Ghost Man

Ghost man

A request from Instagram on Life of Draco Malfoy

It doesn't Sting, nor does it burn something inside, it doesn't change anything. Burning that list that he made notes of to how to be a man, now burning it didn't make any difference. It Only caused the smoke to go up his face, his fingers heating up as the spreading fire on the paper reaches closer to his fingers from which he held, the ashes falling in the bin he kept beneath. It didn't change anything, it doesn't move anything inside him as he thought it would and it didn't because now it was too late. He had only been a child, at a mere age of 16 when he had learned it was already too late, already too late to correct his mistakes, so Early in his life he was done with living, so young. So early in his life he knew it was too late, what child thought that ? Him. But now, it's far too late for anything to ever even be changed, he's already the man he loathes.

He can sense it when he looks at the flower vendor across where he lives, how his heart is rolled on his sleeve, how he always gives one rose to the little girl without cost and the guy behind the counter in departmental store who somehow always puts candies in Draco's bag for free or the girl who sits in the pharmacy who always happens to give him an extra strip of paracetamol or his friends from school who are still in touch and everyone once in a while meets up at a brunch and fight over who would pay but Draco, he's a ghost man just living in a mortal world. Where there should've been a heart, there's just a large black hole like somebody had taken it away ages ago and told him he didn't deserve it and gave it to someone who needed a heart. How do you survive without the heart? You don't, you're dead.

He's dead inside and out like the core of a log, he have been for a long time but sometimes his non existent black holed heart twitches for love, a forbidden love even perhaps or any kind of love. He's on all the pages of business magazines, in articles over front pages of newspapers, he's one of the most successful event planner in and outside wizarding World, almost a celebrity, the worth, the fame, the money he have and all for nothing. What wouldn't he do to just trade it to go back to his manor when he was five years old and frolick and roll around in the grass rather than sitting on the table being taught table manners. What wouldn't he do to trade to get a time turner so he could undo his life. What wouldn't he trade to just feel loved, not just true love but the love that is poured out from the heart of a mother to the son in a night tales, the love that is given by his father in a sweet licorice candies, the love that a friend gives when they kiss their cheeks, the love that is shared between friends, the love that could be shared by lovers. What wouldn't he do to trade his life to be the flower vendor across the street or the girl at the pharmacy or to be the guy from departmental store or his friends, just to feel loved and maybe cherished and Just to be offered a little smile as he would walk to his office but nothing would be traded because nothing is worth the trade, it was all too late to press the button of life and change it. It was far too late, he had already been neglected by the father who was supposed to love him, already been with a mother who talked more of the events and his work than asking how's he been, he had already been the friend everyone just thinks is suitable for a one night stand, he had already been the friend everyone was intimidated of, he had already been the guy who's been hated by so many out of spite and jealousy.

But it's not like he didn't had everything. He had everything. Everything he didn't want including the perfume that rests in the back of his wardrobe he got it when he was merely 14, the silk pajamas that are far too itchy to be worn, the tuxedo he no longer fits in and 10 more which he doesn't even like, the bean bag that had never been sat on, the expensive china he never had anyone to even share with, the expensive watches his mother bought him which now are almost 6 Years old and had stopped working, the expensive bed sheets gifted by someone that is somewhere in the attic that he Never would use, the expensive wallet that he can never for the life of him change to because he's grown attached to his 8 year old wallet, the snow globe he got when he was only 7 that sits on his showcase he rarely ever even sees, the cuff links his father bought him when he was 15 on Christmas that he had only worn in the day of Christmas and never sought to even spare another glance at it, he had everything yet, he had absolutely nothing, he lived in an Empty place all by himself to share nothing with no one.

He thinks a lot of the times when he was so frustrated at his parents, at his teacher's, at his friends, at the people, at the world, everyone, when he just wanted to change to someone who was a better person, who gave free potion lessons to young pupils, someone who wasn't arrogant and had been in one book nerd clubs, someone who wasn't thursted upon with decision like who to be be, what to become, someone who was allowed to make mistakes, someone who was allowed to spill over the table, someone who wasn't forced to be the top of the class, someone who wasn't ashamed of himself, someone who had his own life he curated but he wasn't that person and he was never going to be because there's just so little left in his life to change that now the deadness that flows in him forbids him to even try to change anything. He wishes a lot that he had someone like Harry Potter had to tell him what's wrong, to help him create a good path, to tell him that his life was his own, people who might've even praised him and loved him but he had none and he was convinced that he was never going to find anyone. Who would want to be with a dead man?

And so where he sits right now burning the list of things he had made notes of how to be and who to become, it doesn't change anything and he lights his cigarette from the burning fire, letting the burning paper slip from his hand and drop into the bin after it had burnt his dead finger's. He holds the cigarette between his finger and walks over to the balcony of his dead like apartment and brings the cigarette to his lips, he doesn't like the taste, but the likes how it's killing him. The power of cigarette was infact in the fact that it burnt his lungs, killing him slowly, that was now his purpose of life, wasn't it?

REQUESTS OPEN / PREVIOUS FICS

Hey bestie, how r you doing? Hope my favourite Internet person is having a day with filed with dopamines in your head. I'm unfortunately sick and down with fever a couple of days and I'm in a sappy mood to read some soft cuddly sickfics, either one sick and other one taking leave to take care of them? 🥺❤️

Hi love, I'm doing good. How are you holding up, any better now ? Take care 🦋.

I normally never reply this fast anymore, at least not within a day time ( tho this was supposed to come out yesterday but writing this took ages) anymore but you have found a way into my heart to get an early reply, so here's your prompt while I also combine this one of my dialogue prompts i haven’t been able to get back to in ages, so here’s this for you.

Let me take care of you

Dialogue prompt 10: "Nobody’s seen you in days" | request by @thebusyfangirl | fluff |

Harry rang the doorbell over and over again, knocking his door loudly impatiently, almost angry and there he was, opening the door with those usual mumbling about waiting a little longer and a man can only walk this fast. 

“ I should’ve known it were you, only you’d knock my door like a bloody owl “ Draco rolled his eyes, tugging his blanket tighter to his body and walking back where he came from letting Harry follow him into his condo. 

