Disclaimer: Sadly, I own nothing even remotely Harry Potter related. This is done purely for fun and entertainment.

Authors Note: This is part one of a two part story. There is mention of A/SS in this fic, nothing above hand holding and an occasional snuggle for these two. Also, as you read I am well aware that the Leaky Cauldron is in Diagon Alley and not Hogsmeade but we'll chalk that mishap up to magic shall we. ;)

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Harry lifted his face towards the sun. Inhaling deeply and exhaling at a painfully slow pace.

No matter what anyone else said, the air here would always smell different to him. It was hope for a normal life that made the air different here. It was here he regained his life after the war ended, asking Ginny to marry him, where she told him she was pregnant with each of his children, where he happily met his friends for drinks and laughs. And he was happy.

Then it became the place that his world crashed down around him, when Ginny told him she was seeing Oliver Wood, and she was leaving him.

Harry brought his attention back to the buildings surrounding him, smiling to himself at the reason he was coaxed back to the bustling little town.

He rarely returned here, opting instead to meet his children at the castle. Somewhere safe. Where good memories and bad memories mashed so close together that you couldn't distinguish against the two.

Ron had insisted that Harry come to Hogsmeade on parent's day this year to curb his own anxiety. His daughter Rose, growing up as fast as Harry's own children.

A quick smile flirted Harry's face at the thought of all the red headed, freckled children. All but Albus. Al was the spitting image of him. Except, of course, he was missing several of Harry's battle wounds.

It was easy enough for Harry to convince Al to meet him for some quality time. If it were only that easy with his other children.

Ron was meeting Rose's first serious boyfriend and had requested Harry join him for moral support. Harry had not given Ron a moments peace, always reminding him that Malfoy's son was also attending the school.

"Not funny Harry. How would you like that for Lily?" Ron had his eyes lowered to the ground apparently giving this scenario a lot of thought.

"It could always be worse." Harry told him with a chuckle.

"Right. It could always be Goyle's kid." They both scrunched their faces and gave a shudder at the thought.

As the two men continued to walk up the main street Harry looked up just in time to catch a glimpse of Al. Al, a boy who he recognized instantly as Scorpius, and none other than Draco Malfoy himself as they were walking across the road to the Hogs Head.

"What the bloody hell is that all about?" Ron asked, a scowl on his face.

"Don't know, but I don't like it." His voice eerily calm.

" I'm suppose to meet Al and a friend of his but he didn't say who. Guess I know now." There was a long pause. "I'll catch up to you. I have to go sort this out."

"At least I don't have to deal with Malfoy!" Ron shouted over his shoulder as he turned to walk into Dervish and Banges.

Harry wanted to knock the smile off his friend's face and he might have done it if he had not already started to walk away. His mind drifted back to his son and his eyes narrowed as he watched the scene before him.

The war had taught Draco many things, effective spying being one of those. Harry being the Gryffindor that he is, was completely unaware that Draco had caught sight of him and was going to take full advantage of the quick temper Harry was so famous for.

Draco watched as Ron walked away and then put his arms around both of the boys shoulders. He leaned into them whispering between the two. The gesture was innocent enough but he knew it would get Potter's blood burning.

Harry's stomach churned as he followed them. What the hell is he doing with his arm around my son? When had he become so friendly? When had my son become so friendly with the Malfoys? His expression hardened and he wondered how his son could have keep this friendship from him.

As they approached the door to the Hogs Head Al and Scorpius wrapped their arms around Draco's back and interlocked their fingers.

Harry stopped dead in his tracks. "What the..."

He stood there in the middle of the street staring at the door. Shocked. His mind frantically trying to process what he had just witnessed.

Beating on the window caused Harry to come out of his daze. It was Al, waving to him with a big smile on his face. Mentally willing himself to breath, he gave Al a small smile in return before entering the establishment.

"Hi Dad!" His son waved him over to the table they acquired in the corner. Harry smiled at the memories of his childhood spent at that very table only to have them smashed at the thought of why he was there now.

"Hey Al."

" Dad, this is Scorpius." Al gestured to the boy seated at the table.

Scorpius stood and offered his hand out to Harry. Harry smiled, accepting the offered hand, and shaking it firmly. "Scorpius."

A sound came from the other side of the table, which sounded like a chuckle, and Harry dismissed it with disgust.

Once the blonde boy sat down he turned and glared at Draco. "Malfoy."

"Potter."

Draco could hear the pent up anger in his voice. He had to suppress a smile. If Harry was going to let the past surface and act like a child he would gladly take advantage of it. It would be easy for him to come out on top should Harry act like...well...Harry.

Harry joined them at the table. The four of them sat immersed in a pleasant conversation about quidditch, the weather, and Hogsmeade. They were there for nearly an hour when Draco stood up abruptly. Harry, more out of reflex than anything, jumped up and produced his wand. In the process knocking over his chair so that everyone was silent staring at them.

"What the hell Potter!" Draco scowled.

Harry closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and felt Al's hand on his sleeve.

"Dad?"

"Childish." Draco had murmured the word but Harry still heard it. He slowly opened his eyes knowing he had caused the scene everyone had been trying to avoid.

