Fest Fic: Threadbare (Part 1) - Harry/Draco, NC-17

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Title: Threadbare
Author: leo_draconis
Prompt: #049
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco, Ron/Hermione
Summary: After moving into a new place to start the next WWW shop, Harry runs into Draco Malfoy at the grocer's. Draco lost everything in the war and its repercussions, and when he sees the abuse Draco takes daily from the store's patrons Harry can't stop thinking about him. At first he simply wants to help, but before long he wants so much more. All that stands in the way is Draco's pride.
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Warning(s): AU after HBP, m/m sex
Word Count: 12, 150
Author's Notes: I enjoyed writing this fic – I love some hurt/comfort and falling-in-love fic, so it was fun to create. I hope you enjoy it too, prompter! <3

*

"That's the last one, mate." Ron tucked his wand into his back pocket and gestured to the newly resized box on the bed.

"Thanks." Harry tossed the rest of his socks into a drawer and closed it. "It's nice here, yeah?"

"Sure," Ron agreed. "Not as close to us, but the Floo's always open."

"I hope not always open," Harry replied pointedly.

Ron flushed crimson. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"

"It's really just proper etiquette to close the Floo access if you're going to have sex on the floor right in front of it. Especially if you've invited a friend to stop by after work."

"You said you'd be late!"

"I said I might be late. Either way, poor form. Well, not really, based on how Hermione was carrying on."

Ron scowled. "Shut it."

"Harder, Ron! Right there!" Harry sang.

"You just wait until you have a… a person."

"A man, Ron," Harry supplied. "Saying it won't make you any less hetero yourself."

"I know that," Ron mumbled. "Fine, then, a man. I'll be the one taking the piss then."

"Only if we invite you over and then fuck in front of the Floo. Which we won't do. Or maybe we will, just to drive you mad," Harry said thoughtfully.

"Harry, do you want yellow shelf paper with green flowers or blue and white stripes?" Hermione called from the kitchen.

"Who cares? It's shelf paper," Harry muttered. "Blue!" he called back.

"Where do you want these?" Ron gestured to a box of shoes.

"Oh… just next to the cupboard there." Harry stuffed a stack of hastily folded shirts into another drawer.

"And what's th- oh, fucking hell, Harry! Warn a bloke!" Ron yelped, dropping a smaller box on the floor. A string of beads, several containers of lube, and a rather impressive dildo rolled across the rug.

"Sorry," Harry replied, hastily Summoning the items and the box. "Don't tell me you don't have a stash of your own."

"I don't!"

"I'll bet Hermione does."

"Not like this. She's got a little… I don't know, thing with rabbit ears and beads. And some tassels…"

"Oh, Merlin, stop." Harry covered his ears. "I do not need to picture my best friend with tassels hanging from her tits."

"You touched them, why not imagine them?" Ron huffed.

"For fuck's sake, you know I always stumble when I get out of the Floo! I tripped over the pair of you and I was trying to grab onto something so that I didn't crack my skull on that obnoxiously large sofa table you have."

"And it had to be my girlfriend's tits?"

"It could have been your dick, since I dislodged it from its hole when I fell."

"Right." Ron shifted. "Er… it doesn't make you uncomfortable to have seen us naked? And… and…"

"Fucking? No. I've seen you naked loads of times and I'm as interested in Hermione's girl parts as I am in seeing the inner workings of a toilet. You know they're there, you know they serve some sort of purpose, but that doesn't make them exciting."

Ron laughed and shook his head. "You don't know what you're missing."

"I do, actually, and I'm quite happy having figured out what I really want."

"And what you want is that?" Ron gestured to the box. "You never date anyone. Do you even have sex?"

"Not lately. I'm not into the random thing, and there's no one I'm interested in right now." Harry slid the box under the bed. "You happily coupled off people always want to drag everyone else kicking and screaming into relationships."

"I don't. But you're a relationship sort of bloke, Harry. You always have been – you said it yourself, you're not into random sex. But seeing as how you are into non-random sex, maybe you need to find a… a boyfriend."

"I will. When I'm ready. I've got a lot of work ahead, opening the shop."

"You could run that shop in your sleep. You did great things with the original store and then helping me start up the Hogsmeade location once George was back to work – you can't use work as an excuse forever."

Harry frowned. "I'm not. I just don't want to jump into anything."

