Fest Fic: Threadbare (Part 2) - 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
Link to Part 1


Harry stood on unsteady legs. "Right, yeah." He hurried to retrieve one from the cupboard in his bedroom and when he returned he found Draco stretched out along the entire length of the sofa. "Are you asleep?" he asked softly.

"No." Draco opened his eyes and smiled. "Just enjoying the fire. Your sofa alone is more comfortable than my bed – I'd love to know what your bed feels like."

"Oh," Harry rasped. "It's… you can try it, if you like."

"This is fine for now. That's a lovely blanket."

"It's, um, fleece." Harry spread it over Draco and knelt on the floor beside him. "Better?"

"Much." Draco propped himself up on an elbow and reached to caress Harry's cheek. "You've been very kind to me. Thank you."

Harry's chest constricted and he lifted a hand to smooth the hair away from Draco's face. "I care about you."

"I know. It's strange to me, still, that you'd want to protect me and care for me. It's difficult for me to allow anyone to do that. I'm used to fending for myself these days."

"I only want to help."

"I know," Draco said again. "I've decided to let you."

"Good." They stared at each other, Harry's hand on Draco's shoulder and Draco's still cupping Harry's cheek. "Is there… room for me up there?"

"I believe so." Draco sat up and waited for Harry to settle himself against the arm before reclining against Harry's chest and pulling the blanket up around them. He tucked his head beneath Harry's chin and sighed. "This is nice."

Harry wrapped his arms around Draco and closed his eyes. He could feel Draco's heartbeat as they inhaled and exhaled in unison. "Yes."

The fire crackled and popped, and Draco turned slightly in Harry's embrace so that he could curl up against him sideways. He toyed with the hem of Harry's jumper. "Is this cashmere?"

"Yes." Harry stroked Draco's back and rested a cheek against his head, fine strands of blond hair tickling his nose.

"It looks good on you." Slim fingers slipped beneath the fabric and grazed Harry's abdomen, making Harry jump slightly. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."

"It's fine," Harry breathed. He tried to stifle a moan when Draco's hand crept beneath his jumper and caressed his belly, then continued its journey upward and rested against his chest.

"Your heart is racing," Draco said quietly. "Are you afraid?"

"Yes," Harry whispered.

"Of me?" Draco tilted his head to meet Harry's eyes.

"No, of me." Harry swallowed audibly. "It's been a long time for me."

"For me as well. But I want you very much."

"I want you, too."

"Good." Draco curled his hand around the nape of Harry's neck and kissed him

Harry parted his lips, allowing their tongues to meet, and plunged a hand into Draco's hair. They clung to each other, all desperate kisses and frantic touches, and slid downward so that Harry was on his back with Draco straddling him. Their trouser-clad cocks bumped together and they began to frot against each other in earnest.

Draco broke away, gasping. "Can I touch you?"

Harry groaned. "Yes. Fuck, yes."

Sitting up, Draco unfastened Harry's trousers and pulled his erection out eagerly. "We are a big boy, aren't we?"

Harry laughed breathlessly and rolled his hips upward. "He likes you."

"Wait until I get my mouth on him. Then he'll fucking love me." Draco untangled himself from the blanket and all but leaped to the floor, then leaned to swallow Harry's cock.

Harry bellowed, the fingers of one hand woven in soft hair and the other hand gripping the back of the sofa. He'd never been more turned on in his life.

For his part, Draco wasn't exaggerating – his mouth felt like the very best wet dream wrapped around Harry's leaking cock. He sucked, licked, and stroked in a flurry of fingers and tongue, and it took no time at all for Harry to climax. His body shook and jerked as he emptied his balls into Draco's eager mouth.

Draco straightened up and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "All right there?"

Harry shook his head and worked to catch his breath. "You're incredible," he panted.

"I am," Draco agreed. "And I'm also hard as a rock here."

"Come on me."

"What?"

"Come on me." Harry held a hand out. "Get on top of me."

"All right," Draco rasped. "Fuck, Harry, you excite me like no other." Pulse racing, Draco shucked off his clothes and climbed back up to straddle Harry's chest. He gripped his cock and squeezed, causing a heavy drop of clear fluid to collect at the tip. "Taste me," he ordered, dragging the head of his cock across Harry's parted lips.

Harry's tongue darted out to collect the fluid. "Delicious," he declared. He looked up at Draco, whose face was flushed and pupils were heavily dilated. He looked edible. Harry grabbed Draco's hand and licked the palm, coating it liberally with saliva. "Give me the rest."

