A/N
This is NOT following the lines of the book (since when did any of my AUs?). This is quite a long imagine which is why it took so long (I apologise).
By the way, if you see one of these ~ it means that there's a time skip going on which takes us to a DIFFERENT day. If you see five of these like this *****, it means that there is also a time skip going on. However, this time skip is a shorter time skip, leading to later on the SAME day. Sorry for any confusion. It wasn't really needed but just incase. Thanks anyway.
-
"Hagrid?"
Harry was left alone. After trailing up and down the platform, he walked to a man standing near platform nine.
"Excuse me, sir? Can you show me where platform nine and three quaters is, please?" He asked quietly, but loud enough to be heard.
Potter was suprised when the man furrowed his eyebrows in anger.
"Are you having a joke, kid? There aint no platform nine and three quaters!"
Harry Potter, feeling a bit fearful, stepped back, when he bumped into someone else.
"S-sorry! I swear, I didn't mean-"
"Oh, it's alright, dear." He heard, "Hogwarts, too?"
Potter turned around to see a woman, a gentle smile on her face standing beside a man with blond hair and a soft expression. There was a little boy inbetween them, looking about his age with stunningly white blond hair and silver-blue eyes. It seemed to be their son.
He shot an amazing grin, followed by a wink.
"Er, hello?"
The woman was glancing at him and his trolly uncertainly.
"Yes, Hogwarts. S-so sorry to irritate-"
"No, not at all!" The man laughed, patting his shoulder with a strong hand, "It's Draco's first year too."
"Quickly now, five minutes to go!" Narcissa hurried them towards the wall, "Now, boys, all you have to do is run at this wall, straight in between platfrom nine and ten. Make sure no muggles see you. Now quickly, go together. Me and father will be right behind you both!"
Harry gulped.
"Don't worry, I'm scared too." The little boy whispered, "On the count of three?"
Potter nodded.
"One... Two... Three!" They both ran through the wall, and appeared infront of a scarlet steam train.
They gasped in awe.
"Now, come along!" They heard and realised that Malfoys parents had joined them.
~
As Draco helped Harry board with his trunk, they waved goodbye and Potter bid the parents a thank you before sitting in a compartment. The blond joined.
"Hello, I'm Draco Malfoy, by the way." He smiled, "That was my parents, Lucius and Narcissa. And your name is...?" He held out a hand which Potter shook.
"Harry Potter."
The black haired boy was shocked when the other pulled back with wide eyes.
"You're joking... Can I see your scar?"
"Which? Oh-oh, this?" He separated his fringe to show his forehead and the other beamed.
"Woah! Can I...?"
"Huh? Oh, sure."
His new friend slipped beside him a carefully ran a finger over it, making the other tremble.
"Sorry, I-"
"Oh, don't apologise. It's fine."
"That's really amazing, y'know, how you managed to survive..."
"Th-thanks." He grinned, feeling himself blush as he avoided eye contact.
~
"Harry Potter."
Harry gulped and stood up to thhe sorting hat, glancing longingly at his new friend who was staring back hopefully from his Slytherin seat. As it touched his head, it began a silent debate with itself.
"Hmmm... Very brave. Determined, yet wise-"
"Please Slytherin... please..." He mumbled.
"Slytherin? Well, alright. Gryffindor house will help you achieve wonderful things, but this house will lead you to your fate. SLYTHERIN!" The hat announced.
Potter bounced off the stool, walking quickly towards Malfoy. Nobody clapped. Slytherins glared at him.
'Harry Potter is a snake?' They all asked.
Draco, noticing a tear slip from the others unsure gaze, began a standing ovation.
"WOO!" He cheered. The others reluctantly followed his actions. Potter smiled to himself, but before taking a seat, was met by warm arms.
"They can be rude at times, can't they?" Draco laughed in his ear.
Potter was rigid in his grip, "S-sorry, did I hurt you?"
They both sat down as the sorting finished.
"N-no. I've just never been hugged before."
"What?" He raised his eyebrows, "Why not?"
He shrugged.
"Doesn't matter. Thank you, though. It was brilliant."
Draco widened his eyes and raised his eyebrows, however a flush of red appeared on his cheeks anyway.
"D-dont worry about it." He muttered sheepishly, "Anytime..."
~~
It was christmas holidays in a week? and after such an amazing time with Draco, he didn't want the other to leave him alone for christmas. But he didn't tell him that. The boy deserved to be with his parents.
As he watched Malfoy pack his trunk, leaving out clothes he'd need for the next few days at Hogwarts, an owl flew through the Slytherin boys dorm window. Draco's, to be precise.
As she dropped a letter on his bed, the blond smiled, stroking his pet before wripping open the letter.
He had a big grin on his face as he read through it, and then handed it to Harry without a word.
Confused as he was, he read it aloud.
Dear Draco,
Thank you for asking. It'll be lovely to have some more company this year, and you could do with it, so feel free to bring that new friend of yours home. What is his name, by the way?
