"You don't have to do this," Harry said, for what felt like the tenth time. He sighed and handed a wet plate to Draco when the blonde only stood in a patiently waiting pose; his hand open and ready for the plate. Draco gave every impression of a man willing to wait, in said pose, until he got what he wanted.
It was a little odd to find the hint of the arrogance he knew (and had come to expect in his youth) from Draco kind of reassuring. Even if it was about dishes, of all things. It somehow settled the idea the blonde wasn't just blindly wandering about, led by hormones and latent instincts. He'd be lying if he didn't find himself completely hating the warm, gooey looks as much as the smirks and lifted chin. Merlin help him...
Draco carefully dried the plate with a clean hand towel and slid it into the cabinet. "I know, but I want to help." Plus, he would feel awkward just sitting at the table and merely watching Harry putter around while he cleaned up. Even though it was tempting to just sit and watch Harry... The wizard's unconscious grace ( which was a pleasant surprise he hadn't expected, not after watching Harry bumble about often) made even chores mesmerizing to observe.
"Sure you do," Harry said and rolled his eyes once he looked away. He let the sink drain and turned to face Draco, perching a hip against the counter as he crossed his arms and looked at the blonde with a flat expression. "Dishes are boring."
Draco nodded and tossed the damp towel over his shoulder. "Yes, they are," he agreed, smiling a little. "But you do them, so—" He shrugged one shoulder, lifting his hand a little. He didn't know if his insistence to help truly annoyed Harry or not but he wasn't going to back off that easily. He was going to take any chance he got to spend time with Harry and interact with the man. Even if it meant doing dishes. Like a Muggle. Besides, Harry seemed more bemused than anything else.
"Gotta be done," Harry said plainly and lifted a hand as he shrugged one shoulder, unaware he was mirroring Draco's earlier gesture.
Draco chuckled, shaking his head a little. He didn't quite get Harry, but he didn't mind the manual labor as much as he thought he would. "You could easily just use magic and be done with it in seconds. Why is that?" he asked, watching Harry with an openly curious expression. He watched Harry's cheeks pink lightly, almost missing the sight when the man turned away and started fiddling with the kettle. Thankfully, Teddy was in bed so he didn't have to worry about interruptions. He stepped closer, cocking his head slightly.
"Actually—" Draco stepped closer. "I don't think I've seen you use magic at all tonight. But it's there," he murmured and pressed even closer, his eyes closing slowly as he felt the subtle, yet exciting, thrum of Harry's magic. Earlier, he'd had a moment of concern, fearing Harry's magic had somehow been exhausted or lost. It wouldn't have been a big surprise, not after the powerful blast he'd dealt You-Know-Who; Harry wouldn't have been the first wizard to have burned through his magical core past the point of regeneration. (Though, most wizards didn't survive the draining of their magic.) It would have explained why Harry went to live amongst Muggles, as well.
But, no—it was there; just as strong as he'd remembered, tingling along his nerve endings and making his mouth water. His own magic seemed to sing along with it and he nearly shuddered from the sensation. It's was... pleasurable. His hand hovered a few centimeters off of Harry's body, right over his lower back and hip, and he was mostly successful in repressing the next shiver that wanted to work through his entire body.
It was indescribably thrilling to be so close and to feel their magics intermingling subtly. He inhaled sharply; the sensation was nearly overwhelming. If he needed any further verification of Harry being his, this incredible feeling would be it. He opened his eyes, wondering if Harry felt anything. He didn't know how to read the odd expression on the other man's face but he didn't back away.
"I use magic. Just not all the time. I guess I'm just used to doing lots of things the Muggle way. I was raised that way, you know," Harry said in a babbled rush, his pulse reacting wildly to Draco's close proximity. The Veela was also causing his magic to pulse and spark just under his skin and various parts of his body tingle and warm in a very pleasant way. He never felt anything like that before and it was... odd. Pleasant (and bordering on erotic) but a completely new sensation. He idly wondered if it was due to Draco being a Veela (or the whole... mate... thing) but he didn't really care. It felt amazing...
He tried to focus on something else, anything else, as he tried to wrap his head around the fact he was feeling such things because of Draco. In the middle of his kitchen, while his hands were still damp and slightly pruny from washing up. It was surreal and a little overwhelming... It was almost too much, too soon. He swallowed thickly, very aware of the blonde's closeness.
