A Love So Belated
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
46,658
Reviews:
358
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
46,658
Reviews:
358
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
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.
Chapter 8: Less Than Real
Chapter Number/Total: 8/44
Chapter Title: Less Than Real
Words: 2336 Words
Days and weeks passed, and with them passed a lot of the 'hype' that came with being the hero of the wizarding world. Not that Harry was let off – oh, no, nothing like that, but there weren’t as many articles about him in the paper, not as many people coming up to him in public. As Draco had said at that dinner after seeing their first Quidditch match together, people would probably follow Harry around wherever he went.
He spent a lot of time with his friends at the Weasleys' and with his godson, who he happily took for one day every week. But when he wasn't there, he was usually with Draco. He liked the man rather a lot. Draco was like an escape for Harry. He didn't talk about Fred, or Remus, or Tonks. He didn't mention the war and it was surprisingly easy to avoid bringing up the unpleasant aspects of their pasts. They went to Quidditch games, played Quidditch games, teased each other, had dinner and tea with one another, played chess – it was never anything too heavy. It was always as if Harry were able to step out of his life for a few hours when he was with Draco. After arguing and arguing to have Snape's portrait hung in the Head office at Hogwarts, Harry went to the Manor and was able to forget for a while. After more memorials and speeches, Harry could go to Draco and have a laugh – not that all the rest of his friends couldn't provide that as well. Ginny was very good at making Harry forget things, but there was just something about Draco, something different.
He ignored all of Ron’s jibes about Draco. Ron just didn't know him. And Harry certainly hadn't told anyone about Draco's sexual preference – or lack thereof, since he liked both women and men. Harry didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea about their friendship, but it didn't particularly bother him. It wasn't something they really talked about.
Harry was at the Manor again right then, simply for a visit. He took his jacket and scarf off at the door. It was getting colder outside now. "All right?" he asked Draco with a smile as he handed his things to Rusty as usual.
Draco smiled at him, hands on his hips and head cocked. "Doing well. You?" he asked.
"I'm good," Harry answered. "Probably annoying you by now," he grinned.
"Yeah, years ago," Draco teased. "Chess today?"
Harry snorted. "Sure," he agreed. "I'm going to completely kick your arse."
"You wish," Draco said, rolling his eyes as he turned and walked with Harry into the parlour. Rusty brought them tea and snacks while they settled down on the floor with the chessboard. "Black or white?" Draco asked, smirking.
"White, of course," Harry replied with another grin. "I'm the good one."
"Yes, pure and innocent," Draco snorted as they set the board up.
Harry smirked. "Oh, yes, completely," he said, moving one of his pieces. It yelled that he'd squeezed its head too tightly.
Draco stretched out on the floor beside the board. He moved a piece and watched his pawn take out Harry's.
Harry huffed, giving Draco a disgruntled look. "Did I tell you I was moving out?" he asked, taking time to think about his next move.
"Moving out of what?" Draco asked, frowning.
"The Burrow," Harry answered, finally deciding to move another pawn. "Well, I'll probably still spend a lot of time over there, but I think Ron needs his room back eventually. It's an even bigger mess with us both staying in it."
Several questions sprang to mind, not to mention a few rude comments about Ron Weasley. Draco settled for the most practical option. "Where are you moving to?"
"My godfather's house," Harry answered. "The one I told you about. It's only about a mile from King's Cross, and I've got a house-elf there so it's all cleaned up already."
"A house-elf?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow and moving his rook. "What will Granger say to that?"
Harry chuckled. "She'll want me to try and pay him, but he would probably commit suicide or something before he took money from me."
Draco snorted and reached for a biscuit on the tray beside them. "So just you and a house-elf?"
"Yeah, I guess," Harry answered. "Like I've said, it's a pretty big place for just one bloke, but I've got to live somewhere. Maybe you could come over to my house then," he added with a grin.
The blond glanced up, trying to see anything in Harry's expression that might tell him what that could mean. He thought to ask about Harry's girlfriend, but decided he didn't want to bring her up right then.
Harry watched as another of Draco's pieces took his and bashed it into submission. He sighed. "I wonder who would win between you and Ron."
"Is that really a question?" Draco drawled, but the corners of his lips quirked up.
Harry chuckled, moving one of his knights out of harm's way. "Went to the Ministry the other day," he said. "Me and Ron did. We're thinking of looking into being Aurors. Do you know how much training is in that, though? Two years, and that's not even counting if you want to be in the top teams."
Draco scowled. "Why in Merlin's name would you want to be an Auror?"
