Drarry: Starting Over

The Three Broomsticks: Harry

"I don't like the sound of this. A double date?" Draco and Harry stood in the kitchen of 12 Grimmauld Place, Floo Power at the ready.

"Come on, they're my best mates! How bad could it be?"

"Bloody terrible."

"Relax, it'll be fine." Harry grabbed Draco and dragged him into the fireplace. Throwing the powder down, he said, "The Three Broomsticks!" They were engulfed in green flame, and arrived at the little wizard pub a few seconds later.

       "Harry! There you are. I almost thought you wouldn't show up," Hermione greeted. "And..." she said the next part with a little difficulty. "Draco, how lovely to see you. We've already got a table, come on." She gestured for them to follow. Draco grabbed Harry's hand by instinct. Harry could feel the sweat seeping from Malfoy's hand to his own.

"Are you....nervous?" Harry asked.

"No." Draco said defensively. "Course not." Harry gave a light chuckle.

"Who'd've imagined? Draco Malfoy, nervous!"

"Shut up, Potter." They sat down together, across from Hermione and Ron.

       "So," Ron said to Harry. "You've been helping out George with the shop? I'm surprised he didn't mention it."

       "He's just got a lot on his mind," Harry vouched. The topic of Fred was delicately stepped over, much to the relief of everyone at the table. Ron, of course, missed him as well, but Harry knew he had a much different tact for dealing with it. Ron chose to ignore it.

       It was at this time that a waitress came and took their orders. She had no problem taking most of them, and even reveled in taking Harry's but hesitated when it came to Draco. No one knew of Draco himself, but it was easy enough to distinguish a Malfoy, and easier still to know they had been Death Eaters. Harry squeezed Draco's hand in defense, and made sure the waitress saw.

       Later that night, Draco coughed up a thank you for it. A very hard task, for him.

       "I'm always here when you need me," Harry said.

       "You'd better be, Potter." Then he kissed him, and Harry knew Draco believed him.