"Is there some sort of protocol about kissing?" Harry suddenly asked in a near whisper when Draco leaned in, his eyes half-lidded and that silvery gaze focused intensely on his lips. He didn't shrug off or mention the warm hand pressing into the small of his back, though.
Draco jerked his head back, blinking a few times, and cleared his throat. "Indeed there is."
"Really?" Harry gaped. He'd only been trying to delay the action a bit (and get his head around the fact he wantedDraco to lean in and kiss him), not stop it. He didn't want his arse or back against the stove, quite sure the Veela would be pressed firmly against him in short order... and that Draco would be the sort that would make him go completely blank to his surroundings and he had no wish for a burnt arse.
Draco nodded, trying to keep himself from pouting. It wasn't very mature to pout but he had really hoped he could sneak in a kiss. Harry had looked more than willing moments ago. He felt various places (mostly the tips of his fingers, but also the various points on his body he would—embarrassingly—sprout feathers should he display) tingle with the urge to just say 'sod it!' and kiss the man anyway. Instead, he took a large step back and took a steadying breath.
"Yes, really. I'll send Hermione a full list of... guidelines and limitations. Technically, no kissing for the first month." Draco nodded at Harry's wide-eyed expression. He wasn't sure how the wizard felt about the notion of kissing and touching, at the moment, but he could only hope it would be something Harry wanted soon.
"A month? You've got to be shitting me!" Harry blurted out. He rolled his lips together and huffed a breath out through his nose, annoyed and a little embarrassed by his outburst.
He didn't want to sound overly eager but he'd never gone that long, in any relationship, without at least a small kiss. How were you supposed to know if you had chemistry with someone? Just because a look or a well placed hand made him tingle and warmth shoot through him, wasn't exactly proof of anything. Alright, maybe it was; but no kissing for a whole month? It sounded so... archaic and wrong. He fought the heat he felt trying to rise to his cheeks when he realized he still really wanted to kiss Draco. He felt a bit foolish for interrupting now. A singed arse almost seemed worth it...
Draco chuckled, feeling a satisfied warmth go through him from the knowledge that Harry seemed to wish it was sooner. It was almost as good as actually kissing the other man. Almost. "Yes," he said inclining his head slightly. "It's all very proper and formal."
And while he wasn't looking forward to holding off that long, but he couldn't deny the fact that he thought—knew—Harry was worth it. A little delayed gratification seemed an acceptable penance to show Harry he mattered. It really was a way to show his affection, respect and intention.
Even if it was going to practically kill him to keep his hands to himself...
"Oh Merlin, Hermione has to watch you kiss me?" Harry asked in a horrified whisper, remembering they would be chaperoned, and trying not to squirm or go into a very immature temper tantrum. He wanted to hide his face in embarrassment. It was one thing to tell Hermione about a date, quite another to have her there to witness it. Just what did he agree to?
"No, not exactly, Harry," Draco said, amusement heavy in his tone. "She's only required to place monitoring charms. We aren't required to be in her sight line."
Harry muttered and went back to making tea. Great. He should have just said 'fuck courting; claim me' when he had the chance. He sighed and leaned back against the sink. He didn't know why he was complaining; he rarely liked moving too fast, even if he did still react without thinking more often than he should. But he hated surprises, even if this felt different... He didn't have to feel out if the bloke was really interested or merely using him.
With Draco, oddly enough, he knew exactly what the other man wanted and why. 'Harry Potter' was simply the name of his mate. Not a moderately powerful wizard he could use. Not because he was the Boy Who Lived. It had nothing to do with what was in his vaults or his family titles. It was weird to feel that sort of security and sense of peace from Draco Malfoy.
It was still a bit odd but he would adapt. He was already growing used to it; the longer he stayed in the blonde's presence, the more he was dreading the moment Draco would have to leave. That, as well, was a very odd feeling to get used to.
Draco was enjoying the quiet time with Harry, as well as his second cup of tea (that Harry, again, prepared perfectly) when he realized how late it was. The cute Muggle clock on the wall, shaped like some sort of farm animal, alerted him to the fact it was after 10. "Am I keeping you up?" he asked reluctantly, aware the man had a small child and probably awoke before the sun rose.
"Yeah," Harry said, just as reluctant. "Teddy's an early riser."
