After All This Time, Always The Same - Part 2

After all this time, always the same - Part 2 

Mild angst/ hurt comfort

Rain patted on the patio with the soft whirl of a wind making a peaceful sound. A residual of dead leaf floating over 1 inch of water and reflection of the flickering light of the place burning in a soft yellow. 

Harry revived in that rain, drinking his warm cup of coffee, away from everyone and gazing at the beautiful skyline of London. He drank another sip of coffee, the bitter aftertaste remaining but turned into a sweetness in given moments. 

“Out here alone again?” he heard. 

Harry didn’t need to turn around to know it was Ginny. He welcomed her in his presence; She came and stood next to Harry with her hand placed over the railing and in a soft physical touch Harry placed his hand over hers, rubbing it lightly. 

“We’ve lived here for 3 years and this skyline still amazes me.” Harry gushed. 

Ginny smiled, “The world is always changing, it’s something new everyday.” 

Harry hummed along. She was right, the world keeps moving forward, we keep evolving, 

And yet some unspoken things remain the same. 

“I wanted to discuss about certain wedding plans, whenever you come inside can we talk about it?” Ginny asked. 

Harry gave her a warm smile and nodded, “I’ll be in a few minutes. Gotta finish my coffee.” 

She nodded along and with a small smile herself, she walked back inside. 

Harry watched as she walked away. He adored her, her silhouette, her long ginger hair, the sound of her footstep, the curve of her smile, the sound of her voice, he loved it, everything about her and he might be the luckiest man alive to marry the girl he had loved for so long, after all that is what everyone looks forward to one day. His one day was in 2 weeks and he couldn’t wait for it. 

He turned back to the face of London again and in the soft rain of October, he finished his coffee and went back inside to do the last minute discussions of the wedding. 

But when the night came, when the sun had set and the moon had risen with the dark clouds hazing the sky, day turned into night and another day yet to arrive, he still lurked in the darkness of the night over the one last moment from years ago over the branch of a Maple tree nobody knew had ever even been there. The moment locked there that nobody knew of. 

But now, everyone did. 

He had been trying to ignore what happened at the gallery, he didn't answer anyone's questions because he didn't feel like he needed to and even if someone pestered him too much, he would simply walk away. However, It bothered him and it was evident but he didn't want to think of those days or reminisce again in the lost moments. Those days were over but ever since that one look at the Gallery, Harry had been unable to forget him at all.

It was easier before when they had not met each other for years, when they only heard of each other through someone else or saw it in the newspapers but now, old wounds had been cut reopen and blood flew out of them and no bandage worked good enough. Harry found it hard to not think about Draco anymore and it was worrying to him because he didn't like thinking of him anymore, especially after what had happened in the past but when he's lying awake in the night, staring up at the ceiling, he would run little circles over his own hand and think of the forgotten days and mourn over the lost years.

But things had changed, he convinced himself, things had indeed changed.

________________________________

As days spent away, the date of the wedding remained not further than 4 more days and it was suddenly starting to hit Harry that he was about to be bound to someone for the rest of his life and love someone till his lungs give out and just for one last moment, he wanted to feel free again.

"Are you sure you want me to go?" Harry asked for the third time.

Ginny pushed him out of the door and smiled "I want you to go, more because I need time away from you. It's sort of like a before wedding ritual. Now go- shush."

And the door closed with a thud and Harry was left with no option but to leave, though he was quite relieved to do so.

He drove of miles without a destination in his mind but some track song playing on the radio and cool breeze circulating inside his car. It relieved him off so many things, almost feeling like an escape he didn't know he needed and it felt amazing. He finally got the opportunity to see the outskirts of London that he had never been to all this time, the river that comes down the mountains, and the highways he had never had the chance to drive upon. He kept driving with his windows down and the music still playing. He took his hand out of the window and let the air pass through his fingers, and he felt them untangle from something invisible. He felt the breeze travelling through his hand to his neck, to his head and his heart and it unclenched him off so many things and it made him feel happy.

But the moment he had taken a halt and stood outside, leaning against his car, he felt the heaviness in his chest, he felt it clog and unclog and he yearned for something he had been depriving himself off for so many years. He told himself he shouldn't do it, but London have never looked so beautiful and the sky had never been more clear and so he hesitantly convinced himself that he would drive off to a destination he was destined upon since he was 15.

_________________________________

The fallen leaves from old trees crunched under his feet as he walked past many trees, and the sound that seemed to have been sung by the trees when the air passed through them. It was all too beautiful, the smell of the forest, the light of the sun that made it through the canopies, the sound of animals from afar, the dried up leaves over the ground, it was all too beautiful, just like he remembered.