"It's been two years, Harry. Every man you meet isn't going to be another Brian."

"I know," Harry replied testily. "He hasn't scarred me for life, you know. Only dark lords can do that."

"He cheated on you," Ron said bluntly. "He cheated on you and then bragged to his friends and to the press. You cried yourself to sleep every night for weeks in our guest room, and I pretended I didn't hear it because I just don't know how to talk about this shit, but I heard it. Hermione had to Stun me to keep me from finding the bastard and killing him, and I'm fairly sure it's only because she wanted to do it herself. You can't pretend you aren't affected. Not with me."

Harry clenched his jaw and looked down at the floor. "I'm not pretending. It did affect me, and I do think about it from time to time. But I don't think everyone's like him. I know there are good people out there. I'm just a little wand-shy, I guess, to start up something new. It will happen when it happens, all right?"

"Fine," Ron said gruffly. "I just want you to be happy, you know?"

"I know."

"Good. All right, next box." Ron picked up a flat carton and opened the lid.

Harry opened his mouth to warn him, but then closed it – he figured he was owed this one since his friend insisted on dredging up things he'd rather forget. He grinned when Ron choked in shock.

"Damn you, Harry!" Ron yelled. He pulled a magazine from the box and dangled it between two fingers. "Why didn't you warn me this time?"

"Sorry. Have you seen that issue? It's the latest," Harry replied innocently.

"I don't subscribe to 'Twinky-Dinks' and you bloody well know it," Ron hissed. "Damn it, Harry!"

"What's all the noise? I hope you're done unpacking." Hermione appeared in the doorway and glanced at Ron. Her eyes lit up. "Oh, are we looking at gay porn?"

Harry just laid back and laughed.

oOoOoOoOo

The bell on the door gave a half-hearted tinny jingle when Harry entered the grocer's. The shop had clearly seen better days, but despite the old-fashioned décor and general disrepair, everything was clean and organized. He hung a basket over his arm and wandered down the deserted aisles.

He was debating between brands of orange juice when he heard the bell jingle again. Moments later there were scuffling sounds and laughter.

"Not going to fight back, you little pussy?" A pained groan was the only response.

Harry frowned and put his basket on the shelf, then headed toward the noise. He reached for his wand and rounded the corner to find three burly young men standing over a cowering form. "What's going on here?"

"None of your business," one of them replied boldly.

"That's Harry bloody Potter!" another whispered.

"Why don't you get out of here?" Harry suggested.

"Why don't you make us?" the first man shot back.

Harry raised his wand. "Yes, why don't I?"

The third man spoke up. "Andy, let's just go. He won't have a bodyguard next time."

"Hear that? You'll get double next time!" Andy motioned to his friends. "Have a good day, Potter."

Harry bared his teeth and watched them go. He turned to the huddled figure. "Are you all right?"

"Always see me at my worst, don't you, Potter?" Draco Malfoy replied hoarsely. He looked up and shook the hair away from his blood-streaked face.

"Malfoy." Harry's shoulders sagged. "Why?"

"Why what? Why does fate keep tossing us together? Why did you have to come in here and ruin a perfectly good run of time we'd spent away from each other? Why am I still better-looking than you?" Draco struggled to stand. "So many questions."

Harry heard the false bravado in his ex-rival's voice. "Why were they beating you?"

"Why not?" Draco replied bitterly. "Death Eater with no wand – it's open season."

"They said… next time. Does this happen often?"

"Define 'often.'"

"Dammit, Malfoy, I'm trying to help here," Harry snapped impatiently.

"No, what you're doing is questioning me when I have to get back to work."

"You work here?"

Draco rolled his good eye. The other was swollen shut. "No, I wear an apron because it's in fashion."

"I didn't notice, sorry. At least let me heal you."

Draco studied him warily. "Why?"

"Why what?" Harry mimicked. "Why should I show you a basic human kindness? Why do I care about what happens to you? Why do I want to find those thugs that attacked you and hex them?"

Draco took a step back. "Er… yes. To all of that."

Harry took a shaky breath. "I don't like to see people suffering, Malfoy. I fought to end the idea that some groups of people are better than others. I fought for you, too, to keep you out of Azkaban. I suppose… I don't like seeing you hurt when you're obviously just trying to make a living."

