Singles Cruise

Many thanks to Mrs. Bowtruckle, without whom this piece might never have been beta’ed.

Singles Cruise

By: Aandune

“Happy Birthday, Harry.”

“Hermione, Ron, hum, I don’t quite know what to say. Ahhh, thanks?”

Hermione Weasley walked up and hugged her friend of almost fifteen years.

“A cruise?”

“Yeah, mate.”

“Not just any cruise, Harry. It’s a singles cruise. To the Greek islands.”

Harry glanced back down at the brochure he was holding in his hands.

“But aren’t those things just floating cathouses?”

“Harry, love, you are twenty-five years old. You hate your job. You don’t date. In fact, I don’t think you ever have any fun. You’ve never gone on holiday. You are hiding from the world, but most of all I think you are hiding from yourself.”

He looked at Ron. “When did she become my therapist?” He sighed and frowned at Hermione. “Look, Mione, I know that you have my best interest at heart, but a singles cruise? At least in a singles bar, I can leave. I’ll be in the middle of the ocean stuck with idiot people looking for one night stands…oh, excuse me, fourteen day, thirteen night stands.”

“You are going on this cruise, Harry if I have to do a body bind and drag you.”

Harry frowned. “Yes, mother. So when does this floating bordello leave port?”

“You have to be there at six a.m.”

“What? Tomorrow? No, no, no, I can’t, Hermione! I have to work.”

“Already arranged. I called and talked to Bradley last week. I swore him to secrecy as well.”

Harry cast around for another excuse. “I have Hedwig and Bruno.”

“Hedwig can take care of herself. Bruno is coming to our house.”

“Bruno is as big as your house.”

“One dog for two weeks is not going to be a problem.”

“Hermione, Bruno will eat your cat!”

“Harry, we’ll deal with it. You are going. That’s it. You are going.”

Harry threw his hands in the air. “Gaaaaha.”

Hermione smiled. She knew she had him. “You’ll have a wonderful time, you’ll see.”

“I hate you, Granger.”

She giggled. “I love you too, Harry.”

“…”

His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Well, I guess I better go pack! Unless of course you did that too.”

“Well, actually...”

Harry frowned at her. “Meddle much do you? Ron, you have my sympathy.”

“Be nice, Harry.”

“Hey, you’re forcing me on this floating joke. I can say what ever I like to you and get away with it.”

He looked at his watch. “It’s three a.m. I suppose I should go get two hours of sleep.”

*(((((**)))))*

At 5:55 a.m., Harry Potter was standing in the lounge watching the line of young hopefuls stream in.

Ron was standing next to him and Hermione was walking around the room talking to the passengers.

“What is she doing now?”

“Probably lining up dates for you.”

“Ron! How could you have let her do this?”

“It’s easier that way, mate.”

“Wuss!”

“But a happy wuss, Harry.”

“You know, I almost left my house. But I figured that she’d track me down. I think she’s half bloodhound.”

An announcement blared over the PA system. “All visitors must return to shore, The ship will sail in fifteen minutes. All visitors must return to shore.”

“I’ve got an idea, Ron. Why don’t you divorce Hermione and you take the cruise.”

“Nice try, mate.”

Hermione walked up. “Come on, Ron. We have to go. Harry, have fun.”

“I’ll get even with you for this, this two weeks of dating hell!”

Her laugh trailed off after them as they joined the cue to exit the ship.

“Bloody friends.” Harry muttered under his breath.

He found the cruise director to find out where his cabin was and went directly there, not pausing to look at the schedule of events before it was tossed in the bin, on his way.

“Maybe this won’t be so bad. I can lay by the pool and tan. I can read. I can ignore everyone and everything. Yeah, ok, this could be good.”

He dropped his bag on the bed and checked out the facilities in the room. Satisfied that it was a nice enough room, he decided that before he did anything, he was going to lay down for a nap.

When he woke up, he went through the bag that Hermione had packed, looking for his swim trunks. Unfortunately, he found them. “Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. Hermione, you are so dead. He dropped the speedo’s in the trash and headed for the gift shop to find more suitable swimwear.

*(((((**)))))*

He found the shop without too much trouble and began rummaging through the racks of trunks. As he did so, he watched a male couple wander in hand in hand. It was when they shared a kiss that Harry chuckled to himself. He brought up his selection to pay for it and one of the kissers stopped him.

“You’ll never get a boyfriend wearing that, lover boy.”

Harry looked at him. “I’m not looking for a boyfriend so I guess that’s a good thing.”

He pulled out his credit card and handed it to the clerk.

Once he had paid, he stepped out of the store, intent on getting back to his room, when he saw two girls in the corner of the room, making out. He shook his head and made his way back to his room.

Harry put on his new trunks, grabbed a towel and went up on deck to the pool. Unfortunately, splattering rain and gray skies were prominent. He silently swore and headed back down to his room.

He decided that maybe he should get something to eat. After asking directions from a passing crewman, he found the dining room and made selections from the bar, then sat down to eat.

A waiter came to the table. “Excuse me sir, but are you Mr. Potter?”

“Yes, how can I help you?”

“Well, Mr. Potter, it seems that there is a very interested party at the bar who would like to talk to you. Shall I send him over?”

Harry looked at the bar. There was one person sitting there. He looked back at the waiter and nodded. Within moments the man was standing next to the table. Harry looked up and smiled and offered a seat.

“My name is, Harry. The waiter said you would like to talk to me. How can I help you?”

“My name is, Lawrence and I was hoping that you would go with me to the dance on the lido deck tonight.”

Harry’s eyes grew wide as he looked at the fellow. “Um, I’m sorry, ahh, Lawrence, but I’m not…I don’t…I’m not gay.”

He looked disappointed. “Well, can I ask you a question?”

“I guess.”

“If you’re not gay, why are you taking this cruise?”

Harry’s mouth fell open. “Um…Lawrence, are you telling me that this is a gay cruise?”

The other man started laughing. “You mean, you didn’t know? Oh this is priceless. How did you get this far and not know?”

Harry rolled his eyes. “It was a birthday gift from a former friend of mine. She didn’t give it to me until three this morning and we had to be here by six.”

“I wonder if she knew or if it were an honest mistake.”

“Knowing her, it wasn’t a mistake. Keep an eye on the headlines in the next couple of weeks. If you hear about the murder of a bushy-haired girl by a not gay man, you can say, hey, I know him. You will come to my execution, won’t you?”

Lawrence laughed. “Well, if you will excuse me, I believe I will go chat someone else up.”

Harry shook his hand. “Good luck, Lawrence.”

