A Second Night to Remember, Part 4
Art by the talented @IshikiRyu
"Hello, beautiful."
Dracaena jumped and hit the air where the voice behind her was, successfully landing a hit on Harry’s shoulder as he chuckled. Harry revealed his head from under his cloak, floating in the corner of the alcove.
"You are NEVER to do that again." Dracaena said sternly. Her face was pink, partially from anger but mostly from embarrassment about how fast her heart was fluttering.
"Sorry," Harry's laughter petered out slowly. "It's only fair for making me wait." Harry grinned.
"That's- that's not my fault. I was merely making sure that I would be prepared for whatever you had planned for tonight. You never did tell me." Dracaena's composure returned as the pink in her cheeks began to lessen.
"Of course." Harry mentally thanked Hermione once again. "I think you'll like the surprise." Harry said, smirking. As will I, once I figure out what Hermione has done, Harry thought to himself.
"A surprise? It's not a walk around the lake, is it?" Dracaena teased playfully.
"No, of course not. But there has been a last-minute change or two, so I hope you like it." Harry did his best to hide his embarrassment. He wasn't used to someone knowing him so well.
"Good. I expect quite a bit from you tonight. You aren't allowed to take me on my first Valentine's date and ruin it with something like that." Dracaena said it all with her usual dry Malfoy countenance, which melted into a small smile as it was Harry's turn to go pink, along with looking unusually sheepish.
"But don't worry, I'm just happy to be spending this evening with you." Dracaena tapped the tip of her finger to the end of Harry's nose at the end of the sentence. Harry almost died.
"That's... sorry. I, uh, have, uh, something for you." Harry stammered out, shrugging off the Invisibility Cloak and letting it fall to the ground. It revealed two things to Dracaena: Harry's rather dapper appearance and two pieces of her girlhood dreams.
Dracaena barely contained a squeal, which looked to Harry as nothing more than a hiccup. Dracaena calmed herself, then then looked at Harry’s face. His expression was falling by the second while patiently waiting for Dracaena's response.
Dracaena waited, listening for any footsteps echoing throughout the hallways or down from the stairs above them. It was silent, save for the faint flicker of the magical flames that lived eternally in the granite braziers that lined the hall. She was safe to be herself now. She then inspected the gifts visually, waiting for just enough time to pass.
The longer Dracaena was silent, the more Harry's heart fell. She must hate these. Harry thought about all the ways he was going to kill Hermio-
Dracaena's soft voice broke the silence.
"I suppose they are... acceptable," Dracaena raised her nose and looked at Harry. He was crestfallen and his shoulders drooped, looking down towards the ground he wanted to melt in to and disappear. Dracaena saw his reaction and sprung her trap. She leapt at Harry, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck and kissing him once on the cheek. "I absolutely love them, thank you," she whispered softly in his ear, their cheeks touching
Harry heart leapt back up. He stood up straight and hugged Dracaena back tightly, careful not to crush the roses. He's going to... well, not kiss Hermione, but at least not kill her anymore. So far.
They broke their hug and Harry handed the flowers and the chocolates to Dracaena. "I'm glad you like them."
Dracaena happily took them both in her hands. She smelled the roses, which smelled as fresh as the day they were cut (or conjured, unbeknownst to her). The heart-shaped box of chocolates, a deep red with a faint "Honeydukes" in the same color as the rest of the box with a light gold border, had a pair of cupids flying around the edge of the box, firing arrows with heart-shaped tips at each other. She chuckled when one hit the other in back, the arrow bounced off, and the cupid rubbed that spot before continuing to fly before repeating the cycle again.
Her father may have a low opinion of Honeydukes (despite the sweets he always brought her from there), but this was everything she has dreamed of for a long time.
Dracaena opened her purse and placed both of them gently into there for safekeeping from prying eyes. Harry was astonished.
"Wait, how did you do that? Is that a-"
"Extension Charm? Yes, of course. My father got this for me last year. It's a little out of style now, but quite useful if I do say so myself. Quite difficult to get, unless you're a Malfoy." Dracaena was quite happy with this little exemption that Father got for her.
Harry lightly grimaced at the thought of her father. He hadn't had a positive interaction with him in the past and he was certain he wouldn't have one in the future, at this rate. "That's... that's nice." Harry said, flatly.
Dracaena saw Harry's grimace, but didn't push it and changed the subject as the clock tower began to chime, the first of seven times.
"Thank you again for the gifts. You still haven’t informed me yet: where are we going?" she said in an oddly pleasant version of her Malfoy tone.
The Harry she preferred came back out, knelt down to pick up his cloak, and replied. "Like I said, that's a surprise. I hope you're ready for a bit of a walk."
"Are you sure we aren't walking around the lake today?" Dracaena teased again.
Harry grinned. "We'll be near it, but no. Now are you going to keep guessing or are you going to join me under here?" Harry was holding up the cloak with one hand, still bundled up, and holding out his other to her, waiting for her response.
Dracaena let go of what little control she had over the color of her cheeks as she took his warm hand. She could barely stop her thoughts about safely being this close to Harry for so long. "Yes."
Harry pulled Dracaena towards him and threw the cloak over the two of them. "It's a bit tight. Used to fit three rather easily. We'll have to be close," Harry looked down at Dracaena, who was at the moment quite invested in staring down at her right index finger. It was gliding up and down on his chest, feeling the green silk shirt he wore and tracing around the buttons. A small smirk crossed Harry’s face. "I hope that's not an issue,” Harry said, as flatly as he could manage.
Dracaena slowly looked up as her finger continued to dance on his chest, smiled, and shook her head side to side. She did not want to speak, even if she had the ability to do so.
"Brilliant," Harry stepped slightly to the side and grabbed her right hand with his left, and they both interlocked their fingers with each other.