Draco nodded and stood, placing his cup in the sink before looking back at Harry with a warm expression. He hurried over when Harry stood as well and carefully reached down to take his hand. He squeezed it gently. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Harry said softly, not bothering to ask why he was being thanked. It was likely a long list, really. "Uhm..." he trailed off, working his teeth over his lower lip nervously before he realized what he was doing and made himself stop. He wanted to know when he would see Draco again but he didn't want to sound too eager. He still had some things to think through... The least of which was that he'd just spent a very pleasant couple of hours with Draco Malfoy; eating, doing menial housework and talking like normal people.
Draco chuckled and brought Harry's hand up to his lips, softly kissing the dip between his knuckles. A warm feeling started at his lips and spread through his entire body at he small, brief contact. He felt something settle inside and he sighed softly. He wanted to croon softly and rub those knuckles along his cheek but he released his hold after the brief contact.
"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked, allowing the hopeful tone to be heard in his voice. He couldn't hide anything from Harry any longer; he didn't want to. Especially not when Harry responded so wonderfully when he let his feelings to be shown (to an extent).
It was probably too soon... Maybe he should've asked when Harry was available; but he really, really wanted to see Harry again, as soon as possible. He still felt like the whole evening had been some sort of wonderfully horrible dream and he needed to make sure it was all real.
"Sure," Harry said immediately. "Uhm, do we have to let 'Mione know?"
Draco hummed and rubbed his chin as he thought. "I suppose so. Shall I leave that to you?" Harry nodded and he smiled. He quickly leaned forward and brushed his lips across Harry's, nearly purring at the brief, barely-even-there contact. He wondered if Harry's magic also flared along with the light touch but he didn't want to ask just yet. It's possible it had, though; Harry was looking at him, eyes a little wide and his lips parted slightly. He stood back a step, putting a bit more distance between their bodies before he took further liberties.
"Good night, Harry. I'll see you tomorrow," he said and left the room before Harry could respond. He didn't want to risk an unpleasant reaction, just in case Harry hadn't been ready for such closeness. It really wasn't much, as far as contact went, and he hoped fervently he hadn't overstepped Harry's boundaries with even that small gesture... But he hadn't been able to help himself. He made his way out the front door, his fingers lightly pressing against his lips. They were warm and the gentle tingle was only now dissipating.
"'Night!" Harry called out when he finally snapped himself out of his shock. He hadn't expected Draco to kiss him! It was barely a kiss, though; more like the merest touch of lips. But it had still made his entire body (and magic) thrum pleasantly and he smiled goofily. He slowly lowered his hand, unsure how long he had been standing there with his fingers pressed against his lips like some swooning third-year who just got their first kiss. He shook his head at himself and stuck his own mug in the sink, shutting the lights off on his way out and up to bed.
He really had some things to think about.
.|.
"'Mione."
Hermione had the urge to duck her head between her shoulders but turned around with a warm smile plastered on her face. "Harry!" she greeted the floo, hurrying over.
"Explain," Harry said shortly. He wasn't mad at Hermione, not really, but he really wanted to know what the hell had happened between her and Draco (and maybe just what she had been thinking, keeping everything from him). Before he yelled and ranted. Then apologized. Then thanked her. Hopefully he would be able to keep what he had to say in that order... It wouldn't do to have either of them close the floo before he'd apologized (if he yelled) or thanked the witch.
Hermione sighed and dragged a chair over to the floo, fully expecting a long conversation. She took a moment to cross her legs and smooth the fabric over her thighs, making herself comfortable. She didn't need to know what Harry was referring to; she had been expecting this call. She hadn't expected it so soon, but apparently Draco hadn't waited long once he got Harry's address. Good for him.
She leaned forward and studied Harry's face. Under the pinched expression, he had that dopey-shocked-what-the-hell-just-happened look going on. And even so, by the looks of her best friend, he hadn't refused the Veela's intentions. She had been wary of the blonde at first, but it didn't take long to see the sincerity when Malfoy had spoken to her about Harry being his mate. It took her all of 10 minutes to accept and adapt to the idea, but a bit longer to accept that it was Draco Malfoy wanting her best friend as a life mate.
It really hadn't taken her long to recognize that Draco Malfoy would do everything in his power to make sure Harry was content, happy and taken care of. (She hadn't mentioned it, but she had a feeling it wasn't all due to the blonde's Veela nature and/or Harry being his mate.) How could she stand in the way of that? Harry deserved that and more.