He might've walked a couple more steps and there he finally was, under the same Maple tree from years ago. He smiled as he looked up and searched around the trunk for the step be created to climb up. It took him a while but he found it and climbed upon carefully.

He breathed sharply as he reached the bench and looked further ahead at the scenery and he was stunned to realise that nothing had changed, it was just like he remembered it, just the same that came in his dream so often, just like the one he had daydreamed of ever since he last came here.

He smiled as he grazed the bench next to his own and he felt the memory come alive in his head, the one from the last day.

"Are you scared?" He had asked

Harry nodded, "change is always hard,"

"Are you ?"

Draco nodded, "Change is always hard."

He didn't want to waste away time in pleasantaries or make small talks anymore, they already have lost a lot of it because of it, so he asked "Will you think about me?"

Harry kept watching ahead, not sparing a glance at Draco, he knew he would think of him everyday but he shook his head instead.

"I don't want it to hurt."

Draco nodded even when he was hurt, "I know I will."

Harry finally looked at him, his features so soft that wanted to caress his face but he didn't, he couldn't anymore.

"You will?"

Draco nodded, "I don't want to forget us."

Harry smiled, "We didn't really exist, did we though?"

But Draco had been far too serious and Harry knew it when he faced him and he saw the glitter of tears held back behind his eyelids.

"We did if only for a short while, it was everything."

Harry couldn't say anything, but he wishes he had, he wishes so much that he had that day.

Harry pushed himself upwards and took out his wallet from the back pocket and opened upto a picture of him and Ginny but today he didn't want to look at it. Today, he took out the hidden picture behind it and grazed over it with his fingers to the burnt corner of the picture that he had once tried to burn but had never been able to actually quite do it.

He flipped the photograph and noted the date "October 15, 1997", the same date of his marriage. It was the last of what he had been left of Draco. He had tried multiple times to throw away that picture that Colin had took but everytime he would look at it, his agony would flood inside him and he was push it away into secret.

He gazed at the Draco in the photo again, both of them cuddled together and he found himself giving out a giggle and he thought it was just that, but a tear blocked his glasses and he had to take off his glasses to wipe them off. His heart clenched in his chest a lot more than he had wanted it to and he pressed that photograph against his chest and he let out the tears he had never allowed to drop from 10 years ago, he finally let it hurt and it stung but he let it happen.

___________________________________

Ginny was helping Harry after dinner when she stopped him by holding his hand and made him look at her.

"Harry?"

"Yeah"

"I- wanted to say this, so just hear me out. I've been thinking and I am so happy that we're getting married In a day and I cannot ask for a better man but something have been worrying me"

"worrying you?" He asked confused.

"Ever since the day we came from the Gallery-"

"Not you too-" he huffed

"Please- just let me say. I've been worried that you've been different ever since. I just want to know if you're okay or if there is anything you feel like you want to tell me?" Ginny asked softly.

Harry held her hand softly and replied, "I am fine, you have nothing to worry about."

Ginny didn't look convinced but nodded anyways but she still went on, "Harry- we'll be together forever after a day. Like forever, you realise that don't you? It's not something that ends in a week or two years, it's gonna be forever. I want to know if you're absolutely sure about this ?"

"Gin, you're just getting cold feet about everything. I want to marry you alright. I've never wanted anything more." He assured her.

She smiled at Harry and then finally hugged him.

"I can't wait to be married."

Harry hummed and kissed the top of her head and yet, his mind lingered on the word forever. Together forever.

And suddenly he felt the heaviness in his chest again.

I had never quite planned on writing a part 2 to this but since I posted this on Instagram, i received a couple requests and thought as to why not.

Will have a part 3 though 😀.

After all this time, always the same

Prompt used- kissing the top of other's head| harry and draco finally meet each other years later at a memorial gallery, discovering some buried promises |

" I actually did not know Colin was this good " Harry said impressed as they walked the gallery

" really, who knew that kid was really good " Ron hummed.

" i miss that kid " Harry said as he drown in reminiscents of everyone who died in the war

" I am sure it would mean a great deal that you're here Harry. He always looked upto to you, he lived a nice life " Denis smiled at harry before he departed to he other batch of visitors. It was almost 10 years after war when one day a bunch of Hogwarts student's had received an invitation to the colin memorial gallery. Dennis, his brother had managed to construct certain photographs Colin had taken before he died and decided to put it into his memorial. Apparently Colin always wanted something like that, but his gallery Would've been incomplete if the people he had photographed had not shown up, so this was the reason why a bunch of Hogwarts student's had been given a free pass as a contribution to his memory. Harry was however saddened by the absence of colin. After all this time he still misses all those who died a lot. He learnt it the hard way that he will probably never forget any of them but he can manage to live with it.

