Harry Potter and The Secret Keeper (BP2)
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
32,284
Reviews:
209
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
32,284
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.
Family Dinner
Chapter Number/Total: 6/44
Chapter Title: Family Dinner
Words: 3632 Words
Harry was snoozing peacefully, curled up with Draco and content to stay that way for as long as he could, however, as long as he could wasn't very long at all. There was a sudden pounding on the door that made him sit up so fast he knocked his head on the bed above him. "Ow, fuck!" he let out, rubbing his forehead where he'd smacked it.
"Oh, Harrrrry?" came a voice from behind the door.
Harry groaned and fell back onto the bed. "What?" he called, annoyed.
There was snickering and then the unmistakable voice of one of the twins. "Mum says you've got some more filling to do; of course, I think she means your stomach."
Harry groaned again.
"Ha ha," Draco called after Harry's groan. He lay like a rag-doll in the bed. "They were funnier in school."
Harry nodded.
"What was that?" asked one of the twins, very obviously delighted. "Do you need any help in there? I mean, we did hear that it was a bit ... tight. We wouldn't want you to be stuck or anything." More snickering.
Harry rolled his eyes and, even though the twins weren't in the room, his face coloured. "Lame," he called out.
Even more snickering.
Draco flushed. Normally, he loved the way Harry talked when they were having sex, but this could definitely get awkward.
"Seriously though, Mum is back and wants you to come down, Harry. You know where the bathroom is, so you might want to get cleaned up. Mum can tell a Cleaning Charm from a mile away and will know exactly who - I mean what - you were doing."
Harry sighed. "Yeah, fine. Can we be left in peace now?"
"Ooh, touchy, touchy." There was more laughing then and it finally grew into nothing as the twins left.
Draco laid a hand on Harry's back. "Shower?" he asked.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Together? Fuck, I hope no one comes up."
Draco looked up at him, smiling. "As you wish," he said, his eyes soft and happy.
"We'll have to hurry up," Harry said quickly, jumping to his feet and narrowly avoiding smacking his head again. "Something is really going to have to be done about that." He grabbed a pair of jeans up from the floor and began pulling them on, only to find that they were too long in the legs. He made a frustrated sound and took them off again, throwing them to Draco and then searching around for his own.
Draco caught the jeans with one hand. Well, like he had a choice there. He scooted off the bed and struggled into them.
Harry didn't bother with his shirt; he simply threw his trunk open and grabbed out some clean clothes and then stood there, once again wondering if he should help Draco.
Draco managed to get the jeans on and then used his wand to Summon some clean clothes from his trunk. He held wand and clothes with one arm and gestured with the elbow of his other.
Harry nodded and went to unlock the door. He poked his head out and looked both ways to see if anyone was there. The coast was clear and he ran as quick and as quietly as he could up a few stairs to another landing and then barged into the bathroom. He gasped when he saw Ginny in there and his eyes widened. They stared at each other for a moment and then Harry backed up so fast he almost fell as he snapped the door shut again.
Draco did not run. He walked, trying to manage to carry things and navigate the rickety stairs without holding on to anything. He was nearly pushed down when Harry backed into him, sending him stumbling and his clothes falling.
"Oh, shit. Sorry," Harry said, clearly flustered as he dropped his own clothes and began picking Draco's up. "Ginny’s in there. I walked in on her." His cheeks turned pink.
Draco had flattened himself against the wall of the stairwell and watched as Harry picked things up. He raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "Only one bathroom? For all these people?" he asked with growing horror.
Harry shrugged. "Yeah."
The toilet flushed and Ginny emerged, looking like nothing in the world had happened. "Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" she asked.
"Why didn't you lock the door?" Harry asked indignantly.
Ginny shrugged. "We hardly ever do." She eyed Harry and Draco. "What are you two going in there for?" she asked suggestively.
"Er, we're just going to get cleaned up for dinner."
Ginny raised her eyebrows. "Riiight. Well, just don't let Mum catch you."
Draco rolled his eyes. "What if she does?" he asked.
"You don't know my mum," Ginny said simply, and then she turned and lightly went about her way.
Harry took a large breath and entered the bathroom again. "There really isn't any privacy here," he said seriously. "You have to do everything fast so that other people can have a turn and there's nearly always someone somewhere in this house. Everyone's not even here yet. Hermione will be along in the next few days and then Bill and Fleur when Bill gets out of hospital. Oh, and Ron said some of his family was staying with him during the week of the wedding, and I think a few kids from school are staying as well. You haven't seen anything yet."