Draco lip curled into something of a smile. "Alright boys, dinner tonight, my treat. You two decide where you want to go."

"Thank you Father."

"Thanks Draco."

Harry turned sharply to glare at Al. "Draco?"

"Before you go all Auror with the questioning Potter, Al has always called me Draco. I asked him to."

Harry turned to look at Draco as he spoke, contemplating this word 'always'. How long is 'always'.

Scorpius stood up and gave his father a quick hug goodbye as the older blonde ruffled Al's hair with his hand.

Now Harry had this act to stare at. What the hell is going on?

"I'll meet you boys back here in about an hour. I want to go take a shower before we have dinner."

"OK, Father."

Draco turned back to smile at the boys before shifting his gaze to contemplate the man before him. "Potter." His smiled turned into his signature Malfoy sneer before he ever locked eyes with the other man.

As Draco made his way to the door and out of sight, the boys made haste to leave as well.

"We have to go I promised Mum we would meet her for new robes today." Al stated, shuffling out of his chair and straightening his robes.

Harry shifted awkwardly in his chair. "Yeah OK. Um...How is your mum?"

"She's good Dad don't worry about her."

Harry gave his son a faint smile.

Scorpius reached his hand out to Harry once more. "Mr. Potter."

Harry stood and politely shook his hand smiling.

"You had better run along, I don't want your mother hexing me."

As the boys reached the door to leave, he wondered why his son hadn't hugged him. He seemed to be more comfortable with that arrogant sod than he was with him. But why?

Having more questions than answers about his son's relationship with the Malfoys he thought it best to have a one on one with the man himself.

If Draco was going to have a shower before dinner the only place he would go would be the Leaky Cauldron. So, that's where he was going.

Tom met him at the door, as was the usual, always eager for a conversation.

"Oi Harry."

"Hey Tom." Harry's hands were in his pockets worrying the lining between his fingers. It was something he had never been able to overcome as his emotions always seemed to be on display.

"What can I do for you today?"

"Listen Tom, I came to talk to Malfoy. Is he here?"

Tom was eyeing him suspiciously. He recalled the animosity that was legend among the two men and wasn't certain this would be a good idea. "Yes."

"You don't suppose I could persuade you to tell me what room he's in could I?"

Tom appeared to contemplate his answer. "For you Mr. Potter, anything. Room number four."

Harry nodded his head. "Thanks Tom."

The more he thought of his present situation the angrier he became. As he made his way up the stairs he thought about barging in, demanding to know what the hell was going on, but knowing that it would not help anything in the long run he changed his mind. He knocked instead.

Malfoy answered the door. The half smile he was wearing when he opened the door changed at the sight of Harry. The damn sneer was back. At first Harry just looked at him almost as if he were waiting for the answer to a question. When no answer came he pushed his way into the other man's room.

"I don't recall asking you in Potter." Draco's comment was only half heartily serious.

Spinning around at the sound of the blonde's voice Harry was struck by the fact that the other mans shirt was halfway unbuttoned. Tilting his head slightly to the side he could just detect the scar on Malfoy's chest. The contrast was intriguing and the next thing he knew he was staring.

"Take a picture Potter."

Harry shook his head, clearing his mind back to his original task, he glared at Draco. "I want to know what the deal is with this friendship that you seem to have with my son."

No sense in beating around the bush since he was sure Draco knew why he was there.

"I assure you Potter I don't know what you think it is, but knowing your track record with correct assumptions, I would guess it would be the opposite of what you're thinking."

"Don't give me that shit! Why does my son feel comfortable having dinner with you or even being around you? For that matter how the hell does he even know you?" Waving his arms and gesturing erratically his voice became louder.

Draco looked at Harry taking in the man from head to toe. "Get out," he stated calmly, "You need to talk to your son or your ex-wife Potter."

What does Ginny have to do with this? "No, you answer me. You owe me."

"Owe you? Owe you for what?" Draco's tone was becoming more vicious. "My father's stint in Azkaban? My mother not speaking to me? For this?" He pulled open his shirt revealing the entire scar which ran from just above his naval up and across to his collar bone. "This damn near killed me. I'd say we're even."

Harry blinked in response staring at the mark he had made upon the other man's chest. Shaking his head he said the only thing he could. "Malfoy, look I'm sorry about that, I didn't know what that spell did. As for your father, I don't know what you want me to say."

"Forget it." Draco mumbled as his shirt slipped off his shoulders and hit the floor.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed he kicked off his shoes. "Al has spent the last two summers at the Manor except for the little bit of time you allot him each summer."

It looked as if Harry was going to be sick. "Two summers?"

"Yes, two summers. He even went to France with us last summer."

"France?" The word had come out in a whisper. How could he have not known about this? How could he have missed this? How could Ginny not have told him?

Draco peeled off his socks. He smiled at leaving Potter speechless. The fact that he looked as if he was going to throw up or pass out was an added bonus. He chuckled to himself.

"What in all this could you possibly find humorous enough to chuckle at because I would love a laugh right now." Harry made his way to a chair near the bed to sit down. His head resting in his hands.

Draco smirked. "My father likes having Al visit."

"What!"

