Our Choices

Thanks to everyone who supported and gave me advice on the whole smoking issue. To be honest, though, I have cheated once or twice. But only because I couldn't say no!!! My family and I all get together once a week to have dinner and I hadn't told anyone that I'd quit. I really didn't want to jinx it. So, my sister-in-law, the wonderful woman she is, offered me a cigarette when she noticed I didn't have any. Who could say no to such a nice invitation? I don't think I'm doing too bad though. I've only had four in the past two and a half weeks. I just have to keep resisting the urge to run out and buy a pack.


To gorgeousbowneyes: Sit back a relax, this is going to be a long note! ;)
Both Harry and Draco are nineteen in the beginning of the story(twenty-one now). When I first thought of this fic I wanted to make them older, or at least Harry older.

Once I thought it over I decided 19 would be fine, as both of their pasts reflect on who they are and how they act. Draco, for most of his life, has had almost all of his decisions made for him as well as been spoiled excessively. Therefor he has no idea how to take charge of his own life. I thought back to when I was nineteen and realized how immature I still was at that age and how often I ran back to my mother, my safe haven, when things went wrong. For Draco, he had no family or friends to run to so he found a new safe haven for himself.

For Harry, there are a lot of things that make him the way his is. Obviously, Voldemort and the Dursleys, as we all know. He's had too many experiences in the war for him to be the nice helpful guy we all read about in the books. Yes, I killed off everyone. I'm not going to go into detail since most of it will be explained in later chapters but basically, Voldemort moved his defenses close to Harry and wiped everyone out, all in less than a year. It backfired though and instead of breaking Harry it only made him more determined to seek revenge.

Well, that was long-winded, and all for a simple question about ages. I suppose I just wanted to get their backgrounds out since I've had quite a few emails and reviews asking about this. Your probably sorry you ever asked now, lol.

Thanks for the review and the support!

Onto Chapter Six!!!


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Chapter Six

Harry spent the next hour and a half questioning his guards, the staff, and the patents of St. Mungo's. Apparently, his two Auror's had the sudden urge to go and grab a bite to eat. The staff had simply forgotten to check on the patents in Draco's ward and all patients surrounding Draco's room had the overwhelming need for a nap.

Lucius had covered all corners, much to Harry's annoyance. As watched Draco gulp down the calming potion he had been ordered to take, Harry thought back to Lucius's words about Draco's mother. Harry hadn't missed the meaning for those words. It was very clear that Draco was much like his mother. Harry, of course, couldn't see himself falling for Draco as his father had with his mother but he would take care of him. At least until the contract ended. Not only was it an agreement in the said contract but, if Harry was honest with himself, in the past two weeks the slight feeling of guilt had crept over him, no matter how hard he'd tried to keep it away. He wasn't directly guilty, no, but he had to admit, he could have done more to keep Greyback away from Draco.

No matter what he's done to you in the past, remember that he's suffered enough punishment and cruilty in the hands of Greyback. He doesn't need any from you.

Harry looked at the blonde man with a new set of eyes. Draco looked... fragile to Harry. His perfectly formed body was now nothing but skin and bones. He no longer stood with his head high and back staight. He seemed to be constantly hunched over, staring at his feet. Nor did he have the voice of superiority that Harry remembered, even when pleading for help. He spoke softly and hesitant. He was broken.

Of course Harry would take care of him, but no matter how broken the man was, Harry doubted he could constantly be kind. It wasn't his nature. At least, not anymore. He'd been through and seen too much. He'd be hard on Draco, of that he was sure. However, Draco would never go hungry and he'd never be beaten bloody. He would always have a warm bed and a roof over his head. Those were the only things Harry could promise him.

He came back from his thoughts as Draco stood and slipped on his hospital robe. Harry would have to get him some real clothes once he got Draco settled in at home. Until then he could wear some of Harry's.

"Do you need anything before we leave?"

Draco shook his head without looking at Harry.

The brunette stood and handed over his cloak. "Then put this on and we'll head out."

As Harry lead Draco through the halls to the apperation point he was keenly aware of Draco's nerviousness. He couldn't be sure, however, whether it was the thought of going home with Harry or the people crowding St. Mungo's. He thought absently, that is was more than likely both.

"Does Dobby still work for you?" Harry startled a bit at the softly spoken question. He gave a quick glance back at the man behaind him. Draco gave each person that passed him an anxious look before his eyes once again met his feet. He knew immediatly that the question was more of a distraction for Draco than anything else.

"Yes, but only on the weekends."

Draco walked a bit closer to him. "Why not all the time?"

"What do I need full service for? It's just me at home." He paused. "Well, now you as well."

He gave another look to Draco. "I don't suppose you can cook?"

Draco shook his head. "Shocker, that is." Harry muttered. He cleared his throat and said louder, "Well, I can so we won't starve and I'm sure we can pick up after ourselves with no trouble."

"Do you work?" Draco was now shoulder to shoulder with Harry, though his head was still down.

