just go in the back, then," he said.
"Good man," said Fred.
"Don't tell him what to do or it won't count!" Harry shouted over his shoulder as he walked off towards the back. "And I'll be able to tell if you do!"
The twins laughed again and turned to Draco. "Have anything in mind?" asked George.
"Well," Draco drawled, "it has to be something that can be seen by others, so that the bet is confirmed. I don't want it to be anything that hurts him, or anyone else. Discomfort would be okay, bonus if it makes him blush."
"Oh, we have plenty of things just like that," said Fred, looking like Christmas had come early.
"Indeed, we do," said George. He threw his arm around Draco like Fred had and they marched him off to show him just what they had.
Quite a while later, they called Harry back from the defence section of the store, where he came out with an armful of items that he thought might come in handy.
"Find anything?" Harry asked, smirking.
"Not anything I am willing to discuss with you, Potter." Draco grinned. "What do you have there?"
"Oh, just some stuff I thought I might need later, you know, just in case," said Harry.
Fred rushed forward and happily relieved Harry of the items to take them over to the counter.
"So the back room is for defence supplies?" Draco asked. "I would expect that is where you would have the sex supplies."
Harry coloured. "You think I'd come back with that much sex stuff?" he asked, while Fred and George laughed.
"Well, one can hope." Draco smirked.
Harry shook his head. "Well, I might have got something," he whispered.
Draco reached a hand out and grabbed the front of Harry's shirt, pulling him forward and pressing his lips to Harry's.
Harry's eyebrows rose, but then he sighed and kissed Draco back.
There was a loud wolf-whistle from the twins and mad laughing.
Draco wasn't dissuaded; he licked and sucked at Harry's lips.
Harry thrust his tongue into Draco's mouth and wrapped his arms around Draco's waist.
The laughter died out as Fred and George stared at them with wide eyes, along with the other people in the shop. One woman covered her little girl's eyes.
Draco was lost. At first it had been about teasing Harry. But when Harry kissed him like this, he forgot everything else.
Fred cleared his throat. "Eh-eh, you're scaring the customers," he said, sounding amused and a bit dumbstruck.
Harry grinned and finally pulled away from Draco.
Draco was breathless and glassy eyed, looking at Harry with adoration. Being able to kiss him anywhere like this -- it was amazing.
Fred chuckled. "I must say, hardly anyone can shock us," he said. "You two have my respect." He handed Harry his stuff.
Harry laughed and took his things from Fred and fished around in his bag for money.
Draco blinked, flushing a bit. He glanced around the shop to see who was there.
Harry didn't even take any notice of anyone in the room. He was smiling from ear to ear. He handed Fred his money and then took Draco's hand again. "I guess we'll get going," he said. "When'll you guys be home?"
George shrugged. "I don't know. Around dinner. See you guys later, and thanks for stopping by."
"No problem. See you," Harry said, grinning.
Draco smirked at the customers who were staring at them, hearing the name "Potter" being whispered. He happily picked up the bag Fred handed them.
Harry smiled and waved to Fred and George as he walked out of the shop. He turned to Draco once they were out on the street. "Ready, love?" he asked.
Draco pulled him close. "Always." He smirked.
Harry wrapped his arms around Draco's waist again and pressed the side of his face against him. "Let's go," he said, smiling. He found himself thinking that maybe Apparition wasn't so bad.
Draco Apparated them to the Burrow's garden and then leaned in to continue their kiss where they had left off.
Harry kissed Draco slowly, still smiling like a fool.
There came another wolf-whistle like Fred and George's from the kitchen window, but once again, Harry didn't care.
Draco pulled back, rolling his eyes. "The Robe Shop was more private," he whispered.
Harry snorted. "Unfortunately, very true," he said, letting Draco go.
Draco pulled his attention back from Harry and looked up to see who was teasing them now.
Ginny was standing at the sink in the kitchen, washing dishes and shaking her head. "Can’t you two keep your hands - and mouths - to yourselves for even five minutes?" she asked teasingly.
Draco raised an eyebrow but didn't answer, carrying their packages inside.
Harry snorted. "Don't act like you don't like watching it," he said, teasing right back as he followed Draco inside.
Ginny laughed. "Whatever you say, Harry."
Once in the house, Harry was practically attacked as someone with lots of brown hair came flying at him.
"Hello, Hermione," he choked out with her arms around his neck.
Draco pressed himself against the wall to avoid getting flattened by the woman.