Off they went, with Harry leading the way and watching where they were going. Dracaena was far too preoccupied with watching Harry to notice much else. They climbed the stairs in silence as a few older students were late wandering back from dinner in Great Hall (and some of them towards their own plans for tonight). Harry and Dracaena were able to make their way past the Great Hall, out through the Entrance Hall, and into the snowy winter night. The moon was almost full, illuminating the courtyard now covered with a thin layer of snow. The snowstorm from earlier had stopped just in time for the pair to make their way out into the night. Stepping outside brought a chill to Dracaena in spite of her winter robes, but her right hand was more than warm enough.
"It's perfect." Dracaena whispered.
"We're not even close, actually, but I'm glad you like the courtyard tonight. It does look perfect." Harry was not staring at the courtyard.
They paused in the middle of the courtyard, their eyes locked upon each others’.
Dracaena blinked first and broke the silence, more out of necessity rather than a desire to leave. "Before we freeze to death, can you please take me to... whatever you have planned for us tonight?" Dracaena's warm voice did not match her cold disposition, and Harry laughed.
"Yes, yes. Sorry. Follow me." Harry once again took the lead at Dracaena's insistence.
The pair crossed the courtyard and made their way across the bridge to the other side of the castle. Harry's mind was solely on dodging the usual people (and ghosts) that his nighttime escapades usually led him to and Dracaena was thinking about Harry.
Not just Harry, but how ridiculous this all felt to her. No, not ridiculous, Dracaena thought. Fantastical.
Walking across that bridge overlooking the lake, on a snowy night with the moon in the sky, and with her hand in Harry's as they sneaked off to have a date was something she had dreamed about quite a bit over the past year and a half and even more after the Yule Ball was announced. She needed to do something about it.
“Stop, Harry, just for a moment.”
Harry looked around to make sure they were alone, then looked down at her.
“What is it, Dracaena? Didn’t you just tell me to get us going?” Harry said playfully.
“Just… let me take this in.” Dracaena’s voice was small, and there were small tears in her eyes, which were not looking at Harry for once. Harry did not see the witch that he had grown to argue with and respect nor the Seeker he raced against in their Quidditch matches but a girl who needed him. Ignoring his old urge to mock or make fun of her, Harry wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him, her face buried in his shoulder.
Dracaena was quiet, gathering her thoughts and very much appreciating the smell of Harry filling her nose. She still couldn’t manage to get all her thoughts quiet from earlier, but this was helping. A muffled “Mmm, thank you” eventually broke the silence and Dracaena stepped away and looked at Harry.
“Thank you, Harry” Dracaena said, her voice returning to her usual strength
“Are you okay, Dracaena? Is something wrong? We can talk about it. You can tell me anything. I’ll help you.” Harry had a worried look on his face.
“Yes, I am okay,but don’t worry about it. Not tonight,” Dracaena lightly sniffed, mostly from the cold. “We can talk about it later.”
Harry, not convinced, wanted to push more but chose not to. “Alright.” Harry nodded warmly and offered his left hand. “Shall we?”
“Yes.” Dracaena replied, grabbing his left hand with her right and his left arm with her left hand.
The pair continued onward, crossing the bridge to the Library Annex. They were quiet as they went down and around the stairs, the same stairs that Harry watched Dracaena walked up a few days ago as she waved goodbye to him.
As they crossed the hall, the faint sound of footsteps started to echo down the hall and grew ever louder. Dracaena tensed up and pulled herself even closer to Harry. Harry lightly chuckled and slightly puffed out his chest.
“Afraid, my dear?” Harry whispered with a playful tone of mockery.
“Quiet, they’ll hear us. We need to hide!” Dracaena responded in a panicked whisper.
Harry looked at Dracaena. She was frightened, eyes bouncing between the direction of the incoming footsteps and around the hall for a place to hide. Harry thought she looked particularly cute.
“Dracaena.” Harry whispered.
“Seriously, Harry. I’m not getting detention for this.” She was only getting more anxious.
“Dracaena, look at me.” Harry said calmly.
Dracaena’s eyes stopped their frantic searchand looked at Harry. He was calm and his eyes shone in the dark hall behind his glasses. She calmed down, if ever so slightly.
“What are we under?” Harry asked pointedly.
Dracaena looked around, then took a free hand to lightly hit him in the chest when she realized. Harry snickered.
“You… It’s your fault I forgot.” Dracaena let Harry guide her as he moved them to the side of the hall.
The footsteps grew even louder until eventually the culprit was revealed: a Hufflepuff prefect, some seventh-year Harry and Dracaena didn’t know. The prefect, none the wiser, looked right over the pair as he walked past them. Dracaena tensed up as the prefect’s eyes passed over them, but relaxed after he didn’t react, at least with the help of Harry’s hand brushing up and down her back. After the prefect passed the invisible pair, then they continued onward to the side hallway out of there.
“Are you feeling better?” Harry asked after the footsteps faded into the distance.
Dracaena was silent and made no response, save for a soft squeeze of Harry’s hand. Dracaena thought to herself how she’d just been seen with Harry and nothing happened at all. That wasn’t exactly right, but it was what she wanted and she didn’t think too much about it.
The duo walked down the hallway and through the Bell Tower, until the eventually were outside again. Dracaena loosen up even more when they finally walked out the front door (while still clinging tightly to Harry, but now by choice). This part of the castle grounds were especially beautiful this time of year. The fountain, magically unfrozen, had cupid ice sculptures placed around the edges, with water jets occasionally coming out of their bows. The Quidditch pitch was off in the distance and left unused due the Triwizard Tournament, an abandoned crown covered in snow sitting in a far off field.