Draco threw his head back and stroked his cock furiously, tugging on his balls with the other hand. When he felt his orgasm building he looked down at Harry and moaned as he began to come.

Harry opened his mouth when the first warm splatter of Draco's release hit his cheek. He craned his neck to collect as much as he could and vowed to suck Draco dry the next time so that he wouldn't miss a precious drop. He'd never wanted anyone with such intensity.

Draco breathed heavily and looked down at Harry's come-covered face. "You look good wearing me."

"I thought I looked good in cashmere," Harry teased.

"You do. All the fine things look good on you."

"On you as well."

Draco's smile faded. "Yes, well, I'm not wearing them anymore. It's getting late, so I should probably go."

Harry sat up when Draco climbed off of him and grabbed a tissue to wipe his face. "Tomorrow's Sunday, isn't it?"

"Yes, so?"

Harry stood and pulled Draco into his arms. "So stay. You don't have to work tomorrow. Stay with me. We'll spend the day here."

A smile tugged at Draco's lips. "In bed?"

"In bed. And I'll cook for you, and I'll feed you chocolate-covered strawberries…" Harry nuzzled Draco's neck. "Stay."

Draco tilted his head to give Harry better access. "All right."

oOoOoOoOo

Draco woke up the next morning to find Harry wrapped around him. He tried to roll away but the arms tightened around him.

"Don' leave," Harry mumbled against his neck.

Draco smiled. "I wasn't going to."

"Good." Harry blinked and lifted his head. "Hi."

"Hi, yourself." Draco rubbed Harry's stubbly cheek. "You need a shave."

"So do you."

"You need a shower, too."

"So do you." Harry sat up and stretched. "Fuck, it's after noon already."

"Not surprising, considering you kept me up all night."

"I kept you up?" Harry laughed. "Sure."

"It's all right, Harry. I know I'm irresistible."

"I can't argue with that. But…" Harry tugged the sheet away from Draco to reveal a prominent morning erection. "I won't take all the blame."

"Going to do something with that?" Draco asked.

"I was thinking we could take it into the shower, and I could soap it up and make sure it gets very clean."

"Promising. A shower that stays hot all the way through would be a treat," Draco mused. "Oh, and I was right about your bed – it is comfortable."

"Then you should share it more often." Harry stood up. "I'll meet you in there."

After a very long shower, Harry made good on his promise to cook for Draco and then let him choose a film to watch. It was as entertaining for Harry to watch Draco as it was for Draco to watch the film, because Draco hadn't ever seen a Muggle television before and he was mystified. They missed the end of the film because they started snogging partway through the story, and by the time it was over they were rolling around on the floor.

"Can we have a fire again?" Draco asked.

"Of course." Harry obliged and began to unbutton the shirt Draco had borrowed after their shower. "You have a beautiful body."

"Thank you." Draco allowed Harry to ease him onto his back and moaned as Harry trailed kisses down his chest. "Yours is rather adequate as well."

Harry chuckled. "Why, thanks." He unfastened Draco's trousers. "These look nice on you. Far better than they look on me."

"That goes without saying."

"Prat. You should keep them."

"Harry…"

"Keep them. I don't wear them, and you wear them so well. For now, I think we'll lay them aside." Harry pulled them off and licked his lips. "You've got a gorgeous cock."

"Not that I don't love hearing about myself, but what's with all the flattery?"

"I thought you'd like it." Harry scratched his head uncertainly. "Don't you? I mean it, every word."

"I'm not used to it. Not anymore. Do go on, though."

"All right." Harry ran his hands down Draco's legs. "I love your legs. Strong and flexible. And I love your balls – just as I know you do."

"I really do," Draco agreed.

Harry leaned over and nuzzled Draco's sac. "I love your scent."

"Yes…" Draco spread his legs wider.

"Your cock… I can't get enough of this gorgeous cock." Harry licked a broad stripe up the underside of Draco's shaft. "So good."

"Suck me," Draco moaned.

"I will, later. But as much sucking and stroking as we've done so far, I haven't really explored my other favorite part of you, and that is your absolutely stunning arse." Harry pushed Draco's knees up toward his chest and palmed his buttocks.

"What are you doing to me?" Draco gasped.

"Exploring." Harry peppered Draco's flesh with kisses and spread his buttocks apart to expose what he was after. He pressed his lips against Draco's tight pucker.

Draco cried out. "Harry!"

