Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Better Late Than Never	By : SlythindorMalfoy Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 22997 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and it's characters. All rights go to J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros. I do not make any money from this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter and it's associated characters etc. All belongs to J.K Rowling and Warner Bros.
A/N: So...woooow! So many reviews! Thank you so much! So my beta and I noticed that shorter chaps are easier so we're working on that. I'm hoping we can keep this momentum going. I'm pretty proud of us! xD. Thanks to the always amazing, best beta ever djaddict. Seriously, this story would be a disaster without her.
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*Review Responses*
Staar: Thanks for the review! This one has what you wanted! ;)
Scotty: Welcome new reader! :D. You do not understand the extent to which I dont like her lol! Hope you stay with us. Thanks for reviewing. :)
MoonlightVampiress: Welcome! I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thank you for reviewing! xD
Moodysavage: Thank you! Glad you liked it. Thanks for your review. :)
Sealpotter: Thanks for reviewing. Honestly, there is no need to feel guilty, it's great that you are still reading. :D
Kat: Hehehe! Thanks for Reviewing! :D
Extra Thank You for the reviews guys. It's always great to see new reviewers and to see the ones there from the beginning. I was truly amazed by the response to the last chapter on AFF. Again, thanks. :)
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All remaining mistakes are mine. Enjoy!

Bright and early Monday morning Harry flooed over to the Burrow with Albus in tow. He stopped directly in front the fireplace when he saw the number of people in the living room. It seemed as if the entire Weasley clan and their spouses were in the room. He could hear all the children outside yelling and laughing. He took in the expressions on everyone's faces and gulped quietly. Wordlessly, Harry nudged Albus to go outside which he did without complaint obviously noticing the tense atmosphere in the room.
"Is something wrong?" Harry asked hesitantly. He really didn't like the looks he was getting. The only reply he got was Hermione handing him the Daily Prophet and everyone else shifting uncomfortably. Frowning slightly, he unrolled the Daily Prophet and gasped softly when he saw the headlines.
'How did it get out?' He thought to himself, confused as he read through the article. Everything was laid out. Harry was not pleased. He had no problem with Ginevra's name being dragged through the mud but now the kids were involved. He growled in frustration as he threw the newspaper into the fireplace, wishing everything could disappear as easily as the paper did.
"How did this happen?" He shouted to no one in particular. He heard Molly give a deep sigh before answering him.
"Harry, after you told the kids James apparently wrote to Ginny. He told us this morning. He just wanted to know if everything was the truth. We have no clue as to how McLaggen found out." Harry sighed and conjured an armchair and fell onto it. This was so emotionally exhausting. He really hadn't wanted the kids to be dragged into the spotlight.
"So all this, it's all true then?" Bill asked and Harry could only nod. They were all family so he had no problems telling them everything. He felt a slight twinge of embarrassment when he thought about his stupidity concerning his marriage but he pushed that down. It was in the past.
"I have no idea what to do about James and Lily." He said forlornly. "They refuse to speak to me, all they want is her." He whispered his voice breaking as he spoke. It hurt that they refused to even give him a chance.
"Harry, I think the best thing for you to do is to send them to Ginny." George offered and Harry's head shot up to glare at him. He opened his mouth to argue only to be cut off. "Hear me out Harry. If you keep them here, they will not be happy and just resent you more. You can already see that. They are already going through so much. Don't punish them for her mistakes." He insisted. Harry just looked at him. He glanced at everyone in the room and saw the mixture of pity and sadness on their faces. He resented them for their stupid, perfect marriages. With a heavy sigh, he nodded. George was right. The children's happiness always came first.
"Alright." He agreed. It hurt but he had to do it. He couldn't be selfish. "I'll write to her now."
Molly got up to fetch him the necessary writing equipment whilst everyone else dispersed. He was given a few hugs and shoulder squeezes as signs of comfort and he was grateful for them. Only Hermione and Ron remained and he smiled weakly at the pair. Molly soon returned with the writing things and left the three of them in the room. Harry wrote a short letter to Ginevra explaining the situation. He used one of the Weasley owls and sent the letter.