“Miss it?” Harry chimed, looking off at the pitch as they walked past the fountain.
“Quidditch? Yes, of course. I still need to get you back for that stunt you pulled in our last game. No hands? Really, Harry, you’ll get hurt doing that.” Dracaena gently rubbed his arm that she was still holding.
“No, no, no, Dracaena. We’ll have you beat AGAIN next year, and I won’t let my girlfriend stop me from-” Dracaena’s giggle interrupted Harry.
“What did I say?” Harry looked at her, smiling yet slightly confused.
Dracaena laid her head on Harry’s shoulder and giggled once. “Oh, nothing. Just… just keep calling me that.”
“My girlfriend? But that’s what you are.” Harry was more confused.
A quiet “Mmm” came from the blonde head resting on Harry’s shoulder. Harry did not understand girls, and silently accepted that he never would.
The couple continued to walk under the cloak until they passed the front gate.
“Well then, enough of this.” Harry took off the cloak and Dracaena stepped slightly away from Harry, which he pretended not to notice. “Right then, shall we? We’re almost there.”
“We’re going to Hogsmeade, aren’t we?” Dracaena guessed, in her usual Malfoy tone.
“Yes, we are. Don’t worry, we won’t be caught.” Harry reassured her. Dracaena lightly squeezed his hand.
“Good. I don’t need my father to hear of this.” Dracaena dryly replied.
“Oh, finally, something you father doesn’t get to hear of.” Harry replied, slightly annoyed.
Dracaena turned her head as they continued to walk down the cobble road to Hogsmeade. “What is it?”
“Not tonight, like you said.” Harry immediately wished he didn’t say that.
Dracaena stopped walking, but did not let go of Harry’s hand. “Harry, no. Don’t you start with me,” she replied, annoyed.
Harry, stopped already, sighed and looked down, then looked at Dracaena and responded in a calm voice. “Sorry. Your father is… Sorry. You said not tonight. Maybe tomorrow, but not tonight.” Harry tried to reassure himself more than her, but failed on the first part.
Dracaena looked at Harry, paused, then brought his hand up to her mouth, kissed it, and put it back down. “Thank you.” They both turned and continued walking, Dracaena choosing to be a bit closer to Harry.
The night continued to be crystal clear and the moon provided enough light on its own as the pair continued to Hogsmeade, even without the series of pink torches lighting the cobble road ahead of them. Harry looked around, for once on a trip to Hogsmeade, and spotted a gazebo not too far off the path. Dracaena was looking out at the lake beside them. They were enjoying the night until Harry broke the silence.
“So how long?” Harry asked.
“How long since what?” Dracaena’s stare shifted from the lake to Harry.
“Since, y’know, you started to like me?” Harry stated.
Dracaena blushed. If she said the truth, Harry would never believe her. At least not yet.
“My bet is the ride on Fawkes. I saw the way you looked at me as we flew out of there, but I had no idea what it meant.” Harry continued, looking ahead.
“No… but that was very brave of you. You do know you’re my hero, right?” Dracaena looked away from Harry, absolutely mortified that she actually said it.
Harry looked over at Dracaena and felt himself stand a bit taller as they walked. “I didn’t quite catch what you said there. Can you repeat that?” Harry teased.
“N-No! Absolutely not! I didn’t say a thing!” Dracaena was awestruck with her bravery, but could not build up the courage to say it again.
“Pretty please?” Harry asked nicely with a cheeky grin.
“Y-you’re my hero.” Dracaena stuttered out quietly, slowly turning her head towards the front and looking at Harry out of corner of her eye.
“That’s what I thought you said.” Harry leaned over and kissed Dracaena on the cheek. Dracaena almost died on the spot.
“Y-you’re not going to hear it again, Harry. Not from me if you react like that.” Dracaena lifted her nose, looking away from Harry. Harry didn’t care.
“Alright, I suppose I’ll just have to save you from something else to get you to call me that again.” Harry shrugged.
Dracaena stopped walking and turned Harry to face her, grabbing both of his hands and looking into his eyes. “I don’t want you to go through all that. You don’t need to risk yourself like that. I don’t…” Dracaena’s voice dropped to almost a whisper. “I don’t like thinking about how dangerous that was.”
Harry tightly gripped both her hands. “If you’re in danger, I’m not going to have a choice. I will save you, I promise.” Harry was serious. Dracaena stood there, just staring and waiting for a joke or something else that Harry would normally say, but Harry didn’t budge. She knew he was serious. Dracaena could only nod and faintly say “Okay”. Harry leaned forward and kissed her forehead, then silently turned and continued walking with her, interlocking his fingers with hers as the couple enjoyed the rest of their evening stroll together.
They walked down and up the twisting cobble road until eventually they got close to the edge of Hogsmeade. Dracaena started rubbing Harry’s hand anxiously, but Harry just lightly squeezed her hand until she stopped of her own accord, comforted.
“Ready?”
Dracaena turned to look at Harry. He was holding his cloak on one hand. Harry watched as her tense shoulders started to drop and she stepped over to him. Harry dropped the cloak over the two of them, disappearing just outside of Hogsmeade. Dracaena latched onto his side and kissed Harry’s shoulder.
“Thank you,” Dracaena whispered.
Harry and Dracaena walked into Hogsmeade, directly through the center of the main street. It was a quiet Tuesday night, and there weren’t many witches and wizards about. Dracaena dragged Harry along to do some silent window shopping. Nothing seemed up to her high Malfoy standards, but it was still fun for Dracaena to stand there with Harry while Harry looked around constantly to make sure no one bumped into them.
They walked through town, going from window to window, until Harry stopped them in front of a familiar stone building with pink wooden trim. The sign above the door said “Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop” and the sign in the door said “Closed”. Harry had changed his mind again and was going to kill Hermione when he got back.
