Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Acceptance	By : Madam_Weasley Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 6301 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or make any money off of Harry Potter

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
I get through the last week of August with no more dreams, but I’m very busy. Just like I predicted, so many last minute shoppers!
                On Friday, the busiest day as it’s the last day of August, I am closing up at 7:00. I’m counting out the money so I can deposit it into Gringotts when I hear the bell ring above the door. Damn, I forgot to lock up. I sweep all of the money back into the till as I say “I’m sorry, the shop is closed.”
                “I know.”
                My head snaps up.
                “What are you doing here?”
                “Nice to see you too Malfoy.”
                Why is Potter grinning like that? Why is he in my shop?
                “As far as I know neither of us have saved the other in the last week or so, so I’m not sure why you are here.”
                “You free for dinner?”
                “What?”
                “Seriously, do you not remember the meals? Breakfast is in the morning. Lunch is…”
                “Sod off Potter.”
                “Touchy.” He is fiddling with rattlesnake rattles. “Ron, Hermione and I are getting ready to have dinner and I thought I would see if you wanted to join us.”
                “Why exactly would I want that?” While my face and tone of voice fit the words I say, my chest flutters a bit at the idea of being with people. Even if it’s these people.
                “Because even Malfoys need to eat.” He puts the rattles down and looks at me.
                “Why would I want to eat with you people?”
                “Merlin’s beard you are a prat. The answer is yes or no. It’s not a social attack, there are no plans of treachery. It’s dinner, in public with old school mates. While we may not have been friends I think we can be civil.”
                Why is he so logical?
                “I don’t think so.” I say.
                “Well here’s the fun part. I didn’t ask what you think. I asked if you were free.”
                I let out an exasperated sound. “Why? Why are you asking me to dinner?”
                He takes on a tone that I can tell is to mimic me. “One, you were close by and it seemed rude not to include you.” He’s ticking his points off on his fingers. “Two, you need to eat. Three, I don’t want to be a third wheel tonight. So shut up and let’s go.”
                “You have become a bigger git than ever.”
                “Damn it Malfoy. We’ve grown up. There are no sides anymore. It’s dinner. If you REALLY don’t want to come, fine, but I’m asking now. Would you please join us for dinner?”
                He had no right to change the playing field. I know slights, insults, and banter. Being polite and using manners is not how we function. But what am I afraid of? I’ve seen Granger, I’ve already had lunch with Potter, I know no one is going to recognize me. I’ve spent so long closed off to the world that I’m not sure how to enter back in.
                “Ok, Sorry for bothering you.” Potter turns to the door.
                “Fine. I’ll go. I don’t’ know why, but I will.” I cast a locking spell on the till and then on the door as we head out.
                This is a bad idea, every time I glance at Potter I think back to my dream and I can feel the heat rushing to my cheeks and other areas of my body. This was a bad idea.
                We got to the door of the Leakey Cauldron. “Thank you, Malfoy.” Potter says before he opens the door and holds it for me.
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                Weasley and Granger are sitting side by side in a booth. That leaves me to sit next to Potter. Yet another bad idea. The more I see him the more I notice about him and I don’t like that I’m noticing.
                “Hi Draco.” Granger says as I sit down. “Are you ok with me calling you Draco? Or should I stick with Malfoy?” She seems uncomfortable now where she hadn’t at my shop.
                “Either is fine.” I say as I take a seat.
Weasley looks at me for a long minute and then sticks his hand across the table. “Malfoy.” I swear I’m in an alternate universe.
I shake his hand “Weasley.”
This is followed by an incredibly uncomfortable silence.
“So, Draco, tell us what you’ve been doing. The shop looks great. I was telling Ron all about it.”
“Uh, thank you. I haven’t been doing much other than running the shop.”
“Well what made you choose to buy the shop?” Granger isn’t going to let this go. There will be a conversation no matter how I feel about it.
“After the war I didn’t have anything going on. I was board and had always liked potions. I didn’t want to apply for a job at St. Mungo’s so I decided to buy the shop. I make potions for those that put in orders and supply ingredients and tools. It keeps my busy.”
This was followed by another silence and I realized I should ask about them.
“Uh, Potter said you two got married and have a couple of children. Congratulations.”
Potter smiles at Weasley and Granger beams at me.
“Yes and thank you.” then she is off talking about the kids.
“Hermione, I don’t think he wanted a minute by minute rundown of our lives.” Weasley says.
“Oh, sorry. I’m going to be honest, I’m a little nervous. “she says with a giggle. “Silly isn’t it.”
“No, not at all. I’m a little unsure myself.” The most honest thing I’ve said tonight.