Harry looked up at him. "Why not?" he said.
"I would have thought you'd had enough fighting to last a lifetime," Draco replied, sounding angry and he wasn't even sure why.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "It's not really all fighting," he said. "Especially since Voldemort's gone now. And Kingsley – I mean the Minister – can get me and Ron in."
Draco closed his eyes, trying to sort though his feelings. "I'll just bet," he snapped.
Harry frowned at him. "What's the matter?" he asked.
"I don't know," Draco admitted.
Harry shifted around a bit, still frowning. "Well, I was just looking," he said quietly. He didn't really understand why he felt he owed Draco an explanation.
"I just don't like the idea of you as an Auror," Draco continued. "I am not even sure why. Maybe it's that I don't have good memories of them. Maybe it's that you would be putting yourself in danger again. I just don't bloody well know."
Harry attempted a smile – to make the mood light again. "Aww, worried about me?" he asked, trying to tease.
Draco sighed but didn't answer. Instead he moved his next chess piece, and watched his knight take Harry's bishop. "Should I be?" he finally replied.
Harry looked at him for a moment. "I don't know why you would be," he said. "It's not like anything would happen to me." He found the knowledge that Draco would worry about him ... pleasing for some reason.
"There are still dangerous wizards and witches out there, Harry," Draco reminded him. "Not all of his supporters were caught. As a matter of fact, there was a list of the ones that haven't been caught in the Prophet the other day. And they would love to get a chance to take you out purely for revenge."
Harry sighed. "Going to try and talk me out of it now?" he asked. "Ginny doesn't really want me to do it either."
"I guess that's another thing I agree with her about," Draco quipped.
"Another thing?" Harry asked.
Draco winced inwardly, realising his slip. "Your turn," he prompted.
Harry sighed again, shrugging. He moved his other knight and then watched as it was picked up by a black piece and actually flung over Draco's shoulder. He rolled his eyes at the piece. "Was that really necessary?" he asked it. "I'll get it," he said to Draco, pushing himself to his hands and knees and leaning over the chessboard.
Draco looked up, face turned toward Harry. His breath caught as Harry leaned over him.
Harry was very close to Draco without even realising it or paying attention to it as he tried to reach the piece with his fingertips. He leaned in a little further, straining his arm, and then, "Whoa!" he yelled. The hand that he had been using to support his weight slipped and he fell to the ground, scattering the chess game completely and landing awkwardly atop Draco.
Draco caught Harry with both hands on his sides, his eyes wide and staring into the other man's. He shivered as Harry's body pressed against his.
Harry gasped quietly, frozen in place and staring as well. His brain went blank with the shock of it.
Draco looked up into those green eyes and licked his lips. The scent and heat of Harry was intoxicating. He could feel Harry's breath on his skin and his hair hung around his face, so close that Draco wanted to reach up and run his fingers through the dark strands.
Harry's heart began beating furiously. His eyes flicked to Draco's lips when his tongue peeked out and then, suddenly, he was leaning forward. Why? He didn't know, but it seemed the right thing to do. He kept leaning until his mouth bumped Draco's, not a true kiss, but enough of one.
Draco's mouth opened to that brush of lips. He gasped at the sensation and his fingers tightened on Harry's sides. It was like one of his fantasies come true, which made it feel less than real but more than perfect.
Harry gently took control of Draco's bottom lip, still only barely moving his own lips. His eyes were closed now and he brought his hand up to slide it slowly along Draco's jaw.
Draco felt like he couldn't breathe, couldn't move for fear of shattering the moment. His eyelids fluttered at the sensation, but he forced himself to keep them open as Harry kissed him. Harry was really kissing him, touching him.
Harry pressed his lips a little more firmly to Draco's, shifting a bit on top of him to try and get more comfortable. The only sounds in the room to him were those of his own mouth, and his heartbeat in his ears.
Draco came out of his stunned state then and tried to relax into the kiss, opening his mouth a bit more and slipping his tongue over Harry's lips.
Harry sighed at the feeling, letting his tongue out to gently touch Draco's, his thumb stroking his skin in tiny slow circles.
Draco made a little sound of pleasure. He slid a hand up Harry's side and up his back, caressing the man through his shirt. His body tingled with every touch, every movement, and his arousal grew.
Harry made a similar noise a second later, slowly slipping his tongue into Draco's mouth completely, tilting his head so that their noses wouldn't bump.
Draco lifted his other hand from Harry's side and gently cupped the back of his head as he kissed him.
