Draco thought it was the worst idea ever. They had only just filed their respective divorce papers. They were effectively in their honeymoon period. The last thing he wanted to do was sit down to dinner with a blood traitor and a Mudblood.

No, no. He absolutely had to stop thinking that way. Thank goodness he never said that sort of thing aloud at home where Scorpius could hear it. Not any more. Of course his father still spouted that philosophy, but Draco had been careful to debrief his son when he spent too much time with Grandpapa.

Harry, of course, thought it was a marvelous idea and had penned a reply to them at once, fixing the day on Thursday, which was tonight.

Draco paced in front of his wardrobe. What to wear. He had to look good but not overdress. Definitely had to outdo the Weasel so he'd make him feel inadequate-What was he thinking? Anything he wore would do that!

Harry was actually humming. The man was happy. Well, of course he was! Hadn't they had the best week ever? Sleeping with Harry every night and waking to him every morning was the most amazing thing Draco had ever experienced. He didn't know how he'd ever gotten along without it all this time. To simply hear Harry breathing beside him, the bed warm and cozy from his presence was priceless. When Harry was in the shower, one of Draco's guilty pleasures was to grab Harry's pillow and sink his nose into it, smelling his scent.

Of course, they would separate during the day to go to their own offices to work, but just sitting in his office, Draco would daydream of Harry, of touching him, of Harry's smiles and his laugh. And he would glance at the clock and realize an hour had passed.

Oh yes. Draco had it bad. But did he care? He was getting shagged daily and was learning quite a lot about the fine art of cuddling.

"What's gotten into you?" his co-worker, Philips, had asked that morning. He was a stately wizard, upper crust like the Malfoys but never entangled in Pureblood problems. Draco liked him in an abstract way but it was never a share-a-pint-after-work sort of relationship.

"What do you mean?"

"Well. Look at you. You're just about walking two feet off the floor. I've never seen you...um...well...happy, I guess."

What had gotten into him? Draco blushed at the thought.

"Oh. That's right. Must be that Potter bloke. Gay life seems to suit you, Malfoy."

Draco couldn't help sneering at him. "Whatever private schooling you had, Philips, it obviously didn't include training in class."

Philips laughed. "No, indeed. But I still say you're much more pleasant to be around. I'll have to congratulate Potter if and when I see him."

But Draco thought about his comments for the rest of the day. Was he really different? He felt different. He did feel happier. Even Scorpius seemed to loosen up a bit if his letters were any indication. Probably that Albus Potter's influence.

But now that he was dressed and ready to go to the Weasleys, he felt uneasy again.

Harry stood in the bathroom trying to brush his hair. All these years Draco just thought Potter didn't care about his appearance, but now he saw that Harry was fighting a losing battle with a genetic magical problem. It actually looked quite sexy on him. Draco never minded the messy hair anymore.

"Potter, give it up as a bad job, would you, and come on!"

Harry sighed into the mirror and put the brush down. "I know. I never stop trying, though."

They stepped into the Floo together and popped into an ordinary sitting room in a modest and clean house. Draco Scourgified his robes and looked around. Everywhere he looked there were photographs of ginger-haired people. He shuddered inwardly. Weasleys!

"Ron! Hermione! We're here!"

Someone was thundering down the stairs and tore around the corner. Hugo Weasley leapt into Harry's arms and Harry nearly fell, laughing. He spoke to Harry all in a rush. "Uncle Harry! I'm glad to see you but I'm not staying. Teddy is coming to take me to dinner! It will be a very grown-up evening, so he said."

"I hope not that grown-up", Harry muttered.

"He's taking me to a restaurant and then we're going to the Muggle cinema! I can't wait!"

Hermione came around the corner at that moment and smiled indulgently at her youngest. "Hugo. Give Uncle Harry a chance to breathe. Did you say hello to our other guest?"

Hugo climbed down from Harry and seemed to notice Draco for the first time. The boy examined him a little like Granger used to look at books.

"Hullo," he said, standing slightly behind Harry.

Draco decided to try maturity. He stretched out his hand. "I am pleased to meet you. My name is Draco Malfoy."