That started it. Harry had to fend off advances from every male member of the passenger list, it seemed.

When he had the opportunity, he would sit and think up ways that he was going to kill Hermione. Every single one of them were slow and painful.

On the second day, he was laying at the side of the pool when a shadow fell across him. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Potty. Long time no see.”

Harry shaded his eyes to look into the smirking face of Draco Malfoy. He recognized him at once and groaned. “Go away, Malfoy.”

“Awww, come on, Potter. We haven’t seen or spoken to each other for years. “Tell me, what you’ve been doing with yourself.”

“Look, Malfoy. Go. Away. Period. I’m not gay. Go find someone else to harass.”

“If you’re not gay, what are you doing on this ship?”

“At the moment, laying by the pool having the sun blocked by a blond git who doesn’t know how to follow instructions. And plotting revenge against my former best friends. So, I’ll put this in small words so that you’ll be sure to understand. Go. Away.”

Draco laughed. “Ooooh, I like ‘em angry. Me thinks thou doth protest too much.”

Harry laid his head down again, essentially dismissing him.

Draco produced a deck of cards, “I have a proposition…Harry…” He purred. “Draw a card. You draw the high card, you win and I go away…you draw the low card you win and have dinner with me, tonight. What do you say?”

Harry cracked an eye open. “I win you go away?”

Draco nodded. “I win, we have dinner.”

“Let me see the cards.”

“Sure.” Draco handed the deck over with a smirk. “Whatsa matter, Harry, don’t trust me?”

He was looking through the cards that looked like a basic normal deck, and muttered, “Not even a little bit. He folded the cards together. “I’ll hold them. You pick.”

“Sure…Harry.” Draco picked a random card and looked at it with a smile. “Your turn.”

Harry pulled out a card and looked at it with a groan.

Draco grinned. “Ooooo, sounds promising. Let’s see.”

Harry turned over a two of spades.

Draco continued to grin and turned over the Queen of Hearts. “Hum, appropriate. Pick you up at 7:00.” He reached over and patted his shoulder and took the cards out of his hand.

Harry watched him walk away. “You know, if I hadn’t looked at those cards, I’d have sworn you cheated.”

Draco turned around and grinned. “You say the sweetest things. See you tonight…Harry. Oh, it’s formal.”

Harry groaned and flopped back down on the deck chair.

7:00 came too fast. Before he knew it, there was a knock at his door. With a groan of dread he walked to the door, like a man to his execution. When he opened it, he suddenly had hope. The boson made a slight bow. “Mr. Potter?”

“Yes?”

“A message for you, sir.”

“Thank you.”

Harry looked at the envelope that had his name in gold in elegant script. After closing the door, he opened the letter.

He sat down on the edge of his bed and read:


Dear Harry,

I really am thrilled that you agreed to come out with me tonight. I’ve made arrangements with the captain, to have a private dinner this evening on the fore deck. I am looking forward to renewing our acquaintance and perhaps even forging a friendship. When you receive this letter, come up on deck. I promise, you won’t regret it.

Yours,


Draco

Harry sighed. “Hermione, you are so dead.” He tossed the letter on his bed and left the room. He went where the letter instructed and gasped at what he saw. An elegant table was set, the champagne was chilling in a bucket next to the table. Tiny fairy lights twinkled like fireflies in the air around the table. A violinist was playing a tune that Harry had heard before, but since he never really paid attention to classical music, he couldn’t have put a title to the tune if he tried.

The only thing missing, was…Draco.

Harry stood there dumbfounded. This was the most romantic setting he had ever seen. It even seemed that Draco had ordered a full moon and a cloudless sky just for the occasion.

“What do you think?”

Harry spun around and looked at his ‘date’. “Draco, I’m not gay. I mean, it’s alright if you are, I don’t care one way or the other, but…”

“Harry, relax. This is simply fine dining. No strings, no innuendos, just two blokes catching up for old times sake.”

Harry narrowed his eyes. “You went to an awful lot of trouble for two blokes catching up. It seems an ale, at the bar would have done that.”

Draco chuckled. “Are you putting yourself on the market here, Harry. Because if you are, that’s a perfect way to go about it.” He indicated the setting he’d made. “This gives the word to back off, I’m taken.”

“But I’m not…”

“Do you honestly want anyone to know that? Relax, it’s just as my letter said, getting reacquainted and catching up.”

“Then why the monkey suits?”

Draco looked genuinely confused. “I always dress for dinner.”

Harry looked at him skeptically but relented. “Oh, sorry. It’s just, I’ve been fending off advances from every man on this ship and this is only the second day. It’s going to be a long two weeks.”

“Well, perhaps I can help you with that. Consider yourself taken for the remainder of the trip.”

“Excuse me?”

“For the rest of the trip, I will be your ‘date’ and you will be mine. That way, no one else will bother you.”

Harry looked suspicious. “Umhum…why?”

“Why not?”

“Why would you waste your entire trip trying to help me out of a fix?”

Draco chuckled. “It’s not entirely selfless. I am Slytherin after all. I’ve checked out the available product this time around and have found them all lacking and unimaginative. You will be saving me a tremendous amount of trouble. I am so devastatingly handsome that I have to beat them off with a stick. But I really do not want to resort to violence. So how about it, Harry, I scratch your back, you scratch mine, ok?”

Harry visibly relaxed and nodded with a smile. “Perfect.”

“So, shall we eat?”

“Sure, what’s for dinner?”

“Only the finest in French cuisine. Let’s sit. The waiter will be here shortly.”

Harry looked out over the bow of the ship and smiled. “I have to admit, this is really nice.”

Draco smiled at him unseen. “Yes, it is.” He took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. “So, Harry, what have you been doing with yourself since we left school?”

Harry looked back at Draco and cringed. “Absolutely nothing. At first, right after killing Voldemort, I just decided to drop out for a while. My whole life had been drama and intrigue and all I wanted was some quiet time. After about a year of hiding out, I decided to go to Uni. I studied accounting. It was the most boring thing I could think of. No excitement, no life threatening events, just me, my numbers and my calculator.”

Draco raised his eyebrows in amusement. “Sounds lovely.”

“Mock all you want, Malfoy, but I figured that I deserved the quiet life.”

“And now…”

“And now…” he shrugged his shoulders. “…and now I just feel trapped, by me, my numbers and my calculator.” Harry shook his head. I guess I can’t have it both ways, but I sure wish there was a way.”

The waiter interrupted them. “Excuse me, gentlemen, but are you ready to order?”

Draco looked at his guest. “Do you mind if I order for us?”

