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In A Heartbeat	By : haileybeth Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 3667 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Harry Potter World, it all belongs to JK Rowling. I also Do NOT own the Short Film "In A Heartbeat" Everything pretaining to them belongs to the orginal owners and I make no money from this story.

Chapter List
- 1-In A Heartbeat
- 1
In A Heartbeat
Disclaimer: This story was inspired by a short film Called “In A Heartbeat” I do not own the short film, I do not own any of the characters you are about to read, they all belong to their original owners and I make no money what so ever. This is an Alternate Universe.
What is a heartbeat? What is but a moment in time? What can happen in the span of a breath? Would you love me or turn me away?

Harry James Potter moved through the thickening crowd of Hogwarts students as they made their way to the Great Hall for supper. Looking around he spotted Ron and waved him over pleased that he had managed to get out of the dungeons without angering Snape again. This was the fifth time that he had gained a detention from the formidable Potions Master much to everyone’s disappointment. Harry had known that this year was going to be different than others and he knew that the dreaded fifth year had all of them cursing and wishing they could pack it in and go home. The school work was now harder, the teachers where relentless on them in preparing them for testing and the years to come and then if that wasn’t bad enough the normal teenage woes would hit. Feeling someone bump into him he stopped breaking out of his thoughts to realize that the one that had knocked into him was the one young man of his fantasy’s lately, Draco Lucius Malfoy. Starring as the young man smirked and entered the Great Hall ahead of him he could help but think about what it would have been like to be the one walking beside him. To be the one that caused the laugher and smile, to be the one holding his hand, to be the one kissing and touch him. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he jumped startled looking over to Ron. “Sorry mate…” he grinned.
“You have it bad!” Ron stated a little loudly earning a glare and a hiss from Harry to shut up! Shaking his head Ron lead the way into the Great Hall, “come on, I am hungry and just think two more week and we get to go home! I am so looking forward to summer this year.” Sitting at an empty spot he heard Harry snort, “What? I am, aren’t you?” he asked confused as to why Harry was not looking forward to going home. He knew that Harry’s parents were prone to taking him on long vacations, sometimes inviting him and his family along.
“Yeah, to piles of homework…you know my Father will insist that every scrap of summer work gets done to his liking before I can even set foot outside!” Harry grumbled, he knew why his Father insisted that it get done early, but it sucked when all he wanted was to have a few days of reprieve. Sitting beside him he reached for a plate as the food began to appear, looking up at the noise from the Slytherin table he froze again watching as Draco, talking to another student, started tossing an apple in the air and catching it lazily. It was if it was a natural thing from him to do. He watched as the smile graced his lips again and as he laughed at something that was said. Swallowing hard he felt as if he couldn’t breathe, all he wanted was for Draco to talk to him, but he never would and he knew that. Hearing his name he turned to Ron, “sorry,” he muttered setting the plate down and picking a few things.
Ron shook his head, “you had to fall for the Ice Price of Slytherin!” he muttered shaking his head not seeing how in the world Harry had fallen for such as Git. “You know he is nothing but a GIT!” he muttered again looking around a moment freezing when he saw someone new at their table, he nudged Harry. “Who’s that?” he asked around a mouth full of food nodding to the new girl. Watching the girl he could remember ever seeing her in the school before that moment and that was confusing, he thought he knew everyone in their year.
Harry looked over to where Ron was looking and shook his head, “don’t you pay attention! Dumbledore announced this morning we have a new student. She’s a transfer, that’s Hermione Granger.” He looked a little irritated that Ron had not been paying attention to the Head Master again. “You really need to pay attention to things Ron!” he fumed.
Ron glowered, “Oh like you’re any better?!” he snarled his voice rising in his anger, “you hardly ever pay attention to anything lately!” looking down at the papers that were between them tucked into the school books that he recognized as Harry’s and saw a drawing. Snatching it and holding it up for the entire Hall to see he ranted. “Your head is in the clouds to far all you do every day is draw these stupid picture of him!”
Harry stood trying to get the picture back as the entire Hall went silent watching, “Give it back!” he hissed feeling the heat in his cheeks as he burned with embarrassment. As Ron stood to keep the picture out of Harry’s hands he continued to rant about Harry and his lack of concentration as he struggled to get the picture out of his hands. He could hear the whispers of those around him, ‘it looks like Draco.’ Fearfully glancing at the Slytherin table he saw Draco watching them; he saw the shocked look on his face and the slight confusion. Feeling his heart beat fast he lunged and grabbed the picture pulling on it, trying to get it out of Ron’s hands. The sound of ripping could be heard as the paper gave way and ripped in half. Not wanting to be there to see the pity and horror in Draco’s eyes he grabbed his things and ran. It had all happened so fast, and in the span of a heart beat his world was changed and in that heart beat his heart was felt shattered.
Ron stood there a moment before following Harry out of the Hall, glancing down at the paper in his hands he stopped; he knew he had done the unforgivable. He had ousted his best friend to not only his crush but the entire school. He couldn’t even give an explanation as to why, because he didn’t know. All Harry done was state the truth; he never really paid any attention to the Head Master, especially at the end of the school year, so why had that comment made him mad? Why had that one comment sent him over the edge?
