The sun was starting to set as they walked down the carriage path leading from Hogsmeade down into Hogwarts.

"I wonder what McGonagall wanted to talk to us about," Harry said.

"Mhmmm," Hermione said distractedly, letting her hand trail in the tall grass beside the road.

"I hope it's not a memorial thing or a fundraiser thing," Harry said with a frown, "They're exhausting."

"Uhuh," Hermione said, staring blankly at the passing trees beside the road.

Harry smiled and shook his head. He stepped close enough to bump her with his shoulder, "Hermiooooone-"

She blinked and looked up at Harry, "What?"

"You were in another world there," Harry said.

"Oh, sorry," Hermione said, shaking her head, "I was thinking and...."

"Got lost?"

Hermione smiled, "A little."

"What's got you so occupied?" Harry asked.

Hermione frowned at him.

"What?" Harry asked.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "It's been a month and a half."

Harry's eyebrows furrowed.

"You forgot? Really?" Hermione said.

"Forgot what?" Harry asked.

"It was your idea!" Hermione said.

"What was?" Harry said, starting to worry he had forgotten something important.

"The proposal!" Hermione said, "After Suirup was arrested, you said in a month and a half Ron and I should propose to one another!"

"Oh! Right," Harry said, "I mean, I guess I figured you'd ignore me. It's kind of a silly idea."

Hermione glared at him, "Shut up. It was a perfect idea. Without a deadline, it would have taken another year for us to get around to it."

Harry laughed, "Well, you're both busy. You especially."

"I know," Hermione said.

They both paused for a second as they stepped out of the trees, and Hogwarts rose in the distance, the windows faintly glowing in the growing twilight.

"So it's been a month and a half then?" Harry asked as they crossed the grounds.

Hermione nodded.

"So?" Harry asked.

"So what?" Hermione said.

"What are you going to do?" Harry asked.

"You said you weren't going to take sides," Hermione said.

Harry grinned, "I wasn't going to help. I just wanted to know what your plan was."

"I wanted to get my thoughts in order-," Hermione frowned to herself and pulled out her little beaded bag. She reached inside it and pulled out a handwritten multi-page essay, "-so I wrote out some notes-"

"Notes?" Harry said with a laugh, "That's a bit more than notes, Hermione."

"It's important to get my emotions across properly. You only get to propose once, after all," Hermione said, flipping through the pages.

Harry couldn't help noticing it was written front and back. "You were always good at that sort of thing, talking about your emotions."

"I'm just nervous," Hermione said.

"It seems to me it's the sort of thing you should be nervous about," Harry said, "It would be weirder if you weren't."

"That doesn't actually make me feel any better," Hermione said.

"Ouch."

"Thanks for trying, though," Hermione said with a wan smile as they paused at the door.

"I am pretty good at trying," Harry said, pulling open one of the doors and holding it for her.

Hermione gave him a fond look and stepped inside.

Harry followed, taking a deep breath as the door swung shut behind them. The air inside was cool and smelled like stone and wood smoke, dropping Harry right back into his memories, both good and bad.

"I've missed this place," Hermione said.

"Hmm," Harry said, not sure how he felt.

"You're right on time," McGonagall called out to them, "This way." She was standing beside the entrance to the great hall holding a small box in her hands.

Hermione hurried over to her, "Your message didn't say why you needed to see us. I was worried it was something important."

"It is something quite important, yes," McGonagall said with a smile. She flipped open the box and took out a simple golden bangle. "I need you to put this on for me."

"...Okay? It's not cursed, is it?" Hermione asked.

"No, of course not," McGonagall said. She took Hermione's hand and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, "It has a rather complicated charm on it-"

As the metal touched Hermione's skin, a stream of glittering white light curled and swirled around her. As it faded into silvery sparks, Harry could see that Hermione's practical work clothes and simple robes had been replaced with a beautiful flowing dress made of layers of delicate periwinkle blue that darkened and deepened as the fabric reached the floor.

Hermione gasped, running her hands over the fabric and doing an experimental twirl, the dress flowing out like water.

"It's colloquially called a Cinderella enchantment," McGonagall said, "It only lasts three hours, but that should be plenty of time," She flicked her wand. All around the great hall, candles floating in the air began to light, filling the room with a soft light that mingled with the warm reds and oranges of the sunset shining through the windows.

Standing in the middle of the cleared room was Ron. He was wearing an impeccably cut suit in a blue so dark it was almost black, with a matching tie and waistcoat. His dress shirt was a delicate periwinkle blue that matched perfectly with Hermione's dress.

"Hi," Ron said nervously, running his hand through his hair.

"Ron! Ron?" Hermione ran into the room, "What is this?"

Ron caught her hands and pulled Hermione into his arms, "Well, the thing is, I always regretted not asking you to the Yule Ball in fourth year."

Hermione laughed in surprise.

"So, um, can I have this dance?" Ron asked.

"Of course," Hermione said.