“You look like you are high on Dragon blood “ Harry mumbled taking his coat off and hanging it on the hanger by the door and following through. 

“ why are you here anyways ?”Draco asked as he walked into the kitchen and poured himself some warm water then sighing in relaxation upon wrapping his hand around the warm cup. 

“ Nobody’s seen you in days “ Harry exclaimed throwing his hands in the air. 

“ Stop being so damn loud, my ears hurt “ Draco winced. Harry immediately cooled off. 

“ You’re sick and I know it” Harry sighed. 

Draco rolled his eyes in denial “ I’m not “ 

“ Right because everyone like to be wrapped up like burrito in a blanket “ Harry rolled his eyes welcoming himself into the kitchen and pouring a glass of water for himself. 

“For your kind information my blanket is really soft and I do like to be bundled up-” and there was a sneeze as soon as Harry opened a window to prove his point. 

“ Water got in my nose “ Draco tried to explain 

“ Yeah sure because you drink water like an elephant “ Harry rolled his eyes then immediately shut off the window. 

“ Can you- just leave Potter . I don’t need your saving- besides we’re not even friends” Draco hopelessly said 

“ I’m not goddamn saving you, you’re clearly sick and your ego is too big to ask for anyone’s help, not even your own friends ”Harry sighed opening cabinets after cabinets to make something for Draco. 

“ I do not need help and least of all yours- and what the hell are thinking searching shit up in my place” He got closer to Harry forbidding him from opening another cabinet but raising his hand out of the blanket meant exposing his hand to cold hair, ultimately the cold rushing inside his blanket and sneezing. He shuddered immediately, wrapping himself closer to the blanket.

“Would you just please- please let me help you so you can get better so we can go back you doing my work in the office, its really piling up” Harry told. 

Draco rolled his eyes “ Of course, always looking for advantage “ 

“ Well obviously” Harry said it as if it was very obvious. 

“ Potter- just leave, i’ll be fine in a few days and then I can complete your goddamn work. Now please- leave” Draco shuddered, sneezing another time and then harshly coughing. 

Harry rolled his eyes then got behind Draco and pushed him to move forward. 

“ Wha-What are you doing? Potter- just- Would you stop ?” he almost stumbled over his long blanket but Harry caught him just in time. 

“ Stop talking before I tape your mouth shut. Just please, for once in your life let your ego down and let me help you and you know you do need my help” Harry raised his eyebrows at him. 

“ I-do-not-need-your-help “ Draco gritted. 

Harry rolled his eyes then picked Draco in his arms, bridal style and burst into Draco’s room while all Draco kept was punching him to let him down and cursing at him. 

“ Get me arrested all you want later but right now if you don’t shut up, i’m going to do unfathomable things to you “ Harry raised his eyebrows, tucking Draco into the bed. 

“ Oh yeah and what would you do? Hex me ?” Draco asked rolling his eyes impatiently. 

“ No, honey, I will burn down all your favourite tuxedo’s, diminish your watches, bind you to bed “ Harry smiled evilly at him. 

Draco gasped “ You do anything to my watches or my clothes I will kill you “ He threatened, sneezing immediately after that. Harry frowned at him wondering how clothes and watches were infact his priority and not himself but then this was Draco Malfoy. 

“ Stay put and everything will be fine ” and with that he left the room, taking Draco’s wand with him. 

Draco remained in the bed mumbling curses at Harry for invading his personal space, being a complete prat, being an intolerant human being, and just in general being a huge pain in the ass however he couldn’t help but feel relaxed knowing he didn’t had to be entirely alone while he was sick. 

A couple moments later the door opened again and Harry walked in with a bowl on a tray, wearing Draco’s apron. 

“ Not my apron ” Draco whined and then sneezed. 

“ I’m pleased by your thank you, here’s your hot soup” Harry rolled his eyes, dragging a stool by his bed and sitting down after setting the soup on the side table. 

“ Here, let me help-” 

“ I don’t need your help, I can get my hands out of my blanket on my own” Draco rolled his eyes. 

Harry almost wanted to give him the biggest eye roll yet and maybe even tell him to shut the hell up but knowing Draco, he just huffed and shrugged, watching him struggle to get his hand out of the blanket and when he finally did after so long, he immediately sneezed 10 times in a row. 

“ For Merlin’s sake-” Harry huffed and instantly put his hands back under the blanket “ Let me help, just please-let me “ 

Draco chewed the inside of his cheek then nodded in hesitation. 

“ Thank you ” Harry sighed then sat on the side of his bed and picked up the bowl of soup and took a spoonful and blowing air to cool it down. 

“ You don’t have to do that I’m not a baby ” Draco said. Harry looked at him with a ‘ seriously’ look, then basically poured the hot soup down his throat. 

“ Agh- fuck -ouch “ Draco stuck his tongue out panting 

“ Wanna try again ?” Harry mockingly asked. 

Draco rolled his eyes then nodded “ I can cool the soup down on my own ”

Harry huffed then nodded and helped carefully to make him drink his soup. Draco drank the soup with little to no remarks, quietly allowing being taken care of while Harry wiped the extra soup that might drip a couple of times in the process. 

“ So you’re babysitting me then ” Draco said after having finished the soup. 

“ You’re right actually, I should’ve bought teddy too, you’re both babies ” Harry chuckled lightly and then left the room with the tray and the bowl knowing he had pissed Draco. 

He walked back in after a while, Draco knowing he had done his dishes that had been in the sink for longer than he’s ever let and he sort of regretted it but knowing Harry if even a little, he would not have been able to convince him otherwise. 

“ Did you check your temperature ?” Harry asked 

“ I did “ Draco lied and Harry caught on. 

“ You’re unbelievable. Where’s your thermometer ?” Harry asked. 

“ 3rd drawer “ Draco nodded his head towards his bed side stool. 

Harry checked the drawer and indeed it was there, only it wasn’t working. 

“ Maybe its battery ran out “ Harry mumbled. 

“ It doesn’t matter, its probably just cold, i’ll be fine “ Draco said. 