"It's going to be okay Harry." Hermione told him softly, he just nodded. He felt that if he spoke, he would cry. James and Lily were never as close to him as Albus was but he had raised them. He loved them. He just couldn't understand it. Not wanting to sit around and wait for Ginevra's reply, he got up, went outside and sat with the extended Weasley family. He watched the children enjoying themselves while their parents sat happily watching them. There was a pang of jealousy that he didn't have that perfect family happiness. He pushed that feeling away though, he didn't want to think like that.
Later in the evening, after most of the family had left, Harry finally received a reply from Ginevra. He ignored the apologies and the begging for forgiveness. He had already closed his heart off to her. She wrote that she had moved to a new place that wouldn't have reporters and that she had no problem taking James and Lily. Harry called James and Lily over and explained the situation to them. He had barely finished before they raced upstairs to gather their belongings. Too soon they were back in the living room standing expectantly by the fireplace. With the help of Hermione, he quickly shrunk their things. Harry gave Ron the address as he would be flooing over with James.
"Be careful okay? And don't be afraid to write or anything if you ever want to talk." He told James softly as he prepared to floo out. James turned to face him and Harry could sense him hesitating. He offered a small smile of encouragement. He opened his mouth to ask if everything was okay but before he could finish, he was almost knocked off his feet by a strong hug from James.
"I'm sorry for everything and I still love you even if you're not my dad." He heard James mumble quickly and the hug was over. Before Harry could even gather his thoughts, James had left with Ron. He stood there blinking in shock, not even realizing that he had tears in his eyes.
'What just happened?' He thought to himself. He watched the others and they were smiling softly at him. He couldn't help the small smile that appeared on his face. Maybe he still had a chance with James.
"Come on! I want to go now!" A whiny voice brought everyone's attention to the nine year old in their presence and Harry's smile immediately disappeared. Lily was watching them impatiently practically dragging Molly to the fireplace. Harry stepped away from the fireplace so they could go through. He didn't even bother attempting to hug Lily, he knew it would be pointless.
"I'll let you know when they've settled in." Molly told him before flooing away with Lily.
"I know it hurts now but everything will work out." Arthur said from behind him and Harry jumped, not having noticed when Arthur had entered in the room. "Just focus on yourself and Albus at the moment. And always, always, remember that you are not alone in this."
"Thanks Arthur." Harry said and gave his pseudo-father a tight hug. He called Albus downstairs and they both flooed to the Hollow, promising to keep in touch.
As soon as they flooed over, an owl was waiting for them with a letter in its claws. A smile broke out on his face when he recognized it as Draco's owl, Hades. Harry quickly took the letter and opened it. The blond had invited him and Albus over for dinner at seven. Checking the time and realizing it was half 6, he turned back to the fireplace and fire-called Draco. Soon enough, the pale, handsome face appeared in his line of vision. He almost inhaled ash as he gasped softly. He prayed to Merlin that Draco didn't notice. He was grateful that the green fire was able to hide his blush.
"Harry?" Draco asked and Harry could swear there was a smirk on the aristocratic face.
"Hey Draco. Al and I just came back from the Burrow and only just received your invitation. Does it still stand?" He inquired.
"Of course Harry. Scorpius and I will wait. No need to hurry." He replied.
"Okay. Thanks Draco. We won't be long. See you soon." He said in a rush before ending the call. He couldn't wait to floo over. It had been awhile since he had spent time with the other man. "Hey Al." He said to his son who had sat on the sofa during the call. "We're going to the Malfoys for dinner so go get ready." He told him and he didn't fail to notice that his voice already sounded lighter and happier. Was that the effect Draco had on him?
"Okay dad!" Albus answered excitedly before rushing up the stairs to get ready. It seems he wasn't the only one excited to see the Malfoys.
Half an hour later, the Potter duo flooed over to Malfoy Manor. They had both dressed casually since it wasn't a formal dinner. Harry wore an emerald turtleneck with grey slacks whilst Albus wore a green short-sleeved shirt and black slacks. They were greeted by their hosts in Draco's study and Harry had to stop his mouth from watering at the sight of the other man. Draco looked stunning in a teal long-sleeved shirt and white slacks, his hair shining in the firelight of the study. His face was radiant and the huge smile he was sporting completed the look of the Adonis before him. Scorpius looked adorable in an indigo short-sleeved shirt and black slacks.
