Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Why the fuck are you here, Potter?”

Harry rolled his eyes. “I work here, Malfoy.”

“Why?”

“If you want to chat, I better get to work.”

“I don’t want you touching me.”

“Okay.” Harry headed for the door.

“Potter!”

Harry looked over his shoulder, and Draco gulped.

“It’s alright, Malfoy. I’ll send in someone that you’ll feel more comfortable with.”

———

Draco received a magical massage from someone else that day, but he thought of Potter the entire time.

———

“Oh, hey. I’ll get someone—”

“No, stay, Potter.”

Harry narrowed his eyes. “I’m not answering questions. If I stay, I work.”

“What if I ask questions while you work?”

Harry shook his head. “Not this time, Malfoy. Banal chitchat only, or I’ll find you someone else.”

“You don’t mind touching me?”

“I’m a professional.”

Draco scoffed. “You don’t need the money, Potter. If you loathe the thought of touching me, get me someone else.”

Harry stepped closer, and Draco’s breath caught in his throat. “I am a professional, Malfoy. I will not judge you or hurt you. I will help to the best of my ability. There’s nothing to fear from me.”

“Please find me someone else.”

“As you wish.” Harry left the room, and Draco began to sob.

———

Potter,

Why the fuck are you working at Soul Care? I asked around, and no one seems to know where the fuck you are…

What in Merlin’s name happened to you? I thought… Never mind what I thought!

I need to know what the fuck is wrong with you?

Malfoy

———

Malfoy,

I appreciate your concern, but I’m alright. Truly.

It would be inappropriate to discuss personal matters with clients. Your wellbeing is our top priority at Soul Care. I hope that my reassurance sets your mind at ease.

May your soul find its balance.

Potter

———

Potter,

May my soul find its balance?! I’m more distressed than ever now. Soul Care is on the verge of losing me as a client. One of its employees sounds like they're in a cult. How could I possibly trust them now?!

And I’m not YOUR client! So, answer my damn questions.

Malfoy

———

You can be so dramatic, Draco. I’m well!

“No one” knows where I am because I told some well-placed former friends to fuck off. It would be bad for their reputation to reveal the truth. I didn’t just “go travelling” or “need time to myself.” I had a wake-up call and realized that I wasn’t living MY life. I was on a path that others had laid out for me.

When faced with the choice between them or me, I chose me. And that didn’t go down pleasantly.

I pursued my life, followed my interests. Now, I work at Soul Care.

Be at peace, Draco Malfoy. I, Harry Potter, of sound mind and body, wish you well on your soul journey.

I am not in a cult.

Harry

———

Potter,

I still don’t get it. How has no one reported that you are working at Soul Care? They’d be inundated with clients if the public knew.

Malfoy

———

Did you try talking about me? :)

———

Potter!

What the fuck?! Why can’t I tell anyone that you work at Soul Care?!

Malfoy

———

Draco,

It’s part of the contract. Every therapist sets their terms, and mine include anonymity. It’s not usually a problem. Most don’t want to talk about their personal business with others. You weren’t going to say anything until you needed to answer your own questions.

I am able to do my best work because all of my clients are seeing me for their wellbeing. Being inundated with nonsense wouldn’t be good for me, those who need real help, or the harmony of the premises.

This is not a hobby or a whim, Draco. I take what I do seriously, and I am covetous of my privacy for more than one reason.

Harry

———

Draco ran into Hermione and Ron at a fancy restaurant that he would never have guessed that they could afford. He tried to avoid them. He really did, but he felt so angry that they pretended to still be Potter’s friends.

“Draco, don’t,” Pansy whispered.

“Just a quick hello.”

———

Potter,

The weasel and his bride tell quite the tale, don’t they? Why are they still at Grimmauld? As a Black, I am offended!

Malfoy

———

Draco,

Hermione and Ron live at Grimmauld because it felt like a small price to pay for some peace. They do not have the run of the house. Most of it is off-limits, and any attempts they make to circumvent my orders are met with harsh repercussions. Kreacher keeps me informed and takes delight in fucking with them.

I did not expect them to last as long as they have, but I think that staying there has become part of their narrative.

It’s okay, Draco. I live somewhere bright and airy. I’ve not lost anything.