Harry looked at Draco like he couldn’t believe him, again “ Malfoy for all you know you could have fever, viral, malaria, chicken pox-” 

“ I do not have chicken pox, if that was it there would’ve been a lot of spots on my body and if I did had that you’d had run away the moment you’d had seen me “ Draco said. 

“ One that’s not true, I would’ve still helped taking care of you and second I’m gonna run to the store and buy you a new thermometer “ Harry said getting up from the floor and just for a good measure placing the back of his hand against Draco to see how hot he was. 

“ wha-” draco turned red 

“ Relax I’m only detecting how warm you are, luckily not a lot but i’m still going to the store. I’ll be back in a while “ 

“ But Potter -” it was no use though. Harry had already walked out of the bedroom and Draco had no energy left to yell for him, so he was stuck with his hands under his blanket like a penguin. 

Draco sat there for a long time humming songs to himself, dozing off a little in between and basically wondering a lot why Harry was really here? Was he really just here so Draco could get better sooner so he would join back office and complete his pending work ? Or was there something else ? Although Draco couldn’t help but think if it was all just fake, all his caring was just a fake deal he had to do because he was in some stupid bet? That one did make a lot of sense considering how pushy Harry was being. Draco decided to try to investigate on it when he finally had the time. 

He had almost dozed off again when he heard the door open and the rustling with the coat hanger and finally someone walking in. 

“ I’m sorry I’m late- are you alright ?” Harry asked instantly walking to the bedside and dropping all he bought by the table and feeling his cheek again to see if he was any more warmer, he was. 

“ I just nodded off a little “ Draco mumbled, his voice hoarse and dense. 

Harry unpacked the thermometer he bought and helped Draco put it in his mouth under his tongue and waiting for the result. When it finally beeped Harry pulled it out immediately that it almost seemed harsh.

" sorry " Harry mumbled checking the readings " hm, it's just fever, although we can't let it get higher than this, so I've got some medicines for you, let me get some warm water " and he ran to the kitchen without even letting Draco ask him anything.

And he came back almost as soon as he left " you seem tired "

" I feel tired " Draco mumbled sleepishly.

" here, take these medicine's you'll be fine hopefully just in time " Harry smiled a little then took out the pills in his hand and asked Draco to take them but Draco only kept staring at the pills in his hands with a frown.

" what's the matter ?" Harry asked.

Draco gulped " nothing"

" but you're hesitating, what's the matter? " Harry asked again.

" nothin-"

" that's not true " Harry sternly said.

Draco gulped again the turned red in embarrassment " I don't like pills. They taste bitter. I- I prefer syrups- now you can laugh all you want. Might as well make a joke about how I can't eat pills and for being such a baby-"

" would it help if I crushed them ?"Harry asked ignoring his later remarks.

Draco frowned " aren't you going to make fun of me ?"

" No " Harry sweetly replied with a small smile.

" would it help if I crushed it then? Perhaps dissolved it in a little juice ?" Harry asked. Draco frowned not being able to believe that he wasn't making fun, but he suspected that he was going to at some point with his friends and right now he was just pretending to be the nice guy.

" you're seriously not going-"

" I'll crush them and add them in a juice, that would work " Harry told him and left the room with medicines and came back with a small glass of juice.

" it won't be bitter now " Harry told him. Draco frowned again in confusion but took the glass from Harry and drank it painfully because of dehydration.

" was it better ?" Harry asked. Draco nodded.

" well then. It's 12:39 right now, so maybe you should sleep and I'll check on you in a couple of hours. You need to sleep for the Medicine to work " harry adviced.

" what are you going to do then ?" Draco asked almost curiously.

Harry offered him a little smile then said " I'll figure something out " and then helped tucking Draco into the bed more firmly to sleep.

Draco finally woke up to the sky looking more pink through his window, meaning it was already evening and he had slept for a good amount of time. He pushed himself up and looked at the side of this table to find a bowl of water and towel kept there, along with Harry's sweater and just like that it came rushing to him all the thoughts he had about why Harry wanted to help but for odd reasons his worries had dissolved about Harry only doing it out of advantage because It genuinely seemed as he if he cared. Draco pushed himself out of the bed in socks, taking a shawl with him to still keep himself warm even though he didn't feel that cold anymore and walked out of his room and into the living room.

He walked more through when he found Harry sitting on the arm chair peacefully in front of the fire place with his legs crossed over the footstool, that's when he realised Harry had fallen asleep. Draco stepped more forward to get a better look of Harry because apparently it was soothing to see him sleep with his arms were tucked under one another in a Cross and soft relaxed stress free look on his face which Draco realised he'd normally never seen and it struck him then, he had never really seen Harry without a frown on his forehead except for now but moment didn't last long when Draco accidentally slipped because of his socks and for support reached for the nearest stool, making the wooden camel set on it fall to the ground, startling Harry up from his sleep.

" what are you doing out, you should be in bed ?" Harry asked standing up immediately and fixing himself up.

" I- I just woke up a while and felt better. You can go now if you feel like ?" Draco asked but for strange reasons he didn't want Harry to agree, not just yet, he didn't know why.

" I- I'm not sure about that. You got really hot while sleeping and I had to cool you down with cold towels for a long time. I- I think it'd be better if I just stay, at least until I know your fever isn't getting bad " Harry shrugged. Draco nodded understandably.

" I- am gonna make something for you to eat,it's almost time for you medicine too" Harry said. Draco nodded again and harry walked into his kitchen. Draco frowned as another realisation dawned on him and asked

" Potter- Have you eaten anything since you got here ?"

Harry furrowed his eyebrows then nodded uncertainly.

" no you haven't, you've been taking care of all this while- how-"

" I'll be okay " Harry reassured.

" No, you must be starving-"

" it's alright. I can go on without food for a long time. I don't get hungry that much " Harry shrugged then started looking through cabinets again but it struck Draco as an odd thing to say, how can anyone stay without food for an entire day without feeling remotely Hungry?

" Potter- you really must be hungry- just first eat something and then you can make something for me-"

" I'm fine Malfoy " Harry snapped. Draco almost winced but wasn't surprised although it did shock him if only a little. He was sensitive about this ?

" I won't eat unless you're eating with me " Draco made a deal

" what ?" Harry asked taken a back by his abruptness.