“Go right ahead.”

Draco smiled and looked at the waiter. “Nous commencerons en aperitif par un Guignolet Kirsh avec des escargots de Bourgogne et une vichyssoise. Ensuite, vous nous servirez des médaillons de porc pour moi et du poulet chasseur pour Mr Potter et en dessert, une mousse au chocolat à la menthe. Pour les vins, je prendrais un Claret et Mr Potter un Riesling et apportez aussi du champagne.”

The waiter smiled. “Very good sir.”

As the waiter moved away Harry smiled. “Ok, let’s see if I got this right. A before dinner drink of Guign o let Kirsh, Snails in a garlic, butter and parsley sauce, cold potato soup, you are having pork medallions and I will be having chicken and desert is mint chocolate mousse.”

Draco smiled in surprise. “Very good, Harry, but you forgot the most important items. I will be having a nice claret with my meal and you a very good Riesling. And after dinner we will have the champagne.”

Harry laughed. “Drink much do you, Draco?”

“Only on special occasions.”

“And is this a special occasion?”

“Absolutely. When two ex-rivals can sit down and have a pleasant dinner together without hexing each other into next week, I think that constitutes a special occasion. Don’t you?”

Harry shook his head and laughed. “I don’t know, Malfoy, the night is still young.”

Draco smirked. “Bring it on, Potter. So, when did you learn to speak French?”

“I don’t really speak it…not well anyway. It was a matter of survival. I spent a summer in the South of France on a study visa.”

“You went to the South of France to study accounting.”

Harry laughed. “No, this was a side interest. I love French art, and I figured, what better way to get the real story then by going to the ‘horses mouth’ so to speak.”

“Now see, that’s interesting. I spent some time in the South of France as well. Mostly just doing the playboy thing. I met some very interesting men.”

Harry groaned. “Please spare me the stroll down that particular memory lane. I don’t want to know.”

The waiter brought their drinks and Draco held his up in toast to Harry. “Don’t knock it ‘till you’ve tried it.”

Harry hurriedly changed the subject. “So, what have you been doing since school?”

Draco grinned at Harry’s discomfort, then answered the question. “Mostly, running my fathers companies, but I manage to slip away from time to time. So, Harry, why isn’t there a Mrs. Potter and a whole school of mini-Potters running around?”

“Because everyone I’ve dated, dated the Boy-Who-Lived, or The Chosen One. Not one of them ever dated me.”

Draco looked thoughtful. “Yeah, that would be rough. As I recall, you never much liked the titles in school. I imagine it would get pretty galling after a while.”

“Yeah.” What he thought but didn’t say out loud was “and lonely too.”

They were again interrupted by the first course. Draco was amused when Harry dug into the Escargot. The look of absolute heaven on his face was comical.

“You amaze me, Harry. I would have thought that you would turn your nose up at such cuisine.”

He laughed and speared a snail. “Examine, if you will, the snail. Slimy cousin to the slug. A garden pest at best…but, sauté them in wine, and serve them with a garlic sauce, it is a food meant for the gods. However, the gods aren’t getting their greedy little hands on this baby.” He popped the snail in his mouth and smiled at his new friend.

Draco cracked up and shook his head. “You are full of surprises, Harry.”

Harry smiled at him as he chewed. “Glad I can entertain.”

Their banter continued throughout the evening. Harry found that he was quite enjoying Draco’s company. He also found that, alcoholic aperitifs, dinner wine and champagne, went a long way toward loosening up inhibitions.

Harry had loosened the bow tie and had it hanging around his neck and had taken the jacket off and slung it over the railing of the ship and unbuttoned a couple of the buttons on his shirt.

He looked at Draco for a long time. He just stared.

Draco chuckled. “What?”

“Draco, you’re gay.”

He laughed again. “Last I looked, yeah.”

Harry leaned forward and whispered. “So what’s it like?”

Draco blinked a couple of times and leaned forward. “What’s what like?”

“Sex.”

“What’s it like with girls, Harry?”

Harry leaned back. “Good enough, I guess, I never fell in love with anyone to really make love to them. Sex is good, but to make love…that is an experience I’m waiting to have.”

Draco poured him more champagne.

Harry took a drink, then continued on. “So have you ever found that one bloke, who you couldn’t live without?”

Draco nodded. “Yes.”

“So, what’s it like with him then?”

Draco downed his champagne and poured more before he answered. “Don’t know.”

“What? You mean you’re a virgin?”

Draco blushed. “No, I’m not a virgin. You asked me about making love, not sex.”

“Oh, sorry. So, tell me about him. Why aren’t you with him?”

“I thought you didn’t want to know all my sordid details.”

“Yeah, well, I’m drunk now, so I don’t mind so much.”

“I see. Well, he’s the most exasperating person in the world. He really doesn’t know how wonderful he is. He just kind of shuffles through life not noticing things around him. He’s in a dead end job that he hates. All of the urgings of his friends goes in one ear and out the other.”

“So why are you in love with this bloke?”

“Because he is such a beautiful person. He’s kind and giving. Frankly, he’s everything that I’m not. Except beautiful that is.”

Harry snorted. “Yes, Draco, you are quite beautiful. So, if this guy is so wonderful, why are you here, and not with him?”

“Because, right now, he doesn’t know how I feel.”

“What! Draco, tell him. I sure as hell would want to know if some one felt that way about me.”

Draco looked a bit sad. “No, I don’t think you would, Harry.”

A sudden breeze came up and blew Harry’s jacket over the side of the railing. Draco’s quick thinking, Accioed it back. He walked over to Harry and handed it to him. When their hands touched, Harry looked at Draco.

“Um, ah, thanks, Draco.”

“Don’t mention it.”

The two of them stood at the railing; both silent; both aware that something had changed with that innocent touch.”

Harry looked out over the dark ocean. “You never did tell me who your one love is, Draco.”

“Do you want another drink, Harry? I hate to let good Dom Perignon go to waste.”

“Sure, and you are avoiding the question. Who?”

Draco closed his eyes and sighed. “You’re too drunk to know, right now.”

Harry threw his jacket over the chair and stood directly in front of Draco…and kept moving until he had him up against the railing. “Not that drunk. Who?”

Draco looked into those emerald pools. Then turned away and shook his head.

Harry grinned. “Did I, or did I not say that I would want to know if someone felt that way about me?”

“Harry…I…”

“Did I?

“Yes, you did.”

“And are you under the mistaken impression that I am somehow incapacitated enough, that I am going to regret my actions later?”

“Yes, I am.”

