490Chapter 13: Weasels and Disguises
The following morning Harry woke feeling warm and secure wrapped in Draco's arms. Gods, he would never get sick of this. He lightly kissed Draco's chest, feeling the steady heartbeat underneath him. Harry sighed contently. Could life really get any better than this?
"G'morning." Draco said sleepily. Harry grinned and looked up to see his boyfriend rubbing his eyes tiredly. "Morning love." Harry retorted leaning up to give Draco a sweet kiss, not giving one iota about morning breath. Draco sighed happily into Harry's mouth. Partly at the kiss itself, but also at the emotions he could feel coming from Harry. They were intoxicating. To know how much Harry cared for him always made a little weak in the knees.
Harry broke away to press a gentle kiss to the tip of Draco's nose. "Can we go to Diagon Alley today?" Harry asked. Draco frowned at the turbulent emotions wafting off of his boyfriend. He could feel a wave of nervousness and fear. "What's wrong?" Draco asked all sleepiness vanishing in an instant.
Harry smiled at his concern. "Nothing is wrong. I just want to visit Fred and George at their shop." Draco raised an unimpressed eyebrow at the omission. Harry sighed. "Alright, I am just worried about seeing them after whatever Ron must have told them. I… I am afraid to see their reactions once I tell them about us." Harry finally admitted.
Draco wrapped his arms around the brunette and squeezed him tightly. "Harry, don't do that. Don't tell me half-truths when I can feel the insecurity and fear on you. Of course we can go see them but I will be there with you. I am not leaving you alone in case they say something that upsets you." Harry felt a rush of guilt at Draco's words. He knew he wouldn't have been able to hide anything from him but he just didn't want Draco to worry.
"I'm sorry. I just don't like it when you worry about me. I am not used to someone being there for me. It's a lot to get used to." Harry mumbled into Draco's chest.
Draco lifted Harry's chin so that he could see into his eyes. "I know. It is a change for me as well but you need to get used to it because you are stuck with me love." Draco said with a grin. Harry flushed with pleasure and grinned right back.
"Good because you couldn't get rid of me if you tried." Harry warned. Draco arched a brow. "Is that so?" Harry nodded vehemently. Draco laughed and hugged Harry tighter, letting his feelings for the boy in his arms answer for him.
"Well we might as well get ready. But you are going to put a glamour on. I don't want a rush of stares and well-wishers to make you uncomfortable." Harry smiled softly at the care Draco was showing. He nodded his agreement and got up to change.
After a satisfying breakfast and many kisses, they were ready to head out. Draco couldn't get enough of Harry. If he wasn't kissing him then he was touching him. Holding his hand, sitting in his lap or just physically being near him. Draco feared he would go into detox if he was separated from Harry for longer than a couple hours. Was that normal? Probably not. Did he care? No.
They both decided with the bad press on the Malfoy name that Draco should disguise himself as well. Harry's hair was a muddy brown, his scar was gone and his eyes were a pale blue. Draco's blonde hair was now black, his eyes were a warm brown and he had a tan. No one looking would be able to tell who they were.
The two of them flooed into The Leaky Cauldron and nodded respectively to Tom. They walked hand in hand down Diagon Alley, both relishing being able to do something so normal without the stares in Harry's case and glares in Dracos. They received some curious looks from customers but no suspicious glances or hints that they would be found out.
Harry was enjoying the walk immensely. He had never been able to go anywhere without people gossiping and whispering behind their hands. Shopping was always a chore, trying to force his way through the crowds of people who all wanted to gawk and stare at him. It was always a nightmare. Didn't they have better things to do than worry about what kind of underwear he was buying? He preferred mail order, that way he could stay home and not even bother. But why should he have to stay home to enjoy himself? He saved the wizarding world, he deserved to be able to shop without a hassle. Right? Even though he couldn't see Draco's real face he loved the fact that he was able to do this with him. Everyone they came across knew they were a couple. His stake on Draco was obvious. He only wished he could do it as Harry Potter and not this unknown face.