Draco closed his eyes, grimacing. His heart had sped up and he was flushed.
Harry gave him a concerned look. "What?" he asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I don't know if I can do this," Draco whispered.
Harry sighed and hugged Draco to him. "It'll be fine. I survive over here. I love it over here," he said, trying to work as much cheer into his voice as he could.
"I am an only child. My own suites were probably as big as this house, Harry," Draco whispered. "The dorms were hard enough to get used to."
Harry winced. "I know, love, but we're here, and we're together and it's not like we'll be here forever," he whispered soothingly. "I'll do everything I can to make you comfortable, just say the word and I'm there, all right?"
Draco nodded. "Let's get this cleaning thing done and face the hordes."
Harry smiled slightly and kissed Draco gently on the lips before pulling his jeans off again and starting up the hot water.
***
Clean, dry and dressed, Draco took a deep breath and followed Harry down the stairs. He was seriously beginning to consider the magical hand they had mentioned at St Mungo's. There were so many things he had never realised he couldn't do with one hand. Just showering and dressing seemed to take forever.
Harry was determined to make Draco have a good time, or at least not have the worst time of his life; he hoped the Weasleys would want that as much as he did. He entered into the kitchen and was pulled into a hug almost straightaway.
"Oh, Harry, dear, I'm so glad you're staying," Mrs Weasley said happily. She pulled back and looked around at Draco. "Oh, you too, dear," she said, patting him lightly on the arm.
Harry wondered how Draco felt about all the touching the Weasleys did.
Draco stiffened when the woman touched him but nodded in greeting. He looked about the room, counting heads.
Harry wondered if Draco was ever going to talk around these people. Apparently, Fred and George were wondering the same thing.
"Bloke doesn't talk much, does he?" Fred asked.
"Yeah, I was wondering what was up with that. I don't remember you being quiet in school," said George.
Harry groaned inwardly.
"Oh, be quiet and let him alone," said Mrs Weasley. "You talk enough for everyone."
"Just blinded by the red glare," Draco drawled, rolling his eyes.
Mrs Weasley's eyes narrowed a bit and Harry wanted to pinch Draco.
"What's for dinner?" he asked quickly, grabbing Draco to lead him over to the table to sit down. They squeezed in next to Ron.
"Oh, I just thought I'd make a nice roast," said Mrs Weasley, not sounding quite as cheerful as she had a moment ago.
"Mmm, sounds good."
She smiled at Harry and placed some bread on the table.
Draco's attempt at humour not having been appreciated, he held his tongue. He listened and watched. He didn't want to upset Harry again.
Mrs Weasley began serving them all, piling food onto plates.
"Thanks, Mrs Weasley," said Harry, beginning to eat like a horse. He hadn't realised how hungry he'd been.
Draco was used to bad manners after his time at Hogwarts, but it still managed to put him off. He picked up a fork and then realised his problem. He couldn't use a knife in the other hand. How was he supposed to eat like this?
Everyone else, besides Ginny and Mrs Weasley, were eating much the same as Harry and talking loudly.
There was a sudden pop, and Mr Weasley was standing in the kitchen.
Mrs Weasley leapt to her feet and kissed his cheek. "I've made your plate, dear," she said, taking his cloak.
Mr Weasley sighed and took his seat heavily at the table. He didn't notice Harry for a moment. "Oh! Harry! You're here. I've been meaning to talk to you, actually."
"Hello, Mr Weasley. What did you need?" Harry asked, taking a large gulp of pumpkin juice.
"I've just got out of a meeting with Tonks and Kingsley. We've all been trying to decide what to do with Headquarters. Since it's yours, we're fairly certain that it's safe; we just really want to make sure. I mean Nu-" he looked confused. "Nu-Num- What the devil ...?" Mr Weasley looked around the table and his eyes landed on Draco. "Ah, yes. You're here as well," he said.
Harry was confused for a moment, but then realised that Mr Weasley was trying to say Number Twelve and couldn't because of Draco.
Draco looked from Mr Weasley to Harry, piecing it together from what Harry had told him before. "So, can a new Secret Keeper be introduced?" he asked.
Mr Weasley sighed. "No, there's no way to change it - or at least no way that we know of. That's another issue. Any new members of the Order can't get into the house. We can't imagine that there will be a horde of newcomers, but it's a problem all the same."