Anyway, lots of love, and of course the boy can come along. Why did you even bother asking? You're always complaining about how lonely it is. You also said he didn't have any parents and had never experienced a hug before; how terrible! I hope he's free over christmas and doesn't mind!
Hugs and kisses,
Mother.
Potter gasped.
"You-you-"
"I sent an owl to my mother asking whether you could attend Malfoy Manor. I hope you don't mind, I just didn't like the thought of you being lonely this christmas..."
Harry looked up at him fondly. It was clear that he was shocked, but obvious that he was grateful, too.
"Draco!"
The blond was attacked and pushed onto the bed as he laughed, struggling under Potters grip who was giggling and hugging the other.
"Thank you."
"Don't worry." He grinned, hugging the other back.
They lay there for a few moments, just hugging.
"Guys- What are you doing?"
They jumped back at the voice of their doormate.
"N-nothing." Harry stuttered.
Draco brushed himself off.
"Mhm. Well, when you're finished flirting-"
"We're friends!" Malfoy snapped.
"Of course you are."
~
As Harry got off the train, Narcissa immediately cuddled them both as Lucius grabbed the luggage.
"Oh, you brought him!" She announced proudly, "You've brought your new friend!"
"Mother, don't embarress me." Malfoy begged.
Potter chuckled and, as he was let lose from the mothers grip, immediately wrapped his arms around the other childs neck, nearly falling on him. Draco laughed and buried his face into his shoulder, arms around the boy's waist.
They stood like that for a few minutes, just smiling and giggling now and again.
"Aw, right, should we go home then, kids?" Narcissa smiled, and even Lucius cracked a genuine grin.
"Y-yeah." Potter pulled away and blushed. Malfoy smirked and pushed the others glasses onto his face properly.
The boy swatted his hands away and Lucius bent down to his level.
"What is your name, child?"
"I-"
"He's Harry James Potter." Draco stated proudly.
"Don't interrupt, Draco! He can answer for himself." Narcissa furrowed her brows at her son, who realised Harry frowning and shaking a bit. Had he just gotten himself a holiday with another family like the Durlseys?
But he was with Draco. He'd be fine.
He noticed that the blond had slippwd his fingers through his own, squeezing his hand reassuringly.
"Harry Potter, you say?" Lucius leant down and carefully moved his fringe. He smirked when he saw the scar.
Meanwhile Narcissa placed a gentle kiss on the lightning bolt, making the little boy chuckle.
"Mum, he doesn't like that." Malfoy swatted her away and Harry laughed.
"No need to be jealous, Drake. Thank you, ma'am-"
"Narcissa, honey." She laughed.
"N-Narcissa."
"That's right."
They reached the house after apparating, and Harry had never saw something so big and spectacular before.
"Woah, this-this is amazing!" He smiled.
"Thank you, boy! You can visit anytime you wish, though, of course." The father moved to pat his back, but Potter flinched due to the fast movement.
"Sorry, did I hurt you?" He asked.
Harry shook his head."N-no. It's alright."
The mother, despite hearing her sons pleading attempts to leave Harry alone, had bent down to Potter and squinted into his eyes.
"Never had a hug, and flinching due to fast movement... Have you been abused, dear?"
The black haired boy looked over at his fellow Slytherin buddy for help, however noticed he was looking at him with sadness, a hint of anger and a horrified expression aswell.
"Y-yes..."
"Who? Who did it?" Draco demanded.
"My uncle and aunt, but it's fine, really. I deserve it-"
"You do not!"
He cowered back at Lucius' yell, latching onto his friends arm in fright, before realising and letting go.
"Sorry, I-I just-"
"No child deserves that, child. No worries. You can stay with us from now on."
"He can?!" Malfoy grinned, jumping up and down in excitement, "Thanks mum- wait, Harry, why didn't you tell me?"
Potter gulped and looked at his feet, feeling a tear trickle down his cheek. Would this be the end of their friendship? He had always feared this fateful moment when he told his best friend he had scars and bruises everywhere.
"Are you crying?" Narcissa asked, but was shoved out of the way by her son.
"Oh, it's okay, Harry! You're with us now and they'll never hurt you again. I promise."
At these words, the dark haired boy burst into tears right there.
"Sorry, I-"
"Stop apologising. It's all okay." The mother said softly as Lucius seemed to be planning ways to slice up the muggles and smoothie them.
"Here, I'll take you up to my room. It's just like our dorm with an extra bed. It'll be great! I have tissues up there, too, just er- uh, incase you need them."
He was lead upstairs and he was shown his bed. He wiped his nose on his sleeve.
"Draco, I'm fine with a cupboard-"
"Sorry? Is that what those muggles made you sleep in?"
"Enough room-"
"Ugh! You wait. When we're older I'll kill them all-"
"P-pl-please don't."
The blond glanced over at the other and calmed down immediately.
"Alright. But you're living with us now, okay?"
"Thank you." He croaked.
Malfoy smiled and gently wrestled him onto the others bed, laughing as it ended with a big hug again.
~
Three days later it was christmas eve night and Harry had managed to hide in the toilets every time he changed. However, he forgot this time, as he lay in his bed, tired.