Hugo looked first at Harry, who urged him forward, and then up at Draco. He edged forward, quickly took his hand and released it, claiming his spot behind Harry again.

Well. That was awkward.

"Come along, Hugo," said Hermione, shooing him out of the room. "Get your coat. Teddy will be here any minute."

He scampered away and Hermione smiled at the both of them. "I thought it would be better if it was just us tonight." She approached Draco and for a moment he thought she might kiss him or something. "May I take your cloak, Draco? Please. Make yourself at home. I'm so glad you could come."

Okay. So things had changed in nineteen years. He shrugged off his cloak and allowed her to take it. She kissed Harry on the cheek as she took his and retreated to a coat rack and hung them both on pegs.

By then Teddy arrived in the Floo and he slapped Draco on the back again. "Hey, old Slytherin. How goes it? Hugo ready?"

"I'm here, Teddy!" Hugo bounded into the room and gave Teddy Lupin a hug. "Can we go now?"

"Right! Let's get this evening extravaganza underway!" He rubbed his hands together. "Goodnight, parents! Goodnight, Goddaddys!" And they were off into the Floo.

Draco fumed. He was not that bloody were-wolf's godfather!

"I think we can use some drinks," said Hermione.

She served wine and just as they were sitting down, Weasley finally arrived.

"Sorry I'm late. Couldn't get out of the shop. George was trying to make me test something and you know how that can get." He took his glass from Hermione, sat with a huff, and then glared at Draco. "So. We're here tonight to clear the air."

"I wasn't aware," said Draco, speaking for the first time to them, "that the air needed clearing."

"Well, it's all been quite a shock, hasn't it?" said Hermione. "We just want the two of you to know that we have no hard feelings for anyone. I mean, you have to admit, Draco, that we all didn't get on in school."

"School was ages ago, Granger."

She smiled a self-satisfied smile. "But you've just made my point. I haven't been a 'Granger' in fifteen years."

Draco rolled his eyes. Point taken. "Okay. Sorry. Mrs. Weas-Oh bugger it. Her-hermione."

She was grinning like a fool now. But Weasley wasn't as easily cowed. "First names, is it? All right. I'll give it a go. Dra-co." He looked as if he had tasted something unpleasant.

"Don't bother, Weasley. It will be a cold day in hell when I call you 'Ron'."

"Right!" He shot up from his chair and went to fetch more wine.

"Draco," Harry whispered. "Be good!"

Draco slumped. This night was going to be interminable.

"How's Ginny?" asked Harry, turning to Hermione.

She nodded. "She's doing all right. I know she cries a lot. But she'll get over it, Harry. I know she will. Lily is her strength and Teddy is there all the time."

Harry heaved a sigh. Without thinking about where they were, Draco reached over and clutched his hand. When he realized they had an audience, he quickly let him go. He glanced at Granger, who was looking at him with a tender expression. Merlin's beard!

Weasley returned and refilled everyone's wine glass. Why he didn't do it with magic, Draco would never understand.

"It's good to see you two," said Harry. And Draco realized for the first time how important Harry's friends were to him. He had sacrificed it all to be with Draco. He had no idea if his friends would still be his friends after this. Draco was certain he wasn't capable of that much bravery. Good thing he really had no friends to speak of.

"You, too, mate," said Weasley and his lifted his glass to him. "Did Hermione get you up to snuff on Ginny? Yeah, it's rough. But I don't see that waiting would have made things any easier. And I heard about James and Albus. We'll do whatever we can."

Harry shrugged. "What can one do? He's in adolescence and just discovering his own sexual self, I imagine. This is a big blow."

Hermione leaned forward. "Harry, I've been reading up on that."

Draco smirked. Some things never changed.

"And it will take time for James to adjust. Try not to take what he might say to you to heart. He needs to lash out right now. As you said, he is finding his own identity. It's been tough enough being the child of a celebrity. Now the publicity is none too kind."

"But it hurts just the same, Hermione. I love those kids."

"And they love you, Harry."

"But enough about this," said Weasley. "I want to know how life with the Ferret is like."