"Occasionally I lead raids. Otherwise no. I have too much to of my own work to do to be concerned with someone else's."

"What do you do?"

Harry sighed. He wasn't comfortable answering so many questions. Especially questions about himself. He knew he would have to become accustom to sharing his life with someone else but he couldn't help feeling a twinge of annoyance.

"It's none of your concern. I spend most of my time in the study so you probably won't see me much before supper. And just so we're clear, I don't like being bothered while I'm in there. Stay clear of it unless it's an emergency."

Draco started to speak before a thoughtful look came over what Harry could see of his face.

"What should I call you?"

"What do you mean?" He asked in confusion.

"Well, Grayback had me call him Master or Sir," Draco gave a small pause. "What should I ca--"

Draco's eyes widened when his arm was suddenly jerked in a tight grip. Harry could see the sudden fear forming in the grey eyes but was beyond the point of caring.

His hissed out in a low voice, "I. Am. Not. Greyback. Nor am I the creature he follows. If I ever hear those words uttered when referring to me, you'll wish I had never found you. Are we clear?"

At Draco's frantic nod, Harry released him and took a deep breath to calm himself. He turned and continued walking. When he heard Draco's quick footsteps catch up with him, he stated as calmly as he could without snapping, "If we're going to be living under the same roof for an undetermined amount of time, I'd prefer to be called Harry. I don't like being called Potter." That, and he really didn't want 'Potter' called out as he had Draco's legs thrown over his shoulders.

"Now, I think we should wait to discuss anything else until we get home." Harry didn't hear Draco respond and he took that as an answer in itself.

*********

Draco found himself once again looking around Potter's home. Nothing had changed in the two years since he'd last seen it. It had a air around it that screamed 'home' to Draco. It felt warm and inviting, the complete opposite of its owner.

Draco still had a touch of fear racing through his veins. He'd had no idea Potter would react the way he had over a simple question, but, he could understand the reaction. Why would he want to be called something that went against everything he was fighting to destroy? However, Draco was still confused. Potter owned him. He could do whatever he wanted to Draco and there was nothing the blonde man could do about it. So, if he wasn't his Master or his owner, then what was he to Draco? Certainly not his guardian, that was more a parental role. Besides, Draco doubted that any guardian would do the things that he was sure Potter was planning to do with him.

He turned to watch Potter as the man bent to take off his shoes and thought through his dilemma. His keeper. Draco nodded to himself as the term popped in his head. It fit. Most purebloods would look at Draco as a form of mistress or a kept man. A legally kept man, but kept just the same. So, if he was kept then Potter was his keeper. The thought made him feel both frightened and safe. Frightened, because Potter's temper was short and Draco had no clue as to what to avoid when around him. Greyback was nothing but a dumb brute and his punishments usually were not thought out. He just reacted physically. Potter, however, was intelligent and Draco didn't want to know what he could come up with in the punishment department. He would just have to watch what he said and did around the man until he could get a better idea of what to expect.

"Do you think you can handle the stairs?" Draco blinked rapidly as he was brought out of his thoughts. He nodded and watched as Potter turned and started for the steps leading to the second floor.

"Come on. I'll show you your room and get you some clothes to put on."

Draco struggled with the steps. Only halfway up and he already felt the strain it put on his legs. He kept going, his steadybar under his arm so he could keep a good grip with both hands on the banister. He reached the top and although he was out of breath and he legs felt weak and wobbly he felt a surge of pride for making it up without any assistance. That is until a wave of dizziness washed over him. Before he knew what was happening the steadybar slipped from beneath his arm and he felt his legs give out. The floor rushed up to meet him but before he could connect with it two well defined arms slipped around him and hauled him up against a strong chest.

With his head still spinning he looked up and met Potter's angry green eyes. He swallowed and willed his heart to stop pounding in his chest.

"Sorry," he said in a breathless voice.

"The next time I ask you something, I expect complete honesty." Potter huffed out.

"I thought I could make it. I'm sorry." He repeated.

"You thought you could make it," he started as he shifted Draco to reached down and slip an arm under his knees. Draco gave a yelp as he was lifted easily off the ground. He clutched Potters shoulders in a tight grip as they started off down a dim hall.

"But," Potter continued, "you didn't listen to what you body was telling you. I won't have you breaking your neck just because you want to prove something to yourself."

Draco remained silent as Potter stopped in front of a closed door and bent slightly to open it. At first sight of the room Draco was immediately in love. The windows were covered only by sheer curtains that allowed the sun to filter throughout the room. It was warm and open, and smelled of fresh linen. The bed was a simple double style the looked soft and inviting. The sheets were crisp white and folded at the bottom was a blue and white country quilt. Across from the bed was a matching dresser set and mirror. Other than a door the Draco assumed was a closet, that was all that occupied the room. Over all it was a simple room that some people would probably call bare but to Draco the simplicity of it was what made him like it. It was clean and uncluttered. It was safe.