“Give it to me!” A voice behind him snarled clearly angry and clearly ready for a fight, “Do not make me tell you twice!” The young man held out his hand for the paper and was pleased that Ron had handed it over. He couldn’t believe that someone, who was supposed to have been a friend, would have done what he had done, and they called him a Bastard.
“Please Draco, don’t hurt him.” Ron whispered knowing who it was without turning, he knew that Draco had every right to thrash him at the moment and he knew that things were forever changed. He stood there staring off in the direction that Harry had gone knowing that he had ruined fourteen years of friendship in that one heartbeat and he knew that there was a good chance that Harry would never forgive him.
“I’m not like you!” Draco snarled tucking the torn page of the drawing into his pocket and walking away. After a moment he stopped, glanced around to make certain he was alone and then pulled the page out of his pocket, even though the page was torn and wrinkled he could make out what the picture was. It was him, sitting by the lake studying. He often went down by the lake to get away from the noise and crowds of the library and school. It warmed something in him to know that Harry had known his routine; Harry knew where he liked to go and was clearly watching him. He wanted to go after Harry and talk to him but he did not know where he would have gone and more than likely he was too upset to talk any way. He knew he needed to calm down and that would take time but in the span of a heartbeat he knew that he was forever changed.
The last two weeks of school seemed to crawl by; many times Draco had tried to find Harry, only to realize that he hadn’t seen him that day. On the train ride home he had tried located the young man only to turn up empty handed. Looking around the crowed platform of nine and three quarters where his parents waited he noticed that Harry was not there, none of the Potter’s were there. Stepping into the crowed he greeted his parents before turning to watch the Weasley bunch, he could tell something was not right, the way Ron’s mother was frowning he could tell that she was not pleased with her son. That made him wonder; did she know what happened? Turning to his Father he nodded, “Sorry Father I was just noticing that the Potter’s are not here.” He temporized not wanting to tell his Father what was going on in such a public place.
Lucius nodded, “I noticed that as well, I hope their young son is alright, I heard there was an incident at the school, but was not told all the details.” He hinted hoping that his son would tell him more. Seeing his eyes go dark and unreadable he nodded, “come let us retire home, it’s been a long school year.” He knew that his son did not wish to speak here and he knew that whatever it was did involve the Weasley boy, he could see the look of hate in Draco’s eyes before it was masked. Arriving back at Malfoy Manor Lucius smiled softly to Narcissa as she suggested that she was going to get the Elves to start supper. He knew that she was making an excuse to leave them to talk; the Elves knew when to start supper and when he expected it to be served. “Come, talk to me.” He encouraged as he led the way to his study.
Draco moved into the study, shedding his school robes as he went, draping them over the back of the chair he undid his tie before sitting to untie his shoes. Now that he was home he felt the weight of the situation almost suffocate him, taking a deep breath he tried to calm himself and tell himself that he was not going to cry, after all Malfoy men don’t cry.
Lucius moved to the side board to fix a drink as he watched his son, whatever had happened had not only affected the Potter boy but his boy as well and that worried him. He could tell by the slight drop in his posture and the stiff way he held himself that Draco has holding in the pain and the tears. Years of being taught that Malfoy men don’t cry was having its toll on his young son and it was clear he needed to correct what his Father had done. Moving to sit across from Draco he handed him a glass of juice, “I can tell that something is seriously weighing on you and I know what Grandfather has taught you, but I am here to tell you that holding it in is only going to hurt you more.” He chided gently watching him closely, noticing how his hand shook.
Draco held the glass in his hands looking down into its contents; he tried to speak but shook his head as he felt the tears start to fall. He cried silently for a few moments before he took a sip of the juice, trying to calm his racing heart, and his thoughts. Slowly he told his Father what had transpired in the Great Hall. He then told his Father how he felt about the situation and how angry he was not only at Ron but at himself for not stopping it and not going to Harry and talking to him. “What really hurts was seeing the fear in his eyes, he was so scared and…” he hesitated a moment, “I don’t understand why he was so afraid, but he was.”
Lucius set his drink down and nodded, “he was afraid, probably terrified.” He concluded softly seeing the question in Draco’s eyes he placed a hand on his shoulder, “Think for one moment son, put yourself in his place. Close your eyes and imagine that you have had a crush on a young man, but you have kept it a secret because you don’t know if he will return your feelings or not. You are afraid that he will turn you away and ridicule you for your feelings. So, you hide it and teach yourself that he would never love you the way you love him. Picture yourself in his place as your best friend does what Ron did and outs you as being gay not only to your crush but to the entire school. How would you feel?” he asked wanting his son to think things through. Seeing the look of comprehension on Draco’s face he nodded, “terrified probably doesn’t even come close to what Harry felt, and I would imagine that he might have had a slight break down, which would explain why he was gone that last two weeks and why his parents pulled him home, for privacy.”