" that's right- I will not eat anything unless you promise me you'll eat with me "

" But I'm not hungry "

" bullshit. It's seven in the fucking evening of course you're hungry " Draco Snapped back then immediately coughed loudly

Harry ran and fetched him a glass of water, patting his back to calm him. Draco soon nodded assuring Harry that he was fine now.

“ You should eat now “ Harry insisted

“ Not unless you’re eating with me “ Draco fought back

“ Malfoy- “

“ I mean it Potter “ Draco threatened. Harry sighed knowing there was no going against Draco and nodded. Draco finally gave him a light grin in victory,Harry returned the smile.

“ Mac and cheese ?” Draco nodded.

Harry helped Draco into the living room after having complained that he felt more sicker in his room and would simply like being in the living room so now Harry was covering him with blanket and adjusting the pillows behind his back so he was comfortable enough.

“ TV ?” Harry asked Draco and he nodded.

Midway through watching TV and Harry preparing something to eat, Draco interjected.

“ That smells nice “

Harry smiled at him through the open kitchen window “Ginny taught me “

Draco nodded then let in his hesitation wonder about what went wrong between them.

“ We just weren’t right for each other ” Harry answered his thoughts.

“ I wasn’t-”

“ I know “ Harry smiled then put the dish in the sink and bought the two plates into the living room where Draco was sitting and sat down by his side on the footstool.

“ That’s too low “

" here sit besides me " Draco shifted a little to make some space for Harry. Reluctantly Harry did sit besides Draco.

" Do you want me to feed you ?" Harry asked taking the plate in his own hands.

Draco looked at him for a moment, then his hands under the blankets and then nodded childishly.

" My hands are just pretty warm now "

" Sure I believe you " Harry rolled his eyes playfully then gathered a spoonful of the pasta, blowed air on it make it edible enough then helped him eat and repeated the same until the plate was finished.

" it's time for you meds " Harry announced getting up and taking the plate with him.

" Potter " Draco glared.

" I'm really not hungry " Harry shrugged

" just a few bites. You'll die of starvation otherwise and I definitely don't want a dead body in my house" Draco shrugged

" people don't die of starvation in just one day. If that were true I'd had been dead ages ago " Harry tried to laugh it off as if it was a joke but it wasn't humorous to Draco.

" just eat " Draco insisted. Harry sighed then sat down by Draco's feet and finished his portion of mac and cheese he made.

" now was it so hard ?" Draco raised his eyebrows at him. Harry rolled his eyes then shook his head and departed to the kitchen.

" do you want me to add your meds in your tea ? That is if you'd like some ?" Harry asked from the kitchen the peeked his head out of the kitchen for an answer.

" I'd like tea- I like cham-"

" chamomile, I know. Don't worry I got you " Harry grinned then went back to the kitchen while Draco was left speechless. He knew what kind of tea he preferred?

10 minutes later Harry came back into the living room with two cups in hand and helped Draco drink his own tea with medicines dissolved.

Only when Harry was sitting down peacefully on the opposite side of the couch drinking his own tea Draco asked him " how do you know what tea I like ?"

" you told me " Harry nodded.

" No I didn't-"

" I vividly remember you did. It was the first year when we got the case together and you had yelled at me for bringing you normal tea and then ordered me to bring you chamomile tea. You also said you only like milked coffee because Black coffee tastes blank " Harry told him.

Draco looked at him, thoroughly amazed by his memory then broke in light laughter " that was 4 years ago "

" yeah and I remember. I'm not as ignorant as I seem Draco " Harry smiled.

Draco's heart didn't obviously melted when he called him ' Draco ' and he didn't obviously noticed that it was the first time Harry called him by his first name. He definitely didn't notice either of them.

Draco gave him a firm smile then they both turned to the TV enjoying whatever movie was playing until Draco started growing restless and tried changing his position, the direction of his head at least 5 times in 1 minute.

" is something wrong?" Harry asked.

Draco looked at him for a moment then nodded " mild headache "

Harry immediately turned off the TV " do you want me to massage your head- they really help ?"

Before Draco could even deny the offer Harry already gotten up and was insisting Draco to make some space for him behind him and he had no other option left but to oblige. So there they were, Draco leaning backwards to rest his head on Harry's lap.

" where does it hurt ?" Harry asked. Draco pointed to the either side of his forehead and Harry immediately started moving his finger's in a circle on both the sides.

" better ?" Harry asked after a while. Draco nodded in his lap with his eyes closed enjoying Harry's massage.

Harry continued moving his fingers in circles through his scalp to his side causing a feeling of relaxation in Draco for a long time until his headache started evaporating little by little and he finally opened his eyes to look at Harry.

" Potter "

" yeah ?"

" why are you really here ?" He finally asked the question he had terrified of listening to the answer of.

Harry swallowed, closed his eyes momentarily then said " Because I knew you were sick and you had no one to take care of and despite of you saying that you're capable of doing everything on your own, you're not. Sometimes you are just helpless and it's alright you know "

" now what's the actual reason you're here- come on- you know there is another reason that you are here but Just don't want to say " Draco teased.

Harry let out a soft laugh, moving his hand In soft circle over his forehead as if he was drawing something " I- just feel guilty about a lot of things including how I still treat you in the office, like I'm trying to always trying to prove I'm better than you and how I treated you before. I always know I'm doing wrong but I barely ever take a chance to change thing's with you, maybe because of the office surrounding or maybe I'm just afraid of what other's might say but I still want to start new, maybe show you that I'm not all bad. Maybe this was my way of proving that we can start over "

Draco smiled up at Harry fondly then spoke "we can start over. I'd like that. And if it makes it any better I feel guilty about how I've treated you before and even though I know I've apologized I still feel like I always owe you an apology "

Harry smiled down at him, massaging his scalp then saying " Then we should start over. Hi, I'm Harry Potter and I would like to be friends with you "

Draco chuckled " okay then, Hi, I'm Draco malfoy- wait no- I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself "

Harry blurted out laughing, Draco tagging along wheezing until both their lungs gave out. Harry leaned down a bit after the laughing session, pressing the center of Draco's forehead with his thumb, relieving him some more "that was well deserved "

" I think so too " Draco smiled and sneezed almost all over Harry's face.