Harry's tongue slipped out to rub against Draco's wrinkled entrance, increasing pressure gradually until it gave enough to allow Harry access. With his tongue fully inside Draco, Harry reached for Draco's cock and stroked it in time with the thrusts of his tongue.

Draco writhed against Harry's face, fingers scrabbling against the carpet as waves of pleasure rolled over his body. He came with a shout, coating his belly and Harry's hand with his release.

"Salazar's balls," Draco panted. "Your tongue is brilliant."

"Just my tongue?" Harry lay beside Draco.

"That's all I can think about at the moment."

"How about we go to bed?"

"I really have to go, Harry…"

"Stay," Harry told him. "Please? I'll walk you to the store in the morning."

"We open earlier than you do."

"It doesn't matter, I have a lot to do anyway. I'd likely go in early regardless, so won't you stay?"

"Well…"

"I have strawberries and chocolate sauce in the kitchen. I was planning to feed them to you in bed, and then dip your cock in chocolate so I could suck it off."

Draco groaned. "You're quite persuasive, aren't you?"

"Quite."

"Fine, then. But I have to be on time in the morning."

"I'll see to it," Harry promised. "I'll even give you a massage tonight to make sure you sleep well."

"You can't possibly be real, but if this is a dream then don't wake me." Draco sat up. "All right, take me to bed, you randy beast."

oOoOoOoOo

Draco hurried upstairs to change his shirt before opening the store. When he stepped back out of his room he found Madge waiting for him. "Oh, sorry, I nearly knocked you down!"

"Are you all right?" she asked anxiously.

"I'm fine," Draco replied, puzzled.

"Where have you been? You haven't been home!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I should have sent a note along. I didn't realize you'd be looking for me."

"You're all right, though? I know some of the customers give you a hard time."

"I'm fine," he assured her. "I was with a friend."

"You've finally got new trousers." Madge narrowed her eyes. "They have something to do with this 'friend?'"

"They were a gift, yes."

"Word has it Harry Potter's been seen down in the shop. Nearly every day for the past week."

"He's my friend."

"Is he." Madge crossed her arms. "I'm just an old woman, Draco, but I see what I see. You look like some of the weight's been lifted from your shoulders."

Draco bit his lip. "Maybe it has."

"You look happier than I've seen you in the past few years."

"I am," Draco said honestly. "I didn't think I could be, but I really am."

"Good." Madge patted Draco's cheek with a gnarled hand. "Don't you hesitate to leave this behind you when it's time, my boy."

"I'm not going anywhere, Madge."

"Don't you hesitate," she repeated. "I mean it."

"All right." Draco shook his head. "I need to get down there and open up."

"I need to get back to my room. I have a cup of tea to drink and a new murder mystery to read." She winked at him. "Exciting day for an old woman."

"Get back to it, then. See you later, Madge."

oOoOoOoOo
"He's wonderful." Harry smiled dreamily.

"Mate, come out of it. Please. I want to enjoy my meal, and I can't do it if you're mooning over Draco sodding Malfoy." Ron scowled and picked up his sandwich.

"Oh, stop it." Hermione elbowed him. "Harry's happy."

"Ouch! Hey, last time we spoke of it, he wasn't sure he even wanted to date the ferret, and now he's suddenly in love with him?"

"I didn't say I was in love. I'm in like… very deep like. And I'm definitely in lust."

"Ugh." Ron made a face.

"So you spent the whole day with him?" Hermione asked.

"Yes. We had our second dinner Saturday evening, and we were really starting to connect, you know? So I invited him back to mine, and he stayed until this morning."

"The Cannons have a match tomorrow afternoon," Ron said loudly.

"Oh, fine, Ron. Sorry." Harry shook his head. "Really, all the talk you made me sit through when you started dating Hermione – I think I'm owed the chance to speak."

"You talked about me?" Hermione exclaimed. "About us? The things we did?"

"Nothing personal, 'Mione. Just about how happy he was," Harry assured her.

"Oh, Ron…" Hermione kissed his cheek. "That's sweet."

"Yeah, well, I was happy. Am happy," he corrected himself hastily. "I was just exceptionally happy in the beginning. You know, new relationship and all…"

"And that's how I feel now," Harry told him.

Ron looked guilty. "Sorry, mate. I'm glad you're happy, truly. It's just going to take a bit of getting used to."

"And those men, Harry? Have they stopped bothering him?" Hermione asked.

"I've seen them outside, but they haven't come in because I've been there. And I'll keep being there until they give up."

"It's good, what you're doing for him."

"He's trying really hard, Hermione. He doesn't ask for anything, and he doesn't expect anything. It makes me happy to help him. He makes me happy." A grin spread across his face.