“Well, it seems that it’s closed,” Harry quietly announced.
“You didn’t think to check that?” Dracaena was openly annoyed, but inwardly still quite happy with how the night was going so far.
“Like I said, last-minute change. Let me just try this…” Harry reached out his free hand, still under the cloak, and knocked once… with the door opening at the push of his hand and a light tinkle from a bell on the door sounded off. Harry looked at Dracaena and smirked, beckoning her to follow him inside. Once inside, Harry closed the door behind them, took off the cloak, and called out.
“Madam Puddifoot? Are you there?”
The room was dark, but it was still faintly visible with the light of the streets. Cupids hung everywhere, pink bows dotted the walls, and even if it wasn’t Valentine’s Day, Harry could tell that the room was a sickly explosion of pinks, pastels, and lace.
The door to the back opened, and Dracaena stepped away from Harry, putting on her usual airs. Madam Puddifoot entered and flicked her wand, lighting up the candles on the table closest to Harry and Dracaena.
“Ah, you two. I’ve been expecting you tonight thanks to…” Madam Puddifoot started, but trailed off as Harry shook his head side to side slightly. “you, Harry. Please, take a seat while I get your tea.” Puddifoot finished with a smile. Harry mouthed a “Thank you”.
Harry removed his winter robe and hung it up, fully revealing his dress robes for Dracaena. She looked expectantly at Harry. Harry, well-meaning but ignorant to the fine points of courtesy, walked over to the table to sit down. Dracaena cleared her throat. Harry looked over at Dracaena to see her standing by the door in her winter robe, waiting.
“Right, sorry.” Harry walked over to her and helped her out of her winter robe and hung it up. Harry turned and saw Dracaena waiting for him, wanting him to see what she chose for the night.
“Blimey, you’re… Those colors suit you. I like the lace.” Harry complemented her.
“Thank you. I think you look better in green, anyways. It matches your eyes,” Dracaena had a twinkle in her eye. “Do you see anything else you fancy?” Dracaena raised her head, deliberately showing off her neck and, more importantly, the thin gold necklace from Praedico Predico, with the special lucky charm at the bottom: a small golden lightning bolt.
“I, uh,” Harry reached up and rubbed his scar absentmindedly. Harry was at a loss for words. There she was, a woman just for him dressed in red and gold and who absolutely adored him. “That’s… you didn’t have to do that.”
Dracaena stepped up to Harry and grabbed his hands. “I didn’t have a choice.”
Harry wanted to enact his other plan right now, but Madam Puddifoot had just re-entered the room with their tea and Dracaena dropped his hands.
Harry and Dracaena both walked over to their table and Harry went to sit down. Dracaena, again, cleared her throat.
“Sorry,” Harry said as he walked around between the tight tables and pulled out Dracaena’s seat for her, pushing in her seat as she sat. Harry thought he could also hear her chuckle and say “Stupid Harry”, but the clinking of a floating tea set made it slightly hard to hear. As Harry sat down, two cups and saucers, a kettle, sugar bowl, bottle of milk, two plates, and a three-tiered tray filled with sandwiches, scones, and pastries gently settled down in front of them, one after another.
“Enjoy, you two!” Madam Puddifoot teased, disappearing into the back.
Dracaena relaxed and looked over at Harry, who was attempting to take in the decor. “A little late for tea, don’t you think?”
“Yes, sorry,” Harry shrugged, reaching for the kettle.
“Harry, what are you doing?” Dracaena looked honestly confused for once.
“… Pouring us tea?” Harry was just as confused as she was.
Dracaena laughed. “There’s no need for that. Watch: Two sugars, a dash of milk.”
The dishware responded to her commands, pouring the perfect cup of tea just as she liked it.
Harry was slightly disappointed, as he was just getting used to doing things for Dracaena.
“One sugar, no milk” Harry said out loud. The dishware followed suit for Harry just as it did for Dracaena.
“Do you normally pour your own tea?” Dracaena asked, sipping.
“Yeah, every summer.” Harry avoided the question and grabbed a sandwich.
“Your Muggle family doesn’t have one of these.” Dracaena concluded.
“No,” Harry continued to avoid the question, this time with his own cup.
“It must be rough, living with Muggles. So backwards and so uncivilized,” Dracaena continued, trying to get Harry to answer.
“Yeah,” Harry dove into the sandwich, one with cucumber and cream cheese.
Dracaena reach out a hand across the small table and grabbed Harry’s sandwich-less hand. “It’s quite alright, Harry. Muggles are dreadful,” An idea popped into Dracaena’s head. “You could stay with us this summer if you need to get away.”
To that, Harry howled with laughter. With his eyes still closed, he responded as he continued to laugh. “Me? At your manor? Don’t be ridiculous, that would never happen, especially while we’re…” Harry’s eyes had opened and Dracaena has withdrawn her hand, hurt. “… dating.” Harry was ashamed and held the sandwich close to his mouth before putting it down. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Dracaena sniffed. “I know.”
“I’d love to, by the way,” Harry said quietly.
Dracaena raised her head. “Really?”
“Yes, really. I’d like to see where you grew up and maybe meet your mother. Perhaps she’d like me better than your father,” Harry faintly smiled. The thought scared him, but he’d do it for her.
This time Dracaena laughed. “No, no, Mother won’t like you any more than Father will, but I’d still love to see you try and get one smile out of her.”
“She’d be tougher than you, at least,” Harry grinned.
Dracaena smiled at the sight of Harry’s grin, proving his point. Harry laughed. Dracaena scoffed and grabbed a sandwich for herself, frustrated by how easy it was for her to like him. They both ate several of the snacks in front of them, looking at each other and realizing that skipping dinner was not the right idea earlier.