Harry sighed and shrugged.
Charlie was looking at Draco a bit oddly. "You are on our side, aren't you?" he asked. "Sorry. It's just, I don't know you at all except from what I've heard of your family."
Everyone looked at Draco with interest. Harry winced and bit his lip.
Draco's face was calm, showing no offence. "I am on Harry's side, wherever and however he wants," he said calmly. "I chose that and am now bound to it, magically as well as by my inclination."
Charlie nodded. "Good to know," he said. "It's always great to have more. Are you joining the Order then?"
Mr Weasley cleared his throat. "That's another problem. With D- Dumbledore gone, we haven't got a leader. It's difficult to set up new members without him."
"Harry should be the leader, obviously," Ron said suddenly.
Harry spluttered, eyes wide at Ron's suggestion. "Me? I can't. I wouldn't know what to do."
"Nonsense," said Ginny.
Harry looked to Mr Weasley, but he was looking like Ron might have a point. "You've got to be kidding me," Harry said. "I'm not even of age yet!"
"But you will be next month," said Ron.
"You are brilliant, mate," said Fred.
"I agree," Draco said, turning to Harry. Smiling, he added, "After all, you converted me to your side."
"But that was different," Harry said pointedly, eyes still wide.
"He's too young!" said Mrs Weasley. "He shouldn't have to deal with all that."
Harry sighed. "It's not that I don't want to deal with it, it's just that I really wouldn't know how to handle it all. Why wouldn't you pick Remus or even you, Mr Weasley?"
Mr Weasley shook his head. "Remus's condition wouldn't allow him to lead, and I'm certainly not the man for the job. Minerva has too much going on trying to get Hogwarts ready to open next year, and well, there's really no one else."
Harry sighed again. "I can't even do magic yet," he tried again.
"Like Ron said, you will be of age next month. He does have his moments sometimes," said George.
Ron rolled his eyes at George. "Harry, you'd be excellent."
There was a murmur of agreement and Mrs Weasley huffed.
"I am legally an extension of you, but the exception to your age restriction," Draco said quietly. "I can do magic on your behalf. In fact, I already have."
Harry looked at Draco. "You think this is a good idea?" he asked seriously.
"You are the one who will win or lose this war," Draco said calmly and confidently. "Not because of the prophecy but because of who you are. People admire and want to follow you. Some because of your history, but most because of your courage."
Harry sighed and looked around at all the eager faces at the table. It was a long time before he said, "Fine, I'll do it."
Mr Weasley smiled, Ron whooped, Ginny clapped, Fred and George cheered, Charlie grinned and Mrs Weasley huffed again.
"Wonderful, Harry," said Mr Weasley. He turned to Draco. "Will you be joining up then?" he asked, still smiling.
"I am at Harry's service," Draco said sounding less subservient than prideful. "I will, if that is what he chooses."
Harry swallowed. His first thought was to protect Draco from all of this, but he stared at him and he could read the look in his eyes. "Of course I want you to join," he said finally, smiling weakly.
Draco tilted his head, looking between Harry and the others. Then he reached a hand out and gently touched Harry's chin, capturing the other boy's full attention with his eyes. "I am yours. I go where you go; your allies are my allies; your enemies are my enemies," he said fondly but seriously.
Harry's weak smile stayed on his face as he nodded.
There was a light chuckle. "Brilliant," said Fred, grinning.
Mr Weasley cleared his throat. "I heard you, a moment ago, mention something about being a legal extension of Harry," he said to Draco. "I read in the Prophet of course about the mess at Hogwarts, but I had hoped most of it was fabricated. May I ask what exactly your position is?"
Draco smiled in that quiet way that said he was pleased with the question. He looked first to Harry to see if he wanted to answer, but Harry was blushing. Draco nodded and turned to Mr Weasley. "A magically binding promise is registered with the Ministry. As of May fourth, I became, by the traditional term for it, Harry's bound concubine."
Mr Weasley looked for a moment as if he weren't sure if Draco was joking or not. Mrs Weasley's eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hand. Ron and Ginny did nothing but smile bemusedly at everyone (Ron's ears a bit red) as they already knew of the promise. Charlie looked like he didn't know whether to laugh or not, and Fred and George did laugh, roared with it actually.
"That's bloody priceless!" Fred cried when his laughter had somewhat subsided. "How did that happen?"
Harry covered his face with his hands.
