Work Text:
With a fair share of trepidation, Harry looked at the imposing entrance. It was the seventh Yule Ball after the war, and somehow - and Harry really wanted to know how - Narcissa Malfoy had managed to be the host of this, in the Wizarding World significant, event. Even more gruesome, she was hosting it at Malfoy Manor.
That was one of the two reasons he was here. Because Kingsley wanted to know if anything was going on. And Harry was the best guy to find that out. No strange amount of strong magic, no gathering of dangerous magic, no secret ritual was getting by him. He was the expert in Ritual, Circle and Companion magic. Not only because of the knowledge he accumulated in the last six years, but also because he could feel it.
"Oh, it looks lovely. My sister told me about it when she came to visit once before, but I had not been old enough to travel that far, so I stayed behind with my cousins. We did have wicked fun, but Fleur always told me about the magical world that even seemed fantastic to her," Gabrielle said and hooked her arm into Harry's elbow.
"I didn't know your sister has been here before. I think she never mentioned it," Harry inquired. Maybe he sounded a little bit more suspicious than he wanted, but he had a right to be.
"To put it diplomatically, the situation during the war, as well as her family-in-law, would not have liked to know that before everybody tried to get into the Malfoy's good graces. My father was really proud when he could tell me that I have been accepted as the third candidate for marriage for Draco. They even came and visited us regularly. The connection secured my father more influence in the government as well."
That was what Harry enjoyed about being with Gabrielle: she was diplomatic to a fault- certainly the result of her upbringing- but she never beat around the bush.
"There was a list of candidates who could marry Malfoy?" He knew he should have resisted that question, especially because her smile turned a bit too sweet, but how could he? Draco certainly never mentioned a whole list of fiancées.
"Spending time with you is always so refreshing, Harry. Of course there was a list. Draco Malfoy was, from the moment of his birth until the moment you defeated Voldemort, the most illustrious bachelor in European Wizarding Society. Even some of the Americans tried to get on the list, with bogus family trees, which Lucius Malfoy of course did not fall for. And didn't you mention in one of your interviews that his magic, too, was exceptionally strong?" Gabrielle asked.
"I did say that, yes. But only because it is true, and back then I thought it was because he was increasing his own magic with a ritual, which could have meant that he was practicing the Dark Arts again," Harry tried to explain. Back then he just didn't know what he was doing, and he had very little experience to compare Draco's magic with. Today, of course, he knew better.
Draco, as many of the pure-bloods tended to have, had a strong magical core. Luna shared her theory with Harry about how children growing up in the magical world from the moment of their conception had to not only strengthen their core to separate themselves from the magic that surrounds them, but also had a chance to immerse themselves in the magic that is always around them, which they see in their parents too. So far, Harry was not able to prove or disprove the theory, but he tended to believe that Luna was onto something. Because even half-bloods born in the magical world felt different to Harry.
"Enough shop talk for the evening. I am here to enjoy the ball," Gabrielle decided and moved them forward. "And for some good gossip. I have heard through a friend of a friend of my aunt that Draco Malfoy will have a date this evening. And everybody wants to know who it is, and if the bachelor himself has finally been claimed. The wedding would be the wedding of our life time."
Harry scowled. "Didn't you just say that the Malfoys lost their prestige because I defeated Voldemort?"
Gabrielle laughed again. "Their political influence might have suffered, and of course they are not fully back into high society, currently. But this Ball proves that the Malfoys should not be underestimated. They will find a way back. And rumour has it that they are still filthy rich. And with the new business ventures from both Draco and Narcissa, many are interested. Really Harry, shouldn't you be more interested in the inner workings of society and government?" Gabrielle asked, amused.
"Actually, I try to stay as far away from both as possible. Which is not all that much. Some rituals are lost or can only be explained by someone of the old families," Harry sighed.
"I see, so high society is shop talk to you?" Gabrielle laughed.
"What is it with you and shop talk?" Harry asked back, laughingas well.
"I am waiting for a compliment on my astonishing English skills. Clearly I deserve it, but you are unwilling to pay it. I must be doing something wrong," Gabrielle joked.