"I assume you like it then?" Potter asked with raised eyebrows.

Draco snapped out of his daze and looked up at the man still holding him. He realized he was grinning like a fool and quickly cleared his throat in embarrassment.

"I do. Thank you."

"Yes, well, it's the only other bedroom besides mine that was furnished." He walked over to the bed and deposited Draco upon it. It was just as soft as Draco imagined it would be.

He bent and helped Draco remove the his cloak and the hospital robe before standing and asking. "Do you need the restroom?" Draco shook his head.

"I'll be right back." The other man left the room for a moment and came back carrying a small bundle of clothing.

"Since it's so late in the day I don't see any reason for you to get dressed." He held out a pair of green and blue flannel pajama bottoms and a white t-shirt to Draco. "Do you need a hand changing?"

Draco shook his head. "I think I can manage."

"Then stay here and rest while I get supper together." He walked to the door and looked back at Draco. "I'll come get you when it's ready. Do not get out of that bed. Is that understood?"

At Draco's nod he turned and left. Draco didn't know how long he'd struggled with the clothes but it felt as though he'd just lain back and closed his eyes before Potter was back and shaking him awake. He hadn't even realized how tired he was until he looked up at the brunette with drowsy eyes.

"Supper's ready." He said. "Do you think you can walk?" He held out Draco's steadybar.

Draco nodded. "I think so." He took it and with Potters help he stood and slowly made his way out of the room and down the hall. When they reached the steps Potter once again lifted him up and carried him down. "I'm not taking any chances." He said in explanation as he placed Draco back on his feet.

Potter led him down the hall next to the steps that Draco recognized as leading to the study. Across from the said room was the kitchen. Like the rest of the house, it was tastefully decorated and spotless. Draco had only been in a kitchen once or twice in his lifetime and those had been wizard kitchens. This room was strictly muggle and Draco had a hard time identifying the strange appliances. It was, admittedly, a bit intimidating.

He was ushered over to a small breakfast nook nestled in the corner. Once he was seated Potter walked to a large cabinet sticking out from the wall and opened it. A soft humming came from inside and Draco twisted a bit in his seat, trying to get a peek at it's contents.

"Milk or juice?"

Draco jumped back, startled. He reluctantly looked away from the contraption to Potter who stood in front of it.

"Oh... milk's fine."

He watched was Potter pulled a jug out. "What is that thing?"

The other man looked up from pouring the milk into a waiting glass and followed Draco's sight. Potter gave him an odd look before some kind of understanding formed behind his eyes.

"It's a refrigerator."

"Refrigerator." He repeated. "What does it do?"

Potter gave a small smile and set the glass of milk in front of Draco. "It keeps food cold and fresh." He gestured toward the milk and Draco brought his hand up to feel the side of the glass.

"So it's a magical device. I've never heard of it before." He stated.

Potter shook his head and grabbed a bottle of butterbeer out of the 'refrigerator'. "No, it's muggle." He walked over and grabbed two plates off the counter and placed one in front of Draco before sitting down with his own.

"Then how does it work?" Draco asked.

"Electricity." He stated matter-of-factly and picked up his fork. He nodded to Draco to do the same.

Draco looked down at his plate for the first time and his stomach growled. He picked up his fork and spoon and began twisting the spaghetti noddles.

"What's electricity?"

Potter took a small drink then asked, "Don't wizards and witches learn anything about muggles?" He then shook his head to stop Draco from responding. "Never mind. Even if they did, I doubt Lucius would've lowered himself in that way. You would have benefitted from the Muggle Studies classes in school."

Draco shrugged and speared a piece of broccoli. "Father thought there were more important classes I should be worried about."

"Of course he did." Potter said with a patronizing smile. He let out a deep sigh and Draco watched as he visibly calmed himself. He would have to remember that his father was a bad subject to bring up around Potter.

"Electricity is a bit hard to explain. It has to do with the charge and current which involves ions, electrons, and protons. And, of course, the atom. I'm not really sure how to go into detail about all this. You could look it up on the computer tomorrow, if you'd like."

Draco tilted his head a bit. "What's a 'computer'?"

Potter set down his fork and folded his hands in front of him. "You ask a lot of questions." He stated.

Draco lowered his eyes and pushed his food around with his fork. "Sorry," He said in a low voice.

The other man sat back and sighed. "It's alright. I understand this is all new to you. Just... slow down on the questions for a bit, yeah?" At Draco's slight nod he picked his fork back up.

"Eat. After dinner we need to discuss some of the house rules and such."

Draco did as he was told and they spent the rest of their meal in silence.

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I think I might have gone a bit too far with Draco's ignorance of muggle appliances in this chapter, and the chapters that will follow but I kept thinking about Lucius's hatred towards muggles. I just couldn't see him teaching Draco about them or how they managed without magic.

Also, I'm very lazy and I didn't want to go though all the books just to see if any of the objects were part of the wizarding world as well.

::Shrugs:: Anyway, review and tell me what you thought of it!