"My father is fond of your son Potter, he likes having him around."

"I'm gonna be sick."

Draco stood up in front of the dark haired man absent absentmindedly undoing the belt around his waist. Harry looked up just in time to see Draco kick his pants off revealing the silk boxers underneath.

Harry scrambled out of the chair backing away towards the door. "What the hell Malfoy?"

"Potter, I'm going to take a shower so I can meet the boys. Feel free to talk to me while I shower. Feel free to talk to me while we shower. Or better yet feel free to get the fuck out of here."

The sight of Malfoy near naked was sending mixed signals throughout Harry's body. His mind wanted to beat the blonde git. But other parts of his body wanted to pin him to the bed. He must have been making a face because when he looked back up at Malfoy he was smirking.

"All those naked bodies in the showers on the pitch and you're squeamish at me in my underwear. Damn Potter that's pathetic."

Anger was boiling within Harry with every sentence Malfoy spilled out. Death Eaters bonding with his son, secrets being kept from him, and Draco-fucking-Malfoy smirking at him as if the world couldn't touch him was enough to break the Gryffindor.

Crossing the room with the minimal amount of steps possible Harry pulled out his wand jabbing it hard into Draco's sternum. The blonde inhaled sharply but showed no other signs of distress at the wand pointed directly at him. Hatred was radiating off Harry's body as he came nose to nose with his childhood nemesis.

"No one would miss you." Harry hissed.

"Your son would," was the hiss he received in return.

He had little time to take in the full understanding of Draco's statement as the door was flung open with such force, it surely shook the entire building. Harry backed away slightly, his wand still pointed at the near naked man.

"Father!" Scorpius ran to get between Harry's wand and his father, eyeing the man whom he had just met.

After seeing Harry with his wand out, Al jumped in front of Scorpius and Draco. He gave his dad his best hateful glare. Just like his mother does. Sighing, Harry hesitantly lowered his wand.

"I though you were with your mum?" He gritted out. His eyes never leaving Draco's.

"We were but she thought we should follow you because of your temper. She was right."

"What's going on?" Harry's voice had a sound of defeat to it. "I just want to know what the hell is going on?"

Al looked back at Draco with pleading eyes.

"Potter, why don't you come to dinner? The boys and I can talk to you then."

Harry leaned back against the wall for support. This cannot be happening.

"I think it best if you leave now. Meet us at the Hog's Head in an hour Dad."

Harry's heart sank. Al's tone was cold. Perfect he thought.

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"What are you going to do?" Ron was twiddling his wand between his fingers.

"I don't know. Do you think I could kill the snarky bastard?"

"You could, but it would be a lot of paperwork. You know how you don't like paperwork." A smirk appeared on his face but was quickly wiped away by Harry's glare.

"You could blame it on post war stress." Ron shrugged sounding hopeful.

"Do you think that excuse would still play?"

"No, you're right. We should have left the gits to play with their fire. Then you wouldn't have this problem at all."

"Ron." Harry had said his name scornfully but he knew it was the truth.

"I'm going to dinner and find out what the hell is going on and then I'm going to hex the shit out of him." Harry turned to Ron to take in his expression. "What else can I do?"

Ron sat back in his chair and eyed his friend worriedly.

"Do you want me to come?" He knew that Harry would never except but he thought it better to offer just in case.

"No. I need to do this on my own. Fewer witnesses." Harry chuckled.

"Rather you than me."

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The restaurants in Hogsmeade were not considered anything fancy but Harry was pacing back and forth regardless. After twenty minutes he gave up and collapsed on the bed. He knew Malfoy would be 'dressed to impress' as always. Prick. After another ten minutes he dressed in his best pair of jeans (which weren't that good) and an old muggle polo shirt. It's only one dinner. You can do this.

When he arrived at the restaurant Malfoy was already there. Bloody great. Harry just rolled his eyes. He didn't want to endure the man any longer than he had to so he made his way to the bar quickly.

"Damn Malfoy always on time. Damn Malfoy always dressed in silk. Damn him for showing up yesterday and damn him for being so friendly with my son." He hadn't been speaking to anyone in particular but more or less mumbling to himself.

"If you are done cursing me like a whinny schoolboy, the boys are here." Harry could feel his face flush at the knowledge that Malfoy overheard him. "A little friendly advice, you may want to double that drink and bring it with you." A smirk appeared on Malfoys face the same time a scowl appeared on Potters.

Taking a deep breath, Harry got up from the stool. "Lead the way," he said with a motion of his glass.

Harry sat at the table next to Al and Scorpius which meant he didn't have to sit next to Malfoy. However, he would have to stare at him through dinner.

"I don't think I'm drunk enough for this yet." Harry tipped his glass and the waiter scurried to bring him another. "Keep'em coming." he said nodding to the waiter.

"Potter, I said bring your drink not drink all the the booze in the restaurant"

"Fuck you." Harry was glaring at Malfoy over the rim of his glass as he began to gulp the contents down.

"Dad!" Al was becoming aware that this was not such a good idea.

"Al, don't worry about your dad. He doesn't believe people can change. Nor does he believe that a Malfoy can be a decent person."

"Don't tell my son what you think I believe. You don't know anything about me Malfoy."