Draco could feel the pleasure that Harry was getting from being able to be together in public. Draco also enjoyed it. For once he wasn't on the receiving end of glares and hate filled words. He knew that once the public found out that their savior was in a committed relationship that the glares would increase. He knew he would be the talk of the town, and not in a good way. Draco wasn't looking forward to that. Glamour's would most likely be his best friend if he planned to show his face around the community. As much as he dreaded the inevitable he couldn't bring himself to care too much. He had Harry and that was all that mattered. He would endure whatever life through at him as long as Harry was right there beside him.
Harry tightened his hold on Draco's hand the closer they got to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Draco sent a wave of calming through their bond, which Harry soaked up heavily. Harry took a deep breath, let go of Draco's hand and pushed open the door.
The store looked the same as it did the last time he came in. It was a whirlwind of activity. Orderly chaos that in most stores would be a disaster but here, it just worked. Many boxes were charmed to read the advertisements on them, each one competing for the customers attention, some screaming to be heard. Some prototypes of the inventions were bouncing around the shop inviting the customers to try them out. The store was decked out in colors that ranged all over the spectrum. Harry smiled at the familiar feel of the twins that surrounded the store. Unlike last time the store was dead of customers. It was still early. Better for them though.
Fred and George leapt into action when they heard the door chime, letting them know that the first customers of the day had entered. They stopped short upon seeing one of two strange gentlemen. One of them felt familiar but Fred just couldn't place it. He glanced at George but saw the same confusion in his brother's eyes.
Harry turned around and spelled the door shut and turned on the closed sign.
"Hey! What do you-'' Fred began.
"think you are doing?" George finished outraged.
Harry turned back around and dropped the glamour on the both of them. Fred and George let out cries of delight and wrapped Harry in a hug.
"Harry! It's-'' George began
"So good to see you!"
"Why haven't you-"
"Been around the shop? Fred asked.
We have missed you!"
Harry laughed delighted at their reactions to him. He had been so worried they would be upset with him. Draco watched with fascination. He hadn't ever been around the twins of terror much at school. They had been two years ahead of him. Watching them talk was giving him mental whiplash. They were all over the place. It was exhausting and the conversation had just begun. How did Harry put up with them?
"After the row with Ron about Draco, I wasn't sure how you guys would feel. And then your mum didn't send her usual letter so I feared the worst. I thought you guys would be mad too." Harry said quietly stepping back, looking from one twin to the other biting his lip.
Fred finally noticed the other patron and his eye's widened upon seeing the Malfoy heir. George gave a strained smile. Draco sighed upon seeing the indecision in the twins faces. He knew their rejection would crush his boyfriend so he squared his shoulders and took a step forward. Draco dimly noticed them stiffen but refrained from rolling his eyes. Barely.
"I would like to apologize to you both if I myself has done anything to the pair of you." Fred and George's eyebrows raised in unison at the apology. Well this was unexpected.
"I know we haven't had much contact with one another but I would still like to apologize. I cannot apologize for my father's actions no matter how much I would like to. I am not my father nor will I take credit for the things he has said or done to your family. I know you have a bad opinion of me from the stories of your younger brother. They are accurate stories and I make no excuses for my behavior. His issues with me are just that, with me. So, I would again like to apologize for anything I have done to you personally and hope that we could get along moving forward." Draco said confidently.
Fred and George like to pride themselves on being unshakeable. You don't become master tricksters by being easily surprised. That would be bad for business. But looking at the boy they thought they knew to be pompous and snooty was a real eye opener. This Malfoy was respectable and genuinely sorry for his past behavior. When Ron had stormed home in a fit of rage screaming about Malfoy confunding Harry into a friendship, they feared for their honorary brother. They wondered what would possess Harry to be friends with him, to their knowledge there hadn't been a single redeeming thing about Malfoy. But this Malfoy was something else. This Malfoy was someone that they could see Harry befriending. This Malfoy was worth a second chance. The war was over after all. No need to hold grudges and prejudices, what was the point?
On the outside, Draco appeared to be the calm collected Slytherin that the twins knew him to be but Harry could feel the apprehension and worry from the blonde. Harry had not been expecting Draco to apologize to them. He choked up on all the emotions he felt for him. It was hard for him to contain the glee that Draco brought him. Harry tried really hard to shield the love that was blossoming inside him. To see Draco step up to them and face their misconceptions of him with grace and genuine remorse filled him with so much emotion it was almost tangible. Draco had done that for him. Draco had known how much this encounter meant to him and he threw his pride away and apologized. Harry could nearly taste the love that he was beginning to feel for Draco. He wasn't ready to actually say it but his heart was feeling it regardless.