Ron shook his head. "You've got it bad, mate."

oOoOoOoOo

"Tell me about your childhood." Harry held Draco against him and rubbed his belly idly.

"It's nothing exciting." Draco hummed in pleasure at Harry's touch.

"After mine, I'd say anything's exciting," Harry said ruefully.

"Yours? Your childhood was too exciting."

"The stuff at school, yeah, but I mean at home. What was it like for you at home?"

Draco was silent for a moment. "It was… stifling."

Harry frowned. "How so?"

"My father was a very difficult man to please. He expected certain things from me, and if I didn't deliver… well, he had his punishments."

"He hit you?" Harry asked, horrified.

Draco laughed dryly. "Oh, nothing so plebian as that. He used his wand. Let's just say I learned the Unforgivables – and what they do – at a very young age."

"Oh, Draco."

"I wanted to be like him. I thought that would make him proud, make him stop. I tried very hard for a number of years, but I always failed. My grades weren't the highest in the school, I didn't always win at Quidditch – to him I was a failure."

"You weren't, Draco. You aren’t."

"I know. I know I'm paying for the decisions he made for us, and for not learning sooner to think for myself. But it's my life now, and even if all I have is a shit job and a tiny room to call my own, I came by it honestly."

"You're very strong." Harry kissed his temple.

"I'm not. I've never been. But I do intend to survive."

"That's strength, Draco. What about your mum?"

"Mum… she loved me. She just didn't have it in her to stand up to him, and so when he went into battle she followed and they were both killed. Ironic, I was so terrified of losing them both that I actually tried to kill Dumbledore, and they died anyway." His voice was bitter.

"I'm sorry."

"It is what it is, Harry. I can't look back, only forward."

"Forward is good. It's full of chances."

"Yes. You've shown me that." Draco twisted around to look at Harry. "We've been seeing each other for a few weeks now. I stay over here more nights than not."

"All right…" Harry said slowly. "So?"

"So don't you think it's time you fucked me?"

Harry's breath hitched. "I… yes. I do."

"Good." He pressed his mouth against Harry's and straddled his lap, allowing their bare cocks to brush against each other.

Harry ran his hands eagerly over Draco's back and returned the kiss with hunger. When the friction between their erections became too much, he flipped Draco onto his back and attacked his chest and belly, and finally engulfed his cock.

Draco moaned loudly while Harry sucked him, registering only vaguely the sensation of one slick finger entering his body. When a second was added and they curled up to stroke his prostate, he shouted and began spurting helplessly down Harry's throat.

In a post-orgasmic haze Draco watched Harry coat his cock with conjured lube and position himself. "Slowly, please."

"I will." Harry chewed his lip in concentration as he held Draco's thighs and pushed inside him inch by agonizing inch. "You feel so fucking good, Draco."

"So do you," Draco rasped. He clutched at the sheets and moaned as Harry's groin nestled against his arse. "Go, move."

Harry did, arms wrapped around Draco's legs and body trembling with the effort to hold back. He wanted to slam into Draco, to fuck him hard and fast, but he had no intention of giving what Draco wasn't comfortable taking.

"You think very loudly, did you know that?" Draco told him, eyes sparkling with mirth.

"What?"

"You're up there looking miserable, which I'd take as an insult if it wasn't so very Harry Potter. You're dying to rut into me like an animal but you're afraid my tender sensibilities can't handle it, is that right?"

Harry flushed. "That's about it," he admitted sheepishly.

"I'm nice and adjusted to you. Go on and fuck me."

"Are you –"

Draco bucked his hips, impaling himself sharply on Harry's cock. "I said fuck me!"

Harry groaned and pulled out nearly all the way before thrusting hard back into Draco. He allowed Draco to wrap his legs around him and gripped his slim hips as he pistoned into him again and again, grunting with every motion and watching Draco's thick erection slap against his belly with each violent thrust. He felt his balls drawing up and reached for Draco's cock to stroke him frantically.

Draco slapped Harry's hand away and fisted himself quickly as Harry threw his head back and cried out. His body felt flooded with warmth as Harry filled him and he finally tripped over the edge and came for the second time.

Harry collapsed beside him and gathered him close. "Thank you," he breathed.

"No thanks needed."

"I'm glad tomorrow's Sunday. I love it when you can stay here all day."

"So do I." Draco reached for the covers. "Cold."

"Oh, sorry." Harry pulled the blankets up to cover them both. "You're always so cold."

