The next week of work, Hubert took a sudden interest in Draco practising all the potions that could potentially be on the NEWT's. So for the last hour of the day, instead of studying, he stood over a cauldron, Hubert at his elbow watching his every move. With every day that passed, Hubert introduced more and more difficult potions, often having Draco brew them in multiple odd-numbered doses.

Friday, he told Draco he was going to be brewing a potion that Draco knew for a fact wasn't on the NEWT curriculum. It was a potion meant to restore nutritional deficiencies. Before modern spell diagnostics, which could determine precisely what a patient needed from vitamin d to calcium, they would brew this potion. It was rarely needed in the hospital now and tricky to brew. Draco knew because he had tried and failed to numerous times while making one for his mother, not that it had helped then. But now, the experiences granted him a level of confidence he wouldn't otherwise have.

The brewing required minute amounts of thirty-seven different ingredients in specific weights that had to be added at exactly the right time. A time that he had had to learn through trial and error as no book had an accurate ingredient introduction mapped out. Draco didn't even notice Hubert's hovering as he stood in front of the cauldron. He held a stirring rod in one hand, and the next ingredient in the other, hardly daring to blink as he watching the swirling potion shift in shade and translucence. He didn't let himself relax until it was done, sweat sticking his shirt to his back like a second skin as he leaned away from the heat of the cauldron.

"Seal and bottle them," Hubert said nodding, "We can rotate out three of the oldest ones in the potion stores."

Draco stared blankly at him, "Sir- Hubert? I'm not allowed to brew anything for hospital use am I?"

"I watched you every second, every step. It's as good as mine, I'll vouch for that," Hubert said.

Hubert stood back, arms crossed as he watched Draco get the potion vials and set up the funnels.

Draco filled the bottles and sealed them with rubber stoppers, charmed to a tight seal.

"What are your plans after getting your NEWT's?" Hubert asked.

Draco paused, "Working here?"

Hubert's moustache pulled down in a faint frown, "I meant, have you given any thought to becoming a Master Potion Brewer."

"I-I would like to, yes," Draco said carefully.

Hubert nodded to himself, "I've never taken on an apprentice before. It would probably take longer than the standard five years, and I'm not a patient teacher."

"Are you- do you mean you would be willing to take me on?" Draco asked.

"That's what I just said," Hubert said, "It'd be useful to have someone to take on some of the emergency brewing, sometimes they need two or even three potions at once. And I'd rather know there was someone competent to take over when I retire. Best way to be sure is to train you myself."

"I- Yes, absolutely. I'd- I'd love to. Thank you so much, Hubert," Draco said shakily.

"Don't thank me, I'm sure it's going to be terrible," Hubert said, "Let's get this cleaned up and finish for the day."

Draco finished labelling the vials, and they cleaned up the lab for the next week. Hubert walked out with Draco, stopping at the potion stores and replacing the old nutritional deficiencies potions with the ones Draco had brewed. He felt proud, his chest tight and pounding with excitement. He had originally only cared about working here and getting a Mastery to help his mother, but now that it was happening he felt excited about the future.

Ron waved him down as soon as he got back to the Weasley's shop, "Coming to the pub tonight?"

Draco nodded, "I just need to change."

"No rush, got an hour and a half before closing," Ron said and then rushed over to help an older woman struggling to reach something on a high shelf.

Draco went upstairs and showered, changing into a grey pullover and dark blue jeans. He still wasn't quite sure about muggles obsession with wearing blue trousers, but he had liked the darker ones well enough, and they were very comfortable.

When he came downstairs an hour later, he saw Granger first, standing against the wall, reading a book while she waited.

"Hello," Draco said cautiously.

Granger looked up and smiled, "Draco! I'm glad you're coming. I didn't get to talk with you much last week."

"Same," Draco said, "Were you working late? Ron said you often both work late."

"Me more than him," Granger said ruefully, marking her place and closing the book, "There just aren't enough hours in the day."

"Where do you work?" Draco asked.

"The Ministry." Granger sighed, "The 'Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures' to be specific."

"You... don't like it?" Draco guessed.

"I do! I just- I hate the name. Wizards treat other magical beings so terribly. It has improved lately, and I've been doing what I can to help, but that name, it just doesn't help," Granger said.

"Yes... the 'Control' leaves a bad taste in your mouth doesn't it," Draco said.

"'Regulation' isn't much better," Granger said, "I know it's not as important as what the department does but still... I'll have to put in another request to change it with the Wizegamot."

"Good luck with that," Ron said, pulling on a long coat as he walked over, "they hate changing anything. Bet they say something like, 'it's part of our heritage'."

"Well, their heritage is racist," Granger said shortly.

"I imagine that's why they like it," Draco said.

Granger sighed.

"Fuck 'em," Ron said, putting an arm around Granger's shoulders, "Let's go drink a few pints and unwind, eh?"

"Alright, alright," Granger said.

They all went outside, pausing while Ron locked up and then slowly made their way along the cobbled street up to the pub.

