This is the last chapter of The Negotiation. I want to thank Steph (discombobulatedperson) once again for all her help. She is the best beta in the world! And of course I wanna thank all my wonderful readers. I do this for you. So read on...

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Compromising

Draco was a little disappointed when Harry didn't show up immediately. He had expected the Auror to check out his claims and come right to him. He was planning to enjoy Harry's heartbreak, but somehow, with all the time he was kept waiting, began to regret his decision.

He started to appreciate the man Harry Potter had become, and not just for his incredibly fit body. His power practically radiated off the man, attracting Draco in a way he never expected. The boy he had once hated had grown into a man Draco had no problem envisioning his life with.

Harry had all the qualities Draco needed in a lover. Most importantly, he was a wizard. Not a pureblood of course, but Harry was better than most of the purebloods still alive anyway. He also had a wonderful standing in the wizarding community, being it's savior and all. Surely if he latched his own name to Harry, the Malfoy's would become respected once again.

Draco hated to admit it, but the same characteristics that sorted Harry into Gryffindor, are the same he wished for his lover. He needed a man to be brave and loyal, which Harry undoubtedly was. The more time Draco thought on it, the more being with Harry seemed the most natural thing in the world.

After Draco had realized this, his waiting for Harry had him over-reacting with jealousy. He briefly thought of having Potter followed, but knew the Head Auror would catch on quick. Instead, he opted to torture himself with thoughts of Harry and Alex wrapped around each other in passionate make up sex until he felt homicidal.

Draco had warded the gates to allow Harry to pass through them, and when his alarm went off, he knew it had to be him. The only other person who could pass through those gates was his mother, and she made it clear she had no intention of doing that.

Draco wasn't sure on the best way to claim Harry as his, but thought being honest with the man would probably be the best way of showing that he had changed. He had been mildly surprised that Harry, with all his skill and power, had yet to come to the conclusion that he was of the same persuasion.

Although, Harry's confusion had worked to his benefit, giving Draco a chance to pour him a drink, and help the Brunette loosen up a bit. Harry didn't say much after that, but listened to Draco intently. When Draco suggested that Harry take him on as a lover, Harry stiffened. It was obvious he was shocked, but Draco expected him to pull away when he kissed him. Instead, he was met with the most mind-blowing kiss he ever shared with anyone.

Naturally, he wrapped his arms around Potter, bringing him closer. Harry arched against him, pressing his erection firmly into Draco's own. Draco was stunned, but incredibly pleased. He pulled away, wanting nothing more than to take this into his bedroom, and looked into Harry's eyes.

Inside those green orbs, he saw confusion, lust, but more importantly love. This was a man who would never harm him in any way, but guarantee his life was full of passion. Draco began to wonder why he waited this long to attempt to court this magnificent man.

But then, the better part of him was determined to make sure Harry would not regret this moment. He had to make sure Harry would live to cherish this, not chalk it up to another one of Malfoy's devious plans.

He had immediately regretted his decision when he watched Harry run from the room. He knew then, there was a very slim chance that Harry would be returning. It seemed Draco would have to take matters into his own hands if he wanted to secure the love of Harry Potter.

**

Harry could not believe everything that had happened.

First, he discovered his boyfriend had betrayed him, and now it seems Draco Malfoy is attempting to court him, or pretending to, Harry still wasn't sure.

It didn't seem real, and Harry wasn't sure if he wanted it to be. It would be much easier to just pretend it was some crazy nightmare. He would get to work, where Alex would be waiting for him to say good morning, and he could never see Malfoy again.

But unfortunately, it was real. Alex was a liar and a cheat. He didn't deserve another moment of Harry's time, let alone his thoughts. But ironically, his thoughts mostly consisted of Draco and their extremely intense kiss. Harry would be lying if he said that it wasn't wonderful. In the moment, he wanted nothing more than to take out all his sexual frustrations on Malfoy. But he knew, when he woke up from that dream, his life would be completely turned upside down.

As much as he would like the incident with Malfoy to be a secret he took to the grave, he was going to drive himself insane trapped in his own head. Although Ron was the last person he wanted to tell, he knew he would be the only one to give him reasonable advice, without sugar coating.

He took off early for lunch, heading to Ron and Hermione's Family Home, knowing the two would be there. He walked in, without knocking, and began to search for his friends. He found Ron first, lounging on a couch. The second he walked into the room, Ron shot off the couch nervously.

"Harry!" Ron sighed, then laughed. "Thought you were Mione. She won't let me have a break."

"Well I was just seeing if you wanted to head out for lunch. I need to talk to you about something."