"I always have been. My flat's miserably cold. Madge tried to use Warming Charms for me but they won't stick for long. Makes my days in the dungeons seem tropical."

"You should just move in here."

Draco went completely still. "What?"

"It's nice and warm here, after all, and it's not too far from your shop." Harry ran a hand down Draco's arm. "Think about it, yeah?"

"Er, sure." Draco's head was spinning.

"I'm going to have to Floo over to see Ron tomorrow. One of my clerks quit and he thought he might have some candidates for a replacement… but… fuck, why didn't I think of that before?" Harry sat up. "You could come work in the shop!"

"In your shop? Harry…"

"Think about it! You'd never have to worry about those arseholes because I'm always there. You'd get paid a whole lot more than you do now, too."

"You don't know what I'm paid now."

"Draco, you told me your pay is next to nothing because Madge's store has no business."

"Oh." Draco rolled over with his back to Harry. "I don't know. I doubt your friends would take kindly to me working there."

"I'm one of the partners in the business, and this shop is my responsibility. It's not up to them."

"I'll think about it."

Harry spooned against Draco and wrapped an arm around him. "Good."

"Good night."

"Good night, Draco."

oOoOoOoOo

Draco woke up and stretched, then frowned when he realized Harry wasn't beside him. Hearing voices faintly from the hall, he padded across the room and out toward the living room.

"I've tolerated you dating the git, Harry, but this is too much. Why would you hire him? I have several people who would be far more qualified." Weasley's head bobbed in the fire.

"I'm hiring him, Ron. That's the end of it. He needs a decent job where people won't beat him every day."

"You said they'd stopped."

"They have, because I'm there. But it's hard for me to get there every day and I can't leave him to fend for himself with no wand against three bullies, Ron."

"I just don't see why you have to bring the shop into your Malfoy crusade. I get it, you feel sorry for him, but come on, Harry!"

"Of course I feel sorry for him! Why do you think I started going to his store every day in the first place?"

Draco's eyes burned as he took in Harry's words and exasperated tone. He doesn't really have feelings for me, he thought numbly. He just feels like he has to take care of me because he pities me.

Before Harry could say anything else, Draco stepped forward. "You don't have to worry about it. I'm not going to work in your fucking ridiculous store. I'm not coming back here anymore, either, and I want you to stay the hell away from me."

Harry spun around and looked at Draco in shock. "What? Draco –"

"I'll just be a minute." Draco hurried back into the bedroom and began pulling his clothing on.

"Draco, wait!" Harry rushed in behind him. "What's wrong?"

"I don't need your pity, Potter," Draco spat. "I was surviving before you came along, and I'll survive fine without you now."

"But I don't –"

"I heard you! You did all this, everything, because you feel sorry for me. I was stupid to believe you actually cared for me, but this was all some stupid guilt trip, wasn't it? Saint Potter can't resist picking up all the abandoned puppies and mistreated Death Eaters along the road. I'm not your charity case." Draco grabbed his jacket and pushed past Harry. "Don't come back to my shop."

"Draco!" Harry stood behind him, wringing his hands helplessly. "Please, don't go! Let me explain!"

"No," Draco replied coldly. "Did you hear me? Do not come back to my shop."

Harry's shoulders slumped. "Fine. But what about the Donnellys?"

"They haven't been back at all lately, since you've been coming in regularly. I'll be fine. Stay away from me."

"Draco, you've got it all wrong. I do care about you, and –"

"I don't want to hear it. I shouldn't have let things get this far. I'm better off alone." He yanked open the door. "Good-bye, Potter."

"Draco…"

He pulled the door shut behind him and made his way back to the shop. Blessedly, Madge didn't come out to greet him when he stumbled upstairs, and he managed to lock himself in his room before the tears came.

oOoOoOoOo

Harry was miserable.

It had been three weeks since his fight with Draco, and he'd barely slept since. He missed Draco terribly and he didn’t know how to fix things. Draco had returned every letter he'd owled unopened, so he'd kept his distance, hoping that Draco would come back once he'd cooled off. It wasn't happening and he wasn't certain that it ever would.

He trudged home from work on a Friday afternoon and prepared a bowl of soup that he didn't really feel like eating. He was stirring it glumly when a knock sounded at his door.

He opened it and gasped. "Draco?"

Draco was slumped in front of his doorway, bloody and bruised. "Can't… any further."

"Merlin…" Harry hauled Draco up, wincing when the man moaned in pain, and pulled him inside. "Draco, what's happened?"