“I am so angry right now; Ron had no right to do this. He had no right to hurt Harry over something as stupid as that comment. How could a best friend do that? I would never do that to any of my friends no matter how angry I am and people call me a Bastard and a Git!” he raved glowering into his glass of juice wanting to throw it against something but he knew that would not solve the answers that were running around in his mind, that would only make things worse since it would get his Father angry with him. “I am also angry with myself, I should have stopped it! I should have gotten up and stopped it!”
“No son, you couldn’t have stopped it and if you had gotten up and drawn more attention to the situation you might have made the whole fiasco even worse.” Lucius soothed sensing that the angry his son was feeling was more at himself than anything. Seeing the look of confusion in his eyes he sighed, “Think on it, put yourself back in Harry’s place.” He encouraged, wanting his son to know that sometimes, no matter who it was, you had to stand back and let the cards fall where they may, “if you had done that you might have made the situation worse,” he explained softly explaining that sometimes by stepping into a fight such as this it might have added more embarrassment and shame on young Harry. Or it might have turned into a physical altercation with Ron, which might have turned Harry against Draco.
“It all happened so fast, it was over in the span of a breath, I followed Ron out into the hallway, I took the drawing from him, I wanted to give it back to Harry, to talk to him to make him see that it was alright, but I wasn’t able to, he must have left that night or the next morning.” Draco whispered feeling the tears on his cheeks again. “I want to make this better.” He confessed softly. He looked back down at his hands feeling drained but feeling the weight become less, he had needed to talk to someone about the situation and get things out in the open and he was thankful that his Father had seen that and not ridiculed him for it.
Lucius nodded “I know I also know that for you to feel like you are you must have been hiding your true feelings for a long time.” He said softly watching his son a moment before continuing with what he was going to ask. “Do you want to make it formal?” he asked softly knowing that his son was raised in the traditional ways of the older Wizarding families and that he would know what he meant.
Draco reached over to the table and set his glass down thinking about what his Father was asking of him, he didn’t want to just jump up and say yes, he knew he needed a moment to really ask himself why he was so upset over the situation and why he was acting the way he was. After a moment he looked up at his Father, “Yes, I want to make it formal.” He said softly.
“I will make arrangements for us to go talk with the Potter’s, why don’t you go get cleaned up for supper.” He suggested softly sensing that his son was going to need a hot shower and a moment to himself. He would also need to send the House Elf to pick up what his son would need from the vaults, “We’ll try for tomorrow, hopefully Harry will be feeling up to have company.”
Draco stood, “Thank you Father.” He said solemnly before turning to head out the door, pausing a moment he turned back, “I know Mum will want to know what is going on, you have my permission to tell her. I know how mean she can get.” He smirked. Hearing his Father’s dry chuckle he headed to his rooms, for come what may, he knew that he could make things better and that he was going to make certain that Harry was taken care of.
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James sat looking out the window to the tree house that his son was currently hiding in, it had been over two weeks since he got the call from Severus that there was something wrong and that they were needed at the school. Two weeks since he had brought his son home early from school and still his son wouldn’t talk to them. He had tried everything to get his son to open up but nothing was working. He had even insisted that Lily call the Healers had have him checked over because no one knew what was wrong. The Healers insisted to them that Harry was physically alright but clearly he was not mentally alright. Sighing as Lily set a cup of tea down he looked up at her, “this is hard.” He admitted softly, he was used to being able to make things better and he couldn’t this time.
Lily nodded, “I know, but you heard the Healers, it will take time for him to open up and the only thing we can do is encourage him to talk it out when he is ready.” She soothed knowing that on some areas of parenthood he was way out of his depth and comfort zone. Sipping her tea her mind wondered to what could have happened but it all came back to the same conclusion, one that she hadn’t voice yet.
“It just doesn’t make sense Lil, the Healers say he is physically alright but it is clear something happened and it involves Ron somehow…and the way he is acting you would swear…” his voice trailed off fearful of voicing the thought that had just hit him because the thought didn’t make any sense either. There was no way that his boy could have fallen in love with his best friend.
“That he is nursing a broken heart,” Lily decided that it was time to voice what she had been thinking, “you and I know how cruel kids can be, you and I both know that it hurts…” she muttered looking over to him as she set the tea down and added a little honey to it.
James looked at her worry written all over his face, “I thought you had forgiven Sirius for that…” he whispered clearly making the connection to what she had been referring to. Reaching for her hand he was pleased that she allowed him to take it to offer the comfort that she needed every now and again. He knew that she was standoffish to Sirius and that she had only allowed him to name him as Harry’s Godfather because of Remus. Remus whom was married to Sirius had mellowed the man out over the years and had made him see that sometimes his actions were hurting those around him.
Lily smiled softly, “I have, you know that, but as you know some days it’s hard to forget, and the way Harry is acting. Well, I see a lot of how Severus in his reaction, the isolation, the not wanting to talk, bottling it up. Do you remember how it felt that day when Sirius ousted us? I know I remember how it felt to have the entire school know that we were both in love with Severus.” She whispered.
James looked away a moment, “It’s hard to forget, the look on everyone’s face, the look horror in Severus’s eyes and thinking it was directed at us. That night holding you as you cried for what Sirius had done. I truly think the only reason I forgave him was because it had worked out, but in that heartbeat our lives were changed all because of my best friend.” He admitted.