"Yeah mate," Ron said, happy to get away from some work. "But if she asks, this is an emergency."

**

Talking to Ron might have seemed like a good idea when he was trapped at work, constantly thinking of kissing Malfoy, but now that he was sitting across from Ron, Harry realized it was obviously a horrible idea. He had no idea how to even start the conversation, and was terrified at what his friend might say in response.

"Man, Hermione is killing me," Ron said, clearly not noticing the turmoil Harry had going on inside his head. "She's hardly letting me eat anymore. Seriously, when I told her we were going to lunch, she said I ate a big enough breakfast to hold me over."

"Tough break," Harry offered, glad the subject had yet breached his need to talk. "But I'd imagine it will be worth it when you're finished."

"At this rate, Hermione will be finished within the week," Harry laughed, knowing his friend's words were true. "But yeah, didn't you say you needed to talk about something?"

Harry's laugh died on the spot. He wasn't ready to begin, but was horrible at thinking of convincing lies on the spot. He figured he might as well come right out and say it. It was going to come out before their lunch was over, and Harry decided to get it over with.

"Malfoy kissed me," Harry skipped to the ending of the story. Ron just stared at his friend with an amusing smile. Harry just stared back, waiting for his friend to say something. He knew he made a mistake when Ron burst out laughing.

"Thanks for your support," Harry said sarcastically.

"Sor," Ron attempted to apologize, but couldn't finish as another burst of laughter took over. ""Sorry, really. It's just too funny."

"I don't find any of this funny!" Harry said a little too loud, gaining attention from other customers at the small diner.

"Okay, sorry, I'm finished." Ron's laughter had died down a bit, and Harry just glared at him. "Even though that made my day, what exactly do you expect me to do about it?"

"I don't know what to do, that's why I'm talking to you."

"Well, how did this even come about?" Harry looked down at the ground, ashamed to admit what he found out about Alex. He began to tell Ron the full story about going to the Basement, and what he learned from Jeremiah.

"I'm sorry, Harry," Ron said sincerely. "Alex is a jerk, you'll find better."

"Yes, well, I'm more concerned about this Malfoy issue right now," Harry responded truthfully.

"Of course you are," Ron answered with an amused smirk.

"Ron, it was more than just kissing me...he...well...he implied that he wanted to...date me." Harry hesitated the story as Ron continued to give him that look that said he knew something he didn't. "What should I do?"

"Do you really need me to answer that?" Ron asked, and Harry rolled his eyes. "Fine, but I can guarantee you're not gonna like my answer."

"Probably not." Harry said, realizing his mistake by talking with Ron. Right now he wished he would have taken this issue to Hermione.

"Okay, I'm going to be real clear about this," Ron took a sip of water to emphasize the importance of his words. "Go. Out. With. Him."

"WHAT?" Harry shouted again, but this time not caring about the attention received by surrounding customers. "Have you gone mental? You understand we're talking about Draco Malfoy, right?"

"Listen mate, I have watched you go through relationships like chocolate frogs, but you're never happy. But these past few weeks, with all the Malfoy nonsense, you seem alive, like you did in school. It's like you're finally you again."

Ron's rant was only answered by silence as Harry stared at his best friend, more confused than he was before. Ron Weasley, his best friends of twelve years, was seriously suggesting he date Draco Malfoy. Harry thought it was more likely that he was sucked in some alternate dimension and talking to a doppleganger Ron.

"Seriously, Harry. Just go out with him. What do you have to lose?"

**

Harry walked back to work, not caring that Kingsley would give him a hard time for being gone so long. He had too much on his mind to focus on work, and thought the walk might clear some things up.

He really wasn't sure what gave Ron the idea that Malfoy would make him happy. Ever since Malfoy came back into his life, he can only remember being miserable and angry. But then, Harry didn't think Ron would suggest just a thing if he wasn't serious. There had to be some reason why Ron thought that, but Harry still wasn't sure what.

But then Ron's words came back to him. What did he have to lose? Worse case scenario, Malfoy is just another jerk, and Harry moves on. He wouldn't be worse off than where he stood now.

He made it back to work, still not sure if he was willing to give Malfoy a chance or not, when he noticed everyone in the Auror department was out of their offices, watching some kind of commotion going on down the halls.

Harry sighed, realizing something big must have happened, and Kingsley would kill him for being gone. He tried pushing through the crowds to get to his office when Annabelle, a first year Auror, stopped him with a pat on the back.

"Whose the lucky lady Mr. Potter?" She asked.

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked in return, having no idea what was going on.