"Clearly. I thought you would have enough decency not to cause a scene in front of your son, or in a public place." Draco met Harry's eyes and for a moment, he could see the hate and confusion. "You are making this more difficult for him than need be."

Slamming his fists down on the table Al grabbed both of the mens attention. "Stop it! Stop it both of you!" His face was red, his eyes brimming with tears.

"Al, I'm sorry but Malfoy and I have too much history. It's hard to forget things."

"Oh no Potter. It's easy to forget. To easy sometimes. But it takes a great deal to forgive."

Their conversation was cut off by the waiter bringing their meals. Another drink was placed in front of Harry. He pushed it away glancing at Al who was still flushed with anger.

No one spoke throughout the meal. It was only after the waiter removed the last plate that Draco spoke up first.

"Potter, are you going to make a scene?" Harry made to open his mouth but Draco held his hand up to stop him. "I'm not provoking you but this would be better for everyone involved if you didn't make a scene. If you are incapable of this I was going to suggest going back to my room."

Harry thought about what Malfoy had said. "No scene. I just want someone to tell me what 's going on."

Draco reached over and placed his hand on Al's shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It's OK, go ahead."

"Dad, please don't be mad at me. I know I didn't tell you about them but I was scared you would hate me." Al lowered his eyes to the table.

Harry reached over and grabbed Al's other shoulder and gave the same reassuring squeeze as Malfoy." Al, I could never hate you, no matter what. Not even if it involves the Malfoys." He reached out grabbing Al's chin and bringing his son's eyes up to meet his.

"Dad... Scorpius and I are friends, best friends really. We were hoping you and Draco could get along together long enough for us to tell you both that... that..." Al's eyes had tears in them once more. He was certain his father would hate him.

"We're dating Mr. Potter."

Everyone's attention was now on the blonde who had been quiet up until now.

"Father figured it out months ago. We wanted to tell you before you heard it from someone else." Scorpius never stumbled over his words and his eyes never left Harry's.

Harry sat contemplating the young man for a moment. Scorpius's face was expressionless. He glanced in Malfoy's direction before his eyes finally came to rest on his son. Al was still looking at the table. Draco noticed all the color gone from his face and his heart was aching for the boy.

Harry had closed his eyes momentarily. He stood up from the table and sighed looking around the restaurant. No scene. What he did next surprised even him. He walked over to his son and placed a kiss on his head before turning to walk out the restaurant. He could hear Al being consoled by Scorpius and all he could do was keep walking.

Draco released the breath he was unaware he was holding. Sitting at the table, staring at the spot where Potter was just standing, he was dumbfounded. What the hell just happened? "Al don't be upset just give him some time. He'll come around. He will." Seeing the young man crumble under his father's reaction was too much for him to deal with. Draco's eyes shifting between Al, with his head on the table, and the front door when his anger became too much to ignore. "Scorpius, take Al back to the castle. Let me know if you need anything. I have something I need to deal with."

Scorpius was about to tell him just not to worry with him, that he wasn't worth it but Draco had put his hand up as he hastily made his way to the door to catch up to Potter. He moved as fast as he could, which wasn't very fast as Harry Potter's abrupt departure from the restaurant had caused everyone to clamor. When he did reach the door he had no idea which direction to go.

Great. Now What? He picked his direction to walk based upon the number of places to have a drink.

He figured he could just pop his head in the businesses and ask if 'the-boy-who-lived' came through there. That tactic however was getting him some very angry glares and he could have sworn one guy was about to pull his wand on him. His reputation had most definitely preceded him. Time for a new approach.

He pulled a piece of parchment out of his cloak and began to scribble something down on it. He whispered his owl's name and in few minutes Orion was there. Draco tied the scribbled parchment to the owl's leg and the bird took flight. It did not however fly very far.

Orion had double backed up the street and flew into a window at the Leaky Cauldron. I knew you wouldn't go far. Shaking his head, he made his way to the building unsure of what he'd find when he got there.

Malfoy made his way up the stairs to the room he had acquired earlier. What the hell is he doing in my room? Hesitantly stopping at the door, he knocked and pushed his way in. He instinctively wrapped his fingers around his wand as he slowly entered, looking for any sign of the Gryffindor. He found Potter sitting on his bed facing the window his head in his hands.

As Draco watched the other man he made no move towards him. He could hear him smother a sniffle and the anger that had overwhelmed him earlier seemed to fade into a memory.

"Potter, what the hell were you thinking?" His question came out of nowhere and was barely above a whisper. Harry shuddered at the sudden sound. When no answer came from the other man Draco made his way closer.

"Potter, I know you can hear me," he stated louder and more clearly.

With another muffled sniffle Harry looked out the window. "Why does it have to be your son?"

Draco was taken back by the question. How dare he? "What the hell is that suppose to mean?" The anger he was feeling earlier was coming back ten fold.

Harry snorted. "Never mind."

"No, what the hell is that suppose to mean? Would you be alright if it wasn't my son?"

"It sure as hell would make things a lot easier."

"Easier for whom? You? In case you missed tonight's events your son exposed his true self to you and you walked out. That's not something easy for any child but it certainly has to be harder for the-boy-who-lived's son."