A phonograph sitting by the wall began playing, and soft, scratchy music filled the room. Ron did a clumsy bow and held out his hand. Hermione giggled and took it, putting her hand on his shoulder as they began to turn around the room.

Harry jumped and spun around as a hand dropped onto his shoulder.

Draco put a finger to his lips and pulled Harry to the side.

"What are you doing here?" Harry hissed.

"Meddling," Draco said.

Harry huffed a laugh as he realised, "The suit. That was your doing."

"I consider it a bribe," Draco said.

"What does Ron consider it?" Harry asked.

"A bribe," Draco said.

Harry snickered.

"We know where we stand with one another," Draco said.

"And where is that?" Harry asked.

"A cautious truce for the sake of our- our people," Draco said.

Harry had to look away, wondering if he was a bit too full of himself in thinking that Draco had meant to say 'loved ones'.

"Do you dance, Potter?" Draco asked.

"I already told you I don't," Harry said.

Draco frowned, "Well, this won't do; I like dancing."

Harry shrugged, "You'll have to teach me then."

"But I like my toes."

Harry muffled a laugh.

"Cast a featherlight charm," Draco said.

"On?"

"Yourself?" Draco said the way one said 'obviously.'

Harry narrowed his eyes, "Promise not to hurl me into any walls?"

"Of course, I won't," Draco said, muttering quietly, "on purpose."

"You better not," Harry said and cast the spell on himself, trying to make it as weak as possible.

"I'll lead," Draco said, putting his hand on Harry's waist.

"I-" Harry started but was cut off by Draco pulling him off his feet. It started as a waltz, but Draco was quickly distracted by how light Harry was, twirled him around, pulled him close, and spun them together.

"Draco-!" Harry said, trying not to laugh.

"Boys, quiet," McGonagall said reproachfully.

Draco grinned, dropped his hands to Harry's waist and lifted him up.

"No- Draco-!" Harry said.

Draco's eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as he tried to balance Harry's weight.

"Boys," McGonagall said.

Harry bit his lip, glancing at the McGonagall and then back at Draco with a grin. He slowly stretched out his arms, trying to hold his legs straight. They were perfectly posed like a pair of ice skaters for a second, then Draco lost his balance, and they fell into a heap on the floor.

"Ow," Draco said weakly.

The soft music from inside the great hall stopped, and Harry clapped his hand over Draco's mouth.

Draco glared at him.

Harry ignored him and leaned forward to peek inside the great hall.

"There's-" Ron hesitated, his face slowly turning red from nerves, "I-"

Hermione took his hand and squeezed it.

Ron took a deep breath, "I always regretted not asking you to the dance that year, and I don't want to regret anything with you ever again, you know?"

Hermione nodded.

"I wanna spend the rest of my life with you- us- together?" Ron hesitated and then went down on one knee, "Will you marry me?"

"Yes. Yes- I- Oh, Ron, of course," Hermione said, sounding a little teary-eyed. She threw her arms around him as he stood up, and they held each other tightly.

Draco jabbed Harry sharply in the ribs.

Harry pushed himself up off the floor, and Draco. He offered his hand down to Draco and almost got pulled back down before they both remembered that Harry currently weighed about as much as a toddler.

McGonagall greeted Hermione and Ron as they came out into the hallway, "Congratulations, you two. You make a wonderful match."

"Thanks, Professor," Ron said, "and thanks again for helping."

"You can call me Minerva, you know, you're not a student anymore," McGonagall said.

Ron briefly made a face like he had eaten a lemon and then shook his head, "I don't think I can, Professor."

McGonagall sighed at him.

"I can't believe you set all this up," Hermione said.

"I had help," Ron said.

Hermione bit her lip, "Now I feel silly. My idea was so- so boring in comparison. I had this whole speech planned, and Molly taught me how to make your favourite foods-"

"That sounds great to me, Hermione," Ron said, "You'll still do it, won't you?"

"I- okay," Hermione said, "I'll do my best."

"You always do your best," Ron said fondly.

"I need to pick up a few ingredients first," Hermione said.

"Alright," Ron took her hand, "let's go to Hogsmeade, it's been ages since we've been there."

Hermione nodded, barely giving Harry and the rest of them a distracted wave as they left.

"Now you two," McGonagall turned to Draco and Harry, hands on her hips, "That was highly inappropriate considering the circumstances."

"Sorry," Harry said.

"It was meant to be romantic," Draco said, "at first. It just got a bit out of hand."

"More than a bit," McGonagall said, raising an eyebrow. She looked between the two of them and shook her head, "I would have never imagined it. You're happy together?"

They both nodded sheepishly like they were eleven all over again.

"Well. That's good then," McGonagall said, "I need to get back to work. The school year will be starting soon, and there is still a great deal to attend to."

Draco hurried to the doors.

"Can we use the pitch?" Harry asked impulsively.

McGonagall's eyebrows rose.

"Just for a quick seekers game," Harry said.