Draco gasped loudly startling the twins who were still processing this new revelation. Draco turned around and stared wide eyed at Harry when he felt the love pouring out of him. Draco swallowed thickly. Love. Harry loved him. It didn't matter that Harry hadn't said it out loud. Draco could feel it. Harry's love for him was nearly indescribable. It was so warm and intoxicating. It was almost too warm, too hot. Draco felt the heat of Harry's love so up close it was if the sun had touched down to the earth. He had a fleeting worry that the heat would burn him or scorch his skin. If he concentrated hard enough he could almost smell the aroma of the sweet heat, it smelt like a heavy drug or a hard alcohol. Draco felt like he could get drunk in Harry's love. If this is what love felt like, then he never wanted to be sober, never wanted the warmth to go away. It was amazing and more real than anything in his life. Harry's love brought tears to his eyes that he desperately tried to blink away. Draco stared into Harry's eyes and let Harry feel his emotions right back.
Staring into Draco's eyes, Harry felt like he was in a trance. The world stopped moving and the only thing that mattered was Draco. He forgot about the twins, he forgot about the problems of the world. He forgot about the rest of the Weasleys. He forgot about everything except for Draco. He knew when Draco gasped that his shields hadn't worked properly, he had briefly feared rejection. He worried it was too soon. He worried that Draco wouldn't feel close to what Harry felt for him. But he needn't have worried. When Draco lowered his shields, it was Harry's turn to gasp. Draco's love for him was… chaotic. It was a tornado of strong emotions with Harry right in the eye of the storm. If Harry paused to explore the natural energy of Draco's love, he could almost feel the biting sting of the tornado's cyclone. Could almost hear the howling of the wind. It was beautiful and scary at the same time. How could something so raw and powerful be meant for him? Something so pure and strong was directed at him. It was a humbling and thrilling experience. Harry knew Draco wasn't ready to say the words either. Saying them was an act of intimacy that they weren't prepared for. But who needed words when you could feel the love they had for one another. Who needed words when the truth of emotions were so much more powerful.
Fred and George shared startled looks. What the bloody hell was going on? The intensity in Harry's eyes as he stared at Malfoy threw them for a loop. There was something more to the two of them then Ron had let on. The energy surrounding the duo was filled with magic and it was thrumming. The twins could feel it, almost as if it was sentient and alive. It was beautiful in a haunting manor. The magic was pulling at the two of them, searching and caressing. The magic thrummed in approval when it made contact, the humming of electricity that ignited in the room sent goosebumps on the brother's arms.
They weren't sure who moved first but it didn't matter in the end. They reached for each other at the same time. Harry's hands immediately wrapped around Draco's neck. Draco's came circling Harry's waist. They kissed like it was going out of fashion. They kissed like their lives depended on it. Like the world was suddenly going to end if their mouths weren't locked in a lip battle of tongue on tongue.
The temperature in the room heated up quickly. Fred fanned himself lightly looking at the two in the passionate embrace. George rolled his eyes at his brother but was grinning regardless. Blimey, who knew Harry could kiss like that?
The kiss wasn't gentle or even sweet. It was intense and all emotion. Teeth clashed, tongues battled and mouths moved in fast repetition. Harry moaned into the kiss. Gods, this must be what heaven felt like. The soft feel of Draco's lips felt like nothing else. If this truly was what heaven felt like, then Harry could die a happy man. Draco groaned at Harry's moan. It ignited a fuel of fire in the pit of Draco's gut. Nothing in the world could compare to this. They could feel each other's desire which just rebounded back and forth intensifying the kiss. They could no longer separate whose emotions were whose. The love and desire blended together so perfectly it felt as if they were one being instead of two.
George couldn't help but fan himself as well. He wasn't into men like his twin but good lord he might just convert if they were to keep this up.
They broke a part panting harshly. Draco stared into Harry's eyes trying to regain his breath. "I'd ask you if you meant it but it's redundant. I can feel it Harry." Draco choked out with so much emotion it sent shivers down Fred and George's spines. They shared awed looks.