“That is the only reason I forgave him, if it hadn’t of worked out I don’t think he would be around and I don’t think I would have allowed you to name him Harry’s Godfather.” She admitted knowing that reliving that day and talking about it was hard for James. She also knew that talking about his school years was a touchy subject, for at least two years he had been that bully that everyone had talked about. He had been the one to tease young students but one night that had all changed when the tables got turned on him. He had learned a hard lesson and he had never been cruel to anyone after his Father and Grandfather had gotten a hold of him. “You have grown up and you know now that acting the way you did was not right and that’s why Harry has come out so much better. I am proud of you for that, for not teaching him that it is ok to act the way you did, but you have to admit it all fits.”
“Yes, it does, but with Ron? Do you think Ron turned him down publicly and he got teased over it?” He asked trying to make the connections that he needed to make to help his son get through whatever it was. “I tried talking to Ron the other day when he got home all he would tell me was that he wouldn’t hurt Harry anymore and that he wouldn’t say what happened because it would hurt him.” He admitted looking back to the window. “Merlin, I can’t believe this.” He muttered.
“Either that or Ron ousted him for being gay.” Lily said not realizing that the latter statement had been closer to the truth “What was the letter from Lucius?” Lily asked knowing that James had mentioned the letter and that he needed to write a response but he hadn’t told her what the letter was about. That made her wonder, of course her and Narcissa had built up a good friendship over the years and she had missed her talks with her.
“They’re coming over today around one, something about Draco wanting to talk to me. I was going to turn them down because of…” he nodded to the back garden, “but something is telling me that I need to hear him out. Maybe he knows what in the hell is going on.” He muttered darkly. One thing was certain if Ron had the balls to turn Harry down in the middle of the Great Hall and get him ridiculed and teased he was not going to be happy with the boy. He had been friends with the boy’s Father for over twenty years, he had been there for each birthday and had encouraged Ron and Harry’s friendship, now it looked it that friendship was out the window.
“Who is coming over?” Severus moved into the kitchen to greet his lovers a soft frown marring his face. “And how is our Harry today?” he asked knowing that his son was hurting, he had wished that he had been in the Great Hall when the incident went down but he had to oversee and early detention with a first year who though it had been a great idea to put an extra ingredients in another students cauldron. Leaning over he kissed James and then Lily, there were some days where he still couldn’t believe that he was bonded to these two and that they had been allowed to form one of a hundred triad bonds. Looking over to the cradle by the table he smiled at his son sleeping peacefully. Sitting in between the two he took his coffee and waited for the answers to his questions. He had wished that one teacher had been close enough to the fight to know what had happened, but as it were there had only been a handful of teachers in the Great Hall that early on into supper and all of them had been up by the high table not down by the entrance where Ron and Harry had been. That made his fight to place teachers amongst the students all the more powerful, had there been a teacher on that end it might not have ended the way it did.
“The Malfoy’s are coming, Lucius says that Draco wishes to speak with us on an urgent matter and Harry is still the same.” James said softly. Looking over to Severus he nodded thinking about what Lily had said and he hated that she was right. When Severus was hurt he would go quiet, wouldn’t talk to anyone, and bottled it up until he hurt himself emotionally. He wished Harry hadn’t learned that but kids learned from their parents.”He’s so much like you when he gets upset or hurt, he just bottles it up, and he will not talk anyone.”
“You can be just as bad my love; there are times when you will not talk to either of us for days to weeks at a time when you are upset with us. It’s because we don’t know how to express what we are feeling properly, or we may worry about hurting our loved ones even more than we already have. With Harry I suspect he is afraid that we will just tell him to get over it, or suck it up that he’s too young to know what love is. He may also not know how to explain what he is feeling, or he just may be terrified that you and I will go a beat Ronald to a pulp.” Severus smirked trying to lighten the mood of the house, seeing the faint smile on his lover’s faces he knew that the slight joke had worked. Of course remembering when he found his young son that night and remembering how he wouldn’t talk to him, how he had been shaking and curled up in ball made the mood all the more somber again. “We have to give him time, maybe Draco knows what is going on and he can shed some light on to this.” He said echoing what James had said earlier. “I also want to thank you lover for that map. When I realized Harry was missing and no one knew where he was I used it to track him down. We never would have found him without it and I really don’t think he would have moved from that hiding spot on his own.”
“I am glad it has been handy for you over the years with keeping tabs on him. I too was hoping that Draco could tell us more about the situation, so we sit and wait.” James nodded looking out of the window again he noticed that his son had a piece of torn paper in his hands and he looked as if his world had ended. “I don’t know how much longer I can take seeing him like this, it’s not normal.” He muttered as Floo sounded with the alert of someone coming through, looking to the clock he smirked, “Always on time.” Standing he moved to greet their guests.