" I can't believe you " Harry chuckled wiping off his face from a tissue.

" I'm sorry " but he couldn't stop laughing.

The rest of the night Draco remained on Harry's lap as he took care of him in ways Draco had forgotten he could be taken care of with all his questions going away as of what would it advantage Harry and allowed himself in to be. He even knew Harry didn't sleep most of the night because he was checking how warm he was every once in a while and when Draco had grown restless in the middle of the night because he was shivering, Harry took care of it by rubbing his hands over his feet and putting him in 2 more pair of socks and Singing him a lullaby to put him to sleep. Draco woke up in the morning to find Harry sleeping while sitting but mumbling incoherent things and unconsciously checking on Draco, he almost wanted to laugh but for obvious reasons he found it endearing waking up to Harry by his side and not completely alone. It was as if he could even imagine doing more than often.

The rest of the day Harry insisted on staying and taking care of Draco, while he insisted Harry should go home. Ultimately they settled for Harry going back home for a while to freshen up and come back and as Said Harry did came back in an hour and immediately made him soup while Draco watched him endearingly.

" I never thought I'd have The Harry Potter in my kitchen making me soup " Draco laughed.

" Well you Never even thought we'd be working together either but here we are and we are now friends, so I guess life is full of surprises after all " Harry grinned.

" oh we're friends ?" Draco teased

" we definitely are Draco " Harry raised an eyebrow at him challenging him.

" oh are w-" but his sentence was cut short with a sneeze and Harry immediately handed him a tissue.

" We are " Harry Stated and this time Draco didn't try to challenge him, they obviously were friends now.

And as promised Harry took care of Draco in his own arms, helping him relieve some headache that had Returned and sharing with him some of his greatest life stories and it all seemed very fitting as if they'd been doing this their whole life. It seemed perfect.

Within a couple of days, Draco was all set to be back in the office but when he had, he was received with a letter that Harry wouldn't make it to the office.

Without thinking Draco barged into his place finding a Harry bundled up in blankets, his heart melting at the sight.

" let me take care of you my very dear friend" Draco smiled at him teasingly then shoved off his coats and left it on the arm rest of the couch.

Harry tipped off his head laughing in a husky tone then sneezing immediately " please do- I'm dying here without you "

And that was the start of their love story. Not every love story is born out of A girl meets a boy and they fall in love and live happily ever after, some are born with boy meets a boy and they hate each other until they learn to love one another because loving each other was so much more easier than hating each other.

WHY DOES THIS NOT HAVE MORE NOTES !!! WHYYYYY, THIS IS SO GORGEOUS.

Hi there! Hope you're doing well and wishing you all the best, kick recovery's arse! Or something actually encouraging? As for prompts, how about funky socks? anything to do with wardrobe, really? fluffy jumpers, soft scarves, whatever tickles your fancy (and no worries if not!) 💖

Thank you for both the well wishes and the prompt! This isn't beta read, so if you see any glaring errors, feel free to let me know 😆 - GB

The first time that Draco noticed, they were in the Eighth Year common room. Harry Potter was sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the fire, and his trousers had ridden up just enough to show a couple of inches of his socks—or, to be more specific, his horrible, brightly colored, mismatched socks. From what Draco could tell, one was a rather violent shade of orange, while the other seemed to be vertically striped in yellow and blue. On anyone else, he would have assumed that it was intentional, but Potter’s fashion sense had always been a lost cause. He probably just didn’t care enough to bother pairing them. Draco promptly decided to put the whole thing out of his mind—what did he care about Potter’s footwear, anyway?

—

The second time was several weeks later, in Charms. People were so obsessed with Potter after the war that it honestly wasn’t all that surprising when someone “accidentally” vanished his uniform. Surprise or no, though, Draco had to admit that Potter’s nearly-nude body was rather eye-catching. From his seat in the very back of the room, he allowed himself the guilty pleasure of a slow perusal of all that smooth, pale skin, interrupted only by plain black boxer briefs and a pair of socks. Or, rather, two socks that were very much not a pair, one being a dizzying pattern of abstract neon shapes and the other a dark green dotted with little owls that was at least an inch longer than the other. A snort of laughter from Pansy, who was seated to his left, effectively snapped Draco back to reality so that he could glare at her. “I was only wondering why he’s wearing such hideous socks,” he defended.

“Sure you were,” she answered patronizingly.

“I was!” he insisted. “He’s a grown man, it’s pathetic that he can’t even match his own clothes.”

Pansy shrugged. “Maybe it’s laundry day.” In front of them, the class was still in chaos, with a bright red Potter being hastily wrapped in Weasley’s cloak, which was rather too long for him, effectively hiding his ankles from view once more.

—

The third time was after their graduation ceremony. It was an unseasonably hot day, and by some sort of unspoken agreement, almost everyone was stripping down to their skivvies and diving into the bracing cold of the lake. It was a complete coincidence that Draco just happened to be looking in Potter’s direction as he undressed, of course, but as he was, he couldn’t help but notice yet another non-pair of ugly-as-sin socks: red and black tartan on one foot, rainbow print on the other. When Draco’s gaze moved back upward, he realized with a humiliating jolt that Potter was watching him, as well. When their eyes met, Draco hastily looked away, ignoring Pansy and Blaise snickering beside him. “It’s just the socks,” he muttered defensively. “Why can’t the git just match his stupid socks like a normal person?”

“Why don’t you go ask him?” Pansy suggested with a Cheshire Cat grin.

Draco scoffed and pointedly did no such thing.

—

The fourth through tenth times happened in the locker rooms of the Ministry after they wrapped up the sparring classes that made up one of many aspects of their first year of Auror training. Stripes, polka dots, or checks; cats, bicycles, or strawberries; thick or thin; tall or short; the only pattern that Draco could find was that they be as different from one another as possible. The eleventh time—blue roses against a purple background on the left, silver and black spiderwebs on the right—finally pushed him over the edge.

“For Merlin’s sake, Potter, why can you not, for a single day, wear a pair of socks that actually match? I know you’re a certified fashion disaster, but you can’t possibly be so oblivious that you think that those—” and here, he gestured at Harry’s still-stockinged feet, “even remotely go together.”