Plus, Draco's apology, thought greatly appreciated, had completely surprised her. She had almost wanted to draw it out, make him feel terrible... but when it was clear he already did, she hadn't the heart to. It also occurred to her, grudgingly, that none of them had been completely innocent or free of blame. Add in the hard, stressful times they all had been facing and it was nearly impossible to keep a grudge. (Talking to Draco, seeing his passion, though subdued, had opened her eyes. She finally saw Harry's point of view when he'd argued that Malfoy had acted out of desperation for his family's safety; how many of them wouldn't have done all they could to ensure that?)
It was hard to see the pointy pale git that taunted her in school after that. (Especially when he had matured so nicely. And he had looked so pained as he had remembered his immature, childishly cruel, ways.) As they talked, all she could see was a desperate man—Veela—in a search of his other half and she felt her heart go out to him. By the time they were saying their farewells for the day, she'd already decided to tell Draco where Harry lived (but hoped she could hold the blonde off for awhile so she could learn more).
"Well, where shall I start?" she asked, arching an eyebrow and settling back in her chair. It was probably going to be a long call. When Harry looked unsure for a moment, she sighed softly and pushed her hair from her face.
"The beginning," Harry said with an eye roll.
Hermione rolled her eyes right back. "Draco is a Veela. He came to see me, desperate to find you. I nearly hexed him but he looked quite sincere and gutted at the chance I'd tell him to bugger off. He stood on my front porch, at wand-point, for nearly two hours explaining himself. We've been meeting up since then. Mostly because I'm curious and he's willing to talk to me. By the time we had been talking a few weeks, he was clearly agitated and getting restless about you. So, I finally told him where you were."
"What did he say to convince you?"
Hermione pursed her lips, thinking. "It wasn't just one thing, Harry. He was so sincere! I've never seen the man show an emotion. Ever. It was nearly heartbreaking." Also, after thorough research into Veela, she had been more than thrilled to allow Draco the chance to see Harry. Her friend deserved that chance at love, protection and a family. Being mated to a Veela would probably be the best thing that ever happened to her friend.
"Draco can—and will—offer you everything you've ever wanted, Harry. And with a single-minded devotion I truly believe him capable of, especially once I spoke to him." She nodded, making sure Harry knew she was serious and quite convinced. It had been shocking to realize it was Malfoy, the git. She was realistic enough to know Harry would need time, some convincing, but she felt sure her friend wouldn't immediately refuse.
"Alright," Harry said quietly. He had seen the way the blonde's face animated and brightened with emotion first hand. It wasn't something he had seen before either and he could see how it would've been persuasive. He didn't know how to address the other things Hermione brought up, so he didn't. But it sent strange emotions through him, tightening his chest a bit with a fierce feeling of Iwant that. He cleared his throat, a little surprised to realize he had to swallow a few times before he could speak again.
"Why did you agree to the chaperoning thing?" he asked after a few moments of silence, both apparently had been in their own thoughts.
Hermione went into a fit of giggles, unable to help herself, covering her mouth with her hand. "I should have known you'd make him go through some hoops."
She hadn't truly been sure if Harry would've just jumped into the whole thing with both feet or not. It was rather sweet he was allowing Draco the chance to court him properly. He would probably need the time to adjust and get used to everything. And to allow himself the chance to get to know Draco. She nearly cooed at the idea; the books she read said a stronger bond they shared before they Bonded, the deeper the connection would be. She was almost jealous. From an academic standpoint, mind.
"I offered because I thought it would make it easier on you to have a friendly face around."
"Thanks, 'Mione," Harry said sincerely, smiling a little. "I would much prefer you to Mrs. Malfoy."
Hermione giggled again, nodding. "I feel I should warn you— Draco seems like a bit of a mummy's boy. The way he spoke about his mother, I got the impression he would do anything for her approval and happiness. As long as it didn't conflict with his Veela... things." Or his mate, she thought but didn't add. Thankfully, Draco had mentioned that his mother had been thrilled (as much as Narcissa Malfoy showed such an emotion, anyway) when he had finally revealed to his parents that he had found his mate and who it was.
"So. When are you going to see him again?" she asked, leaning forward with an eager look on her face. She was looking forward to see how the two interacted, and it wasn't entirely for academic reasons. She wanted to make sure, regardless of her gut instincts, she hadn't made a huge mistake. Plus, she was really curious to see if Draco went all gooey and smitten whenever he saw Harry.