"Don'ley… Madge visiting sister." Draco coughed and blood trickled from the corners of his mouth.

"We've got to get to the hospital." Harry grabbed his wand.

"No, can't… pay…"

"Well, I can, and we're going." Holding Draco tightly, Harry Apparated them both away.

When they arrived, Harry flagged down a medi-witch and helped place Draco's limp form on a floating gurney. He was told sternly to remain where he was, so he sank into a chair and put his head in his hands.

It felt like hours before a Healer came to retrieve him. "Mr. Potter?"

Harry jumped up. "Yes? Is he all right? Can I see him?"

"He’ll mend. He's asleep now. Mr. Potter, who did this?" The Healer crossed his arms.

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Three men, brothers. Last name is Donnelly. They work at the cannery in Mosaic Alley and I think one of them is called Andy. I'm certain it's them – they've been beating him for ages, but then they stopped when I stepped in and… fuck, I wasn't there and they could have killed him!" Harry covered his face.

"He's going to be fine, but we need to report this if he'll let us."

"He won't want to, but I'll see to it," Harry said grimly. "They won't touch him again. May I see him, please?"

"Yes. Follow me."

Harry allowed the Healer to lead him down the corridor to Draco's room. Draco lay on the bed, looking pale and thin, and Harry's heart broke a little more as he took in all the bandages and bruises. "He's not in any pain, is he?"

"No, he's received several potions for that. They should allow him to rest comfortably for several hours while his lacerations mend. Once he wakes, we'll remove the bandages and make sure the spells have taken." The Healer motioned to the chair beside the bed. "Feel free to stay as long as you like. Is there anyone else we should notify?"

Harry returned his gaze to Draco and sighed. "No. He's got no one."

"Then I'll take my leave. Please ring for a medi-witch if there are any concerns."

Harry sat down beside Draco and took his hand carefully. "I'm so sorry," he said softly. "So bloody sorry, Draco. I tried to give you your space. I… I shouldn't have left you alone. I won't again. I don't care if you hate me, I'm not going anywhere."

He watched over Draco until his eyes couldn't remain open any longer and finally fell asleep hunched over the bed, Draco's hand clutched tightly in his.

oOoOoOoOo

When Draco opened his eyes he had no idea where he was. He ached all over and everything was a bit blurry until he blinked a few times, and he couldn't move his arm. He looked down and discovered the cause of the last issue snoring lightly on the edge of his bed.

It came rushing back then. He'd been about to close the shop when the Donnelly brothers arrived and the beating was worse than ever. It had taken all the energy he had to stumble to Harry's flat once he'd regained consciousness, but he knew he wouldn't survive unless someone healed his many wounds. Madge was in Scotland visiting her sister and he knew of no one else to turn to but Harry.

He attempted to move without waking Harry, but the resulting pain caused him to hiss loudly and Harry's head shot up.

"You're awake!" Harry rubbed his eyes beneath his glasses. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Brilliant," Draco said dryly. "And not at all as though I've just been hit by the Hogwarts Express."

"I'll ring for the medi-witch. You'll need another pain potion."

"Wait." Draco gripped Harry's hand. "It'll just make me sleepy again and I want to talk to you first. I came to you in hopes that you would heal me yourself."

"I'm not much of a Healer, Draco, and you were in really bad shape."

"You healed me before, in the shop."

"That was minor. You'd lost a lot of blood this time and you had internal injuries. Look, I know you're worried about payment, but don't be."

"I don't want any more of your pity gestures."

"Draco, you really have it wrong."

"Do I? Did you or did you not tell Weasley you feel sorry for me?"

Harry sighed. "Well, yes, but –"

"There it is, then. You saw an opportunity to be the hero and you took it."

"No! Damn you, Draco, that's not it at all. Look… I can't deny that I feel… bad. For you. Because you've got a lot to deal with, and it's not fair. I can't help that. It's not why I did anything other than come back to make sure you were safe that second day, though. After that… I couldn't get you out of my head. I like being with you. I truly care for you. You have to believe that." Harry fixed pleading eyes on Draco's.

Draco frowned. "I don't have to believe anything. You had good intentions, I'm sure, but I won't be your project."

"Dammit, Draco!" Harry stood up so quickly his chair fell over. "You're not a project! I'm in love with you!"

Draco's jaw dropped as he looked up at Harry, who stood with his chest heaving and his eyes wide like a frightened animal. "You… what?"

"I love you," Harry whispered.

Draco's throat constricted and he looked away. "You don't mean that."