It was however surprising how amazingly brilliant Colin's skills were. Nobody knew he had even taken their pictures secretly and it were all too great.

" hey, theres us " Ron said a little too loudly, much to anyone's liking. Harry gave them all a small apologetic smile before he joined Ron to see the photograph hanging over the wall of him, Ron and Hermione.

" seems like a different era, doesn't it ?" Ron nostalgically said.

Hermione nodded besides him as she put her head over Ron's shoulder. 10 years and they're still in love like they were when they were kids. Harry had always been fond of their relationship, not because it's his friends but because of everything it was built upon, the love they have is just for each other, and there probably had never existed other who had walked upon earth who they'd love them more than they loved each other.

" there's you " Ron suddenly pointed a small picture on the bottom

" oh yeah- that's me " harry carefully looked at his solo photograph. He wasn't particularly attentive, looking in some other direction as if he was watching out for something.

" that's forbidden forest " Hermione peeped carefully at the picture

" It might be the courtyard " Harry interjected as he took a few steps away to look at a few more pictures to avoid their questions.

" but harry I'm sure it's forbidden forest, it's the same place where sir- where you fought those dementors, I'm sure " Hermione egged on

" I'm not saying it might not be, might be. I wandered off a lot during 5th year but I'm pretty sure it must've been just the courtyard, Colin wouldn't probably enter the forest " Harry made a point with raised eyebrows. Hermione didn't seem to believe yet nodded forcefully, dropping the matter.

" there's a tons of pictures of you guys here " Someone said from behind Harry and before he had time to register to who it was, his fingers were already intertwined with someone and by the touch, he just knew it was Ginny.

" well he was quite a fan of me " harry smirked at his fiance.

" but still. It's like you were his personal models. Gotta agree though, he was great " Ginny said as she looked at the wall in front of them.

" he was " Harry hummed and walked alongside the rest of the gallery with them.

It wasn't until Ginny got bored of looking at plain walls just with pictures, she left to chat with other people. Hermione and Ron had collected themselves to the other part of the gallery, conversing with a few people. That meant Harry was left alone and he found it quite relieving even if he loved all of them.

He had reached the last of the gallery when his eyes fell upon the same blonde head he had abstained himself from seeing in years. Hundreds of flashbacks flashed back as he tried not to stare at him. It had been years yet even now if Harry passed by him, he'd know he still smells the same. As if he too had sensed Harry's presence, he looked away from the picture to his direction. They only locked eyes for a moment, a moment of weakness before Harry nodded and walked away. He sighed as he walked away, it has been so long, so long yet this feeling doesn't change. He thought staying away would change but it hadn't helped, not a lot to be precise.

Harry walked away deeper in the gallery until he reached the last of halls and stopped there, right there at the last picture. It was the last picture Colin had clicked after which only his broken camera's were set. Harry would be lying if he said he wasn't stunned to see the last picture. It was so weirdly ironic how the last photograph from Colin's collection was the picture marked with the symbolic representation of end of certain other things. Harry longingly stared at the picture, the moment running on his mind like a music reel

" this seems nice doesn't it ?" He asked

" it's more than nice Draco " Harry had replied

" Harry- i-" but he closed his mouth

" what ?" Harry asked him to continue when he was rendered speechless

" nothing " Draco sighed as he leaned back on the tree

" go on, tell me " Harry said as he climbed forward towards him

Draco stared at him long enough as though he was memorising harry deep within his heart.

" you're going to love me the same, right ?" He finally asked.

Harry stared at him, more confused than ever before he cupped Draco's face and said " of course Draco, always the same way "

" even if I do the most wrong in the world ?" Draco asked a strange shadow of sadness covering his eyes, obstructing Harry from reading his eyes.

" you- I- I-"

" it's hard to say ?" Draco asked almost hurt

" Draco, I believe you. I love you, I'll always love you the same way but the definition of most wrong depends on a lot of things but I believe in you, I know you wouldn't do anything that would be the most wrong thing to me in the world" Harry gave him a comforting smile . When Draco didn't say anything he climbed into Draco's lap and rested his head against his Chest, hearing the rapid heartbeats.

" you're afraid of something Draco " Harry said as he analysed his heart rate

" I'm afraid of the ruins " Draco truthfully answered because he was aware of everything he was supposed to be doing.

" ruins ?" Harry asked confused, craning his neck up to look at him, only to find Draco looking far away. He seemed lost.

" we can never be wholly together Harry, I'm always afraid, every moment of my life when I'm with you..I'm afraid you'll wake up from this dream and realise it's all ruins " Draco answered, his lips trembling a bit. Harry snuggled in closer to his chest, he knew he was right..

