Chapter Text
Five years later …
Narcissa Malfoy knew many things.
She knew you never paired a blazer with a pleated skirt. She knew a hundred ways to murder someone in a conversation. She knew that dark magic left an imprint in your soul, and her departed husband had succumbed to the stain of what he had reaped. She knew her sister would never really recover from her depression, but she was still surviving the best she could. She knew that Hermione Granger would look best in Winter tones but always dressed as fucking Summer and it would be incredible to dress her appropriately.
And, she knew that Neville Longbottom would be fantastic in bed - she didn’t know, know. She just knew.
The best thing she knew was that the dark times were over and the day it had started was the day she had watched her son lie to his father about Harry Potter in her own drawing room.
“I can’t be sure,” he had said. And, he had lied. Because, she was fairly certain that Draco would know Harry Potter half-blind in the middle of a hurricane.
For years she had wondered if Draco’s magical core was tied to Lucius' Obedience curse on their magic. Draco had been born of her, therefore, his magic was tied to her own. He had grown in her womb, a place where a woman's magic bloomed so abundantly. Surely this would have passed down to her son. He was so obedient, he was penitent in how much he wished to please his father, and Narcissa had fooled herself, that it was because of the curse.
In that drawing room, watching him lie, she knew two things; Firstly, her son was in love with another boy. And, secondly it had been fear that has driven his deference - and this made her horribly sad and tired.
During those damp and miserable times within their small cell at Azkaban, Narcissa had been weak, physically, but she had promised herself - if there was one thing she would strive for, be absolutely certain of, was that she would make her son happy.
If her son would be happy with Harry Potter then that’s what she had to accomplish. A small token of his own regard would be enough to seal the deal. She would then be able to plan. And, Narcissa Malfoy was extraordinarily good at planning.
The day the solicitor arrived with the acquittal papers which were tied to Harry’s testimony, Narcissa got her sign. There was something there, something between these boys and even if Draco could not see it and would not believe it, she was going to encourage that link in any way she could.
Of course, the pair of them thought she was unfathomably stupid, which was both a blessing and a curse because she had to pretend that she had no idea of what the pair of them were up to, or how it had even come about.
“My goodness, I had no idea you had made such an impression on Mr Potter, Draco …” she had murmured whilst re-reading the testimony. They had been out of prison for a week, had retired to the guest wing of the dilapidated Manor, made some small repairs and had been trying to care for Lucius who was a complete mess.
“Pardon?” Draco had asked, still skin and bones, still consumed with guilt and heartache.
“Mr Potter, he writes so much about you, stating how well you know each other - he has provided a character witness. I assumed you two didn’t have much to do with each other at school.”
Draco stared at her for a moment. “I– we were indifferent about each other.”
Narcissa gave her son a look. “This would tell a different story. Mr Potter states that you are a good person who has been influenced heavily by his upbringing. He says you saved his life and were imperative in the defeat of Riddle.” Narcissa refused to call that murderous wanker Lord Voldemort. “He states he was able to use your wand because of the link between you.”
Draco frowned. “Are you sure?”
“Goodness, I won’t read it to you, my love.” Narcissa pretended nonchalance. “Personally, I’ll be writing my apology letters as soon as possible. We must try to redress the balance of Lucius’ mistakes. I wish to offer the branch of peace in exchange for a … pleasant existence. I can't live in exile, Draco. I know I don’t deserve it …”
“Mum, I know about the contract between Cygnus and Lucius - Father told me, in a moment of lucidness - he says you must be absolved. The solicitor confirmed it.”
Narcissa's eyes had filled with tears at the time. She pulled them back within, like a good pureblood wife.
“I’ll try to help, in whatever way I can.” Draco confirmed.
“Thank you, love.”
She had left the testimony he had refused to read, out on the table.
It had disappeared when she had returned to the room.
Narcissa had taken great pains to reestablish a relationship with her reluctant sister; it had surprised her that Andromeda had reached out at Harry's insistence. This opportunity was not to be dismissed - Narcissa was able to concoct a small plan to spend some time with the Saviour of the wizarding world. Mainly due to his poor understanding of social entanglements.
And, oh how he needed her! Goodness, this poor boy was lost in their world. He hadn’t had a moment to reap any of the benefits of education from Hogwarts - he had very little understanding of anything, including the muggle world.