Harry

———

Potter,

This is unacceptable. As a Black, I should have easy admittance… Do you object to a site visit?

Malfoy

———

Draco,

I think it’s a good idea to stay away from Grimmauld. However, I do not deny you entry. As you say, you are a Black, and if visiting a family home is important to you, then you should be free to do so. All I ask is that you be mindful of what this “site visit” means to you.

Harry

———

“What the fuck are you doing here, Malfoy?” Ron snarled.

“Now, weasel, what sort of greeting is that?”

“How did you gain access to this room?” Hermione asked.

“Whatever do you mean? Kreacher set me up in here.”

“He what?!”

“Ron, hush.” Hermione’s eyes roved the room. “It’s so clean.”

“Of course it’s clean. Kreacher would never be content with a filthy house. You know, Granger, Kreacher had some interesting stories to share.”

Hermione’s eyes widened. “What did he say?”

“Hermione,” Ron hedged.

“You are no longer friends with Potter. How fascinating.”

“What do you want, Malfoy?” Ron gritted.

Draco smirked. “I want you out of this house by the end of the day.”

“Or what?!”

“Ron!”

“The clock is ticking, Weasley.”

———

———

Potter,

I regret the headline but not the action. It’s your property, and they did not deserve to breathe its air! Kreacher is thoroughly cleansing the place. He feels strongly that the “false friends” sullied the house with their “disgusting presence.” I’m very impressed that you’ve eliminated the m-word from his vocabulary, by the way. To make amends, I will advise Kreacher on what changes need to be made. Not to worry. I will try to balance my tastes with your shabbier aesthetic.

Malfoy

———

Harry,

I can’t believe that you let Malfoy run us out of our home! Some kind of friend you turned out to be! Hermione is devastated! Just when I thought that your abandonment could not get any worse, you go and pull a stunt like this. If you wanted us out of your house so badly, you should have had the guts to face us on your own. Mum is so disappointed in you.

Ron

———

Draco,

Headlines come and go. I appreciate your efforts to balance out the consequences of your actions. Kreacher informs me that you two make an efficient team. I’m happy for you both, and thank you for incorporating my shabby chic-ness.

Harry

———

Potter,

Don’t be an ass! Get mad at me! You’re not my healer, you brainwashed git!

Malfoy

———

Draco,

I’m not mad at you. The headlines and letters from my old life were unpleasant, I grant you, but it’s not entirely your fault. They could have processed their feelings more privately and maturely. This tantrum was bound to happen one way or another. At least this way, you got something good out of it.

Harry

———

Potter,

YOU ARE OBNOXIOUS!

Malfoy

———

Potter!

Why have you not written?

Malfoy

———

Draco,

What was I supposed to say? I’m not upset. I can understand why that unnerves you, but it’s true. I’m alright with you finding that “obnoxious.” I’m not opposed to fighting with you again, Draco, but you’ve yet to find an offensive topic. Are you sure that you want to fight? We could just write like two people who have no reason to oppose each other anymore. Would you like to try that?

Harry

———

Potter,

How would that even work? I don’t understand this game of yours.

Malfoy

———

Draco,

No game. How was your day? Mine was satisfactory. I worked on a difficult case today. I cannot reveal the specifics, but I can say that they were rattled by my presence. They thought it was a trick of their mind, a curse even… I eventually helped, but I felt frustrated by the limitation of being me. I cannot wear a glamour. That is not acceptable for the work that I do, but it is a struggle to provide my services when I am also a trigger. There are things that only I can do, but at the same time, allowing me access can be a giant step in the healing process.

I do not say this to you as “code,” Draco. It’s simply the truth. The war affected so many, and for better or worse, I was/am a symbol of that war. I am grateful every day that I did not become an auror. The last thing that I would have wanted to do was underscore the trauma that my mere existence causes in people.

Harry

———

Potter,

How can your existence cause trauma? Do you treat people who wish you were dead?

Malfoy

———

Draco,

So blunt. I love it. Not dead exactly, but a reminder of what they lost or even of “what they did wrong.” If “Harry Potter” were roaming around “enforcing the law,” it could still feel like the war was ongoing. I wish that I could say more, but I have to tread carefully. My clients deserve as much privacy as I can give them.

