Entered in the contest of blurrytrench

Prompt: Harry is the prince of Gryffindor Kingdom, and he is expected to marry a princess from another kingdom. None of them interest him, until he meets the snarky prince from Slytherin Kingdom.

Harry drums his fingers idly on the armrest of his chair, bored.

"Prince Harry! Your next suitor is here!" his butler, Ron exclaims.

Harry sighs. "Yes, yes. Bring her in."

The doors open for what seems like the eightieth time today, and yet another princess steps in.

She wears dark green, which contrasts nicely against her dark skin. Harry sits up slightly. She is quite pretty, even if he doesn't feel an attraction yet.

"Princess Cho of Ravenclaw Kingdom," his father announces.

Harry stands, again, and bows again. She curtsies lightly, and smiles softly.

"Hello, Prince Harry," she says, ever so quietly.

Harry groans internally. She's pretty, yes, and he's sure she's a kind person, all princesses are, but he can't be with someone as quiet as her.

"Princess," he replies politely.

"What do you think?" his father asks, trying not to show how annoyed he is with Harry's lack of decisions so far.

Harry sighed. "While I am looking for a princess right now, I am afraid that I do not feel compatible with you, Princess." He recites the same lines he's been saying all day.

She nods, curtsies, thanks him for the opportunity, and leaves.

His father  sits down again, sighing.

"Miss Hermione of our own Gryffindor Kingdom," Ron announces.

The second the doors open, Harry's eyes go wide and Ron chokes.

Walking into the room is the most beautiful woman Harry has ever seen. Her warm brown curls cascade down her tan shoulders, and her brown eyes glitter with something as they land on Harry's. She wears a simple pale blue gown, and blue flats.

"A pleasure to meet you, Prince Harry," she says, her voice light and lovely.

"The pleasure is mine, Princess," he replies.

He can see the excitement in his father's face. While this girl is exceedingly beautiful, and far from soft-spoken, Harry feels no connection. But he is expected to marry and produce an heir, so he steps forward.

"Miss Hermione, I would like to ask for your hand in marriage. Will you be my bride?"

Hermione smiles, although it seems a little off. "I would love to."

****

Three weeks later, the wedding has been announced to the other kingdoms, and they are expected to visit each kingdom together and speak with the royal families.

Harry is already stressed. He has grown to truly like Hermione, but as a friend. And he suspects she feels the same, as she seems much more interested in his butler.

So he decides to talk with them.

Hermione and Ron nervously walk into the room, and sit in front of Harry.

"Now, I know Hermione and I are to be wed, and expected to produce at least one heir. I understand this. But Hermione, tell me truthfully, do you love me?"

Hermione slowly shakes her head. "Perhaps as a friend, but not as a husband. Not as a lover."

Harry nods. "And I feel the same towards you. It has come to my attention that you two, however, have become quite close."

The pair instantly become terrified.

"Don't fret, I'm not angry. Truly. We are expected to appear as a perfect couple to the public, but inside the walls of the castle, Hermione and I are no closer than friends. You two may do as you please, as long as it does not result in any admission to the public."

They relax. Ron takes Hermione's hand in his own.

"So... basically, she shall be your wife, but only for appearances?" Ron asks.

Harry nods smoothly, and stands. "We are visiting Hufflepuff kingdom tomorrow. Ron, I would advise you to stay away from Hermione for then. They are known for creating scandals, and that is the last thing we want."

Ron and Hermione nod.

****************

The visit to Hufflepuff kingdom goes well. Prince Cedric finds it funny that his fiancée was one of Harry's suitors, Princess Cho. Princess Cho and Hermione get along quite well, and Cho is quite interested in how Hermione has risen from simple life to being a princess.

They stay for the whole day, enjoying festivities and parties together, and answering questions.

The next day is their visit to the lovely Ravenclaw Kingdom. King Xenophilius takes a liking to Harry, and asks him lots of questions. Princess Luna is sweet and soft, and takes Hermione out to the gardens to show her the daffodils. She is to be wed to her beautiful fiancée, who Harry finds out is Ron's sister. He is surprised by this, but Luna tells him no one in Ravenclaw Kingdom minds that she wants to marry a girl, and Xenophilius doesn't either.

They answer questions from reporters, visit the grand library, and spend a lot of the day outside.