The less said about that fucking Ginerva Weasley the better.
However, once a link had been established between the two of them, she had become very fond of Harry and was charmed by his effusive questions and literal take on most things. Narcissa had found out quickly, once Mr Potter took you into his life, it was very difficult to extract yourself. His trust and loyalty were hard won, but once they were confirmed - they were a lifelong expectation.
The wonderful thing about owl post was that if you really wanted to find out where an owl had been, you could. It was as easy as that. Narcissa’s mother, Druella Black had been a quiet woman. Strong in her own way but particular in her belief of the Pureblood way of life. What Cygnus wanted, he got. As much as she deferred to her husband, Druella was also incorrigible in her need for knowledge about her peers. She knew everything and she had ways of finding out more. Her spies were everywhere. Narcissa was Druella’s favourite and the pair worked together to be in the know.
Druella taught her daughter to be kind to owls, to encourage them to rest at the Black owlery and lastly she taught the spell she had created to find out where that owl had previously been - an easy way to find out who was having an affair? Use a location spell on their owl, of course an owl would only stick around long enough if it felt comfortable. And, they were notoriously difficult to hit point blank in the air.
Draco’s owl, Carrick, would often fly to somewhere incredibly familiar whenever it would rest at Narcissa’s house. And Harry’s owl, Bert, strangely would have been on quite the long haul to Sweden a few times a year. Interesting.
As quiet as the boys were with their friendship, Narcissa would help them out occasionally with a small push to recognise how much they were needed by the other person.
Sometimes she was subtle.
And, sometimes she was not.
It didn't matter. It seemed that whenever each of the boys heard the other's name, they got caught in a maelstrom of feelings and memories.
They would be cast faraway, remembering moments from their past. Lights would dance in their eyes as they rushed through their thoughts.
“Oh, yes. Wilhelm is a lovely man! Draco is so in love and very happy. You should see the pair of them with Scorpius! She's so happy. Wilhelm really understands Draco … he knows that Draco likes peace and quiet … to just settle and relax –”
Harry snorted as he looked up from the potato he was peeling. “I'd have thought he'd be bored stupid.”
“Oh?” Narcissa raised a brow.
Harry had shrugged. “Well, you know, he always seemed like he liked … taking the piss and messing about. He always enjoyed winding me up, anyway …”
“C'est possible, mon coeur.”
“I'm glad, he's… happy. You know, found what he wants.” Harry's eyes had drifted out of the window. Searching for a memory.
“Yes, darling, too true. What he wants … indeed.” Narcissa had agreed.
Draco had been easier.
“Harry is such a capable father, goodness those boys are cherubs!” She’d say, rearranging flowers or perusing his bookshelf. “He's desperate for a little girl, though! Such a shame they stopped at two. He’s already so lovely with Teddy, including him as much as he can … but you know, both Andromeda and Ginerva create unnecessary boundaries …”
“What do you mean?” Draco would ask, a light frown maring his handsome face.
“Well, just that he had less choices than most. Both women have their own agenda, I suppose.”
Draco had snorted, shaking out the paper he was reading. “Preposterous, the man is the most powerful wizard in the western hemisphere and is allowing two silly bints to control his life … no offence, Mother.”
“None taken, my love. I expect he needs a bit of managing by a firm hand though –”
Another snort followed by brisk shaking of his head. “No, he doesn’t! He's perfectly capable - what he needs is comfort and support. That’s what Granger and Weasley afforded him. Back-up - Merlin, he’s a simple man, it’s not hard to understand!”
“Quite right, dear …” Narcissa had said quietly, allowing Draco to dwell in his thoughts.
It had been rather wonderful watching them come together six years ago. Observing them fall in love. Finding their feet. Realising how much they meant to each other. Even all their wonderful friends could see how perfectly they slotted together … it didn’t matter that it had taken those twelve years. What was twelve years when you had forever?
What had been written was simply wrong.
If Narcissa was so inclined she might sit back and think how much she loved it when a plan came together. In reality, nothing happened that way. Life would not be manipulated like that. It happened whether you liked it or not. As sure as a river searches for the sea or a shoot reaches for the sun.
Two boys, once adversaries, certainly on opposing sides of a war that was nothing to do with them, had found solace, support and love in each other.