" you're not a ruined man Draco and this isn't ruins to me " Harry Answered

" am I not ?" Draco asked looking hurt

" y- you're not a ruined man but even if you are, you are my ruined man and I promise to love you the same way, everyday even if this doesn't work out, you get me ?" Harry asked empathetically.

" you must be a fool to fall in love with me " Draco finally said after a few minutes smiling down at harry.

Sensing the light tone Harry smiled up at him " then I am your fool "

" I'd rather never wake up from this dream " Draco smiled at harry lovingly then kissed on the top of his head and just then they heard a shuttering sound, startling them awake from their moment.

If only harry had known what was to happen, he'd had never gotten up and ran for the sound but he had and it had ruined millions of memories that could've been made.

" it's a beautiful picture" a familiar voice said behind Harry. He didn't need to turn around to know who it belonged to, he had grown up Being fond of it.

" while It lasted " Harry replied turning his head to find Draco was now standing next to him

" broken promises, some thing huh"

" I know I kept mine " Harry whispered avoiding looking Draco in the eye

" did you ?" Draco retaliated

" I always did " Harry replied more seriously now than before.

" oh hey, it's the same picture from your albums Harry- didn't see you there malfoy, g-good to see you " Ron suddenly appeared from behind them

" you never really talk about him. One boyfriend huh " Ron added Patting Harry on his back.

" it's because of the ruins " Harry replied smiling at Ron.

Draco turned his head towards Harry that it almost snapped. Harry had already been looking at him when he did, and for a moment just for a moment, everything had vanished from the room except them. The people here didn't matter, it was just them, finally away in their isolation Just with each other without their ruins. It was a moment of weakness where they smiled at each other knowingly that after all this time, always the same.

" Harry, it's your boyfriend from sixth year, the one in the album-"

" Draco, it's the picture from the album, your boyfriend-"

Astoria and Ginny's simultaneously said.

Requests open

Day 25- perfect birthday plans | Day 27- Harry's dance partner

Phases

For the old @drarrymicrofic prompt: Lunar. It turned out to be like 1.6k lol. I got my info about space from this website. Big thanks to my darling @written-in-ash for the beta!

-

🌑New moon: The moon is between Earth and the sun, and the side of the moon facing toward us receives no direct sunlight; it is lit only by dim sunlight reflected from Earth.

He brings the bottle to his lips, grinning into the sip at something Weasley says. Leaning against the bar, he swallows and says something in return that makes Weasley laugh heartily and Granger roll her eyes.

Next to me, Pansy nudges my arm gently. "Go over and talk to him."

I shake my head. "Not now."

-

🌒Waxing crescent: As the moon moves around Earth, the side we can see gradually becomes more illuminated by direct sunlight.

-

"Malfoy," he says with a slight nod as he passes me in the corridor.

I choke on nothing, spinning around and watching his retreating back.

"Hi Potter," I whisper to the now empty hallway.

I kick myself the entire way back to my office.

-

🌓First quarter: The moon is 90 degrees away from the sun in the sky and is half-illuminated from our point of view.

-

"You're right."

I blink. "What?"

He shrugs. "You're right. We hadn't thought of that. I'll have someone from my team look into whether the suspect has a history with rare curses. Is tomorrow soon enough for us to get that to you?"

I clear my throat. "Er, yes, that would be acceptable."

He nods once. "Thanks, Malfoy."

"Sure," I say, resisting the urge to run out of his office. I'm sure I'm imagining the heat of his eyes on me as I walk away.

-

🌔Waxing gibbous: The area of illumination continues to increase. More than half of the moon's face appears to be getting sunlight.

-

"Malfoy, wait up!"

I hold back a sigh and turn to face Potter, ignoring the butterflies in my stomach. "What is it, Potter?"

He catches up to where I'm stopped in the hallway. He grins brightly. "Want to get dinner? With me, I mean. Together."

I furrow my eyebrows. "Is this a work thing?"

He blushes. "Er, no. It's just...y'know, I'm hungry, and I assume you're hungry since you just had that apple for lunch and—"

"How do you know what I had for lunch?"

"I, um, I just noticed. Y'know us Aurors, always hyper-aware," he chuckles nervously. "So. Dinner?"

"Y-yes. Okay. Yes."

"Great, it's a date." He smiles, already walking away. "Meet at The Rose Garden at 7?"

I can only nod in response, but his wide grin is enough to tell me he saw it—and to keep me rooted to the spot for several minutes.

_

🌕Full moon: The moon is 180 degrees away from the sun and is as close as it can be to being fully illuminated by the sun from our perspective.