"Good evening Harry, Albus." Draco said formally, bowing slightly to them. Scorpius followed his actions. Harry and Albus returned the greetings, the younger ones sniggering all the while. The four then made their way to the family dining room. Albus and Scorpius walked ahead chatting excitedly as if they hadn't seen each other in months.
"Where's Narcissa?" Harry asked as they walked.
"Off with Blaise's mother again." Draco replied and they continued walking in silence, listening to the chattering of their sons.
Dinner was served as soon as they sat on the table. It wasn't filled with silence but instead with constant conversations. After dinner, the four retreated to the family room. The younger two sat on the floor with Scorpius' dragon book and Harry sat next to Draco on the sofa and they just watched the two boys.
"Hey Draco, I just thought of something." He said turning to face his friend, making sure he had his full attention before continuing in a lower voice. "Watching the boys reminded me of the promise we made to them. Remember the Dragon Reserve trip? I was thinking we can write to Charlie now before it gets too late. We could ask him for a private tour. What do you think?" He asked.
"That's a great idea Harry. How does Saturday sound?" Draco asked him, already summoning a house elf to bring the writing things.
"Sounds perfect." Harry replied and penned the letter as soon as he got the writing tools. He then sent it off with Draco's owl, Hades. They talked about a few mundane things after that. Harry wanted to talk to Draco about his day but he didn't want to do it front of the boys. His attention was caught when he saw the boys whispering to each other, like if they were planning something. Then it looked as if Scorpius made a decisive nod before getting up and walking towards them.
"Dad?" He began as he stood in front of the sofa. Harry and Draco watched curiously as he shifted from foot to foot nervously. Harry glanced behind Scorpius and Albus was looking on, just as nervous.
"Yes Scorpius?" Draco replied with a raised eyebrow, obviously amused by his son's behavior.
"Um, Albus and I are having a lot of fun, and I know it has only been two days but I have soo much to tell him and it can't all be written in a letter. So, can he stay over tonight?" He asked, then added quickly at Draco's steadily raising eyebrow. "With Mr. Potter's permission of course."
Harry smiled, amused as Scorpius turned big, pleading, blue-green eyes at him. He glanced at Draco and saw the blond fighting a smile.
"I have no problem with the sleep over. Harry?"
"I see no harm in it Draco." Harry said with a smile, chuckling when both boys let out a loud 'whoop' of joy, before grabbing the book and racing upstairs with twin shouts of "Thanks Dad!"
"Will you be staying over as well Harry? You know you are always welcome here." Draco said in a soft voice looking at him intently.
"I would really like that Draco." Harry told him in the same tone of voice and he gave Draco a huge smile, which was returned just as much if not more. How he missed that smile.
"Perfect!" Draco suddenly exclaimed, "How about we go to my study then? From the moment you got here it looked like there's a lot on your mind."
Harry just nodded, he didn't bother asking how Draco knew how he was feeling because it seemed nothing ever got past the blond. The more time he spent with Draco, the happier he was that they were friends.
"Ready?" Draco asked. He had gotten up and was standing in front of him expectantly. Harry looked at him confused, unsure as to what he should be ready for.
"I'm not going to walk there Harry." Draco said exasperatedly.
"But you walked to the dining room earlier." He said. He watched confused as Draco blushed, looking as if he got caught doing something wrong. 'What is going on in that blond head?' He thought to himself. The blush didn't last long however.
"Well, we had the boys with us and it was obvious they had a lot to talk about so I figured I would offer them that opportunity." Draco said simply and Harry didn't fail to notice the mischievous glint in the silver eyes. He was so confused but he wouldn't question Draco. He stood and draped his arm around the arm offered to him for the side along, conveniently forgetting that he could apparate to the study himself. Draco didn't hesitate to draw him closer and Harry's memory was immediately assaulted with what happened last time they apparated together like that. However, he saw no need to move away from Draco. His body felt heated being in such close proximity to the taller man.
"Hold on." Draco whispered and Harry gripped his shirt for the few seconds of discomfort.
They landed in the center of Draco's study and Harry admired the warmth radiating from it. Or maybe it was Draco giving off such amazing heat? He couldn't tell. His brain was going all fuzzy from everything about Draco, his scent and the feel of his strong body. Merlin, the man was perfect. Unconsciously, he leaned further into Draco, inhaling his cologne and the man's own unique scent. His head felt so light.