“Your family is important to you, isn’t it?” Harry asked sincerely, after some time.
“Yes, it is. It’s the most important thing in the world. I don’t know what I’d do without my parents.” Dracaena sat back, enjoying the last of her tea.
Harry nodded. “It’s difficult, I’ll say that much,”
“I’m sorry about that,” Dracaena said, looking down.
Harry’s eyes widened. He was not aware that Dracaena knew how to sincerely say that word. “It’s fine. I miss my parents dearly, but I’m not jealous of you. I have the Weasleys.” Harry said, beaming slightly at the thought of the Burrow.
“Ah yes, the Weasleys. Surprised they hav-” Dracaena stopped herself, trying to not attack Harry’s unusual family. “Surprised they haven’t outright adopted you yet.”
Harry nodded and smiled, for two reasons. “I’m sure Mister and Missus Weasley would do so, but I’ll pass.”
Dracaena raised an eyebrow. “Really? I know they’re-” Harry’s eyes slightly narrowed, and Dracaena paused to reconsider her next words. “-not the richest family, but they are at least wizards. You wouldn’t have to live with those Muggles.”
“I know. The Dursleys are…” Harry paused and looked at his half-eaten scone he was working on, struggling to find the correct words. “The Dursleys are my family. I don’t like them, but they are my family.”
“I… I know the feeling.” Dracaena said, looking at the carpeted floor.
Harry’s eyes widened slightly. “I thought you loved your parents.”
“I do, and I will never stop loving both Father and Mother,” Dracaena snapped back. Harry leaned back sharply in his chair. Dracaena continued in a softer voice, “I’m just starting to think they’re wrong about some things. Like lo-” Dracaena caught that word like a Snitch and did not let it go. “Like with you.”
Harry caught that word like a Snitch as well. “What about me?”
“Well, you… you’re a half-blood. We can’t… shouldn’t be together if there’s… better… options. Not according to Father… but he’s wrong about you,” Dracaena held her breath, hoping Harry would say something.
Harry looked at her silently, letting her continue.
“We have a few half-bloods in our family tree, of course. We don’t talk about it, but they’re there. Good, upstanding half-bloods like you.”
Harry was surprised to hear that, but didn’t show it.
“And so you’ll be fine as far as that goes, at least when I convince both Father and Mother.”
“Then why bring that up?” Harry finally replied.
Dracaena let her feelings flow out. “It’s the things you choose to be. You’re brash and you’re impulsive and you blunder around, flinging spells at whatever you’re fighting against, not thinking as to whether or not you should. It’s unbecoming of a Malfoy.”
Harry smirked. “Whoever said I was going to be a Malfoy?”
“N-Nobody!” Dracaena had gone as pink as the walls around them. “I just- It’s just that- Well-” Dracaena hid her face with her hands for a moment before continuing. “I like that about you, I think that you would be a good addition to the family, and,” Dracaena looked at Harry, and to Harry she looked like that scared little girl that Harry awoken in the Chamber of Secrets two years ago. “I’m thankful for that.”
Harry stared at Dracaena, taking it all in without a word.
Dracaena stared back, waiting.
“But you’ll- er, you’d, I mean, sorry- you’d be a Potter.” Harry finally replied, one side of his mouth slightly turning up.
“Yes, I will- would be, but there are things that must be maintained,” Dracaena responded, not believing what she heard. “Traditions. Values. Things of that nature.”
Harry looked up at the ceiling, pretending to think and then casually responding. “I’m sure when- sorry, if we got married, you father would protest us renaming it Potter Manor.”
“Of course he would. Naturally, we’ll need to make sure-” Dracaena stopped mid-sentence and looked at Harry, flabbergasted at his boldness. “You...”
Harry shrugged. “I’ve learned enough that I think I’ll manage. Can’t be too difficult being a father of a wizarding family. How many rooms do you have there? We’ll need plenty for all of them.”
“All of what?” Dracaena’s eyes were darting between Harry and the door to the back, praying that they weren’t interrupted.
Harry leaned forward in his chair, putting his elbows on the table. “Our children, of course. We’ll have quite a few. Enough little Harrys and little Dracaenas to make us both happy.”
The room was silent. Faint sounds came in from the street as people walked through the light snow, crunching lightly with each step. Somewhere in the room, the ticking of a clock continued steadily. Harry and Dracaena gazed at each other for an eternity, until Dracaena softly spoke.
“I’d like that very much.”
“As would I.”
Harry reached out his hand, grabbing Dracaena’s and lightly clutched it.
The door to the back opened and Dracaena pulled her hand back, sitting up straight like she was taught.
“Oh so sorry to interrupt, dearies, but time’s up. I’m afraid you two will need to go.”
Harry stood up first. “Yes, sorry. How much do I owe you?”
Madam Puddifoot just smiled. “That’s already been taken care of by your friend. Have a wonderful night!”
Madam Puddifoot disappeared once again into the back, followed shortly by a floating parade made up of a now-used tea set.
Harry nodded, stepping once toward the door then quickly redirecting himself a second before Dracaena was going to clear her throat. Harry helped Dracaena up, then helped her put on her winter robes before he did himself. Both were slow to do so.
Harry pulled out his cloak and lingered while looking at it, then looked at Dracaena. “I suppose you’re ready to go back?” Harry asked, weakly.
Dracaena looked at the cloak, glanced at the door to the back, and then to Harry. She stepped closer to Harry. “No, not yet.”
Harry nodded. “Right answer.”
He knew just the spot to go.
Harry placed the cloak over the two of them, and Dracaena moved to grab Harry’s hand. Harry opened the door and with the tinkle of the bell, the two exited the tea shop.