“And, what if I were to tell you, Draco, that I have had it bad for you since sixth year. Every girl I have ever dated has fallen short. I have never admitted to myself exactly what that means, but, perhaps…”

“Whoa…wait a minute.” Draco moved from his place on the rail. “What are you doing, Potter?”

Harry laughed. “Well, isn’t this what you had in mind, Draco? Seduce The-Boy-Who-Lived? What? You don’t like the tables being turned on you?”

He was furious, but he kept his voice low and even. “Perhaps, Potter, you aren’t the kind person I thought you were. Good Night.” Draco turned and left him standing there.

Harry went back to his state room and threw himself, completely clothed into the bed. He laid there awake, for most of the night and relived the evening. When he looked back, he realized that he was the one who started that…that mess of a conversation. He was the one who asked Draco about the sex.

He groaned into his pillow. “Damn, damn, damn! This is exactly why you are alone, Potter. You are a real piece of work.”

He sat up and looked at himself in the room’s mirror. “Harry, you’ve known for years that you are gay. Why not just admit it.” The mirror didn’t answer back. It just mocked him.

He shook his head. “Fine. Ok. I’m going to do it. I’m going to go talk to him.”

He yanked open his door and went in search of Draco Malfoy.

He went to Draco’s State Room, only to find out that he wasn’t there. Then he went into one of the ships many night clubs and looked around. A guy came up to him. “Hey there handsome, want ta dance?”

“No, thank you. Listen, do you know Draco Malfoy? Blond, good looking, grey eyes.”

The other man frowned. “No!”

“Oh, well, thanks anyway.” He spent two more hours looking for Draco. He was not in his state room or any of the clubs or bars or anywhere that Harry looked.

He decided to give up. He went up on deck and slowly walked the perimeter of the ship. His head was down as he paced in deep thought. “This could be a good thing. Why did you have to blow it? Why did you have to be such a bloody bastard to him? Damn it, anyway. Are you so dense that you can’t see a good thing when it’s right before…”

He ran directly into someone and hastily apologized. “Sorry. I wasn’t…Draco.”

The blond frowned at him. “Just go on your way, Potter.”

“I’ve been looking all over this bloody ship for you. I was beginning to think that you Apparated…”

“Does this have a point?”

Harry looked down at the deck again. “Yes, it does. Draco, can you forgive me for what I said? Can we talk…please?”

“Potter, you were mocking me. I have no room in my life for that. I pushed past all that crap years ago and I’m not about to allow it to creep back in, even if it does come in a package with the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen. I want a meaningful relationship. Period. Clearly, that possibility isn’t here. You’ve made your point quite clear. You aren’t gay. I’ll move on.”

“That’s just it, Draco. I…” He took a deep breath and dived in before he could change his mind. “…I am. I’ve never admitted it to anyone, not even myself, but tonight…well, I had had enough to drink that I could maybe face that part of myself. I was serious, Draco. I would want to know if someone felt that way for me. But there at the end, I kind of…panicked. So I lashed out. I am really sorry. I hope you can forgive me for playing with your feelings like that. I realize that I’ve probably blown any chance with you, but I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry. Good Night, Draco.”

Draco turned away and leaned on the railing again. Harry started to move away but Draco stopped him.

“Isn’t it traditional to give your date for the evening a kiss, to go along with the Good Night?”

Draco looked over at Harry and waited for an answer. He watched Harry’s doubt disappear only to be replaced by confusion. He turned and smirked at him. “Well?”

Harry slowly moved back over to him. “I’d actually like that.” He blushed a bit and stammered. “Um, yeah, that would be, yeah.”

Draco’s voice was a mere whisper. “Well, I’m waiting.”

“Yeah.”

Draco didn’t make a move. He figured that if Harry was going to back out, it wasn’t going to be because of him.”

Harry’s hand shook a bit as he rubbed it down Draco’s arm. He watched his own hand as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. As it traveled back up, he looked into Draco’s eyes. He slowly moved forward, until their breath mingled.

Harry closed his eyes and nudged Draco’s nose with his own. “For years I’ve had fleeting moments of wondering, what this would be like. Now that it’s finally here, I’m as scared as a silly virgin.”

“Technically, you are. Follow your instincts, you’re doing fine.”

Harry reached up and took his chin in his hand and lifted his mouth slightly. Still his lips hovered, his breath warming more than Draco’s lips. His other hand left Draco’s arm and cupped the blond’s face while he caressed his cheek with his thumb. The left hand he snaked around his waist and pulled him closer.

His movements were a bit awkward and inexperienced…and the sexiest kiss that Draco had ever anticipated. “Harry.” It was whispered, and that simple movement of his lips caused the two a teasing brush, a tickle.

Then Harry softly took Draco’s lips with his own. It was wonderfully intimate and infinitely better than any that either of them had ever experienced.

Then Draco took over and opened his mouth, teasing Harry’s lips apart with his tongue. Their tongues slid across each others, exploring and experiencing this new sensation. They kept it up for a while until Harry’s eyes widened and he realized that he was responding to Draco in a very physical way.

He broke the kiss but didn’t pull away. “Merlin.”

Draco chuckled. “No, still me.”

Harry smiled and rested his forehead against Draco’s. “Thank the gods.”

Draco stepped back. His voice was soft and a bit shaky. “Harry, I want you. So, if you don’t want this to go farther right now, you need to tell me.”

“I’m…ah…well.” He took a deep breath and looked into Draco’s eyes. “I should…you know…go.”

Draco looked at the deck and nodded.

Harry turned away but stopped. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Draco only nodded.

“Draco, one step at a time, yeah?”

Draco nodded again.

Harry ran his hand through his hair. “Merlin! Draco, one more?”

Draco smiled at him. “Yeah, one more.”

They came together, more sure this time, savoring the short time that they had together before they would part for the night.

By the time they separated, they were both breathing hard. This time Draco pushed Harry away.

“Harry, do you remember our conversation earlier?”

“Which part?”

“Harry, I don’t want sex with you.”

Harry shook his head. “Me either.”

Draco cupped his cheek. “Good night, Harry.”

“Good Night, Draco.”

*(((((**)))))*

The following morning, the ship docked in Rhodes, Greece. Harry and Draco decided to give the regular tour group a pass and venture out on their own. That didn’t mean that Harry didn’t have the tour book however.

Harry had his nose buried in the book and Draco just stood back and watched him with a smirk on his face.

Harry read out loud to Draco as they walked.