McGonagall stared at them, and Harry was about to take it all back when she said, "As long as you promise not to break anything-"

"Yeah, of course-"

"-Or start any fights," McGonagall went on, "or light anything on fire or-"

"Professor, we don't fight like that anymore," Harry said.

"I prefer words to fists," Draco said.

"Very well," McGonagall said.

"Thanks-"

"No coitus or other shenanigans, then," McGonagall said.

Harry nearly choked on his own tongue.

Draco went bright red.

McGonagall waited for an answer, as unperturbed as a statue.

"we'll be good," Harry said faintly.

Draco nodded weakly.

"Very well, you may use the pitch for the next hour," McGonagall said, "It was good to see you both."

Harry mumbled a response as he ran out the door, Draco right on his heels.

"Any advice?" Harry asked, glancing up at the mirror.

"I was made in the seventeen hundred's, darling," The mirror said, giving a perplexed look to the bottle Harry's hand, "My exposure to hair dye, especially once I was moved to the Ministry, is extremely limited."

Draco glared at Harry, "We read the directions, quite thoroughly I'll remind you, it will be fine."

"I don't see why I have to do this," Harry said, flexing his hands and making the thin gloves that came with the hair dye crinkle.

"I can't see the back of my head," Draco said, "I don't want to miss a spot."

"You have a magic mirror that could tell you," Harry said.

Draco tipped his head up to look at Harry, "I trust you-" which would have been sweet if he didn't immediately add, "now get on with it."

Harry rolled his eyes and held the bottle over his head, "You better look down, or this will end up on your face."

Draco quickly dropped his chin down as Harry squeezed, and the bottle made a sputtering ketchup bottle splurt of bright pink goop on top of Draco's white-blond hair.

Draco's scrunched his nose but didn't say anything as Harry started working the dye in.

"Draco? Draco darling, are you in here?" Narcissa called from Draco's main rooms.

Harry shook his head and mouthed 'No' at the mirror.

"I'm in the bath, Mother," Draco called.

Harry sighed silently. The bathroom door was closed, but that was no guarantee that she would leave.

Narcissa's heels clicked as she crossed the floor, stopping in front of the door, "I was thinking about designs for the invitations."

"Mother-"

"Something simple, cream cardstock-"

"Mother, really?" Draco said.

"What?" Narcissa said, annoyed, "There's nothing you could be doing in there that requires your mind, so I might as well make use of it."

"I'm busy," Draco said.

"I highly doubt that," Narcissa said.

Harry squeezed more dye out onto Draco's hair.

"As I was saying," Narcissa went on, "I was thinking a simple cream card stock with silver and gold accents that intertwine. That way, both your houses would be subtly represented as well as showing how your houses will be joined."

"Not this again, Mother!" Draco said, echoing Harry's sentiments exactly.

"Is that a no?" Narcissa asked

"Ugh," Draco said.

"What about you, Harry dear?" Narcissa asked.

Harry winced and kept quiet.

Draco said, "He's not here."

"If you're here, then so is Harry. You only come home nowadays if Harry's with you," Narcissa said, a note of disappointment in her voice.

Harry sighed heavily and asked, "Invitations for what?"

"Your wedding, of course," Narcissa said.

Harry sighed again.

"We have to sort these things out before next summer," Narcissa said.

"It was a joke!" Harry said, for all the good it would do. He had explained the dinner act was all a lie, many times. Narcissa was worse than her son when she latched onto an idea.

"As for venues," Narcissa went on, relentless, "I know the Manor would not be your first choice, but for our sakes, seeing as we are under house arrest, I was thinking you might have the ceremony here, and then you could hold the reception somewhere more to your liking?"

Draco narrowed his eyes for a second, "...Next summer?"

"Yes?"

"Don't encourage her," Harry hissed under his breath.

Draco waved him off, "We couldn't do next summer. We'd have only been dating for a year? Most people propose at a year. It would be terribly gauche to get married so quickly."

"I think we're well past propriety at this point," Narcissa said.

"All the more reason to preserve what we have left," Draco said.

"I agree," Harry said quickly, "Big fan of propriety, me."

"Fine," Narcissa said shortly. "...Another year will give me more time to plan."

"I'm pretty certain that people usually plan their own weddings," Harry said.

"Oh, it's no trouble-"

"Not the point," Harry muttered.

"-Think of it as my wedding gift to the two of you," Narcissa said.

Harry looked down at Draco's head,  he was pretty sure he had hair dyed every hair but he added more anyway and squished it in, combing Draco's hair back with his fingers. There was a strong chance he had also dyed Draco's scalp pink but he probably didn't need to mention it.

"White cardstock," Draco said, "Cream would clash with the gold."

"Hmm, I agree," Narcissa said.

Harry pulled Draco's hair up and moulded it into a small point on the top of his head.

Draco didn't notice. Draco's reflection laughed and held up two fingers.

Harry laughed and divided Draco's hair, shaping it into two little devil horns.

"You think you're so clever," Draco said.

Which only made Harry laugh harder.

The door opened, and Narcissa leaned into the room.