Draco watched the range of reactions with amusement. He laid a hand under the table on Harry's leg, comforting and supporting. He waited for Harry to respond.
Harry stayed behind his hands for a few moments before talking. "It happened in a very personal, very private way and it was a complete accident," he said pointedly. "The point is that it's happened and Draco literally has to do what I say. I would show you, but Draco doesn't like it that much, and I hardly ever use it anyway."
Fred and George were still wiping their eyes.
Mr Weasley cleared his throat again. "You have a Ministry interrogation coming up, don't you?" he asked.
"It may be accidental but, for my part, it is not unwelcome," Draco added. "And yes, I do."
Harry scooted closer to Draco to show him that it was not unwelcome on his part either.
Mr Weasley nodded. "That could certainly come in handy," he said. "The binding, I mean. Since you are Harry's property, which I assume is what you mean, that should make it hard to punish you, or for them to say you're lying about anything. Harry could order you not to lie. I'm sure Scrimgeour will love it."
Draco raised an eyebrow at that. "Very good point," he said. "It means they wouldn't need to use Veritaserum on me."
"No, they wouldn't. They would say that you had found a way around it anyway. I've seen one too many unfair trials in my days with the Ministry. You're very lucky. It should be much simpler to get off with Harry Potter on your side and able to order you. If they test the contract, they'll see that's it's genuine and they won't be able to say that you're lying. If you truly are telling us the truth, they won't be able to pin much of anything on you."
Draco regarded Mr Weasley. The comment showed him the man was less naive than he had thought. "Yes," he said and held up the stump at his elbow. "I think the contract has been tested."
Mr Weasley nodded. "Have you set up a date for it yet? It might be best to get the Ministry out of your hair as quickly as possible. There are much more important things to be getting on with.”
"I also need to return to St Mungo's for consultation on my ... limb," Draco said, looking toward Harry for his input as to scheduling.
Harry sighed. "I'm not exactly sure when we're going to do all of this. I agree that we should get it done quickly; and, Draco, it is a good idea for you to look into the magical options you could take with your arm. We should get that done quickly as well."
Mr Weasley looked thoughtful. "I could set something up for you when I go in to work tomorrow. As for St Mungo's, Molly will be going in to see Bill again. I'm sure she could take you if you want to go soon."
Harry nodded and looked to Draco.
Draco smiled at him, nodding. "As you wish," he said quietly. He noticed the change in mood in the room now. The level of tension and suspicion had dropped considerably.
Harry noticed it, too. It seemed as though now that everyone could see how much Draco seemed to care for Harry, they respected him a bit more. Harry could tell that it might still take a bit longer to get them to be completely comfortable, but it was very good for only being the first night. Fred and George were already warming up to Draco very nicely.
"That sounds great, then. The sooner we're done with all of this, the sooner I can start working on the important things. And the wedding's coming up. It'll be nice for everything to be taken care of before then," Harry said.
Everyone nodded, smiling at the thought of the wedding.
Draco returned his attention to his food. It was much more of a struggle than he would have thought. He had been carefully trained on how to cut his food and eat in small bites. He had trouble using the fork to cut the bits of roast without the plate moving around. He had also been taught never to put his elbow on the table. But without a hand, the elbow and stump were needed to hold the plate still. He was frustrated and losing his appetite again.
Harry watched Draco, feeling guilty like he had been feeling whenever he saw Draco struggling without his arm. He had cut it off, after all. Draco really needed a replacement or something.
Draco finally managed to have mangled the piece of roast into small enough pieces to eat. He dropped the damaged arm back under the table and began eating again. He glanced at Harry, his eyes meeting the other boy's, and smiled. He swallowed and licked his lips a bit obscenely.
Harry smiled, a bit of a smirk actually, and he shook his head, turning back to his own food.
Charlie was watching them, trying not to laugh, and he shook his head too.
There really was no privacy in the house.
Draco looked up and gave Charlie a small smile and a nod.
Charlie did let out a short laugh then and continued shaking his head.
The rest of the meal went rather well, and dessert was as amazing as it always was.
When everyone was finished eating, they all began to clean up after themselves.
"Want me to take yours?" Harry asked Draco, indicating the plate and pudding bowl in front of him.
Draco considered it for a moment and then lifted his shoulders in a slight shrug.
Harry chuckled and grabbed Draco's dishes and carried them over to the sink.
Once everything was cleaned up, Harry went back over to Draco. "Well, it might be a bit rude to get up, eat, and then disappear again, but if you want to go back upstairs, I understand," he said quietly.