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Draco dressed in his best wizards robes of charcoal grey, his hair pulled back and tied at the nape of his neck straightened himself as he tucked the little box and the piece of paper into his breast pocket. Today he was going to fix what Ron had broken, looking up as his Father entered he nodded, “I’m ready Father.” He nodded pleased that his voice was strong and that he sounded confident; even though his stomach was in knots and he really just wanted to say forget it. He couldn’t do that though, not with what he knew about Harry and how he felt. Following his Father he nodded as they joined his Mother in the Study.
“Well, let us get moving, last thing we want is to be late.” Narcissa smiled as they moved to the Floo, taking the Floo powder she smiled as she stepped in and left first, she knew that her son would follow and then Lucius. This was one adult was always on the other side before Draco went; it served as a safety precaution, one that she would always use. Stepping out into the Potter’s study she unclipped her cloak as Lily, James and Severus entered. “Thank you for seeing us today.” She greeted with a soft smile.
Lily moved to properly greet her as Draco and Lucius Flooed through, “Any time Narcissa, it’s been to long since we have last sat and actually talked.” Smiling as the men shook hands and the cloaks where hung she chuckled as her newborn son let out a cry. “If you will excuse me one moment.” She chuckle softly turning to go back and pick up the baby.
“I’ve got him love,” Severus smirked moving out before anyone could stop him. He loved holding his new son and tending to him, he had hated the fact that he had missed so much of James’ pregnancy, but making the birth had made up for some of it. They had given up hope of having any more children after Harry, Lily had torn too badly and the Healers all said not to get pregnant again. So they had tried to get himself or James pregnant and after years of trying, they had proved that they could do it, James had carried their son wonderfully and now they had their second child.
“I was unaware you had another, how old is the baby?” Narcissa gushed looking thrilled that they had managed to have another. She had known that Lily had almost died giving birth to Harry and how the Healers had warned her about getting pregnant again, she had know they had been trying to get one of the men pregnant and it pleased her that they had succeeded. She also understood why they had kept it to themselves, she sure would have. Seeing Severus moved into the room with the tiny bundle she cooed. “Look at him, he is wonderful.”
“This is Jamie, he is mine and James’” Severus smirked, “and he was born three weeks ago now, we haven’t made any announcements because we know we wouldn’t be left alone.” Severus chuckled as everyone congratulated them, he allowed Narcissa to hold the baby as Draco ever so politely asked if he could speak to himself and James alone a moment. Seeing the smirk on Lucius’ face he knew something was up as James nodded and they lead the way out to his study
Lily looking confused watched them leave as they all found sets, “so what is going on?” she asked knowing that they knew something. There had to be a reason for Draco to want to speak to James and Severus alone a moment and it made her heart race to think about what that could mean.
“Our young man knows what happened that day in the Great Hall, and he is here to try and make things better.” Narcissa smiled softly as she rocked the baby. It had been so long since she held a little one but she was glad that she only had Draco, she did not think she could handle that again. “We’ll explain more when he is done talking to James and Severus; he was insistent that he speak to both of them.”
“He knows that even though James is Harry’s biological Father, that Severus is still Father to him as well and I think it means a lot to Draco to have both of them on board.” Lucius said with a faint smirk. He knew that at that moment he had been raising his son up right and that his son no longer really needed him, he would of course be there to guide him but his son was now capable of making decisions on his own.
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Draco followed the two men into the study; he didn’t even really look around as they closed the door behind them for privacy. He was too nervous and if he looked around then he might have just walked out and not come back, but he had to do this, for Harry, he had to do this. Feeling his heartbeat fast he took a deep breath trying to relay an outward calm as both men sat in the wingback chairs by the fire and offered him the seat across from them. “Thank you for seeing me today, I know that these past two weeks have been hard and I know that Harry must be feeing torn up and not up to company.” He started noticing the look in their eyes.
“He is taking things very hard right now; he won’t tell us what happened.” James hinted hoping that Draco would open up to them and tell them what was going on because now it was clear that he did know something and that it was important. Seeing the slight sheen in the young man’s eyes he knew that Draco was also hurting for whatever reason.
“Harry was hurt by the actions of his friend Ron, Ron let his temper and anger get the best of him and he said things and did something that caused a chain reaction in the Great Hall. I feel that part of this mess is my fault. For the longest time I have convinced myself that I couldn’t be with Harry, I was convinced that it was best to hide my feelings and portray a picture of someone who was untouchable. I did this because; one I did not know where his preferences lie and two because I didn’t want to go through what he is going through, humiliation if had turned me away. If I had had the courage to speak to him and get to know him better than I do then this mess may not have happened, unfortunately we will never know. We are not seers nor can I use Father’s time turner, though I did think about that.” Draco admitted hoping that these two men were not about to get angry with him, but he knew that he had to be honest. If he wasn’t than all his dreams would go up in smoke.
Severus couldn’t help but chuckle at the last part, he knew that Draco would have used it if had been able to get his hands on it. Looking over at James he could see the wonder in his eyes and the dots were slowly connecting themselves together. “So, why do you come to us today?” He asked wanting to know what Draco needed from them.
“I come to you both today to ask your permission to formally court you son and heir Harry James Potter.” Draco said knowing that they were about to make the connection to what really went down in the Great Hall. Feeling his heartbeat faster he hoped that they couldn’t hear it. It would betray him and his nerves.
