Uncomfortable Truths

Chapter Ninety-Two - Chaos

Harry is going to miss the penthouse. It feels like home in a way that few places ever feel like for him. Sure, it's posh and a bit modern for his taste, but how it looks and how it feels are totally different. Even at the Burrow there was always the lingering sense of this is the Weasley's home, he was always made to feel welcomed; and maybe that was the problem. He was made to feel welcome. Not that he didn't feel welcomed the first time he set foot in the Burrow, because he did. He absolutely did, and it was his home; but it was Ron's home, and Ginny's... it was Fred's home.

Hogwarts feels like home. It's always felt like home, but it never was his home. He learned that when he was sleeping in a tent for a year. Knowing that he couldn't go back there; that's not a home. A home is somewhere you're always welcomed.

Grimmauld Place only ever felt like home when Sirius was there; and even then, that home had its issues.

The penthouse, even being Draco's place, doesn't feel the same as the others. Maybe if it was Malfoy Manor he wouldn't feel like this was home. Maybe it's because this wasn't ever the Malfoy family home, it felt like theirs.

It's the first time since they've been together that it feels like it's real. That they are really married, that they really have these kids, that their life is really moving forward, together. That they're not playing at these things. It's both exhilarating and frightening. Mostly, he just couldn't be happier.

Strong arms circle his waist, a pointy chin rests on his shoulder, "What's going through that empty head of yours, Potter?" Draco kisses his neck.

"You're such an ass." Harry laughs, "You would be perfect if you never spoke, you know that, yeah?"

"I quit listening to you after you said I was perfect." He kisses his neck again. "You seem contemplative, what's wrong?"

"Nothing." Harry turns in his arms, "I'm just happy here, with you. I don't want to go back."

"We must." Draco kisses him.

It's a long lazy kiss with the sun breaking the horizon, another reason he doesn't want to go back. Two more months and this will be permanent. He can wait two more months.

"Let's go back to bed." Draco whispers in his ear.

"I knew there was a reason I love you, you're brilliant." Harry kisses him, pushing him towards their bedroom.

"Hey Coach."

They break apart at the footsteps on the metal stairs.

"Steadforth." Draco sighs, he can't wait to have two less hooligans around, even if he is fond of these hooligans. At least Kyle and Kenneth sleep late.

"Oh, sorry." He runs a hand through his hair, "I meant Coach Harry. Do you still want to go running before the train?"

"Yeah." Harry nods, he pulls Draco in for another kiss. "Sorry, I forgot why I was up this early."

"I'm going back to bed." Draco yawns. "Enjoy."

*****

Harry and Ian return to a penthouse in complete chaos. Kenneth is looking under the sofa; Wispy is busy making breakfast; Toby has an arm full of clothes he's throwing on the same sofa Kenneth's looking under; and Draco and Kyle are arguing.

"I'm going to shower." Ian whispers to Harry.

"Potter!" Draco yells, "Tell him this is completely unacceptable attire to return to school in."