“Apart from the monumental buildings, Rhodes is a very popular and cosmopolitan island. Numerous hotels, fashionable shops…you ought to like that, Draco …coffee shops, snack bars, and restaurants are available to satisfy any taste. Don’t forget to visit Mandraki, the yacht harbor of Rhodes, where the two bronze deer welcome you to the city. Erected where probably the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Wonders of the World- used to stand. What? Don’t they know where it was? What do they mean, probably?”

“Well, Harry, that was a long time ago. There isn’t exactly anyone hanging around to point out spots where something used to stand.”

“Hum, I suppose.”

They walked through the modern part of the city. Harry with his nose in the book, and Draco walking next to him, shaking his head. “Harry, let’s get something to eat. I fancy some spanikopita and moussaka. Maybe some ouzo to go with it.”

“I have no idea what you just said.”

Draco laughed. Follow me, Harry. You are in for a treat.”

They found a small restaurant and Draco ordered, then looked over at Harry. He shook his head and reached over and took the book out of his hand. “Hey, remember me…your date?”

Harry looked sheepish. “Sorry, Draco. I’ve just never been here before.”

“I understand.” He reached over and took Harry’s hand. “But, I’d really like to spend some time with you.”

Harry pulled his chair a bit closer to him and leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. “I’m sorry. I’ll be good.”

Draco’s smile was devilish. “Merlin, I hope not!”

Right then, the waiter brought the items that Draco had ordered along with two small shot glasses and a bottle of clear liquid.

Harry picked up the bottle and looked at the label. He shook his head. “It’s all Greek to me.”

Draco cracked up. “Undoubtedly. That’s Ouzo. Try it.”

“Alcoholic?”

“Highly.”

“Ok, then.” He poured some in both glasses and handed one to Draco. “To us.”

Draco smirked. “Finally.”

They both drank. Harry sipped, but Draco did the shot.

“What do you think, Harry?”

“Licorice, I love it. What’s this stuff again?”

“Ouzo.”

“Well, this is definitely high on the like list. Now, what is the rest of this?”

Draco pointed to the triangles of puff pastry. “Spanikopita. Spinach pie. It’s got feta and some other spices. Tiropita, same thing without the spinach. Moussaka, essentially eggplant and lamb casserole, Pastitsio is like lasagana without as much sauce, these are Dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with lamb and rice. And if you’re a good boy and eat all your lunch, we’ll get some Baklava.”

Harry leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “And what if I’m not a good boy?”

Draco kissed his cheek. “I get Baklava, you get a spanking.”

“Sounds interesting.” Harry leaned back with a laugh.

The two of them ate off of one plate, sampling everything, drinking the Ouzo. Harry lowered the glass. “I could definitely get used to this.”

“Better take it easy with that stuff, it’s got a kick.”

“Gotchya. So, what’s next?”

“Well, there’s still the ancient part of the city to see, then we have to get back to the ship.”

Harry stood picked up his book while Draco paid the bill. And they went out into the street. “This way, Harry.”

They walked for a short distance, turned the corner and it was like being in a different world. Again Harry had his head buried in the book and read.

“The medieval town is a living monument, where 6.000 inhabitants live and work in our days. It was divided into two parts: The Knights lived in the northern part called Castelo, with a perimeter wall. Their residences and their hospital are still in an almost perfect state of conservation today in the northern part, the Acropolis of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Magistrates where also included. The Greeks and the families of the Franks lived at the southern part, called the Chora. There is too much of interest to see in the Medieval town, like: Palace of the Grand Masters: impressive, decorated with the coats of arms of the Grand Masters. Street of the Knights: official street of the medieval city, ascending straight from the port to the palace. Archaeological Museum: housed in the 15th century building of the Knight’s hospital. In the museum you can see ancient coins, pots and sculptures from the Mycenaean up to the Roman era. Byzantine Museum: housed in the 15th century church of Panagia. The museum contains frescoes and icons of the late and post Byzantine periods. Mosque of Suleiman: built probably on the site of the church of Agion Apostolon. Mosque of Murat Reis: distinctive for its minaret, it was built on the site of the church of Agios Antonios.”

Draco shook his head, and moved to stand behind him and took the book out of his hands and lifted his head up. “Seeing is better than reading, Harry.”

“Woah…this is…words can’t describe.”

Draco remained behind him and kissed his neck and they looked at the old Archaeological Museum. “That, my dear Harry, is what I’ve been trying to tell you.”

They spent the rest of the afternoon crawling through the museum and pointing out different items of interest. As the left, they got a passer-by to take a quick picture of them in front of the museum.

Before long, though, they had to return to the ship. They checked in with the cruise director and went to their separate rooms to shower and dress for dinner.

They spent the rest of the night, dancing in one of the many clubs. Harry went to the bar and ordered Ouzo and handed Draco one. Draco laughed. “I’ve created a monster.”

Harry smirked. “Are you complaining?” He leaned forward and gave Draco a slow kiss and tasted the licorice of the drink on his lips. “Ummm, you taste good.”

They were interrupted by the man that had first asked Harry to the dance at the beginning of the cruise. “I thought you said you weren’t gay.”

Harry smiled. “Um…I changed my mind?” Harry gave Draco a look that melted him.

Lawrence nodded and looked at the blond. “You’re a lucky guy. If you ever get tired of him…”

Draco frowned. “Not likely. I’ve wanted him for years.”

Lawrence wandered off and Harry turned his attention back to his date. “Why?”

Draco chuckled. “Why, what?”

“You said you’ve wanted me for years. I still don’t know why.”

Draco studied him for a minute as if sizing him up, then answered. “Because, Harry, you were everything that I wasn’t. You were everything I wanted and couldn’t have all rolled up in a handsome green-eyed package.” Draco sat his glass down and Harry downed his and set his down too.

“Care to dance, Mr. Potter?”

“I’d love to.”

Later, Draco walked Harry back to his State Room and stood at the door. “You coming in?”

Draco shook his head. “Better not.”

Harry nodded his head in understanding. He leaned forward and touched his lips to Draco’s then moved a hand to the back of his neck to pull him closer. After a moment, he pulled back and rested his forehead against Draco’s. “It was a perfect day, Draco. See you tomorrow?”

“Of course. Harry, it’s not that I don’t want too…”

“I know. I want to do this right too. I’ll see you in the morning.” He kissed him again and slipped into the room and closed the door. He leaned against it. “Merlin!”


*(((((**)))))*


Harry was on cloud nine. Never before had he felt so wonderful. He didn’t know where this would go, but by Merlin, he was going to treat Draco like he deserved to be treated.