"Potter, get changed!" Draco spoke.
"Why?"
"It's bed time."
"Fine." He pulled himself up, throwing off his top as he journied to the bathroom.
"Harry!"
He turned around at the gasp, tiredly rubbing his neck.
"What?"
"Your body..." The black haired boy looked down, and jumped when he saw all the familiar scars and bruises laying there, "Did Voldemort do that?"
"Doesn't matter." He mumbled, turning around as he stood on the verge of tears.
"Yes, it does."
Before he could make a swift escape, Draco grabbed his wrist softly.
"Draco-"
"You can tell me. I care. I won't leave you, you know."
Harry felt water drip down his cheek.
"It doesn't matter, does it? I'm with you lot now." He replied, staring at his feet.
"It still matters. Potty, those muggles... Did they-"
"Please, I don't want to talk about it-"
"Then don't. Just don't be afraid to tell me if anything is too much. If anyone hurts you-"
"I can stand up for myself!" He snapped.
"I know! I'm trying to be nice! You're my best friend, do you really think I want to lose you?! But you never listen!"
"I'm sorry, I just don't want to talk about my body." He shrugged, wiping his eyes and going into the toilet.
After washing his face and changing, he walked out again. Draco had fallen asleep because it was ten o'clock, however there was a little note on his bed. He slowly pulled himself towards the bed, when he heard footsteps approaching. He somehow managed to trip on Dudleys old, long passed down pajama leg, causing him to fall on Draco, who quietly yelped and huffed, sleepily shaking him off.
"Harry." He hissed, turning around and pulling him into the bed. He wrapped his arms around him, eyes still shut as he buried his face into the others shoulder. Potter squeaked as someone opened the door and hid his face in the others hair in fright.
What did they do wrong? Why was somebody coming to hurt them?
He was more than shocked to hear a small chuckle and a man voice saying "Goodnight, my boys."
The door closed again.
Harry breathed in relief and tried to break away, but it was no use. Draco was already asleep.
Christmas the next day was fun, and they both recieved amazing gifts. The Malfoys were shocked to see Harry cry about recieving a card when he hadn't even noticed the presents yet, and the small blond immediately retrieved some ice cream from the freezer, despite his mother arguing about waiting until after dinner.
Draco had sat beside Potter, watching him eat the ice cream as he cuddled up close to his best friend, considering it was freezing.
~
"Draco!" The other whispered, shaking him awake.
"What, Harry?" He yawned.
They'd all been living together for five years. It was sixth year christmas holidays. Right now it was midnight.
"Can I get in with you again?"
Generally they both had nightmares (as they had found out) and they either woke up screaming or woke up and didn't go back to sleep. To solve this, they had both decided to be the others company during the nightmares and hold them close to make sure it was a safe rest of the night. However, they didn't always sleep together because some nights the nightmares wouldn't faze them enough to wake them up or they'd simply not appear at all.
They both decided to go for the safer option though.
"Hm? Yeah, come here then."
The sixteen year old moved up, making room for his best friend. The boy yawned and rested beside him, once again taking off his glasses which were on after the nightmare to see if he had waken Draco.
"Thank you." He whispered, cuddling close to the shirtless blond who chuckled. Around third year, they began to sleep shirtless so Draco was used to Harry's beaten up body. Of course they never tried anything whilst they slept together and didn't mind, no matter how peculiar it would be classed as, because they were only friends. Best friends.
"Just go to sleep."
"Sorry to wake you. Goodnight."
"Night, and in the morning, we're talking about what it was about."
The Slytherin Malfoy lay an arm over the other, pulling him closer to his side as he dug his face into the others hair. Harrys legs were swung around the others waist, arms around his chest from the side. They always loved to cuddle, it was seemed to be relaxing.
Harry woke up to a loud snoring in his ear. It always seemed to wake him up, but it also made him feel warm inside and reassured, just knowing the other was still there.
Pulling on his glasses and checking the time, it was ten AM, so after flopping himself back onto Malfoy for a minute or two, he woke him up.
"Drake, wake up." He yawned.
"No." The blond grabbed the other by the hips, pulling him closer.
"Dray!"
They laughed, just laying ontop of one another for a few moments.
"Alright, come on-"
"No, Harry. Sit with me and wait. What was that dream about?"
"Same old, same old. Voldemort taking you. The usual." He shrugged, snuggling closer up to his best friend. The other Slytherin tutted, pecking his cheek softly in a friendly manner.
"Then how do you get scared each time?"
"You can lose your best friend over and over again, but it'll never become less frightening."
"Aw." He cooed, "Well I'm never leaving you. Ever." He yawned and buried his face into the others neck, ignoring the others pleads and complaints about the time.
Draco finally let go but not before rubbing his hand against his friends hair, attempting to mess it up, but it was already too messy for any more damage to be caused.
"Drake!" He giggled.
The blond laughed, getting up himself.
"Oh, Harry, my girlfriends coming over tomorrow-"
Potter let out an audiable groan.