Harry and Draco both looked guilty for a second before remembering they were adults and then just felt a little silly, but defiantly so.

"And after the pink had finally faded..." Narcissa said.

"Exactly," Draco said.

"You were such a good child-"

"Mum," Draco interrupted.

"I thought I had been so lucky not to have a rebellious teenager," Narcissa said.

"We can't all be golden boys," Draco said under his breathe.

"I'd argue that since everyone expected me to fight Voldemort, I wasn't all that rebellious. I mean, I did exactly what everyone wanted," Harry said.

Draco looked thoughtful, "...We shall both have to have our teenage rebellion now, then."

Harry grinned.

Narcissa crossed her arms over her chest with a sigh, "And you're doing an excellent job of it."

"I would say I'm sorry, except I'm not," Draco said, even as he tensed for a lecture.

Narcissa sighed again and drew her wand out, casting a modified barrier charm over Draco's hair. "It will work better if you cover it while it's working. And I hope you set a timer; colouring treatments can be damaging to hair, especially hair as fine as yours, darling."

Harry checked his watch, trying to guestimate when they started.

"How do you know all this?" Draco asked.

Narcissa slowly raised an eyebrow that was practically a mirror to Draco's own.

"You... dye your hair?" Draco asked.

"The Black family tends to have dark hair. Only dark hair," Narcissa said flatly.

"It's in the name," Harry joked and got the same unamused look from Draco and Narcissa.

"For a few years, while I was in school, I would bleach my hair. Once I decided I wanted to be blond forever, I went to the trouble of brewing a potion to change it permanently," Narcissa said.

Draco blinked.

Narcissa smiled faintly, "Surely you didn't think I was naturally this blond, did you? You've seen my sisters."

"I- Well-," Draco fumbled, "All my life you've been blond. And you've never said anything before."

Narcissa's smile grew ever so slightly, "Talking about one's appearance in such a way? How gauche."

Harry laughed.

"Shut up," Draco muttered.

"Besides, if I had told you when you were young, the entire wizarding world would know within the week," Narcissa said.

Draco's mouth fell open.

"You're a terrible gossip, Draco. Ever since you learned to talk, you've been eager to tell everyone everything," Narcissa said.

"Mum!" Draco said in dismay.

Harry bit his bottom lip, trying not to laugh.

"I'll make up some samples to show you next week," Narcissa said.

"Samples?" Draco asked.

"Of your wedding invitations," Narcissa said.

Harry's laugh turned into a groan of dismay.

"You should probably wash that out now," Narcissa said, removing the barrier spell, "I think I have some hair conditioning masks in my suite. I'll go check," and with a swish of her robes she was gone.

Draco shook his head.

"What?" Harry asked.

"She's- She's ridiculous," Draco said.

Harry grinned, "Yeah."

"And you still think well of her, for some merlin-forsaken reason," Draco said.

"She reminds me of you,' Harry said.

Draco glared at Harry through the mirror.

"In a good way," Harry assured him. "You should wash your hair out.

"You should wash my hair out," Draco said, "You have the gloves."

"Fine, fine," Harry said, "Come on then."

Harry slowed down as he turned off the road onto what he hoped was the right rough-scored dirt track leading to the Burrow. Harry let his hand hang over the door so the tall grass, gone fall yellow, brushed past his fingers.

"Goodbye, everyone, I've got to go- Got to leave you all behind and face the truth-" Draco's eyes were squeezed shut, hands moving with the music as he sang along, loud and occasionally slipping out of tune. "Mama! OOOOoo!" he belted out, his voice wobbling.

Harry smiled, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel along with the music as the guitar solo kicked in. Beside him, Draco was doing his best air-guitar as he bobbed his head, his enthusiasm making up for the fact that he wasn't very good at either.

They topped a gentle rise and began driving down into the quiet meadow where the Burrow was hidden away from prying eyes.

"We're here-" Harry tried to say but was drowned out by Draco cranking up the stereo, his singing getting lost into the swell of music and harmonies.

Freddie Mercury hit the high note of 'Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me!' as Harry slowed and put the car into park in front of the garden gate. Draco was air-guitaring again, pink hair gone a little wild from jamming out.

He leaned against Harry's shoulder as the next verse began, and after a soft laugh, Harry joined in, both of their not-great singing mingling together with Queen's impeccable harmonies.

"Oooh, baby! Can't do this to me, baby! Just gotta get out, just get right outta here!"

Draco took a deep breath as the music began to slow.

"Oooooooh, yeah! Oooooh, yeah..... Nothing really matters, nothing really matters to me..." their voices dropped and they both sang softly, "Any way the wind blows..."

Draco grinned hugely and dropped back into his seat with satisfaction as Harry turned off the car before the next song could start.

There was a loud whistle and a spattering of applause from the front garden where a group of Weasley's were standing.

"Nice, Malfoy!" George called. "Bravo!"

Draco froze, his face turning a brilliant red in embarrassment. He slid down the seat out of sight, "Why didn't you say we were here?" he asked in a strangled whisper.