Harry

———

Potter,

Why do you call your patients “clients”?

Malfoy

———

Draco,

People seem to respond better to “clients,” like we’re equal collaborators. And since we are, in my opinion, I’m happy to use the term. Very few call me a healer. One calls me his “handy side piece.” I honestly don’t care about the terminology. I care about the results. Furthermore, not everyone is a healer at Soul Care. It’s better, I think, if we all use the same terms to keep us on equal footing.

Harry

———

Potter!

Not all are healers?!

Malfoy

———

Draco,

It’s all in the fucking contract. Why do you keep getting surprised? Did you seriously not read the document?

Harry

———

Potter,

I have many things on my mind. I need not memorize tedious words. If I signed it, the agreement must have seemed satisfactory at the time. Then again, perhaps I was not in a state to comprehend the document. Your “clients” are not well, after all.

Malfoy

———

Draco,

Don’t think I can’t tell that you are spoiling for a confrontation. Kreacher tells me that you are struggling with the house. Care to talk about it?

Harry

———

Potter,

Your stupid house seems unwilling to shift its darkest currents. One of the portraits said that I should be ashamed of myself for not embracing the darker side. Another called me a hypocrite! Your house is insane! Why do you still have it? Perhaps you should have given the weasel and his bride the run of the house after all. It might have driven them away sooner.

Malfoy

———

Draco,

The house is stubborn, but it’s more willing to change when you don’t judge it. But since it’s also confrontational, progress is slow. I did think about parting with it, but I can’t. It’s part of me now. I’m rarely there, I know, but in many ways, it’s an important reminder of my past. It’s easier to work on it when I’m in the right frame of mind.

Ron and Hermione did not deserve full access to the house. Also, they would have definitely judged it, and that would have been a disaster that I would have had to deal with. Kreacher told me that they tried to return. Did he tell you about that?

Harry

———

Potter,

No! He had not! I had words with him! What were those imbeciles thinking?! Showing up here with ministry officials! On what grounds?

Malfoy

———

Draco,

Who the fuck knows? I received a lengthy letter that managed to say fuck all. Then, my solicitor got involved only to discover that the “paperwork had gone missing.” I think they are trying to force me “out of hiding.” I’m not in hiding. I am reachable. Are we not in touch?

Harry

———

Potter,

You may not be “in hiding,” but we only correspond. I don’t know where you are or what you get up to. Are you sure that you aren’t more distant than you think?

Malfoy

———

Draco,

Do you realize that I don’t know where you are or what you do? You know where I work. That’s a big chunk of information right there. I am distant, yes, but it’s not more than I’m aware of. There are other Slytherins that I’m in touch with. At least one is still in close contact with you. I may even see you at his next big event… next month… in Italy…

Harry

———

Potter,

You’re in touch with Zabini?! How the fuck did I not know about this? Why are you in touch with Zabini?

Malfoy

———

Draco,

I did some of my healer training in Italy and ran into him. Once he confirmed my story, we started hanging out. At first, he needed to keep an eye on me, and then he relaxed. We keep in touch, and I visit from time to time. He was wary of having you and me at the same event. Now that we are on speaking terms, we have been invited to the same function. Congratulations, Draco Malfoy!

Harry

———

“I can’t fucking believe that you’ve been in touch with Potter.” Draco drunkenly took another sip of his cognac.

“You’ve said that already,” Blaise said. “How was I supposed to tell you? You’ve always been so mixed up about him. Then, after the war, you seemed so bothered about him speaking at your trial. I thought that maybe you wanted to put him behind you, and Harry wasn’t around anyway. Are you going to be okay with him at the party? If not, I might have to uninvite you. My family likes him more than they do you.”

“What?! They’ve known me longer.”

“Maybe that’s the problem.” Blaise chuckled.

———

“Potter,” Draco said curtly.

“Draco.” Harry smiled. “Enjoying the festivities?”

“Why do you come to these events, really?”

Harry laughed. “I like the company, the food, and the country.”

“Harry! You made it!” Daphne Greengrass wandered up. “I’m so glad Draco finally knows! I hated keeping this a secret.”

“You did not!” Draco snapped.

Daphne winked. “Of course I didn’t. Pansy has been positively vicious about it. It’s a wonderful night. Harry, come. I have someone that I want you to meet. He’s well hung, and I hear that he has zero gag reflex.”

