Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter 21 of 28
LiteraryBeautyAfter the war, Harry Potter is left with no one to save, no one to fight, and one extra wand. Draco Malfoy escapes punishment by leaving the country... or so he thinks. Seven years pass before they see each other again. Draco is no longer the master of his wand and a battle of talent and wills ensues. A story of a wand without a true master, and two men who fight to master each other... and themselves.
ReviewedThis chapter was written by literaryspell.
Draco was squirming.
Harry only noticed because he'd never seen it before. Draco was usually stoic and smooth, letting nothing past his shields. Only Draco's eyes ever expressed what he was truly feeling, and even then it was hard to decipher. This, though...what Draco was doing now...was outside Harry's range of experience.
He didn't know what it meant and he didn't like that.
Even Lucius had picked up on it...and he had no problem calling Draco on his fidgeting. "What has caused this restlessness, Draco?" he asked, sounding like he feared the answer.
Draco looked up from his breakfast plate, startled. His grey eyes were wide for a moment before he blinked and his body stilled, face shuttered once more. "Just anticipating a productive day at work."
As Harry watched, Lucius gave Draco a long, searching look before nodding. "I'm pleased to hear you're getting along well at The Quibbler, Draco. You've done yourself proud."
Normally, Draco would have acted insufferably pleased at his father's words, his back straightening, chin lifting, haughty lips curling into a smirk. Nothing of the sort happened. Draco merely inclined his head and returned to his tea. He hadn't touched a thing on his plate.
Harry cleared his throat. "I'll be going out for an early dinner with Ron and Hermione today, so if you want to have a lesson it'll have to wait until after."
Lucius coughed and picked up the morning paper, hiding himself behind it completely.
"Oh, really?" Draco didn't quite meet Harry's eyes. "Yes, of course the lesson can wait."
Harry frowned. Something was definitely up. "You shouldn't be concerned, Draco. You've been improving greatly."
Lucius shook the paper vigorously and both Harry and Draco looked at him, but he remained hidden behind it.
"Yes, I know. Thank you." Draco hesitated. "I look forward to our lesson."
Shocked into silence, Harry could only nod.
"Have fun at dinner, then."
"I will," Harry said slowly. He was confused. Draco should have raised hell about Harry wanting to have some time to himself. At the very least there should have been snide commentary about his choice of company. He didn't quite believe that Draco had turned over a new leaf after what had happened between them, but just in case, he said, "Have a good day at work, then, Draco."
Draco gave a jerky nod and a strange, forced smile; he looked anywhere but at Harry. Lucius glanced between the two of them with interested concern on his face...but Harry could tell he was also wondering what had happened to the Draco they knew.
Harry stood, and as soon as he did, Peachy the house-elf popped into space beside him and set to clearing his dishes.
"Thanks," Harry said with a smile.
Her huge, watery eyes met his and she was midway through a grateful spiel when she shrieked and dropped Harry's dish on the floor.
"Peachy!" Lucius reprimanded, getting to his feet threateningly.
Peachy let out a wailing sob. "Mistress is wanting Peachy back! Mistress be calling her!"
"What?" Lucius demanded. He looked confused. "Well, then, you must go. Draco, do owl Miss Parkinson and make sure everything is all right."
Draco looked at Peachy for a long moment, and then stared at the empty space after she left. "Of course, Father," he said in a small voice. His face was whiter than usual and Harry noticed dark circles under his eyes.
"Are you all right, Draco?" Harry asked, unwilling to leave without at least making an effort.
Draco seemed to rally himself. "Of course, Potter. Whatever would be wrong? Now run along to your little friends and do be sure to shower before you return to the manor."
Even Lucius seemed taken aback by Draco's sudden harsh tone and abrupt turnabout...but Harry wasn't fooled. Draco was hiding something. Something big.
"Whatever, Draco," Harry said, pleased to get the last words even if they weren't his best. He left Draco and Lucius to their food and went to his bedroom.
The night before, Harry had received an owl from Hermione saying it was time they got together. Since all of his friends had real jobs, dinner was the only option. Neville and Luna were apparently going to try to meet them as well. Harry couldn't help but feel a little betrayed by Neville, not that it was his fault he'd been assigned a new partner. Still, it stung.