Chapter Title: Family Dinner
Words: 3632 Words
Harry was snoozing peacefully, curled up with Draco and content to stay that way for as long as he could, however, as long as he could wasn't very long at all. There was a sudden pounding on the door that made him sit up so fast he knocked his head on the bed above him. "Ow, fuck!" he let out, rubbing his forehead where he'd smacked it.
"Oh, Harrrrry?" came a voice from behind the door.
Harry groaned and fell back onto the bed. "What?" he called, annoyed.
There was snickering and then the unmistakable voice of one of the twins. "Mum says you've got some more filling to do; of course, I think she means your stomach."
Harry groaned again.
"Ha ha," Draco called after Harry's groan. He lay like a rag-doll in the bed. "They were funnier in school."
Harry nodded.
"What was that?" asked one of the twins, very obviously delighted. "Do you need any help in there? I mean, we did hear that it was a bit ... tight. We wouldn't want you to be stuck or anything." More snickering.
Harry rolled his eyes and, even though the twins weren't in the room, his face coloured. "Lame," he called out.
Even more snickering.
Draco flushed. Normally, he loved the way Harry talked when they were having sex, but this could definitely get awkward.
"Seriously though, Mum is back and wants you to come down, Harry. You know where the bathroom is, so you might want to get cleaned up. Mum can tell a Cleaning Charm from a mile away and will know exactly who - I mean what - you were doing."
Harry sighed. "Yeah, fine. Can we be left in peace now?"
"Ooh, touchy, touchy." There was more laughing then and it finally grew into nothing as the twins left.
Draco laid a hand on Harry's back. "Shower?" he asked.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Together? Fuck, I hope no one comes up."
Draco looked up at him, smiling. "As you wish," he said, his eyes soft and happy.
"We'll have to hurry up," Harry said quickly, jumping to his feet and narrowly avoiding smacking his head again. "Something is really going to have to be done about that." He grabbed a pair of jeans up from the floor and began pulling them on, only to find that they were too long in the legs. He made a frustrated sound and took them off again, throwing them to Draco and then searching around for his own.
Draco caught the jeans with one hand. Well, like he had a choice there. He scooted off the bed and struggled into them.
Harry didn't bother with his shirt; he simply threw his trunk open and grabbed out some clean clothes and then stood there, once again wondering if he should help Draco.
Draco managed to get the jeans on and then used his wand to Summon some clean clothes from his trunk. He held wand and clothes with one arm and gestured with the elbow of his other.
Harry nodded and went to unlock the door. He poked his head out and looked both ways to see if anyone was there. The coast was clear and he ran as quick and as quietly as he could up a few stairs to another landing and then barged into the bathroom. He gasped when he saw Ginny in there and his eyes widened. They stared at each other for a moment and then Harry backed up so fast he almost fell as he snapped the door shut again.
Draco did not run. He walked, trying to manage to carry things and navigate the rickety stairs without holding on to anything. He was nearly pushed down when Harry backed into him, sending him stumbling and his clothes falling.
"Oh, shit. Sorry," Harry said, clearly flustered as he dropped his own clothes and began picking Draco's up. "Ginny’s in there. I walked in on her." His cheeks turned pink.
Draco had flattened himself against the wall of the stairwell and watched as Harry picked things up. He raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "Only one bathroom? For all these people?" he asked with growing horror.
Harry shrugged. "Yeah."
The toilet flushed and Ginny emerged, looking like nothing in the world had happened. "Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" she asked.
"Why didn't you lock the door?" Harry asked indignantly.
Ginny shrugged. "We hardly ever do." She eyed Harry and Draco. "What are you two going in there for?" she asked suggestively.
"Er, we're just going to get cleaned up for dinner."
Ginny raised her eyebrows. "Riiight. Well, just don't let Mum catch you."
Draco rolled his eyes. "What if she does?" he asked.
"You don't know my mum," Ginny said simply, and then she turned and lightly went about her way.
Harry took a large breath and entered the bathroom again. "There really isn't any privacy here," he said seriously. "You have to do everything fast so that other people can have a turn and there's nearly always someone somewhere in this house. Everyone's not even here yet. Hermione will be along in the next few days and then Bill and Fleur when Bill gets out of hospital. Oh, and Ron said some of his family was staying with him during the week of the wedding, and I think a few kids from school are staying as well. You haven't seen anything yet."