"I tried," Harry said.

Draco narrowed his eyes.

"I didn't try very hard," Harry admitted.

"You can drive?" Ginny called as she pulled open the gate and jogged over to Draco's little white sports car.

"I don't have my licence yet, just my learners. Draco's been teaching me," Harry said. "It's his car."

"Thought so, it doesn't really seem your style," Ginny said.

Ginny walked around to the passenger side, "Hullo, Malfoy."

"Good morrow to you, Ms Weasley," Draco said, sounding all prim and proper even though he was slid halfway down his seat with his shirt riding up his back. It was a good thing Harry had convinced him not to wear a suit; a fitted button-up and jacket would have never have allowed for such a dramatic slump.

Ginny laughed, "I like your hair, Malfoy."

"Thank you," Draco said.

"Harry's been talking you up for ages. Nice to finally see your face, well, again anyway," Ginny said.

"The same, I'm sure," Draco said.

"Aww," Ginny said, looking over at Harry, "Has he gone all formal just for us?"

"Something like that," Harry said.

Ginny pulled open Draco's car door, "Come on, Malfoy. Time to meet the family."

Draco grimaced and, after hesitating for a moment in which he looked as though he would rather live in the footwell of the car for the rest of his life, he got out.

Harry hopped out and came around, tossing the keys to Draco, who snatched them out of the air.

Draco grabbed the sleeve of his jacket and pulled Harry close, "This is all your fault."

"Which part?" Harry asked.

"If you hadn't given me that music disc-"

"You love Queen," Harry pointed out.

"I do now," Draco said, "and it's your fault."

"You've got me there," Harry laughed.

Ginny raised an eyebrow, looking between Harry and Draco, "You're pretty late. It's almost dinner time. Mum thought you might be skipping out again."

"Skipping out? I would never-" Draco said.

"He's just nervous," Harry said, "It took me a while just to convince him no one would turn him into a ferret."

"Toad." Draco said, "I said 'toad', you shit."

Harry snickered, "Everyone here who knows you would turn you into a ferret."

Draco's eyes narrowed. "We were late because Potter drives like an old nan."

"I do not! I just- drive normally. You drive like you'll die if you don't accelerate as fast as humanly possible at all times," Harry said.

"That's because it's fun," Draco said.

Harry rolled his eyes.

Ginny snorted in amusement, "Mum's in the kitchen; she'll want to see you first thing."

Draco froze again and looking at Harry pleadingly.

"Yes, you have to go," Harry said.

"You promised-"

"Yes, I'll come with you-" Harry rolled his eyes.

"Don't roll your eyes at me," Draco said.

"I just don't see how Molly is even half as scary as having dinner with your parents," Harry said.

"She killed my Aunt Bellatrix. After Voldemort, she was the most terrifying person I've ever known," Draco said.

Ginny grinned, looking proud as punch, "My mum is pretty great, isn't she? Now would you come on already?"

Harry walked behind Draco, putting a hand between his shoulder blades, for moral support, and to keep him from running away, while Ginny led the way into the house.

The kitchen was warm and filled with the smell of cooking dinner. Molly was leaning back against the counter, her wand held at the ready as about seven different charms worked around her.

"Dinner will be ready in a jiffy," Molly said distracted by a gently bubbling dish on the hob.

"Harry's boy finally showed up, Mum," Ginny said.

"His boy-" Molly looked over, "Oh, you mean his boyfriend! Ginny."

"What?" Ginny said, "I'm just teasing."

"Be nice," Molly said, "He's our guest."

"Fine," Ginny rolled her eyes and gave a little sarcastic wave as she left.

"Hello, Mrs Weasley," Draco said stiffly, "Thank you for inviting me."

"Molly is fine," Molly said politely.

"Molly, then," Draco said hesitantly, "You can call me Draco, or whatever you like, really."

Molly nodded silently.

Harry could feel the tension building between Draco's shoulders and in the air between the two. "Uh, sorry we're late," Harry said, "I wanted to drive here, I'm still learning, and I wanted to get in as much practise as possible before my-"

"Harry, would you go out and help set the table?" Molly said.

Before Harry could even respond, Draco's composure was shattered, as he spun around and grabbed Harry's hand, holding it a little too tightly, "You promised. You promised," he whispered, sounding very young.

Harry knew Draco was scared of meeting the Weasley's, it had taken him ages just to convince him to come today, but somehow he hadn't realised how much.

Molly's brow furrowed.

Harry smiled ruefully and shrugged, "Sorry, Molly. I promised I wouldn't leave him on his own today."

Molly smiled, "I don't bite, you know."

Draco nodded. He squeezed Harry's hand.

Harry squeezed back.

Molly turned back to her kitchen and cast a few wordless charms, pies coming out of ovens, knives carefully carving a perfectly cooked roast, and pots and pans beginning to wash in the sink. "There has been... a lot of difficulties between our families in the past."

"Yes. I'm sorry-" Draco said quickly.