"Whenever you're free, I suppose," Harry said carefully. He could see, even through the green tinge of the floo, amusement sparkling in Hermione's eyes. He wasn't sure if he liked that the situation was amusing for the witch. "Apparently, he's looking forward to seeing me at least twice a week."
Hermione nodded, she knew that. Draco had said as much, a hint of longing in his voice. She was surprised he hadn't managed to get Harry to agree to more time together. "You know I'm available whenever you need me. At least for the next few months," she said, patting her still flat abdomen. She didn't like the fact she was gently forced into a maternity leave so soon, but Ron had insisted when their healer said it would be for the best. At least she wasn't confined to a bed (yet). "When should I come over?"
"Uhm," Harry hummed and looked down. "I guess after lunch? We'll really have to work out some sort of schedule so we don't have to keep playing floo tag."
Hermione laughed, "Good idea, Harry. I'll floo Draco and we'll stop by whenever he's ready. You'll be home?"
"Yeah," Harry sighed. He was practically always home. He didn't work but he was completing his Muggle and wizarding education through the mail and owl-post. He hoped to become a teacher. He was thankful he could do it from home so he didn't have to leave Teddy for long and he managed to find time to get what he needed done. He felt a bit bad he was so looking forward to Teddy starting school, but it would give him that much more time to study and get his course work done. Plus, Teddy was practically vibrating with excitement at being mature enough to go to school. "Whenever you're able to, come on over."
Hermione nodded and shut of the connection with a final wave at Harry. She threw floo powder, feeling slightly giddy when she called out 'Malfoy Manor!'. She never thought she'd be doing such a thing, especially not with a smile on her face. Draco immediately answered, eagerly kneeling on the floor in front of the floo. "Hi Draco!" she chirped, twiddling her fingers at the bent over Veela. She nearly giggled at the look on his face; it was part disappointment that she wasn't Harry and part hope she had news from Harry.
"Hermione," Draco said, inclining his head in greeting. He squirmed, anxious and cautiously optimistic. He hoped she was calling about Harry... "How are you?"
Hermione smiled, enjoying the blonde's barely restrained eagerness probably more than she should. It was almost cute to see him acting in such a way. "I'm good. I just got done talking with Harry. He—"
"Yes? How is he? Can I see him?"
Hermione giggled and waved a hand. "He's fine and yes. When are you free?"
"Now!" Draco nearly yelled. He leaned back and cleared his throat, grateful the floo wouldn't show the tinge of pink on his cheeks. "Whenever you're ready, I'm available," he said in a calmer tone. He stood calmly, viciously squashing the urge to leap right into the floo with a running jump. He didn't need to see Hermione laugh at him. Or land in an ungraceful heap on Harry's hearth.
Hermione nodded and carefully stood. "Right. Come on through, and we'll head to Harry's."
"Thank you," Draco said, his voice heavy with gratitude. "One moment," he murmured and hurried off to grab a wrapped package from the desk. He held it tightly, hoping that Harry would enjoy his gift. He squashed the urge to second guess himself and beg Hermione for more ideas or approval, but he wanted to pick the perfect gifts on his own from now on. It would show Harry how much he cared and how well he knew him. Hopefully. He grabbed the floo powder and stepped through, landing with his usual grace on Hermione's hearth. "Hermione," he greeted cordially, inclining his head politely.
Hermione rolled her eyes and carefully enveloped the blonde Veela in a gentle hug. "We're going to be stuck spending time together, so you might as well get over this whole 'polite, aloof' greeting nonsense. I'm a hugger," she said, smirking a bit. She was probably a little evil to enjoy Draco's discomfort, but he hugged back. Stiffly, with a careful, single pat on her back before he pulled back, but he had hugged back so it was definitely a start.
"Right. Yes. Thank you," Draco said, clearing his throat. He didn't mind the contact (even if it did feel a little uncomfortable touching someone, that wasn't Harry, like that) but he wasn't sure how the witch felt about him. He was rather sure she was only putting up with him for Harry's sake. Which he could accept, really—it was better than nothing.
Hermione smiled warmly. "Ready then?" Draco nodded and she threw the floo powder in, nudging him through first. She followed, stumbling as she usually did and smiled gratefully when Draco caught her before she could stumble too badly and fall. "Thank you." She looked around with a slight frown, unsure why they were alone. "Harry?" she called out. A flurry of rushing small feet answered her call and she was nearly knocked over, again caught by Draco, when Teddy ran at her with his little arms open.