"The one who sent you all of this of course," Harry turned to where she gestured, finding his office door covered with packages and flowers. Without answering her, he walked closer to inspect the packages. He went straight to the card attached to the huge bouquet of red roses.

My Place. Tonight.

The note didn't need a signature for Harry to know who sent all of this. He quickly levitated all the packages inside his office to divert attention away from the scene. Although he had a feeling, it was a little too late for that. Once his door was closed off from prying eyes, he inspected the packages more clearly.

There was an oversized fruit basket, which looked more like something Malfoy would send to new clients rather than someone he was trying to date. Nonetheless, Harry figured it would probably get the most use. Most of the items were beautiful bouquets, which were lovely to look at, but too much for Harry. He felt mortified knowing everyone in his office had seen them all. The last package was gift wrapped, and Harry was pretty terrified of what he might find when he opened it.

After getting the wrappings open, he lifted the box slowly realizing this could have all been a joke, but was relieved to find a fine muggle suit. There was another card, just like the one that dressed the roses, but this one had a more personal touch.

I wouldn't want you to have to wear those dreadful robes next time we meet.

Harry glared at the note. It was just like Malfoy to send all these elaborate gifts and add an insulting note to go with it. The suit was nice, looking similar to the one he saw Malfoy wear before, only in white. Harry never wore white, because he always managed to ruin it within moments, but couldn't deny it was a wonderful suit.

"Harry, you're not making my job easy," he heard the Minister's voice from behind him. He realized he'd been staring at the suit, and didn't even hear his door open. "What's the meaning of all this? You have the whole office in an uproar."

"Sorry sir," Harry apologized. "I had no idea this was going to happen."

"Well, are you going to tell me who's been making a mockery of this office, or should I make you fill out a report," Kingsley said jokingly, but Harry knew if he didn't tell the man anything, it was likely he would be getting a mountain of paperwork.

"Sir, you really don't want to know." The Minister lifted his eyebrows while grinning madly. Harry knew this was going to be a long day.

**

Harry stormed through the gates at Malfoy Manor. He was going to kill Draco Malfoy. First he had the audacity to kiss him when he was feeling betrayed by Alex, clearly taking advantage. Then he had to send him all those stupid gifts to his job, making him the major gossip throughout the Ministry. And that wasn't even worse part! Kingsley had practically forced him to admit everything to him. He wasn't afraid of telling the older man he was gay, knowing he could keep secrets with the best of them, but having to explain he was being courted by Draco Malfoy of all people, was utterly embarrassing. Harry was half tempted to quit.

It certainly didn't help matters that Kingsley said he should give Malfoy a shot. Insisting his feelings must be genuine to send all those gifts. That was the last straw for Harry. Now his best friend and his boss both suggested he date Draco Malfoy. Something was obvious wrong with both of them, and he knew Malfoy was behind it.

Just as before, the gate was like smoke and the door opened of it's own accord, and Harry was sure he would find Malfoy in the parlor. Sure enough, he was there on the sofa drinking a glass of wine.

"You came," Draco said as he poured another glass of wine. "I wasn't sure you would."

"You have some nerve, Malfoy!" Harry yelled as he refused the glass being handed to him. "I know you're up to something, and somehow you've involved Ron and the Minister."

"Excuse me?" Draco asked, confused. "I don't know what irrational thought is in the forefront of your mind today Harry, but I already told you what I'm trying to do."

"You honestly expect me to believe this is all some attempt to date me?" Harry scoffed. "And suddenly Ron, who hates you by the way, is fully supportive. Even the Minister! I'm not buying it."

"It's the truth," He said placing both glasses down on the table. "Think about it. What's more likely, me wanting to date a powerful gorgeous man, or that I somehow tricked your best friend and The Minister in some elaborate prank? I want you, Harry. I think we'd be good together, and you think it too. That's why you're so scared."

"It doesn't matter," Harry said, realizing his line of thought was unrealistic. "You're still not a good person. You're still a Death Eater, no matter how much you want to pretend you've changed."

"Maybe you're right. Maybe I haven't changed. Maybe I'm the same person I've always been and we would never work as a couple." Harry nodded along with Draco's words. "But what if you're wrong? What if I have changed? What if I'm the one thing missing out of your life? You won't know unless you give me a chance. Let me prove to you I've changed, Harry. You won't regret it. I mean, what do you really have to lose?"

The familiar words came down on Harry hard. The same words he'd been spoken to three times today. By his best friend, his boss, and now Malfoy. It seemed three times must have been the charm, because without another thought, Harry kissed Malfoy. He knew it was probably a mistake, and he would grow to regret it, but he didn't care. Harry was tired of failed relationships. He was tired of being cautious. Tonight, he'd let his lower half do the thinking.