Draco closed his eyes, grimacing. His heart had sped up and he was flushed.
Harry gave him a concerned look. "What?" he asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I don't know if I can do this," Draco whispered.
Harry sighed and hugged Draco to him. "It'll be fine. I survive over here. I love it over here," he said, trying to work as much cheer into his voice as he could.
"I am an only child. My own suites were probably as big as this house, Harry," Draco whispered. "The dorms were hard enough to get used to."
Harry winced. "I know, love, but we're here, and we're together and it's not like we'll be here forever," he whispered soothingly. "I'll do everything I can to make you comfortable, just say the word and I'm there, all right?"
Draco nodded. "Let's get this cleaning thing done and face the hordes."
Harry smiled slightly and kissed Draco gently on the lips before pulling his jeans off again and starting up the hot water.
***
Clean, dry and dressed, Draco took a deep breath and followed Harry down the stairs. He was seriously beginning to consider the magical hand they had mentioned at St Mungo's. There were so many things he had never realised he couldn't do with one hand. Just showering and dressing seemed to take forever.
Harry was determined to make Draco have a good time, or at least not have the worst time of his life; he hoped the Weasleys would want that as much as he did. He entered into the kitchen and was pulled into a hug almost straightaway.
"Oh, Harry, dear, I'm so glad you're staying," Mrs Weasley said happily. She pulled back and looked around at Draco. "Oh, you too, dear," she said, patting him lightly on the arm.
Harry wondered how Draco felt about all the touching the Weasleys did.
Draco stiffened when the woman touched him but nodded in greeting. He looked about the room, counting heads.
Harry wondered if Draco was ever going to talk around these people. Apparently, Fred and George were wondering the same thing.
"Bloke doesn't talk much, does he?" Fred asked.
"Yeah, I was wondering what was up with that. I don't remember you being quiet in school," said George.
Harry groaned inwardly.
"Oh, be quiet and let him alone," said Mrs Weasley. "You talk enough for everyone."
"Just blinded by the red glare," Draco drawled, rolling his eyes.
Mrs Weasley's eyes narrowed a bit and Harry wanted to pinch Draco.
"What's for dinner?" he asked quickly, grabbing Draco to lead him over to the table to sit down. They squeezed in next to Ron.
"Oh, I just thought I'd make a nice roast," said Mrs Weasley, not sounding quite as cheerful as she had a moment ago.
"Mmm, sounds good."
She smiled at Harry and placed some bread on the table.
Draco's attempt at humour not having been appreciated, he held his tongue. He listened and watched. He didn't want to upset Harry again.
Mrs Weasley began serving them all, piling food onto plates.
"Thanks, Mrs Weasley," said Harry, beginning to eat like a horse. He hadn't realised how hungry he'd been.
Draco was used to bad manners after his time at Hogwarts, but it still managed to put him off. He picked up a fork and then realised his problem. He couldn't use a knife in the other hand. How was he supposed to eat like this?
Everyone else, besides Ginny and Mrs Weasley, were eating much the same as Harry and talking loudly.
There was a sudden pop, and Mr Weasley was standing in the kitchen.
Mrs Weasley leapt to her feet and kissed his cheek. "I've made your plate, dear," she said, taking his cloak.
Mr Weasley sighed and took his seat heavily at the table. He didn't notice Harry for a moment. "Oh! Harry! You're here. I've been meaning to talk to you, actually."
"Hello, Mr Weasley. What did you need?" Harry asked, taking a large gulp of pumpkin juice.
"I've just got out of a meeting with Tonks and Kingsley. We've all been trying to decide what to do with Headquarters. Since it's yours, we're fairly certain that it's safe; we just really want to make sure. I mean Nu-" he looked confused. "Nu-Num- What the devil ...?" Mr Weasley looked around the table and his eyes landed on Draco. "Ah, yes. You're here as well," he said.
Harry was confused for a moment, but then realised that Mr Weasley was trying to say Number Twelve and couldn't because of Draco.
Draco looked from Mr Weasley to Harry, piecing it together from what Harry had told him before. "So, can a new Secret Keeper be introduced?" he asked.
Mr Weasley sighed. "No, there's no way to change it - or at least no way that we know of. That's another issue. Any new members of the Order can't get into the house. We can't imagine that there will be a horde of newcomers, but it's a problem all the same."
Harry sighed and shrugged.