With the entire day to kill, Harry did what any man with a healthy sexual appetite and an abundance of time would do. He wanked. His thoughts were unfocused, but there was a definite presence of blond hair and angry eyes. Catching sight of the finger-shaped bruises around his wrist was what brought him over the edge. Draco... had been an intense lover. Urgent, powerful, possessive...all things Harry fancied himself when it came to sex. Did that mean they were compatible or doomed for a violent end? Was this thing between them worth pursuing? Harry didn't know. Draco seemed content pretending nothing had happened...not that he did a very good job of that...but Harry was left wanting more.
The day went by interminably. Without Draco to entertain or frustrate him, the manor was boring as hell. He played darts in the game room for a while but had to leave because the memory of pressing Draco into the couch during his massage gave him an erection he couldn't will away. After yet another session of self-gratification, Harry decided to research wandless magic a little and see if he'd missed anything. He only worked on that for an hour before he gave up and practised his own wandless magic by rearranging all the furniture in his room just because he knew it would piss Draco off.
When it was finally time to meet his friends, he was thrilled for the distraction. He showered and dressed quickly before leaving the manor. They were meeting in Muggle London for a change, at an Italian restaurant Hermione had introduced them to recently.
He arrived early and the maître d' showed him to their table. Neville was already there, along with a man Harry faintly recognised but couldn't place. At once it hit him...this was his replacement.
Neville and the man both stood, Neville looking uncertain. The man put out his hand and said, "Harry Potter. I'm Mark Singer. I've heard so much about you."
Harry wanted to scoff. That was the understatement of his life. Everyone knew all about Harry Potter. Still, he was determined to be polite...or, he thought with an internal smirk, perhaps Draco's version of polite.
"Indeed?" he asked, not smiling. He shook the man's hand and broke it off a half-second early. He greeted Neville with more warmth and settled in to totally ignore Neville's new partner...despite the man's attempts to get to know him better.
He was beyond grateful when Luna showed up, because giving someone the cold shoulder just wasn't him. He couldn't keep it up, not like Draco could. In fact, Draco would probably just laugh at his pathetic attempt and make a point to show Harry exactly how a proper shunning should work. Harry's thoughts on Draco were almost fond...it was incredible what a little sex could do to improve a person's personality.
Harry tipped up his cheek for Luna to drop a kiss on it. She did the same with Neville and introduced herself to Mark, who listened with wide eyes as she told him he'd better be careful around crossroads as no one could know when Nargles would strike.
Hermione and Ron were late and flustered when they finally arrived.
"I'm so sorry," Hermione breathed, smiling at Ron when he pulled out her chair for her. "We had some trouble on the underground."
"What sort of trouble?" Mark asked, acting like an Auror even though he wasn't working. Harry glared at him.
Ron laughed. "Went in the out door, down the up stairs and everything else you can think of."
Hermione blushed and took a sip of the water waiting for her. "Are you all ready to order? We always get the same thing." With her husband she shared a sweet smile, and Harry suddenly missed Draco's sarcastic eyebrow lifts and mouth quirks because that was something they shared.
Their dinner was uneventful. Mark was polite enough...or smart enough...not to talk about work and Neville followed that lead. Hermione and Ron led the conversation and Luna chimed in with factoids whenever there was a lull.
The waiter had just cleared away their plates when Luna spoke up. "You will never believe the strangest advertisement that came in to the office this morning."
Harry perked up...Luna had a lot of great stories of the happenings at The Quibbler, and as a bonus, it might mean she would mention Draco. The idea of Draco not only working, but working at The bloody Quibbler gave Harry endless hours of glee.
"Oh, do tell," Hermione said, sipping her white wine.
Luna leaned forward. "Now, I know who sent it in but I can't tell you. However, as I told this person I would not be printing her ad due to legal purposes, I kept a copy... It's very interesting."
"Have you got it on you?" Ron asked, looking engrossed.
She nodded and reached into her huge rainbow-striped purse. After a few suspenseful moments of digging, she pulled it out and handed it to Ron, who was on her immediate right. He and Hermione huddled in to read it. Ron's eyes grew as wide as his grin but Hermione frowned and bit her lip. They said nothing when they were finished, only passed it to Neville, who read it along with Mark. Harry sneered at them, acting so partner-ish.
Finally the paper made its way to Harry. His heart did very unusual things as he read.
Dear Public,
The information I am about to impart will shock and stun you. Please do prepare yourselves...be sure that you are seated, do not have heart problems, and will not be flying a broom for some time after, as you will be understandably upset.
Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy and the late Narcissa Malfoy, is a flaming poof.