The kiss intensified, bringing both men together, leaving nothing between them. Chest met chest, and arms quickly roamed their way up the other's body. They broke apart for air, but were quickly reattached. The slowly moved their way over to the sofa, where Draco was pushed down onto the soft cushions.

"Take them off," Harry said, referring to Malfoy's clothing. He discarded his Auror robes across the room as he watched Draco unbutton his robes. When they opened, he was met with a completely nude Draco Malfoy. It was exhilarating to be this close to a naked man again, and Harry knew he wouldn't last through any round of foreplay. "Turn around," He demanded again and Malfoy complied, leaning against the couch with his firm arse pointed directly in Harry's direction. Harry's cock practically jumped out of his pants.

Harry wasted no more time, removing the offending garments, and pulled his wand out from the pile of robes he left on the ground. With a quick wave, he had Malfoy stretched and lubricated, ready for penetration.

"You don't think this is moving a bit quickly?" Draco turned his head to face the man about to delve inside him. Draco hadn't had sex in a long time, and even though he fantasized of this moment with Harry, he expected it to be much slower. This display Harry was doing was the same way his past lovers have treated him. Like an object. He knew he shouldn't be surprised Harry would be different, but he was. He expected him to be more romantic.

Harry stared at the man in front of him, wondering what thoughts were running through his mind. "I thought this is what you wanted?" He asked nervously. He was in too deep to back out now, and he would feel like a fool if Malfoy suddenly decided to.

"Well, yeah," Draco whispered, too ashamed to admit his true feelings. "I just never expected you to be so aggressive."

Harry, finally catching on to the soft tone Malfoy was using, leaned forward, capturing his lips in another kiss. The awkward position had them maneuvering so Harry was seated on the couch beside Draco.

"I'm not," Harry answered when they broke apart. "I just don't think I can wait." Malfoy smirked his usual smirk, but Harry saw the attraction behind it for once. Harry pulled the naked blonde on top of him and his arse rubbed against his erect prick, causing a moan to escape his throat.

"I guess I won't make you wait any longer," Draco hissed into Harry's ear before he took the lobe in between his teeth. Harry bit his lip as the sharp pain overtook him, but quickly recovered when he felt his cock being engulfed into the tight heat that was Draco Malfoy.

"Malfoy," Harry groaned as the Slytherin bounced on his lap. He released his hold on Harry's ear and moved back to stare into his eyes.

"Harry," he responded, twisting his body so the tip of Harry's cock rubbed against his prostate with each bounce. "I think it would be appropriate if you started calling me Draco." Harry smile became devious, and he lifted the blonde, but not removing himself from the man and flipped him so his back was against the sofa.

The new position gave Harry access to slam into the fragile body below him. As his impending orgasm drew nearer, he grasped Draco's cock, to time his with his own. Both men grunted and moaned as they felt their world shake as the pleasure rocked their bodies.

Harry came first, releasing his seed into Draco. Although his legs felt like jelly, he quicked his pace with his hand until Draco was spurting up his own chest. Completely sated, he collapsed on top of the smaller man, holding him tightly in his arms. After a few minutes of a comfortable silence, Harry was the first to speak up.

"Is this real?"

"I hope so," Draco answered more to himself than the feisty man atop him. Harry lifted his head up to look him in the eyes and smiled.

"We're going to drive each other crazy," he stated simply, not at all disturbed by the notion.

"Yes, it's likely," Draco answered, clearly not affected either. "But I think if we have more nights like this, I'll be able to handle it."

"We're really doing this?" Harry asked, not expecting an answer. "We must be crazy."

"Maybe," Draco leaned forward, kissing the soft lips hovering above his own. "But I think it will work. I mean, as long as you learn to dress better of course. But don't worry, I can help you with that," he joked.

"Yeah," Harry said rolling his eyes at the comment of his clothing choices. "And maybe if you learn that I'm the one who should be sending you flowers. I swear if you embarrass me like that again.."

"Yeah, yeah," Draco said sarcastically. "It got you here, didn't it?"

"Well I'm already here," He may have felt doubt before, but being here, inside of Draco, he knew he made the right decision. "And I'm not going anywhere. So no more flowers. Got it?"

"It's a deal."

**

FIN

So that's it! I have nothing to bribe you with this time, but I would appreciate it very much if you all reviewed. All opinions, good or bad, are welcomed. And if you like my writing, sign up for an author alert so you can keep up with my following stories. Thanks again for reading. Love you all.

Amelia