Draco choked on his drink.

———

Potter,

Did you have sex with the well-hung man? You disappeared from the party, and Blaise said that you had to leave earlier than expected.

Malfoy

———

Draco,

How are you? Did you enjoy the rest of the event? Not that it is any of your business, but no, I did not have sex with the “well-hung” man. I had to leave early for several reasons, but the one that forced me to leave Italy was frivolous and rage-inducing.

Ron and Hermione located an ancient law that was lost to time. If it can be proven that a home of “great magical influence” has been neglected to the point of abandonment, a sale can be forced. Proceeds would go to the most recent occupants of the property for their caretaking services or some shite. If I do not move back in or give in or fuck knows… That’s what the solicitor is for…

I’m now in the process of moving into Grimmauld. So, next time you visit, expect human company.

Harry

———

“Hey, Draco,” Harry said as he sleepily entered the kitchen. He was wearing low-hanging pajama pants and no shirt. It was his best look yet.

Draco blinked. “What are you still doing in your pajamas? It’s noon.”

Harry yawned. “I was working on one of the rooms and got caught up. Any chance that you’re up for a blood ritual to refresh the wards?”

“What?! That’s dark magic.”

Harry scoffed. “Bullshit. The ministry is insane. Plus, the ancient houses can get away with it because of how they were founded.”

“How do you know that?!”

Harry yawned again. “Healer training. Well, the kind I did. You’d be amazed at how much can be resolved by factoring in the environment. I was treating a little girl with nightmares, and the source was a bat in the family manor’s walls. She was so attuned to the house’s magic that the movement was unsettling her at night. Fascinating case. I had to—”

“What?”

Harry pointed to his mouth. “I got cut off. That’s what happens sometimes. Client privacy is paramount. I have to agree to things too, Draco.”

“How were you able to say as much as you did?”

“Permission. Intention. Forgiveness.” Harry laughed. “I asked for some leeway to discuss it. I intended to explain something to you. The magic is forgiving. Soul healing magic is remarkable.”

———

“That was…” Draco blinked in astonishment. The ritual had been little more than an acknowledgment of being. They had essentially told the house, “We are here. You are here. It’s better if we do this together.”

Harry patted Draco’s shoulder as he walked past. “You said that, yes.”

“But that was…”

Harry chuckled. “I know, Draco.”

———

“Potter!”

Harry paused his negotiations with the floor. It was obstinately holding onto a couch that had seen better days. “I’m getting it reupholstered. Not burning it. We’ll finish this later.”

“Potter!”

“I’m coming!”

———

“What is this?!”

Shit.

“What is this?! Tell me, right now!”

“Okay.” Harry carefully took the letter from Draco’s hand and guided him to a couch. “That is a letter from a friend. I need to read it first. Then, we’ll talk. Is that okay?”

Draco bobbed his head.

Harry read the note to himself:

Potter,

I require your assistance in Belgium.

S

———

“Snape is alive? Why? How?”

“Yes. He’s a determined individual and had contacts that could help him.”

“But you… Why?”

“Timing, really. He was slower after Nagini’s bite, and my persistence paid off. He was trying to get to a healer that he trusted, and I badgered him into letting me take him.”

“I don’t… I thought…”

“He couldn’t tell you, Draco. At first, it wasn’t certain that he’d live. Then, there were your ministry check-ins. Knowing he was alive could've put you in danger.”

Draco sneered. “It could’ve put him in danger.”

“Yes, but he was out of reach. You were not.”

“Does anyone— Do the weasel and his bride know?”

“No. And thank Merlin for that. I might have told them too, but I knew that Snape wouldn’t want me to, and they were being really weird with me. ‘You have to help the ministry, Harry. Why aren’t you with Ginny, Harry? Where’d you go, Harry?’ They were impossible to be around. Hermione suspected that my original distance from them had a deeper reason, but she’s always questioning my motives. So, that wasn’t exactly insightful.”

“Someone must know.”

“Some do, yes. We wouldn’t want him dragged back to England and jailed. He didn’t fake his own death or anything. ”

“He didn’t?”

Harry smiled. “No, he didn’t.”