"I mean it. Just as I know you mean it. I can feel how much you mean it Draco." Harry said placing his hand above Draco's heart. Draco rested his forehead against Harry's. "It's so beautiful Harry. It feels..." Draco trailed off trying to find adequate ways to describe Harry's love.
Harry laughed warmly. "Amazing? Wonderful? Gorgeous? Awe inspiring?" Harry asked grinning. Draco smiled widely. "Yes, you prat. All of the above. It feels like everything you said and more. Gods Harry, I never thought this could be possible." Draco said ruefully. "You. Are. Amazing." Draco said punctuating each word with a kiss.
Harry laughed with such free abandonment it brought smiles to their audience's faces. Neither twin had ever seen Harry so happy. It was surprising that Malfoy was the one behind his happiness.
The fear of the words had long vanished. Harry couldn't help himself. "I love you Draco Malfoy. I love you so fucking much." Harry rasped out blinking away the emotional response.
Draco's heart skipped a beat. He replayed the words over and over till they were seared into his memory. He wanted to remember this day for all time. "I love you too Harry Potter. So much. So. Much." Again, kissing Harry through the words. Draco lifted Harry up, Harry's legs automatically twining around Draco's waist. Draco twirled them around smiling at the way Harry laughed in enjoyment. Harry's eyes sparkled with so many emotions it awed Draco to think that this perfect specimen was his. All his.
Fred sent an almost helpless look to his twin. They were both so confused. What happened here? What started out as a tense apology turned into a beautiful sight. Not even their parents romance seemed to hold a candle to these two, which they always assumed was the perfect love. There was something so beautifully haunting about the love that was obviously shining in the new in front of them.
George didn't know what to say, so he sent the same helpless look back at his brother. He was just as clueless. He knew he would remember this moment for the rest of his life. There was just something so magical about the two of them in that moment that it had taken his breath away. He wasn't sure what was going on with Harry and the fallout with Ron but he knew that Draco was meant to be with Harry. Ron not wanting the two of them to be friends was laughable. The two men in front of them had docked and boarded the friend zone a long time ago. That ship had been sailed and sunk. They moved onto something far greater. Ron would be in for a shock the next time he saw these two.
Harry slowly slid down Draco's body as he came down from the emotional high of Draco's love. He suddenly remembered where they were. Harry grabbed hold of Draco's hand and flushed all over as he turned to face the scrutiny of the twins.
Draco was slightly embarrassed that he had forgotten where they were but was far from ashamed. He loved Harry and wasn't afraid to show it. Everyone else's opinions could be damned.
"Care to explain?" Fred asked breathlessly. Harry and Draco shared a telling look. George raised an eyebrow. They seemed to be having a silent conversation. Interesting. The only times he had seen one of those was with Fred and himself.
"We are in a relationship." Harry said slowly, like he was afraid of a bad reaction. George busted out laughing.
"Harry, that much is obvious." Fred said grinning at his laughing brother. Harry and Draco both blushed.
"What I meant to say, was what was all that about? We could feel the magic in the air. It was like both of your magic was reaching out and reacting to each other's." George stated noticing another telling glance shared between the two lovers.
"I have never felt anything like it before. It was amazing." Fred said a little awed.
Draco sent Harry a wave of indecision through the bond. The twins hadn't been hostile or negative but he wasn't sure of how much they should tell them. They hadn't even told Blaise and Pansy about the bond.
Harry was just as concerned as Draco but he knew that he could trust the twins. They might like to joke and are rarely serious but they were beyond trust worthy. Harry sent a surge of confidence to Draco trying to reassure him. He sent a small barely noticeable nod to Draco.
Draco sighed at Harry's need to trust them but had long ago realized that Harry's hunches were usually correct.
"Harry and I share a connection." Draco stated with a small smile. Harry squeezed Draco's hand affectionately.
Fred and George shared startled looks.
"What kind-" Fred started.
"Of connection?"
Harry swallowed nervously. "We aren't sure. All we know is that we can feel each other's emotions. All of them." The twin's eyebrows reached their hairline.