-

"Merry Christmas, Draco. We're glad you're here." Mrs. Weasley—Molly, I remind myself—hands me a soft lump wrapped in thin wrapping paper.

I tear it open, the paper coming apart easily in my hands after I undo the stubbornly knotted ribbon holding it all together. I can't help the way my lips part slightly in surprise at the soft green jumper, a 'D' stitched in silver on the front.

I look up at Molly, my throat thick with emotion when I whisper, "Thank you, Molly."

"You're welcome, dear," she smiles, reaching up to cup my cheek gently before moving to the other side of the room, muttering something about the mess of wrapping paper strewn about the rug.

I look around the room at the others, watching them exchange gifts, thank-yous, hugs, and laughter. My eyes meet Harry's and I hold his gaze as I pull on the sweater, only breaking eye contact when it goes over my head.

His eyes lock onto mine again, and I never want to let go.

-

🌖Waning gibbous: More than half of the moon's face appears to be getting sunlight, but the amount is decreasing.

-

"What do you mean you're not coming, Harry? This has been planned for months!" I'm done trying to keep my tone perfectly even, indignation and disbelief tightening my chest.

Harry at least looks contrite. "I'm sorry, okay? I thought it was the weekend after."

"The invitation has been hanging on the refrigerator for months!" I huff.

Harry sighs. "I had every intention of attending Pansy's charity ball, but this is the biggest match of the season and no one expected the Cannons to make it this far. Ron would be devastated if I didn't go with him."

I grit my teeth. "And Weasley's feelings are more important than mine?"

"That's not what I said and you know it," Harry narrows his eyes. "And honestly, it won't kill us to be apart for a weekend. It's okay for us to do things separately."

I ignore the weird way that stings. "Except that Pansy has been relying on you to make an appearance to bring in more donations." I roll my eyes. "But whatever, Potter. Go to the stupid game. I suppose it's alright for you to miss this. But next time, you'll come with me, alright?"

Harry nods. "Yeah, I will. Thanks, Draco." His smile is soft and hopeful, and most of my anger melts away.

-

🌗Last quarter: The moon has moved another quarter of the way around Earth, to the third quarter position. The sun's light is now shining on the other half of the visible face of the moon.

-

I say it without really thinking after we babysit Teddy together for an afternoon. "Other people's children are great because you can give them back at the end of the day," I chuckle, leaning back against the couch.

"You think so?" Harry smiles wistfully. "I can't wait to have kids one day."

"You want children?" I ask as nonchalantly as I can. Not now, not now notnownotnownotnow.

Harry scoffs lightly, but not unkindly. "Of course I do. Who doesn't want kids?"

"Plenty of people, I'd think."

"They're crazy," Harry shakes his head. "I'm so excited to be a father."

"Well, not all of us want to be parents, Potter," I snap. His eyes widen and jump to mine.

"You don't want kids?"

"No, I don't," I say shortly.

"Why haven't we talked about this before?" He furrows his eyebrows.

I shrug. "I don't know. It's never come up."

"But—are kids a dealbreaker for you? I mean, would you come around to it if I—if your partner wanted them?"

I release a shaky breath, looking away. "I don't know. Would you be happy being with someone who doesn't want children?"

I see him clench his jaw out of the corner of my eye. He's quiet for a little while, and I nearly startle when he breaks the silence.

"I don't know."

-

🌘Waning crescent: Less than half of the moon's face appears to be getting sunlight, and the amount is decreasing.

-

His knuckles are white around the handle of the suitcase. "This is just something I have to do."

My body responds as if some emergency lever is pulled inside of me. My arms fall to my sides, my back straightens, my face is blank, my voice is emotionless. "Leave your key on the side table. I'll owl your things tomorrow."

His eyes well with tears, and something inside my mind is screaming at me to do something, to fix this, to pull the suitcase from his hand and his body into my arms.

He nods and turns around. I close my eyes so I don't have to see him leave.

_

🌑New moon: Finally, the moon is back to its new moon starting position. Now, the moon is between Earth and the sun.

_

I don’t watch him as he approaches me, waiting until he’s standing at my table before acknowledging him.

“Hi, Draco.” Time has been kind to him; the pictures in the Prophet don’t do him justice. But I don’t tell him that.

Instead, I say, “Potter.”

He nods at the empty chair across from me. “May I sit?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be getting home? I’m sure your kids would want to spend time with their father now that they’re home for summer hols.” I try not to sound bitter, but the wry twist of his mouth tells me I wasn’t entirely successful.

“They’re with Ginny. And they’re not kids anymore. Lily just graduated Hogwarts, and the other two are at university.” His smile is just a little bit far away, tinged with pride.

“Congratulations, Potter. You and your wife must be very proud parents.”