Harry felt humbled that Draco, not only forgave him for nearly blowing this all together with his faux pas, but also was allowing him to experience just a little piece of what it would be like to be intimate with him. Every minute with Draco, was like a gift from the gods. He couldn’t believe that it had taken him so long to admit the truth to himself. But now that he had pulled his head out of his arse, and had a look around, he was going to make the most of it.

He lay in his bed and looked up at the ceiling. He knew he should be tired but he couldn’t sleep. With a happy sigh, he changed out of the dinner clothing he had been wearing, showered and dressed in a pair of black jeans and a tight green tee shirt. He decided to make his way to the ship gift shop and bought a single red rose. He wrote a card to go with it.

Dear Draco,

I can’t put into words what today meant to me. I am so grateful that you didn’t let my stupidity ruin any chances that we had. I look forward to many more evenings like this one. It was difficult to leave you at my door tonight. I’m glad that you understand. Please, join me for lunch this afternoon. I will meet you at the fore deck at 3:00.

Love,

Harry

He tied a white ribbon to the rose and attached the note. He handed it back to the clerk. “Can you please see that this is delivered to Draco Malfoy’s room as soon as possible?”

“Of course, sir.”

He smiled. “Thank you.” He went back up on deck and watched the sun come up on a new day.

*(((((**)))))*

Draco returned to his state room feeling like he was reeling. The person he had been obsessing over for years, had finally sat up and taken notice. And it felt…wonderful. He stripped out of his clothing and showered, then finally lay in his bed until sleep took him. In his sleep, he dreamed of green eyes looking at him as if he were a treasure, and strong arms that held him close, and lips that claimed him.

*(((((**)))))*

Harry finally made his way back to his bed about nine in the morning and dreamed of Draco; Draco’s arms, his hands, his fingers, his eyes, his lips. In his dream, Harry couldn’t get enough of him.

With a low moan, he stretched and rolled over and realized that once again, Draco had had a positive effect on him. He reached down and grasped himself. He whispered, “Draco.” And began to work himself.

Then he heard a groan that didn’t come from him. “What the…” He bolted up and came face to face with the object of his affection. “Draco? What…?”

Draco swallowed hard and tore his eyes away from Harry’s prominent problem and looked into his eyes. He took a deep breath and began. “Well, you invited me to lunch at 3:00. When you didn’t show, I got concerned and came looking for you. When I found you still sleeping, I just sat and watched you. I didn’t expect you to…well, you know…” Draco was obviously flustered.

Harry blushed down to his roots. “Um…sorry, I…”

Draco held up his hands, “No, Harry, don’t. I came to your room unexpected. It’s my fault. I’ll meet you up on deck, shall I?”

“No, just wait for me. Just let me get dressed.” He grabbed the jeans and tee shirt he had on earlier and went into the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, Harry was ready to face Draco again.

He came out of the bathroom and smiled at the blond. “Sorry about that, Draco. I didn’t mean to over-sleep.” Then he smirked. “For some reason, I was up all night.”

“Hum, I guess I’ll forgive you this time, but it’s going to cost you.”

“Oh, yeah? Like what?” He stepped closer to Draco and brushed his lips across his cheek and to his ear lobe. “Something like that?”

Draco let out a low groan. “Oh, yeah, exactly like that, Harry.”

Harry whispered. “I dreamed about you, you know.”

“You did, did you? What about?

“I dreamed I was kissing you, right here…” He rubbed his thumb over the sensitive skin under his ear. “And every time I did, you called my name. I liked that a lot. I like to hear you say my name.”

Draco smirked, and moved to a safe distance. “Come on, Potter. I’m hungry.”

Harry raised his eyebrows and smiled. “Me too.” He came closer again, and buried his lips in Draco’s neck. “I think I’ll start eating right here.”

“Come on, Potter, I want to go-oh…oh yeah, right…oh…there.”

“Say it. Say my name.” Harry teased.

By this time, Draco was gasping, but still not willing to give up the game. “Sure, um, what was it again?” He teased and started in on Harry’s neck.

A low groan escaped Harry and he leaned further into the sensations Draco was creating. Then suddenly he pulled away. “Draco, we better just leave.”

Draco swallowed hard and nodded in agreement.

As they walked down the corridor, Harry took Draco’s hand. “I’m sorry, Draco. I didn’t mean to sleep that long. I was going to have a picnic set up on the deck.”

He looked at Harry. “What a wonderful idea. Come on.” Draco dragged him by the hand and went to one of the ships restaurants. They ordered a basket of fruit, cheese, bread and wine, and Draco asked for one of the tablecloths. Moments later, they were on the deck having a picnic.

Well into the evening, they talked about things that they dreamed of; what they expected out of life and how until very recently life was falling short.

Harry took Draco’s hand. “Draco, how did I manage to even exist up to this point? It’s amazing, really. I feel like up until now, there was someone in a Harry body just marking time for when the real Harry woke up. Does that sound stupid?”

Draco smiled and squeezed Harry’s hand. “Not at all.

They were quiet for a while then Draco spoke up quietly. “Is it too soon to feel like I’m falling in love with you?”

Harry shook his head. “No, I’m feeling it too. Who ever said that there was a time limit that had to be reached? Draco, can I hold you?”

Without a word, Draco moved in front of Harry where he was leaning against the ships rail. He leaned against Harry and the two sat in silence and looked at the stars as they began to appear one by one.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this contented, Harry. I have never felt so complete.” He turned his head to look at Harry. “Yep, I definitely I love you.”

“I’m not trying to be funny, Draco. I’m really curious. How do you know?”

Draco settled in against Harry’s chest, and thought for a minute. “Well, I can’t even imagine going back to the way things were before the cruise started. Running my father’s companies, day in and day out drudgery, with no you there. My palms get sweaty just thinking about it. If anything were to happen to keep us apart, I would die inside. I have never felt so completed and I’m loath to give that up anytime soon. I get butterflies when you look at me; and when you kiss me, I don’t ever want it to end. When I look into your eyes, I can see a future full of hope, contentment, fights, snarling, happiness, and sadness and knowing that it’s all alright because we are together. ”

Harry was stunned. “Wow, Draco, that was beautiful. I want all those things too. I always have. And knowing that it all comes wrapped up in your arms, makes it all that much better. Draco, I love you too. You have changed my life and I am going to spend the rest of my life thanking you for that.” Harry nibbled on Draco’s earlobe. “Stay with me tonight, Draco. I’ll understand if you don’t want too, but I really would like you to consider it. I want to be with you in every way possible.”

Draco didn’t say anything and Harry misunderstood the silence, to be reluctance.

“If I’ve moved too fast, Draco, I’m sorry…”

Draco shook his head but still didn’t say anything.”