Fred and George shared a long look between them. Draco wondered if they could read each other's mind or if they were just reading the other's facial expressions. Either way it was fascinating. They were holding some silent communication with those stares. They finally broke eye contact to shrug at Harry.
"Was this a ritual?" Fred asked curiously. At Harry's headshake Fred frowned lost in thought.
"So there's no hiding the emotions?" George asked with narrowed eyes.
Harry furrowed his brows in confusion. Wondering why George would want to know that. A flash of indignation came through the bond and it suddenly clicked. Harry glared at George.
"No. There isn't. What Draco feels I feel. He isn't hiding some dirty plot by trying to be with me." Harry said feeling stung by the thought that he wouldn't be able to tell.
Fred raised his hands in surrender. "We aren't trying to insult." He said placidly.
George shook his head. "We just want to make sure you are happy Harry. I didn't mean to offend. If Malfoy makes you happy then we will respect that."
Harry's heart soared at their words. He hadn't lost all of his family then. He still had the twins. All the worry and panic he had been feeling ebbed away. Draco smiled at the emotions Harry was feeling. He sent the twins a grateful look and saw the surprise flicker in their eyes. Did they honestly think he was some kind of emotionless monster? He scoffed mentally.
Harry rushed forward and hugged them both. "Thank you. You don't know how much this means to me." Harry mumbled. Fred and George shot Draco a considering look. "I am beginning to think we do." Fred said quietly.
George stepped away and held his hand out to Draco. "I would like to get to know you. Harry is important to us and if you are what makes him happy then I would like to see just what it is that has him so captivated." Draco smiled gently at George and shook his hand.
"Thank you. I have heard a lot about the both of you from Harry. I would like to see the twins of terror for myself. And maybe help you out in some of your pranks." Fred let out a surprised chuckle as he held out his hand for Draco to shake as well.
"Well having a sneaky Slytherin in on some pranks might just benefit us." Fred conceded with a grin. Harry breathed a sigh of relief.
"God help us all if the three you start terrorizing the population." Harry said ruefully. Draco let out a surprised gasp. "Why I never! The low opinion you have of me great consort hurts me deeply." He said with exaggerated sorrow.
Harry tried not to grin but the twins could see the amusement in his eyes. "I am so sorry my Lord. Tis just that you are so sneaky and they are so mischievous that I fear for the masses. Who will come to their aid Lord Malfoy?" Harry asked with such seriousness that Fred and George snickered watching them.
"Ah my love but who cares about the masses?" Draco said his mouth twitching. Harry snorted. "My Lord you are their leader. You are supposed to care about your people." Draco widened his eyes in an innocent way that fooled no one.
"I am? But great consort that wasn't in the handbook." Draco said with faux despair. Harry couldn't help it. He erupted in a peal of laughter. Draco grinned in triumph before joining Harry in the laughter.
Fred and George chuckled as they watched the pair in front of them. They might not trust Malfoy fully just yet, but watching him with Harry it was obvious how much he cared for their brother. That was enough for them.
When Harry collected himself he grinned at Draco and then turned to the twins. "So what has been going on with you two lately?"
"Not a whole lot. Mainly just working. We were worried after Ron came home screaming that you had been confunded." George said with an apologetic tone.
Harry narrowed his eyes in anger. "Of course the prat would say that. Merlin, he can be so blinded sometimes." Draco was annoyed at the insult but could care less what Weasel had to say about him. Draco reached over and wrapped his arms around Harry.
"I'm sorry love." Draco said quietly feeling a little guilty. He knew he shouldn't but he couldn't help but feel like this was partly his fault.
Harry cupped Draco's cheek. "Hey stop that. It's not your fault he won't look past his own issues. I will not have you feeling guilty over this." Harry dropped Draco's hand to cup the other cheek as well. "You are my whole world Draco. I don't care that he is acting like a child. I don't care if I lose every Weasley. I don't care if the whole world is against us. Because no matter what happens I have you, Draco." Harry said sweetly kissing Draco's nose.
Draco swallowed thickly. "I hear what you are saying Harry. But I just want you to be happy. I know how much his behavior is hurting you. I can't help but feel like it's my fault. If it wasn't for me you would still have him as your best friend." Draco said sadly.