Harry sighed again. He could've stayed there, kissing Draco forever, but his glasses slipped a bit, and suddenly they were getting in the way. It distracted Harry and he opened his eyes, his tongue inside Draco's mouth.
His tongue inside Draco's mouth.
His tongue. Inside. Draco's. Mouth.
He gasped a gasp that was completely different from the others, drawing back quickly. His glasses fell from his face and hit Draco.
Draco blinked, startled at the abrupt change. His heart was beating fast and he was terribly aroused. He winced at the look on Harry's face now.
Harry's breathing sped up, but not from arousal. "Oh, God," he whispered, getting off of Draco and crawling backwards.
Draco pushed himself up on his elbows and watched as Harry moved away. He felt his stomach drop.
Harry stared at Draco, eyes wide, even though he couldn't see him as sharply as usual without his glasses on. His voice wouldn't work, and he was desperately confused.
Draco reached across himself and picked up Harry's glasses from where they had fallen. He sat up then, holding them out. "Harry," he said softly.
Harry stared at the glasses, an intense flush spreading across his face, so intense that his eyes were watering. It felt like it took him forever to reach out shaking fingers and take the frames.
Draco's heart felt like it was breaking as he realised that Harry regretted the kiss. He closed his eyes for a moment, struggling to control the feeling of loss that threatened to overwhelm him.
"I – I have to go," Harry whispered. "I have to go." He put his glasses on with still-shaking hands.
Draco opened his eyes wide and his mouth to speak. "Harry," he managed, but then didn't know what else to say. He couldn't say he was sorry. And it was obvious now that declaring his feelings for Harry would only make it worse.
Harry scrambled clumsily to his feet, trembling almost violently.
"Please," Draco whispered, hand falling into his lap as he looked up at Harry.
"I have to go," Harry whispered again, walking backwards. "I – I'll -" He took another step, before turning and leaving the room completely, unable to look back. He didn't even bother getting his jacket or scarf, practically running from the house.
Draco stared after him. He hadn't cried since the bathroom incident in sixth year but he felt his body tremble and his chest hurt. He fell back on the floor with his eyes closed, curling in on himself and shaking.
Harry flung the door of the Manor open, legs flying as he began to walk quickly and unsteadily. His head was spinning; he was confused, he was terrified, and he had no idea what to do about it. He walked until he remembered that he could Apparate and then spun on the spot, Disapparating with a very loud and unstable crack.
Chapter Title: Less Than Real
Words: 2336 Words
Days and weeks passed, and with them passed a lot of the 'hype' that came with being the hero of the wizarding world. Not that Harry was let off – oh, no, nothing like that, but there weren’t as many articles about him in the paper, not as many people coming up to him in public. As Draco had said at that dinner after seeing their first Quidditch match together, people would probably follow Harry around wherever he went.
He spent a lot of time with his friends at the Weasleys' and with his godson, who he happily took for one day every week. But when he wasn't there, he was usually with Draco. He liked the man rather a lot. Draco was like an escape for Harry. He didn't talk about Fred, or Remus, or Tonks. He didn't mention the war and it was surprisingly easy to avoid bringing up the unpleasant aspects of their pasts. They went to Quidditch games, played Quidditch games, teased each other, had dinner and tea with one another, played chess – it was never anything too heavy. It was always as if Harry were able to step out of his life for a few hours when he was with Draco. After arguing and arguing to have Snape's portrait hung in the Head office at Hogwarts, Harry went to the Manor and was able to forget for a while. After more memorials and speeches, Harry could go to Draco and have a laugh – not that all the rest of his friends couldn't provide that as well. Ginny was very good at making Harry forget things, but there was just something about Draco, something different.
He ignored all of Ron’s jibes about Draco. Ron just didn't know him. And Harry certainly hadn't told anyone about Draco's sexual preference – or lack thereof, since he liked both women and men. Harry didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea about their friendship, but it didn't particularly bother him. It wasn't something they really talked about.
Harry was at the Manor again right then, simply for a visit. He took his jacket and scarf off at the door. It was getting colder outside now. "All right?" he asked Draco with a smile as he handed his things to Rusty as usual.
Draco smiled at him, hands on his hips and head cocked. "Doing well. You?" he asked.
"I'm good," Harry answered. "Probably annoying you by now," he grinned.
"Yeah, years ago," Draco teased. "Chess today?"
Harry snorted. "Sure," he agreed. "I'm going to completely kick your arse."
"You wish," Draco said, rolling his eyes as he turned and walked with Harry into the parlour. Rusty brought them tea and snacks while they settled down on the floor with the chessboard. "Black or white?" Draco asked, smirking.