"Harry?" Draco's voice croaked in his ear and Harry jerked, both because of the close proximity of the voice and its obvious huskiness. Harry quickly released his shirt and stepped slightly away from him. He could feel his face burning up.
"I-I'm okay Draco. Just got a little disoriented from the side-along" He muttered.
"I understand Harry. It happens." Draco told him and Harry noticed his voice was already back to normal. He followed Draco as he moved to sit on the sofa. He sat next to him, only a little bit away. Sitting on that sofa brought back what happened a week ago with a jolt. He frowned as he thought about everything that happened since then.
"What's bothering you Harry?" Draco questioned and Harry didn't hesitate to let it all out. He told him about everything that happened since the boys returned from Hogwarts.
"I don't know Draco. I'm beginning to think I won't be able to handle it. I love them but it seems like they don't want anything to do with me. Well Lily doesn't. I'm unsure about James.
Draco nodded. "How you're feeling is understandable Harry. However, you have to see things from their perspective. This is all so sudden and you have to realize that they've only seen and heard your side and what is in the Daily Prophet. They don't know what's going on with their mother. I'm sure to them it seems like one minute she was there and now she's gone. You also have to consider the fact that they were closer to her. No one says you have to just ignore them now that they've gone, but don't begrudge them. Give them time." Draco advised him. Harry was shocked, he had never thought about it like that. He felt ashamed that he had focused so much on himself that he didn't see things completely from their point of view. George had said something similar but he still hadn't really seen it then. "Do not feel bad Harry. You are all hurting." Draco added, again knowing his exact thoughts. Harry didn't think that excused him but he just nodded.
"I haven't even spoken to Albus about the entire thing either." He said forlornly. "I didn't tell him that they've gone to their mother but he's not stupid. What if he hates me for not sending him as well Draco?"
"Harry, listen to me, and listen to me carefully." Draco said firmly, placing his hands on his shoulders and turning him to face him. "Stop worrying so much. I may not know the extent of your relationship with Albus but from what I've seen, he is happy to be with you right now. However, you should talk to him as soon as possible. Get to know how he feels. You have to keep telling yourself that you will get through this Harry." Draco assured him. And Harry gave him a weak smile of gratitude. Draco's hands slipped off his shoulders and he missed them. He shifted a little closer to him and felt relieved when he felt the slight press of Draco's body next to his. If Draco noticed anything, he didn't say anything and Harry was glad for it.
"Thanks Draco." He said turning to face him and smiling.
"You're welcome Harry. I'm always here for advice." Draco told him softly, face down towards his. Harry saw every single word those beautiful lips formed and he was lost.
A noise at the window jerked him out of his stupor. He looked up at Draco and saw the blond blinking confused, it seemed he wasn't the only one that was in a daze. He smiled softly at that.
He watched Draco let the owl in, and he recognized Hades. The owl flew over to him and dropped the letter in his lap before flying off. He saw the letter was addressed to him in Charlie's handwriting.
"Wow." He muttered. "He replied fast." Charlie had sent a back a rather enthusiastic reply that it would be great and that he would be their personal tour guide. Harry was pleased. The boys would have so much fun. "It's Charlie. He's confirmed for Saturday." He told Draco happily. The other man smiling happily as well.
The two talked for an hour or two before they decided to call it a night. They checked in on the boys and they were asleep on Scorpius' bed. Harry entered the room with Draco and tucked in Albus as Draco did the same with Scorpius. He couldn't help but think how perfect it all was. They quietly left the room and walked to stand facing each other, in front of their respective doors.
"Thanks for everything tonight Draco." Harry thanked him again.
"No problem Harry." Draco told him softly and before Harry could stop himself, he leaned forward and gave the other man a soft kiss on his cheek, lingering just slightly. He leaned back to see Draco's shell-shocked, red face and hurried into his room, shutting the door quickly. Harry's heart beat a mile a minute as he thought about what he just did. He couldn't find it in himself to regret it however. For the first time in the past few days Harry fell asleep with a smile on his face. Despite the start to his day, it had ended as it always did when Draco was involved. Perfect.
- 9
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- 11
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Better Late Than Never