Hermione elbowed him. "Ron!"

"That's all right, Gr-We-Bugger it. Hermione! Let's just owe it all to friendly banter."

"That's very mature of you, Draco," she said, eyeing Ron meaningfully.

"Malfoy knows I didn't mean anything by it. Much." He grinned. "So is it the life of luxury? House-elves and all?"

Hermione gave Ron an especial sneer at that.

"Er...." Harry looked from one to the other. "Well, Draco does have house-elves."

"Harry!"

"Hermione. I can't help what he has. It's his house."

"Correction, Potter. It's our house."

"What?"

"I had Wynn draw up the papers. It's actually in both our names now."

Harry turned the sweetest expression toward him. "You did? That was lovely of you."

He straightened his robes. "I'm a very lovely man."

And then Harry leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"Here now!" said Ron, wincing. "We didn't need to see that!"

Hermione was looking at them as if they were fuzzy puppies. "Actually, I think we did."

Ron looked a bit sheepish. "I guess 'Mione's right. Truth be told, Harry. I haven't seen you this happy in years. I'm only sorry it couldn't have lasted with my sister like that."

"Me, too, Ron."

Hermione wiped at her eye. "Dinner is ready," she said, rising.

They filed into their tiny dining room and Draco sat where they put him. He was desperately trying to think of conversation topics that they could all discuss. He really didn't want to dwell tonight on Harry's former marriage but it looked like that's what they all intended to do.

Strangely, it was Hermione who saved the day by bringing up other noteworthy issues in the Wizarding world and listening politely to Draco's views, commenting on them and opening a full-blown discussion between the four of them.

Draco hated to admit it, but he was having a good time.

And then all hell broke loose when the Floo exploded.

* * *

Harry reeled back. His first instinct was to protect Draco. But when he recognized Mr. and Mrs. Weasley he let his guard down. But when Molly opened her mouth he realized he should have left it up.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER! I want a word with you!"

"Now, Molly," said Arthur, obviously trying to control her.

She shook off her husband's grip. And it was then that Harry saw that she had her wand in her hand.

Draco was suddenly in front of him.

"Mum! Bloody hell!"

"Mrs. Weasley!" cried Hermione.

She glared at Draco as if all her suspicions were finally confirmed. "So I see. And you, Ron and Hermione. Complicit in this? You approve of Harry's behaviour? Leaving his wife and children for this disgusting relationship with Malfoy?"

Harry gently pushed Draco aside. He was grateful that the man wanted to protect him, but ultimately he would have to face this alone. Just as he had faced every other terror of his life alone.

"Mrs. Weasley," he began, trying to calm her by the gentle timbre of his voice.

"Don't you 'Mrs. Weasley' me! I want you to answer me. Ginny is devastated and your children are running amok at Hogwarts. Your selfishness is destroying your family!"

"Molly!" It was Arthur this time who stepped in front of her. "Are you mad? This is our Harry you're talking about. Let us all just sit down like civilized people and discuss it."

"Not while he's here." She pointed a finger at Draco who reddened at the sudden attention.

"Mrs. Weasley, I am certainly not going to ask a guest to leave-"

Hermione. The bravest woman he knew. She was a match for Molly any day.

But it was Draco who surprised him. "I think it best I go," he told Hermione.

Harry grabbed his arm. "No, Draco-"

"This is family business. You don't need me here."

"But you're my family now, too."

He smiled. Harry could tell in his eyes he appreciated that sentiment. "Thank you for that. But I think it best I go for now. Hermione. R-ron. Thank you for a lovely evening. Goodnight."

Before Harry could stop him, he stepped into the Floo and was gone.

"Everyone come into the sitting room," said Hermione, and shooed them like a flock of geese.

They moved slowly into the lounge and Harry took a seat on the sofa flanked by Hermione and Ron. Molly and Arthur sat opposite in chairs.

"I don't understand this, Harry. You have always been welcomed into our home as another son. I never imagined that you were capable of this kind of disgraceful behaviour."

"First of all, Mum," Ron began. "Harry didn't know he was gay. But when he discovered it, he tried to make things right."