"You don't have to apologise," Molly said, "You were a child, after all. I simply wanted you to know that, whatever my feelings towards your parents, I would like the two of us to have a fresh start."

"I would like that," Draco said.

"Harry is like a son to me. Our family wouldn't be the same without him," Molly said.

Harry cleared his throat, feeling embarrassed, but in a good way.

"I did give you the opportunity to leave," Molly said pointedly.

"Yeah," Harry said, "Just not used to it, is all."

"Well, we'll fix that eventually," Molly said.

Harry thought he might have seen Draco give the tiniest nod of agreement out of the corner of his eye.

"Harry is very fond of you, so I want us all to get along," Molly said.

"As do I," Draco said.

"I remember when I first met Arthur's family. I was such a nervous wreck," Molly sighed wistfully, "Family is so important to both of us; I really wanted to make a good impression."

Draco nodded.

She gave Draco a knowing smile and then waved them off, "Go on, you two, dinner will be ready soon."

Harry pulled Draco out of the kitchen and managed to slip upstairs without anyone spotting them.

"What-?" Draco said, looking around at closed bedroom doors.

"No one should be up here," Harry said.

"And why are we?" Draco asked.

Harry held up their hands, still tightly clasped together, "This."

Draco let go and pulled both hands behind his back, "So?"

"I can't remember the last time I saw you so worked up. You always shrug things off with a sarcastic comment, or get mad-" Harry said.

"You aren't meant to bring it up," Draco said.

"Bring what up?" Harry asked.

Draco looked over his shoulder rather than at Harry, "The incident."

Harry raised an eyebrow.

"What just happened!" Draco sputtered, starting to flush again.

Harry frowned at him.

Draco's voice dropped to a mutter, "It's- it's not done."

"Yeah, no," Harry said, "We're not your parents. We're going to talk about things. That's how these things work."

"I don't mind talking about most things, just not the ones that embarrass me specifically," Draco said.

Harry snorted and shook his head. "We've been dating for, like, five months, just tell me."

"No," Draco said.

"Draco."

"I don't want to," Draco said.

"If you don't, I'll say it," Harry said.

Draco's ears started turning red, "You wouldn't."

"Gryffindor, remember?" Harry said.

"We're in public," Draco said.

"I love you," Harry said.

Draco turned just about the same colour at his hair, "...You are so unfair."

"Draco, I lov-"

"Fine! This is your family, Potter!" Draco cut him off, "Everyone knows how important they are to you. They don't like me to begin with, and I only have one chance to try and make a better impression, and you know I can't hold my tongue to save my life-!"

Harry put his hand over Draco's mouth, and when he pulled it away, he kissed him.

"Stop doing that," Draco hissed.

"You're cute when you blush," Harry said.

"I swear to Merlin, Potter-"

"Just so you know, you're important to me too. So if you say something stupid, I'll help you out," Harry said.

Draco pressed a hand over his eyes, "You're so embarrassing."

Harry had to laugh, "Me? I'm the embarrassing one?"

"Yes."

George's voice came up from the foot of the stairs, "You chatted with Malfoy, then?" 

Draco slapped his hand over Harry's mouth, muffling his laughter.

"A bit," Ginny said.

"What do you think of him?" George said.

"I like him," Ginny said.

Draco looked startled.

"Nooo," George said. "You're the ex-girlfriend! You're the last person who's supposed to like the new bloke!"

"What kind of cliché do you think I am?" Ginny said exasperated, "Harry and I were friends before we dated, and we're still friends after."

"What's so good about him?" George asked.

"Wha-"

"Come on, why do you like him?" George asked.

"He makes Harry laugh," Ginny said, "and that's good enough for me. As long as Harry's happy, he could be dating a vampire for all I care."

"Think he could be?" George asked.

"What?"

"I mean, he's pale enough. Malfoy could be a vampire," George joked.

"He didn't burst into flame in the sun outside, so no," Ginny said.

"Must be really powerful sunscreen," George said with a joking conspiratorial tone.

Harry could practically hear Ginny roll her eyes as she said, "That must be it."

Someone further in the house called for Ginny, and George trailed after her, trying more ludicrous vampire theories along the way.

"I'm not a vampire," Draco muttered.

"You're way too squeamish to be a vampire."

"Blood is on our insides for a reason; it's not meant to be seen," Draco said.

"You'd probably starve to death," Harry said.

"I'd rather," Draco said.

"Dinner's ready!" Molly called.

Harry raised his eyebrows and held out his hand, "Think you can manage?"

Draco raised his chin imperiously, "Of course," taking Harry's hand as they headed down the stairs.

"Fuck, it's cold," Harry huffed a breath into his hands.

"I offered to lend you a cloak," Draco said, wrapped in thick wool the same colour as his eyes. His hair was purple now, but hints of the old pink still peaked through, mixing with the purple into hues of fuchsia.

"You said it wasn't far," Harry said.

"It's not. You still should have taken a cloak, dumbass," Draco stretched an arm over Harry's shoulders, letting him borrow his heat, and filled in the gaps with a warming spell poured over the top of them like liquid treacle.