"-So don't be rude." He finished as they made their beds with a flick of their wands. They both had come out to Narcissa and Lucius (who fully accepted and suggested a relationship between the two), Harry as gay and Draco as pansexual.
"Can't make any promises."
"Harry, don't be a dickhead." He warned.
"Fine, but I'm staying in my room then, so don't bring her near me. I hate that damn bitch."
"Don't call her that! You can't be so ignorant. Atleast say hello!"
"No! Don't bring her near me! Say I've died or something." He furrowed his brows as they both stopped dead, glaring at one another.
"Why do you hate her so much?"
"I don't trust her. And she always makes out with you infront of me and it's just..."
"Are you jealous?" He smirked.
"No! I just want you to make sure you know what you're dealing with. You've been dating this girl for a year and she's a complete demon! Everytime you walk out the room or hug me, she gives me this look... Like a really dirty look and I don't know, it's a bit scary. Just make sure you dont get yourself hurt, okay?"
Draco rolled his eyes.
"Stop being so rude to Tenisha. She's not a demon and you're over-exagerating. You did this last year aswell. You stayed up in your room all christmas and made my bunny cry-"
"SHE'S NOT A BUNNY." He stated through clenched teeth.
"You don't know what you're talking about! You're just jealous!"
"Are you accusing me of liking you?"
"It's obvious!" He snapped, "And then you pick on my girl because you know you never have a chance with me."
"Really?!" He pushed the other back forcefully so he fell onto the bed, "I don't like you! You think I want to have a chance with you? You said we should start sleeping together after a nightmare and you insisted on me living with you! Next time I have a nightmare, I'll sleep alone, and next time you have one, you can stay in your own fucking bed. I guess now the thought of Voldemort killing you isn't so scary."
Malfoy scowled at him as he stood up. He swiftly pushed past him and made his way down the stairs.
*****
"What do you want for breakfast?" Lucius asked to his now pratical son. He yelled at Harry just like he did at Draco, yet also watched movies and laughed with him. Narcissa did all of the motherly stuff, too with Potter. It made him feel like he had his own family, but one thing they all agreed to never do was to lay a hard hand on the boy, no matter what.
"A friend that cares about me." He muttered.
"No, I meant-"
"Don't worry, dad. He's just in a mood because he's jealous of my girlfriend." Draco hissed, standing up and taking his plate to the sink.
"No offence, but I don't like you in that way. Open your eyes."
"Can't. They're too busy on my girl's arse." He smirked. That set Harry off.
He stompes towards the other and slapped him, full force around the face. Malfoy gasped, before straightening himself up and raising his own hand.
"No, Drake!" Narcissa reminded. The blond hesitantly lowered his hand, rubbing his red cheek.
"No, go on. Let's see what you can do. I'm sure I can take it."
"Harry." Lucius raised his eyebrows.
"No, dad, he can take it." Their son spoke, slapping the other. It was clear his intention was to be quite soft, because it didn't hurt much. It just stung a little.
"Can't you hit harder than that?"
"Too busy using all of my energy on my bunny." He replied coolly.
Harry didn't even bother with breakfast after that. He just went back to bed and stayed up there all day, ocasionally falling asleep.
That night when Draco came in, Potter just stared at the opposite wall.
"You didn't eat all day today... I see my water's gone though."
No answer.
"Do you want any food?"
It's nine PM, the fuck do you mean 'do you want any food'?
He thought but didn't respond still.
"Oh, okay. Really? That's interesting." He hissed sarcastically, "And you don't have to worry about me and my girlfriend bothering you. She has her own little flat where I can spend christmas if you're gonna be so ignorant. I just wanted to be with who I thought was my best friend aswell as my other half, but whatever. I don't care."
He ignored him and buried his face into the pillow with a yawn.
"Well atleast I know you aren't dead."
He rolled his eyes and hugged his pillow closer.
"You're hugging a pillow?" He asked, as though it was a funny joke. Harry didn't reply.
"Fine. Me and Tenisha will spend christmas with her parents. I don't care. I'm going to have to know them anyway in the future when we get married."
"Shut up." He snapped, "I want to sleep."
"You do that then."
"Shut the fuck up and I'll be able to."
"Shit, I forgot the mention of me and my girlfriend upsets you." He spoke rudely.
"Well don't worry, I'll be gone soon. You'll never have to worry about me again. I'm looking for a house so I can stop ruining your lives." He muttered, fluttering his eyelids shut.
It was quiet for a few minutes and Potter was half asleep, until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He shrugged it off grumpily and yawned, but he was already being heaved over by Draco. The bed dent down, signalling that the blond had gotten in it.
"Harry..."
The black haired boy pulled the blankets over him more, snuggling up to his pillow once again and away from Malfoy.
"Please don't leave."
"Why do you care? Just go and fuck your girlfriend. You're good at that, considering all of your practise." He mumbled, trying to fall asleep desperately.
"I"ve never touched her like that."
"Course." He said in a disbelieving tone.