A waiter comes over and takes our order.
The conversation turns to what is going on in the Auror’s office and Granger’s job in Law Enforcement office. They talk so freely with each other. Joking and laughing, inside jokes. Things I never did have even when we were at Hogwarts. Apparently this is what real friendship looks like. It’s interesting to watch. They always take the time to fill me in on a story that they refer to. They never leave me out of the conversation even though I’m not really a part of it.
Our food comes and is placed in front of us.
“Excellent.” Weasley says while rubbing his hands together.
“Honestly Ron, you act like you haven’t eaten lately.” Granger says shaking her head.
I pick up my fork and then stop. Potters knee is resting against mine under the table. I’m sure it’s nothing, long legs and lack of room. I’m torn between pulling away and keeping it there. I choose to move away and adjust my chair to do so. During dinner the conversation continues, I’m both a part of it and not but they make it ok.   I’m glad I gave in to Potter’s pushing.
After dinner Potter asks if anyone would like a drink. I said yes without thinking. Weasley and Granger both decline as they needed to get back to the kids. This meant that I was having a drink with Potter. It would be rude to back out now.
                Everyone stands to say goodbye. Granger gives Potter a hug and turns to me and reaches out like she is going to hug me too but she stops. We look at each other for a moment.
                “Oh.” She said and she actually hugs me. It takes a moment but I bring my arms up and awkwardly return the hug, my face making my confusion known. She pulls back and takes both of my hands.
                “Thank you for coming Draco.” She gave my hands a squeeze and turns to go.
                Weasley extends his hand again. We shake.
                “Malfoy.”
                “Weasley.”
                He then turns and gives Potter a hug.”See you on Friday?”
                “Of course.” Potter said.
                Potter sits back down as Weasley and Granger leave and he motions to the waiter. He looks at me, “Fire whiskey?”
                “Ah, that’s fine.”
                I slide into the vacated seat across from Potter.
                “So how have you been?” he asks me.
                “Fine. Business should slow down now that everyone will be heading back to Hogwarts.”
                Our drinks arrive and we say thank you. It’s getting easier for me. I guess if I come out of my shop every once in a while I could work on this.
                We sit there in silence, not as uncomfortable as before but not a comfortable silence, and sip our drinks. I look down as I feel Potter’s foot rest against mine. I wait a moment and shift again so that we are no longer touching.
                “Do you see anyone from school?” he asks me.
                “No. Well Zabini every now and then but that’s about it.”
                “Oh.” I can tell that made him more uncomfortable than when I told him I was gay. Not sure how that works.
                “I assume that you and all of the Gryffindors have monthly parties?”
                He laughs and I get angry at myself for liking the sound.
                “No. Obviously I see Ron and Hermione a lot, and the rest of the Weasleys. The only others that I see regularly are Neville and his wife Hannah, she was in our year, and Luna. About once a year we see Dean and Seamus.
                “Lovegood still crazy?”
                “Luna is NOT crazy.” He says and I can tell it upset him that I said it. “But she’s still Luna.” he smiles as he thinks of her.
                “Longbottom got married. I guess anything can happen.”
                “I know you didn’t like us and you obviously still don’t, but you can shut your bloody mouth about my friends. They are incredible people and they never once backed down.” I’ve touched a nerve and he’s angry. Well now that I’ve figured out how to make him go away I’m not sure that’s what I want.
                “Old habits.” I put my hands up to show that I surrender and meant no harm. “You’re right.”
                We sit in yet another uncomfortable silence.
                “I’m sorry, ok. I don’t know Longbottom or Lovegood. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
                “I shouldn’t have reacted that way, but I’m very protective of my friends. They are all I have.”
                “Huh, my family is all I have.”
                “We have so many things in common Malfoy!”
                “I don’t think so.” I reply as I take a drink.
                His knee is pressed up against mine again. Seriously he needs to keep his legs to himself.
                I adjust again so that we are no longer touching and finish my drink. “What do I owe for my dinner?” I ask.
                Potter waves a hand at me, “Ron paid.”
                “What?”
                “Ron. Paid. For. Dinner.”
                “Stop treating me like I’m stupid.”
                “Stop acting like you’re thick.”
                Well, at least this is known territory, but I find I don’t want to be here.
                “Ok, well thank you for the dinner invitation. Please thank Weasley for me.”
                “That was a lot of kindness at one time. Did it hurt?”
                I look him straight in the eye. “Prat.” and I turn to leave.
                “Git.” I hear behind me. I’m glad I’m not facing him since a small smile has found its way to my mouth.
- 4
- 5
- 6
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Acceptance