Dracaena rested her head on Harry’s shoulder as the two slowly the two walked, their footsteps lightly crunching in the snow as they made their way down the main street and out of Hogsmeade. Once out of sight of Hogsmeade, Harry took off the cloak and this time, Dracaena did not move away from him.
Gradually, the two made their way along road back to Hogwarts. Harry gently traced shapes on the back of Dracaena’s hand, and Dracaena returned the gesture. Harry thought he could feel letters, eight or so followed by three squeezes, but he was distracted by looking into the forest until he found what he was looking for, about halfway back to Hogwarts.
“Here we are. Follow me.”
Harry guided Dracaena down a path that was crosswise with the main road, leading away from the lake and up a small hit. At the top, Dracaena saw their last stop for the night: a limestone gazebo with six columns connected by railings between five of them, slightly hidden from the road by trees. Three benches, curved like the railings with two flanking the entrance and one opposite it, surrounded a small unlit brazier in the middle. All were dry and free of snow, unlike the picturesque countryside.
Harry pulled out his wand with his free hand and pointed it at the brazier.
“Incendio”
A small stream of fire hit the unlit brazier and the flame from Harry’s wand was caught in the middle of it, dancing for the two of them.
“That should do nicely,” Harry nodded, mostly to himself.
Harry walked Dracaena to the bench on the far side of the entrance and sat her down. The stone was surprising warm to Harry as he sat down beside Dracaena and laid his head on Dracaena’s, which was already resting on his shoulder, and the two gazed into the fire.
“Well?” Harry eventually said, glancing slightly towards his girlfriend.
“I’ve had a really nice night, Harry. Thank you,” Dracaena let the word drift out of her mouth, engrossed by the fire and her thoughts.
Dracaena’s hand glided smoothly along her lap towards Harry’s hand as his was doing the same to hers, and the two hands met above where the outsides of their legs met.
“Is there… anything else you want to do this evening?” Harry probed, hoping once again for an opening.
Dracaena’s hand squeezed Harry in shock, then relaxed and used her thumb to rub the back of Harry’s thumb.
“Well, yes, but I really should be getting back. The other girls are already suspicious and I can’t give them any more reasons to be.”
Harry made an exasperated sigh and stood up, letting go of Dracaena’s hand and walked over to the other side of the gazebo, staring out into the woods.
“What’s wrong?” Dracaena said as she stood up, frightened that she broke the spell of the night.
“Why, Dracaena?” Harry asked the woods, frustrations bubbling over at last.
“Why… what?” Dracaena said, knowing exactly what Harry meant.
Harry turned towards Dracaena. “Why do we always need to be sneaking around like this? Why can’t we be honest and open about… US?” Harry angrily replied, throwing his hands up in the air.
“We’ve been over this, Harry. I already told you and I thought we settled this.” Dracaena was getting angry herself.
“Oh I know that your father can’t know and I’m tired of it! Why can’t I be with the girl I love? What’s wrong with that?” Harry was incensed, but not with Dracaena.
“Because it’s not the time yet. Soon, my love, but not yet,” Dracaena responded, trying to calm him down and not paying attention to her words.
“I love you, Dracaena, and I don’t want to hide that any more. Not from your friends, not from the school, and certainly not from your father. We’ve had so much fun tonight, but only when nobody could see us. You’ve made sure to NEVER be near me if there was even a chance we could be seen together as a couple. Are you ashamed of me? Are you ashamed of us? Is this just one big prank you’re playing on me? Is Pansy or Daphne or someone else from your little gang sitting out there in the woods, laughing at me?” Harry’s rage had gotten the better of him, but Dracaena’s shocked face gave him pause.
“You… love me?” Dracaena replied after a breath, hardly able say those words out loud.
“YES! OF COURSE I LOVE YOU!” Harry, fed up with the games and oblivious of what he was saying, yelled at the ceiling of gazebo before returning Dracaena’s gaze and breathing heavily.
“D-do you mean that?” Dracaena prayed, begging Harry with her eyes.
Harry suddenly became acutely aware that he had just inadvertently accomplished one of his two goals for this evening.
Staring and trying to calm himself down, Harry’s breathing slowed and he walked over to Dracaena, gently taking both of her hands in his. Harry’s heart was beating the fastest than it ever had as he looked into Dracaena’s two silver eyes.
Regardless of his many past and potential future accomplishments, Harry knew they paled in comparison to what he was about to do. He was about to prove that he was indeed meant to be sorted into Gryffindor.
For the first but not the most important time, Harry spoke these words:
“I do, Dracaena.”
Dracaena mouth moved up and down several times as she looked down, trying to respond with what she’s wanted to tell Harry for years: “I- I- I-”
“Look at me, Dracaena,” Harry softly commanded.
Dracaena could not do so and continued to stammer until Harry gently placed his hand on her chin and moved her head to face him. Her stammering continued as Harry raised her head, but was finally interrupted.
With a kiss.
Not on the cheek and not on the forehead, but the only place to stop her speaking.
Dracaena was so shocked that her lips did not move nor did she close her eyes. Not that it mattered much, as their mutual inexperience led Harry’s nose to bump straight into hers.
The kiss lasted both far shorter and far longer than either of them believed, until Dracaena slightly moved her head back.
As he opened his emerald eyes, he gazed directly into Dracaena’s.
“And you?” Harry prayed, begging Dracaena with his eyes.
“Kiss me again,” Dracaena softly commanded.
“But do you lo-” Harry’s question was cut off by Dracaena this time.
As both now had the same small amount of experience, this kiss went far better. It was an actual kiss, between two lovers at the start of a long life together. Back and forth they moved, their lips locked together both between their own and to each others’, one pair never moving without the other.
Time slowed to a crawl around them until eventually the need to breathe outweighed their desire to continue.