"I'm being serious. You're my best friend. Do you actually think I'd do any of that without asking for advice first?"
"Fuck off, you know for well I don't know anything about women." He stood up sleepily, but was pulled back into the bed. He slapped the others hand away and exited the bed, taking his pillow.
There was no spare rooms in the house, suprisingly, so he went-
"You're actually going downstairs? It's freezing down there!"
"It's peaceful."
"No, here. Stay here. I'll get back in my bed, promise."
He observed the other leave and tiredly flopped back onto his bed.
It was quiet for a long time, and Potter finally managed to get close to sleep.
"You'll always be my best friend, Potter."
That was the last thing he heard before he fell asleep.
~
Harry woke up to a loud noise.
His heart sunk and he quickly turned around. Luckily it did come from Draco, but the boy was okay. He had just tripped over.
"Fuck sake, Drake." He muttered, rubbing his eyes and gathering his glasses. The blond leapt to his feet with a grin.
"Merry christmas, Harry!"
"Ugh, bugger off. Wake me up next year." He yawned, running his hands through his hair.
"No, come on, puppy!" He laughed, holding his arms out.
"Go suck your girlfriends dick." He replied coolly.
"She doesn't have one..."
"Are you sure about that?"
"She has more balls than you, that's for sure!"
"Then go to her."
"But I don't want to."
"Why not?"
"Because I want to spend christmas with you, like I always do." He drew closer but Potter shook his head.
"I'm still not your friend."
"Yes, you are. You're my best friend, you liar." Draco frowned.
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"No."
"Ye-No." He corrected, "Glad we agree."
Then he turned back over, taking off his glasses once more.
The bed once again became lower. This time he didn't object as arms wrapped around his waist because he was too tired.
"Now, why don't you like my girlfriend?"
"She can't be trusted." He stated simply.
"Why not?" Malfoy questioned calmly.
"Shes going to hurt you real bad. Just looking at her you can tell she's got secrets hidden."
"Why do you think she'll hurt me?" He began to rub circles into the others upper leg, so not to scare him out of responding.
"Remember Drade? I told you he would hurt you... We were all best friends, although I felt like quite a tag along in third year. You and Drade did everything together. Then he went and betrayed you, didn't he? He spread rumours about you. I told you he isn't the type to be trusted. I have that sense when I'm around someone-"
"Drade's different. He was raised like a bitch." He hissed.
"Do you know how under appreciated I feel? I told you about Drade, you didn't believe me, it happened so you came running back to me-"
"I never left you-"
"I tagged along!" He snapped, "And then we became closer than ever. I was angry at him for making you ignore me for so long, and now you have this girl... I have that same sense of betrayal. It's just something about her. But you don't believe me! I don't see the point in trying. Have you even met her family?"
"Well, no, not yet." He placed his head on the others shoulder, so they were both staring at the same wall.
"What's her second name, because she looks like someone." There was suspicion in his voice, and he knew what he meant.
"Nichern..."
"That was Drade's second name! If they're siblings-"
"It wouldn't matter! I love her. Please accept that for me, especially on christmas."
Potter pulled away slightly.
"If only you understood. You love her, but you can't promise that she loves you as much as you do her."
"Oh shut up! You're just trying to trick me."
Harry glared at him.
"I care about you. Or I did, anyway, until it was clear that you don't trust me enough to take my advice."
"Which is, what again? Oh, yeah, to dump my girlfriend who I love and hasn't done anything wrong." He hissed coldly.
"Fine! Well go downstairs then and wish her a merry christmas from the devil, won't you? Or has she already dropped by to talk to him-"
"Harry!" He barked.
"Well, look at the time. It's probably eleven AM and she should be here by lunch, right? As she always unfortunately is."
"Well, come get food then."
"I'll live." He yawned.
Draco huffed.
"Look, please? If she does anything to you... Well, I won't let her. She won't anyway. Now please. It's christmas and I want to spend time with my best friend."
Harry sighed.
"Help me up then."
Malfoy pulled the shirtless boy up, and whilst Potter found some clothes, the blond was too busy trying to focus on the others hair.
"Hey, stay still- FUCK!"
"What?!" He asked, jumping a little so him and Malfoy accidently bashed heads.
"Ouch. Your damn hair won't stay down!"
"Fuck sake, I know that!" He snapped, rubbing his head and whining.
"Alright, sorry!" He hissed, "Pass me your top then."
"I can change myself."
"You do it slowly. Now come on, hurry!"
Harry groaned and passed the other his shirt, lifting his arms up.
Draco just observed him for a few moments, and when that became clear to Potter, he huffed and threw his arms by his side again.
"What?"
The blond blushed and shook his head with a small laugh.
"Draco, tell me."
"I don't know. I guess it's just fascinating watching you grow into a man. Well done." He looked at him approvingly.
"We're the same age!" The other mumbled in frustration.
"Yeah..." He shifted slightly, hugging the other, "You need to shave your armpits though. It's like a wild jungle under there."
Potter snorted.
"As if yours are-"
Before he finished, Malfoy had threw off his top with a truimphant smirk.