"Errr- I did tell you that I am bringing you as a friend, right?" Harry scratched the back of his head. He was unable to recall the exact situation in which he had asked her. Might have been due to all the alcohol he had been drinking that day.
"Relax, Harry. And yes I know, otherwise I wouldn't have come. So, come on, let's join the fun."
"I don't understand how anybody could consider this sort of thing fun," Harry grumbled, but went inside with her.
But he had to admit that the decor was fascinating: there were elves zooming around, making it rain glitter, there were beautifully decorated trees, and the whole Manorseemed to be inviting and festive. The smell of mulled wine and cinnamon hung in the air, and fine clothed elves and waiters offered food and drink to everybody. And over all the rooms there was some sort of magic that made everybody just smile and enjoy themselves. It felt warm and inviting, and even if Harry wanted to be suspicious of this kind of magic, he felt that it was nothing bad. Quite the opposite: it felt like a reprieve from all the stress and the cold and dark of the last months. It felt wonderful.
"Oh, look at that dress! My mother would be so envious, she really is a matriarch like no other," Gabrielle suddenly exclaimed, and Harry only needed to glance in the directionshe was looking in to understand who she was talking about.
Narcissa Malfoy looked stunning, even to him! The dress left the impression of the night sky, full of wonder, magic and longing. Her jewellery was matching the dress: a delicate looking necklace with what Harry presumed to be small diamonds, as well as matching ear pieces and rings. She was talking politely, and a shine seemed to follow her. Clearly Mrs Malfoy was the star of the night.
The thought made Harry pause, and he looked around for Draco. But he was unable to make him out.
Then there was a small murmur going through the room, before it fell nearly silent.
"Now look at that. Any woman would be willing to ignore a lot for such a husband," Gabrielle whispered to him.
But Harry had no words in return. Draco - he was breath taking.
He was wearing a deep blue ensemble which a light gray shirt, and he looked dashing in it. His hair had a gleam, and in his eyes was a sparkle. And as he turned around to smile at the woman by his side, Harry saw red.
"Bloody bastard," he grumbled.
Gabrielle threw him a questioning look, which he chose to ignore.
"Well, you can't fault the family for their taste in clothing. Do you know the lady? Is she someone famous?" Gabrielle asked in a whisper.
Harry huffed. Did he know the lady? Certainly not! She was neither of the Greengrass girls, nor Pansy or Bulstrode. Which were all the girls Draco had ever talked to him about, and he had seen the wedding pictures from the former three.
"I bet it is someone from the list you mentioned," he answered, grabbing a glass of champagne and downing it in one breath.
"Oh, who rained on your parade?" Gabrielle asked innocently.
Harry threw her a dark look, reminding himself that he liked her.
"Oh come on, even a Malfoy deserves one good day," she joked.
"I didn't say otherwise," Harry muttered. "But he doesn't need to look so bloody good all the time, does he?"
"You are looking quite handsome as well. Women would flock to you too, even with your dark scowl, foul mood and all. Makes you mysterious in a dangerous way."
"Are you mocking me?"
"Only a little and only because I enjoy it."
"Why did I invite you again?"
She leaned closer and whispered in his ear. "Because all your other lady friends refuse to help you in this charade."
Harry looked at her before grinning. "Come on, I think I promised you at least one dance."
~*~
Though there was a lot of teasing, spending the evening with Gabrielle was easy. She was witty and sharp, sometimes reminding him of someone else. And he had an overall good time with her.
However, he could not rein in his jealousy. That certain someone else, too, was having a great evening. And on more than one occasion he heard the rumour that a proposal was happening tonight.
He knew it was not! He hoped it was not...Damn it, he would find Draco and make him talk and reassure him that what they had for the last five years was more important than whatever this was all about!
There was a tiny voice in his head telling him that he was not entirely without blame in this situation. But he decided to ignore that voice, in favour of his righteous anger.