You have read that correctly. The confusion and horror you are now feeling is minute when compared to that which I myself faced when confronted with this irrefutable knowledge.
How do I know, you rightly ask? It is simple. I shall humiliate myself in order to enlighten you. I can only hope my grave sacrifice is appreciated.
Draco Malfoy and myself were intimate last night...the evening of August 29th. He was very much the man I thought I knew, at first: debonair, charming, and seemingly interested in the proceedings (as who wouldn't be?).
But that did not last long. Draco was not only forceful enough to bruise the delicate skin of my wrist, but he could not maintain his arousal. You've read correctly: Draco almost could not keep it hard for me, a beautiful and chaste pure-blood witch.
That is not the worst, oh no. Draco then confessed to me that he is, indeed, gay. Homosexual. Whatever those people call themselves.
One has to wonder who made Draco this way when only days before he was picnicking with me and speaking hopefully of our future.
Be warned, wizarding public. Draco Malfoy is gay and it is your right to know. Worry not about me...I will persevere as I always do.
When Harry finished reading, every eye around the table was on him. "Er," he said, his mind not knowing where to settle.
"Can I have that back, Harry?" Luna asked.
Harry realised he'd crushed the paper in his fist. He straightened it and handed it back with an apologetic look. He couldn't smile, couldn't frown, couldn't brush it all off.
Draco had fucked Pansy. He knew without a doubt she had written the ad, of course. Who else had Draco picnicked with...what other 'so-called beautiful and chaste pure-bloods witches' did he consort with?
She'd said, Draco could almost not keep it hard. Which meant he had. Which meant he'd fucked Pansy Parkinson the same fucking day that he'd had Harry up against the wall.
Pansy wasn't half as humiliated as Harry was at that moment. He'd been so stupid, letting Draco in like that, thinking he might actually be decent, be good for Harry. What a fucking joke that was. Draco Malfoy had done nothing but ruin Harry's life since they'd been eleven years old and Harry was done with it.
After Luna's revelation, the party broke up. Mark and Neville left, Neville promising to owl Harry and saying that he hoped Harry would return soon. Luna flittered off after giving Harry an apologetic smile. She'd said she couldn't run the ad thanks to libel laws, but was certain Pansy would rewrite the ad without names and submit it once more.
Harry followed Ron and Hermione out...he wasn't quite capable of finding his way out himself.
"All right, mate?" Ron asked, clapping Harry on the shoulder.
All Harry could think was, He bruised her just like he did me. "Sure, Ron." To Draco, Harry and Pansy were the same: bodies to get off with and discard. He'd never felt an affinity with Pansy Parkinson but at the moment he knew exactly what she'd gone through. Draco had used them both.
"Oh, Ron, I think I left my agenda on the seat inside. Do you mind...?" Hermione smiled at Ron, who went back into the restaurant before she could even finish. She didn't waste any time. "Harry, I know this is upsetting..."
"Why on earth would I be upset?"
Hermione paused. "I'm one of your best friends, Harry...and I'm the one who notices these things. Just... promise me one thing."
He looked at her, wary. "What?"
"Don't jump the gun on this one. Hear Draco's side first. You never know..."
Harry laughed...it was a hard sound. "No, Hermione, sometimes you do know. And sometimes it's exactly what it looks like."
Hermione didn't try to convince him further. She pulled him into a hug that he just couldn't bring himself to return, even though he wanted to. He wanted to fall into her embrace and let her talk out his problems for him. He wanted her and Ron to invite him back to their flat and ply him with tea and biscuits until he confessed his feelings for Draco...whatever they were...and let them comfort him. He wanted Luna to find some obscure law against what Pansy had done and set the Aurors on her. And speaking of Aurors, he wanted Mark demoted to the owl room and he wanted his fucking job back!
More than anything, though, Harry wanted Draco Malfoy punished.
When Ron came back out empty-handed and Hermione 'found' her agenda in her purse, they left him standing in front of the restaurant after he'd convinced them he was fine. And he was. Because he'd just realised that the power to punish Draco was in his hands.
Harry had tried to get Draco his magic back. That had only lost him his job, his partner, his personal space, and his pride. Now, Harry would make sure Draco never learned wandless magic, never defeated Harry, and never got his magic back.
Draco Malfoy was going to be sorry he'd ever fucked with Harry Potter.
*
Harry poured himself another shot and glared at his television screen. He'd missed so much of his favourite shows, squirreled away at the manor like some concubine, that he was totally lost and had to resort to watching reality TV until he caught up.