The day after is their visit to Beauxbatons Kingdom. Queen Maxime doesn't seem to like them very much, but the princesses are different. Princess Fleur, the older one, takes a liking to Harry immediately. She has not chosen a husband yet, and she laughs with Harry over dinner about how irritated it makes the queen. Princess Gabrielle and Hermione get along quite well, and Gabrielle shows Hermione how to make a flower crown.

They spend most of their time with the royal family, indoors, discussing the details of the upcoming wedding.

The next day is their visit to Durmstrang Kingdom. It is dark and has many guards outside of it, but the king and queen are very kind to Harry and Hermione. Prince Viktor is very interested in Hermione, almost to the point of it being uncomfortable. He tells Harry he is stuck between a choice of three princesses from kingdoms in other countries.

They spend their day entertained by fire-dancers, elaborate acts,and lots of food.

And then it is the final day, their visit to Slytherin Kingdom.

They walk into the city, and are greeted by cheers and light-hearted congratulations from the people. 

When they enter the castle, they are immediately greeted by a girl.

"Hello King James. Hello Queen Lily. Hello Prince Harry. Hello Princess Hermione." She curtsies lightly, smiling. "My name is Pansy and I'll be guiding you to the throne room."

Harry's father frowns. "Why isn't the throne room in the entrance hall?"

"We've put it in a higher room so if we are invaded, it will take longer to reach out royal family, and hopefully give them time to escape," Pansy explains.

"That's a good idea," Harry comments. "Who came up with that?"

"Prince Draco."

Finally, they have climbed all the stairs and reached the throne room. Pansy smiles and pushes the doors open.

"Welcome!" King Lucius stands, spreading his arms in a welcoming motion. "King James, Queen Lily, Prince Harry, Princess Hermione, I welcome you to the Slytherin Kingdom."

Queen Narcissa also stands elegantly. "It is a pleasure to have you in our home. I hope the stairs were not a trouble? "

"Not at all," Lily responds, a sweet smile on her face.

Harry bows low, and in the corner of his vision he sees Hermione curtsy.

"It is an honor to meet you," he says.

Queen Narcissa turns to him, a warm smile on her face. "Prince Harry. Princess Hermione. Congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you," Hermione replies quietly.

"Where is your son?" James asks.

Lucius' smile drops. "He's.... still getting ready. He overslept."

They all glanced up at the sound of footsteps quickly rushing down the stairs.

A boy suddenly stumbles into the room, and stops at the doorway.

Harry freezes.

The boy's blonde hair is messy and curly, and his grey eyes shine bright with panic. He wears a white t-shirt and jeans, rather than a prince outfit.

He's the most beautiful boy Harry's ever seen in his life.

"Draco!" his father hisses.

The boy blushes dark, and Harry stifles his giggle. Prince Draco rushes to his throne next to his mother, and sits, examining the company.

His eyes rest on each person, and then land on Harry. They widen fractionally and then he glances down at the floor, a blush appearing in his cheeks.

"Has Draco got a wife yet?" James asks.

"Actually," Draco's voice is light like honey, and has a touch of sarcasm. "I'm gay. But to answer your question, no I haven't married yet."

Narcissa covers her mouth to hide her smile, and Lucius rolls his eyes.

"Draco, why don't you show Harry and Hermione here the castle?" Narcissa's eyes are wicked.

"What a good idea! Harry, bring Ron." Lily's eyes hold the same wickedness and scheming.

The four of them stand, leaving their parents and walking out to the gardens.

The girl from before is hanging upside-down in a tree, talking to a boy. When she notices them, she does some sort of fancy flip, and lands on the ground before rushing toward them.

"Dray!" she cheers, throwing her arm around Draco's shoulders. "I've missed you!"

He smiles, hugging her lightly. "Hey Pans. Hey Blaise," he adds to the boy joining them.

Blaise nods, and smirks at the others. "Hello Prince Harry," he says in a mocking tone.

"Hello, peasant," Harry replies in the same mocking tone.

Blaise's eyes widen, and he laughs. "I like you."

Harry smirks at him. "This is future Princess Hermione, and my friend Ron," he adds, gesturing to his friends.

"Fake marriages are in lately," Pansy mentions casually.

Harry chokes. "Excuse me?"

"It's obvious," Draco adds, grinning. "You two don't lean into each other the way couples naturally do, and you don't touch her hand or even glance at her. However," He turns to Hermione and Ron. "You two do."