Draco crossed his arms tightly across his chest. "Thanks for that. I never… thank you. But I don't need your pity." He spat the last word as though it left a bad taste in his mouth.

"I don't intend to offer any. You may have heard, though, I'm sort of all about doing what's right. And right now, what's right is to offer you some healing spells because it's no hardship to me to do so, and you don't have a wand to heal yourself. So will you let me?"

Draco looked away. "Fine, I suppose. If it means so very much to you."

"It does. It will just make my little do-gooder heart swell with joy," Harry simpered teasingly.

The corners of Draco's mouth turned up slightly. "You're as cracked as ever. Maybe more. Follow me."

Harry allowed Draco to lead him into a store room. "Here?"

"I don't want anyone to see us."

Harry shook his head. "All right. Look up, please, and close your eyes. Er… eye."

Draco complied silently and Harry held his chin lightly between his thumb and forefinger. His breath caught as he looked down at Draco's thin, pale face. His eyelashes were long and brushed his cheeks, but it was hard to tell from a distance because they were so light.

He healed Draco's swollen eye first and bit his lip when Draco released a tiny gasp as Harry's magic washed over him. Harry watched the darkened skin fade to its original hue and moved to heal Draco's nose. He vanished the dried blood that was caked on Draco's face.

"Better?" he asked quietly.

Draco's eyelids fluttered open. "Yeah."

"Good." Harry backed away. "Um… I'm just going to finish my shopping then."

"Try to hurry. I have to close up in fifteen minutes and I don't want to stay late."

"Right." Harry pushed through the doors and retrieved his basket, but he found it difficult to concentrate on his shopping. He finally took his haphazard collection of items to the counter and waited for Draco to total his purchase.

"So… do you work again tomorrow?" Harry asked as he accepted his change.

Draco gazed at him evenly. "I work every day but Sunday."

"Oh." Harry scratched his head. "Always until this time?"

"An hour earlier on Saturdays. Why? Looking to rob me? I'm afraid you won't find much."

"No! Never mind." Harry took his bags. "I just thought… but never mind."

"What? You thought what?" Draco's tone was challenging.

"I thought… I'd stop by and pick up a few more things tomorrow. Just wondered if you'd be here."

"Oh." Draco drummed his fingers on the counter. "Well… I will."

"And… those blokes? Do they always come by at the same time?"

"About that, yeah. They work at the cannery at the end of the road and they usually come in here on the way home."

"Fine. Then I'll see you tomorrow, same time."

"You can't be my watchdog forever, Potter. I don't even know why you'd want to be."

"Maybe I like your face the way it is, without having people smash it in for no good reason." Harry watched in smug satisfaction as Draco's jaw dropped open. "See you."

oOoOoOoOo
Draco stacked the last of the cans on the shelf in front of him before standing and brushing at the threadbare knees of his trousers. Madge had reinforced the fabric magically several times, but before long Draco knew they'd give out all together and he'd have to spend part of his meager savings on a new pair.

He glanced at the clock on the wall and frowned. It was nearly time for the Donnelly brothers to wander in for their afternoon entertainment.

Maybe Potter would return, too.

Draco snorted. No point in getting his hopes up when he'd only end up disappointed. He didn't need protecting, anyway. He'd take the beatings and come back every fucking day, just like he always had, and prove that he would not be defeated. He had no money, no friends, and no options. He had nothing but a kindly old woman to visit and a tiny room to sleep in.

He also had his pride, and that was still worth a lot.

He closed his eyes briefly when the bell on the door sounded and heavy footsteps approached. He hoped they'd stay away from his bruised ribs – he hadn't told Harry about them, already over-stimulated by his magic, and they were aching fiercely.

"If it isn't the Malfoy fairy," the largest of the brothers taunted. Andy Donnelly was generally the ringleader of the three.

"Where's your bodyguard today, Malfoy?" Sean Donnelly asked smugly. "How'd you manage that, anyway? Imperius?"

"I hardly need a reason to protect a friend." Harry shoved between the men and stood in front of Draco, arms crossed. "Makes you feel good to abuse an unarmed man, does it?"

"Makes me feel good to avenge me Da's death!" Andy growled. "This little bastard runs free while our father rots in his grave. Where's the justice in that?"

"Did Draco kill him?"

"No, but –"

"But you take it out on him anyway? Where's the justice in that?"