Charlie was looking at Draco a bit oddly. "You are on our side, aren't you?" he asked. "Sorry. It's just, I don't know you at all except from what I've heard of your family."
Everyone looked at Draco with interest. Harry winced and bit his lip.
Draco's face was calm, showing no offence. "I am on Harry's side, wherever and however he wants," he said calmly. "I chose that and am now bound to it, magically as well as by my inclination."
Charlie nodded. "Good to know," he said. "It's always great to have more. Are you joining the Order then?"
Mr Weasley cleared his throat. "That's another problem. With D- Dumbledore gone, we haven't got a leader. It's difficult to set up new members without him."
"Harry should be the leader, obviously," Ron said suddenly.
Harry spluttered, eyes wide at Ron's suggestion. "Me? I can't. I wouldn't know what to do."
"Nonsense," said Ginny.
Harry looked to Mr Weasley, but he was looking like Ron might have a point. "You've got to be kidding me," Harry said. "I'm not even of age yet!"
"But you will be next month," said Ron.
"You are brilliant, mate," said Fred.
"I agree," Draco said, turning to Harry. Smiling, he added, "After all, you converted me to your side."
"But that was different," Harry said pointedly, eyes still wide.
"He's too young!" said Mrs Weasley. "He shouldn't have to deal with all that."
Harry sighed. "It's not that I don't want to deal with it, it's just that I really wouldn't know how to handle it all. Why wouldn't you pick Remus or even you, Mr Weasley?"
Mr Weasley shook his head. "Remus's condition wouldn't allow him to lead, and I'm certainly not the man for the job. Minerva has too much going on trying to get Hogwarts ready to open next year, and well, there's really no one else."
Harry sighed again. "I can't even do magic yet," he tried again.
"Like Ron said, you will be of age next month. He does have his moments sometimes," said George.
Ron rolled his eyes at George. "Harry, you'd be excellent."
There was a murmur of agreement and Mrs Weasley huffed.
"I am legally an extension of you, but the exception to your age restriction," Draco said quietly. "I can do magic on your behalf. In fact, I already have."
Harry looked at Draco. "You think this is a good idea?" he asked seriously.
"You are the one who will win or lose this war," Draco said calmly and confidently. "Not because of the prophecy but because of who you are. People admire and want to follow you. Some because of your history, but most because of your courage."
Harry sighed and looked around at all the eager faces at the table. It was a long time before he said, "Fine, I'll do it."
Mr Weasley smiled, Ron whooped, Ginny clapped, Fred and George cheered, Charlie grinned and Mrs Weasley huffed again.
"Wonderful, Harry," said Mr Weasley. He turned to Draco. "Will you be joining up then?" he asked, still smiling.
"I am at Harry's service," Draco said sounding less subservient than prideful. "I will, if that is what he chooses."
Harry swallowed. His first thought was to protect Draco from all of this, but he stared at him and he could read the look in his eyes. "Of course I want you to join," he said finally, smiling weakly.
Draco tilted his head, looking between Harry and the others. Then he reached a hand out and gently touched Harry's chin, capturing the other boy's full attention with his eyes. "I am yours. I go where you go; your allies are my allies; your enemies are my enemies," he said fondly but seriously.
Harry's weak smile stayed on his face as he nodded.
There was a light chuckle. "Brilliant," said Fred, grinning.
Mr Weasley cleared his throat. "I heard you, a moment ago, mention something about being a legal extension of Harry," he said to Draco. "I read in the Prophet of course about the mess at Hogwarts, but I had hoped most of it was fabricated. May I ask what exactly your position is?"
Draco smiled in that quiet way that said he was pleased with the question. He looked first to Harry to see if he wanted to answer, but Harry was blushing. Draco nodded and turned to Mr Weasley. "A magically binding promise is registered with the Ministry. As of May fourth, I became, by the traditional term for it, Harry's bound concubine."
Mr Weasley looked for a moment as if he weren't sure if Draco was joking or not. Mrs Weasley's eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hand. Ron and Ginny did nothing but smile bemusedly at everyone (Ron's ears a bit red) as they already knew of the promise. Charlie looked like he didn't know whether to laugh or not, and Fred and George did laugh, roared with it actually.
"That's bloody priceless!" Fred cried when his laughter had somewhat subsided. "How did that happen?"
Harry covered his face with his hands.
Draco watched the range of reactions with amusement. He laid a hand under the table on Harry's leg, comforting and supporting. He waited for Harry to respond.