Ron tilts his head, eyes calculating. "You gonna tell?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

Draco laughs. "Not a chance. Princes stick together." He grins at Harry.

Harry smiles at him.

"We're going to go take a walk," Ron says, taking Hermione's hand.

"Yeah, me and Blaise are gonna go make out too," Pansy says, grinning again.

Hermione smirks. "You guys are too perceptive for your own good."

It's only when the two couples are gone that Harry realizes he has been left alone with Draco.

"Your mother is lovely," he mentions, walking toward a patch of white roses.

"She is, isn't she?" Draco's voice is softer now that the others are gone. "Father doesn't approve of me."

"Why?" Harry touches a rose, loving how pretty it is.

Draco stands to sit next to him, also looking at the white roses.

"He doesn't like that I'm gay, nor that I'm not very proper. I like being in the gardens more than in the castle, and he calls me 'feminine'. I guess that's somehow a bad thing."

Draco delicately picks a flower, twirling it between his fingers. "But it's fine, because I'll be eighteen in a few months, and then he can't tell me what to do anymore."

"You should come to our castle," Harry blurts out.

Draco's grey eyes turn to stare into his.

"I mean, it's not perfect, but my people are very nice, and our gardens are much bigger, and we have parks and lots of animals."

Draco's lips twitch. "I love animals. Father won't let me have one."

Harry turns his body to face him. "C'mon! It'll be fun. You can hang out with kittens and puppies and snakes and lizards and fish and whatever you want for however long you want."

Draco's eyes are light. "You are very kind, Harry. I would love to."

Harry smiles widely.

Draco stands, walking over to the tree Pansy had been hanging from. In one fluid motion, he flips himself upside down and hooks his legs over the branch.

Harry stands and walks toward him, eyebrows raised. "Impressive," he comments.

Draco smiles brightly. "C'mon, climb up."

Harry frowns. "I don't know how."

Draco laughs his beautiful laugh, and drops down next to Harry. "I'll show you."

"First, jump and grab the branch with both hands." Draco demonstrates this and Harry copies him. "Then pull yourself up, and put your legs in between your arms. Hook your knees over the branch and when you feel safe, let go with your hands."

Harry follows Draco's instructions, carefully pulling himself up, but doesn't let go with his hands.

"I'm scared," he admits. "What if I fall and hit my head?"

Draco's smile is soft and caring. He drops down from the branch yet again, and stands near Harry. "I'll catch you if you fall."

Harry nods, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before letting go.

He feels his body falling, and for a second he panics, but then he's still.

He slowly opens his eyes, and the first thing he sees is Draco's face, a bright smile illuminating it.

"You did it!" Draco exclaims.

Harry laughs, a strange feeling while being upside down.

Suddenly, he becomes aware of just how close he and Draco actually are. He's close enough to kiss Draco if he leans forward just a little bit.

Draco also seems to realize this, and coughs, pulling away from Harry.

"I feel dizzy," Harry admits. "How do I get down?"

"Reverse what you did before," Draco instructs. "Grab the branch again, unhook your knees and bring them down, and then drop."

Harry unhooks his legs and starts pulling them out, but pushes too hard, and suddenly his hands let go, and he's falling.

He closes his eyes, bracing for impact, but suddenly strong arms catch him.

Well, sort of.

Draco does catch him, but Harry is falling so hard that the momentum causes Draco to fall too.

They're both on the ground for a second, shocked, but then Harry starts laughing.

Draco grins, and then also starts laughing.

"What are you two idiots laughing about?" Pansy's voice cuts through, smile evident in her tone.

"Harry fell out of the tree," Draco laughs.

Hermione's worried voice joins. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay Mione."

Ron helps him up, and Blaise helps Draco up. The two boys grin at each other before turning to their friends.

"We're heading back," Hermione mentions.

Both boys nod. Hermione delicately picks leaves out of Harry's hair, and Pansy smooths down Draco's shirt. When they look presentable, Pansy and Blaise say goodbye, and Hermione, Harry, Draco, and Ron set off toward the castle.

When they reach the door, Harry sighs and steps forward. Almost as if practiced, Ron steps backwards to join Draco, and Harry takes Hermione's hand. They push the doors open and walk up the stairs.

They enter the throne room, and their parents turn, smiling towards them.

"What did you kids do?" Lily asks.

"We went to the gardens. They have lovely white roses," Harry replies.