"How long?"

"How long what!" Draco was yelling by now even though Harry was speaking in whispers.

"How long have you known?"

"Really Potter you need to be more specific with your questions. This is more complicated than you realize. Vague questions will get you vague answers."

Harry turned to look at Draco. "How long have you known they were together?" His voice rising slightly.

Draco sighed his fingers rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Wouldn't you rather ask Al any personal questions?"

"I'm not sure he will even speak to me now."

"I sure as hell wouldn't. You acted like a complete prat back there. I certainly would never forgive you."

"Wasn't it you earlier who was talking about forgive and forget? If you could forgive me for almost killing you how could you not forgive me for this?"

"I am not your son. Besides Potter some things done in the heat of passion, even if it's angry passion, are completely accidental. You never intended to hurt me let alone kill me."

"But I could have killed you."

"But you didn't. Let's not get stuck on this again. The point is it took me years to forgive you. The fact that I didn't have to see you everyday helped emenicly."

"So sending him to Beauxbatons is an option."

Draco chuckled. "That's right Potter, send your homosexual son to a school full of beautiful Veelas. Why not send him to Drumstrag?"

Harry grunted. "I hate Death Eaters."

"What?"

"Karkaroff. He was a Death Eater and they let him teach."

"What about Severus?"

"I made my peace with Severus before he died." Harry had made the statement before he could think better of it.

"You made peace with Severus?" Malfoy had a look of genuine confusion on his face.

Harry chuckled. "I'm not talking about this with you."

Draco took a seat on the bed leaning up against the headboard.

"The boys have been friends since second year. I'll admit, at first I was against the idea. However, after seeing my son sulk around the house for four weeks I knew there would be very little I could do to prevent it. The boys have been together for about three months."

Draco had noticed that Harry was staring out the window again and stopped. "What happened with you and the she Weasley?"

Harry's head spun around at the change of topic. "Not discussing that with you either."

"Fine. But there's more here than you're telling me otherwise you wouldn't have your panties in a twist. Honestly Potter is it really that horrible?" Draco was looking for any changes in Harry's behavior.

Harry had turned back to look at the window. "Why did they feel comfortable enough to go to you but not me?" He turned around to meet Draco's eyes.

"Don't you read Potter?"

"Read what?"

"You mean to tell me that you haven't read a Daily Prophet or any other wizard magazine in about ten years?"

"I can't read that shit. It's usually just a bunch of bullshit. I get tired reading about what everyone thinks I should be doing with my life, or why me and Ginny aren't together anymore. Honestly, every time the post owl would bring it I felt like I would be sick so I stopped taking any publications."

Draco chuckled. And then he smirked. "You have absolutely no idea do you?"

"What?"

"Let me put it this way. If I were you I wouldn't just stroll out of the room to go home tonight. Unless of course you want to make the front page. I would Floo home."

"What the hell are you talking about Malfoy?"

"There is always a reporter here down in the lobby."

"How do you know that?"

"This is one of my favorite spots to... you know... bring friends."

"Friends?"

Malfoy snickered at the confused look on the Gryffindor's face.

"Are you really that thick Potter? Seriously? They like to wait downstairs to see what bloke I'll bring up here next."

The look on Harry's face was priceless not to mention hilarious as hell. "You...You're?" He couldn't even process his thoughts to form a complete sentence.

"I'm what Potter?"

"Um."

"You can do better than that. A tosser? A pouf? Gay? Does that make it easier for you?" Draco was looking at Harry who had yet to register any emotion on his face. "You alright?"

He was staring into the blonde's eyes when the information finally sank in. "Yeah I'm fine."

Harry stood up and walked over to the door. He turned to look at Draco before turning the knob and saying in a hushed tone "I have to go." With those words Harry turned to make his way out of the room when Draco caught his attention.

"I would Floo if I were you."

"I'm fine."

With one final look at the Slytherin and a confused expression on his face Harry walked out the door.

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Harry sat alone at his kitchen table eating his bowl of cereal as had become his morning ritual. This morning however he had an unexpected visitor. He peered over the glass of orange juice he was drinking as the large eagle owl circled overhead once and landed on the table.

"What have you got there?" The bird merely flapped his wings at Harry in response.

There was a note tied to the owl's leg and the Daily Prophet was rolled up in his mouth.

"I guess I should read this first." he said as he took the note from the owl. The seal was unmistakeable. He hesitated for a moment and then decided it was best to get it over with.

Potter

Sorry about the articles.

Malfoy

"Well that was short and sweet." He looked over at the bird who was happily picking at his bowl of cereal. "By all means, help yourself."

He retrieved the daily prophet from where the bird had abandoned it. When he began to read the headline he felt his stomach clench.

"No, no, no, this cannot be happening. Who the bloody hell...?" He threw the paper to the floor. Letting out a loud groan he banged his head on the table. "Shit!" Bang. "Shit!" Bang. "Shit!" Bang.

His momentary self punishment was interrupted by another owl. This owl he recognized immediately. "Great. Hello Rigel." The owl gave a loud hoot at the acknowledgment stopping briefly for Harry to remove the letter before launching back into the air. "What the hell does Hermione want?" He ripped the second letter of the morning open with a sigh.