"You're a hero, Potter," Patrick Donnelly spoke up. "We know that, and we appreciate all you did for us. But your loyalty's misplaced on this one. The Malfoys are as evil as they come."

"I've met worse," Harry replied mildly. "And I'd have to agree that Draco's father wasn't the best of blokes, but Draco's done no harm."

"The tattoo on his arm says otherwise."

"You don't know anything of what he suffered. We all lost loved ones in the war, Draco included. Can't you just let it go?"

Andy glanced at each of his brothers in turn. "Fine. We'll let it go."

"Thank you." Harry stuck out his hand and shook with each of the Donnelly brothers. "Have a good day, then."

"So you decided to come back." Draco said once the men had vacated the shop.

"I said I would, didn't I? And look – they've agreed to leave you alone!" Harry replied proudly.

"Right." Draco shook his head. "You're naïve if you believe that."

"They said –"

"They said what needed to be said to appease you. I realize you're Harry Potter, but sometimes an order from you just isn't enough to change the world." Draco shook his head. "Go home, Potter."

"I was trying to help you!" Harry exclaimed.

"And you have, by delaying today's lashings. They'll be back tomorrow, figuring you won't feel you need to hover over me anymore. Or even today – perhaps they're waiting outside for you to go. Good thing it's nearly closing time."

"But…" Harry scratched his head uncertainly. "You really think they'll be back?"

Draco rolled his eyes. "Potter, your little speech was lovely. Let's all hold hands and be one, et cetera. The best part is that you truly believe that, and you think everyone else should too. It just doesn't work that way for those of us who aren't quite as morally wealthy as you are."

"I meant what I said!"

"I know, I said that, didn't I? They don't care, though. They merely wanted to get away from you. They'll be back to take their revenge on me soon enough. Thanks for the attempt, but unless you plan on spending your afternoons here from now on, you can't help me. If you aren't going to buy anything, please go so that I can close up the shop."

Harry's face fell. "Fine."

Draco grabbed a broom from behind the counter. "You aren't moving."

Pulling out his wand, Harry raised an eyebrow. "How's this for moving?" With a whispered word and flick of the wand, the dust and debris from the floor swirled into a neat pile in Draco's dustpan. "I seem to have saved you some time, which means you have time to come have dinner with me."

Draco looked at Harry incredulously. "Why in fuck's name would I want to do that?"

"I don't know… I thought we could talk." Harry rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "You know, about… stuff."

"'Stuff?'" Draco mimicked. "What 'stuff' do you and I have to discuss?"

"I haven't seen you in four years, Draco! I'd like to know how you're getting on."

"We've discussed it!" Draco tossed the broom aside and clenched his fists. "My parents are dead and my home was destroyed, which you well know. I'm avoided as though I have a stench about me, thanks to this fucking thing!" Draco yanked up his sleeve to reveal his Dark Mark. "I got hired here, in a store with practically no business, by an old woman who knew my mother as a child and feels sorry for me. I run this place alone and get paid next to nothing because we make no money here and she only keeps the place open so that I can stay employed and fulfill the terms of my probation. She won't admit it, but I know it's true. All our profits go back into keeping the place open and I can't even afford new trousers. Is that what you wanted to know?"

Harry cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. "I…"

"I get the shit beaten out of me most days and drag myself upstairs so that Madge can heal me, and I wash out one of two pairs of underpants in the sink so that I have a clean pair for the next day. They're threadbare and give me a rash on my nuts, but they're better than nothing. I don't have a wand and won't for another year so I do everything by hand. Have we caught up yet?" Draco's chest was heaving.

Harry held up his hands. "Look, maybe I can help. The Aurors could -"

"Help?" Draco laughed harshly. "The Aurors wouldn't give a damn, and all they'd do is poke into my life and try to find a way to extend my sentence. I don't want that, and I don't want you going to them on my behalf. Why would you even want to help me? Why are you even here? In school you'd never have thought twice about kicking me while I was down. Hell, you slashed my chest open yourself! Why do you care so much about me now?"

Harry swallowed. "I… I didn't know. I didn't know it would do that. I didn't mean to."

"Just go away." Draco gave his head a weary shake. "Leave. Let me finish my work and go to sleep."

"Please." Harry grabbed his arm. "Please know that it was an accident. I didn't know what that spell would do."

"No?" Draco pulled his arm away. "Now you do. Does it make a difference?"