James looked a little startled, “do you know what you are asking of us?” he asked quietly, he knew what the rules were for a formal courtship and so did Harry, he had taught him the older more traditional ways as well. He knew though that Severus may have been a little confused being Muggle raised he might not have been taught and therefore may not know what was going on.
“I do sir, I know that if your son accepts it is a contract of magical proportions until Harry or myself either decides to Bond or we decide that we are not suited and separate with parental permission. I know that upon acceptance of the courtship I will be required to wear his courtship ring and him mine. I know that there will be no others that shall attract my attention, for shall I stray even once the contract will be automatically broken unless it is an event that is not of my doing,” Draco paused thinking that if anyone took advantage of him that way would end up dead, “I know that shall he accept it will be my duty to show that I can take care of him and show that I can treat him properly. I know that I still have a lot of learning and growing to do but I hope that I can learn and grow with Harry beside me.” He went on about the gifts and the meaning behind the gifts and what he had already had planned. The first gift had to mean something significant to both to show that he was sincere, “I have my first gift with me, but I would like to keep a secret for the moment.” He finished knowing by the look in his eyes that he had impressed James. Not many went through the formal courtships anymore many believed that they were outdated, but he rather liked the idea. Wearing Harry’s ring would show everyone that he was taken and vise versa. It would show Harry that he would stand by him through the gossip and whispers.
Severus looked from James to Draco and voiced another question that had been on his mind since he had been told about the argument, “I was told that there was something that Ron and Harry where fighting over, a piece of paper. Do you know what that was?” he asked wanting to gain more answers. Seeing the look in Draco’s eyes he knew that the young man knew.
Draco had been dreading that question, “I do sir,” he admitted looking to Severus, “In fact I have the piece that tore off in Ron’s hand but…” he stopped trying to find the right words to explain why he did not want to tell them what it was. “I hope you will forgive me but I can’t say what it is yet, I don’t have Harry’s permission to divulge what is on it and I don’t want to hurt him anymore than he has already been.” He said softly seeing that the adults were listening and possibly accepting what he was saying.
Severus nodded he knew that Harry was a private person and when they had breached that privacy without his permission it broke the trust Harry had in them. Over the years they had allowed Harry that privacy and had never had any reason to breach it, he would have to trust that his son was not doing anything stupid. At the moment Draco had impressed him with how he wished to respect his son and that privacy and that won him over more than anything. “Are you certain this is what Harry would want?” Severus asked not fully understanding what was going on about the formal courting but knowing that James and Lucius would fill in the blanks later and that he could get his own questions answered.
Draco hesitated a moment, “I’m not certain sir, because I don’t know, all I do know is what I saw in the Great Hall and what I heard in the Great Hall, shouted by Ron. I truly think that Harry will accept and that it would ease the pain he is feeling right now.” Draco concluded knowing that even if they did not agree that he could maybe at least talk to Harry and get to him that way.
James nodded, “Could you give Severus and me a moment Draco?” He asked knowing that he did not want to make this decision alone, it was a choice that could alter his son’s life, he didn’t want his son upset with him. Watching as Draco nodded and slipped out he silenced the room before turning to Severus to explain what a formal courtship was in the traditional families and that yes he had taught Harry about it. “I am now thinking that Ron ousted Harry in the Great Hall, and I am now thinking it had to do with Draco.” He admitted. “What should we do?”
Severus rubbed the bridge of his nose trying to think and he sighed softly as his mind turned to his son and thinking about the times he had been watching Harry without him knowing. He remembered seeing the look on Harry’s face when he saw Draco go past, he remembered seeing the times he would bit his lip or look away when Draco would spot him. He remembered how that felt, he remembered watching James and Lily and feeling as if his world was always right in front of him, but not in his grasp. “I think we should say yes, and give him our blessing.” He admitted before he told him about what he had seen at the school. “We don’t want to break Draco’s heart and if he believes that Harry will accept then who are we to stand in the way. We know how it feels, we know that pain, and it seems that History has repeated itself.”
James nodded, “It seems that you are right.” He muttered after a moment, “I had hoped that Harry wouldn’t know this humiliation. I had hoped that we had given him the confidence to approach anyone and ask them out.” James shook his head wondering what had gone wrong. He thought back to the times when Harry had been little and all the times when he had made Lily and Severus back off a bit to allow Harry to gain the confidence he needed to do things, he remembered telling them over and over that they couldn’t make all the choices for him. Had he been right to do what he had done, or should he have allowed them to step in and protect Harry more than they had.
Severus shook his head, “we have love, but as you know sometimes it is not that easy to just walk up to someone and ask them out. That is especially true when your heart wants someone of the same sex. You and I both know that the standards of society dictate that ‘normal’ is a man and woman. Yes, we men in the wizarding world can carry a child which is why same sex pairings are not frowned upon but there is still that fear of being ridiculed because you love someone of your sex. I also know what you are thinking at the moment,” he took his hands knowing that James was thinking that they had set the example for Harry and shown him through their relationship that being with the same sex was alright, “you have to remember that being at the school and the peer pressure that goes with it sometimes overrides the common sense of the teenage mind. He was afraid, just like we were; whatever was on that page got flashed to the entire school and I imagine there was talk and a few nasty glances or glares. So he ran, just like we did. All we can do at this moment is reassure him that it is alright and that we will stand by him. Just like your Mum and Dad did and just like Lily’s parents did.” He reasoned.