"Stop telling me what I mean and what I feel! Your fucking pride is going to get in the way of something wonderful here, Draco. I know you have feelings for me because you wouldn't have been so angry with me otherwise. Why can't you let yourself accept something good? You never used to have a problem with feeling like you're entitled to everything!" Harry closed his eyes briefly. "I'm sorry, I –"

"No, you're right. I didn't. I was spoiled and arrogant and I thought the world owed me everything. I was wrong, and now that I know what it's like to have absolutely bloody nothing I won't make that mistake again."

"There's a difference, Draco."

"How? You want me to live with you and work for you, and all I have to do is fuck you in return, right? So now, instead of simple arrogance, I'm just a rentboy, is that it? You're right, that is quite a difference."

Hurt flashed in Harry's eyes. "I never thought that," he said quietly. "If you were rich I'd still want to take care of you, because that's how I am with people I love. It's not always enough, but I try."

"What do you mean by that?"

"The last man I dated cheated on me. Just so that he could say he did it, I suppose. And he made fun of me for being the way I am, but I can't help it. I've always wanted someone to care about me that way, you know? To take care of me when I'm sick, to want what's best for me and to make me happy, to keep me safe… it's pathetic, I'm sure, and all about not having anyone care for me as a child. It may be cliché, but it's how I feel and it's what love is about for me." Harry's shoulders slumped. "I love you, so I wanted to take care of you – plain and simple. Look, I won't bother you again. Don't worry about money because they're going to send the statement to me."

"Harry, wait." Draco struggled to sit up higher. "Don't go. Look… I'm sorry. I'm not really used to being treated so well, not anymore. Please stay."

Harry righted his chair and sat down. "Will you give me another chance?"

"I shouldn't have gotten so angry." Draco sighed. "I'm not too good at this sort of thing, but I do love you, too."

Harry's eyes lit up. "Yeah? So you'll move in with me?"

"I'll move in with you. I can't give up that bed. It's been miserable going back to mine."

"All you missed was the bed, hmm?"

"Well…" Draco bit his lip. "I sort of missed the pillows, too."

"You prat. And you're going to work in the shop with me?"

"I don't know, Harry. Weasley didn't seem too excited about it."

"I don't care, but we have talked further since. He's all right with it, really. And it's my shop. I wouldn't hire you if I hadn't seen how hard you work, and you won't be alone now so you'll be able to share the workload."

"I'm in!" Draco replied quickly, causing Harry to chuckle. "Do you think you could get the medi-witch now? I could use a pain potion and a nap now that we're all sorted out."

"I'll go right now."

"Will you stay a bit longer? While I fall asleep?"

"Of course." Harry smiled and squeezed his hand. "One more thing, though – we are going to report this and have the bastards locked up. It's time. I know you don't trust the Aurors, but Kingsley Shacklebolt is a friend of mine and he's extremely fair. He'll see to it that you're treated properly."

"Fine." Draco closed his eyes for a moment, but then looked seriously at Harry. "Just so you know, I'll take care of you, too. And I'll never be unfaithful to you."

"Thank you." Harry kissed Draco's knuckles lightly. "The same goes for me."

oOoOoOoOo

"How does it feel?" Harry grinned at Draco, who was happily levitating objects around the room.

"Bloody brilliant!" Draco laughed. "It's incredible to have my wand back at last. It's like the first time you fucked me."

"That good, hmm? Perhaps we could do that right now for comparison's sake." He slipped his arms around Draco's waist.

"Perhaps we could. I've got to go and visit Madge, tell her it's over with. She's been traveling a lot more ever since we officially closed the store last year but I know she came home for the holidays."

"We can have her over for dinner if you like." Harry nipped at Draco's ear. "Talking of traveling, though, I have an idea."

"I really hope it involves my arse and what you're currently prodding it with."

"That too. I think we should take a trip somewhere, just the two of us, now that you're free to leave the area."

"Oh, that would be lovely! Where?"

"Anywhere you like."

"Really? Anywhere?"

"Anywhere. Just one condition, though."

"Always a catch, Potter." Draco smirked. "What is it, then?"

"Marry me before we go."

Draco turned his head sharply to look at Harry. "What?"

"Marry me, Draco."

"I…" A smile spread across his face. "Yes. Absolutely yes."

Harry laughed and hugged him tightly. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Care to try out a few more spells? A Lubrication Charm, perhaps?"

"One of my favorites." Draco twirled his wand between nimble fingers and grinned. "Want to watch me prepare myself for you?"

Harry groaned. "I may come on the spot, but yes, I really do."