"That's not how Ginny tells it." Molly had a look of vicious triumph on her face. "She says that Harry had been cheating on her for some time and she finally confronted him with it."

Harry felt hot shame wash over him. His face was scarlet with heat. There was no denying this. He hadn't really thought it was any of their business but Ginny was no doubt hurting. Was there no end to the pain of all this?

"That's true," said Harry softly. "I didn't understand what was happening to me. I tried to stop it, but I couldn't. But as soon as she confronted me I immediately agreed to move out. It wasn't fair to her, my staying. It wasn't fair to me."

"But what about your children? Should they grow up without a father?"

"I promised to be there as much as possible. I can only do so much. I know James is having a rough time of it. I don't know what to do." The tears came again, and as much as he tried to suppress it he couldn't. He pushed his glasses off his face and wept into his hands.

No one said anything. Ron put his arm around him. And then the space where Ron sat emptied and was replaced by another warm body who took him into her soft arms. "Harry," said Molly, rocking him. "Oh, Harry. What's to be done?"

He shook his head. He didn't know. He had caused so much pain and suffering. What right did he have to chase happiness when it made everyone else so miserable? He should have just stayed. He should have done the brave thing and ignored these new feelings.

"No, you shouldn't have," said Molly. Had Harry said all that aloud? He realized he had, between sobs. "Hush, now. I said a lot of things out of anger and in love of my daughter. Surely you recognize that. You are such a good father to our grandchildren. And of course you have a right to happiness. I'm sorry you felt so unhappy."

"But I wasn't," he whimpered. "I love Ginny. I will always love Ginny."

"I know, dear. Just differently. Dear me, dear me. We just never expected this."

"Neither did I."

Harry looked up and saw tear tracks on Molly's face, but she was smiling at Harry. His heart felt lighter at that. He didn't want to lose the only family he had ever known. He hoped against hope it would be all right. And now it looked as if it might be. He glanced at Arthur who also had tears in his eyes. Ron was staring at his lap and Hermione was openly weeping.

"Look at us," said Harry. "We're a mess."

Molly actually chuckled at that. "Oh, dear. Hermione. Could you put some tea on?"

"Of course!" She jumped up. She waved her wand and tissues flew into the room, a small pile for each person. Harry grabbed at his and blew his nose.

They all soon had cups and saucers in their hands and Harry was trying to explain-while leaving out the more personal details-how much Draco had come to mean to him; how he was learning who he was; and why it seemed to have taken so long for him to discover this important aspect of his personality. He answered Molly's questions-as honestly as he could-about homosexuality and how it hadn't been a choice. He ended his talk with a soft, "I hope I'll still be welcomed to your house. You have all meant so very much to me. I don't want to lose the only family I've ever known."

Molly started blubbering again. "Of course not! Of course you're welcomed, Harry. We wouldn't dream of excluding you. You are like a son to us. Isn't he, Arthur?"

"Harry, my boy," said Arthur. "You are every bit a son to us. Don't mistake it. Ginny and the boys naturally come first, but how can we deny you?"

"You mean everything to me, too," said Harry.

"We'll all get used to it." He rose and touched Molly's shoulder. "I think we've taken up enough of these young people's time. Do give our apologies to Draco, Harry."

"Oh,yes!" said Molly contritely. "Tell him I'm sorry, Harry. We'll invite you both to tea. Or lunch. Or dinner. Anytime, really. You'll tell him?"

"Yes. I will."

She hugged him again and then went with Arthur to the Floo.

And then the Trio was alone again. They looked at each other. "Enough tea," said Ron. "I'm bringing out the Firewhiskey."

"I think that's an excellent idea, Ronald."

He eyed Hermione and cocked his head toward her in amusement, much like he had done the very first time they met her, barging her way into their compartment in the Hogwarts Express.

Ron poured three glasses and handed them out. "To the Trio!"

They drank it down, Hermione shivering at hers. But she took another when Ron offered.

"So here we are. It's been a long, strange trip."

Harry and Hermione laughed. Ron didn't get it.