Narcissa nods, smiling. "They're our favorites."

"Lilies are mine," James says sweetly, smiling at his wife, who laughs.

"Well, we must be going," Lily says. "You are all, of course, invited to the wedding."

All four faces drop, but the parents look happy.

"We will be there," Narcissa promises. Lucius nods.

The Malfoys walk them to the door. Lucius and Narcissa say their goodbyes to Lily and James, and Draco turns to Harry.

"See you in a week," he says weakly.

Harry just nods. 

Just before he turns around however, Draco holds something out.

Harry takes it, admiring its beauty before glancing up at Draco.

The boy looks as though he's going to say something, but instead just turns around and joins his parents in leaving.

Harry hides the white rose behind his back as he turns back to his parents.

******************

It's a week later, and the wedding is in full force.

Harry is going to be wed to Hermione tomorrow, and he's not sure he can do it.

Because the only person he's thought about in the past week has been Draco.

He rushes into Hermione's room, panicking and ranting about it.

"I don't know what to do, Mione! Because I love you, but I love you like a sister, and you love Ron, and I think I might love Draco, I don't know if it's too soon for that but I think I do and I think I want to kiss him, and I don't want to kiss you! No offense. But you're like a sister, and I want you and Ron to be truly happy, and I want to be truly happy, but I think my happiness might be with him, but I don't even know if he cares about me! And if he does, he probably just thinks of me as a friend. And I don't know if I just have a crush or if this is what love feels like, but I know I feel something towards Draco and I don't feel it towards you and we're gonna be freakin married tomorrow! What are we supposed to do? Pretend everything's okay?"

It's only when he stops talking that he realizes Hermione is crying.

"Mione?" He sits down on the bed next to her, and wraps an arm around her shoulder. "Mione, what's wrong?"

"I-" Hermione chokes back a sob. "Harry, I'm pregnant."

Harry freezes. "But we've never..."

Hermione shakes her head.

A pit is at the bottom of Harry's stomach. "Ron?"

She nods, closing her eyes and crying harder.

"Congratulations," Harry says softly.

Hermione's head whips up, shocked. "You're not angry?"

Harry holds her tight in a hug. "Mione, I could never be mad at you."

Hermione cries into Harry's shoulder. "Harry, what are we going to do?"

"I don't know, Mione."

************************

The next day, guests are showing up.

Harry is literally shaking with nerves, unable to sit still. The second he sees royal families coming in, he knows Draco will be here.

The Hufflepuff royal family is the first to arrive. Prince Cedric, Princess Cho, and King Amos all show up with congratulations and smiles.

The next to arrive is the Ravenclaws. Princess Luna and Princess Ginny, as well as King Xenophilius, show up with lovely handmade jewelry as gifts.

After that, the Beauxbatons arrive. Queen Maxime, Princess Fleur, and Princess Gabrielle all give Harry and Hermione flower crowns they made.

Then the Durmstrang royal family arrive. The only to show of the family is Prince Viktor and a girl Harry does not recognize. They gift Harry and Hermione with a beautiful phoenix.

Finally, the Slytherin royal family arrives. By now, Harry is really starting to panic. 

King Lucius, Queen Narcissa, and Prince Draco all arrive with soft smiles and congratulations on the wedding.

Draco gives Hermione a lovely purple flower that Harry can't name, and gives Harry a white rose.

Harry stares at the rose for a minute, and then looks up at Draco.

Draco is perfection. He is soft and warm and beautiful and his smile could light the world. Harry decides maybe he does love Draco, and maybe it is too soon, but how could he not?

"I need to talk to you," he whispers to Draco.

Hermione straightens calmly as if she hadn't heard anything, and softly whispers "Go. I'll cover for you."

Harry makes sure nobody is looking before he pulls Draco out of the castle and toward their gardens.

By the time they reach the gardens, Harry has tears streaming down his face.

Instead of asking what's wrong, Draco pulls him to a tree.

"Hang upside down with me," he whispers. "That way, when you cry, you water the ground with your tears and flowers can bloom where once there were traces of sadness."

Harry blinks, and almost cries harder at the beautiful words.

Draco helps him, just like last time, and soon they are both upside down in the tree.

Harry can't help the waves of panic washing over him.

"Now tell me what's wrong," Draco whispers.

Harry chokes back more tears. "Hermione is pregnant."