"Smooth." He ran fingers over his clear armpit.
The black haired man flushed a deep pink at this.
"Yeah well maybe I like my arms like this. It's keeps me warm. Hopefully it'll keep my future other half warm too." He crossed his arms miserably.
"Hm? What about that hair leading from my belly button?"
"What, this?" He pulled his trousers a little lower and pointed to it, "That leads to my dick. That'll hurt if I shave it, surely."
Malfoy chuckled. Him and Harry had obviously bumped into each other bare before and now thought nothing of it.
"So why were you staring?" He asked, raising his arms again.
"Because you've done well for yourself. Grown into a healthy man. I'm proud of you." He smiled, placing the shirt onto the other.
Harry blushed.
"Er-My trousers... C-can you pass them please?"
Draco grinned, feeling his own cheeks heat up as he did as he asked.
After Potter changed, he lead the other downstairs.
Suprisingly, his girlfriend was already here and embraced him in a tight hug.
"Merry christmas, babe." Malfoy smiled, "Remember Harry?"
"How could I forget?" She smiled, a sickly smile that was clearly forced.
"Harry, give Tenisha a hug-"
He burst out into fake coughter, shaking his head.
"Too ill," He breathed, "Wouldn't want her to catch anything."
Draco glared at him as Narcissa alled over his girl.
"Stop being so harsh." He whispered.
"Draco-"
"Draco, I promised my parents they'd see you today aswell-"
"Can Harry come?"
"No!" Tenisha and Harry snapped at the same time. Potter looked fairly impressed.
"Glad we agree." He spoke towards the girl who rolled her eyes.
"Why not?" Malfoy asked in confusion.
"A date is for two people, kitten. Not two people and one's best friend." The other Slytherin man stated.
"Kitten?!" She hissed, "That's my nickname fore you-"
"NO! No, no no no. Sorry girl, you've passed the line. Draco, don't tell me you've been allowing her to call you my pet name for you."
Draco bit his lip.
"Well, you see-"
"You have?! See what I mean by constantly making me tag along? Am I even important to you?"
"You're my best friend, Harry, you know that."
"Am I really? Then why can't you believe me when I say that your bitchy girlfriend is trying to steal you from me?"
Malfoy shook his head as Tenisha burst into tears (clearly fake).
"I expected better of you, honestly, Harry. I wish you were still the kid I used to know."
Potter started to splutter before stomping a foot on the ground, earning everyones attention.
"I'm not buying your act, Tenny. And you know what? I give up. Have him. Keep him. Before long I'll be away from you two and in peace, finally. Now, have a fucking merry chirstmas everybody!" He spoke through gritted teeth.
"Away from everybody?" Lucius asked in concern as Narcissa followed the other upstairs.
"He wants to move so he doesn't have to speak to me again." Draco informed .
"What did you do?"
"Exactly, what did I do?" He replied to his father, "Anyway, sorry about that, Tenisha. He can be a dick sometimes-"
"You're no better so stop saying such mean stuff about him and then wondering why he snaps at you." Lucius shot.
"Dad, I'm trying to talk with my girlfriend." He raised his eyebrows and the girl hugged her boyfriend.
"I'm not buying it either." The father whispered before turning and going back into the kitchen.
<>
"Harry?" Narcissa asked, cautiously following him into his room.
"Yes, mother?" He spoke coolly, however he was so close to snapping again.
"Why do you not like his girlfriend?"
"Have you met her?!"
"Shush, calm down."
"S-sorry, but she's so evil! She always tries to take him away and he's just pushing me to the side again. I just know there's something bad about her and I'm going to prove it to Draco, even if it means losing my best friend along the way."
The woman sighed and sat down.
"This girl isn't to my liking either, but she makes Drake happy. Don't you want that?"
He nodded his head as tears welled up in his eyes, "But I just thought that I was enough to make him happy myself."
"Harry, is there something you aren't telling me?" She raised her eyebrows.
"No. Why?"
"Oh, I don't know. I was just under the impression for a minute there that you had a crush on Dray."
"As if. He hates me now. Plus, I could never make him that happy! He clearly wants children in the future and I'm a man, aren't I? We're only friends, anyway..."
"You definately have a crush on him."
"N-no, I don't. Can I please just be alone?"
She huffed and nodded.
"Yes. I'm sending him straight in here when she leaves and you two will talk."
"No, I'll be sleeping."
"He'll wake you."
"I'll yell at him."
"And he'll regret waking you. Okay, so," She sighed, "Please talk to him about his girlfriend."
"I have. Multiple times. He doesn't care about me or my opinions. Plus it's his love life. I don't think I've got a soulmate. Either that or they're dead." He shrugged, "Anyway, I don't care anymore. I'm going to start viewing houses to buy."
"Harry, if you do come to the conclusion that you wish to move out, then please stay in touch. Draco needs you. I've saw how happy you two are together. First time you came home for christmas, me and Lucius hardly knew you. But Drake was all over you. Constantly hugging you, giving you ice cream when you cried. He used to even kiss your cheek now and again when you were hurt." She laughed softly, "We've never saw him so happy to protect someone. He needs you, and you need him, whether that be in a relationship or as friends."