Propped up in her bed in the morning sunshine, Narcissa knew that nothing was set in stone. Love, like life, would always find a way.
Especially if it was given the smallest nudge on occasion.
She sipped her tea as the man beside her groaned. He had been sleeping on his front. His large shoulders bunched up with his arms underneath her silk pillows.
Smiling, she counted down from five.
Four. She popped her tea back on her bedside table.
Three. He stretched and yawned.
Two. A large, warm hand slipped between her thighs, smoothing down towards her ankle.
One. She was yanked down the bed and the big handsome idiot crawled on top of her.
“Morning, beautiful,” he rumbled in his deep voice.
She gazed up at the man who had been her constant companion for fifteen years. He was close to forty. Handsome, strong and so unlike anything she had been brought up to admire.
Yet Charlie Weasley was so utterly admirable and unignorable, it was hard to function in his presence.
“One day you’ll yank so hard my leg will pop off and then where will we be, hmm?”
He huffed out a laugh as he leaned in to brush kisses on her face. The soft hairs of his beard tickled her skin.
“I don’t like it where you’re too far away, flower. I like it when you’re beneath me, unable to leave …”
She grinned and leaned her head back so he could kiss the other side of her neck. “You’re a brute, I should send you off … back to your cave and your dragons.”
“I’d steal you away and keep you there,” Charlie paused as his fingers brushed up the side of her satin nightdress, bringing it further up her thighs. “Chained to a wall where I could devour you daily and nightly.”
“Mmm, yes please.” Narcissa sighed happily.
Charlie smiled and kissed her the way she liked it.
Narcissa knew many things but the things worth knowing were never quite the things you thought you should know.
~
It occurred to George that the hardest part of recovery was how it was viewed by everyone else. For example, it was easy for George to sit in a restaurant, like the very one he was currently in and enjoy the food, the company and his non-alcoholic beer and be one hundred percent content without having a drink. But, there was always someone who would watch him with pity in their eyes, like not being able to have a drink was the worst thing to ever happen in someone's life.
Today it was Ginny, who was already feeling a bit slighted as her ex-husband was having a nice time and it always set her off. George loved his baby sister very much. She had been a huge support when he’d lost his brother, she’d always allowed him to sleep in her spare bedroom, cleaned the sick off his clothes and held him when he was at his lowest.
However, she had the tendency to be a bit of a petulant dickhead if the urge took her. Tonight seemed to be one of those nights.
“You okay, Georgie - we can get out of here if you like?” she asked with a pitying stare.
“I’m fine thanks, little sis,” he said and continued cutting up his steak.
“Oh good, it’s just I feel so bad for having a drink when you can’t …” she said with a sad smile, waving her wine at him.
“It’s fine, honestly. Strangely, I'm happy without it …” Merlin, why was Theo taking so long in the bogs? Bet he was gossiping. Bastard.
“I know, you’re doing so well, honestly. I’m so proud of you! It’s just you know –”
“Ginny dear, I think your mum wanted a word …” Andromeda said from the other side of the table.
“Oh, does she?” Ginny got up and stomped off down the long table full of Weasleys, Potters, Malfoys and a whole menagerie of their friends and family.
George smiled at Andromeda. “Thank you.”
Andromeda nodded and gave him a look of solidarity. The look of someone who knew exactly what it was like. She raised her mocktail and he raised his beer in a toast.
“Babe!” Theo said, huffing and sitting down in the chair next to him. “You will never bloody guess what I just found out in the loo …”
George, who was a slave to gossip and his husband, perked up. “What?”
“Daphne is divorcing Flint! Bastard was having an affair!” Theo took a gulp of his wine with wide eyes.
“No! Who with?”
“Bloody whatsername at the Leaky Cauldron - the barmaid with the huge shoulder pads and the wonky ears. One of her earrings is always way lower, plays the bongos, had that chihuahua that threw-up by Narcissa’s Victoria Beckham slouch bag …”
George frowned. “Who?” The problem with Theo was that he never remembered anyone’s name.
“You know, she had that funny Christmas jumper of Santa showing his bum … she came into the shop that once and dropped a vial of Peruvian darkness powder. Took three days to clear!”