Coming apart slowly, Harry and Dracaena opened their eyes slowly and at the same time.
“I love you too, Harry.”
The couple stood there for a moment before kissing again, stopping as they broke out into fits of giggles, then kissed again and repeated the process over again, each time around faster than the last.
Eventually Harry wrapped his arms around Dracaena and lifted her up, kissing her while spinning her around in a circle and setting her down again.
“I love you”
“I love you too”
They both laughed in ecstasy, repeating those eight letters, those three little words, back and forth.
Broken up, of course, with kisses.
The couple danced around the gazebo, chasing each other along the benches and around the brazier as they laughed.
“I love you”
“I love you too”
The words echoed around the gazebo and through the forest, etching themselves on each others’ heart each time they were spoken.
Eventually, the pair stopped at the entrance and kissed once more. In the distance, the pair heard the distant chimes of the clock tower, which stopped after the ninth.
“I really should be getting back,” Dracaena spoke sadly as she remembered she was more than just Harry’s lover.
The smile on Harry’s face transfigured into a light frown.
“Yes, I suppose you’re right,” Harry looked through the trees and across the lake to the castle that he was starting to greatly dislike, then turned to look at his lover. “Are you sure?”
Dracaena’s gaze was still on the castle. “No, but I must.” Dracaena turned to face Harry. “I’m sorry.”
Harry closed his eyes and rested his forehead on Dracaena’s. Dracaena followed suit.
“Are you sure we need to keep this private?” Harry asked, one last time.
Dracaena paused before speaking
“No, but we must,”
Harry sighed and lifted his head, their eyes meeting.
“If you think that’s for the best, then we’ll do just that,” Harry said, solemnly. A corner of his mouth slowly started to raise. “Of course, it will be rather difficult to keep up appearances. I don’t think-”
Harry kissed Dracaena’s forehead.
“-I’ll be able to stop-”
Harry kissed the tip of Dracaena’s nose.
“-from doing this.”
Harry kissed Dracaena.
Dracaena snickered and blushed. “I know, Harry, I know. And I-”
Dracaena stood on the tips of her toes and kissed Harry’s forehead, right on his scar.
“-will always want-”
Dracaena dropped down on her feet and kissed the tip of Harry’s nose.
“-to do this.”
Dracaena kissed Harry.
Harry smiled back, a smile Dracaena knew was from deep inside in heart.
“Alright. But we’re not hiding for much longer?” Harry hoped.
“I don’t know. But not forever, I swear it,” Dracaena said with a conviction that assured Harry she was speaking the truth, despite his desire to protest.
As they turned to leave, Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at the fire.
“Glacius”
A brief stream of ice came out from the tip of his wand, putting out the fire in the brazier and bringing down the already low temperature around them. Dracaena huddled up to Harry until the stream stopped, but didn’t leave his side after the air began to slightly warm again.
Harry and Dracaena took their time walking back. The pink fires along the road were just the thing for Dracaena to argue with Harry to let them pause and linger near them and warm themselves up. Save, of course, for their lips, which they made sure to help the other warm up.
Dracaena did not leave Harry’s side as they walked back, even as they got closer to the castle. She occasionally fell slightly behind, which prompted Harry to slow down as well. Eventually they were making very little progress. Regrettably for them both, they made it to the castle gates. Harry pulled out his cloak one last time and Dracaena looked at it sadly.
“Dracaena,” Harry did not need to say more.
A single tear fell from one of Dracaena’s eyes. “Put it on.”
Harry did what he was told.
Under the cloak, Harry turned to Dracaena, grabbing her hands and making her look at him. He let go of one hand and lifted his finger to wipe away the second tear before it fell.
“I’m sorry I’m not… better for you,” Harry apologized, trying to comfort her.
Dracaena hit Harry softly on his chest. “Stop it, Harry. You can’t be better for me because you’re already the best. If you were someone else, I wouldn’t love you. Never say that again,” Dracaena replied angrily.
Harry sadly smiled, then pulled Dracaena toward him and wrapped his arms around her.
“We’ll make this work,” Harry whispered.
Dracaena nodded into his chest.
The two stood there as seconds became minutes, and eventually Harry let Dracaena go and reached for her hands.
“Now then, shall I escort you back?” Harry said with a boyish grin she couldn’t see yet.
Dracaena pulled away from Harry’s chest, leaving two small wet spots and softly laughed. “Yes, you may escort me.”
Harry flourished his arm and offered it to Dracaena, but she pulled it down, tightly interlocked her fingers with Harry’s, and drew herself to Harry’s side.
“Lead the way, my hero.”
The trip back to the Slytherin common room was uneventful.
Across the garden by the gate, with the cupid statues still shooting water into the fountain.
Into the Bell Tower and through the rest of the Library Annex.
Across the bridge (where Dracaena started to fall behind again and Harry followed suit).
Up the stairs and through the courtyard.
Through the Entrance Hall and past the now-silent Great Hall.
Then down the stairs and back to their alcove.
Distant footsteps, most likely from more prefects, echoed toward the pair as they stood there, but they did not get any louder.
Harry and Dracaena stood there in silence, looking into each others eyes and begging each other for just one more second. Dracaena pushed herself to speak first in a hushed tone.
“Thank you again for tonight, Harry. It was everything I ever wanted.”
“You’re welcome, Dracaena. It was everything I ever wanted as well.”
They briefly kissed once more.
“I don’t know how you managed it. Who was the friend who helped you?” Dracaena teased.
“To be honest, Hermione helped me,” Harry braced himself for the inevitable response.
“Well,” Dracaena paused, trying to alter her life-long thoughts. “I suppose Grang- Hermione has good taste, at least,” Dracaena nodded.
Harry smiled and nodded as well. “She’s a good friend.”