"Uh... so you and Harry then?" Ron said suddenly.

Granger laughed, "Really Ron?"

"Shut up," Ron said, his face turning red, "We're like Harry's family, we have to look after him."

"Yes, but now?" Granger said.

Ron frowned, tucking his chin into his coat, "Yeah, well, Harry's dated some real plonkers." he glanced over at Draco, "He's really serious about you. More serious than he's been in a long time and I don't want him to get hurt, you know?"

"Ron-" Granger said.

"I just want to make sure you aren't messing around or only care about the 'famous harry potter' guff," Ron went on doggedly.

"I'm..." Draco felt his own face get hot and had to look at the ground to say the rest, "I'm not messing around. I just want to take things slow."

"Well," Ron cleared his throat, looking away at the shop fronts, "that's alright then."

Granger laughed, "Merlin, you two. Why are men so bad at this sort of thing?"

Draco smiled weakly, "Lack of practice probably."

The pub was already filling up and loud with shouts and singing when they arrived. Somehow Ginevra and Luna had managed to get the same table that had last week. Neville Longbottom and Harry were sitting on the other side of the table. Luna and Longbottom seemed to be having an in-depth discussion about rare plants, while Harry and Ginevra were arguing about quidditch.

"Hey, Nev!" Ron said, "It's been ages, mate!"

Longbottom smiled and got up, pulled into a one-armed hug with Ron.

"This is Draco, he's new to London," Ron said, patting Draco's shoulder.

"Hello," Draco said.

Longbottom stared at him with a frown.

"Nev?" Ron said.

Longbottom shook his head, "Sorry. Draco? Was it? You sort of look like Lucius Malfoy."

There was a collective groan from around the table.

"Only if he sucked on a lemon for twenty years!" Ginevra said.

"It's just the hair," Ron said.

"I don't think so," Luna said, "Draco's heart is a completely different shape."

Longbottom waved his hands placatingly, "Okay, okay. Sorry."

"It's fine, I get that a lot," Draco said quietly.

"Really, I am sorry," Longbottom said, forcing on an awkward smile.

Draco shrugged, "More importantly. I would like to get the first round. Firstly because I got my first cheque-"

Everyone cheered

"-and second because my boss has offered to make me his apprentice for Potion's Mastery."

There was a larger cheer.

Ron slapped him hard on the back, "Congrats!"

"That's amazing! Congratulations!" Granger said with a huge smile.

Harry got up from the table and then looked like he didn't quite know where to go from there, eventually settling on holding out a hand.

Draco laughed and pulled him into a hug.

Harry squeezed him tight, "Congratulations. You look great, by the way."

"Drinks! Drinks! Drinks!" Ginevra started chanting.

Ron leaned over the table to put his hand over her mouth. Ginevra grabbed his arm and pulled him over, so he fell across her and Luna's lap.
"Ginny! Let me-! Sorry, Luna!" Ron said, trying to get up as Ginevra rubbed her knuckles on Ron's head.

"I'm fine," Luna said with a smile, resting her elbows on Ron's back.

Granger eventually helped Ron up, and they sat next to Longbottom. Ron's face had gone entirely red. He flicked a bar mat at Ginevra's head.

"What does everyone want?" Draco asked before another squabble could break out.

He got a list of different drinks and went to the bar, Harry coming along to help. Draco had a cider though he barely drank any of it, content to be there in the middle of the warm friendship shared between these people.

Longbottom was the first to leave for the night. Luna and Ginevra left an hour or so later. Draco lingered by Harry's side as he talked with Ron and Granger, the depth of their friendship showing in the easy comfort they had with one another.

"We should go, you have work tomorrow," Granger said, leaning against Ron's arm.

"So do you," Ron said with a grin, and lifted his almost empty glass "Let me finish this pint."

Harry had had a few pints and seemed tipsy though he had gotten quieter and quieter as he drank.

"There something else I forgot to tell you," Harry said suddenly.

"Yeah, what?" Ron asked, lifting his glass and draining it.

"I visited Teddy," Harry said.

"You see him a few times a week, don't you?" Granger said.

Harry nodded, "Yeah, whenever I have time. So I can give Andromeda some time to herself. Teddy's so rambunctious. He has so much energy."

"He's a little boy. Mum had six of us, it's a wonder she survived," Ron said.

"So I try to help, but I know- I know she probably needs more. She's older and alone and-"

"Harry? Mate? There a point to this?" Ron asked.

"Right..." Harry sighed and scrubbed his hand through his hair, "Narcissa's moving in with her."

Draco went still.

"I met her last time I went over," Harry said, "She's really quiet. Apparently, she was sick for a while, but she's getting better now."

"Are you worried about Teddy?" Granger asked.

Draco's hands began to shake, and he quickly put them in his lap to hide it.

"...No? I feel like I should be, but Narcissa was really great. She even asked my permission to be in his life. Like if I said no, she would have moved back to the empty tomb of a house she used to live in," Harry said.

"That's good then?" Ron said.