“Oh, Bernadette?” George hadn’t really noticed her wonky ear, and he’d know. He also had no clue she played the bongos - and the christmas jumper thing was surely made up.
“Yesss! Can you believe it? Daph chucked all his clothes out the front door. She’s devastated. Draco said Tori told him last week but we aren't to tell anyone.”
“Right, I won’t say a thing.” George promised.
Theo grinned in excitement and stole a chip off George’s plate. He then proceeded to lean across the table and tell Andromeda everything.
George smiled happily and smoothed a hand over Theo’s shirt, affectionately stroking the curls at the nape of his neck.
It had been Bill who had introduced them. His older brother had warningly stated that Theo was an excellent financial adviser but the most hopeless flirt. George, who had long suspected he was bisexual and increasingly attracted to posh twats, had been excited to meet him properly.
Theo, however, had taken one look at George and proceeded to fall over a display of Skiving Snackboxes. It had been utterly delicious. George had flirted with Theo on and off for a couple of years before finally cornering him in an office. They’d had the most mind-bendingly passionate snog against Theo’s filing cabinet which had made Theo’s lovely ears turn pink.
“Hey,” Jamie said, stealing his mum’s seat and elbowing George in the side. “Any chance I can take tomorrow morning off?”
George sat back and observed his nephew. Jamie reminded George of Fred so much, it hurt. He started working part time at the shop whilst he was studying at RADA in London, surprising everyone, Jamie wanted to tread the boards and was actually quite fantastic at it. “Oh yeah, why’s that?”
“Got an audition for a new play, I’ll be back before lunch! I promise, Boss.”
“Yeah, no probs,” George gave him a smile. “Don’t let me down though, Theo and I are going to lunch with his mum …”
“Nice one, Georgina - love you …” Jamie bounced away and excitedly told his dads the good news. Both Draco and Harry looked excited and pleased. Draco was already launching in, asking further questions and probably offering some reassurance.
Harry glanced up and smiled at George, nodding in thanks.
Ginny would obviously always be Jamie and Al’s mum but it was Draco and Harry who ‘parented’ the most. They were always around for any fuckups or tears. Always the first ones who knew exactly what was going on. They watched every one of Jamie’s plays. Going to the performances that people couldn’t get to so there was always someone there.
Both Scorpius and Albus had a year left in school and were predicted to excel in their NEWTS. Next year they were planning to head to Sweden, following Draco’s path to becoming a Healer.
Even though they had both got into the St Mungo’s programme early, they had snubbed it. George was quite proud of them both for that.
Theo sat back and sighed happily. He stole another chip off George's plate and then leaned over for a kiss. “You okay, love?” he suddenly asked with concern.
“Yes, thanks, babe. I’ve got to go into work in the morning —”
Theo narrowed his eyes. “Bloody Jamie!”
“He’ll be done by lunch, I promise …”
Theo rolled his eyes. “I love those kids, George but I’m so glad we’re free of the little bastards … talking of which! Fancy Mexico in a few weeks? Me, you, white sand, blue skies, you under a brolly, me getting nice and brown?”
George smiled, picturing a deserted beach and Theo on his knees. “Yes, please.”
~
Teddy walked out of the backdoor and headed to Harry’s workshop, following the sound of 90’s jams on Kiss FM. He opened the door and his godfather was bent over his lathe, doing something technical. A cauldron was bubbling to the right of him with a huge shelving unit holding jars of interesting things. All of it was warded heavily. A large bottle of water was sitting half-drunk on the cabinet beside him. Draco ensured Harry took it out with him every morning.
Life was vastly different these days. As soon as Teddy had officially moved into Harry and Draco’s house everything had become a little easier. They took away a lot of the worries he’d had, encouraging him to see his own mind-healer and gently easing the pressure he’d felt.
It was always an odd feeling not really being their real son but they treated him like he was. Harry and Draco were always fair, ensuring that Teddy got exactly what the other kids did - it wasn’t what they did specifically that made him feel different, it was just how he felt and Sal, the mind healer, said that was okay. You could love and feel loved but also acknowledge the differences in who you are.
Life was a million times better than it had been. He just had to keep checking in with himself and remember that there were people here who loved and supported him, no matter what.
“Hey,” Teddy said gently so as not to startle his godfather.
Harry looked around and grinned. He turned the machine off and put his goggles on the side. “Hey! How did it go?”