There was a man on the show who looked a lot like Draco, and he was doing very poorly in whatever competition was going on. Harry'd lost the thread of the plot about ten minutes in and now he was just watching to see Draco get pummelled, which seemed to be the point of the show. He took a shot every time Draco fell or got hit with something or lost points. He was very, very drunk...Draco wasn't very good at all.
That was the problem. Real Draco wasn't very good. He was bad. He was a bad, bad person and Harry was a stupid, stupid person for falling for him. For it! he mentally corrected himself, just in time. Falling for it...for Draco's charm and his eyes and his need for Harry to teach him.
Well, Harry could think of a few things Draco could stand to learn. Like how to be human. Harry laughed and downed his drink when the Draco on the television got smacked in the face with a ball of some sort. TV was so strange these days. He should have been giving Draco human lessons, not magic ones. What good was magic if you were a monster?
Hermione was Flooing him. He knew because her bushy face kept popping up in his fireplace. She kept saying she could see him, but he was sure she was lying...he was hidden by a dead plant and an awkwardly placed lamp. He ignored her and focused on refilling his shot glass, spilling some when he glanced up to see TV Draco take an ungraceful spill. Stupid TV Draco. Nothing like the real Draco, who would have risen from a fall with dignity and a sneer, not a bruised shin and mud on his helmet. In fact, Draco would never wear a helmet at all. Harry grinned, pleased to have made his point. He took another shot because he couldn't remember what the point was.
The point was, he reminded himself half an hour later, that Draco never get his magic back. Or at least that Harry not help him. Harry figured he wouldn't mind if Draco managed without him, but he would take no part in it. Draco was a lying, cheating cheater who lied. And Harry was better than that. Better than Pansy, at any rate.
Stupid Draco. Harry wiped his eyes on his sleeves. Stupid, stupid Draco and the stupid, stupid hold he had on Harry's stupid, stupid heart.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
Latest 25 Reviews for Princes in Exile
160 Reviews | 7.95/10 Average
Awww! this story is definitely the one that has really touched me the most. It is a great story and I agree with HBAR and I'm not above sweet talking, bribery, or threats either. :) This was awesome and I totally enjoyed it. Great work, you two! "Cheers!"
I love Lucius Malfoy in this chapter. Yes, the dramatic ending kind of outshines it, but the scene with Lucius and Draco really warms my heart. Of course Lucius wouldn't use the whole "Follow your heart" line- he'd go all "Quod desidero obtineo," Malfoys always get what they want, as a matter of pride. It was very well done, down to the very last slightly rusty show of affection.
And of course, the big happy ending? Makes this reader happy. Yay!
I liked it, but I felt that the conclusion seemed rushed.
Yay! I would turn cartwheels through my living room if I thought I could do so without any broken bones. I always enjoy angst and drama and all of that business, but I have to have my happy ending and you didn't disappoint.
This chapter felt differerent from the others. Not in a bad, it doesn't fit, sort of way. I'm not really sure how to explain that. But, it is a good thing because this chapter was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, so it was fitting.
I really don't ever care for Lucius Malfoy, but I just can't resist your version of him. He is still in character, always looking out for what is best for the Malfoys, but he is being a good father, or at least the best he knows how to be. Draco's happiness is clearly important to him, and that's how it ought to be.
It took some serious nerve for Draco to declare his feelings as he did, both in print and in person. I really liked the scene of him storming the ministry as if he were there on the most important mission ever. But wasn't he? His happiness was dependant on what happened that day.
Probably the most important thing is that they each took some time to find themselves before trying to be together. Either of them in broken form would have wrecked things. They will have fights and drama, but I feel confident that they will work things out and be blissfully happy until the end of time.
Bravo to you, ladies. You are probably tired of each other, but it would be a shame if you never collaborated again. So I will keep on your case about it from time to time. Please let me know if my time will be best spent in sweet talking, bribery, threats... I'm not above any of it. Let me know your preference :)
I'm so glad the boys worked it out in the end, and I can almost hear those sniffing aurors, but there is a niggling question at the back of my mind. Where is Peachy going to live?? Malfoy Manor or with Draco & Harry? I think we need more story to convince me the house elf is being properly cared for.
Awww. You made the Aurors snuffle! Great finish! :)
Sweet. Nice way to end. I could see all those big bad Aurors crying over that, too.
I'm glad Hermione had it sorted.