Harry

Are you alright? That horrible woman is at it again! I'm on my way down to the Daily Prophet right this instant. I cannot believe this new crock of lies. Please let me know you are OK.

Love

Hermione

"Well that wasn't so bad."

When Harry looked up from the letter he was greeted by four more owls staring at him waiting to be relieved of their own letters.

"Bloody hell!"

Harry quickly removed the letters and three of the four birds flew away. "I suppose you want an answer?" Pig waited patiently for about a minute before he began pecking at Harry's arm. "Alright, alright, damn give me a minute."

He reached behind him to pick the prophet up off the floor.

"Maybe I should read this before I answer anyone." He looked over at the two owl's now taking liberty with his cereal. He sighed.

Boy-Who-Lived Shagged By Death Eater?

By Rita Skeeter

Late last night Harry Potter, a.k.a The-Boy-Who-Lived was seen exiting room number four at the Leaky Cauldron in what can only be described as an angry fury. This is a room that is frequented by well known ex-Death Eater, Draco Malfoy. Although no one saw Mr. Potter enter the room he was seen exiting a mere thirty minutes after the regular occupant arrived. A source that was staying at the Leaky Cauldron in room number five said that voices and noises could be heard coming from the room.

Although no one at the establishment would confirm or deny that Mr. Potter is a regular it is believed to be common knowledge between his friends that he prefers the company of other men. But why a Death Eater? Perhaps Mr. Potter still has boyish ideals to save a childhood nemesis. Or maybe Mr. Potter has found what he has been searching for.

Harry had read enough. He balled the paper up and threw it in the bin. Pig had again begun to peck at his arm. "Alright, geez."

Harry opened the letter and did his best to decipher Ron's horrible penmanship.

Harry

What the hell! Is that why you wanted to deal with him alone? You know you can tell me and Hermione anything and we won't be judgmental. But honestly, what the hell!

Ron

Harry picked up the quill on the counter. With a smile on his face he scribbled a short response.

I was scared to tell you.

"That should keep him at bay until 'Mione gets home. Here you go." He quickly tied the note to the bird and shooed it away.

He peered over at the eagle owl who still had not flown away. "I suppose you want a response too?" The owl just stared at Harry unsure of what he meant. "Fine."

Malfoy

Don't worry I've dealt with a lot worse things than you.

Potter

"There." Harry tied the note to the bird's leg and let out another groan as he leaned back in his chair.

The other letters that arrived had been requests for interviews or comments. Harry merely laughed at the idea and then threw them in the bin.

As he sat back down at the table to finish breakfast he came to the realization that the owls had done a great job at picking his bowl clean.

"Perfect. That was the last of the cereal." Setting the spoon down, he began rubbing his temples. "It's gonna be one of those days."

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"You know when Pig brought back your response, before I came to my senses and realized you were having fun with me, I was so mad I would've knocked the shit out of you. Why did you have to joke like that about Malfoy?" It was the first words spoken by Ron since he and Hermione had arrived.

"Did you honestly believe anything in the article?" Harry was eyeing him suspiciously.

"Well, no. But I would like to think you could do better than Malfoy. That's like scrapping the slime off the bottom of the barrel." Ron was doing his best not to look Harry in the eye.

A smirk was quickly placed on Harry's face.

"Harry, have you spoken to Al about the articles?" Hermione asked as she sat at his kitchen table reading the Daily Prophet she had brought from home.

"No. I figured he's still mad at me and he knows I'm not gay." He was about to put his newly acquired cereal in the cupboard when Hermione's question hit him.

"Articles? I thought there was just the one?"

"You didn't read the 'on a related note' story?" She knew that Harry had been taking the articles to well. Had he read the second she was certain he would have blown Rita Skeeter to bits.

"Well fuck me. Was it as bad as the first?" Harry realized they were staring at him. "Shit. Give me the paper 'Mione."

Hermione hesitated.

"Give me the paper 'Mione, please."

She handed the paper over but not before whispering and apology to Harry. "I'm sorry, I thought you read it earlier."

He flipped to page three of the Prophet. That was the other page they allowed Rita Skeeter to spread her bullshit to the wizarding world. Without fail his eyes located the second article. "Oh hell."

Boy-Who-Lived's Son Shagged By Death Eater's Son

Does the apple not fall far from the tree?

Harry wasted no time throwing the paper on the floor. He grabbed his wand off the table heading straight towards the door.

"Harry wait we'll come with you!" Ron had shouted after Harry but received no response.

Harry stormed back into the kitchen and grabbed his cloak off the back of his chair. "I'm going to the castle. I should have been there already." He left with a pop.

Hermione and Ron stared at each other for a moment when Ron spoke up. "What about Ginny?"

Hermione met his eyes as they hurriedly put on their cloaks and they too left with a pop.

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"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S NOT HERE!" Harry had been shouting at his old professor.

"He's not here Mr. Potter and would you kindly stop shouting at me so I can explain." The Headmistress was giving him the look he would always attribute to her. Stern yet loving.

"I'm sorry. But I need to know why he's not here I need to talk to him."