"Of course it does! If I'd known… it's just that you were going to use the Cruciatus Curse, and –"

"Yes, I was. And I did know what that would do, so that makes me worse, yeah? So that further illustrates my point: you have no reason to be here. Good day to you, Potter." Draco pointed to the door and watched Harry leave, allowing himself to start shaking only after the door was safely locked behind him.

oOoOoOoOo

"Who cares? It's Malfoy." Ron took a swig from his bottle.

"Predictable answer, Ron, thanks. Hermione, you see, don't you? You care about the mistreatment of fruit flies, surely you care about what's happening to Malfoy."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. "Watch it. Yes, of course I care, but what can I do? He's fulfilling the terms of his probation by living and working within the allowed radius from the Ministry and not using magic. In a year or so his five years will be up and he'll be able to use magic and go wherever he wants."

"What if he doesn't make it that long? Those men agreed to leave him alone, but Draco said they'd be back anyway."

"Draco, is it?" Ron snorted. "And much as it pains me to say it, he's probably right. Blokes like that don't care to listen to reason, even from the great Harry Potter."

"Careful, Ron, you sound just like Dra – Malfoy." Harry sighed. "I know he's not my friend, but hasn't enough time passed? It just seems wrong to see him like that. Like him or not, he's making an honest living the best he can, and it's not right that he's being abused that way."

"No, it isn't," Hermione agreed.

"He won't go to the Aurors, and he won't let me do it, either. He thinks they'll target him."

"Many of them would." Hermione shook her head. "It's safest for those on probation to just stay under the radar. So what are you going to do? Go to Kingsley?"

"I could." Harry perked up. "Do you think he's still upset that I didn't join the Aurors?"

"Upset, no. Disappointed, maybe. He's fair, though, and he might be able to help."

"I'll have to talk to him."

"It'll have to wait, he's in Egypt until the end of next week."

"Madam Undersecretary has spoken," Ron said proudly.

Hermione preened. "Well, it is my job to know his schedule."

"What I want to know is why the fuck you asked Malfoy on a date, Harry." Ron's lip curled. "Ugh."

"I didn't! I just thought maybe he could use a decent meal or something. He never goes out, it seems, so I thought it'd be a kindness."

"So you don't want to date him?"

Harry frowned. "No! Not… not really."

"Harry." Ron leaned forward. "Tell me you truly don't want to date the ferret."

"Oh, leave him alone." Hermione tugged on Ron's sleeve. "If he wants to take Draco out, it's his decision."

"It's Draco's, actually, and he said no. And it wasn't to be a date."

"Right, so just to be clear – had you taken Malfoy out for this pity meal, would you have tried to kiss him after? Grope him? Brought him back here for a nightcap and a shag?" Ron asked.

"I…" Harry's eyes glazed over as he imagined kissing Draco, gripping his slim hips, touching his hard… "I don't know!"

"If your answer isn't a firm no, that's a date." Ron shook his head sadly. "Mate, don't date the ferret."

"Can I remind you yet again that he said no, and perhaps end this inane conversation?" Harry said testily. "Look, I just wanted to help him, all right?"

"What the buffoon should be saying is that we'll support you if you do decide to date Draco. And he accepts," Hermione added hastily. "The two of you have always been drawn to each other, haven't you?"

"Like a battering ram to a wall, you could say," Harry bit out. "It was a foolish idea to think we could change now."

"It was not! Do not listen to Ron. He's of very little value unless you want the score of the latest Quidditch match."

"I love you too," Ron muttered.

"If you like Draco, keep at him. You know he's a proud person and wouldn't take kindly to anything he sees as pity. So make him see that you really like him before you ask again." Hermione patted Harry's hand.

"I don't even know if I like him. Or if he's gay. We've only spoken twice now."

"And a thousand times before that."

"Yes, but that was years ago. It was a different time."

"Yes, it was. You're different people now, but I think there's still something that draws you together. You light up when you talk about him, Harry, and not just because he's your latest cause. He challenges you and he always has. Go for it." Hermione smiled encouragingly.

"If you think you want to… you know, with him… then do it," Ron mumbled. "Sorry for being a prat about it."

"It's all right. I don't really know what I want. I just know that I haven't stopped thinking about him since I saw him yesterday." Harry ran a hand through his hair.