She finally pulled away from Harry. "Oh, I wish I could've been here to help with the Ministry and everything else!" she said.
"Yeah, you told me in all of your letters," Harry said, rubbing his neck.
"Oh, I know, but - oh, Draco! Hello," she said, noticing the boy she had run past.
Harry raised an eyebrow. Hermione, while usually very emotional, wasn't usually this frantic and … excited.
Draco shook his head and made his way out of the kitchen to take the packages up to the room they shared.
Harry made an attempt at following Draco, but Hermione began talking to him again.
"How have things been here? I see that Draco got a new arm, of course, I already knew that he had a new arm. How's that working out for him? Oh my goodness, when I heard about what happened in that Muggle park! I was so worried! Did you guys get good stuff today? What do your dress robes look like?"
Harry was overwhelmed with all the questions. "Slow down, Hermione!" he said, eyes wide.
She grinned. "Sorry, I just haven't seen you in a while and so much has happened!" She was smiling widely and Harry had the feeling that something had put her in a very good mood.
Draco dropped off their packages and made his way back downstairs, looking around to see if anyone else was there.
There were people all over. Mrs Weasley, Bill and Fleur were in the living room. Charlie was in the kitchen with Ginny, and Ron walked into the kitchen right when Draco did.
Harry moved over toward Draco immediately. He hadn't wanted to leave his side since the night that had come to be known as "The Floo Incident."
Draco ran his hand around Harry's waist, pulling him against his hip. He nodded and said, "Hello," to the room in general.
Ron looked at Draco and Harry and seemed to concentrate for a moment before he moved over to Hermione and stood slightly in front of her right side so that it was obscured. He, obviously trying to hide it and be subtle, held her hand.
Harry's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open just the tiniest bit. So that was what had Hermione so happy.
Draco didn't visibly react, but he did squeeze Harry's waist a little tighter. "So our packages haven't arrived yet?" he asked.
Ron shook his head no. "Why? Do you have more things?" he asked.
"Um, yeah," said Harry very seriously. "A lot more. Someone went a little mad picking stuff out," he said teasingly.
"Someone has taste." Draco smirked. "We needed new clothes."
Harry smiled. "True, I suppose," he said, giving Draco a peck.
Ron, for once, didn't do anything. Hermione grinned widely.
***
It was a couple hours after dinner and Harry was filled with thoughts. He'd been thinking about telling Draco about the Horcruxes since being in Fred and George's shop and buying all of those things. He'd really bought everything in preparation for the journey he'd be taking to find all the Horcruxes.
Everyone had gone to bed already except for Ron and Hermione, so Harry thought it was a perfect opportunity to tell Draco now. They were all sitting in the living room, much like they had been when they'd been in the Gryffindor common room. Harry and Draco were sitting very closely together on one couch and Ron and Hermione were sitting sort of close to one another, but they were holding hands now. Crookshanks was curled up at Hermione's feet, playing with what looked like it might be string, but Harry couldn't be sure.
Harry had refrained from teasing, thinking that it could wait a while.
"Hey, guys?" he spoke up suddenly.
Ron, Hermione and Draco looked at him.
Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. "You guys know what I'm talking about if I say I'm going to be busy finding things this year," he said.
Ron raised an eyebrow and nodded. Hermione nodded too, a thoughtful frown on her face.
Draco looked down at Harry, shaking his head and looking between the others.
"I think I really need to tell Draco," Harry continued. "He'll be an amazing help with it and he'll be coming with me, so I have to tell him anyway. I'd tell him even if he weren't coming."
Ron and Hermione both stared at Draco for a moment.
"Tell him, Harry," said Hermione.
"Yeah, you should," said Ron.
Harry nodded and looked at Draco. "All right," he said, "I have something very important to tell you. It's a huge secret, so, even though I know you won't tell anyone, I'm going to tell you not to tell anyone anyway. It's that important that this doesn't get out - to anyone. Ron and Hermione are the only other people who know; not even the rest of the Order knows."
Draco looked between them and then nodded. "I will tell no one without your permission."
"Okay, have you ever heard of Horcruxes?" Harry asked, his voice hushed now.
Draco thought for a moment. "No."
"Well, to put it rather simply, they're objects that hold torn pieces of a soul. It's extremely dark magic, since the soul only tears if you've killed someone, and to take it out ... well, I'm sure you get the picture," said Harry.
"Oh," Draco said, quietly. "I know the concept, if not the specific term."