James nodded, “I love you and your cool reasoning logic at times.” He admitted before standing and kissing him before he moved to let Draco back in, he was pleased that Severus was on his side, it would make things easier. “Come in Draco.” He smiled softly knowing that the wait was harder than anything. Shutting the door again he moved to the desk and opened a drawer with a grin, pulling out a small box he nodded to Draco. “You have mine and Severus’ permission and blessing.” He said handing the box to him. “Harry is currently outside in his tree house, why don’t you go and ask him if he will accept and if he does, than you will need that.” He said nodding to the box in Draco’s hand. The smile that Draco graced them with was all he needed to know they had made the right choice.
“Thank you sirs, I will do my best make Harry happy.” He bowed to them then hurried out to find Harry. Moving past the parlor he didn’t even hear his Father chuckle as they watched him go by.
Moving back into the study James and Severus both found a seat next to Lily to explain to her what was going on and why Draco had wanted to speak to them. Looking up at Lucius he nodded. “You have quite the charmer there Lucius.” James commented as he accepted as drink from Lily.
“Oh I know, he is the one that convinced me this was the best way, so I decided to let him try.” Lucius smirked not elaborating on the second option that had been going through his mind. Seeing the look on Lily’s face he chuckled as they explained to her what was going on and why they had come over.
“So Ron had ousted him about liking Draco and Draco came over today to ask to formally court our son?” Lily asked hoping she was getting things straight and seeing the slight nods she sighed “What did you tell him?” Lily asked her men watching them for signs that they were covering up for each other but seeing the slight pained look she knew what they had decided and she was pleased with them. “You told him yes?”
“We did, you of all people know I couldn’t break that boys heart, I didn’t even have the heart to scare him. He was so honest and sincere in his approach that I could not bring myself to even try and scare the hell out of him like most Fathers would have.” James admitted as he looked to Lucius. “What was your second option?” he asked knowing that Lucius loved to have back up plans. Seeing the grin on his face he chuckled and shook his head, “you wouldn’t have.”
Lucius shrugged, “I had a marriage contract drafted, but I think Draco has the better way. So I will let him handle this, I think he has done a wonderful job so far.” He admitted as everyone laughed. It was clear that they were going to be alright and that they could live with each other as in-laws. “I also have to admit that I am proud of how well he carried himself, I remember what it was like going to Mr. Black to ask about Narcissa and I must admit Mr. Black scared the hell out of me before he laughed and gave me permission. I tell you that conversation didn’t take long, it never does…”
“But it feels like an eternity in that heartbeat waiting for the yes or no.” James interrupted with a grin knowing what they meant. For even though he had not gone through a formal courting with Lily or Severus he knew that any moment like that feels like forever even though it all takes place in the span of a heart beat.
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Draco paused at the back door and removed his robes and tie leaving him in his slacks and a white button down shirt. Tucking the two small boxes he had in his pocket he pulled out the torn picture. Looking down at it a moment he took a calming breath knowing that he had to approach Harry carefully. He knew that Harry more than likely was going to see him and be afraid that he had come to put him down or tease him about the situation. Looking around the garden he noticed that Harry was no longer in the tree house but was now sitting under it. His knees where drawn up, his hands holding the torn page, he looked lost and hurt.
Harry looked up startled by the slight noise from the back door; he figured one of his Fathers was coming out to talk to him again. He froze though when he saw Draco moving to him. Feeling his breath draw up short and his heart start to race he glanced around for a quick exit but couldn’t find one. Why was he here? Was he here to rub it in face and tell him off for having feelings for him? He didn’t think he could handle any more humiliation that what he had already been through. Licking his lips he tried to come up with something to get him to leave but Draco’s actions stopped him, he sat right next to him. Looking away he tried to hold back the tears that where threatening. “I…” he shook his head trying to form a coherent thought. Seeing Draco’s hands move toward him he flinched away afraid of what he was going to do, but he stopped when he realized that Draco had something in his hands. Looking over to him he saw the torn page that went with his picture. He watched as Draco put the two halves together and whispered one word that would mend the pages.
“I am sorry that Ron did what he did and I am sorry that I have not spoken to you until now about things. I should have talked to you sooner and come clean with my feelings but I was afraid.” Draco said softly watching Harry’s reaction to not only what he had done but to his words as well. He knew that Harry would protest that what Ron did was not his fault and he was right but saying it made him feel better. “I know we don’t know much about each other, but I have come here today in hopes to rectify that.”
“This wasn’t your fault and…” Harry stopped this was the last thing he wanted, he did not want Draco’s pity nor to date him because he pitted him. He didn’t think he could handle that kind of a relationship and it would end up meaningless with him more broken up than he was now and Draco laughing about it.