He gets a funny look on his face that makes me want to both punch him and wipe it off with my lips on his. “That’s all we are. Co-parents, I mean. We’ve been divorced for two years. I thought you knew?”

“I’m not one of your adoring fans, Potter. I don’t read about your life in the papers,” I roll my eyes. “I thought that’s what you liked about me,” I can’t help but say it, and I don’t care how petty it looks.

His eyes twinkle. “It’s just one of the things I like about you.”

“Do go on, Potter,” I drawl to belie the thrill that rushes through me.

He chuckles. “I will. Maybe over dinner? I’m hungry, are you?”

I squash the hope that rises before I let myself sink into it. “What are you doing, Potter?”

His face falls a little, but he looks into my eyes with a determination that still makes my heart race. He sits in the empty chair at my table, taking my hand from across the wooden surface between us.

“Starting over.”

@silver-de-vonne you make me the happiest 🥺

Aging can be a very scary and beautiful thing

CW minor character death

Aging can be a very scary thing. He saw his closest and most beloved friends freak out at the very first gray hair, panic at the wrinkles. Hermione buying and brewing any potion that could help slow the process.

He bare witness to Molly and Arthur slowing down through the years. First, it was the hair transforming from pure fire into a snow storm.

Molly, the star of the burrow, the homemaker extraordinaire taking longer and longer knitting the famous weasleys sweaters until one day she couldn't make them any more and used magic instead. Her once soft hands getting tougher, needing the care she once provided, now ached at the joints, her back arched, her trusty walker always by her side.

Arthur worked until the shaking became too much, claiming his friends would miss him and he wasn't lying, the fire shone green almost every day. He, well, aged faster. Magic can be wonderful, but there are things it can not undo. First came the cane, then the charmed fork and charmed chair. Then Mungo’s. Losing him slowly like that didn’t make the pain any less. His goodbye was a sea of red and all the adoptive kids that, like me, he guided in the post war world.

But time also gave him so very much, a career as a teacher is one, but the best one is a family that grew and grew.

Teddy, a grown man working endlessly to make a better world for people like his dad, Remus would be so proud. His little one, Amelia, is growing so fast. They always do.

Rose is a force to be reckoned with. Hugo is going to change the world of potions.

It also brought surprises, revelations and people he would never imagine be by his side when he lost Arthur. Pansy was his rock, Blaise took care of all arrangements.

And Draco, his Draco, was the best surprise time has given him. He morphed his meaning of home, of peace. By his side he learned what romantic love really is, to come together in double attention. To find meaning in meaningless things. And to fall in love, again and again.

Discovering the mutual bewilderment and genuine enjoyment of aging together was a surprise.

He threw a ridiculous party to celebrate his now fully gray head, but because they are old now the hangover lasted almost a month. They learn bingo, knitting and every old person activity they can think of. He treasures every smile line and gray hair and the liveliness of it all.

Aging is a precious thing when you never thought it would be for you.

Also on AO3

77 tries

Dialogue prompt 13- “Are you flirting with me?” “You finally noticed” || Fluff || 8th year fic || Friend's to Lover.

The sound of the train settled down as the students got off the train and went over to retrieve the bags. It had been a delightful winter holidays for everyone but now it was nothing more than learning defense against the dark arts in the courtyard full of people. 

Harry like the rest had been picking up his bag when his shoulder bag slipped off his back and he was leaning down to pick it up when Draco helped him up.

“Thanks.” Harry smiled taking his bag from Draco. 

Draco smiled back equally politely, “Good holidays?” 

“Yeah, you?” 

And they walked back into the castle talking about what happened over their holidays while their friends walked behind them with a knowing smile. 

_____________________________________

“I’m going down to the library, you coming?” Harry asked as he put his books in his shoulder bag and slinging across. 

“I think I’m going to call it a night.” Ron told him and Harry nodded and left the place. 

He was looking for a place to sit down somewhere in the far end, away from the people with a stack of books in his hand, when he saw Draco sitting alone. 

“Can I join?” 

Draco looked up from his paper and nodded, making space for Harry. 

“Alone?”

“Pansy didn’t want to come along. She said she was too tired from the lessons and I’m a little behind.” Draco told him. 

Harry nodded in agreement, settling down in front of him, “Things have been a little too much recently,” 

“Right? I thought I was the only one but its been hard keeping up with Ms. Plunett’s class.” 

“Oh, who are you kidding, you’re the head boy, you’re almost always at the front,” 

“Yeah, right, like you aren’t her favorite already. I can bet, even if you face plant in your paper, she would give you a full score.” Draco rolled his eyes as if it was the most obvious thing. 