“I thought he was…”

“He almost was, and he struggled for a long time.”

“Is he why you’re a healer?”

Harry grinned. “He helped set things in motion, yeah. Snape understood that I needed to do something more restorative after the war. Helping to put Hogwarts back together was one thing, but I had no interest in being the face of a ministry overhaul. Some people, like Kingsley, understood that, but others didn’t get it at all.”

“So, Kingsley knows?”

“Yes. It took some effort. Dumbledore really fucked Snape over. That man messed with people’s lives like it was his birthright.”

Draco blinked owlishly. “I didn’t know that you felt that way.”

“I don’t usually state it as bluntly, but if you look over the testimonies and direct quotes, I don’t sing his praises. I tried to find a balance between respecting people’s impressions of him and the truth of his extremism.”

“Extrem— Harry, I…”

“You called me ‘Harry.’ That’s progress.”

“Mother did say that you were a dark horse, and Father said that you were not to be underestimated. I thought that they meant that you might come after us one day.”

“I don’t know what they think or why. You’d have to ask them, but no, I never had any intention of coming after your family.”

“I know that. I just thought that they didn’t.”

“Ah.”

“I can’t believe that Severus is alive. Where is he?”

“He travels a lot, but from the sounds of this note, he’ll be in Belgium soon if he isn’t already.”

“You’re going to him, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Can I come?”

“Not this time. I’ll ask him, though.”

———

Draco studied his parents over dinner. It had been 9 years since the war had ended. His father was still under house arrest, and his mother was quietly amassing power again. The Malfoys’ punishment was reaching its end. His parents had asked very little of him, and he had thought that was because of his weakness. He was the child, the most exposed target. But looking at them now, he wondered what they wanted for him and what they knew.

His father had been the one to recommend that Draco visit Soul Care. His mother had heard stories about their “usefulness.” Draco had gone because his father thought it was “worth a try,” and his mother didn’t seem to oppose it. He had no idea if his mother had ever been to Soul Care herself, but he knew that his father wasn’t allowed to do so.

They had said nothing when the story about Draco taking an interest in Grimmauld Place hit the news. Draco had often considered whether they preferred to ignore past upset.

“Mother, did you know that Harry Potter is friends with Blaise Zabini?”

“I do recall hearing something of that nature, yes. Did you see him at the party, then?” Narcissa Malfoy’s smile was infinitesimal, but it was knowing.

What else don’t I know?!

———

“He won’t meet with me, will he?”

“No, but it’s not what you think. He would prefer to wait until you can leave the country without monitoring.”

Draco flopped on a couch in the sitting room of Grimmauld Place. “Figures. I’m beginning to think that the manor is being surveilled more closely than I had realized. My parents don’t speak freely.”

Harry sat beside him. “I don’t know about that, but I do know that your father agreed to terms that the Wizengamot didn’t expect. They were testing him and hoping for a fight, but your father denied them the satisfaction. You and your family have jumped through all of the hoops. And there were Voldemort followers and sympathizers that weren’t even on the ministry’s radar. I think that your father made sure that the ministry won’t have a leg to stand on after all of the conditions have been met. There will be no extensions or acceptable public shaming. I think the ministry fucked up with your dad. He might come out of this stronger than before.”

“What is that supposed to mean?!”

“Draco,” Harry said soothingly, “the ministry punished you and your mom harshly. They didn’t have to. Your dad offered to take the full brunt, and he explained his reasoning. But the ministry wanted to make an example of the Malfoys. That pissed him the fuck off.”

“How do you know this?”

“I was there, remember? I supported your father’s argument. Katie Bell supported his proposal. The ministry was too thirsty for so-called justice. The trials were a fucking spectacle so that they could pretend like they hadn’t been complicit in fucking everything up to begin with. I saw the look in your dad’s eyes. Something clicked. It was like he was saying, ‘You know I know where the bodies are buried, right?’”

“Are you afraid of what my father will do?”

“Nah. Your father is free from Voldemort now, and he’s not stupid. Plus, Voldemort’s followers and sympathizers are blending into society. Some still have problematic views, of course, but they are more open to debate than war these days.”

“How can you just…”

“Soul Care, remember? I’ve seen the ravages of war from more than one angle. For a while, at least, we’ll have peace. Let us hope we don’t forget that it’s our preferred way of being.”