To Draco’s surprise, Potter’s face didn’t default to the scowl he had been expecting. Instead, it went sad, and then blank. “It’s in memory of a friend,” he said shortly. Efficiently stripping the remainder of his clothes off, he stepped into a shower, turning his back and ignoring Draco completely. A knot of regret settled into Draco’s stomach, and he finished his own post-exercise routine without a word.

—

The 50th or so time—Draco had lost count, eventually—happened on their third date. They were curled together on Harry’s bed, sweaty, breathless, and still partially clothed, having been too impatient to bother getting completely naked before they could get their hands and mouths on each other. Letting his gaze travel down their entwined legs (which they had, in fact, managed to undress), Draco looked at their still-socked feet, which contrasted markedly with each other: Draco in plain, black dress socks and Harry sporting one sock that had a large cat’s head printed across the toes and one featuring Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Draco ran his own foot lightly across Harry’s.

“Will you tell me who they’re for?” he asked quietly.

After a few moments of silence, during which Draco just had time to panic that asking had been a huge overstep, Harry answered, his voice soft. “His name was Dobby. He was a house elf.”

“I think I remember Dobby.” Draco furrowed his brow. “He was one of ours, wasn’t he? He sometimes took care of me as a child. He would read me stories. He disappeared, though, at some point.”

“I freed him.”

There was obviously more story there, but Draco decided that it could hold for another day. Instead, he asked, “How did he die?”

“Saving my life. Not long after you did the same, actually.” Harry paused, and Draco pretended not to notice the hand that came up to wipe his eyes. “Bellatrix killed him.”

“I’m sorry,” Draco said, meaning it.

“Me, too.” Wrapping an arm around Draco, Harry pulled him closer.

—

On their next date, Draco’s socks didn’t match, either.

Hi , can I request for Prompt no. 17. “wHY DO YOU KEEP LYING TO ME ?” , no or light angst please.

i swear i faced a huge writer's block for this one and i don't even know how it turned out tbh.

Keys to a healthy relationship

“ Psychology today’s mentions in the blog that keys to a healthy relationship are trust, honesty and interaction in both negative and positive ways to keep the fire in the relationship burning and to keep love alive. Hear that Ron, interaction and honesty are the keys to a healthy relationship” Hermione eyed Ron, lifting her eyes from the newspaper she was reading from, in a way that she was taunting him about something. 

Ron groaned and just then Harry tagged along on the table “ What are we talking about?” he asked as he gave Hermione her cup of cappuccino and Ron his cup of lemonade while he himself sat down with his cup of normal hot coffee. 

“ Keys to a healthy relationship apparently that Hermione assumes I don’t know of” Ron rolled his eyes 

“Why is that ?” Harry hummed 

“ Tell him, Ron” she narrowed her eyes in a normal way she used to do all those years ago when she was annoyed by Ron or he had done something wrong, Harry was very much familiar with the look. 

“ I lied to her about not wanting to go to the ministry party, I told her I had somethings to do Ginny for Mum and Dad’s anniversary when instead I was watching quidditch match at home” Ron recited monotonously. 

“ See that was lying to me and not communicating to me” Hermione commented 

“ Can you blame him though, I mean have you seen the ministry Party’s, they’re boring as hell, all old wizards and witches and old boring crap” Harry frowned 

“ Exactly, Thank you Harry” Ron exaggerated 

“ But that’s not the point-” 

“ I’m sure he just didn’t want to hurt your feelings by telling you how pathetic those Party’s are and sometimes he just doesn’t like going to them you know. When he’s lying for your benefit then I don’t think they should fundamentally harm your relationship, all technicality you know “ Harry explained as he gulped the remaining of his coffee. 

Ron gave him an impressed smile and looking at Hermione in ‘see he gets it’ 

Hermione rolled her eyes “Fine, I’ll just go by myself-” 

“ That’s not what I meant-” Ron interrupted 

“ Seemed like to me” Hermione lopsidedly replied taking her cup back to the counter suggesting that she was slightly pissed. 

“ Thanks mate “ Ron rolled his eyes and went after Hermione. 

Harry laughed as he watched Ron trying to make upto Hermione and soothing her with words like ‘we’ll go to your favourite orchestra show’ 

Harry shook his head, picking the newspaper from the coffee table and had only read the first few headline when he heard. 

“ Hey “ 

Harry’s face immediately grew into a smile “ Hi babe “ and he immediately got up and pecked his lips quickly in a sweet affection. 

“ What’s up with them ?” Draco asked as he sat down next to Harry on the chair after ordering one of the waiters his regular

“Ron lied to Hermione to avoid a ministry party and now he’s trying to make up to her” Harry chuckled 

“ Can you blame him, those Party’s are as boring as Hagrid’s classes “ Draco and Harry chuckled along. 

“ They weren’t so bad you know “ Harry teased after a while 

“ Please, he left buckbeak on me” Draco rolled his eyes 

“ If we clearly remember-” 

“ We don’t need to get into details. One shall not remain in the past” Draco said and immediately thanked the waiter for bringing his usual coffee. Harry chuckled. 

“We’re still up for tonight ?” Harry asked suddenly 

“ Tonight ?” Draco asked 

“Yeah, We’re visiting Teddy’s recital, I told you that” Harry frowned. 

Draco face immediately formed into a mild shock of how he had absolutely forgotten about that “I totally forgot about that, I- I have some left over work at school to finish, and I have to arrange the test for tomorrow morning, I’m sorry, He won’t be upset if don’t make it through would he ?” Draco asked apologetically

Harry nodded disappointingly “ He’ll understand I think, still try to make it through” 

Draco smiled at Harry before he placed a soft kiss on his forehead and told him he’ll try to make it. 

When a few minutes later Draco left in a hurry claiming he completely forgot about something at work, Harry felt something was off. He had been feeling the vibe and something being off for a while but had not raised any doubt, in himself or in Draco because he knew how much they loved each other and he knew Draco would never do anything to hurt Harry, not purposely anyway, and Harry knew that very well, after all they had been together for a very long time almost 4 years in a couple weeks. 