"Aunt Hermione!" Teddy shouted, hugging the witch around the knees. He squeezed gently, taking care not to make her wobble and fall. He looked up, beaming a smile. "I missed you!"
Hermione leaned down as best she could and hugged Teddy back. "Hi, Teddy. I missed you, too. I brought a friend," she said, jerking her head towards a nervous, stiff looking Draco. "Have you met yet?"
"Yeah!" Teddy said excitedly, releasing Aunt Hermione to move onto Mr. Draco. He hugged the blonde around the knees, as well. He giggled softly when Mr. Draco made an oomph noise and wobbled a little. He didn't even jump! "Hi, Mr. Draco!" He let go and started bouncing on his toes, his hair flashing wildly between a bright pink, bushy golden brown and pale blonde. "Are you here to see Harry-daddy?"
Draco paused, a bit thrown by the exuberant greeting and nodded slowly. He hadn't expected it, but it pleased him nonetheless. "I am. Is he about?"
"Uh huh," Teddy nodded and kept bouncing on his toes.
Hermione snickered. "And where is he?" she prompted when Teddy made no attempt at continuing, just standing there bouncing and looking absolutely thrilled with life.
"Oh! I dunno," Teddy said and shrugged. "I was playin' so maybe Harry-daddy is studyin'?" he offered with another shrug. "He'll know I'm not in my room any min—"
Harry came down the steps in a hurry, his footsteps thudding down in rapid succession. It had taken him a moment to notice the charm alerting him that Teddy was no longer in his room and he dreaded to find out what sort of trouble the child had found. It only took Teddy seconds to get into mischief. "Teddy—" He came to a stop just inside the small living room. "Oh!" he breathed, a blush exploding across his cheeks when he caught sight of Draco. It took him a moment to realize Hermione was there as well. He hadn't honestly expected them to visit so soon. He squirmed a little, unsure how to react. He was pleased but he didn't exactly want to show it.
"Harry," Draco greeted warmly, smiling a little and bowing formally at the waist.
Harry stared at the Veela before looking at Hermione. He scowled when she gave him a cheeky wave of her fingers and looked expectantly at him. What the hell? He nearly slapped his forehead when he realized he should mimic the Veela. "Draco," he returned and bowed as well. It was a quick jerk of his head mostly, not nearly as graceful as Draco's, but it seemed to please the blonde immensely. He was almost positive he heard a brief, soft crooning sound...
"Are you well?" Draco asked, looking only at Harry. He knew there were other people in the room, of course, but he was having a hard time taking his attention off of Harry. It felt like ages since he had seen the wizard last and he nearly twitched with the urge to go over and touch him (flutter his fingers over his pinked cheekbones or card a hand through his messy hair). Not that he would; he wasn't sure Harry would appreciate that just yet. It seemed all the years apart had finally caught up with him and he eagerly drank in the sight of Harry, in the flesh, before him. It went a ways in soothing an ache he had been able to ignore before.
Harry blinked and nodded jerkily. He didn't understand why he had the urge to close the gap between himself and Draco. Maybe even touch the blonde... He smiled shyly. "I'm good. You?"
"Quite well, thank you," Draco said and smiled. He finally turned to Hermione and looked expectantly at the witch. He fought the urge to scowl when she giggled and nodded at him. It was not funny. He didn't bother wasting any more time or energy on the witch and swiftly crossed the room. He slowly reached down and took Harry's hand. When the wizard made no move to jerk away, he lightly kissed the back of Harry's hand, brushing his lips against his knuckles. He tightened his grip a little and was resisting the urge to brush the man's knuckles across his cheek again. Or run his nose along the side of Harry's neck—right where he could see his pulse thrumming under his skin. He carefully let go of Harry's hand.
Harry watched the greeting and swallowed thickly. How odd was it to have that small gesture turn him on and make him nearly turn into a puddle of goo at the same time? He smiled warmly when Draco looked up, a questioning, unsure expression on his face that melted away when he saw the smile. He was going to have to work on a way to, subtly, let Draco know he didn't mind being touched, even if it wasn't exactly allowed. "So."