"This had better be worth it," Harry leaned against Draco, matching his stride.

The frost was thick enough to pretend to be snow, crunching under their feet and leaving browned grass in the wake of their footsteps. They made their way behind Malfoy manor down the hill and through a small copse of trees.

"These are apple trees, I think," Draco said, reaching up to pluck at an empty branch.

"You think?" Harry said.

"I remember seeing them blossom in the spring, but I can't remember if they ever had any apples," Draco said. "I don't think they've been well cared for."

"How do you take care of an apple tree?" Harry asked.

"Do I look like a farmer to you?" Draco said.

"No. You look like a posh prick," Harry said flatly.

"Correct on both accounts," Draco said.

Harry laughed.

Beyond the dishevelled orchard was a wall of shrubbery with a small archway and metal gate set in the middle of it. The bushes looked to have been cut back recently to make the way passable again.

Draco stepped forward to open the gate for Harry, his dramatics ruined by an ear-piercing screech of rusty metal.

Harry winced and rubbed his ear as he stepped through.

Several saplings were growing up in the middle of a yard overgrown with grass and weeds, and behind that was a cottage. The front of it was still covered in a tangle of ivy, so it was hard to make out what it looked like underneath, but it did its best to give off the impression of being quaint.

"There's a whole-ass house back here?" Harry said.

"Whole-ass-" Draco repeated in dismay, "Really, Potter?"

"What? I'm not wrong," Harry said with a grin. "Is it haunted?"

"Is it-? Potter!"

"You've got to admit it looks a bit haunted," Harry said.

"No, it doesn't," Draco said stubbornly, "It just needs a little work, and that can wait until it's warmed up. I've only redone the inside so far."

"What's it doing back here?" Harry asked.

"It's the groundskeeper's cottage," Draco said.

"You have a groundskeeper? Like Hagrid?" Harry asked.

"Used to," Draco said, leading the way to the front door, "Before the Statute of Secrecy was instated, having human servants was a mark of the wealthiest elites."

Harry raised an eyebrow.

"House elves don't cost anything; people have to be paid," Draco said, shaking his head as he held open the door.

Harry stepped inside, feeling new wards welcome him and the gentle warmth from built-in warming charms. He stomped his feet and gave his arms a quick rub to get warmer faster.

The door clicked closed as Draco stepped inside behind him, "I've used some extension charms to make it a bit bigger."

"A bit? It's about twice as big as it looks outside," Harry said, looking around.

"A more robust extension charm could have quadrupled the size," Draco said, "But, of course, the bigger you make a space, the more unstable it becomes. Which you don't particularly want in a place you live in."

The walls were plain white plaster, the stone floor was so clean it shone, but it seemed a bit empty. There were no rugs or pictures hanging up.

"You haven't really moved in yet, have you?" Harry said.

"Not quite. I had some other things to take into consideration first," Draco said carefully.

Harry gave him a curious look, but Draco walked further into the house before he could ask.

"I removed the wall between the sitting room and the kitchen to make a more open floor plan," Draco said. "It seemed more- more-"

"Homey," Harry suggested.

The living room was sparsely furnished, the shelves half-filled, a simple round rug on the floor and a single dark blue sofa in the middle of the space.

Harry dropped into the plush cushions, "This looks like that sofa we looked at a few weeks ago. Except I liked the red best."

Draco made a face, "What is with you and obnoxious colours?"

Harry looked up at Draco's hair and said nothing.

"I don't have to look at my hair; everyone else does," Draco said.

Harry laughed and went to look through the kitchen. It was set up with an oven and fridge, a kettle that looked just like the one Harry had in his flat and all the other modern muggle amenities. It had a small table in the centre of the floor with two chairs.

Harry pulled open a random cabinet and groaned, "Oh, come on."

Draco snorted and then, not subtly at all, covered it up with a cough.

Harry took out one of the Harry Potter tm novelty mugs emblazoned with an obnoxious lighting bolt and a sketch of what Harry assumed was supposed to be his face. One of the eyes had printed on wrong and was doing its best to merge with his eyebrow. The horrible nightmare face would occasionally smile or wink.

"It looks like it's suffering," Harry said with a grimace.

Draco leaned over his shoulder, "I think it's quite a good likeness."

"I think it should be put out of its misery," Harry said.

"You wouldn't dare," Draco snatched the mug out of his hands and carefully put it back on the shelf, "That's one of my favourites."

"Of course it is," Harry said, rolling his eyes. He spotted a Hollyhead Harpy and Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes mug amongst the mess before Draco shut the cabinet.

"Hmmm..."

"Hm, what?" Draco asked.

"Show me the rest of this place," Harry said.

Draco narrowed his eyes but headed towards a door, "There isn't much else. A bathroom, spare room and bedroom."

Harry stuck his head into the bathroom. It was lavishly appointed, as he would have expected, with a bathtub big enough for two and a shower big enough for a small family, provided they were very comfortable with one another. But unlike the posh gilded marble style of his manor bathroom, he had styled this room in a more rustic cottagey style that felt warmer and more welcoming.