"Yeah... It is. I just feel like I failed," Harry said.

Granger reached across the table and put her hand over his, "Oh, Harry, of course you didn't. You work full time, you have your own life, Andromeda wouldn't want you to give up everything you've worked so hard for."

"But I'm his godfather," Harry said.

"And you're doing a great job," Granger said.

Harry sighed, "I'm trying."

"Don't worry so much," Ron said.

"Besides," Granger said, "It's like Luna said, Narcissa was probably lonely."

"Andromeda too," Harry said, "Teddy keeps her so busy she really doesn't have time to go out. I don't even know if she has any friends. I'm just being selfish, trying to do it all by myself. I should be happy for Andy and Ted."

Draco squeezed his eyes shut.

"You alright, Draco?" Ron asked.

Draco looked up and smiled faintly, "I'm just feeling a bit tired."

Granger nodded, "Yeah, we should all go home. You didn't drink much Draco, so could you make sure Harry gets home?"

"Has he keyed you into the wards?" Ron asked.

"Last week," Harry said, "We made pancakes and eggy bread."

"See you next week?" Granger asked.

"Most likely," Draco said.

"I'll be there," Harry said.

They all got up and said their goodbyes, going out to the street and apparating away. Holding tight to Harry's arm, Draco side-alonged him to his cottage, landing in the living room. A few lamps lent the room a soft glow, the wireless still played. Draco wondered if it was always on.

Harry swayed, "Bedroom, that way. Sorry, apparition makes me queasy even when I don't have three pints in me."

Harry leaned heavily on his shoulder as Draco walked them to a small cosy bedroom. The bed was heaped with plush blankets and pillows. Harry collapsed onto it before Draco could even pull the duvet back, kicking his shoes off with his eyes closed.

"You should drink some water," Draco said.

Harry made a noise, not bothering to open his eyes, " 's fine."

Draco rolled his eyes and went to the kitchen, returning with a glass of water. "Drink," he said, holding it out.

" 's okay, really," Harry said.

Draco grabbed him by the front of his sweatshirt and pulled him upright, "Drink the water, Potter."

Harry opened his eyes in surprise and took the glass. Draco let him go once he was sure Harry was properly sitting up.

"Thought I was Harry now," Harry said, drinking his water.

"Only when you aren't being impossible," Draco said, regretting that it had slipped out.

Harry grinned. He set the cup back down and collapsed back on his pile of pillows, "You can stay if you want. Just to sleep. Here or the couch."

"I'll think about it," Draco said.

Harry closed his eyes again, "I hope you do. I like you being around."

"Is that so?" Draco said. He sat on the edge of the bed so he could take Harry's glasses off, carefully folding the arms and setting them on the side table.

"Ever since I first saw you, I felt drawn to you. I want to know everything about you and spend every day with you. I can't stop thinking about you," Harry said, sleepy and soft.

Draco remembered when he first met Harry in the robe shop. Something about the gangly boy had pulled at him and made him talk, to try and impress him. Looking back on it, he had managed to say all the wrong things, but the feeling hadn't faded. He still wanted that boy's attention.

"I feel drawn to you as well," Draco said.

But Harry didn't respond. Draco wondered if he was asleep, as his expression slowly softened and his breathing deepened.

Draco tentatively touched Harry's hair, letting a few curling strands pull through his fingers. Harry shifted closer into Draco's touch, and Draco let himself indulge in this, combing his hand through Harry's smooth black hair, marvelling at the slight natural curl and how it seemed to flow through his fingers like water.

Draco pushed off his shoes and lay down on the edge of the bed, studying Harry's face in the soft light.

And he realised that he wasn't going to break the curse.

His mother's health was improving, and she was reconnecting with her family, she was happier now. And he had his dream job, new good friends and Harry Potter, a Harry that wanted him.

Everyone was happier not remembering he existed. Even him.

"oh," the word slipped from Draco as his eyes began to burn with tears. He turned his face into the pillow.

He wondered what his mother looked like now with another little boy in her arms. Would she sing him to sleep like she had Draco, brushing the hair off his forehead and calling him her precious star? Would she walk with Teddy through the gardens, telling him to be careful not to hurt himself? When his mother held Teddy, would she remember the ghost of Draco in a feeling of deja-vu?

He cried until he was spent, wrung out and hollow, and the pillow was damp beneath his cheeks.

"Draco?" Harry said sleepily, carefully touching Draco's cheek.

Draco turned his face to Harry, his voice rough from crying "Do you ever have those nightmares where you think you've woken up but you haven't, and you live your day, but it's just slightly wrong, not the way it ought to be-"

"-And then you wake up in a cold sweat. I hate those dreams," Harry said.

"Me too," Draco said softly. But he wasn't going to wake up.

He leaned close, looking from Harry's eyes to his lips before kissing him, a soft brush of lips and the breath lost between them.

"I'm ready to go a little bit faster now," Draco said in the space between them, "Thank you for waiting."

Harry smiled and kissed him back.

-fin-