It was close to midnight, Gabrielle was dancing with some Swede Quidditch player, and Draco's rumoured soon-to-be-engaged partner was dancing with some Ministry flunky when he saw Draco step out of the ballroom into the huge garden. He followed without thinking, nearly wishing he had taken Draco up on the offer through the years to come and visit Malfoy Manor. But he had one advantage, he could sense Draco, so it was easier to follow.
He found Draco smoking in one of the dead ends of the giant hedge maze. It was such an unexpected sight that Harry stared for a few moments, trying to figure out what was going on, Draco only smoked when he was incredible nervous or worried. Or extremely pleased with himself. The last thought awoke Harry's anger again.
"Nervous about the upcoming proposal, are we?" he asked as he stepped into the dead end with Draco.
Draco whirled around. "What? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be dancing with young Miss Delacour?"
"She apparently prefers Swedish Quidditch players. Who could have imagined?"
Draco narrowed his eyes. "I am not in the mood for your games tonight. And I do not understand how you get to be angry."
"Are you going to propose to her?" Harry asked again, because he had to know.
Draco stared at him in shock. "The fact that I am gay and she is engaged to someone else would indicate I am not. Where did you get that idea from, anyway?" Draco huffed. "Besides, I asked you to be by my side tonight, remember that? So do not just come here to accuse me because of some strange rumour you heard." Draco sighed, moved a hand through his hair. "My mother would most likely know more about that," he said, and turned away. "You can leave now."
"It would have been weird, if it had been us," Harry protested. "You know how they are, I mean most of them are your friends."
"Weird how? It's not like our friends don't know that we are seeing someone. And most likely some of them have already figured it out, seeing how Blaise is married to Ginny, and Pansy and Granger are working in the same department." Draco shook his head. "I am tired of this conversation, we have had it often enough. I understand you want us to be your secret. But I was not going to face today without someone by my side. This is hard enough as it is. But it is important for the house. You must have seen it, felt it better than anybody else. The Dark finally seems to have left here. Mother is so excited; it feels like our home again. For that magic to be honed, the house has to understand that Mother and I are the owners, and that we will decide its fate for the better." Draco turned around again. This time, he just walked by Harry before he stopped. "I will see you back at the flat tomorrow evening, I guess. Good night, and do enjoy the festivities." And with the final words, Draco was gone, leaving a seething Harry behind.
They usually did fight about a lot of things, in all possible ways. And through the years they hadgotten into fights about keeping their relationship a secret or not. In the beginning they both agreed on not telling anybody. Then Draco had to lie to his mother. After that, Blaise married Ginny and Draco changed his mind. He said the lie was growing too big. And in one particularly bad fight, he had asked Harry what was wrong with them just having a normal relationship? Dating, going out for dinners, doing stuff all the other couples do? And Harry was unable to give an answer.
Harry wanted that, too. But once they go public, everybody and their house elves would have an opinion, and he just didn't want to deal with that. What they are doing was their business. But they were both still public figures. Even now, The Prophet was eagerly writing articles about 'Harry Potter - the Magic Whisperer'. Which he considered horrible phrase. And Draco was in the papers quite a bit, too, with his repair shop, as well as all the charity work Narcissa and Draco did.
Harry ruffled his hair. This was not what he wanted at all.
He turned as he heard footsteps behind him. "Draco I-" he started in the hopes that Draco would return, only to be confronted with a knowing look from Narcissa Malfoy. "Mrs Malfoy, g-good evening. Are you also getting a bit of fresh air?"
"Mister Potter. It is a lovely evening. I do not believe that you often mistake people, considering your gift," she answered in her clipped voice that made Harry always feel as if he had displeased her. Most likely he had.
"Actually, I do need to focus, or at least concentrate a bit, to differentiate between magical signatures. And your son and you share quite a few facets of the same signature, most likely due to family Rituals, blood relation and closeness in the forming years. Though, so far my research on that topic is not even close to being done," he explained.
Somehow, Mrs Malfoy always managed to make him nervous. She seemed all knowing, and always involved in some sort of scheme or other, and rarely could he figure out what her end game was.