"About the Prophet no doubt."

Harry was caught off guard. "Yeah."

"Mr. Potter is there anything you would like to tell me?"

He couldn't suppress his amused chuckle. Just like Dumbledore he thought.

"Something funny? Because when parents take students away from my school, even on Fridays, it tends to make me upset."

"Parents?"

"Yes. Mr. Malfoy removed Scorpius about twenty minutes before Miss Weasley removed Albus. Both the parents and students were upset. Surely you remember how cruel children can be Harry."

She was gazing at Harry who had just collapsed into a chair in front of her desk.

"I know that you and Malfoy never got along in school but your children get along famously. You never see one without the other. It actually brings a smile to the staff members faces. You should do well to get along with Malfoy if only for your son's sake."

With a final nod of her head Harry knew the conversation had ended.

"Thank you." Harry stood up from the chair and was making his way to the door when she called after him.

"Harry, do try to keep your personal life out of the paper for a while."

Harry nodded as he left the office.

"I would never have seen that coming in a million years. If opposites really do attract it sure took them long enough to figure it out." McGonagall had been speaking to herself when the portrait of Albus chuckled behind her. " I know Albus, it is a bit humorous isn't it."

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"Wow, to what do I owe this honor. It's not even your weekend to have the kids. We must have..." Ginny rolled her eyes as Harry put his hand up to stop her.

"Cut the shit. Where's Al?" He was angry and the face he was giving her was stern.

Ginny placed her hands on her hips. "He's not here. And he's fine."

"McGonagall said you picked him up, if he's not here then where is he?" He had been inching closer to Ginny with every word through his clenched teeth. Now he was directly in her face. He had no intentions of backing down when someone pushed him back causing him to stumble slightly.

"Harry, you need to back up and calm down. It's not her fault."

Harry regained his balance and looked up in time to catch Ron walking between him and his sister.

"Where is he?" Harry again spoke through gritted teeth.

No one looked him directly in the eye and no one was forthcoming on a location. His temper flaring up desperately trying to get the better of him. Harry shrugged.

"Never mind," he spat at them, "I know where he is." Harry turned and apparated on the spot.

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Narcissus Malfoy attributed the loud knocking on her door to be the work of yet more reporters. They had practically been camping out since the Prophets early delivery trying to find a way to talk to Draco. One was even so bold as to ask for Scorpius. That particular reporter would be out of work for quite some time. A grandmother's wrath is a terrible thing. She made no attempt to make haste to the door certain of the circus she would find.

She was however becoming slightly irritated at the trespasser knocking on her door when the knocking became louder and more frequent.

When she finally did open the door she never dreamed she would be staring into those emerald eyes again.

Momentarily holding her breath she stared at the young man she had not seen in years. Her expression softened. "Mr. Potter."

"Mrs. Malfoy I'm sorry to intrude but..." he was cut off by Narcissus.

"Do you wish to see my son?" she asked with a quizzical look on her face.

"No...Um...I want to see my son."

"Ah, he's your son. That explains quite a lot, especially those eyes." She had taken a step back and waved her hand for Harry to enter.

"You may wait in the study. I shall go find Albus for you." She gave Harry a faint smile before pointing towards the study.

As Harry walked into the massive room he felt a chill sweep over his body even though there was clearly a large fire burning. Making his way over to the mantle he noticed several pictures perched atop it. Most of them were of Draco when he was younger. There were a couple of Narcissa and her sisters in younger days as well. However one picture in particular that contained a blonde and an ebony boy sitting side by side, obviously in some sort of garden, caught his attention. Reaching out to grasp the photograph to get a better look he was startled by a stern voice from behind him.

"Come now Mr. Potter. We musn't touch what isn't ours." The voice was recognizable in an instant.

"I was just looking at the picture of my son you have on your mantle."

"Your son? Of course, the resemblance is uncanny. Please have a seat." Lucius motion to the sitting chair closest to Harry. "Draco never mentioned that Albus was your son."

Harry had no intention of taking a seat. "You got a problem with my kid?" Harry took a defensive stance, glaring at the older man.

"Come now. I thought we were past all this foolishness." Lucius calmly drawled.

"Yeah, well..." Harry never got to finish his sentence. Draco had run into his Mother in the gardens and had rushed in to make sure there hadn't been any problems.

"Potter, what the hell are you doing here! Get out!" He walked over to Harry and grabbed him by the arm forcing him from the room. "Leave. Go home. Al will meet you there later."

Draco again grabbed Harry's arm as he ushered him down the hall towards the massive door. By this point Harry had had enough. With all the strength he could muster he pulled away from Draco, turned, and caught him right in the nose with a fist.

"Dammit Malfoy! Let me go! I just want to talk to my son!" He was yelling at the man who was looking up at him from the floor.

"ENOUGH!"

The young men now had their full attention on the lady of the house.

"Those boys are going to walk through that door in a few minutes and the two of you are going to behave. If you cannot do this I will make you both leave. Understood? Not one problem or I will hurt both of you."

"Yes Ma'am."

" Yes Mother." Harry and Draco both said in unison. Draco pulled himself up to face her.

"Good." Her tone had become quite pleasant. Scary Harry thought.