"White, of course," Harry replied with another grin. "I'm the good one."
"Yes, pure and innocent," Draco snorted as they set the board up.
Harry smirked. "Oh, yes, completely," he said, moving one of his pieces. It yelled that he'd squeezed its head too tightly.
Draco stretched out on the floor beside the board. He moved a piece and watched his pawn take out Harry's.
Harry huffed, giving Draco a disgruntled look. "Did I tell you I was moving out?" he asked, taking time to think about his next move.
"Moving out of what?" Draco asked, frowning.
"The Burrow," Harry answered, finally deciding to move another pawn. "Well, I'll probably still spend a lot of time over there, but I think Ron needs his room back eventually. It's an even bigger mess with us both staying in it."
Several questions sprang to mind, not to mention a few rude comments about Ron Weasley. Draco settled for the most practical option. "Where are you moving to?"
"My godfather's house," Harry answered. "The one I told you about. It's only about a mile from King's Cross, and I've got a house-elf there so it's all cleaned up already."
"A house-elf?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow and moving his rook. "What will Granger say to that?"
Harry chuckled. "She'll want me to try and pay him, but he would probably commit suicide or something before he took money from me."
Draco snorted and reached for a biscuit on the tray beside them. "So just you and a house-elf?"
"Yeah, I guess," Harry answered. "Like I've said, it's a pretty big place for just one bloke, but I've got to live somewhere. Maybe you could come over to my house then," he added with a grin.
The blond glanced up, trying to see anything in Harry's expression that might tell him what that could mean. He thought to ask about Harry's girlfriend, but decided he didn't want to bring her up right then.
Harry watched as another of Draco's pieces took his and bashed it into submission. He sighed. "I wonder who would win between you and Ron."
"Is that really a question?" Draco drawled, but the corners of his lips quirked up.
Harry chuckled, moving one of his knights out of harm's way. "Went to the Ministry the other day," he said. "Me and Ron did. We're thinking of looking into being Aurors. Do you know how much training is in that, though? Two years, and that's not even counting if you want to be in the top teams."
Draco scowled. "Why in Merlin's name would you want to be an Auror?"
Harry looked up at him. "Why not?" he said.
"I would have thought you'd had enough fighting to last a lifetime," Draco replied, sounding angry and he wasn't even sure why.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "It's not really all fighting," he said. "Especially since Voldemort's gone now. And Kingsley – I mean the Minister – can get me and Ron in."
Draco closed his eyes, trying to sort though his feelings. "I'll just bet," he snapped.
Harry frowned at him. "What's the matter?" he asked.
"I don't know," Draco admitted.
Harry shifted around a bit, still frowning. "Well, I was just looking," he said quietly. He didn't really understand why he felt he owed Draco an explanation.
"I just don't like the idea of you as an Auror," Draco continued. "I am not even sure why. Maybe it's that I don't have good memories of them. Maybe it's that you would be putting yourself in danger again. I just don't bloody well know."
Harry attempted a smile – to make the mood light again. "Aww, worried about me?" he asked, trying to tease.
Draco sighed but didn't answer. Instead he moved his next chess piece, and watched his knight take Harry's bishop. "Should I be?" he finally replied.
Harry looked at him for a moment. "I don't know why you would be," he said. "It's not like anything would happen to me." He found the knowledge that Draco would worry about him ... pleasing for some reason.
"There are still dangerous wizards and witches out there, Harry," Draco reminded him. "Not all of his supporters were caught. As a matter of fact, there was a list of the ones that haven't been caught in the Prophet the other day. And they would love to get a chance to take you out purely for revenge."
Harry sighed. "Going to try and talk me out of it now?" he asked. "Ginny doesn't really want me to do it either."
"I guess that's another thing I agree with her about," Draco quipped.
"Another thing?" Harry asked.
Draco winced inwardly, realising his slip. "Your turn," he prompted.
Harry sighed again, shrugging. He moved his other knight and then watched as it was picked up by a black piece and actually flung over Draco's shoulder. He rolled his eyes at the piece. "Was that really necessary?" he asked it. "I'll get it," he said to Draco, pushing himself to his hands and knees and leaning over the chessboard.
Draco looked up, face turned toward Harry. His breath caught as Harry leaned over him.
Harry was very close to Draco without even realising it or paying attention to it as he tried to reach the piece with his fingertips. He leaned in a little further, straining his arm, and then, "Whoa!" he yelled. The hand that he had been using to support his weight slipped and he fell to the ground, scattering the chess game completely and landing awkwardly atop Draco.