"Let's go to bed."

~fin~

Comments

[monster-o-love.livejournal.com]

GUHHHH!!!!! Despite the snow outside, I think I've just melted!!!! What a fantastically wonderful story!!! I loved how prickly & proud Draco was in the beginning, how much it meant to him to not rely on other people anymore. And Harry is so sweet and a bit naive, despite his bitter experience with his ex. Their conversations were so amusing and occasionally just heartbreaking. "Just so you know, I'll take care of you, too. And I'll never be unfaithful to you." That was just Lovely. And oh the sexy, hot sexyness!!!! Wow!! I really enjoyed reading this, it's definitely going in my faves! <3

[ran26.livejournal.com]

Kawaii... Lovely... I like it.. :)

Good work..

[reicheruchan.livejournal.com]

awesome!!!!!!!!

[mayfly-78.livejournal.com]

Really lovely. I love prickly and difficult Draco and persevering Harry. Such a sweet story, with a nice fluffy ending. Thanks!

[nenne.livejournal.com]

That was lovely. Just the right amount of flangst. Thanks for posting. :)

[flurrytwilight.livejournal.com]

This is so sweet! :D

Nice job.

[frayach.livejournal.com]

I love the exchanges between Harry and Ron. Perfect :)

[kukumaru.livejournal.com]

I loled at the first part, but the end of the second one was so sweet and comforting. ^^ (except the beatings, of course.)

[suzyblack.livejournal.com]

OHHHHHHHHHHH this was so amazing XD

I loved the interaction between the trio =) That's how I imagine them when grown up. All suportive and such camaradice XD

Also Draco's obsession with his balls was so so funny XD

And all the fluff!!! *squiches you* it was al very fulfiling!!!

Thanks so much mystery author! You rock XD

[darkestnight12.livejournal.com]

*drools* I adore this. ;D Harry to the rescue!

[talekayler.livejournal.com]

Aww, I loved the mood that was set up in this! I love how it was started off, with Harry and Ron bantering, and the light mood just kind of infecting everything else. And even though there were heavy undertones, I didn't find it taking over the story too much.

[sony-kit82.livejournal.com]

This was a lovely ending! I knew it couldn't be just smooth-sailing for the boys. I'm just glad Harry found Draco before it was too late. :D

[tsukiihime.livejournal.com]

aw, that was so cute and lovely <3

[plotting-pen.livejournal.com]

This was all so wonderful! I can never resist a down trodden, poor but proud, resilient in the face of adversity Draco, and you delivered in spades!

I absolutely love how mature they all are, and how honest they are with their feelings, and the humorous dialogue exchange. It was a delightful read and being a sucker for happy ending, yours made me melt into a puddle of sap *squee*

[radcliffe-bass.livejournal.com]

Lovely! I was crying at some parts of the story *wipes tears from eyes*

"Always a catch, Potter." Draco smirked. "What is it, then?"

"Marry me before we go."

That was probably one of the best marriage proposals i've read =)

re: Threadbare

[vaysh]

FINALLY I got a chance to finish this story. I totally loved how nervous they both were before their first sex on the couch. And the ending was wonderful. ♥

[groolover.livejournal.com]

I love stuff like this! And this was a very well-done example. Thank you - I really enjoyed it.

[paper-moonshine.livejournal.com]

This fic was utterly adorable and nicely done - your Harry is spot-on

[valinorean.livejournal.com]

This is really great and I enjoyed it immensely! I love the flangst here and the last scene was incredibly sweet ♥

[naturegirlrocks.livejournal.com]

Lovely story. I do so enjoy this kind of set up. Good job!

[denise0949.livejournal.com]

Love love love this!

[otta-ff.livejournal.com]

This is fantastic. I love downtrodden but proud Draco here and Harry's reasons for how he loves are spot on. This has the perfect combination sweetness, flangst and LOL-worthy one-liners. Lovely!

[serilla.livejournal.com]

My most favourite stories are where Draco has lost everything, everyone but still finds a way to battle through life - even when all seems lost. Wonderful story - just perfect. :)

[demicus.livejournal.com]

I love the way resilient Draco with his coveted balls, & heroic, well-hung, Harry fell in love. Brilliant angst, humor, & romance (with a surprise proposal to boot)!

[shadowfireflame.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I really really enjoyed this! What an awesome premise--I especially love Harry expanding the WWW store; that seems almost canon to me--and Draco being so down on his luck and Harry with his saving people thing. But their romance was so sweet, too. Thank you for sharing this! :)