"I think Ron and Draco are right about those men, though, Harry," Hermione warned. "You tend to be a little too optimistic sometimes, and I doubt they're going to give up. If you can get away from the store, you might want to take a walk down there and make sure Draco's all right."

"I'll do that. Thanks."

oOoOoOoOo

"Afternoon, Draco," Harry said cheerfully.

Draco nearly knocked over the stack of boxes he'd been arranging. "Fuck's sake, Potter, what are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to make sure everything was all right. And to see you."

Draco scowled. "You've seen me, and everything's fine. Good-bye."

"Those blokes haven't been back, have they?"

"Do I look deformed to you?"

"No, you look wonderful," Harry replied honestly.

"You – what?" Draco's brow furrowed. "I inadvertently slip you an opening for a fantastic insult, and you compliment me?"

"I don't want to insult you."

"Why the hell not?" Draco exclaimed. "I don't know what this is, you coming here and trying to protect me and… and inviting me out, telling me I look wonderful – which is obviously true, but still! I don't know what sort of game you're playing here, Potter, but I don't like it."

Harry sighed. "Draco, can't we just stop the animosity? I've been trying to be your friend. I've had enough fighting for a lifetime."

"Why do you want to be my friend?" Draco shot back mulishly. "Have you joined some sort of 'adopt-a-Death-Eater' program or something?"

"I don't know why. Why did you want to be my friend in first year?" Harry countered.

"Because I felt sorry for you. Such a speccy little thing, surrounded by Weasleys… I was trying to save you." He crossed his arms and looked away when Harry glared at him. "All right, fine. So you've decided we're to be best mates, have you?"

"Something like that. I thought we could at least get on civilly."

"I suppose you –" Draco's eyes widened. "Fuck," he mumbled.

Harry turned to see what had caught Draco's attention and spotted one of the younger Donnelly brothers hovering outside the door. Harry frowned and the man nodded sharply in greeting before striding away.

"I told you they'd be back," Draco said softly. "They're not going to let it go. They've got it in their heads that torturing me will avenge their father's death and they won't hear reason. I told you."

"Then I'll be here every day." Harry held out a hand and waited. "I don't care to see my friends hurt."

Draco studied Harry's hand for a moment and finally took it. "Friends, then."

"Why don't we have that dinner tonight?"

Draco glanced back at the door. "I…"

"I'll see you home safely after. Don't let them make you afraid to leave."

"I'm not afraid!" Draco protested.

"Then you'll come to dinner?"

"You don't give up, do you?" Draco sighed. "Fine, I'll come to dinner. Perhaps you could be useful and lend me some of those handy cleaning spells so that we can get going."

"My pleasure."

oOoOoOoOo

"You run that place?" Draco ate his pasta eagerly and Harry wondered when he'd last had a decent meal. Thinking about it made his chest ache.

"Yes. I helped the twins start the original shop and after the war George took some time off, so Ron and I ran the store for awhile. Then George decided to expand into Hogsmeade, so Ron took over the running of that shop, and when we made the decision to open a third location here on Mosaic Alley I opened the store and moved into a new flat out here." Harry offered Draco the bread basket and winced at the enthusiasm with which his companion accepted it.

Draco noticed. "I… didn't eat lunch," he muttered, crimson staining his cheeks.

"Don't worry about it. So, you've worked at the grocer's since your trial?" Harry attempted to change the topic.

"Nearly. I couldn't find a job anywhere, and this is about the farthest away from the Ministry I'm allowed to be according to my probation. I thought maybe I'd have better luck, but I didn't. Until I met Madge."

"The woman who owns the shop?"

"Yes. She's retired now. She planned to retire three years ago because the shop doesn't make much money, but since I have to hold a job she lets me live there, run the shop, and take a little food. I get a small salary but it doesn't stretch too far. Still, it's something." Draco chuckled bitterly. "Must be a riot for your friends, knowing that the great Draco Malfoy has sunk so low."

"They aren't like that. I think it's admirable that you're doing the best you can with what you have. It shows strength of character."

"Sure, and all the eligible blokes out there are looking for a man with a huge… character." Draco winked at Harry, who nearly choked on his wine.

"You… blokes?"

"Yes, Potter. That a problem?"

"Definitely not." Harry dabbed at his mouth. "Well, then. Dessert?"