“Is there something wrong?”

Draco turned and looked at Harry. He had tears streaming down his face and a smile that went straight through to Harry’s heart.”

Draco kissed him tenderly and whispered. “Yes, Harry, I want to stay with you tonight.

By this time, Draco had completely turned around and was kneeling between Harry’s spread legs. He had cupped Harry’s face in his hands and continued to kiss him.


That went on for a while, before Harry whispered, “Not here, Draco.”

“I know, I know. Let’s get rid of this stuff, shall we?”

He stood and ran his hand through his hair. Harry took some money out and threw it in the basket, then piled the champagne flutes, and bottle and the plates they used.”

Draco raised and eyebrow. “What was the money for?”

“Hum…oh…a tip, for who ever ends up cleaning this stuff up.”

Draco smiled. “Now see, that’s just another example of how you are everything I’m not. I never would have thought of that.”

Harry picked up the basket and put the other arm around Draco. “Well, then, maybe you should keep me around. What do ya think?”

He kissed Harry’s nose. “I think that we should get going. Should we stop and get a bottle of wine?”

Harry considered it for a moment then shook his head. “I don’t know about you, but I think I’ve had enough today.” He put the other arm around Draco and held the basket behind him. “Besides, I don’t want to be…impaired tonight.

Draco moved in closer so that every inch of him was in some contact with Harry. He didn’t say anything, but leaned in and kissed him again. “Let’s go.”

They returned the basket to the restaurant then made their way slowly across the ship to Harry’s room.

Harry unlocked his door and started to walk in, but Draco stopped him. “Harry, do you realize that this is a life changing moment?”

Harry smiled. “Any regrets?”

“Not a one.”

“Then come in.”

He held the door open and closed it behind Draco. He turned and Draco was right there. He backed him against the door leaned in for a soft warm kiss. Harry’s arms went around him and grasped his shoulders from behind, then he nuzzled Draco’s neck.

“Draco, I want to…” he sighed, “…I want to make this good for you, but I’m afraid that my lack of experience…”

“Shhhhh. Harry, experience doesn’t have anything to do with making love. As far as the mechanics are concerned, I can help you with that. Just relax. We’ll both be fine.” Draco ran his hands up Harry’s chest and caressed his nipples briefly. Then he pulled the tail of his shirt out of his jeans and pulled it up over Harry’s head. “Arms up.”

Once his shirt was off, Draco admired his physic. He ran his fingers down his sides and hovered at his belt. “Are you comfortable with me undressing you?”

Harry smirked. “I don’t know that comfortable is the word that I would use. Something like incredibly turned on is closer to reality.”

He chuckled. “All right, then, Mr. Potter. And are you aware that you have the most suckable nipples and I can’t wait to wrap my lips around them and tease them with my tongue?”

Harry leaned his head on Draco’s shoulder and kissed his neck. “Do tell, Mr. Malfoy.”

Draco grabbed his belt and pulled Harry across the room to the bed. He undid the belt and the pants and pushed them off Harry’s hips. Draco smiled when he saw Harry’s manhood hard and already leaking pre-cum. “Harry, you are incredible. Sit.”

Harry sat on the edge of the bed and allowed Draco to slide his shoes, socks, pants and boxers off, leaving him gloriously naked. Draco expected him to be uncomfortable, but Harry seemed more interested in getting Draco to the same state he was in, to worry about the fact that he was now nude with his new lover.

Harry unbuttoned Draco’s shirt and made short work of the clothes he was wearing as well.

“Magnificent. Come here, Draco. I want to feel you next to me.”

Harry scooted up the bed and lay down on the pillow. Draco smiled and just stared at him, drinking in the sight.

Harry let him stare, and smiled at him.

Then Draco crawled in next to Harry and suddenly there wasn’t a piece of skin that wasn’t intimately in contact with the other.

They ran their hands over each other, exploring and discovering things about each other. Harry couldn’t stop himself. He leaned down and teased Draco’s nipple with his lips and tongue until it was standing erect. The other, he teased between his thumb and forefinger. Draco moaned.

He was matched move for move with his lover and soon they were each producing sounds that gave truth to their pleasure.

Harry shook his head. “Draco, I can’t stand it any more. I want to, well, to taste you.”

Draco groaned and smiled his agreement. He closed his eyes as Harry slowly moved his hand down his body and lightly ran his fingers over Draco’s protruding manhood. Harry never took his eyes off his lover, trying to discover his likes and dislikes. He decided that this was definitely a like.

He slid his thumb over the head of Draco’s leaking penis and collected the fluid. He brought his thumb to his mouth and licked, watching Draco’s eyes all the while. That produced a loud moan.

Harry reached down and lightly fondled his lover’s heavy sack.

Draco closed his eyes and allowed the sensations to build up to a breaking point. He could feel his orgasm coming so he grabbed Harry’s hand and kissed each finger. “Much more of that, love, and I’ll come too soon. Besides it’s my turn. I want to explore.”

Harry smirked and lay back against the pillows. Draco began kissing his way down Harry’s body, stopping to delve his tongue into Harry’s navel. Harry’s hips came off the bed with a low growl.

Draco chuckled and moved on. Then he snaked his tongue out and lightly licked the collecting fluid from the head of Harry’s cock

“Aaaaah, Dra…co. That’s good.”

So, he did it again. Then he smirked. “Harry, I’m going to take you into my mouth and I’m going to run my tongue down your whole length. I am going to make you beg for release. I’m going to make you come harder than you ever have before and I’m going to swallow every drop.”

Harry groaned and he didn’t think it was possible, but he got harder. Almost painfully so. “Do it, Dray.”

Draco grinned and took his cock in his hand. But before he wrapped his lips around it, he hovered, letting Harry feel his hot breath. Harry’s hips bucked up in anticipation and Draco chuckled. “Patience, love, the secret is the anticipation. Do you want it, Harry? Do you want to come in my mouth? Do you want to feel my tongue all over you?”

He wrapped his lips around the head and hummed in pleasure, causing waves of ecstasy to shoot through Harry. “Answer me, Harry. Is that what you want?”

“Aaaaaah, yes, please, Dray. Please.”

“Please what, Harry?” He teased.

“Make me come. Make me yours, Draco.” He looked at Draco with absolute love. At that moment, there was no question that they belonged to each other.

Draco felt his heart squeeze in that moment and knew that there would never be anyone else, ever. He took Harry into his mouth and slowly worked his tongue on the underside of his cock, making Harry moan in pleasure. He slowly took him all in until he felt him hit the back of his throat. Then he slowly bobbed his head up and down and sucked and caressed until Harry was completely incoherent. He watched Harry’s head roll from side to side and smiled.