The spare room was... an extra room with nothing in it.

"What are you going to do with it?" Harry asked.

"A library?" Draco suggested uncertainly.

"I don't have that many books do you?" Harry asked.

"No," Draco said, "I mostly use the manor's library if I need a book... What about an office? People have those, don't they?"

"What do you even do with an office?" Harry asked.

"...Write letters-?"

"You can do that at the table," Harry nodded back to the kitchen.

"Or pay bills? Ledgers?" Draco tried.

"You could just say you don't know," Harry said.

Draco made a face. "It can just be a guest room."

"Yeah, that sounds good," Harry said.

He opened the bedroom door. The massive bed against the wall, piled with pillows and buttery soft blankets and throws, was very much Draco's bed. Harry had become very closely acquainted with the soft enveloping mattress over the last six months. His own bed no longer compared.

"So you're really going to move here?" Harry said, stepping into the room.

"Yes. I want some distance from my parents, but I don't want to lose the freedom of being able to cast magic," Draco said, "Hermione said that trying to move my 'home' location for where I can use magic would probably take just as long as the appeal she's helping me with."

"So years," Harry said.

"Unfortunately."

"Nothing works slower than the law," Harry said.

"And my solicitor is a prick," Draco muttered.

Harry laughed, "Yeah. But he owes Hermione so, he'll get it done."

"Eventually."

"Eventually," Harry agreed.

There was a large woven rug in the centre of the floor. It showed a lion wrapped up by a snake in the medieval heraldic style. They were probably intended to be killing one another, but Harry assumed Draco meant for another interpretation.

"You and your parents literally live on opposite ends of a stupidly big house," Harry said, "You practically already live apart."

"Tell my mother that," Draco said.

"Point taken," Harry said.

He pulled open the closet. It had been enlarged to take up the whole wall, but it was still a pittance of space compared to Draco's massive walk-in closet in his manor rooms.

"How will you ever survive?" Harry asked sarcastically.

"It won't hold everything, of course, but I can rotate the outfits based on the season and whatever styles I'm most fond of."

"Tolerable," Harry said with faux solemnity.

"Barely," Draco said, mimicking his tone.

Harry noticed that there was a gap in the line of clothes near the end and smiled. "Alright."

"Hm?" Draco said.

"I'll move in with you," Harry said, "There'll be some conditions though-"

"I- What- Potter!" Draco stuttered and then smoothly shifted into righteous indignation, "I haven't asked yet! You- You have to let me ask first!"

Harry held his hands out, "Haven't you already?"

"I- What? What are you talking about?" Draco said.

"The couch we picked out together? The mugs in the cupboard? The muggle appliances?" Harry pointed to the closet, "The space you left for me?"

Draco frowned at him, "You're worse than my mother-"

"Hey!" Harry said.

"You are! I wasn't even going to ask today. I was going to subtly suggest-"

"Subtly," Harry laughed.

"-that it might be nice to live together. I had a whole plan with seven steps and-"

"Draco," Harry cut him off, "You've been acting weird ever since I mentioned my lease was going to run out soon. It wasn't that hard to figure out."

"You're the worst," Draco said, "The absolute worst-"

"Sorry-"

"You are not," Draco said.

"You can just ask me now," Harry said.

"I wasn't prepared to do it today," Draco said with a huff.

Harry grinned, "You want to do it later then? Whenever you like?"

"No," Draco said. "There's no suspense now."

"Next time, I'll keep my mouth sh-"

"Next time, you won't find out," Draco said firmly.

"Doubt it," Harry said.

"You'll see," Draco said. "You didn't notice everything, after all."

"What? What'd I miss?" Harry asked.

Draco went back to the living room and gestured to an empty wall.

Harry's brow furrowed.

"For your photos," Draco said.

Harry's chest squeezed tight. He slid his fingers through Draco's hair back to the nape of his neck and pulled him into a kiss, "It's perfect."

"Good," Draco said, slightly mollified, "I wouldn't settle for less."

Draco slid his hands around Harry's waist, pulling him close and kissing him again.

"What are the conditions?"

"What?" Harry said, his mind wandering to other places entirely.

"You said there would be some conditions to living here," Draco said.

"Oh," Harry traced the long line of Draco's neck and slipped under his collar, "Uhm, Just that its warded to never let your parents in, I don't ever want a repeat of-"

"Already done," Draco said, "And I told you that was an accident. I didn't know my father would be in that side of the house," he smirked, "besides, you were the one who wanted to fuck on the table."

Harry felt his cheeks warm, "You didn't exactly stop me."

"Of course not," Draco said.

Harry laughed faintly.

Draco sighed, "...would you like to move in together?"

"Yes," Harry said.

"Arsehole," Draco said.

Harry laughed and leaned his forehead against Draco's, "I love you too."

<a/n: That's it!! Thank you for reading💕💕 I hope you liked it! >