"If I may be so blunt as to ask, why do you want to hide your relationship with my son? After five years, a mother deserves to know, especially when her own son's explanation sounds rather thin these days."
Harry sighed. "It's not that I am ashamed of him. I do love him… a lot. It is amazing to be with him. In some ways, he gets me like no one else. And if he doesn't, he makes me explain it until he does. For how much of a brat he was in school, his patience these days, especially with me, seems infinite. It is easy to be with him… as long as it is just the two of us. But once others butt in- things just get complicated and all the noise makes it difficult to focus on us. I don't want to lose him, just because I am so insecure when it comes to public pressure," Harry admitted softly. And maybe for the first time more clearly than ever before.
He tried to please everybody. He wanted to be the good man they all saw in him... and he feared that they would take Draco away from him. And he couldn't be without Draco anymore. He loved him too much for that.
"With time, Mister Potter, you will have to learn that it is impossible to please everybody. Someone somewhere will always expect more, and some people will never be agreeable to any decision you make. And you will have to learn to live with the disappointment others may see you as. You cannot live your life by the standards of others. It will only lead to failure and madness. Instead, you should be proud of the decisions you made, and the path you walked, even if in hindsight things might have been easier with different choices. But hindsight is easy, life is not. And there is much freedom to be gained from ignoring what everybody else is saying, doing or expecting. With that being said, I wish you a nice evening, and shall return to my guests," she stated and turned around and left him.
Harry stared after her, trying to figure out what she was really saying. It was when he fully turned around to walk back as well that he saw the small box on the ground. He stepped forward and picked it up. The Black family crest was embroidered in the black velvet covering. It was a ring box for certain. Harry knew that much. He even opened it, and inside was an old looking ring, with a simple design. And as he picked up the ring, he could seem more embroidery in the black velvet that the ring had been nested in:
L'amour au cœur
La liberté dans l'esprit
La tradition commeFondations
Harry's French was abysmal even with Draco's teaching, but he understood enough to question if that ring really belonged to the Black family. But it did sound beautiful. If only it were that easy, to have love at heart and freedom of mind. Harry sighed and put the ring back in the box, and let the box vanish into his trouser pocket.
~*~
Harry returned to the festivities quite some time later. He had allowed himself to get lost in the maze and had enjoyed the experience in it. Draco was right, the whole grounds and the houses, especially the big Manor house, felt delightful and warm. And with his giftfor sensing magic , Harry couldn't help but enjoy the feeling.
So, when he entered the ballroom and some sweet girl asked him for a dance, he simply agreed and enjoyed the dance with her. They talked easily and Harry laughed as she told him that her boyfriend was going to be so jealous when she told him that she had danced with Harry Potter.
"Just remember, I am not worth a fight." He grinned.
"Oh, we would never fight over something so small. We would just have a bit of a laugh, and he would make sure that the next time I go to a Ball, he better go with me! Which is all I really want anyway: to enjoy a lovely evening and dance with the man I love," she answered, amused.
Harry smiled, and was amazed at the sparkle in her eyes. Was he the same when he talked about Draco? Was that why Narcissa left the ring? Because she saw in him what he had seen in that girl?
Once the music stopped, they parted ways, and he went in search of Draco. He found him talking with a group of people. Some of the faces Harry recognised from the Ministry, some seemed to be former customers of Draco's.
"Excuse me," he cut in, and turned to Draco. "May I have this dance?" he asked.
Draco looked at him confused for a moment, but put his hand in Harry's offered one. Once they were on the dance floor Draco whispered: "Potter, what are you doing?"
Harry grinned. He did like the way Draco said 'Potter' when he was annoyed, confused or insecure. It all had a different ring to it, but it all felt warm and comfortable.
"Dancing with the man I love," Harry answered and moved as the music started.
It felt glorious having Draco in his arms, moving to the same song, looking at each other. They didn't need to speak right then, because they had said everything, and the world belonged to them.
And maybe there would be an engagement for Draco Malfoy tonight. Or maybe tomorrow... or the day after... Harry couldn't say... and as they were dancing, it also didn't matter. Because, they had love in their hearts, and their minds were free.