Teddy had just come from his Gran’s house. He’d been to tell her about joining up with the aurors. He’d had his acceptance letter the week before and was off to the training facility next month.
“She was okay.” Teddy shrugged. “She said she was going to worry, but you know, she said she was proud and mum would be thrilled about it.”
“Yeah, absolutely! Your mum would be so pleased, mate.” Harry smiled sadly. “It’s been so tough with Gran but she just thinks the world of you, Teds.”
“I know,” said Teddy. And, he did know. “Gran’s a different person these days, it’s just hard for me to not think about what’s happened … you know, before.”
Harry nodded. “I wouldn’t want you to not think about it Ted, it’s important to not lock that crap away. I’ve always told you, these are your thoughts and feelings, you’ve a right to them. And, if nothing else, I think that in a way, they’re gonna make you a better auror - even better than your mum.”
Teddy smiled. “Yeah?”
“One hundred percent, mate. Your mum was good but I think you’ll be fantastic.” Harry walked over and dragged Teddy into a hug. Teddy was taller these days but it was still just as good as always. Harry gave hugs like they were life-lines.
“I’m mega proud of you,” Harry said, waiting for Teddy to let go first.
Ted stepped back and re-did his hair. Harry always messed it up.
“Seamus said he’ll be there for your first week of training.” Harry leaned back on his shelves.
“Oh really?” Teddy pulled a face. That would be embarrassing in front of the other recruits.
Harry smiled. “It’ll be alright, just tell him some fart jokes. He’ll be your best friend forever.”
Teddy rolled his eyes. “Yeah, brill advice.”
“When did you get so moody? You used to be all cute and easy-on.” Harry turned him around bodily and pushed him through the door.
“When did you get so unfunny and old?” countered Ted.
“So rude and ungrateful … I’m going to tell Draco about this insubordination.”
“He’ll take my side …”
“Yeah, probably.”
Harry tripped him up and they scrapped whilst heading back into the house.
~
The house was quiet. September always came quickly, surprising Draco. After a summer of towels strewn on every surface, cupboards ravaged, loud music, pool parties, quidditch in the garden, dinner on the patio, shouting, laughter, the odd breakdown, boyfriends and girlfriends lounging around the place, and continuous handouts of cash … the silence was loud.
Teddy would be back in October after his basic training, so they didn’t have to wait long for one to come back - and of course there would be half term holidays to look forward to.
He didn’t know why it always made him feel so low when they left, but they were getting older and at some point they’d have to get used to it. Some day they’d all be gone.
Draco turned the radio on just to have another presence as he put a load of washing on. The song ended and Ginny’s laughter came through tinny on her Saturday morning show. Draco pulled a face and turned her off. He was getting there, but he wouldn’t purposely listen to her. He wasn’t that evolved.
Harry came bustling through the back door, moaning as Lucifer nearly tripped him up. He looked handsome, with more smile lines around his eyes, longer hair, the exact same jeans with holes in the knee.
“Hey!” he said with a happy smile upon seeing Draco. The cat meowed at Draco and trotted into the depths of the house. Probably to snooze on Scorpius’ bed. “Sorry, I was just checking that cauldron I’d left under a stasis. You okay?”
“Yes,” Draco stated, inhaling sharply and trying to exchange his expression for a more pleasant one.
Harry approached him. “I forget you always get sad when they leave.”
“So do you,” Draco said, childishly turning away and staring out of the window.
Harry popped his chin on Draco’s shoulder as he wrapped his arms around his waist. “Yes, I do.”
Draco leaned back on Harry. “Why do I hate it?” he asked his husband.
Harry turned them left and right in a soothing motion, he brushed a kiss on the back of Draco’s neck. “Because it’s quiet and you love them, and you worry.”
“Yes, but you’ve gotten so much better at letting them go.” Draco admitted sadly.
“Turns out I don’t feel alone anymore … I have this tall, attractive, blonde who haunts the house.”
Draco wrinkled his nose. “Haunts?”
“Yes, like a ghoul.”
Draco tried to push him away. “Sod off, you’re horrible.”
Harry spun him around so they were facing each other. The green of his eyes shone like sea glass in the morning sunshine. “Seriously though, there’s a bit of me that’s looking forward to it. They head off into the world. I get you all to myself.” Harry nibbled on Draco’s jaw.
