The Boy Who Was Given Up

Chapter Thirty: Questions and TEA...

The next week at Hogwarts passed peacefully for Draco and Harry. Their relationship was now public, and reactions were predictable: some were disappointed they weren't single anymore (mainly Theo), while others couldn't stop fangirling and bombarding them with questions. Draco and Harry, naturally, tried their best to avoid the chaos.

By the weekend, however, avoidance wasn't an option. Petunia and Narcissa were determined to bring the boys back to the Malfoy estate to fuel their inner fangirls and finally get some answers.

"Do we have to go?" Harry whined to Draco, still curled up in bed. Draco had come to check on him, only to find him making no effort to rise.

"You know we do, love. If we don't go, they'll come to us—and that would be worse," Draco reasoned, sitting beside him.

Harry groaned. "I suppose. I'll meet you outside in ten."

Draco chuckled at the pout on Harry's face.

When Harry finally appeared, looking tired and hesitant, Draco smiled reassuringly. "Cheer up, Har. It's only for a few hours."

"Yeah, I suppose," Harry said, defeated, which only made Draco chuckle again.

Breakfast in the Great Hall was predictably dramatic. The moment they entered, the room went silent, followed by whispers.

"Look!" a second-year Hufflepuff murmured.

"Aww, they're so cute!" a fifth-year Ravenclaw exclaimed.

"Ugh, why do they have to be together? I'd be way better with Draco," a Gryffindor girl whispered to her friend.

"And me with Harry," her friend muttered, glaring at Draco.

Harry rolled his eyes, grabbed Draco's hand, and dragged him to the Slytherin table.

"Why do they all think they have the right to whisper about us?" Harry complained.

"Half of them think it's cute," Pansy said with a grin.

"And the other half wishes it was them holding your hand, understandably," Theo added, sounding a little bitter.

Draco shrank slightly at the comment, but Harry squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"Not you too, Theo. We're friends, and nothing would have happened anyway," Harry said matter-of-factly.

Theo frowned, shrugged, and seemed to accept it.

The table banter continued lightly, until Crabbe and Goyle entered. They had avoided the Great Hall all week, likely fearing Harry's retaliation. The only seats left were next to the friend group.

Harry raised an eyebrow but spoke casually. "It's fine. I wouldn't take revenge publicly."

"What? Revenge?" Theo asked, confused.

"Yeah. These two goons decided to attack my brother," Harry said bitterly. Draco squeezed his hand again, calming him.

Pansy shrieked in shock.

"They're lucky. I promised Dudley I wouldn't use violence. He's not a fan," Harry continued, and the pair visibly relaxed.

"However," Harry added, eyes sharp, "you will hurt no one ever again. If I find out otherwise, this deal is void."

Crabbe and Goyle nodded eagerly. "Yes. Thank you! We promise!"

Harry returned to his breakfast, hand still holding Draco's.

Theo muttered in disbelief. "Wait—they get off with a warning, and I hurt your brother and get a beating and silent treatment?"

Harry shrugged. "Anger helps nothing. I've realized that. I never want to put anger where it doesn't belong."

Theo just nodded. Pansy laughed. "If Draco makes you like this, everyone ships it."

Harry shook his head, still holding Draco's hand under the table.

After breakfast, the boys headed to Lilly and James's quarters, where Petunia waited.

"Hello, boys!" she beamed.

"Hey," they said in unison, sitting on the couch with Evan.

"Nothing much... oh, and good luck. She's been bouncing off the walls since she found out, and so has your mom," Evan whispered before Petunia burst back in.

"Right! Let's go! Cissa's waiting!" she exclaimed.

The boys rolled their eyes, entered the Floo, and said in unison, "Malfoy Manor."

Inside, Narcissa enveloped them in bear hugs.

"I'm just so happy, boys!" she screeched.

Lucius chuckled from the corner. "Come on, dear, they still need air."

Narcissa laughed but let go.

The mothers reunited with a squeal of excitement, leaving the boys wincing slightly.

"Let's go to the lounge and talk details," they said together.

Draco sighed but followed.

"I'll meet you there. I just want to speak with Lucius for a moment," Harry said. Everyone nodded, surprised.

In Lucius's office, Harry fidgeted before blurting out, "I, uh... I want to formally ask if I can take Draco on a date... and, well, date him?"

Lucius smiled. "Harry, slow down. I appreciate you asking. You're already part of the family. You have my permission."

"Thank you," Harry said, relief flooding his features.

"Just know that if you hurt him, I won't hesitate to make your life hell," Lucius added.

"I would never hurt him. I love him," Harry said, grinning. "Plus, I have another half keeping me in check."

"I understand. You have my full blessing," Lucius said, smiling.

Harry exhaled in relief. "Thanks. You won't regret this."

"I'm sure I won't," Lucius agreed. "He'll need our help to survive those two gossipers."

"Definitely. I'm surprised he's lasted this long," Harry laughed.

Entering the lounge, they found Draco with his head flung back, Narcissa and Petunia speaking at lightning speed.

"Oh good, you're back. I have some questions," Petunia said.

Harry interrupted, listing: "Yes, we're mates. Yes, we're dating. No, we haven't gone on a date yet. Yes, he's my forever. Yes, I'm in love with him. And yes, you won the bet. Is that all?"

He reached for Draco's hand.

Petunia and Narcissa were momentarily speechless.

Lucius chuckled. "I've never seen them lose words before."

Draco laughed, giving Harry a small congratulatory peck.

Petunia finally squealed. "I won! Wait, how did you know about the bet?"

Harry explained simply, and everyone was rendered speechless.

He joked lightly. "Wow, I know I'm gorgeous and smart, but no need to get flustered. I have a boyfriend."

The afternoon settled into casual conversation until Harry and Draco retreated to Draco's room.

"Well, that was exhausting," Draco said, flopping onto the bed.

"At least it's over," Harry agreed.

"Dray?" Harry asked cautiously.

"Yeah?"

"Next weekend is Hogsmeade. I was wondering if you'd like to go on a date?"

Draco's face lit up. He engulfed Harry in a hug. "YES! YES! YES!"

Harry laughed and hugged him back.

And so, their first official date was set. Harry could hardly wait.