I'm proud of Harry for admitting he
needs help with his alcohol problem. But at the same, well, he should know by now to never assume or jump to conclusions where Draco's concerned. I hope he'll take Hermione's words into account. I just wonder which one will make the first move...
I love getting the same scene from the other character's perspective. Not a bit of tedium to be found here. I especially find it interesting at the end, when Draco petrifies Harry, that in the last chapter, I was siding with Draco and thinking Harry was being a bit of a jerk for just storming out without talking about what happened. Now, I get Harry's point of view, and am totally seeing how wrong Draco's actions and attitude seem.Thank goodness for Hermione. These boys would be nothing without her. She is so perceptive, and is very kind in the way she questions him and presents info to him. Her theory on Draco's magic is interesting, and knowing her, probably spot on.I think that going to the addictions counselor is a great first step in getting back with Draco. Before, he would have done it to get Draco off his back, or make Hermione happy or something. Now he is doing it for himself which is truly the only way it's going to work for himI'm holding out hope that there is a happy ending for these two. The road to get there may still have a few potholes. but I think they can make it if they try. They just feel right together, and I know they are both well aware of that.
Response from LiteraryBeauty (Author of Princes in Exile)
I'm really happy that you didn't find the repitiion to be tiresome. I've always avoided/been trepidatious about overlap chapters but it was definitely needed in this case, with Harry realising that he loves Draco during that scene.I do admit I love Hermione a little too much--I hate using her as a deus ex machina but it's so tempting because she just knows everything! And a big fat YES about Harry finally getting help. He agreed to stop drinking for Draco but this step was all him and it was a big one.Thanks for all your lovely and thoughtful reviews. I've always thrilled a little when we get comments from you. *hugs*
'bout time Harry goes for help for his addiction! Hmm...interesting what Hermy discovered.... Great chapter! "Cheers!"
YESSSSSSSS! I can see that things are progressing in the good way for them. I'm so glad! I'm sure they'll be the happiest in the world once Draco get used to the idea.
Luna is a doll.
Draco seems to be coming around... slowly. :)
awww! how cute! you two are fabulous together! this is easily my favorite story....or one of them at least. (: "Cheers!"
finally!!!!!!!!!!!! a chapter that doesn't end in disaster for them! that must feel really odd, huh? lol
eagerly waiting for more!
run little mouse,run XD
I just hope harry has enough sense to realize how freaked out Draco really is.
wonderful chap!!! keep 'em coming ^^
aww...mommy still loves her little boy! hehe going too fast for Draco? (: Reading this: 10 min Draco's reaction: Priceless! thanks for the update!
I loved the scene between Draco and his mother. It was about time he faced the fact that she is gone. It can't be healthy for him to continue to take the blame for her death and have so much guilt about the way he turned out. That he was able to determine that she forgave him (or maybe didn't need to) should finally give him some peace.
The whole "poking" exchange was too funny. I actually felt sorry for Draco who was digging his hole deeper and deeper.
And bravo to you for the ending scene. Draco was all fired up, ready to get things going. and I found myself wondering if he knew exactly what it was that he signed up for. After so much self loathing from wanting Harry, he sure intended to dive in head first. I'm glad you stopped him, and had him freak out over the reality of the situation. I think that is exactly what would have happened. Hopefully Harry will realize that Draco is just reacting to new, unchartered territory rather than rejecting him. Otherwise, they'll have a real mess on their hands. And not in a good way ;)
A bit too fast for him, huh?
At least Draco isn't fighting it. He may need time to get used to the idea, but I don't think it will take too long. What I wonder is if their new relationship will help Draco master his wand?
The image of Harry being so confident and Draco being the one to freak out is priceless! :)
(: thanks.
*sigh of relief* I'm glad everything is going to be ok for Harry. And Draco. It won't be easy but it will work. I wonder if Harry will take advantage of Draco's promise. After all he agreed to do everything he'llb e told to...
They made some serious headway here. No explosive anger and fireworks like I had expected. This is how is ought to be. I wonder if they will be united from here on in the quest to regain use and control of Draco's magic, or if this is a temporary truce in the name of his recovery. I hope it is the former. They could be quite good together if they weren't both so stubborn.
I would advise keeping Hermione in the dark as to the fact that she cleans Harry's place top to bottom and he continues to drink. All Draco has to do is look at him the right way and he is instantly reformed (or at least willing to try anyway).
Fabulous chapter!