* * *

Draco stared at the clock again. He tossed his book aside. There was no way he could concentrate on it. Harry was very late and he found he didn't like it. He was certain he'd be all right. The Weasel and Granger would see to that. But Draco wanted Harry home.

And then he heard the Floo whoosh downstairs and he waited anxiously for that thud up the steps.

The door opened and Harry came in and sat on the bed.

"How did it go?" asked Draco neutrally.

Harry nodded. "It was okay. Everyone forgave me. It's so exhausting going through it each time. But I think that's really the last people that I truly care about that need the full explanation." He fell back on the bed, fully clothed. Not usually how Draco liked to have Harry on the bed. "But they don't hate me and that's the important part."

"How could anyone ever hate you?" Draco leaned over and kissed his forehead.

"You used to."

"I was a fool."

"You were a wanker."

"Yes." He kissed Harry's lips, upside down.

Harry reached up and pulled Draco down. "But you're my lover now, aren't you?"

"And your true love. Gosh that sounds pathetic. Too girly."

Harry smiled. "True, though."

"Yes. Very true." He surrendered to Harry's kisses, languishing in soft, warm lips.

"It's almost unbearable how much I want you all the time. I was never this randy before."

"You never slept with a Malfoy before."

"That must be it. But why are you wearing this dressing gown?"

"Why are you wearing your clothes?"

Harry looked down at himself. "Oh. Forgot." Harry stripped as fast as he could. Draco watched Harry as he slowly peeled his dressing gown off. He lay back starkers against the pillows, amused as Harry wriggled about on the bed, trying to get his trousers down.

Harry finally tossed the last sock over the side and turned to Draco. Harry was already hard. That magnificent erection was always an extraordinary sight.

Harry got up on his knees and held his hefty cock in his hand. He was looking at Draco like he was pudding. Draco supposed he was. "Gonna fuck you, Malfoy."

Draco swallowed hard. "Yes."

Harry's eyes scoured over Draco's body. Draco positioned himself so that he was on display, but even though he had planned it, Harry's bold and naked appraisal made him blush.

"I want to do it face to face," said Harry.

Draco's eyes rounded and his dick throbbed. They'd seldom done it that way. They were still neophytes when it came to sex, even as often as they had it. They weren't aware of all the intricacies. But Draco could see that Harry was learning a few things. He wondered where he was getting his information. A stab of jealousy wriggled into his heart. But he knew that Harry would never see other men. He probably got a book. Hermione probably gave it to him.

"Come here, Malfoy." Harry grabbed his ankle and dragged him down the bed.

Harry Potter, caveman, he mused, growing more excited.

With his wand in hand, he incanted the lubricating charm and tossed the wand aside. He pushed Draco's thighs up to his chest, exposing not only his hole but his cock and balls as well. Draco felt squished and also a bit embarrassed, even though Harry had seen, tasted, sucked, and nibbled on all of his bits at one time or another.

Holding his thighs in place, Harry looked down at Draco. "I want to see your face when I'm fucking you. I want to see your face when I make you come."

Draco whimpered. Harry looked so powerful, so domineering. It excited the hell out of him. Draco was never submissive anywhere else in his life. How did Harry turn him into a pile of goo each time he took charge like this?

Pushed wide open, Draco waited anxiously for Harry to proceed. But Harry seemed to be relishing merely looking at Draco's arsehole. "Harry. Want you," he murmured.

A slow and tender smile spread on his lover's face. "Oh, I want you, too, sweetheart."

Sweetheart? Harry had never called him that before. It was always 'love' or 'lover' or 'Draco'. But Draco found he liked this new endearment. He felt himself melting for it.

Harry jutted his hips forward and sunk his cock into Draco's opened entrance. But Draco was hardly ever prepared to simply take all of Harry at once. That cock was so thick and taut that he had to concentrate and open himself. Harry pushed slowly forward, sinking in deeper with each small thrust.

When Harry was fully seated, they gazed at one another with a shared hungry expression. "Mine," whispered Harry.

"Yours," Draco mouthed. He was so full of emotion-and Harry's considerable cock-that he was unable to speak.