Draco's eyes widen, shocked. "You two...?"

Harry shook his head, tears falling faster and hitting the ground.

"Ron." Draco doesn't say it as a question, it's a statement, but Harry nods anyway.

"She's pregnant, and I couldn't be happier for her, but we're supposed to be married today and what am I supposed to tell people when the baby has red hair, or blue eyes? She doesn't deserve this, I dragged her into this. I should have shut my mouth and picked the first girl that walked into the castle."

"Harry." Draco's voice is comforting, soft. "I don't know how to help you, but I do know that you have to do something. If you want to make it right to Hermione, you can't marry her."

"I know." Harry's voice is shaky. "But I'm so scared of what the public will think, what my parents will think. And not to mention what they'll say when they find out I'm not interested in girls at all."

Draco's head turns to face Harry. "You're gay?"

Harry nods, tears still falling.

"Harry. No matter what people think, you need to find happiness. You deserve happiness."

"You really think so?"

"I know so."

Harry carefully untangles himself from the tree, and lands safely on the ground. Draco drops down next to him, smiling. 

"See? Already a sign that things will be okay. You got out of the tree without falling."

"Would it be weird to say I practiced that?"

Draco laughs. "Harry Potter, you are something else."

Harry smiles softly, and it drops to something more serious. He steps forward, and hugs Draco.

"Thank you, Draco."

Draco's arms wrap around him. "Of course, Harry."

******************************

Harry is shaky as he steps up to his throne. he looks down at all the faces below him. He finds comfort in the fact that Draco's face is one of them.

"I'm sure you all are confused as to why I have gathered you here, rather than the ceremony hall."

The crowd of guests nod.

"Well, I have an important announcement." Harry takes a few slow breaths and meets Draco's eyes. Instantly, he feels stronger.

"I'm calling off the engagement."

Gasps ring throughout the room, and both of his parents stand.

"Harry!" his father hisses.

"Hermione and I have come to the realization that we are not meant for each other, because she loves another man, and I have come to realize that I do too."

Draco's head snaps up, shocked at the admission.

"Harry?" His mother's voice reaches him.

The crowd is murmuring, but stops when Lily speaks.

"Is this the choice that makes you happy?" she asks.

Harry nods. "It is."

Lily smiles, and turns to the crowd. "The wedding is off. I deeply apologize for bringing you all here for noth-"

"Actually," Harry cuts in. "Hermione and I discussed, and there will still be a wedding, it will just not be mine and hers."

****************************

Hermione looks beautiful in white, Harry decides.

She's beautiful in general, but in a wedding dress she is stunning.

And Ron's not bad in a tux either.

Draco leans over and whispers in his ear. "So who's the lucky boy you love?"

Harry smiles softly. "Shut up. There's a wedding."

Draco huffs, and turns to face the couple.

They are kissing, and everybody is cheering, and Harry couldn't be happier for them.

Hermione's face is bright and happy, and Ron is staring at her with a look of love on his face.

As the party starts, and the dancing begins, Harry goes and gets some food.

Suddenly, there's a tap on his shoulder. Harry turns to see Draco behind him.

"May I have this dance?" he asks, extending his hand.

Harry laughs at the formality of the invitation, but takes his hand nonetheless. "You may."

Draco pulls him out onto the dance floor, and they sway to the music.

"Who is it?" Draco asks.

"Oh, the most wonderful boy," Harry whispers. "His eyes hold the stars, and his hair is so soft, and he has the most caring heart, and he's so beautiful and amazing and I really think I love him."

Draco's expression isn't happy.

"Oh," he simply says.

"C'mon, let's go to the garden." Harry pulls Draco toward the garden.

Once again, they end up upside down in a tree, talking.

"I really think what you did was amazing, Harry," Draco says softly. "What are you going to do about the boy?"

"Probably try to see if he likes me too."

"How will you do that?" Draco asks.

Harry turns to face Draco, upside down, leans forward, and kisses him.

It's short and sweet and beautiful, and it leaves Draco staring at him with wide eyes.

"Me?" he whispers softly, almost as if afraid that it isn't real.

"You," Harry confirms.

"You love... me?" Draco's eyes are wide and grey and nervous and beautiful.

"I love you."

Draco looks shocked by the admission, but turns to face Harry again.

"I think I love you too."

*********************

Two years later, their wedding is underneath that tree.

Draco had proposed to Harry with a white rose.