———

———

Harry,

What the fuck is this about you hanging out with Malfoys? Do you know how bad this makes us look? Mum is beside herself with worry, and Hermione thinks that you’ve been confunded or something.

And I can’t believe that you moved back into a house that you hate just to keep us out of it. It’s like you chose Malfoy over us a long time ago, and we were too trusting to realize it.

Ron

———

———

“Harry,” Draco said softly, “you have to address these articles.”

Harry was patiently stroking the floors to calm them after the return of the newly reupholstered couch. Something was not going to plan because Harry rolled his eyes and lay on his back. He began making snow angel movements.

“Is that even working?”

“The house is pleased with my affection or stupidity. I don’t know which, but yes, this is helping.”

“What about the articles?”

“I barely care, Draco. Logically, I know that a response would be appropriate, but I can’t be bothered. So far, the Daily Prophet isn’t crossing any lines. They are reporting what my ‘friends’ are saying. And I don’t want to get into a back-and-forth with Ron and Hermione. I save the letters. If they piss me off enough, I’ll make them public or something.”

Draco sat on the floor, and Harry ceased his ridiculous movements. “Maybe you shouldn’t come to the party?”

Harry snorted. “That would accomplish nothing. So, I might as well have a good time. Besides, I believe that a reporter or two might be there. Maybe I’ll be inspired to speak.” Harry smirked, and Draco felt a shiver along his spine.

———

After the war, Malfoy Manor required more renovations than Hogwarts. Such were the consequences of Voldemort’s more private sinister acts…

To see it now, one might be convinced that the war never touched this ancient family manor, but Narcissa Malfoy has ensured that visitors never forget. There are informative displays throughout the house. Tastefully done, one would never confuse her beautiful home with a museum…

“The Malfoy family will not shy away from its history. We must learn from missteps to better appreciate the present and plan for the future,” the lady of the house said. Lucius Malfoy could not be questioned, as per the agreement made with the ministry...

Guests included…

Harry Potter generously disclosed that he has been working as a healer, though he would not reveal his specialty or his place of employment…

When asked about the tensions between him and his “best friends,” I had to clarify whom I meant. It is entirely possible that the world-changing trio are no longer as close as we imagined…

Mr. Potter prefers not to think of life in terms of war. “I do not categorize magical beings into sides. I know better now, and to truly preserve our community, we must focus on what we have in common.”

Mr. Potter would not elaborate, saying that he was “one voice” and that to place “too much emphasis on his opinion” was misguided. “There is Harry Potter, the illusion. Harry Potter, the person. Harry Potter, the myth. It is not that I don’t have insight to offer, but I must be mindful of other people’s perception of me. I would think that I am speaking as a regular human being, but others might take it to mean so much more because of the reputation that preceded me long before I knew I was famous. I’m at a party with friends, acquaintances, and others I have yet to meet. I am one of many guests, and most of us were affected by war.”

Harry Potter flashed his handsome smile and rejoined the festivities…

———

Harry,

I do not understand what you are doing. Are you sure that you are okay? Maybe we could help if you told us what was going on. You don’t sound like yourself, Harry.

We’ve started a petition to bring you home. I thought it was best if you heard it from me.

Your friend,
Hermione

———

———

“This is just insulting!” Draco exclaimed when he walked into Grimmauld. Harry was dozing on the couch, still in his healer ensemble.

Harry yawned. “What is?”

“Have you not seen the paper, Potter? Your friends are practically calling you deranged.”

“Oh, that…” Harry yawned again. “Don’t worry about it. My solicitor is on it.”

“Your solicitor? Harry, this is a big deal!” Draco shook the paper. “I saw a poster requesting volunteers to help find you.”

“Draco, I promise you that this will all work out. Ron and Hermione have got nothing. I’ve not been a recluse. I’ve socialized, had meetings, and worked. People have seen me and can vouch for me.”

“But Harry, you don’t want anyone to know that you work at Soul Care.”

Harry smiled. “I know. That’s actually why I take on other work sometimes. Like my trip to Belgium. Sit.” Harry scooted over and patted the couch. After Draco sat down, Harry continued, “After the war, Ron and Hermione were adrift too, but they were unwilling to confront those feelings. They based their entire identity on fighting against Voldemort. They like to believe that others are just as upset with me for not following through on the expected plan, but that’s not true.