Draco hummed, whilst wrapping his arms around Harry’s shoulders, smoothing his hands down the broad planes of Harry’s back.
“What happened to the man who definitely wanted more children?”
“My clever husband told me to stop being a nob-head, and we had enough children … and one day we’d be happy about the peace and quiet.”
He had said that, he’d forgotten. “You see, you should always listen to me.”
“Also, we can retire by fifty - get that island I talked about.”
Draco laughed, pulling back a touch so he could see Harry’s face. He brushed the long curls that had escaped Harry’s bun behind his ear. “You, retiring early? You’ll be bored within the first ten minutes.”
Harry laughed. “Probably.”
“I suppose I’m looking forward to the lack of wet towels on the floor of each bathroom,” Draco mused.
“Yep, and it will be nice to just cook one dinner.”
“Oh god yes, let’s have pasta for tea.”
Harry smiled. “Do we still have that Merlot?”
“YES! Oh that’s brilliant, I feel much better.”
“See, you were just hungry and wanted to get drunk …”
Draco whacked Harry’s arm. “You’re such a twat.”
With a mischievous grin, Harry leaned forward and kissed Draco, his lips sweet and lush. Draco melted like he always did because even though it had been so long, it still felt like yesterday. Leaning against that sodding tree, his heart beating at a thousand miles an hour, trying to work out if Harry wanted to kiss him or not. The moment their lips touched and Draco felt like he had ascended to the heavens above.
Kissing Harry these days was usually all it took for one of them to have their hands down the other’s trousers. As Harry licked the seam of his mouth, Draco was working on Harry’s zip. Kisses only happened when the kids were out the house, or they were in the safety of their bedroom, with a heavy silence spell and industrial strength locks on the door.
Harry’s hands were in Draco’s hair, his lips leaving Draco’s to brush a trail of kisses down his neck.
“Oh gods, darling …” Draco moaned as he finally got his hands on Harry's very lovely and only slightly larger dick. He could admit that now, but obviously not to Harry. He’d never hear the end of it.
Most concerningly they heard the floo ignite and half a moment later, a voice said … “Uncle Harry, Uncle Draco?”
Draco haphazardly stuffed Harry's cock back in his pants and they brushed each other down.
Harry cleared his throat. “Hey Harriet!”
Draco, who was mostly dressed, raced towards the hall. “Hi darling, everything alright?”
They’d installed a floo in Dudley and Aisha’s a few years ago - so that Harriet could come through if there were any emergencies.
“Yes, Daddy wanted to check we were still on for looking around Hogwarts this afternoon?” Harriet asked, tall and a real mix of her mum and dad. “Remember we need you to come cos they can’t access it.”
Draco blinked. “Err,” This was not an emergency and also he had no knowledge of this which meant … Draco looked back at his husband with a stink-eye.
“Yep, sorry love. I forgot to put it on the calendar!” Harry admitted, strolling into the hall with a placating arm on Draco’s shoulder.
“Oh great! What time will you come to ours? It starts at two …”
“We’ll be there at one thirty, darling, get Mum to pop the kettle on,” Draco smiled and stepped forward to give Harriet a cuddle. “You okay? Excited?”
She squeezed. “Oh yes, I cannot wait! I hope I’m in Slytherin!”
Draco grinned. “Yes, darling. All the cool kids are.”
Harry groaned and rolled his eyes.
Harriet laughed and gave them a little wave. She stepped back through the flames, after confidently calling out her own address.
Draco crossed his arms over his chest and looked back at Harry. “You know what you have to do.”
Harry sighed and rubbed his face.
Coming to a decision, he flicked his fingers at the fire, locking the floo and then began pulling his t-shirt over his head. Toeing off his trainers, he dropped his jeans and pants.
He got down onto the floor and got into the push up position. Draco could see Harry was already half hard. His eyes drifted across Harry’s delectable body.
“One, two, three, four,” Harry huffed.
Draco licked his lips and adjusted himself. Oh yes, this was working out rather nicely.
Harry managed forty-nine before Draco popped himself beneath Harry, already naked, already smirking.
Harry leaned down with a smile and kissed him, and Draco wouldn’t let him push back up.
Not for a while anyway.
~