Harry chuckled, nodding along, “Lets hope i’m just her favorite student and nothing more, if you know what I mean.” 

Draco raised his eyebrows and pushed his quill a little to the side, “Oh please enlighten me with what do you mean?” 

“Oh come on, you’re doing it purposely. You know what I mean.” Harry said with an obvious roll of his eyes. 

Draco teased him further, “I don’t. Please, I’m dying to know what you meant?” 

Harry laughed lightly, shaking his head. 

“Oh please, I really want to know how Ms. Plunett just gets lost in your green eyes and your beautiful smile, or how you talk.” Draco started laughing by the end along with Harry. 

“She does not think that, I’m sure of that.” Harry replied trying to control his laugh. 

“Oh, yeah, I’m sure she doesn’t. I’m pretty sure she’s always doodling in her notebook the plans to get you into one of the broom closets-”  

“Draco!” Harry exclaimed, throwing an unused quill at Draco who could not stop laughing at all. 

“Just do your work.” Harry tried saying sternly but he was trying to hide his smile.

“Oh- I better get to work. After all she doesn’t have a crush on everyone-” 

“Draco!” 

And then they finally did get down to work, knowing they had plenty unfinished assignments and a lot to look forward to this week. They were so comfortable working alongside each other that they didn’t even realise that it was past midnight and their dorm curfew was 11:30.

“What trouble would you get into? You can make up a lie, like you were on a round.” Harry suggested walking out of the library along with Draco. 

“Right and how does it sound if I say, Headboy does rounds only on Friday?” Draco raised his eyebrows at Harry. 

“Oh please, It’s not like its a rule-” 

“We are marked.” 

Harry huffed out loudly then pulled out the invisibility cloak from his bag, “Never tell anyone I covered for you.” 

“Oh believe me, I won’t.” 

They walked quietly towards their shared common rooms, even passed by a prefect around the corner of the corridor but managed to keep their peace. It was only when they reached Draco’s room, they pulled out from under cloak, Draco said, 

“I- just want to thank you for this and for tonight. It was fun with you.” 

“Likewise.” Harry smiled. 

He was about to turn away and walk back to his own room, when Draco stopped him,

"Hey, would you ever- you know- want to just do something?"

"Together?" Harry asked, furrowing.

"Yeah, together." Draco suggested again.

"Like you want to sort of hangout together?" Harry asked dumb folded.

Draco remained silent for a second then nodded, "Yeah like a hangout. You and me, could go to Hogsmeade."

"Sure. How about this Saturday?"

Draco nodded in agreement, "See you on Saturday then."

Harry walked away after that, slightly confused yet appeased.

________________________________

When Saturday finally came along, Harry and Draco decided to meet in front of Honeydukes in Hogsmeade.

"So, what are we going to do?" Harry asked.

Draco turned his head around and then pointed towards the cliff behind Hogsmeade, "We're gonna go there and sit down and eat our cupcakes."

"that's all?" Harry asked.

Draco nodded.

"We could've done that in the common room as well you know."

"Yeah, but then it would not have been the same, you know. There's a beautiful sunset, it's a nice view. It's a good day to be out. Besides it's better without all the students walking around."

Harry nodded after a while as if he finally got his point.

They walked towards the cliff with not so many kids around and settled down with the best view of Hogwarts and the sunset.

"It's pretty." Harry smiled.

"Told you, it's a nice day to be out." Draco smiled back.

They didn't talk for a while where they finished their cupcakes and set the empty cups aside.

Harry had leaned behind over the palm of his hands and his legs stretched forward when Draco suddenly said,

"Has anyone ever complimented your eyes?"

"Well a lot of people says that I got it from my mom but I don't think it's supposed to be a compliment." Harry shrugged.

"They're pretty though." Draco said casually with a small smile.

"I don't even know the exact shade of them."

"Well, they're sort of emerald but like there's a tinge of olive green around the corners but it's also a little blue if you carefully notice." Draco replied, leaning in a little further so he was downright staring into Harry's eyes.

Harry gazed back at Draco and then suddenly nodded, "Thank you for telling me that. That was a very detailed answer."

Draco went back to his original position, playing with the hem of his jeans.

"Have you ever seen a sunset with someone before?" Draco asked again.

Harry shook his head, "Not like this. It's nice," he smiled. "You?"

Draco shook his head, "Never found anyone to watch it with."

"Really? None of your friends ever wanted to see a sunset before?" Harry asked curiously.

"I mean- sunsets aren't supposed to be seen with friends you know,"

"Then who are they supposed to be seen with? Parents?" Harry asked.

Draco breathed in sharply and turned to Harry, "No, but like people you want to see it with. And not your friends. Like special people."

"Define special people?" Harry asked.

