Chapter 13

Harry's flat was exactly like Draco thought it would be. Extremely messy, but in an organized type of way. Everything was thrown about, but with a purpose.

"I'm sorry for the mess."

"Don't be. It's very homey. I like it. It's the complete opposite of how I live."

"Opposites attract yeah?", Harry asked with a laugh.

"I'm starting to see it that way."

As they loaded the car up with Harry's art, Draco asked him questions about each individual piece. He just loved seeing Harry light up, and hearing the passion in his voice. He could listen to Harry talk for hours, he was quite fascinating.

"I'm sorry, I'm just rambling", Harry said apologetically. "What's your favorite piece you've ever made?"

"You don't need to apologize Harry, I love listening to you talk. You may be my second favorite topic, after myself of course", Draco teased. "I don't know if I have a favorite piece, honestly. It's been awhile and I'm just getting back into things."

"I meant what I said you know. You know where I live now, you're welcome at any time. I know things are complicated, but you're always free to be yourself with me."

Draco knew that Harry meant every word.

"The same goes for you, if there's ever anything I can do."

"Just being here is enough."

When they arrived back at the exposition center, Draco was as helpful as he could possibly be. He truly had an eye for details, and Harry appreciated it greatly. Remus arrived a few minutes later, and Harry was happy to see him.

"Moony! I got your coffee."

"Thank you Prongslet. Who's this?"

"This is DM! Draco. Who also happens to be the man from the cafe", he finished with a whisper, hugging his dad.

"Well, aren't you lucky", Remus replied with a laugh.

"I really am."

"It's nice to meet you sir", Draco said, holding out his hand out for a handshake.

"Call me Remus, please. I get sir enough at the university."

They talked for a bit as they continued to set up, but mostly worked in silence aside from the occasional question or opinion. The two men seemed to have it down for the most part, so Remus stayed aside doing some grading, pitching in when needed. He much preferred allowing Draco and Harry to interact. It reminded him of how he and Sirius used to be when they were younger, and he didn't want to interfere. That was Sirius's job. Ron and Hermione showed up a few hours later with lunch once the setup was complete.

"Draco, how nice to see you again!", Hermione greeted happily.

"How was dinner last night?", Harry asked pointedly.

"Oh it was great, thanks mate. How was yours?"

"Best dinner yet."

"You wound me Harry", Ron proclaimed dramatically. "I thought that we had something special."

"I did too, until you disappeared and didn't tell me."

"Hermione! You said-"

"Did you need help grading Remus?", she asked, removing herself from the situation.

"Sorry mate, she set you up. I should've known better after all of these years. You had a good night though, yeah?"

"Oh yeah. Between you and me, I was gonna cancel dinner anyway, but don't tell Mione that", Harry whispered.

"Noted. Ready to break for lunch?"

"More than ready."

"Is there anything else that needs to be done?", Hermione asked.

"We finished ahead of schedule actually! Draco over here really has an eye for details."

Draco just smiled and lightly nudged Harry.

"We open again in about an hour and a half. That should be enough time to finish eating and then get ready."

"Ah, I knew I forgot something", Ron said apologetically.

"No you didn't. I brought a spare set of clothes for you just in case."

"I have the best girlfriend in the world."

"Don't forget it either."

They continued to tease each other over lunch, and soon enough it was time to start getting ready. Remus went home as he and Sirius would be coming back together right before the showing began.

Ron and Hermione went off to the respective bathrooms to go and change. Harry and Draco awkwardly took separate corners of the same room to get ready.

Harry was done first, and spent most of the time fussing over his hair.

"I don't even know why I try", he muttered, running his hands through it.

"Let me?", Draco offered.

"Be my guest."

"Sit here."

Draco carefully took a pea sized amount of styling gel and rubbed it between his palms. He carefully mussed up Harry's hair this way and that until he was satisfied.

"Thanks Draco."

"Any time Harry."

"Careful, I may take you up on that one."

"I'd be glad if you did."

"You look really good by the time."

"I'll be sure to hide all of the water bottles", Draco said solemnly, earning a surprised laugh from Harry. "You clean up nicely yourself."

"Oh trust me, this is even more impressive when you see me in paint splattered clothes. That's the real before picture."

"I like you all the same."

Harry's reply was cut off by a knock on the door.

"Harry, Draco, are you ready?"

"Coming Mione! Are you done?"

"I'm satisfied."

Hermione surely took hundreds of pictures before the event even began. When it was in full swing, Draco allowed Harry to mingle with everyone that he needed to. He stayed off to the side engaging those around him in discussion on the artwork before him.

Harry had just approached Draco again, with a smiling Remus by his side, chattering happily about a sale he had just made to the woman Draco was talking to.

"So, Draco. Do I get to know your surname?", Remus asked once Harry had stepped away.

"Ah, I was waiting for someone to pick up on that. I just want to be judged for who I am, not for who people think I am. I'm Draco Malfoy, Remus."

"Lucius is your father then?"

"Yes sir."

"We went to the same school, and I know of his business ventures."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

That made Remus quirk a smile.

"Take a walk with me, will you?"

Remus led Draco outside to the back of the building, where there was a nice outdoor garden strung up with fairy lights.

"Are you aware that my son is looking into an investor?"

"He mentioned it once but why is that- He didn't."

"I'm afraid he did. We offered to front him any money that he may need, but he wanted to do this on his own. Stubborn like his birth father through and through I'm afraid."

"I need to tell him."

"I think it's wise before he finds out on his own."

"Thank you, for letting me know."

"Thank you for making him happy. I haven't seen him smiling like this in years. It's a refreshing change."

"Truth be told, I haven't smiled in years myself. Harry makes things so easy. You raised a wonderful man."

"Continue to treat him well."

"I promise that I will."

"Wonderful. Would you care to join us for dinner then?"

"I don't want to impose on your family dinner-"

"Nonsense. There's no opposition here. You're our guest."

How could Draco ever say no to that?

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