“I should like to thank her one day,” Dracaena hinted, hoping Harry would see.
“I hope you do, although I’m not exactly sure she’d take it very well,” Harry nodded, taking the hint. “But with time, I think she’ll be glad you thanked her.”
Dracaena looked at the large granite brazier next to them, “Yes, with time” Dracaena repeated.
“You really should go,” Harry prodded. “Your friends will get suspicious with you out this late.”
“Five more minutes?” Dracaena looked up at Harry, doe eyes and all.
Harry snickered. “Fine. Five more minutes,” Harry closed his eyes at the same time as Dracaena.
Neither opened their eyes for a while, and neither knew that it was much longer than five minutes.
Eventually, the distant footsteps were slowly yet gradually getting louder.
“Alright, time to go,” Harry started to move Dracaena closer to the door to her common room.
Dracaena did not argue or fight, but she did keep Harry’s hand for herself as they drew closer and the door appeared.
“I love you”
“I love you too”
They kissed.
“Good night”
“Good night”
They kissed again.
Dracaena slipped out from under the cloak and into the Slytherin common room, dragging Harry’s hand for as long as possible. Their eyes never left each others’ until the door closed.
Harry watched as the door disappeared, then he stared at the spot where the door was for several minutes.
A clatter in the distance shook Harry out of his state and announced that Peeves was up to trouble, so Harry spun around under his cloak and made good time up the stairs and away from his love. Up the stairs he went, occasionally waiting for them to pivot to meet him, and soon made it back to the Fat Lady, who had decided to go to sleep early tonight.
“Fairy lights,” Harry whispered, startling the Fat Lady as the portrait swung open and shut with no one there to do such a thing. Harry took off the cloak as he passed the portrait and entered the Gryffindor common room. It was quiet, with a light crackle from the fire in the fireplace. Beside it, on the couch, was Hermione, asleep with a book on her lap and a quill on the floor.
Harry quietly walked up to the couch and gently shook Hermione awake. She yawned and looked around, then sat up straight when she saw Harry.
“How did it go?” Hermione said, still waking up.
“It went perfectly,” Harry’s delighted face said more than his words did. “Thank you, Hermione. Oh, and Dracaena thanks you too.”
Hermione narrowed her eyes slightly, but Harry was telling the truth. Harry hoped that Hermione believed him.
“I’m glad you two had fun and more importantly, you did not get caught. Just think of the points Gryffindor could lose!” Hermione joked with a straight face.
Harry hit Hermione lightly on the arm and they both laughed.
“Thank you again, Hermione, really. I owe you,” Harry said with a genuine look in his eyes.
“I’ll be sure to remind you of that,” Hermione said, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly.
“Good night, Hermione.”
“Good night, Harry.”
Hermione picked up the quill off the floor and, instead of going to bed, went right back to the Charms essay she was writing before nodding off.
Harry quietly walked up the stairs to the boy’s dormitory, with the familiar sound of Ron’s snoring only lightly muffled by the door to the room. Harry slowly entered, careful not to make a sound. He was able to change into his pyjamas and crawl into his bed without waking any of the other boys, as Harry was awake enough for all of them.
Harry laid in bed, looking up at the ceiling and doing all he could to remember every detail of tonight as it replayed in his mind. He still felt Dracaena’s lips on his own and the sound of her voice saying those eight letters as he started to drift off to sleep. Only after, of course, replaying the night over and over again, doing his best to commit it to memory. Although his dreams could not compare to that night he just had, they tried anyway.
Dracaena Malfoy stared at the spot where she last saw Harry for several minutes, until a distant crash reminded her to get to bed. She turned to her left and began the final descent into the common room. It was quiet in the main room, with the soft sound of water falling into the various fountains echoing off of the cold stone walls.
Dracaena walked down the hallway to her room and slowly opened the door to the dark room. As she crossed to her wardrobe to hide her evidence, a voice called out from the near-darkness.
“Well, well, well. You’re back late.” Pansy had been sitting on her bed, waiting to see Dracaena.
Dracaena jumped, then returned to her practiced Malfoy austere visage and lifted her nose.
“Of course I was out late. Madam Pomfrey took forever to give me a simple potion, so I had to write an even longer letter to father about the state of this school,” Dracaena coldly replied.
“And did you see Potter?” Pansy said with a smug grin, half-hidden in the darkness.
“Potter? Of course I saw Potter. He was half-dead from doing something stupid, I suppose,” Dracaena was glad that the dark room hid her blush.
“Mhm. Well then, the next time you see Potter, tell him you don’t need fancy snow boots to go to the Hospital Wing. Good night, Dracaena,” Pansy tucked herself under the covers, satisfied with how late it was when her friend got back.
Dracaena was completely still for while waiting for Pansy to fall asleep and for her thoughts to settle down.
She knew. Pansy actually knew. And if Pansy knew, Father could know as well.
No, that was wrong. I can explain tomorrow. I’ll make up some other lie and they’ll believe that.
Yes, that will work.
Dracaena quietly changed into her pyjamas, making sure to hide her necklace in her purse alongside Harry’s gifts. Dracaena looked around the room and when she was certain all the girls were asleep, she quietly pulled out the box of chocolates and ate one. It wasn’t nearly as sweet as Harry’s kisses, but it was still delicious.
Dracaena put the box away in her purse and walked over to her bed. Crawling in, all she could think of was the sweeter dessert from tonight. She grabbed her pillow and hid a soft squeal with it. She had the evening she’s been dreaming with Harry, the boy she loves and who loves her. And they kissed.
As Dracaena put the pillow back and laid her head down upon it, the sound of Harry’s voice saying those simple words played through her head and the memory of his lips helped her drift to sleep.
Dracaena knew that this night would be one of many nights to remember.