Harry took a breath. "Well, Voldemort has Horcruxes; seven pieces of soul scattered around - or at least, he had seven of them. A few have been destroyed. Do you know what that means? What it means for me if Voldemort has Horcruxes?"
"It would mean that he really is a soulless bastard," Draco said with a sneer, then sighed and nodded. "And it would mean he used it to come back from the dead."
"Exactly," said Harry. "Which means I can't kill him until I've destroyed the Horcruxes. He'll never be gone if I don't."
Draco went still and quiet. His heart sped up and he was thinking furiously. Finally, something he might actually be able to help Harry with.
Harry sighed. "That's where I went with Dumbledore that night, to destroy a Horcrux, only, it wasn't there. It was a fake."
"A fake? How do you know where to look? How do you know about them in the first place? How many have you found?" Draco's mind was suddenly going full tilt.
"Dumbledore told me about them. I'd been going to meetings with him all last year looking at old memories of Voldemort's life in Dumbledore's pensieve. We found the fake Horcrux in a cave that Voldemort had tortured some Muggle children in when he was a kid himself. It was supposed to be a locket that belonged to Slytherin, but all that was there was some fake locket with a note from some R.A.B. inside."
Draco had been frowning, but his head snapped up at the last bit. "Black. Regulus Arcturus Black," he said quietly.
Harry was suddenly sitting up very straight, as were Ron and Hermione. "What?" he asked quickly. "Sirius's brother?"
"You didn't know?" Draco asked, taken aback.
"I knew his name was Regulus, but I didn't know his middle name." Harry's heart was pumping now and he could feel that old determination and excitement coming back to him. "You think that's who it is? I thought he was a Death Eater before he died."
"Yes, he was," Draco said. "But he ... defected."
"Sirius said he got scared and tried to leave, but was killed ..." Harry said slowly, thinking. "How would he have known about Horcruxes? Surely Voldemort wouldn't tell just anyone ...."
Draco tried not to flinch every time Harry used the name, but it did bother him. "I don't know how, but the name fits," Draco said. "And he did do something that made the Dark Lord angry."
"Voldemort doesn't know that the Horcrux is gone ... or else the fake one wouldn't have been there ..." Harry said, thinking furiously. "Well have to go to Gr- Gri-" he growled with frustration. "Damn it!" he cursed. "I can't take you where we could find so much stuff to help us."
"The Black house?" Draco asked, remembering that was where they had got the books from.
Harry nodded. "It's Order Headquarters and Dumbledore was the Secret Keeper for it. Now that he's ... I can't tell you."
Draco looked at the other two. "Well, Granger here is good at research," he said, acknowledging her with a nod, "but she doesn't have a background in the Dark Arts. I do."
Hermione nodded. "Everything would be so much easier if you were there. I'd find things eventually, but I wouldn't know what to look for, and it's not exactly like you can make a list for me like last time."
Harry was frowning. "I wish there was some way to change the Secret Keeper or something. You could find so much if you were there."
Draco was thoughtful for a minute. "So we have three areas of research that need to be done. One, how to change the Secret Keeper on your headquarters. Two, how to change the conditions of our binding promises. And, three, the location of these Horcruxes. That's a lot to handle."
Harry took a deep breath. "Yes, quite a lot," he said. He sat back against the couch and slumped slightly. "And I have no idea where to begin."
"We begin with the house then," Draco said. "If the place is important, then you need control of it."
Harry nodded. "Are there any ways to change Secret Keepers after one has died?" he asked.
Hermione frowned. "I've never heard of that," she said.
"Neither have I," said Ron, "but I've never seen a Secret Keeper die before, either."
"It might be possible," Draco said. "I will have to know everything about the history of the place and any books you can find on warding magic like the Fidelius Charm." He yawned. "But tomorrow, I think."
Harry nodded again. "Yeah, all right. We have our work cut out for us," he said, shaking his head.
Draco looked fondly at Harry, then at the other two. He stood up and then reached his hands out, pulling Harry up, too. "Good night, you two," he said, then teased, "Don't do anything we wouldn't do." He led his sleepy lover up the stairs to their room.
Harry snorted at the looks on Ron and Hermione's faces.
"That means they can do just about anything?" Harry said once they were in their room.
Draco's eyebrows rose in mock innocence. "Are we such perverts?"
"Well, I know I am," said Harry without an ounce of shame as he pulled his shirt off.