Harry stayed behind his hands for a few moments before talking. "It happened in a very personal, very private way and it was a complete accident," he said pointedly. "The point is that it's happened and Draco literally has to do what I say. I would show you, but Draco doesn't like it that much, and I hardly ever use it anyway."
Fred and George were still wiping their eyes.
Mr Weasley cleared his throat again. "You have a Ministry interrogation coming up, don't you?" he asked.
"It may be accidental but, for my part, it is not unwelcome," Draco added. "And yes, I do."
Harry scooted closer to Draco to show him that it was not unwelcome on his part either.
Mr Weasley nodded. "That could certainly come in handy," he said. "The binding, I mean. Since you are Harry's property, which I assume is what you mean, that should make it hard to punish you, or for them to say you're lying about anything. Harry could order you not to lie. I'm sure Scrimgeour will love it."
Draco raised an eyebrow at that. "Very good point," he said. "It means they wouldn't need to use Veritaserum on me."
"No, they wouldn't. They would say that you had found a way around it anyway. I've seen one too many unfair trials in my days with the Ministry. You're very lucky. It should be much simpler to get off with Harry Potter on your side and able to order you. If they test the contract, they'll see that's it's genuine and they won't be able to say that you're lying. If you truly are telling us the truth, they won't be able to pin much of anything on you."
Draco regarded Mr Weasley. The comment showed him the man was less naive than he had thought. "Yes," he said and held up the stump at his elbow. "I think the contract has been tested."
Mr Weasley nodded. "Have you set up a date for it yet? It might be best to get the Ministry out of your hair as quickly as possible. There are much more important things to be getting on with.”
"I also need to return to St Mungo's for consultation on my ... limb," Draco said, looking toward Harry for his input as to scheduling.
Harry sighed. "I'm not exactly sure when we're going to do all of this. I agree that we should get it done quickly; and, Draco, it is a good idea for you to look into the magical options you could take with your arm. We should get that done quickly as well."
Mr Weasley looked thoughtful. "I could set something up for you when I go in to work tomorrow. As for St Mungo's, Molly will be going in to see Bill again. I'm sure she could take you if you want to go soon."
Harry nodded and looked to Draco.
Draco smiled at him, nodding. "As you wish," he said quietly. He noticed the change in mood in the room now. The level of tension and suspicion had dropped considerably.
Harry noticed it, too. It seemed as though now that everyone could see how much Draco seemed to care for Harry, they respected him a bit more. Harry could tell that it might still take a bit longer to get them to be completely comfortable, but it was very good for only being the first night. Fred and George were already warming up to Draco very nicely.
"That sounds great, then. The sooner we're done with all of this, the sooner I can start working on the important things. And the wedding's coming up. It'll be nice for everything to be taken care of before then," Harry said.
Everyone nodded, smiling at the thought of the wedding.
Draco returned his attention to his food. It was much more of a struggle than he would have thought. He had been carefully trained on how to cut his food and eat in small bites. He had trouble using the fork to cut the bits of roast without the plate moving around. He had also been taught never to put his elbow on the table. But without a hand, the elbow and stump were needed to hold the plate still. He was frustrated and losing his appetite again.
Harry watched Draco, feeling guilty like he had been feeling whenever he saw Draco struggling without his arm. He had cut it off, after all. Draco really needed a replacement or something.
Draco finally managed to have mangled the piece of roast into small enough pieces to eat. He dropped the damaged arm back under the table and began eating again. He glanced at Harry, his eyes meeting the other boy's, and smiled. He swallowed and licked his lips a bit obscenely.
Harry smiled, a bit of a smirk actually, and he shook his head, turning back to his own food.
Charlie was watching them, trying not to laugh, and he shook his head too.
There really was no privacy in the house.
Draco looked up and gave Charlie a small smile and a nod.
Charlie did let out a short laugh then and continued shaking his head.
The rest of the meal went rather well, and dessert was as amazing as it always was.
When everyone was finished eating, they all began to clean up after themselves.
"Want me to take yours?" Harry asked Draco, indicating the plate and pudding bowl in front of him.
Draco considered it for a moment and then lifted his shoulders in a slight shrug.
Harry chuckled and grabbed Draco's dishes and carried them over to the sink.
Once everything was cleaned up, Harry went back over to Draco. "Well, it might be a bit rude to get up, eat, and then disappear again, but if you want to go back upstairs, I understand," he said quietly.