Narcissa didn't say another word as she left the room.

"Why didn't you tell them?" Harry mumbled.

"What?"

"Why didn't you tell them he was my son? Surely they read about it in the paper."

Draco cleared his throat as he looked at the door. "Potter, the war is over but I'm not stupid."

Harry narrowed his eyes as Draco continued. " You'll always have enemies. My father keeps questionable company at the best of times." Draco looked over at Harry. "He would have been in danger had they known who he was."

When Scorpius opened the door he did not register the man standing behind his father until Al had already shut the door behind them. The blonde grabbed other boy by his cloak sleeves and pulled him behind him.

"You can't take him!" Scorpius shouted, his eyes darting between Draco and Harry.

"Scorpius." Draco's tone was firm yet loving.

"Not now! You can't. I won't let you." The blonde was doing all he could to keep his emotions in check.

"Scorpius."

"No!" The boy lunged at Harry. Al caught the back of Scopius's cloak pulling him back to him.

"It's alright Al. Let him go." Harry said looking at the pair.

Scorpius pulled his arm free of Albus's grip, straightening his cloak, never taking his eyes from Harry's. His steps echoing off the marble as he made his way across the hall.

Harry's posture stiffened as the blonde boy approached him, his eyes shifting from Scorpius to Draco and back to Scorpius.

Taking in a deep breath when Scorpius stood in front of him, Harry looked up to meet Draco's eyes, taking note, the other man fingering his wand. He swallowed hard.

"Don't take him from me." Startled he turned back to Scorpius. The voice he heard barely above a whisper but the unshed tears in his eyes told Harry everything he needed to know. He was handling this wrong and something had to be done.

Without thinking Harry pulled the blonde to him. Scorpius's voice muffled by Harry's shirt, his face buried as he made his final plea, "Please Harry."

When Harry looked up from the young man he became aware of the audience he still had. Al had his hand fisted in Draco's sleeve as if waiting for the world to implode. The older man absentmindedly twirling his wand between his fingers. No one said a word as the atmosphere shifted from tense anticipation into uncomfortable silence.

"Potter, let's you and I talk first." Draco was merely trying to break the silence.

Harry nodded. "Yeah... alright." He couldn't think of any better ideas at the moment.

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Draco led Harry up to his private suite in the manor. Harry wasted no time once entering, walking to the furthermost window and began pacing, mindlessly biting his fingernails.

"You need to be honest with me," Draco called out. "Our boys need us to be in understanding of one another. They need our support. You need to be honest about how you feel about all of this." Draco was speaking to Harry but he could tell the man wasn't listening.

Harry was deep in thought, his mind trying to find an understanding between how he's feeling about his son, and how he's feeling about the other man.

Seeing Harry lost in thought and not paying him any attention was really starting to perturb the blonde. Taking two strides he grabbed the dark haired man by the shoulders shaking him back to reality.

"Will you stop pacing! You're driving me mad!" He didn't mean to shout but given the situation, shouting was better than hitting.

Harry was looking at the wall, biting the inside of his lip not daring to look at Draco.

Holding the slightly smaller man still firmly by the shoulders he let out a tired huff. "Look at me." He took one hand placing it on Harry's chin, but the man still wouldn't look him in the eye. "Fine." he snarled. Letting the man go with almost a shove he turned to try and calm himself down. It would do them no good to start fighting now. Draco began to walk toward the door when he heard footsteps close behind him.

Turning around he found the smaller man looking at him with an almost feral look in his eyes. The look was not something Draco had seen before. Their eyes locked and neither could look away if they tried. The blonde was more than a little frightened.

Harry began to advance on the blonde, his movements slow and predatory like. Draco's eyes never left Harry's as his breathing became shallow and his heart began to race. Every step the dark haired man made towards him, Draco took a step back, simply to keep the distance between the two of them. He had watched Harry for years and had observed the man exhibiting all sorts of behaviors but this... this was different. He had never seen this before and he wasn't so sure he wanted to be on the receiving end of whatever this was.

After a few more tentative steps backwards Draco could feel the arm of the chair at the back of his thighs. With Harry still advancing on him, his mind could only process the need for more space. When he felt the arm of a chair brush up against his thighs his body was still retreating. Falling backwards over the arm he gave an undignified "Omf" as he landed in the seat, his feet hanging over the edge. Breaking eye contact momentarily he tried to decide his next move but it was too little to late.

Harry looked down at the man in the chair having never taken his eyes off of him. Inching closer to the blonde he paused to stand at his feet. Placing his fingers on the soft fabric of Draco's trousers he flattened his hands so that his palms rested on his knees. Harry shifted his weight slightly as he began to lean forward, closer to the blonde's face, all the while sliding his hands painstakingly slow down the man's thighs, tilting his head with a slight smirk on his face.

Draco's breath hitched, his heart pounding so loud he could feel it in his ears. Unsure if the knot that has formed in his stomach is due to this 'new predatory' Harry or the fact that his body is responding to Harry in a way he wished it wouldn't at the moment. Draco closed his eyes and wished it to be a bad dream.

Oh shit. This is not good. This is not good. Was all that the blonde could think.

TBC

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