"The kind of people you want to specially take out and see with. You can be with your friends everyday but there are some people you're not with everyday but you want to spend more time with them." Draco tried explaining.

"Ah, so, that's like people you like from afar but you don't hangout with them much?"

Draco nodded hesitantly, "Sort of, yes."

"So you don't have that kind of special people?" Harry asked.

Draco shook his head, "Not really."

"Why?"

Draco shrugged, "Can't be sure why."

Harry nodded understandably.

"Who else do you think have pretty eyes?" Harry asked.

"Uh- well there's you, then maybe- Luna I guess."

"She does have pretty eyes. I think even Pansy have pretty eyes."

"She does, yeah."

Then they went silent again and this time Draco chose to break it, again.

"You have unusually small feet."

"I do. But it's not like I'm that tall either so they're fine." Harry shrugged.

"I think you have a standard height. It's like, it's perfect."

"Why, thank you. You have a good height too." Harry smiled lightly.

"Your hands?"

"What about my hands?" Harry asked, closing in and bringing his hands towards Draco.

"They're- small too."

"They're not that small. It's only like an inch smaller than yours." Harry said.

Draco took his hands in his own and compared it, "They look cute." He chuckled.

Harry smiled again, "Thank you,again."

"You know, I noticed, you've been complimenting me too much."

"Me? No." Draco gasped.

"Really? I think you are. It's not unusual but you do it sometimes quite a lot. It's one thing I like about you." Harry said.

Draco looked at Harry for a moment then nodded, not knowing what he should've said.

The wind picked up after that, making Harry's hair blow all over his face that one last time, Draco took his chance and pushed it behind his ear while Harry watched him do it.

"Thank you. Again."

Draco shrugged and took his hands back to his sides.

"It's been nice to be out here with you." Draco said.

"Likewise. We should do this often." Harry said.

Draco smiled at Harry and nodded.

"Though, maybe we should invite someone else too." Harry suggested.

Draco reluctantly nodded, "sure yeah- I mean- yeah, it'll be great."

Harry nodded again but only for once, confusion came over him.

"You don't mind it though, do you? I mean I like us hanging out too."

"No, you're right. We should totally invite other people too." Draco nodded vigorously.

"wait- Draco-"

"Are you flirting with me?" Harry asked as realisation hit him.

Draco could've denied but he was done with how dense Harry was being, "You finally noticed." He replied with a sigh.

"All this time?"

"All this time. I've been trying to flirt with you since the begining of the year but you just don't get it. You know for someone who's supposed to be really clever, you're very very dense."

"How was I supposed to know you were flirting with me! It's not like you were making it obvious!" Harry exclaimed.

"Yeah, because you go to see sunsets with everyone and friends compliments each other's eyes. You're daft, Harry, like really daft."

"Are you still flirting with me? Because sarcasm is sort of your flirt language?"

Draco shook his head laughing, "I don't flirt with sarcasm."

"Ah- maybe you should." Harry joked.

They laughed for a while, holding onto their stomach for their dear life until it had finally dissolved and they were simply smiling at each other.

"We should do this again and I promise this time I'll know we're going on a date."

Draco fondly laughed, "I should hope you know now."

"I promise I will and you know what, I'll even catch up when you're flirting with me."

"You promise?" Draco asked, teasing.

"I promise." Harry crossed his heart.

"You have a beautiful smile." Draco complimented.

Harry gazed at him then leaned forward, "that's such a beautiful thing to say, I'm swooned-"

"Harry!" Draco whined.

But Harry tipped his head off laughing again.

"You really are daft." Draco shook his head but he still couldn't help being completely love struck by this boy who had absolutely no idea when he was flirting with him but then again, Draco would do it all over again, and again and again, because Harry was just worth it.

MASTERLIST/ REQUEST OPEN

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The Pleasure of a Fleeting Year, Pt. 6

January 21st, 2017: Draco

Draco’s loneliness is his most enduring war wound. On cold, rainy days it twinges. It’s worse in the evenings. Scorpius soothes the ache, but now Scorpius is gone too. Draco clears away his solitary dinner. He’s never needed anyone else, but lately, he finds himself wanting more than ever before.

January 21st, 2017: Harry

Sometimes, when he’s had enough to drink, Harry plays the mirror game. He imagines what Erised would show him now, after everything. Some nights it’s his parents or a new job. Tonight, it’s someone holding his hand and pressing kisses to his neck. An unthinkable flash of warm, silver eyes.

50 words x 2 words for Bike Dream by Rostam. Thanks again forever, etc. etc. @softlystarstruck!! I’m writing a continuous story in microfics for all of the 2022 @drarrymicrofic prompts, and this is the sixth installment.

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