"Oh, yes." Draco smiled. "That you are, my love." He began to strip as well, watching Harry as he did so.
Harry snorted and dropped his pants and underwear and then kicked off his shoes and socks. He stretched, reaching his arms up as high as they would go before heading over towards the bed.
Draco sucked in a breath, watching Harry's naked body as he walked toward him. And Harry trusted him. He'd told him something no one but his two closet friends had been told. He trembled at the power of this young man and how much he wanted to please him.
Harry smiled and placed a hand on the back of Draco's neck, bringing him down for a kiss before climbing into bed and patting the space beside him.
Draco eagerly slid into bed with him. He had been tired downstairs but now he was suddenly very awake.
Harry wasn't aware that Draco was wanting anything and slid an arm around him. He wasn't feeling super tired, but he was moderately sleepy and certainly comfortable.
"Thank you," Draco said quietly, trembling slightly as Harry held him.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "For what?" he asked as quietly as Draco.
"Trusting me," Draco said. "You didn't even use the command. Did you realise that?"
Harry smiled and shook his head no. "I never realise it when I do use it, but I wasn't commanding you. I trust you with everything."
"I won't fail you, Harry," Draco said softly. "I promise. But I think it might be better to command me. That way I couldn't tell even if ... if something bad happened."
Harry winced. "I'll make sure that nothing happens to you ... but maybe you're right. Do you want me to command you?"
"Command me not to reveal what I know about the Horcruxes to anyone other than you, Ron or Hermione unless you tell me otherwise," he said carefully.
"Draco, I order you to not reveal what you know about Horcruxes to anyone other than me, Ron, or Hermione unless I tell you otherwise," Harry repeated. "Even though I trust you," he added.
Draco could feel a shiver of the compulsion as it took effect and relaxed. He was a blood-traitor, and whether or not Harry wanted to believe it, he was now a target for any Death Eater wanting to win favour with the Dark Lord. At least this would keep Harry's secret safe.
Harry sighed and kissed Draco's hair. "This won't be easy," he said seriously. "It'll be the hardest thing I'll ever have to do in my life. I have to kill him, you know. No one else can do it."
"Why?" Draco asked, a cold chill down his spine.
"Do you know about the prophecy between us? Voldemort and me, I mean?" Harry asked.
Draco did wince then. "I know there was one and that he wanted it."
Harry sighed. "It said that the one Voldemort chose as his equal would be the one who could kill him. He chose me. ‘Neither can live while the other survives;’ that's what it said."
Draco shivered again. He didn't like the sound of that. He' been afraid it was something like that. He lay there thinking for a minute, holding Harry against him. He supposed it should make him worried that if Harry died, he died, too. But it didn't. It made him feel safer to know he wouldn't have to live without him.
Harry held Draco tighter. "I have the advantage. He doesn't know I have the Horcruxes. He'll think he still has them when I'm finally ready to kill him. I can't wait to see the look on that fucker's face when he finds out I've got him."
Draco loved the confidence in Harry's voice but it still scared him to think of Harry facing that monster. "I wish I never had to see his face again," Draco said quietly.
Harry frowned sadly. "You won't have to. I'm doing it alone that final time. I could never forgive myself if he - if he got to you or Ron or Hermione. I have to do it alone."
"No," Draco said, sitting up. "No, you are not going without me."
Harry looked at Draco for a second and then sat up himself. "I can't let you go with me for that," he said. "Anything could happen."
Draco looked at him, his eyes narrowing. "You promised. You said you are mine, too," he said. "That means we do it together."
Harry closed his eyes. "What if something happens to you?" he asked. "What'll I do then?"
"As long as you win," Draco said. "That is all that matters. The Dark Lord will not be alone. And neither will you."
Harry bit his lip and opened his eyes again. They burned with forming tears that he tried his hardest to hold back. "I'd kill myself if you died. I'd kill him and then I'd kill myself, and I don't care what you say."
"I understand," Draco said. "And I will die if you do. But this isn't just about us. He needs to be defeated, no matter what it costs."
Harry took a shaky breath and then nodded. "I'll kill him," he said, sounding like he was stating a fact.
Draco wrapped his arms around him, pressing his face against Harry's. "Remember, you promised me that and no matter what, you said, you keep your promises," Draco whispered.
Harry smiled sadly. "I wasn't lying," he said, hugging Draco tightly as well.
"I am yours," Draco whispered. "Always yours."
"And I'm yours," Harry said. "Forever."