He pulled off with a pop. “Tell me how that feels, Harry.”

“Like I’ve died and gone to heaven. Draco, please don’t stop. I’m so close.”

Without another word, Draco continued. Only this time he sped up his actions, made them more intense.

“Draco…Oh yes, love. Make me…ahhhh.”

Harry spilled his seed into Draco’s hot mouth and moaned loudly. While he was still coming down from his orgasm induced high, he felt Draco’s fingers at his opening and gasped. “Draco…”

“I need you, Harry. I’m sorry. I can barely hold back. Watching you come was so hot.”

Harry relaxed into the intrusion of Draco’s fingers and allowed himself to enjoy the feelings. So when Draco inserted a third finger, Harry moaned, but from pleasure not pain. “Do it Draco, now. I need you. Please.”

“Do you want to turn over?”

“No, I want to see your beautiful face as you fill me. I want to watch you come, Draco.”

Draco nodded and positioned himself after Harry raised his knees and lifted his hips to make it easier for his lover.

“Tell me if you need me to stop.”

“Do it, love.”

Draco pushed past the tight ring and stopped, allowing Harry to adjust to his intrusion. Harry however had other ideas. He moved down forcing Draco to become completed buried. He gasped at the pain.

“Merlin, Harry, why did you do that? Are you alright?”

“More than. Please, Draco, move.”

Draco followed Harry’s order and began to slowly move, reveling in the tight silky feeling that surrounded him. He bit his lip trying to hold back as long as he could. This was too good. If this was what making love was, then he never wanted to go back.

“Merlin, Harry, you are so beautiful, with your face flushed and that look on your face and…” He began to pump in a little faster now, so close that he could almost see stars.

Then Harry reached up and wiped a sweat droplet from Draco’s forehead and ran the hand down his back. When Draco came, he called out for Harry.

Harry dug his fingers into the skin of his back and panted, “Oh, Draco…that was…wonderful. Do you have any idea how bloody sexy you look right now? I have never seen more beautiful.

Draco’s breathing was beginning to even out and he moved to pull out of Harry, but he stopped him.

“I want to feel you for a while longer, Dray.”

Draco relaxed against Harry’s chest. “Merlin, Harry, I don’t even know what to say.” Then he remembered Harry’s rash move. “Are you truly alright?”

He chuckled. “Never better. Merlin, look at you. You were always drop dead gorgeous, but…wow!” Harry pulled him closer and kissed him and their tongues fought for dominance.

Then Draco rolled off of Harry to immediately cuddled him and put his head on his shoulder.

“You’re a cuddler, huh. Good. I like that.”

Harry sleepily ran a hand down Draco ribs, across his stomach and up his chest. “You probably hear this all the time, but I’m going to say it any way. “You are good.”

Draco pulled his head back and frowned at Harry. “Merlin, Harry, you must think I’m some kind of slut or something.”

Harry furrowed his brows and leaned up on his arm to look down at his lover. “Draco, what’s wrong? Did I say something off?”

“Why would I hear that all the time? I barely have time to fall into bed each night…alone.”

“That’s not what I meant. Draco, I don’t think that…oh, bugger. Draco, please don’t let my stupidity ruin this. I’m sorry, love. I meant it as a compliment, really.”

“Harry, I’m no virgin, I’ve told you that, but I don’t sleep around either. I do have discretion.”

“I’m sorry I insulted you. That was truly never my intention. Why would it be? I’ve just made love for the first time in my life and I was able to be with the most beautiful person on this Earth. I should be on the ground worshiping at your feet for even looking twice at me. Please, love, forgive me.”

“Well, I will say…you sure know how to apologize. Ok, apology accepted.”

“Can I apologize ahead of time?”

Draco furrowed his brow. “For what?”

“Well, at this point, I’m not sure yet, but I’m absolutely certain that my mouth will get me into trouble again. I mean look at now. That’s twice in three days. I tend to talk when I should keep my mouth shut. So will you forgive me?”

“No, apologies come on an individual basis. I will always forgive you, it’s just the severity of the insult that determines how much groveling you’ll have to do to get it.”

Harry laughed and pulled him down and put his head back on his chest again. “I have a feeling that you are going to have me groveling on a daily basis, love. And I’ll do it just so I can be in your presence.”

Draco’s arm tightened. “As it should be.”

Harry laughed and kissed his chest.

*(((((**)))))*

They spent the remainder of the trip, making plans. Harry was leaving his apartment and moving to the manor with Draco. He was also going to quit his job and run the accounting department for Malfoy Industries.

Draco tried to tell him that he would have to get rid of Bruno, but Harry gave him big puppy dog eyes until he relented.

“I already can’t stand it when you do that, Harry. You make me weak in the knees when you look at me like that.”

Harry grinned. “Good. If I’m going to be groveling on a regular basis, I need a tool to at least keep it from being two or three times a day.”

Before they knew it, the ship was docking and they were waiting in the cue to disembark with the other passengers.

As they were standing there, Draco hit his head with the palm of his hand. “Blast, Harry, I forgot something. You go on, I’ll meet you on shore.”

Harry kissed him quickly. “I’ll be waiting.”

Harry exited the ship and was met with a smiling Ron and a very sheepish looking Hermione. He looked at Ron and shook his hand with a smile. “Good to see ya mate. I hope Bruno didn’t eat Crookshanks.”

“No, Crookshanks let him know the first day who the boss was. Bruno runs and hides when Crookshanks walks in.

Harry turned and looked at Hermione who was staring at anything but Harry. “Hermione.”

She blushed. “Um, Harry?”

“Hermione, this was a gay cruise.”

“Yeah, well about that. Um, well, you see, I didn’t know until after we disembarked.”

Harry let Hermione stammer for a while. He turned and saw Draco coming down the gangplank and smiled. When Draco reached the small group, he put a familiar arm around his lover.

Harry looked at his gobsmacked friends. “Well, Hermione, I have a gift for you. I’m not going to kill you.” His eyes were twinkling as he looked at the two Weasleys

Draco nodded politely to them. “Granger, Weasley. You ready to go, love?”

Harry looked up at him and smiled. “In a moment. Hermione…”

Her eyes darted from her friend to Draco Malfoy and back again. “Um, Yes, Harry?”

“While I get settled in at the manor, you get to keep Bruno. See you both later.”

They walked off with their arms around each other. Draco leaned over and whispered in his ear. “You enjoyed that entirely too much, you know.”

“Yes, I know.”