"If it wasn't for you then I would still be back in that dark place. I would still be lost Draco. I would still be wallowing in god knows what else my mind could come up with. Draco you saved me. You save me every single day. I would be nothing without you. So please please don't feel like any of this is your fault." Harry begged with wide eyes.
"I love you." Draco choked out with so much emotion the twins wondered if they should back away and give them privacy. It felt like a private moment that they were intruding on. Harry threw his arms around Draco and hugged him tight. "I love you too Draco."
Harry wasn't sure how long he stood there trying to reassure Draco. What he couldn't say with words he said with his emotions. He let Draco feel everything. How much he cared for him. How much he adored him. How much he loved him. He let feel the sadness he felt for losing Ron and the other Weasleys. He let him feel how he didn't blame him. He let Draco feel that there were no negative feelings for him, no resentment and no bitterness. He opened himself up completely and let Draco access every part of him.
Draco was amazed at the gift Harry was giving him. The gift of Harry. It was beautiful. To feel every single aspect of Harry was indescribable. Draco could feel the sadness inside his boyfriend but he finally accepted that it wasn't his fault. It was just so hard to see your significant other utterly crushed and not being able to do a damn thing about it. He may not have been the cause of the row but he played a huge roll in it.
Draco leaned away from Harry and gave him a gentle smile. "Thank you." He said a little awed by the gift. "Anytime." Harry promised with a beautiful smile that melted Draco's insides.
"Well now that the crisis is over." George said with slight amusement. Draco flushed.
"Ickle Ronnikens has always had a short fuse." Fred said. Harry nodded once but didn't feel like commenting.
Sensing the need for a change of topic George piped up. "Business is booming silent partner of ours." Draco turned to Harry in surprise. "Silent partner?"
Harry grinned. "Yes. I gave them my winnings from the Triwizard tournament." Draco was impressed with what they did with the money. Starting a business took dedication and street smarts.
"We were thinking about buying out Zonko's joke shop." Fred said with excitement in his eyes. Draco's eyebrow rose. Business must be better than just booming.
"But Zonko's is being difficult and a tad too pricey." George stated with a scowl.
Draco tilted his head to the side lost in thought. "How high is his asking price?"
Fred and George shared a look. "High." They said in unison. Draco nodded expecting the answer. "If you take in account of the location of the business you would expect a higher asking price. It is Hogsmede after all." Draco reasoned placing a hand on his chin. "Was the business on the market or did you approach him?"
Fred shot Harry a confused look but he was looking at Draco with a fond expression. He shrugged towards George's questioning glance. "It was on the market already." George finally said.
Draco smirked as he raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. He placed the shop on the market over value. That raises questions. Are his leasing permits still active? He may have loans and debts that aren't paid off and that is why he is selling it higher than it is worth." Draco said more to himself than the rest of them. This was like a puzzle that needed answering. His father's teachings that were always active in the back of his mind, were kicking into gear.
"Would the startup price of opening a second shop without buying out Zonko's be cheaper?" Fred nodded as George spoke, "At his asking price, yes."
"The first question you must ask yourself is why is he selling in the first place? Did he happen to say?"
"He said he was getting too old-"
"And wanted to retire." Fred finished.
"That could be a plausible answer but it wouldn't explain the high asking price. He has two sons that could take over the business. I know for sure that they would do it." Harry raised an eyebrow. "The oldest is a couple years younger than my father. He is an acquaintance of his." Draco elaborated.
"I don't buy his story. Besides most people wanting to retire will usually be willing to negotiate because they aren't needing the money, just wanting to retire." Draco tilted his head again. The twins and Harry shared an amused glance.
"To make a more definitive answer I would need to see all of his contracts and leases he has made. I would need to examine his financial returns he has filed with the Ministry within that last five years. Not to mention property agreements, customer lists, sales records, advertising materials, employee and management files." At their shocked faces, Draco raised a hand and waved it away their concern. "This is all normal procedure when wanting to take over a business. I would highly recommend getting a lawyer experienced in property details to go over all of that and then decide if it is wise to buy the place." Draco finished with a sigh.
Draco looked up to see their still shocked faces and grew self-conscious. He shifted from one foot to the other. "Did I say something?" He asked biting his lip. Fred and George blinked a couple times before laughing. Draco looked to Harry confused. Harry grinned and kissed Draco on the cheek.