Draco's face lit up, and Harry decided he'd provide dessert daily as long as Draco continued smiling at him that way.

He nearly came in his trousers when the mousse arrived and he watched Draco fellating his spoon, moaning in pleasure with every bite. "Er… enjoying it?"

"Potter, this is divine. I haven't had chocolate in so bloody long."

"We'll take an extra order to go." Harry tried to flatten his trousers discreetly while imagining Draco naked and smeared in the mousse.

"Really? That's fantastic, thanks." Draco took another bite.

Once they'd finished their meal, Harry collected the take-out containers and paid the bill before ushering Draco out the door. They ambled down the road toward the grocery store.

"Thank you for accompanying me to dinner." Harry glanced nervously at Draco.

"Thanks for buying. I'd return the favor, but…" Draco shrugged and looked away.

"Not needed." He stopped when they reached the door. "Safe and sound. Here."

Draco took the containers. "Thank you. Well… good night, then."

"Good night. See you tomorrow."

"Will I?" Draco's eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Sure. And you can pick where we go for dinner."

"Will we be dining together every night, then?"

"I don't mind if you don't."

"Surprisingly, I enjoyed myself this evening, so no, I don't mind." Draco nodded toward the store. "I'd better get inside. See you."

Harry stuffed his hands into his pockets and waited until Draco had locked himself safely inside, then sighed. "Should have kissed him. Bloody coward," he mumbled. "There's always tomorrow, I suppose."

oOoOoOoOo

"What in Merlin's name is this?" Draco took the package and narrowed his eyes at Harry.

"Underpants?" Harry offered.

"Why the almighty fuck would you bring me underpants?"

"You said you only had a couple of old pairs, and your… you know…" Harry blushed.

"Ah." Draco grinned. "Second date and you're concerned about my balls, are you? Thinking you might get a shot with me tonight and want to make sure the stepchildren are well-tended and agreeable?"

"I… I didn't…" Harry stammered.

Draco laughed. "Oh, relax, Potter. I'm just taking the piss. Do you buy your girlfriends underwear?"

"No, and I don't usually buy them for my boyfriends, either," Harry said pointedly.

Draco's eyes widened marginally and he looked down at the package. "Oh. I see. Well, thank you. I'd have expected flowers or chocolates, but you've always been an odd sort."

"You'll have chocolate with your dinner, and flowers die. This is the gift that keeps on giving. There are ten pairs in there."

"Ten!" Draco raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's generous. My balls and I thank you."

"You're all welcome. If we're done talking about your balls, can we go?"

"I'll never be done talking about my balls, but it can wait, I suppose. I'm in the mood for meat tonight, Potter. Something nice and juicy."

Harry swallowed. "Right. That would be… nice."

Draco grinned. "I think I'm starting to rather like you, Potter."

"I think the feeling's mutual. Come on."

Their dinner conversation was the easiest they'd shared yet, and after Draco finished the chocolate cake which he'd declared was 'orgasmic,' they took their leave and wandered into the cool night.

"I live just behind there." Harry pointed to a group of buildings.

"I see." Draco clasped his hands behind his back and glanced sideways at Harry. "I do wish I'd ordered another glass of wine."

"Did you want to go back?"

"No, it's fine." Draco cleared his throat. "Do you drink wine at home much?"

"Some. I have a couple of bottles that Ron and Hermione brought me when they visited Bill and Fleur in France… oh!" Harry's eyes widened in realization. "Did, er, did you want to come up for a glass?"

"You're a bit sluggish on taking a hint, but yes, I'd love to." He shivered slightly. "It's chilly this evening."

Harry pulled off his own jacket and draped it around Draco's shoulders. "Is that better?"

Draco smiled. "Such a gentleman." He slid his arms into the sleeves. "Won't you be cold now?"

"It's not far." Harry bit his lip nervously and reached up to adjust the collar of the jacket. "There, that's fixed."

Draco caught Harry's hand in his and turned his cheek into it. "You are cold," he accused softly. He pressed his lips lightly against Harry's palm. "We should get inside."

Harry's mouth was dry as he tried to respond. "I… yes," he croaked. "Just up here."

Harry unlocked the door with shaking hands and led Draco inside. Once a fire was blazing and the wine was poured, he joined Draco on the sofa.

"This is good. Fleur must have chosen it." Draco took another sip from his glass.