Potter held back tears.
"He doesn't need me anymore. We're destroying each other."
"Isn't that the point?" She held one of his hands, "Love isn't easy. If it was easy, everybody would have someone by their side right now. If it destroys you, you clearly care about it way too much to let go. You just both have to promise not to hurt each other."
"He wouldn't ever hurt me." He smiled weakly, "All he's ever cared about is my health."
"Exactly."
"But now it's her. It's all her..."
<>
Draco wiped his eyes as he walked to his and Harry's room. It was seven at night, he had had a few drinks but not enough to send him insane, and Potter's snoring could be heard downstairs. Malfoy's shirt was ruffled and his hair was a mess from the fights he'd just had.
He sighed and glanced longingly at his best friend, who was shivering in his sleep. Without a second thought, he walked over and tucked him in with the blankets, leaving a soft kiss on his forehead.
"Goodnight, Harry." He whispered.
The black haired man, suprising the blond, turned over and kicked the blankets off with a huff, "But you're freezing."
Potter jumped up and looked around frantically, before finally pushing his glasses on his face with a yawn. The other noticed the tear stains around his eyes, matching his own.
"D-Draco? What time is it?"
"Seven. Go sleep."
"Why did you take so long to come home?" He looked like a lost puppy, making Draco smile.
"Doesn't matter, Harry-"
"Y-you're crying? Why?" He sat up and his chin wobbled, "A-ar-are you okay?"
The blond laughed gently.
"I'm alright." He confirmed, but the other burst into angry sobs anyway.
"Did she hurt you?!"
"Shush, shush, calm down." He threw off his jacket and sat beside the other, rubbing his bare feet to make them warmer, "We broke up."
"Why? What did she do?" Harry cuddled into the other and yawned, "On christmas aswell. Merry christmas, by the way."
"Yeah, m-merry christmas. She cheated on me." He chuckled and Potter gave him an alarmed look. It was the laugh that he knew to be Draco's cover up when he wanted to cry. Harry knew it very well, even though it had been a very long time since he'd saw the other cry.
"You can cry, it's okay. Do you want some ice cream?" He asked softly.
"No, no. I'm fine."
"You're not," he held the others hand firmly, "And it's good to admit it. Look at me," He sniffled and pulled the others head towards him to look into his eyes, "Tell me your problems, I can see the pain in your eyes. I'll chase them all away for you and I'll make it all okay. I promise."
Draco cried. He didn't stop. All these years, months, days had passed and he hadn't shed one tear. Hell it must have felt good to release it all.
He couldn't open his eyes, they were scrunched shut as he sobbed, slobber leaking from his mouth and his nose running. His head hung low, as though he didn't have the guts to meet eye contact with Harry. He looked a mess.
Potter dug through the draw on his bed side table and found tissues, which he pulled out.
"Look up." He held two fingers under the others chin and lifted it up, first scrubbing off the dripping saliva.
Draco whimpered in objection and tore his head away from the others hold so he was facing the other way.
"It's alright. I'm just going to clean you up."
"I-I'm sixteen!" He sobbed, his voice dry and more saliva flew, "I can do it myself!"
"It's alright. Have a good cry. Let me just clean your face so it's clean-"
"No!" He snapped, opening his eyes finally and getting up. He ran to the bathroom and cleansed his face, muttering the same words on repeat.
"Too old to cry... Too old to cry... I'm nearly an adult! I should have my life sorted out by now."
"Draco, come back to bed." Harry called. The tap turned off.
Soon Malfoy trailed out, his top off and tears still running down his cheeks, "You don't have to have your life sorted out by the age of twenty, you know. It takes time. Now, come here. No matter what happens, I'll always be there for you, okay? You have to trust me from now on."
"No," He laughed again, shaking his head, "No, it was my fault."
"What? No it's not-"
"Yes it is. No wonder she cheated on me. I still sleep with my best friend. I'd cheat on my ass too."
"Wh-what? No, you wouldn't. You'd never cheat and hurt someone else."
"Just go to sleep." He muttered, shaking his head and standing up.
"Aren't you going to join me?"
"We're growing men. Our bodies are changing. We're best friends, not boyfriends. You're going to have to deal with theae nightmares alone from now on."
Harry froze.
That idea had always scared him, but now it was reality, he didn't know what to feel.
Instead of replying, he swished his wand, cleaning his bed from any water that leaked from both boys eyes and turned around.
Draco's snores could be heard clearly through the night air.
Potter's head was pounding, his thoughts a muddle. He didn't even attempt sleep that night; everytime he did, the same dark, lurking feeling appeared and he knew instantly he was going to wake up from a nightmare again. So he just lay there, fighting his heavy eyelids to stay up.
In the dull morning, Draco wouldn't talk to him. It was though it was all Harry's fault.
"I'm s-sorry," He stumbled, "Ca-can you please talk to me again?"
Malfoy ignored.