"Where did you learn all that?" Harry asked curiously. "My father instilled all kinds of business knowledge when I was younger. He said politicians needed to be knowledgeable on more than just politics. Especially if you intend on intimidating people, you have to know what you are talking about." He replied with a shrug.
"Could we just hire you?" George asked. Draco looked at the twins incredulously. "What? I am not a lawyer." Draco protested.
Fred laughed warmly. "You might as well be. To be honest it sounded like you were speaking a second language. We were thinking about buying the place anyways but not now that you said all that. We would like it if you could come to tomorrow's meeting and take a look at his documents."
Draco looked to Harry with a flabbergasted expression. Harry squeezed Draco's hand and gave a small smile and an encouraging nod.
Draco was surprised that they wanted his help. But he wanted to prove to them that they didn't need to be wary of him. He was going to be in Harry's life for a long time and as Harry friends he wanted the twins to approve of him.
"Okay. I'll do it." The twins whooped in glee. "But." The twins stopped the high five they were about to give each other in midair. "I don't want your money. I'll do it for free." Harry grinned warmly at his boyfriend and sent a wave of affection to Draco. Draco shivered slightly at the emotions and thought that that was payment enough for him. Harry's happiness was all that mattered in the end.
The twins had another silent conversation that intrigued Draco. Harry shook his head at the questions he could see in Draco's eyes. He didn't understand the twins any more than Draco did. They were a mystery he had yet to crack.
"Okay but at least let us take you out for lunch."
"It is the least we can do." George stated enthusiastically. Draco grinned. "Set it for today and you got a deal. I am starving." The twins laughed and agreed with a smile. Harry reset the glamour's on himself and Draco and set out to The Leaky Cauldron.
"Should we have invited Angelina?" Harry asked George as they sat down. Fred shot Harry a panicked look that startled him.
George shook his head sadly. "No. We broke up last month." Harry winced. "Sorry George. I didn't know." George smiled slightly. "It's okay. She couldn't handle the twin thing." Fred gave a pat to his brother's shoulder in a comforting way, while the waitress took their orders and set down a round of butterbeers.
"But you've been together a while now and she's known about Fred since your first year." Harry said confused and not understanding at all. George grimaced. "Yeah I know. She said she understood that Fred played a huge roll in my life but she just kept pushing me to branch out on my own. To move out of the flat and to leave the shop. She said it wasn't healthy that we do so much together." George said bitterly looking down at his butterbeer.
"That's rubbish." Draco said affronted. George looked up surprised. Draco shared a look with Harry. "You know what this reminds me of…" He trailed off expectantly.
Harry furrowed his brows in confusion before it suddenly clicked. His face lit up in surprised delight. "Oh Draco that's perfect." Harry said clapping his hands. The twins were completely lost, not even bothering to hide their confusion.
"But does he like…" Draco and Harry said in unison. They shared an amused grin and nodded at the same time. Fred and George raised a lone brow, both wondering if their understanding each other like this was a part of the bond.
"What are you-" Fred began.
"Talking about?" George said folding his hands across his chest.
"Nothing." Harry and Draco said at the same time with innocent eyes. Which were ruined by the amused glances they kept shooting each other.
The twins snorted. "Harry, we are the masters-"
"At acting innocent. That won't work on us." Fred said with a laugh.
Harry sighed dramatically. "Oh all right you wankers. Draco and I have some friends that might interest you." Draco grinned at Harry claiming his friends as theirs.
Draco nodded along. "They aren't twins but they have a connection that is similar to yours that affects dating too." Draco explained.
The twins shared interested looks. "Would they happen to be Slytherin friends?" Fred asked curiously. Draco nodded nervously.
"Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini." Harry supplied grinning when Fred's eyes widened in recognition. "Zabini is rather gorgeous." Fred said slowly. Draco rolled his eyes. Gross.
"I can't remember much of Parkinson from school." George said with a shrug. They shared another silent look. Draco was growing impatient. He wanted to know now. Harry entwined their fingers and flashed a calming emotion to Draco with a hint of amusement. Draco huffed but calmed down. It's funny, there were times they didn't have to speak. Just send emotions to each other and that was enough. Sometimes words just weren't necessary.