"Oh?" Harry raised an eyebrow. "Any particular reason my friends couldn't possibly have picked it themselves?"

"Relax, Harry. She'd have been educated on fine wines in her upbringing, that's all. We know the Delacour family a bit. In fact, I met Fleur the summer before she visited Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament when my parents and I vacationed near her home. I'd only met her parents and younger sister prior to that."

"I see." Harry watched the way the firelight danced and shone against Draco's fair hair. "Are you warmer now?"

"A bit, yes." Draco set his glass aside. "I could always use further heat, though, if you're offering. I do get cold quite easily."

"I could bring out a blanket," Harry offered.

Draco chuckled, low and seductive. "Lovely. Bring one big enough for two."

Part 2

Comments

[rmhale.livejournal.com]

I love Draco's obsession with his balls, it made me laugh. I am so glad Harry was there to save him, well done...*on to read more entries*

[susan5124.livejournal.com]

Mystery author I loved this so much! I loved the banter and the teasing between Harry and Ron. I was laughing so hard at that whole scene where they were unpacking boxes! Ron getting embarrassed finding things and Harry letting him the second time to get him back was priceless! I love how Ron is still just a bit uncomfortable discussing Harry being gay, but he wants Harry to be happy so he encourages him to move on and get a boyfriend. It's so obvious that his previous relationship fiasco still bothers him no matter what he says to the contrary. I LOVE how Hermione shows her usual need to stay on top of things by asking if they're done yet, but then appearing excited and asking "Oh, are we looking at gay porn?" You just know from what Harry had seen before that Hermione has a kinky side and would love to watch some gay porn! lol I always like Harry coming to Draco's rescue and you wrote Draco just how I see him, with snarky sarcasm and humor. He would definitely try to cover up his embarrassment with false bravado and I enjoyed his conversation with Harry even though I feel so sorry for him. Even though it's a sad situation, I couldn't help but laugh at Draco's barrage of snarky questions for Harry and I liked that Harry mimicked him shortly after with questions of his own. It's so sweet how Harry already finds himself attracted to Draco when he heals him. This is getting long so, briefly, I'll list a few more things I liked:
naive!Harry, Ron's concern about whether Harry eating with Draco would be a date and after prodding from Hermione decides it would OK, Harry taking Hermione's advice, dinner with chocolate and Harry noticing poor Draco being so hungry, the old woman's back story with Narcissa, the underpants!, gentleman!Harry, Draco's Slytherin tactic to get slow!Harry to invite him in for wine and Draco needing further heat and slow!Harry finally getting a blanket for two! I loved the whole thing really. I was laughing or feeling sorry for Draco or going awe and just really loving Harry and Draco and Ron and Hermione too! Off to read the next part...

[sony-kit82.livejournal.com]

This is as amusing as it is sad. I love supportive-but-still-floundering Ron and wise-and-accepting Hermione. For someone who has decided to pursue Draco, Harry sure is kind of slow on the uptake. He's so adorable. I love how Draco has survived through the years, tired and weary but never quite giving up. :D

re: Threadbare

[vaysh]

What a wonderful take on down-and-out Draco, and Harry falling for him. Loved Draco's enthusiastic appreciation of chocolate, and the way Harry is taking care of him in the end.

[reicheruchan.livejournal.com]

HARRY, THE HERO!!!!

[(Anonymous)]

to the bottom!draco mods: please include a link to the second part. i thought this story ended here

[bottomdraco-mod.livejournal.com]

Including it now. Technical difficulties.

[addisongrey.livejournal.com]

Wow I'm so glad I read the comments, I thought the fic ended here too. Didn't realise there was a part two. It did end rather abruptly if it did finish there though. All the balls banter was hilarious, love how even though Draco is as downtrodden as you can get, he's still snarky and gorgeous.

Trio friendship is great, loved the flooing in during het smex and all the gay paraphenilia. What's happened to Narcissa may I ask??

Lovely story so far off to find part two! :D

[roxy76me.livejournal.com]

I just started reading, but just had to comment.
"Oh, are we looking at gay porn?"

Harry just laid back and laughed.

Loved this line, cracked me up. Looking forward to the rest.

[yanagi-wa.livejournal.com]

Draco seems a bit obsessed with his 'boys'. But I'm glad Harry helped him out. in more ways than one. Excellent work.