"Draco?"
No reply.
"Can you atleast pass me the syrup, pl-please?" He knew the blond wasn't one to mess with when angry.
Draco threw the syrup bottle at Potter, who dodged it.
"What's your problem?!"
Scowling as though it was an acceptable response, Malfoy rose from his seat and, despite having heard his parents complaints, left the room.
"What's with him?" Lucius asked, raising an eyebrow ad he continued to eat.
"I don't know. He's being distant again and I think he blames me for his breakup-"
"Him and Tenisha broke up?!" The father questioned, sounding a little too excited.
"She-she cheated on him. And then some shit went down when he came home and now he's not talking to me but I didn't do anything wrong. He doesn't even let me sleep with him anymore when I have nightmares." He sighed, "Well, she achieved her goal. Finally tore my best friend away from me. Didn't think for it to possible," He scratches the back of his head, "Well I guess now I've experienced it with my own eyes."
He too left the room, walking upstairs. He bumped into Malfoy who seemed to be staring out of a window.
"Watch it, Potter." He sneered.
"Sorry." He muttered.
He turned around to carry on, but instead he froze.
"Actually, I'm not sorry." He faced the other, "And I'm not sorry that she broke up with you. She was bad for you, Draco. Maybe when you start to see that, you'll realise it had nothing to do with me. Hell, I'm the only person who's down for being loyal to you! I love you and care about you, and what do I get? Blamed."
"You what?" Malfoy somehow went even paler.
"I'm not repeating all of that-"
"Just repeat a little. You... what?"
"I? What do you mean? I... Oh! I said I love you and care about you... Why?"
"You... You love me?" He gained a pink shade on his cheeks, enlighting his face.
"Of course I do."
"You-you've never said that before." He grinned goofily.
"Well, is it not obvious?"
"Maybe." Draco hid his face into his sleeve, pretending to wipe something.
"I know you're blushing." Harry playfully rolled his eyes.
"Am not." He grumbled.
"Just please stay my best friend. I need you."
Malfoy raised his eyebrows, face still red as his eyes widened.
"You do?"
"Have I never said this before? Yes, dammit, yes I do."
The other smiled, looking all flustered as he stepped closer.
"Sorry for being a jerk..."
"Just hug me." He threw his arms around the others neck, shuffling closer to feel warmth in the large, cold house. His friend threw his arms around his waist, peppering little kisses all over the others cheeks.
One caught Harry's lip, and they both paused in that frame, not knowing what to do.
"S-Sorry-"
Harry pulled the others face towards his own, smashing his lips againt the other mans. Malfoy quickly kissed back, tugging at the black haired man's waist who had both hands pressed onto his cheeks. They broke away and just stared at each other, panting wildly.
"Damn, you're a hella good kisser." Drake breathed.
"This will sound lame but you're my first kiss... That was amazing."
"I think that's adorable." He smiled.
"Thank you, kitty. So are we a thing now, or...?"
"A thing? Uhm, only if you want to be, puppy." He smiled.
"I've always wanted to be, are you joking?"
"You have?"
"Yes. We've known one anothrr from the beginning. From the beginning, you made it your job to protect me. This is why I fucking love you so much. You care. Even when I was a lonely, abused little boy, you bothered. You tried. I love you for that."
Draco blushed, a tear rolling down his cheek.
"It's because I believe in love at first sight, you see. Not the type when you see someone for the first time and hope you spend the rest of your life with them... It's that look, that one glance, that makes you think... They're the one."
"No... No, you're a liar." Harry viciously broke away, "What about her? Why'd you date her then and ditch me for Drade? You're playing with my feelings again..."
"No, no, Harry, honestly-"
He was interupted by his friend leaving and storming towards the bathroom, "Harry, don't. You always run when we have something to discuss!"
"Well what should I do?!" He turned around andcrossed his arms, head hanging.
"Come here. Believe me. I've always wanted us to stay friends, and I thought that meant constantly sleeping together and little kisses on the cheek and hugs. But I was wrong; we weren't just acting as though we were best friends. We were acting as though we were together, which is why I've been distant since my break up. It's made me realise that we aren't.... We aren't just friends."
"Really?" He glared at him, "So if we weren't, or aren't just mates, then technically you've been playing me. You've lead me on."
"No, because I love you. I do."
"We'll never work out."
"I will make sure we do!" Draco was crying by this point, "No, I need you. I want you. Please don't walk away from me. Please don't do this."
Potter stood, frozen.
"F-fine. Does that mean we won't act different?"
"Clearly we'll stop looking for others," Malfoy smiled fondly at him, leaning in and placing a small yet sloppy kiss on his forehead, "But we can stay the same, if you wish."
"I do not know what I wish," He sighed admittedly, "However, I do know that I wish for you to be in my life."
"Then so be it. You're my boyfriend, finally after all this time."
A/N
Excuse any cringy spelling/ grammar errors and I'm sorry it took so long to put up for you guys but it took me forever to write and I've literally just decided to end it there and ffs that was so fucking long! Sorry guys xx