“ What’s up with you ?” Harry immediately looked up at the question and nodded instantly that everything was fine and he was just thinking about what to wear for Teddy’s recital tonight.

“ Don’t you think Draco had been cancelling a few more plans than usual lately, I mean I didn’t want to say anything but it seems like it doesn’t it ?” Hermione asked settling into the seat where Draco was formerly sitting. 

Harry dazed Turned to Hermione " I've been trying not to think of it but its evident right ?"

Hermione hesitantly nodded " I'm pretty sure it's nothing though. I mean he wouldn't ever hurt you "

" I know but it's just a bit suspicious. Anyways- where did Ron go ?" Harry asked interjecting himself

" oh- he left for some work at office "

Harry nodded despite of it seeming fishy too.

Harry pretended as the days went by that he wasn't bothered by Draco cancelling plans over and over again, he pretended that he was oblivious of the fact that Draco was cancelling most of plans on purpose and surprisingly enough for the first time Ron was calm about the whole situation and told Harry to just relax and maybe see it from a different perspective. Easier said than done, when your boyfriend of 3, almost 4 years cancel on a routine saturday dinner’s for the 3rd time in a month, something felt fishy and he couldn’t help but wonder the worst possible scenarios and even though he hated himself to think of them, he couldn’t help but think of them.

“ Maybe you’re just thinking about it a lot, Maybe he is in fact busy at school. I mean Harry you do know how hard things can be before christmas breaks right, the whole winding up of syllabus and giving off tests and assessing everything. Its not easy being a Professor Harry. I’m sure he’ll make it upto you somehow “ Ron advised and for some reason Harry didn’t feel as though his words were genuine but he did understand the point of it but it was suspicious of how calm he really was being, he was normally the paranoid one in the whole thing but ever since he became an auror and started living with Hermione, he had changed a lot. 

“ Maybe you’re right” Harry sighed. Ron nodded understandably. 

“ But I can’t help but wonder you know “ Harry interrupted 

“ wonder what ?” Ron asked curiously. 

“ That he might be you know “ Harry raised his eyebrows suggestively. 

“ Draco- What. No, It’s Draco we’re talking about, he’d never. He loves you too much to do anything like that. Have a little faith in your boyfriend Harry. This is the same Draco we’re talking about who walked with his hands in your backpocket so people would stop staring at your ass “ Ron chuckled. Harry smiled at the memory. Draco really used to do that and he very much liked putting hands in back pocket to label their relationship. When in the beginning Harry had doubts about the relationship and Draco, he had done that to prove Harry how much he meant to him and how much serious he was about that and that was only back when they were in 8th year and even though everyone knew Harry was taken, Draco used to tag along because he feared one day Harry might find someone better and he hated to think of those times. Their relationship hadn’t been the easiest one’s in any sort, the complications, the humiliations, the fight, the taunts, the hate, everything they had to face to finally reach here, Harry knew Draco wouldn’t trade it for the whole world but with everything, Harry couldn’t help but wonder each time Draco cancelled a plan whether something went wrong in all the time they’ve been together and if Draco is finally bored of Harry after all. 

“Mate, relax. He loves you, its very cheesy but he really does and he reminds you like everyday, if not you then no one “ Ron reassured when Harry remained lost in his thoughts. 

Harry looked at Ron for a few moments before he realised that maybe Ron was right and he was just being more paranoid and again he let it slide and everything turned out fine infact. The next day Draco took both of them out on a nice fancy date and spoiled Harry and apologized a lot for being a terrible boyfriend and for not making time for him and how his activities are inexcusable and Harry knew then in his heart that Draco would never find it in himself to ever think of cheating on Harry or even leaving him because clearly he loved him too much. 

It was a couple of days before Christmas when after a casual meet up after days Harry had stayed over at Draco’s place. There was unsettling odd feeling about everything, and just Draco in general because after the last date he had been pretty distant or somewhat weird and not in a “ i love you less “ way but in a he’s hiding something way and that terrified Harry more than “ i love you less now “, so he wandered off in the apartment after Draco had fallen alseep and was snuggled closely in the blankets. Harry had wandered off just walking in the apartment and ended up scurrying through cabinets to find something to eat when he finally found it. 

Harry gasped as soon as he opened a small blue tiffany box and in it rested a key. 

“ OH - That’s why “ Harry grinned to himself in relief when he realised what it was and kept it back where he found it, smiling to himself. That night Harry slept well for the first time in a long time. 

The next morning events were as delightful as Harry’s mood and had resulted in a morning shower sex and a sweet complimentary breakfast simply because he was too happy to have found that Draco wasn’t cheating on him or anything else but had been apartment hunting and even if he allowed himself to just assume everything, he didn’t refuse to believe that he might be incredibly wrong but it didn’t cause any hurdles in the morning activities. 

“ You’re in a rather good mood today” Draco grinned as he lingered on Harry’s lips after the makeout session in the kitchen. 

“ What can I say, you have this effect on me” Harry whispered with his eyes closed and the sweet taste of Draco’s lips still over his own. 

“ Wow Harry- you- I so want you again right now” Draco bit Harry’s lip pressing him against the counter 

“ Then fucking have me “ 

And they did it again and definitely ended up being late for their respective work places. 

" Draco's going to ask me to move on with him " he suddenly told Hermione, not being able to keep it in anymore.

She gasped " what ?" Then broke into a huge grin

" I was wandering off in his kitchen last night and found a tiffany box with a key in it, so i think but I can't be sure and I am excited but I don't want to get too excited because you know I might have got it all wrong-"

" screw it he's gonna ask you to move in with him " Hermione immediately jumped up and hugged Harry who returned the hug just as affectionately.

" it makes sense you know then, everything- him cancelling plans" Hermione grinned excitedly after breaking apart.

" but we can't be too sure. I mean it's a possibility but-'

" yeah. If he asks you, act surprised" and she she clapped her hand together in excitement again. Harry ended up laughing with her and discussed all the time they were at the coffee shop about when and how he might ask Harry.

Despite Hermione's strict warning to keep it a secret and act natural, Harry couldn't help but smile each time his eyes laid on Draco and would end imagining all the scenarios about how he might ask him, anytime.