“I did fall out with former friends, yes, but we’re not actively at odds. In fact, a few contacted me to apologize. A couple have seen me at Soul Care. Yes, Mrs. Weasley is often upset with regard to me, but that’s her issue. Ginny realized that she was in love with an idea — and not me — before the war ended. We were never really a thing, anyway. I run into Arthur sometimes at the ministry, and he’s fine with me. He’s a little sad that I’m not close to his family anymore, but he gets it. George fucking loves me for helping him save Fred. Charlie and I dated for about a year, and Bill has come to me for quick fixes after a long day of curse-breaking.

”Ron and Hermione are not as supported as they think they are. For their own sake, I really wish that they would let me go. I don’t want to be part of a crime-fighting trio or live in the same neighborhood so that our kids can grow up together. I do not want what they want, and with true friends, that should be perfectly acceptable.”

“So, you’re really not worried?”

“I’m not.”

———

Ron and Hermione had a hard time securing signatures from family, friends, and acquaintances. But they found a lot of sympathy from strangers who were open to hearing their version of events.

The media continued to be fair despite its splashy presentation. And Harry continued to live his life.

———

The Malfoys reached the end of their sentence.

———

“How do you want to celebrate?” Harry asked.

“Your house looks good now, but I wouldn’t say it’s cause for celebration.”

Harry laughed. “Don’t be an ass. Do you want to go out?”

Draco made a face. “I was allowed to go out, Harry.”

Harry exhaled loudly. “It’s different, and you know it.”

“It doesn’t feel different yet.”

“Hence, going out! Name the place. My treat!”

“In public?”

Harry rolled his eyes. “Yes, Draco. In public. What’s with you? We’ve had outings.”

“In the muggle world. A celebration of my freedom should be in the magical world.”

“I’m not opposed to being seen anywhere with you, Draco Malfoy. But we’re usually in Grimmauld, and muggle places are closer. We can apparate. And now that you’re free free, we can even go to unplottable places.”

Draco studied Harry’s face. “You’re serious?”

“Yes! Call your other friends! Let’s have a big night!”

“Okay!” Draco grinned.

———

Draco chose a club on Diagon Alley called Liberior. Since it was “Harry’s treat,” Draco secured the VIP section.

“You just have to pay for me, Potter. Don’t worry.”

“I’ve already set up a tab. Go nuts.”

Draco beamed.

———

———

———

“Harry, I’m so sorry,” Draco said morosely.

“It’s fine, Draco.”

“How can you—?”

Harry’s closer proximity shut Draco up. “Do I look well, Draco?” The blond nodded jerkily, and Harry rested his hands on Draco’s shoulders. “This will all be fine. I promise.”

Draco swallowed. “But—”

Harry kissed Draco’s lips tenderly, and Draco melted. Harry moved a hand into the blond’s hair and pulled him closer with the other. Harry deepened the kiss, and Draco grasped onto Harry’s back. Draco didn’t know what had inspired this development, but he was exceptionally pleased.

Harry pulled back, and Draco chased his lips. “Draco?”

“Huh?”

“Would you allow me to take you to my bed?”

Draco nodded dazedly. “Yes. I’d like that.”

“Good.” Harry kissed Draco again, and this time, he lifted Draco’s legs around his waist.

“Wow.”

Harry grinned. “I’ve been fantasizing about my dick in your ass. So, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to top today. But, in future, feel free to switch things up.”

Draco chuckled. “Sure, Potter. Whatever you say.”

Harry squeezed Draco’s ass cheeks. “This is going to be so much fun.”

———

On the day of the “trial,” Draco could barely register his worry. Harry had kissed every inch of his body in the last 72 hours. Draco had never been Harry’s client, but he’d definitely been the recipient of healing. Harry was a master, and Draco had no plans of letting him go.

Harry walked beside Draco proudly, and when he had greeted his mother before entering the Wizengamot hall, Harry had been unhurriedly gracious. His father had already taken his seat, but he’d nodded at Draco approvingly.

Draco fully believed that everything was going to be okay, just as Harry had said.

———