"Alright. Sounds like fun." Fred said with a grin. George shook his head but had a small smile on his face anyways. Draco clapped his hands in excitement. "Oh I can't wait till I tell them. I'll let you know what they say and then give you there contact information." Draco gushed. The twins shared dubious glances, surprised at Draco's good natured personality.
Harry leaned his head on Draco's shoulder and smiled as Draco began talking about his friends. He was giving the twins a little inside knowledge on them that might help spark some interest. His hands were waving around the more he talked and Harry found this endearing. Gods he loved this boy.
Fred smiled at the love Harry's eyes were showing as he stared at Malfoy. It was sweet and also sad. Sad because the love they had was something he had never seen before. It was something Fred craved but didn't think would ever have. Sure, he's loved past boyfriends but nothing like this. It made him envious but Harry deserved all the happiness he could get and Fred was thrilled to be a witness to it.
George was fascinated by this Malfoy. They hadn't ever come in contact with each other in school except for quidditch. He remembered how much of a prat Malfoy had been but listening to him describe his friends in great detail with so much affection showed him how much he had never known the boy. Appearances aren't everything and it was time he realized that. He decided he would make time to have a conversation with the rest of the family. Harry didn't deserve their silent treatment. He hadn't done anything wrong to be shut out like that.
"Fred! George! What are you doing here?" The familiar voice caused the whole table to stiffen. The twins turned around with forced smiles. Draco and Harry didn't even bother to smile.
"Ron. Hermione." They said in unison sending apologetic looks at Harry.
Ron didn't bother even looking at the rest of the table. Hermione however was interested in them. Fred and George hadn't mentioned them before and they definitely hadn't gone to Hogwarts.
"We stopped by the shop but the closed sign was up. What's up with that?" Ron said inviting himself into the table. Draco raised his brows in disgust. He had been raised to always wait till you were invited, don't presume your presence is wanted. Even if it was family. Slytherin Rule #18: Never assume what you don't know.
"We ran into some old friends of ours." Fred said a little testily. Hermione noticed the tone and frowned. Ron was oblivious as usual and plowed on talking about how he needed to get some items from their shop and if they could hurry up and leave.
George sighed. "Ron we are in the middle of lunch." Harry and Draco shared a look before standing up surprising the twins. "It's okay. We shall see you tomorrow." Harry said kindly to the twins while sending cold looks to Ron and Hermione.
"You don't have to go-" Fred tried to say. Draco sent him a smile. "Thank you for the lovely lunch. Owl us the details for the meeting?" The twins nodded solemnly albeit a little reluctantly.
Harry entwined his fingers with Draco and they walked away without a backwards glance.
"Ronald! That was so rude!" They could hear Hermione scold Ron before the door swung shut. Draco rubbed Harry's back reassuringly. Harry sent him a grateful look.
"It stung a little to see them but not as bad as I thought it would be. Hermione used to play mediator between Ron and I when we would get into fights but it looks like she chose to be on Ron's side. During fourth year, at least she divided her time between the two of us. She hasn't offered to visit me and only sent the one letter. I just don't understand." He said bitterly.
Draco stopped walking and pulled Harry into a hug. "I know love, I don't understand it either." Harry sighed into Draco's chest. He refused to allow them to get to him. If they didn't want to talk to him then screw them. He didn't need them.
"Do you want to get some ice-cream?" Draco asked after a while. Food was always the cure to despair. Harry chuckled warmly, getting the reaction Draco was hoping for.
"Merlin, yes. But let's get a tub of it and take it home." Harry countered. Draco tugged Harry towards Fortescue's shop. "Of course. Think there's a chance we can get Kreacher to eat any?" Draco asked missing the bewildered and bemused glance Harry was sending him. Harry smiled gently as he listened to Draco ramble about all the things the 'silly creature' needed to try. Draco sure knew how to turn any sad situation around.
"Hey wait! Kreacher doesn't need to ride any roller-coasters Draco!" Harry said laughing at Draco's put out expression as he interrupted Draco's cute but unnecessary conversation. Draco wasn't one to be deterred though. Harry wrapped his arms around Draco and listened to him try to persuasively change Harry's mind. Harry sighed heavily, today was a good day after all.