Draco caught Harry with both hands on his sides, his eyes wide and staring into the other man's. He shivered as Harry's body pressed against his.
Harry gasped quietly, frozen in place and staring as well. His brain went blank with the shock of it.
Draco looked up into those green eyes and licked his lips. The scent and heat of Harry was intoxicating. He could feel Harry's breath on his skin and his hair hung around his face, so close that Draco wanted to reach up and run his fingers through the dark strands.
Harry's heart began beating furiously. His eyes flicked to Draco's lips when his tongue peeked out and then, suddenly, he was leaning forward. Why? He didn't know, but it seemed the right thing to do. He kept leaning until his mouth bumped Draco's, not a true kiss, but enough of one.
Draco's mouth opened to that brush of lips. He gasped at the sensation and his fingers tightened on Harry's sides. It was like one of his fantasies come true, which made it feel less than real but more than perfect.
Harry gently took control of Draco's bottom lip, still only barely moving his own lips. His eyes were closed now and he brought his hand up to slide it slowly along Draco's jaw.
Draco felt like he couldn't breathe, couldn't move for fear of shattering the moment. His eyelids fluttered at the sensation, but he forced himself to keep them open as Harry kissed him. Harry was really kissing him, touching him.
Harry pressed his lips a little more firmly to Draco's, shifting a bit on top of him to try and get more comfortable. The only sounds in the room to him were those of his own mouth, and his heartbeat in his ears.
Draco came out of his stunned state then and tried to relax into the kiss, opening his mouth a bit more and slipping his tongue over Harry's lips.
Harry sighed at the feeling, letting his tongue out to gently touch Draco's, his thumb stroking his skin in tiny slow circles.
Draco made a little sound of pleasure. He slid a hand up Harry's side and up his back, caressing the man through his shirt. His body tingled with every touch, every movement, and his arousal grew.
Harry made a similar noise a second later, slowly slipping his tongue into Draco's mouth completely, tilting his head so that their noses wouldn't bump.
Draco lifted his other hand from Harry's side and gently cupped the back of his head as he kissed him.
Harry sighed again. He could've stayed there, kissing Draco forever, but his glasses slipped a bit, and suddenly they were getting in the way. It distracted Harry and he opened his eyes, his tongue inside Draco's mouth.
His tongue inside Draco's mouth.
His tongue. Inside. Draco's. Mouth.
He gasped a gasp that was completely different from the others, drawing back quickly. His glasses fell from his face and hit Draco.
Draco blinked, startled at the abrupt change. His heart was beating fast and he was terribly aroused. He winced at the look on Harry's face now.
Harry's breathing sped up, but not from arousal. "Oh, God," he whispered, getting off of Draco and crawling backwards.
Draco pushed himself up on his elbows and watched as Harry moved away. He felt his stomach drop.
Harry stared at Draco, eyes wide, even though he couldn't see him as sharply as usual without his glasses on. His voice wouldn't work, and he was desperately confused.
Draco reached across himself and picked up Harry's glasses from where they had fallen. He sat up then, holding them out. "Harry," he said softly.
Harry stared at the glasses, an intense flush spreading across his face, so intense that his eyes were watering. It felt like it took him forever to reach out shaking fingers and take the frames.
Draco's heart felt like it was breaking as he realised that Harry regretted the kiss. He closed his eyes for a moment, struggling to control the feeling of loss that threatened to overwhelm him.
"I – I have to go," Harry whispered. "I have to go." He put his glasses on with still-shaking hands.
Draco opened his eyes wide and his mouth to speak. "Harry," he managed, but then didn't know what else to say. He couldn't say he was sorry. And it was obvious now that declaring his feelings for Harry would only make it worse.
Harry scrambled clumsily to his feet, trembling almost violently.
"Please," Draco whispered, hand falling into his lap as he looked up at Harry.
"I have to go," Harry whispered again, walking backwards. "I – I'll -" He took another step, before turning and leaving the room completely, unable to look back. He didn't even bother getting his jacket or scarf, practically running from the house.
Draco stared after him. He hadn't cried since the bathroom incident in sixth year but he felt his body tremble and his chest hurt. He fell back on the floor with his eyes closed, curling in on himself and shaking.
Harry flung the door of the Manor open, legs flying as he began to walk quickly and unsteadily. His head was spinning; he was confused, he was terrified, and he had no idea what to do about it. He walked until he remembered that he could Apparate and then spun on the spot, Disapparating with a very loud and unstable crack.