" Oh- Harry I forgot to tell you, my Mom's birthday coming up so I am buying her an apartment in central London, what do you think about that ?"Draco asked suddenly as he placed the bowl of spaghetti over bigger coaster and plates by the side.

" an apartment- oh- OH-" Harry face turned into a shock then disappointment upon connecting the dots that the key in the Tiffany box was actually for Narcissa " I- I think it's a lovely present "instead he fake grinned.

" I thought so too, it's the perfect apartment with enough sun light and well ventilation- it's absolutely perfect " Draco grinned.

Harry nodded abruptly immediately taking the plate from the table and immediately taking some of spaghetti in his plate.

" I'm sure it's gonna be great after all it's your choice " Harry gave him a neat smile before he picked up the remote and Turned on the TV and started watching to avoid Draco and thinking of how stupid it was to believe Draco would ask Harry to move in with him.

For the next few days only a couple before Christmas, Harry had visited Hogwarts for some work when he decided to surprise visit to Draco's room, but upon arrival he only heard harsh Whispers.

" You should've seen his face- I mean please He looked to hurt. I don't know how much longer can I hold onto this "

Harry frowned to himself, placing his ear more closely to the door.

" just trust the process Draco, you want it to be special right, then just trust me. He's gonna love it and he'll never deny it alright. Besides it's only a couple days later, just hold on alright. You love him right " a pause " and you want to live with him right" A pause again " then just 2 more days and then you can ask him and it'll finally be over "

" I swear to fucking Merlin I never saw the day would come when I'd take advice from a Weasley " Draco groaned and Harry just knew him too well that he knew Draco must be rolling off his eyes right now.

" Just till Christmas then you can do whatever with him. I'm just making it memorable for him okay. He's gonna love it " He who Harry knew by now was Ron, said.

" I'm gonna wreck your apartment if he doesn't agree to live with me after having practically ignored him all month. You should've seen him Ron- he's- Merlin'- I Love him and I can see it you know that it's hurting him and-"

" I know I know but I made him believe that teachers live's are hard so you're good "

" it better be "

And then in rushed Whispers Ron left the room claiming he needed to get back to work. This explained Ron's absence too from work and his weird faithful behaviour towards Draco. Harry immediately ran for the hallways and hid in one of the broom closet until he was sure Ron left and then finally visited Draco.

After everything he heard, he knew he never wanted to be with anyone more than Draco and there will never be Anyone who would love Harry more him and the thought made Harry so happy that he kept smiling to himself all day and prepared Draco's favourite dinner.

" I- I'm sorry I'm a bit late- wow- Do I smell curry ?" Draco hastily entered the kitchen.

" your favourite " Harry grinned as he leaned up a little and placed an open kiss on Draco's lips.

" What's the occassion?" Draco asked holding onto Harry's waist and stroking his cheek affectionately.

" I just love you that's why. Go freshen up though- I'll place the dinner in 5 minutes " Harry hastily said as he stirred the curry again.

'”oh and by the way Mom invited us for her party on her birthday and we'll give her the key but I'd like if you'd see it before I gave it to her as a present "

" okay " Harry smiled and soon enough Draco left the kitchen.

Within the next 10 minutes Draco and Harry were already sat in the living room, their legs crossed and eating peacefully watching TV together until Draco noticed Harry had been staring at him more than usual.

" what's up with you ? You've been looking at me all night, is there something on my face ?" Draco asked as he wiped his hands in napkin and reached for his face to examine if there was anything on it.

" why do you keep lying to me ?" Harry asked with a smile.

" what ? What makes you think I'm lying ?" Draco asked almost shocked, his ears turning a funny shade of pink like it did when he was flustered.

Harry smiled softly at Draco before he put his plate on the table and wiped his own hands with the napkin and scooted closer to Draco so he was sitting before him, face to face.

" I heard you and Ron today at your office"

Draco didn't reply, still lying that it wasn't what Harry knew it was.

" can you stop pretending please, it's killing me- I already found the Tiffany box in your kitchen " Harry grinned.

Draco wanted to keep up the facade of not being dazed by Harry at all but with a smile like Harry gave one, Nobody stood a chance.

" did you like it ?" Draco asked, talking Harry's hands in his own and tracing soft circles.

" I didn't see the apartment, I want to see it with you " Harry smiled, kissing Draco's knuckles.

Draco blushed naturally, nodding and agreeing that they'll see it soon then.

'" I had this whole thing planned, you know asking at the burrow in front of everyone, down on one knee " Draco groaned as he wrapped his arm around Harry shoulder and leaning his head over it.

" I don't care how fancy it all have to be you know. I Never cared about extravaganza, all I care is that I get to live with you and that I can't wait but if it means so much to you, you do it your way I'll act surprised " Harry chuckled, kissing Draco's ear.

" one problem though " Draco said

Harry moved away so he could see Draco clearly " what is it ?"

'" you're shit at acting "

Harry whined playfully hitting Draco with a pillow and turning into laughter. Eventually the night turned into a pillow fight and a lot of laughter and bunch of make out on the ground but as long as they were together, there was nothing that didn't make sense.

So 2 days after, Draco did get down on one knee at the burrow and asked Harry to move in with him, Harry acted surprised in the most natural way and answered a yes, making everyone hoot and cheering them on with opening bottle of champagne.

" you already knew, didn't you ?" Hermione asked

" Don't tell anyone that " Harry nodded and soon the night turned into how it always did, in laughter and love.

 \\ Requests open // MASTERLIST

Evening

I can hear you all the way from the kitchen; you’re singing that song again. Drumming with wooden spoons, hollering the wrong lyrics, as always. It drives me crazy how you can’t follow a tune. The whole room smells like garlic, like thyme – I get one sniff before you sweep me in your arms and start to ‘dance’. It’s entirely graceless; you’re stepping on my toes, hitting your head against the cupboard, and I just can’t stop laughing. Dinner will take forever if we carry on like this. I don’t actually care. This is what happiness feels like, I think.

(Morning, afternoon)

Guess who's been on a shit writers block lately/ Guess who's been a shit writer lately