His arsehole clenched around that remarkable organ and the sensation of fullness was almost overwhelming, especially since Harry slid over that nerve bundle inside Draco when he stopped at last. But then Harry began to move, taking his time with languid thrusts and keeping his eyes glued to Draco's face the whole time.

Draco rocked back, taking in as much of Harry's cock as he could. He wasn't able to move much in his present position, but it did make Harry hit that spot over and over. His own cock was quivering, and then Harry reached down and closed his fist over it.

Harry began to pump his cock and it was almost more sensation than Draco could bear. The fullness in his arse, the squeezing and stroking of his penis, his bollocks sliding against Harry's wiry pubic hair-in no time Draco was coming, screaming his pleasure to the rafters.

He looked up at Harry, whose concentrated expression and furious thrusting told Draco he was close. Draco clamped down deliberately on Harry's dick and Harry's eyes widened before he threw back his head and came like a storm. His hips snapped into Draco's arse hard and he keened his pleasure, pumping into him until his motions slowed and finally came to a halt. He panted and dropped his head. His black fringe hid his face as he breathed. He was still deeply imbedded into Draco and it began to hurt, but in the bent double position Draco was in, he could hardly protest.

When Harry didn't look like he had any intention of moving, Draco prodded him. "Look, Harry. I'm not as limber as I used to be."

Harry snapped up his head and looked down at him. "Oh. Sorry." He pulled out and his release dribbled from Draco. That was Draco's second favorite part.

Draco unwound and flattened his back against the bed. "That was intense, Harry. Fucking fantastic."

"Yeah. I like to see your face when you come."

Draco smiled and closed his eyes, nuzzling into the thatch of hair on Harry's chest. It just couldn't get better-

A tapping on their casement. Draco looked up and cursed. Of course something had to interrupt when he'd had the best fuck of his life.

Harry rushed to the window and opened it for the owl. The owl stuck out his leg and Harry took the note. The owl flew off as Harry read, but then he dropped the paper and sank to the bed, his face devoid of colour.

Draco snatched up the missive and immediately noticed the arms of Hogwarts at the top.


My dear Mr. Potter,
     I regret to inform you that expulsion proceedings against James Potter have been ordered. James Potter was discovered in the restricted section of the library this evening looking for reverse love spells. It is our understanding that he was looking for a spell to break you and Mr. Malfoy apart. These are very dangerous curses and as close to Unforgivables as they come.
     I am very sorry about this, Harry, but it is now out of my hands. The Board of Governors will meet tomorrow morning at Hogwarts and you are strongly urged to attend. I might advise that you do not bring Mr. Malfoy with you.
Regrets,
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

* * *

Harry didn't sleep a wink all night. Draco had tried to comfort him but there was nothing for it. He had a lot of thinking to do. His priority had to be his children and he had given them precious little priority in the last few weeks. It had all been about Harry and what he believed were his needs. Well, no more. His children's futures were at stake. If Harry couldn't convince the board to keep James in Hogwarts then they would have to arrange some sort of tutoring, which was bound to be expensive. Not that they couldn't afford it, but the experience was bound to affect James even more than Harry's coming out had. He couldn't have that. He was not going to be responsible for James losing this chance.

When Draco fell asleep, Harry rose as quietly as he could. He showered quickly and dressed. Standing in front of the wardrobe, he looked for a long time at the both of their clothes hanging there. He looked back at the bed and at his sleeping companion. Draco was so buried under the covers that only the top of his blond hair stuck out. He breathed deeply in exhausted sleep. Harry's heart ached with longing. He longed to rush back to the bed and jump in, enclosing himself in the man's arms, to forget everything. He longed for everything to be easy, for decisions to be made for him instead of his having to make these tough choices.

But in the end, Harry knew what he had to do.

As he strode down the stairs he patted the small bundle that was shrunk and stuffed into his pocket.

Behind him in the room he shared with Draco, the empty hangers where his clothes had been, swayed with a draught.


On to Chapter Eight
"Decisions"

Back to Chapter Six
"Breaking Down and Building Up"

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