"Yes," Draco said and cleared his throat. He reached into his pocket and removed another box. This one was relatively plain, white and tied closed with a thin piece of green ribbon. He extended the box to Harry, pleased when the other man took it with a small, but happy smile and a 'thank you'. He gently tapped the box with his wand, bringing the gift to its proper size.
Harry eyed the box curiously and untied the ribbon, very aware of three sets of eyes watching him (one pair intently). He opened the box and looked up, confused. "Uhm. Thank you?" he said, trying to keep the question out of his tone and striving for polite. He was confused; unsure what to make of the large bag of yellowy-beige pebbles. They were pretty, but he didn't know what he was meant to do with them. Was this some sort of Veela thing?
"It's a Muggle sweet," Draco explained with a smile. "A jelly bean, I believe they're called— quite like Bertie Bott's, only not as dubiously flavored," he added with a grin. "When I saw they made a Treacle Tart flavor, well..." he trailed off and fought the urge to blush. He hoped the gift was appropriate and appreciated.
He had spent a bit of time watching Harry in school and noticed the other man's nearly unhealthy obsession with the treat (but no real preference for other sweets). He was sure there wasn't a meal that Harry didn't manage to get a serving of Treacle Tart in his face (though he always wondered how the other boy had managed to get the dessert during breakfast and lunch). He now realized it was most likely due to his never having such a thing before and it prompted the massive package of sweets Harry now held.
It was only a small start to the many things he had planned to give the man, hoping to make up for past slights and times Harry went without. He felt pride, affection and a happy feeling of warmth wriggle through him when Harry's eyes lit up and his fingers pressed against the box a bit more, apparently more inclined to keep the box close now that he knew what it contained.
Harry felt something bubble happily—warmly— in his chest and he carefully closed the box. He didn't know if he was allowed to touch Draco (a hug or a chaste kiss on the cheek, something, had to be acceptable, right?) to show how much he enjoyed the gift. "Thank you," he said, infusing as much gratitude as he could into his voice. It was quite a simple, almost silly gift, but he appreciated it greatly nonetheless. He realized he liked that Draco knew small things about him.
"You do like it?" Draco pressed, watching in confusion as Harry immediately closed the package back up with careful movements. He had hoped Harry would sample one, if only to ensure they were as delicious as he hoped they be. He didn't try the Muggle sweet himself, so he was unsure of the quality and accuracy of the flavor.
Harry nodded and held the box to his chest. He shifted his hold, blushing a bit, when he realized he was very nearly cradling the box. "I do, thank you, Draco."
"Aren't you going to try one?" Draco blurted. He watched as Harry cheeks pinked lightly as he nodded and opened the box again. Nimble fingers unwound the strange wiry tie and he watched closely with interest as Harry lifted one of the pale yellow ovals up and popped it in his mouth. He suppressed a groan as Harry's tongue flicked against his own fingers; there was no little chance Harry would appreciate his overt sexual interest at the moment (not that he could act on them even if Harry did).
Harry rolled the jelly bean around his mouth a few times and then chewed it slowly. It was incredible! It tasted just like a treacle tart! He didn't know Muggles could do such a thing without the aid of magic but he was glad for their sweet-making talents. The jelly bean was so small, he couldn't imagine how many he could eat before he got tired of them—if he ever did. He eyed the massive bag; even if he pigged out on the sweets, such a large bag would last him for quite some time. Draco was leaning close, watching him intently. "It's good," he said lamely. Good was an understatement but it would have to do.
"Excellent," Draco managed to get out. He was still a bit preoccupied with the near sex-like moans Harry had been making as he chewed and sucked on his treat. He was sure the other man wasn't even aware he was doing it, though. "I'm pleased you enjoyed them." He smiled warmly as Harry hugged the box again. He found it easy to ignore Hermione's presence as he sat down in the closest seat to Harry and just contented himself with being there in his presence. He watched, smiling a little, as Harry offered one of his sweets to Teddy. He had hoped Harry would keep them all for himself but he should have known better—the man couldn't be selfish, it seemed. And he really couldn't begrudge the man sharing with his son.
Teddy eagerly took the candy and popped it in his mouth, chewing rapidly. He wrinkled his nose and made a face, his tongue poking out. "Eww."
"Well, good," Harry said laughing and patting his box. "You don't have to like them. They're mine. More for me," he said and childishly stuck out his tongue. He chuckled when Teddy merely grumbled and flopped onto the sofa on Draco's other side.