Draco knew this was coming and he also knew that Harry believed that he wanted to date out of pity; he had to show him just how wrong he was. “Sometimes, we cause things to happen without meaning to and I helped cause this. Had I talked to you and asked you out long before now this might not have happened and if it did it wouldn’t have upset you as badly because we would have already been together. I can tell through this wonderful drawing that you have been watching me.” He whispered as he pulled out something from his pocket, “I must confess I have been watching you too. I know your class schedule by heart, I know when you walk past certain windows and I make it a point to be near that window. I know when you practice Quidditch and when you take your walks by the lake. I know your favorite dessert is treacle tart and Honey Dukes fudge bars…” he confessed softly showing him the picture that he held.
Harry took the picture not believing what he was hearing or seeing, Draco had been watching him; Draco knew his routine so well that he knew when to be by the windows or at the doors just so they could run into each other. “That day before we went into the Great Hall you bumped into me,”
“On purpose,” Draco confessed, “I would intentionally bump into you or have one of my friends bump into you and knock you over on to me. I thought it was the only way I could touch you, I went about this all wrong. I shouldn’t have hidden myself away and made everyone think that I was only into pretty girls, because I am not, the only one I want to date and be with is you.” He reached into his pocked again and pulled out one of the small boxes, making certain it was the Malfoy ring he offered the box to Harry. “For two weeks I looked for you and tried to find you but I found out you were pulled home. I came over today to make things better, I have asked for your Father’s permission and blessing and they have granted it so now I ask you. Harry James Potter will you do me the honor of allowing me to formally court you?” he asked showing him the courtship ring that lay inside the box.
Harry closed his eyes against the tears, all his dreams, all his hopes were now right in front of him. He couldn’t believe that Draco was asking for a formal courtship, that he was willing to bind himself to him until they either formally bonded or decided that it was not going to work out, but it was clear that Draco wanted it to work out. Merlin, he had no idea where his family’s courtship ring even was but he knew that he wanted this and it was also clear that Draco had respected him enough to ask the parents for permission first. That did bring a sobering thought though, “how much do my parents know?” he asked softly.
“Not much, I told them I couldn’t give details without your permission, they don’t know what the paper was, they don’t know for certain what the argument was about, granted they probably have figured some of it out. In fact if you accept I was hoping my first gift to you would be repairing the picture,” Draco grinned hoping that the answer wouldn’t ruin Harry accepting his ring.
Harry smiled softly Draco had respected him enough to not tell his Fathers what had happened in detail but tell enough for his parents to understand how much Draco believed that he wanted this, that took skill. It also touched him that Draco had gotten and kept the piece that had torn just so he could put it back together. The moment he had fixed the page it was as if his heart had been mended as well. It was at that moment he knew the answer, “I accept and would be honored to enter into a formal courtship with you Draco Lucius Malfoy.” He answered.
Draco smiled as he slipped the ring on to his finger and then pulled out the other small box that James had given him, “you Father James thought you might want this.” He smiled giving him the box so he could place the courtship ring on his hand.
Harry looked surprised as he took the box, “my Father is always prepared it seems.” He smiled as he slipped the ring onto Draco’s hand as Draco had repeated the same words that Harry had spoken, formally binding the courtship. “This means I have to forgive Ron now…” Harry muttered after a moment as he leaned on Draco’s shoulder.
Draco chuckled, “no you don’t, not right away. Make him suffer a little first, I know I will. In fact I have half a mind to make him do a formal apology, as is my right.” Draco smirked knowing that if he demanded that kind of an apology Ron would be forced to go in front of not only his Father but Harry’s Father’s as well and explain to them what he did to their sons and ask for their forgiveness before he could be granted forgiveness from himself and Harry. Lacing his hand through Harry’s he smiled. “You know your parents went through something similar to this.” He whispered wanting Harry to be able to relate to his parents and talk to them like he did his Father. Hearing the slight startlement he nodded. “Your Godfather, my Uncle Sirius, did something like this to them. I don’t know the full story but according to Father they were in class. James and your Mum had been dating for awhile but that they held feeling for Severus too. They had only told maybe two other people, my Father and Sirius. Well something happened in class, I think Sirius was teasing Severus and your Father got mad and stepped in. Sirius then turned on James and basically did what Ron did. My Father said it was a mess, but as you can see it worked out.”
Harry sighed, “Like us, I guess that explains why Father Severus doesn’t really hang around when Sirius comes over. It’s easy to forgive but hard to forget especially when you have been hurt by those you called family.” He whispered softly thinking about Ron and agreeing that maybe he needed to suffer a little; maybe it would teach him to think!
Draco nodded “I agree and I know that we will have our arguments and little spats but I hope that I never hurt you like that and if I do please tell me so I can fix it, and I’ll try to do the same. I want us to be able to work things out.” Hearing Harry voice his agreement on the matter he smiled, knowing that things were going to be alright. He felt his heartbeat return to normal and feeling as if that weight was lifted he sighed contently. Two weeks ago his world had changed and all in the span of a heartbeat but he wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
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In A Heartbeat